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HILIPPA was humbled in the dust, metaphorically speaking. Literally she had tried to throw herself at her aunt's feet in her despair, but Mrs. Ford, averse to theatricals for home consumption, merely remarked that "in tragedy she preferred Duse and Mrs. Fiske." This heartlessness had the effect to precipitate a Niagara of tears.

Mrs. Ford waited quietly until the paroxysm passed, to take up the thread of her remarks.

"I suppose you are aware that this disreputable affair of yours has been kept from the papers only by the greatest effort, and by the use of money and influence. That's why you are in this house instead of the jail. I'm sure I don't know why I allow you to stay here—I'm by far too soft-hearted. You will remember I told 286