Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

30. CHAPTER XXX: MARY BELTON (continued)

'Of course I understand all about it,' said Mrs Askerton; 'and let me tell you this that if it is not all settled within a week from his coming here, I shall think that you are without a heart. He is to be knocked about, and cuffed, and kept from his work, and made to run up and down between here and Norfolk, because you cannot bring yourself to confess that you have been a fool.'

'I have never said that I have not been a fool,' said Clara.

'You have made a mistake as young women will do sometimes, even when they are as prudent and circumspect as you are and now you don't quite like the task of putting it right.'

It was all true, and Clara knew that it was true. The putting right of mistakes is never pleasant; and in this case it was so unpleasant that she could not bring herself to acknowledge that it must be done. And yet, I think that, by this time, she was aware of the necessity.