Mohun, 'that your foolish
vanity has led you to encroach on your sister's kindness, and to
borrow of her what you had no reasonable hope of repaying? Again,
Lily, what does she owe you?'
Emily felt the difference between the sharp, curious eyes with which
Jane regarded her, and the sorrowful downcast looks of Lily, who
replied, 'The old debt is four pounds, but that does not signify.'
'Well,' resumed her father, 'I cannot blame you for your good-nature,
though an older person might have acted otherwise. You must have
managed wonderfully well, to look always so well dressed with only
half your proper income. Here is the amount of the debt. Is it
right? And, Lily, one thing more; I wish to thank you for what you
have done towards keeping this house in order. You have worked hard,
and endured much, and from all I can gather, you have prevented much
mischief. Much has unfairly been thrown upon you, and you have well
and steadily done your duty. For you, Emily, I have more to say to
you, but I shall not enter on it at present, for it is late. You had
better get ready, or you will keep the others waiting.'
'I do not think I can go,' sighed Emily.
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