‘In spite of her sad want of feeling,’ said Robert, smiling, as he looked at Lily.
‘Oh! she is a good work-a-day sort of person,’ said Lily, ‘like all other poor people, hard and passive. Now, do not set up your eyebrows, Claude, I am quite serious, there is no warmth about any except—’
‘So this is what Lily is come to!’ cried Emily; ‘the grand supporter of the poor on poetical principles.’
‘The poor not affectionate!’ said Alethea.
‘Not, compared within people whose minds and affections have been cultivated,’ said Lily. ‘Now just hear what Mrs. Wall said to me only yesterday; she asked for a black stuff gown out of the clothing club, “for,” said she, “I had a misfortune, Miss;” I thought it would be, “and tore my gown,” but it was, “I had a misfortune, Miss, and lost my brother.”’
‘A very harsh conclusion on very slight grounds,’ said Mr. Devereux.
‘Prove the contrary,’ said Lily.
‘Facts would scarcely demonstrate it either way,’ said Mr. Devereux. ‘They would only prove what was the case with individuals who chanced to come in our way, and if we are seldom able to judge of the depth of feeling of those with whom we are familiar, how much less of those who feel our presence a restraint.’
‘Intense feeling mocks restraint,’ said Lily.
‘Violent, not intense,’ said Mr. Devereux. ‘Besides, you talk of cultivating the affections. Now what do you mean? Exercising them, or talking about them?’