When I went down to dinner I found Harry eager to lead me in. He was forestalled, however, by my husband. I was surprised, since lately it had been his custom to lead Emma in, and I showed it frankly in my expression. But he ignored it completely. Indeed, he made such a good job of seeming completely oblivious that I could almost have believed he was. Emma was not so good at prevarication. She was clearly puzzled and a little chagrined. Perhaps that was what led her to speak so indiscreetly during dinner. 

 'Elizabeth and I are so enjoying our stay!' she exclaimed. 'I declare we will never want to leave. You must tell us when we've outstayed our welcome, dearest Cecily, or we will be here forever.'

 'I shouldn't be so rude. But in any case, Emma, it is Lydia y...

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