On telling this to Emily Eleanor was surprised to find that she was
not listened to with much satisfaction. Emily seemed to think it a
piece of interference on the part of Mrs. Weston, and would not allow
that it was likely to be the beginning of improvement in Ada.
'The words were put into her mouth,' said she; 'and they were an easy
way of escaping from her present state of disgrace.'
'On the contrary,' said Eleanor, 'she seemed to think that she justly
deserved to be in disgrace.'
'Did you think so?' said Emily, in a careless tone.
'You are in a strange mood to-day, Emily,' said Eleanor.
'Am I? I did not know it. I wonder where Lily is.'
Lily was in her own room, teaching Phyllis. Phyllis was rather wild
and flighty that morning, scarcely able to command her attention, and
every now and then bursting into an irrepressible fit of laughter.
Reginald and Phyllis found it most difficult to avoid betraying
Marianne, and as soon as luncheon was over, they agreed to set out on
a long expedition into the woods, where they might enjoy their
wonderful secret together. Just at this time Mr. Mohun returned. He
came into the drawing-room, and Lilias, perceiving that the
threatened conversation with Emily was about to take place, made her
escape to her own room, whither she was presently followed by Jane,
who could not help running after her to report the great news that
Emily was to be deposed.
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