'
'So you are governess as well as ladies'-maid, are you, Lily? What
else? Housekeeper, I suppose, as I see you have all the weekly bills
on your desk. Why, Lily, this is perfectly philanthropic of you.
You are exemplifying the rule of love in a majestic manner. Crying
again! Water lily once more?'
Lily looked up, and smiled; 'Claude, how can you talk of that old,
silly, nay, wicked nonsense of my principle. I was wise above what
was written, and I have my punishment in the wreck which my "frenzy
of spirit and folly of tongue" have wrought. The unchristened child,
Agnes's death, the confusion of this house, all are owing to my
hateful principle. I see the folly of it now, but Emily has taken it
up, and acts upon it in everything. I do struggle against it a
little; but I cannot blame any one, I can do no good, it is all owing
to me. We have betrayed papa's confidence; if he does not see it now
it will all come upon him when Eleanor comes home, and what is to
become of us? How it will grieve him to see that we cannot be
trusted!'
'Poor Lily!' said Claude. 'It is a bad prospect, but I think you see
the worst side of it. You are not well, and, therefore, doleful.
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