And I blame myself also for
leaving my husband to that influence; but I little thought he was so
ill--so near his end; nor did I suspect his brother of being so designing
a man."
"Mamma, you quite mistake in regard to both," exclaimed Evelyn, in a
pained, indignant tone; "Uncle Lester is not a designing person, and
papa's mind was not in the least enfeebled by his illness."
"No, of course not; it can not be doubted that a child of your age is far
more capable of judging than a woman of mine," was the sarcastic
rejoinder.
"Mamma, please do not speak so unkindly to me," entreated the little
girl, unbidden tears springing to her eyes; "you know you are all I have
now."
"No, you have your dear Uncle Lester and Aunt Elsie, and I foresee that
they will soon steal your heart entirely away from your mother."
"Mamma, how can you speak such cruel words to me?" cried Evelyn. "I would
not hurt you so for all the world."
CHAPTER VI.
"Farewell; God knows when we shall meet again."
SHAKSPEARE.
Laura said no more about breaking the will, but her manner toward Lester
and Elsie was so cold and repellant that they were not sorry that she
shut herself up in her own room during the greater part of each day while
they and she remained at Crag Cottage.
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