“And as does _not_ befit my uncle’s widow, lady!” said Archer Clifton, again taking her hand. “I have considered myself in some sort your guardian and protector—if you will admit the claim. Now, listen to me calmly, and act reasonably, for we of White Cliffs are not accustomed to be opposed by the ladies of our family. Hear me, then: This money, which I have placed to your account, is rightfully yours. I will explain. It was the fortune of my dearest Carolyn—” here his voice faltered, he paused a moment, during which Georgia pressed his hand, and looked in his face with an expression of unspeakable sympathy—then he resumed, calmly, “Had she died unmarried, and during her father’s lifetime, this money would have reverted to him, and he would doubtless have left it to you. I only give you that which, but for me, might have reached you more directly. And now let that subject rest forever.” “Ah, but best and most generous of friends, I drive you from your home by staying here! I cannot stay! I must depart!” “You must not, Mrs. Clifton—this is your proper home, as it is also mine. You do not drive me hence—why should you? Could I possibly remain, your company would be the dearest solace I could have. No! it is memory that drives me hence, sweet friend! I must—I _must_ forget myself in distant lands! Forgive me for talking thus—to be quite plain, as soon as the intricate affairs of this estate are disentangled, and wound up, I design to set out for two or three years of travel; yet I shall not be able to get off for several weeks.” Here the conversation ended for the present. Thinking that for the first few days, at least, Mrs. Georgia would need a female companion, he got in his chaise, and went ever to Hardbargain for Catherine. “Kate is not here,” said Mrs. Clifton, in answer to his inquiries—“do you not know that she has been for three weeks at her brother’s cabin, nursing his wife through her confinement?” Major Clifton threw his hat upon the table, and dropped himself into a chair, with an air of extreme vexation, saying— “It really seems to me that that girl is nurse and servant-in-general to the neighborhood! Her brother might easily have found some old woman to nurse his wife. I wonder you permit her to be made such a slave of by everybody, mother.” “It does her no harm, Archer.” “Twelve months since you introduced Catherine into the best society in Richmond.” “The richest, you mean—not the best, by a great deal.” “And now you suffer her to throw herself into the most vulgar and common! Dear madam, is this right?”