It had been a little hard to return so large a check, but the girl's policy was not to appear before Aunt Jane as a poor relation, but rather as a young lady fitted by social education and position to become a gracious mistress of Elmhurst.

This she believed would give her a powerful advantage over all competitors.
Whether she was right or not in this surmise it is certain that she rose several points in Aunt Jane's estimation during this interview, and when she was dismissed it was so graciously that she told herself the money her little plot had cost had been well expended.
Afterward Elizabeth was summoned to attend her aunt.
"I want to be amused.

Can you read aloud ?" said the invalid.
"Not very well, I'm afraid.

But I'll be glad to try," answered Beth.
"What do you like ?" "Select your own book," said Aunt Jane, pointing to a heap of volumes beside her.
The girl hesitated.

Louise would doubtless have chosen a romance, or some light tale sure to interest for the hour, and so amuse the old lady.