A room in the house could be nominally engaged for Natalie, in the
assumed character of the stewardess's niece--the stewardess undertaking
to answer any purely formal questions which might be put by the church
authorities, and to be present at the marriage ceremony. As for Launce,
he would actually, as well as nominally, live in the district close by;
and the steward, if needful, would answer for _him_. Natalie might call
at her parochial residence occasionally, under the wing of Lady Winwood;
gaining leave of absence from Muswell Hill, on the plea of paying one of
her customary visits at her aunt's house. The conspiracy, in brief, was
arranged in all its details. Nothing was now wanting but the consent of
the young lady; obtaining which, Launce would go to the parish church
and give the necessary notice of a marriage by banns on the next day.
There was the plot. What did the ladies think of it?
Lady Winwood thought it perfect.
Natalie was not so easily satisfied.
"My father has always been so kind to me!" she said.
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