'Rather cutting, Emily,' said Jane.
'Do not give that speech an application which Emily did not intend,'
said Lily, sadly.
'What makes you think I did not intend it?' said Emily, coldly.
'Emily!' exclaimed Lily, starting up, and colouring violently, 'are
you thinking what you are saying?'
'I do not know what you mean,' replied Emily quietly, in her soft,
unchanging voice; 'I only mean that if you can feel satisfied with
the new arrangement you are more easily pleased than I am.'
'Only tell me, Emily, do you accuse me of attempting to gain favour
in an unworthy manner?'
'I only congratulate you on standing so well with every one.'
Lily hid her face in her hands. At this moment Eleanor opened the
door, saying, 'Can you come down? Mrs. Burnet is here.' Eleanor
went without observing Lily, and Emily was obliged to follow. Jane
lingered in order to comfort Lily.
'You know she did not quite mean it,' said she; 'she is only very
much provoked.'
'I know, I know,' said Lily; 'she is very sorry herself by this time.
Of course she did not mean it, but it is the first unkind thing she
ever said to me. It is very silly, and very unjust to take it
seriously, but I cannot help it.
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