and we can trust Clara. I will go to her
now. She will need my help, and every minute she stays under this roof
is a grain of gold which I must not lose. Oh! Norton, this is glorious
news that you have brought me! What can have wrought this change in the
old countess? I am going to Clara now."

As Lady Hope opened the door, Clara stood upon the threshold, ready for
her journey. She knew that this letter was the first that her father had
received from Lady Carset for years, and was curious to know its
meaning. She could not remember when Lady Carset's name had been spoken
in that house without bitterness, and was astonished to hear the
cheerful animation with which it was spoken now.

"Am I really to go, papa? Do you wish it? Is mamma Rachael willing? Let
me read the letter, please."

Lord Hope gave her the letter, and replied as she was reading it:

"Yes, my child, it is but right. The old lady is your nearest female
relative."

Here Clara reached out her hand to Lady Hope, but kept her eyes on the
letter, reading and listening at the same time.

"And you think it best, mamma?" inquired Clara, folding the letter.
"What a delicate, stately hand the old lady writes! You don't object?"

"Object, Clara! No, no. I long to part with you, for the first time in
my life."

"In some things," said Lord Hope, "the old lady has been cruelly dealt
by. Say this from me, Clara. The concessions must not rest all on one
side."

"Of course, papa; I will tell her, if you desire it. But why did she not
ask you and mamma at once? It is awful lonesome going to that grim old
castle by myself."

"It is only for a few weeks," answered Rachael, hastily. "But, dear
child, you must not let this old lady stand between you and us. She may
have more to give, but no one on earth can ever love you like us."

"Don't I know it? Is that the carriage? Dear me, how things are rushed
forward this morning! Am I all right, mamma Rachael? Kiss me once more.
What! tears in your eyes? I won't go a step if you don't stop crying!
What do I care for Lady Carset, a cross old thing, and old as the
hills!"

"Clara, I hear the carriage."

"So do I, papa; but what's the use of hurrying?"

"I wish your grandmother to know that I hold no enmity by my promptness
in sending you."

"Oh, is that it? Well, good-bye, mamma Rachael. One more
kiss--again--again! Now, good-bye in earnest."

Lady Hope left the room to hide her tears. Clara followed her father to