Your reproaches, however just, cannot punish him, but they may provoke him to further violence against you.' 'What! would you have me submit, then, to whatever he commands--would you have me kneel down at his feet, and thank him for his cruelties?
Would you have me give up my settlements ?' 'How much you mistake me, madam!' said Emily, 'I am unequal to advise you on a point so important as the last: but you will pardon me for saying, that, if you consult your own peace, you will try to conciliate Signor Montoni, rather than to irritate him by reproaches.' 'Conciliate indeed! I tell you, niece, it is utterly impossible; I disdain to attempt it.' Emily was shocked to observe the perverted understanding and obstinate temper of Madame Montoni; but, not less grieved for her sufferings, she looked round for some alleviating circumstance to offer her.

'Your situation is, perhaps, not so desperate, dear madam,' said Emily, 'as you may imagine.

The Signor may represent his affairs to be worse than they are, for the purpose of pleading a stronger necessity for his possession of your settlement.

Besides, so long as you keep this, you may look forward to it as a resource, at least, that will afford you a competence, should the Signor's future conduct compel you to sue for separation.' Madame Montoni impatiently interrupted her.

'Unfeeling, cruel girl!' said she, 'and so you would persuade me, that I have no reason to complain; that the Signor is in very flourishing circumstances, that my future prospects promise nothing but comfort, and that my griefs are as fanciful and romantic as your own! Is it the way to console me, to endeavour to persuade me out of my senses and my feelings, because you happen to have no feelings yourself?
I thought I was opening my heart to a person, who could sympathize in my distress, but I find, that your people of sensibility can feel for nobody but themselves! You may retire to your chamber.' Emily, without replying, immediately left the room, with a mingled emotion of pity and contempt, and hastened to her own, where she yielded to the mournful reflections, which a knowledge of her aunt's situation had occasioned.