diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/54011-0.txt | 8144 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/54011-0.zip | bin | 153453 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/54011-h.zip | bin | 415411 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/54011-h/54011-h.htm | 7919 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/54011-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 263483 -> 0 bytes |
8 files changed, 17 insertions, 16063 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ceda058 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54011 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54011) diff --git a/old/54011-0.txt b/old/54011-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index dd52051..0000000 --- a/old/54011-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8144 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Younger Sister, Volume II., by -Catherine Anne Austen Hubback and Jane Austen - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Younger Sister, Volume II. - -Author: Catherine Anne Austen Hubback - Jane Austen - -Release Date: January 21, 2017 [EBook #54011] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNGER SISTER, VOLUME II. *** - - - - -Produced by Barry Abrahamsen, Mary Glenn Krause, David -Edwards, The University of Iowa and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (University of -Iowa) - - - - - - - - - - THE YOUNGER SISTER. - - - A Novel - - - BY - - MRS. HUBBACK, - - - IN THREE VOLUMES.—VOL. II. - - - - - LONDON: - THOMAS CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER - 30, WELBECK ST., CAVENDISH SQ. - - 1850. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE YOUNGER SISTER. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - -The invitation to the important party was not for an early date; ten -days must elapse before the arrival of the day expected to bring so -much happiness with it. The comfort of the Watson family suffered -alternations which could only be compared to the ebbing and flowing of -the tide, but that their recurrence could not be calculated on with -equal certainty. When the pleasure she was to enjoy occupied her mind, -Margaret was comparatively happy; the arrangement of her dress, the -minor difficulties about ornaments and shoes, were even then -sufficient to destroy her equanimity, and detract from her peace of -mind; but this was nothing to the state of acidity and fermentation -which her temper presented, when the grand insult of not being Miss -Osborne's friend, and not invited to stay at the Castle, recurred in -vivid colors to her memory. - -But three days before the important morning, a very unexpected event -threw the whole family into a ferment. Just as the two elder sisters -were setting off to the town, to see if their new bonnets were making -the progress which was desirable, the sudden appearance of a -post-chaise startled them. Emma, who was in her father's room as -usual, heard the wheels on the gravel, and naturally supposing that it -was the old pony-chaise leaving the door, was perfectly astonished the -next minute by the startling uproar which resounded through the hall. -Loud laughter, and a mingled clatter of tongues, which might almost be -denominated screaming, convinced her that whatever was the origin, it -was not of a tragic nature, but her awakened curiosity made her long -to know the cause, through she feared to move, as her father had -fallen into a gentle doze. A shriller exclamation than before suddenly -roused him from his slumber, and starting up he exclaimed: - -"What are those confounded women about? Emma, go and bid them all be -quiet." - -Emma escaped from the room to obey his behest, and on reaching the -turn of the stairs paused a moment to see who was there; just then she -caught her own name. - -"Emma is at home," said Margaret, "and as I really want to go, I shall -not mind you. Pen, you can go and sit with her." - -"Very well, it's all the same to me," replied a stranger, who she -inferred was her unknown sister, "I am sure I don't want to keep you -at home." And as she spoke she turned again to the door, "I say -driver, you just get that trunk lifted in, there's a good fellow, and -see you don't turn it bottom upwards, my man, or I vow I won't give -you a sixpence—do you hear?" - -The driver grinned and proceeded to pull down the trunk, whilst -Penelope Watson stood at his elbow, and flourished an umbrella in her -hand, very much as if she meant to enforce her threats with blows. - -When satisfied, however, with the care which he took of her property, -she had paid and dismissed him, she turned to her sisters, exclaiming: - -"There, now you may bundle off too, as fast as you please, my bonnet -and gown and all are in that trunk, and you shall not see them till I -put them on, lest you should try and copy them." - -"How very ill-natured," cried Margaret. - -"No, it isn't, what becomes me would never suit you, so I only prevent -you making a fright of yourself. Where's Emma? I want to see her." - -"Here I am," said she timidly advancing, for Penelope's loud voice -quite overpowered her courage. - -"Here I am," mimicked Penelope, advancing towards her, "and how does -your little ladyship do, pray? Why are you so long coming to welcome -your new sister? I am sure you ought to have learnt more affection -from Margaret." - -Emma did not know what to answer to this attack, but looked at -Elizabeth rather distressed. - -"Never mind, Penelope," replied Miss Watson to her look, "she always -says what she pleases; well, Margaret is waiting in the chaise, so I -must go; Emma, will you take Pen to my father?" - -And Elizabeth hastened away as she spoke. - -Penelope turned to her remaining sister, and surveyed her from head to -foot— - -"Well," said she, "I suppose I had better go and report myself first, -and then I can settle about my things; upon my word, Emma, you are -very pretty, I am so glad you have dark hair and eyes; Margaret makes -me quite sick of fair skins, by her nonsense about her own. Here I am, -sir," cried she, advancing into her father's room as she spoke, "come -to waken you all up; I am sure the old house looks as if it had gone -to sleep since I went away, and there is the same fly on the window, I -protest, as when I was last in the room. How do you do, my dear sir?" - -"None the better for all the confounded clatter you have been making -in the hall, I can tell you; I thought you had brought home a dozen -children at your heels, judging from the uproar you created. What mad -freak has possessed you now, Penelope?" - -"Oh! I came for two things—one was to go to the Osborne Castle -ball—the other I'll tell you by-and-bye." - -"You are always racing over the country, and bent on having your own -way, I know." - -"So is every one; but they don't all know how to get it, so well as I -do; but I see I'm disturbing you, so I shall go and unpack my -rattle-traps—Emma come with me." - -Emma seemed to obey instinctively—but she felt no pleasure in -accompanying her sister. Her voice, look and manner, were alike -uninviting, and she felt inclined to shrink from her. Penelope went to -the parlour, and stirring the fire, drew in a chair close to the -chimney—placed her feet upon the fender, and then turning abruptly -round to her sister, said— - -"So it is all your doing, is it, our going to the castle balls; it is -really something new—Margaret wrote me word you and Miss Osborne were -bosom friends?" - -Emma coloured, but did not know what to say in reply. - -"How sheepish you look, Emma," cried her sister, "one would think you -were ashamed of it all; I am sure I think it vastly clever of you to -get up a friendship with Miss Osborne, or a flirtation with her -brother. I've a great respect for girls who know how to push their way -and make the most of circumstances. What sort of young fellow is Lord -Osborne?," - -"Plain and quiet," replied Emma. - -"As if I did not know _that_," cried Penelope, "why, I've seen him -hundreds of time, child; almost before you were born. I mean is he -pleasant?—can he talk nonsense?—does he know how to make himself -agreeable?" - -"That must depend upon taste," replied Emma, "he never was -particularly pleasant to me; and, as to his talking, it's neither good -sense, nor good nonsense." - -"Do you know what good nonsense is, Emma?" cried Penelope, "Why, then, -I dare say you may not be quite detestable." - -"I should hope not," said Emma, trying to smile. - -"I thought your uncle might, perhaps, have made a Methodist of you, -and that would not have suited me. Those musty old doctors of divinity -have, sometimes, queer notions." - -"I must beg, Penelope, when you mention my late uncle, you will do so -with respect," said Emma, with spirit. - -Penelope looked surprised—and, for a moment, was silent; when next she -spoke it was to question Emma minutely, as to the quality, price and -texture of her dress, for the important day and night in prospect. - -"I expect Margaret will be ready to expire with envy, when she sees -the real Indian muslin that I mean to wear," pursued she, in a tone of -great satisfaction; "I am not going to tell you how I came by it—for -that's a great secret for some days to come. Is not Margaret horridly -jealous?" - -Emma looked shocked. - -"Oh, I see!" laughed Penelope, "you are too good to abuse a -sister—quite a Miss Charity or Miss Meek of a good little girl's prize -book. But, if you like to sit like a goose weighing every word you are -about to utter, I can tell you that does not suit me at all. I always -say what comes into my head, without caring for anybody." - -As Emma, however, did not follow the same method, she did not express -how very unpleasant a course she considered it; and the sisters did -not quarrel then. - -"How has Margaret got on with Tom Musgrove?" continued Penelope, -"by-the-bye, have you seen Tom Musgrove, yourself?" - -"A little," said Emma. - -"And how do you like him?—what do you think of him?—do you think he is -in love with Margaret?" pursued Penelope. - -"No," replied Emma, answering only to the last question. - -"Nor do I; I don't see that he is at all more in love with her, than -he has been with twenty other girls—myself included. But it's very -good fun talking to him when he is in spirits. Emma can you keep a -secret?" - -"Yes, I hope so, when necessary; but I would rather have none to -keep." - -"How absurd—why, it's the best fun possible, to have a good secret; I -would tell you one, if you would promise not to betray it." - -"I shall be very happy to hear anything you like to tell me, and, I -dare say you would not ask me to do anything wrong." - -"Wrong! why, are you such a little Methodist, as to consider whether -every thing is wrong—it's my own affair, and how can there be anything -wrong in my telling you if I like? If one always stops to meditate -whether any one would think a thing wrong, one might give over talking -altogether." - -Emma was silent from not very well knowing what to say in reply; and, -after a momentary pause, Penelope went on: - -"Now, the only reason I want you not to tell is, because I wish to -surprise all the others by the news some day. You will promise not to -mention it!" - -"You had much better not tell me at all, Penelope; because then, your -secret will certainly be safe," said Emma, good-humouredly; "if you, -who are interested in it, cannot resist telling it—how can you expect -me to be proof to such a temptation?" - -"You are very much mistaken," said Penelope, angrily tossing her head, -"if you suppose I cannot resist telling any thing I wish to keep -secret; I assure you, I am quite as discreet, when occasion requires, -as your little ladyship can be, though I do not set up to be so -superior to all my family, and give myself airs of discretion and -superfine prudence." - -Emma saw she had made her sister angry—though she did know exactly how -or why, and she attempted, but vainly, to apologise for the -involuntary offence. Penelope was not to be propitiated. - -"I can tell you, Miss Emma, it's no use at all, your trying to be so -grand and indifferent; it was not a trifling mark of my regard, what I -was going to tell you, but, if you do not wish to hear it, you may let -it alone. I dare say, Margaret will shew more interest in my concerns; -I can tell her some day." - -And with these words, Penelope rose and hastily quitted the room, -slamming the door after her with all her might. - -During the three succeeding days there was every possible opportunity -taken by her to display to Emma the superior confidence with which -Margaret was treated. Slips of paper were continually thrown across -the table, containing mysterious words or incomprehensible signs. -There was whispering too in corners, and talking with their fingers; -hints were thrown out, which convulsed Margaret with laughing, but in -which the uninitiated could see no joke; and every means taken to -raise a curiosity which would have flattered Pen's self-importance. -Elizabeth and Emma bore this infliction with remarkable heroism—having -a strong internal conviction that a secret which required so much -exertion to give it importance could not be much worth knowing, or -that it would soon certainly become public. - -Affairs were in this state when the important day, which had already -excited such intense speculation or anticipation in the minds of the -four sisters. Emma's toilette was very satisfactory to herself in its -results, she hoped she should not be the plainest or worst dressed -person in the room, and she certainly took especial care to arrange -her hair in a way that she had reason to think Mr. Howard admired. - -Duly were they transported to the scene of such great anticipations, -and when they had sufficiently arranged their dresses and shaken out -the creases, after being so very much squeezed, they were marshalled -up the grand staircase into the state-apartment. - -It was worth while to watch Margaret's countenance, when, for the -first time, contemplating the rich furniture and evidences of wealth -which surrounded her. An overpowering sense of her own insignificance, -and a conviction, that amidst so much that was rich, beautiful, and -costly, her own elaborate toilette would pass unregarded, were the -most prominent of her feelings. She could not resign herself to the -idea of being one amongst the many unimportant individuals who -contributed to form one whole and animated picture; she had flattered -herself with the idea that she should be quite distinguished; she had -fancied that because her dress was the most elegant she had ever worn, -it would be equally superior to those of the other visitors. Suddenly -she found her mistake. Around her, on every side, were gay groups -dressed in a far more expensive style; jewels glittered, laces and -Indian shawls, velvets and brocades rustled or waved before her eyes, -and the discovery that, however superior to her usual style were her -present habiliments, numbers present surpassed her in elegance, caused -a bitter mortification to her vain mind. It was everywhere a scene of -gay bustle: animated whispers, light laughter, finery and flirtation -were on every side of her and her sisters, as they followed the stream -of visitors ascending to the reception-rooms. There were few whom they -knew by sight; none to speak to, amongst all the company; some who -passed bestowed a stare, some put up their eye-glasses, and some their -lips, as they saw the four sisters unattended by any gentleman walking -together. These were ladies: men when they looked once, looked again, -for the whole family were good-looking, and Emma's beauty could not -fail to attract when once observed. But looks did not satisfy Margaret -or Penelope, who both wanted to be conspicuous characters, envied -every woman accompanied or addressed by a man, and felt extremely -ill-used by everything around them. - -After passing through several state-apartments, where they followed in -the wake of many others, they arrived at the entrance of the music -saloon, where they at last encountered Miss Osborne and her mother. -The latter curtsied, and then turned to some one else; the former -broke off a conversation with some young people round her, to offer -her hand to Elizabeth and her youngest sister, to whom she expressed -much pleasure at the meeting; and said a few civil words to the two -others, when Miss Watson named them. Both Elizabeth and Emma were -satisfied with their reception, and would have been glad to find quiet -seats from which they might survey the company, and thus secure all -the share in the amusement that they felt they had a right to expect. -But the others were not so easily satisfied. They wanted to keep close -to Miss Osborne, hoping for the distinction of further notice, and -they both declared that they had no idea of being wedged into a corner -where nobody could see them. To avoid attracting attention by their -angry whispers, their sisters were obliged to comply, though they both -felt uncomfortable at parading the rooms without any chaperone or -gentleman to escort them, and yet did not like to attach themselves to -Miss Osborne, lest she should think so large a body of followers -troublesome. - -Passing once more down one of the drawing-rooms, they for the first -time perceived an acquaintance. This was Tom Musgrove, who was in the -act of escorting a party of fashionable-looking ladies, and either did -not, or would not see them. To pass him unobserved, however, suited -neither Pen nor Margaret, and the latter having failed to catch his -eye, the former pulled his elbow to make him look at them. Emma turned -blushing away, quite ashamed of the free manner of her sister's -address. - -His attention thus arrested, he could not avoid speaking—but his bow -was as short and hurried as it was possible, and he would again have -turned to his party had Penelope or Margaret allowed it. But this they -would not do. - -"Bless me, Tom," cried the elder sister; "how many ages it is since we -met, and yet you seem not to have a word to bestow on an old friend." - -His party passed on as she spoke, and as soon as they were -sufficiently far off for him to be sure he should not be heard, he -replied in a very short abrupt tone, - -"I am much obliged for your notice, Miss Penelope, and vastly happy to -see you, only just at present, as I am particularly engaged in -escorting the daughters of Sir Anthony Barnard, I must beg you will -excuse my further delay; your humble servant, Miss Margaret," and he -rushed away as he finished his sentence. - -"How provoking," muttered Penelope, "I declare, Tom Musgrove seems to -have become a perfect bear since I went away." - -"I wish our father was a baronet or a lord," sighed Margaret, "then he -would care for us too." - -"Then I am sure I should not care for him," cried Elizabeth, with much -spirit; "who would value attentions dependent on such a circumstance?" - -They now stood still, and seemed quite at a loss what to do, when a -voice at Emma's ear made her start, and sent all the blood thrilling -through her veins. The individual on whom her thoughts were fixed, he -whose presence and attention were most certain of making her feel at -ease—Mr. Howard, in short, was beside her. - -His eager enquiries as to whether she had met Lady Osborne—whether she -was pleased with what she saw, gave her satisfaction; but his proposal -that they should join his sister, who was in the music saloon, and was -looking out for them, was the greatest relief imaginable. - -The awkwardness of feeling, from which she had been suffering, was at -once done away; they would belong to some one—they would have some one -to address them—some one to make them feel at home and comfortable. - -Mrs. Willis was good-humoured and agreeable as ever—receiving the two -strangers cordially, for the sake of their sisters, and immediately -proposing that she should act as their chaperone at the ball in the -evening. - -To this, not even Margaret could make an objection, and Emma, with Mr. -Howard by her side, was now really happy. The happiness, however, was -not of very long duration; scarcely had she been seated five minutes, -when she perceived Lady Osborne's eye-glass turned in their -direction—and a moment after, a young man, who stood near her, and to -whom she evidently addressed some words, approached and said, - -"Howard, you are wanted—her ladyship finds your assistance and -presence indispensable—but, before you go, I pray you to bequeath to -me your seat." - -With evident reluctance—Emma's only consolation, he rose, and turning -to her said— - -"Since, I must leave you—will you allow me to present to you my -friend, Sir William Gordon—but, remember, Gordon," he added, laughing, -"I shall expect my proxy to resign in my favour, the moment I return -to claim the situation." - -"Don't build too much upon that," cried the young Sir William, whose -gay, animated countenance, would certainly have prepossessed Emma in -his favour, had he not turned out Mr. Howard. - -In spite, however, of his lively address, her eyes followed the other -gentleman; and she perceived that Lady Osborne, after some -conversation with him, sent him to fetch some young ladies from the -other side of the room; and, after a good deal of bustle and change, -succeeded in locating him in a corner close to herself. It was vain to -watch longer, there seemed not the slightest prospect of a release for -him; and, fearful lest her looks should attract notice or betray her -feelings, she endeavoured to confine her attention to what was -immediately around her. The music had not yet commenced, and there was -neither opportunity nor inclination wanting on the part of her -neighbour to amuse her with conversation. - -"Have you been often at the castle?" enquired he, presently; "I do not -remember to have seen you here; yet I think I should have noticed your -face, had we met before." - -Emma informed him that she was a comparative stranger in the -neighbourhood, and had rarely been at Osborne Castle. - -"Then are you sure that you are aware of the state of family politics? -Are you conversant with the position of parties in the establishment?" - -"On the contrary, I am quite ignorant—possessing no knowledge, and -little curiosity." - -"Oh, impossible! all women are curious, more or less. You must wish to -have a peep behind the scenes." - -"I deny it." - -"But it is necessary that you should, or you will transgress again." - -"Again!" said Emma, a little alarmed; "have I done so already then?" - -"Certainly," replied Sir William gravely, "were you not guilty of -detaining Mr. Howard by your side, when her ladyship needed him?" - -"Indeed, no! he went directly she sent for him," said she, coloring. - -"To send, should have been on her part, superfluous; to go on his, -impossible; he should, instinctively, have sought her side, and placed -himself in her service." - -"Surely not—Mr. Howard is not the individual of highest rank, and -could not, therefore, rightly, appropriate such a situation; and he is -a free agent, and has, surely, the power of choice." - -"He has, no doubt, every thing to guide him. I cannot doubt of his -having taste, judgment, discernment, sense; his choice cannot be -questioned in some respects—but, if he intends to please her ladyship, -he must prove his admiration for the mature charms of forty five, not -the blooming graces—but, I am growing personal and particular, I -forbear lest I should offend!" - -Emma looked a little puzzled. - -"Howard is _my_ intimate friend," added Sir William, "and I really -wish him well; now, do not you think he had better marry the dowager." - -"It is a point which no one can presume to decide for him," said Emma, -struggling with certain painful recollections. - -"After all," added he, "there is no such disparity in their years—only -fifteen or thereabouts—the jointure might be sometime in his -possession." - -"I should really be obliged, if you would find some other subject of -conversation, Sir William," replied Emma, decidedly, "I do not think -it good taste to criticise our hostess." - -"Suppose we talk of her daughter, then?" replied he, quietly, "don't -you think her rather over-dressed?" - -"No," said Emma, "but I think you had better let the whole family -alone." - -"I think I will follow your advice and choose another subject—what -shall it be?—shall we talk of yourself? Confide to me all your -peculiar tastes—your wonderful aversions—your never dying friendships. -How many bosom friends have you, Miss Watson?" - -"None, except my sister," said Emma, amused. - -"Your sister! oh, fie! no one thinks of making a friend of a -sister—that is quite a burlesque—a friend's brother is, of course, a -favorite—but one's own brothers or sisters are quite out of the -question." - -"Well, then, I am badly off indeed, for I have no friend." - -"Indeed! I wish you would take me as one." - -Emma shook her head. - -"I assure you, I am very modest, I should make an excellent friend; -only try me." - -She answered only by an incredulous look. - -"Here comes Lord Osborne into the room," continued he, "looking as if -he were going to be hanged. Just turn your eyes this way, Miss -Watson." - -"Thank you," replied Emma, without complying; "but I will not add to -Lord Osborne's modest confusion by looking at him." - -"His modest confusion—what a good idea. Why he is the most impudent -man in Great Britain. What bribe do you suppose his mother had to -offer him, to induce him to come into the music saloon to-day?" - -"It is difficult for me to guess. Agreeable company and excellent -music no doubt." - -"I cannot fancy either would gratify him; he is certainly one of the -most unpolished boors in the county. I assure you his groom is a -gentleman compared to him." - -"For shame to say such things of your host—you are taking away his -character, and there is surely some penalty attached to stealing in a -dwelling-house." - -"You are quite mistaken, I am doing just the reverse—giving him a -character, out of the superfluity of my own. But now just look at him, -he is making his way up to his mama—what would you bet that he does -not tread on six ladies' toes before he crosses the room?" - -Emma could not help smiling, but would not turn round, as she had no -inclination to catch the young peer's eyes. - -"Oh, it's not Lady Osborne, it's Howard he is addressing. I wonder -what he is saying. Howard's countenance is a tell-tale, and it's -something he does not like. Now they are both looking this way; upon -my word his lordship is coming here. Do you think he is trying to find -_me_, Miss Watson? Really such public notice confuses me—I am so very -modest—am not I blushing now?" - -Emma could not raise her eyes, for she was conscious that whether Sir -William's blushes were real or fanciful, her own were painfully deep, -and that he observed it. It was not however as Sir William supposed, -because Lord Osborne was coming towards her, but it was the idea that -Mr. Howard pointed out her seat with reluctance, joined to the arch -tone and look of her companion that destroyed her composure, in spite -of her utmost efforts to appear calm. - -"You are acquainted with Lord Osborne, then?" said he, as if drawing -an inference from something just passing. - -"What makes you think so?" said she. - -"I judge from your being so well aware that he is not worth looking -at; had you never seen him, you would certainly have expected -something superior. Shall I vacate my place in favor of his lordship?" - -"As you please. It is a perfect matter of indifference to me: don't do -it on my account however." - -"What a perplexing answer; I don't know how to understand it; for -though well aware that a lady's private opinion is usually the reverse -of her public one, I am still left in the dark as to which of us you -really prefer." - -All this conversation passed in whispers during the bustle of -arrangement, and previous to the commencement of the overture; but now -the full burst of the orchestra drowned all other sounds, and made a -reply from Emma unnecessary. - -The silence which followed between them proved a relief to her, and -thinking that her companion's attention was engrossed by some other -object, she stole a glance towards the spot occupied by Lady Osborne's -party. There sat her ladyship in state, and close beside her stood Mr. -Howard: he was stooping to listen with a smile to some observation of -his patroness, and the painful idea crossed her mind that perhaps -after all _they_ were right who suggested the possibility of an -alliance between them. She could not imagine that he loved the -dowager, but it was very possible that ambition, the desire of -independence, vanity, or some other motive might influence him; and as -to her ladyship, she must have given some ground for a conjecture so -universally whispered. - -A year ago, had she then known the parties, such an idea would have -been rejected as absurd; but her aunt's marriage had given a shock to -her feelings which seemed to destroy her confidence both in men and -women, especially in middle-aged widows with large jointures. It was -true that if Mr. Howard's character were such as she supposed, he -would be uninfluenced by such a consideration, but in this she might -be mistaken, and where such a possibility of mistake existed, it -became her not to risk her own happiness by encouraging the feeling of -partiality for him, which she was conscious had been growing since the -commencement of their acquaintance. She made the most heroic -resolutions, determining henceforth to keep as much as possible out of -his company, and do everything in her power to restore her mind to a -state of equanimity. She resolved therefore not to look again, but -studiously to avert her eyes, and she tried hard to fix them on the -orchestra, and to forget, in listening to the music, all other -considerations. She was interrupted by the sudden address of Lord -Osborne, who having at length worked his way up to her, exclaimed, - -"I have been trying to get to you this half hour, Miss Watson, but -those fellows with their music make such a confounded row, there is no -knowing what one is doing here." - -There was nothing in Emma's calm and collected reception of him to -encourage the notion of partiality on her part which Sir William -Gordon had entertained. It was polite, but as far removed from the -flutter of a gratified vanity as from the consciousness of a growing -attachment. - -"I wish you would make room for me to sit down," he said presently. -"Gordon, I think you have been here quite long enough—go and make -love to Miss Carr and you will be doing a double charity." - -"As how, my lord?" said Sir William without moving an inch. - -"By giving her something to do, and leaving a seat for me here." - -"Thank you, but in good truth I am not equal to the undertaking which -your lordship has just so successfully performed. I could not make my -way across such a room, and must pray your leave to remain in the -modest seclusion of this corner, as best suited to my humble -capacities." - -"You abominably selfish fellow, you have the best seat in the room, -and you know it—that's all." - -Sir William bowed. - -"Then your lordship can hardly expect me to give it up; possession you -know is everything." - -"I can make room for your lordship," cried Margaret who had long been -straining forward her head to try and catch his attention. She was -seated behind Emma and Elizabeth, by the side of Mrs Willis. - -Lord Osborne just turned his head and gave her a momentary glance, -then stooping towards Emma, enquired who was that thin girl behind -her. - -She informed him it was her sister. - -"Indeed!" cried he; "I should never have guessed that—she is not a bit -like you!" - -At this moment a favorable movement was effected by Penelope, who had -been seated at the extreme end of the form. Seeing the advantage of -attaching Lord Osborne to their party, and too wise to expect to do so -by superseding Emma, which seemed to be Margaret's idea, she quietly -removed, and placing herself by Mrs. Willis, left a vacant seat. - -He immediately requested Elizabeth to make room for him, and in -another moment he was established by Emma's side, in the long desired -position. - -"What a remarkably good-natured girl," observed he in a whisper: "who -is she?" - -"Another sister, my lord." - -"Another sister! Why in the name of Heaven, how many sisters have you -in the room?" - -"Only three." - -"Only three! And how many others have you?" - -Emma assured him that was all. - -"Well but three is too many," replied he gravely; "it must be very -awkward and disagreeable having so many—don't you find it so?" - -"I never looked upon it in that light, which is fortunate, perhaps, as -I see no remedy." - -"That's true—you have them and cannot help it; but that does not make -it less of an evil—one would not choose three sisters." - -Emma did not think it necessary to reply to this speech. - -"Then your father has four daughters?" continued he, as if the result -of profound calculation on his part. - -"Your arithmetic is quite correct, my lord," replied she, smiling a -little. - -"And how many sons are there?" - -"Two only." - -"That makes six children in all—what a family. It's a great draw-back -certainly." - -"It does not make me unhappy at all." - -"That must be because you are so very good-tempered. I am not sure -that I could bear it myself." - -"It is fortunate that you will not probably be called on to support -such an infliction!" - -"Unless I were to marry a woman who had a good many brothers and -sisters." - -"It will be your own fault if you do that, and with so strong a -prejudice against them, I should certainly advise you not." - -A long pause ensued, during which every one seemed occupied with the -singing, and when, at the close of the first act, there was an -opportunity again afforded for conversation, Emma's attention was -claimed by Miss Osborne, who made her way up to her, and offering her -arm, led her into another saloon, as she said, to enjoy a little chat -with her. - -"How do you find Sir William Gordon?" enquired she, presently, turning -away her face as she spoke, to examine some flowers near her. - -"He seems chatty and pleasant," replied Emma; "but I have hardly seen -enough to form a serious idea of him." - -"Are you engaged to Mr. Howard for the first dance?" - -"No, I have hardly seen him this afternoon," replied Emma, in her turn -trying to conceal her countenance. - -"That's unlucky; I wish he had asked you," observed Miss Osborne, -thoughtfully. - -"Thank you; but I dare say he would have done so, had he wished it; -and I have no claim on him, more than any one else," replied Emma, -rather proudly. - -Miss Osborne looked rather quickly at her. Her eyes were particularly -piercing, and she seemed to read Emma's thoughts in her face. This -scrutiny somewhat distressed her companion, and she was much relieved -by the approach of Lord Osborne and Sir William Gordon, who joined -them, with a request that they would return to the music saloon as the -performance would soon be beginning. - -"Nonsense," replied Miss Osborne, "there can be no occasion to -hurry—and I do not care about the first piece—it's so pleasant -here—sit down again, please, Miss Watson, and, Osborne, you keep -quiet." - -Emma complied—the room was cool and agreeable, and she was out of -sight of Mr. Howard, and therefore less annoyed than when a witness to -Lady Osborne's attentions to him. Miss Osborne had a fancy for some -refreshment, and sent Sir William for a glass of jelly, desiring him -to select the one he thought best. Sir William insisted that her -brother should accompany him to bring something for Emma, with which -he complied, although his sister offered to lay any wager that he -would spill it before reaching them. - -"I assure you," she continued, to her companion, "he is the most -awkward creature in the world, though, I own, a very good-natured one. -I would not trust him to carry a jelly or a cream on any account, -where I had much regard for the carpet." - -The gentlemen soon re-appeared, each bearing something in his hands; -but Miss Osborne's prophecy happened to be amply fulfilled: just as -her brother was stooping to present to Emma a glass of whipped cream, -he stumbled over a foot-stool, and laid the whole contents in her lap. - -Up jumped Miss Osborne in great dismay and tribulation, and poured -forth the most vague apologies, her brother being far too shocked to -speak at all. Emma begged her not to be concerned, it really was so -entirely an accident that there could be no blame attached to any one. -Nothing could exceed the good-humour with which she bore the injury to -her dress, or her desire to restore Lord Osborne to his former -equanimity. - -"The dress will be totally spoilt," observed Miss Osborne, -sorrowfully—"and such a pretty one, what a pity: what can I do for -you?" - -Sir William suggested that Miss Watson should immediately try some -remedy for removing the stain; perhaps Miss Osborne's own woman could -afford her means of relief—at all events, it was better to make use of -any method that could be effected as speedily as possible, since delay -would certainly increase the evil. Adopting his advice, Miss Osborne -hurried her young friend away, expressing the most sincere regrets at -the accident, both as regarded spoiling her gown, and interrupting her -amusement. - -Emma did not attempt to deny that she was sorry for her pretty dress; -but she made the admission with so much good humour, and with so -evident a desire of excusing Lord Osborne, that her companion was -perfectly delighted with her. - -An accurate investigation up-stairs, proved that the unfortunate gown -was ruined almost beyond hope of remedy; and Miss Osborne suggested -that she should put on one of her own, as a substitute, as they were -so nearly of a size that it was certain to fit well. Her whole -wardrobe was placed at Emma's disposal, and she was soon re-equipped, -and ready to descend to the company again, whilst the injured dress -was submitted to the inspection of a committee of waiting women, who -were to take any possible measures for its reparation. But as Miss -Osborne took this opportunity of adjusting her toilette for the -evening, so much time was expended up-stairs, that the concert was -over before they returned to the music-room, and they found the -company separated into groups, some slowly parading through the -different apartments—some enjoying the collation in the -refreshment-room—whilst some had disappeared to prepare their dresses -for the ball. - -Sir William Gordon joined them almost immediately, with enquiries as -to the nature and extent of the injuries inflicted, and an assurance -that the culprit had retreated, being afraid once more to face Miss -Watson. Emma expressed such very simple and sincere regret that he -should be distressed, that Sir William volunteered to carry to him the -news of her entire forgiveness, and her friendly disposition. But Miss -Osborne did not seem disposed to part with him on such an errand. -Detaining Emma's arm, she engaged Sir William in a lively -conversation, and it seemed evident that her desire to ascertain the -nature of Emma's feelings towards Sir William arose from the fact that -her own were rather warmly in his favour. He was amusing, and rather -clever, and Emma enjoyed listening to him. Her attention was diverted -by the approach of her sisters, and she was immediately called on to -explain the change in her dress which, of course, attracted their -eyes. This she did by merely relating that her gown had met with an -accident, and that Miss Osborne had been so kind as to lend her -another. - -Now that they were standing under the immediate patronage of Miss -Osborne, Tom Musgrove thought proper to approach and join them. Emma, -of course, was his object, not only on her own account, but because -her arm was linked in that of the honorable Miss Osborne. - -"How rejoiced I am to see you looking so well, Miss Emma Watson?" -cried he. "Winston must certainly agree remarkably well with you; but -it is a most unexpected pleasure to meet you under this noble roof; it -is the first time I have had that satisfaction." - -Emma calmly admitted the fact. - -"On what a magnificent scale our noble hostess entertains," continued -he, "there is not such hospitality exercised in any other mansion -where I visit. Does it not remind you of the old feudal times, when -fair ladies held their court, and knights and squires vied with one -another for their bright smiles." - -"I wish you would go and see for my brother, Mr. Musgrove," said Miss -Osborne, looking quickly round. - -Tom bowed low and obsequiously. - -"Can you tell me where I shall find his lordship?" enquired he. - -"No, indeed; you must just have the goodness to search till you find -him—from the turret to the cellar; from the library to the stable; -including the dog-kennel—it is impossible to say where he may be." - -"I obey your gracious commands with the precipitation naturally your -due," cried he, bowing again, but not moving; in fact, he was too much -delighted to speak to the young lady at all, to be in any hurry to -conclude the interview. - -"Don't put yourself out of breath in the chace," said Sir William. "I -am sure Miss Osborne will not require that of you. Take your time, and -look carefully, for I suspect much he is artfully hidden from sight." - -He tried once more to secure further orders from Miss Osborne; but she -would not look round again, and he was forced to console himself by -wandering over the reception rooms, and enquiring of every -acquaintance if they could tell him where "Osborne" was, as he was -sent by Miss Osborne to find him. - -"How I detest that chattering magpie of a man," cried Miss Osborne as -soon as he was out of hearing, "I hope he is no friend of yours, Miss -Watson?" appealing to Emma, "I have been told that some women admire -him prodigiously." - -"I do not," replied Emma. - -"I am glad of that; he is just the sort of person I thoroughly -despise. He has not an opinion of his own, and is as mischievous as he -is idle and vain." - -"Upon my word, Miss Osborne," cried Sir William, "if you express such -very strong opinions, you will frighten me out of your company. If you -treat Tom Musgrove with such severity, I wonder what character you -would give to me?" - -"You! Sir William, I make no scruple in telling you how vain, -disagreeable, and idle you are. What else can you expect me to say? Do -not you waste your days in fox hunting and coursing; your nights in -drinking or flirting? are you not well known as the worst master, the -worst landlord, the worst magistrate, the worst member in the county? -Your misdeeds are notorious; do you not pull down schools, and destroy -churches? did I not hear of a fire on your estate where much damage -was done—were you not supposed to be deeply concerned in that?" - -"I pray your mercy, Miss Osborne; do not enumerate any more of my -misdeeds, or you will indeed drive me away. Such public censure is -more than I can stand." - -Miss Osborne now proposed that they should adjourn to the room where -the collation was spread, as she protested the anxiety of mind she had -undergone had given her a prodigious appetite, and she thought she -could eat an ice or a cream, with at least two-thirds of a _wafer_. - -After a search of half an hour, Tom Musgrove was successful in -discovering the owner of the mansion, and when he learnt that Emma -Watson was with his sister, he consented to return to her. He looked -rather ashamed of himself as he approached the ladies, but still he -ventured on; his first glance was at Emma's gown, and seeing no stain -upon it, and never discovering that the dress itself had been changed, -he looked much relieved, and ventured to whisper: - -"I am so very sorry for my misfortune, but I assure you I never -intended it." - -Emma warmly assured him that she was incapable of supposing such a -thing for a moment. He exclaimed at her extreme good-nature, -protesting that he should never forget it; then looking down at her -dress, observed that he did not think it was hurt by it. Emma was -diverted at his entire want of suspicion that it was another gown she -wore, and would not distress him by telling him of the change; his -solicitude that she should have what was _nice_, and his care to -prevent another catastrophe were most praiseworthy, and amused her -till a summons came from Lady Osborne to her daughter, announcing that -they were waiting for her to open the ball. - -To the ball-room accordingly they all proceeded, Lord Osborne still -keeping close to Emma, in such a way as to lead to the natural -conclusion amongst the spectators, that they were going to dance -together. This did not seem to be his intention, as he presently asked -her who she was going to dance with. She told him in reply that she -was disengaged; and she internally fancied that he was about to -propose himself as her partner, an honor which she did not desire. But -when she found this was not the case, and that he was quite contented -with thinking somebody must soon ask her, she certainly felt a little -disappointed, and rather annoyed fancying that he wished to prevent -her dancing at all. Miss Osborne had taken pains to procure partners -for her sisters, knowing that they had but few acquaintances in the -room, and Emma thought it strange she should take no notice of her. A -few words she whispered to her brother, to which he replied by a nod; -and then she too disappeared amongst a group, and left her standing by -her extraordinary and taciturn admirer. She began to feel rather -strange and uncomfortable, and to wish herself quietly in a corner out -of sight, or with Mrs. Willis, whom she could not discover; anywhere -in fact but in a conspicuous station in the ball-room, with none near -her whom she knew, except their host. - -At length she took courage to say that as they would probably be in -the way where they now stood, she should be glad to find Mrs. Willis, -and sit with her. Before Lord Osborne had time to reply, the lady they -were speaking of appeared accompanied by her brother. - -Emma's surprise was very great when his lordship exclaimed: - -"Oh, Howard, I'm monstrous glad you're come. You shall dance with Miss -Emma Watson, I've been trying to get her a partner for this great -while." - -Mr. Howard who had but recently escaped from the attentions required -of him by Lady Osborne, and who had been searching for Emma with this -very intention, felt all his expectation of pleasure die away at the -sight of the young couple standing together. He knew enough of his -pupil to be aware of the extraordinary interest he must take in his -companion even to think of procuring her a partner, and he could -hardly suppose that she would be quite undazzled by the devotion which -was thus testified by a young nobleman. It was therefore with a grave -though civil air that he took up the request that Lord Osborne had -dictated, and solicited the honor of her hand. - -To refuse was out of the question, and yet she could not bear to -accept what seemed so unwillingly proffered. She thought he disliked -the proposition; he concluded she was disappointed in not having the -young baron for her partner; this feeling produced on each side a -natural coldness of manner, very unfavorable to securing an agreeable -dance. She could think of nothing to say which would serve to -introduce the topic of her thoughts, though she was longing to explain -how uncomfortable she had felt, whilst standing apart with Lord -Osborne; and he seemed to be labouring under a total absence of all -ideas whatever, in the least productive of conversation. Their dance -was as different as possible from that of the happy evening when they -had first stood up together, and in spite of her philosophic -resolutions to cultivate indifference towards him, she could not get -over her regret at his manner. It was over at last, and whilst trying -to find her party she encountered Miss Osborne and her brother. The -former immediately addressed her with a hope that she had enjoyed the -dance, but before she had time to reply, with the most astonishing -quickness Lord Osborne answered: - -"I am sure she did not, Rosa, for both she and Howard looked as if -they were following a funeral, and scarcely spoke a word to each -other." - -The lady and gentleman were both rather put out of countenance at this -accusation, and Miss Osborne looking archly at Emma, said: - -"Why what's the matter—have you been quarrelling, my dear friend?" - -Emma only answered by blushing still more deeply; and Lord Osborne, -who appeared seized with the spirit of communicativeness just at the -wrong moment, continued: - -"Next time you send her a partner, Rosa, I hope he will be more to her -mind," from which sentence Emma conjectured that it was to Miss -Osborne's intervention that she was indebted for Mr. Howard's -appearance. - -In another moment she was still more surprised by Lord Osborne -suggesting: - -"Suppose you were to dance with me, Miss Watson, and see whether I -could not be agreeable; only, Rosa, you must call a very easy dance, -for I shall not be able to get through an intricate one." - -Miss Osborne looked rather surprised at this extraordinary exertion on -her brother's part; Mr. Howard turned away. Just at this moment Tom -Musgrove approached again, and Lord Osborne instantly addressing him, -desired he would go and ask that good-natured Miss Watson to dance, as -he felt particularly obliged to her. It would have amused a spectator -to watch his countenance on receiving this command: he could not make -up his mind to disobey; indeed as he found the whole family so much in -favor at the Castle, he intended to take them under his patronage -likewise, but he wished to _dance_ only with Emma, and had come to -seek her for that purpose. After a moment's hesitation he turned to -her, and affecting to believe she was the one intended, requested the -honor of her hand, in compliance equally with his own wishes and his -noble friend's commands. His noble friend, however, was by no means -inclined to cede his prior claim on her hand in favor of Mr. Musgrove, -but plainly told him that the Miss Watson whom he was to ask was an -elder one, who had been very good-natured when he wanted a seat. Since -he could not dance with Miss Osborne, who was likewise engaged, Tom -thought the next thing must be to take the sister of Lord Osborne's -partner, and he accordingly went to find the young lady whose good -nature had made so deep an impression on that nobleman. But Penelope -was engaged, and he, desirous of obeying the orders he had received so -far as he could, but preferring Margaret to her sister, was very glad -on this occasion to ask her to dance with him. - -Margaret received him in a flutter of gratified vanity and delight, -which displayed itself in her looks and actions; it was such a very -unexpected compliment, that she felt certain that his affections were -once more returning to her—and that, before long, he would become her -avowed admirer. - -Emma's dance was little more lively than her last; Lord Osborne was so -very much occupied in keeping his feet in time, and giving the proper -hand at the proper moment, to his _vis-à-vis_, that he had no -faculties to spare for engaging in conversation. She saw Mr. Howard -did not dance and more than once she met his eyes fixed on her with a -look which she could not understand. It was not dislike or disapproval -that his countenance expressed—she would rather have described it as -depicting concern and a friendly interest—as if he were gifted with -second sight, and foresaw for her some great misfortune. She tried to -avoid looking at him, and was provoked with herself for thinking so -much about his looks and manners, in spite of her repeatedly formed -resolutions to the contrary. - -At the conclusion of this dance, there was a general movement to the -supper-room, and Emma found herself escorted there by her late -partner, rather to her own astonishment, as she could not help feeling -that her place should have been occupied by some one of the more -distinguished guests. Indeed she fancied, for a moment, that both his -mother and sister looked a little annoyed at his selection. She was -quite separated from all her own family, except Margaret, who, with -the assistance of Tom Musgrove, was placed nearly opposite to them—and -who was now, in a peculiarly happy state of spirits. In fact, Emma -saw, with some little surprise, that they were carrying on a very -lively flirtation—which, as the excellent champagne took effect on his -head, became every moment more tender on his part. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - -On rising from supper, Miss Osborne again passed her arm under Emma's, -and led her out of the room: complaining that she was tired and -heated, she proposed adjourning to the conservatory, where, by the -light of beautiful lamps amidst the murmur of a fountain, the -delicious odour of flowers, and the chequered glimpses of a bright -wintry moon playing on the blossoms and shrubs, they sauntered in -silence. At the end of the conservatory was an alcove fitted up with -sofas, and almost concealed from observation by a row of orange trees, -whose beautiful blossoms perfumed the air. Into this recess Miss -Osborne conducted her friend—and here they had been sitting only a few -minutes when they heard voices approaching. - -After reconnoitring through the boughs, Miss Osborne softly whispered, -"It's only your sister and Mr. Musgrove—sit still, or we shall be -plagued with his company." - -Trusting that they would not loiter long, the two young ladies -remained concealed; and, in another moment, the couple approached so -close as to enable them distinctly to hear what they said. - -Margaret was speaking. - -"But you need not envy us, I assure you, Mr. Musgrove, we, poor, weak -women, who have no defence from slander—no pity for the deep -heart-wounds we are ever compelled to bear in silence; oh! I assure -you, if, as you say, we are like angels, our lot is any thing but -angelic." - -"But women have so much more—I mean to say they are so much less—that -is, you know, they have not any thing at all?" - -He did not seem quite aware of what he did mean; and Miss Osborne's -looks expressed a degree of amusement that threatened the security of -their concealment. She succeeded, however, in stifling her laughter, -and catching up his words— - -Margaret began again. - -"So they have—you say very true—you mean, no doubt, they have more -tenderness and less thought than you—but that increases our evils. We -love and dare not shew it—and we smile whilst a dagger is placed in -our hearts—and die happy, if, in dying, we can secure the peace of -some beloved object." - -"What are these flowers, Miss Margaret?" said Tom, who evidently found -it difficult to sustain his part in this very pathetic conversation. - -"Do you not know they are orange blossoms—bridal ornaments?" - -"Are they indeed?—and when do _you_, mean to wear them?" - -"How can you ask—is such an event in the disposal of woman?" - -"Do you wish to wear them?" - -"I shall not tell you—fie! how can you ask?" - -"Nay, do not scold me for the deep interest I take in you." - -"You take an interest, indeed!" cried Margaret, laughing affectedly; -"ah! I know you better." - -"If you doubt my word, you don't know me at all—tell me, is there one -of all those men in that bright assembly, for whom you would put on -those mystic blossoms?" - -"None, upon my word," cried she, again; "none for whom I would consent -to deck myself—none who could tempt me to such a sacrifice of life and -liberty." - -"Is that possible?" exclaimed he, in an incredulous tone. - -"True, indeed; but why should you ask; you care not for me—you take no -interest in me—you profess much indeed—but you are a man of -professions." - -"Cruel assertion—you cannot believe it possible. I assure you I have -the most feeling heart in the world." - -"I am incredulous." - -"You are unkind." - -"What motive have I to be otherwise to you." - -"My deep and earnest devotion to you, fair Margaret." - -"Now you are jesting, Mr. Musgrove." - -"In professing my admiration—my attachment—impossible—by this fair -hand, I swear I love you beyond expression. Will you wear the orange -blossoms for me?" - -"Will I? ah! dearest Tom—you little know my heart if you doubt the -willingness—but may I trust you?" - -"I vow to you by the bright moon above us—by all the honor of my -ancestors; by every thing that is dear to me, that you are the -fairest, best, most amiable, lovely, perfect woman of my -acquaintance." - -"Ah! dearest Tom. I sadly fear you flatter me with your sweet words." - -"Flatter you! you indulge in an idea derogatory to yourself, to -me—some women I might flatter—some I have flattered—but not _you_—that -is impossible—tell me, Margaret, do you love me." - -"Doubt you my love? Can you question my feelings—would you probe my -heart—ecstatic moment—bliss beyond conception. Tom, I am yours in life -and death." - -"You are mine and I am yours—but hush, there are voices coming—let us -return to the dancing—" - -With slow, and apparently, reluctant step, Margaret was drawn away; -and, the moment they were out of hearing, Miss Osborne turned to her -companion and aroused her from the state of almost stupid -astonishment, in which she was plunged, by commencing a rapid, but -whispered apology, for having become unintentionally the confidante of -her sister's happy prospects. She assured her it was entirely from a -friendly feeling towards her, that she had sat silent—for she felt had -they started out and put the lovers out of countenance by their -appearance, the declaration would have been interrupted, the whole -affair disarranged—and more mischief might have been perpetrated, than -they would ever have hoped to repair. - -At the same time she promised honorably to conceal the secret thus -unintentionally come to her knowledge, until it was generally -published, and she was able to present her congratulations to Miss -Margaret. She did not think it necessary to add how singularly absurd -she had thought both gentleman and lady on the occasion, or with how -great a risk of choking her effort to suppress her laughter had been. - -To Emma the sentences overheard had conveyed a sensation of -illimitable wonder. That Tom Musgrove should have thought of marrying -any woman, and especially Margaret, a girl with whom he had formerly -flirted till he was tired, that he should really be enough in love to -marry her without money or connexions appeared almost miraculous. She -was vexed that Miss Osborne should have overheard all the nonsense -passing between them, for she could not help fearing, from the glance -of her eye, that she would ridicule such affection and folly. - -Then too she felt very doubtful as to her sister's happiness with a -man whose present levity and idleness promised but ill for the future. -Certainly Margaret loved him, but hers was a love which doubtless -might have been transferred to some other object, and was but little -likely to make her seriously unhappy. - -All these thoughts passed through her mind whilst slowly accompanying -her companion to the ball-room, where they neither sought nor saw the -two whose conversation had so much interested her. - -The evening to Emma had decidedly been one of more pain than pleasure; -she was bitterly disappointed by the conduct and manners of Mr. -Howard, and this interview, instead of increasing their acquaintance, -or promoting their friendship, seemed to have ended only in finishing -and strengthening that incomprehensible division between them which -had once or twice before this surprised or alarmed her. - -Regret at this circumstance combined with a feeling of lassitude and -weariness, from not being accustomed to such late hours, sufficed to -rob her movements, at first, of all spirit and grace during the next -dance, and to take away all sprightliness from her conversation. Her -partner, the lively Sir William Gordon, expressed a fear that she was -ill, and proposed sitting down, but desirous not to attract attention, -she asserted herself perfectly competent to continue the figure, and -exerted herself more effectually to dispel his ideas, lest he should -succeed in guessing the origin of her want of spirits. The effort was -perfectly successful, and carefully smothering her own feelings, she -allowed her partner to talk in his usual gay and careless style, and -rewarded his conversation with smiles which encouraged him to proceed. - -He ascertained that she was to remain at the Castle that night, and -informed her that he was also to be an inmate for a few days, so that -he had the satisfaction of knowing that he should have the opportunity -of following up the acquaintance so happily begun, and that her -appearance was not only that of a dazzling meteor to shine across his -path with rare brilliancy for a few minutes, and then leave him to -darkness and despair for the future. - -"No," said Emma; "I trust I have an orbit, though a small one, but too -distant and remote a one from yours, Sir William, for it ever to be -likely that our paths should cross again." - -"You don't say so, Miss Watson; surely if Miss Osborne has discovered -and learnt to appreciate your worth—your brilliancy—it is very -possible for an inferior individual like me equally to keep you in -sight." - -"No," said Emma; "it requires Miss Osborne's abilities for that, and I -am sure you cannot pretend to vie with her in that respect." - -"Beyond all question, no," cried Sir William; "I have not such vanity -or impertinence; have I not already informed you I am the most modest -creature breathing?" - -"Oh, yes," replied Emma smiling; "we settled that point so long ago -that it had almost escaped my memory in the interval; but now you -mention it, I do recollect that you said so before." - -"You are too bad, Miss Watson," replied he laughing. - -"I think you wrong me—you should say too good, in thus readily -allowing your claim to superior merit." - -"Well, but now tell me, do you think Miss Osborne so very clever?" - -"I must decline discussing that point, being incapable of forming a -judgment on the subject." - -"Am I to infer that you do not like me?" enquired he doubtfully. - -"By no means—all I can allow you to infer from my silence is, that -Miss Osborne has been, voluntarily, so very kind to me, that she -deserves my gratitude, but that I have seen too little of her to -warrant my forming an opinion as to her talents or abilities." - -"Do you think her pretty?" - -"Exceedingly so," replied Emma warmly; "it is a countenance that -improves on one so very much—surely you must admire her." - -Sir William did not return a direct answer, and Emma suspected that he -would have been more ready with a reply, had his admiration been -merely superficial. Yet it had struck her that Miss Osborne's manner -to him was uncertain and capricious, as if she did not wish to give -him encouragement, or was trying to play with his feelings, whilst Sir -William, instead of seeking to overcome this, appeared rather desirous -of amusing himself with some other objects. - -She began to think she was the subject of some spell, destined to be -the puppet of one or other of her companions, who seemed continually -acting towards her some part which she could not understand. Perhaps -they were all trifling with her feelings, or amusing themselves at her -expense by giving her encouragement which induced her to enter society -decidedly above what was her proper situation. - -She tried to shake off this very uncomfortable feeling, but it seemed -to have taken fast hold of her mind, and her hitherto animated -countenance became again clouded, her steps were dull, and her whole -air exhibited fatigue and depression. - -Sir William was evidently watching her closely, and this annoyed her; -presently he said again, - -"Then after all, she is not so much your friend as I fancied." - -Totally forgetful, at the moment, of the subject on which they had -just been conversing, Emma started at this address, and looked puzzled -without replying. - -"I mean," continued he, answering her look, "that I had fancied you -were particular friends, and I wished to hear your opinion of her—of -Miss Osborne." - -"My opinion, I assure you, would not be worth giving, Sir William; but -I will inform you though I cannot presume to call myself her friend, I -have received very great attention from Miss Osborne, which has -naturally prepossessed me in her favor; and what I have seen of her -gives me such an opinion of her, that if our situations in life had -made us equal, I dare say our acquaintance might have grown into -friendship." - -This assurance apparently satisfied Sir William, as he dropped the -subject of Miss Osborne, and started off on a lively dissertation on -the nature of friendship, which amused Emma as long as she had -strength for the dance or attention to bestow on him. Her weariness -however had increased so much that she at last gave up, and was glad -to rest in a corner, before she had completed the allotted two dances. -Here she was discovered by Miss Osborne, who moved to compassion by -her weary looks, or influenced perhaps by some other unacknowledged -motive, was persuaded, after a faint opposition, to allow her to -retire to rest. - -And so ended Emma's enjoyments of the ball at Osborne Castle; it had -certainly been productive of little pleasure, and had cost her a -handsome dress; yet upon the whole she found herself regretting less -the actual injury inflicted on her than the unrealized pleasure which -her imagination had promised. - -She was convinced, on reflection, that this dissatisfaction must -spring from some fault in her own mind; had her feelings been under -proper regulation, she would have entered with contentment or -satisfaction into the amusement before her, instead of worrying and -wearying her spirit in wishes for what was withheld. Her partiality -for Mr. Howard was the origin of all this; and if this incipient -partiality already produced her so much discontent and evil feeling, -it became her to check it at once, and vigorously, lest she should -find herself deprived of her peace of mind, before she was aware that -she had gone astray. - -The conjoined effects of excitement of mind, and unusual dissipation -tended naturally to produce a restless and sleepless night, and -finding early the next morning that her head would be the better for -fresh air, she resolved to try and find her way out of doors before -the breakfast which would probably be at a very late hour. - -The wintry sun-beams were sparkling on the hoar frost, and glancing -red upon the naked boughs of the trees around, as she quitted the -porch; the air was brisk and enlivening—the sky free from clouds—and -promising herself a pleasant ramble, she walked into the park. The -path she chose lay along the side of beautiful hanging wood of beech, -and she pursued it in profound solitude for some time, hearing no -other sound than the echo of her own footsteps on the hard ringing -gravel; but after walking a considerable distance, it struck her that -there was a sound of other feet in her vicinity which seemed to be -keeping parallel with herself, but farther in the wood. Supposing it -might be some labourer or gamekeeper, she paused to listen, and allow -them to pass on; but the steps likewise ceased when she did, and that -so immediately as to make her doubt if it were not fancy altogether. - -Again resuming her walk, she immediately heard the accompanying sound, -and this time being convinced it was no delusion, she tried to see -through the wood, and ascertain who was thus her silent companion, but -the shrubs and underwood were too thick to allow her to see anything. - -Not quite liking to be thus accompanied, she resolved to return home, -and an opening which appeared to her to lead in the direction of the -castle at that moment presenting itself, she, unhesitatingly, struck -off in that direction. The footsteps no longer met her ear; but no -sooner was her attention released from this object, than she saw with -a different kind of alarm that the rapidly gathering clouds predicted -rain. Not liking the prospect of a wetting, she became rather anxious -about the direction of the path she was following—the turns and -windings of which began to perplex her, and she soon came to the -conclusion that she had quite lost her way. Certain, however, that the -castle must be within a mile of her, though not visible from where she -stood, she would have rambled on indifferent to this consideration, -but for the state of the weather, which became every moment more -threatening. - -Hoping to discover the turrets of the castle amidst the trees, she -climbed up a small eminence, in order to obtain a more extensive -prospect, and from this spot, though no view of Osborne Castle met her -eyes, she saw in a little glen beneath a cottage, apparently belonging -to a keeper or gardener, and there she determined to apply for -directions as to the shortest way home. - -During the momentary pause, whilst taking this survey of the -landscape, her quick ear again caught the sound of the footsteps which -had before seemed to follow her. Well aware that there could in -reality be no cause for alarm, she overcame, as well as she could, the -sort of nervous excitement which had increased upon her feelings, and -listened attentively. - -Her nerves were naturally firm, though her fancy was lively, and she, -under ordinary circumstances, would have cared little for her -invisible companion, but the excitement of last night's dissipation, -probably, affected her in some degree, as it was with a sensible -palpitation of her heart that she awaited the appearance of the -intruder, as she thought he must immediately be visible between the -open trees near her. The tread was light and steady, evidently that of -a gentleman, too light, she thought, for Lord Osborne, who was not -remarkable for his grace in walking; and her heart suggested the idea -that it might be Mr. Howard. - -She would not speak to him, if it were, that she was resolved on; she -would not allow him to be friendly only in private, whilst he was cold -and distant before witnesses; but she thought she should like to -ascertain if it was he, and like to see how he would be disposed to -behave. - -The steps were now so close, another moment must reveal the figure; -she would not seem to be waiting for him, and turned once more to look -at the lodge below, to which a few large heavy drops of rain made it -advisable she should speedily retreat; and whilst her head was thus -averted a few rapid bounds brought to her side Sir William Gordon. - -The young man would in all probability have felt but little gratified -had he known that the flush on her cheek at his sight was entirely one -of mortification and disappointment, for whatever she might try to -persuade herself, she was really quite disappointed that the intruder -was not Mr. Howard, as she had fancied. - -She gave him as friendly a return to his salutation as she could force -from her lips—far more than she felt from the fear of betraying her -feelings; whilst he professed most unbounded satisfaction at his good -luck in thus overtaking her. - -On his enquiring where she was going, she owned she had lost her way, -and was thinking of taking shelter in the cottage before them from the -rapidly encreasing rain. - -"Do you require shelter?" cried he; "then let us hasten there at once; -but I thought you must be a fairy or a sprite, no mortal maiden could -be walking at this hour after dancing all night as you did. Seeing you -could go without rest, I naturally concluded you would be alike -indifferent to the variations of the elements—proof to the -storm—impervious to the rain." - -Emma smilingly assured him she was very far from this; and that she -must now condescend to make haste to avoid a thorough wetting. He -begged to be allowed to show her the way, and as they descended the -steep side of the glen together, she felt that she ought to be -thankful for his arrival, as the path was so abrupt, and in some -places almost precipitous that his support was, if not absolutely -necessary, at least very convenient, when in a hurry, as she was at -present. - -With all their haste, however, she was not a little wet, by the time -they stood in the porch of the lodge, and were right glad when, on the -door unclosing, in answer to their knock, they saw a bright fire -burning on the hearth. - -The keeper's wife, a pretty and neat-looking young woman, very -hospitably pressed them to enter, exerted herself to dry Emma's cloak -and hat, and then asking if they had breakfasted, set about preparing -them a meal with all expedition, probably pitying the uncomfortable -lot of those who were obliged by fashion to defer their morning meal -so long. The keen appetite which a walk on a winter's morning would -produce was sufficient to have made welcome even inferior fare to that -which she displayed. The excellent bread and butter, the eggs, the -apples, the raspberry jam, were all tempting in themselves, and the -jug of home-brewed ale which she placed for Sir William was declared -by him to be an excellent substitute for chocolate after a late supper -and an early walk. - -Whilst she was preparing these things, her child, an infant of a few -months old, awoke in its cradle near the chimney corner. Perceiving -that the mother was too busy to attend to him, Emma volunteered to act -the part of nurse; and, being really fond of children, took much -pleasure in the occupation. Sir William looked at her with -admiration—he had been struck with her when dressed for the ball, and -surrounded by a crowd of other elegant women, but here the effect was -doubled by the accompaniments. The small and plainly furnished room, -was brightly illumined by the blazing fire—which, in spite of the -gloom without, threw a ruddy glow over every thing beside it. - -Emma's simple dress shewing her figure unencumbered by ornament or -superfluous clothing, her dark hair, now wetted by the rain carelessly -pushed back from her glowing cheeks, highly coloured by the rapid -exercise which she had just undergone; her graceful movements as she -tossed and played with the infant in her arms, and the sweet smiles -which she bestowed on the really pretty child, struck him as forming -the prettiest picture he had ever seen. He drew back a little to -contemplate it, and being an excellent artist, he could not resist the -temptation of trying a sketch of her figure on a leaf in his -pocket-book. - -Engrossed with her charge, and not much caring for his company, she -did not for some time notice his occupation, and he had made a very -satisfactory though slight sketch of her, before she was in the least -aware of it. But suddenly turning to him, and catching his eyes fixed -on her, whilst the pencil was suspended under his fingers, the idea of -what he was doing struck her at once. The perfect simplicity of her -manner when charging him with it, the freedom from all affectation, -and all appearance of gratified vanity, seemed to him no less -remarkable than her grace and beauty, and he no longer wondered at the -effect her presence had visibly exercised over both Lord Osborne and -Mr. Howard, and only felt surprise that Miss Osborne herself should -not feel uneasy at placing her brother in proximity to so captivating -a girl. He was sure, had his heart been free, she would inevitably -have conquered it, but his long standing partiality for Miss Osborne -herself was not to be overthrown by the unconscious rivalry of Emma -Watson. - -"I was not aware you were an artist, Sir William," said she, quietly -taking the paper from his hand and looking over it, "this indicates -that you are a master of the pencil. You will allow me to keep it I -hope, it can be of no use to you." - -"Excuse me, the sketch I cannot part with, at least not at present, I -wish to make a drawing of the subject; as the interior of a cottage it -will be perfect; pray do not require me to give it up." As he spoke he -took the sketch from her, as if afraid she might detain it against his -wishes. - -She said no more in opposition, but looking out of the window, began -to wonder whether there was any prospect of the rain ceasing, so as to -give them a chance of reaching the Castle in comfort. - -"I assure you we shall not be missed these two hours," said he, "there -is not the remotest chance of any one being up in the Castle before -noon, after such a ball as that of last night." - -"I should not like to spend many such nights," observed Emma, "one -soon tires of pleasure or rather of dissipation." - -"What sort of life would you have, Miss Watson, could you decide your -lot with a wish—have you made up your mind?" - -"Hardly, it is a point that requires reflection, and I cannot say that -I have bestowed much on it," replied Emma. - -"Indeed—you don't say so—I thought all young ladies settled that -before hand—the situation, residence, fortune, even the name which the -future was to bring them, do you not arrange that entirely." - -"If that is the case I am sadly behind hand," replied she smiling. - -"It is never too late to mend, that must be your comfort; begin now—do -you prefer the country, or are you ambitious of a house in town?" - -"Oh, the latter of course; a house in town and ten thousand a-year; -you cannot imagine I should stop short if I once began wishing, what -would be the good of that?" - -"Bravo, I like to hear a lady speak her opinion boldly—so you are -ambitious after all; I should not have thought that from your face, I -am a great studier of countenance." - -"But indeed you must blame yourself for my ambitious wishes," retorted -Emma, "I am sure it was you who put them into my head, I told you I -had never thought of anything of the kind." - -"Very well, I see you are a promising pupil, I shall be proud of your -progress, I have no doubt, but now to tell you the truth I should have -assigned you a quiet cot in the country, a retired home, domestic -cares and joys, a round of parochial duties, cheered by peace and -content—a clever and well educated companion, not a dashing or -ambitious one. I read your feelings as I thought in your face, and -should have expected you to chose such a lot; you see how the best -physiognomist may be mistaken—you blush for me I perceive." - -Emma did blush more than she wished, and she felt too much to dare to -answer for a moment, then recovering herself with an effort, she -replied: - -"Are you aware, Sir William, how nearly you have drawn my lot—did you -know I was the daughter of a country parson, and am situated nearly as -you describe?" - -"No indeed," replied he with much animation, "I am after all then a -better guesser than I took credit for, it is curious that I should -have so closely described you. You live in the midst of content and -peace do you!" - -"I always thought content was an internal, not an external blessing," -replied Emma, again evading his question, "one which it became our -duty to cultivate for ourselves, and I was blaming myself for enjoying -so little of it at this moment, being sensible that I feel rather -discontented at the detention in this cottage." - -"Well, I am certainly more amiable than you, Miss Watson, for I am as -happy as possible, or nearly so at least. But now you mention it, it -occurs to me that perhaps the rain may continue all day, in which case -we should be really confined in our present refuge. Suppose we were to -consult with the hostess as to the means of escape." - -"But what means can she suggest?" enquired Emma, "except walking home, -and in that case we shall certainly get wet through." - -"I do not see that that catastrophe is absolutely inevitable," replied -he, "we might send to the Castle for a carriage; this seems to me the -most simple remedy; do you object?" - -Emma was rather startled at the idea of taking such a liberty, but she -thought, perhaps, Sir William knew the ways of the family best, and -she did not raise any objection. Mrs. Browning, the keeper's wife, -when called into counsel, regretted extremely that she had no one -about whom she could send on such an errand, her husband being out -with the boy that helped; she would have gone herself but she had a -cough, and was afraid of the wet. This was an unexpected dilemma. Sir -William meditated in silence. - -"You have no carriage, Mrs. Browning, I suppose?" - -"Bless you, no, sir—only one little tilted cart, which my husband -drives to church on Sunday." - -"Well and is not that at home—can we not have that? it would do -admirably if we could;" cried he, delighted at the idea. - -"Certainly, sir, I think I could harness it for you, the horse is at -home to-day unluckily—I will go and see about it." - -"No, no, my good woman, let me go and see,—I dare say, I can manage -the affair without troubling you," said Sir William. - -But she assured him her presence was necessary to show him the way, at -least; but, if the young lady would be so kind as again to hold the -infant, they would soon have every thing right. To this, of course, -Emma readily agreed, and she soon, from the thinness of the partition, -heard Sir William's voice joking with their hostess about the horse -and harness. - -In about ten minutes he returned. - -"Miss Watson," said he, "your carriage is waiting—are you ready to -undertake the expedition under my escort?" - -Emma assented; and, after thanking the mother, and kissing the child—a -process which Sir William pretended likewise to imitate, she was -conducted to the door, and assisted into the neat, little chay-cart by -him—and, under his protection, commenced the journey. - -"What a charming little scene," cried he, slackening the reins to -allow the horse to walk up a long hill; "I wish you would write a -pastoral poem descriptive of the little cottage and its inhabitants, -Miss Watson." - -"And make you the hero of it, of course," replied Emma, "I wish I -could, the subject would be decidedly novel and amusing." - -"Oh! by all means, make me the hero; introduce me in any way you like, -you could not do wrong." - -"I should particularly celebrate your great and glorious appetite, and -the heroic way in which you attacked the bread and butter," said she. - -"Miss Watson, you are growing satirical, I will not trust you; I know -you will say something cruel of me, I see it in your eyes." - -"Your dexterity in harnessing a horse, that shall likewise be -commemorated—we will say nothing about your buckling the traces all -wrong, or the assistance Mrs. Browning was compelled to give you." - -"Are you a witch, Miss Watson?" cried he. "How came you to know of my -little blunders; upon my word, I begin to suspect you of something -strange." - -"Likewise your extreme partiality for little babies, and your amiable -caresses bestowed on them." - -"Why, the baby was not exactly the thing I should have chosen to -kiss," replied he, slyly, "but mothers and nurses _seem_ to prefer it -to having such fees paid to themselves; but, if you think I was wrong, -we will go another day and I will make a more judicious selection." - -"Far from it; I think you displayed peculiar judgment and taste—I am -serious in commending it. On the whole, I think you have behaved nobly -this morning, and posterity should learn your merits through my song, -if it were only in my power to write verses." - -"Nay, now, I trust you are not going to have the cruelty to retract; -remember, whilst I celebrate the adventure with my pencil, I shall -trust to you to do so with your pen," cried he. - -She only smiled and shook her head in reply, then, after a moment's -pause, she suggested that it might, perhaps, be in his power to -quicken the pace of the horse. - -He assured her he was in no hurry; and he feared it would jolt her -inconveniently, if they drove very fast. She was obliged to submit, as -she saw he was determined to have his own way—but she thought the -drive rather tedious, and was quite relieved when they reached the -porch. - -"Holla, what have you got there?" cried a voice, which she had no -difficulty in recognising. "Why, Gordon, when did you set up that -handsome equipage?" - -"I will tell you, presently, Osborne—but I must first assist Miss -Watson out," replied Sir William, gravely. - -"Miss Watson! why, in the name of all that's wonderful, what frolic is -this? If you wanted to take a drive with Miss Watson, why did you not -take her in your curricle, Gordon?" - -"Because, my good fellow," replied the baronet; "the curricle being -uncovered, would have exposed us to the rain; you had better trust to -me, Miss Watson, and let me lift you out—the step is very awkward for -a lady—gently, now, there, you are safe," as he set her down within -the porch, "I hope you are none the worse for your expedition. Do you -not see, Osborne, this, our coach, is weather proof—and, therefore, -convenient in such a rainy day." - -"But where have you been!" - -"Only driving in the park—surely your lordship cannot object to so -innocent a recreation." - -"Why did you not ask for one of the carriages" said he reproachfully -turning to Emma, who was trying not to laugh at his wondering look. -"Then I could have accompanied you!" - -"We are exceedingly obliged to you," replied Emma, "but—" - -"But," interrupted Sir William, "we were quite content with each -other's society—and, as to our equipage, I defy you to produce one -from your coach-house, at all to be compared to this elegant vehicle. -Miss Watson, were you ever in one you liked better?" - -"Never in one, for the loan of which I felt more obliged, I admit," -replied she. - -"There, I knew it; only add you never had a better charioteer, and -then I shall be satisfied. I want a little commendation myself," added -Sir William. - -"I do not think you do—you seem so uncommonly well satisfied with your -own exploits," returned Emma, laughing. - -"Do come and have something to eat," interposed Lord Osborne, "I've -done mine, but my sister and Miss Carr are in the breakfast-room." - -And he laid his hand on Emma's as he spoke, and led her away. - -Sir William, after sending for his groom to take home the cart, ran -after his companions and joined them at the door of the -breakfast-room. Both the young ladies raised their eyes in -astonishment and visible curiosity, at their entrance together. - -"Been out walking, Miss Watson," cried Miss Carr, "there must be -something superlatively delightful in such a morning as this—are you -partial to rain?" - -"Not at all," replied Emma, "but it did not rain when I left the -castle, and I did not think it would." - -"Did you walk far?