She had been an hour in the house before he came, and never did an hour go so heavily with her. There was no employment for her about the place, and Mrs. Bunce, the old woman who now lived there, could not understand why her late mistress chose to remain seated among the unused furniture. Clara had of course told her that a gentleman was coming. "Not Mr. Will?" said the woman. "No; it is not Mr. Will," said Clara; "his name is Captain Aylmer." "Oh, indeed." And then Mrs. Bunce looked at her with a mystified look. Why on earth should not the gentleman call on Miss Amedroz at Mrs. Askerton's cottage. "I'll be sure to show 'un up, when a comes, at any rate," said the old woman solemnly;—and Clara felt that it was all very uncomfortable.
At last the gentleman did come, and was shown up with all the ceremony of which Mrs. Bunce was capable. "Here he be, mum." Then Mrs. Bunce paused a moment before she retreated, anxious to learn whether the new comer was a friend or a foe. She concluded from the Captain's manner that he was a very dear friend, and then she departed.
"I hope you are not surprised at my coming," said Captain Aylmer, still holding Clara by the hand.
"A little surprised," she said, smiling.
"But not annoyed?"
"No;—not annoyed."
"As soon as you had left Aylmer Park I felt that it was the right thing to do;—the only thing to do,—as I told my mother."
"I hope you have not come in opposition to her wishes," said Clara, unable to control a slight tone of banter as she spoke.
"In this matter I found myself compelled to act in accordance with my own judgment," said he, untouched by her sarcasm.
"Then I suppose that Lady Aylmer is,—is vexed with you for coming here. I shall be so sorry for that;—so very sorry, as no good can come of it."