the point of fainting.

'No, dear Maud, I never said anything of the kind; don't be so frightened:
I only said I have formed, from something I know, an ill opinion of her;
and an unprincipled person, under temptation, is capable of a great deal.
But no matter how wicked she may be, you may defy her, simply by assuming
her to be so, and acting with caution; she is cunning and selfish, and
she'll do nothing desperate. But I would give her no opportunity.'

'Oh, dear! Oh, Cousin Monica, don't leave me.'

'My dear, I _can't_ stay; your papa and I--we've had a quarrel. I know
I'm right, and he's wrong, and he'll come to see it soon, if he's left to
himself, and then all will be right. But just now he misunderstands me, and
we've not been civil to one another. I could not think of staying, and he
would not allow you to come away with me for a short visit, which I wished.
It won't last, though; and I do assure you, my dear Maud, I am quite happy
about you now that you are quite on your guard. Just act respecting that
person as if she were capable of any treachery, without showing distrust or
dislike in your manner, and nothing will remain in her power; and write to
me whenever you wish to hear from me, and if I can be of any real use, I
don't care, I'll come: so there's a wise little woman; do as I've said, and
depend upon it everything will go well, and I'll contrive before long to
get that nasty creature away.'

Except a kiss and a few hurried words in the morning when she was leaving,
and a pencilled farewell for papa, there was nothing more from Cousin
Monica for some time.

Knowl was dark again--darker than ever. My father, gentle always to me, was