The breach had become so wide, that Oliver would not have accepted
the terms he had formerly offered. His object seemed to be to pique
his nephew and niece, by showing them what they had lost. He wrote
the most magnificent descriptions of Cheveleigh, and insisted that
his mother and Clara should come and take possession on the eightieth
birthday of the former, the 14th of September; and Isabel was
recovering so rapidly, that there was nothing to oppose to his
project, although the new Catharine would be scarcely three weeks old
by that time.

Thereupon came down, addressed to Clara, a case of Peruvian jewels,
newly set in London--intended doubtless to excite great jealousy in
her sister-in-law. Poor Oliver! could he but have known that Isabel
only glanced at them to tell Clara the names of the ornaments, and to
relieve her mind by assurances that the whole of a set need not be
worn at once! Next arrived an exceedingly smart French milliner,
who, by the help of Jane and Marianne, got Clara into her toils, and
pinned and measured her for a whole mortal morning; and even
grandmamma ordered a black velvet gown and accompaniments.

Lastly, there descended on Clara's devoted head a cheque for a sum
which terrified her imagination, and orders to equip herself suitably
as Miss Dynevor of Cheveleigh, who was to enjoy the same allowance
half-yearly. Her first idea was what delightful presents could be
made to every one; but as she was devising showers of gifts for her
niece, James cut her short,--'I am sorry to give you pain, Clara, but
it must be understood that neither directly nor indirectly can I nor
mine receive anything bought with my uncle's money.'

'That was the only thing to make me not hate it.'