Aunt Sally acknowledged the introduction with a stately bow. Her apparel was of the fashion of a quarter of a century ago.
“Am very glad to see you, suh,” she said, addressing Vance. “I understand you are interested with my brother in his mine. I can give you, Mr. Gilder, some very excellent advice; I can, indeed, suh, but I will defer it until some other time.” Then turning to Louise, she said, “Do you know where your par’s gone?”
“I do not,” replied Louise, sweetly, “I think he will be here in a few moments.”
“I just allow he’s grub-stakin’ some of them pesky prospectin’ miners again,” cried Aunt Sally. “Mr. Gilder,” she continued, “I have to watch over my brother very closely, I do, indeed, suh. He’s been plantin’ money all over these mountains for many years, but there’s no crop ever been harvested. I allow I’ll give him a piece of my mind when he comes home.” Saying this, she turned and disappeared into the house. Louise was evidently confused, and regretted her aunt’s words, while Vance was at a loss to understand the import of the spinster s remarks.
"I am very sorry, Mr. Gilder,” said Louise—and he noticed she was trembling like a frightened bird—“sorry that Aunt Sally should so far forget herself as to speak so before a stranger.”
Vance declared there was no reason for being disturbed, but Louise was not wholly reassured by his words. “I know papa will be very angry with Aunt Sally.”
“There surely is no cause for that,” replied Vance.