Miss Wycherly coloured, and her tears began to flow, but she made no reply. Her friend continued:—
"A woman may teaze a man who is comparatively a stranger to her, and she may believe herself making trial of his temper and affection; but Mr. Spottiswoode has been born and educated amongst us, and his attachment has been too well known to the neighbourhood, and to yourself, to doubt its truth. Do you doubt his affection, Penelope?"
Miss Wycherly shook her head, but she did not trust herself to speak.
"Then why treat him with levity, and throw him into Lady Anna Herbert's power?"
"Good heavens, Julia!" shrieked Miss Wycherly, as she started up from her seat, "do you know that for a certainty? Is he positively thinking of Lady Anna; positively leaving me for ever? Oh! don't in mercy tell me so!"
"I do not think it, Penelope, because I know he has loved you too long to care for another; but you have been very unkind, and it has broken the bond of esteem between you. Take care how you draw the reins too tightly, and lose him past all recovery."
"Oh, if you are my friend, Julia," cried Miss Wycherly, kneeling before her in agony—"if you have any love for your playfellow in youth, and your friend since we grew up together, act for me in this strait, and return me Spottiswoode's love."
"Then dismiss Henry Tyndal from your constant society, Penelope."
"Too happy to do so, Julia!"
"Let Mr. Spottiswoode see by your conduct and manners, that you regret having pained him, Penelope."