Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

21. CHAPTER XXI: MRS ASKERTON'S GENEROSITY (continued)

'Will, Will! You are always thinking of your Cousin Will. If he be really so good he will show it now.'

'How can he show it? What can he do?'

'Does he not inherit all the property?'

'Of course he does. And what of that? When I say that I have no friend I am not thinking of my poverty.'

'If he has that regard for you which he pretends, he can do much to assist you. Why should he not come here at once?'

'God forbid.'

'Why? Why do you say so? He is your nearest relative.'

'If you do not understand I cannot explain.'

'Has he been told what has happened?' Mrs Askerton asked.

'Colonel Askerton sent a message to him, I believe.'

'And to Captain Aylmer also?'

'Yes; and to Captain Aylmer. It was Colonel Askerton who sent it.'

'Then he will come, of course.'

'I think not. Why should he come? He did not even know poor papa.'

'But, my dear Clara, has he not known you?'

'You will see that he will not come. And I tell you beforehand that he will be right to stay away. Indeed, I do not know how he could come and I do not want him here.'

'I cannot understand you, Clara.'

'I suppose not. I cannot very well understand myself.'