If tragedy entered her life she would probably turn it into ridicule.
Wholly without care, whimsical and generous to a degree, if it suited her mood, Louise Merrick possessed a nature capable of great things, either for good or ill.
It was no wonder her unsophisticated country cousin failed to comprehend her, although Beth's intuition was not greatly at fault.
Six o'clock found Beth wide awake, as usual; so she quietly dressed and, taking her book under her arm, started to make her way into the gardens.

Despite Louise's cynicism she had no intention of abandoning her studies.

She had decided to fit herself for a teacher before Aunt Jane's invitation had come to her, and this ambition would render it necessary for her to study hard during vacations.
If she became an heiress she would not need to teach, but she was not at all confident of her prospects, and the girl's practical nature prompted her to carry out her plans until she was sure of the future.
In the hall she met Phibbs, shuffling along as if in pain.
"Good morning, miss," said the old servant.
Beth looked at her thoughtfully.

This was Aunt Jane's special and confidential attendant.
"Do your feet hurt you ?" she asked.
"Yes, miss; in the mornin' they's awful bad.

It's being on 'em all the day, 'tendin' to Miss Jane, you know.