Stanford goes along with this lie because he believes that Emily will never like him if she knows he is stupid. In a strange way, Millicent and Stanford form a tentative friendship; they are bound by their affection for Emily, and in the process, the two become closer as well.
Stanford endorses this falsehood since he believes that Emily will not like him if she learns about his lack of intelligence. In an odd way, Millicent and Stanford develop a tentative friendship; they are united by their love for Emily, and in turn, both become more intimate with each other.