"The Golden Woman: A Story of the Montana Hills" by Ridgwell Cullum is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around the complex relationships between an elderly woman named Mercy Lascelles, a crystal-gazer with a harsh demeanor, and her niece Joan Stanmore, a beautiful and independent young woman. The narrative hints at themes of curse and destiny, as Mercy believes that Joan is a pariah whose very existence brings disaster to those around her. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Mercy Lascelles, who is portrayed as a cold and unyielding crystal-gazer, and her young niece, Joan, who has chosen to live with her aunt despite the latter's unpleasantness. As they converse, the tension between them escalates, particularly when Mercy reveals her harsh predictions about Joan's recent suitor, Dick Sorley. This exchange raises questions about the fate that has befallen Joan's past lovers, leading to a dire accusation that she is responsible for their misfortunes. The emotional weight of the aunt's bitterness and the niece's desperation sets the stage for a narrative that combines elements of tragedy, familial ties, and the quest for understanding amidst supernatural beliefs. (This is an automatically generated summary.)