not going to quarrel with you,--not if I can help it. What
business has Mr. Belton to go about London making inquiries as to me?
What have I done to him, that he should honour me so far?"

"Has he made inquiries?"

"Yes; he has. If you have been contented with me as I am,--if you are
satisfied, why should he want to learn more? If you have any question
to ask me I will answer it. But what right can he have to be asking
questions among strangers?"

Clara had no question to ask, and yet she could not say that she was
satisfied. She would have been better satisfied to have known more of
Mrs. Askerton, but yet she had never condescended to make inquiries
about her friend. But her curiosity was now greatly raised; and,
indeed, Mrs. Askerton's manner was so strange, her vehemence so
unusual, and her eagerness to rush into dangerous subjects so unlike
her usual tranquillity in conversation, that Clara did not know how
to answer her.

"I know nothing of any questioning," she said.

"I am sure you don't. Had I thought you did, much as I love
you,--valuable as your society is to me down in this desert,--I would
never speak to you again. But remember,--if you want to ask any
questions, and will ask them of me,--of me,--I will answer them, and
will not be angry."

"But I don't want to ask any questions."

"You may some day; and then you can remember what I say."

"And am I to understand that you are determined to quarrel with my
cousin Will?"

"Quarrel with him! I don't suppose that I shall see him. After what
I have said it is not probable that you will bring him here, and the
servant will have orders to say that I am not at home if he should
call. Luckily he and Colonel Askerton did not meet when he was here
before."

"This is the most strange thing I ever heard in my life."

"You will understand it better, my dear, when he makes his
communication to you."

"What communication?"

"You'll find that he'll have a communication to make. He has been
so diligent and so sharp that he'll have a great deal to tell, I do
not doubt. Only, remember, Clara, that if anything that he tells you
makes any difference in your feelings towards me, I shall expect
you to come to me and say so openly. If he makes his statement, let
me make mine. I have a right to ask for that, after what I have
promised."

"You may be sure that I will."

"I want nothing more. I have no distrust in you,--none in the least.
I tell you that I believe