'If he used that word he has been very unkind,' said Clara, angrily.

'I don't know what word he used, but he was not unkind at all; he never
is. I think he was very generous.

'I do not want his generosity, aunt,'

'That is nonsense, my dear. If he has told me the truth, what have you
to depend on?'

'I don't want to depend on anything. I hate hearing about it.'

'Clara, I wonder you can talk in that way. If you were only seventeen
it would be very foolish; but at your age it is inexcusable. When I am
gone, and your father is gone, who is to provide for you? Will your
cousin do it Mr Belton, who is to have the property?'

'Yes, he would if I would let him of course I would not let him. But,
aunt, pray do not go on. I would sooner have to starve than talk about
it at all.'

There was another pause; but Clara again knew that the conversation was
not over; and she knew also that it would be vain for her to endeavour
to begin another subject. Nor could she think of anything else to say,
so much was she agitated.

'What makes you suppose that Mr Belton would be so liberal?' asked Mrs
Winterfield.

'I don't know. I can't say. He is the nearest relation I shall have;