Observe everything, disclose nothing--do you see ?' 'Yes,' again I whispered.
'You have good, honest servants about you, and, thank God, they don't like her.

But you must not repeat to them one word I am now saying to you.
Servants are fond of dropping hints, and letting things ooze out in that way, and in their quarrels with her would compromise you--you understand me ?' 'I do,' I sighed, with a wild stare.
'And--and, Maud, don't let her meddle with your food.' Cousin Monica gave me a pale little nod, and looked away.
I could only stare at her; and under my breath I uttered an ejaculation of terror.
'Don't be so frightened; you must not be foolish; I only wish you to be upon your guard.

I have my suspicions, but I may be quite wrong; your father thinks I am a fool; perhaps I am--perhaps not; maybe he may come to think as I do.

But you must not speak to him on the subject; he's an odd man, and never did and never will act wisely, when his passions and prejudices are engaged.' 'Has she ever committed any great crime ?' I asked, feeling as if I were on the point of fainting.
'No, dear Maud, I never said anything of the kind; don't be so frightened: I only said I have formed, from something I know, an ill opinion of her; and an unprincipled person, under temptation, is capable of a great deal.
But no matter how wicked she may be, you may defy her, simply by assuming her to be so, and acting with caution; she is cunning and selfish, and she'll do nothing desperate.

But I would give her no opportunity.' 'Oh, dear! Oh, Cousin Monica, don't leave me.' 'My dear, I _can't_ stay; your papa and I--we've had a quarrel.