‘I don’t think Captain Aylmer has spoken of it in that way.’

’In what way?  Of course he has not said a word that was not nice and lover-like, and all that sort of thing.  I believe he would have done anything in the world that his aunt had told him; and as to his’

‘Lady Aylmer!’ said Clara, feeling that her voice was almost trembling with anger,’ I am sure you cannot intend to be unkind to me?’

‘Certainly not.’

‘Or to insult me?’

’Insult you, my dear!  You should not use such strong words, my dear; indeed you should not.  Nothing of the kind is near my thoughts.’

’If you disapprove of my marrying your son, tell me so at once, and I shall know what to do.’

’It depends, my dear it depends on circumstances, and that is just why I want to speak to you.’

’Then tell me the circumstances though indeed I think it would have been better if they could have been told to me by Captain Aylmer himself.’

’There, my dear, you must allow me to judge.  As a mother, of course I am anxious for my son.  Now Frederic is a poor man.  Considering the kind of society in which he has to live, and the position which he must maintain as a Member of Parliament, he is a very poor man.’

This was an argument which Clara certainly had not expected that any of the Aylmer family would condescend to use.  She had always regarded Captain Aylmer as a rich man since he had inherited Mrs Winterfield’s property, knowing that previously to that he had been able to live in London as rich men usually do live.  ‘Is he?’ said she.  ’It may seem odd to you, Lady Aylmer, but I do not think that a word has ever passed between me and your son as to the amount of his income.’

’Not odd at all, my dear.  Young ladies are always thoughtless about those things, and when they are looking to be married think that money will come out of the skies.’

‘If you mean that I have been looking to be married’

‘Well expecting.  I suppose you have been expecting it.’  Then she paused; but as Clara said nothing, she went on.  ’Of course, Frederic has got my sister’s moiety of the Perivale property about eight hundred a year, or something of that sort, when all deductions are made.  He will have the moiety when I die, and if you and he can be satisfied to wait for that event which may not perhaps be very long ’.  Then there was another pause, indicative of the melancholy natural to such a suggestion, during which Clara looked at Lady Aylmer, and made up her mind that her ladyship would live for the next twenty-five years at least.  ‘If you can wait for that,’ she continued, it may be all very well, and though you will be poor people, in Frederic’s rank of life, you will be able to live.’

‘That will be so far fortunate,’ said Clara.

‘But you’ll have to wait,’ said Lady Aylmer, turning upon her companion almost fiercely.  ’That is, you certainly will have to do so if you are to depend upon Frederic’s income alone.’