CHAPTER XIX.
DUPLICITY.
Aunt Jane had a bad night, as might have been expected after her trials of the previous day.
She sent for Patricia early in the forenoon, and when the girl arrived she was almost shocked by the change in her aunt's appearance.

The invalid's face seemed drawn and gray, and she lay upon her cushions breathing heavily and without any appearance of vitality or strength.
Even the sharpness and piercing quality of her hard gray eyes was lacking and the glance she cast at her niece was rather pleading than defiant.
"I want you to reconsider your decision of yesterday, Patricia," she begun.
"Don't ask me to do that, aunt," replied the girl, firmly.

"My mind is fully made up." "I have made mistakes, I know," continued the woman feebly; "but I want to do the right thing, at last." "Then I will show you how," said Patricia, quickly.

"You mustn't think me impertinent, aunt, for I don't mean to be so at all.

But tell me; why did you wish to leave me your money ?" "Because your nature is quite like my own, child, and I admire your independence and spirit." "But my cousins are much more deserving," said she, thoughtfully.
"Louise is very sweet and amiable, and loves you more than I do, while Beth is the most sensible and practical girl I have ever known." "It may be so," returned Aunt Jane, impatiently; "but I have left each a legacy, Patricia, and you alone are my choice for the mistress of Elmhurst.