"And do you run after all the girls who have a little manner or expression, Rosa?" enquired her friend again, with something of superciliousness in her tone.
"I don't like those who have not, Fanny—but there is more than this in my plan—I think Mr. Howard likes her."
"Well, and what does that signify to you? what have you to do with Mr. Howard's liking?" this question was accompanied with a sharp, interrogative look from Miss Carr, as if she strongly suspected her friend's motive.
"I have half a scruple about explaining to you, Fanny."
"Oh, pray throw it away then and explain it once. I am dying of curiosity to understand the motive of your manœuvres."
"I will tell you nothing whilst you look so much as if you think you understand all—your quizzical look provokes me to silence."
"And if you will not tell me, Rosa, I will just tell you what I think; listen—you think Mr. Howard admires Emma Watson—and you cultivate her acquaintance for the sake of thwarting their attachment. Is that worthy of you."
"Worthy indeed," cried Miss Osborne, throwing back her head with an air of disdain. "I might justly retort your question—upon my word, I am highly flattered by your gracious opinion of me. No, if I do stoop to manœuvre, it is not to dishonor our house, or to promote alliances unworthy of it. Now I will tell you my real motive—though positively even to you, I am half-ashamed of mentioning it. My mother—have you not observed—she is so very partial to—"
Miss Osborne paused in some confusion. Her friend looked puzzled.
"Partial to whom—to Emma Watson? I really don't understand."