But Harrington went for nothing in this, unfortunately. His hospitality
was unobtrusive, but infinite. It came to him from the Plantagenets
through a long line of gentlemen who shone in vices; but inhospitality
was unknown to the whole chain, and every human link in it. He might very
likely forget to invite Fanny Dover unless reminded; but, when she was
there, she was welcome to stay forever if she chose. It was all one to
him. He never bothered himself to amuse his guests, and so they never
bored him. He never let them. He made them at home; put his people and
his horses at their service; and preserved his even tenor. So, then, the
question of Fanny's stay lay with Zoe; and Zoe would do one of two
things: she would either say, with well-bred hypocrisy, she ought not to
keep Fanny any longer from her mother--and so get rid of her; or would
interpose, and give some reason or other. What that reason would be,
Fanny had no precise idea. She was sure it would not be the true one; but
there her insight into futurity and females ceased. Now, Zoe was
thoroughly fascinated by Severne, and Fanny saw it; and yet Zoe was too
high-bred a girl to parade the village and the neighborhood with him
alone--and so placard her attachment--before they were engaged, and the
engagement sanctioned by the head of the house.
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