—and are you not wet?" enquired Miss Osborne, rather -coldly. - -Emma assured her she was perfectly dry. - -"Where do you think we breakfasted, Miss Osborne?" commenced Sir -William, "for I beg to inform you, we, early risers, have had a walk, -a breakfast and a drive, this morning, before your finished you first -meal." - -"Really, I cannot pretend to guess where so eccentric a person as Sir -William Gordon takes his breakfast, or what his amusements are." - -"Oh, do tell us," cried Miss Carr, "so you and Miss Watson have been -visiting together, have you; in some gipsy-camp or where?" - -"No, indeed, you must guess again." - -"Not I," replied Miss Carr, pushing back her chair from the breakfast -table, "I have no talents for divination. Rosa, I am going to your -room to try your harp—will you come when you are at leisure?" - -Miss Osborne assented. - -Emma, who had not sat down, declined all breakfast, and proposed to go -to her own room to remove her walking dress—enquiring of Miss Osborne -where she should find her afterwards. - -"I will shew you your way," cried that young lady—then leading her -into the hall, "that flight of stairs leads to the gallery where your -bed-room is. I will wait for you here, before this fire." - -Emma walked slowly up-stairs, and turning her head, she saw Sir -William join Miss Osborne and address her. His reception was any thing -but gracious—the young lady seemed bitterly offended about something, -drew up her head—pouted her under lip, and gave unmistakeable signs of -being out of temper with him. Emma did not wait to see whether he -succeeded in propitiating her anger, which she suspected arose from -the supposition that they had been walking together; and, to allay -which, she determined to give an accurate account of their adventure. -On descending again to the hall, she found only her friend, the -gentleman having disappeared, and with her she proceeded to the -sitting room where Miss Osborne usually spent her mornings. - -Here the three girls were sufficiently merry and talkative, but Emma -could not find an opportunity of introducing the subject of her -morning walk, which she could not help fancying was scrupulously -avoided by her young hostess—a circumstance which rather annoyed her, -as she particularly desired to explain the reason of her return with -Sir William. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - -The whole day was too wet to allow anything like exercise out of -doors, and Miss Carr complained bitterly of the stupidity and dullness -of a wet morning after a ball; indeed she found it so great an evil -that she threw herself on a sofa and fell into a doze, from which she -was roused by the entrance of Lord Osborne. At sight of him she -started up, and tried to be animated and agreeable, but it was -evidently thrown away upon him, as he seated himself by Emma, who was -engaged in embroidering for his sister, and began to admire her work. - -Emma's manners were too quiet and reserved to give Miss Carr any -ground for supposing she was a voluntary rival, but his were so -unusually animated as to make his admiration of her indubitable, and -Miss Carr's jealousy extreme. Emma's thoughts were wandering—two -wonders continually occupied her mind, one on the subject of Margaret -and Tom Musgrove—the other more nearly connected with her own feelings -and sentiments. She was roused by Miss Osborne's enquiring of her -brother if he had seen any of their friends at the Parsonage that day. -His answer was in the affirmative; he had been walking with Howard and -had a long chat with him about something of importance, and Howard was -thinking of going away for a few weeks, if he could get any one to -take his duty; he thought his sister wanted change of air, and it was -a long time since he had enjoyed a holiday. - -"Going away!" exclaimed Miss Osborne, with a look of utter amazement; -"this does take me entirely by surprise. What in the world can -influence him to such a freak as that! going away, and at such a -time!" - -"I do not see why he should not go if he likes travelling in the -cold," observed Lord Osborne coolly; "he has a right to a holiday if -he chooses." - -"And he has worked particularly hard of late," added Miss Carr -maliciously; "he has had double duty to perform." - -"He is always very attentive to the parish," said Miss Osborne. - -"Yes, both to old and young—the charitable visits that he pays to some -old ladies are most exemplary," continued Miss Carr in a sarcastic -tone. "No doubt he will be rewarded for his exertions, but I fear he -will be much missed in his absence." - -Miss Osborne frowned and bit her lip; Emma continued to devote an -apparently steady attention to her work, and would not speak. Lord -Osborne added, - -"I gave him leave to go, as far as I was concerned, but I do not know -whether her ladyship will like it. However, I think it rather hard if -the poor man cannot have a holiday now and then; he's a very good sort -of fellow, that Howard, though he was my tutor, I have a great regard -for him; don't you think so too, Miss Watson." - -"It is very natural that you should," replied Emma as steadily as she -could, but not very well understanding what his lordship meant. - -"I asked him to dine here to-day," continued he; "he said he should -like to see you, Rosa, before he went, or something of that sort, but -he did not seem certain about dining here, or when he should come up. -I almost fancy he is not well, he is so different from usual." - -"Something must be the matter with him indeed, if you notice a change, -Osborne!" exclaimed his sister; "for I do not think you in general -very quick at observing faces or expressions. I must certainly see -him." - -"I fancy he played his cards ill last night," said Miss Carr; "he made -some blunder between hearts and diamonds I believe—I am certain he -mistook one suit for another." - -"You know very little of Mr. Howard, Fanny," replied her friend; "pray -don't pretend to judge him, it's absurd." - -"Of course it is," carelessly answered she; "it's not to be expected I -should know anything of a man so completely out of my sphere. I dare -say he is a mighty good sort of man, but he rather tires me when he -talks." - -"Where is Sir William Gordon?" enquired Miss Carr after a pause. "I -wish he would come here, he amuses me with his nonsense." - -"In the library painting. By the bye, Miss Watson, that's one thing I -meant to speak about," continued his lordship with eager animation. -"Do you know he has got the most capital likeness of you I ever saw; -how came you to sit to him?—and he vows he will not give it to me." - -"I did not sit to him," replied Emma, eager to clear up the mystery of -her walk; "he made it without my knowing it, this morning. We happened -to meet just as it began to rain, and both took shelter in the -keeper's cottage, when he amused himself drawing, whilst I was playing -with the baby." - -"Oh," said Lord Osborne; "I wish you would tell him to give it to me." - -"I cannot interfere with it, my lord," said she smiling. "I begged for -the sketch myself and was refused." - -"I vow I must see it," cried Miss Carr: "do come, Rosa, and keep me in -countenance in intruding on his studio." - -Miss Osborne declined, but suggested that her brother would do as -well, if she wished for a companion, or fancied a guard was necessary. - -"Do come!" cried the sprightly Fanny. "Be my guide and protector." - -"Quite unnecessary, Miss Carr—Sir William neither bites nor stings," -replied she coolly and without attempting to move. - -"You are a—what name shall I call you bad enough! Rosa, I vow I will -go and have a _tête-à-tête_ with Sir William—a nice little quiet -flirtation, if you will not come with me." - -"Very well, it will serve to keep you awake—pray do," replied she -apparently quite unmoved. - -Miss Carr departed, and a moment after Miss Osborne rose and walking -to the window stood there in deep contemplation for some time. The -other two were perfectly silent in the interval—at length returning to -her companions, she took her brother's arm, and saying she wanted some -conversation with him, she led him out to the conservatory to which a -door opened from the room, and they disappeared from Emma. Left alone -she sank into a profound reverie, and was engaged in trying, but not -very successfully, to bring her own thoughts into order and -discipline, when a gentle knock was heard at the door, and on her -inviting the visitor to enter, Mr. Howard presented himself. - -Both lady and gentleman were excessively embarrassed at this -unexpected encounter. - -"I expected to find Miss Osborne here," said he. - -"She has just left the room," replied she, sitting down again, and -then not another word was spoken by either for some minutes. He was -trying to be cold, she to be easy and natural; apparently she had the -greatest success in her efforts, for after some deliberation, she said -in as calm a voice as she could command: - -"I hear you are thinking of leaving home, Mr. Howard, I hope I shall -see Mrs. Willis again before you do." - -"I suppose Lord Osborne told you?" replied he with a tone and emphasis -which she could not quite comprehend. - -"I certainly heard it from him," answered she, rather annoyed at his -abruptness, and puzzled what to say next. - -Another pause of some duration followed, and then he broke it, by an -enquiry if she had enjoyed the ball last night. She answered rather -eagerly, not nearly so much as the first one she had attended. - -"I am surprised," replied he in a cold voice, "I fancied the friendly -kindness of Miss Osborne, and the attentions of her brother would have -secured you a pleasant evening." - -"I hope I am not ungrateful for Miss Osborne's goodness, but she could -not with her best endeavours secure happiness even for a single -evening; and as to the attentions of her brother, to tell you the -truth, such as they are they are not particularly conducive to -pleasure. There was far more exaltation than excitement in being -honored as his partner." - -"We are, perhaps, all inclined to undervalue what is in our power," -replied he very gravely. - -"I beg your pardon, but I do not see what that has to do with the -present case," said Emma, "it is not in my power to think Lord Osborne -an entertaining partner, or a good dancer, and though I mean no -reflection on him, I should not be sorry to think it was the last time -we shall ever stand up together." - -"Possibly it may be," said he with a peculiar smile. - -She could not make him out at all, and resolved not to speak again, -since he seemed determined to quarrel with her. Again he broke the -silence by an observation: - -"I suppose now you have seen more of Osborne Castle, Miss Emma Watson, -you have become better reconciled to it." - -"I like it very much," said Emma, finding she was expected to say -something, and not quite certain what would be best. - -"I remember not long ago that you expressed very different -sentiments," continued he, "but circumstances are altered now, no -doubt, and it is astonishing how soon the mind becomes accustomed to -such a change. We feel inclined to doubt that we ever thought -otherwise from what we do now." - -"Perhaps that is the reason," said Emma, "why I am unconscious of any -change in my thoughts and feelings regarding the Castle and its -inmates, except the natural feelings of being more at home here than -before." - -"That will probably encrease," said he significantly, "you will be -much here in future." - -"I do not think that," said Emma, "I have no claim on Miss Osborne -which can lead me to expect such an honor." - -"Those who have rank and wealth in their hands have a heavy -responsibility," exclaimed he in a sort of reverie. - -She made no reply, but continued her embroidery with exemplary -perseverance, secretly entertaining a hope that some one would soon -come in, to relieve her from the embarrassment of a very uncomfortable -_tête-à-tête_. Presently looking up, when about to change the silk in -her needle, she met his eyes fixed on her with a look which seemed at -once to contradict the coldness of his tones and the gravity of his -expressions. It called a deep blush into her cheeks, to see the -earnest yet sad interest with which he regarded her; and she eagerly -busied herself with her work in order to conceal her own emotion. She -wished to speak, but could think of nothing to say sufficiently -unconnected with her present feelings to make it safe to discuss. He -was the first to break the silence. - -"You do not agree with me, Miss Watson, I perceive; has your further -intimacy in the Castle taught you that a pre-eminent situation is one -of pleasure as well as honor; have you become convinced that happiness -can be purchased and secured more easily in an exalted circle, or that -distinction and luxury are good substitutes for liberty and ease." - -"If I had thought my simple silence would have laid me open to such an -imputation, Mr. Howard," replied Emma, "I should certainly have -assented to your proposition." - -"Forgive me for attributing the idea to you," said he in a more -animated tone "honored as I have been with so much intercourse with -you, it would be impossible for me to avoid feeling interested in your -sentiments, and desirous for your happiness." - -"I am much obliged for your kind expressions, but I trust that a visit -of a few days in this family, need not give rise to any very alarming -apprehensions amongst my friends, for my peace of mind and general -content. These would be hardly worth caring for, if they were so -easily thrown into disorder." - -"Eyes unaccustomed to face the light, are easily dazzled," replied he -significantly, "and for long afterwards can see nothing in its true -colours." - -She reflected for a few moments, and then looking up said, with some -warmth: - -"Am I to infer from what you say, that you think my acquaintance with -Miss Osborne or even her brother likely to make me dissatisfied or -unhappy; to induce me to disregard former friends, or despise those -who have before been kind to me? Tell me plainly what you mean, Mr. -Howard; it would be much easier and safer to be at once explicit, if -you really wish to act the part of a friend." - -She fixed her eyes on him as she spoke, her bashfulness overcome or -forgotten in her eager anxiety for an answer—an explanation. His -countenance, in his turn, betrayed extreme embarrassment, and he -evidently hesitated what to say. She continued after a short pause, -finding he gave no reply: - -"I cannot help being afraid from your words, that you have some such -charge to lay against me. Tell me, did Mrs. Willis think I neglected -her last night; that I was too much engrossed with Miss Osborne. I -should be extremely grieved were this the case, for nothing could be -further from my wishes; if she felt hurt at anything, I fear I must -have been wrong, and would willingly do anything in my power to -explain the circumstance." - -Mr. Howard's countenance betrayed that he was feeling much; but of -what nature Emma could not exactly decide. He answered evidently with -an effort, - -"I assure you, you quite misunderstood me; I never intended to give -you the impression that Clara was jealous of Miss Osborne. Your mutual -friendship need not exclude you from intimacy with others—friendship -is not like love—it should not—it certainly need not be encumbered by -jealousy. But, Miss Watson, there is a feeling, a sentiment—a species -of friendship, which will not bear a rival; an affection which is -covetous of the smiles bestowed on others; which can only be satisfied -by an entire return—" he paused a moment, and then added, "I beg your -pardon, I have said too much, and I cannot expect you to understand -me. We are going in a few days to some distance, and, perhaps, I may -not see you again—I wish you every happiness—may you never have reason -to do otherwise than rejoice in the friendships you contract," he -stopped very abruptly, and after a momentary hesitation hastily -quitted the room. - -Emma was left alone to try and comprehend, as well as she could, the -meaning and object of his very desultory conversation. There began to -dawn upon her mind a new idea: he was jealous of Lord Osborne. It was -undoubtedly the fact; but her own feelings were in such a state of -confusion that she hardly comprehended whether it gave her more pain -than pleasure to think this. - -It was a very great pleasure to feel that he really cared for her. -Jealousy by its existence proved love, and after her doubts as to his -feelings and wishes this unexpected manifestation of his mind was at -first very welcome. Certainly his going away was unfortunate and, in -her opinion, ill-judged—it was resigning without a struggle—it was -leaving the field open to his rival—it was, for anything he knew to -the contrary, losing all chance of success, absolutely throwing away -the opportunity. Did this look like a very ardent or determined -affection—she feared not—to run away without necessity seemed rather -to indicate a wish to give up the contest—perhaps he loved her against -his will, his judgment, his sense of duty; but no—then he would not -have waited for the appearance of a rival to teach him the necessity -of avoiding her presence. Perhaps he only wished to give her time to -know her own wishes—and form her own judgment of Lord Osborne, to -allow him an open and undisputed field; and when he found his fears -were visionary and groundless he would return. This she hoped to be -the case. - -As to his lordship, she never entertained a serious idea about him -till this moment; and now, but for Mr. Howard's superior knowledge of -his disposition, she should certainly have supposed that there was no -risk of his making any one jealous by his attentions. - -She could not suppose the idea of allying himself with a family plain -and undistinguished like hers could possibly have entered his head; -nor could she easily imagine any one who in person, habits, and taste -would be less tempting to her. There was no credit due to her for not -liking him—the absence of all ambition to become a baroness seemed so -perfectly natural when the rank must be shared with such an -individual. Superiority of station could not weigh a moment in her -estimation, against superiority of intellect; her ambition did not -prompt her to wish for distinction and honor only possessed because -they were hereditary—but for the distinction of talent—the honor of -virtue and worth: this was what had charms for her above all the gold, -the splendour, the rank which the baron could offer. - -Yet seriously she never expected to have the opportunity of proving -her entire disinterestedness; the choice would never lie in her power; -Lord Osborne could not seriously contemplate such a mesalliance, nor -could his mother and sister possibly countenance it if he did. The -idea carried absurdity and contradiction with itself: he certainly -looked at her a good deal; but she could not build a substantial -edifice of hope on so narrow a foundation in reality. He probably had -looked at twenty girls before in the same way; and as to any other -attentions, they were not so marked as to have raised any speculations -in her own mind. - -It was true Elizabeth had laughingly accused her of captivating -him—but Elizabeth was only in joke—she could not have really imagined -it possible. This idea raised a new dilemma in her mind. - -Suppose Mr. Howard should have retired only to make way for the -passive admiration of Lord Osborne; suppose he was waiting till his -lordship left off looking at her; and suppose he never should do -that—that his devotion should never proceed beyond a look—no -expression escape him—but the expression which his eyes might chance -to convey, what should she do, to show her indifference to his looks, -and the absence of all speculation on their meaning which she really -felt. She could not tell how to repulse him into a state of -inoffensive acquiescence, or how to convince Mr. Howard, under such -circumstances, that there was nothing to fear from his rivalry. -Besides she was not to see him again for a long time. How very unkind -of him to go away and leave her merely because Lord Osborne had such a -fancy for looking at her. - -Mr. Howard had paid her more attention, had shown more interest in -her, had made a much deeper impression on her feelings than any one -she had ever known, and now he was voluntarily leaving her. It was -unkind—unjust—ungenerous—it was all sorts of bad things; she began to -look on it in a new light—to get almost angry with him, to think him -unreasonable—capricious—not worth caring about—for five minutes, at -least, she was quite indignant, and resolute not to interest herself -any more about him. - -How long this new state of feeling might have lasted, if left to -itself, it was impossible to say, she was interrupted by the entrance -of Lord Osborne, who hurried into the room with an entreaty that she -would return with him to the library. - -Emma rather demurred to this request; at that moment, she felt little -inclined to go any where, especially in compliance with Lord Osborne's -wishes. But on her begging to know what he wanted, he reiterated his -entreaty with more urgency, and no explanation. She, therefore, -decidedly declined, he then expressed great mortification and regret, -ending with an assurance that Sir William Gordon wanted her. - -She continued to refuse, quickly observing that she was sorry to -disappoint Sir William Gordon by disobeying his summons, but she did -not feel equal to such an exertion—and, therefore, if the interview -was inevitable, he had better come to her. - -Lord Osborne declared he would go and tell him so. She had no idea -that he was seriously intending so to do; but as soon as he had left -the room she began to put away her work that she might escape into -solitude. This and the necessary arrangements took her up some -time—she found he had entangled her silk whilst sitting by her side; -and before she had put every thing in proper order, she found her -solitude again invaded by Lord Osborne, who returned together with Sir -William and Miss Carr, when all three united in entreating her to come -at once to the library. - -Emma still persisted in begging for an explanation of their request; -and as soon as any of the party would attend to her sufficiently to -give her an answer, she learnt that the object they had in view was, -that she should sit to Sir William, in order to give him the -opportunity of correctly finishing the sketch he had hastily made in -the morning. Emma declined; the original sketch, she declared, had -been surreptitiously taken, and must now be finished in the best way -it could without any intervention on her part. - -"How cruel—how unkind!" exclaimed Miss Carr; "my dear Miss Watson, you -will break Sir William's heart. I assure you he is bent on carrying -away a faithful remembrance of you." - -"No, no, Gordon is to give it to me," interposed Lord Osborne, "I told -him so, and I shall certainly expect it." - -"I shall do no such thing, I assure you," returned Sir William, "if I -part with it at all, I shall give it to Mrs. Willis, my particular -friend and favorite, Mrs. Willis, to hang in the parlour at the -parsonage." - -"Finish it as you please—and hang it where you please, but excuse my -undergoing the penance of a sitting for any such object," replied -Emma. - -"I had not the presumption to ask it," said Sir William, "and only -accompanied my good friends here, lest they should take liberties in -my name which I could not sanction. The utmost I request is, that you -should come and look at my picture." - -To get rid of their importunity, she consented to go with them; and in -the library she found Miss Osborne, who had not joined the embassy, -and did not look in a particularly happy mood. Emma saw at once that -all was not right there, and regarded her friend's disturbed -countenance with some anxiety. Miss Carr amused herself with finding -all manner of fault in the painting, which Sir William persisted in -denying, declaring the defects she saw arose only from the unfinished -state of the work. Emma did not attend to them, but turned to Miss -Osborne, and began to explain to her, how, when, and where, the sketch -was made. - -Miss Osborne listened in silence for some time, but looked relieved, -and then begged her to oblige Sir William by consenting. She was much -surprised, but the grave and earnest way in which the request was -made, induced her, after a momentary hesitation to comply. - -Miss Osborne engaged for her, that she should not be detained more -than an hour, a stipulation which was the pleasantest part of the -arrangement, as both Lord Osborne and Miss Carr stationed themselves -behind Sir William, one chattering about every stroke he drew, and -commenting on her figure as if she had been an inanimate object—the -other staring in his unmerciful way at her face, delighted to be -furnished with so excellent an opportunity, and so good an excuse. - -"Be sure and make her complexion dark enough, Sir William," cried Miss -Carr, "Miss Watson is so very dark—quite a brunette; I think you have -made the hand a little too small, it strikes me she has not quite such -slender hands—and the hair—surely, you have indulged in a little -imagination there—that luxuriant braid—our eyes must see differently -if you think that natural and like her own." - -"I have no doubt in the world that our eyes do see very differently, -Miss Carr," replied Sir William, "I have always observed it to be the -case where feminine beauty is concerned." - -"There is not a bit too much hair," interposed Lord Osborne, "but she -does not wear it in that tumble-down fashion—she is always -particularly neat and tidy about the head. I like to see a small head -and pretty ear—why don't you show her ear; it's a mark of blood to see -a small ear—all ladies should have small ears." - -"So they should all have pretty hands," replied Fanny Carr, "but, my -dear Lord, they cannot always get them." - -As she spoke, she laid her own fairy-like fingers on his coat sleeve. - -Lord Osborne moved his arm and allowed the little hand to drop -unregarded. The fair Fanny thought him a great brute for the same. - -"My good people," cried Sir William, "my very dear friends, I really -must trouble you to move a little farther off. I think I shall send -you out of the room, Miss Carr, be so good as to take Lord Osborne -into the conservatory and select a bouquet for my refreshment. I -cannot stand all your critical remarks at my back." - -"Come, my lord," cried the young lady, "come, do as you are bid." - -"Not I," said he. - -"I shall not make you a copy if you do not," interposed Sir William, -"nor ever let you see the original again." - -"Well," said his lordship, moving reluctantly away, "I'll go on those -conditions." - -The couple left the room; Miss Osborne remained in silence. - -"I have no objection to Miss Osborne remaining," continued he in a -saucy tone, "if she is determined to patronise a poor artist with her -presence." - -"I am waiting for Miss Watson's sake, Sir William," returned the lady -addressed, "I cannot for a moment imagine that my presence can make -any difference to you." - -Emma thought her friend looked remarkably unamiable as she spoke, and -wondered what was the matter. - -"Have you seen Mr. Howard," enquired Rosa in a low voice. - -Sir William looked up quickly, in time to catch the deep blush with -which Emma's cheek was tinged, as she answered in the affirmative. - -"How did you think him—my brother said he seemed unwell—what did he -appear to you?" - -"Very odd," replied Emma, scarcely knowing, however, what she said. - -Miss Osborne mused again. - -"Something must be the matter," said she at length rather earnestly. - -Emma could only answer that she did not know, and wished to drop the -subject. She turned to Sir William, - -"I hope you are not going to try my patience much longer. I only -promised for half an hour you know." - -"Very true, but half an hour of that kind is of an elastic sort, -extending from one hour to three at least, as I am sure you must have -experienced when obliged to wait for a friend." - -"Possibly," said Emma, "but ask yourself in that case what you would -do—vote it a great bore, and run away." - -"An impatient, frail mortal like myself might do so, but you are too -near perfection to exhibit any such weak unkindness." - -"Your flattery shall not bribe me to remain. Miss Osborne, may I not -go? it was at your request I stayed—pray release me from the spell." - - "Sabrina, fair, - Listen where thou art sitting—" - -murmured Sir William in an under tone, without looking up. - -"We will go together," said Miss Osborne. - -"Fair ladies, will you not first condescend to cast an eye on the -production of my humble pencil. Have you no curiosity, Miss Watson—no -sympathy, Miss Osborne? do give me your opinion." - -"My opinion would, you know, be totally useless," said Emma, turning -round from the door which she had just reached; she stopped in her -speech from catching a glance of Sir William's directed towards Miss -Osborne, which seemed to say her own was not exactly the opinion he -most desired. She left the room without another word, and her exit was -followed by a silence of some moments' space between the two who -remained. - -Sir William broke it first. - -"Are you absolutely determined against exhibiting any interest in my -proceedings—against giving me any encouragement in my efforts?" - -Miss Osborne colored deeply, then walking up to the easel said, as she -affected to be examining the drawing, - -"Sir William, you have no doubt an accurate eye for likenesses, but I -doubt from the expression you give, whether you possess equal -penetration with regard to characters." - -"Give me an instance of my failure," cried he, delighted to have -induced her to speak at all, "explain your critique, Miss Osborne." - -"No," replied she, "I leave the application of the moral to you—you -expect to produce a great effect, but the opposition jars on the -senses, and produces harshness, not softness, in consequence." - -He fixed his eyes on her with a look of deep penetration, as if trying -to read her thoughts in her countenance. She continued calmly to -contemplate the painting, as if quite engrossed by that object. - -"Are you referring entirely to this picture," enquired he, "or to some -other design of mine?" - -She colored still more deeply, and answered that he best knew if her -censure was applicable or not. - -"I own I suspect you of speaking metaphorically, Miss Osborne." - -She was silent. - -"But I think you wrong me," he continued, "do you suppose I should -dare flatter myself that you would take any interest in my -proceedings, that you would condescend to feel any concern about where -I went, with whom I associated—what I was doing. Should you not -condemn it as unpardonable impertinence if I presumed thus far." - -"Very likely I might, Sir William, but I have an idea that it would -not be the first time you had been guilty of impertinence, or expected -forgiveness when you were unpardonable." - -He smiled. - -"I will be very candid, Miss Osborne," said he, "and if I sin in doing -so, remember your own accusations are alone to blame for it. I own -your caprice and the variations in your conduct towards me, have for a -moment made me seek the comfort of contrast in Emma Watson—but it was -your own fault—you knew I loved you, and you wished to torment me." - -"Sir William, this appears to me a most extraordinary style of -address—you have never, to my knowledge, uttered a word indicative of -the love you now allude to as a well known feeling. However, let that -pass—the love you say has done the same—why then mention it now?" - -"The love has not, and cannot pass, Rosa—it is of too old and stubborn -a nature, has been nursed with too much care in its infancy to be -easily extinguished now. You have been unkind and variable as the -wind—you have refused to speak to me—sometimes to look at me—you have -said the most bitter things you could devise—you have been unjust in -every possible way—now be candid and kind for once. Tell me how you -really regard me!" - -"As the most extraordinary of mortals, Sir William. Your manner of -address may possibly have the charm of novelty—I have little -experience in that way, and cannot therefore tell; but I should -suppose there were few men who preface a declaration of affection with -violent abuse." - -He saw that her gaiety was affected—that she really trembled, and had -some trouble in commanding her countenance: he proceeded. - -"What else remains to me; the devotion, the silent adoration of a -twelvemonth have been of no avail—you have persisted in slighting -me—now I will speak out; I love you, Rosa—you know it—give me an -answer at once—reject or accept—but trifle with me no more—or I will -never see your face again!" - -She tried to speak, but quite overcome, she burst into tears, and -seemed on the point of quitting the room, but he resolutely detained -her. His arm was round her waist, his hand clasping hers, and as he -whispered in her ear—"Rosa, you _do_ love me"—she did not deny it. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - -Had Emma Watson known precisely what had passed between Mr. Howard and -Lord Osborne, on the morning preceding her last interview with the -former, a great deal of suspense, anxiety and doubt would have been -spared to her. - -The young lord, in fact, had fallen deeply in love with her, and had -chosen to confide his affection to his former tutor in these terms. - -"I say, Howard; what a remarkably nice girl Emma Watson is—and so -pretty." - -"Undoubtedly, my lord," was the reply, given rather reluctantly, and -with evident embarrassment. - -"I don't know that I ever liked any girl half so well," continued the -young lover; "don't you think she would make a famous wife?" - -Another reluctant assent was Mr. Howard's reply. - -"Do you know I mean to marry her?" this was a great effort; and having -made this declaration, he drew a long breath. - -"You mean, my lord, to propose to her? or have you done so already?" -enquired Howard, in as steady a voice as he could command. - -"Oh not yet; that's the worst part of it—confound it, I wish I could -get out of that. I say, Howard, you could not do it for me, could you? -would not that do as well?" - -"I fear not," replied he, gravely; "I am afraid I could not trust -myself; I might make some blunder which would ruin the suit, and the -blame of miscarriage would fall on me." - -"Well, I suppose I must do my best some day—she's so monstrous -good-natured, that I am not so much afraid of her as of many women; -but I would bet you a hundred to one, I shall make some unpardonable -blunder." - -"But, my dear lord, have you considered what the consequences will be -if you take this step." - -"The consequences, yes—that I shall have to marry her, of course." - -"And do you imagine such a marriage will be at all agreeable to your -mother and sister? Will not Lady Osborne be shocked at your forming -such an alliance?" - -"Perhaps she may—I dare say she will—but then you see, Howard, that -does not signify in the least, because, whenever I marry, she will -leave the Castle and go to the old Dower House, so her not liking my -wife will not signify in the smallest degree." - -"You treat the idea of displeasing her very lightly, my lord." - -"Well, but what would you have me do? I don't marry to please her -only; and it cannot matter to her what my wife was before; for when -she is my wife, she will be Lady Osborne, had she been even a -cook-maid before. It's much more consequence to me to have a woman I -like, than one whose pedigree is as long as my arm, if she is -disagreeable. As to Rosa, she likes Emma, and I dare say she would not -mind it at all; but at all events, she can marry somebody, and be -happy her own way, if she will only let me be happy mine." - -The animation of Lord Osborne's love had quite made him eloquent, and -Howard listened to him with surprise. He saw he was bent on the step -proposed; one doubt, however, remained—would he be accepted? He -suggested this to his lordship. - -"Why now that's just a question I cannot answer myself," replied he; -"if I only knew that I should have no anxiety at all. But I think she -is so very good-natured she will very likely accept me. Don't you?" - -"As to her good-nature, my lord, I can answer without hesitation, but -as to her accepting you, that must depend on other things—on her -opinion of yourself perhaps in some degree. If she loves you, I dare -say she will not refuse you." - -"Only think, Howard," cried he with enthusiasm, "how pleasant it would -be to be loved by her—to have her for one's wife—to say, 'Emma come -and ride with me'—'Emma I want you to walk,' and she doing it -immediately; always at hand to chat when one wanted, and never cross -or tired, or playing whist all the evening." - -Mr. Howard smiled faintly at his companion's idea of domestic -felicity. - -"She shall have such a beautiful house," he continued; "and she shall -go to court if she likes—all women like that—how well she will look in -my mother's diamonds—she must let her have them, I declare. I wish I -had made the offer and it was all settled now—don't you?" - -Mr. Howard could not conscientiously say that he did. - -"That's the worst part of it, and you say you will not help me. Do you -think it would do to send Tom Musgrove to make the proposals? Perhaps -she might not dislike that—Tom has a very winning way with the girls." - -"I do not think it would do at all," replied Mr. Howard. "Independent -of her possibly considering such a reference to a third person -disagreeable, I know, that is I think, that she has a particular -dislike to Mr. Musgrove, which would make but an unfavorable -commencement for your suit." - -"Indeed!—that's unlucky; I am sure I do not know what to do then, -there seems no alternative but addressing her myself, and that -certainly needs a great deal of courage; I had much rather leap that -ditch on Clapham Common—would not you—it's desperate work. Suppose she -should refuse me! a pretty confounded scrape I should be in then—what -should I do Howard, then?" - -"Learn to bear it like a man, my dear lord!" - -"That's easy talking. I say, don't you think a man must feel -preciously uncomfortable and foolish when a girl has refused him? If I -were to write, it would not be so bad quite." - -His companion gave a quiet assent to this proposition. - -"What should I say? that's the thing; I never know what words to use: -I say, I am in a complete dilemma, and must take some time to think -about it and make up my mind. I want you to promise to be my friend, -and faithfully keep my counsel." - -He gave the required promise, and then ventured to ask if his lordship -had in his own opinion any ground, from Miss Watson's conduct and -manners, to expect a favorable result to his proposals. Lord Osborne -flattered himself that he had; she was always very kind and cordial, -smiled most sweetly, and gave him all the encouragement he could -expect. - -"Though you know after all, Howard," he added in conclusion, "she may -still refuse me." - -Mr. Howard did know this, and this knowledge was in fact his chief -comfort under the infliction of such a discussion. - -If he had previously entertained any doubt as to the state of his own -feelings, this conversation must have enlightened him. Once or twice -on previous occasions he had been seized with a temporary jealousy of -Lord Osborne's place in her estimation, but from this moment the fit -came strongly on him. - -He was one of those individuals who never feel any confidence in their -own merit, who estimate every one in some respect above themselves, -and are continually mistrusting the influence which they really -possess over their friends. Had he been properly aware of his own -worth, his knowledge of Emma Watson's character would effectually have -preserved her from the imputation he now mentally cast on her, of -preferring the young lord to himself. Had phrenology then been in -fashion, it is possible that the origin of this weakness would have -been discovered in the absence of the bump of self-esteem; but this -not being the case, and in consequence, his head never having been -phrenologically examined, I cannot answer for more than the entire -absence of the quality, and Mr. Howard cannot be brought forward in -evidence of any phrenological theory whatever. - -He felt now that he must withdraw his attentions and give up -his dearest plans, to allow a fair field to Lord Osborne's -attempts—though, in doing so, he might lose her entirely. He had, for -a moment, entertained the idea of explaining his wishes to his rival -and asserting an equal right to compete for her hand. But he could not -bring himself to confess his own attachment to a young man like his -pupil; he could not depend on the secret being preserved, and he -shrunk from profaning his love by making it the possible joke of Tom -Musgrove and his associates. No, he would withdraw from the -competition—he would not be the means of depriving her of wealth and -rank—if she valued them—and if not—if, as was possible, his lordship -should be refused, then, with hope and joy, he would return to try his -fate in the same adventure. - -For this end it was, in part, that he determined to obtain a holiday; -he had long begun to feel that he ought to go for another reason, but -Emma Watson's attractions had kept him stationary. The other reason -arose from the sentiments which the dowager Lady Osborne began to make -very apparent to him. His modesty had long resisted the idea and -denied the fact, when, as often happened, he was charged by young men -of his acquaintance with designs upon the well-jointured widow. - -But even his modest estimation of himself was forced to yield before -the conviction which her looks, her manners, and her language conveyed -to his mind. - -Most unwelcome this conviction certainly was, as it could end, he -thought, in nothing but a positive rupture between his family and the -Osbornes; and unless he had the power of obtaining another home, it -would certainly render them exceedingly uncomfortable. He knew the -dowager to be of a vindictive disposition when she considered herself -injured or insulted, and both to his own family and that of his -beloved Emma, he foresaw nothing but evil from the prospect before -then. If Emma should accept the son, the rage of his mother would -certainly be intense, and if she refused him and accepted Mr. Howard -instead, there was but little probability she would be better pleased. -All hopes of further advancement from the family patronage would be at -an end, and he was not sure that upon the small income his present -living afforded him, it would be prudent to marry, as his sister and -her little boy were quite dependent on himself. There were Charles' -maintenance at a public school, and his subsequent expenses at the -university to be looked forward to and provided for; he had engaged to -do this, voluntarily engaged himself, and now that he came seriously -to reflect on his position and ties, on the expenses of a married man, -and the probabilities of any better future provision, he began to -wonder what infatuation had before closed his eyes, and hurried him on -against his better judgment, to an affection which threatened so much -of care and difficulty. Yet it was hard, very hard to give up the -charming hopes with which he had flattered his fancy; he did not feel -equal to such a sacrifice; he did not feel positively called to it. -For the present he would quit her, but he would make no desperate -resolves for the future: when he came nearer that part of his path, he -should be better able to tell in which direction his duty would guide -him. - -When he unexpectedly found himself in Emma's presence, and alone with -her, his contending feelings had almost deprived him of self-control, -and he had been scarcely conscious what he said or did, though on -quitting her, he carried away a decided conviction that he had behaved -extremely ill, and no doubt she was disgusted with him. With this -pleasing notion he returned to his house, and his sister soon saw that -there was something the matter, by the absence of his mind, and the -air of depression which hung over him. - -He told her he wanted to leave home for a time, that he thought it -would do them both good, that he had been talking to Lord Osborne -about it, that he must apply to her ladyship, and that he expected her -to refuse. Mrs. Willis was a good deal puzzled by all this, but could -obtain from him no more satisfactory answer. Playfully she accused him -of having been refused by some lady, which of course he denied; then -of having affronted some one by refusing her, which met with a similar -answer. Her invention and imagination seemed to go no farther, and she -was obliged to be quiet and watchful. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - -Whilst Lord Osborne was thus hopefully planning, and Mr. Howard -despondingly meditating, a very different termination to Emma's visit -was impending over her. She was roused from a late and heavy slumber, -natural after the sleeplessness of the preceding night, by the receipt -of a note from Winston, sent over by a special messenger. Its contents -were as follows:— - - - "Dear Emma, - - "I am sadly grieved to have to tell you such bad - news, but our father has been taken very ill, he had a - seizure last night, up to which time he seemed quite - well, and has not recovered his senses since: nor does - the doctor lead us to hope that he will. I need not - say come home, for I am sure that will be your first - wish; I dare say they can send you, as our man is gone - down to the village to fetch something for my father's - use, and I cannot, therefore, send the pony-chaise. - - "Yours, etc., - - "E. WATSON." - - -Starting up in the greatest dismay, Emma instantly sent an imploring -message to Miss Osborne to request an interview with her, and in the -meantime hurried over her dressing and other necessary preparations -with the greatest possible despatch. Miss Osborne did not make her -wait long, showed the most friendly sympathy in her distress, -instantly ordered a carriage to take her home, and insisted on her -allowing her own maid to arrange Emma's things, whilst she attempted -to take some breakfast. - -To satisfy her Emma made an effort to eat, but could scarcely swallow -a cup of coffee; and as the coachman did not keep her long waiting, in -less than an hour from her receiving Elizabeth's note, she was on her -way home. Wrapped up in fearful anticipations of what would meet her -there, she had been almost unconscious of what was passing before her -eyes; she had an impression that Miss Osborne had been very kind, that -just at last her brother had been there also, that he had squeezed her -hand at parting, with much warmth, and had said something which she -did not understand about wishing to help her; she thought of it for a -moment only, and then her mind again reverted to her father's -situation, and her sister's distress. - -The rapidity with which the journey was now performed, was a most -important comfort, very different from the creeping jog-trot of their -old horse, and she felt quite thankful that Elizabeth had spared her -such torture as would have been caused by the delay their own chaise -would have occasioned. - -Before Elizabeth was expecting her she was at home, and the door -proving to be open, and nobody at hand to receive her, she was obliged -to have her few things set down in the passage by the footman, and -then dismissed the carriage, before she was able to see any one who -could acquaint her with her father's state. - -Softly she looked into the parlour, the shutters were open, but the -room otherwise bore no symptoms of having been disturbed since last -night, the candles were still on the table, the supper tray unremoved, -and the chairs all in disorder. She then proceeded up-stairs, and was -just on the point of opening the bed-room door, when Elizabeth came -out of it. One glance at her face told her that there was no better -news in store for her. - -Mr. Watson was fast sinking—he lay apparently in a deep slumber, and -there seemed no probability of his ever recovering sufficiently to -recognise those around him, or to speak again. - -Elizabeth had been watching beside him, alternately, with Penelope -through the night; the village apothecary had said there was now no -more to do; all the remedies his skill could suggest had proved -unavailing, and they must patiently wait the result. - -Margaret had gone to bed in hysterics, and required Nanny to sit up -with her, so that it was a great blessing Penelope had been at home, -as she had a head and nerves which were always in good order, and knew -as much of medical treatment as the doctor. - -At this moment Penelope joined them; she left the patient unchanged; -the apothecary and the maid were with him, and hearing Emma's voice, -she had come out for a moment to meet her. - -"A sad ending to our Osborne Castle festivities, Emma," said she, as -she shook her hand; "who would have thought it, when we set out? -Elizabeth, don't you think we ought to have better advice? I am -certain that man there does not know in the least what he is about; -there must be a better doctor at some of the towns round -here—Bradford, or somewhere—could not we send for one?" - -Elizabeth could not tell; they had never had occasion to send for a -physician; and she did not know where one could be found. Emma -enquired if notice of their father's danger had been despatched to -their brothers; it appeared neither of them had thought of this; but -it must be done immediately. - -They were about twenty miles from Croydon; and by sending a letter by -the mail-coach, which passed through Bradford, they knew Robert would -hear the same evening, and might be at Winston easily within -twenty-four hours. This much they settled on, and a note was written, -and despatched by a trusty messenger, who was to catch the coach at -the inn at Bradford, and then try and bring back a physician with him. - -Mr. —— seemed much relieved when he learnt the project of calling in -farther advice, and thus shifting the weight of responsibility from -his own shoulders. He thought it probable that the patient might -linger many hours, possibly two or three days; and with a promise to -return in a few hours, he now took his leave for the present. - -It is needless to attempt to describe all the feelings which oppressed -the sisters as they sat watching the sick-bed—perhaps the death-bed of -their only parent. Hours stole away, bringing no change, and no -alleviation of their fears. Margaret did not join the watch; her -sensibility, as she designated it, bringing on violent hysterics, -which made attention and nursing necessary for her. Emma tried to -soothe her, in vain; Penelope was sarcastic and bitter; Elizabeth -declared she had no time to attend to her vagaries, and that she would -be soon as well as any of them, if she was not meddled with. - -About two o'clock they were roused by the sound of carriage wheels at -the door, and Elizabeth stealing into the passage, where a window -looked on the entrance, came back with the information that it was a -post-chariot, from which a gentleman, dressed like a physician, had -alighted, and that there was somebody else in the carriage, but she -could not tell who it was. - -In another moment, a card was handed into the room, with the name of -Dr. Denham on it, a name which they knew belonged to a celebrated -physician, residing at many miles distance. Much surprised, the girls -hesitated a moment as to the meaning of this, but, of course, decided -that the two eldest should descend to the parlour to receive him and -his explanation immediately. - -After a consultation of about ten minutes, Emma hearing their voices -and steps on the stairs, quitted the room of the invalid that she -might not be in the way, and when they were safely shut in there, she -ran down stairs to refresh herself by a moment's breathing the fresh -air. - -Great was her surprise on reaching the entrance passage, to see Lord -Osborne standing there, and evidently looking about for somebody. Her -light footstep instantly caught his ear, and he turned to meet her -with eagerness. - -"Ha! Miss Watson," cried he, "I hoped to see you here; how's your -father, hey—not very bad. I hope." - -"Indeed he is," replied Emma, with tears in her eyes. - -"Indeed, I am sorry—upon my honour—I'm grieved to hear that," looking -quite compassionately at her. "Poor old gentleman—what a pity—I dare -say he is a monstrous good fellow—but don't fret—I shall be quite -unhappy if I think you are fretting." - -Emma scarcely attended to what he was saying. - -"How came you here, Lord Osborne?" exclaimed she. "Had you anything to -do with Dr. Denham?" - -"I'll tell you how it was," replied he, taking hold of her hand, and -drawing her towards the parlour door, "only don't stand here in the -cold, that's so uncomfortable. There now, sit down there, and let me -sit down beside you—and I'll tell you. We know Dr. Denham very well, -he's a great friend of my sister's, and she's a great favorite of -his—so when she heard your father was ill, she wrote him a note, and -sent me with it, to ask him as a great favour to visit Mr. Watson, for -her sake—you know—and I fetched him in the carriage, so it's only the -drive, and he's to take no fee, you see—he just comes from friendship -to Rosa, that's all." - -"I am sure we are exceedingly obliged to you all," said Emma, -colouring from a variety of feelings; "it was very kind of Miss -Osborne to think of it, and of you to take so much trouble." - -"Do you know it gave me a great deal of pleasure—a very great deal; I -don't know when ever I was happier than just while I was thinking of -obliging you—I did not mind the trouble in the least." - -His eyes were fixed on Emma with a far more eloquent expression than -was at all usual with them, and he really seemed to think as he spoke, -and to feel particularly happy. - -To what extremes of eloquence his new-found felicity might have led -him there is now no means of knowing; he was interrupted before he had -committed himself by any very pointed declaration, by the sound of the -physician's return, which startled Emma into a sudden recollection -that to be found by him, sitting _tête-à-tête_ and side by side on the -sofa with the young nobleman, might perhaps not unreasonably surprise -him. She therefore told him she should be wanted in the sick room, and -quietly withdrew; when he, his pleasant reveries broken off thus -suddenly, felt himself unequal to meeting any one else with composure, -and likewise quitted the room for a seat in the carriage. - -As Emma resumed her seat at her father's bedside, she could not for -a moment banish the idea which had suddenly entered her mind, that -perhaps after all Mr. Howard's jealousy was not ill-founded, and -that Lord Osborne did entertain a more than ordinary partiality -towards herself. The notion was accompanied with no feeling of -self-exaltation; she was positively ashamed that it had intruded -itself at such a time, and she felt that had even the moment been -more appropriate, the supposition would have given her no pleasure -at all. She did not want him to like her for his own sake, and she -was annoyed by it for the sake of Mr. Howard's attachment. - -But this was not the time when such reflections could or ought to be -indulged; it was her business to think of her father, not of herself, -and she roused herself to shake them off. As soon as Dr. Denham had -taken his leave, her sisters returned to the sick room to tell her -what he had said. He had given them no encouragement; had said there -was nothing further to be done, that it was true that while there was -breath there was hope, but that Mr. Watson's advanced age and broken -health made a recovery most unlikely, and even a temporary return of -his intellects extremely improbable. - -The next morning brought no alteration in the situation of the -patient, but it brought Robert Watson to the house. He came, cool and -self-possessed as ever, taken up entirely with facts, not feelings, -and looking decidedly as if his mind at least never quitted his -office, but was still engrossed with the business there transacting. -"Deeds not words," was his motto, but the deeds he delighted in would -have been uninteresting to nine-tenths of the world, and seemed rather -intended to mystify than benefit mankind. - -Emma felt she could not love Robert; she shrank from him, and it -needed all her self-command and strong sense of propriety to avoid -showing how repulsive she found him. The excessive egotism of his -conversation and habits seemed to yield to nothing; no feeling, no -softness was evinced by his conduct. There was scarcely an emotion -betrayed on seeing his father, and what little was discernible whilst -in his sick room, had all vanished before he reached the parlour door. - -"Well, I must say this is a most unfortunate thing," said he sitting -down in his father's vacant chair and stretching out his feet to the -fender; "a most unfortunate thing for me indeed: one might have -calculated my father would have lived ten years more—he's not such an -old man—ten years at least I had reckoned on, and you see how I am -taken in. Heaven knows what is to become of you girls—there will not -be more than a thousand pounds to divide between you: and it's so -unlucky to happen just now, for of course you must come home to -Croydon." - -"That would be very unlucky indeed, at any time," cried Penelope; "but -I hope not quite inevitable. _I_ shall not live at Croydon, I promise -you." - -"So much the better, if you have any other plan; three on one's hands -are quite enough. There must have been some great mismanagement, or -some of you would certainly have married;" and Robert Watson, in a fit -of vexation at his sisters' celibacy, stirred the fire into a vehement -blaze. - -"Well to relieve your mind," replied Pen in a sarcastic tone, "in -return for the extraordinary fraternal solicitude you evince, I will -inform you I am engaged to be married, and expect to be a wife in -about a month." - -"Are you indeed, my dear sister I congratulate you. What settlements -are you to have? If the papers pass through our office I promise you I -will pay every attention to see it advantageously arranged for you." - -"Your liberality, my dear Robert, is most exemplary, and far beyond -what I had ventured to expect of you. But I shall not encroach so far, -I assure you. The marriage settlements are preparing at Chichester, -and I do not anticipate that it will be even necessary for me to have -recourse to the hospitality of yourself and your amiable lady." - -She spoke with a strong and bitter emphasis, which Robert could not -possibly misunderstand, but which he prudently resolved not to notice. - -"It is a very delicate matter to talk of," whispered Margaret, who had -now made her appearance, "one from which a young woman of sensibility -naturally shrinks; but I will so far overcome my blushing bashfulness, -as to inform you, Robert, that I too am engaged to be married, and -that, therefore, delighted as I should be to reside with my dear Jane, -I still hope before long to be able to receive her in my own house, -and, as Mrs. Tom Musgrove, to return the kindness showed to Margaret -Watson." - -"_What!_" said Robert, staring at her with undisguised amazement, "are -you mad, Margaret." - -"Indeed, I hope not," replied she, simpering; "I am engaged to my dear -Tom Musgrove, that's all I mean; and no doubt we shall be married in -time." - -Her brother still looked doubtfully at her, but after a moment's -consideration, replied— - -"Well, Margaret, if that's the case, you deserve more credit than I -had ever thought possible, for I would not have given much for your -chance with Tom—but, since you say he is engaged to you, I am heartily -glad to hear it. Have you any witnesses? or was the contract in -writing?" - -"No, it was in the conservatory at Osborne Castle, and as to -witnesses, oh, dear Robert, you don't suppose ladies and gentlemen -chose to have such tender scenes pass before witnesses," cried -Margaret, trying to look very young and sentimental. - -"I am sure it would be a deuced deal better if they did," said he, -sharply; "there would be much less trouble to their friends; and they -would stand a much fairer chance of having the contract fulfilled. -However, since it is so, I hope he'll keep his word, for the sake of -yourself and your friends. As times go, it's not a bad match." - -"A bad match—I should think not," cried Margaret, disdainfully tossing -her head. "I only wish all my sisters may make half as good a one, -that's all. Tom Musgrove is a man every woman may well envy me." - -"I doubt if his income was ever a clear thousand a year, Margaret," -replied Robert, as if that were the point on which, in his mind, the -advisability of the match entirely rested. "But if he's not in debt, -he may do very well. I wish Elizabeth and Emma had equal good luck, to -prevent their becoming a burden on their friends." - -A burden on their friends! how those words rang in Emma's ears, and -grated on all the feelings of her affectionate heart. Was it possible -that her brother could not only think of them in this light, but could -calmly express the feeling; that he should not only be void of -affection, but that even the wish to seem hospitable, kind, or -generous should be wanting. What would be a home in his house—what -comforts—what peace could it promise, where such an expression was to -meet them ere they crossed his threshold. - -Before the colour which these feelings called up had died away from -her cheeks, Robert continued— - -"Jane is of opinion that there must have been great want of tact and -management on your part, Emma, during your visits to the Howards and -the Castle, or you might certainly have turned them to better -account." - -"I am sorry Jane sees anything to blame in my conduct," replied Emma, -meekly; "but I do not know what she expected of me." - -"I told her she was far too sanguine," continued Robert; "but she -would have it, that, with proper attention, you might have succeeded -in securing the young lord. You must have been thrown in his way a -good deal; and, certainly, for an unprovided girl like you, it becomes -an important duty to omit no opportunity of advancing your own -interests, and those of your family, by securing a good establishment -when in your power." - -Emma was silent; her prevailing feeling being too lively a sense of -indignation to make it safe for her to speak. - -"I hope you are not to blame through any culpable negligence; the -young lord is to be sure a great ass I believe; but the match would be -a capital one for you—the making of your family. I should like of all -things to be agent and manager of his property—remember that!" - -"I am afraid," replied Emma, struggling to speak calmly, "that if your -wish depends for fulfilment on my marrying Lord Osborne, there is but -little chance of its being gratified." - -"I am sorry to hear it," replied he, gravely; "but I know such -desirable alliances are not to be compassed without a little trouble -and exertion: and, perhaps, if you were to remain a little longer in -the neighbourhood your chance would be better. I'll think about that." - -Emma longed to tell him not to trouble himself, but she thought it -most prudent to remain silent. - -The next time she was alone with the eldest sister, Elizabeth confided -to her the extreme satisfaction which the news of Penelope's -engagement gave her. It seemed to be quite certain, from what she -could learn, everything was preparing apace, an the marriage would -have soon been performed if their father's illness had not interfered. -As far as money went, it was decidedly a good match for Pen; and -though Elizabeth herself, did not fancy an asthmatic, elderly widower, -yet she could not expect every one to have her tastes, and if Penelope -herself was satisfied, that was all that could be required. - -Emma could not think and feel the same; she wished that her sister -should have required more; that she should have been incapable of -considering a sufficient jointure to be the principal aim and end of -engaging in matrimony. - -Something must be wanting—something either of delicacy or principle, -which could lead her to such results; and she wondered Elizabeth did -not feel this too. Miss Watson then proceeded to discuss Margaret's -engagement, which she declared, seemed to her incredible; she told -Emma that the night of the ball, whilst returning home, Margaret had, -after a great deal of nonsense, announced her engagement with Tom, and -declared that he was to come the next day and ask her father's -consent. That she evidently expected him herself in the -afternoon—having bestowed uncommon care on her toilette, and persuaded -Elizabeth to add another dish to their dinner, in case he should -remain the afternoon with them; but that the gentleman had never made -his appearance; and in the evening, the seizure of their father had -put it all out of her head. She doubted very much now, whether the -whole was not a mistake—the illusion of Margaret's vanity, or the -consequence of some extra flattery on Tom's part, arising from the -excitement of champagne and flirtation. There were two whole days now -passed, and he had not been near them—Margaret had written to him -yesterday, but had received no answer; and if Elizabeth were in her -place, she should certainly not feel satisfied with such conduct. - -After a little internal hesitation, Emma told Elizabeth, that so far -as the fact of Tom's having proposed and been accepted was concerned, -she could herself answer for the truth of Margaret's statement. She -related to her, under a promise of secrecy for the present, the -circumstance of her own and Miss Osborne's being accidental listeners -to the whole occurrence; this, of course, settled the point, but did -not diminish the wonder of the girls, both that Mr. Musgrove should -have proposed to Margaret, and that he should since, have taken no -further steps in the business. They wondered in vain—and they had not -much time to devote to wonder—their father's situation soon recalled -their thoughts and demanded all their attention. - -But still in the interval of repose, which this occupation necessarily -allowed, Emma found her mind continually reverting to past scenes; to -the hopes which had once been so pleasant and lively, and the -disappointment which had succeeded them. She told herself she must not -think of it; she determined that she would not—sometimes she almost -persuaded herself that she did not; but she could not regulate her -feelings as she wished; and many a time she was unconsciously dwelling -on the past, whilst she fancied herself meditating on her present -duty. - -It was Penelope's turn to remain during dinner with her father, and -Emma was once more in company with her repulsive brother. It was -really with a sensible reluctance that she sat down to the same table -with him—but she struggled against the feeling, aware that it ought to -be overcome if there was to be any future peace or comfort for her. - -The dinner was more than plain—unfortunately, it was almost entirely -cold; but, in the hurry occasioned by the illness of Mr. Watson, the -rest of his family might reasonably expect to be less comfortably -accommodated than usual. Elizabeth had hardly given the subject a -thought; and not at all indeed, until it was too late for amendment, -beyond a steak hurriedly cooked for Robert's sake. But this was -tough—tough as the table, so Robert said, and he had a particular -dislike to cold mutton. His plate was pushed away with an air of -uncontrollable disgust—and he sat eyeing the table with gloomy looks, -whilst his sister good-humouredly apologised for the hardness of the -fare. - -"Shall I have the satisfaction of helping you to a little of this -cow?" enquired he, balancing his knife and fork in his hand, and -pointing with them to the condemned steak. "I recommend you to try it, -Elizabeth, and then you may, perhaps, remember another time, and make -better provision for such unfortunate individuals as are compelled, -through circumstances to become your guests—you ought to be ashamed of -yourself, Elizabeth-" - -"Upon my word, Robert, I could not help it; I will try and give you a -better dinner to-morrow; but it's not my fault entirely, that the -steak is tough. I thought, perhaps, it would be; but it was the only -thing we could dress—and I thought you would like that better than -nothing." - -"I cannot comprehend such bad management—why is not your cook to dress -a dinner for me?—what else had she to do of more importance?—she -can_not_ be wanted by my father! For _me_—you will look very blank, I -expect, when you come to live with me, if I set you down to such fare -as this!" - -Elizabeth had the sense and the forbearance to remain perfectly -silent; and Robert, finding that all his indignation could not -overcome impossibilities, or cook him a dinner where the materials -were actually wanting, thought it best to make some attempts at -eating; and proceeded, with an air of injured dignity, to devour the -unfortunate subject of his wrath. - -"I think, Jane would be rather astonished if she knew what sort of -dinner I have been compelled to make," was his observation when he -laid down his knife and fork. "She would hardly expect to find me -dining so contentedly off a tough old steak—ill-cooked, and no sauce. -I always have observed in most houses, here especially, none are so -badly provided for as the eldest sons. I suppose any thing is good -enough for them—it does not signify what I eat at all—I am only your -brother—only the head of the house—only the man on whom you will be -dependent when—but no matter, I hope you will fare better in my house, -that's all!" - -"I am very sorry," repeated Elizabeth, "I know it's very disagreeable -to have a bad dinner, but I hope it will not happen again, and I'll -try and get you something you will like for supper; a broiled fowl and -an omelette—could you fancy that, Robert?" - -Robert assented; but his wrath was evidently mollified at the promise, -and no more was said about the unfortunate dinner at that time. - -Another day put a period to their suspense, and confirmed their worst -anticipation. Mr. Watson was no more; and his four daughters were left -to all the evils which Robert had so providentially pointed out to -them. Their feelings and their manner of expressing them, were as -different as their characters, and their ways of thinking. Emma, who -knew the least of him, certainly experienced the greatest -grief—Elizabeth mourned too—but there were so many things for her to -think of—much to plan and arrange—so much of economy to be mingled -with a wish of doing every thing as handsomely as possible, that she -had no time to cultivate sorrow as a duty, or indulge in its -appearance as a recreation. Emma was active and useful likewise—but -she busied herself in spite of her grief—Miss Watson grieved only in -the intervals of her business. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - -When first Robert came to Winston, Elizabeth had consulted him on the -subject of sending for Sam, but her brother opposed it. Emma had -listened in silent anxiety to the debate, and in keen disappointment -to its termination. From her sister's conversation, she had an ardent -desire to meet her unknown brother; she expected to be able to like -him—Elizabeth had, in speaking of him, told many little traits of -character, which convinced her that he must possess a generous -disposition and an affectionate heart; she longed to see him—to know -him—to be loved by him. - -But Robert had decided that though he was, of course, to be informed -of his father's illness, there was no need to say any thing which -should induce him to come himself—no doubt it would be excessively -inconvenient to his master—a needless expense to himself—perfectly -undesirable in every way, and quite unnecessary; for, of what use -could Sam be when Robert himself was there. He was nobody—a younger -son—the most unimportant being in the world. As to his wishing to see -his father again, what did that signify? People could not always have -what they wished for—young men in their apprenticeship must not look -for holidays; he was sure _he_ should never have thought of any thing -of the sort whilst he was serving his articles; and now, how seldom -did he ever take a holiday from the office? Let Sam look to him and -his application to business, if he wanted an example of steadiness and -good conduct. - -But Emma's wish to see her brother was not fated to be entirely -disappointed, for no sooner did he receive the news of his father's -death, than he obtained leave of absence from his master without -difficulty, and arrived unexpectedly at Winston. She was sitting alone -in the darkened parlour, when an unknown step arrested her attention; -it was not the slow, measured consequential tread of Robert; it was -quicker, lighter, more like one which had sometimes made her heart -beat before; at least so she fancied for a moment, perhaps only -because she had just been thinking of him. The footstep passed the -door, then paused, returned and entered slowly. - -It was not more than the doubt of a moment, as to the identity of the -intruder; there was so strange a family likeness on each side, a -likeness of more than features, a likeness in mind and temper, a -sympathy of feeling, that the hesitation of the brother and sister was -brief indeed. - -"My dear Emma, how I have longed to see you," cried he advancing, "I -am your youngest brother, will you not welcome me?" - -The cordial, fraternal embrace with which the words were accompanied, -overcame her firmness, and she burst into tears in his arms. He was -much affected likewise, but struggled for composure in order to soothe -her, opened the window to give her air, brought her a glass of water -from the side-board, and then sitting down with his arm round her -waist, drew from her all the circumstances of his father's death, and -learnt that it was Robert's doing that he had not been summoned -sooner. That hour repaid Emma for much that she had suffered mentally -in her father's house. She had found a friend in her brother. The -dearest, the least selfish, the most equal bond which nature ties; -children of the same parents, sharing the same fears, the same -sorrows; from that moment was laid the foundation of an affection -which added so greatly to her happiness; feelings till then sleeping -unknown in her heart, were suddenly awakened; and affections which -almost unconsciously had been craving for subsistence, having now -found an aliment to nourish and satisfy them, grew rapidly into -strength and beauty. - -One hour's delightful intercourse was theirs, before they were -interrupted by the rest of the family; but when her other sisters -entered the room, Emma could not but wonder at the indifference with -which he was received both by Pen and Margaret, and imputing to him -the sensitive feelings of her own heart, felt doubly pained by each -cold word or careless look bestowed on her new brother. - -Robert's reception, however, was the worst of all. - -"So you are come, are you—hum," that was his salutation. - -"Yes," replied Sam quietly, "of course you were expecting me!" - -"A most needless waste of time and money, I must say—a young fellow -not out of his apprenticeship, has no right to be flying over the -country in this way, without any suitable reason." - -Sam controlled himself so far as not to answer. - -"It's throwing away your master's time in a most unjustifiable way." - -"Excuse me, Robert, Mr. Allen voluntarily gave me permission to come -here, and most kindly made me master of my own time for a week." - -"Quite unnecessary, whilst you are an apprentice." - -"I believe _he_ thought that even an apprentice might have feeling," -replied Sam with emphasis. - -"You might at least have asked my opinion, I think—as your elder -brother you might have consulted me, before incurring so much -expense." - -"Robert, I am accountable to Mr. Allen alone for my time—as to my -pecuniary affairs, I am not answerable to you; and as to coming to -this house, Elizabeth, who is mistress here, has told me I am welcome, -and I require no more from any one. My sense of duty led me here, but -depend upon it, I will ask _your_ leave, before I intrude on your -house at Croydon." - -Robert turned away, and had recourse to his usual expedient when -vexed, namely, stirring the fire into a vehement blaze. It was in -pursuance of a system of counter-irritation, by creating a greater -degree of external warmth, no doubt he counteracted the internal heat -from which he was suffering. - -The whole of the week which Sam spent at home, was one of consolation -and comfort to poor Emma; he listened to all she could tell him, made -her describe her past life, talked of her uncle and aunt, questioned -her as to the effects of her change, entered into her feelings, -anticipated what they must have been, sympathised warmly in them all, -and was in fact a true, warm-hearted brother to the forlorn girl. -Together they talked of their father, praised his amiable disposition, -sorrowed for his loss; then Sam told her his prospects and wishes, -confided to her his attachment to Mary Edwards, and his wavering hopes -of success; his plans for his future subsistence, and his -anticipations of the brilliant success which was to await him in his -profession. - -Emma's future prospects likewise were canvassed. He could not bear the -idea of her having to reside with Robert and his wife. - -"You will tell me it's wrong, I dare say," said he, "but I detest Mrs. -Robert, she is so self-sufficient, so cold-hearted, and so -in-sincere—indeed I wish her no ill, Emma, I am not malicious; my -detestation does not go so far as that, but I cannot wish her to have -your society for a constancy—it would be thrown away on her, and she -would torment you to death." - -"Oh no, I hope not; I trust if my home must be there, that I shall -have strength of mind and patience to bear with her. You must not -weaken my mind by commiseration; you should rather teach me to look -forward with hope, or at least resignation; do not pity me, that does -me harm." - -Sam protested that Emma was in every respect much too good for such a -situation, and that the moment he had a house and an income, however -small, she should share it with him. Her promise to do so was as -cordially given as it was required, and her heart already felt lighter -and happier from her acquaintance with her dear brother. - -When their father's will came to be examined, it appeared that it was -dated three years previously, and that of the sum of two thousand -pounds, which Mr. Watson had to bequeath, neither Emma or Robert were -to receive any share. The latter had already been put in possession of -all that he could reasonably expect, his father having made -considerable advances to establish him in business, and at the time -when the will was made, every one supposed Emma would be provided for -by her uncle, and though that expectation had been entirely -frustrated, it seemed that Mr. Watson had never summoned sufficient -energy to alter his will, and give her any share in the little he -possessed. - -It did not transpire whether Robert was much disappointed at finding -he was to have no further benefit from being the eldest son; perhaps -the idea that Emma, by becoming entirely dependent on him, would be -liable to be subject to all his caprices, and might be made a complete -slave of in his house, soothed away the bitterness of his -mortification. He took leave of the family immediately, and returned -to Croydon, having arranged, that when everything was settled at -Winston, three of his sisters should follow him there; Penelope -professing it to be her intention to return to Chichester as soon as -she conveniently could. Sam's week was not yet expired, and he -remained with his sisters. The morning after Robert's departure, as -Emma and her brother were sitting together, Margaret joined them, and -sitting down beside Sam, told him with a consequential air, that she -wanted very much to consult him. - -"Well, Margaret, what can I do for you?" enquired he kindly. - -"I want your advice on an affair of great importance, Sam, and you -must promise to give it to me." - -"Readily, Margaret, that's a thing you know everybody likes to be -asked for, so come, let's have the whole history—I will not even -require you to follow my advice when I have given it: that would be -too much altogether." - -"Well, listen; I am engaged to be married—what do you think of that?" - -"I will tell you when I know who it is." - -"Oh, I assure you it is a very desirable match, a most excellent young -man—so amiable, and fashionable, and clever, as you will at once allow -when you hear it is—Mr. Tom Musgrove!" - -"Tom Musgrove—indeed, I am surprised, Margaret—that he should marry, -and marry you, would, I own, astonish me." - -"But I tell you it is a fact, Sam, we are engaged beyond all doubt, -and why you _should_ be surprised at _my_ being his choice, I cannot -understand." - -"I beg your pardon, Margaret, tell me what you want my advice -about—not as to accepting him I presume?" - -"No, indeed—but I am in an unfortunate situation; I am so miserable; -ever since the happy night at Osborne Castle, when he plighted his -troth to me, we have not met, and I have heard nothing of him." - -"That is very extraordinary, Margaret—nothing at all—and can you not -account for it." - -"No, otherwise than I am sure he is ill—nothing else could be the -reason of such unexampled silence. It was after supper when he made -the offer, and I cannot help fearing that the champagne and the -lobster salad may have been too much for his constitution." - -"Did he take much champagne then?" - -"Much—no, not much, that is, not enough to—to—just you know to raise -his spirits a good deal; I did not count the glasses!" - -"And it was then he proposed to you—are you sure he was sober at the -time, Margaret?" - -"What questions you ask, Sam—sober! you quite shock me—remember you -are talking to a young lady." - -"Well, I will not forget that, but really I don't see anything so bad -in the question, and I know no more delicate way of putting it to suit -you: are you sure he was not drunk at the time?