"The answer came like a crash of thunder from a clear sky.
"'By marrying my nephew,' she said, harshly.
"I sprung to my feet in terror. Marry any one! I, who was only a child!
"'My mother would not consent to anything like that, even——'
"'She will be forced to consent!' was the harsh reply. 'My nephew will be here in a week.'
"I found my mother walking her room, wringing her hands and tearing her hair. Her excitement was so great that for a moment I was terrified.
"'Has she told you all, Ida?' she asked, in terror.
"'Yes, mother,' I answered.
"'And did she tell you what this nephew of hers was like?'
"'No,' I replied, greatly puzzled by her manner.