It was after Eunice had married that Miss Ames became interested
in mystics and with a few of her friends in Boston had formed a
circle for the pursuance of the cult.

Her life had otherwise been empty, indeed, for the girl had given
her occupation a-plenty, and that removed, Miss Abby felt a vague
want of interest.

Eunice Ames had not been easy to manage. Nor was Miss Abby Ames
the best one to be her manager.

The girl was headstrong and wilful, yet possessed of such
winsome, persuasive wiles that she twisted her aunt round her
finger.

Then, too, her quick temper served as a rod and many times Miss
Ames indulged the girl against her better judgment lest an
unpleasant explosion of wrath should occur and shake her nervous
system to its foundation. So Eunice grew up, an uncurbed,
untamed, self-willed and self-reliant girl, making up her
quarrels as fast as she picked them and winning friends
everywhere in spite of her sharp tongue.

And so, on this occasion, neither of the combatants held rancor
more than a few minutes. Eunice went on writing letters and Miss
Abby went on reading her paper, until at five o'clock, Ferdinand
the butler brought in the tea-things.

"Goody!" cried Eunice, jumping up. "I do want some tea, don't