But she held her natural agitation under good control and only a round red spot Upon each cheek betrayed her inward excitement as she prettily accepted the invitation.

Beneath their drooping lashes Diana's sagacious eyes read the thoughts of the girl quite accurately.

Miss Von Taer enjoyed disconcerting anyone in any way, and Louise was so simple and unsophisticated that she promised to afford considerable amusement in the future.
By the time Diana had finished her brief call this singular creature had taken the measure of Louise Merrick in every detail, including her assumption of lightness and her various frivolities.

She understood that in the girl were capabilities for good or for evil, as she might be led by a stronger will.

And, musingly, Diana wondered who would lead her.
As for Louise, she was enraptured by her distinguished visitor's condescension and patronage, and her heart bounded at the thought of being admitted to the envied social coterie in which Diana Von Taer shone a bright, particular star.
The second name in the list of John Merrick's nieces was that of Elizabeth De Graf.