But, from present appearances, it would seem that Richard Armour was not wholly a false prophet; for the savage had shown herself that morning to possess, in their crudeness, some striking qualities of character.

Given character, many things are possible, even to those who are not of the elect.
This was the beginning of better things.

Lali seemed to the Armours not quite so impossible now.

Had she been of the very common order of Indian "pure and simple," the task had resolved itself into making a common savage into a very common European.

But, whatever Lali was, it was abundantly evident that she must be reckoned with at all points, and that she was more likely to become a very startling figure in the Armour household than a mere encumbrance to be blushed for, whose eternal absence were preferable to her company.
Years after that first morning Marion caught herself shuddering at the thought that came to her when she saw Lali hovering on the bridge.
Whatever Marion's faults were, she had a fine dislike of anything that seemed unfair.