"I don't think so, Louisa. She is unhappy from some real or
imaginary cause. That cause it is no doubt in your power to remove."

"But she has no right to imagine causes of offence; and I don't
choose to have people act as she is now acting towards me from mere
imaginary causes. No; let her pout it out, I say. It will teach her
a good lesson."

Louisa spoke with indignant warmth.

"Were you never mistaken?" asked Mrs. Appleton, in a grave tone.

"Of course, I've been mistaken many a time."

"Very well. Have you never been mistaken in reference to another's
action towards you?"

"I presume so."

"And have not such mistakes sometimes given you pain?"

"I cannot recall any instances just at this moment, but I have no
doubt they have."

"Very well. Just imagine yourself in Maria's position; would you not
think it kind in any one to step forward and disabuse you of an
error that was stealing away your peace of mind?"

"Yes; but, Mrs. Appleton, I don't know anything about the cause of
Maria's strange conduct. She may see that in my character or