as regards
morality and going to church. Poor me! Does she know that you have
come here?"

"I have no doubt she does. I did not tell her, nor would I tell her
daughter; but I told Captain Aylmer."

"That was right. That was very right. I'm so glad of that. But who
would doubt that you would show a proper spirit? And what did he
say?"

"Not much, indeed."

"I won't trouble you about him. I don't in the least doubt but all
that will come right. And what sort of man is Sir Anthony?"

"A common-place sort of a man; very gouty, and with none of his
wife's strength. I liked him the best of them all."

"Because you saw the least of him, I suppose."

"He was kind in his manner to me."

"And they were like she-dragons. I understand it all, and can see
them just as though I had been there. I felt that I knew what would
come of it when you first told me that you were going to Aylmer Park.
I did, indeed. I could have prophesied it all."

"What a pity you did not."

"It would have done no good;--and your going there has done good. It
has opened your eyes to more than one thing, I don't doubt. But tell
me,--have you told them in Norfolk that you were coming here?"

"No;--I have not written to my cousin."

"Don't be angry with me if I tell you something. I have."

"Have what?"

"I have told Mr. Belton that you were coming here. It was in this
way. I had to write to him about our continuing in the cottage.
Colonel Askerton always makes me write if it's possible, and of
course we were obliged to settle something as to the place."

"I'm sorry you said anything about me."

"How could I help it? What would you have thought of me, or what
would he have thought, if, when writing to him, I had not mentioned
such a thing as your visit? Besides, it's much better that he should
know."

"I am sorry that you said anything about it."

"You are ashamed that he should know that you are here," said Mrs.
Askerton, in a tone of reproach.

"Ashamed! No; I am not ashamed. But I would sooner that he had not
been told,--as yet. Of course he would have been told before long."

"But you are not angry with me?"

"Angry! How can I be angry with any one who is so kind to me?"

That evening passed by very pleasantly, and when she went again to
her own room, Clara was almost surprised to find how completely she
was at home. On the next day she and Mrs. Askerton together went up
to the house, and roamed through all the rooms, and Clar