"You will understand it better, my dear, when he makes his communication to you." "What communication?" "You'll find that he'll have a communication to make. He has been so diligent and so sharp that he'll have a great deal to tell, I do not doubt. Only, remember, Clara, that if anything that he tells you makes any difference in your feelings towards me, I shall expect you to come to me and say so openly. If he makes his statement, let me make mine. I have a right to ask for that, after what I have promised." "You may be sure that I will." "I want nothing more. I have no distrust in you,--none in the least. I tell you that I believe in you. If you will do that, and will keep Mr. William Belton out of my way during his visit to these parts, I shall be satisfied." For some time past Mrs. Askerton had been walking about the room, but, as she now finished speaking, she sat herself down as though the subject was fully discussed and completed. For a minute or two she made an effort to resume her usual tranquillity of manner, and in doing so attempted to smile, as though ridiculing her own energy. "I knew I should make a fool of myself when you came," she said; "and now I have done it." "I don't think you have been a fool at all, but you may have been mistaken." "Very well, my dear, we shall see. It's very odd what a dislike I took to that man the first time I saw him." "And I am so fond of him!" "Yes; he has cozened you as he has your father. I am only glad that he did not succeed in cozening you further than he did. But I ought to have known you better than to suppose you could give your heart of hearts to one who is--" "Do not abuse him any more." "Who is so very unlike the sort of people with whom you have lived. I may, at any rate, say that." "I don't know that. I haven't lived much with any one yet,--except papa, and my aunt, and you." "But you know a gentleman when you see him." "Come, Mrs. Askerton, I will not stand this. I thought you had done with the subject, and now you begin again. I had come here on purpose to tell you something of real importance,--that is, to me; but I must go away without telling you, unless you will give over abusing my cousin." "I will not say a word more about him,--not at present." "I feel so sure that you are mistaken, you know."