His father began almost instantly about Mr. Greenwood, so that it would have been quite impossible for him to follow Lady Kingsbury's advice on that matter had he been ever so well minded. "Of course I'm ill," he said; "I suffer so much from sickness and dyspepsia that I can eat nothing. Doctor Spicer seems to think that I should get better if I did not worry myself; but there are so many things to worry me. The conduct of that man is abominable."
"What man, sir?" asked Hampstead,—who knew, however, very well what was coming.
"That clergyman," said Lord Kingsbury, pointing in the direction of Mr. Greenwood's room.
"He does not come to you, sir, unless you send for him?"
"I haven't seen him for the last five days, and I don't care if I never see him again."
"How has he offended you, sir?"
"I gave him my express injunctions that he should not speak of your sister either to me or the Marchioness. He gave me his solemn promise, and I know very well that they are talking about her every hour of the day."
"Perhaps that is not his fault."
"Yes, it is. A man needn't talk to a woman unless he likes. It is downright impudence on his part. Your stepmother comes to me every day, and never leaves me without abusing Fanny."
"That is why I thought it better that Fanny should come to me."