'
But poor Marianne was not to escape. Jane was on the watch to find
her alone, and as soon as an opportunity offered, she began:-
'Well, auntie, any discoveries?'
'Indeed, Jane, it is not right to fancy Mr. Mohun can do anything so
absurd.'
'That is as people may think,' said Jane.
'I wish you would not talk in that way,' said Marianne.
'Now, Marianne,' pursued the tormentor, 'if you can explain the
mystery I will believe you, otherwise I know what to think.'
'I am certain you are wrong, Jane; but I can tell you no more.'
'Very well, my good aunt, I am satisfied.'
Jane really almost persuaded herself that she was right, as she
perceived that her father was always promoting intercourse with the
Westons, and took pleasure in conversing with Alethea. She twisted
everything into a confirmation of her idea; while the prospect of
having Miss Weston for a stepmother increased her former dislike; but
she kept her suspicions to herself for the present, triumphing in the
idea that, when the time came, she could bring Marianne as a witness
of her penetration.
The intercourse between the elder Miss Mohuns and Miss Weston was,
however, not so frequent as formerly; and Alethea herself could not
but remark that, while Mr.
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