Of course, it was a mistake on her part not to have admitted Teresa into her confidence; but, perhaps, she surmised--and no doubt her surmise was correct--that that austere old lady would have incontinently pitched the money out of the window, with the remark that a virtuous girl ought, under no pretext whatever, to accept money which she has not honestly earned.

And then, too, that other point--an artistic career?
That would certainly have encountered vigorous opposition on the part of Teresa.
Why, it was a subject which could not even be broached in her presence.
But the affair was no secret to Teresa, after all.

From the very first she noticed the change that had taken place in Fanny's disposition.

In the girl's mind the idea that she possessed a treasure which would raise her far above her competitors on the path of glory had already taken root.

She had no longer any heart for the simple tasks, the humble pastimes, in which she had rejoiced heretofore.