"But in that case, will it not be in the way of tourists?"
"I suspect not; I have looked what Murray says, and it is so little that it is pretty evident it is not much visited by the people who follow his guidance. Besides, I do not see what attraction the place can have except just the sea. It is an old fortified town, with a market and considerable maritime trade—sends supplies of various kinds to London, and has handsome docks; from all which I conclude that business, and not pleasure, is the thing which takes people there."
"Could you bear a noisy, busy town?"
"After this I do not think we need fear the noise of any provincial town. In a very quiet place we should not have the direct communication with England, which is an object with me."
"But, mamma, what need——?"
"Every need, for your sake as well as my own. We must be where, in case of emergency, you could quickly have help from England."
Lucia trembled at her mother's words. She dared not disregard them after what had lately happened, but she could not discuss this aspect of the question.
"I must find out about the journey," Mrs. Costello went on. "If it is not a very fatiguing one I believe I shall decide at once. We shall both be the better, in any case, for a little sea air."
"I shall like it at all events. I have never seen the sea except during our voyage."
"No. I used to be very fond of it. I believe now, if I could get out to sit on the beach I should grow much stronger."