—will that do?" - -"Upon my word—worse and worse, as if I should talk to a man who was -drunk, what do you take me for?" - -"I am sorry to offend you, my dear sister, but I have known Tom -Musgrove a long time, and some times seen him very drunk. Indeed, in -my opinion, he is just the sort of man to make a fool of himself -first, and then of any girl who would listen to him." - -"How excessively unkind you are, Sam," pouted Margaret, apparently on -the point of crying—"I am quite sure you are wrong. Tom never could or -would make a fool of me. He is not the sort of man at all; but, as I -have heard nothing of him since that evening, I wish you to go and -call on him—tell him how much pleased you are to hear of the -engagement, and beg him to come and see me—there is no occasion to -shut him out of the house, though we do not admit other visitors." - -"That's your plan, is it? But suppose he declines altogether—suppose -he should say it was a dream on your part—a delusion—a mistake; -suppose that is the reason of his silence, what am I to do then?" - -"Oh! if he were to do that, you must challenge him! You could not do -less for such an insult to your sister, you must send him a challenge, -and I could bring an action against him for breach of promise!" - -"Well, if you mean to do that, I think I had better let the challenge -alone; because the one might interfere with the other; if I were to -shoot him, you know your action could not be brought." - -"Do you mean that you will not do as I ask you?" - -"Indeed I do." - -"Then I think you most unkind and ungenerous; I always understood it -was a brother's duty to fight with every man who insulted his sister -or broke an engagement to her." - -"But, allowing us such high privileges, my dear Margaret, I think I am -justified in requiring proof; first, that the engagement was made; -secondly, that it has been broken. I am not clear yet on either of -these points." - -"I see what it is, you are determined not to help me; and I think it -very ill-natured and cowardly of you to stand by and see your sister -insulted and robbed of her best affections, and not interfere the -least for her sake." - -"Indeed, my dear Margaret, I cannot see that my interference has the -least chance of doing any good; if Tom was serious and sober, he will -need no intervention of mine to remind him of his promises; if he was -drunk and did not know what he was saying, the less that is publicly -known of such a transaction, the better in every respect for your -dignity." - -"I see you will not take my part—you are no use at all; I shall just -take my own way, and see if I consult you in a hurry again." - -Whilst the silence and indifference of Margaret's lover, gave her so -much concern—the attention and assiduity of Emma's, occasioned almost -as much excitement in the mind of the latter. Not a day had Passed -without Lord Osborne either calling himself at the door, or sending a -groom with a joint message of inquiry from his sister and himself; -several kind little notes had been received from the young lady, -expressing concern and sympathy, and it was quite evident that they -did not wish to drop the acquaintance. Nothing had been seen of Mr. -Howard; but a note from Mrs. Willis, assured Emma that they had heard -every day through Lord Osborne or they would have sent more frequently -to enquire for her welfare. - -This was consolotary, as serving to convince her that she was not -forgotten at the parsonage: but she could not help murmuring a little -to herself, that Mr. Howard should have so entirely withdrawn from -personal intercourse. Sam had received from her, a minute history of -her acquaintances at the Castle and Parsonage; and when he -subsequently became aware of the visits of Lord Osborne, he -immediately formed the very natural conclusion that the young peer -must be in love with his sister. - -Emma appeared to him so pretty and so amiable, that her being loved -was the most simple and probable event; and he only wished that Lord -Osborne had been more worthy of her; but the peerage and fortune of -the supposed lover, did not quite blind the brother's eyes to the -fact, that their owner was not distinguished by any characteristic -worthy of his high birth; and Sam could not wish his sister to -sacrifice domestic happiness for the glitter of a coronet, or the -_harmony_ of a title. She must have a husband who united mental and -moral qualifications to those of birth, wealth and station; and if he -possessed the means of advancing Sam himself in his profession, it -would be so much the better. - -"Did you ever, in your life, see such a fool as Margaret makes of -herself, Sam?" was Penelope's observation one day, when the whole -family were sitting together. "She will persist in asserting that she -is engaged to Tom Musgrove, though I have taken the trouble of -ascertaining that he has left home, and the servants are not sure -whether he is gone to London or Bath. I asked the baker's boy to -enquire, in order to set her mind at ease. I must say, I think her -story very incompatible with facts." - -"I am sure I am necessarily obliged to you, Penelope, for your kind -way of speaking to me; but I know very well what it is, you are all -envious of my good luck, and that's the reason you will none of you -believe me; but, some day, I shall pay you off, you will see." - -"In the mean time, I will give you ample credit, Margaret, feeling -confident you will never forget a debt of that kind; but, if you are -Mrs. Tom Musgrove six months hence, I will admit that I know nothing -of you—nothing of Tom—nothing of men in general, and that I am little -better than an idiot." - -"I do not see why you should doubt it at all," cried Elizabeth, -interposing, "I am sure I believe it entirely, don't you Emma?" - -"The gentleman is probably gone to London to give instructions for -preparing the settlements," observed Sam, gravely, preventing, by his -interposition, any necessity for Emma to answer her eldest sister's -question. - -Margaret assented to this proposition, and Penelope took no further -trouble to vex her at that moment. - -Meantime all the necessary arrangements for the girls quitting their -old home were made, with all possible despatch. Margaret indeed took -no interest in the proceedings, contenting herself with wandering -about, and fretting for Mr. Musgrove; but the others were busy from -the time Sam left them; and towards the end of a month, the time for -removing to Croydon, began to be discussed. Pen still held to her -resolution of not visiting her brother, she determined to return to -her friend at Chichester, and marry from her house; and she announced -that the marriage would take place within a few weeks of her quitting -her home. - -Emma was sorry at parting with her—she had got over the shock which -her coarse manners had at first inflicted; and they had always agreed -very well since the day at Osborne Castle. In fact, what Penelope had -observed there of the kindness and attention which Emma received from -that family had greatly raised her sister in importance in her mind; a -girl so much noticed and liked by people who had never stooped to them -before must be worth agreeing with; and as there was everything in -Emma's own manners and temper to recommend her to the kindly disposed, -Penelope had always avoided quarrelling with her, as she constantly -did with her other sisters. Consequently, Emma could not help wishing -it was Margaret who was going to Chichester, and Pen who was to share -their home at Croydon. - -Things, however, were really better arranged than she could have -ordered them, for it would have been impossible for Penelope and Jane -Watson to have continued in the same house, without the certain -destruction of the peace of all around. There was no one in the -neighbourhood to regret, excepting Mrs. Willis, for Emma would not -allow even to herself that the separation from Mr. Howard gave her any -concern; and it was a satisfaction to quit the vicinity of Osborne -Castle, and the scenes where she had been so happy. The Osborne family -were all gone to town without her having seen anything more of them; -or the suit of the young nobleman having made any progress. She did -not expect ever to see them again. Her own plan for the future was to -try to procure a situation as teacher in a boarding school, or private -governess; anything by which she could feel she was earning the food -she eat, in preference to becoming as her brother expressed it, a -burden on his family. She began now to comprehend more fully than she -had done before, what an evil poverty might be, and felt a vivid -sensation of regret that her uncle had left her so entirely dependent -on others after giving her an education which quite unfitted her for -filling the situation of humble companion to her sister-in-law. - -She struggled to suppress the feeling that she had been unjustly and -unkindly dealt with, but it would intrude, to her great discomfort. - -But though there were few people to regret amongst her associates, -there were sufficient discomforts and worries of other kinds attending -their removal. The dismantling of their old home—the sale of the -furniture—a portion of which was taken by the succeeding rector, the -rest was to be disposed of by auction; the disputes about -dilapidations; the finding situations for their servants; the vain -attempts to procure a purchaser amongst their acquaintance for their -old horse, even the parting with the house-dog and their two cows made -Emma sorrowful. Added to all this was the incessant repining of -Margaret, who was fretting herself almost into a decline, at the -disappearance of Tom Musgrove, and the ill-natured letters of Robert -Watson, who regularly quarrelled with everything Elizabeth did or did -not do; who disputed all their proposals, and suggested nothing but -impossibilities himself. - -Emma could not make up her mind on another point, and this was an -additional worry to her. She knew that Margaret's assertions were -correct, that Tom Musgrove had really made the offer which no one else -believed, and she doubted whether it was not her duty to support her -sister's declarations by her testimony. But this threatened to involve -so great an evil, that she shrank from it; it was evident that had -Robert been aware she was a witness to the proceeding, he would -immediately have taken advantage of the fact to compel Tom to fulfil -his promise, or threaten him with an action, in case he refused. -Margaret seemed likewise to be much inclined to this course, as the -determined silence and prolonged absence of her lover naturally gave -her doubts of his fidelity. The idea was horrible to Emma, and the -possibility of her having to appear in a court of justice was most -overpowering. Elizabeth, with whom she consulted on the subject, and -who, from her partiality to Emma, was far more inclined to consider -her feelings than those of Margaret, advised her, for the present, at -least, to hold her tongue, and see how the affair would be settled -without her intervention, and from not knowing what better to do, Emma -finally decided to take her sister's advice. - -At length, just before quitting Winston, she had a farewell visit from -Mrs. Willis and her brother, whose plan for leaving home, she was -already aware, had been renounced. The lady was the same as ever, -friendly and warm in her manners; but Mr. Howard looked pale and ill, -and was evidently out of spirits. The visit was short; and when they -parted, Emma found the interview had only added an additional pang to -all the sufferings she had previously endured. - -And thus, for a second time, was Emma Watson driven out from the home -where she had vainly hoped to find a continued shelter, and a second -time compelled to look for protection from strange relatives. It was -strange that though at this moment she really had more subjects of -anxiety, more sources of depression and sorrow, she bore it so much -better than the first. Then she had seemed overwhelmed—now -strengthened by the blow. She was learning to see life, its duties, -and its trials, in a new light; she discovered that suffering was not -an accidental circumstance, like a transitory illness, to be cured and -forgotten as soon as possible; it was the condition of life -itself—peace was the exception—and she had enjoyed her share; -henceforth, she must look forward to trial and endurance, she must -struggle as millions had struggled before her, and learn to draw -contentment not from circumstances but from temper of mind. - -Conscious that whilst in her brother's house she should probably have -much to bear, she sought for strength greater than her own to go -through with it; and endeavoured by viewing her expected trials, as a -system of mental discipline which would benefit her, if well -supported, to bring her mind into a frame to endure them with -patience. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - -The journey to Croydon was safely performed and as expeditiously as -could be expected by three young ladies and a quantity of luggage -travelling through cross roads with post-horses. Margaret was quite at -home in the streets of Croydon and its neighbourhood, and pointed out -to whom the various houses belonged with a feeling of exultation, as -if knowing the names of the owners when her sisters did not were the -next thing to possessing them herself. The bright green door, with its -brass-handled bell, was easily recognised by the large plate bearing -the owner's name which adorned it. - -The door was opened by a footman who informed them that master was at -the office, missus was out in the town, but they could step into the -drawing-room whilst they waited for her return. With evident -nonchalance, and something like insolence, he assisted the post-boy to -unload the carriage, and summoning the house-maid, enquired if she -knew what was to be done with all _them_ things. The waiting-woman -decided that nothing could be ventured on till the missus came home; -she had changed her mind so often about the rooms, that it was quite -uncertain what would be settled on at last; and if she should happen -to alter her arrangements whilst she was out, it was evident they -would have had all their trouble for nothing. The three girls were -therefore sentenced to sit in the parlour during the interval, which -Emma could not help feeling might have been more profitably employed -in unpacking and arranging their property. - -There was little to amuse them during their temporary confinement. A -copy of "The Lady's Magazine," containing the recent Parisian -fashions, was instantly seized on by Margaret; a cookery-book and a -child's doll were lying beside it, and a cat and a kitten were -reposing on the hearth rug, which, judging from its texture and the -ugliness of its pattern, was probably the work of some domestic -needle. Some uncommonly rare paintings hung against the walls—rare -from the total want of taste harmony and merit which they displayed. -Beside them were two most striking portraits which were considerately -labelled as intending to represent the master and mistress of the -house, thereby preventing such mistakes as to identity as might have -occurred. The carpet was faded, the chairs and couch covered with -slippery black horse-hair, bumping up into hard offensive things -called cushions; the table was covered with green-baize much stained -with wine, and the easy chair by the fire showed the exact spot where -the owner was accustomed to repose his powdered and pomatumed head. - -Presently the door opened and the little girl appeared. Margaret -instantly rushed up to embrace her, but the child, who seemed -peculiarly self-possessed for her age, repulsed her. - -"I did not come here to see you, aunt Margaret," said she. "Which is -Emma?" - -"I am," said Emma advancing, and pleased to be called for. - -Her niece considered her attentively with an air of surprise, then -said, "But you are quite tidy and clean—not ragged and dirty!" - -"No my dear," replied Emma smiling at her puzzled look; "why did you -expect to see me otherwise?" - -"Because the people my nurse tells me are beggars in the street go -without shoes, and wear old clothes." - -Emma coloured slightly and made no reply, but Margaret, pressing -forwards, again asked what that had to do with aunt Emma. - -"Papa and mama said she was a beggar, and I thought she would look -like them—but she is nice and looks good, and I will not mind you -teaching me at all: will you make me pretty frocks?—mama said you -should." - -"I shall be very glad, love," replied Emma, "to do anything I can for -you and your mama too; will you sit on my knee and tell me what I -shall make your frocks of?" - -Whilst Emma was making friends with her little niece, Mrs. Robert -Watson herself arrived. She received her sisters-in-law with more -cordiality than Emma expected from the epithet applied to herself, -which the child had just betrayed. In fact she was rather pleased -than otherwise at this accession to her family; she felt that she -had secured a careful assistant to the cook in Elizabeth, who was -well versed in the mysteries of pastry and custards, cakes, jellies, -and raised pies; and in Emma she hoped to find a competent -nursery-governess who would relieve her of all cares as to the -child, and supply, unsalaried, the place of the nurse-maid, to whom, -under this impression, she had already given warning. - -After chatting some time with them, she rang for the house-maid to -show them to their rooms, and the child declared she would accompany -them as aunt Emma's room was close to the nursery. And so Emma found -it was, for she was shown into a small closet containing a bed with -room to walk round it, an old chest of drawers and a high stool. This -was her apartment. There was no chimney, and the window looked out -upon a small space of flat leads, surmounted by high, black, tiled -roofs. It had commenced raining since they entered the house, and the -gurgle of the water in the gutter, and drip from the window on the -leads had a peculiarly monotonous sound. Emma looked at the forlorn -and cheerless closet, and felt she was a beggar indeed. She hoped, -however, that when her boxes and books were brought up she should be -able to make it a little more comfortable; at least she had it to -herself, and should be able to pass her time there in peace. - -Her niece dragged her off to see the nurseries—the two rooms devoted -to her occupied the rest of that floor, they were spacious and in -every respect comfortable, except that they were littered with -playthings which their owner apparently had not learnt to value. - -As it drew near to the dinner-hour Emma ventured down stairs, and -found her brother and his wife in the parlour. Robert received her in -his usual manner: in another moment her two sisters entered, and they -sat round the fire whilst waiting for dinner. - -"I hope you like your rooms, girls," said Mrs. Watson; "I thought it -would not matter putting Elizabeth and you together, Margaret, because -I know it's only for a time. I have heard—a little bird whispered to -me a certain story which you need not blush about—of a certain young -man—I know who—and I am sure I congratulate you: when did you hear -from him last, my dear?" - -"Oh, my dear Jane I have not heard from him at all. Ever since the -evening when he proposed he has disappeared from the country, and I -cannot find out where he is gone, nor induce him to make any answer to -my repeated letters." - -"Indeed! that's very odd—do you think he means to break his -engagement?" - -"I cannot tell what he means, for my own part; I think some one has -been slandering me to him, telling him things to my disadvantage, or -perhaps intercepting one of my letters. Oh, I have thought of a -thousand reasons for his silence, without charging him with -infidelity, and I console myself with the hope that when the romantic -interruption to our correspondence is removed, and the mystery which -now envelops the affair is cleared away, that I shall find he has been -suffering as much from the misunderstanding as myself." - -"I am sure I hope you may—but are you certain there is no mistake on -your part?" said her sister-in-law; "are you sure that he really -proposed to you?" - -"I am as positive of the fact," said Margaret, "as I ever was of -anything in my life." - -"Well that is a good deal," observed Robert, "for you can be pretty -positive when you please. But I only wish, if it's true, you had had -some witnesses—then I could have helped you." - -"Would you have called him out?" enquired his wife in a tone of -indifference which quite startled Emma. - -"No, I should have called him _in_," said Robert laughing, "if the -fellow refused to marry her, I would have had him up for a breach of -promise, without ceremony." - -"And what should I get for that?" said Margaret eagerly. - -"You might perhaps have got a couple of thousands—I think I would lay -the damages at three." - -"Only three, Robert! I am sure that is not enough for deceiving me, -robbing me of my best affections, betraying my trust—oh, three -thousand pounds would be no compensation for such conduct, no adequate -compensation. I am sure my heart is worth more than that." - -"I dare say you think so, Margaret," replied Robert coolly; "but you -might not persuade a jury to think it likewise; there would be the -difficulty." - -"But would you really go to law about it?" enquired Emma. "Only think -how it would make you talked about." - -"Well, so much the better," replied Margaret sharply; "why should I -mind that? I am not afraid of being spoken of." - -"It would be much better to make him pay damages than compel him to -marry you," observed Elizabeth. "I always wonder women venture to do -that—I should be afraid he would beat me afterwards." - -"Two or three thousand pounds would secure you a respectable husband, -Margaret," continued Robert. "My friend, George Millar, would perhaps -take you then." - -"I think I would rather marry Tom Musgrove than anybody," replied -Margaret. "George Millar is only a brewer, after all, and Tom is a -gentleman and has nothing to do." - -"But Millar has a capital business, I can tell you," cried Mrs. -Watson; "I should not mind my own sister marrying him. Why I know he -used to allow his late wife more than a hundred a month to keep the -table and find herself in gowns—a very pretty allowance—and very -pretty gowns she used to wear." - -"Aye, George Millar could count thousands for Musgrove's hundreds," -said Robert, "and a capital fellow he is. I only wish you might have -such luck as to marry him, either of you girls." - -The conversation was interrupted by the dinner, which was a welcome -sight to the hungry travellers, who had tasted nothing since their -early breakfast at Winston. Their brother looked at the table with -evident pride. - -"Well, Elizabeth, I promised you rather a better dinner than you gave -me at Winston," observed he. He had the habit of reverting to past -grievances. - -"You have kept your word too," replied she good-humouredly. - -"Oh, my dear creature," cried Jane, "Robert told me of the shocking -dinner he had—poor fellow, you certainly always managed very badly -about such things; perhaps it might do you no harm if I gave you some -lessons; I have rather a genius for housekeeping—at least so my -friends tell me—my uncle Sir Thomas used to like me to order his -dinner." - -"My dear Jane, I am afraid your instructions would be quite wasted on -me, unless you would give me your income to supply my wishes—when any -one allows me a hundred a month for the table expenses, I will give -capital dinners," said Elizabeth. - -"You are not thinking of what you are doing, Jane," said her husband -reproachfully, "you know I cannot eat the wing of a fowl unless it is -torn properly—Emma, I'll trouble you to cut some bacon—good heavens, I -cannot eat it so thick as that-you are not helping a Winston plough -boy remember!" - -Emma endeavoured to comply but she grew nervous, and her brother was -angry, and sent for the dish that he might help himself. Emma coloured -and apologised. - -"You should try to oblige, Emma," said Jane coolly, "a little pains -bestowed on such things, is quite as useful and essential to good -breeding as painting or books. Careless ways of carving are very -detrimental to the comfort of a family, and though it may seem of no -importance to you, it makes all the difference to a delicate -palate—one used to the niceties of life—a gentleman in fact." - -Emma _felt_, though she did not say, that there was no delicacy of -feeling, whatever there might be of palate, in her sister-in-law—but -she wisely held her tongue on the subject. - -After dinner the little girl made her appearance, and immediately -required of her mother a share in the walnuts on the table. - -"My precious one, you must have them peeled for you." - -"Yes, mama, peel them." - -"No, my darling, they stain my fingers—ask your aunt Emma, I dare say -she will do it." - -The child crept to Emma, "Good-natured aunt, peel me some walnuts." - -Emma readily agreed to do so, wishing, so far as lay in her power, to -shew that she really was anxious to oblige. The little girl seated -herself on her knee, and endeavoured at first to assist in the -operation, but soon relinquished the attempt, and contented herself -with slyly dropping the walnut shells down Emma's neck, and slipping -them under her gown, a playful trick which amused her mother -excessively when she discovered it, and gave Emma the trouble of going -to her room to undress, before she could free herself from the -disagreeable sensations they occasioned. - -The conversation before dinner still dwelt heavy in her mind; she felt -persuaded that the time would come, when she and Miss Osborne too must -step forward to prove the truth of her sister's words, and she -shuddered at the idea. She felt that she must make some apology, or at -least some announcement of her intentions to Miss Osborne, before she -could venture to risk such very unpleasant consequences to them both: -and she determined to write to her, and tell her the circumstances as -they occurred, and ask her to support and substantiate her word when -it came to be questioned. - -Her head was too weary and dizzy to undertake anything of the kind -that night, but she resolved not to defer it very long for Margaret's -sake. - -A day or two passed on, and Emma began to wonder when she should find -time for writing the projected letter. Her sister-in-law kept her so -fully employed, that a spare quarter of an hour was not to be had; her -talents with needle and scissors had attracted Jane's observation when -at Winston, and now they were put into constant requisition in mending -the child's wardrobe, or improving the mother's. Her niece's lessons -were likewise turned over to her, for she was to learn her alphabet, -her parents expecting her to be a little prodigy, and Emma must spare -no pains to produce the desired result. Take this as a specimen of -their usual routine. - -"I wish, Elizabeth, now you seem to be at leisure," said Jane entering -the parlour, "you would just go and teach my cook to make those -custard puddings, and if you would put her in the way of making almond -cakes, such as you had at your father's, I should thank you. We have -some friends coming to tea, and I should like them to taste those." - -Elizabeth, who was just taking up her needle to mend a garment of her -own, very good-temperedly put it away, and repaired to the kitchen to -superintend her sister's confectionary affairs. - -"Now, Emma," cried Jane, turning to her, "I'll call Janetta, and you -shall give her a lesson, I should like her to know the 'Busy Bee' to -say to the visitors to-night." - -"That little darling," exclaimed Margaret, as her sister brought in -the child, "has quite her mother's talents—my sweet pet," stroking -down her hair as she spoke, "my little beauty will grow up a clever, -good woman like mama some day, will you not, dearest." - -"Like me, dearest Margaret? do not wish her such an evil, a poor weak -creature like me—the child of impulse, the slave of excitement. May -she be better and happier than her poor mother!" - -Emma commenced the painful task of cramming infant brains with what -they could not comprehend, for exhibition to people who did want to -hear it. Jane shewed Margaret a piece of work she wanted done, and -then threw herself into a lounging chair. - -"Who do you expect here this evening, Jane?" enquired Margaret, "I did -not know you meant to have company." - -"It's a country client of my husband's who is coming to dine," replied -Mrs. Watson, "and I asked one or two friends to meet him; one cannot -very well help that, or else I don't know that just now, considering -how lately your old father died, that I should have had any -company—but Mr. Terry is a man of much influence!" - -All Emma's sensitive feelings recoiled at this indifferent reference -to their recent loss; that he was _Robert's_ father likewise, did not -seem to occur to his wife, who had never looked on him with either -affection or respect. Meantime the little Janetta—for such was her -niece's name, made but small progress towards acquiring the much -desired learning; and presently, her mother, turning sharply round, -cried out:— - -"I am sure, Emma, you are taking no pains about that child—for she is -so quick in general, at learning any thing; I must say, considering -the circumstances, and the liberality with which your brother has -received you, it is not asking such a very wonderful favor, requesting -you to attend a little to his child." - -"I am sure, I am very happy to do so," replied Emma, meekly; "but your -little girl does not seem disposed to attend to me." - -"That must be the fault of your manner of instructing then; you do not -adopt an interesting way; but I have observed, constantly, where most -gratitude is due, least is paid; Janetta, darling, does not your aunt -teach you nicely?" - -"I want to look at aunt Emma's watch," replied the child, "I hear it -ticking in her pocket, and she says I must not see it till I have -done!" - -"How came you by a watch, Emma?" enquired Mrs. Watson, in a tone which -seemed to imply a suspicion of its being honestly acquired. "Let me -see it!" - -"It was a gift from my uncle," replied poor Emma, producing it rather -unwillingly. - -It was a very handsome one, and had her name engraved inside the lid. - -"I want a watch very much—mine is not to my taste," observed Mrs. -Watson, greedily eyeing her sister-in-law's property. "You would not -like to exchange, would you, Emma?" - -"Certainly not," replied she hastily; "it was a keepsake from him, and -I would not willingly part with it for any thing." - -"Don't you think you had better take Janetta to the nursery?" said -Mrs. Watson, "I am sure she would learn a great deal better there than -here, where we are talking. There, darling, go with Emma like a pet." - -Emma saw that her sister-in-law wanted to get rid of her, but she -really thought the quiet of the nursery would be preferable to the -drawing-room worries, and she gladly withdrew. - -"I don't quite understand that sister of yours, Margaret," said Jane, -as soon as they were left together; "I think she seems very proud and -unpleasant—a good deal of conceit and pertness, mingled in her -manner." - -"Exactly so, dear Jane, with your usual candour and penetration, you -have precisely described her character." - -"Yes," said Mrs. Watson, with an air of great satisfaction, "I hope I -can see through people a little. If there is one quality I pride -myself on, it is my penetration. I am blessed, I acknowledge, with a -singular facility for discerning characters, and what I think I must -say. I speak my feelings almost unconsciously!" - -"You are a wonderfully clever creature, Jane; I am sure I never knew -any one to be compared to you; but, as to Emma, I think it's her -intimacy with the Osbornes that has set her up so abominably; really, -since she has been there so much, there is no speaking to her -sometimes." - -"That is often the case where young girls are much noticed by those -above them in rank, Margaret; I wonder what they saw in her to like so -much—even if they thought her pretty—which I do not—I don't see why -they should notice her for that—do you think Lord Osborne liked her?" - -"I really don't know—he used to look at her—and he danced with her—and -called on her—I sometimes thought he did care for her." - -"I wish I could devise any means of bringing them together; if I were -quite sure on that point, it would make a great difference; but I -don't suppose anything will come of it now. There's the postman's -knock—just step out in the passage and bring in the letters here; I -know Mr. Watson is out, so I can get a peep at his dispatches now." - -Margaret did as she was desired and returned presently with a handful -of letters. Mrs. Watson took them on her lap and examined the -post-mark and address of each. Several were, from their size and -appearance, letters of business—she put them aside—over one she -paused: - -"Here's one in a lady's hand," said she, "and to my husband! London, I -wonder who that's from? I never saw the seal before or the hand -writing—there's some mystery there. I wonder whether it's from some -mistress or improper person? I dare say it is—men are always deceiving -one!" - -"Oh, Jane!" cried Margaret, "that's impossible! You, of all people, -cannot fear a rival. Robert could not serve you so!" - -"Oh! the best of women, my dear, fare no better than the worst, with -some men; the best of men are worth very little; and, as to Mr. -Watson, he's no better than his neighbours. I can tell you I would not -trust him without watching—and I'll see him open and read that letter, -or my name is not Jane Watson; but let's see—" turning again to her -letters; "what else have we here? One for me—one for Elizabeth—who's -that from? look Margaret!" - -Margaret readily obeyed, and kneeling down besides her sister's chair, -looked at the letter in question. - -"I think," said she, "it's from the upholsterer who purchased some of -our old furniture, that's H on the seal, and his name was Hill." - -"Very likely, but look, Margaret, here's one for Emma—a lady's hand -too—the London post-mark, and a coronet on the seal—good gracious, -that must be from Miss Osborne, or perhaps from her brother—I wonder -if one could see anything inside. You see Lord Osborne has franked it, -and it's in an envelope, how tiresome: if it had only been folded like -another letter we could have read some of it." - -"So we might, I dare say Emma will never tell us a word, she's so -close, she never chats comfortably with one about anything; I am sure -to this day I know nothing at all about what she thinks of Lord -Osborne, or any of his family—it's so provoking and disagreeable." - -"So it is, I hate such nasty close dispositions; I, who am all -openness and frankness, cannot comprehend anything secret and -underhand: well, we cannot help it, and I suppose we shall not know -what it is about. Take those letters to the office, Margaret, and tell -the clerk they were brought into the drawing-room by mistake." - -Whilst Margaret fulfilled this commission, and stopped to flirt with -the young clerk who received them, an old acquaintance of hers, Mrs. -Watson, having first carefully laid aside the suspected epistle to her -husband, proceeded up-stairs with Emma's letter, and after turning it -over in every direction, and even holding it up to the light at the -stair-case window, but without benefit, she suddenly entered the -nursery. There she found Janetta had dropped asleep on a bed, and Emma -taking advantage of the leisure thus afforded, was preparing to write -a letter. - -"Janetta asleep, oh!" said the anxious mother, "well then you will -have time, Emma, to do a little job for me, I want some alterations in -the trimmings of my bombazine gown, and I wish you would do it for me -before evening." - -"I shall be happy," replied Emma, "to do anything in my power to -oblige you, if you will only explain it to me." - -"Very well, come with me, and I will shew you what I want; oh, by the -bye, here's a letter for you, I think it must be from Miss Osborne -from the seal—does she write to you often?" - -"No," replied Emma, surprised at hearing this, and holding out her -hand for the letter which Mrs. Watson still detained to examine, "I -never heard from her before since she left the country!" - -"Indeed, what do you suppose she writes about—by the way, I suppose -you are not accustomed to receive letters and give no account of them, -are you?" - -"Indeed I am," replied Emma, quite ashamed at the idea of supervision -in such a particular, "I have never been controlled in either -receiving or writing a letter." - -"I consider that an exceedingly improper liberty for a young girl," -observed Mrs. Watson drily, "at your time of life, under age, I should -hold your guardian as very culpable if he took no account of your -letters, and I am much mistaken if your brother does not expect, as a -matter of course, to overlook all the correspondence you chose to -carry on." - -"Surely he cannot consider it necessary," remonstrated Emma seriously, -"at my age—it is not as if I were a baby quite, but I am almost -twenty." - -"Possibly so, but whilst you are under age you are his ward, and must -have to submit to any restrictions he lays on you with a good grace. -It's no use colouring and pouting, there's nothing like bearing things -with a good temper, and not giving yourself airs and graces about it. -There's your letter!" - -Emma took the letter, and observed, as she put it in her pocket: - -"If you will show me what you want done, I shall be happy to oblige -you." - -"Read your letter first, Emma, it may be a matter of business, and you -should never delay business—your brother always says, 'do what is to -be done directly, and do it yourself.'" - -Emma silently drew forth the letter, and breaking the seal read the -following words: - - - "My dear Miss Watson, - - "I am sorry to trouble you with any unpleasant - subjects, but I cannot forbear mentioning a - circumstance which nearly concerns your family; and - when you know the particulars, you can judge for - yourself. Mr. Tom Musgrove, whom I had, as you know, - reason to suppose engaged to one of your sisters, is - now in town, and has not only been for some time past - paying great attention to a young lady of fortune, a - friend of my own, but, as I understand, has denied all - engagement to Miss Watson, spoken very disparagingly - of her, and even shewn letters written by her under - the impression that such an engagement existed. Not - knowing precisely how affairs stood between your - sister and Mr. M., I dare not interfere, lest by - revealing what she may perhaps wish concealed, I - should injure her, and mortify you. I shall not, - however, feel justified in preserving silence much - longer, unless I am positively assured that all - engagement is at an end between them. If she has - released him from the promise to which we both are - witnesses, it may be important to preserve silence on - its previous existence, but if, as I cannot help - suspecting, he has only released himself, has deceived - or deserted her, I cannot allow my friend to be misled - by him, and must insist on having his conduct cleared - up and set in a proper light. I am sorry to be obliged - to trouble you, as I feel convinced that whether - secretly deceiving, openly deserting your sister, he - is certainly using her extremely ill: you know I never - had a good opinion of his character. I am over-whelmed - with gaiety, and look back with a feeling of regret to - the tranquil hours at Osborne Castle. - - "Anxiously expecting your answer, - - "I remain, dear Miss Watson, - - "Your sincere friend, - - "ROSA OSBORNE." - - - "P.S. Mr. Musgrove's address is, 75, Bond-street.—My - brother and Sir William desire all sorts of proper - messages to you; have you seen the Howards lately?" - - -Whilst Emma was reading these words, Jane was standing near her, -playing with the sheet of paper in which it had been enveloped, and -anxiously watching Emma's countenance to see the effect produced by -the communication. She saw enough to discover that the emotion -occasioned by the contents was not of a pleasurable nature. It was -something which required deliberation and consideration. Mrs. Watson -grew impatient. - -"Well, what is it?" cried she. "You sit there pondering and pondering -as if it were a dispatch from the king himself; tell me what your -difficulty is, and I will help you!" - -"I think," said Emma, hesitating and embarrassed, "I think I must -speak to my brother about this, and, perhaps, I had better—I mean, he -would like me to consult him _first_, before speaking even to you!" - -"Tell me what it is," said Mrs. Watson, burning with curiosity, "let -_me_ know all about it, and I can tell you if it is necessary to -consult him first!" - -"But if I tell you now, I cannot apply first to him," remonstrated -Emma, "and so that will not do." - -"Oh, but you need not tell him that you told me," said Jane; "and as I -am his wife, I should be sure to know it eventually." - -"Can I not go to him at once?" said Emma, rising; "it would be much -better, and as it must be done, the sooner I get over it the better." - -"Is it anything you are afraid of telling him then?" enquired Mrs. -Watson, still more eagerly, as she followed Emma from the room. "Is it -about yourself? or Miss Osborne? oh, I know—it is for Mr. Watson to -draw the marriage settlements—they say she is going to be married to -Sir William Gordon, is that true? or is it an offer from Lord Osborne, -I wonder? how obstinate the child is; and how fast she runs, I must -make haste, or I shall lose some of it." - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - -Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so -many important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an -impatient "Come in," and to enter in her company. Robert was pacing up -and down the room, and looked excessively surprised to see the -intruders. - -"What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" -was his courteous salutation to his wife and sister. - -"I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, -with Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no -time should be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—" - -Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper -from her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through. -Anything in the shape of business received his strictest attention, or -he would never have occupied the position which he now held. When he -came to the conclusion, he looked up, and observed, - -"I don't see that Jane has anything to do with this, and shall -therefore beg she will leave the room—directly," added he, seeing that -his wife hesitated. - -She knew the tone, and was obliged to withdraw; but it was with a -mental determination to plague her husband for a resolution so -contrary to her wishes, though she could not settle whether the -punishment should consist of boiling a leg of mutton, omitting his -favorite pudding, or spoiling his chocolate. - -Whilst she was arranging her plans for vengeance, her husband was -holding council high on the subject of this letter. - -How came Miss Osborne to know anything about it? what did she mean by -saying that she and Emma were witnesses to the engagement? was that -really the case? why had Margaret never alluded to it? - -Emma explained as briefly as possible when and how they two had -overheard the whole conversation. Robert rubbed his hands with -inexpressible glee. - -"He's caught then, fairly caught—that is good—we shall soon bring him -to terms now: capital, to think of your eavesdropping with so much -effect; but why did you never mention this before, child, when you -heard me lamenting the want of witnesses?" - -Emma asserted that she was only waiting to consult Miss Osborne on the -subject, for as they had been mutually pledged to secrecy, she could -not divulge it without her agreeing to it. Robert was in an ecstasy of -hope and enjoyment; he saw a brilliant perspective of litigation, an -action for breach of promise of marriage to be conducted, with all the -_éclat_ that could be given to such a proceeding, and damages given to -his sister which would enable her to marry decently out of hand. This -was delightful. His first step he determined should be a letter from -himself to the culprit, claiming his promise to Margaret, but without -alluding to the witnesses to be produced, and he instructed Emma to -write to Miss Osborne, and tell her that her sister had never released -Tom from his engagement, but was still acting on the belief that it -existed, and that therefore she, Miss Osborne, was at liberty to -inform her friend—indeed had better do so at once—that Mr. Musgrove -was acting an equivocal part in paying attention to any other woman, -as his hand was positively pledged to Miss Margaret Watson. This -assurance from a party whom he naturally supposed unacquainted with -the fact would alarm Tom, and it was possible, but Robert did not -depend on it, that it might bring some offer of a compromise. Emma -enquired what would be the result if, as was very probable, Mr. -Musgrove should deny the engagement altogether, and trusting to there -being no witnesses, refuse to fulfil it. Robert assured her that in -that case he should have the means of compelling him either to fulfil -the contract or pay large damages; he should not have a moment's -hesitation in commencing an action against him, and with Miss Osborne -and Emma to support Margaret's evidence there was no doubt of the -result. - -She was horrified to hear what was impending over her, and enquired, -in a tone of something between fright and incredulity, whether he -really contemplated forcing Miss Osborne to appeal in a public court -of justice. - -"Why should she not?" was his cool answer; "she is as capable of -giving evidence, I presume, as any other woman, and her appearance -will give a great publicity to the proceeding." - -"But do you think she will like it?" suggested poor Emma, trembling -for her own share of the trial as much as for her friend's. - -"I shall not trouble my head about that—I will have her subpœned as a -witness, and she must come, whether she likes it or not." - -Emma was silent, but looked extremely uneasy. Her brother observed her -distressed appearance, and after thinking a few minutes, addressed -her. - -"As you know so much of the Osbornes, Emma, and it really appears that -you can keep a secret, which considering your age and sex is rather -remarkable, I will tell you my whole plan, and we will see whether -your wit can help me carry it out. Look here—suppose Tom Musgrove -refuses all acknowledgment of the engagement, I threaten an action, -call on you and Miss Osborne as witnesses; if it really comes before a -jury she will be compelled to appear; but say she dislikes it—is too -fine or too delicate—well let her family use their influence with -Musgrove to induce a marriage, and they may succeed. By threatening to -make his perfidy public, by menacing him with the indignation of the -family, if he compels us to resort to such extremities—possibly even -by the judicious application of family interests to procure him some -situation, some sinecure appointment, or in many similar ways, the -Osbornes may work upon his feelings in a way which we could never do. -Meantime say nothing; I will explain enough to Margaret, and you have -only to answer all enquiries by the assurance that you are not allowed -by me to mention the matter. Go now." - -Emma would gladly have retreated to her own room, but Jane was too -sharp for her. - -"What an immense time you have been," cried she impatiently clutching -hold of Emma's shoulder; "I thought you would never come out; and I -could not hear a word you said. Now tell me all about it." - -Emma assured her that she dared not—her brother had so strictly -forbidden all allusion to the subject; she really was not at liberty -to mention a single word. - -"Well really that's great impertinence of Mr. Watson—I'll give it him -well for that: what can it signify whether I know it or not—I dare say -a mighty matter to make so much fuss about—any affair you are -concerned in must be so very important: no, don't go up-stairs, I want -you in the parlour, child." - -Emma reluctantly returned to the parlour. Elizabeth and Margaret were -both there; but before Jane had time to expatiate upon the injustice -and tyranny of her husband in denying her knowledge which did not -concern her, a morning visitor was announced. - -The lady who entered was a Mrs. Turner, a widow, with an unfashionable -black dress, a good-humoured but unmeaning face, and a cheerful -manner. - -"Well, Mrs. Watson," cried she, "here you are, amiable and industrious -as ever; I am sure your husband must thank his lucky stars which gave -him such a wife—I always consider you quite as the pattern for all -housekeepers and married ladies. And such a cheerful party as I -find—who are these sweet girls?—charming creatures I have no doubt." - -"Mr. Watson's sisters," said Jane laconically. - -"Ah I remember—poor things, orphans—Miss Margaret I beg your pardon, I -ought to have known you—I believe it was the black gown deceived -me—elegant—black always looks well—and Miss Margaret's slender figure -sets it off to advantage. What a sweet pretty face," (eyeing Emma) -"really you must be quite proud of your new sisters, Mrs. Watson. Now -I don't know anything pleasanter than a pretty face—it's so -cheerful—all three so remarkably good-looking too—they are not the -least like you, Mrs. Watson." - -Mrs. Watson made no other answer than an enquiry for Mrs. Turner's -son-in-law—Mr. Millar. - -"George, oh, he's charming, thank you," replied the merry lady, who -seemed to view everything _couleur de rose_, "up to his elbows in hops -and malt—I often tell him, it's well if he be never smothered with his -business. I do believe it's the most flourishing one in the town. -Those little darlings, his children—you cannot think what angels they -are; but they do want a mother sadly; now, Mrs. Watson—you could not -recommend one, could you?" looking slyly at the three young ladies; -"any nice, steady, sensible young woman of six or seven and -twenty—George need not look out for a fortune, thank Heaven—he's a -plenty, and to spare, of his own—but a nice, good-humoured wife, who -would not thwart him, or vex his children—that's what he wants." - -"Well," cried Mrs. Watson, with delight, "let him come here; I dare -say either of the girls would not say him nay—they have no money, so -they must take what they can get. It does not do for such to be too -nice; not but what even the nicest might well be satisfied with George -Millar." - -"Aye, indeed, well they might. Do you know I am at him, day and night, -to marry again; and he always says I must chose him a wife, for he has -not time to see for himself. Now I'll make him come here to-night, and -see what he'll say." - -"Do so pray," said Jane, "we are expecting a few friends to dinner and -tea; let him come in the evening when his business is over; but don't -say a word of our plans, let him be taken by surprise, you know." - -"Well," exclaimed Elizabeth, "I like your plan amazingly, and I give -you fair warning, Mrs. Turner, that I shall do my utmost to please -your son-in-law, and take the situation of Mrs. Millar. I am convinced -he is a most delightful man, and well worth looking after." - -"Well done my dear," cried Mrs. Turner, "I like honesty and candour of -all things, and am delighted to find you are not too proud to own that -you, like all other girls, want to be married. Some pretend to deny -it; but it makes no difference, I know what they think secretly, and -see through them all the same." - -"We will not try to trifle with such penetration," said Elizabeth, -laughing—"ask my sisters if they agree to your assertion." - -"Oh, I know Miss Margaret does," cried Mrs. Turner; "she is longing to -be married at this moment—and I could point out the gentleman too—my -George has no chance with her." - -Margaret giggled, and twisted about. - -"Only think of my affairs becoming so public, as my wishes to be known -like that. You are a dangerous person, I know of old, Mrs. Turner!" - -"Well, I must be going—I have to call on the Greenes this -morning—sweet girls, the Greenes, ain't they—amazingly clever—very -plain though—well, well, one can't have everything; do you know, I -plague George about being in love with Ann Greene, and he cannot bear -the sight of her in consequence—it is such fun." - -"I know very little of the Greenes," observed Mrs. Watson, grandly, -"they are not in our set. I dare say soap-boiling is a very good -trade; but I have a fancy it must soil the fingers. Mr. Millar will -not meet the Greenes here at all." - -Mrs. Turner did not stay to defend the Greenes from the aspersions -cast on them by the amiable Mrs. Watson, but hurried away to praise -them to themselves, certain that in this case her eulogy would be well -received. - -Hardly had she left the room, when Robert entered, with an open letter -in his hand, and enquired of Emma, if she had written as he desired -her to do. Emma acknowledged that she had not. - -"Then do it directly," said he, "and learn never to delay letters of -business—always do what you have to do at once—it is idle, and worse -to put it off." - -Emma did not attempt to offer any excuse, but was preparing to leave -the room to obey, when Jane stopped her, and recommended her remaining -where she was to write; there were plenty of paper, pens, and ink in -the room, and there could not be the smallest occasion for leaving the -parlour. - -She could not very well avoid yielding to this request, which, -however, she suspected strongly was only made in hopes of obtaining -some information relative to the letter in question. Meanwhile, -Robert, going up to Margaret, showed her the letter he held in his -hand, and desired her to read it. - -"Oh, how very good of you," cried Margaret, when she had run through -the contents, "how kind of you to take it up so warmly; you who never -believed that what I said was true; how glad I am that you have come -round at last to believe my assertions; now, I trust, Tom will relent, -and my blighted affections will once more revive and flourish!" - -"Don't talk to me of blighted affections," replied her brother, -impatiently; "don't bother me with such nonsense; do learn, if you -can, to think of matters of business _as_ business; and in an affair -of this kind, try to speak in a rational, sensible way. Do you think -Musgrove will yield to this representation?" - -"Oh, no doubt of it," said Margaret, "at least, I dare say he will; -but suppose he should not, what will you do then?" fixed - -"It appears," replied Robert, "that both Emma and Miss Osborne heard -what passed between you, and as, in that case, they can both appear as -witnesses for you, I have no doubt of getting a verdict in your -favour, and very considerable damages from any jury in the county." - -Margaret sat staring at her brother in amazement, and then repeated, - -"Miss Osborne and Emma, are you sure," and turning to Emma, she -exclaimed, "Where were you then, I should like to know." - -"We were concealed from your sight," replied her sister, "by some -orange trees, and thus we heard all you said without intending it." - -"Listening were you—very pretty indeed—honorable conduct—from you too, -who make such a fuss about propriety and honesty, and all that; but, -after all, you are no better than your neighbours, it seems," said -she, spitefully. - -"I am sure I am very sorry," said Emma, with tears in her eyes, "if I -have done anything to vex you; but indeed, though it may seem strange, -I really could not help it." - -"Oh no, of course not!" pursued Margaret, tossing her head back; -"people never can help doing any thing which happens to suit their -fancy—however, before I venture to talk another time, I will take care -and ascertain if you are in the room or not—such meanness listening!" - -"It appears very strange to me," cried Mrs. Watson, anxious to -understand it all; "that we should suddenly hear that Emma knew all -about it, when Margaret was so long wishing to have some evidence to -prove her words; why did not Emma say so sooner, then?" - -"And it seems still more extraordinary to me," interposed Elizabeth, -"that Margaret should be so angry when she thus, unexpectedly, finds -what she wishes for. Emma told me of this long ago, and told me that -Miss Osborne had induced her to be silent on the subject for several -reasons; but I know, from what she told me then, it was quite -accidental, and could not be avoided, their overhearing Tom's -conversation with you, Margaret." - -"And it appears strangest of all to me," observed Robert, -contemptuously, "that women never can keep to the point on any -subject, but must start off on twenty different branches, which have -nothing to do with the end in view. What does it signify to you, -Margaret, when, how, or why your conversation was overheard—when, on -the fact of its being so, depends your chance of getting two or three -thousand pounds in your pocket? What does it matter as to Emma's -motive for listening, so long as she did listen to such good purpose?" - -Margaret pouted and replied only by some indistinct murmurs. - -Her brother then went on to explain to her the circumstance of Miss -Osborne's interposition—shewing her, greatly to Emma's annoyance, the -letter that morning received from London, and informing her of what he -had desired might be written in answer. Margaret's feelings on the -occasion, formed a most comic mixture of pleasure and indignation. - -She was excessively gratified at being talked about, and made the -subject of letters to and from Miss Osborne; and the notion of being -plaintiff in an action at law, seemed to have almost as great a charm -for her imagination, as being married; but then, she was sorely -mortified at the information that Tom Musgrove's infidelity was so -open and evident; she was vexed, bitterly vexed, at the idea of a -rival; and she could hardly console herself for such an indignity, by -the expectation of the damages which were to be awarded her. She -looked very foolish and very spiteful when her sister-in-law made some -ill-natured observations about overrating the powers of her own -charms; and still more so when Robert added: - -"That he had no doubt the fellow was drunk when he made the offer, but -it did not matter if he was." - -Emma was very glad when she had finished her letter, and was able to -escape from the subject by quitting the house for a walk with -Elizabeth. Jane had some errands for them in the town; but, as soon as -they were fulfilled, they were able to turn their steps towards the -country, and escaping into green fields and pleasant lanes, refresh -their eyes and their tempers by watching for the first appearance of -the spring flowers. Such a stroll was a real treat to Emma, and gave -her strength to endure the numberless petty annoyances which Mrs. -Watson heaped on her. She felt, whilst she could still enjoy a few -hours of quiet converse with her sister—still breathe the fresh air of -Heaven, and seek the simple, but unalloyed, satisfaction, to be -derived from contemplating the works of Providence, that she had still -blessings to be thankful for; that her situation, with all its -drawbacks, ought still to call forth feelings of gratitude, when -compared with the misfortunes of others of her fellow beings; and that -it became her to be ready to acknowledge this, lest she should be -taught to prize the comforts she still enjoyed by their withdrawal. - -With these sentiments in her heart, she strove to act upon them; and -when Elizabeth would have turned the conversation, to past times, and -reverted to Mr. Howard and his sister, she had the strength of mind to -turn away from the dangerous pleasure, and pursue some other topic. - -They stayed out rather late—that is to say, they were not in the house -till rather more than half past four, and they were to dine at five. -They met their sister-in-law on the stairs in a great bustle. - -"Oh dear! I have been in such a worry for you, Emma," cried she, "how -very tiresome that you should be so late; I want Janetta dressed and -her hair curled, and Betsy has not time to attend to it, because she -has to dress my head—and here have I been waiting and waiting whilst -you have been wandering over the country amusing yourselves without -the least regard to me or my comfort." - -"I am sorry to have put you to any inconvenience, but I had not the -least idea you wanted me," replied Emma, "what can I do for you now?" - -The wrath of any one but Mrs. Watson, must have been disarmed and -pacified by Emma's good-tempered answer, and the sweetness of her -manner, but Jane's was a disposition which yielded only if violently -opposed, but became every hour more encroaching when given way to. To -Elizabeth, who boldly spoke her mind on all occasions, she was far -more submissive—but over Emma she could tyrannise without fear of a -rude or thoughtless retort, a rebellious action, or even a -discontented look; consequently, Emma was now dispatched to the -nursery to perform the office of maid to her little niece, whilst the -woman, whose business it was to attend to this matter, was occupied in -arranging her mistress's toilette. - -At length, Mrs. Watson was ready, and sweeping into the nursery with -as much finery as her mourning would allow her to display, she took -away her little girl, and allowed Emma time to arrange her own dress -for dinner. - -On descending to the drawing-room she found her sister-in-law engaged -in talking and listening eagerly to the important gentleman from the -country, for whose sake the dinner party had been arranged. - -He was a broad-faced, portly man, who filled up the arm-chair in which -he was seated, with perfect accuracy of adjustment, and whose -countenance seemed to Emma to express a sort of hungry tolerance of -Mrs. Watson's attentions. Whenever the door opened, and admitted with -each fresh arrival a strong scent of dinner from the kitchen, he -seemed to imbibe the odour with peculiar satisfaction, and after -inhaling sundry times the teeming atmosphere, heaved a sigh indicative -of anticipation and comfortable assurance for the future. - -The fluttering of Mrs. Watson's trimmings, the waving of her ringlets, -and the affected little bursts of merriment in which she indulged for -his amusement, hardly discomposed him at all, so intent was he on the -forthcoming dinner. Robert Watson was standing over the fire talking -to a gloomy, dark-browed young man, a stranger to Emma, who seemed to -consider that in conferring the favor of his bodily presence on the -Watsons, he was doing them so great an honor, that there was no -occasion for him to trouble himself with any further efforts, and that -the absence of mind in which he ostentatiously indulged, was due to -his own dignity, impaired, or at least endangered by the situation in -which he had suffered himself to be placed. There was also a thin, -white-faced individual, something between a man and a boy, who was -chattering to Margaret with all the ease and volubility of an old -acquaintance. Emma remembered that she had heard Jane and Margaret -speaking of a Mr. Alfred Freemantle, whose family were "quite genteel -country people," as being articled to Mr. Watson, and concluded that -the individual thus mentioned was before her. Just as she had settled -this point in her own mind, and seated herself near Elizabeth, she -perceived the young man make a prodigious theatrical start, and heard -him exclaim in a tone which could not be called low: - -"For heaven's sake who is that exquisitely beautiful creature?" - -"It's only Emma—my sister Emma," said Margaret evidently vexed, "do -you think her so very pretty? well I don't think I should call her -so." - -"She blushes divinely," cried he, fixing his eyes on her, "what a -glorious complexion—and her name is Emma—sweet Emma." - -Emma was half amused, but almost angry at his impertinence; had he -been a little older, her anger would have been more decided, but he -seemed such a mere boy, that she attributed his offensive behaviour to -youthful ignorance; a charitable construction for which he would -certainly not have thanked her. - -Having stared at her for some minutes with unwavering perseverance, he -rose, and crossing the room, let himself drop into a chair close by -her, with a weight and impetus quite astonishing to Emma, when she -considered the slight figure which produced such a concussion. - -The next moment he opened a conversation with her by saying: - -"I have just experienced a most delicious sensation, Miss Emma Watson, -the sight of you has exactly recalled the image of a cousin of mine, -from whom unfortunate circumstances have so imperatively separated me. -Poor girl—you have no idea how lovely she was." - -"Indeed," was Emma's reply, quite willing to admit the truth of this -assertion, and equally ready to let the subject rest; but he had no -intention of the sort. - -"It is charming to be reminded of an absent friend, -delightful—exquisite—are you likely to make a long stay at Croydon, -Miss Emma Watson?" - -"It is uncertain," replied Emma. - -"And you are actually living in the same house in which I spend the -greater part of my weary days, and nothing but these envious walls -conceals you from my sight. Is not that hard?" - -"Really no," replied Emma, unable to control a smile at the absurdity -of his manner, "I cannot say I think so at all." - -"You don't—what a monstrous bore Mrs. Watson is—I am sure you will -agree to that." - -"She is my sister-in-law," said Emma. - -"Yes, I know, but that's the very reason you should hate her—I detest -mine." - -"And you consider that an infallible rule, of course, since you -suggest it to me." - -"I am certain," said the young man, "that our sympathies are strong: -there is something in the turn of your head, the sparkle of your eye, -the formation of your upper lip, that betokens decided participation -in the feelings which corruscate, burn, and almost consume your humble -servant." - -"What a fine day it has been," observed Emma, purposely chosing the -most common-place subject in reply to his rhapsody. - -He looked astonished and perplexed, then said slowly: - -"I fear after all we are not kindred souls—do you love music?" - -"Pretty well," replied Emma, determined to keep down to the most -common-place level in her conversation. - -He cast up his eyes, and turned away for a moment, throwing himself -back in his chair, and elevating his chin in the air, whilst he -carefully combed his hair with his fingers. Presently, however, he -returned again to the attack. - -"I suspect you are funny." - -"I beg your pardon," said Emma, looking perplexed in her turn. - -"I say I suspect you are laughing at me all this time." - -"Oh," said she. - -At this moment dinner was announced, and whilst the fat gentleman was -slowly emerging from his chair to accompany Mrs. Watson to the dining -parlour, Emma's new acquaintance was pouring out a voluble strain of -nonsense in her ear. - -"To think of reasonable and reasoning creatures lowering themselves to -an equality with the beasts of the field, by indulging in what is -falsely called the pleasures of the table—to think of their -voluntarily assembling only to eat; degrading their intellects by -sitting down to spend two hours over roast mutton or apple pie—really -it is inconceivable—allow me to conduct you, and your fair sister -Margaret to the dinner-table. Sweetest Miss Margaret," presenting her -his hand as he spoke, "my felicity is beyond expression—I can only -equal my situation between you two, to love amongst the roses." - -At the dinner-table Mrs. Watson appeared in all her glory. The dinner -was really good, and as the favoured guest inhaled the odour of the -soup, it was evident from the complacent expression which stole over -his features, that he was well satisfied with the prospect now before -him. Mrs. Watson's tactics were suited to the occasion; she devoted -her attention to helping him to the best things on the table—the most -dainty morsel, the epicure's piece, was in every case heaped on his -plate. It would have been amusing to an observer to watch the struggle -which in some cases occurred between Robert's self-interest and -self-love. His appetite was at variance with his policy; it was -difficult for him to yield the precedence at his own table to the love -of good eating exhibited by another. To see his wife thus liberally -disposed to another man was a severe blow, and whilst he acknowledged -the justice, prudence and propriety of thus acting, it went to his -heart to behold it. Her attentions, her flattery, her winning smiles -she was welcome to indulge him with, but the dainty morsel from the -cod's head—the largest share from the sweet-bread fricassee, the -liver-wing of the spring chicken, these he could not resign without a -sigh. - -Mr. Alfred Freemantle, however, did not leave Emma much leisure to -make remarks; he had seated himself by her side at table, and was -paying her an infinite number of what he considered delicate -attentions; calling incessantly to the footman to bring her -vegetables—urging her to try every dish on the table, helping her to -salt, and filling her glass with wine to the very brim, as he asserted -all ladies liked bumpers; at the same time pouring into her ears the -most common-place nonsense about his devotion to the fair sex, his -zeal in performing his _devoirs_, and sundry other observations of the -sort. - -Emma gave him no encouragement, but he did not require any; perfectly -satisfied with his own charms, and accustomed to consider himself as -superior to his ordinary companions, he was well convinced that her -shyness, not her dissatisfaction, kept her silent, and never for a -moment supposed she could be otherwise than charmed with his -conversation and company. - -The dinner appeared to her, consequently, very dull, but at last the -moment of release came; her sister-in-law gave the signal for -departure, and the four ladies returned to the drawing-room. Here they -were no sooner assembled than Margaret commenced a violent attack on -Emma for her scandalous flirtation with Mr. Freemantle. He used to be -a particular admirer of Margaret's, and she could not with patience -resign his admiration to another. In fact she had not strength of mind -to see with composure any woman engross the attention of a man with -whom she was acquainted, all whose words and looks of admiration she -wished to appropriate to herself; for having been for a couple of -winters the reigning belle of her small neighbourhood, she still -fancied her charms supreme, and was quite insensible of the fact, -obvious to every one else, that she was now only exhibiting the -remains of former beauty. Her bloom had been of short duration; she -was too fretful to preserve the plumpness necessary to show her -complexion to advantage, and she early lost the glow and the fairness -which had formed her greatest charm. - -Alfred Freemantle was not now to be won by all her wiles; Emma's newer -face, and the sort of wondering indifference with which she heard his -compliments, and his ready-prepared jokes formed an irresistible charm -to him; he declared her freshness was _piquant_, her innocence was -exquisite, that it was delicious to meet with a pretty girl so -perfectly unhacknied in the ways of the world; little suspecting that -the simple manner which he took for ignorance of life resulted -entirely from her just appreciation of his little talent, and the -total want of interest excited by such flattery as he was capable of -administering. - -But she could make no impression on Margaret by declarations of -indifference, or assertions that she had thought him decidedly -disagreeable. Her sister considered such words as a mere subterfuge, -and would not believe that Mr. Alfred Freemantle was a sort of person -to slight one girl for another, a stranger, without some special -encouragement to do so. - -Jane took up Margaret's cause, as she was always delighted to have an -opportunity of finding fault with Emma, of whom she felt a decided -jealousy, and a long and serious lecture was the consequence, which -was only interrupted by the arrival of some of the evening visitors. -The reproaches which were showered on Emma were, it is true, parried -in some degree by Elizabeth, who although greatly respecting her -sister-in-law, did not feel so much afraid of her as to refrain on -that account from expressing her opinion. She vigorously defended Emma -to the best of her abilities, and there was no saying how long the -dispute might have been carried on but for the arrival of Mr. George -Millar and a young lady, his half sister, who accompanied him. - -Emma was obliged, as well as she could, to conceal the tears which -were swimming in her eyes and anxious to avoid any further -animadversions, she seated herself as far as possible from the -gentleman, and occupied herself with some work which she had -undertaken for Mrs. Watson. - -She could not, however, restrain her attention which was speedily -engaged by the young lady, whom she now saw for the first time. Annie -Millar was not regularly pretty, but there was an expression of -liveliness and spirit in her face, which would have won the palm from -twenty professed beauties. Her manners suited her face exactly; -lively, arch, and yet perfectly unaffected, she did not seem to know -what constraint and fear were. She said whatever came into her head; -but that head was so overflowing with good-humour and kindness that -there was no room for malice or ill-will to abide there. - -"Well, Mrs. Watson," cried she, "as I found you had invited my brother -for this evening, I have invited myself; I cannot imagine why you left -_me_ out; but feeling certain you would be delighted to see me, I -slipped on my second best gown, and came. Now I expect you to make me -a civil speech in reply." - -She was very certain of having a civil speech made. Mr. George Millar -was a man of too much consequence amongst his own set, for his sister -to be slighted in any degree. His fortune was large, and his -disposition liberal; he was a widower, and he was very fond of his -sister; Annie, therefore, was certain of compliments and welcomes, and -was precisely the person to be received by Mrs. Watson with extreme -rapture. - -"I did so want to be acquainted with your other sisters," added Miss -Millar, "that I think I should have ventured here had I been even -certain you would scold instead of caressing me; I always envy every -one who is blessed with a sister, and think it must be the most -delightful relationship in the world." - -"And I dare say your brother agrees with you," said Mrs. Watson, -smiling graciously. - -"Do you, George?" cried the young lady; "no, no, he considers me, -without exception, the most troublesome of all his encumbrances; a -charge which he is always trying to get rid of, by inducing some one -else to undertake it. There is no telling you the pains he is at to -throw the burden on some other unhappy man." - -Her brother shook his head at his young sister, who only smiled in -reply, and continued— - -"Hitherto I have defeated his arts, and preserved myself from the -snare; how long such good luck may continue to attend me I cannot -tell." - -"Well, Miss Millar, there's a good opportunity to-night," said Mrs. -Watson, "for we have, amongst our visitors, a young and single man, -who, I believe, is quite ready for any one who takes the trouble of -catching him; so if you think him worth the trouble—" - -"He must be very different from any man I ever saw yet," interrupted -Annie. "Do you mean your charming young clerk, Mr. Alfred Frivolous, -as I call him." - -"Oh, dear, no," cried Mrs. Watson; "a very different person—he is very -well off—has large property in Suffolk—quite a grand estate there—with -no near connections—no sisters to be in your way—a most beautiful -house—respectable family—I believe quite one of the first families in -the county—and bears a high character." - -"And may I ask the name of this desirable individual?" enquired Miss -Millar, assuming an appearance of intense interest. - -"Grant, Mr. Henry Grant—I am sure you will be charmed with him." - -"Describe him—I am rather particular as to appearance." - -"Why, I cannot say that he is absolutely handsome, but very dark—dark -and genteel—quite genteel, I assure you." - -"Lively?" enquired Annie. - -"Perhaps he may be—but I do not know that I have heard him speak." - -"Charming!" cried Annie; "dine with you, and yet not address you—his -must be the very refinement of good manners—the very cream of -gentility indeed—tell me some more about this delightful personage. -Does he like ladies?" - -"I cannot say—but though he seems rather shy of them now, depend upon -it, he is all the easier caught." - -"Ay, by those who try; I can fancy that certainly—I really must exert -myself—your fascinating description quite rouses my energies." - -"And I am sure if you do set about it, your success is certain," -continued Mrs. Watson. - -"Thank you, my dear Madam, for your encouraging opinion. I fear you -rate my powers too highly," laughed Annie, bowing with mock -ceremony—"a young and inexperienced girl like me, cannot pretend to -anything so wonderful as the captivation of a dark Mr. Grant, with a -large estate, and a contempt for women—you must not expect such a -triumph for me." - -"Indeed, I am certain you will succeed to admiration," cried Mrs. -Watson, eagerly. - -"Show me how to begin then," pursued Annie. "Teach me the first step." - -"I should recommend your catching his eye in some striking attitude—as -I dare say he is fond of paintings—something very elegant to attract -him at once," replied the married lady quite sincerely. - -"Indeed—let me practice," cried Miss Millar, placing herself in an -affected attitude in an arm-chair. "Will this do—or this—do I look -sufficiently captivating now? which becomes me most, languor or -liveliness." - -"You, I see, are determined to make game of the whole thing," said -Mrs. Watson. "Will nothing induce you to think well of a single man? -are you so devoted a follower of celibacy yourself? ah, you are quite -right—liberty, charming liberty! no one knows its value till, like me, -they have sacrificed it. Ah, I say you are quite right—only, as you -are so uncommonly fascinating, I cannot wonder if others should seek -to win you." - -"You are far too complimentary, Mrs. Watson," said the young lady, -with affected gravity, and rising from her chair, she walked up to -Emma, and commenced an acquaintance with her by admiring her work. - -Emma was almost afraid to speak to her, lest the doing so should -excite her sister-in-law's wrath again; but Annie Millar had taken a -fancy to her face, and was not to be repulsed. Her lively chat soon -drew off her companion's thoughts from the disagreeable circumstances -which had previously occurred, and half an hour passed pleasantly. -Meantime Mrs. Watson, with judicious precaution, had set Elizabeth -down to back-gammon with George Millar, and guessing from the lively -conversation carried on amidst the quick rattle of the dice, that all -was going right there, she left them to improve their acquaintance in -peace. - -Very soon after this, the gentlemen strolled into the room—Mr. Grant -first, as if anxious to make the more impression by his appearance. He -looked round the room—and, as if satisfied by this survey that there -was no one sufficiently attractive to induce him to engage in the -labour of conversation, he walked away and took refuge in a small -inner apartment, which opened from the drawing-room, and which was -lighted by a single lamp. - -Miss Millar shrugged her shoulders slightly and gave Emma an -expressive look, but had no time for words, as they were at that -moment joined by Margaret and Mr. Freemantle. - -The latter made Annie a flourishing bow whilst exclaiming: - -"Miss Millar, by all that is fair and felicitous, this is an -unexpected pleasure." - -_She_ did not seem to find it so; but looked cold and careless, whilst -she made him as slight a return for his salutation as possible. - -"Would that I possessed an artist's pencil to pourtray the group -before me," continued the young man, with affected rapture. "The -graces exactly—it does, indeed, deserve to be commemorated on canvas -or in marble. At all events, it is for ever impressed on the tablet of -my heart." - -Margaret giggled—Emma looked immoveably grave, whilst Annie smiled -scornfully and said: - -"What is that, Mr. Freemantle? Pray repeat that last sentence again, -that I may commit it to memory." - -It certainly is a thing very repulsive to human nature to repeat a -sentence twice over—especially if it is a flourishing speech which -only answers when thrown off hand at once. - -Annie was perfectly aware that she could not have found a more -effectual way of tormenting Mr. Freemantle; he looked very silly, and -replied in a qualifying tone, - -"I only said—I only meant, that I should never forget it!" - -"Oh!" replied the young lady, "was _that_ all? I am sorry I gave you -the trouble of repeating it." - -"Miss Millar is too much accustomed to homage," continued he, "for my -feeble attempts to create any sensation in her mind. She despises such -a humble worshipper as her poor devoted servant." - -"I beg your pardon," returned she, "but I never despise any thing -_humble_—quite the contrary; and your overwhelming complimentary -speeches really raise such a variety of sensations, by which, I -suppose, you mean sentiments in my mind that I positively know not -which way to look." - -He really thought she meant to flatter him, and smiled in a way that -showed all his white teeth: yet, in conversing with Annie Millar, he -always had a lurking suspicion that she was laughing at him, and -therefore, never felt quite at his ease with her. - -"Do sing to us," said he presently, in an insinuating tone; "it is -such ecstasy to hear you sing! Pray indulge us with the 'Flowers of -the Forest,' or one of your other charming Scotch melodies." - -Annie compressed her lips and only bowed her head slightly in reply; -then turning to Emma, addressed her on the subject of music. Several -other people joined the party, and the tray with tea, pound cake and -muffin, made its progress round the room. Mr. Freemantle insisted on -helping each lady "to the refreshing beverage," as he called it -himself, and passed many small and rather pointless jokes on the -subject of the quantity of sugar they each required. "Sweets to the -sweet," was a favorite quotation of his, and one which he usually -found well received. - -"Look at that man," whispered Annie, pointing to Mr. Grant, apparently -fast asleep on the sofa; "should you not like to throw a cloak over -his head, that his slumbers may be undisturbed. Oh! I'll tell you what -I will do—look now!" - -And stealing quietly into the inner room, she softly, but effectually, -extinguished the lamp; and then returning closed the door, and placing -a chair against it, seated herself there, leaving Mr. Grant in -complete darkness "to finish his nap," as she said, "without risk of -being roused by intrusive visitors." Mrs. Watson did not see this -manœuvre, but Margaret and Emma laughed quietly—whilst Alfred, -overcome by excessive amusement, dropped on a sofa, and rolled about -in ecstasy. - -George Millar, whose table was near, looked round. - -"What naughty trick are you about now, Annie?" said he suspiciously. - -"I!" cried the young lady, with well affected surprise; "who so quiet -and well-behaved in this room as myself! Your suspicions are -derogatory to me, and disgraceful to yourself, George." - -And she drew herself up in an attitude of offended dignity, crossing -her hands in her lap, and looking straight before her. - -George went on with his game; and Mr. Alfred Freemantle, having -recovered his composure, resumed his station by Miss Millar's side. He -enquired how long she intended to keep the poor man in the dark? Miss -Millar said he was in the black hole, and should continue there till -he asked to get out; for, indeed, his voice had never yet been heard, -and she was anxious to settle the question whether he was or was not, -dumb. - -Presently afterwards another of the party came up, and begged in the -name of Mrs. Watson that Miss Millar would favor them with a song. - -Annie possessed the rare talent of singing without accompaniment; and -without affectation, when requested by the mistress of the house, she -immediately complied, and warbled some beautiful old ballads to the -great delight of the company. - -She did not change her position, but sat with her back to the door, -when, in the midst of her second song, a loud crash was heard in the -little room where Mr. Grant was confined; this was followed by -vociferous and angry exclamations—at which every one started forward -with various intonations of surprise, wondering what was the matter. -Miss Millar did not cease singing or move her seat, but merely waved -her hand to keep back those who pressed on her, and finished her song -with perfect self-possession. - -When, however, a second part was suddenly taken to her performance by -a strange voice in the next room, every one was still more astonished, -and insisted on opening the door to discover the minstrel. When this -was done, they saw Mr. Grant leaning quietly against one chair, whilst -another overthrown beside him revealed the origin of the noise which -had at first arrested them; he was in the dark, of course, and seemed -as he stood there so sleepy and dull, that they could hardly imagine -he was likewise the author of the melodious sounds they had overheard. -How he came there, why he was in the dark, and why he remained so, -were questions rapidly asked by such as knew him well enough to speak -to him—but he could give no explanation—he only knew that he had woke -up and found himself on the sofa in the dark, and thought he was in -bed, until rolling off convinced him that he was not; that he had -fallen on the floor and made a noise he supposed, and that he should -be particularly glad to know whether Mrs. Watson was in the constant -habit of locking up her guests in the dark. - -Mrs. Watson came forward full of apologies and regrets; she really -could not imagine how it had happened, or who had shut the door—it -must have been so purely accidental; she was excessively shocked, and -particularly grieved, and she hoped it would never occur again. - -Nothing could be more admirable than the air of perfect innocence and -ignorance which Annie Millar assumed through the whole scene; to have -seen her face no one would have imagined that she was in the smallest -degree inculpated in the false imprisonment which so afflicted poor -Mr. Grant, and his slumber had been far too real and unfeigned for him -to have any idea of the offender. Alfred Freemantle indeed drew all -the suspicions on himself by his immoderate laughter and the facetious -observations which he made at the discovery. Soon after this -card-tables were formed, and the whole party sat down to different -games, which occupied the rest of the evening. - -Emma felt on parting that she should like to know more of Annie -Millar, and she found the next morning that her wish was likely to be -gratified, for the young lady called in the course of the forenoon, -and expressed the strongest desire to carry on an acquaintance with -both the sisters. Margaret, whom she had known previously, and for -whom she certainly entertained no very strong predilection, did not -seem inclined to join the party which Annie tried to arrange for a -walk. - -The feelings of jealousy and dislike which any pretty girl awakened in -Margaret's mind were peculiarly vivid towards Annie Millar, and she -naturally shrank from bringing herself much in contact with her. - -Mrs. Watson came into the room just as Miss Millar was pressing the -two other sisters to join her. As soon as she understood how the case -stood, being at that time peculiarly cross with Emma on account of the -admiration she had excited on the previous night, she interposed in -this way: - -"Indeed, my dear Miss Millar, it is most kind of you to propose such a -thing, and I have no doubt but that the girls feel excessively obliged -to you, but it is impossible for Emma to accept it. Loth as I am to -refuse any request of yours, I cannot really accede to this one. Her -duty must confine her within doors this morning, she has calls upon -her time which must not be set aside; she must therefore forego the -gratification you propose." - -Emma could not help feeling rather astonished at hearing such a -declaration, as she was quite unaware of any particular duties which -would compel her to remain in the house that morning, and she was -quite puzzled what to answer, when Annie Millar said coaxingly, - -"Why can you not put off your business till the afternoon, and go with -us now? What have you so very particular to do?" - -"I suppose my sister-in-law wants me," said she colouring and -hesitating; "and of course, if so, it is necessary I should stay." - -"Oh, I thought it might be some penance you were to perform—something -quite wonderful and romantic—but really I think you might contrive to -delay it, and accompany us to-day." - -"You are uncommonly kind," again interrupted Mrs. Watson, "but there -is so much of regularity and system absolutely necessary where very -young people are concerned, that whilst Emma continues under _my_ care -I cannot allow her to be running out at all hours—though if any one -could tempt me to relax in my rules it would be you I assure you." - -The idea of a young woman of Emma's age not being at liberty to walk -or sit still according to her own fancy, appeared to Annie Millar very -extraordinary, and her wonder and annoyance were equally shared by -Emma herself, now hearing for the first time of rules that had never -to her knowledge existed at all; and feeling unable to contend against -the assumption of authority which her sister-in-law exercised over her -proceedings, without the risk of causing an actual quarrel with her on -the subject, she began to look forward with considerable dread, and to -wonder what would come next. - -"Well," said Miss Millar, "if it is not convenient for Miss Emma to -walk now, will you tell me when and at what hour I may look forward to -that pleasure? Exceedingly as I regret that your rules have -disappointed me to-day, there is this comfort, that they ensure my -gratification at some other time, when I understand your arrangements. -At what time _does_ your sister take exercise?" - -Mrs. Watson was completely caught, and excessively puzzled what to -say. She hesitated for a moment, and then observed, - -"Well, as I do not like to thwart any plan of yours, I will try -another day and make arrangements to gratify you, my dear Miss Millar; -in the meantime I recommend you to take your walk to-day without any -reference to Emma." - -Miss Millar assented with a sigh, and she and Elizabeth set off -together. