"You mean to say that I have ruffled you?"
"Well;—perhaps; a little."
"Then be unruffled again, like my own dear, honest Clara. I have been ruffled too, but I'll be as tranquil now as a drawing-room cat." Then Mrs. Askerton got up from her chair, and seated herself by Clara's side on the sofa. "Come; you can't go till you've told me; and if you hesitate, I shall think that you mean to quarrel with me."
"I'll come to you to-morrow."
"No, no; you shall tell me to-day. All to-morrow you'll be preparing for your cousin."
"What nonsense!"
"Or else you'll come prepared to vindicate him, and then we shan't get on any further. Tell me what it is to-day. You can't leave me in curiosity after what you have said."
"You've heard of Captain Aylmer, I think."
"Of course I've heard of him."
"But you've never seen him?"