That she was aware of something to Caroline's disadvantage appeared very evident, and that she was not the favourite she had been last year equally so.

St.Eval left her more disturbed than ever, and it was on returning from his long yet hurried ride he had sought his sister in the mood we have described.
Lady Gertrude listened with earnest attention.

The tale startled her, but she disliked the very sight of Lord Alphingham; she believed him to be a bad, designing man.

She felt convinced Caroline did love her brother, much as appearances were against her; and both these feelings urged her to sift the whole matter carefully, and not permit the happiness of two individuals to be sacrificed to what might be but the idle invention or exaggerations of a bad man.

Her ready mind instantly formed its plan, which calmly but earnestly she imparted to her brother, and implored his consent to act upon it.