but there is the difficulty.

[Mike Hussey]

Frank announces a game to all to which Emma demands either one thing very clever or two things moderately clever or three things very dull indeed. And she engages to laugh heartily at them all:

Miss Bates: I shall be sure to say three dull things as soon as I open my mouth.
Emma: Ah, ma'am, but there is the difficulty. When have you ever stopped at three?

(Miss Bates feels upset)

What's difficulty is Emma referring to?
Source: Emma 2020

 

[emsr2d2]

Frank announces a game to all to which Emma demands either one thing very clever or two things moderately clever or three things very dull indeed. And she engages to laugh heartily at them all:

Miss Bates: I shall be sure to say three dull things as soon as I open my mouth.
Emma: Ah, ma'am, but there is the difficulty. When have you ever stopped at three?

(Miss Bates feels upset)

[STRIKE]What's[/STRIKE] What "difficulty" is Emma referring to?
Source: Emma 2020

Welcome to the forum. :hi:

She is suggesting that it will be difficult for Miss Bates to limit herself to saying only three dull things.