Some other conversation passed between her and her able confidant, but as little more was said on the subject most interesting to us, we will not follow them further.
Annie's evil schemes are already too clearly displayed; her mind unable, as Miss Malison's, to comprehend the exalted nature of Mrs.Hamilton's character, looked upon it with detestation; the more so, as feeling she was ever _acting_--she believed it hypocrisy; that the worth for which even those who visited her not gave her credit, was not her real character, but an artful veil to conceal evil qualities.

The quick penetration of Miss Grahame had even in childhood discovered that she was no favourite, and accustomed to be spoiled and flattered by all with whom she associated, her indignation and dislike towards the only one who would dare treat her differently, look on her as a mere child, rendered ridiculous by affectation, increased with her years.

She soon discovered the influence she possessed over Caroline, and on that, knowing also her faults, she determined to work, and thus effectually destroy the peace of a mother devoted to her children, and prove to the world that the eccentric seclusion of Mr.and Mrs.Hamilton for their children's benefit was productive of no more good, if as much as the plain and in her eyes only useful plan of fashionable education.
In her first scheme she had already succeeded more than she was perhaps conscious.

The affair of St.Eval had clearly and painfully proved to Mr.Hamilton that the fears of his wife the night of Caroline's introduction--those anxious fears, were indeed well founded.

She had sunk beneath temptation; integrity and honour, and every better feeling had been overcome by that inordinate love of power which her mother from the first had seen and dreaded.