And then the conversation was at an end.

Clara had not been quite ingenuous, as she acknowledged to herself.

She was aware that her aunt would not permit herself to repeat rumours as to the truth of which she had no absolute knowledge.

She understood that the weakness of her aunt's caution was due to the old lady's sense of charity and dislike of slander.

But Clara had buckled on her armour for Mrs.Askerton, and was glad, therefore, to achieve her little victory.