Mrs.Mel crushed her venomous niece.
'What have you to do with such things?
Shine in your own affairs first, Ann, before you meddle with others.' Relieved at hearing that 'Melchisedec' was painted out, and unsuspicious of the announcement that should replace it, the Countess asked Mrs.
Wishaw if she thought Evan like her dear Papa.
'So like,' returned the lady, 'that I would not be alone with him yet, for worlds.

I should expect him to be making love to me: for, you know, my dear--I must be familiar--Mel never could be alone with you, without! It was his nature.

I speak of him before marriage.

But, if I can trust myself with him, I shall take charge of Mr.Evan, and show him some London society.' 'That is indeed kind,' said the Countess, glad of a thick veil for the utterance of her contempt.

'Evan, though--I fear--will be rather engaged.