‘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.
‘I am sure of it,’ said she. ‘They sent me out of the room, but not before I had seen certain symptoms.’
‘It is very hard that poor Emily should bear all the blame,’ said Lily.
‘You have managed to escape it very well,’ said Jane, laughing. ‘You have all the thanks and praise. I suppose it is because the intimacy with Miss Weston was your work.’
‘I will not believe that nonsense,’ said Lily.