Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

28. CHAPTER XXVIII: MISS AMEDROZ IS PURSUED (continued)

'I am sorry to hear you speak in this way. I have come here all the way from Yorkshire to try to put things straight between us; but you receive me as though you would remember nothing but that unpleasant quarrel.'

'It was so unpleasant so very unpleasant! I had better speak out the truth at once. I think that Lady Aylmer ill-used me cruelly. I do. No one can talk me out of that conviction. Of course I am sorry to be driven to say as much to you and I should never have said it, had you not come here. But when you speak of me and your mother together, I must say what I feel. Your mother and I, Captain Aylmer, are so opposed to each other, not only in feeling, but in opinions also, that it is impossible that we should be friends impossible that we should not be enemies if we are brought together.'

This she said with great energy, looking intently into his face as she spoke. He was seated near her, on a chair from which he was leaning over towards her, holding his hat in both hands between his legs. Now, as he listened to her, he drew his chair still nearer, ridding himself of his hat, which he left upon the carpet, and keeping his eyes upon hers as though he were fascinated. 'I am sorry to hear you speak like this,' he said.

'It is best to say the truth.'

'But, Clara, if you intend to be my wife'

'Oh, no that is impossible now.' 'What is impossible?'

'Impossible that I should become your wife. Indeed I have convinced myself that you do not wish it.'

'But I do wish it.'

'No no. If you will question your heart about it quietly, you will find that you do not wish it.'

'You wrong me, Clara.'

'At any rate it cannot be so.'