Page:Authors daughter v1.djvu/91

Rh your own responsibilities too. I would be very dishonorable conduct, considering that has given you no cause of complain, and has as you say been as silent as to his success as you could wish. As for any attentions you may have met with here, I assure you that they mean nothing, absolutely nothing. You are known to be the daughter of the poorest and most extravagant peer in Great Britain, who has no political influence whatever, and no man in his senses would think of falling in love with you unless it was some one circumstanced like Mr. Derrick."

"Why did you tell me to take care, then, if there was no danger of anyone being insane enough to care about me?" said Eveline indignantly.

"Oh! these are words of course which I address to every young girl under my care whom I see flirting with such people. Gerald Staunton does no really care about you any more than you do about him; but I am really very glad to hear of this engagement."

Eveline was hurt at her aunt's supposing that she had given more affection than was felt for her; her pride was roused at the humiliating idea, and her manners to Gerald changed. He thought she had had a lesson from her aunt and was acting upon it. It was very proper certainly that she should grow cold to him, and much