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - -"A very pretty thing indeed," exclaimed Mrs. Watson the moment the -door closed on them, "a very pretty and reasonable thing for a girl -like you, Miss Emma, coming into this house as a dependent, without a -farthing in your pocket, or an expectation of any kind, a very pretty -thing I say for you to go flaunting and jaunting about with all the -best company in the town; I can tell you if this is the way you go on, -I shall take care and keep you up stairs when I have visitors. I -suppose you hope for an opportunity for carrying on your acquaintance -with Alfred Freemantle, or perhaps you are looking out for George -Millar himself. I see I must keep a firm hand over you, or I shall -have some disgraceful proceedings no doubt—a girl of your age to be so -given up to flirtation; it is quite shocking." - -"I do not know what I have done," replied Emma, struggling with her -feelings, "to deserve your reproaches; Miss Millar asked me to walk -with her, but how am I to blame for that?" - -"Don't answer me, Miss, it is exceedingly impertinent and -disrespectful, and I will not put up with it from you. If you imagine -because you have been acquainted with the Osbornes and those grand -folks, that you are to be mistress here, and do as you like, you will -find yourself excessively mistaken. I shall allow nothing of the kind -I assure you. Go to the nursery and take care of the little girl, and -tell the nurse-maid I want her to go on an errand for me. Try and make -yourself useful if you can, and show some gratitude for the -extraordinary liberality of your brother, in receiving a beggar like -you into his house." - -Emma's spirit rose and tempted her strongly to rebel; her first -impulse was to go to her own room, and shut herself in there; but she -remembered that she was powerless, and totally without effectual -support in the house. Elizabeth, it was true, would take her part, but -she could only talk, not act, and as any contention must be fruitless, -ending inevitably in her own defeat, she wisely determined to submit -as quietly as possible, endeavouring to suppress her unavoidable -feelings of repugnance and mortification, and trying to remember that -since she was actually indebted to her brother for food and shelter, -it became her to try by every means in her power to lessen the -unwelcome burden. She went accordingly as she was desired to the -nursery, and remained the rest of the morning in charge of Janetta, -whose encreasing attachment towards her kind, new aunt, really gave -her satisfaction, and made the time pass as pleasantly as was possible -under such circumstances. - -It distressed Elizabeth a good deal that Emma was not allowed to walk -with her, and as she could never disguise her feelings, she -immediately expressed this to her companion, adding that she was -afraid Emma could never be happy at Robert's house, as Jane seemed to -have taken a decided dislike to her. - -Annie exclaimed at the idea; she could not conceive it possible that -any one could dislike Emma; those delightful dark eyes, those elegant -ringlets, and the general grace of her appearance were in her opinion, -so strongly indicative of an amiable, lively and ingenuous mind, that -nobody could take offence at her. She was most enthusiastic in her -praises, and Elizabeth felt gratified. This conversation passed on -their way to Miss Millar's home, where she wished to call before -starting for a country walk. She led her companion up at once to her -own apartments, and whilst she left her for a moment in her -dressing-room, to make some arrangements in private, Elizabeth, who to -pass the time was looking at some books on the table, was suddenly -interrupted by the entrance of George Millar. Her back being turned -towards the door, the disguise of her bonnet and cloak prevented his -recognising her, and concluding it to be his sister, he advanced -hastily, and laying his hand on her shoulder he said: - -"My dear Annie," when on her turning her face towards him, he of -course discovered his mistake. - -He looked excessively confused for a moment, but Elizabeth laughed and -took it so easily, that he soon recovered himself; she explained to -him why she was waiting there, and on hearing that they were preparing -to take a country walk, he declared that it was a holiday with him -to-day, and if they would not object he would accompany them. - -"Indeed," he added, "I think it my duty to go with you, or that wicked -sister of mine would infallibly walk too far, and make herself ill. -She is not to be trusted in the country I assure you." - -Elizabeth did not feel inclined to raise any objection to this -arrangement, as she was quite as well satisfied with what she saw, as -with what she had heard of Mr. Millar, and did not feel disposed to -retract her previous declaration in his favor. Their walk proved as -agreeable as she could desire, and only left her the wish that she -could have such another, and Emma with her. - -They were out a considerable time, as George Millar proposed visiting -a small farm in which he took much pride, and which particularly -delighted Elizabeth. The arrangement of his dairy, the welfare of his -lambs, the progress of his poultry, were all subjects exactly to her -taste, and she entered heart and soul into the matter: her interest -was far too sincere for him to be otherwise than flattered by it, and -he came to the conclusion that she was a very delightful young woman, -with more intelligence and a clearer head than any town-bred young -lady of his acquaintance. He determined to take her opinion and advice -on the subject of making cream cheeses, and resolved to rear a calf -which she had admired, instead of sending it to the butcher's the -following week. They were left a good deal to entertain each other, as -Annie had chosen to unchain a large Newfoundland dog kept at the farm, -and gone off in company with it for a gambol in the meadows. - -When every part of the establishment had been carefully visited, and -some of the hops in the nearest fields inspected, Elizabeth began to -think it was time for her to go home; but Annie had not yet rejoined -them, and having quite lost sight of her during the last hour, they -had nothing to do but to sit down, and wait patiently, if they could, -for her appearance. The house, which was only inhabited by a bailiff -and his wife, was small but pretty, and Elizabeth was eloquent in her -praise of everything she saw, declaring with perfect unreserve how -very much she should prefer living in that charming little house, to -inhabiting the best mansion in the town. - -However, as time passed on, and she remembered the distance she had to -walk before reaching home, she began to be rather uneasy, well knowing -how extremely displeased Robert would be, if they were late for -dinner, as seemed probable. She confided her fears to George Millar, -confessing, with perfect candour, that she was very much afraid of her -brother's displeasure. He immediately suggested, as a remedy, that if -their return to Croydon was deferred later than she liked, she should -give them the pleasure of her company at their own family meal; -assuring her that there was not the smallest risk of Mrs. Turner's -being angry, even if they kept her waiting an hour. At the same time, -he said that, for that very reason, he should be sorry to do so, and -he, therefore, hoped his sister would soon join them. - -At length, after trying their patience till Elizabeth was surprised it -did not fail, the truant girl returned; and when her brother attempted -to scold her, she laughingly placed her hand over his mouth, and -desired him to behave well before her friends, at least; there would -be time enough for him to find fault in the course of the evening—he -could keep awake on purpose. - -He called her, in reply, a saucy girl, and threatened that another -time he would not take her out walking with him; whilst she persisted -in asserting that it was she to whom he was obliged for his excursion, -and that she and Miss Watson could have done perfectly well without -him. - -They then commenced their return homewards, and George told his sister -to invite Miss Watson to dine with them on the plea of being too late -for her own dinner. Elizabeth expressed herself exceedingly ready to -comply, and it was so settled. - -When within half a mile of the town, they met Alfred Freemantle, who -was enjoying a stroll on his escape from the office. Uninvited, he -joined them, and placed himself by the side of Miss Millar, who was -leaning on her brother's arm. She put up her lip in a very -contemptuous way, and a moment after, changed to the other side, and -found a refuge for herself between Elizabeth and George, where she was -safe from him. He saw the manœuvre, and mortified at it, tried in his -turn to mortify her, by enthusiastic praises of the absent Emma. - -"What a sweet, charming girl she is—I don't know when I have seen -anything which pleased me better—those sparkling black eyes, and the -clear olive complexion, are perfection in my eyes; and her manners—so -sweet—so ladylike, she is quite bewitching." - -"You cannot praise her too much for me," replied Annie, quite -sincerely; "I have been raving about her ever since last night, and so -long as you make use of suitable and judicious terms, you may extol -her beauty till you are worn out with fatigue." - -"I intend to write an acrostic on her name," said he, in a most -self-satisfied tone, "perhaps you did not know it; but I am considered -rather to shine in that way; I _have_ made capital verses." - -"So you have told me, Mr. Freemantle, before; indeed, I remember, on -one occasion, your presenting me with some lines which, from the style -and manner, I should have judged impossible to be your own -composition, but for your affirmation of that fact; of course, -therefore, I am aware of your talents." - -"I am only too much flattered by your remembering the circumstance at -all, Miss Millar—you don't happen to recollect the lines, do you?" - -"No, indeed: I remember the fact, because I know a cousin of mine who -was staying with us at the time, amused himself with cutting the paper -into the smallest possible morsels, and I only read the lines once in -consequence." - -The utter carelessness with which this assertion was made, would have -been sufficient to overwhelm an ordinarily modest man, but he did not -appear distressed, only interposing with a declaration that he thought -he could remember the little poem—accordingly he commenced reciting— - - "A nimated airy angel - N otice now my humble line; - N ever was there such a feeling - I n my breast, as now is stealing, - E re I saw that form divine." - -"Pray spare me the rest," exclaimed Annie, almost suffocated with -laughter, which she vainly tried to repress, "my modesty is too -sensitive to stand such praises, so I entreat you to allow us to -exercise our imaginations as to the remainder." - -"Do you know when I began that I wanted to make every word in the line -commence with the same letter, but I could not manage it; it was too -much for me." - -"I can easily believe that," replied Mr. Millar, gravely. "I think it -was too much for my sister too; you should not indulge young girls -with such flattery: depend upon it, it's very bad for them." - -"Oh, dear no," replied he, "a little flattery delicately administered -makes way amazingly amongst those whose hearts are soft and easily -touched." - -"Amongst which number I conclude you reckon me?" enquired Annie. - -"No, indeed, you are hard-hearted and cruel to a degree to drive -twenty such men as me to despair." - -"I hope I shall never be reduced to do so desperate a deed; twenty -such men would be a formidable phalanx—more than I could stand at -all," said Miss Millar, arching her eye-brows and apparently looking -on the point of laughing again. - -He looked suspiciously at her, and said, after considering her -countenance a moment, - -"I have not made more than the first couplet of my address to Miss -Emma Watson, do you think you can help me?" - -"Let us hear your effusion—we will see what we can do," replied Annie. - - "Emma, elegant, enchanting, - Merry maiden, much is wanting—" - -"But, then, I don't know what to say next—what _do_ you think is -wanting?" said Mr. Alfred in the most earnest tone possible. - -"I should finish it this way," suggested Annie. - - "My melodious muse to make - All I wish it for thy sake." - -"Thank you, indeed," cried he, "what condescending goodness on your -part to stoop to such kindness as to assist me with such poetical -rhymes. Do you ever compose yourself?" - -"How can you ask—have you not read a small volume of poems entitled, -'Way-side Flowers?'—and did you not know they were mine?" - -"No, indeed! How delighted I am to be acquainted with a real author! I -shall never rest till I have procured and read your poems." - -"I wish you success in the search then," replied Annie, "and repose -and quiet when you have succeeded." - -In those days, Authors and Authoresses were far less plentiful than -now; when not to know, or be nearly related to one, is a more -remarkable circumstance by far, than the contrary; and Alfred -Freemantle really believing Annie's assertion, looked and felt most -highly exalted at the supposed discovery. - -He continued, during the rest of the walk, to plague her with -questions as to what species of stanzas—what measure—what style of -writing she preferred, until Annie on getting free from him at length, -burst into a strong invective against his stupidity and want of common -sense. - -Her brother quietly told her she deserved it—she liked to play on his -dullness of perception, and it served her right when it recoiled on -her own head. Annie denied that there was any malice in what she said, -it was only a little fun, and was not really, at all naughty. - -They reached their house at last, and the two ladies, being both tired -and hungry, were extremely glad of rest and dinner. Elizabeth could -not help wondering at herself for what she was doing, and where she -was; but the human mind soon gets accustomed to any circumstances, and -she enjoyed herself too much to feel any regret at the change of -scene. Their little quartette was extremely pleasant and -good-humoured; she was introduced to Mr. Millar's children, and was -much pleased with them; and the little things, with the intuitive -perception peculiar to children, clung to her with great delight and -affection. - -After spending, by far the most cheerful evening which she could -remember, since they were snowed up at Mr. Howard's she was escorted -home by George Millar, and parted from him with so friendly a feeling, -that she could hardly believe he was only a two days' acquaintance. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - -Very different was the evening her sisters had been passing. Robert -was engaged in his office—Margaret engrossed with a new romance that -morning procured—and Jane, being tired, and having nothing to amuse -her, was more than usually cross to Emma; finding fault with the -manner in which she had performed some needle-work, and going on from -that to a general charge of indifference, indolence, and constant -inattention. - -Emma sighed, and could not help throwing back a mournful thought to -passed times, when she had felt herself the pet of her dear uncle, and -the idol of a whole household; or later, when she had flattered -herself with the notion that she was the first object with Mr. Howard. -It seemed now, quite like recalling a dream, when she looked back to -those happy days; so suddenly, and entirely, had the scene been -changed. Then she began to wonder when she should hear from Miss -Osborne—and what she would say—how she would bear the idea of being -called into a court of justice; whether her family would not be angry -at it—and what the result would be. Would Tom Musgrove yield or -not?—or would Robert persist in his determination; and in these silent -meditations the evening passed heavily away. She was glad when -Elizabeth came home; her entrance brought some little diversion to -their scene, as she had something new to tell; and Jane, though rather -inclined to resent any one having so much enjoyment without her, was -too well satisfied with the union which she anticipated between -Elizabeth and Mr. Millar, to feel any very strong indignation on this -occasion. - -Bed time came, and Emma, feeling wretchedly depressed and miserable, -could not refrain from the luxury of finishing the evening with a good -fit of crying, which relieved her heart, and soothed her to sleep. - -Early the next morning Elizabeth went to Emma's room, and began to -express to her how very much she was pleased with George Millar, his -sister, his children, his house, his farm, and all that belonged to -him. Then she declared that, of all situations she had ever seen, she -thought she should like the neighbourhood of Croydon for a home,—and, -indeed, she should not object to live in the town altogether. - -Emma listened and acquiesced in it all; she had not recovered her -spirits—and though trying to enter into her sister's hopes and wishes, -she could hardly summon energy sufficient to do so. - -The morning passed much as usual until post time, when Emma received -an answer to her note to Miss Osborne, and Robert at the same time was -favored with a letter from Tom Musgrove. The four ladies were in the -drawing-room, and Emma was looking over the dispatch from Miss -Osborne, when her brother entered and communicated to them all the -contents of Tom's letter. It was short and decisive. - - - "Dear Sir, - - "The receipt of your letter of yesterday - surprised me a good deal. I am extremely sorry that - there should have been any misunderstanding of the - sort; but I am sure your amiable sister will at once - admit that my attentions to her have always been - limited within the bounds of friendship, such as our - long acquaintance justifies, and such as I have paid - to twenty other young ladies before her eyes. With - kind compliments to the ladies of your family, I have - the honor to remain, - - "Dear Sir, - - "Yours faithfully, &c. &c." - - -Margaret thought it incumbent on her immediately to go off in a fit of -hysterics on hearing this read, sobbing out between whiles, that he -was a cruel, cruel man, and she never meant to care more about him. - -"Do have done with that confounded noise," said Robert impatiently, -"for there's no getting a word of sense from a woman when she's in -that state, and heaven knows it's little enough one can reasonably -expect at any time." - -Margaret's sobs did not cease at this gentle request, and Robert grew -more angry. - -"By Jove, Margaret, if you don't stop, I'll leave you to make the best -of your own matters, and neither meddle nor make any more in it." - -Afraid that he might really keep his word, she ceased at last, and he -then enquired what Emma had heard from Miss Osborne. Emma read the -passage in which Miss Osborne replied to her assurance that Margaret -still considered Mr. Musgrove engaged to her; it merely thanked her -for the information, stated that she would warn her friend, and wished -Miss Margaret a happy termination to her engagement. The rest of the -letter was about subjects quite unconnected with Tom Musgrove, and -uninteresting to any one but Emma. Miss Osborne mentioned one thing -which gave her peculiar pleasure; her marriage with Sir William was to -take place after Easter, and they were going down to spend the spring -and summer months at Osborne Castle, which her brother had lent to -them, whilst Sir William Gordon was determining on the plan and -elevation of a new mansion, which he intended to build on his -property. Miss Osborne earnestly hoped that Emma would once more visit -there, and declared she quite looked forward with impatience to a -future meeting. - -She did not wish to read this aloud, as she shrunk from the appearance -of boasting about her grand acquaintance, but neither Jane nor -Margaret would allow her to rest in peace until she had made known the -principal contents of her letter; and a sentence containing the -information that they had seen Mr. Howard, who had spent a few days in -town lately, was the only information she eventually kept to herself. - -Margaret's curiosity having materially aided in restoring her -composure, she was soon able to enquire of her brother what he -intended to do. He repeated all he had formerly asserted, and Emma -heard it with horror; she escaped from in the room to consider what -she had better do, and after much thought, decided on writing at once -to Miss Osborne, informing her of what was threatened. She sat down -and wrote accordingly: - - - "Dear Miss Osborne, - - "I hope you will not consider me in any way - to blame, if the information I have to communicate - is disagreeable to you. I am sorry to say that Mr. - Musgrove has been so unprincipled as entirely to deny - the engagement, which _we_ know subsisted between - him and my sister; and what grieves me still more - is, that my brother, convinced that there actually - was an engagement, declares he will bring an action - against Mr. Musgrove, unless he immediately fulfils - it. The idea that we shall have to appear in a court - of justice, frightens me very much, and I thought - it right to give you early notice of his intention - that you might not be taken by surprise. My brother - is so fixed in his resolution, that I cannot see the - smallest probability of an escape for us, unless Mr. - Musgrove can be persuaded to act up to his promise. - I know Lord Osborne has great influence with him, - and for the sake of your family, and his own character - and respectability, he might perhaps be persuaded - by him to do so; but with a man of such a character, - my sister's chance of happiness would be small, and - I cannot wish for their marriage, even to save myself - from what I so greatly dread. I feel I am wrong and - selfish in shrinking from an exertion which I suppose - is my duty, and perhaps after all, when there are - so many troubles in life, one difficulty more or less - ought not to disturb me so much. I am truly rejoiced - at your bright prospects, and shall indeed have great - pleasure at any time you name, in witnessing your - domestic happiness; I assure you that your kind - invitation has given me more pleasure than anything I - have lately experienced. - - "Believe me, dear Miss Osborne, - - "Very truly yours, &c. &c." - - -We must follow this letter to London, and describe the effect which it -produced on the parties concerned, and the results which arose from -it. Miss Osborne was sitting in the breakfast-room in Portman Square -when it was brought to her. Sir William Gordon was beside her on the -sofa, assisting at her late breakfast, in the English sense of the -word, and playfully telling her that he never meant to wait so long -for his, when he was settled at home. As she looked at the address. - -"Here is a letter," she observed, "from that charming Emma Watson with -whom you were pleased to carry on such a flirtation just before you -proposed to me." - -"I flirt with Emma Watson," exclaimed he, "I deny it entirely—I never -flirted with any girl in my life." - -"What have you forgotten it all—did you not take a walk with her in -the park—a sketch in a cottage—and a drive in a cart? do you mean to -deny all that?" - -"By no means, I only deny entirely all flirtation whatever—what -time—what spirits—what inclination could I have to flirt with her, -when I was doing hard service to win your most intractable and -hard-hearted self." - -"Not so very hard-hearted, I think, Sir William," said she, blushing. - -"Stern enough to drive an ordinary man to despair, Rosa," replied he, -looking admiringly at her; "and had I not been as obstinate as -yourself, we never should have been sitting as we now are." - -"Well, you may as well let my hand alone, I think, for I want the use -of it to open my letter," and accordingly the young lady broke the -seal, as soon as she could get possession of her hand. - -"Let me look over you," said he, leaning forward with his cheek close -to hers. - -She repulsed him, and placed herself in the corner of the sofa, where -he was forced to be satisfied with watching her face. He saw her cheek -glow, and her eye flash, whilst her brow contracted with repressed -indignation, and she seemed on the point of tearing the letter in two. -She did not, however, but dropped her hands in her lap, and sat for a -minute looking upwards earnestly, as if trying to recall some past -event, then frowned again. Her lover extended his hand towards her, -and exclaimed— - -"My dear Rosa, what _is_ the matter, your looks quite frighten me—do -let me see this letter." - -"Take it," said she, "and see what intolerable impertinence is -threatened me." - -He read it attentively, then said— - -"I am quite bewildered—completely mystified—what have you got to do -with all this—and what does it mean?" - -"Ah, you may well be astonished," she replied; "don't you see what is -threatened? imagine _me_, a peer's daughter, dragged into the Assize -Court as a witness in an action between Margaret Watson and Thomas -Musgrove, for a breach of promise of marriage. Can you realise the -scene? It would be novel and interesting, I think." - -"Extremely so, and I do not see why you should mind it: you will, of -course, be treated with all proper respect and consideration, and -justice must be done. Don't make yourself unhappy about that." - -"You are joking, Sir William; and I shall be angry presently." - -"No, don't pray; I should not like that—but tell me how you happened -to become the confidante of this charming Margaret; I did not know -your friendship extended to the whole family." - -"Neither does it—it is only Emma I care for," replied she; and she -then proceeded to explain to Sir William all the circumstances -attending their involuntary audience of Musgrove's courtship, and her -reason for keeping it quiet. - -"Caught listening, eh!" ejaculated Sir William; "I do not wonder that -you shrink from being called on to avow it in public. What a pity that -you did not start out and cry 'bo!' to them both; from all accounts -they deserved it." - -"That's all very well, and you may amuse yourself with laughing at me, -if you like; but tell me how can I avoid this difficulty—must I appear -in court?" - -"Certainly, if you are subpœned to appear—there is no help for that." - -"How coolly you treat it—why is it not you instead of me it has -happened to?" - -"Only because I was not one of the eavesdroppers." - -"I assure you, Sir William, if you go on laughing at my distress, I -will punish you for it." - -"I am excessively sorry for your distress, my dear Rosa, but I must -think it quite unfounded." - -"Well, there's one thing certain, I warn you: if I have to appear in -this business, we must defer our marriage; I could not appear as a -bride and a witness during the same month." - -Sir William started up from the cushion where he was lounging, and -looking fixedly at her, exclaimed— - -"You are not serious." - -"Perfectly so, Sir William; and I see you are so now," replied Miss -Osborne. - -"Then you shall have no occasion to put your threat in execution," -said he, with an air of determination; "let us talk the matter over -seriously, Rosa." - -"Ah, I am glad I have brought you to your senses, at last; now -consider, if we could do as Emma advises, and persuade this Mr. -Musgrove to marry, as he ought, there would be an end of all trouble -in the affair." - -"To you, perhaps, but not to Miss Margaret; I dare say her amiable -husband would beat her every day." - -"Now don't relax into your indifference again, and be provoking! Oh, -here comes Osborne; let's explain the case to him, and see what he -says on the subject." - -Lord Osborne, at the moment, entered the room, and his sister tried to -make him comprehend the facts that had occurred. - -"I think," said he, after hearing her story, "that Musgrove has -behaved very ill—very ill, indeed." - -"No doubt of that, my dear brother," replied she; "but what do you -think of this Mr. Watson's proposal?" - -"Just what we might expect from a lawyer, that he would go to law; -it's his business, Rosa," replied her brother. - -"But it's not my business to be obliged to appear in public is a -witness in this ridiculous matter. If he likes to make his sister's -_affaires de cœur_ the subject for conversation and coarse jokes -through the county, it is all very well, but I cannot see why I am to -be implicated in a transaction which reflects nothing but discredit on -all the parties," said Miss Osborne, with encreasing dissatisfaction. - -"Especially to those who are detected in listening, Rosa," suggested -Sir William Gordon. - -"And poor Emma too," continued she, pretending not to hear him, "she -evidently dreads the threatened exposure; I am quite concerned about -it for her." - -"Naturally enough," said the lover, in the same tormenting tone; "it -makes every one sorry to be found out." - -"Really, Sir William Gordon," said Miss Osborne, drawing up her slight -figure with an air of great indignation, "if you can suggest nothing -that is more agreeable than such reflections, we shall be better -without you; and I recommend you to leave us to take care of -ourselves." - -It was haughtily said—for her quick temper was roused; he knew her -well, and did not mean that she should obtain a sovereign rule over -him. He loved her for her spirit—but he was determined not to crouch -to it—and rising, he made her a grave bow, and left the room. She -looked after him anxiously, expecting he would return, or at least, -give her one more glance, but he did not, and the door closed before -she could make up her mind to speak again. - -"What do you want me to do, Rosa?" said her brother, "I think it will -be easy to prevent all this, if it plagues you and your friend so -much; I will speak to Tom myself, and see if I cannot persuade him to -keep his promise." - -"Ah! do, if you can, Osborne; of course the girl wants to marry him; -and if he will do that, we shall be left in peace. Poor Emma seems -very unhappy—look at her letter." - -Lord Osborne received it eagerly and read it through. - -"Poor thing," said he, quite compassionately, "how soon, Rosa, may -girls marry after their father's death?" - -"Oh! that's a matter of taste! and I don't think it signifies in this -matter at all. If we could only get Mr. Musgrove to acknowledge his -engagement, he may take his own time for marrying." - -Her brother was on the point of saying that he was not thinking of -him, but he let it pass—and, after a moment's consideration, added: - -"Then you think there would be no harm in _engaging_ a girl, even if -she could not marry immediately." - -"Oh! I don't know, this engagement was formed before old Mr. Watson -died, and that makes a difference. Perhaps, if people are very -particular, they might not like to commence a courtship under such -circumstances." - -"Well, what can I do?" - -"Find Mr. Musgrove—tiresome man that he is—and tell him that, as the -fact of his engagement is known, and, consequently, he is as certain -to have a verdict against him, as this Mr. Watson is determined to try -for it, the only thing for him to do, to avoid such a result, is to -act like a man of honor. If he refuses, and by that means draws me -into any thing so repugnant to my feelings as appearing in a court, he -can never expect to be noticed by us again; and if _we_ set the -example, every one will throw him off—he will be scouted in the -neighbourhood, and can never dare to shew his face again at home. Tell -him this, and if I do not greatly mistake the man he will yield." - -"I will try what I can do, Rosa, but I wish Gordon had undertaken -it—he has so many more words than I have?" - -"And if you cannot succeed with him, we must have recourse to Mr. -Watson, the attorney, and try what we can do to stop his proceedings," -continued Rosa. "Perhaps a little bribery, judiciously applied, might -induce him to relinquish his intention, and save any further trouble." - -"We shall see about that," replied he, "but, in the meantime, I will -look for Musgrove, and try my skill on him." - -"Could you find Sir William, Osborne," said Rosa, blushing, "and tell -him that I should like to speak to him—or no, perhaps, if you tell him -only what you are going to do, it will be better." - -"I heard him leave the house, Rosa," said Lord Osborne, quite -innocently, "but, if I see him at the club, I will tell him what you -say." - -Miss Osborne bit her lip and made no reply; she did not like to shew -the empire which Sir William had over her feelings—nor would she -readily have acknowledged the anxiety she could not avoid entertaining -with regard to his quitting her so gravely. She had discovered that he -would not be played with and tormented for her amusement, and she -dared not attempt to trifle with him as she might have done with a -less resolute man. Her brother left her and she spent the rest of the -morning alone, and very uneasy. She was in no humour to receive -visitors, and was entirely disinclined for any occupation. She kept on -telling herself it was not because Sir William was absent that she was -dissatisfied, it was only because she herself was threatened with a -disagreeable incident; then she fell into a train of wondering thought -as to what Sir William intended to do, where he was gone, and whether -he would soon return to Portman Square. Her heart beat every time she -heard the knocker, though she knew his hand too well to be deceived in -that. At length, a note was brought to her with an assurance that the -bearer was waiting. It was in his handwriting, and she opened it with -trepidation. The style surprised her. - - - "Sir William Gordon's compliments to Miss - Osborne, and he has the happiness of informing her - that affairs are placed on a satisfactory footing - with regard to Mr. Musgrove; but, as Sir W., has - undertaken to communicate the result of the interview - to Miss Watson and her sister, he wishes to know - whether Miss Osborne would recommend him to go in - person to Croydon—and if so, whether she has any - commands for him." - - -Rosa read the note over three times before she could make up her mind -to the answer she should return. She felt it deeply; the tone, the -meaning, all conveyed a sort of covert reproach to her. She was sorry -and angry at the same moment; and she was quite undecided whether to -yield to or resent his conduct. After much deliberation she hastily -wrote: - - - "Miss Osborne's compliments to Sir William - Gordon, and as she finds it impossible to give an - opinion without understanding more of the - circumstances, she begs he will favor her with a call - this afternoon, to explain what arrangements he has - made." - - -No sooner was this note despatched than she bitterly regretted having -sent such a one, and felt she would have given anything in the world -to recall it, when too late. She could think of nothing else, of -course, and being quite indisposed for any amusement she refused to -accompany her mother in the afternoon drive, but remained sitting -alone in the drawing-room. Engrossed with her own thoughts, she did -not hear him enter, and was not aware of his presence till he spoke, -and gravely observed, - -"I am here, Miss Osborne, according to your commands; may I request -you will let me know your further wishes." - -"You are still offended, Sir William," replied she, looking up at him; -"I thought you would have recovered yourself by this time." - -"I cannot so soon forget the repulse I received; and I presume you -intended it to be remembered." - -"Nay, now don't look like that, I cannot bear it, I was wrong;" said -she extending her hand to him. "Forgive me and sit down." - -Miss Osborne had not to say she was wrong twice over, nor to repeat -the request for forgiveness. He was not tyrannical, though he could -not submit to slavery, and a reconciliation was soon effected. When -they were able to talk of anything besides themselves, he described to -her his interview with Tom Musgrove. He had found him insolent and -angry—disposed to resent Mr. Watson's threats as insulting, and Sir -William's interference as uncalled-for. His tone, however, was -considerably lowered when he ascertained for the first time that his -conversation with Margaret had been overheard by two who were quite -able to prove the fact. Sir William told him he was authorized by the -family of one young lady—indeed as her affianced husband he considered -himself bound to step forward and endeavour to prevent the necessity -of her appearing as a witness in a public court: should she, in -consequence of Mr. Musgrove's persevering in denying the truth, be -compelled to perform so unpleasant a task, it would bring down on him -the enmity of the noble family of which the lady was a member, and the -universal contempt of the county; whereas, whilst affairs stood as -they did at present, the fact of his inconstancy being known to so -few, it was evident the whole business might be hushed up, and when he -and Miss Watson were married, they might be certain of the countenance -and favour of the family at Osborne Castle, and all their connexions. - -Tom had hesitated much, and evidently deeply repented the unguarded -conduct which had placed him in such an unpleasant predicament; and -though he had yielded at last to a conviction of the necessity of the -thing, it was with a reluctance which augured ill for the domestic -felicity of the future Mrs. Musgrove. Indeed he had told Sir William, -with an oath, that if she really compelled him to marry her, Margaret -Watson should rue the day; so that upon the whole Sir William was of -opinion that the young lady had much better not persist in her claim, -if she had any value for a quiet home. - -"I dare say he will not be worse than other men," replied Rosa -saucily; "I have a notion that they are all tyrants to women at heart, -only some wear a mask in courtship and some do not take that trouble. -But they are all alike in the end, no doubt." - -"Very possibly, Rosa; suppose you were to carry out your theory and -change places with Miss Margaret." - -"Thank you; your liberality is overpowering; but though they may be -all alike in temper, they are so neither in person nor name—and in -neither of these particulars does Mr. Musgrove please me." - -It was then settled that Rosa should write to her friend and inform -her how matters were going on—it being understood that Tom Musgrove -was by the same post to assert his claim to Miss Margaret Watson's -hand in a letter to her brother. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - -Had Margaret Watson possessed one particle of proper spirit, the tone -and manner in which Tom Musgrove fulfilled his part of the bargain -would have been sufficient to cause a total rupture between them; but -far from this was the case with her. The fact of being now believed in -her declaration, of being known as an engaged young lady, of having a -right to talk about wedding-clothes, and sigh sentimentally at the -prospect before her; the distinction which all this would give her in -a small country town, where every occurrence, from a proposal of -marriage down to the purchase of a new pair of shoes, was immediately -known to all the neighbours—this delighted Margaret's weak mind, and -set her heart in a flutter of gratified vanity. - -To be able to inform all the morning visitors at her brother's house -that indeed she was contemplating this important change, that she was -yielding to a long and well placed affection, that she had known her -dear Tom all her life, and that their mutual attachment had been of -many years' standing—to sigh over the prospect of soon leaving her -sisters, and trying a new situation, seeking a new home, entering on -new duties—all this was perfect ecstasy to her, and on the strength of -her engagement she became more than ever peevish and disagreeable to -her sisters in private, and more affable and smiling to her associates -in public. - -Her dear Tom—her absent friend—was introduced on all occasions in her -speeches, and most happy would she have been had she been able to -introduce him personally to the admiring young ladies of Croydon. Miss -Jenkins was dying to see him; Miss Lamb was certain he must be a -charming beau; Miss Morgan and her sister were never weary of hearing -the colour of his hair, and the style of his equipage. - -This was highly gratifying to Margaret, but she had her little -discomforts too. There were some young ladies who shrugged their -shoulders and wished Mr. and Mrs. Tom Musgrove might have a quiet -house of it—there were others who whispered strange things about the -courtship. Miss Lascomb thought it very odd indeed Mr. Musgrove did -not come to see his betrothed—of course they knew their own affairs -best, but she hoped if ever she were in such a situation, to see a -little more devotion and warmth in her swain. Miss Johnston said _she_ -knew how young men were sometimes caught, that she did, and till she -heard the gentleman declare his engagement with a smile, she should -not be persuaded that it did not cost him a sigh. - -These speeches, though not made to Margaret, were all carefully -repeated to her, by some of her many kind friends, who delighted in -retailing small ware of the kind. She coloured and pouted, tossed her -head, and recommended people to leave affairs alone which did not -belong to them, and wondered any people could take such pleasure in -interfering in other people's concerns. But _she_ knew what it came -from, that she did, it was all envy and spite, because she was going -to marry a real gentleman, who had nothing to do, and Mr. Johnston was -only an apothecary, and all the world knew that Miss Lascomb had been -setting her cap at the writing master for the last three years, and -all to no purpose. In her heart, she was really troubled with some -misgivings on account of not receiving any communication from Tom—she -would have delighted to parade his letters before her admiring -confidantes, and her envying female friends, but this pleasure was -denied her. All she could do, was to write very often herself, and -take care to have a letter directed to him beside her, whenever any of -her gossipping acquaintance came to pay her a visit of inspection. - -The news from Chichester which about this time arrived gave a very -flourishing account of Penelope's affairs. Her lover, notwithstanding -his advanced age, appeared far more ardent and energetic than the -youthful Tom Musgrove. - -In accordance, it was said, with his earnest solicitations, their -union was to take place very speedily, and Penelope hoped that the -next time she had occasion to write to her sisters, it would be to -inform them that she no longer bore the same name as themselves. In -the prospects of her two sisters, Emma saw little to console her for -the blight which had fallen on her own; she would have rejoiced with -all her heart had she been able to suppose they would be happy, but -she could not reconcile herself to the proceedings of either, nor -persuade herself, try as she would, that in either case, the motives -which led them to engage in a connection so important as matrimony -were such as could ensure a blessing with them. In Penelope's case -especially, she could view it as nothing but a sale of herself for a -certain amount of settlements; she knew there was neither love nor -esteem on her side, for she had heard her, in unguarded moments, -express sentiments quite the reverse, speaking of her future husband -in a slighting tone, and with a contemptuous accent, as if she held -him little better than an idiot for the very act of marrying her. As -to Margaret, though she really seemed in love, after a fashion, with -Mr. Musgrove, there was too evident a reluctance on his part, and too -much want of delicacy on hers, to leave, as Emma imagined, the least -chance of anything happier than a total rupture between them; and -taking everything into consideration it seemed to her that such an -event would be by much the most desirable circumstance that could -occur. - -Emma herself was, for some time, a close prisoner. Mrs. Watson found -so much for her to do, that she had scarcely time to stir from the -nursery, except when she took a walk with Janetta, who was now almost -entirely confided to her care. The child loved her dearly; and had her -exertions as nursery governess given the smallest satisfaction to her -sister-in-law, had they even been treated by her as an equivalent for -board and maintenance, she would have been less uncomfortable. - -But whilst she was spending her whole time in unremunerated, and -indeed unacknowledged services, she was perpetually reminded of her -entire dependence on Robert, and taunted with her uselessness, her -idle habits, and her fine lady manners. The numerous visitors, who -dawdled away a morning hour in Mrs. Watson's parlour, were apt to -expatiate on her extraordinary liberality and kindness in receiving -her three sisters as her guests, little imagining that the two elder -paid for their board out of their scanty incomes, and that the younger -compensated for the misery she endured, under the show of patronage, -in a way yet more advantageous to her grudging but ostentatious -relatives. - -At length, a grand event occurred. Mr. Millar invited them all to a -dinner party, and Annie hinted that it was to be followed by a dance -and a supper. They were all asked, and though Jane demurred about -Emma, Robert overruled her. - -"We must let the girl have a chance," said he; "if she is never seen, -there's no chance of any of those young fellows proposing for her." - -Jane had no wish that they should. She felt Emma's value far too -strongly to be at all inclined to part with her. Her caps had never -been so nicely made—her stockings so carefully darned—or Janetta's -wardrobe so well attended to, as since she had turned over every -trouble of the kind to Emma. But as she did not choose to own these -considerations, she was obliged to assent to Robert's proposal, and -Emma was to go to the Millars'. In spite of their mutual wishes, she -had seen very little of Annie Millar; their meetings had been hindered -in every possible way by Mrs. Watson, who was always apprehensive that -Emma would complain, aware, as she was, that she had real reason to do -so; but Mrs. Watson had skilfully contrived that the drawing back from -her acquaintance should appear the voluntary act of Emma, a notion -which cooled Annie's friendship towards her, until Elizabeth, with her -usual frankness, had on one occasion afforded an explanation of the -matter. The result of this was an energetic attempt, on Miss Millar's -side, to secure her society for the evening in question, and as she -had appealed to Robert as well as Jane, she was successful. - -They went accordingly, and Emma's quick eyes were immediately caught -by the difference of manner which George Millar displayed towards -Elizabeth, compared with the rest of the party. To the others he was -open, cordial, and kind, with an address which if not exactly -polished, was at least far removed from vulgarity; but to Miss Watson -he was hurried and awkward, apparently eager to please to a degree -which deprived him of the self-possession necessary for that end. -Elizabeth too, looked shy and conscious when their eyes met, though -evidently expecting and wishing that he should take his stand beside -her chair, which she had fortunately secured in such a position, that -after walking forward to receive his visitors, he was able to fall -back again, and resume his conversation with her. Emma saw this with -satisfaction, and venturing, in spite of her own disappointments, to -speculate on the future, she fancied that at least her dear sister -Elizabeth would secure a happy home for herself. - -Annie Millar seated herself by Emma's side soon after the Watson party -entered the room, and began warmly expressing her pleasure in at -length seeing her in her brother's house. Emma assured her in reply, -that it was not want of inclination that had kept her away, but want -of leisure, for she added quite simply: - -"I am governess to my little niece, and have not, therefore, much time -to spare for any other purpose. I dare say my sister-in-law told you -so." - -"No indeed," said Annie warmly, and colouring with indignation, "she -never said anything of the kind; she always excused you on the plea of -studies or occupations for your good which you had to pursue, and -boasted of her kind and attentive care for your benefit, without once -hinting that she was under obligations to you, which the hospitality -of which she boasts so much can ill-repay." - -"Oh hush, Miss Millar," replied Emma blushing deeply, "you must not -indeed talk so: if my brother receives me into his house, the least I -can do is to take care of his child in return, and so lighten the -trouble which I cannot help giving." - -"But, my dear Miss Emma, excuse my taking the liberty of saying that -if you were governess to any other lady's child, you would not only be -supposed to earn your board and lodging, but some fifty or sixty -pounds in addition, so that in fact Mrs. Watson is the obliged party -in this concern." - -Miss Millar was called away at the moment to receive some other -visitor, and when able again to return to her seat, she observed: - -"That was a most fortunate interruption, for it certainly saved me -from saying something unpardonably impertinent. I am, I have been -told, much too apt to speak my feelings on all subjects, without -sufficiently considering, times, places, and persons. How well your -sister looks to-night." - -"Which sister?" enquired Emma. - -"Oh Miss Watson; I never could admire your sister Margaret, though I -know many people who do; neither she nor Mrs. Watson, who is rather in -the other extreme, are at all to my taste." - -"Elizabeth looks very happy," observed Emma. - -"I am sure she deserves to be so," replied Annie with enthusiasm, "she -is such a very amiable person, I know few with whom I more enjoy a -day's intercourse. It always seems to do me good to hear her talk, she -makes so light of difficulties, and is so cheerful. To me, who I -believe am rather too apt to grumble, she is quite a lesson I assure -you." - -"I am delighted to hear you say so," replied Emma, with a look that -shewed how perfectly sincere was the expression she used. - -Though Annie was frequently called away by the necessity of receiving -other visitors, she took every opportunity she could command of -returning to Emma's side, and conversing with her in the most friendly -way. During the intervals when she was obliged to withdraw, Emma -looked round the room, to see how the others were employed or amused. -Mrs. Turner was discoursing eloquently with Mrs. Watson, who was -evidently bored exceedingly, and hardly listening at all; her thoughts -as well as her eyes seemed to turn constantly to an individual of the -party unknown to Emma, a tall and pleasant looking man, who stood by a -nice looking elderly lady, and seemed to be making himself very -agreeable to her. Margaret had no one to talk to, and was busy in -arranging her tucker in a satisfactory way, and smoothing her gloves -from the tips of the fingers upwards. Robert was hungry, and -consequently quite unable to enter into conversation with any one. He -was faintly trying to hide the violent yawns which were produced by -the suspension of feeling—the uneasy state of expectancy in which he -was kept. Emma could read his impatience in the peculiar twitching -about his eyes, and the spasmodic way in which his hands closed at -intervals, as if grasping some imaginary knife and fork. There were -two other gentlemen of the party whose names she ascertained from her -young friend; one a tall, stiff, elderly man, with an erect carriage, -and rather disappointed expression of countenance, she learnt was a -Captain Tomlins, an old soldier, who played a remarkably good rubber -at whist; the other was the clergyman of the parish, who had but just -returned from Bath, and consequently was unknown to Emma. He was a -mild-looking, middle-aged man, with a very bald head, and a small -quantity of silver hair; his countenance was singularly pleasing and -inviting, and there was an earnest kindness in his manner which -charmed her. He stooped and was very round shouldered, whilst a slight -appearance of lameness arising from the gout which had driven him to -Bath, interested Emma peculiarly in him, because it reminded her of -her father. The other individual who occupied so much of Jane's -attention, Emma was likewise informed was the doctor of the parish, -and one of the principal objects of interest to half the ladies of the -town. Annie assured her his reputation as a doctor was wonderful; he -made all his patients pleased with themselves, and consequently -pleased with him likewise; indeed he had a sort of harmless way of -making love to the ladies under his care, which was very captivating -to most people. - -"And are you one of his patients?" enquired Emma, "or only an amateur -admirer of his?" - -"Oh, I was never any one's patient," replied Annie; "I am never ill; -and as to being an admirer of his, indeed I do not think I ever could -admire a doctor—I have a decided aversion to the profession -altogether." - -"I never liked it," observed Emma, "until I became acquainted with my -brother Sam, and for his sake I have been quite reconciled to it." - -"Yes I can understand that, I think George could reconcile me to -anything," replied Miss Millar with an expression of feeling resting -on her open countenance, which Emma thought quite bewitching; "but -after all a doctor's is an odious profession: to be eternally dinned -with complaints and pains, and always administering drugs and mixtures -in which I dare say they have no faith all the time, must require a -stock of extraordinary patience. I wonder how that man can go smiling -and complimenting through the world as he does." - -"But you look only at the disagreeable side of the profession," -returned Emma; "you should consider it as the means of alleviating -suffering, relieving distress—perhaps prolonging the most valuable -life; if you think of the good a doctor can do, you will form a higher -estimate of the profession." - -"Yes, but then all those wise thoughts do not come of themselves into -my poor brain; it is only those as clever and sedate as you who can -suggest them, and in spite of it all, I am afraid I shall go on always -hating the profession all my life." - -Their conversation was cut short by a summons to dinner, when owing to -there being a preponderance of ladies in the party, Annie and Emma -walked in together. At the table, however, they were separated, and -Emma's ill-luck placed her between her sister-in-law and her brother, -a mis-arrangement which was not perceived until every one was seated, -and which Mrs. Watson then insisted should not be changed. - -Jane was particularly cross; she had expected the distinction of -leading the way to the dining-room in company with the master of the -house, and she saw instead a quiet-looking, plainly-dressed lady -precede her. Not knowing who the stranger was, and feeling all the -right of being first, which as niece to Sir Thomas she invariably -claimed, the indignant blood mounted to her cheeks. The hope, however, -that Mr. Morgan the doctor would take care of her instead for a moment -tranquillized her mind; but when the place he should have occupied was -officiously filled by the whist-playing Captain Tomlins, who cared -nothing for the right of precedence and only desired to reach the -dining-room quickly, her indignation was with difficulty repressed; -and as she looked over her shoulder in leaving the room, and saw -Elizabeth following with Mr. Morgan, her anger rose to a climax. - -"I wonder who that is walking just in front of _me_," said she to her -companion. - -"I am sure I don't know, ma'am—I was thinking she must be a stranger;" -replied Captain Tomlins anxiously snuffing up the scent of dinner -ascending from the lower regions of the house. "The Millars always -give such good dinners." - -"It's very odd," continued Mrs. Watson, "how little attention is paid -to rank; it seems to be getting quite the fashion now to set aside all -the old distinctions. Formerly neither men nor women thought of -pushing themselves out of their places, but now all that is forgotten, -and one may be obliged to walk in to dinner behind you don't know who, -and often conducted by some one who has no right to put himself -forward." - -"Very true, ma'am, such things may happen—but you know at least who is -leading you, and I conceive that as an officer in the service of his -Majesty, I have a perfect right to walk before any of our present -company, excepting always our host. I am sure you must agree with me." - -"Upon my word," said Mrs. Watson, with an angry little laugh. "I was -not at all aware of your rank being so very high, or entitling you to -such very great distinction. However, I dare say it's all right, and I -shall find myself, no doubt, soon walking in behind the old sexton's -wife, or taking the hand of the parish clerk to the table." - -As they had reached the table, by the time she had made this speech, -Captain Tomlins did not trouble himself to answer her, being intently -occupied in counting the dishes which stood before him, as resting his -hands on the edge of the table, and firmly compressing his lips, he -bent forward to take a survey of the shining covers, as if -half-expecting to be able to penetrate their substance, and ascertain -their contents. Mrs. Watson tossed her head in angry disdain, and was -forced to soothe her agitated feelings by scrutinising the way in -which the party on the opposite side disposed themselves. The doctor, -whom she had vainly coveted as a companion, was seated between -Elizabeth and Margaret, the former having a seat at the corner next -her host's chair, so that Mr. Morgan was not likely to be much -engrossed by her conversation. Mr. Bridge, the rector, and Annie -Millar filled up the rest of that side, as Mrs. Turner took the head -of the table. - -These were well placed, as Mrs. Turner delighted in carving, and Annie -being exceedingly attached to the old clergyman, whom she had known -from childhood, amply compensated to him by her respectful attention -for the total neglect with which he was treated by Margaret, and the -rude repulsive stare with which she received his first attempt at -conversation. - -In consequence of her situation, Emma's dinner was exceedingly dull, -and right glad was she when the time came for retiring to the -drawing-room. Here there was a change of scene, and also a change of -companions; for she was able to take a seat by Elizabeth, and learn -from her, that she, at least, had found the party very agreeable. -Meanwhile Mrs. Watson was venting her indignation against Captain -Tomlins, in no very measured terms, for his love of eating, his -indifference to good society, and his presumptuous and pushing manner. - -The stranger lady, whose name had not yet been made known, enquired if -it was her neighbour of whom she was speaking, and having received -from Mrs. Watson an abrupt and haughty affirmation, she turned to Mrs. -Turner, and informed her that she formerly knew him, and added, that -they had enjoyed some agreeable conversation together about old times -and former acquaintances. Mrs. Watson, on hearing this, eyed her with -increased disdain and suspicion, and moving away to the other side of -the fireplace, she flirted her handkerchief before her face, as if the -very air were laden with impurity by her presence. With head thrown -back, and lips closely pressed together, she seemed determined to -prevent any more of her words being wasted in such a presence. - -Their party was soon after joined and enlivened by a number of young -ladies, and a fair proportion of young men. The Miss Morgans, sisters -to the doctor, the Miss Jones and their brothers, children of a -wealthy baker deceased; the owner of a flourishing paper mill in the -neighbourhood, together with the whole of his large family, four sons -and three daughters, rejoicing in the name of Lamb, the eldest -daughter being an enthusiastic friend of Margaret's; and two or three -families of great elegance and distinction in the neighbourhood; -families who enjoyed the advantage of having houses quite in the -country, surrounded with poplars and laurels, and no connection with -any trade or business; these formed the _élite_ of the party. There -were several unconnected young men, amongst whom Mr. Alfred Freemantle -appeared conspicuous; and swaggering up to Emma's side, declared that -he meant to make that the _ne plus ultra_ of his hopes for the -evening. Annie, who heard him, maliciously desired he would translate -the Latin for the benefit of ignorant young ladies; but he pretended -not to hear her request, and went on talking to Emma without pity or -cessation. - -Whilst Annie Millar was busy dispensing the tea and coffee to her -guests, Mrs. Watson approached her, and enquired, who was that little -old lady who walked into dinner before her. A wicked light danced in -Annie's eyes, for she had noticed Jane's scornful manner, and was -excessively pleased at the surprise in store for her. - -"Do you not know her?" she replied; "she is my godmother, and is now -staying with us on her road to London." - -"And her name, tell me that—who is she—who was she—to have the -precedence over me, Miss Millar?' - -"She is the widow of Sir George Barry, a baronet—who died a year or -two ago—there is no family, so the title becomes extinct—she is the -kindest, quietest, best old lady in the world, I am sure." - -"Bless me," cried Mrs. Watson, growing very red in the face, "you -don't say so, sure: a baronet's lady! well really—I never thought of -that—I am sure I wish I had known it sooner. Why did you not introduce -me." - -"She did not think it necessary," replied Annie, quietly; "and we -always let her have her own way—indeed, I believe I ought not to have -told you who she is, only I saw you were annoyed at her having the -precedence of you, and I thought it would comfort you to find it was -not without reason and right." - -"Well, I shall certainly go and talk to her now; but I am sure I don't -know why you should suppose I was annoyed about anything of the sort; -I declare I do not mind in the least what I do—or where I go—nobody -can be more indifferent about their place than I am, though, of -course, I do not like to see a mere nobody put over my head; but a -baronet's lady is quite a different thing; I wonder whether she knows -my uncle Sir Thomas—I dare say she does—people of rank usually know -one another in London." - -Miss Millar did not try to prevent her going to make the _amende -honorable_ to Lady Barry, whose quiet features expressed some surprise -at the manner in which she was attacked by the hitherto scornful Mrs. -Watson; and the repetition of the word "your ladyship" met Annie's ear -as she contemplated them from the other side of the hearth rug. - -Mr. Alfred Freemantle continued his battery of small talk in Emma's -ear, and, at length, in spite of the cold ungraciousness of her -manner, which was as far removed as possible from welcome or -encouragement, the young gentleman ended his tirade by presenting her -with a paper which he declared was a copy of verses in her honour. -Emma coldly declined taking it, and his most urgent entreaties could -not prevail on her to look at the verses—just at this juncture, Miss -Millar joined them, and on understanding the subject in dispute she -seized on the paper, and commenced reading the lines aloud. They -consisted of the usual jumble about stars and flowers, streams and -bowers, wings and other things, hearts, darts, flames and names, which -might be expected in the valentine of a school-boy, and Annie read -them in such an absurd, mock-heroic tone as made those within hearing -laugh most naturally, really thinking, as they did, that it was -intended altogether as a burlesque. Alfred Freemantle writhed under -this laughter, which he could not take as a compliment, having -intended the whole poem to be extremely sentimental: he tried to smile -too, but really felt far more inclined to cry, and he shrank back into -a corner, there to hide his confusion as well as he could. Annie did -not pursue her triumph farther, but left the poor young man to the -mortifying consideration of his own defeat. - -When tea and coffee were dismissed, Annie declared it to be her -intention to have a dance, which of course all the young people -seconded with zeal. There was fortunately amongst the party one lady, -who it was known excelled in playing country-dances on the -harpsichord, which stood in the drawing-room, an heir loom from -Annie's mother. The room was soon prepared, and the young ladies all -drew up their heads, and began to look straight before them, as if -they did not care the least in the world which of the gentlemen asked -them to dance, or whether any did at all. Emma having no intention of -standing up herself, drew farther back into a corner, without -perceiving that it was the very one where young Freemantle had hidden -his diminished head. He quite misinterpreted the action, and dropping -down into an empty chair by her side, said with an air intended to be -very arch, - -"I hope, Miss Watson, you were coming to ask me to dance." - -"Indeed I was not," replied Emma, "for I did not see you, but I shall -be very happy to do so immediately. Pray, Mr. Freemantle, go and dance -with any one but myself." - -"Unparalleled cruelty," cried he clasping his hands, and throwing up -his chin into the air. "To ask me to stand up with any other woman -than the fair, the captivating, the charming object of all my vows, of -all my wishes." - -"If you mean me by those expressions," replied Emma quite calmly, "and -that you wish to stand up with me, allow me to save you all further -trouble, by the information that I do not intend to dance at all this -evening." - -"Impossible, you cannot be so hard-hearted—so cruel to your devoted -slaves, as all the men in this room must be—you cannot be so unjust to -your own charms, so unkind to your own attractions. That elastic -figure, graceful as the weeping willow, was formed to float through -the dance like the water lily on the surface of the stream. Those -fairy feet—those—in short do you really mean not to dance?" - -"Really so," replied Emma. - -"Your reason—tell me your reason, I entreat you, why should you shrink -from bewitching our eyes, and lapping our senses in Elysium." - -"Excuse me, I think I have done enough in giving you one positive -answer; you have no right to require any reason from a woman: or let -this suffice you, I will not because I will not." - -"Mr. Freemantle," said Annie, advancing towards them, and effecting an -agreeable diversion in Emma's favour, "I must request you to stand up; -we can harbour no idle young men in corners here; you are doomed to -make yourself agreeable to one lady for the space of two dances, and -only on this condition shall you remain in the room." - -"Since then the beauteous Miss Emma will not do me the honor, will you -permit me to solicit your hand, Miss Millar." - -"No indeed, I am engaged for the whole evening, so you must find a -partner somewhere else; go and ask Miss Morgan or Miss Lamb." - -"I obey with the alacrity which your commands must always inspire," -and he went accordingly. - -Miss Millar stayed a moment after him with Emma, - -"I will not ask you to stand up," said she, "after the reason you gave -me, but both Mrs. Watson and your youngest sister have joined the set -you see. How shall you amuse yourself?" - -"Oh, never mind me," replied Emma cheerfully, "where is Elizabeth—she -does not dance surely?" - -"No, she's playing cards with my brother and yours, I believe; they -went into that little parlour on purpose. Will you join them and look -on?" - -Before Emma had time to answer, Annie was called away, and a moment -after Mr. Morgan came, and taking a chair near her, entered into -conversation with the ease of a man accustomed to see much of the -world, and mix in good society. She was interested and amused by his -conversation, and more especially so when she accidentally discovered -that at college he had been well acquainted with Mr. Howard, had since -been visiting occasionally in the neighbourhood of Osborne Castle, and -knew the whole family. He was a good deal older than Howard he told -her, but he had remained some time in the vicinity of Oxford after he -began to practise; indeed he had adopted his profession rather late in -life, and having a fellowship he had continued single. - -All this he communicated to Emma, but he had tact soon enough to -discover that his own history, unconnected with the family and -neighbourhood of Osborne Castle, interested her but little. He soon -therefore turned the conversation to that channel again, and -discovered that her feelings were certainly deeply concerned in it. -Yet he could not quite satisfy himself whether it was the young lord -or his former tutor, whose name raised a tinge of blood to her cheek, -which he saw to be very becoming. Indeed there were so many -reminiscences and peculiar circumstances associated with her intimacy -with Miss Osborne, and acquaintance with her brother, they were so -strangely implicated in Margaret's affairs, and so much that Emma was -ashamed of, was suggested by their names, that she was quite as ready -to blush at the memory of them, as at the dearer and more tantalising -recollections connected with Mrs. Willis and her brother. Well knowing -the art of pleasing, Mr. Morgan allowed her to lead in the subject of -the conversation, carefully following the turn which she chose to give -it, and trying to read her feelings with his scrutinising eye, whilst -he seemed to be all attention to her conversation at the moment. -Annie's account of him had not prepossessed her in his favour, yet now -she could not deny that he was on the whole an agreeable man. The -interval of the two dances passed pleasantly away, but when they were -concluded Mr. Morgan left her, and she soon afterwards stole away to -the little room where the card-table was. For some reason, however, -which she could not learn, the whist party had been broken up, and she -only found sitting there George Millar and Elizabeth, apparently -deeply engrossed in a game at chess. She seated herself near them; her -sister looked up and smiled, and then resumed her game; no one spoke. -Emma took up a folio of prints lying on the table, and amused herself -with looking over them. At length her attention was arrested by the -sound of her own name. By the voices she learnt the speakers were her -sister-in-law and Mr. Morgan, and the first words she heard were, the -gentleman saying: - -"A very charming girl indeed, Mrs. Watson, that young sister-in-law of -yours." - -"You think so—do you admire her?" enquired the lady. - -"Very much—she is very handsome, indeed!" - -"I cannot agree with you," replied Mrs. Watson, rather tartly; "her -features are too irregular to be called handsome; good eyes, perhaps, -but her skin is coarse and her features insignificant. I cannot but -wonder at your taste." - -"Indeed, I must beg leave to differ from you, my dear Mrs. Watson; her -features may, perhaps, be rather smaller than real beauty requires, -but the dark glowing complexion—the brilliant eye—the redundant hair, -and rich red lips, these reminded me so strongly of yourself, that I -cannot give up admiring them, even though you will not agree with me." - -"Well, I don't know, I never was told she was like me before," said -Mrs. Watson, in a simpering tone, which seemed to speak her -propitiated by the incense thus offered to her. "Do you know how she -is situated?" added she, "It's a most unfortunate thing; she was -brought up so very much above her situation, in the most foolish, -ill-judging way, by an old uncle who died without leaving her -farthing; and now she is a beggar, without a sixpence to bless herself -with, entirely dependent on her brother's and my charity. I am sure I -am sorry for the poor thing." - -"Yes, indeed," replied Mr. Morgan, with a really feeling tone, "if -that is the case, she is, indeed, to be pitied. Poor thing you may -well say." - -"The worst of it is, that both her education, and I must say, her -temper, unfit her for her future situation; she must do something for -herself—a situation as governess seems the only thing—but with her -fine lady notions, I don't know what to do." - -"If you are wanting to get her such a situation," replied Mr. Morgan, -"I think I know of one which would probably suit her. Lady Fanny -Allston is wanting a governess for her little girl. The child is -extremely delicate. I am in almost daily attendance on it, and I know -Lady Fanny always says, 'I don't care for accomplishments, Mr. Morgan; -my child can have masters, but it's manners I want—mind and -manners—the feelings—the look—and the behaviour of a gentlewoman.' Now -would not this exactly suit your sister? The salary is most liberal; -and, altogether, I think she might be very happy there." - -"Perhaps so, I don't know—you are very kind to think of her—but, -indeed, I am not sure that she would be at all suited for the -place—and how are we to get it for her. I am sure I don't know." - -"Oh! I shall see her ladyship to-morrow, and can mention it to her; -only give me authority to ask, and you shall see how soon it will be -arranged." - -"You are very kind—very obliging—but, indeed, I cannot answer at once; -I must speak to my husband about it; but don't mention it to any one -else, if you please—my intentions—my wishes with regard to her, are -quite confidentially entrusted to you, and I wish you not to say any -thing on the subject." - -Mr. Morgan acquiesced, but Emma did not in this decision. - -She had, at first, felt extremely hurt that Mrs. Watson should make -her circumstances and situation the subject of unreserved discussion -with a man totally unconnected with her family—and that in so loud a -tone as to be perfectly audible to any one within a dozen yards of -where she sat. But the accent of real interest in Mr. Morgan's -voice—and above all, the prospect which he held up of a release from -the galling thraldom of her present situation, served to compensate -for the want of delicacy in her sister-in-law. She immediately formed -a resolution to profit by the offer, if Mr. Morgan would really make -good his word; whilst meditating on this plan, she heard her -sister-in-law invited to dance again; and her quitting her seat, was -immediately followed by Mr. Morgan's turning into the room where she -was sitting. - -She looked up at him as he entered, and fancied she perceived a slight -shade of embarrassment on his countenance, as if he suspected she must -have overheard his recent conversation. He drew a chair by her side -immediately, and began complimenting her on her taste for silence and -seclusion, as he could not imagine that the two chess players, at the -other table, had proved very communicative companions. She readily -admitted that they were too much engrossed by their game, to have -bestowed a word or thought on her; and then added, that, in -consequence of the quiet around her, she had discovered that others -were thinking and talking of her in her absence. She colored a little -as she added: - -"My sister informed you so fully of my circumstances, that it is no -use to affect reserve, and you mentioned a plan to her, which, it -appears to me, would suit me perfectly well, if you really can make -the arrangements you talk of." - -"I am sorry you overheard what, I fear, may have appeared impertinent -to you," replied he, with a grave and earnest kindness of manner, -which would have suited a parent. "But Mrs. Watson is accustomed to -speak confidentially to me of family matters; and though I certainly -have no right to intermeddle in your concerns, yet permit me to say, -no one could have the pleasure of conversing with you for even half an -hour, without feeling a degree of interest which would certainly lead -them to do every thing in their power to serve you." - -Emma smiled and replied, - -"If you really want to serve me, Mr. Morgan, the first step to it must -be leaving off complimentary speeches; keep them for those whom you -have no other means of serving, and speak to the point with me." - -He smiled likewise, and rejoined, - -"Well, I will keep them for Mrs. Watson, she will not reject them with -so much scorn." - -"Hush, I will allow nothing personal," said Emma, "I am Mrs. Watson's -inmate, and must not listen to reflections upon her. But tell me, if -you know, exactly what are the particular qualities required by Lady -Fanny for the little girl's governess?" - -"First youth, health, and good spirits—lady-like manners, a cultivated -mind—a thorough acquaintance with English literature, a taste for the -fine arts, and a love both of poetry and nature. Such, as well as I -remember, was the catalogue she gave me, and to that she had no -objection to add accomplishments, but on this subject she is not -particular. She knows that though a woman may perform as well as an -amateur musician, may draw or paint pleasingly, and may be tolerably -well acquainted with modern languages, it is not more than one in ten -who can be so thoroughly grounded in these accomplishments as to be -really able to teach them with any effect—one subject of study is as -much as most women can compass, and those who pretend to more are most -likely to fail in all." - -Emma listened in silence, and wondered mentally whether the entire -oblivion of everything relative to principles—morals—and religion were -the result of indifference to such subjects on the part of Lady Fanny, -or Mr. Morgan. - -"You are silent, Miss Watson," continued he, after surveying, for a -moment, her downcast look and thoughtful expression. "Am I to suppose -that my catalogue does not please you—or are you doubtful of my -accuracy?" - -"No, indeed, I was considering my own sufficiency for such a task." - -"I do not imagine you need doubt that, so far as my judgment goes." - -"But that must be a very little way, Mr. Morgan, the experience of -this evening cannot be considered sufficient by those who will require -information on the subject, however entirely it may satisfy yourself." - -"You give me credit for less penetration than I would claim, if you -suppose my experience is limited to this evening. You possibly have -never seen me before, but we have often met, nevertheless—you did not -know that I am a particular friend of your little niece, and deep in -her confidence." - -"Well, I will allow you as much penetration as you choose to claim on -this subject—meantime, tell me when will the situation be vacant at -Lady Fanny's?" - -"In about two months, I believe; I do not know exactly, but if you -will authorise me, I will make all necessary enquiries for you." - -"You may do so, if you please, without absolutely committing me; and -when I know all the particulars I can consult my brother, to whom I -hold myself responsible, and whose approbation I must, of course, -have." - -At this juncture, the chess table was broken up, and Elizabeth joined -Emma. Mr. Millar walked away to make the _amende honorable_ to those -ladies young and old, whom he had grievously neglected whilst devoting -himself to Miss Watson. Elizabeth looked very well pleased with her -game; but she did not seem disposed to talk; at this moment the noise -in the dancing-room attracted their attention, and they moved to the -door to look on. The party were going through Sir Roger de Coverley, -in a high state of excitement, especially some of the young gentleman, -of whom Mr. Alfred Freemantle was the most conspicuous. He rushed -forwards with fury, and rather tore than ran round the figure; at -length, when advancing to meet Margaret Watson, who was, like himself, -dancing with more vigour than grace, they ran against each other, her -foot slipt, and she fell completely into his arms. Not satisfied with -this exploit, she made believe to faint, and he was forced to support -her out of the circle: one or two people offered to assist, but he -rejected their efforts, and half carried, half led her to the little -drawing-room, near which her sisters were standing. Elizabeth and Emma -tried to be of service, but, in fact, there was nothing to do; she -would have been quite well would she only have held up her head, and -sat upright; but whilst she chose to recline on Mr. Freemantle's -shoulder—and allow him to keep his arms round her waist, they could do -nothing but look on and feel very much ashamed of her. - -Emma went to procure a glass of water from the side-board, and meeting -Mr. Morgan, asked him to come and see if anything was the matter with -her sister, as she hoped his presence would be an inducement to -Margaret to resume the use of her senses, and leave off the hugging in -which she was indulging Alfred. - -Mr. Morgan accompanied Emma, and arrived just in time to see Margaret, -after making a slight effort to sit up, sink again on her companion's -breast in an attitude of the greatest exhaustion. Throwing an arch -glance at Emma as he took the glass of water from her hand, Mr. Morgan -said, in an extremely plaintive tone, "Poor thing—that is a complete -faint—something must be done for her," and without the smallest -warning, he dashed the cold water over her face and neck, plentifully -bedewing the young gentleman's coat and embroidered waistcoat at the -same time. Margaret started up instantly, and so did Alfred, each -shaking off the water, and looking excessively annoyed. Margaret was -as red as fire, and whilst dabbing up the drops from her neck and -cheeks with her pocket-handkerchief, she exclaimed— - -"Good gracious, doctor, is that the way you cure young ladies in a -fainting fit." - -"Precisely so, my dear Miss Margaret," returned he, laughing; "and you -are a splendid example of the beneficial effects of my practice. What -can be more different, from the languid state in which I found you, -than the animation and colour which you now display." - -"Upon my honour, Mr. Morgan," murmured Alfred, after he had done his -best towards getting himself in good order again, after the share he -had enjoyed of the sprinkling, "if that is the way you treat -gentlemen, I must really call you to account, sir;" and in a lower -tone, he murmured something further about "satisfaction and honour," -which was quite indistinct. - -"Oh, my dear sir," replied the doctor, quite blandly, "the libation -was not intended for you; though your proximity to Miss Margaret made -you come in for a portion of it, I assure you I did not mean to throw -it away on you at all." - -Annie now entered to enquire for Margaret's safety, and expressed -herself rejoiced to find that she was apparently well, and without -injury. She had feared, she said, from Mr. Morgan being called in, -that something very serious had happened. - -"Instead of which," whispered he to Miss Millar, "it was only -something a little comic. I wish you had seen it, Miss Annie." - -It was soon after this time for the party to separate, Alfred -Freemantle insisting on seeing the fair Margaret home, after her -accident, and tenderly supporting her through the street. They had not -very far to go—but Emma, who was behind them, saw, if she was not very -much mistaken, that he had his arm round her waist the whole way, and -how Margaret, a woman engaged to another, could allow of such -familiarity she could not understand. - -She went to bed, firmly resolving if Mr. Morgan's report from Lady -Fanny Allston was favorable, to speak immediately to her brother, and -arrange everything for her removing there. She thought, for full five -minutes, on what Miss Osborne would say, when she heard of her plans, -whether she would renew her invitation for her to spend some time with -her after Easter; and she spent double that time in considering -whether, if she did, and she should again meet Mr. Howard, his manners -would be warm or cold, how he would receive her, and what he would -think of her undertaking such a situation. - -The result of her meditations was that she would write to Miss -Osborne, and explain to her, her plans and wishes, asking her, in case -she failed in procuring this situation as governess to Miss Allston, -to use her interest in finding her some other suitable to her -abilities. This determination she put in practice the next day, and -her mind felt relieved when it was done. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - -Mrs. Watson was so excessively cross after the excitement of last -night, that Emma's post in the nursery was really a subject of great -self-congratulation to her, for though she did sometimes intrude, and -was sure to worry when she did come, still it was better to be -secluded from her for several hours as was now the case. In the -afternoon, as Emma was walking in a quiet lane on the outskirts of the -town, with her little niece, for it was now considered a regular part -of her duty to take the little girl out for exercise, she was met by -Mr. Morgan returning home on horseback. He immediately stopped to -speak to her, and dismounting, placed himself by her side, and -proceeded to tell her the result of his mission that morning to Lady -Fanny Allston's. He had been very successful: her ladyship had -expressed herself very well satisfied with his representations, and -had empowered him to say that she should like an interview with Miss -Watson on the first convenient opportunity. He proceeded to relate to -her all the particulars as to salary, the comfort and the -peculiarities of the situation, described the little girl, and, in -short, entered into the most minute particulars relative to it. - -Emma, considering him as a man old enough to be her father, and -thinking no evil herself, felt no hesitation in listening to him, or -allowing him to walk beside her. She certainly would not have chosen -to confide in him, but since Jane had imparted her situation, she did -not scruple to avail herself of the advantage which that knowledge -offered to her. They walked a considerable time, for engrossed by the -conversation, she did not reflect where they were going, until -Janetta's complaints of fatigue, and entreaties to be carried, -reminded her that they were a long way from home. Emma prepared to -comply with the request of the child in such a manner as showed him -immediately that the exertion was habitual with her, but he -interposed. - -"Surely Janetta you do not want to make your pretty aunt ill," said he -to the child; "indeed I consider myself, Miss Watson, called on to -prevent that; it is enough to kill you. Janetta shall ride on my -horse, that will do as well, will it not?" - -But Janetta was afraid of the horse, and cried for aunt Emma to carry -her. - -"She is so very light," said Emma, "I assure you I can do it with -ease." - -But Mr. Morgan would not allow of it; he took the little girl in his -own arms and they turned their steps homeward. The lane in which they -were walking opened on the little garden behind Mr. Watson's house, at -which Mr. Morgan privately rejoiced, whilst Emma, unconscious that she -had done anything in the least imprudent or remarkable in allowing him -to walk with her, felt no other emotion than satisfaction at getting -Janetta quietly home. She wished much to speak to her brother that -evening about Lady Fanny, but he returned to the office after dinner, -and she was obliged to postpone it. - -Margaret and Mrs. Watson had an invitation out to tea that night, and -in consequence, Emma and Elizabeth spent a comfortable evening -together. The former told her sister of her plans, her hopes, and her -walk with Mr. Morgan. In the first of these she sympathised sincerely, -but when she heard of the latter she looked horrified. - -"Surely Emma you never could be so excessively imprudent! Walk -_tête-à-tête_ with Mr. Morgan—what could you be thinking of! Did any -one see you?" - -"I do not know, I never thought about it—our meeting was quite -accidental, Elizabeth, and as he wanted to speak to me, why should I -not take that opportunity? I cannot see anything wrong in it: why he -is old enough to be my father." - -"Your father! what nonsense! he is a single man, and a man at least -six ladies want to catch. I hope you were not seen by any one, for -depend upon it if you were, the account of your walk will be all over -the town to-morrow, and then you will get into a pretty scrape," said -Elizabeth with a look of sincere commiseration. - -"Why, what harm have I done, Elizabeth?