She determined, therefore, to wait till she had seen Annie; and that interview rendered her more miserable, excited still more her indignation against her parents and brother, and strengthened the feelings of devoted affection with which she fancied she regarded Lord Alphingham.

Annie's continued notes confirmed these feelings; under the specious intention of soothing Caroline's wounded pride, it was very easy for her to disguise her repeated insinuations of Mr.and Mrs.
Hamilton's injustice and caprice towards the Viscount, and tyranny towards herself.

The veil she had thrown over Caroline's sober judgment became thicker and more blinding, and Caroline could sometimes scarcely restrain even before her parents the indignation which so continually filled her heart.
Mrs.Hamilton was ignorant of the communications that were so constantly passing between Annie and her daughter, or she might perhaps have put a stop to them.

Caroline's own maid, Fanny, had been persuaded to become the means of receiving and sending their intelligence in secret.

The conscience of the girl reproached her more than once, but the idea was so improbable that Miss Caroline could act improperly, that she continued faithful to her wishes, even against her better judgment.
Lord Alphingham's ready penetration was puzzled at the change of manner in both Mr.Hamilton and his daughter.