“Oh, you can’t disguise anything from me⁠—I know what that smile means very well.”

“What?” said Mr. Tupman, who had not the slightest notion himself.

“You mean,” said the amiable aunt, sinking her voice still lower⁠—“you mean, that you don’t think Isabella’s stooping is as bad as Emily’s boldness. Well, she is bold! You cannot think how wretched it makes me sometimes⁠—I’m sure I cry about it for hours together⁠—my dear brother is so good, and so unsuspicious, that he never sees it; if he did, I’m quite certain it would break his heart. I wish I could think it was only manner⁠—I hope it may be⁠—” (Here the affectionate relative heaved a deep sigh, and shook her head despondingly).