were able to place themselves at such a distance from the sleeper that
their low words could hardly disturb her.

'Was she very tired when she got home? 'he asked.

'Not very. She has been talking much since that.'

'Has she spoken about her will to you?'

'Yes she has.'

'I thought she would.' Then he was silent, as though he expected that
she would speak again on that matter. But she had no wish to discuss
her aunt's will with him, and therefore, to break the silence, asked
him some trifling question. 'Are you not home earlier than you
expected?

'It was very dull, and there was nothing more to be said. I did come
away early, and perhaps have given affront. I hope you will accept the
compliment implied.'

'Your aunt will, when she wakes. She will be delighted to find you
here.'

'I am awake,' said Mrs Winterfield. 'I heard Frederic come in. It is
very good of him to come so soon. Clara, my dear, we will have tea.'

During tea, Captain Aylmer was called upon to give an account of the
Mayor's feast how the rector had said grace before dinner, and Mr
Possitt had done so after dinner, and how the soup had been uneatable.