She laid down her book and drew an open letter from between the cushions beside her, which she languidly tossed into the other's lap.
"Who is this woman, mamma ?" she asked.
Mrs.Merrick glanced at the letter and then read it carefully through, before replying.
"Jane Merrick is your father's sister," she said, at last, as she thoughtfully folded the letter and placed it upon the table.
"Why have I never heard of her before ?" enquired the girl, with a slight accession of interest in her tones.
"That I cannot well explain.

I had supposed you knew of your poor father's sister Jane, although you were so young when he died that it is possible he never mentioned her name in your presence." "They were not on friendly terms, you know.

Jane was rich, having inherited a fortune and a handsome country place from a young man whom she was engaged to marry, but who died on the eve of his wedding day." "How romantic!" exclaimed Louise.
"It does seem romantic, related in this way," replied her mother.

"But with the inheritance all romance disappeared from your aunt's life.
She became a crabbed, disagreeable woman, old before her time and friendless because she suspected everyone of trying to rob her of her money.

Your poor father applied to her in vain for assistance, and I believe her refusal positively shortened his life.