Lady Aylmer is not a woman who will give you her heart at once, simply because you have become her son's wife.

She will judge you by your own qualities, and will not scruple to condemn you should she see cause." Then there was a longer silence, and Clara's heart was almost in rebellion even on this, the first day of her engagement.

But she quelled her high spirit, and said no further word about Lady Aylmer.
Nor did she speak again till she had enabled herself to smile as she spoke.
"Well, Fred," she said, putting her hand upon his arm, "I'll do my best, and woman can do no more.

And now I'll say good night, for I must pack for to-morrow's journey before I go to bed." Then he kissed her,--with a cold, chilling kiss,--and she left him for the night..