no secret between us, Frederic. You know
how I dislike secrets in families." As she said this she took the
letter out of her son's hands with an eagerness that was almost
greedy. As she read it, he stood over her, watching her eyes, as they
made their way down the first page and on to the second, and across
to the third, and so, gradually on, till the whole reading was
accomplished. What Clara had written about her cousin Will, Lady
Aylmer did not quite understand; and on this point now she was so
little anxious that she passed over that portion of the letter
readily. But when she came to Mrs. Askerton and the allusions to
herself, she took care to comprehend the meaning and weight of every
word. "Divide your words and mine! Why should we want to divide them?
Not agree with me about Mrs. Askerton! How is it possible that any
decent young woman should not agree with me! It is a matter in which
there is no room for a doubt. True;--the story true! Of course it
is true. Does she not know that it would not have reached her from
Aylmer Park if it were not true? Provocation! Badly treated! Went
away! Married to Colonel Askerton as soon as Captain Berdmore died!
Why, Frederic, she cannot have been taught to understand the first
principle of morals in life! And she that was so much with my poor
sister! Well, well!" The reader should understand that the late Mrs.
Winterfield and Lady Aylmer had never been able to agree with each
other on religious subjects. "Remember that they are married. Why
should we remember anything of the kind? It does not make an atom
of difference to the woman's character. Repented! How can Clara
say whether she has repented or not? But that has nothing to do
with it. Not quarrel with her,--as she calls it! Not give her up!
Then, Frederic, of course it must be all over, as far as you are
concerned." When she had finished her reading, she returned the
letter, still open, to her son, shaking her head almost triumphantly.
"As far as I am a judge of a young woman's character, I can only give
you one counsel," said Lady Aylmer solemnly.

"I think that she should have another chance," said Captain Aylmer.

"What other chance can you give her? It seems to me that she is
obstinately bent on her own destruction."

"You might ask her to come here, as Belinda suggested."

"Belinda was very foolish to suggest anything of the kind without
more consideration."

"I suppose that my future wife would be made welcom