—I am sure I meant none." - -"You will have put all the single ladies of Croydon in a passion, -that's all, and made yourself the subject of very unpleasant scandal." - -"Well I am very sorry," replied Emma quite humbly; "but as I did not -go on purpose to meet Mr. Morgan, and I had little Janetta with me, I -never thought of there being any harm in it at all." - -They were interrupted in their conversation by the entrance of Robert, -followed by a supper tray with oysters and porter, for he was -determined to enjoy himself in a comfortable way when his wife was -out. When he had discussed the oysters and was composedly seated with -his feet on the fender and a glass of hot brandy and water in his -hand, Emma ventured to open the case to him, and inform him of what -she had learnt from Mr. Morgan, and her wishes with regard to engaging -in the situation he mentioned. Robert agreed to it very readily; he -never had intended to keep a nursery-governess for his daughter. The -trouble of educating her, would fall on Jane alone, if Emma left them, -but the expense of his sister's maintenance came out of his -pocket—therefore, though Mrs. Watson wished to retain her for the -value of assistance which she well knew she could obtain under no -other circumstances, Robert was quite willing to part with her, as it -would be a certain saving to himself, and would give additional -trouble only to his wife. He, therefore, gave her his entire -approbation, commending her warmly for thinking of exerting herself, -as it was the duty of every individual to do; and even promised, with -great liberality, to make her a present of a new cloak and bonnet, -when she left his house, that her dress might shew her to advantage. -At the same time, he gave her strict injunctions not to forget his -interests when she was there; to recollect that it was always the duty -of each one of the family to help the others forward; and therefore, -if, on any occasion, Lady Fanny wanted an agent for her landed -property, or needed the advice of a respectable lawyer, it became -Emma's duty to say all she could for him. - -Emma promised she would take every opportunity in her power to attend -to his injunctions; and soon after this, the girls went to bed without -waiting to see the others on their return home. - -The next morning was ushered in with a violent domestic storm—such as -she never remembered to have witnessed before. How it began, Emma did -not know, but she was startled, when quietly sitting in the nursery -with her niece, by the sound of loud screams which greatly alarmed -her. - -Little Janetta looked up and said, very innocently, "Mama is in a -fit—do you hear? I dare say papa is cross to her." - -Anxious to know the cause of the uproar, she ran down stairs, and -entering the parlour, the door of which was open, she saw Mrs. Watson -stretched on the sofa in a violent fit of hysterics, whilst Elizabeth -and Margaret were vainly endeavouring to hold her hands and arms, -which she threw about with convulsive energy, whilst her feet kept up -a perpetual agitation in a way as far removed from elegance as -possible. As her head was turned away from the door, Emma's entrance -was unobserved, and her light step was quite unheard by Jane, who -continued to scream vociferously. - -Fortunately, at that moment, one of the maids observed Mr. Morgan on -the opposite side of the street, and running after him, he was soon -brought back and introduced to the scene. Whilst he was applying sal -volatile and cold water, and soothingly holding the lady's hand, her -excitement gradually began to subside; and at length, she was -sufficiently recovered to open her eyes and look round her. But the -moment she saw Emma standing near, her languid gestures were suddenly -changed into looks of rage, and starting up, exclaiming: - -"You little ungrateful vixen, I'll teach you to treat me so." - -She aimed a violent blow at her, which, had not Mr. Morgan interposed, -and with one arm drawn Emma back, whilst on the other he received the -slap himself, would probably have been successful in its object. - -"My dear girl," he whispered to Emma, as he withdrew the arm he had -thrown round her waist to protect her; "you had better leave the room; -I must manage her myself." - -She readily obeyed the injunction, whilst the doctor, seating Mrs. -Watson on the sofa, placed himself by her side; and, still holding her -hand in his, he turned to Elizabeth and enquired, in a subdued and -melancholy tone, suitable to the occasion, how this sad affair -commenced. - -Elizabeth's account was not very clear—and, indeed, she was so puzzled -and frightened, that had she really understood the case, she would -have been at a loss how to explain herself. The facts were these: -After breakfast, whilst Elizabeth had been out of the room, Robert had -informed his wife that Emma was trying for the situation of governess -to Lady Fanny Allston's daughter, with his entire approbation. - -This announcement was a severe blow to Jane, who did not at all like -losing her services. She argued hard against it, representing the -impossibility in her delicate state of health, of her doing justice to -Janetta or attending at all to her education; the certainty that no -other terms would they get a governess so cheaply, and the probability -that the household expenses would shortly be greatly diminished by the -marriage, not only of Margaret, but of Elizabeth likewise: but it was -all in vain; the advantage was all to himself—the evil only to his -wife—so Robert was firm; and even when Jane burst into a passion of -tears, and began to shew symptoms of hysterics, he was still obdurate. -Suddenly the thought occurred to her, how did Emma learn that the -situation was to be procured?—and, at this point, began Elizabeth's -knowledge of the affair, for she entered the room just in time to hear -the question and to answer it. She explained that Emma had -accidentally overheard their conversation, and, consequently, -questioned Mr. Morgan about it. This announcement had put the climax -to the lady's rage, and brought on the screams and convulsions which -had occasioned so much disturbance. Mr. Morgan, however, knew how to -manage her. - -"My dear madam," said he, in a softly soothing voice; "you know I have -forbidden this violent excitement; to people of your nervous -temperament, it is decidedly hurtful, and should be avoided. I must -give you something to calm you. Miss Watson will be so kind as to -bring me a glass of cold water—quite pure water." - -"Ah! my dear doctor," sighed the patient, "how could you use me -so—join in a conspiracy against me. I _am_ astonished, I did not -expect this from you!" - -"I, my dear Mrs. Watson! What have I done to deserve such -censure?—surely, you are under a delusion! I do not understand you." - -"You betrayed about Lady Fanny, when I charged you not, you have been -the means of setting my husband cruelly against me; making him take -part with that little mischief-making vixen, Emma—" - -"There, there," interrupted he, placing one finger on her pulse, "you -are agitating yourself again; I must forbid such excessive excitement. -Thank you, Miss Watson," taking the glass from Elizabeth, "now please -young ladies, open the window a hair's breadth or so, and then leave -the room. I always like to have the patient to myself." - -Then taking a little case from his pocket, he said: "I have a fine -sedative powder here, which I shall give you to calm your nerves," -then proceeding to mix something in the glass—which it required a good -deal of faith to believe was anything but powdered sugar, he commanded -her to sip a little at intervals, and hold it as long as possible in -her mouth without swallowing it. Having thus succeeded in stopping her -tongue, he proceeded to explain the circumstances of his making Emma -acquainted with what he had proposed, taking particular care to allow -no blame to rest on her, and saying every thing he could to flatter -and soothe Mrs. Watson. "And you see," added he, "was I not quite -right in thinking she ought to be removed from you—this may happen -again, and it is really too much for you—do you not feel I am right—I -am sure your own good sense must prove it—you cannot speak, I know, -but press my hand if you agree with me." - -It is presumed the pressure was given, as Mr. Morgan seemed -satisfied—he raised her hand and looked at it. - -"How each slender finger trembles," said he—certainly, there were few -who would have applied such an epithet to her plump and powerful hand. -"Indeed, it's a very naughty hand," added he, tapping it playfully -with the tips of his fingers. "It hit me very hard upon my arm—the -hand should be made to pay a forfeit for that; how shall I punish it?" - -She smiled languidly. - -"I was so provoked, doctor, you must forgive me." - -"Forgive you? oh yes, dear madam, only you know, when a lady strikes a -gentleman she ought to pay the penalty attached," advancing his face -very close to her cheek. - -"Oh, fie, doctor," cried she, affecting to be quite shocked, "you are -really too bad,—I am ashamed of you quite!" a form of denunciation -which would be, in nine cases out of ten, considered as positive -encouragement. At this moment the door opened and Robert entered the -room. - -"Doctor, I say, as Mrs. Watson appears a little better just now, I -want to speak to you in my room for a moment." - -Mr. Morgan followed him directly; with a sort of dubious feeling as to -what was to follow; but he felt rather relieved by the interruption, -as he was conscious he had carried his tenderness quite as far as was -necessary for the good of his patient. Robert wanted to learn from -himself about the situation at Lady Fanny's, and questioned him with -some interest on the subject; for in a case where his own interest was -in no way involved, he was not exactly an unkind brother. He felt on -the whole a tolerable share of anxiety that his sister should be as -safe and comfortable as circumstances would admit, and was glad to -hear from Mr. Morgan a very favorable account of the family in -question. At length, having satisfied all the fraternal doubts and -scruples of Mr. Watson, he returned to the lady, and was immediately -assailed by a shower of questions relative to what her husband had -wanted with him. - -He only smiled and said it was nothing bad, but he was far too much -used to the enquiries and curiosity of ladies not to be expert at -baffling such an attack as hers. - -"And now, my dear Mrs. Watson," said he, "I must insist on your -keeping your mind easy, and not worrying yourself about such things as -the occasion of this attack, it is of serious importance, indeed it -is." - -"But, doctor, how can I keep my mind easy, when I see that little -ungrateful thing there, Emma, coming round my husband and persuading -him to contradict me. Is it not enough to provoke a saint, to find -one's own husband turned against one by his sister, and that after all -the kindness I have shown her; but I knew how it would be from the -first, that I did; I always said so from the time those girls entered -the house." - -"It is very probable, your penetration, my dear friend, might lead you -to that conclusion, and you may be right; but in that case, is it not -satisfactory to you that there is an immediate prospect of their being -removed. Will not Miss Margaret soon be married—does not all the town -see that George Millar intends soon, if the lady prove willing, to -ally himself to your family. And supposing Emma is likewise removed, -you will have nothing left to vex you." - -"That may be very true, doctor, but I do not think it is the case; if -Emma would only be tractable and obedient, she would be rather useful -than otherwise; and really she might be quite a comfort if she were -better tempered and more accommodating. But to go and say such things, -to be bent on having her own way, without caring about my -convenience—to leave me with that child in my hands, never considering -my fragile health, and the miseries I suffer, this is really more than -I can bear, it puts me in a nervous tremor which is very bad for me. -See how my hand shakes still." - -"I see," said the gentleman, contenting himself this time with simply -looking at the hand extended to him. "But now I must wish you good -morning—remember my prescriptions and pray keep quiet." - -The rest of the day was spent by Mrs. Watson shut up _tête-à-tête_ -with Margaret, bewailing her hard fate in having such a husband and -such a tiresome sister; she would not go down to dinner, but indulged -in a quiet little regale in her own bed-room of some dainties of a -very superior order to the plain boiled beef and suet pudding, which -was the family meal. Her husband took refuge with some friends, and -Elizabeth and Emma spent another quiet evening together, during which -Elizabeth, with open-hearted warmth, confided to her sister how very -much she liked George Millar, and how sanguine were her hopes that -George Millar did not dislike her. She had seen a great deal more of -him than Emma, for their walk to the farm had only been the precursor -of several others to different places, and they had enjoyed them all -exceedingly. He had not actually proposed to her yet, but he had both -said and done things which led her to expect that such a termination -to their acquaintance was in his contemplation. All this was truly the -subject of rejoicing to Emma, especially as she was convinced from -what she had both seen and heard of George Millar, that he was not a -man to draw back from an implied engagement, and hold himself -privileged to carry his actions to any point of particularity, -provided he never committed himself by word. It was true, had it been -_her_ taste to be consulted, she would have preferred a quieter -person, one more inclined to study and literature, and in every -respect more refined; but Elizabeth would indeed be well matched, and -the happiness of thinking this, led her to reflect with pleasure even -on their visit at Croydon, painful as it had been to herself in most -respects. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - -The next morning was ushered in with less of domestic tempest than the -last; Mrs. Watson was tired of her own room, and quite ready to come -down stairs and mix in the world; she was perfectly amiable to-day, -with only the drawback of being a little sulky to her husband, and -exceedingly snappish to his sisters, except to Emma, whom she did not -condescend to address at all. Emma thought this silence decidedly -better than the form of invective which was the usual address to her, -so that on the whole, the day passed with tolerable comfort and peace -to those concerned. - -That afternoon, Mrs. Watson having occasion to send a note to an -acquaintance residing nearly a mile from the town, she chose to employ -Emma as a messenger, ordering her at the same time, to be sure and not -allow Janetta to over fatigue herself, but to carry her if the poor -child was tired. - -The way led them through pleasant fields, and as the aunt and niece -were quietly sauntering along, the little girl filling her hands with -daisies, or stopping to watch the birds flitting in the hedgerow, they -were again overtaken by Mr. Morgan, who seemed prepared to join their -walk. Emma coloured deeply, and was considerably embarrassed by the -recollection of what Elizabeth had said about him. They had passed his -house on their way, and she could not but suspect that his joining -them was the result of design, not accident. With the vanity common to -men, he completely misinterpreted the blushes and embarrassment of the -pretty girl who interested him so much, and he fancied he was giving -her peculiar pleasure, when, after enquiring how far they were going, -he assured her that his way led in the same direction, and that he -should be most happy to escort her. Had she not been charged with the -note from Jane, she would immediately have turned back, but she had no -recourse, and as she had not courage to desire him to leave her, she -saw nothing to be done but to submit in as quiet and unconcerned a -manner as possible. - -"I hope," said he presently, "you do not feel any the worse for the -excitement and agitation which you went through yesterday." - -She thanked him rather coldly, and replied she was very well. But he -was not to be so repulsed. He was bent on making himself agreeable to -her, and with a quick perception of the readiest means, long practice, -and no scruples on the subject, it was no wonder that he succeeded. -There was just the proper air of interest, joined to a respectful -deference, at the same time that he showed by his intimate knowledge -of the family concerns, that he was completely in the confidence of -her sister-in-law, and deserving to be treated as a friend of the -family. The sympathy which he seemed endeavouring vainly to suppress, -and the knowledge of her situation and difficulties, which he allowed -her to discover he possessed, all tended to throw her off her guard, -and to abate the cold indifference with which she meant to have -treated him. He was so kind—so considerately and properly kind—and -then both her brother and sister had allowed him to be so much -connected with their affairs, that it was impossible to repulse him, -and gradually, she hardly knew how, she found herself led on to speak -to him with openness, which he in reality little deserved. - -Mr. Morgan was a man of no principles, whose ruling passion was -vanity—and this passion with him took one particular turn; he liked to -be beloved by all the women of his acquaintance. The self-complacency -excited by the worship of a woman, was to him the most agreeable -feeling in the world. He did not flirt merely for an idle amusement, -like Tom Musgrove, with an entire indifference to the feelings he -excited; but he made downright serious, but clandestine love to nearly -all the good-looking women with whom his practice brought him -acquainted. He liked of all things to watch the gradual growth of an -ardent love in the unsuspecting heart, and more than one interesting -girl had had occasion to rue the day when illness had first brought -her acquainted with Mr. Morgan—more than one young wife had been -hurried abruptly from the neighbourhood, as was whispered, because her -husband thought her too fond of the Doctor. Yet so well had he -managed, and so general was the admiration he excited, that _he_ never -bore a fraction of the blame which was unsparingly bestowed on the -victims of his arts. This was the man, who struck by Emma's beauty, -and seeing her helpless situation, had formed a deliberate plan to -gain her affections, though what was to follow when she was thus added -to his list of triumphs, he had not quite determined. One thing was -certain, he did not mean to marry her; but the necessary evils to -which he saw she was exposed, laid her he imagined, peculiarly open to -temptation, and he certainly indulged in hopes and speculations, for -which even the phlegmatic Robert would have kicked him out of the -house, had they chanced to come to his knowledge. One great object in -his attempt to remove her to Lady Fanny Allston's was, that it would -give him so great an advantage over her. Lady Fanny and her daughter -were both invalides, and he was in the habit of visiting them every -day. This, could he place Emma there, was an important step, as it -would bring him in the most advantageous position before her eyes. She -would see no one else. Shut up for weeks together with an ailing -child, her only recreation being an hour's drive in the pony chaise -every morning, she would soon learn to look forward to his visit as -the great event of the day. He should see her eyes sparkle at his -approach, and feel her hand gently tremble as he pressed it. Such had -been the case with her predecessor, and now that the poor girl had -lost her health and spirits from disappointed affections and -heart-sickening anxiety, he was coldly turning to seek another to -supply her place. Little did Emma, as she listened to his sentiments -of sympathy, his professions of philosophy, or his insinuations of -warm interest, suspect the real motive of his actions and his -friendship. His age, so much greater than hers, prevented her -supposing he would feel attachment, and her own preference for Mr. -Howard was a safeguard to her own affections. - -After conversing some time with great apparent interest on the subject -of education, as appropriate to her peculiar calling, he gradually -turned it in an almost imperceptible way to the scene of yesterday. -The necessity of subduing passion, and the dreadful effects of it when -unrestrained, naturally brought on a comment on the conduct of her -sister-in-law. It was shocking, he protested, to think of such -violence; it made his heart bleed to imagine what a mild and -gentle-tempered girl must undergo when dependent on such a relative. -Hers was a heavy hand as he had experienced; he was delighted that he -had warded off one blow from her, he only wished he could more -effectually protect her from the other hardships of her lot. - -Emma assured him that such a scene had never occurred before, and -probably would never do so again; that he greatly magnified the evils -of her situation, and that she really did not require such intense -sympathy as he seemed inclined to bestow on her. This, so far from -stopping him, only brought on a more decided eulogium upon the -sweetness of temper which could endure such tyranny, and the -self-denial which must be practised daily to live in peace with one -who could practise it. How much farther his compliments would have -carried him is not known, as they arrived at the lodge-gate, and Emma -was obliged to interrupt him to deliver the note which formed her -errand. Now she expected to part company, but to her great surprise, -she found on turning her steps homewards, that he was still at her -elbow, and that he seemed resolved to continue the conversation as -well as the walk. What was still more provoking, Janetta claimed his -assistance to carry her again, and Emma had no alternative but to -continue with him; and as he caught up the child with glee, and an -appearance of positive enjoyment. - -"This, my dear Miss Emma," said he, "is a trouble which, I trust, you -will not long have to endure; at Lady Fanny's you will not be expected -to do any thing which would be more properly entrusted to a servant. -You will be Miss Alston's companion, not her slave; and I shall, -indeed, rejoice to see it so." - -Emma thanked him with a sincerity rather greater, perhaps, than his -own, but she could not help heartily wishing that he would demonstrate -his interest in some other way than in walking home with her; she was -in continual dread of meeting some one who would know her; for, though -she really saw no harm in it herself, yet after what Elizabeth had -said, she was afraid of being misinterpreted or misjudged. He parted -from her at the entrance of the town, and Emma returned in some -trepidation homewards. - -The whole town of Croydon was, shortly after, thrown into a ferment, -by the announcement that George Millar, the rich, the popular, the -good-looking George Millar, was engaged—actually engaged to be married -to Elizabeth Watson. - -It was so extraordinary, so incredible, so unheard of, that a young -woman like Elizabeth Watson—not so very young—for she was at least -thirty, they said, if not more—who had never been handsome, and was -now decidedly faded—without money, for every one knew she was -dependent on her brother—in short, with none of the requisites for -matrimony, except a pleasing person, an amiable and unselfish -disposition, good temper, and a most affectionate heart, that such a -girl should have presumed to try for George Millar's hand! and should -have had the effrontery to accept him when he offered! She was a -stranger, an interloper—and for her to come, and thus carry off in -triumph, their best beau, it was too bad; as the oldest Miss Morgan -observed to one of her intimate friends, she was sure there was more -than they understood in the business; and she should like to know -where they _were_ to look for husbands if their fellow townsmen -deserted them in that way for strange faces. It was the more hard upon -Miss Morgan, because she had been so very kind to the children; she -had more than once asked them to drink tea, and often kissed her hand -to them from the drawing-room window. Their houses were exactly -opposite, and it would be too much to be forced to sit in -contemplation of another mistress ruling in the house where she had -long expected to reign supreme. - -It was the elder young ladies of the neighbourhood who felt the -affront most keenly; and were most bitter against Miss Watson. They -had long regarded Mr. Millar as the lawful property of one of -themselves; ever since the second month after his wife's death; and, -unfortunately for their peace of mind, Mrs. Turner's habit of -flattering every one, had given rise to hopes in their minds, which it -now seemed never would be realised. The younger ladies felt it much -less acutely; for, as a widower and a man verging on forty, they -regarded George Millar as a little past his youthful and interesting -days, but they felt for their friends and their sisters, and -sympathised in their indignation. Had Miss Watson been a stranger, in -reality, the affair would have been more endurable; had she been -married from Winston, for instance, they would have welcomed her to -Croydon with tolerable cordiality—nay, perhaps, with absolute -enthusiasm. She might have been pictured then in their imaginations -with no colours less brilliant than those belonging to a gay wedding, -and making her first appearance in new finery, she would probably have -won popularity immediately. - -But now, the case was very different; it had all passed before their -own eyes, so they naturally suspected something quite wrong, and Mrs. -Watson was involved in the blame—as it was supposed she must have -aided to win the point by some skilful manœuvring. - -It was so unnatural, so improbable, that, out of four sisters, three -should be engaged to be married, that Miss Morgan declared, over and -over again, that she could not, and would not believe it happened in -the due course of events. There must be something wrong about those -Watsons, and she was determined to find it out. - -Elizabeth was very unsuspicious of the storm her engagement had -raised, but went about as usual with a smiling face, looking forward -to the termination of her residence with her brother, with peculiar -satisfaction—and rejoicing especially, because she had a plan in her -head for the advantage of Emma. This was no less than that Emma should -reside with them; and since she was resolved against spending her life -in idleness, that she should consent to superintend the education of -Mr. Millar's little girls—for which task, Elizabeth felt she was more -competent than herself. In the meantime, she did not mention it to -her, until their own plans were arranged with a little more certainty, -and the time of their wedding fixed; at present, they could only say -that it should not take place for a couple of months at least. - -A day or two after this grand event becoming known, Mr. Morgan called -on Mrs. Watson and found her little girl in the room. After praising -and caressing the child, he asked her if she should like to ride a -donkey; and turning to the mother with a winning smile, he added, that -he had a very beautiful Spanish donkey, for which, at present, he had -no occasion—that it was quite at the service of her charming -daughter—for whom, he was convinced, the exercise would be peculiarly -salutary. He, therefore, begged she would make use of it as her own. -Mrs. Watson gratefully assented; to-morrow Janetta should have a -ride—but the little girl cried out for to-day—she would go to-day—aunt -Emma must take her out to-day—and she always had her own way with her -mother—and as Mr. Morgan was merely following out a concerted plan, -she of course, carried her point; and, whilst she went up-stairs to -make her aunt get ready for the excursion, the gentleman hurried away -to give orders to prepare the donkey. In about half an hour, Janetta -had the delight of seeing the promised animal at the door, with a -beautiful new saddle and white bridle, and she clapped her hands with -ecstasy as the doctor's foot-boy placed her on, hardly sitting -sufficiently still to allow him to fasten the strap in front of the -Spanish saddle. Emma felt extremely reluctant to go; she feared Mr. -Morgan might again join them, and tried hard to persuade Margaret to -accompany her; but Margaret "hated walking like a nurse-maid after the -child," and Elizabeth being out, Emma had no alternative but to set -out alone. - -The foot-boy said his master had ordered him to go with them to see -how the donkey went, and to save Miss Watson any trouble. Emma -rejoiced at this announcement—although it seemed to her, so -unreasonable an encroachment on Mr. Morgan's obliging temper, that she -half dreaded lest her sister-in-law should decline the lad's services. -Mrs. Watson, however, accepted it all as if, in allowing the favour to -be confirmed, she were in reality the giver, instead of the receiver -of the benefit. She seemed rather to expect that he would be grateful -that his donkey had the honour of carrying her little girl. - -Emma's anticipations proved perfectly correct, for they met Mr. Morgan -again, and he again, uninvited, prepared to accompany them. She -resolved that this should not occur another time, as she determined at -once to speak to her brother, representing how extremely unpleasant it -was for her to be daily sent out walking where she was exposed to be -joined by any one in this way, and begging that in future the duty of -walking out with Janetta might devolve on one of the maids, when -neither of her sisters could accompany her. If it had not been that -she feared it was wrong, she would have enjoyed the walk extremely, as -the day was fresh and invigorating, whilst her companion was -particularly pleasant. She found his conversation both instructive and -amusing, and as Janetta, on her donkey, kept a little a-head of them, -they were free from the incessant calls on her attention with which -the child usually interrupted them. - -Their _tête-à-tête_ did not, as usual, conclude at the suburbs of the -town, for emboldened probably by habit, he walked straight home with -her, with only the precaution of placing himself on one side of -Janetta; and lifting the child off at the door, he carried her in -triumph to her mother. Emma expected and hoped that some notice would -be taken of his having accompanied them, as she rather hesitated about -introducing the subject; but Mrs. Watson seemed satisfied with -believing that it was a refined compliment to herself through her -child, as if a man of his age could take such pleasure in the society -of a girl not yet out of babyhood. Emma was therefore firmly resolved -to speak to Robert on the subject, and that afternoon, finding him -alone in the parlour, she, with some hesitation, introduced the point. -He heard her with considerable surprise. - -"Well," said he, when she seemed to have done, "what do you want or -expect me to do? what's all this to me, child?" - -"I want you, brother, to persuade Jane not to send me out without a -maid or some other companion, that I may not be exposed to long walks -with him." - -"But what harm does Morgan do you, I should like to know—are you -afraid he will eat you up—or what do you fear?" enquired he, in a very -discouraging tone. - -"I am afraid it may excite observation and unpleasant reports, if I am -seen repeatedly walking with a single man," replied poor Emma, not -liking to say that she thought wrong what Robert seemed to regard as -so innocent. - -"Pooh, pooh, child—don't be absurd and prudish—there's no use in -setting yourself up for an immaculate young lady. I don't believe but -that you like it all the time, and are only wanting a little domestic -persecution to make you more interesting. I am not going to indulge -you, so you must find out some other way of making a martyr of -yourself." - -"Indeed, you are quite mistaken; but I do not think it right to throw -myself in the way of any man as I am obliged to do with regard to him, -and I would rather not go out of the house for a month than continue, -as I have done, meeting him." - -"Morgan's a very good kind of fellow, and will do you no harm," -repeated Robert, as if rather at a loss what else to say; and Emma, -thinking she saw symptoms of wavering in his tone, began to hope that -she should carry her point, when Jane entered the room, and her -husband at once appealed to her. - -Emma's astonishment was great at the way in which she took it. She had -expected she would be angry at her walking with Mr. Morgan; but that -was not the case; her indignation seemed only roused by the fact of -her wanting to evade the walking at all: she was in a great passion at -this. - -"A very pretty thing indeed, Miss Emma Watson—a very pretty thing, -that you are to be fancying yourself too grand and too great to walk -out with my child—want a servant sent after you, do you—I wonder what -your ladyship will want next—upon my word, for such a little saucy -minx as you, to be giving yourself such airs, is rather too good, I -must say." - -"I have no wish to give myself airs—I only want—" but she was not -allowed to finish the sentence. - -"You don't wish _this_, and you don't wish _that_—and you only want -something quite different from what I order—I see what it is, Miss, I -know you want to be mistress, that's all—and if Mr. Morgan does walk -with you, where's the harm of that?—are you such a conceited creature -as to fancy it is your beauty which charms him?—depend upon it, _you_ -are very safe with him. It's for my child that he comes—out of -compliment to me, of course—so don't you go pluming yourself upon his -attentions, or expecting anything to come of that—you are greatly -mistaken if you think him in love with you, I can answer for it." - -"I never, for a moment, supposed such a thing," replied Emma, with a -spirit, which was roused by her sister's injustice; "but I am sure -that it is not correct or respectable to be walking repeatedly alone -with any gentleman, even one of Mr. Morgan's age and character; and I -have a _right_, whilst I live with you, to have my respectability of -appearance attended to." - -Mrs. Watson stood with a face of scarlet and her mouth open, -contemplating Emma as she spoke with unaccustomed energy—she seemed -almost to mistrust her senses at hearing such words, but Emma's -firmness quite appalled her, and she actually did not know what to -say. Seeing she was silent Emma added: - -"Therefore, for the present, I must beg that when one of my sisters -cannot accompany me, you will send the maid in my place; when in -company with any one else, I shall have no objection to walk with -Janetta as usual." - -"Oh, well," said Jane after some hesitation, "as you wish it so much, -I will see what I can do, and perhaps Martha may walk with Janetta -to-morrow." - -Emma thanked her, and the entrance of her sisters, fortunately -prevented farther discussion. - -Emma was rather surprised that she heard no more from Lady Fanny -Allston, but the fact was, her ladyship was ill, and quite incapable -of exerting herself in any way; therefore her engagement with Emma was -forced to remain unsettled, until she recovered sufficient strength to -think again. - -Relieved from the care of Janetta's walk the next day, Emma enjoyed -the treat of accompanying Elizabeth and the two Millars, during a -stroll in the country. Annie of course was her companion, and she -found it a very charming change from the incessant trouble of looking -after a young child. They talked much of Elizabeth's future prospects, -and of Annie's likewise—she was delighted at the idea of the marriage, -and anticipated with pleasure the society of a sister. She told Emma -she had hardly known George's first wife, as she had been at school -until after her death, and often spent her holidays with her own -mother's relations; but since there would now be a chaperone for her -on all occasions, her home would be much pleasanter. - -At the same time, she confided to Emma her secret wonder that any -woman should marry at all. Excepting her own brother, she did not -believe there existed a single man in the world good enough to serve -as a reasonable excuse for a woman becoming his slave. Emma -remonstrated and protested at this idea, but Annie laughed and -persisted: she asserted that nearly all men were dreadful and selfish, -and that as it was impossible to be thoroughly acquainted with their -dispositions until after marriage, and it was then too late to change, -it was much better not to take the fatal step, but to continue -mistress of oneself and one's fortune. She never meant to marry—that -was her firm determination. Emma suggested that she might fall in -love—but Annie protested again that the fall, which she considered a -serious _fall_ indeed, was only the effect of a pre-disposition to -commit matrimony, and that where the mind was firmly made up, as hers -was, on the subject, there could not be the slightest danger of such -an accident. - -Emma smiled and said time would show, whilst Annie drew an animated -picture of the miseries of matrimony, dwelling on all the little -trifles which she could imagine or recollect, to convince her -companion of the wretchedness of the state. In spite of the nonsense -she talked, Emma liked her very much, and was quite sorry when their -walk came to a termination. - -Several days passed quietly, and there was, during that time, no -solitary walk for Emma; one of her sisters was her constant companion, -and sometimes Janetta accompanied her mother, sometimes went out with -the maid. Neither did Mr. Morgan plague her any more, they passed two -or three times on the road, but a friendly bow was all the intercourse -they had together; and when he called on Mrs. Watson, which Emma -rather thought occurred pretty often, she never saw him. - -Her first interview was on the occasion of his coming to take a quiet -dinner, and the cause of his being asked to do so was so grand an -event, as to throw his presence quite into the shade. It was nothing -less than the first visit of Tom Musgrove to his betrothed. He had -written to say he was coming down to Croydon, and the announcement -threw Margaret into such a state of trepidation and nervous -excitement, as to make Mr. Morgan and a composing draught absolutely -necessary for her. She was very near fainting when she received the -letter, and indeed was only prevented by not knowing how to manage it. -Her next idea was to go out, and see how many of her acquaintance she -could meet with, either in the street or their own houses, to whom she -might impart the interesting intelligence. She had intense -gratification in assuring them of the nervous tremors, the -palpitations, the painful excitement, the strain on the mental -energies, the soft sensibility, the affecting circumstances, and all -other sentiments and weaknesses, with which she was pleased to charge -herself. She viewed with much satisfaction, the envy and mortification -with which her joyous prospects were viewed by her sweet young -friends; and the more cool and indifferent they appeared, the more she -enjoyed expatiating on her own delightful situation. Some she kindly -congratulated, because they had now experienced her agitating -feelings, some she fondly caressed, because she could see they would -feel the same in a similar situation, and some she triumphantly hoped -might ever be blessed with prospects as bright as her own. - -In all this excitement, Emma and her walks were nearly forgotten, and -she was suddenly asked, as a special favour, to take Janetta out for -half an hour. She could not refuse, and had the satisfaction of going -and returning without seeing any thing of Mr. Morgan, or encountering -any acquaintance whomsoever. This gave her courage, and she began to -think her fears and scruples were as imaginary as Jane had assumed -them to be. - - - - - END OF VOL. II. - - - - - - - - - - - T. C. NEWBY, Printer, 30, Welbeck-street, Cavendish-sq. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - ● Transcriber's Notes: - ○ A few cases of inconsistent spelling were regularized, but - -our/-or inconsistencies were left. - ○ Punctuation and spelling were made consistent when a predominant - form was found in this book; otherwise they were not changed. - ○ The second chapter was relabeled from CHAPTER XIII to CHAPTER - II. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Younger Sister, Volume II., by -Catherine Anne Austen Hubback and Jane Austen - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNGER SISTER, VOLUME II. *** - -***** This file should be named 54011-0.txt or 54011-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/0/1/54011/ - -Produced by Barry Abrahamsen, Mary Glenn Krause, David -Edwards, The University of Iowa and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (University of -Iowa) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -http://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at http://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit http://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/54011-0.zip b/old/54011-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index de593a4..0000000 --- a/old/54011-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/54011-h.zip b/old/54011-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 18ae54a..0000000 --- a/old/54011-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/54011-h/54011-h.htm b/old/54011-h/54011-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 5044d99..0000000 --- a/old/54011-h/54011-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7919 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <title>The Younger Sister, Vol II, by Mrs. Hubback--A Project Gutenberg eBook</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 8%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .xlarge { font-size: x-large; } - .small { font-size: small; } - .lg-container-l { text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .lg-container-l { clear: both; } } - .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } } - .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; } - .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } - div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } - .linegroup .in4 { padding-left: 5.0em; } - .linegroup .in5 { padding-left: 5.5em; } - .linegroup .in6 { padding-left: 6.0em; } - .linegroup .in7 { padding-left: 6.5em; } - ul.ul_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-right: 2.78%; - margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: disc; } - ul.ul_2 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 6.94%; margin-right: 2.78%; - margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: circle; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; } - @media handheld { hr.pb { display: none; } } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } - .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } - .id001 { width:500px; } - @media handheld { .id001 { margin-left:19%; width:62%; } } - .ig001 { width:100%; } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; } - .c000 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c001 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em; } - .c002 { margin-top: 2em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 4em; } - .c004 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c005 { margin-right: 2.78%; margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c006 { margin-right: 2.78%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c007 { margin-right: 2.78%; } - .c008 { margin-right: 2.78%; text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c009 { margin-left: 8.33%; margin-right: 16.67%; margin-top: 2em; - text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c010 { margin-left: 8.33%; margin-right: 16.67%; text-indent: 8.33%; - margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c011 { margin-left: 16.67%; margin-right: 16.67%; margin-top: 1em; - text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c012 { margin-left: 25.00%; margin-right: 16.67%; margin-top: 1em; - text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c013 { margin-left: 8.33%; margin-right: 2.78%; margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c014 { margin-left: 19.44%; margin-right: 16.67%; margin-top: 1em; - text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c015 { margin-left: 22.22%; margin-right: 16.67%; margin-top: 1em; - text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c016 { margin-left: 11.11%; margin-right: 16.67%; margin-top: 1em; - text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c017 { margin-left: 13.89%; margin-right: 16.67%; margin-top: 1em; - text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c018 { margin-left: 8.33%; margin-right: 16.67%; text-indent: 8.33%; - margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c019 { margin-right: 2.78%; margin-top: 4em; } - .c020 { margin-right: 2.78%; margin-top: 10em; } - body {width:80%; max-width:45em; margin:auto; } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Younger Sister, Volume II., by -Catherine Anne Austen Hubback and Jane Austen - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Younger Sister, Volume II. - -Author: Catherine Anne Austen Hubback - Jane Austen - -Release Date: January 21, 2017 [EBook #54011] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNGER SISTER, VOLUME II. *** - - - - -Produced by Barry Abrahamsen, Mary Glenn Krause, David -Edwards, The University of Iowa and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (University of -Iowa) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>THE YOUNGER SISTER.</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>A Novel</div> - <div class='c002'><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'><span class='sc'>Mrs.</span> HUBBACK,</span></div> - <div class='c002'>IN THREE VOLUMES.—VOL. II.</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'>LONDON:</span></div> - <div>THOMAS CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER</div> - <div>30, WELBECK <span class='sc'>St.</span>, CAVENDISH <span class='sc'>Sq.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>1850.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><a href='#v2ch01'>CHAPTER I</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch02'>CHAPTER II</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch03'>CHAPTER III</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch04'>CHAPTER IV</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch05'>CHAPTER V</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch06'>CHAPTER VI</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch07'>CHAPTER VII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch08'>CHAPTER VIII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch09'>CHAPTER IX</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch10'>CHAPTER X</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch11'>CHAPTER XI</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch12'>CHAPTER XII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v2ch13'>CHAPTER XIII</a></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE YOUNGER SISTER.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch01' class='c004'>CHAPTER I.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The invitation to the important party was not for an early date; ten days -must elapse before the arrival of the day expected to bring so much -happiness with it. The comfort of the Watson family suffered alternations -which could only be compared to the ebbing and flowing of the tide, but -that their recurrence could not be calculated on with equal certainty. When -the pleasure she was to enjoy occupied her mind, Margaret was comparatively -happy; the arrangement of her dress, the minor difficulties about ornaments -and shoes, were even then sufficient to destroy her equanimity, and detract -from her peace of mind; but this was nothing to the state of acidity and -fermentation which her temper presented, when the grand insult of not being -Miss Osborne's friend, and not invited to stay at the Castle, recurred in -vivid colors to her memory.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But three days before the important morning, a very unexpected event threw -the whole family into a ferment. Just as the two elder sisters were setting -off to the town, to see if their new bonnets were making the progress which -was desirable, the sudden appearance of a post-chaise startled them. Emma, -who was in her father's room as usual, heard the wheels on the gravel, and -naturally supposing that it was the old pony-chaise leaving the door, was -perfectly astonished the next minute by the startling uproar which -resounded through the hall. Loud laughter, and a mingled clatter of -tongues, which might almost be denominated screaming, convinced her that -whatever was the origin, it was not of a tragic nature, but her awakened -curiosity made her long to know the cause, through -she feared to move, as her father had fallen into a gentle doze. A shriller -exclamation than before suddenly roused him from his slumber, and starting -up he exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What are those confounded women about? Emma, go and bid them all be -quiet."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma escaped from the room to obey his behest, and on reaching the turn of -the stairs paused a moment to see who was there; just then she caught her -own name.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Emma is at home," said Margaret, "and as I really want to go, I shall not -mind you. Pen, you can go and sit with her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well, it's all the same to me," replied a stranger, who she inferred -was her unknown sister, "I am sure I don't want to keep you at home." And -as she spoke she turned again to the door, "I say driver, you just get that -trunk lifted in, there's a good fellow, and see you don't turn it bottom -upwards, my man, or I vow I won't give you a sixpence—do you hear?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>The driver grinned and proceeded to pull down the trunk, whilst Penelope -Watson stood at his elbow, and flourished an umbrella in her hand, very -much as if she meant to enforce her threats with blows.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When satisfied, however, with the care -which he took of her property, she had paid and dismissed him, she turned -to her sisters, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There, now you may bundle off too, as fast as you please, my bonnet and -gown and all are in that trunk, and you shall not see them till I put them -on, lest you should try and copy them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How very ill-natured," cried Margaret.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, it isn't, what becomes me would never suit you, so I only prevent you -making a fright of yourself. Where's Emma? I want to see her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Here I am," said she timidly advancing, for Penelope's loud voice quite -overpowered her courage.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Here I am," mimicked Penelope, advancing towards her, "and how does your -little ladyship do, pray? Why are you so long coming to welcome your new -sister? I am sure you ought to have learnt more affection from Margaret."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma did not know what to answer to this attack, but looked at Elizabeth -rather distressed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Never mind, Penelope," replied Miss Watson to her look, "she always says -what she pleases; well, Margaret is waiting in -the chaise, so I must go; Emma, will you take Pen to my father?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>And Elizabeth hastened away as she spoke.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Penelope turned to her remaining sister, and surveyed her from head to -foot—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well," said she, "I suppose I had better go and report myself first, and -then I can settle about my things; upon my word, Emma, you are very pretty, -I am so glad you have dark hair and eyes; Margaret makes me quite sick of -fair skins, by her nonsense about her own. Here I am, sir," cried she, -advancing into her father's room as she spoke, "come to waken you all up; I -am sure the old house looks as if it had gone to sleep since I went away, -and there is the same fly on the window, I protest, as when I was last in -the room. How do you do, my dear sir?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"None the better for all the confounded clatter you have been making in the -hall, I can tell you; I thought you had brought home a dozen children at -your heels, judging from the uproar you created. What mad freak has -possessed you now, Penelope?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! I came for two things—one was to go to the Osborne Castle ball—the -other I'll tell you by-and-bye."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are always racing over the country, and bent on having your own way, I -know."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So is every one; but they don't all know how to get it, so well as I do; -but I see I'm disturbing you, so I shall go and unpack my rattle-traps—Emma -come with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma seemed to obey instinctively—but she felt no pleasure in accompanying -her sister. Her voice, look and manner, were alike uninviting, and she felt -inclined to shrink from her. Penelope went to the parlour, and stirring the -fire, drew in a chair close to the chimney—placed her feet upon the fender, -and then turning abruptly round to her sister, said—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So it is all your doing, is it, our going to the castle balls; it is -really something new—Margaret wrote me word you and Miss Osborne were bosom -friends?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma coloured, but did not know what to say in reply.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How sheepish you look, Emma," cried her sister, "one would think you were -ashamed of it all; I am sure I think it vastly clever of you to get up a -friendship with Miss Osborne, or a flirtation with her brother. I've a -great respect for girls who know how to push their way and make the -most of circumstances. What sort of young fellow is Lord Osborne?,"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Plain and quiet," replied Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As if I did not know <i>that</i>," cried Penelope, "why, I've seen him -hundreds of time, child; almost before you were born. I mean is he -pleasant?—can he talk nonsense?—does he know how to make himself -agreeable?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That must depend upon taste," replied Emma, "he never was particularly -pleasant to me; and, as to his talking, it's neither good sense, nor good -nonsense."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you know what good nonsense is, Emma?" cried Penelope, "Why, then, I -dare say you may not be quite detestable."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should hope not," said Emma, trying to smile.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I thought your uncle might, perhaps, have made a Methodist of you, and -that would not have suited me. Those musty old doctors of divinity have, -sometimes, queer notions."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I must beg, Penelope, when you mention my late uncle, you will do so with -respect," said Emma, with spirit.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Penelope looked surprised—and, for a moment, was silent; when next she -spoke -it was to question Emma minutely, as to the quality, price and texture of -her dress, for the important day and night in prospect.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I expect Margaret will be ready to expire with envy, when she sees the -real Indian muslin that I mean to wear," pursued she, in a tone of great -satisfaction; "I am not going to tell you how I came by it—for that's a -great secret for some days to come. Is not Margaret horridly jealous?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma looked shocked.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, I see!" laughed Penelope, "you are too good to abuse a sister—quite a -Miss Charity or Miss Meek of a good little girl's prize book. But, if you -like to sit like a goose weighing every word you are about to utter, I can -tell you that does not suit me at all. I always say what comes into my -head, without caring for anybody."</p> - -<p class='c006'>As Emma, however, did not follow the same method, she did not express how -very unpleasant a course she considered it; and the sisters did not quarrel -then.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How has Margaret got on with Tom Musgrove?" continued Penelope, -"by-the-bye, have you seen Tom Musgrove, yourself?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A little," said Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And how do you like him?—what do you think of him?—do you think he is in -love with Margaret?" pursued Penelope.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," replied Emma, answering only to the last question.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nor do I; I don't see that he is at all more in love with her, than he has -been with twenty other girls—myself included. But it's very good fun -talking to him when he is in spirits. Emma can you keep a secret?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, I hope so, when necessary; but I would rather have none to keep."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How absurd—why, it's the best fun possible, to have a good secret; I would -tell you one, if you would promise not to betray it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall be very happy to hear anything you like to tell me, and, I dare -say you would not ask me to do anything wrong."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Wrong! why, are you such a little Methodist, as to consider whether every -thing is wrong—it's my own affair, and how can there be anything wrong in -my telling you if I like? If one always stops to meditate whether any one -would think a thing wrong, one might give over talking altogether."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was silent from not very well knowing what to say in reply; and, after -a momentary pause, Penelope went on:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now, the only reason I want you not to tell is, because I wish to surprise -all the others by the news some day. You will promise not to mention it!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You had much better not tell me at all, Penelope; because then, your -secret will certainly be safe," said Emma, good-humouredly; "if you, who are -interested in it, cannot resist telling it—how can you expect me to be -proof to such a temptation?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are very much mistaken," said Penelope, angrily tossing her head, "if -you suppose I cannot resist telling any thing I wish to keep secret; I -assure you, I am quite as discreet, when occasion requires, as your little -ladyship can be, though I do not set up to be so superior to all my family, -and give myself airs of discretion and superfine prudence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma saw she had made her sister angry—though she did know exactly how or -why, and she attempted, but vainly, to apologise for the involuntary -offence. Penelope was not to be propitiated.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I can tell you, Miss Emma, it's no use at all, your trying to be so grand -and indifferent; it was not a trifling mark of my regard, what I was going -to tell you, but, if you do not wish to hear it, you may let it alone. I -dare say, Margaret will shew more interest in my concerns; I can tell her -some day."</p> - -<p class='c006'>And with these words, Penelope rose and hastily quitted the room, slamming -the door after her with all her might.</p> - -<p class='c006'>During the three succeeding days there was every possible opportunity taken -by her to display to Emma the superior confidence with which Margaret was -treated. Slips of paper were continually thrown across the table, -containing mysterious words or incomprehensible signs. There was whispering -too in corners, and talking with their fingers; hints were thrown out, -which convulsed Margaret with laughing, but in which the uninitiated could -see no joke; and every means taken to raise a curiosity which would have -flattered Pen's self-importance. Elizabeth and Emma bore this infliction -with remarkable heroism—having a strong internal conviction that a secret -which required so much exertion to give it importance could not be much -worth knowing, or that it would soon certainly become public.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Affairs were in this state when the important day, which had already -excited such intense speculation or anticipation in the minds of the four -sisters. Emma's toilette was very satisfactory to herself in its results, -she hoped she should not be the plainest or worst dressed person in the -room, and she certainly took especial care to arrange her hair in a way -that she had reason to think Mr. Howard admired.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Duly were they transported to the scene of such great anticipations, and -when they had sufficiently arranged their dresses and shaken out the -creases, after being so very much squeezed, they were marshalled up the -grand staircase into the state-apartment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was worth while to watch Margaret's countenance, when, for the first -time, contemplating the rich furniture and evidences of wealth which -surrounded her. An overpowering sense of her own insignificance, and a -conviction, that amidst so much that was rich, beautiful, and costly, her -own elaborate toilette would pass unregarded, were the most prominent of -her feelings. She could not resign herself to the idea of being one amongst -the many unimportant individuals who contributed to form one whole and -animated picture; she had flattered herself with the idea that she should -be quite distinguished; she had fancied that because her dress was the most -elegant she had ever worn, it would be equally superior to those of the -other visitors. Suddenly she found her mistake. Around her, on every side, -were gay groups dressed in a far more expensive style; jewels glittered, -laces and Indian shawls, velvets and brocades rustled or waved before her -eyes, and the discovery that, however superior to her usual style were her -present habiliments, numbers present surpassed her in elegance, caused a -bitter mortification to her vain mind. It was everywhere a scene of gay -bustle: animated whispers, light laughter, finery and flirtation were on -every side of her and her sisters, as they followed the stream of visitors -ascending to the reception-rooms. There were few whom they knew by sight; -none to speak to, amongst all the company; some who passed bestowed a -stare, some put up their eye-glasses, and some their lips, as they saw the -four sisters unattended by any gentleman walking together. These were -ladies: men when they looked once, looked again, for the whole family were -good-looking, and Emma's beauty could not fail to attract when once -observed. But looks did not satisfy Margaret or Penelope, who both wanted -to be conspicuous characters, envied every woman accompanied or addressed -by a man, and felt extremely ill-used by everything around them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After passing through several state-apartments, where they followed in the -wake of many others, they arrived at the entrance of the music saloon, -where they at last encountered Miss Osborne and her mother. The latter -curtsied, and then turned to some one else; the former broke off a -conversation with some young people round her, to offer her hand to -Elizabeth and her youngest sister, to whom she expressed much pleasure at -the meeting; and said a few civil words to the two others, when Miss Watson -named them. Both Elizabeth and Emma were satisfied with their reception, -and would have been glad to find quiet seats from which they might survey -the company, and thus secure all the share in the amusement that they felt -they had a right to expect. But the others were not so easily satisfied. -They wanted to keep close to Miss Osborne, hoping for the distinction of -further notice, and they both declared that they had no idea of being -wedged into a corner where nobody could see them. To avoid attracting -attention by their angry whispers, their sisters were obliged to comply, -though they both felt uncomfortable at parading the rooms without any -chaperone or gentleman to escort them, and yet did not like to attach -themselves to Miss Osborne, lest she should think so large a body of -followers troublesome.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Passing once more down one of the drawing-rooms, they for the first time -perceived an acquaintance. This was Tom Musgrove, who was in the act of -escorting a party of fashionable-looking ladies, and either did not, or -would not see them. To pass him unobserved, however, suited neither Pen nor -Margaret, and the latter having failed to catch his eye, the former pulled -his elbow to make him look at them. Emma turned blushing away, quite -ashamed of the free manner of her sister's address.</p> - -<p class='c006'>His attention thus arrested, he could not avoid speaking—but his bow was as -short and hurried as it was possible, and he would again have turned to his -party had Penelope or Margaret allowed it. But this they would not do.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Bless me, Tom," cried the elder sister; "how many ages it is since we met, -and yet you seem not to have a word to bestow on an old friend."</p> - -<p class='c006'>His party passed on as she spoke, and as soon as they were sufficiently far -off for him to be sure he should not be heard, he replied in a very short -abrupt tone,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am much obliged for your notice, Miss Penelope, and vastly happy to see -you, only just at present, as I am particularly engaged in escorting the -daughters of Sir Anthony Barnard, I must beg you will excuse my further -delay; your humble servant, Miss Margaret," and he rushed away as he -finished his sentence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How provoking," muttered Penelope, "I declare, Tom Musgrove seems to have -become a perfect bear since I went away."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish our father was a baronet or a lord," sighed Margaret, "then he -would care for us too."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then I am sure I should not care for him," cried Elizabeth, with much -spirit; "who would value attentions dependent on such a circumstance?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>They now stood still, and seemed quite at a loss what to do, when a voice -at Emma's ear made her start, and sent all the blood thrilling through her -veins. The individual on whom her thoughts were fixed, he whose presence -and attention were most certain of making her feel at ease—Mr. Howard, in -short, was beside her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>His eager enquiries as to whether she had met Lady Osborne—whether she was -pleased with what she saw, gave her satisfaction; but his proposal that -they should join his sister, who was in the music saloon, and was looking -out for them, was the greatest relief imaginable.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The awkwardness of feeling, from which she had been suffering, was at once -done away; they would belong to some one—they would have some one to -address them—some one to make them feel at home and comfortable.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Willis was good-humoured and agreeable as ever—receiving the two -strangers cordially, for the sake of their sisters, and immediately -proposing that she should act as their chaperone at the ball in the -evening.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To this, not even Margaret could make an objection, and Emma, with Mr. -Howard by her side, was now really happy. The happiness, however, was not -of very long duration; scarcely had she been seated five minutes, when she -perceived Lady Osborne's eye-glass turned in their direction—and a moment -after, a young man, who stood near her, and to whom she evidently addressed -some words, approached and said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Howard, you are wanted—her ladyship finds your assistance and presence -indispensable—but, before you go, I pray you to bequeath to me your seat."</p> - -<p class='c006'>With evident reluctance—Emma's only consolation, he rose, and turning to -her said—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Since, I must leave you—will you allow me to present to you my friend, Sir -William Gordon—but, remember, Gordon," he added, laughing, "I shall expect -my proxy to resign in my favour, the moment I return to claim the -situation."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Don't build too much upon that," cried the young Sir William, whose gay, -animated countenance, would certainly have prepossessed Emma in his favour, -had he not turned out Mr. Howard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In spite, however, of his lively address, her eyes followed the other -gentleman; and she perceived that Lady Osborne, after some conversation -with him, sent him to fetch some young ladies from the other side of the -room; and, after a good deal of bustle and change, succeeded in locating -him in a corner close to herself. It was vain to watch longer, there seemed -not the slightest prospect of a release for him; and, fearful lest her -looks should attract notice or betray her feelings, she endeavoured to -confine her attention to what was immediately around her. The music had not -yet commenced, and there was neither opportunity nor inclination wanting on -the part of her neighbour to amuse her with conversation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Have you been often at the castle?" enquired he, presently; "I do not -remember to have seen you here; yet I think I should have noticed your -face, had we met before."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma informed him that she was a comparative stranger in the neighbourhood, -and had rarely been at Osborne Castle.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then are you sure that you are aware of the state of family politics? Are -you conversant with the position of parties in the establishment?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"On the contrary, I am quite ignorant—possessing no knowledge, and little -curiosity."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, impossible! all women are curious, more or less. You must wish to have -a peep behind the scenes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I deny it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But it is necessary that you should, or you will transgress again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Again!" said Emma, a little alarmed; "have I done so already then?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly," replied Sir William gravely, "were you not guilty of detaining -Mr. Howard by your side, when her ladyship needed him?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, no! he went directly she sent for him," said she, coloring.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"To send, should have been on her part, superfluous; to go on his, -impossible; he should, instinctively, have sought her side, and placed -himself in her service."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Surely not—Mr. Howard is not the individual of highest rank, and could -not, therefore, rightly, appropriate such a situation; and he is a free -agent, and has, surely, the power of choice."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He has, no doubt, every thing to guide him. I cannot doubt of his having -taste, judgment, discernment, sense; his choice cannot be questioned in -some respects—but, if he intends to please her ladyship, he must prove his -admiration for the mature charms of forty five, not the blooming -graces—but, I am growing personal and particular, I forbear lest I should -offend!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma looked a little puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Howard is <i>my</i> intimate friend," added Sir William, "and I really -wish him well; now, do not you think he had better marry the dowager."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is a point which no one can presume to decide for him," said Emma, -struggling with certain painful recollections.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"After all," added he, "there is no such disparity in their years—only -fifteen or thereabouts—the jointure might be sometime in his possession."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should really be obliged, if you would find some other subject of -conversation, Sir William," replied Emma, decidedly, "I do not think it -good taste to criticise our hostess."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Suppose we talk of her daughter, then?" replied he, quietly, "don't you -think her rather over-dressed?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," said Emma, "but I think you had better let the whole family alone."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think I will follow your advice and choose another subject—what shall it -be?—shall we talk of yourself? Confide to me all your peculiar tastes—your -wonderful aversions—your never dying friendships. How many bosom friends -have you, Miss Watson?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"None, except my sister," said Emma, amused.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your sister! oh, fie! no one thinks of making a friend of a sister—that is -quite a burlesque—a friend's brother is, of course, a favorite—but one's -own brothers or sisters are quite out of the question."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, then, I am badly off indeed, for I have no friend."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed! I wish you would take me as one."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma shook her head.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you, I am very modest, I should make an excellent friend; only -try me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She answered only by an incredulous look.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Here comes Lord Osborne into the room," continued he, "looking as if he -were going to be hanged. Just turn your eyes this way, Miss Watson."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you," replied Emma, without complying; "but I will not add to Lord -Osborne's modest confusion by looking at him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"His modest confusion—what a good idea. Why he is the most impudent man in -Great Britain. What bribe do you suppose his mother had to offer him, to -induce him to come into the music saloon to-day?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is difficult for me to guess. Agreeable company and excellent music no -doubt."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot fancy either would gratify him; he is certainly one of the most -unpolished boors in the county. I assure you his groom is a gentleman -compared to him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"For shame to say such things of your host—you are taking away his -character, and there is surely some penalty attached to stealing in a -dwelling-house."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are quite mistaken, I am doing just the reverse—giving him a -character, out of the superfluity of my own. But now just look at him, he -is making his way up to his mama—what would you bet that he does not tread -on six ladies' toes before he crosses the room?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma could not help smiling, but would not turn round, as she had no -inclination to catch the young peer's eyes.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, it's not Lady Osborne, it's Howard he is addressing. I wonder what he -is saying. Howard's countenance is a tell-tale, and it's something he does -not like. Now they are both looking this way; upon my word his lordship is -coming here. Do you think he is trying to find <i>me</i>, Miss Watson? -Really such public notice confuses me—I am so very modest—am not I blushing -now?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma could not raise her eyes, for she was conscious that whether Sir -William's blushes were real or fanciful, her own were painfully deep, and -that he observed it. It was not however as Sir William supposed, because -Lord Osborne was coming towards her, but it was the idea that Mr. Howard -pointed out her seat with reluctance, joined to the arch tone and look of -her companion that destroyed her composure, in spite of her utmost efforts -to appear calm.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are acquainted with Lord Osborne, then?" said he, as if drawing an -inference from something just passing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What makes you think so?" said she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I judge from your being so well aware that he is not worth looking at; had -you never seen him, you would certainly have expected something superior. -Shall I vacate my place in favor of his lordship?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As you please. It is a perfect matter of indifference to me: don't do it -on my account however."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What a perplexing answer; I don't know how to understand it; for though -well aware that a lady's private opinion is usually the reverse of her -public one, I am still left in the dark as to which of us you really -prefer."</p> - -<p class='c006'>All this conversation passed in whispers during the bustle of arrangement, -and previous to the commencement of the overture; but now the full burst of -the orchestra drowned all other sounds, and made a reply from Emma -unnecessary.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The silence which followed between them proved a relief to her, and -thinking that her companion's attention was engrossed by some other object, -she stole a glance towards the spot occupied by Lady Osborne's party. There -sat her ladyship in state, and close beside her stood Mr. Howard: he was -stooping to listen with a smile to some observation of his patroness, and -the painful idea crossed her mind that perhaps after all <i>they</i> were -right who suggested the possibility of an alliance between them. She could -not imagine that he loved the dowager, but it was very possible that -ambition, the desire of independence, vanity, or some other motive might -influence him; and as to her ladyship, she must have given some ground for -a conjecture so universally whispered.</p> - -<p class='c006'>A year ago, had she then known the parties, such an idea would have been -rejected as absurd; but her aunt's marriage had given a shock to her -feelings which seemed to destroy her confidence both in men and women, -especially in middle-aged widows with large jointures. It was true that if -Mr. Howard's character were such as she supposed, he would be uninfluenced -by such a consideration, but in this she might be mistaken, and where such -a possibility of mistake existed, it became her not to risk her own -happiness by encouraging the feeling of partiality for him, which she was -conscious had been growing since the commencement of their acquaintance. -She made the most heroic resolutions, determining henceforth to keep as -much as possible out of his company, and do everything in her power to -restore her mind to a state of equanimity. She resolved therefore not to -look again, but studiously to avert her eyes, and she tried hard to fix -them on the orchestra, and to forget, in listening to the music, all other -considerations. She was interrupted by the sudden address of Lord Osborne, -who having at length worked his way up to her, exclaimed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have been trying to get to you this half hour, Miss Watson, but those -fellows with their music make such a confounded row, there is no knowing -what one is doing here."</p> - -<p class='c006'>There was nothing in Emma's calm and collected reception of him to -encourage the notion of partiality on her part which Sir William Gordon had -entertained. It was polite, but as far removed from the flutter of a -gratified vanity as from the consciousness of a growing attachment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish you would make room for me to sit down," he said presently. -"Gordon, I think you have been here quite long enough—go and make love to -Miss Carr and you will be doing a double charity."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As how, my lord?" said Sir William without moving an inch.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"By giving her something to do, and leaving a seat for me here."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you, but in good truth I am not equal to the undertaking which your -lordship has just so successfully performed. I could not make my way across -such a room, and must pray your leave to remain in the modest seclusion of -this corner, as best suited to my humble capacities."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You abominably selfish fellow, you have the best seat in the room, and you -know it—that's all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William bowed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then your lordship can hardly expect me to give it up; possession you know -is everything."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I can make room for your lordship," cried Margaret who had long been -straining forward her head to try and catch his attention. She was seated -behind Emma and Elizabeth, by the side of Mrs Willis.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne just turned his head and gave her a momentary glance, then -stooping towards Emma, enquired who was that thin girl behind her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She informed him it was her sister.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed!" cried he; "I should never have guessed that—she is not a bit like -you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>At this moment a favorable movement was effected by Penelope, who had been -seated at the extreme end of the form. Seeing the advantage of attaching -Lord Osborne to their party, and too wise to expect to do so by superseding -Emma, which seemed to be Margaret's idea, she quietly removed, and placing -herself by Mrs. Willis, left a vacant seat.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He immediately requested Elizabeth to make room for him, and in another -moment he was established by Emma's side, in the long desired position.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What a remarkably good-natured girl," observed he in a whisper: "who is -she?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Another sister, my lord."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Another sister! Why in the name of Heaven, how many sisters have you in -the room?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only three."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only three! And how many others have you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma assured him that was all.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well but three is too many," replied he gravely; "it must be very awkward -and disagreeable having so many—don't you find it so?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I never looked upon it in that light, which is fortunate, perhaps, as I -see no remedy."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That's true—you have them and cannot help it; but that does not make it -less of an evil—one would not choose three sisters."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma did not think it necessary to reply to this speech.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then your father has four daughters?" continued he, as if the result of -profound calculation on his part.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your arithmetic is quite correct, my lord," replied she, smiling a little.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And how many sons are there?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Two only."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That makes six children in all—what a family. It's a great draw-back -certainly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It does not make me unhappy at all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That must be because you are so very good-tempered. I am not sure that I -could bear it myself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is fortunate that you will not probably be called on to support such an -infliction!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Unless I were to marry a woman who had a good many brothers and sisters."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It will be your own fault if you do that, and with so strong a prejudice -against them, I should certainly advise you not."</p> - -<p class='c006'>A long pause ensued, during which every one seemed occupied with the -singing, and when, at the close of the first act, there was an opportunity -again afforded for conversation, Emma's attention was claimed by Miss -Osborne, who made her way up to her, and offering her arm, led her into -another saloon, as she said, to enjoy a little chat with her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How do you find Sir William Gordon?" enquired she, presently, turning away -her face as she spoke, to examine some flowers near her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He seems chatty and pleasant," replied Emma; "but I have hardly seen -enough to form a serious idea of him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you engaged to Mr. Howard for the first dance?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, I have hardly seen him this afternoon," replied Emma, in her turn -trying to conceal her countenance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That's unlucky; I wish he had asked you," observed Miss Osborne, -thoughtfully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you; but I dare say he would have done so, had he wished it; and I -have no claim on him, more than any one else," replied Emma, rather -proudly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne looked rather quickly at her. Her eyes were particularly -piercing, and she seemed to read Emma's thoughts in her face. This scrutiny -somewhat distressed her companion, and she was much relieved by the -approach of Lord Osborne and Sir William Gordon, who joined them, with a -request that they would return to the music saloon as the performance would -soon be beginning.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nonsense," replied Miss Osborne, "there can be no occasion to hurry—and I -do not care about the first piece—it's so pleasant here—sit down again, -please, Miss Watson, and, Osborne, you keep quiet."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma complied—the room was cool and agreeable, and she was out of sight of -Mr. Howard, and therefore less annoyed than when a witness to Lady -Osborne's attentions to him. Miss Osborne had a fancy for some refreshment, -and sent Sir William for a glass of jelly, desiring him to select the one -he thought best. Sir William insisted that her brother should accompany him -to bring something for Emma, with which he complied, although his sister -offered to lay any wager that he would spill it before reaching them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you," she continued, to her companion, "he is the most awkward -creature in the world, though, I own, a very good-natured one. I would not -trust him to carry a jelly or a cream on any account, where I had much -regard for the carpet."