not mean it,
but I thought you were acting precipitately, and that you would be glad
to have time to reflect before going to this place without your mother's
knowledge.'

'It is not precipitately,' said Emma, faintly.

'You don't mean that this was a pre-concerted scheme. If so, pray let me
out, and I will go home alone.'

'No, no, I did not mean exactly--don't use such words, Theodora.
Only sister Mary Angela--Theresa's great friend--had joined the Roman
communion. Theresa wished me to see her and the convent, and said that
perhaps I might find her there. If I had told mamma, she would have
fancied I should be kidnapped like young ladies in books. I believe you
expect it yourself,' said Emma, giggling hysterically.

'I think, and she thinks nothing but what is rational,' said Theodora,
coldly, 'that it is a sad thing to see you taught to resort to
subterfuges, and that they can lead into no safe course.'

'You do not know Theresa, or you would not accuse her of what she would
detest.'

'I speak from what I see. She has arranged in secret that, without your
mother's knowledge, you should by stealth go to a place where you both
know Lady Elizabeth would be shocked to hear of you.'

'I thought you understood the true Catholic spirit,' said Emma, 'and
were interested in these things.'

'The Catholic spirit is anything but such treatment of a mother,' said
Theodora. 'Once for all, do you mean to go to this place, or do you not?
I see a cab, and if you go I return home in that.'

'Of course then I must give it up.'

'Now, and for ever, unless with your mother's consent, I hope,' said
Theodora.

Emma did not answer, and they proceeded for some distance, Theodora
wondering what could be her companion's frame of mind, and what she
ought to do next. So far, it was the sort of compulsion she had been
wont to employ in the unscrupulous hours of childhood; but this was no
gain--Emma's reason ought to be convinced, and of this she had little
hope. Miss Brandon was the first to break silence. That word subterfuge
rankled, as it must in any honourable mind, and she began--'I wish you
would do Theresa justice. No one can have a greater contempt than she
for anything underhand.'

Theodora tried not to laugh, and could not help pitying the fond
affections that were blind to every fault in the beloved object.

'Ah!' said Emma, in answer to her silence, 'you think this bears the
appearance of it; but you may be certain th