Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

1. CHAPTER I (continued)

The whole history of her niece's life she did know, and she knew that Clara was not with her, heart and soul. Had Clara left the old woman in doubt on this subject, she would have been a hypocrite. Captain Aylmer did not often spend a Sunday at Perivale, but when he did, he went to church three times, and submitted himself to the yoke. He was thinking of the borough votes quite as much as of his aunt's money, and was carrying on his business after the fashion of men But Clara found herself compelled to maintain some sort of a fight, though she also went to church three times on Sunday. And there was another reason why Mrs Winterfield thought it right to mention Captain Aylmer's name to her niece on this occasion.

'I had hoped', she said, 'that it might make no difference in what way my money was left.'

Clara well understood what this meant, as will, probably, the reader also. 'I can't say but what it will make a difference,' she answered, smiling; 'but I shall always think that you have done right. Why should I stand in Captain Aylmer's way?'

'I had hoped your ways might have been the same,' said the old lady, fretfully.

'But they cannot be the same.'

'No; you do not see things as he sees them. Things that are serious to him are, I fear, only light to you. Dear Clara, would I could see you more in earnest as to the only matter that is worth our earnestness.' Miss Amedroz said nothing as to the Captain's earnestness, though, perhaps, her ideas as to his ideas about religion were more correct than those held by Mrs Winterfield. But it would not have suited her to raise any argument on that subject. 'I pray for you, Clara,' continued the old lady, 'and will do so as long as the power of prayer is left to me. I hope I hope you do not cease to pray for yourself?'

'I endeavour, aunt.'