Jane asked, in a mysterious manner, who had been at Broomhill that
morning.
'Mr. Mohun,' said Marianne.
'What did he go there for?' said Jane.
'Alethea says he has some business with mamma.'
'Then you did not hear what it was?'
'I was not in the room.'
'Are you never there when he comes?'
'Sometimes.'
'And is Alethea there?'
'Oh yes!'
'His business must be with her too. Cannot you guess it?'
'No,' said Marianne, looking amazed.
'How can you be so slow?'
'I am not sure that I would guess if I could,' said Marianne, 'for I
do not think they wish me to know.'
'Oh! nonsense, it is fine fun to find out secrets,' said Jane. 'You
will know it at last, you may be sure, so there can be no harm in
making it out beforehand, so as to have the pleasure of triumph when
the wise people vouchsafe to admit you into their confidence; I am
sure I know it all.'
'Then please do not tell me, Jane, I ought not to hear it.'
'Little Mrs. Propriety,' said Jane, 'you are already assuming all the
dignity of my Aunt Marianne, and William's Aunt Marianne--oh! and of
little Henry's Great-aunt Marianne. Now,' she added, laughing, 'can
you guess the secret?'
Marianne stood still in amazement for a moment, and then exclaimed,
'Jane, Jane! you do not mean it, you are only trying to tease me.
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