“You are expecting a letter, then?” said Elinor, unable to be longer silent.

“Yes, a little⁠—not much.”

After a short pause. “You have no confidence in me, Marianne.”

“Nay, Elinor, this reproach from you ⁠—you who have confidence in no one!”

“Me!” returned Elinor in some confusion; “indeed, Marianne, I have nothing to tell.”

“Nor I,” answered Marianne with energy, “our situations then are alike. We have neither of us anything to tell; you, because you do not communicate, and I, because I conceal nothing.”

Elinor, distressed by this charge of reserve in herself, which she was not at liberty to do away, knew not how, under such circumstances, to press for greater openness in Marianne.