"I do not think even your skill could avail here, aunt. She is not one of those girls you can extinguish with a frown."
"How does she treat you, Elinor? Tell me honestly," said Lady Hampton.
"I can hardly describe it. She is never rude or insolent; if she were, appeal to Sir Oswald would be very easy. She has a grand, lofty way with her—an imperious carriage and bearing that I really think he admires. She ignores me, overlooks me, and there is a scornful gleam in her eyes at times, when she does look at me, which says more plainly than words, 'You married for money.'"
"And you did a very sensible thing, too, my dear. I wish, I only wish I had the management of Miss Darrell; I would break her spirit, if it is to be broken."
"I do not think it is," said Lady Darrell, rising as though she were weary of the discussion. "There is nothing in her conduct that any one could find fault with, yet I feel she is my enemy."
"Wait a while," returned Lady Hampton; "her turn will come."
And from that day the worthy lady tried her best to prejudice Sir Oswald against his proud, beautiful, wayward niece.