"It will not be of the slightest use; indeed, it cannot be allowed. I will not allow it. My uncle will not allow it."
"When you told me that I was untrue to another person—; I think that was your phrase."
"Very likely."
"I supposed you had heard that stupid story which had got round to my uncle,—about a Mr. Neefit's daughter."
"I had heard no stupid story."
"What then did you mean?"
Mary paused a moment, thinking whether it might still be possible that a good turn might be done for her cousin. That Clarissa had loved this man with her whole heart she had herself owned to Mary. That the man had professed his love for Clary, Clary had also let her know. And Clary's love had endured even after the blow it had received from Ralph's offer to her cousin. All this that cousin knew; but she did not know how that love had now turned to simple soreness. "I have heard nothing of the man's daughter," said Mary.
"Well then?"
"But I do know that before I came here at all you had striven to gain the affections of my cousin."
"Clarissa!"