On the next morning the postman brought to her a letter which was of much moment to her,--but he brought to her also tidings which moved her more even than the letter. The letter was from the lawyer, and enclosed a cheque for seventy-five pounds, which he had been instructed to pay to her, as the interest of the money left to her by her aunt. What should be her answer to that letter she knew very well,--and she instantly wrote it, sending back the cheque to Mr. Green. The postman's news, more important than the letter, told her that William Belton was at the inn at Redicote. CHAPTER XXII. PASSIONATE PLEADING. Clara wrote her letter to the lawyer, returning the cheque, before she would allow herself a moment to dwell upon the news of her cousin's arrival. She felt that it was necessary to do that before she should even see her cousin,--thus providing against any difficulty which might arise from adverse advice on his part; and as soon as the letter was written she sent it to the post-office in the village. She would do almost anything that Will might tell her to do, but Captain Aylmer's money she would not take, even though Will might so direct her. They would tell her, no doubt, among them, that the money was her own,--that she might take it without owing any thanks for it to Captain Aylmer. But she knew better than that,--as she told herself over and over again. Her aunt had left her nothing, and nothing would she have from Captain Aylmer,--unless she had all that Captain Aylmer had to give, after the fashion in which women best love to take such gifts.