‘I have nothing of my own as he knows; absolutely nothing.’

‘That does not seem to be quite so clear,’ said Lady Aylmer, speaking now very cautiously or rather with a purpose of great caution; ’I don’t think that that is quite so clear.  Frederic has been telling me that there seems to be some sort of a doubt about the settlement of the Belton estate.’

’There is no sort of doubt whatsoever no shadow of a doubt.  He is quite mistaken.’

’Don’t be in such a hurry, my dear.  It is not likely that you yourself should be a very good lawyer.’

’Lady Aylmer, I must be in a hurry lest there should be any mistake about this.  There is no question here for lawyers.  Frederic must have been misled by a word or two which I said to him with quite another purpose.  Everybody concerned knows that the Belton estate goes to my cousin Will.  My poor father was quite aware of it.’

’That is all very well; and pray remember, my dear, that you need not attack me in this way.  I am endeavouring, if possible, to arrange the accomplishment of your own wishes.  It seems that Mr Belton himself does not claim the property.’

’There is no question of claiming.  Because he is a man more generous than any other person in the world romantic ally generous he has offered to give me the property which was my father’s for his lifetime; but I do not suppose that you would wish, or that Captain Aylmer would wish, that I should accept such an offer as that.’  There was a tone in her voice as she said this, and a glance in her eye as she turned her face full upon her companion, which almost prevailed against Lady Aylmer’s force of character.

‘I really don’t know, my dear,’ said Lady Aylmer.  ‘You are so violent.’

’I certainly am eager about this.  No consideration on earth would induce me to take my cousin’s property from him.’

‘It always seemed to me that that entail was a most unfair proceeding.’

’What would it signify even if it were which it was not?  Papa got certain advantages on those conditions.  But what can all that matter?  It belongs to Will Belton.’

Then there was another pause, and Clara thought that that subject was over between them.  But Lady Aylmer had not as yet completed her purpose.  Shall I tell you, my dear, what I think you ought to do?’

‘Certainly, Lady Aylmer; if you wish it.’

’I can at any rate tell you what it would become any young lady to do under such circumstances.  I suppose you will give me credit for knowing as much as that.  Any young lady placed as you are would be recommended by her friends if she had friends able and fit to give her advice to put the whole matter into the hands of her natural friends and her lawyer together.  Hear me out, my dear, if you please.  At least you can do that for me, as I am taking a great deal of trouble on your behalf.  You should let Frederic see Mr Green.  I understand that Mr Green was your father’s lawyer.  And then Mr Green can see Mr Belton.  And so the matter can be arranged.  It seems to me, from what I hear, that in this way, and in this way only; something can be done as to the proposed marriage.  In no other way can anything be done.’