y out of it.

"It is as pretty a specimen," she said, "as I ever knew of malice and
eaves-dropping combined."

"Don't use such hard words, my dear."

"Look at her words to us," said Priscilla. "What business has she to
talk to you about the credit of the family and abominable disgrace?
You have held your head up in poverty, while she has been rolling in
money."

"She has been very good to Hugh,--and now to Dorothy."

"If I were Dorothy I would have none of her goodness. She likes some
one to trample on,--some one of the name to patronise. She shan't
trample on you and me, mamma."

Then there was a discussion as to what should be done; or rather
a discourse in which Priscilla explained what she thought fit to
do. Nothing, she decided, should be said to Mrs. Trevelyan on the
subject; but an answer should be sent to Aunt Stanbury. Priscilla
herself would write this answer, and herself would sign it. There was
some difference of opinion on this point, as Mrs. Stanbury thought
that if she might be allowed to put her name to it, even though
Priscilla should write it, the wording of it would be made, in some
degree, mild,--to suit her own character. But her daughter was
imperative, and she gave way.

"It shall be mild enough in words," said Priscilla, "and very short."

Then she wrote her letter as follows:--

Nuncombe Putney, August 1, 186--.

DEAR AUNT STANBURY,

You have found a mare's nest. The gentleman you speak of
has never been here at all, and the people who bring you
news have probably hoaxed you. I don't think that mamma
has ever disgraced the family, and you can have no reason
for thinking that she ever will. You should, at any rate,
be sure of what you are saying before you make such cruel
accusations.

Yours truly,

PRISCILLA STANBURY.

P.S.--Another gentleman did call here,--not to see Mrs.
Trevelyan; but I suppose mamma's house need not be closed
against all visitors.

Poor Dorothy had passed evil hours from the moment in which her
aunt had so far certified herself as to Colonel Osborne's visit to
Nuncombe as to make her feel it to be incumbent on her to interfere.
After much consideration Miss Stanbury had told her niece the
dreadful news, and had told also what she intended to do. Dorothy,
who was in truth horrified at the iniquity of the fact which was
related, and who never dreamed of doubting the truth of her aunt's
information, hardly kn