It is the use of sisters to tell them one's private sentiments.

Is not it, Norman ?" "And do you really think it is so, papa ?" Ethel could not help whispering.
"I'm afraid it is", said Dr.May, sighing; then, as he caught her earnest eyes, "The more I see of Alan, the finer fellow I think him, and the more sorry I am for him.

It seems presumptuous, almost wrong, to think of the matter at all while my poor Margaret is in this state; and, if she were well, there are other difficulties which would, perhaps, prevent his speaking, or lead to long years of waiting and wearing out hope." "Money ?" said Ethel.
"Ay! Though I so far deserve your compliment, miss, that should be foolish enough, if she were but well, to give my consent to-morrow, because I could not help it; yet one can't live forty-six years in this world without seeing it is wrong to marry without a reasonable dependence--and there won't be much among eleven of you.

It makes my heart ache to think of it, come what may, as far as I can see, and without her to judge.

The only comfort is, that poor Margaret herself knows nothing of it, and is at peace so far.