This was a sad prospect: Clara, so young and inexperienced, was already wedded to dissention, and beginning her young career of life in bitterness! Clara, full of spirits, and energy of character, was deepening the shades of evil, by an unwomanly and improper contention with the husband she had chosen against her father's wishes. What must be the consequence of powerful passions constantly in collision between Sir Foster and Lady Kerrison, since their early matrimony was so discordant? Miss Wycherly spoke anxiously and feelingly upon the subject to Anna Maria.
"This is a fearful match, my dear Mrs. Tom, and Ripley will be the grave of your sister's respectability. The Kerrisons' quarrels are already the topic of conversation at every table where your family are not present. Can you advise Lady Kerrison to be patient?—will she bear any interference?"
Anna Maria hoped all things, when they were more settled at Hatton. Tom would perhaps interfere a little, and if any one could bring things about, she was sure it would be Tom, he had such a peculiarly agreeable manner. She would speak to Tom upon the subject.
Clara's eyes glanced towards the groupe, and she rose to join them.
"What are you all chatting about so earnestly?" she observed, as they made room for her. She seated herself between her sisters. "Go on with your subject: what was it?"
Miss Wycherly answered for all.
"We were talking of matrimony, Lady Kerrison."
Clara's eyes sparkled with a thousand fires, as she slightly waved her hand.
"Let me continue it with you, Miss Wycherly, for I am able to speak from experience. Who is counsel for that state? I am decidedly upon the other side."