But when he asked me, I--I didn't--I didn't refuse him." It will be observed that Lady Desmond never once asked her daughter what were her feelings.

It never occurred to her to inquire, even within her own heart, as to what might be most conducive to her child's happiness.

She meant to do her duty by Clara, and therefore resolved at once to put a stop to the whole affair.

She now desisted from her interrogatories, and sitting silent for a while, looked out into the extent of flat ground before the house.

Poor Clara the while sat silent also, awaiting her doom.
"Clara," said the mother at last, "all this must of course be made to cease.