"No, dear; the goodness is with you to come. But we won't quarrel about that. We will both be ever so good. And he is so happy that you should be here. You'll get to know him now. But come up-stairs. There's a fire in your room, and I'll be your maid for the occasion,--because then we can talk." Clara did as she was bid and went up-stairs; and as she sat over the fire while her friend knelt beside her,--for Mrs. Askerton was given to such kneelings,--she could not but tell herself that Belton Cottage was much more comfortable than Aylmer Park. During the whole time of her sojourn at Aylmer Park no word of real friendship had once greeted her ears. Everything there had been cold and formal, till coldness and formality had given way to violent insolence. "And so you have quarrelled with her ladyship," said Mrs. Askerton. "I knew you would." "I have not said anything about quarrelling with her." "But of course you have. Come, now; don't make yourself disagreeable. You have had a downright battle;--have you not?" "Something very like it, I'm afraid." "I am so glad," said Mrs. Askerton, rubbing her hands. "That is ill-natured." "Very well. Let it be ill-natured. One isn't to be good-natured all round, or what would be the use of it? And what sort of woman is she?" "Oh dear; I couldn't describe her. She is very large, and wears a great wig, and manages everything herself, and I've no doubt she's a very good woman in her own way." "I can see her at once;--and a very pillar of virtue as regards morality and going to church. Poor me! Does she know that you have come here?" "I have no doubt she does. I did not tell her, nor would I tell her daughter; but I told Captain Aylmer." "That was right. That was very right. I'm so glad of that. But who would doubt that you would show a proper spirit? And what did he say?" "Not much, indeed." "I won't trouble you about him. I don't in the least doubt but all that will come right. And what sort of man is Sir Anthony?" "A common-place sort of a man; very gouty, and with none of his wife's strength. I liked him the best of them all." "Because you saw the least of him, I suppose." "He was kind in his manner to me." "And they were like she-dragons. I understand it all, and can see them just as though I had been there. I felt that I knew what would come of it when you first told me that you were going to Aylmer Park. I did, indeed. I could have prophesied it all." "What a pity you did not." "It would have done no good;--and your going there has done good. It has opened your eyes to more than one thing, I don't doubt. But tell me,--have you told them in Norfolk that you were coming here?" "No;--I have not written to my cousin." "Don't be angry with me if I tell you something. I have." "Have what?"