and did not fear but that she could hold her own against any mother-in-law in the world when once they should be brought face to face.  And as long as Captain Aylmer seemed to take her part rather than that of his mother it was all very well.  The second letter was more trying to her temper, as it contained one or two small morsels of advice as to conduct which had evidently originated with her ladyship.  Now there is nothing, I take it, so irritating to an engaged young lady as counsel from her intended husband’s mamma.  An engaged young lady, if she be really in love, will take almost anything from her lover as long as she is sure that it comes altogether from himself.  He may take what liberties he pleases with her dress.  He may prescribe high church or low church if he be not, as is generally the case, in a condition to accept, rather than to give, prescriptions on that subject.  He may order almost any course of reading providing that he supply the books.  And he may even interfere with the style of dancing, and recommend or prohibit partners.  But he may not thrust his mother down his future wife’s throat.  In answer to the second letter, Clara did not say much to show her sense of objection.  Indeed she said nothing.  But in saying nothing she showed her objection, and Captain Aylmer understood it.  Then came the third letter, and as it contained matter touching upon our story, it shall be given entire and I hope it may be taken by gentlemen about to marry as a fair specimen of the sort of letter they ought not to write to the girls of their hearts: 

Aylmer Castle

19th January, 186 .

’Dearest Clara I got your letter of the 16th yesterday, and was sorry you said nothing in reference to my mother’s ideas as to the house at Perivale.  Of course she knew that I heard from you, and was disappointed when, I was obliged to tell her, that you had not alluded to the subject.  She is very anxious about you, and, having now given her assent to our marriage, is of course desirous of knowing that her kindly feeling is reciprocated.  I assured her that my own Clara was the last person to be remiss in such a matter, and reminded her that young ladies are seldom very careful in their mode of answering letters.  Remember, therefore, that I am now your guarantee, and send some message to relieve me from my liability.

When I told her of your father’s long illness, which she laments greatly, and of your cousin’s continued presence at Belton Castle, she seemed to think that Mr Belton’s visit should not be prolonged.  When I told her that he was your nearest relative, she remarked that cousins are the same as any other people which indeed they are.  I know that my Clara Will not suppose that I mean more by this than the words convey.  Indeed I mean less.  But not having the advantage of a mother of your own, you will not be sorry to know what are my mother’s opinions on matters which so nearly concern you.