"Not willingly, I think. Could not my uncle come home without your going?"
Maurice felt as if he were caught in his own trap, but he recollected himself in a moment.
"There would be many things to do," he said. "Affairs to settle, the farm to sell or let, and the household, small as it is, to break up."
Lady Dighton laughed outright.
"And you imagine that you could do all that, and carry your father off besides, in the space of a fortnight, which is the very utmost you could possibly have out of your six weeks! Really, Maurice, I gave you credit for more reasonableness."
"I have no doubt I could do it," he said, a little vexed, "and of course I should try to get back as quickly as possible."
"Well, let me see if I cannot suggest something a little more practicable. Is there no person who would undertake the management of the mere business part of the arrangements?"
"Yes," Maurice answered a little reluctantly. "I dare say there is."
"As for the breaking up of the household, I should think my uncle would like to give the directions himself, and I do not see what more you could do; and for anything regarding his comfort, could not you trust to those old friends you spoke of?"
Maurice shook his head impatiently.