"One word before I go, my dear, though, just as a secret. It isn't that I'm curious, because I don't care who it is marries, or whom they marry; but I've no girls of my own, and I do take an interest in you. Now, just in a whisper like. I am an old friend." "Yes, yes--indeed, you are. The only dear friend I have." "Then tell me now; put your lips close to my ear--it is to be Mr Linnell, is it not?" "Never!" said Claire firmly. "Oh, my! And I told you to whisper. I won't believe it's that horrible Major." "Mrs Barclay," said Claire, putting her arms round her homely friend's neck, "they say that every woman has her duty in life: mine is to watch over and help my father, and to be such protection as I can to my sister and brothers." "What, and not get married at all?" cried Mrs Barclay, in a tone of disappointment. "And never be any man's wife," said Claire sadly. "Oh!" "Stop one moment, Mrs Barclay," whispered Claire, in a strangely hesitating manner, "you do like me, I know." "Indeed, I do, my dear, though I must say you disappoint me horribly." "Then I want you--whatever comes to pass--whatever people may say of me--to try and think the best of me." "Why, my darling!" "Yes: I know you will; but your confidence may be sorely tried, and I want you to think well of me always. I cannot do all I wish, and--and-- I cannot explain myself; only think the best you can of me. Good-bye, good-bye!" "She is the strangest girl I ever did meet," said Mrs Barclay, as she panted away in her thick silk and enormous open bonnet. "Think well of her, whatever comes to pass! Why, of course I will, poor girl!" Volume Two, Chapter IX. AN INTERESTED PATRON. "Well, Denville," said Lord Carboro', "I wanted to see you." "In what way can I serve your lordship?" said the MC, with his best bow. "A pinch of your snuff." The pinch was taken, and the box snapped and returned. "Your arm." Denville's breast swelled as he offered his arm to the elderly beau, and a flush of hope rose into his cheeks. The sun must be coming out at last. It was a pleasant thing to be seen walking along the Parade in so familiar a way with Lord Carboro', and to his great delight Denville saw that the Parade was well filled. He expected that this would be only a temporary condescension from the wealthy old nobleman; but Lord Carboro' held on tightly, made a few very nasty remarks about some of the people they passed, and then said suddenly: "Drelincourt has been asking me to interest myself with the Prince to get your boy a commission." "Indeed, my lord?" "Yes, indeed. 'Nother pinch of snuff." The box--_sniff--snuff--snap_. "Like to know what I said to her?" "My lord, I am a father." "Yes, Denville, I know it. Well." The old man changed the conversation to make another remark or two about some visitors, and then said, suddenly returning to the subject: "Drelincourt asked me to get the lad a commission." "Yes, my lord."