ht never to be spoken to again. Acting
on this suggestion from within, she absolutely refused to tell her
father what had happened when Patience urged her to do so. "He'll
come and see papa himself,--if he means anything," said Clary.
Patience only shook her head. She thought that Sir Thomas should be
told at once; but she could not take upon herself to divulge her
sister's secret, which had been imparted to her in trust.

Clarissa was obstinate. She would not tell her father, nor would
she say what would be her own answer if her father were to give his
permission for the match. As to this Patience had not much doubt. She
saw that her sister's heart was set upon this lover. She had feared
it before this late occurrence, and now she could hardly have a
doubt. But if Ralph really meant it he would hardly have told her
that he loved her, and then not waited for an answer,--not have come
back for an answer,--not have gone to their father for an answer.
And then, Patience thought, Sir Thomas would never consent to this
marriage. Ralph was in debt, and a scapegrace, and quite unfit to
undertake the management of a wife. Such was the elder sister's
belief as to her father's mind. But she could not force upon Clary
the necessity of taking any action in the matter. She was not strong
enough in her position as elder to demand obedience. Clarissa's
communication had been made in confidence; and Patience, though she
was unhappy, would not break the trust.

At last this young Lothario appeared among them again; but, as it
happened, he came in company with Sir Thomas. Such a thing had not
happened before since the day on which Sir Thomas had given up all
charge of his ward's property. But it did so happen now. The two men
had met in London, and Sir Thomas had suggested that Ralph should
come and be introduced to the new cousin.

"What are you doing now?" Sir Thomas had asked.

"Nothing particular just at present."

"You can get away this evening?"

"Yes,--I think I can get away." It had been his intention to dine
at his club with Captain Cox; but as he had dined at the club with
Captain Cox on the previous day, the engagement was not felt to be
altogether binding. "I can get away for dinner that is, but I've got
to go out in the evening. It's a bore, but I promised to be at Lady
McMarshal's to-night. But if I show there at twelve it will do." Thus
it happened that Sir Thomas and Ralph Newton went down to Popham
Villa in a cab