Regarding Claire as a child, and Walter as a lad of eighteen, the thought that any serious consequence would arise from their intercourse at the Hall had not occurred to her; but now she could not doubt that, on Walter's part, at least, a serious attachment for her daughter had sprung up, and Claire's face and manner told her a similar story.

She was but sixteen, but, having been her mother's companion and friend, she was older than many girls of the same age.

Mrs.Conyers would rather that it had not been so, for she foresaw much sorrow for Claire.

She had thought that her daughter, as a wealthy heiress, would some day make a good match, and Walter, whose fortune, in any case, would be but a small one--for she knew that his father's estates had passed from the family--was a soldier on the side she believed would be the losing one.

Still, she felt that he had earned a right to Claire, and resolved that, come what would, if it turned out that Claire's affections were really given to the lad, she should have her support and championship with her father.
For two days the fever continued, and then the care of his watchers prevailed, and Walter sank into a quiet sleep, from which he awoke sensible and refreshed.
An answer had been received from Mr.Conyers, on the same afternoon that his wife's letter was sent to him.