“I am sure you are right,” she returned; “and so it is that bad habits grow upon one! Really? Less guarded and more trustful? How can I, imperceptibly, have changed, I wonder! Well, that’s very odd! I must study to regain my former self.”

“I wish you would,” said Mrs. Steerforth, with a smile.

“Oh! I really will, you know!” she answered. “I will learn frankness from⁠—let me see⁠—from James.”

“You cannot learn frankness, Rosa,” said Mrs. Steerforth quickly⁠—for there was always some effect of sarcasm in what Rosa Dartle said, though it was said, as this was, in the most unconscious manner in the world⁠—“in a better school.”

“That I am sure of,” she answered, with uncommon fervour. “If I am sure of anything, of course, you know, I am sure of that.”