This was a mistake arising from the intensity of the strain upon her nerves.

It was scarcely five minutes before Mrs.Osborn lowered her hands and laid them, pressed tightly palm to palm, between her knees.
She spoke in a low voice, such a voice as a listener outside could not have heard.
"Do you know," she demanded, "what you represent to us--to me and to my husband--as you sit there ?" Emily shook her head.

The movement of disclaimer was easier than speech.
She felt a sort of exhaustion.
"I don't believe you do," said Hester.

"You don't seem to realise anything.

Perhaps it's because you are so innocent, perhaps it's because you are so foolish.