For Felix had decided it against her. 'Yes, let them go. I don't believe he can bear to face any one in the town, and the charge of them will be a safe-guard.'
'But Angela?'
'My dear, the worst that can happen with her is that she should be a little boisterous with the Harewoods;' and as Wilmet showed that the prospect was unpleasing, 'that is better than what he could do alone, or with Lance.'
'Yes, I was resolved to stop Lance. I don't know whether to tell you, but I think you ought to know.'
'What?' asked Felix anxiously,
'Last night at half-past eleven—just when I had finished your hand—I smelt smoke. So I went down to see what was on fire and—'
'You found Edgar smoking in the kitchen.'
'If it had been only Edgar, I should not have minded, but it was Lance too. I do think you ought to give him a warning, Felix, for they would do nothing but laugh at me. Edgar would only go into transports about my hair, and say how long it was. I don't think I was ever so nearly in a passion in my life! If he is teaching Lance those ways—'
'He is not Lance's first instructor in smoke,' said Felix; 'I believe your own Harewoods were that, Mettie.'
'Now you are laughing too, Felix! I don't know how you can. It seems to me that it is all up with us if Edgar is to lead away Lance; and Lance was not up this morning for Church—the first time I have known him miss.'