Since Reuben had made her conscious that she was robbing them, she had gone nearer to an active hatred than ever before.

And, indeed, hatred in such a case is the most natural outcome; for it is little else than the soul's perverse attempt to justify to itself its own evil desire.
David, however, when once his rage over Hannah's latest offence had cooled, behaved to his aunt much as he had done before it.

He was made placable by his secret hopes, and touched by Reuben's advances--though of these last he took no practical account whatever; and he must wait for his letter.

So he went back ungraciously to his daily tasks.

Meanwhile he and Louie, on the strength of the great _coup_ in prospect, were better friends than they had ever been, and his consideration for her went up as he noticed that, when she pleased, the reckless creature could keep a secret 'as close as wax.' The weeks, however, passed away, and still no letter came for David.