It was, in fact, something altogether new to her to have a warm and devoted friend, espousing her cause, tendering her protection, and seeking in every way to promote her happiness.

Her father had all his life neglected her.

Her brother, of years and understanding totally inferior to hers, whom she had been compelled to make her husband, had become her mortal enemy.

It is true that, in depriving her of her inheritance and expelling her from her native land, he had been only the tool and instrument of more designing men.

This, however, far from improving the point of view from which she regarded him, made him appear not only hateful, but contemptible too.