’You must bridle your tongue, mind, and govern your conduct, and command even your features.  It is hard to practise reserve; but you must—­you must be secret and vigilant.  Try and be in appearance just as usual; don’t quarrel; tell her nothing, if you do happen to know anything, of your father’s business; be always on your guard when with her, and keep your eye upon her everywhere.  Observe everything, disclose nothing—­do you see?’

‘Yes,’ again I whispered.

’You have good, honest servants about you, and, thank God, they don’t like her.  But you must not repeat to them one word I am now saying to you.  Servants are fond of dropping hints, and letting things ooze out in that way, and in their quarrels with her would compromise you—­you understand me?’

‘I do,’ I sighed, with a wild stare.

‘And—­and, Maud, don’t let her meddle with your food.’

Cousin Monica gave me a pale little nod, and looked away.

I could only stare at her; and under my breath I uttered an ejaculation of terror.

’Don’t be so frightened; you must not be foolish; I only wish you to be upon your guard.  I have my suspicions, but I may be quite wrong; your father thinks I am a fool; perhaps I am—­perhaps not; maybe he may come to think as I do.  But you must not speak to him on the subject; he’s an odd man, and never did and never will act wisely, when his passions and prejudices are engaged.’

‘Has she ever committed any great crime?’ I asked, feeling as if I were on the point of fainting.

’No, dear Maud, I never said anything of the kind; don’t be so frightened:  I only said I have formed, from something I know, an ill opinion of her; and an unprincipled person, under temptation, is capable of a great deal.  But no matter how wicked she may be, you may defy her, simply by assuming her to be so, and acting with caution; she is cunning and selfish, and she’ll do nothing desperate.  But I would give her no opportunity.’

‘Oh, dear!  Oh, Cousin Monica, don’t leave me.’

’My dear, I can’t stay; your papa and I—­we’ve had a quarrel.  I know I’m right, and he’s wrong, and he’ll come to see it soon, if he’s left to himself, and then all will be right.  But just now he misunderstands me, and we’ve not been civil to one another.  I could not think of staying, and he would not allow you to come away with me for a short visit, which I wished.  It won’t last, though; and I do assure you, my dear Maud, I am quite happy about you now that you are quite on your guard.  Just act respecting that person as if she were capable of any treachery, without showing distrust or dislike in your manner, and nothing will remain in her power; and write to me whenever you wish to hear from me, and if I can be of any real use, I don’t care, I’ll come:  so there’s a wise little woman; do as I’ve said, and depend upon it everything will go well, and I’ll contrive before long to get that nasty creature away.’