So the bell was rung, and the old maid-servant walked off with her mistress, and Miss Amedroz and Captain Aylmer were left together.
"I don't think she will last long," said Captain Aylmer, soon after the door was closed.
"I should be sorry to believe that; but she is certainly much altered." "She has great courage to keep her up,--and a feeling that she should not give way, but do her duty to the last.

In spite of all that, however, I can see how changed she is since the summer.

Have you ever thought how sad it will be if she should be alone when the day comes ?" "She has Martha, who is more to her now than any one else,--unless it is you." "You could not remain with her over Christmas, I suppose ?" "Who, I?
What would my father do?
Papa is as old, or nearly as old, as my aunt." "But he is strong." "He is very lonely.

He would be more lonely than she is, for he has no such servant as Martha to be with him.

Women can do better than men, I think, when they come to my aunt's age." From this they got into a conversation as to the character of the lady with whom they were both so nearly connected, and, in spite of all that Clara could do to prevent it, continual references were made by Captain Aylmer to her money and her will, and the need of an addition to that will on Clara's behalf.