Nothing definite enough to arouse her curiosity had ever been said in her hearing; and such references to those matters as she found in her reading passed her by, as any matter of which he has not the beginnings of knowledge will fail to arrest the attention of any reader.

It was generally assumed that she knew all about her origin, that someone had, some time or other, told her.

Even her Aunt Fanny thought so, thought she was hiding the knowledge deep in her heart, explained in that way her content with the solitude of books and sewing.
Susan was the worst possible influence in Ruth's life.

Our character is ourself, is born with us, clings to us as the flesh to our bones, persists unchanged until we die.

But upon the circumstances that surround us depends what part of our character shall show itself.