He went to the cottage once, with the special object of returning the Colonel's call; but the master was out, and he was not specially invited in to see the mistress.

He said nothing more to Clara about her friends, but he thought of the matter more than once, as he was going about the place, and became aware that he would like to ascertain whether there was a mystery, and if so, what was its nature.

He knew that he did not like Mrs.Askerton, and he felt also that Mrs.Askerton did not like him.

This was, as he thought, unfortunate; for might it not be the case, that in the one matter which was to him of so much importance, Mrs.Askerton might have considerable influence over Clara?
During these days nothing special was said between him and Clara.

The last evening passed over without anything to brighten it or to make it memorable.