'
'You know what I mean,' said Alethea, 'and pray do not be displeased
if I ask you not to make it difficult for Marianne to behave
properly.'
Jane drew up her head and went back to her place. She played no more
tricks that day, but as soon as the guests were gone, began telling
Lilias how Miss Weston had been meddling and scolding her.
'And well you must have deserved it,' said Lily.
'I do not say that Jenny was right,' said Emily, 'but I think Miss
Weston might allow me to correct my own sister in my own house.'
'You correct Jane!' cried Lily, and Jane laughed.
'I only mean,' said Emily, 'that it was not very polite, and papa
says the closest friendship is no reason for dispensing with the
rules of politeness.'
'Certainly not,' said Lily, 'the rules of politeness are rules of
love, and it was in love that Alethea spoke; she sees how sadly we
are left to ourselves, and is kind enough to speak a word in season.'
'Perhaps,' said Jane, 'since it was in love that she spoke, you would
like to have her for our reprover for ever, and I can assure you more
unlikely things have happened. I have heard it from one who can
judge.'
'Let me hear no more of this,' said Emily, 'it is preposterous and
ridiculous, and very disrespectful to papa.
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