and Clara was driven up and down through the streets of Perivale in a
manner which was an injury to her. She knew that she was suffering an
injustice, but it was one of which she could not make complaint. She
submitted to her aunt, enduring the penances that were required of her;
and, therefore, her aunt had opportunity enough to see her
shortcomings. Mrs Winterfield did see them, and judged her accordingly.
Captain Aylmer, being a man and a Member of Parliament, was called upon
to bear no such penances, and, therefore, his shortcomings were not
suspected.

But, after all, what title had she ever possessed to entertain
expectations from Mrs Winterfield? When she thought of it all in her
room that night, she told herself that it was strange that her aunt
should have spoken to her in such a way on such a subject. But, then,
so much had been said to her on the matter by her father, so much, no
doubt, had reached her aunt's ears also, the hope that her position
with reference to the rich widow at Perivale might be beneficial to her
had been so often discussed at Belton as a make-weight against the
extravagances of the heir, there had already been so much of this
mistake, that she taught herself to perceive that the communication was
needed. 'In her honesty 'she has not chosen to leave me with false
hopes,' said Clara to herself. And at that moment she loved her aunt
for her honesty.

Then, on the day but one following this conversation as to the destiny
of her aunt's property, came the terrible tidings of her brother's
death. Captain Aylmer, who had been in London at the time, hurried down
to Perivale, and had been the first to tell Miss Amedroz what had
happened. The words spoken between them had not been many, but Clara
knew that Captain Aylmer had been kind to her; and when he had offered