THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. But does she understand the duties? MRS. BENNET. A lady’s maid, being so much alone with her mistress, is bound to have a certain amount of influence. And Jane has exceptionally high principles. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. That is true, dear. MRS. BENNET. As regards the duties, she is very quick at learning anything new. Of course, at first— _The sound of hammering again comes from the bedroom_. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Who is that hammering in her ladyship’s bedroom? MRS. BENNET. It is Bennet, Miss Edith. We thought it might be helpful: a few texts, hung where they would always catch her ladyship’s eye. [_She notices the look of doubt_.] Nothing offensive. Mere general exhortations such as could be read by any lady. [_The Misses Wetherell look at one another_, _but do not speak_.] I take it, dinner will be at half past seven, as usual? THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. Yes, Mrs. Bennet, thank you. They will not be here till about nine. They will probably prefer a little supper to themselves. _Mrs. Bennet goes out—on her way to the kitchen_. _The Misses Wetherell look at one another again_. _The hammering recommences_. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [_she hesitates a moment_, _then goes to the open door and calls_]. Bennet—Bennet! [_She returns and waits_. _Bennet comes in_.] Oh, Bennet, your wife tells us you are putting up a few texts in her ladyship’s bedroom. BENNET. It seemed to me that a silent voice, speaking to her, as it were, from the wall— THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. It is so good of you—only, you—you will be careful there is nothing she could regard as a _personal_ allusion. BENNET. Many of the most popular I was compelled to reject, purely for that reason. THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. We felt sure we could trust to your discretion. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. You see, coming, as she does, from a good family— BENNET. It is that—I speak merely for myself—that gives me hope of reclaiming her. _A silence_. _The two ladies_, _feeling a little helpless_, _again look at one another_. THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. We must be very sympathetic. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. And patient, Bennet. BENNET. It is what I am preparing myself to be. Of course, if you think them inadvisable, I can take them down again. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. No, Bennet, oh no! I should leave them up. Very thoughtful of you, indeed. BENNET. It seemed to me one ought to leave no stone unturned. [_He returns to his labours in the bedroom_.] THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [_after a pause_]. I do hope she’ll _like_ the Bennets. THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. I think she will—after a time, when she is used to them. THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. I am so anxious it should turn out well.