understood the intensity of his wish for it,--the agony of
his desire. But so far removed was she from any such longing on her
own account, that she could not believe that her brother would in his
heart accuse her of it. How often had she offered to give him, on the
instant, every shilling that she had in the world! At this moment she
resolved, in her mind, that she never wished to see him more; but
even now, had it been practicable, she would have made over to him,
without any drawback, all her interest in the Vavasor estate.

But any such making over was impossible. John Vavasor remained in
Westmoreland for a week, and during that time many discussions were,
of course, held about the property. Mr Round came down from London,
and met Mr Gogram at Penrith. As to the validity of the will Mr Round
said that there was no shadow of a doubt. So an agent was appointed
for receiving the rents, and it was agreed that the old Hall should
be let in six months from that date. In the meantime Kate was to
remain there till her arm should become strong, and she could make
her plans for the future. Aunt Greenow promised to remain at the Hall
for the present, and offered, indeed, indefinite services for the
future, as though she were quite forgetful of Captain Bellfield. Of
Mr Cheesacre she was not forgetful, for she still continued to speak
of that gentleman to Kate, as though he were Kate's suitor. But she
did not now press upon her niece the acceptance of Mr Cheesacre's
hand as an absolute duty. Kate was mistress of a considerable
fortune, and though such a marriage might be comfortable, it was no
longer necessary. Mrs Greenow called him poor Cheesacre, pointing
out how easily he might be managed, and how indubitable were his
possessions; but she no longer spoke of Kate's chances in the
marriage market as desperate, even though she should decline the
Cheesacre alliance.

"A young woman, with six hundred a year, my dear, may do pretty
nearly what she pleases," said aunt Greenow. "It's better than having
ten years' grace given you."

"And will last longer, certainly," said Kate.

Kate's desire was that Alice should come down to her for a while in
Westmoreland, before the six months were over, and this desire she
mentioned to her uncle. He promised to carry the message up to Alice,
but could not be got to say more than that upon the subject. Then Mr
Vavasor went away, leaving the aunt and niece together at the Hall.

"What on ear