'I say nothing of the kind, Lizzie,' said her aunt; 'I only say that
you are in the habit of splitting hairs.'

Elizabeth saw that her aunt was not pleased. She went to the
chimney-piece, and employed herself in making a delicate piece of
ixia get a better view of itself in the looking-glass. Presently she
turned round, saying, 'Yes, Aunt Anne, I was very wrong; I was making
a foolish pretence at refinement, to defend myself.'

'I did not mean to begin scolding you the very moment I came near
you, Lizzie,' said Lady Merton.

'Indeed I wish you would, Aunt Anne,' said Elizabeth; 'pray scold me
from morning till night, there is no one who wants it more.'

'My dear child, how can you say so?' cried Mrs. Woodbourne.

'Many thanks for the agreeable employment you propose to me, Lizzie,'
said Lady Merton.

'If Rupert docs not come to-night, I mean to undertake a little of
that agreeable employment myself, when he arrives,' said Elizabeth,
'and to make Anne help me.'

'I believe Rupert is so fond of being scolded, that it only makes him
worse,' said Lady Merton.

'Here are Papa and Uncle Edward coming back at last,' said Katherine,
who was, as usual, sitting in the window.