CHAPTER VIII.
THE OAK.
In the morning, as she narrated the events of the evening, she told her aunt of the acquaintance she had made, and that he had seen her home.
This information did not please the old lady, as, indeed, without knowing any reason, Letty had expected.

Mrs.Wardour knew all about Tom's mother, or thought she did, and knew little good; she knew also that, although her son was a general favorite, her own son had a very poor opinion of him.

On these grounds, and without a thought of injustice to Letty, she sharply rebuked the poor girl for allowing such a fellow to pay her any attention, and declared that, if ever she permitted him so much as to speak to her again, she would do something which she left in a cloud of vaguest suggestion.
Letty made no reply.

She was hurt.

Nor was it any wonder if she judged this judgment of Tom by the injustice of the judge to herself.