There were two lines of a postscript, which could not but flatter him:--"Papa is so anxious for Christmas, that you may be here again;--and so, indeed, am I also." Of course it will be understood that this was written before Clara's visit to Perivale, and before Mrs.Winterfield's death.

Indeed, much happened in Clara's history between the writing of that letter and Will Belton's winter visit to the Castle.
But Christmas came at last, all too slowly for Will;--and he started on his journey.

On this occasion he arranged to stay a week in London, having a lawyer there whom he desired to see; and thinking, perhaps, that a short time spent among the theatres might assist him in his love troubles..