'
'Yes,' said Mr. Devereux, 'I think the fault I speak of is most
evident; when there is occasion to reprove her, I am always baffled
by a kind of levity which makes every warning glance aside.'
'Then I should decidedly say refuse her,' said Mr. Mohun. 'It would
be a warning that she could not disregard, and the best chance of
improving her.'
'Yet,' said Mr. Devereux, 'if she is eager for confirmation, and
regards it in its proper light, it is hard to say whether it is right
to deny it to her; it may give her the depth and earnestness which
she needs.'
'Poor child,' said Mr. Mohun, 'she has great disadvantages; I am
quite sure our present system is not fit for her. Things shall be
placed on a different footing, and in another year or two I hope she
may be fitter for confirmation. However, before you finally decide,
I should wish to have some conversation with her, and speak to you
again.
'That is just what I wish,' said Mr. Devereux.
CHAPTER XII--THE FEVER
'Jane borrowed maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule.'
The question of Jane's confirmation was decided in an unexpected
manner; for the day after Mr.
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