But Clara understood this benignity, and disliked it.
It was, however, now necessary that everything should be told.
Herbert had declared that he should at once inform his father and mother, and obtain their permission for his marriage.

He spoke of it as a matter on which there was no occasion for any doubt or misgiving.

He was an only son, he said, and trusted and loved in everything.

His father never opposed him on any subject whatever; and would, he was sure, consent to any match he might propose.

"But as to you," he added, with a lover's flattering fervour, "they are all so fond of you, they all think so much of you, that my only fear is that I shall be jealous.