in you. If you will do that, and will keep
Mr. William Belton out of my way during his visit to these parts,
I shall be satisfied." For some time past Mrs. Askerton had been
walking about the room, but, as she now finished speaking, she
sat herself down as though the subject was fully discussed and
completed. For a minute or two she made an effort to resume her usual
tranquillity of manner, and in doing so attempted to smile, as though
ridiculing her own energy. "I knew I should make a fool of myself
when you came," she said; "and now I have done it."

"I don't think you have been a fool at all, but you may have been
mistaken."

"Very well, my dear, we shall see. It's very odd what a dislike I
took to that man the first time I saw him."

"And I am so fond of him!"

"Yes; he has cozened you as he has your father. I am only glad that
he did not succeed in cozening you further than he did. But I ought
to have known you better than to suppose you could give your heart of
hearts to one who is--"

"Do not abuse him any more."

"Who is so very unlike the sort of people with whom you have lived. I
may, at any rate, say that."

"I don't know that. I haven't lived much with any one yet,--except
papa, and my aunt, and you."

"But you know a gentleman when you see him."

"Come, Mrs. Askerton, I will not stand this. I thought you had done
with the subject, and now you begin again. I had come here on purpose
to tell you something of real importance,--that is, to me; but I must
go away without telling you, unless you will give over abusing my
cousin."

"I will not say a word more about him,--not at present."

"I feel so sure that you are mistaken, you know."

"Very well;--and I feel sure that you are mistaken. We will leave it
so, and go to this matter of importance." But Clara felt it to be
very difficult to tell her tidings after such a conversation as that
which had just occurred. When she had entered the room her mind had
been tuned to the subject, and she could have found fitting words
without much difficulty to herself; but now her thoughts had been
scattered and her feelings hurt, and she did not know how to bring
herself back to the subject of her engagement. She paused, therefore,
and sat with a doubtful, hesitating look, meditating some mode of
escape. "I am all ears," said Mrs. Askerton; and Clara thought that
she discovered something of ridicule or of sarcasm in the tone of her
friend's voice.

"I belie