sweep which divided Mrs. Arkwright's house from the street. For Mrs. Arkwright's house was Mount Pleasant Villa, and therefore was entitled to a sweep.
'It was a present from Lucius,' said the other, 'and as such must be used. But I shall never feel myself at home in my own carriage.'
'It is quite proper, my dear Lady Mason, quite proper. With his income and with yours I do not wonder that he insists upon it. It is quite proper, and just at the present moment peculiarly so.'
Lady Mason did not understand this; but she would probably have passed it by without understanding it, had she not thought that there was some expression more than ordinary in Mrs. Arkwright's face. 'Why peculiarly so at the present moment?' she said.
'Because it shows that this foolish report which is going about has no foundation. People won't believe it for a moment when they see you out and about, and happy-like.'
'What rumour, Mrs. Arkwright?' And Lady Mason's heart sunk within her as she asked the question. She felt at once to what it must allude, though she had conceived no idea as yet that there was any rumour on the subject. Indeed, during the last forty-eight hours, since she had left the chambers of Mr. Furnival, she had been more at ease within herself than during the previous days which had elapsed subsequent to the ill-omened visit made to her by Miriam Dockwrath. It had seemed to her that Mr. Furnival anticipated no danger, and his manner and words had almost given her confidence. But now,—now that a public rumour was spoken of, her heart was as low again as ever.
'Sure, haven't you heard?' said Mrs, Arkwright. 'Well, I wouldn't be the first to tell you, only that I know that there is no truth in it.'
'You might as well tell me now, as I shall be apt to believe worse than the truth after what you have said.'
And then Mrs. Arkwright told her. 'People have been saying that Mr. Mason is again going to begin those law proceedings about the farm; but I for one don't believe it.'
'People have said so!' Lady Mason repeated. She meant nothing; it was nothing to her who the people were. If one said it now, all would soon be saying it. But she uttered the words because she felt herself forced to say something, and the power of thinking what she might best say was almost taken away from her.
'I am sure I don't know where it came from,' said Mrs, Arkwright; 'but I would not have alluded to it if I had not though that of course you had heard it. I am very sorry if my saying it has vexed you.'
'Oh, no,' said Lady Mason, trying to smile.
