her position. But she was
determined to go through with her purpose.

"I am very sorry that I have to leave you so soon," said Captain
Aylmer as soon as the door was shut and they were alone together.

"Perhaps it may be better as it is, Frederic; as in this way we shall
all come to understand each other, and something will be settled."

"Well, yes; perhaps that will be best."

"Your mother has told me that she disapproves of our marriage."

"No; not that, I think. I don't think she can have quite said that."

"She says that you cannot marry while she is alive,--that is, that
you cannot marry me because your income would not be sufficient."

"I certainly was speaking to her about my income."

"Of course I have got nothing." Here she paused. "Not a penny-piece
in the world that I can call my own."

"Oh yes, you have."

"Nothing. Nothing!"

"You have your aunt's legacy?"

"No; I have not. She left me no legacy. But as that is between you
and me, if we think of marrying each other, that would make no
difference."

"None at all, of course."

"But in truth I have got nothing. Your mother said something to me
about the Belton estate; as though there was some idea that possibly
it might come to me."

"Your cousin himself seemed to think so."

"Frederic, do not let us deceive ourselves. There can be nothing of
the kind. I could not accept any portion of the property from my
cousin,--even though our marriage were to depend upon it."

"Of course it does not."

"But if your means are not sufficient for your wants I am quite
ready to accept that reason as being sufficient for breaking our
engagement."

"There need be nothing of the kind."

"As for waiting for the death of another person,--for your mother's
death, I should think it very wrong. Of course, if our engagement
stands there need be no hurry; but--some time should be fixed." Clara
as she said this felt that her face and forehead were suffused with a
blush; but she was determined that it should be said, and the words
were pronounced.

"I quite think so too," said he.

"I am glad that we agree. Of course, I will leave it to you to fix
the time."

"You do not mean at this very moment?" said Captain Aylmer, almost
aghast.

"No; I did not mean that."

"I'll tell you what. I'll make a point of coming down at Easter. I
wasn't sure about it before, but now I will be. And then it shall be
settled."

Such was the interview; and on the next morni