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The gentlemen soon re-appeared, each bearing something in his hands; but -Miss Osborne's prophecy happened to be amply fulfilled: just as her brother -was stooping to present to Emma a glass of whipped cream, he stumbled over -a foot-stool, and laid the whole contents in her lap.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Up jumped Miss Osborne in great dismay and tribulation, and poured forth -the most vague apologies, her brother being far too shocked to speak at -all. Emma begged her not to be concerned, it really was so entirely an -accident that there could be no blame attached to any one. Nothing could -exceed the good-humour with which she bore the injury to her dress, or her -desire to restore Lord Osborne to his former equanimity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The dress will be totally spoilt," observed Miss Osborne, sorrowfully—"and -such a pretty one, what a pity: what can I do for you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William suggested that Miss Watson should immediately try some remedy -for removing the stain; perhaps Miss Osborne's own woman could afford her -means of relief—at all events, it was better to make use of any method that -could be effected as speedily as possible, since delay would certainly -increase the evil. Adopting his advice, Miss Osborne hurried her young -friend away, expressing the most sincere regrets at the accident, both as -regarded spoiling her gown, and interrupting her amusement.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma did not attempt to deny that she was sorry for her pretty dress; but -she made the admission with so much good humour, and with so evident a -desire of excusing Lord Osborne, that her companion was perfectly delighted -with her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>An accurate investigation up-stairs, proved that the unfortunate gown was -ruined almost beyond hope of remedy; and Miss Osborne suggested that she -should put on one of her own, as a substitute, as they were so nearly of a -size that it was certain to fit well. Her whole wardrobe was placed at -Emma's disposal, and she was soon re-equipped, and ready to descend to the -company again, whilst the injured dress was submitted to the inspection of -a committee of waiting women, who were to take any possible measures for -its reparation. But as Miss Osborne took this opportunity of adjusting her -toilette for the evening, so much time was expended up-stairs, that the -concert was over before they returned to the music-room, and they found the -company separated into groups, some slowly parading through the different -apartments—some enjoying the collation in the refreshment-room—whilst some -had disappeared to prepare their dresses for the ball.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William Gordon joined them almost immediately, with enquiries as to the -nature and extent of the injuries inflicted, and an assurance that the -culprit had retreated, being afraid once more to face Miss Watson. Emma -expressed such very simple and sincere regret that he should be distressed, -that Sir William volunteered to carry to him the news of her entire -forgiveness, and her friendly disposition. But Miss Osborne did not seem -disposed to part with him on such an errand. Detaining Emma's arm, she -engaged Sir William in a lively conversation, and it seemed evident that -her desire to ascertain the nature of Emma's feelings towards Sir William -arose from the fact that her own were rather warmly in his favour. He was -amusing, and rather clever, and Emma enjoyed listening to him. Her -attention was diverted by the approach of her sisters, and she was -immediately called on to explain the change in her dress which, of course, -attracted their eyes. This she did by merely relating that her gown had met -with an accident, and that Miss Osborne had been so kind as to lend her -another.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Now that they were standing under the immediate patronage of Miss Osborne, -Tom Musgrove thought proper to approach and join them. Emma, of course, was -his object, not only on her own account, but because her arm was linked in -that of the honorable Miss Osborne.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How rejoiced I am to see you looking so well, Miss Emma Watson?" cried he. -"Winston must certainly agree remarkably well with you; but it is a most -unexpected pleasure to meet you under this noble roof; it is the first time -I have had that satisfaction."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma calmly admitted the fact.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"On what a magnificent scale our noble hostess entertains," continued he, -"there is not such hospitality exercised in any other mansion where I -visit. Does it not remind you of the old feudal times, when fair ladies -held their court, and knights and squires vied with one another for their -bright smiles."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish you would go and see for my brother, Mr. Musgrove," said Miss -Osborne, looking quickly round.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Tom bowed low and obsequiously.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Can you tell me where I shall find his lordship?" enquired he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed; you must just have the goodness to search till you find -him—from the turret to the cellar; from the library to the stable; -including the dog-kennel—it is impossible to say where he may be."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I obey your gracious commands with the precipitation naturally your due," -cried he, bowing again, but not moving; in fact, he was too much delighted -to speak to the young lady at all, to be in any hurry to conclude the -interview.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Don't put yourself out of breath in the chace," said Sir William. "I am -sure Miss Osborne will not require that of you. Take your time, and look -carefully, for I suspect much he is artfully hidden from sight."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He tried once more to secure further orders from Miss Osborne; but she -would not look round again, and he was forced to console himself by -wandering over the reception rooms, and enquiring of every acquaintance if -they could tell him where "Osborne" was, as he was sent by Miss Osborne to -find him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How I detest that chattering magpie of a man," cried Miss Osborne as soon -as he was out of hearing, "I hope he is no friend of yours, Miss Watson?" -appealing to Emma, "I have been told that some women admire him -prodigiously."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not," replied Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad of that; he is just the sort of person I thoroughly despise. He -has not an opinion of his own, and is as mischievous as he is idle and -vain."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, Miss Osborne," cried Sir William, "if you express such very -strong opinions, you will frighten me out of your company. If you treat Tom -Musgrove with such severity, I wonder what character you would give to me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You! Sir William, I make no scruple in telling you how vain, disagreeable, -and idle you are. What else can you expect me to say? Do not you waste your -days in fox hunting and coursing; your nights in drinking or flirting? are -you not well known as the worst master, the worst landlord, the worst -magistrate, the worst member in the county? Your misdeeds are notorious; do -you not pull down schools, and destroy churches? did I not hear of a fire -on your estate where much damage was done—were you not supposed to be -deeply concerned in that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I pray your mercy, Miss Osborne; do not enumerate any more of my misdeeds, -or you will indeed drive me away. Such public censure is more than I can -stand."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne now proposed that they should adjourn to the room where the -collation was spread, as she protested the anxiety of mind she had -undergone had given her a prodigious appetite, and she thought she could -eat an ice or a cream, with at least two-thirds of a <i>wafer</i>.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After a search of half an hour, Tom Musgrove was successful in discovering -the owner of the mansion, and when he learnt that Emma Watson was with his -sister, he consented to return to her. He looked rather ashamed of himself -as he approached the ladies, but still he ventured on; his first glance was -at Emma's gown, and seeing no stain upon it, and never discovering that the -dress itself had been changed, he looked much relieved, and ventured to -whisper:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am so very sorry for my misfortune, but I assure you I never intended -it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma warmly assured him that she was incapable of supposing such a thing -for a moment. He exclaimed at her extreme good-nature, protesting that he -should never forget it; then looking down at her dress, observed that he -did not think it was hurt by it. Emma was diverted at his entire want of -suspicion that it was another gown she wore, and would not distress him by -telling him of the change; his solicitude that she should have what was -<i>nice</i>, and his care to prevent another catastrophe were most -praiseworthy, and amused her till a summons came from Lady Osborne to her -daughter, announcing that they were waiting for her to open the ball.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To the ball-room accordingly they all proceeded, Lord Osborne still keeping -close to Emma, in such a way as to lead to the natural conclusion amongst -the spectators, that they were going to dance together. This did not seem -to be his intention, as he presently asked her who she was going to dance -with. She told him in reply that she was disengaged; and she internally -fancied that he was about to propose himself as her partner, an honor which -she did not desire. But when she found this was not the case, and that he -was quite contented with thinking somebody must -soon ask her, she certainly felt a little disappointed, and rather annoyed -fancying that he wished to prevent her dancing at all. Miss Osborne had -taken pains to procure partners for her sisters, knowing that they had but -few acquaintances in the room, and Emma thought it strange she should take -no notice of her. A few words she whispered to her brother, to which he -replied by a nod; and then she too disappeared amongst a group, and left -her standing by her extraordinary and taciturn admirer. She began to feel -rather strange and uncomfortable, and to wish herself quietly in a corner -out of sight, or with Mrs. Willis, whom she could not discover; anywhere in -fact but in a conspicuous station in the ball-room, with none near her whom -she knew, except their host.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length she took courage to say that as they would probably be in the way -where they now stood, she should be glad to find Mrs. Willis, and sit with -her. Before Lord Osborne had time to reply, the lady they were speaking of -appeared accompanied by her brother.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's surprise was very great when his lordship exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, Howard, I'm monstrous glad you're come. You shall dance with Miss Emma -Watson, I've been trying to get her a partner for this great while."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard who had but recently escaped from the attentions required of him -by Lady Osborne, and who had been searching for Emma with this very -intention, felt all his expectation of pleasure die away at the sight of -the young couple standing together. He knew enough of his pupil to be aware -of the extraordinary interest he must take in his companion even to think -of procuring her a partner, and he could hardly suppose that she would be -quite undazzled by the devotion which was thus testified by a young -nobleman. It was therefore with a grave though civil air that he took up -the request that Lord Osborne had dictated, and solicited the honor of her -hand.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To refuse was out of the question, and yet she could not bear to accept -what seemed so unwillingly proffered. She thought he disliked the -proposition; he concluded she was disappointed in not having the young -baron for her partner; this feeling produced on each side a natural -coldness of manner, very unfavorable to securing an agreeable dance. She -could think of nothing to say which would serve to introduce the topic of -her thoughts, though she was longing to explain how uncomfortable she had -felt, whilst standing apart with Lord Osborne; and he seemed to be -labouring under a total absence of all ideas whatever, in the least -productive of conversation. Their dance was as different as possible from -that of the happy evening when they had first stood up together, and in -spite of her philosophic resolutions to cultivate indifference towards him, -she could not get over her regret at his manner. It was over at last, and -whilst trying to find her party she encountered Miss Osborne and her -brother. The former immediately addressed her with a hope that she had -enjoyed the dance, but before she had time to reply, with the most -astonishing quickness Lord Osborne answered:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure she did not, Rosa, for both she and Howard looked as if they -were following a funeral, and scarcely spoke a word to each other."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The lady and gentleman were both rather put out of countenance at this -accusation, and Miss Osborne looking archly at Emma, said:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why what's the matter—have you been quarrelling, my dear friend?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma only answered by blushing still more deeply; and Lord Osborne, who -appeared seized with the spirit of communicativeness just at the wrong -moment, continued:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Next time you send her a partner, Rosa, I hope he will be more to her -mind," from which sentence Emma conjectured that it was to Miss Osborne's -intervention that she was indebted for Mr. Howard's appearance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In another moment she was still more surprised by Lord Osborne suggesting:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Suppose you were to dance with me, Miss Watson, and see whether I could -not be agreeable; only, Rosa, you must call a very easy dance, for I shall -not be able to get through an intricate one."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne looked rather surprised at this extraordinary exertion on her -brother's part; Mr. Howard turned away. Just at this moment Tom Musgrove -approached again, and Lord Osborne instantly addressing him, desired he -would go and ask that good-natured Miss Watson to dance, as he felt -particularly obliged to her. It would have amused a spectator to watch his -countenance on receiving this command: he could not make up his mind to -disobey; indeed as he found the whole family so much in favor at the -Castle, he intended to take them under his patronage likewise, but he -wished to <i>dance</i> only with Emma, and had come to seek her for that -purpose. After a moment's hesitation he turned to her, and affecting to -believe she was the one intended, requested the honor of her hand, in -compliance equally with his own wishes and his noble friend's commands. His -noble friend, however, was by no means inclined to cede his prior claim on -her hand in favor of Mr. Musgrove, but plainly told him that the Miss -Watson whom he was to ask was an elder one, who had been very good-natured -when he wanted a seat. Since he could not dance with Miss Osborne, who was -likewise engaged, Tom thought the next thing must be to take the sister of -Lord Osborne's partner, and he accordingly went to find the young lady -whose good nature had made so deep an impression on that nobleman. But -Penelope was engaged, and he, desirous of obeying the orders he had -received so far as he could, but preferring Margaret to her sister, was -very glad on this occasion to ask her to dance with him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret received him in a flutter of gratified vanity and delight, which -displayed itself in her looks and actions; it was such a very unexpected -compliment, that she felt certain that his affections were once more -returning to her—and that, before long, he would become her avowed admirer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's dance was little more lively than her last; Lord Osborne was so very -much occupied in keeping his feet in time, and giving the proper hand at -the proper moment, to his <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>vis-à-vis</i></span>, that he had no -faculties to spare for engaging in conversation. She saw Mr. Howard did not -dance and more than once she met his eyes fixed on her with a look which -she could not understand. It was not dislike or disapproval that his -countenance expressed—she would rather have described it as depicting -concern and a friendly interest—as if he were gifted with second sight, and -foresaw for her some great misfortune. She tried to avoid looking at him, -and was provoked with herself for thinking so much about his looks and -manners, in spite of her repeatedly formed resolutions to the contrary.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At the conclusion of this dance, there was a general movement to the -supper-room, and Emma found herself escorted there by her late partner, -rather to her own astonishment, as she could not help feeling that her -place should have been occupied by some one of the more distinguished -guests. Indeed she fancied, for a moment, that both his mother and sister -looked a little annoyed at his selection. She was quite separated from all -her own family, except Margaret, who, with the assistance of Tom Musgrove, -was placed nearly opposite to them—and who was now, in a peculiarly happy -state of spirits. In fact, Emma saw, with some little surprise, that they -were carrying on a very lively flirtation—which, as the excellent champagne -took effect on his head, became every moment more tender on his part.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch02' class='c004'>CHAPTER II.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>On rising from supper, Miss Osborne again passed her arm under Emma's, and -led her out of the room: complaining that she was tired and heated, she -proposed adjourning to the conservatory, where, by the light of beautiful -lamps amidst the murmur of a fountain, the delicious odour of flowers, and -the chequered glimpses of a bright wintry moon playing on the blossoms and -shrubs, they sauntered in silence. At the end of the conservatory was an -alcove fitted up with sofas, and almost concealed from observation by a row -of orange trees, whose beautiful blossoms perfumed the air. Into this -recess Miss Osborne conducted her friend—and here they had been sitting -only a few minutes when they heard voices approaching.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After reconnoitring through the boughs, Miss Osborne softly whispered, -"It's only your sister and Mr. Musgrove—sit still, or we shall be plagued -with his company."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Trusting that they would not loiter long, the two young ladies remained -concealed; and, in another moment, the couple approached so close as to -enable them distinctly to hear what they said.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret was speaking.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But you need not envy us, I assure you, Mr. Musgrove, we, poor, weak -women, who have no defence from slander—no pity for the deep heart-wounds -we are ever compelled to bear in silence; oh! I assure you, if, as you say, -we are like angels, our lot is any thing but angelic."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But women have so much more—I mean to say they are so much less—that is, -you know, they have not any thing at all?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He did not seem quite aware of what he did mean; and Miss Osborne's looks -expressed a degree of amusement that threatened the security of their -concealment. She succeeded, however, in stifling her laughter, and catching -up his words—</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret began again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So they have—you say very true—you mean, no doubt, they have more -tenderness and less thought than you—but that increases our evils. We love -and dare not shew it—and we smile whilst a dagger is placed in our -hearts—and die happy, if, in dying, we can secure the peace of some beloved -object."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What are these flowers, Miss Margaret?" said Tom, who evidently found it -difficult to sustain his part in this very pathetic conversation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you not know they are orange blossoms—bridal ornaments?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are they indeed?—and when do <i>you</i>, mean to wear them?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How can you ask—is such an event in the disposal of woman?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you wish to wear them?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall not tell you—fie! how can you ask?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nay, do not scold me for the deep interest I take in you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You take an interest, indeed!" cried Margaret, laughing affectedly; "ah! I -know you better."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If you doubt my word, you don't know me at all—tell me, is there one of -all those men in that bright assembly, for whom you would put on those -mystic blossoms?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"None, upon my word," cried she, again; "none for whom I would consent to -deck myself—none who could tempt me to such a sacrifice of life and -liberty."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Is that possible?" exclaimed he, in an incredulous tone.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"True, indeed; but why should you ask; you care not for me—you take no -interest in me—you profess much indeed—but you are a man of professions."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Cruel assertion—you cannot believe it possible. I assure you I have the -most feeling heart in the world."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am incredulous."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are unkind."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What motive have I to be otherwise to you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My deep and earnest devotion to you, fair Margaret."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now you are jesting, Mr. Musgrove."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"In professing my admiration—my attachment—impossible—by this fair hand, I -swear I love you beyond expression. Will you wear the orange blossoms for -me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Will I? ah! dearest Tom—you little know my heart if you doubt the -willingness—but may I trust you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I vow to you by the bright moon above us—by all the honor of my ancestors; -by every thing that is dear to me, that you are the fairest, best, most -amiable, lovely, perfect woman of my acquaintance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah! dearest Tom. I sadly fear you flatter me with your sweet words."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Flatter you! you indulge in an idea derogatory to yourself, to me—some -women I might flatter—some I have flattered—but not <i>you</i>—that is -impossible—tell me, Margaret, do you love me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Doubt you my love? Can you question my feelings—would you probe my -heart—ecstatic moment—bliss beyond conception. Tom, I am yours in life and -death."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are mine and I am yours—but hush, there are voices coming—let us -return to the dancing—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>With slow, and apparently, reluctant step, Margaret was drawn away; and, -the moment they were out of hearing, Miss Osborne turned to her companion -and aroused her from the state of almost stupid astonishment, in which she -was plunged, by commencing a rapid, but whispered apology, for having -become unintentionally the confidante of her sister's happy prospects. She -assured her it was entirely from a friendly feeling towards her, that she -had sat silent—for she felt had they started out and put the lovers out of -countenance by their appearance, the declaration would have been -interrupted, the whole affair disarranged—and more mischief might have been -perpetrated, than they would ever have hoped to repair.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At the same time she promised honorably to conceal the secret thus -unintentionally come to her knowledge, until it was generally published, -and she was able to present her congratulations to Miss Margaret. She did -not think it necessary to add how singularly absurd she had thought both -gentleman and lady on the occasion, or with how great a risk of choking her -effort to suppress her laughter had been.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To Emma the sentences overheard had conveyed a sensation of illimitable -wonder. That Tom Musgrove should have thought of marrying any woman, and -especially Margaret, a girl with whom he had formerly flirted till he was -tired, that he should really be enough in love to marry her without money -or connexions appeared almost miraculous. She was vexed that Miss Osborne -should have overheard all the nonsense passing between them, for she could -not help fearing, from the glance of her eye, that she would ridicule such -affection and folly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Then too she felt very doubtful as to her sister's happiness with a man -whose present levity and idleness promised but ill for the future. -Certainly Margaret loved him, but hers was a love which doubtless might -have been transferred to some other object, and was but little likely to -make her seriously unhappy.</p> - -<p class='c006'>All these thoughts passed through her mind whilst slowly accompanying her -companion to the ball-room, where they neither sought nor saw the two whose -conversation had so much interested her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The evening to Emma had decidedly been one of more pain than pleasure; she -was bitterly disappointed by the conduct and manners of Mr. Howard, and -this interview, instead of increasing their acquaintance, or promoting -their friendship, seemed to have ended only in finishing and strengthening -that incomprehensible division between them which had once or twice before -this surprised or alarmed her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Regret at this circumstance combined with a feeling of lassitude and -weariness, from not being accustomed to such late hours, sufficed to rob -her movements, at first, of all spirit and grace during the next dance, and -to take away all sprightliness from her conversation. Her partner, the -lively Sir William Gordon, expressed a fear that she was ill, and proposed -sitting down, but desirous not to attract attention, she asserted herself -perfectly competent to continue the figure, and exerted herself more -effectually to dispel his ideas, lest he should succeed in guessing the -origin of her want of spirits. The effort was perfectly successful, and -carefully smothering her own feelings, she allowed her partner to talk in -his usual gay and careless style, and rewarded his conversation with smiles -which encouraged him to proceed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He ascertained that she was to remain at the Castle that night, and -informed her that he was also to be an inmate for a few days, so that he -had the satisfaction of knowing that he should have the opportunity of -following up the acquaintance so happily begun, and that her appearance was -not only that of a dazzling meteor to shine across his path with rare -brilliancy for a few minutes, and then leave him to darkness and despair -for the future.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," said Emma; "I trust I have an orbit, though a small one, but too -distant and remote a one from yours, Sir William, for it ever to be likely -that our paths should cross again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You don't say so, Miss Watson; surely if Miss Osborne has discovered and -learnt to appreciate your worth—your brilliancy—it is very possible for an -inferior individual like me equally to keep you in sight."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," said Emma; "it requires Miss Osborne's abilities for that, and I am -sure you cannot pretend to vie with her in that respect."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Beyond all question, no," cried Sir William; "I have not such vanity or -impertinence; have I not already informed you I am the most modest creature -breathing?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, yes," replied Emma smiling; "we settled that point so long ago that it -had almost escaped my memory in the interval; but now you mention it, I do -recollect that you said so before."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are too bad, Miss Watson," replied he laughing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think you wrong me—you should say too good, in thus readily allowing -your claim to superior merit."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, but now tell me, do you think Miss Osborne so very clever?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I must decline discussing that point, being incapable of forming a -judgment on the subject."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Am I to infer that you do not like me?" enquired he doubtfully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"By no means—all I can allow you to infer from my silence is, that Miss -Osborne has been, voluntarily, so very kind to me, that she deserves my -gratitude, but that I have seen too little of her to warrant my forming an -opinion as to her talents or abilities."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you think her pretty?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Exceedingly so," replied Emma warmly; "it is a countenance that improves -on one so very much—surely you must admire her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William did not return a direct answer, and Emma suspected that he -would have been more ready with a reply, had his admiration been merely -superficial. Yet it had struck her that Miss Osborne's manner to him was -uncertain and capricious, as if she did not wish to give him encouragement, -or was trying to play with his feelings, whilst Sir William, instead of -seeking to overcome this, appeared rather desirous of amusing himself with -some other objects.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She began to think she was the subject of some spell, destined to be the -puppet of one or other of her companions, who seemed continually acting -towards her some part which she could not understand. Perhaps they were all -trifling with her feelings, or amusing themselves at her expense by giving -her encouragement which induced her to enter society decidedly above what -was her proper situation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She tried to shake off this very uncomfortable feeling, but it seemed to -have taken fast hold of her mind, and her hitherto animated countenance -became again clouded, her steps were dull, and her whole air exhibited -fatigue and depression.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William was evidently watching her closely, and this annoyed her; -presently he said again,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then after all, she is not so much your friend as I fancied."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Totally forgetful, at the moment, of the subject on which they had just -been conversing, Emma started at this address, and looked puzzled without -replying.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I mean," continued he, answering her look, "that I had fancied you were -particular friends, and I wished to hear your opinion of her—of Miss -Osborne."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My opinion, I assure you, would not be worth giving, Sir William; but I -will inform you though I cannot presume to call myself her friend, I have -received very great attention from Miss Osborne, which has naturally -prepossessed me in her favor; and what I have seen of her gives me such an -opinion of her, that if our situations in life had made us equal, I dare -say our acquaintance might have grown into friendship."</p> - -<p class='c006'>This assurance apparently satisfied Sir William, as he dropped the subject -of Miss Osborne, and started off on a lively dissertation on the nature of -friendship, which amused Emma as long as she had strength for the dance or -attention to bestow on him. Her weariness however had increased so much -that she at last gave up, and was glad to rest in a corner, before she had -completed the allotted two dances. Here she was discovered by Miss Osborne, -who moved to compassion by her weary looks, or influenced perhaps by some -other unacknowledged motive, was persuaded, after a faint opposition, to -allow her to retire to rest.</p> - -<p class='c006'>And so ended Emma's enjoyments of the ball at Osborne Castle; it had -certainly been productive of little pleasure, and had cost her a handsome -dress; yet upon the whole she found herself regretting less the actual -injury inflicted on her than the unrealized pleasure which her imagination -had promised.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was convinced, on reflection, that this dissatisfaction must spring -from some fault in her own mind; had her feelings been under proper -regulation, she would have entered with contentment or satisfaction into -the amusement before her, instead of worrying and wearying her spirit in -wishes for what was withheld. Her partiality for Mr. Howard was the origin -of all this; and if this incipient partiality already produced her so much -discontent and evil feeling, it became her to check it at once, and -vigorously, lest she should find herself deprived of her peace of mind, -before she was aware that she had gone astray.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The conjoined effects of excitement of mind, and unusual dissipation tended -naturally to produce a restless and sleepless night, and finding early the -next morning that her head would be the better for fresh air, she resolved -to try and find her way out of doors before the breakfast which would -probably be at a very late hour.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The wintry sun-beams were sparkling on the hoar frost, and glancing red -upon the naked boughs of the trees around, as she quitted the porch; the -air was brisk and enlivening—the sky free from clouds—and promising herself -a pleasant ramble, she walked into the park. The path she chose lay along -the side of beautiful hanging wood of beech, and she pursued it in profound -solitude for some time, hearing no other sound than the echo of her own -footsteps on the hard ringing gravel; but after walking a considerable -distance, it struck her that there was a sound of other feet in her -vicinity which seemed to be keeping parallel with herself, but farther in -the wood. Supposing it might be some labourer or gamekeeper, she paused to -listen, and allow them to pass on; but the steps likewise ceased when she -did, and that so immediately as to make her doubt if it were not fancy -altogether.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Again resuming her walk, she immediately heard the accompanying sound, and -this time being convinced it was no delusion, she tried to see through the -wood, and ascertain who was thus her silent companion, but the shrubs and -underwood were too thick to allow her to see anything.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Not quite liking to be thus accompanied, she resolved to return home, and -an opening which appeared to her to lead in the direction of the castle at -that moment presenting itself, she, unhesitatingly, struck off in that -direction. The footsteps no longer met her ear; but no sooner was her -attention released from this object, than she saw with a different kind of -alarm that the rapidly gathering clouds predicted rain. Not liking the -prospect of a wetting, she became rather anxious about the direction of the -path she was following—the turns and windings of which began to perplex -her, and she soon came to the conclusion that she had quite lost her way. -Certain, however, that the castle must be within a mile of her, though not -visible from where she stood, she would have rambled on indifferent to this -consideration, but for the state of the weather, which became every moment -more threatening.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Hoping to discover the turrets of the castle amidst the trees, she climbed -up a small eminence, in order to obtain a more extensive prospect, and from -this spot, though no view of Osborne Castle met her eyes, she saw in a -little glen beneath a cottage, apparently belonging to a keeper or -gardener, and there she determined to apply for directions as to the -shortest way home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>During the momentary pause, whilst taking this survey of the landscape, her -quick ear again caught the sound of the footsteps which had before seemed -to follow her. Well aware that there could in reality be no cause for -alarm, she overcame, as well as she could, the sort of nervous excitement -which had increased upon her feelings, and listened attentively.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her nerves were naturally firm, though her fancy was lively, and she, under -ordinary circumstances, would have cared little for her invisible -companion, but the excitement of last night's dissipation, probably, -affected her in some degree, as it was with a sensible palpitation of her -heart that she awaited the appearance of the intruder, as she thought he -must immediately be visible between the open trees near her. The tread was -light and steady, evidently that of a gentleman, too light, she thought, -for Lord Osborne, who was not remarkable for his grace in walking; and her -heart suggested the idea that it might be Mr. Howard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She would not speak to him, if it were, that she was resolved on; she would -not allow him to be friendly only in private, whilst he was cold and -distant before witnesses; but she thought she should like to ascertain if -it was he, and like to see how he would be disposed to behave.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The steps were now so close, another moment must reveal the figure; she -would not seem to be waiting for him, and turned once more to look at the -lodge below, to which a few large heavy drops of rain made it advisable she -should speedily retreat; and whilst her head was thus averted a few rapid -bounds brought to her side Sir William Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The young man would in all probability have felt but little gratified had -he known that the flush on her cheek at his sight was entirely one of -mortification and disappointment, for whatever she might try to persuade -herself, she was really quite disappointed that the intruder was not Mr. -Howard, as she had fancied.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She gave him as friendly a return to his salutation as she could force from -her lips—far more than she felt from the fear of betraying her feelings; -whilst he professed most unbounded satisfaction at his good luck in thus -overtaking her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>On his enquiring where she was going, she owned she had lost her way, and -was thinking of taking shelter in the cottage before them from the rapidly -encreasing rain.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you require shelter?" cried he; "then let us hasten there at once; but -I thought you must be a fairy or a sprite, no mortal maiden could be -walking at this hour after dancing all night as you did. Seeing you could -go without rest, I naturally concluded you would be alike indifferent to -the variations of the elements—proof to the storm—impervious to the rain."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma smilingly assured him she was very far from this; and that she must -now condescend to make haste to avoid a thorough wetting. He begged to be -allowed to show her the way, and as they descended the steep side of the -glen together, she felt that she ought to be thankful for his arrival, as -the path was so abrupt, and in some places almost precipitous that his -support was, if not absolutely necessary, at least very convenient, when in -a hurry, as she was at present.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With all their haste, however, she was not a little wet, by the time they -stood in the porch of the lodge, and were right glad when, on the door -unclosing, in answer to their knock, they saw a bright fire burning on the -hearth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The keeper's wife, a pretty and neat-looking young woman, very hospitably -pressed them to enter, exerted herself to dry Emma's cloak and hat, and -then asking if they had breakfasted, set about preparing them a meal with -all expedition, probably pitying the uncomfortable lot of those who were -obliged by fashion to defer their morning meal so long. The keen appetite -which a walk on a winter's morning would produce was sufficient to have -made welcome even inferior fare to that which she displayed. The excellent -bread and butter, the eggs, the apples, the raspberry jam, were all -tempting in themselves, and the jug of home-brewed ale which she placed for -Sir William was declared by him to be an excellent substitute for chocolate -after a late supper and an early walk.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst she was preparing these things, her child, an infant of a few months -old, awoke in its cradle near the chimney corner. Perceiving that the -mother was too busy to attend to him, Emma volunteered to act the part of -nurse; and, being really fond of children, took much pleasure in the -occupation. Sir William looked at her with admiration—he had been struck -with her when dressed for the ball, and surrounded by a crowd of other -elegant women, but here the effect was doubled by the accompaniments. The -small and plainly furnished room, was brightly illumined by the blazing -fire—which, in spite of the gloom without, threw a ruddy glow over every -thing beside it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's simple dress shewing her figure unencumbered by ornament or -superfluous clothing, her dark hair, now wetted by the rain carelessly -pushed back from her glowing cheeks, highly coloured by the rapid exercise -which she had just undergone; her graceful movements as she tossed and -played with the infant in her arms, and the sweet smiles which she bestowed -on the really pretty child, struck him as forming the prettiest picture he -had ever seen. He drew back a little to contemplate it, and being an -excellent artist, he could not resist the temptation of trying a sketch of -her figure on a leaf in his pocket-book.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Engrossed with her charge, and not much caring for his company, she did not -for some time notice his occupation, and he had made a very satisfactory -though slight sketch of her, before she was in the least aware of it. But -suddenly turning to him, and catching his eyes fixed on her, whilst the -pencil was suspended under his fingers, the idea of what he was doing -struck her at once. The perfect simplicity of her manner when charging him -with it, the freedom from all affectation, and all appearance of gratified -vanity, seemed to him no less remarkable than her grace and beauty, and he -no longer wondered at the effect her presence had visibly exercised over -both Lord Osborne and Mr. Howard, and only felt surprise that Miss Osborne -herself should not feel uneasy at placing her brother in proximity to so -captivating a girl. He was sure, had his heart been free, she would -inevitably have conquered it, but his long standing partiality for Miss -Osborne herself was not to be overthrown by the unconscious rivalry of Emma -Watson.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I was not aware you were an artist, Sir William," said she, quietly taking -the paper from his hand and looking over it, "this indicates that you are a -master of the pencil. You will allow me to keep it I hope, it can be of no -use to you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Excuse me, the sketch I cannot part with, at least not at present, I wish -to make a drawing of the subject; as the interior of a cottage it will be -perfect; pray do not require me to give it up." As he spoke he took the -sketch from her, as if afraid she might detain it against his wishes.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She said no more in opposition, but looking out of the window, began to -wonder whether there was any prospect of the rain ceasing, so as to give -them a chance of reaching the Castle in comfort.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you we shall not be missed these two hours," said he, "there is -not the remotest chance of any one being up in the Castle before noon, -after such a ball as that of last night."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should not like to spend many such nights," observed Emma, "one soon -tires of pleasure or rather of dissipation."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What sort of life would you have, Miss Watson, could you decide your lot -with a wish—have you made up your mind?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Hardly, it is a point that requires reflection, and I cannot say that I -have bestowed much on it," replied Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed—you don't say so—I thought all young ladies settled that before -hand—the situation, residence, fortune, even the name which the future was -to bring them, do you not arrange that entirely."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If that is the case I am sadly behind hand," replied she smiling.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is never too late to mend, that must be your comfort; begin now—do you -prefer the country, or are you ambitious of a house in town?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, the latter of course; a house in town and ten thousand a-year; you -cannot imagine I should stop short if I once began wishing, what would be -the good of that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Bravo, I like to hear a lady speak her opinion boldly—so you are ambitious -after all; I should not have thought that from your face, I am a great -studier of countenance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But indeed you must blame yourself for my ambitious wishes," retorted -Emma, "I am sure it was you who put them into my head, I told you I had -never thought of anything of the kind."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well, I see you are a promising pupil, I shall be proud of your -progress, I have no doubt, but now to tell you the truth I should have -assigned you a quiet cot in the country, a retired home, domestic cares and -joys, a round of parochial duties, cheered by peace and content—a clever -and well educated companion, not a dashing or ambitious one. I read your -feelings as I thought in your face, and should have expected you to chose -such a lot; you see how the best physiognomist may be mistaken—you blush -for me I perceive."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma did blush more than she wished, and she felt too much to dare to -answer for a moment, then recovering herself with an effort, she replied:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you aware, Sir William, how nearly you have drawn my lot—did you know -I was the daughter of a country parson, and am situated nearly as you -describe?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No indeed," replied he with much animation, "I am after all then a better -guesser than I took credit for, it is curious that I should have so closely -described you. You live in the midst of content and peace do you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I always thought content was an internal, not an external blessing," -replied Emma, again evading his question, "one which it became our duty to -cultivate for ourselves, and I was blaming myself for enjoying so little of -it at this moment, being sensible that I feel rather discontented at the -detention in this cottage."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I am certainly more amiable than you, Miss Watson, for I am as happy -as possible, or nearly so at least. But now you mention it, it occurs to me -that perhaps the rain may continue all day, in which case we should be -really confined in our present refuge. Suppose we were to consult with the -hostess as to the means of escape."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But what means can she suggest?" enquired Emma, "except walking home, and -in that case we shall certainly get wet through."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not see that that catastrophe is absolutely inevitable," replied he, -"we might send to the Castle for a carriage; this seems to me the most -simple remedy; do you object?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was rather startled at the idea of taking such a liberty, but she -thought, perhaps, Sir William knew the ways of the family best, and she did -not raise any objection. Mrs. Browning, the keeper's wife, when called into -counsel, regretted extremely that she had no one about whom she could send -on such an errand, her husband being out with the boy that helped; she -would have gone herself but she had a cough, and was afraid of the wet. -This was an unexpected dilemma. Sir William meditated in silence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You have no carriage, Mrs. Browning, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Bless you, no, sir—only one little tilted cart, which my husband drives to -church on Sunday."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well and is not that at home—can we not have that? it would do admirably -if we could;" cried he, delighted at the idea.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly, sir, I think I could harness it for you, the horse is at home -to-day unluckily—I will go and see about it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, no, my good woman, let me go and see,—I dare say, I can manage the -affair without troubling you," said Sir William.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But she assured him her presence was necessary to show him the way, at -least; but, if the young lady would be so kind as again to hold the infant, -they would soon have every thing right. To this, of course, Emma readily -agreed, and she soon, from the thinness of the partition, heard Sir -William's voice joking with their hostess about the horse and harness.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In about ten minutes he returned.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Watson," said he, "your carriage is waiting—are you ready to -undertake the expedition under my escort?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma assented; and, after thanking the mother, and kissing the child—a -process which Sir William pretended likewise to imitate, she was conducted -to the door, and assisted into the neat, little chay-cart by him—and, under -his protection, commenced the journey.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What a charming little scene," cried he, slackening the reins to allow the -horse to walk up a long hill; "I wish you would write a pastoral poem -descriptive of the little cottage and its inhabitants, Miss Watson."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And make you the hero of it, of course," replied Emma, "I wish I could, -the subject would be decidedly novel and amusing."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! by all means, make me the hero; introduce me in any way you like, you -could not do wrong."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should particularly celebrate your great and glorious appetite, and the -heroic way in which you attacked the bread and butter," said she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Watson, you are growing satirical, I will not trust you; I know you -will say something cruel of me, I see it in your eyes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your dexterity in harnessing a horse, that shall likewise be -commemorated—we will say nothing about your buckling the traces all wrong, -or the assistance Mrs. Browning was compelled to give you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you a witch, Miss Watson?" cried he. "How came you to know of my -little blunders; upon my word, I begin to suspect you of something -strange."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Likewise your extreme partiality for little babies, and your amiable -caresses bestowed on them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, the baby was not exactly the thing I should have chosen to kiss," -replied he, slyly, "but mothers and nurses <i>seem</i> to prefer it to -having such fees paid to themselves; but, if you think I was wrong, we will -go another day and I will make a more judicious selection."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Far from it; I think you displayed peculiar judgment and taste—I am -serious in commending it. On the whole, I think you have behaved nobly this -morning, and posterity should learn your merits through my song, if it were -only in my power to write verses."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nay, now, I trust you are not going to have the cruelty to retract; -remember, whilst I celebrate the adventure with my pencil, I shall trust to -you to do so with your pen," cried he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She only smiled and shook her head in reply, then, after a moment's pause, -she suggested that it might, perhaps, be in his power to quicken the pace -of the horse.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He assured her he was in no hurry; and he feared it would jolt her -inconveniently, if they drove very fast. She was obliged to submit, as she -saw he was determined to have his own way—but she thought the drive rather -tedious, and was quite relieved when they reached the porch.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Holla, what have you got there?" cried a voice, which she had no -difficulty in recognising. "Why, Gordon, when did you set up that handsome -equipage?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will tell you, presently, Osborne—but I must first assist Miss Watson -out," replied Sir William, gravely.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Watson! why, in the name of all that's wonderful, what frolic is -this? If you wanted to take a drive with Miss Watson, why did you not take -her in your curricle, Gordon?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Because, my good fellow," replied the baronet; "the curricle being -uncovered, would have exposed us to the rain; you had better trust to me, -Miss Watson, and let me lift you out—the step is very awkward for a -lady—gently, now, there, you are safe," as he set her down within the -porch, "I hope you are none the worse for your expedition. Do you not see, -Osborne, this, our coach, is weather proof—and, therefore, convenient in -such a rainy day."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But where have you been!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only driving in the park—surely your lordship cannot object to so innocent -a recreation."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why did you not ask for one of the carriages" said he reproachfully -turning to Emma, who was trying not to laugh at his wondering look. "Then I -could have accompanied you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We are exceedingly obliged to you," replied Emma, "but—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But," interrupted Sir William, "we were quite content with each other's -society—and, as to our equipage, I defy you to produce one from your -coach-house, at all to be compared to this elegant vehicle. Miss Watson, -were you ever in one you liked better?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Never in one, for the loan of which I felt more obliged, I admit," replied -she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There, I knew it; only add you never had a better charioteer, and then I -shall be satisfied. I want a little commendation myself," added Sir -William.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think you do—you seem so uncommonly well satisfied with your own -exploits," returned Emma, laughing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do come and have something to eat," interposed Lord Osborne, "I've done -mine, but my sister and Miss Carr are in the breakfast-room."</p> - -<p class='c006'>And he laid his hand on Emma's as he spoke, and led her away.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William, after sending for his groom to take home the cart, ran after -his companions and joined them at the door of the breakfast-room. Both the -young ladies raised their eyes in astonishment and visible curiosity, at -their entrance together.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Been out walking, Miss Watson," cried Miss Carr, "there must be something -superlatively delightful in such a morning as this—are you partial to -rain?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not at all," replied Emma, "but it did not rain when I left the castle, -and I did not think it would."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Did you walk far?—and are you not wet?" enquired Miss Osborne, rather -coldly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma assured her she was perfectly dry.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Where do you think we breakfasted, Miss Osborne?" commenced Sir William, -"for I beg to inform you, we, early risers, have had a walk, a breakfast -and a drive, this morning, before your finished you first meal."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really, I cannot pretend to guess where so eccentric a person as Sir -William Gordon takes his breakfast, or what his amusements are."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, do tell us," cried Miss Carr, "so you and Miss Watson have been -visiting together, have you; in some gipsy-camp or where?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed, you must guess again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not I," replied Miss Carr, pushing back her chair from the breakfast -table, "I have no talents for divination. Rosa, I am going to your room to -try your harp—will you come when you are at leisure?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne assented.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma, who had not sat down, declined all breakfast, and proposed to go to -her own room to remove her walking dress—enquiring of Miss Osborne where -she should find her afterwards.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will shew you your way," cried that young lady—then leading her into the -hall, "that flight of stairs leads to the gallery where your bed-room is. I -will wait for you here, before this fire."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma walked slowly up-stairs, and turning her head, she saw Sir William -join Miss Osborne and address her. His reception was any thing but -gracious—the young lady seemed bitterly offended about something, drew up -her head—pouted her under lip, and gave unmistakeable signs of being out of -temper with him. Emma did not wait to see whether he succeeded in -propitiating her anger, which she suspected arose from the supposition that -they had been walking together; and, to allay which, she determined to give -an accurate account of their adventure. On descending again to the hall, -she found only her friend, the gentleman having disappeared, and with her -she proceeded to the sitting room where Miss Osborne usually spent her -mornings.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Here the three girls were sufficiently merry and talkative, but Emma could -not find an opportunity of introducing the subject of her morning walk, -which she could not help fancying was scrupulously avoided by her young -hostess—a circumstance which rather annoyed her, as she particularly -desired to explain the reason of her return with Sir William.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch03' class='c004'>CHAPTER III.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The whole day was too wet to allow anything like exercise out of doors, and -Miss Carr complained bitterly of the stupidity and dullness of a wet -morning after a ball; indeed she found it so great an evil that she threw -herself on a sofa and fell into a doze, from which she was roused by the -entrance of Lord Osborne. At sight of him she started up, and tried to be -animated and agreeable, but it was evidently thrown away upon him, as he -seated himself by Emma, who was engaged in embroidering for his sister, and -began to admire her work.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's manners were too quiet and reserved to give Miss Carr any ground for -supposing she was a voluntary rival, but his were so unusually animated as -to make his admiration of her indubitable, and Miss Carr's jealousy -extreme. Emma's thoughts were wandering—two wonders continually occupied -her mind, one on the subject of Margaret and Tom Musgrove—the other more -nearly connected with her own feelings and sentiments. She was roused by -Miss Osborne's enquiring of her brother if he had seen any of their friends -at the Parsonage that day. His answer was in the affirmative; he had been -walking with Howard and had a long chat with him about something of -importance, and Howard was thinking of going away for a few weeks, if he -could get any one to take his duty; he thought his sister wanted change of -air, and it was a long time since he had enjoyed a holiday.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Going away!" exclaimed Miss Osborne, with a look of utter amazement; "this -does take me entirely by surprise. What in the world can influence him to -such a freak as that! going away, and at such a time!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not see why he should not go if he likes travelling in the cold," -observed Lord Osborne coolly; "he has a right to a holiday if he chooses."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And he has worked particularly hard of late," added Miss Carr maliciously; -"he has had double duty to perform."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He is always very attentive to the parish," said Miss Osborne.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, both to old and young—the charitable visits that he pays to some old -ladies are most exemplary," continued Miss Carr in a sarcastic tone. "No -doubt he will be rewarded for his exertions, but I fear he will be much -missed in his absence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne frowned and bit her lip; Emma continued to devote an -apparently steady attention to her work, and would not speak. Lord Osborne -added,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I gave him leave to go, as far as I was concerned, but I do not know -whether her ladyship will like it. However, I think it rather hard if the -poor man cannot have a holiday now and then; he's a very good sort of -fellow, that Howard, though he was my tutor, I have a great regard for him; -don't you think so too, Miss Watson."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is very natural that you should," replied Emma as steadily as she -could, but not very well understanding what his lordship meant.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I asked him to dine here to-day," continued he; "he said he should like to -see you, Rosa, before he went, or something of that sort, but he did not -seem certain about dining here, or when he should come up. I almost fancy -he is not well, he is so different from usual."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Something must be the matter with him indeed, if you notice a change, -Osborne!" exclaimed his sister; "for I do not think you in general very -quick at observing faces or expressions. I must certainly see him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I fancy he played his cards ill last night," said Miss Carr; "he made some -blunder between hearts and diamonds I believe—I am certain he mistook one -suit for another."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You know very little of Mr. Howard, Fanny," replied her friend; "pray -don't pretend to judge him, it's absurd."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Of course it is," carelessly answered she; "it's not to be expected I -should know anything of a man so completely out of my sphere. I dare say he -is a mighty good sort of man, but he rather tires me when he talks."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Where is Sir William Gordon?" enquired Miss Carr after a pause. "I wish he -would come here, he amuses me with his nonsense."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"In the library painting. By the bye, Miss Watson, that's one thing I meant -to speak about," continued his lordship with eager animation. "Do you know -he has got the most capital likeness of you I ever saw; how came you to sit -to him?—and he vows he will not give it to me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not sit to him," replied Emma, eager to clear up the mystery of her -walk; "he made it without my knowing it, this morning. We happened to meet -just as it began to rain, and both took shelter in the keeper's cottage, -when he amused himself drawing, whilst I was playing with the baby."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh," said Lord Osborne; "I wish you would tell him to give it to me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot interfere with it, my lord," said she smiling. "I begged for the -sketch myself and was refused."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I vow I must see it," cried Miss Carr: "do come, Rosa, and keep me in -countenance in intruding on his studio."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne declined, but suggested that her brother would do as well, if -she wished for a companion, or fancied a guard was necessary.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do come!" cried the sprightly Fanny. "Be my guide and protector."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Quite unnecessary, Miss Carr—Sir William neither bites nor stings," -replied she coolly and without attempting to move.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are a—what name shall I call you bad enough! Rosa, I vow I will go and -have a <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with Sir William—a nice little -quiet flirtation, if you will not come with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well, it will serve to keep you awake—pray do," replied she -apparently quite unmoved.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Carr departed, and a moment after Miss Osborne rose and walking to the -window stood there in deep contemplation for some time. The other two were -perfectly silent in the interval—at length returning to her companions, she -took her brother's arm, and saying she wanted some conversation with him, -she led him out to the conservatory to which a door opened from the room, -and they disappeared from Emma. Left alone she sank into a profound -reverie, and was engaged in trying, but not very successfully, to bring her -own thoughts into order and discipline, when a gentle knock was heard at -the door, and on her inviting the visitor to enter, Mr. Howard presented -himself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Both lady and gentleman were excessively embarrassed at this unexpected -encounter.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I expected to find Miss Osborne here," said he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She has just left the room," replied she, sitting down again, and then not -another word was spoken by either for some minutes. He was trying to be -cold, she to be easy and natural; apparently she had the greatest success -in her efforts, for after some deliberation, she said in as calm a voice as -she could command:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hear you are thinking of leaving home, Mr. Howard, I hope I shall see -Mrs. Willis again before you do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I suppose Lord Osborne told you?" replied he with a tone and emphasis -which she could not quite comprehend.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I certainly heard it from him," answered she, rather annoyed at his -abruptness, and puzzled what to say next.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Another pause of some duration followed, and then he broke it, by an -enquiry if she had enjoyed the ball last night. She answered rather -eagerly, not nearly so much as the first one she had attended.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am surprised," replied he in a cold voice, "I fancied the friendly -kindness of Miss Osborne, and the attentions of her brother would have -secured you a pleasant evening."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope I am not ungrateful for Miss Osborne's goodness, but she could not -with her best endeavours secure happiness even for a single evening; and as -to the attentions of her brother, to tell you the truth, such as they are -they are not particularly conducive to pleasure. There was far more -exaltation than excitement in being honored as his partner."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We are, perhaps, all inclined to undervalue what is in our power," replied -he very gravely.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon, but I do not see what that has to do with the present -case," said Emma, "it is not in my power to think Lord Osborne an -entertaining partner, or a good dancer, and though I mean no reflection on -him, I should not be sorry to think it was the last time we shall ever -stand up together."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Possibly it may be," said he with a peculiar smile.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She could not make him out at all, and resolved not to speak again, since -he seemed determined to quarrel with her. Again he broke the silence by an -observation:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I suppose now you have seen more of Osborne Castle, Miss Emma Watson, you -have become better reconciled to it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I like it very much," said Emma, finding she was expected to say -something, and not quite certain what would be best.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I remember not long ago that you expressed very different sentiments," -continued he, "but circumstances are altered now, no doubt, and it is -astonishing how soon the mind becomes accustomed to such a change. We feel -inclined to doubt that we ever thought otherwise from what we do now."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps that is the reason," said Emma, "why I am unconscious of any -change in my thoughts and feelings regarding the Castle and its inmates, -except the natural feelings of being more at home here than before."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That will probably encrease," said he significantly, "you will be much -here in future."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think that," said Emma, "I have no claim on Miss Osborne which -can lead me to expect such an honor."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Those who have rank and wealth in their hands have a heavy -responsibility," exclaimed he in a sort of reverie.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She made no reply, but continued her embroidery with exemplary -perseverance, secretly entertaining a hope that some one would soon come -in, to relieve her from the embarrassment of a very uncomfortable -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span>. Presently looking up, when about to change the silk in -her needle, she met his eyes fixed on her with a look which seemed at once -to contradict the coldness of his tones and the gravity of his expressions. -It called a deep blush into her cheeks, to see the earnest yet sad interest -with which he regarded her; and she eagerly busied herself with her work in -order to conceal her own emotion. She wished to speak, but could think of -nothing to say sufficiently unconnected with her present feelings to make -it safe to discuss. He was the first to break the silence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You do not agree with me, Miss Watson, I perceive; has your further -intimacy in the Castle taught you that a pre-eminent situation is one of -pleasure as well as honor; have you become convinced that happiness can be -purchased and secured more easily in an exalted circle, or that distinction -and luxury are good substitutes for liberty and ease."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If I had thought my simple silence would have laid me open to such an -imputation, Mr. Howard," replied Emma, "I should certainly have assented to -your proposition."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Forgive me for attributing the idea to you," said he in a more animated -tone "honored as I have been with so much intercourse with you, it would be -impossible for me to avoid feeling interested in your sentiments, and -desirous for your happiness."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am much obliged for your kind expressions, but I trust that a visit of a -few days in this family, need not give rise to any very alarming -apprehensions amongst my friends, for my peace of mind and general content. -These would be hardly worth caring for, if they were so easily thrown into -disorder."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Eyes unaccustomed to face the light, are easily dazzled," replied he -significantly, "and for long afterwards can see nothing in its true -colours."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She reflected for a few moments, and then looking up said, with some -warmth:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Am I to infer from what you say, that you think my acquaintance with Miss -Osborne or even her brother likely to make me dissatisfied or unhappy; to -induce me to disregard former friends, or despise those who have before -been kind to me? Tell me plainly what you mean, Mr. Howard; it would be -much easier and safer to be at once explicit, if you really wish to act the -part of a friend."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She fixed her eyes on him as she spoke, her bashfulness overcome or -forgotten in her eager anxiety for an answer—an explanation. His -countenance, in his turn, betrayed extreme embarrassment, and he evidently -hesitated what to say. She continued after a short pause, finding he gave -no reply:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot help being afraid from your words, that you have some such charge -to lay against me. Tell me, did Mrs. Willis think I neglected her last -night; that I was too much engrossed with Miss Osborne. I should be -extremely grieved were this the case, for nothing could be further from my -wishes; if she felt hurt at anything, I fear I must have been wrong, and -would willingly do anything in my power to explain the circumstance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard's countenance betrayed that he was feeling much; but of what -nature Emma could not exactly decide. He answered evidently with an effort,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you, you quite misunderstood me; I never intended to give you the -impression that Clara was jealous of Miss Osborne. Your mutual friendship -need not exclude you from intimacy with others—friendship is not like -love—it should not—it certainly need not be encumbered by jealousy. But, -Miss Watson, there is a feeling, a sentiment—a species of friendship, which -will not bear a rival; an affection which is covetous of the smiles -bestowed on others; which can only be satisfied by an entire return—" he -paused a moment, and then added, "I beg your pardon, I have said too much, -and I cannot expect you to understand me. We are going in a few days to -some distance, and, perhaps, I may not see you again—I wish you every -happiness—may you never have reason to do otherwise than rejoice in the -friendships you contract," he stopped very abruptly, and after a momentary -hesitation hastily quitted the room.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was left alone to try and comprehend, as well as she could, the -meaning and object of his very desultory conversation. There began to dawn -upon her mind a new idea: he was jealous of Lord Osborne. It was -undoubtedly the fact; but her own feelings were in such a state of -confusion that she hardly comprehended whether it gave her more pain than -pleasure to think this.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was a very great pleasure to feel that he really cared for her. Jealousy -by its existence proved love, and after her doubts as to his feelings and -wishes this unexpected manifestation of his mind was at first very welcome. -Certainly his going away was unfortunate and, in her opinion, ill-judged—it -was resigning without a struggle—it was leaving the field open to his -rival—it was, for anything he knew to the contrary, losing all chance of -success, absolutely throwing away the opportunity. Did this look like a -very ardent or determined affection—she feared not—to run away without -necessity seemed rather to indicate a wish to give up the contest—perhaps -he loved her against his will, his judgment, his sense of duty; but no—then -he would not have waited for the appearance of a rival to teach him the -necessity of avoiding her presence. Perhaps he only wished to give her time -to know her own wishes—and form her own judgment of Lord Osborne, to allow -him an open and undisputed field; and when he found his fears were -visionary and groundless he would return. This she hoped to be the case.</p> - -<p class='c006'>As to his lordship, she never entertained a serious idea about him till -this moment; and now, but for Mr. Howard's superior knowledge of his -disposition, she should certainly have supposed that there was no risk of -his making any one jealous by his attentions.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She could not suppose the idea of allying himself with a family plain and -undistinguished like hers could possibly have entered his head; nor could -she easily imagine any one who in person, habits, and taste would be less -tempting to her. There was no credit due to her for not liking him—the -absence of all ambition to become a baroness seemed so perfectly natural -when the rank must be shared with such an individual. Superiority of -station could not weigh a moment in her estimation, against superiority of -intellect; her ambition did not prompt her to wish for distinction and -honor only possessed because they were hereditary—but for the distinction -of talent—the honor of virtue and worth: this was what had charms for her -above all the gold, the splendour, the rank which the baron could offer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Yet seriously she never expected to have the opportunity of proving her -entire disinterestedness; the choice would never lie in her power; Lord -Osborne could not seriously contemplate such a mesalliance, nor could his -mother and sister possibly countenance it if he did. The idea carried -absurdity and contradiction with itself: he certainly looked at her a good -deal; but she could not build a substantial edifice of hope on so narrow a -foundation in reality. He probably had looked at twenty girls before in the -same way; and as to any other attentions, they were not so marked as to -have raised any speculations in her own mind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was true Elizabeth had laughingly accused her of captivating him—but -Elizabeth was only in joke—she could not have really imagined it possible. -This idea raised a new dilemma in her mind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Suppose Mr. Howard should have retired only to make way for the passive -admiration of Lord Osborne; suppose he was waiting till his lordship left -off looking at her; and suppose he never should do that—that his devotion -should never proceed beyond a look—no expression escape him—but the -expression which his eyes might chance to convey, what should she do, to -show her indifference to his looks, and the absence of all speculation on -their meaning which she really felt. She could not tell how to repulse him -into a state of inoffensive acquiescence, or how to convince Mr. Howard, -under such circumstances, that there was nothing to fear from his rivalry. -Besides she was not to see him again for a long time. How very unkind of -him to go away and leave her merely because Lord Osborne had such a fancy -for looking at her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard had paid her more attention, had shown more interest in her, had -made a much deeper impression on her feelings than any one she had ever -known, and now he was voluntarily leaving her. It was -unkind—unjust—ungenerous—it was all sorts of bad things; she began to look -on it in a new light—to get almost angry with him, to think him -unreasonable—capricious—not worth caring about—for five minutes, at least, -she was quite indignant, and resolute not to interest herself any more -about him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>How long this new state of feeling might have lasted, if left to itself, it -was impossible to say, she was interrupted by the entrance of Lord Osborne, -who hurried into the room with an entreaty that she would return with him -to the library.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma rather demurred to this request; at that moment, she felt little -inclined to go any where, especially in compliance with Lord Osborne's -wishes. But on her begging to know what he wanted, he reiterated his -entreaty with more urgency, and no explanation. She, therefore, decidedly -declined, he then expressed great mortification and regret, ending with an -assurance that Sir William Gordon wanted her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She continued to refuse, quickly observing that she was sorry to disappoint -Sir William Gordon by disobeying his summons, but she did not feel equal to -such an exertion—and, therefore, if the interview was inevitable, he had -better come to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne declared he would go and tell him so. She had no idea that he -was seriously intending so to do; but as soon as he had left the room she -began to put away her work that she might escape into solitude. This and -the necessary arrangements took her up some time—she found he had entangled -her silk whilst sitting by her side; and before she had put every thing in -proper order, she found her solitude again invaded by Lord Osborne, who -returned together with Sir William and Miss Carr, when all three united in -entreating her to come at once to the library.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma still persisted in begging for an explanation of their request; and as -soon as any of the party would attend to her sufficiently to give her an -answer, she learnt that the object they had in view was, that she should -sit to Sir William, in order to give him the opportunity of correctly -finishing the sketch he had hastily made in the morning. Emma declined; the -original sketch, she declared, had been surreptitiously taken, and must now -be finished in the best way it could without any intervention on her part.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How cruel—how unkind!" exclaimed Miss Carr; "my dear Miss Watson, you will -break Sir William's heart. I assure you he is bent on carrying away a -faithful remembrance of you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, no, Gordon is to give it to me," interposed Lord Osborne, "I told him -so, and I shall certainly expect it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall do no such thing, I assure you", returned Sir William, "if I part -with it at all, I shall give it to Mrs. Willis, my particular friend and -favorite, Mrs. Willis, to hang in the parlour at the parsonage."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Finish it as you please—and hang it where you please, but excuse my -undergoing the penance of a sitting for any such object," replied Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I had not the presumption to ask it," said Sir William, "and only -accompanied my good friends here, lest they should take liberties in my -name which I could not sanction. The utmost I request is, that you should -come and look at my picture."