“And so you are forced to do it. Well that is an odd kind of delicacy! However, I will not disturb you” (seeing her preparing to write). “You know your own concerns best. So goodbye, my dear. I have not heard of anything to please me so well since Charlotte was brought to bed.”

And away she went; but returning again in a moment⁠—

“I have just been thinking of Betty’s sister, my dear. I should be very glad to get her so good a mistress. But whether she would do for a lady’s maid, I am sure I can’t tell. She is an excellent housemaid, and works very well at her needle. However, you will think of all that at your leisure.”

“Certainly, ma’am,” replied Elinor, not hearing much of what she said, and more anxious to be alone, than to be mistress of the subject.