Why did Miss Worthington ask the question?
'Lina did not stop to consider the propriety or impropriety of making so free with a stranger, and unhesitatingly repeated what Ellen Tiffton had told her of the ambrotype.

This, of course, compelled her to speak of Adah, who, she said, came to them under very suspicious circumstances, and was cared for by her eccentric brother, Hugh.
In spite of the look of entreaty visible on Mrs.Worthington's face, 'Lina said: "To be candid with you, Miss Johnson, I'm afraid you won't like Hugh.

He has many good traits, but I am sorry to say we have never succeeded in cultivating him one particle, so that he is very rough and boorish in his manner, and will undoubtedly strike you unfavorably.

I may as well tell you this, as you will probably hear it from Ellen Tiffton, and must know it when you see him.

He is not popular with the ladies; he hates them all, he says.