</p> - -<p class='c006'>To get rid of their importunity, she consented to go with them; and in the -library she found Miss Osborne, who had not joined the embassy, and did not -look in a particularly happy mood. Emma saw at once that all was not right -there, and regarded her friend's disturbed countenance with some anxiety. -Miss Carr amused herself with finding all manner of fault in the painting, -which Sir William persisted in denying, declaring the defects she saw arose -only from the unfinished state of the work. Emma did not attend to them, -but turned to Miss Osborne, and began to explain to her, how, when, and -where, the sketch was made.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne listened in silence for some time, but looked relieved, and -then begged her to oblige Sir William by consenting. She was much -surprised, but the grave and earnest way in which the request was made, -induced her, after a momentary hesitation to comply.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne engaged for her, that she should not be detained more than an -hour, a stipulation which was the pleasantest part of the arrangement, as -both Lord Osborne and Miss Carr stationed themselves behind Sir William, -one chattering about every stroke he drew, and commenting on her figure as -if she had been an inanimate object—the other staring in his unmerciful way -at her face, delighted to be furnished with so excellent an opportunity, -and so good an excuse.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Be sure and make her complexion dark enough, Sir William," cried Miss -Carr, "Miss Watson is so very dark—quite a brunette; I think you have made -the hand a little too small, it strikes me she has not quite such slender -hands—and the hair—surely, you have indulged in a little imagination -there—that luxuriant braid—our eyes must see differently if you think that -natural and like her own."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have no doubt in the world that our eyes do see very differently, Miss -Carr," replied Sir William, "I have always observed it to be the case where -feminine beauty is concerned."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There is not a bit too much hair," interposed Lord Osborne, "but she does -not wear it in that tumble-down fashion—she is always particularly neat and -tidy about the head. I like to see a small head and pretty ear—why don't -you show her ear; it's a mark of blood to see a small ear—all ladies should -have small ears."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So they should all have pretty hands," replied Fanny Carr, "but, my dear -Lord, they cannot always get them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>As she spoke, she laid her own fairy-like fingers on his coat sleeve.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne moved his arm and allowed the little hand to drop unregarded. -The fair Fanny thought him a great brute for the same.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My good people," cried Sir William, "my very dear friends, I really must -trouble you to move a little farther off. I think I shall send you out of -the room, Miss Carr, be so good as to take Lord Osborne into the -conservatory and select a bouquet for my refreshment. I cannot stand all -your critical remarks at my back."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Come, my lord," cried the young lady, "come, do as you are bid."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not I," said he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall not make you a copy if you do not," interposed Sir William, "nor -ever let you see the original again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well," said his lordship, moving reluctantly away, "I'll go on those -conditions."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The couple left the room; Miss Osborne remained in silence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have no objection to Miss Osborne remaining," continued he in a saucy -tone, "if she is determined to patronise a poor artist with her presence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am waiting for Miss Watson's sake, -Sir William," returned the lady addressed, "I cannot for a moment imagine -that my presence can make any difference to you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma thought her friend looked remarkably unamiable as she spoke, and -wondered what was the matter.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Have you seen Mr. Howard," enquired Rosa in a low voice.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William looked up quickly, in time to catch the deep blush with which -Emma's cheek was tinged, as she answered in the affirmative.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How did you think him—my brother said he seemed unwell—what did he appear -to you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very odd," replied Emma, scarcely knowing, however, what she said.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne mused again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Something must be the matter," said she at length rather earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma could only answer that she did not know, and wished to drop the -subject. She turned to Sir William,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope you are not going to try my patience much longer. I only promised -for half an hour you know."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very true, but half an hour of that kind is of an elastic sort, extending -from one hour to three at least, as I am sure you must have experienced -when obliged to wait for a friend."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Possibly," said Emma, "but ask yourself in that case what you would -do—vote it a great bore, and run away."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"An impatient, frail mortal like myself might do so, but you are too near -perfection to exhibit any such weak unkindness."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your flattery shall not bribe me to remain. Miss Osborne, may I not go? it -was at your request I stayed—pray release me from the spell."</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c007'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'>"Sabrina, fair,</div> - <div class='line in5'>Listen where thou art sitting—"</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>murmured Sir William in an under tone, without looking up.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We will go together," said Miss Osborne.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Fair ladies, will you not first condescend to cast an eye on the -production of my humble pencil. Have you no curiosity, Miss Watson—no -sympathy, Miss Osborne? do give me your opinion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My opinion would, you know, be totally useless," said Emma, turning round -from the door which she had just reached; she stopped in her speech from -catching a glance of Sir William's directed towards Miss Osborne, which -seemed to say her own was not exactly the opinion he most desired. She left -the room without another word, and her exit was followed by a silence of -some moments' space between the two who remained.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William broke it first.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you absolutely determined against exhibiting any interest in my -proceedings—against giving me any encouragement in my efforts?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne colored deeply, then walking up to the easel said, as she -affected to be examining the drawing,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Sir William, you have no doubt an accurate eye for likenesses, but I doubt -from the expression you give, whether you possess equal penetration with -regard to characters."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Give me an instance of my failure," cried he, delighted to have induced -her to speak at all, "explain your critique, Miss Osborne."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," replied she, "I leave the application of the moral to you—you expect -to produce a great effect, but the opposition jars on the senses, and -produces harshness, not softness, in consequence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He fixed his eyes on her with a look of deep penetration, as if trying to -read her thoughts in her countenance. She continued calmly to contemplate -the painting, as if quite engrossed by that object.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you referring entirely to this picture," enquired he, "or to some -other design of mine?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She colored still more deeply, and answered that he best knew if her -censure was applicable or not.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I own I suspect you of speaking metaphorically, Miss Osborne."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was silent.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But I think you wrong me," he continued, "do you suppose I should dare -flatter myself that you would take any interest in my proceedings, that you -would condescend to feel any concern about where I went, with whom I -associated—what I was doing. Should you not condemn it as unpardonable -impertinence if I presumed thus far."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very likely I might, Sir William, but I have an idea that it would not be -the first time you had been guilty of impertinence, or expected forgiveness -when you were unpardonable."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He smiled.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will be very candid, Miss Osborne," said he, "and if I sin in doing so, -remember your own accusations are alone to blame for it. I own your caprice -and the variations in your conduct towards me, have for a moment made me -seek the comfort of contrast in Emma Watson—but it was your own fault—you -knew I loved you, and you wished to torment me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Sir William, this appears to me a most extraordinary style of address—you -have never, to my knowledge, uttered a word indicative of the love you now -allude to as a well known feeling. However, let that pass—the love you say -has done the same—why then mention it now?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The love has not, and cannot pass, Rosa—it is of too old and stubborn a -nature, has been nursed with too much care in its infancy to be easily -extinguished now. You have been unkind and variable as the wind—you have -refused to speak to me—sometimes to look at me—you have said the most -bitter things you could devise—you have been unjust in every possible -way—now be candid and kind for once. Tell me how you really regard me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As the most extraordinary of mortals, Sir William. Your manner of address -may possibly have the charm of novelty—I have little experience in that -way, and cannot therefore tell; but I should suppose -there were few men who preface a declaration of affection with violent -abuse."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He saw that her gaiety was affected—that she really trembled, and had some -trouble in commanding her countenance: he proceeded.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What else remains to me; the devotion, the silent adoration of a -twelvemonth have been of no avail—you have persisted in slighting me—now I -will speak out; I love you, Rosa—you know it—give me an answer at -once—reject or accept—but trifle with me no more—or I will never see your -face again!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She tried to speak, but quite overcome, she burst into tears, and seemed on -the point of quitting the room, but he resolutely detained her. His arm was -round her waist, his hand clasping hers, and as he whispered in her -ear—"Rosa, you <i>do</i> love me"—she did not deny it.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch04' class='c004'>CHAPTER IV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Had Emma Watson known precisely what had passed between Mr. Howard and Lord -Osborne, on the morning preceding her last interview with the former, a -great deal of suspense, anxiety and doubt would have been spared to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The young lord, in fact, had fallen deeply in love with her, and had chosen -to confide his affection to his former tutor in these terms.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I say, Howard; what a remarkably nice girl Emma Watson is—and so pretty."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Undoubtedly, my lord," was the reply, given rather reluctantly, and with -evident embarrassment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I don't know that I ever liked any girl half so well," continued the young -lover; "don't you think she would make a famous wife?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Another reluctant assent was Mr. Howard's reply.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you know I mean to marry her?" this was a great effort; and having made -this declaration, he drew a long breath.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You mean, my lord, to propose to her? or have you done so already?" -enquired Howard, in as steady a voice as he could command.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh not yet; that's the worst part of it—confound it, I wish I could get -out of that. I say, Howard, you could not do it for me, could you? would -not that do as well?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I fear not," replied he, gravely; "I am afraid I could not trust myself; I -might make some blunder which would ruin the suit, and the blame of -miscarriage would fall on me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I suppose I must do my best some day—she's so monstrous -good-natured, that I am not so much afraid of her as of many women; but I -would bet you a hundred to one, I shall make some unpardonable blunder."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But, my dear lord, have you considered what the consequences will be if you take this step."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The consequences, yes—that I shall have to marry her, of course."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And do you imagine such a marriage will be at all agreeable to your mother -and sister? Will not Lady Osborne be shocked at your forming such an -alliance?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps she may—I dare say she will—but then you see, Howard, that does -not signify in the least, because, whenever I marry, she will leave the -Castle and go to the old Dower House, so her not liking my wife will not -signify in the smallest degree."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You treat the idea of displeasing her very lightly, my lord."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, but what would you have me do? I don't marry to please her only; and -it cannot matter to her what my wife was before; for when she is my wife, -she will be Lady Osborne, had she been even a cook-maid before. It's much -more consequence to me to have a woman I like, than one whose pedigree is -as long as my arm, if she is disagreeable. As to Rosa, she likes Emma, and -I dare say she would not mind it at all; but at all events, she can marry -somebody, and be happy her own way, if she will only let me be happy mine."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The animation of Lord Osborne's love had quite made him eloquent, and -Howard listened to him with surprise. He saw he was bent on the step -proposed; one doubt, however, remained—would he be accepted? He suggested -this to his lordship.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why now that's just a question I cannot answer myself," replied he; "if I -only knew that I should have no anxiety at all. But I think she is so very -good-natured she will very likely accept me. Don't you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As to her good-nature, my lord, I can answer without hesitation, but as to -her accepting you, that must depend on other things—on her opinion of -yourself perhaps in some degree. If she loves you, I dare say she will not -refuse you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only think, Howard," cried he with enthusiasm, "how pleasant it would be -to be loved by her—to have her for one's wife—to say, 'Emma come and ride -with me'—'Emma I want you to walk,' and she doing it immediately; always at -hand to chat when one wanted, and never cross or tired, or playing whist -all the evening."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard smiled faintly at his companion's idea of domestic felicity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She shall have such a beautiful house," he continued; "and she shall go to -court if -she likes—all women like that—how well she will look in my mother's -diamonds—she must let her have them, I declare. I wish I had made the offer -and it was all settled now—don't you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard could not conscientiously say that he did.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That's the worst part of it, and you say you will not help me. Do you -think it would do to send Tom Musgrove to make the proposals? Perhaps she -might not dislike that—Tom has a very winning way with the girls."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think it would do at all," replied Mr. Howard. "Independent of -her possibly considering such a reference to a third person disagreeable, I -know, that is I think, that she has a particular dislike to Mr. Musgrove, -which would make but an unfavorable commencement for your suit."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed!—that's unlucky; I am sure I do not know what to do then, there -seems no alternative but addressing her myself, and that certainly needs a -great deal of courage; I had much rather leap that ditch on Clapham -Common—would not you—it's desperate work. Suppose she should refuse me! a -pretty confounded scrape I should be in then—what should I do Howard, -then?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Learn to bear it like a man, my dear lord!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That's easy talking. I say, don't you think a man must feel preciously -uncomfortable and foolish when a girl has refused him? If I were to write, -it would not be so bad quite."</p> - -<p class='c006'>His companion gave a quiet assent to this proposition.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What should I say? that's the thing; I never know what words to use: I -say, I am in a complete dilemma, and must take some time to think about it -and make up my mind. I want you to promise to be my friend, and faithfully -keep my counsel."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He gave the required promise, and then ventured to ask if his lordship had -in his own opinion any ground, from Miss Watson's conduct and manners, to -expect a favorable result to his proposals. Lord Osborne flattered himself -that he had; she was always very kind and cordial, smiled most sweetly, and -gave him all the encouragement he could expect.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Though you know after all, Howard," he added in conclusion, "she may still -refuse me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard did know this, and this knowledge was in fact his chief comfort -under the infliction of such a discussion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>If he had previously entertained any doubt as to the state of his own -feelings, this conversation must have enlightened him. Once or twice on -previous occasions he had been seized with a temporary jealousy of Lord -Osborne's place in her estimation, but from this moment the fit came -strongly on him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He was one of those individuals who never feel any confidence in their own -merit, who estimate every one in some respect above themselves, and are -continually mistrusting the influence which they really possess over their -friends. Had he been properly aware of his own worth, his knowledge of Emma -Watson's character would effectually have preserved her from the imputation -he now mentally cast on her, of preferring the young lord to himself. Had -phrenology then been in fashion, it is possible that the origin of this -weakness would have been discovered in the absence of the bump of -self-esteem; but this not being the case, and in consequence, his head -never having been phrenologically examined, I cannot answer for more than -the entire absence of the quality, and Mr. Howard cannot be brought forward -in evidence of any phrenological theory whatever.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He felt now that he must withdraw his -attentions and give up his dearest plans, to allow a fair field to Lord -Osborne's attempts—though, in doing so, he might lose her entirely. He had, -for a moment, entertained the idea of explaining his wishes to his rival -and asserting an equal right to compete for her hand. But he could not -bring himself to confess his own attachment to a young man like his pupil; -he could not depend on the secret being preserved, and he shrunk from -profaning his love by making it the possible joke of Tom Musgrove and his -associates. No, he would withdraw from the competition—he would not be the -means of depriving her of wealth and rank—if she valued them—and if not—if, -as was possible, his lordship should be refused, then, with hope and joy, -he would return to try his fate in the same adventure.</p> - -<p class='c006'>For this end it was, in part, that he determined to obtain a holiday; he -had long begun to feel that he ought to go for another reason, but Emma -Watson's attractions had kept him stationary. The other reason arose from -the sentiments which the dowager Lady Osborne began to make very apparent -to him. His modesty had long resisted the idea and denied the fact, when, -as often happened, he was charged by young men of his acquaintance with -designs upon the well-jointured widow.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But even his modest estimation of himself was forced to yield before the -conviction which her looks, her manners, and her language conveyed to his -mind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Most unwelcome this conviction certainly was, as it could end, he thought, -in nothing but a positive rupture between his family and the Osbornes; and -unless he had the power of obtaining another home, it would certainly -render them exceedingly uncomfortable. He knew the dowager to be of a -vindictive disposition when she considered herself injured or insulted, and -both to his own family and that of his beloved Emma, he foresaw nothing but -evil from the prospect before then. If Emma should accept the son, the rage -of his mother would certainly be intense, and if she refused him and -accepted Mr. Howard instead, there was but little probability she would be -better pleased. All hopes of further advancement from the family patronage -would be at an end, and he was not sure that upon the small income his -present living afforded him, it would be prudent to marry, as his sister -and her little boy were quite dependent on himself. There were Charles' -maintenance at a public school, and his subsequent expenses at the -university to be looked forward to and provided for; he had engaged to do -this, voluntarily engaged himself, and now that he came seriously to -reflect on his position and ties, on the expenses of a married man, and the -probabilities of any better future provision, he began to wonder what -infatuation had before closed his eyes, and hurried him on against his -better judgment, to an affection which threatened so much of care and -difficulty. Yet it was hard, very hard to give up the charming hopes with -which he had flattered his fancy; he did not feel equal to such a -sacrifice; he did not feel positively called to it. For the present he -would quit her, but he would make no desperate resolves for the future: -when he came nearer that part of his path, he should be better able to tell -in which direction his duty would guide him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When he unexpectedly found himself in Emma's presence, and alone with her, -his contending feelings had almost deprived him of self-control, and he had -been scarcely conscious what he said or did, though on quitting her, he -carried away a decided conviction that he had behaved extremely ill, and no -doubt she was disgusted with him. With this pleasing notion he returned -to his house, and his sister soon saw that there was something the matter, -by the absence of his mind, and the air of depression which hung over him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He told her he wanted to leave home for a time, that he thought it would do -them both good, that he had been talking to Lord Osborne about it, that he -must apply to her ladyship, and that he expected her to refuse. Mrs. Willis -was a good deal puzzled by all this, but could obtain from him no more -satisfactory answer. Playfully she accused him of having been refused by -some lady, which of course he denied; then of having affronted some one by -refusing her, which met with a similar answer. Her invention and -imagination seemed to go no farther, and she was obliged to be quiet and -watchful.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch05' class='c004'>CHAPTER V.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Whilst Lord Osborne was thus hopefully planning, and Mr. Howard -despondingly meditating, a very different termination to Emma's visit was -impending over her. She was roused from a late and heavy slumber, natural -after the sleeplessness of the preceding night, by the receipt of a note -from Winston, sent over by a special messenger. Its contents were as -follows:—</p> - -<p class='c009'>"Dear Emma,</p> -<p class='c010'>"I am sadly grieved -to have to tell you such bad news, but our -father has been taken very ill, he had a -seizure last night, up to which time he -seemed quite well, and has not recovered -his senses since: nor does the doctor lead -us to hope that he will. I need not say -come home, for I am sure that will be your -first wish; I dare say they can send you, -as our man is gone down to the village to -fetch something for my father's use, and I -cannot, therefore, send the pony-chaise.</p> -<p class='c011'>"Yours, etc.,</p> -<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>E. Watson</span>."</p> -<p class='c005'>Starting up in the greatest dismay, Emma instantly sent an imploring -message to Miss Osborne to request an interview with her, and in the -meantime hurried over her dressing and other necessary preparations with -the greatest possible despatch. Miss Osborne did not make her wait long, -showed the most friendly sympathy in her distress, instantly ordered a -carriage to take her home, and insisted on her allowing her own maid to -arrange Emma's things, whilst she attempted to take some breakfast.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To satisfy her Emma made an effort to eat, but could scarcely swallow a -cup of coffee; and as the coachman did not keep her long waiting, in -less than an hour from her receiving Elizabeth's note, she was on her -way home. Wrapped up in fearful anticipations of what would meet her -there, she had been almost unconscious of what was passing before her -eyes; she had an impression that Miss Osborne had been very kind, that -just at last her brother had been there also, that he had squeezed her -hand at parting, with much warmth, and had said something which she did -not understand about wishing to help her; she thought of it for a moment -only, and then her mind again reverted to her father's situation, and -her sister's distress.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The rapidity with which the journey was now performed, was a most important -comfort, very different from the creeping jog-trot of their old horse, and -she felt quite thankful that Elizabeth had spared her such torture as would -have been caused by the delay their own chaise would have occasioned.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before Elizabeth was expecting her she was at home, and the door proving to -be open, and nobody at hand to receive her, she was obliged to have her few -things set down in the passage by the footman, and then dismissed the -carriage, before she was able to see any one who could acquaint her with -her father's state.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Softly she looked into the parlour, the shutters were open, but the room -otherwise bore no symptoms of having been disturbed since last night, the -candles were still on the table, the supper tray unremoved, and the chairs -all in disorder. She then proceeded up-stairs, and was just on the point of -opening the bed-room door, when Elizabeth came out of it. One glance at her -face told her that there was no better news in store for her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Watson was fast sinking—he lay apparently in a deep slumber, and there -seemed no probability of his ever recovering sufficiently to recognise -those around him, or to speak again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth had been watching beside him, alternately, with Penelope through -the night; the village apothecary had said there was now no more to do; all -the remedies his skill could suggest had proved unavailing, and they must -patiently wait the result.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret had gone to bed in hysterics, and required Nanny to sit up with -her, so that it was a great blessing Penelope had been at home, as she had -a head and nerves which were always in good order, and knew as much of -medical treatment as the doctor.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At this moment Penelope joined them; she left the patient unchanged; the -apothecary and the maid were with him, and hearing Emma's voice, she had -come out for a moment to meet her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A sad ending to our Osborne Castle festivities, Emma," said she, as she -shook her hand; "who would have thought it, when we set out? Elizabeth, -don't you think we ought to have better advice? I am certain that man there -does not know in the least what he is about; there must be a better doctor -at some of the towns round here—Bradford, or somewhere—could not we send -for one?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth could not tell; they had never had occasion to send for a -physician; and she did not know where one could be found. Emma enquired if -notice of their father's danger had been despatched to their brothers; it -appeared neither of them had thought of this; but it must be done -immediately.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They were about twenty miles from Croydon; and by sending a letter by the -mail-coach, which passed through Bradford, they knew Robert would hear the -same evening, and might be at Winston easily within twenty-four hours. This -much they settled on, and a note was written, and -despatched by a trusty messenger, who was to catch the coach at the inn at -Bradford, and then try and bring back a physician with him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. —— seemed much relieved when he learnt the project of calling in -farther advice, and thus shifting the weight of responsibility from his own -shoulders. He thought it probable that the patient might linger many hours, -possibly two or three days; and with a promise to return in a few hours, he -now took his leave for the present.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It is needless to attempt to describe all the feelings which oppressed the -sisters as they sat watching the sick-bed—perhaps the death-bed of their -only parent. Hours stole away, bringing no change, and no alleviation of -their fears. Margaret did not join the watch; her sensibility, as she -designated it, bringing on violent hysterics, which made attention and -nursing necessary for her. Emma tried to soothe her, in vain; Penelope was -sarcastic and bitter; Elizabeth declared she had no time to attend to her -vagaries, and that she would be soon as well as any of them, if she was not -meddled with.</p> - -<p class='c006'>About two o'clock they were roused by the sound of carriage wheels at -the door, and Elizabeth stealing into the passage, where a window looked -on the entrance, came back with the information that it was a -post-chariot, from which a gentleman, dressed like a physician, had -alighted, and that there was somebody else in the carriage, but she -could not tell who it was.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In another moment, a card was handed into the room, with the name of Dr. -Denham on it, a name which they knew belonged to a celebrated physician, -residing at many miles distance. Much surprised, the girls hesitated a -moment as to the meaning of this, but, of course, decided that the two -eldest should descend to the parlour to receive him and his explanation -immediately.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After a consultation of about ten minutes, Emma hearing their voices and -steps on the stairs, quitted the room of the invalid that she might not be -in the way, and when they were safely shut in there, she ran down stairs to -refresh herself by a moment's breathing the fresh air.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Great was her surprise on reaching the entrance passage, to see Lord -Osborne standing there, and evidently looking about for somebody. Her light -footstep instantly caught his ear, and he turned to meet her with -eagerness.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ha! Miss Watson," cried he, "I hoped to see you here; how's your father, -hey—not very bad. I hope."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed he is," replied Emma, with tears in her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, I am sorry—upon my honour—I'm grieved to hear that," looking quite -compassionately at her. "Poor old gentleman—what a pity—I dare say he is a -monstrous good fellow—but don't fret—I shall be quite unhappy if I think -you are fretting."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma scarcely attended to what he was saying.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How came you here, Lord Osborne?" exclaimed she. "Had you anything to do -with Dr. Denham?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I'll tell you how it was," replied he, taking hold of her hand, and -drawing her towards the parlour door, "only don't stand here in the cold, -that's so uncomfortable. There now, sit down there, and let me sit down -beside you—and I'll tell you. We know Dr. Denham very well, he's a great -friend of my sister's, and she's a great favorite of his—so when she heard -your father was ill, she wrote him a note, and sent me with it, to ask him -as a great favour to visit Mr. Watson, for her sake—you know—and I fetched -him in the carriage, so it's only the drive, and he's to take no fee, you -see—he just comes from friendship to Rosa, that's all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure we are exceedingly obliged to you all," said Emma, colouring -from a variety of feelings; "it was very kind of Miss Osborne to think of -it, and of you to take so much trouble."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you know it gave me a great deal of pleasure—a very great deal; I don't -know when ever I was happier than just while I was thinking of obliging -you—I did not mind the trouble in the least."</p> - -<p class='c006'>His eyes were fixed on Emma with a far more eloquent expression than was at -all usual with them, and he really seemed to think as he spoke, and to feel -particularly happy.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To what extremes of eloquence his new-found felicity might have led him -there is now no means of knowing; he was interrupted before he had -committed himself by any very pointed declaration, by the sound of the -physician's return, which startled Emma into a sudden recollection that to -be found by him, sitting <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> and side by -side on the sofa with the young nobleman, might perhaps not unreasonably -surprise him. She therefore told him she should be wanted in the sick room, -and quietly withdrew; when he, his pleasant reveries broken off thus -suddenly, felt himself unequal to meeting any one else with composure, and -likewise quitted the room for a seat in the carriage.</p> - -<p class='c006'>As Emma resumed her seat at her father's bedside, she could not for a -moment banish the idea which had suddenly entered her mind, that perhaps -after all Mr. Howard's jealousy was not ill-founded, and that Lord Osborne -did entertain a more than ordinary partiality towards herself. The notion -was accompanied with no feeling of self-exaltation; she was positively -ashamed that it had intruded itself at such a time, and she felt that had -even the moment been more appropriate, the supposition would have given her -no pleasure at all. She did not want him to like her for his own sake, and -she was annoyed by it for the sake of Mr. Howard's attachment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But this was not the time when such reflections could or ought to be -indulged; it was her business to think of her father, not of herself, and -she roused herself to shake them off. As soon as Dr. Denham had taken his -leave, her sisters returned to the sick room to tell her what he had said. -He had given them no encouragement; had said there was nothing further to -be done, -that it was true that while there was breath there was hope, but that Mr. -Watson's advanced age and broken health made a recovery most unlikely, and -even a temporary return of his intellects extremely improbable.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The next morning brought no alteration in the situation of the patient, but -it brought Robert Watson to the house. He came, cool and self-possessed as -ever, taken up entirely with facts, not feelings, and looking decidedly as -if his mind at least never quitted his office, but was still engrossed with -the business there transacting. "Deeds not words," was his motto, but the -deeds he delighted in would have been uninteresting to nine-tenths of the -world, and seemed rather intended to mystify than benefit mankind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma felt she could not love Robert; she shrank from him, and it needed all -her self-command and strong sense of propriety to avoid showing how -repulsive she found him. The excessive egotism of his conversation and -habits seemed to yield to nothing; no feeling, no softness was evinced by -his conduct. There was scarcely an emotion betrayed on seeing his father, -and what little was discernible whilst in his sick room, had all vanished -before he reached the parlour door.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I must say this is a most unfortunate thing," said he sitting down -in his father's vacant chair and stretching out his feet to the fender; "a -most unfortunate thing for me indeed: one might have calculated my father -would have lived ten years more—he's not such an old man—ten years at least -I had reckoned on, and you see how I am taken in. Heaven knows what is to -become of you girls—there will not be more than a thousand pounds to divide -between you: and it's so unlucky to happen just now, for of course you must -come home to Croydon."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That would be very unlucky indeed, at any time," cried Penelope; "but I -hope not quite inevitable. <i>I</i> shall not live at Croydon, I promise -you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So much the better, if you have any other plan; three on one's hands are -quite enough. There must have been some great mismanagement, or some of you -would certainly have married;" and Robert Watson, in a fit of vexation at -his sisters' celibacy, stirred the fire into a vehement blaze.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well to relieve your mind," replied Pen in a sarcastic tone, "in return -for the extraordinary fraternal solicitude you evince, I will inform you I -am engaged to be married, and expect to be a wife in about a month."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you indeed, my dear sister I congratulate you. What settlements are -you to have? If the papers pass through our office I promise you I will pay -every attention to see it advantageously arranged for you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your liberality, my dear Robert, is most exemplary, and far beyond what I -had ventured to expect of you. But I shall not encroach so far, I assure -you. The marriage settlements are preparing at Chichester, and I do not -anticipate that it will be even necessary for me to have recourse to the -hospitality of yourself and your amiable lady."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She spoke with a strong and bitter emphasis, which Robert could not -possibly misunderstand, but which he prudently resolved not to notice.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is a very delicate matter to talk of," whispered Margaret, who had now -made her appearance, "one from which a young woman of sensibility naturally -shrinks; but I will so far overcome my blushing bashfulness, as to inform -you, Robert, that I too am engaged to be married, and that, therefore, -delighted as I should be to reside with my dear Jane, I -still hope before long to be able to receive her in my own house, and, as -Mrs. Tom Musgrove, to return the kindness showed to Margaret Watson."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"<i>What!</i>" said Robert, staring at her with undisguised amazement, "are -you mad, Margaret."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, I hope not," replied she, simpering; "I am engaged to my dear Tom -Musgrove, that's all I mean; and no doubt we shall be married in time."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her brother still looked doubtfully at her, but after a moment's -consideration, replied—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Margaret, if that's the case, you deserve more credit than I had -ever thought possible, for I would not have given much for your chance with -Tom—but, since you say he is engaged to you, I am heartily glad to hear it. -Have you any witnesses? or was the contract in writing?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, it was in the conservatory at Osborne Castle, and as to witnesses, oh, -dear Robert, you don't suppose ladies and gentlemen chose to have such -tender scenes pass before witnesses," cried Margaret, trying to look very -young and sentimental.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure it would be a deuced deal better if they did," said he, sharply; -"there would be much less trouble to their friends; and they would stand a -much fairer chance of having the contract fulfilled. However, since it is -so, I hope he'll keep his word, for the sake of yourself and your friends. -As times go, it's not a bad match."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A bad match—I should think not," cried Margaret, disdainfully tossing her -head. "I only wish all my sisters may make half as good a one, that's all. -Tom Musgrove is a man every woman may well envy me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I doubt if his income was ever a clear thousand a year, Margaret," replied -Robert, as if that were the point on which, in his mind, the advisability -of the match entirely rested. "But if he's not in debt, he may do very -well. I wish Elizabeth and Emma had equal good luck, to prevent their -becoming a burden on their friends."</p> - -<p class='c006'>A burden on their friends! how those words rang in Emma's ears, and grated -on all the feelings of her affectionate heart. Was it possible that her -brother could not only think of them in this light, but could calmly -express the feeling; that he should not only be void of affection, but that -even the wish to seem hospitable, kind, or -generous should be wanting. What would be a home in his house—what -comforts—what peace could it promise, where such an expression was to meet -them ere they crossed his threshold.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before the colour which these feelings called up had died away from her -cheeks, Robert continued—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Jane is of opinion that there must have been great want of tact and -management on your part, Emma, during your visits to the Howards and the -Castle, or you might certainly have turned them to better account."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sorry Jane sees anything to blame in my conduct," replied Emma, -meekly; "but I do not know what she expected of me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I told her she was far too sanguine," continued Robert; "but she would -have it, that, with proper attention, you might have succeeded in securing -the young lord. You must have been thrown in his way a good deal; and, -certainly, for an unprovided girl like you, it becomes an important duty to -omit no opportunity of advancing your own interests, and those of your -family, by securing a good establishment when in your power."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was silent; her prevailing feeling being too lively a sense of -indignation to make it safe for her to speak.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope you are not to blame through any culpable negligence; the young -lord is to be sure a great ass I believe; but the match would be a capital -one for you—the making of your family. I should like of all things to be -agent and manager of his property—remember that!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am afraid," replied Emma, struggling to speak calmly, "that if your wish -depends for fulfilment on my marrying Lord Osborne, there is but little -chance of its being gratified."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sorry to hear it," replied he, gravely; "but I know such desirable -alliances are not to be compassed without a little trouble and exertion: -and, perhaps, if you were to remain a little longer in the neighbourhood -your chance would be better. I'll think about that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma longed to tell him not to trouble himself, but she thought it most -prudent to remain silent.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The next time she was alone with the eldest sister, Elizabeth confided to -her the extreme satisfaction which the news of Penelope's engagement gave -her. It seemed to be quite certain, from what she could -learn, everything was preparing apace, an the marriage would have soon been -performed if their father's illness had not interfered. As far as money -went, it was decidedly a good match for Pen; and though Elizabeth herself, -did not fancy an asthmatic, elderly widower, yet she could not expect every -one to have her tastes, and if Penelope herself was satisfied, that was all -that could be required.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma could not think and feel the same; she wished that her sister should -have required more; that she should have been incapable of considering a -sufficient jointure to be the principal aim and end of engaging in -matrimony.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Something must be wanting—something either of delicacy or principle, which -could lead her to such results; and she wondered Elizabeth did not feel -this too. Miss Watson then proceeded to discuss Margaret's engagement, -which she declared, seemed to her incredible; she told Emma that the night -of the ball, whilst returning home, Margaret had, after a great deal of -nonsense, announced her engagement with Tom, and declared that he was to -come the next day and ask her father's consent. That she evidently expected -him herself in the afternoon—having bestowed -uncommon care on her toilette, and persuaded Elizabeth to add another dish -to their dinner, in case he should remain the afternoon with them; but that -the gentleman had never made his appearance; and in the evening, the -seizure of their father had put it all out of her head. She doubted very -much now, whether the whole was not a mistake—the illusion of Margaret's -vanity, or the consequence of some extra flattery on Tom's part, arising -from the excitement of champagne and flirtation. There were two whole days -now passed, and he had not been near them—Margaret had written to him -yesterday, but had received no answer; and if Elizabeth were in her place, -she should certainly not feel satisfied with such conduct.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After a little internal hesitation, Emma told Elizabeth, that so far as the -fact of Tom's having proposed and been accepted was concerned, she could -herself answer for the truth of Margaret's statement. She related to her, -under a promise of secrecy for the present, the circumstance of her own and -Miss Osborne's being accidental listeners to the whole occurrence; this, of -course, settled the point, but did not diminish the wonder of the girls, -both that Mr. Musgrove should have proposed to -Margaret, and that he should since, have taken no further steps in the -business. They wondered in vain—and they had not much time to devote to -wonder—their father's situation soon recalled their thoughts and demanded -all their attention.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But still in the interval of repose, which this occupation necessarily -allowed, Emma found her mind continually reverting to past scenes; to the -hopes which had once been so pleasant and lively, and the disappointment -which had succeeded them. She told herself she must not think of it; she -determined that she would not—sometimes she almost persuaded herself that -she did not; but she could not regulate her feelings as she wished; and -many a time she was unconsciously dwelling on the past, whilst she fancied -herself meditating on her present duty.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was Penelope's turn to remain during dinner with her father, and Emma -was once more in company with her repulsive brother. It was really with a -sensible reluctance that she sat down to the same table with him—but she -struggled against the feeling, aware that it ought to be overcome if there -was to be any future peace or comfort for her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The dinner was more than plain—unfortunately, it was almost entirely cold; -but, in the hurry occasioned by the illness of Mr. Watson, the rest of his -family might reasonably expect to be less comfortably accommodated than -usual. Elizabeth had hardly given the subject a thought; and not at all -indeed, until it was too late for amendment, beyond a steak hurriedly -cooked for Robert's sake. But this was tough—tough as the table, so Robert -said, and he had a particular dislike to cold mutton. His plate was pushed -away with an air of uncontrollable disgust—and he sat eyeing the table with -gloomy looks, whilst his sister good-humouredly apologised for the hardness -of the fare.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Shall I have the satisfaction of helping you to a little of this cow?" -enquired he, balancing his knife and fork in his hand, and pointing with -them to the condemned steak. "I recommend you to try it, Elizabeth, and -then you may, perhaps, remember another time, and make better provision for -such unfortunate individuals as are compelled, through circumstances to -become your guests—you ought to be ashamed of yourself, Elizabeth-"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, Robert, I could not help it; I will try and give you a -better dinner to-morrow; but it's not my fault entirely, that the steak is -tough. I thought, perhaps, it would be; but it was the only thing we could -dress—and I thought you would like that better than nothing."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot comprehend such bad management—why is not your cook to dress a -dinner for me?—what else had she to do of more importance?—she -can<i>not</i> be wanted by my father! For <i>me</i>—you will look very -blank, I expect, when you come to live with me, if I set you down to such -fare as this!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth had the sense and the forbearance to remain perfectly silent; and -Robert, finding that all his indignation could not overcome -impossibilities, or cook him a dinner where the materials were actually -wanting, thought it best to make some attempts at eating; and proceeded, -with an air of injured dignity, to devour the unfortunate subject of his -wrath.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think, Jane would be rather astonished if she knew what sort of dinner I -have been compelled to make," was his observation when he laid down his -knife and fork. "She would hardly expect to find me dining so contentedly -off a tough old steak—ill-cooked, and no sauce. I always have observed in -most houses, here especially, none are so badly provided for as the eldest -sons. -I suppose any thing is good enough for them—it does not signify what I eat -at all—I am only your brother—only the head of the house—only the man on -whom you will be dependent when—but no matter, I hope you will fare better -in my house, that's all!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am very sorry," repeated Elizabeth, "I know it's very disagreeable to -have a bad dinner, but I hope it will not happen again, and I'll try and -get you something you will like for supper; a broiled fowl and an -omelette—could you fancy that, Robert?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Robert assented; but his wrath was evidently mollified at the promise, and -no more was said about the unfortunate dinner at that time.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Another day put a period to their suspense, and confirmed their worst -anticipation. Mr. Watson was no more; and his four daughters were left to -all the evils which Robert had so providentially pointed out to them. Their -feelings and their manner of expressing them, were as different as their -characters, and their ways of thinking. Emma, who knew the least of him, -certainly experienced the greatest grief—Elizabeth mourned too—but there -were so many things for her to think of—much to plan and arrange—so much of -economy to be mingled with a wish of doing every thing as handsomely as -possible, that she had no time to cultivate sorrow as a duty, or indulge in -its appearance as a recreation. Emma was active and useful likewise—but she -busied herself in spite of her grief—Miss Watson grieved only in the -intervals of her business.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch06' class='c004'>CHAPTER VI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>When first Robert came to Winston, Elizabeth had consulted him on the -subject of sending for Sam, but her brother opposed it. Emma had listened -in silent anxiety to the debate, and in keen disappointment to its -termination. From her sister's conversation, she had an ardent desire to -meet her unknown brother; she expected to be able to like him—Elizabeth -had, in speaking of him, told many little traits of character, which -convinced her that he must possess a generous disposition and an -affectionate heart; she longed to see him—to know him—to be loved by him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But Robert had decided that though he was, of course, to be informed of his -father's illness, there was no need to say any thing which should induce -him to come himself—no doubt it would be excessively inconvenient to his -master—a needless expense to himself—perfectly undesirable in every way, -and quite unnecessary; for, of what use could Sam be when Robert himself -was there. He was nobody—a younger son—the most unimportant being in the -world. As to his wishing to see his father again, what did that signify? -People could not always have what they wished for—young men in their -apprenticeship must not look for holidays; he was sure <i>he</i> should -never have thought of any thing of the sort whilst he was serving his -articles; and now, how seldom did he ever take a holiday from the office? -Let Sam look to him and his application to business, if he wanted an -example of steadiness and good conduct.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But Emma's wish to see her brother was not fated to be entirely -disappointed, for no sooner did he receive the news of his father's death, -than he obtained leave of absence from his master without difficulty, and -arrived unexpectedly at Winston. She was sitting alone in the darkened -parlour, when an unknown step arrested her attention; it was not the slow, -measured consequential tread of Robert; it was quicker, lighter, more like -one which had sometimes made her heart beat before; at least so she fancied -for a moment, perhaps only because she had just been thinking of him. The -footstep passed the door, then paused, returned and entered slowly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was not more than the doubt of a moment, as to the identity of the -intruder; there was so strange a family likeness on each side, a likeness -of more than features, a likeness in mind and temper, a sympathy of -feeling, that the hesitation of the brother and sister was brief indeed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear Emma, how I have longed to see you," cried he advancing, "I am -your youngest brother, will you not welcome me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>The cordial, fraternal embrace with which the words were accompanied, -overcame her firmness, and she burst into tears in his arms. He was much -affected likewise, but struggled for composure in order to soothe her, -opened the window to give her air, brought her a glass of water from the -side-board, and then sitting down with his arm round her waist, drew from -her all the circumstances of his father's death, and learnt that it was -Robert's doing that he had not been summoned sooner. -That hour repaid Emma for much that she had suffered mentally in her -father's house. She had found a friend in her brother. The dearest, the -least selfish, the most equal bond which nature ties; children of the same -parents, sharing the same fears, the same sorrows; from that moment was -laid the foundation of an affection which added so greatly to her -happiness; feelings till then sleeping unknown in her heart, were suddenly -awakened; and affections which almost unconsciously had been craving for -subsistence, having now found an aliment to nourish and satisfy them, grew -rapidly into strength and beauty.</p> - -<p class='c006'>One hour's delightful intercourse was theirs, before they were interrupted -by the rest of the family; but when her other sisters entered the room, -Emma could not but wonder at the indifference with which he was received -both by Pen and Margaret, and imputing to him the sensitive feelings of her -own heart, felt doubly pained by each cold word or careless look bestowed -on her new brother.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Robert's reception, however, was the worst of all.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So you are come, are you—hum," that was his salutation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes," replied Sam quietly, "of course you were expecting me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A most needless waste of time and money, I must say—a young fellow not out -of his apprenticeship, has no right to be flying over the country in this -way, without any suitable reason."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sam controlled himself so far as not to answer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It's throwing away your master's time in a most unjustifiable way."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Excuse me, Robert, Mr. Allen voluntarily gave me permission to come here, -and most kindly made me master of my own time for a week."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Quite unnecessary, whilst you are an apprentice."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I believe <i>he</i> thought that even an apprentice might have feeling," -replied Sam with emphasis.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You might at least have asked my opinion, I think—as your elder brother -you might have consulted me, before incurring so much expense."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Robert, I am accountable to Mr. Allen alone for my time—as to my pecuniary -affairs, I am not answerable to you; and as to coming to this house, -Elizabeth, who is mistress here, has told me I am welcome, and I require no -more from any one. My -sense of duty led me here, but depend upon it, I will ask <i>your</i> -leave, before I intrude on your house at Croydon."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Robert turned away, and had recourse to his usual expedient when vexed, -namely, stirring the fire into a vehement blaze. It was in pursuance of a -system of counter-irritation, by creating a greater degree of external -warmth, no doubt he counteracted the internal heat from which he was -suffering.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The whole of the week which Sam spent at home, was one of consolation and -comfort to poor Emma; he listened to all she could tell him, made her -describe her past life, talked of her uncle and aunt, questioned her as to -the effects of her change, entered into her feelings, anticipated what they -must have been, sympathised warmly in them all, and was in fact a true, -warm-hearted brother to the forlorn girl. Together they talked of their -father, praised his amiable disposition, sorrowed for his loss; then Sam -told her his prospects and wishes, confided to her his attachment to Mary -Edwards, and his wavering hopes of success; his plans for his future -subsistence, and his anticipations of the brilliant success which was to -await him in his profession.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's future prospects likewise were canvassed. He could not bear the idea -of her having to reside with Robert and his wife.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You will tell me it's wrong, I dare say," said he, "but I detest Mrs. -Robert, she is so self-sufficient, so cold-hearted, and so -in-sincere—indeed I wish her no ill, Emma, I am not malicious; my -detestation does not go so far as that, but I cannot wish her to have your -society for a constancy—it would be thrown away on her, and she would -torment you to death."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh no, I hope not; I trust if my home must be there, that I shall have -strength of mind and patience to bear with her. You must not weaken my mind -by commiseration; you should rather teach me to look forward with hope, or -at least resignation; do not pity me, that does me harm."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sam protested that Emma was in every respect much too good for such a -situation, and that the moment he had a house and an income, however small, -she should share it with him. Her promise to do so was as cordially given -as it was required, and her heart already felt lighter and happier from her -acquaintance with her dear brother.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When their father's will came to be examined, it appeared that it was dated -three years previously, and that of the sum of two thousand pounds, which -Mr. Watson had to bequeath, neither Emma or Robert were to receive any -share. The latter had already been put in possession of all that he could -reasonably expect, his father having made considerable advances to -establish him in business, and at the time when the will was made, every -one supposed Emma would be provided for by her uncle, and though that -expectation had been entirely frustrated, it seemed that Mr. Watson had -never summoned sufficient energy to alter his will, and give her any share -in the little he possessed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It did not transpire whether Robert was much disappointed at finding he was -to have no further benefit from being the eldest son; perhaps the idea that -Emma, by becoming entirely dependent on him, would be liable to be subject -to all his caprices, and might be made a complete slave of in his house, -soothed away the bitterness of his mortification. He took leave of the -family immediately, and returned to Croydon, having arranged, that when -everything was settled at Winston, three of his sisters should follow him -there; Penelope professing it to be her intention to return to Chichester -as soon as she conveniently could. Sam's week was not yet expired, and he -remained with his sisters. The morning after Robert's departure, as Emma -and her brother were sitting together, Margaret joined them, and sitting -down beside Sam, told him with a consequential air, that she wanted very -much to consult him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Margaret, what can I do for you?" enquired he kindly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I want your advice on an affair of great importance, Sam, and you must -promise to give it to me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Readily, Margaret, that's a thing you know everybody likes to be asked -for, so come, let's have the whole history—I will not even require you to -follow my advice when I have given it: that would be too much altogether."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, listen; I am engaged to be married—what do you think of that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will tell you when I know who it is."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, I assure you it is a very desirable match, a most excellent young -man—so amiable, and fashionable, and clever, as you will at once allow when -you hear it is—Mr. Tom Musgrove!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Tom Musgrove—indeed, I am surprised, Margaret—that he should marry, -and marry you, would, I own, astonish me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But I tell you it is a fact, Sam, we are engaged beyond all doubt, and why -you <i>should</i> be surprised at <i>my</i> being his choice, I cannot -understand."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon, Margaret, tell me what you want my advice about—not as -to accepting him I presume?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed—but I am in an unfortunate situation; I am so miserable; ever -since the happy night at Osborne Castle, when he plighted his troth to me, -we have not met, and I have heard nothing of him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That is very extraordinary, Margaret—nothing at all—and can you not -account for it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, otherwise than I am sure he is ill—nothing else could be the reason of -such unexampled silence. It was after supper when he made the offer, and I -cannot help fearing that the champagne and the lobster salad may have been -too much for his constitution."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Did he take much champagne then?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Much—no, not much, that is, not enough to—to—just you know to raise his -spirits a good deal; I did not count the glasses!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And it was then he proposed to you—are you sure he was sober at the time, -Margaret?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What questions you ask, Sam—sober! you quite shock me—remember you are -talking to a young lady."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I will not forget that, but really I don't see anything so bad in -the question, and I know no more delicate way of putting it to suit you: -are you sure he was not drunk at the time?—will that do?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word—worse and worse, as if I should talk to a man who was drunk, -what do you take me for?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sorry to offend you, my dear sister, but I have known Tom Musgrove a -long time, and some times seen him very drunk. Indeed, in my opinion, he is -just the sort of man to make a fool of himself first, and then of any girl -who would listen to him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How excessively unkind you are, Sam," pouted Margaret, apparently on the -point of crying—"I am quite sure you are wrong. Tom never could or would -make a fool of me. He is not the sort of man at all; but, as I have heard -nothing of him since that evening, I wish you to go and call on him—tell -him how much pleased you are to hear of the engagement, and beg him to -come and see me—there is no occasion to shut him out of the house, though -we do not admit other visitors."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That's your plan, is it? But suppose he declines altogether—suppose he -should say it was a dream on your part—a delusion—a mistake; suppose that -is the reason of his silence, what am I to do then?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! if he were to do that, you must challenge him! You could not do less -for such an insult to your sister, you must send him a challenge, and I -could bring an action against him for breach of promise!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, if you mean to do that, I think I had better let the challenge -alone; because the one might interfere with the other; if I were to shoot -him, you know your action could not be brought."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you mean that you will not do as I ask you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then I think you most unkind and ungenerous; I always understood it was a -brother's duty to fight with every man who insulted his sister or broke an -engagement to her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But, allowing us such high privileges, my dear Margaret, I think I am -justified in -requiring proof; first, that the engagement was made; secondly, that it has -been broken. I am not clear yet on either of these points."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I see what it is, you are determined not to help me; and I think it very -ill-natured and cowardly of you to stand by and see your sister insulted -and robbed of her best affections, and not interfere the least for her -sake."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, my dear Margaret, I cannot see that my interference has the least -chance of doing any good; if Tom was serious and sober, he will need no -intervention of mine to remind him of his promises; if he was drunk and did -not know what he was saying, the less that is publicly known of such a -transaction, the better in every respect for your dignity."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I see you will not take my part—you are no use at all; I shall just take -my own way, and see if I consult you in a hurry again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst the silence and indifference of Margaret's lover, gave her so much -concern—the attention and assiduity of Emma's, occasioned almost as much -excitement in the mind of the latter. Not a day had Passed without Lord -Osborne either calling himself at the door, or sending a groom -with a joint message of inquiry from his sister and himself; several kind -little notes had been received from the young lady, expressing concern and -sympathy, and it was quite evident that they did not wish to drop the -acquaintance. Nothing had been seen of Mr. Howard; but a note from Mrs. -Willis, assured Emma that they had heard every day through Lord Osborne or -they would have sent more frequently to enquire for her welfare.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This was consolotary, as serving to convince her that she was not forgotten -at the parsonage: but she could not help murmuring a little to herself, -that Mr. Howard should have so entirely withdrawn from personal -intercourse. Sam had received from her, a minute history of her -acquaintances at the Castle and Parsonage; and when he subsequently became -aware of the visits of Lord Osborne, he immediately formed the very natural -conclusion that the young peer must be in love with his sister.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma appeared to him so pretty and so amiable, that her being loved was the -most simple and probable event; and he only wished that Lord Osborne had -been more worthy of her; but the peerage and fortune of the supposed lover, -did not quite blind the -brother's eyes to the fact, that their owner was not distinguished by any -characteristic worthy of his high birth; and Sam could not wish his sister -to sacrifice domestic happiness for the glitter of a coronet, or the -<i>harmony</i> of a title. She must have a husband who united mental and -moral qualifications to those of birth, wealth and station; and if he -possessed the means of advancing Sam himself in his profession, it would be -so much the better.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Did you ever, in your life, see such a fool as Margaret makes of herself, -Sam?" was Penelope's observation one day, when the whole family were -sitting together. "She will persist in asserting that she is engaged to Tom -Musgrove, though I have taken the trouble of ascertaining that he has left -home, and the servants are not sure whether he is gone to London or Bath. I -asked the baker's boy to enquire, in order to set her mind at ease. I must -say, I think her story very incompatible with facts."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure I am necessarily obliged to you, Penelope, for your kind way of -speaking to me; but I know very well what it is, you are all envious of my -good luck, and that's the reason you will none of you believe me; but, some -day, I shall pay you off, you will see."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"In the mean time, I will give you ample credit, Margaret, feeling -confident you will never forget a debt of that kind; but, if you are Mrs. -Tom Musgrove six months hence, I will admit that I know nothing of -you—nothing of Tom—nothing of men in general, and that I am little better -than an idiot."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not see why you should doubt it at all," cried Elizabeth, -interposing, "I am sure I believe it entirely, don't you Emma?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The gentleman is probably gone to London to give instructions for -preparing the settlements," observed Sam, gravely, preventing, by his -interposition, any necessity for Emma to answer her eldest sister's -question.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret assented to this proposition, and Penelope took no further trouble -to vex her at that moment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Meantime all the necessary arrangements for the girls quitting their old -home were made, with all possible despatch. Margaret indeed took no -interest in the proceedings, contenting herself with wandering about, and -fretting for Mr. Musgrove; but the -others were busy from the time Sam left them; and towards the end of a -month, the time for removing to Croydon, began to be discussed. Pen still -held to her resolution of not visiting her brother, she determined to -return to her friend at Chichester, and marry from her house; and she -announced that the marriage would take place within a few weeks of her -quitting her home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was sorry at parting with her—she had got over the shock which her -coarse manners had at first inflicted; and they had always agreed very well -since the day at Osborne Castle. In fact, what Penelope had observed there -of the kindness and attention which Emma received from that family had -greatly raised her sister in importance in her mind; a girl so much noticed -and liked by people who had never stooped to them before must be worth -agreeing with; and as there was everything in Emma's own manners and temper -to recommend her to the kindly disposed, Penelope had always avoided -quarrelling with her, as she constantly did with her other sisters. -Consequently, Emma could not help wishing it was Margaret who was going to -Chichester, and Pen who was to share their home at Croydon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Things, however, were really better arranged than she could have ordered -them, for it would have been impossible for Penelope and Jane Watson to -have continued in the same house, without the certain destruction of the -peace of all around. There was no one in the neighbourhood to regret, -excepting Mrs. Willis, for Emma would not allow even to herself that the -separation from Mr. Howard gave her any concern; and it was a satisfaction -to quit the vicinity of Osborne Castle, and the scenes where she had been -so happy. The Osborne family were all gone to town without her having seen -anything more of them; or the suit of the young nobleman having made any -progress. She did not expect ever to see them again. Her own plan for the -future was to try to procure a situation as teacher in a boarding school, -or private governess; anything by which she could feel she was earning the -food she eat, in preference to becoming as her brother expressed it, a -burden on his family. She began now to comprehend more fully than she had -done before, what an evil poverty might be, and felt a vivid sensation of -regret that her uncle had left her so entirely dependent on others after -giving her an education which quite unfitted her for -filling the situation of humble companion to her sister-in-law.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She struggled to suppress the feeling that she had been unjustly and -unkindly dealt with, but it would intrude, to her great discomfort.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But though there were few people to regret amongst her associates, there -were sufficient discomforts and worries of other kinds attending their -removal. The dismantling of their old home—the sale of the furniture—a -portion of which was taken by the succeeding rector, the rest was to be -disposed of by auction; the disputes about dilapidations; the finding -situations for their servants; the vain attempts to procure a purchaser -amongst their acquaintance for their old horse, even the parting with the -house-dog and their two cows made Emma sorrowful. Added to all this was the -incessant repining of Margaret, who was fretting herself almost into a -decline, at the disappearance of Tom Musgrove, and the ill-natured letters -of Robert Watson, who regularly quarrelled with everything Elizabeth did or -did not do; who disputed all their proposals, and suggested nothing but -impossibilities himself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma could not make up her mind on -another point, and this was an additional worry to her. She knew that -Margaret's assertions were correct, that Tom Musgrove had really made the -offer which no one else believed, and she doubted whether it was not her -duty to support her sister's declarations by her testimony. But this -threatened to involve so great an evil, that she shrank from it; it was -evident that had Robert been aware she was a witness to the proceeding, he -would immediately have taken advantage of the fact to compel Tom to fulfil -his promise, or threaten him with an action, in case he refused. Margaret -seemed likewise to be much inclined to this course, as the determined -silence and prolonged absence of her lover naturally gave her doubts of his -fidelity. The idea was horrible to Emma, and the possibility of her having -to appear in a court of justice was most overpowering. Elizabeth, with whom -she consulted on the subject, and who, from her partiality to Emma, was far -more inclined to consider her feelings than those of Margaret, advised her, -for the present, at least, to hold her tongue, and see how the affair would -be settled without her intervention, and from not knowing what better to -do, Emma finally decided to take her sister's advice.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length, just before quitting Winston, she had a farewell visit from Mrs. -Willis and her brother, whose plan for leaving home, she was already aware, -had been renounced. The lady was the same as ever, friendly and warm in her -manners; but Mr. Howard looked pale and ill, and was evidently out of -spirits. The visit was short; and when they parted, Emma found the -interview had only added an additional pang to all the sufferings she had -previously endured.</p> - -<p class='c006'>And thus, for a second time, was Emma Watson driven out from the home where -she had vainly hoped to find a continued shelter, and a second time -compelled to look for protection from strange relatives. It was strange -that though at this moment she really had more subjects of anxiety, more -sources of depression and sorrow, she bore it so much better than the -first. Then she had seemed overwhelmed—now strengthened by the blow. She -was learning to see life, its duties, and its trials, in a new light; she -discovered that suffering was not an accidental circumstance, like a -transitory illness, to be cured and forgotten as soon as possible; it was -the condition of life itself—peace was the exception—and she had enjoyed -her share; henceforth, she -must look forward to trial and endurance, she must struggle as millions had -struggled before her, and learn to draw contentment not from circumstances -but from temper of mind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Conscious that whilst in her brother's house she should probably have much -to bear, she sought for strength greater than her own to go through with -it; and endeavoured by viewing her expected trials, as a system of mental -discipline which would benefit her, if well supported, to bring her mind -into a frame to endure them with patience.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch07' class='c004'>CHAPTER VII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The journey to Croydon was safely performed and as expeditiously as could -be expected by three young ladies and a quantity of luggage travelling -through cross roads with post-horses. Margaret was quite at home in the -streets of Croydon and its neighbourhood, and pointed out to whom the -various houses belonged with a feeling of exultation, as if knowing the -names of the owners when her sisters did not were the next thing to -possessing them herself. The bright green door, with its brass-handled -bell, was easily recognised by the large plate bearing the owner's name -which adorned it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The door was opened by a footman who informed them that master was at the -office, missus was out in the town, but they could step into the -drawing-room whilst they waited for her return. With evident nonchalance, -and something like insolence, he assisted the post-boy to unload the -carriage, and summoning the house-maid, enquired if she knew what was to be -done with all <i>them</i> things. The waiting-woman decided that nothing -could be ventured on till the missus came home; she had changed her mind so -often about the rooms, that it was quite uncertain what would be settled on -at last; and if she should happen to alter her arrangements whilst she was -out, it was evident they would have had all their trouble for nothing. The -three girls were therefore sentenced to sit in the parlour during the -interval, which Emma could not help feeling might have been more profitably -employed in unpacking and arranging their property.</p> - -<p class='c006'>There was little to amuse them during their temporary confinement. A copy -of "The Lady's Magazine," containing the recent Parisian fashions, was -instantly seized on by Margaret; a cookery-book and a child's doll were -lying beside it, and a cat and a kitten were reposing on the hearth -rug, which, judging from its texture and the ugliness of its pattern, was -probably the work of some domestic needle. Some uncommonly rare paintings -hung against the walls—rare from the total want of taste harmony and merit -which they displayed. Beside them were two most striking portraits which -were considerately labelled as intending to represent the master and -mistress of the house, thereby preventing such mistakes as to identity as -might have occurred. The carpet was faded, the chairs and couch covered -with slippery black horse-hair, bumping up into hard offensive things -called cushions; the table was covered with green-baize much stained with -wine, and the easy chair by the fire showed the exact spot where the owner -was accustomed to repose his powdered and pomatumed head.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Presently the door opened and the little girl appeared. Margaret instantly -rushed up to embrace her, but the child, who seemed peculiarly -self-possessed for her age, repulsed her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not come here to see you, aunt Margaret," said she. "Which is Emma?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am," said Emma advancing, and pleased to be called for.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her niece considered her attentively with an air of surprise, then said, -"But you are quite tidy and clean—not ragged and dirty!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No my dear," replied Emma smiling at her puzzled look; "why did you expect -to see me otherwise?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Because the people my nurse tells me are beggars in the street go without -shoes, and wear old clothes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma coloured slightly and made no reply, but Margaret, pressing forwards, -again asked what that had to do with aunt Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Papa and mama said she was a beggar, and I thought she would look like -them—but she is nice and looks good, and I will not mind you teaching me at -all: will you make me pretty frocks?—mama said you should."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall be very glad, love," replied Emma, "to do anything I can for you -and your mama too; will you sit on my knee and tell me what I shall make -your frocks of?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst Emma was making friends with her little niece, Mrs. Robert Watson -herself arrived. She received her sisters-in-law with more cordiality than -Emma expected from the epithet applied to herself, which the child had just -betrayed. In fact she was rather pleased than otherwise at this -accession to her family; she felt that she had secured a careful assistant -to the cook in Elizabeth, who was well versed in the mysteries of pastry -and custards, cakes, jellies, and raised pies; and in Emma she hoped to -find a competent nursery-governess who would relieve her of all cares as to -the child, and supply, unsalaried, the place of the nurse-maid, to whom, -under this impression, she had already given warning.