‘I was not in the room.’
‘Are you never there when he comes?’
‘Sometimes.’
‘And is Alethea there?’
‘Oh yes!’
‘His business must be with her too. Cannot you guess it?’
‘No,’ said Marianne, looking amazed.
‘How can you be so slow?’
‘I am not sure that I would guess if I could,’ said Marianne, ‘for I do not think they wish me to know.’
‘Oh! nonsense, it is fine fun to find out secrets,’ said Jane. ‘You will know it at last, you may be sure, so there can be no harm in making it out beforehand, so as to have the pleasure of triumph when the wise people vouchsafe to admit you into their confidence; I am sure I know it all.’