She could not have been much more than twenty; and yet,
as Mrs. Alston took pains to inform her cousin, she had long been
in society, adding, "Its homage is her breath of life, and from
all I hear your friend Munson has had many predecessors. Be on
your guard."
"Your solicitude in my behalf is quite touching," he replied. "Who
is this fair buccaneer that has made so many wrecks and exacts so
heavy a revenue from society? Who has the care of her and what are
her antecedents?"
"She is an orphan, and possessed, I am told, of considerable
property in her own name. A forceless, nerveless maiden aunt is
about the only antecedent we see much of. Her guardian has been
here once or twice, but practically she is independent."
Miss Van Tyne's efforts to learn something concerning Ackland were
apparently quite as casual and indifferent and yet were made with
utmost skill. She knew that Mrs. Alston's friend was something of
a gossip; and she led her to speak of the subject of her thoughts
with an indirect finesse that would have amused the young man
exceedingly could he have been an unobserved witness.
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