Gay had arranged a plan with the duchess and he replied promptly.
"She will stay here for a few days while her wardrobe is being got ready, then she is to go to Miss Pinwell's boarding school in Queen Square."
"Carry me out and bury me decent," ejaculated Mrs. Fenton. "Then I'm to be the mother of a fine lady, am I?"
"I don't say that, but a clever one if I'm not mistaken."
"Clever! Oh la! Much good will her cleverness do her. Clever! Aye in always having a crowd o' sparks a dangling after her. That Miss What's-her-name in Queen Square'll have to get up early to best Lavinia when there's a man about."
"A mother shouldn't say such ill-natured things of her own child," said Gay reprovingly. "She's hardly a woman yet."
"But she knows as much. Well, you've got your bargain. Make your best of it. What about her clothes? She's but a rag-bag though it's no fault o' mine. Pray who's going to buy her gowns, her hats, her petticoats, her laces and frills. You?"
"I? Bless me! no, woman. I know nothing about such things," rejoined Gay colouring slightly. "I will send a woman who understands the business."
"It's all one to me. Maybe you'd better tell your tale to Lavinia with your own lips. I've done with her."
"By all means. I should like to see her."