letter, which roused her to a pitch of anger such as Wilford Cameron had
never imagined when he wrote the offensive lines. He had really no
intention of insulting her. On the contrary, the gift of money was
kindly meant, for he knew very well that Uncle Ephraim was poor, while
the part referring to the dressmaker was wholly his mother's
proposition, to which he had acceded, knowing how much confidence Juno
had in her taste, and that whatever she might see at the farmhouse would
remain a secret with her, or at most be confined to the ears of his
mother and sisters. He wished Katy to look well, and foolishly fancying
that no country artiste could make her look so, he consented to Mrs.
Ryan's going, never suspecting the storm of anger it would rouse in
Helen, whose first impulse was to throw the check into the fire. Her
second, however, was soberer. She would not destroy it, nor tell any one
she had it but Morris--he should know the whole. Accordingly, without a
word to any one, she repaired to Linwood, finding Morris at home, and
startling him with the vehemence of her anger as she explained the
nature of her errand.

"If I disliked Wilford Cameron before, I hate him now. Yes, hate him,"
she said, stamping her little foot in fury.

"Why, Helen!" Morris exclaimed, laying his hand reprovingly on her
shoulder. "Is this the right spirit for one who professes better things?
Stop a moment and think."

"I know it is wrong," Helen answered, the tears glittering in her eyes;
"but somehow since he came after Katy, I have grown so hard, so wicked
toward Mr. Cameron. He seems so proud, so unapproachable. Say, Cousin
Morris, do you think him a good man--that is, good enough for Katy?"