CHAPTER XI. 

LADY PERSIFLAGE. 

Hampstead rushed up to Hendon almost without seeing his stepmother, intent on making preparations for his sister, and then, before October was over, rushed back to fetch her. He was very great at rushing, never begrudging himself any personal trouble in what he undertook to do. When he left the house he hardly spoke to her ladyship. When he took Lady Frances away he was of course bound to bid her adieu. 

"I think," he said, "that Frances will be happy with me at Hendon." 

"I have nothing to do with it,--literally nothing," said the Marchioness, with her sternest frown. "I wash my hands of the whole concern." 

"I am sure you would be glad that she should be happy." 

"It is impossible that any one should be happy who misconducts herself." 

"That, I think, is true." 

"It is certainly true, with misconduct such as this." 

"I quite agree with what you said first. But the question remains as to what is misconduct. Now--" 

"I will not hear you, Hampstead; not a word. You can persuade your father, I dare say, but you cannot persuade me. Fanny has divorced herself from my heart for ever." 

"I am sorry for that." 

"And I'm bound to say that you are doing the same. It is better in some cases to be plain." 

"Oh--certainly; but not to be irrational." 

"I am not irrational, and it is most improper for you to speak to me in that way." 

"Well, good-bye. I have no doubt it will come right some of these days," said Hampstead, as he took his leave. Then he carried his sister off to Hendon. 
What relation is Lady Frances to Hampstead?
ladyship