"What do you want!" said Elizabeth, answering the whisper in a plain voice.
"I want to go home."
"I'm not ready to go yet."
And her head went round to its former position.
"Lizzie — Lizzie!" urged Rose in a whisper, — "How can you listen to that man! — you oughtn't to. — Lizzie! —"
"Hush, Rose! be quiet! — I will listen. Let me alone."
Nor could Rose move her again by words, whispers, or pulls of her shoulder. "I am not ready," —she would coolly reply. Mrs. Haye was in despair, but constrained to keep it to herself for fear she should be obliged to accept an escort home, and because of an undefined unwillingness to leave Elizabeth there alone. She had to wait, and play the agreeable to Mr. Satterthwaite, for both her other companions were busy listening; until Winthrop had finished his argument, and the Chancellor had nodded,
"I allow that exception, Mr. Landholm — it is well taken — Mr.
Brick, what have you to say?" —
Mr. Brick rose to respond. Elizabeth rose too then, and faced about upon her companions, giving them this silent notice, for she deigned no word, that she was willing Rose's pleasure should take its course. Mr. Satterthwaite was quite ready, and they went home; Elizabeth changed to an automaton again.
But when she got into her own room she sat down, without taking off her bonnet, to think.