I read them as the index to a whole volume of scheming selfishness.

The man is unsound at the core." Aunt Grace was tempted by the unruffled exterior of her niece to speak thus strongly.

Her words went deeper than she had expected.
Fanny's face crimsoned instantly to the very temples, and an indignant light flashed in her soft blue eyes.
"Objects often take their colour from the medium through which we see them," she said quickly, and in a voice considerably disturbed, looking, as she spoke, steadily and meaningly at her aunt.
"And so you think the hue is in the medium, and not in the object ?" said Aunt Grace, her tone a little modified.
"In the present instance, I certainly do," answered Fanny, with some ardour.
"Ah, child! child!" returned her aunt, "this may be quite as true in your case as in mine.

Neither of us may see the object in its true colour.

You will, at least, admit this to be possible." "Oh, yes." "And suppose you see it in a false colour ?" "Well ?" Fanny seemed a little bewildered.
"Well?
And what then ?" Aunt Grace gazed steadily upon the countenance of Fanny, until her eyes drooped to the floor.