She had deemed herself a woman, and free; what else could result from Mrs.Lessingham's method of training and developing her?
This disillusion gave a shock to her self-respect; she suffered from a sense of shame; with difficulty she subdued resentment and impulses yet more rebellious.

It was ignoble to debate in this way concerning that of which she could not yet speak formally with her own mind; to contend like an insubordinate school-girl, when the point at issue was the dearest interest of her womanhood.
"I think, aunt," she said, in a changed voice, speaking as though her opinion had been consulted in the ordinary way, "it will be better for you to sec Mr.Elgar--if you are willing to do so." "Quite." "But I must ask you to let him know exactly why I have not granted his request.

You will tell him, if you please, just what has passed between us.

If that does not seem consistent with your duty, or dignity, then I had rather you wrote." "Neither my duty nor my dignity is likely to suffer, Cecily," replied her aunt, with an ironical smile.

"Mr.Elgar shall know the simple state of the case.