Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

32. CHAPTER XXXII: CONCLUSION (continued)

'I don't expect it; but perhaps there may be something to be told.'

'Nothing that I need tell specially. You, who know him so well, can imagine what he would say.'

'Dear Will! I am sure he would mean to write what was pleasant.'

Then the matter would have dropped had Clara been so minded but she, in truth, was anxious to be forced to talk about the letter. She wished to be urged by Mary to do that which Will urged her to do or, at least, to learn whether Mary thought that her brother's wish might be gratified without impropriety. 'Don't you think we ought to live here?' she said.

'By all means if you both like it.'

'He is so good so unselfish, that he will only ask me to do what I like best.'

'And which would you like best?'

'I think he ought to live here because it is the old family property. I confess that the name goes for something with me. He says that he would build a new house.'

'Does he think he could have it ready by the time you are married?'

'Ah that is just the difficulty. Perhaps, after all, you had better read his letter. I don't know why I should not show it to you. It will only tell you what you know already that he is the most generous fellow in all the world.' Then Mary read the letter. 'What am I to say to him?' Clara asked. 'It seems so hard to refuse anything to one who is so true, and good, and generous.'

'It is hard.'

'But you see my poor, dear father's death has been so recent.'

'I hardly know,' said Mary, 'how the world feels about such things.'