all things in the world, would be the best for both of you.'

'But the thing won't happen, and therefore let there be an end of it. I
hate the twaddle talk of love, whether it's about myself or about any
one else. It makes me feel ashamed of my sex, when I find that I cannot
talk of myself to another woman without being supposed to be either in
love or thinking of love cither looking for it or avoiding it. When it
comes, if it cornea prosperously, it's a very good thing. But I for one
can do without it, and I feel myself injured when such a state of
things is presumed to be impossible.'

'It is worth any one's while to irritate you, because your indignation
is so beautiful.'

'It is not beautiful to me; for I always feel ashamed afterwards of my
own energy. And now, if you please, we won't say anything more about Mr
Will Belton.'

'May I not talk about him, even as the enterprising cousin?

'Certainly; and in any other light you please. Do you know he seemed to
think that he had known you ever so many years ago.' Clara, as she said
this, did not look direct at her friend's face; but still she could
perceive that Mrs Askerton was disconcerted. There came a shade of
paleness over her face, and a look of trouble on her brow, and for a
moment or two she made no reply.

'Did he?' she then said. 'And when was that?'

'I suppose it was in London. But, after all, I believe it was not you,