he should dislike his heir; and perhaps not unnatural that he should
show his dislike after this fashion. Clara, when she read the address,
looked up into her father's face. 'You know who it is now,' he said.
And then she read the letter.

'Plaistow Hall

July, 186

I have not written to you before since your bereavement, thinking it
better to wait awhile; but I hope you have not taken me to be unkind in
this, or have supposed me to be unmindful of your sorrow. Now I take up
my pen, hoping that I may make you understand how greatly I was
distressed by what has occurred. I believe I am now the nearest male
relative that you have, and as such I am very anxious to be of service
to you if it may be possible. Considering the closeness of our
connexion, and my position in reference to the property, it seems bad
that we should never meet. I can assure you that you would find me very
friendly if we could manage to come together.

I should think nothing of running across to Belton, if you would
receive me at your house. I could come very well before harvest, if
that would suit you, and would stay with you for a week. Pray give my
kindest regards to my cousin Clara, whom I can only just remember as a
very little girl. She was with her aunt at Perivale when I was at
Belton as a boy. She shall find a friend in me if she wants a friend.

Your affectionate cousin,

W. BELTON.'