h Austin--very much vexed with your father; in
short, I can't conceive anything so entirely preposterous, and dangerous,
and insane as his conduct, now that his eyes are quite opened, and I must
say a word to you before I go, and it is just this:--you must cease to be a
mere child, you must try and be a woman, Maud: now don't be frightened
or foolish, but hear me out. That woman--what does she call
herself--Rougierre? I have reason to believe is--in fact, from
circumstances, _must_ be your enemy; you will find her very deep, daring,
and unscrupulous, I venture to say, and you can't be too much on your
guard. Do you quite understand me, Maud?'

'I do,' said I, with a gasp, and my eyes fixed on her with a terrified
interest, as if on a warning ghost.

'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