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ever since the first rehearsal; for though she should always be ready to act with the Miss Joddrels, who were nieces to a baronet, and Mr. Harleigh, who was nephew to a peer, and Mr. Ireton, who was heir to a large entailed estate; she was yet apprehensive that it might let her down, in the opinion of the noble theatrical society to which she belonged, if she were seen exhibiting with such common persons as farmers and domestics; whom, however, for all his cousin's nicety, Mr. Giles said he thought to be full as good men as any other; and, sometimes, considerably better.
Mrs. Maple was elevated into the highest triumph by this explanation. "I told you how it would be!" she cried. "Young ladies acting with mere mob! I am truly rejoiced that Miss Arbe has given you the slip."
Elinor heard this with a resentment, that determined her, more vehemently than ever, not to abandon her project; she proudly, therefore, returned thanks, by
