To resist to the uttermost, even to claim and exert the authority
she derived from her suffering, was, she knew, the truest kindness
to her sister. And in the end she prevailed. Kate tore her passion
to tatters, then succumbed to exhaustion. But she did not fling out
of the room, and this Emma knew to be a hopeful sign. The
opportunity of strong, placid speech at length presented itself, and
Emma used it well. She did not succeed in eliciting a promise, but
when she declared her confidence in her sister's better self, Kate
made no retort, only sat in stubborn muteness.
In the afternoon Emma went forth to fulfil her intention of finding
lodgings. She avoided the neighbourhood in which she had formerly
lived, and after long search discovered what she wanted in a woful
byway near Old Street. It was one room only, but larger than she had
hoped to come upon; fortunately her own furniture had been
preserved, and would now suffice.
Kate remained sullen, but proved by her actions that she had
surrendered; she began to pack her possessions. Emma wrote to Alice,
announcing that the house was tenantless; she took the note to
Highbury herself, and left it at the door, together with the house
key. The removal was effected after nightfall.
CHAPTER XVII
Movements which appeal to the reason and virtue of humanity, and are
consequently doomed to remain long in the speculative stage, prove
their vitality by enduring the tests of schism.
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