'Why not, papa? He is the heir to the property, and why should he not
be permitted to see it? There are many things in which his co-operation
with you might be a comfort to you. I can't tell you whether the
tenants and people are treating you well, but he can do so; and,
moreover, I think he means to be kind. I do not see why we should
quarrel with our cousin because he is the heir to your property. It is
not through any doing of his own that he is so.'

This reasoning had no effect upon Mr Amedroz, but his daughter's
resolution carried the point against him in spite of his want of
reason. No letter was written that day, or on the next; but on the day
following a formal note was sent off by Clara, in which Mr Belton was
told that Mr Amedroz would be happy to receive him at Belton Castle.
The letter was written by the daughter, but the father was responsible
for the formality. He sat over her while she wrote it, and nearly drove
her distracted by discussing every word and phrase. At last, Clara was
so annoyed with her own production, that she was almost tempted to
write another letter unknown to her father; but the formal note went.

'My Dear Sir

'I am desired by my father to say that he will be happy to receive you
at Belton Castle, at the time fixed by yourself.

Yours truly,

CLARA AMEDROZ.'

There was no more than that, but that had the desired effect; and by