Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

22. CHAPTER XXII: PASSIONATE PLEADING (continued)

Clara met him in the hall, and at once led him into the room which she had prepared for him. He had given her his hand in the hall, but did not speak to her till she had spoken to him after the closing of the room door behind them. 'I thought that you would come' she said, still holding him by the hand.

'I did not know what to do,' he answered. 'I couldn't say which was best. Now I am here I shall only be in your way.' He did not dare to press her hand, nor could he bring himself to take his away from her.

'In my way yes; as an angel, to tell me what to do in my trouble. I knew you would come, because you are so good. But you will have breakfast see, I have got it ready for you.'

'Oh no; I breakfasted at Redicote. I would not trouble you.'

'Trouble me, Will! Oh, Will, if you knew!' Then there came tears in her eyes, and at the sight of them both his own were filled. How was he to stand it? To take her to his bosom and hold her there for always; to wipe away her tears so that she should weep no more; to devote himself and all his energy and all that was his comfort to her this he could have done; but he knew not how to do anything short of this. Every word that she spoke to him was an encouragement to this, and yet he knew that it could not be so. To say a word of his love, or even to look it, would now be an unmanly insult. And yet, how was he not to look it not to speak of it? 'It is such a comfort that you should be here with me,' she said.

'Then I am glad I am here, though I do not know what I can do. Did he suffer much, Clara?'

'No, I think not; very little. He sank at last quicker than I expected, but just as I thought he would go. He used to speak of you so often, and. always with regard and esteem!'