Mrs.Drumblade accepted the position thus offered with the most amiable readiness.

In her own private mind she placed an interpretation on her brother's motives which did him the grossest injustice.

She believed that Hardyman's designs on Isabel contemplated the most profligate result.

To assist this purpose, while the girl's nearest relative was supposed to be taking care of her, was Mrs.
Drumblade's idea of "fun." Her worst enemies admitted that the honorable Lavia had redeeming qualities, and owned that a keen sense of humor was one of her merits.
Was Miss Pink a likely person to resist the fascinations of Mrs.
Drumblade?
Alas, for the ex-schoolmistress! before she had been five minutes at the farm, Hardyman's sister had fished for her, caught her, landed her.

Poor Miss Pink! Mrs.Drumblade could assume a grave dignity of manner when the occasion called for it.