and mother, and on the day previous to that of her
cousin's departure there came a third. In neither of these letters
was there much said about Sir Anthony, but they were all very full
of Lady Aylmer. In the first he wrote with something of the personal
enthusiasm of a lover, and therefore Clara hardly felt the little
drawbacks to her happiness which were contained in certain innuendoes
respecting Lady Aylmer's ideas, and Lady Aylmer's hopes, and Lady
Aylmer's fears. Clara was not going to marry Lady Aylmer, 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