‘I am doing no such thing.  I am only observing what every one sees.’

‘Don’t be so common-place.’

’That’s all disdain—­you must condescend.  I have been hearing from Mr. Dynevor of the excellent offers that Clara refused.’

‘Do you think Uncle Oliver and Clara agree as to excellence?’

‘Still,’ continued Isabel, ’considering how uncomfortable she was, it does not seem improbable that she would have married, unless some attachment had steeled her heart and raised her standard.  I know she was unconscious, but it was Fitzjocelyn who formed her.’

’He has been a better brother to her than I have been; but look only at their perfect ease.’

’Now it is my belief that they were made for each other, and can venture to find it out, since she is no longer an heiress, and he is free from his Peruvian entanglement.’

’Fanny, do you hear what a scheming mamma you have?  I hope she will have used it all upon Sir Hubert before you come out as the beauty of the Terrace!’

‘Well, I mean to sound Clara.’

‘You had better leave it alone.’

‘Do you forbid me?’

’Why, no, for I don’t think you have the face to say anything that would distress her, or disturb the friendship which has been her greatest benefit.’

’Thank you.  All I intend is, that if it should be as I suppose, the poor things should not miss coming to an understanding for want—­’

‘Of a Christmas-tree,’ said James, laughing.  ’You may have your own way.  I have too much confidence in your discretion and in theirs to imagine that you will produce the least effect.’

Isabel’s imagination was busily at work, and she was in haste to make use of her husband’s permission; but it was so difficult to see Clara alone, that some days passed before the two sisters were left together in the sitting-room, while James was writing a letter for his uncle.  Isabel’s courage began to waver, but she ventured a commencement.

’Mr. Dynevor entertains me with fine stories of your conquests, Clara.’

Clara laughed, blushed, and answered bluntly, ‘What a bother it was!’

‘You are very hard-hearted.’

’You ought to remember the troubles of young ladyhood enough not to wonder.’

’I never let things run to that length; but then I had no fortune.  But seriously, Clara, were all these people objectionable?’

’Do you think one could marry any man, only because he was not objectionable?  There was no harm in one or two; but I was not going to have anything to say to them.’

‘Really, Clara, you make me curious.  Had you made any resolution?’

’I know only two men whom I could have trusted to fulfil my conditions,’ said Clara.

‘Conditions?’

’Of course! that if Cheveleigh was to belong to any of us, it should be to the rightful heir.’

’My dear, noble Clara! was that what kept you from thinking of marriage?’