‘Think what I have suffered, dear.’

’But you have had somebody to care for you somebody whom you could trust.’

‘And have not you?’

‘No; no one.’

‘What do you mean, Clara?’

’I mean what I say.  I have no one.  It is no use asking questions not now, at such a time as this.  And I did not mean to complain.  Complaining is weak and foolish.  I have often told myself that I could bear anything, and so I will.  When I can bring myself to think of what I have lost in my father I shall be better, even though I shall be more sorrowful.  As it is, I hate myself for being so selfish.’

‘You will let me come and stay with you today, will you not?’

‘No, dear; not today.’

‘Why not today, Clara?’

‘I shall be better alone.  I have so many things to think of.’

’I know well that it would be better that you should not be alone much better.  But I will not press it.  I cannot insist with you as another woman would.’

’You are wrong there; quite wrong.  I would be led by you sooner than by any woman living.  What other woman is there to whom I would listen for a moment?’ As she said this, even in the depth of her sorrow she thought of Lady Aylmer, and strengthened herself in her resolution to rebel against her lover’s mother.  Then she continued, ’I wish I knew my Cousin Mary Mary Bolton; but I have never seen her.’

’Is she nice?

’So Will tells me; and I know that what he says must be true even about his sister.’

’Will, Will!  You are always thinking of your Cousin Will.  If he be really so good he will show it now.’

‘How can he show it?  What can he do?’

‘Does he not inherit all the property?’

’Of course he does.  And what of that?  When I say that I have no friend I am not thinking of my poverty.’

’If he has that regard for you which he pretends, he can do much to assist you.  Why should he not come here at once?’

‘God forbid.’

‘Why?  Why do you say so?  He is your nearest relative.’

‘If you do not understand I cannot explain.’

‘Has he been told what has happened?’ Mrs Askerton asked.

‘Colonel Askerton sent a message to him, I believe.’

‘And to Captain Aylmer also?’

‘Yes; and to Captain Aylmer.  It was Colonel Askerton who sent it.’

‘Then he will come, of course.’

‘I think not.  Why should he come?  He did not even know poor papa.’

‘But, my dear Clara, has he not known you?’

’You will see that he will not come.  And I tell you beforehand that he will be right to stay away.  Indeed, I do not know how he could come and I do not want him here.’

‘I cannot understand you, Clara.’

‘I suppose not.  I cannot very well understand myself.’

‘I should not be at all surprised if Lady Aylmer were to come herself.’