‘She is Mrs Askerton,’ said Clara.

’As to that I do not profess to know, and I dare say that you are no wiser than myself.  But what she has been we do know.’  Here Lady Aylmer raised her voice and continued to speak with all the eloquence which assumed indignation could give her.  ’What she has been we do know, and I ask you, as a duty which I own to my son, whether you have put an end to your acquaintance with so very disreputable a person a person whom even to have known is a disgrace?’

‘I know her, and’

’Stop one minute, if you please.  My questions are these Have you put an end to that acquaintance?  Are you ready to give a promise that it shall never be resumed?

’I have not put an end to that acquaintance or rather that affectionate friendship as I should call it, and I am ready to promise that it shall be maintained with all my heart.’

‘Belinda, do you hear her?’

‘Yes, mamma.’  And Belinda slowly shook her head, which was now bowed lower than ever over her lap.

‘And that is your resolution?’

‘Yes, Lady Aylmer; that is my resolution.’

‘And you think that becoming to you, as a young woman?’

‘Just so; I think that becoming to me as a young woman.’

’Then let me tell you, Miss Amedroz, that I differ from you altogether altogether.’  Lady Aylmer, as she repeated the last word, raised her folded hands as though she were calling upon heaven to witness how thoroughly she differed from the young woman!

’I don’t see how I am to help that, Lady Aylmer.  I dare say we may differ on many subjects.’

’I dare say we do.  I dare say we do.  And I need not point out to you how very little that would be a matter of regret to me but for the hold you have upon my unfortunate son.’

‘Hold upon him, Lady Aylmer!  How dare you insult me by such language?’ Hereupon Belinda again jumped in her chair; but Lady Aylmer looked as though she enjoyed the storm.

’You undoubtedly have a hold upon him, Miss Amedroz, and I think that it is a great misfortune.  Of course, when he hears what your conduct is with reference to this person, he will release himself from his entanglement.’

‘He can release himself from his entanglement whenever he chooses,’ said Clara, rising from her chair.  ’Indeed, he is released.  I shall let Captain Aylmer know that our engagement must be at an end, unless he will promise that I shall never in future be subjected to the unwarrantable insolence of his mother.’  Then she walked off to the door, not regarding, and indeed not hearing, the parting shot that was fired at her.