 you saw more of her?«
    »She was more reserved with me.«
    »Oh! Miss Dale, I would not be reserved with you.«
    The thrill of the voice caused Lætitia to steal a look. Clara's eyes were
bright, and she had the readiness to run to volubility of the feverstricken;
otherwise she did not betray excitement.
    »You will never allow any of these noble trees to be felled, Miss
Middleton.«
    »The axe is better than decay, do you not think?«
    »I think your influence will be great and always used to good purpose.«
    »My influence, Miss Dale? I have begged a favour this morning and cannot
obtain the grant.«
    It was lightly said, but Clara's face was more significant, and »What?«
leapt from Lætitia's lips.
    Before she could excuse herself, Clara had answered: »My liberty.«
    In another and higher tone Lætitia said: »What?« and she looked round on her
companion; she looked in doubt that is open to conviction by a narrow aperture,
and slowly and painfully yields access. Clara saw the vacancy of her expression
gradually filling with woefulness.
    »I have begged him to release me from my engagement, Miss Dale.«
    »Sir Willoughby?«
    »It is incredible to you. He refuses. You see I have no influence.«
    »Miss Middleton, it is terrible!«
    »To be dragged to the marriage service against one's will? Yes.«
    »Oh! Miss Middleton.«
    »Do you not think so?«
    »That cannot be your meaning.«
    »You do not suspect me of trifling? You know I would not. I am as much in
earnest as a mouse in a trap.«
    »No, you will not misunderstand me! Miss Middleton, such a blow to Sir
Willoughby would be shocking, most cruel! He is devoted to you.«
    »He was devoted to Miss Durham.«
    »Not so deeply: differently.«
    »Was he not very much courted at that time? He is now; not so much: he is
not so young. But my reason for speaking of Miss Durham was to exclaim at the
strangeness of a girl winning her freedom to plunge into wedlock. Is it
comprehensible to you? She flies from one dungeon into another. These are the
acts which astonish men at our conduct, and cause them to ridicule and, I
daresay, despise us.«
    »But, Miss Middleton, for Sir Willoughby to grant such
