"Yes," and Mrs. Montague looked slightly ashamed of her confession; "I
imagine you think I am somewhat unjust to allow my prejudice to extend to
you on that account, and I know I am; but the power of association is
very strong, and I did hate that girl with all my heart."

Mona was trying to acquire courage to ask what reason she could have
for hating any one who looked so gentle and inoffensive, when the woman
resumed, with some embarrassment:

"Louis scolded me for the feeling when I mentioned it to him--he is not
tainted in any such way, I assure you. Do you know, Ruth," with a little
laugh of assumed amusement, "that he is very fond of you?"

Mona's face was all ablaze in an instant--her eyes likewise, although she
was greatly surprised to learn that the young man had betrayed his liking
for her to his aunt.

"I trust that Mr. Hamblin has not led you to believe that I have ever
encouraged any such feeling on his part," she coldly remarked.

"I know that you have been very modest and judicious, Ruth; but what
if I should tell you that the knowledge of his preference does not
displease me; that, on the whole, I rather approve of his regard for
you?" questioned Mrs. Montague, observing her closely.

"From what you told me a moment ago, I should suppose you would feel
anything but approval," Mona replied, without being able to conceal her
scorn of this sanction to Louis Hamblin's presumption.

"What do you mean?" demanded her companion, with some sharpness.