I now write to renew my offer to you, and to assure you that I do so with my whole heart.  You will forgive me if I tell you that I cannot fail to remember, and always to bear in my mind, the sweet assurances which you gave me of your regard for myself.  As I do not know that anything has occurred to alter your opinion of me, I write this letter in strong hope that it may be successful.  I believe that your fear was in respect to my affection for you, not as to yours for me.  If this was so, I can assure you that there is no necessity for such fear.

I need not tell you that I shall expect your answer with great anxiety.

Yours most affectionately,

F. F. Aylmer.

P.S.  I have today caused to be bought in your name Bank Stock to the amount of fifteen hundred pounds, the amount of the legacy coming to you from my aunt.’

This letter, and that from Mr Green respecting the money, both reached Clara on the same morning.  Now, having learned so much as to the position of affairs at Belton Castle, we may return to Will and his dinner engagement with Mr Joseph Green.

‘And what have you heard about Mrs Berdmore?’ Belton asked, almost as soon as the two men wore together.

‘I wish I knew why you want to know.’

‘I don’t want to do anybody any harm.’

‘Do you want to do anybody any good?’

’Any good!  I can’t say that I want to do any particular good.  The truth is, I think I know where she is, and that she is living under a false name.’

‘Then you know more of her than I do.’

’I don’t know anything.  I’m only in doubt.  But as the lady I mean lives near to friends of mine, I should like to know.’

‘That you may expose her?’

’No by no means.  But I hate the idea of deceit.  The truth is, that any one living anywhere under a false name should be exposed or should be made to assume their right name.’

’I find that Mrs Berdmore left her husband some years before he died.  There was nothing in that to create wonder, for he was a man with whom a woman could hardly continue to live.  But I fear she left him under protection that was injurious to her character.

‘And how long ago is that?’

‘I do not know.  Some years before his death.’

‘And how long ago did he die?’

’About three years since.  My informant tells me that he believes she has since married.  Now you know all that I know.’  And Belton also knew that Mrs Askerton of the cottage was the Miss Vigo with whom he had been acquainted in earlier years.

After that they dined comfortably, and nothing passed between them which need be recorded as essential to our story till the time came for them to part.  Then, when they were both standing at the club door, the lawyer said a word or two which is essential.  ‘So you’re off tomorrow?’ said he.

‘Yes; I shall go down by the express.’