er what was
my intention. Something was said about a promise, and I
think it was that word which made you unhappy. At such a
time as that, when I and my aunt were talking together,
and when she was, as she well knew, on her deathbed,
things will be said which would not be thought of in other
circumstances. I can only assure you now, that the promise
I gave her was a promise to do that which I had previously
resolved upon doing. If you can believe what I say on this
head, that ought to be sufficient to remove the feeling
which induced you to break our engagement.

I now write to renew my offer to you, and to assure you
that I do so with my whole heart. You will forgive me if
I tell you that I cannot fail to remember, and always to
bear in my mind, the sweet assurances which you gave me of
your regard for myself. As I do not know that anything has
occurred to alter your opinion of me, I write this letter
in strong hope that it may be successful. I believe that
your fear was in respect to my affection for you, not as
to yours for me. If this was so, I can assure you that
there is no necessity for such fear.

I need not tell you that I shall expect your answer with
great anxiety.

Yours most affectionately,

F. F. AYLMER.

P.S. I have to-day caused to be bought in your name Bank
Stock to the amount of fifteen hundred pounds, the amount
of the legacy coming to you from my aunt.

This letter, and that from Mr. Green respecting the money, both
reached Clara on the same morning. Now, having learned so much as to
the position of affairs at Belton Castle, we may return to Will and
his dinner engagement with Mr. Joseph Green.

"And what have you heard about Mrs. Berdmore?" Belton asked, almost
as soon as the two men were together.

"I wish I knew why you want to know."

"I don't want to do anybody any harm."

"Do you want to do anybody any good?"

"Any good! I can't say that I want to do any particular good. The
truth is, I think I know where she is, and that she is living under a
false name."

"Then you know more of her than I do."

"I don't know anything. I'm only in doubt. But as the lady I mean
lives near to friends of mine, I should like to know."

"That you may expose her?"

"No;--by no means. But I hate the idea of deceit. The truth is, that
any one living anywhere under a false name should be exposed,--or
should be ma