CHAPTER XI.
SECOND LOVE.
On the day after Clara's departure, Herbert did, as a matter of course, make his promised visit at Desmond Court.

It was on that day that Sir Thomas had been driving about in the pony-carriage with Lady Fitzgerald, as Richard had reported.

Herbert had been with his father in the morning, and then having seen him and his mother well packed up in their shawls and cloaks, had mounted his horse and ridden off.
"I may be kept some time," said he, "as I have promised to go on to Clady, and see after that soup kitchen." "I shouldn't wonder if Herbert became attached to Clara Desmond," said the mother to Sir Thomas, soon after they had begun their excursion.
"Do you think so ?" said the baronet; and his tone was certainly not exactly that of approbation.
"Well, yes; I certainly do think it probable.

I am sure he admires her, and I think it very likely to come to more.

Would there be any objection ?" "They are both very young," said Sir Thomas.
"But in Herbert's position will not a young marriage be the best thing for him ?" "And she has no fortune; not a shilling.