on her."

This remark was so characteristic of Rachel, that Mrs. Crump did not
attach any special importance to it. Rachel, of course, had no
grounds for the opinion she so confidently expressed. It was
consistent, however, with her general estimate of human nature.

"What object could she have in inventing such a story?"

"What object? Hundreds of 'em," said Rachel, rather indefinitely.
"Mark my words, if you let her carry off Ida, it'll be the last
you'll ever see of her."

"Try to look on the bright side, Rachel. Nothing is more natural
than that her mother should want to see her."

"Why couldn't she come herself?" muttered Rachel.

"The letter explains."

"I don't see that it does."

"It says that the same reasons exist for concealment as ever."

"And what are they, I should like to know? I don't like mysteries,
for my part."

"We won't quarrel with them, at any rate, since they enable us to
keep Ida with us."