He is the nearest relation I shall have; and of all the people I ever knew he is the best, and the most generous, and the least selfish.

When he came to us papa was quite hostile to him--disliking his very name; but when the time came, papa could not bear to think of his going, because he had been so good." "Clara!" "Well, aunt." "I hope you know my affection for you." "Of course I do, aunt; and I hope you trust mine for you also." "Is there anything between you and Mr.Belton besides cousinship ?" "Nothing." "Because if I thought that, my trouble would of course be at an end." "There is nothing;--but pray do not let me be a trouble to you." Clara, for a moment, almost resolved to tell her aunt the whole truth; but she remembered that she would be treating her cousin badly if she told the story of his rejection.
There was another short period of silence, and then Mrs.Winterfield went on.

"Frederic thinks that I should make some provision for you by will.

That, of course, is the same as though he offered to do it himself.

I told him that it would be so, and I read him my will last night.