de?'

'You want to set me against her!'

'I want you to cease to give her a power over you, which is unsafe for
any human being.'

'You have been talking to mamma.'

'I have been seeing how unhappy she is about you; but since I have
talked to yourself I have seen far more danger.'

'Poor mamma!'

'May I tell you how your history appears to a looker-on? I know it will
be painful, but I think it will be good for you.'

'Well!'

'You began beautifully. It was delightful to see how you and your
mother went on in perfect confidence, ready to work at everything good
together, and she sympathizing in all your projects, only bringing wise
caution to restrain your ardour.'

'Yes, we were very happy then,' sighed Emma; 'but mamma wished me to go
into society.'

'And wisely. Remember, in the conventual system, a girl cannot be a
novice till she has had six months in which to see the world. It was
right that you should count the cost. Besides, society in moderation is
the best way to keep one's mind from growing narrow. Well, then, you met
Miss Marstone, and she excited your imagination. She is really clever
and good, and I don't wonder at your liking her; but I cannot think that
she has done right in cultivating your exclusive preference till she has
detached you from your mother.'

'She did not always think with her.'

'No, but a sound friend would always place the duty to your mother
foremost. You made a Pope of her, believed all she said, did as she
pleased, and she was flattered, and absorbed you more and more,
till really you both came to treating Lady Elizabeth's opinion as a
nonentity. Can you deny it?'

'No.'

More would have been said, but Theodora would not hear, and went on.
'See the consequence. She made a fearful mistake, and but for your
mother and your remaining regard to her authority, where should you have
been now? All this misery could not have been if you had been safe under
Lady Elizabeth's wing.'

'No!' faintly said Emma.

'And now, when your mother has saved you, and her heart is aching to
comfort you, and take you back to the safe old nest where all your
duties and schemes lie, Miss Marstone tries to keep you from her; and
fancies she is doing the best and most conscientious thing by teaching
you to elude her, and go where, to one in your state of mind, is
temptation indeed. Oh! Emma, she may think it right; but are you acting
kindly by the mother who has only you?'

Theodora was ve