This approach to a joke made Lydia feel that there was no shadow between Lady Waring and herself, so in the gratitude of her heart she got up and kissed her. Lady Waring looked surprised, then pleased, and kissed Lydia very kindly in return.
“So that is why Selina will be able to help you in her spare time,” said Lady Waring, smiling. And then they had a very pleasant conversation about plans and how the old housemaid could be got and how Mrs. Twitcher would come in and cook and how Lydia would be free to nurse at the Barchester General. Lydia thought Lady Waring seemed slightly dashed by the mention of the hospital, but gave the matter no further thought.
Dinner passed without incident except that Selina dropped and broke two of the good plates and Sir Harry said he supposed she was thi
