She moved so noiselessly that the
girl did not hear her and for several minutes absolute silence
pervaded the room.
Then, however, Louise in turning a leaf glanced up and saw the head
bent over the embroidery. She laid down her book and drew an open
letter from between the cushions beside her, which she languidly
tossed into the other's lap.
"Who is this woman, mamma?" she asked.
Mrs. Merrick glanced at the letter and then read it carefully through,
before replying.
"Jane Merrick is your father's sister," she said, at last, as she
thoughtfully folded the letter and placed it upon the table.
"Why have I never heard of her before?" enquired the girl, with a
slight accession of interest in her tones.
"That I cannot well explain. I had supposed you knew of your poor
father's sister Jane, although you were so young when he died that it
is possible he never mentioned her name in your presence."
"They were not on friendly terms, you know. Jane was rich, having
inherited a fortune and a handsome country place from a young man whom
she was engaged to marry, but who died on the eve of his wedding day."
"How romantic!" exclaimed Louise.
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