course, was altogether indifferent. She had known for months past that
her aunt had intended to leave nothing to her, and her only hope had
been that she might be left free from any commiseration or remark on
the subject. But Mrs Folliott, with sundry shakings of the head, told
her how her aunt had omitted to name her and then told her also of
Captain Aylmer's generosity. 'We all did think, my dear,' said Mrs
Folliott, 'that she would have done better than that for you, or at any
rate that she would not have left you dependent on him.' Captain
Aylmer's horses were also supposed to be stabled in strictly Low Church
stalls, and were therefore regarded by Mrs Folliott with much dislike.

'I and my aunt understood each other perfectly,' said Clara.

'I dare say. But if so, you really were the only person that did
understand her. No doubt what she did was quite right, seeing that she
was a saint; but we sinners would have thought it very wicked to have
made such a will, and then to have trusted to the generosity of another
person after we were dead.'

'But there is no question of trusting to any one's generosity, Mrs
Folliott.'

'He need not pay you a shilling, you know, unless he likes it.'

'And he will not be asked to pay me a shilling.'

'I don't suppose he will go back after what he has said publicly.'

'My dear Mrs Folliott,' said Clara earnestly, 'pray do not let us talk
about it. it is quite unnecessary. I never expected any of my aunt's