know that such were her thoughts, almost
instantaneously, in reference to Captain Aylmer's future bride.

Lady Emily is a very intimate friend of my sister's; and
you, who know how our family cling together, will feel how
thankful I must be when I tell you that my mother quite
approves of the engagement. I suppose we shall be married
early in the spring. We shall probably spend some months
every year at Perivale, and I hope that we may look
forward to the pleasure of seeing you sometimes as a guest
beneath our roof.

On reading this Clara shuddered, and made some inward protestation
which seemed to imply that she had no wish whatever to revisit the
dull streets of the little town with which she had been so well
acquainted. "I hope she'll be good to poor Mr. Possit," said Clara,
"and give him port wine on Sundays."

I have one more thing that I ought to say. You will
remember that I intended to pay my aunt's legacy
immediately after her death, but that I was prevented
by circumstances which I could not control. I have paid
it now into Mr. Green's hands on your account, together
with the sum of L59 18_s._ 3_d._, which is due upon it as
interest at the rate of five per cent. I hope that this
may be satisfactory.

"It is not satisfactory at all," said Clara, putting down the letter,
and resolving that Will Belton should be instructed to repay the
money instantly. It may, however, be explained here that in this
matter Clara was doomed to be disappointed; and that she was forced,
by Mr. Green's arguments, to receive the money. "Then it shall go to
the hospital at Perivale," she declared when those arguments were
used. As to that, Mr. Green was quite indifferent, but I do not think
that the legacy which troubled poor Aunt Winterfield so much on her
dying bed was ultimately applied to so worthy a purpose.

"And now, my dear Miss Amedroz," continued the letter,

I will say farewell, with many assurances of my unaltered
esteem, and with heartfelt wishes for your future
happiness. Believe me to be always,

Most faithfully and sincerely yours,

FREDERIC F. AYLMER.

"Esteem!" said Clara, as she finished the letter. "I wonder which
he esteems the most, me or Lady Emily Tagmaggert. He will never get
beyond esteem with any one."

The letter which was last read was as follows:--

Plaistow, August, 186--.

DEAREST CLARA,

I don't think I shall