"Oh! I feel--I feel that I am doing very wrong, but I cannot help
it. I scarcely know myself in this agony of mingled grief,
indignation and terror--yes, terror--for every instinct of my nature
teaches me to distrust and fear that man, in whom my father must
have been greatly deceived before he could have entrusted him with
the guardianship of his only child."
"I think that quite likely," said the old man; "yet, my dear, even
in respect to your dear father's memory, you must try to bear this
trial patiently."
"Oh, yes, I know I must. Dear father, if you can look down and see
me now, forgive your poor Clara, her anger and her impatience. She
will try to be worthy of the rearing you have given her and to bear
even this great trial with the spirit worthy of your daughter!" said
Clara within her own heart; then, speaking up, she said: "You shall
have no more reason to reprove me, Doctor Williams."
"That is my brave girl! That is my dear Clara Day! And now, when
your guardian directs you to prepare yourself for your journey, obey
him--go with him without making any objection. I purpose to arrest
your journey at Staunton with a habeas corpus that he dare not
resist, and which shall compel him to bring you into the Orphans'
Court. There our side shall be heard, and the decision will rest
with the judge."
"And all will be well! Oh, say that, sir! to give me the courage to
act with becoming docility," pleaded Clara.
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