's all
nonsense."

"But what is his idea? Who does he think should be the owner?"

"He means--that it should be--mine. But of course, Frederic, it is
all nonsense; we know that."

It did not seem to be quite clear at the moment that Frederic had
altogether made up his mind upon the subject. As he heard these
tidings from Clara there came across his face a puzzled, dubious
look, as though he did not quite understand the proposition which
had been suggested to him;--as though some consideration were wanted
before he could take the idea home to himself and digest it, so as
to enable himself to express an opinion upon it. There might be
something in it,--some show of reason which did not make itself clear
to Clara's feminine mind. "I have never known what was the precise
nature of your father's marriage settlement," said he.

Then Clara began to explain with exceeding eagerness that there was
no question as to the accuracy of the settlement, or the legality
of the entail;--that indeed there was no question as to anything.
Her cousin Will was romantic, and that was the end of it. Of
course,--quite as a matter of course, this romance would lead to
nothing; and she had only mentioned the subject now to show that her
cousin's mind might possibly be disturbed when the question of his
future residence was raised. "I quite feel with you," she said, "that
it will be much nicer that he should live at the old family place;
but just at present I do not speak about it."

"If he is thinking of not claiming Belton, it is quite another
thing," said Aylmer.

"It is his without any claiming," said Clara.

"Ah, well; it will all be settled before long," said Aylmer.

"It is settled already," said Clara.

At seven the three met again, and when the dinner was on the table
there was some little trouble as to the helping of the fish. Which of
the two men should take the lead on the occasion? But Clara decided
the question by asking her cousin to make himself useful. There can
be little doubt but that Captain Aylmer would have distributed the
mutton chops with much more grace, and have carved the roast fowl
with much more skill; but it suited Clara that Will should have the
employment, and Will did the work. Captain Aylmer, throughout the
dinner, endeavoured to be complaisant, and Clara exerted herself to
talk as though all matters around them were easy. Will, too, made his
effort, every now and then speaking a word, and restraining h