once; if
however you persist in this obstinate behaviour,
remember you are cut off from our wills and we
will not have you in our house, neither will we
receive any letters from you. We are not ones to
encourage foolish suspicions, and are quite in
favour of James. You may write again and tell us
what you intend doing.

Yours affectionate Mother,
ETHELREDA LINCARROL

P. S. We think the less you associate with Helen
Winston the better. Your sisters and brothers are
very upset and sincerely hope you will marry dear
James."

"A most impertinant letter" cried Helen with burning cheeks and flaming
eyes, "I had no idea my aunt was such a cruel, wicked person; I suppose
she is in league with _him_," and she pointed in the direction she
thought most likely Mr. Palsey had taken.

"Oh hush Helen" said Gladys "you really have no right to speak like
that!"

"Yes I have" stormed Helen, "she dares to say I'm off my head; it is far
more likely she is off hers."

"Helen!" cried Gladys "I really wont allow you to say such things about
my mother, it is most rude of you."

"I dont care" replied Helen "if I am to be privately insulted in this
way I declare I wont stand it, I have surely had enough trouble without
this--this----"

Whatever Helen intended to say she got no further, for she quite lost
her self-control and burst out crying, her hot tears falling through her
fingers and dropping on to her patent leather shoes. Poor Helen! it was
indeed sad to have all the miseries of her past life recalled by a few
thoughtless words expressed in a letter.

Gladys who was sympathy itself, jumped up and ran to Helen's side.

Putting her arms round her neck she kissed her, saying as she did so
"never mind Helen dear, dont cry, I should not have hurt your feelings
so, but cheer up and I'll tell you some news which will show you that we
have _some_ friends, who are not on Mr. Palsey's side."

Helen, who quickly got over her fits of sorrow dried her eyes and looked
up.

"What is it?" she asked.

Gladys sat down again and opening her mother's letter said "you know
what Mother says in the post-script, about my sisters and brothers being
very upset and longing for me to marry James?"

"Yes" answered Helen, "but how many have you got, I understood you were
a v