"It is generally half past seven when he arrives," said Miss Cramer, smiling mischievously.
"Very well," said Miss Fernly. "When he calls, I will go down into the parlor and interview him."
"I'm sure he would be most delighted," returned the young girl, demurely.
"That's neither here nor there," returned Miss Fernly. "I do not care whether he likes me or not."
[CHAPTER XXVI.]
Miss Fernly had made her resolution. She would interview this man when he came. She would foil him, this fiend in human form, who would wed one young and lovely girl after bringing sorrow to another.
When Miss Fernly made up her mind to a course, nothing could change it.
"What I am about to do is for Hildegarde's good," she told herself grimly. "There will be a few tears at first, but the time will come when she will thank me with all her heart for saving her from such a consummate rascal. The woman of our race have never forgiven men who have deceived other women. Hildegarde should not be an exception to the rule. She is young now, but when she comes to know more about life she will thank me for saving her."
"Now," said her aunt, aloud, depositing herself in the nearest chair, and deliberately removing her hat and mantle, "tell me about this sweetheart of yours."