‘Indeed, Jane, it is not right to fancy Mr. Mohun can do anything so absurd.’ ‘That is as people may think,’ said Jane. ‘I wish you would not talk in that way,’ said Marianne. ‘Now, Marianne,’ pursued the tormentor, ‘if you can explain the mystery I will believe you, otherwise I know what to think.’ ‘I am certain you are wrong, Jane; but I can tell you no more.’ ‘Very well, my good aunt, I am satisfied.’ Jane really almost persuaded herself that she was right, as she perceived that her father was always promoting intercourse with the Westons, and took pleasure in conversing with Alethea. She twisted everything into a confirmation of her idea; while the prospect of having Miss Weston for a stepmother increased her former dislike; but she kept her suspicions to herself for the present, triumphing in the idea that, when the time came, she could bring Marianne as a witness of her penetration. The intercourse between the elder Miss Mohuns and Miss Weston was, however, not so frequent as formerly; and Alethea herself could not but remark that, while Mr. Mohun seemed to desire to become more intimate, his daughters were more backward in making appointments with her. This was chiefly remarkable in Emily and Jane. Lilias was the same in openness, earnestness, and affection; but there was either a languor about her spirits or they were too much excited, and her talk was more of novels, and less of poor children than formerly. The constant visits to Devereux Castle prevented Emily and Lilias from being as often as before at church, and thus they lost many walks and talks that they used to enjoy in the way home. Marianne began to grow indignant, especially on one occasion, when Emily and Lily went out for a drive with Lady Rotherwood, forgetting that they had engaged to take a walk with the Westons that afternoon. ‘It is really a great deal too bad,’ said she to Alethea; ‘it is exactly what we have read of in books about grandeur making people cast off their old friends.’ ‘Do not be unfair, Marianne,’ said Alethea. ‘Lady Florence has a better right to—’ ‘Better right!’ exclaimed Marianne. ‘What, because she is a marquis’s daughter?’ ‘Because she is their cousin.’ ‘I do not believe Lilias really cares for her half as much as for you,’ said Marianne. ‘It is all because they are fine people.’ ‘Nay, Marianne, if our cousins were to come into this neighbourhood, we should not be as dependent on the Mohuns as we now feel.’ ‘I hope we should not break our engagements with them.’ ‘Perhaps they could not help it. When their aunt came to fetch them, knowing how seldom they can have the carriage, it would have been scarcely civil to say that they had rather take a walk with people they can see any day.’