Even in that moment Clara had repudiated the legacy, feeling sure in her heart that Frederic Aylmer was aware what was the nature of the care which he ought to owe, if he would consent to owe any care to her.

He promised his aunt that he would do as she desired him, and it was impossible that Clara should then, aloud, repudiate the compact.

But she said nothing, merely allowing her hand to rest with his beneath the thin, dry hand of the dying woman.

To her aunt, however, when for a moment they were alone together, she showed all possible affection, with thanks and tears, and warm kisses, and prayers for forgiveness as to all those matters in which she had offended.

"My pretty one;--my dear," said the old woman, raising her hand on to the head of the crouching girl, who was hiding her moist eyes on the bed.
Never during her life had her aunt appeared to her in so loving a mood as now, when she was leaving it.