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After chatting some time with them, she rang for the house-maid to show -them to their rooms, and the child declared she would accompany them as -aunt Emma's room was close to the nursery. And so Emma found it was, for -she was shown into a small closet containing a bed with room to walk round -it, an old chest of drawers and a high stool. This was her apartment. There -was no chimney, and the window looked out upon a small space of flat leads, -surmounted by high, black, tiled roofs. It had commenced raining since they -entered the house, and the gurgle of the water in the gutter, and drip from -the window on the leads had a peculiarly monotonous sound. Emma looked at -the forlorn and cheerless closet, and felt she was a beggar indeed. She -hoped, however, that when her boxes and books were brought up she -should be able to make it a little more comfortable; at least she had it to -herself, and should be able to pass her time there in peace.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her niece dragged her off to see the nurseries—the two rooms devoted to her -occupied the rest of that floor, they were spacious and in every respect -comfortable, except that they were littered with playthings which their -owner apparently had not learnt to value.</p> - -<p class='c006'>As it drew near to the dinner-hour Emma ventured down stairs, and found her -brother and his wife in the parlour. Robert received her in his usual -manner: in another moment her two sisters entered, and they sat round the -fire whilst waiting for dinner.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope you like your rooms, girls," said Mrs. Watson; "I thought it would -not matter putting Elizabeth and you together, Margaret, because I know -it's only for a time. I have heard—a little bird whispered to me a certain -story which you need not blush about—of a certain young man—I know who—and -I am sure I congratulate you: when did you hear from him last, my dear?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, my dear Jane I have not heard from him at all. Ever since the evening -when he proposed he has disappeared from -the country, and I cannot find out where he is gone, nor induce him to make -any answer to my repeated letters."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed! that's very odd—do you think he means to break his engagement?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot tell what he means, for my own part; I think some one has been -slandering me to him, telling him things to my disadvantage, or perhaps -intercepting one of my letters. Oh, I have thought of a thousand reasons -for his silence, without charging him with infidelity, and I console myself -with the hope that when the romantic interruption to our correspondence is -removed, and the mystery which now envelops the affair is cleared away, -that I shall find he has been suffering as much from the misunderstanding -as myself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure I hope you may—but are you certain there is no mistake on your -part?" said her sister-in-law; "are you sure that he really proposed to -you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am as positive of the fact," said Margaret, "as I ever was of anything -in my life."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well that is a good deal," observed Robert, "for you can be pretty -positive when you please. But I only wish, if it's true, you had had some -witnesses—then I could have helped you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Would you have called him out?" enquired his wife in a tone of -indifference which quite startled Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, I should have called him <i>in</i>," said Robert laughing, "if the -fellow refused to marry her, I would have had him up for a breach of -promise, without ceremony."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And what should I get for that?" said Margaret eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You might perhaps have got a couple of thousands—I think I would lay the -damages at three."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only three, Robert! I am sure that is not enough for deceiving me, robbing -me of my best affections, betraying my trust—oh, three thousand pounds -would be no compensation for such conduct, no adequate compensation. I am -sure my heart is worth more than that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say you think so, Margaret," replied Robert coolly; "but you might -not persuade a jury to think it likewise; there would be the difficulty."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But would you really go to law about it?" enquired Emma. "Only think how -it would make you talked about."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, so much the better," replied Margaret sharply; "why should I mind -that? I am not afraid of being spoken of."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It would be much better to make him -pay damages than compel him to marry you," observed Elizabeth. "I always -wonder women venture to do that—I should be afraid he would beat me -afterwards."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Two or three thousand pounds would secure you a respectable husband, -Margaret," continued Robert. "My friend, George Millar, would perhaps take -you then."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think I would rather marry Tom Musgrove than anybody," replied Margaret. -"George Millar is only a brewer, after all, and Tom is a gentleman and has -nothing to do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But Millar has a capital business, I can tell you," cried Mrs. Watson; "I -should not mind my own sister marrying him. Why I know he used to allow his -late wife more than a hundred a month to keep the table and find herself in -gowns—a very pretty allowance—and very pretty gowns she used to wear."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Aye, George Millar could count thousands for Musgrove's hundreds," said -Robert, "and a capital fellow he is. I only wish you might have such luck -as to marry him, either of you girls."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The conversation was interrupted by the dinner, which was a welcome sight -to the hungry travellers, who had tasted nothing since their early -breakfast at Winston. Their brother looked at the table with evident pride.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Elizabeth, I promised you rather a better dinner than you gave me at -Winston," observed he. He had the habit of reverting to past grievances.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You have kept your word too," replied she good-humouredly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, my dear creature," cried Jane, "Robert told me of the shocking dinner -he had—poor fellow, you certainly always managed very badly about such -things; perhaps it might do you no harm if I gave you some lessons; I have -rather a genius for housekeeping—at least so my friends tell me—my uncle -Sir Thomas used to like me to order his dinner."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear Jane, I am afraid your instructions would be quite wasted on me, -unless you would give me your income to supply my wishes—when any one -allows me a hundred a month for the table expenses, I will give capital -dinners," said Elizabeth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are not thinking of what you are doing, Jane," said her husband -reproachfully, "you know I cannot eat the wing of a fowl unless it is torn -properly—Emma, I'll trouble you to cut some bacon—good heavens, I cannot -eat it so thick as that-you are not helping a Winston plough boy remember!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma endeavoured to comply but she grew nervous, and her brother was angry, -and sent for the dish that he might help himself. Emma coloured and -apologised.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You should try to oblige, Emma," said Jane coolly, "a little pains -bestowed on such things, is quite as useful and essential to good breeding -as painting or books. Careless ways of carving are very detrimental to the -comfort of a family, and though it may seem of no importance to you, it -makes all the difference to a delicate palate—one used to the niceties of -life—a gentleman in fact."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma <i>felt</i>, though she did not say, that there was no delicacy of -feeling, whatever there might be of palate, in her sister-in-law—but she -wisely held her tongue on the subject.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After dinner the little girl made her appearance, and immediately required -of her mother a share in the walnuts on the table.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My precious one, you must have them peeled for you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, mama, peel them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, my darling, they stain my fingers—ask your aunt Emma, I dare say she will do it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The child crept to Emma, "Good-natured aunt, peel me some walnuts."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma readily agreed to do so, wishing, so far as lay in her power, to shew -that she really was anxious to oblige. The little girl seated herself on -her knee, and endeavoured at first to assist in the operation, but soon -relinquished the attempt, and contented herself with slyly dropping the -walnut shells down Emma's neck, and slipping them under her gown, a playful -trick which amused her mother excessively when she discovered it, and gave -Emma the trouble of going to her room to undress, before she could free -herself from the disagreeable sensations they occasioned.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The conversation before dinner still dwelt heavy in her mind; she felt -persuaded that the time would come, when she and Miss Osborne too must step -forward to prove the truth of her sister's words, and she shuddered at the -idea. She felt that she must make some apology, or at least some -announcement of her intentions to Miss Osborne, before she could venture to -risk such very unpleasant consequences to them both: and she determined to -write to her, and tell her the circumstances as they occurred, and ask her -to support and substantiate her word when it came to be questioned.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her head was too weary and dizzy to undertake anything of the kind that -night, but she resolved not to defer it very long for Margaret's sake.</p> - -<p class='c006'>A day or two passed on, and Emma began to wonder when she should find time -for writing the projected letter. Her sister-in-law kept her so fully -employed, that a spare quarter of an hour was not to be had; her talents -with needle and scissors had attracted Jane's observation when at Winston, -and now they were put into constant requisition in mending the child's -wardrobe, or improving the mother's. Her niece's lessons were likewise -turned over to her, for she was to learn her alphabet, her parents -expecting her to be a little prodigy, and Emma must spare no pains to -produce the desired result. Take this as a specimen of their usual routine.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish, Elizabeth, now you seem to be at leisure," said Jane entering the -parlour, "you would just go and teach my cook to make those custard -puddings, and if you would put her in the way of making almond -cakes, such as you had at your father's, I should thank you. We have some -friends coming to tea, and I should like them to taste those."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth, who was just taking up her needle to mend a garment of her own, -very good-temperedly put it away, and repaired to the kitchen to -superintend her sister's confectionary affairs.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now, Emma," cried Jane, turning to her, "I'll call Janetta, and you shall -give her a lesson, I should like her to know the 'Busy Bee' to say to the -visitors to-night."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That little darling," exclaimed Margaret, as her sister brought in the -child, "has quite her mother's talents—my sweet pet," stroking down her -hair as she spoke, "my little beauty will grow up a clever, good woman like -mama some day, will you not, dearest."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Like me, dearest Margaret? do not wish her such an evil, a poor weak -creature like me—the child of impulse, the slave of excitement. May she be -better and happier than her poor mother!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma commenced the painful task of cramming infant brains with what they -could not comprehend, for exhibition to people who did want to hear it. -Jane shewed Margaret a piece of work she wanted done, and then threw -herself into a lounging chair.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Who do you expect here this evening, Jane?" enquired Margaret, "I did not -know you meant to have company."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It's a country client of my husband's who is coming to dine," replied Mrs. -Watson, "and I asked one or two friends to meet him; one cannot very well -help that, or else I don't know that just now, considering how lately your -old father died, that I should have had any company—but Mr. Terry is a man -of much influence!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>All Emma's sensitive feelings recoiled at this indifferent reference to -their recent loss; that he was <i>Robert's</i> father likewise, did not -seem to occur to his wife, who had never looked on him with either -affection or respect. Meantime the little Janetta—for such was her niece's -name, made but small progress towards acquiring the much desired learning; -and presently, her mother, turning sharply round, cried out:—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure, Emma, you are taking no pains about that child—for she is so -quick in general, at learning any thing; I must say, considering the -circumstances, and the liberality with which your brother has received you, -it is not asking such a very wonderful favor, requesting you to attend a -little to his child."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure, I am very happy to do so," replied Emma, meekly; "but your -little girl does not seem disposed to attend to me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That must be the fault of your manner of instructing then; you do not -adopt an interesting way; but I have observed, constantly, where most -gratitude is due, least is paid; Janetta, darling, does not your aunt teach -you nicely?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I want to look at aunt Emma's watch," replied the child, "I hear it -ticking in her pocket, and she says I must not see it till I have done!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How came you by a watch, Emma?" enquired Mrs. Watson, in a tone which -seemed to imply a suspicion of its being honestly acquired. "Let me see -it!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It was a gift from my uncle," replied poor Emma, producing it rather -unwillingly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was a very handsome one, and had her name engraved inside the lid.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I want a watch very much—mine is not to my taste," observed Mrs. Watson, -greedily eyeing her sister-in-law's property. "You would not like to -exchange, would you, Emma?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly not," replied she hastily; "it was a keepsake from him, and I -would not willingly part with it for any thing."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Don't you think you had better take Janetta to the nursery?" said Mrs. -Watson, "I am sure she would learn a great deal better there than here, -where we are talking. There, darling, go with Emma like a pet."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma saw that her sister-in-law wanted to get rid of her, but she really -thought the quiet of the nursery would be preferable to the drawing-room -worries, and she gladly withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I don't quite understand that sister of yours, Margaret," said Jane, as -soon as they were left together; "I think she seems very proud and -unpleasant—a good deal of conceit and pertness, mingled in her manner."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Exactly so, dear Jane, with your usual candour and penetration, you have -precisely described her character."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes," said Mrs. Watson, with an air of great satisfaction, "I hope I can -see through people a little. If there is one quality I pride myself on, it -is my penetration. I am blessed, I acknowledge, with a singular facility -for discerning characters, and what I think I must say. I speak my feelings -almost unconsciously!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are a wonderfully clever creature, Jane; I am sure I never knew any -one to be compared to you; but, as to Emma, I think it's her intimacy with -the Osbornes that has set her up so abominably; really, since she has been -there so much, there is no speaking to her sometimes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That is often the case where young girls are much noticed by those above -them in rank, Margaret; I wonder what they saw in her to like so much—even -if they thought her pretty—which I do not—I don't see why they should -notice her for that—do you think Lord Osborne liked her?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I really don't know—he used to look at her—and he danced with her—and -called on her—I sometimes thought he did care for her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish I could devise any means of bringing them together; if I were quite -sure on that point, it would make a great difference; but I don't suppose -anything will come of it now. There's the postman's knock—just step out in -the passage and bring in the letters here; I know Mr. Watson is out, so I -can get a peep at his dispatches now."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret did as she was desired and returned presently with a handful of -letters. Mrs. Watson took them on her lap and examined the post-mark and -address of each. Several were, from their size and appearance, letters of -business—she put them aside—over one she paused:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Here's one in a lady's hand," said she, "and to my husband! London, I -wonder who that's from? I never saw the seal before or the hand -writing—there's some mystery there. I wonder whether it's from some -mistress or improper person? I dare say it is—men are always deceiving -one!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, Jane!" cried Margaret, "that's impossible! You, of all people, cannot -fear a rival. Robert could not serve you so!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! the best of women, my dear, fare no better than the worst, with some -men; the best of men are worth very little; and, as to Mr. Watson, he's no -better than his neighbours. I can tell you I would not trust him without -watching—and I'll see him open and read that letter, or my name is not Jane -Watson; but let's see—" turning again to her letters; "what else have we -here? One for me—one for Elizabeth—who's that from? look Margaret!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret readily obeyed, and kneeling down besides her sister's chair, -looked at the letter in question.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think," said she, "it's from the upholsterer who purchased some of our -old furniture, that's H on the seal, and his name was Hill."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very likely, but look, Margaret, here's one for Emma—a lady's hand too—the -London post-mark, and a coronet on the seal—good gracious, that must be -from Miss Osborne, or perhaps from her brother—I wonder if one could see -anything inside. You see Lord Osborne has franked it, and it's in an -envelope, how tiresome: if it had only been folded like another letter we -could have read some of it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So we might, I dare say Emma will never tell us a word, she's so close, -she never chats comfortably with one about anything; I am sure to this day -I know nothing at all about what she thinks of Lord Osborne, or any of his -family—it's so provoking and disagreeable."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So it is, I hate such nasty close dispositions; I, who am all openness and -frankness, cannot comprehend anything secret and underhand: well, we cannot -help it, and I suppose we shall not know what it is about. Take those -letters to the office, Margaret, and tell the clerk they were brought into -the drawing-room by mistake."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst Margaret fulfilled this commission, and stopped to flirt with the -young clerk who received them, an old acquaintance of hers, Mrs. Watson, -having first carefully laid aside the suspected epistle to her husband, -proceeded up-stairs with Emma's letter, and after turning it over in every -direction, and even holding it up to the light at the stair-case window, -but without benefit, she suddenly entered the nursery. There she found -Janetta had dropped asleep on a bed, and Emma taking advantage of the -leisure thus afforded, was preparing to write a letter.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Janetta asleep, oh!" said the anxious mother, "well then you will have -time, Emma, to do a little job for me, I want some alterations in the -trimmings of my bombazine gown, and I wish you would do it for me before -evening."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall be happy," replied Emma, "to do anything in my power to oblige -you, if you will only explain it to me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well, come with me, and I will shew you what I want; oh, by the bye, -here's a letter for you, I think it must be from Miss Osborne from the -seal—does she write to you often?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," replied Emma, surprised at hearing this, and holding out her hand for -the letter which Mrs. Watson still detained to examine, "I never heard from -her before since she left the country!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, what do you suppose she writes about—by the way, I suppose you are -not accustomed to receive letters and give no account of them, are you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I am," replied Emma, quite ashamed at the idea of supervision in -such a particular, "I have never been controlled in either receiving or -writing a letter."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I consider that an exceedingly improper liberty for a young girl," -observed Mrs. Watson drily, "at your time of life, under age, I should hold -your guardian as very culpable if he took no account of your letters, and I -am much mistaken if your brother does not expect, as a matter of course, to -overlook all the correspondence you chose to carry on."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Surely he cannot consider it necessary," remonstrated Emma seriously, "at -my age—it is not as if I were a baby quite, but I am almost twenty."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Possibly so, but whilst you are under age you are his ward, and must have -to submit to any restrictions he lays on you with a good grace. It's no use -colouring and pouting, there's nothing like bearing things with a good -temper, and not giving yourself airs and graces about it. There's your -letter!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma took the letter, and observed, as she put it in her pocket:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If you will show me what you want done, I shall be happy to oblige you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Read your letter first, Emma, it may be a matter of business, and you -should never delay business—your brother always says, 'do what is to be -done directly, and do it yourself.'"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma silently drew forth the letter, and breaking the seal read the -following words:</p> - -<p class='c013'> "My dear Miss Watson,</p> -<p class='c010'>"I am sorry to trouble you with -any unpleasant subjects, but I cannot forbear -mentioning a circumstance which -nearly concerns your family; and when -you know the particulars, you can judge -for yourself. Mr. Tom Musgrove, whom I -had, as you know, reason to suppose engaged -to one of your sisters, is now in town, -and has not only been for some time past -paying great attention to a young lady of -fortune, a friend of my own, but, as I understand, -has denied all engagement to Miss -Watson, spoken very disparagingly of her, -and even shewn letters written by her under -the impression that such an engagement -existed. Not knowing precisely -how affairs stood between your -sister and Mr. M., I dare not interfere, -lest by revealing what she may perhaps -wish concealed, I should injure her, and -mortify you. I shall not, however, feel -justified in preserving silence much longer, -unless I am positively assured that all -engagement is at an end between them. -If she has released him from the promise -to which we both are witnesses, it may be -important to preserve silence on its previous -existence, but if, as I cannot help -suspecting, he has only released himself, -has deceived or deserted her, I cannot allow -my friend to be misled by him, and must -insist on having his conduct cleared up and -set in a proper light. I am sorry to be -obliged to trouble you, as I feel convinced -that whether secretly deceiving, openly -deserting your sister, he is certainly using -her extremely ill: you know I never had a -good opinion of his character. I am over-whelmed -with gaiety, and look back with -a feeling of regret to the tranquil hours at -Osborne Castle.</p> -<p class='c011'>"Anxiously expecting your answer,</p> -<p class='c014'>"I remain, dear Miss Watson,</p> -<p class='c015'>"Your sincere friend,</p> -<p class='c012'>"<span class='sc'>Rosa Osborne</span>."</p> -<p class='c009'>"P.S. Mr. Musgrove's address is, 75, -Bond-street.—My brother and Sir William -desire all sorts of proper messages to you; -have you seen the Howards lately?"</p> - -<p class='c005'>Whilst Emma was reading these words, Jane was standing near her, playing -with the sheet of paper in which it had been enveloped, and anxiously -watching Emma's countenance to see the effect produced by the -communication. She saw enough to discover that the emotion occasioned by -the contents was not of a pleasurable nature. It was something which -required deliberation and consideration. Mrs. Watson grew impatient.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, what is it?" cried she. "You sit there pondering and pondering as if -it were a dispatch from the king himself; tell me what your difficulty is, -and I will help you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think," said Emma, hesitating and embarrassed, "I think I must speak to -my brother about this, and, perhaps, I had better—I mean, he would like me -to consult him <i>first</i>, before speaking even to you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Tell me what it is," said Mrs. Watson, burning with curiosity, "let -<i>me</i> know all about it, and I can tell you if it is necessary to -consult him first!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But if I tell you now, I cannot apply first to him," remonstrated Emma, -"and so that will not do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, but you need not tell him that you told me," said Jane; "and as I am -his wife, I should be sure to know it eventually."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Can I not go to him at once?" said Emma, rising; "it would be much better, -and as it must be done, the sooner I get over it the better."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Is it anything you are afraid of telling him then?" enquired Mrs. Watson, -still more eagerly, as she followed Emma from the room. "Is it about -yourself? or Miss Osborne? oh, I know—it is for Mr. Watson to draw the -marriage settlements—they say she is going to be married to Sir William -Gordon, is that true? or is it an offer from Lord Osborne, I wonder? how -obstinate the child is; and how fast she runs, I must make haste, or I -shall lose some of it."</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch08' class='c004'>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Mrs. Watson overtook Emma at the door of the private room, where so many -important matters were settled by her husband, in time to hear an impatient -"Come in," and to enter in her company. Robert was pacing up and down the -room, and looked excessively surprised to see the intruders.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What in the name of all that's troublesome brings you here to-day?" was -his courteous salutation to his wife and sister.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wished to show you this letter, brother," said Emma, very humbly, with -Miss Osborne's letter in her hand; "and as it seemed to me, no time should -be lost in acting on it, I have ventured to intrude—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Robert did not allow her to finish her sentence, but took the paper from -her hand, and read it deliberately and attentively through. Anything in the -shape of business received his strictest attention, or he would never have -occupied the position which he now held. When he came to the conclusion, he -looked up, and observed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I don't see that Jane has anything to do with this, and shall therefore -beg she will leave the room—directly," added he, seeing that his wife -hesitated.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She knew the tone, and was obliged to withdraw; but it was with a mental -determination to plague her husband for a resolution so contrary to her -wishes, though she could not settle whether the punishment should consist -of boiling a leg of mutton, omitting his favorite pudding, or spoiling his -chocolate.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst she was arranging her plans for vengeance, her husband was holding -council high on the subject of this letter.</p> - -<p class='c006'>How came Miss Osborne to know anything about it? what did she mean by -saying that she and Emma were witnesses to the engagement? was that really -the case? why had Margaret never alluded to it?</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma explained as briefly as possible when and how they two had overheard -the whole conversation. Robert rubbed his hands with inexpressible glee.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He's caught then, fairly caught—that is good—we shall soon bring him to -terms now: capital, to think of your eavesdropping with so much effect; but -why did you never mention this before, child, when you heard me lamenting -the want of witnesses?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma asserted that she was only waiting to consult Miss Osborne on the -subject, for as they had been mutually pledged to secrecy, she could not -divulge it without her agreeing to it. Robert was in an ecstasy of hope and -enjoyment; he saw a brilliant perspective of litigation, an action for -breach of promise of marriage to be conducted, with all the <i>éclat</i> -that could be given to such a proceeding, and damages given to his sister -which would enable her to marry decently out of hand. This was delightful. -His first step he determined should be a letter from himself to the -culprit, claiming his promise to Margaret, but without alluding to the -witnesses to be produced, and he instructed Emma to write to Miss Osborne, -and tell her that her sister had never released Tom from his engagement, -but was still acting on the belief that it existed, and that therefore she, -Miss Osborne, was at liberty to inform her friend—indeed had better do so -at once—that Mr. Musgrove was acting an equivocal part in paying attention -to any other woman, as his hand was positively pledged to Miss Margaret -Watson. This assurance from a party whom he naturally supposed unacquainted -with the fact would alarm Tom, and it was possible, but Robert did not -depend on it, that it might bring some offer of a compromise. Emma enquired -what would be the result if, as was very probable, Mr. Musgrove should deny -the engagement altogether, and trusting to there being no witnesses, refuse -to fulfil it. Robert assured her that in that case he should have the means -of compelling him either to fulfil the contract or pay large damages; he -should not have a moment's hesitation in commencing an action against him, -and with Miss Osborne and Emma to support Margaret's evidence there was no -doubt of the result.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was horrified to hear what was impending over her, and enquired, in a -tone of something between fright and incredulity, whether he really -contemplated forcing Miss Osborne to appeal in a public court of justice.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why should she not?" was his cool answer; "she is as capable of giving -evidence, I presume, as any other woman, and her appearance will give a -great publicity to the proceeding."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But do you think she will like it?" suggested poor Emma, trembling for her -own share of the trial as much as for her friend's.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall not trouble my head about that—I will have her subpœned as a -witness, and she must come, whether she likes it or not."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was silent, but looked extremely uneasy. Her brother observed her -distressed appearance, and after thinking a few minutes, addressed her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As you know so much of the Osbornes, Emma, and it really appears that you -can keep a secret, which considering your age and sex is rather remarkable, -I will tell you my whole plan, and we will see whether your wit can help me -carry it out. Look here—suppose Tom Musgrove refuses all acknowledgment of -the engagement, I threaten an action, call on you and Miss Osborne as -witnesses; if it really comes before a jury she will be compelled to -appear; but say she dislikes it—is too fine or too delicate—well let her -family use their influence with Musgrove to induce a marriage, and they may -succeed. By threatening to make his perfidy public, by menacing him with -the indignation of the family, if he compels us to resort to such -extremities—possibly even by the judicious application of family interests -to procure him some situation, some sinecure appointment, or in many -similar ways, the Osbornes may work upon his feelings in a way which we -could never do. Meantime say nothing; I will explain enough to Margaret, -and you have only to answer all enquiries by the assurance that you are not -allowed by me to mention the matter. Go now."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma would gladly have retreated to her own room, but Jane was too sharp -for her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What an immense time you have been," cried she impatiently clutching hold -of Emma's shoulder; "I thought you would never come out; and I could not -hear a word you said. Now tell me all about it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma assured her that she dared not—her brother had so strictly forbidden -all allusion to the subject; she really was not at liberty to mention a -single word.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well really that's great impertinence of Mr. Watson—I'll give it him well -for that: what can it signify whether I know it or not—I dare say a mighty -matter to make so much fuss about—any affair you are concerned in must be -so very important: no, don't go up-stairs, I want you in the parlour, child."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma reluctantly returned to the parlour. Elizabeth and Margaret were both -there; but before Jane had time to expatiate upon the injustice and tyranny -of her husband in denying her knowledge which did not concern her, a -morning visitor was announced.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The lady who entered was a Mrs. Turner, a widow, with an unfashionable -black dress, a good-humoured but unmeaning face, and a cheerful manner.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Mrs. Watson," cried she, "here you are, amiable and industrious as -ever; I am sure your husband must thank his lucky stars which gave him such -a wife—I always consider you quite as the pattern for all housekeepers and -married ladies. And such a cheerful party as I find—who are these sweet -girls?—charming creatures I have no doubt."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Watson's sisters," said Jane laconically.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah I remember—poor things, orphans—Miss Margaret I beg your pardon, I -ought to have known you—I believe it was the -black gown deceived me—elegant—black always looks well—and Miss Margaret's -slender figure sets it off to advantage. What a sweet pretty face," (eyeing -Emma) "really you must be quite proud of your new sisters, Mrs. Watson. Now -I don't know anything pleasanter than a pretty face—it's so cheerful—all -three so remarkably good-looking too—they are not the least like you, Mrs. -Watson."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Watson made no other answer than an enquiry for Mrs. Turner's -son-in-law—Mr. Millar.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"George, oh, he's charming, thank you," replied the merry lady, who seemed -to view everything <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>couleur de rose</i></span>, "up to his -elbows in hops and malt—I often tell him, it's well if he be never -smothered with his business. I do believe it's the most flourishing one in -the town. Those little darlings, his children—you cannot think what angels -they are; but they do want a mother sadly; now, Mrs. Watson—you could not -recommend one, could you?" looking slyly at the three young ladies; "any -nice, steady, sensible young woman of six or seven and twenty—George need -not look out for a fortune, thank Heaven—he's a plenty, and to spare, of -his own—but a nice, good-humoured wife, who would not thwart him, or vex -his children—that's what he wants."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well," cried Mrs. Watson, with delight, "let him come here; I dare say -either of the girls would not say him nay—they have no money, so they must -take what they can get. It does not do for such to be too nice; not but -what even the nicest might well be satisfied with George Millar."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Aye, indeed, well they might. Do you know I am at him, day and night, to -marry again; and he always says I must chose him a wife, for he has not -time to see for himself. Now I'll make him come here to-night, and see what -he'll say."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do so pray," said Jane, "we are expecting a few friends to dinner and tea; -let him come in the evening when his business is over; but don't say a word -of our plans, let him be taken by surprise, you know."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well," exclaimed Elizabeth, "I like your plan amazingly, and I give you -fair warning, Mrs. Turner, that I shall do my utmost to please your -son-in-law, and take the situation of Mrs. Millar. I am convinced he is a -most delightful man, and well worth looking after."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well done my dear," cried Mrs. Turner, "I like honesty and candour of all -things, and am delighted to find you are not too proud to own that you, -like all other girls, want to be married. Some pretend to deny it; but it -makes no difference, I know what they think secretly, and see through them -all the same."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We will not try to trifle with such penetration," said Elizabeth, -laughing—"ask my sisters if they agree to your assertion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, I know Miss Margaret does," cried Mrs. Turner; "she is longing to be -married at this moment—and I could point out the gentleman too—my George -has no chance with her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret giggled, and twisted about.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only think of my affairs becoming so public, as my wishes to be known like -that. You are a dangerous person, I know of old, Mrs. Turner!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I must be going—I have to call on the Greenes this morning—sweet -girls, the Greenes, ain't they—amazingly clever—very plain though—well, -well, one can't have everything; do you know, I plague George about being -in love with Ann Greene, and he cannot bear the sight of her in -consequence—it is such fun."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I know very little of the Greenes," observed Mrs. Watson, grandly, "they -are not in our set. I dare say soap-boiling is a very good trade; but I -have a fancy it must soil the fingers. Mr. Millar will not meet the Greenes -here at all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Turner did not stay to defend the Greenes from the aspersions cast on -them by the amiable Mrs. Watson, but hurried away to praise them to -themselves, certain that in this case her eulogy would be well received.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Hardly had she left the room, when Robert entered, with an open letter in -his hand, and enquired of Emma, if she had written as he desired her to do. -Emma acknowledged that she had not.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then do it directly," said he, "and learn never to delay letters of -business—always do what you have to do at once—it is idle, and worse to put -it off."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma did not attempt to offer any excuse, but was preparing to leave the -room to obey, when Jane stopped her, and recommended her remaining where -she was to write; there were plenty of paper, pens, and ink in the room, -and there could not be the smallest occasion for leaving the parlour.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She could not very well avoid yielding to this request, which, however, she -suspected strongly was only made in hopes of obtaining some information -relative to the letter in question. Meanwhile, Robert, going up to -Margaret, showed her the letter he held in his hand, and desired her to -read it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, how very good of you," cried Margaret, when she had run through the -contents, "how kind of you to take it up so warmly; you who never believed -that what I said was true; how glad I am that you have come round at last -to believe my assertions; now, I trust, Tom will relent, and my blighted -affections will once more revive and flourish!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Don't talk to me of blighted affections," replied her brother, -impatiently; "don't bother me with such nonsense; do learn, if you can, to -think of matters of business <i>as</i> business; and in an affair of this -kind, try to speak in a rational, sensible way. Do you think Musgrove will -yield to this representation?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, no doubt of it," said Margaret, "at least, I dare say he will; but -suppose he should not, what will you do then?" fixed</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It appears," replied Robert, "that both Emma and Miss Osborne heard what -passed between you, and as, in that case, they can both appear as witnesses -for you, I have no doubt of getting a verdict in your favour, and very -considerable damages from any jury in the county."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret sat staring at her brother in amazement, and then repeated,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Osborne and Emma, are you sure," and turning to Emma, she exclaimed, -"Where were you then, I should like to know."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We were concealed from your sight," replied her sister, "by some orange -trees, and thus we heard all you said without intending it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Listening were you—very pretty indeed—honorable conduct—from you too, who -make such a fuss about propriety and honesty, and all that; but, after all, -you are no better than your neighbours, it seems," said she, spitefully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure I am very sorry," said Emma, with tears in her eyes, "if I have -done anything to vex you; but indeed, though it may seem strange, I really -could not help it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh no, of course not!" pursued Margaret, tossing her head back; "people -never can help doing any thing which happens to suit their fancy—however, -before I venture to talk another time, I will take care and ascertain if -you are in the room or not—such meanness listening!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It appears very strange to me," cried Mrs. Watson, anxious to understand -it all; "that we should suddenly hear that Emma knew all about it, when -Margaret was so long wishing to have some evidence to prove her words; why -did not Emma say so sooner, then?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And it seems still more extraordinary to me," interposed Elizabeth, "that -Margaret should be so angry when she thus, unexpectedly, finds what she -wishes for. Emma told me of this long ago, and told me that Miss Osborne -had induced her to be silent on the subject for several reasons; but I -know, from what she told me then, it was quite accidental, and could not be -avoided, their overhearing Tom's conversation with you, Margaret."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And it appears strangest of all to me," observed Robert, contemptuously, -"that women never can keep to the point on any subject, but must start off -on twenty different branches, which have nothing to do with the end in -view. What does it signify to you, Margaret, when, how, or why your -conversation was overheard—when, on the fact of its being so, depends your -chance of getting two or three thousand pounds in your pocket? What does it -matter as to Emma's motive for listening, so long as she did listen to such -good purpose?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret pouted and replied only by some indistinct murmurs.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her brother then went on to explain to her the circumstance of Miss -Osborne's interposition—shewing her, greatly to Emma's annoyance, the -letter that morning received from London, and informing her of what he had -desired might be written in answer. Margaret's feelings on the occasion, -formed a most comic mixture of pleasure and indignation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was excessively gratified at being talked about, and made the subject -of letters to and from Miss Osborne; and the notion of being plaintiff in -an action at law, seemed to have almost as great a charm for her -imagination, as being married; but then, she was sorely mortified at the -information that Tom Musgrove's infidelity was so open and evident; she was -vexed, bitterly vexed, at the idea of a rival; and she could hardly console -herself for such an indignity, by the expectation of the damages which were -to be awarded her. She looked very foolish and very spiteful when her -sister-in-law made some ill-natured observations about overrating the -powers of her own charms; and still more so when Robert added:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That he had no doubt the fellow was drunk when he made the offer, but it -did not matter if he was."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was very glad when she had finished her letter, and was able to escape -from the subject by quitting the house for a walk with Elizabeth. Jane had -some errands for them in the town; but, as soon as they were fulfilled, -they were able to turn their steps towards the country, and escaping into -green fields and pleasant lanes, refresh their eyes and their tempers by -watching for the first appearance of the spring flowers. Such a stroll was -a real treat to Emma, and gave her strength to endure the numberless petty -annoyances which Mrs. Watson heaped on her. She felt, whilst she could -still enjoy a few hours of quiet converse with her sister—still breathe the -fresh air of Heaven, and seek the simple, but unalloyed, satisfaction, to -be derived from contemplating the works of Providence, that she had still -blessings to be thankful for; that her situation, with all its drawbacks, -ought still to call forth feelings of gratitude, when compared with the -misfortunes of others of her fellow beings; and that it became her to be -ready to acknowledge this, lest she should be taught to prize the comforts -she still enjoyed by their withdrawal.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With these sentiments in her heart, she strove to act upon them; and when -Elizabeth would have turned the conversation, to past times, and reverted -to Mr. Howard and his sister, she had the strength of mind to turn away -from the dangerous pleasure, and pursue some other topic.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They stayed out rather late—that is to say, they were not in the house till -rather more than half past four, and they were to dine at five. They met -their sister-in-law on the stairs in a great bustle.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh dear! I have been in such a worry for you, Emma," cried she, "how very -tiresome that you should be so late; I want Janetta dressed and her hair -curled, and Betsy has not time to attend to it, because she has to dress my -head—and here have I been waiting and waiting whilst you have been -wandering over the country amusing yourselves without the least regard to -me or my comfort."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sorry to have put you to any inconvenience, but I had not the least -idea you wanted me," replied Emma, "what can I do for you now?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>The wrath of any one but Mrs. Watson, must have been disarmed and pacified -by Emma's good-tempered answer, and the sweetness of her manner, but Jane's -was a disposition which yielded only if violently opposed, but became every -hour more encroaching when given way to. To Elizabeth, who boldly spoke her -mind on all occasions, she was far more submissive—but over Emma she could -tyrannise without fear of a rude or thoughtless retort, a rebellious -action, or even a discontented look; consequently, Emma was now dispatched -to the nursery to perform the office of maid to her little niece, whilst -the woman, whose business it was to attend to this matter, was occupied in -arranging her mistress's toilette.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length, Mrs. Watson was ready, and sweeping into the nursery with as -much finery as her mourning would allow her to display, she took away her -little girl, and allowed Emma time to arrange her own dress for dinner.</p> - -<p class='c006'>On descending to the drawing-room she found her sister-in-law engaged in -talking and listening eagerly to the important gentleman from the country, -for whose sake the dinner party had been arranged.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He was a broad-faced, portly man, who filled up the arm-chair in which he -was seated, with perfect accuracy of adjustment, and whose countenance -seemed to Emma to express a sort of hungry tolerance of Mrs. Watson's -attentions. Whenever the door opened, and admitted with each fresh arrival -a strong scent of dinner from the kitchen, he seemed to imbibe the odour -with peculiar satisfaction, and after inhaling sundry times the teeming -atmosphere, heaved a sigh indicative of anticipation and comfortable -assurance for the future.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The fluttering of Mrs. Watson's trimmings, the waving of her ringlets, and -the affected little bursts of merriment in which she indulged for his -amusement, hardly discomposed him at all, so intent was he on the -forthcoming dinner. Robert Watson was standing over the fire talking to a -gloomy, dark-browed young man, a stranger to Emma, who seemed to consider -that in conferring the favor of his bodily presence on the Watsons, he was -doing them so great an honor, that there was no occasion for him to trouble -himself with any further efforts, and that the absence of mind in which he -ostentatiously indulged, was due to his own dignity, impaired, or at least -endangered by the situation in which he had suffered himself to be placed. -There was also a thin, white-faced individual, something between a man and -a boy, who was chattering to Margaret with all the ease and volubility of -an old acquaintance. Emma remembered that she had heard Jane and Margaret -speaking of a Mr. Alfred Freemantle, whose family were "quite genteel -country people," as being articled to Mr. Watson, and concluded that the -individual thus mentioned was before her. Just as she had settled this -point in her own mind, and seated herself near Elizabeth, she perceived the -young man make a prodigious theatrical start, and heard him exclaim in a -tone which could not be called low:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"For heaven's sake who is that exquisitely beautiful creature?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It's only Emma—my sister Emma," said Margaret evidently vexed, "do you -think her so very pretty? well I don't think I should call her so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She blushes divinely," cried he, fixing his eyes on her, "what a glorious -complexion—and her name is Emma—sweet Emma."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was half amused, but almost angry at his impertinence; had he been a -little older, her anger would have been more decided, but he seemed such a -mere boy, that she attributed his offensive behaviour to youthful -ignorance; a charitable construction for which he would certainly not have -thanked her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Having stared at her for some minutes with unwavering perseverance, he -rose, and crossing the room, let himself drop into a chair close by her, -with a weight and impetus quite astonishing to Emma, when she considered -the slight figure which produced such a concussion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The next moment he opened a conversation with her by saying:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have just experienced a most delicious sensation, Miss Emma Watson, the -sight of you has exactly recalled the image of a cousin of mine, from whom -unfortunate circumstances have so imperatively separated me. Poor girl—you -have no idea how lovely she was."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed," was Emma's reply, quite willing to admit the truth of this -assertion, and equally ready to let the subject rest; but he had no -intention of the sort.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is charming to be reminded of an absent friend, -delightful—exquisite—are you likely to make a long stay at Croydon, Miss -Emma Watson?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is uncertain," replied Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you are actually living in the same house in which I spend the greater -part of my weary days, and nothing but these envious walls conceals you -from my sight. Is not that hard?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really no," replied Emma, unable to control a smile at the absurdity of -his manner, "I cannot say I think so at all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You don't—what a monstrous bore Mrs. Watson is—I am sure you will agree to -that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She is my sister-in-law," said Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, I know, but that's the very reason you should hate her—I detest -mine."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you consider that an infallible rule, of course, since you suggest it -to me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am certain," said the young man, "that our sympathies are strong: there -is something in the turn of your head, the sparkle of your eye, the -formation of your upper lip, that betokens decided participation in the -feelings which corruscate, burn, and almost consume your humble servant."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What a fine day it has been," observed Emma, purposely chosing the most -common-place subject in reply to his rhapsody.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He looked astonished and perplexed, then said slowly:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I fear after all we are not kindred souls—do you love music?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Pretty well," replied Emma, determined to keep down to the most -common-place level in her conversation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He cast up his eyes, and turned away for a moment, throwing himself back in -his chair, and elevating his chin in the air, whilst he carefully combed -his hair with his fingers. Presently, however, he returned again to the -attack.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I suspect you are funny."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon," said Emma, looking perplexed in her turn.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I say I suspect you are laughing at me all this time."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh," said she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At this moment dinner was announced, and whilst the fat gentleman was -slowly emerging from his chair to accompany Mrs. Watson to the dining -parlour, Emma's new acquaintance was pouring out a voluble strain of -nonsense in her ear.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"To think of reasonable and reasoning creatures lowering themselves to an -equality with the beasts of the field, by indulging in what is falsely -called the pleasures of the table—to think of their voluntarily assembling -only to eat; degrading their intellects by sitting down to spend two hours -over roast mutton or apple pie—really it is inconceivable—allow me to -conduct you, and -your fair sister Margaret to the dinner-table. Sweetest Miss Margaret," -presenting her his hand as he spoke, "my felicity is beyond expression—I -can only equal my situation between you two, to love amongst the roses."</p> - -<p class='c006'>At the dinner-table Mrs. Watson appeared in all her glory. The dinner was -really good, and as the favoured guest inhaled the odour of the soup, it -was evident from the complacent expression which stole over his features, -that he was well satisfied with the prospect now before him. Mrs. Watson's -tactics were suited to the occasion; she devoted her attention to helping -him to the best things on the table—the most dainty morsel, the epicure's -piece, was in every case heaped on his plate. It would have been amusing to -an observer to watch the struggle which in some cases occurred between -Robert's self-interest and self-love. His appetite was at variance with his -policy; it was difficult for him to yield the precedence at his own table -to the love of good eating exhibited by another. To see his wife thus -liberally disposed to another man was a severe blow, and whilst he -acknowledged the justice, prudence and propriety of thus acting, it went to -his heart to behold it. Her attentions, her flattery, her winning smiles -she was welcome to indulge him with, but the dainty morsel from the cod's -head—the largest share from the sweet-bread fricassee, the liver-wing of -the spring chicken, these he could not resign without a sigh.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Alfred Freemantle, however, did not leave Emma much leisure to make -remarks; he had seated himself by her side at table, and was paying her an -infinite number of what he considered delicate attentions; calling -incessantly to the footman to bring her vegetables—urging her to try every -dish on the table, helping her to salt, and filling her glass with wine to -the very brim, as he asserted all ladies liked bumpers; at the same time -pouring into her ears the most common-place nonsense about his devotion to -the fair sex, his zeal in performing his <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>devoirs</i></span>, -and sundry other observations of the sort.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma gave him no encouragement, but he did not require any; perfectly -satisfied with his own charms, and accustomed to consider himself as -superior to his ordinary companions, he was well convinced that her -shyness, not her dissatisfaction, kept her silent, and never for a moment -supposed she could be otherwise than charmed with his conversation and -company.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The dinner appeared to her, consequently, very dull, but at last the moment -of release came; her sister-in-law gave the signal for departure, and the -four ladies returned to the drawing-room. Here they were no sooner -assembled than Margaret commenced a violent attack on Emma for her -scandalous flirtation with Mr. Freemantle. He used to be a particular -admirer of Margaret's, and she could not with patience resign his -admiration to another. In fact she had not strength of mind to see with -composure any woman engross the attention of a man with whom she was -acquainted, all whose words and looks of admiration she wished to -appropriate to herself; for having been for a couple of winters the -reigning belle of her small neighbourhood, she still fancied her charms -supreme, and was quite insensible of the fact, obvious to every one else, -that she was now only exhibiting the remains of former beauty. Her bloom -had been of short duration; she was too fretful to preserve the plumpness -necessary to show her complexion to advantage, and she early lost the glow -and the fairness which had formed her greatest charm.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Alfred Freemantle was not now to be won by all her wiles; Emma's newer -face, and the sort of wondering indifference with which she heard his -compliments, and his ready-prepared jokes formed an irresistible charm to -him; he declared her freshness was <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>piquant</i></span>, her -innocence was exquisite, that it was delicious to meet with a pretty girl -so perfectly unhacknied in the ways of the world; little suspecting that -the simple manner which he took for ignorance of life resulted entirely -from her just appreciation of his little talent, and the total want of -interest excited by such flattery as he was capable of administering.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But she could make no impression on Margaret by declarations of -indifference, or assertions that she had thought him decidedly -disagreeable. Her sister considered such words as a mere subterfuge, and -would not believe that Mr. Alfred Freemantle was a sort of person to slight -one girl for another, a stranger, without some special encouragement to do -so.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Jane took up Margaret's cause, as she was always delighted to have an -opportunity of finding fault with Emma, of whom she felt a decided -jealousy, and a long and serious lecture was the consequence, which was -only interrupted by the arrival of some of the evening visitors. The -reproaches which were showered on Emma were, it is true, parried in some -degree by Elizabeth, who although greatly respecting her sister-in-law, did -not feel so much afraid of her as to refrain on that account from -expressing her opinion. She vigorously defended Emma to the best of her -abilities, and there was no saying how long the dispute might have been -carried on but for the arrival of Mr. George Millar and a young lady, his -half sister, who accompanied him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was obliged, as well as she could, to conceal the tears which were -swimming in her eyes and anxious to avoid any further animadversions, she -seated herself as far as possible from the gentleman, and occupied herself -with some work which she had undertaken for Mrs. Watson.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She could not, however, restrain her attention which was speedily engaged -by the young lady, whom she now saw for the first time. Annie Millar was -not regularly pretty, but there was an expression of liveliness and spirit -in her face, which would have won the palm from twenty professed beauties. -Her manners suited her face exactly; lively, arch, and yet perfectly -unaffected, she did not seem to know what constraint and fear were. She -said whatever came into her head; but that head was so overflowing with -good-humour and kindness that there was no room for malice or ill-will to -abide there.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Mrs. Watson," cried she, "as I found you had invited my brother for -this evening, I have invited myself; I cannot imagine why you left -<i>me</i> out; but feeling certain you would be delighted to see me, I -slipped on my second best gown, and came. Now I expect you to make me a -civil speech in reply."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was very certain of having a civil speech made. Mr. George Millar was a -man of too much consequence amongst his own set, for his sister to be -slighted in any degree. His fortune was large, and his disposition liberal; -he was a widower, and he was very fond of his sister; Annie, therefore, was -certain of compliments and welcomes, and was precisely the person to be -received by Mrs. Watson with extreme rapture.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did so want to be acquainted with your other sisters," added Miss -Millar, "that I think I should have ventured here had I been even certain -you would scold instead of caressing me; I always envy every one who is -blessed with a sister, and think it must be the most delightful -relationship in the world."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And I dare say your brother agrees with you," said Mrs. Watson, smiling -graciously.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you, George?" cried the young lady; "no, no, he considers me, without -exception, the most troublesome of all his encumbrances; a charge which he -is always trying to get rid of, by inducing some one else to undertake it. -There is no telling you the pains he is at to throw the burden on some -other unhappy man."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her brother shook his head at his young sister, who only smiled in reply, -and continued—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Hitherto I have defeated his arts, and preserved myself from the snare; -how long such good luck may continue to attend me I cannot tell."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Miss Millar, there's a good opportunity to-night," said Mrs. Watson, -"for we have, amongst our visitors, a young and single man, who, I believe, -is quite ready for any one who takes the trouble of catching him; so if you -think him worth the trouble—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He must be very different from any man I ever saw yet," interrupted Annie. -"Do you mean your charming young clerk, Mr. Alfred Frivolous, as I call -him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, dear, no," cried Mrs. Watson; "a very different person—he is very well -off—has large property in Suffolk—quite a grand estate there—with no near -connections—no sisters to be in your way—a most beautiful house—respectable -family—I believe quite one of the first families in the county—and bears a -high character."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And may I ask the name of this desirable individual?" enquired Miss -Millar, assuming an appearance of intense interest.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Grant, Mr. Henry Grant—I am sure you will be charmed with him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Describe him—I am rather particular as to appearance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, I cannot say that he is absolutely handsome, but very dark—dark and -genteel—quite genteel, I assure you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Lively?" enquired Annie.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps he may be—but I do not know that I have heard him speak."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Charming!" cried Annie; "dine with you, and yet not address you—his must -be the very refinement of good manners—the very cream of gentility -indeed—tell me some more about this delightful personage. Does he like -ladies?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot say—but though he seems rather shy of them now, depend upon it, -he is all the easier caught."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ay, by those who try; I can fancy that certainly—I really must exert -myself—your fascinating description quite rouses my energies."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And I am sure if you do set about it, your success is certain," continued -Mrs. Watson.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you, my dear Madam, for your encouraging opinion. I fear you rate my -powers too highly," laughed Annie, bowing with mock ceremony—"a young and -inexperienced girl like me, cannot pretend to anything so wonderful as the -captivation of a dark Mr. Grant, with a large estate, and a contempt for -women—you must not expect such a triumph for me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, I am certain you will succeed to admiration," cried Mrs. Watson, -eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Show me how to begin then," pursued Annie. "Teach me the first step."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should recommend your catching his eye in some striking attitude—as I -dare say he is fond of paintings—something very elegant to attract him at -once," replied the married lady quite sincerely.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed—let me practice," cried Miss Millar, placing herself in an affected -attitude in an arm-chair. "Will this do—or this—do I look sufficiently -captivating now? which becomes me most, languor or liveliness."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You, I see, are determined to make game of the whole thing," said Mrs. -Watson. "Will nothing induce you to think well of a single man? are you so -devoted a follower of celibacy yourself? ah, you are quite right—liberty, -charming liberty! no one knows its value till, like me, they have -sacrificed it. Ah, I say you are quite right—only, as you are so uncommonly -fascinating, I cannot wonder if others should seek to win you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are far too complimentary, Mrs. Watson," said the young lady, with -affected gravity, and rising from her chair, she walked up to Emma, and -commenced an acquaintance with her by admiring her work.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was almost afraid to speak to her, lest the doing so should excite her -sister-in-law's wrath again; but Annie Millar had taken a fancy to her -face, and was not to be repulsed. Her lively chat soon drew off her -companion's thoughts from the disagreeable circumstances which had -previously occurred, and half an hour passed pleasantly. Meantime Mrs. -Watson, with judicious precaution, had set Elizabeth down to back-gammon -with George Millar, and guessing from the lively conversation carried on -amidst the quick rattle of the dice, that all was going right there, she -left them to improve their acquaintance in peace.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Very soon after this, the gentlemen strolled into the room—Mr. Grant first, -as if anxious to make the more impression by his appearance. He looked -round the room—and, as if satisfied by this survey that there was no one -sufficiently attractive to induce him to engage in the labour of -conversation, he walked away and took refuge in a small inner apartment, -which opened from the drawing-room, and which was lighted by a single lamp.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Millar shrugged her shoulders slightly and gave Emma an expressive -look, but had no time for words, as they were at that moment joined by -Margaret and Mr. Freemantle.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The latter made Annie a flourishing bow whilst exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Millar, by all that is fair and felicitous, this is an unexpected -pleasure."</p> - -<p class='c006'><i>She</i> did not seem to find it so; but looked cold and careless, whilst -she made him as slight a return for his salutation as possible.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Would that I possessed an artist's pencil to pourtray the group before -me," continued the young man, with affected rapture. "The graces exactly—it -does, indeed, deserve to be commemorated on canvas or in marble. At all -events, it is for ever impressed on the tablet of my heart."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret giggled—Emma looked immoveably grave, whilst Annie smiled -scornfully and said:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What is that, Mr. Freemantle? Pray repeat that last sentence again, that I -may commit it to memory."</p> - -<p class='c006'>It certainly is a thing very repulsive to human nature to repeat a sentence -twice over—especially if it is a flourishing speech which only answers when -thrown off hand at once.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Annie was perfectly aware that she could not have found a more effectual -way of tormenting Mr. Freemantle; he looked very silly, and replied in a -qualifying tone,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I only said—I only meant, that I should never forget it!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh!" replied the young lady, "was <i>that</i> all? I am sorry I gave you -the trouble of repeating it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Millar is too much accustomed to homage," continued he, "for my -feeble attempts to create any sensation in her mind. She despises such a -humble worshipper as her poor devoted servant."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon," returned she, "but I never despise any thing -<i>humble</i>—quite the contrary; and your overwhelming complimentary -speeches really raise such a variety of sensations, by which, I suppose, -you mean sentiments in my mind that I positively know not which way to -look."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He really thought she meant to flatter him, and smiled in a way that showed -all his white teeth: yet, in conversing with Annie Millar, he always had a -lurking suspicion that she was laughing at him, and therefore, never felt -quite at his ease with her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do sing to us," said he presently, in an insinuating tone; "it is such -ecstasy to hear you sing! Pray indulge us with the 'Flowers of the Forest,' -or one of your other charming Scotch melodies."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Annie compressed her lips and only bowed her head slightly in reply; then -turning to Emma, addressed her on the subject of music. Several other -people joined the party, and the tray with tea, pound cake and muffin, made -its progress round the room. Mr. Freemantle insisted on helping each lady -"to the refreshing beverage," as he called it himself, and passed many -small and rather pointless jokes on the subject of the quantity of sugar -they each required. "Sweets to the sweet," was a favorite quotation of his, -and one which he usually found well received.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Look at that man," whispered Annie, pointing to Mr. Grant, apparently fast -asleep on the sofa; "should you not like to throw a cloak over his head, -that his slumbers may be undisturbed. Oh! I'll tell you what I will do—look -now!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>And stealing quietly into the inner room, she softly, but effectually, -extinguished the lamp; and then returning closed the door, and placing a -chair against it, seated herself there, leaving Mr. Grant in complete -darkness "to finish his nap," as she said, "without risk of being roused by -intrusive visitors." Mrs. Watson did not see this manœuvre, but Margaret -and Emma laughed quietly—whilst Alfred, overcome by excessive amusement, -dropped on a sofa, and rolled about in ecstasy.</p> - -<p class='c006'>George Millar, whose table was near, looked round.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What naughty trick are you about now, Annie?" said he suspiciously.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I!" cried the young lady, with well affected surprise; "who so quiet and -well-behaved in this room as myself! Your suspicions are derogatory to me, -and disgraceful to yourself, George."</p> - -<p class='c006'>And she drew herself up in an attitude of offended dignity, crossing her -hands in her lap, and looking straight before her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>George went on with his game; and Mr. Alfred Freemantle, having recovered -his composure, resumed his station by Miss Millar's side. He enquired how -long she intended to keep the poor man in the dark? Miss Millar said he was -in the black hole, and should continue there till he asked to get out; for, -indeed, his voice had never yet been heard, and she was anxious to settle -the question whether he was or was not, dumb.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Presently afterwards another of the party came up, and begged in the name -of Mrs. Watson that Miss Millar would favor them with a song.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Annie possessed the rare talent of singing without accompaniment; and -without affectation, when requested by the mistress of the house, she -immediately complied, and warbled some beautiful old ballads to the great -delight of the company.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She did not change her position, but sat with her back to the door, when, -in the midst of her second song, a loud crash was heard in the little room -where Mr. Grant was confined; this was followed by vociferous and angry -exclamations—at which every one started forward with various intonations of -surprise, wondering what was the matter. Miss Millar did not cease singing -or move her seat, but merely waved her hand to keep back those who pressed -on her, and finished her song with perfect self-possession.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When, however, a second part was suddenly taken to her performance by a -strange voice in the next room, every one was still more astonished, and -insisted on opening the door to discover the minstrel. When this was done, -they saw Mr. Grant leaning quietly against one chair, whilst another -overthrown beside him revealed the origin of the noise which had at first -arrested them; he was in the dark, of course, and seemed as he stood there -so sleepy and dull, that they could hardly imagine he was likewise the -author of the melodious sounds they had overheard. How he came there, why -he was in the dark, and why he remained so, were questions rapidly asked by -such as knew him well enough to speak to him—but he could give no -explanation—he only knew that he had woke up and found himself on the sofa -in the dark, and thought he was in bed, until rolling off convinced him -that he was not; that he had fallen on the floor and made a noise he -supposed, and that he should be particularly glad to know whether Mrs. -Watson was in the constant habit of locking up her guests in the dark.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Watson came forward full of apologies and regrets; she really could -not imagine how it had happened, or who had shut the door—it must have been -so purely accidental; she was excessively shocked, and particularly -grieved, and she hoped it would never occur again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Nothing could be more admirable than the air of perfect innocence and -ignorance which Annie Millar assumed through the whole scene; to have seen -her face no one would have imagined that she was in the smallest degree -inculpated in the false imprisonment which so afflicted poor Mr. Grant, and -his slumber had been far too real and unfeigned for him to have any idea of -the offender. Alfred Freemantle indeed drew all the suspicions on himself -by his immoderate laughter and the facetious observations which he made at -the discovery. Soon after this card-tables were formed, and the whole party -sat down to different games, which occupied the rest of the evening.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma felt on parting that she should like to know more of Annie Millar, and -she found the next morning that her wish was likely to be gratified, for -the young lady called in the course of the forenoon, and expressed the -strongest desire to carry on an acquaintance with both the sisters. -Margaret, whom she had known previously, and for whom she certainly -entertained no very strong predilection, did not seem inclined to join the -party which Annie tried to arrange for a walk.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The feelings of jealousy and dislike which any pretty girl awakened in -Margaret's mind were peculiarly vivid towards Annie Millar, and she -naturally shrank from bringing herself much in contact with her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Watson came into the room just as Miss Millar was pressing the two -other sisters to join her. As soon as she understood how the case stood, -being at that time peculiarly cross with Emma on account of the admiration -she had excited on the previous night, she interposed in this way:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, my dear Miss Millar, it is most kind of you to propose such a -thing, and I have no doubt but that the girls feel excessively obliged to -you, but it is impossible for Emma to accept it. Loth as I am to refuse any -request of yours, I cannot really accede to this one. Her duty must confine -her within doors this morning, she has calls upon her time which must not -be set aside; she must therefore forego the gratification you propose."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma could not help feeling rather astonished at hearing such a -declaration, as she was quite unaware of any particular duties which would -compel her to remain in the house that morning, and she was quite puzzled -what to answer, when Annie Millar said coaxingly,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why can you not put off your business till the afternoon, and go with us -now? What have you so very particular to do?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I suppose my sister-in-law wants me," said she colouring and hesitating; -"and of course, if so, it is necessary I should stay."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, I thought it might be some penance you were to perform—something quite -wonderful and romantic—but really I think you might contrive to delay it, -and accompany us to-day."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are uncommonly kind," again interrupted Mrs. Watson, "but there is so -much of regularity and system absolutely necessary where very young people -are concerned, that whilst Emma continues under <i>my</i> care I cannot -allow her to be running out at all hours—though if any one could tempt me -to relax in my rules it would be you I assure you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The idea of a young woman of Emma's age not being at liberty to walk or sit -still according to her own fancy, appeared to Annie Millar very -extraordinary, and her wonder and annoyance were equally shared by Emma -herself, now hearing for the first time of rules that had never to her -knowledge existed at all; and feeling unable to contend against the -assumption of authority which her sister-in-law exercised over her -proceedings, without the risk of causing an actual quarrel with her on the -subject, she began to look forward with considerable dread, and to wonder -what would come next.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well," said Miss Millar, "if it is not convenient for Miss Emma to walk -now, will you tell me when and at what hour I may look forward to that -pleasure? Exceedingly as I regret that your rules have disappointed me -to-day, there is this comfort, that they ensure my gratification at some -other time, when I understand your arrangements. At what time <i>does</i> -your sister take exercise?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Watson was completely caught, and excessively puzzled what to say. She -hesitated for a moment, and then observed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, as I do not like to thwart any plan of yours, I will try another day -and make arrangements to gratify you, my dear Miss Millar; in the meantime -I recommend you to take your walk to-day without any reference to Emma."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Millar assented with a sigh, and she and Elizabeth set off together.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch09' class='c004'>CHAPTER IX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>"A very pretty thing indeed," exclaimed Mrs. Watson the moment the door -closed on them, "a very pretty and reasonable thing for a girl like you, -Miss Emma, coming into this house as a dependent, without a farthing in -your pocket, or an expectation of any kind, a very pretty thing I say for -you to go flaunting and jaunting about with all the best company in the -town; I can tell you if this is the way you go on, I shall take care and -keep you up stairs when I have visitors. I suppose you hope for an -opportunity for carrying on your acquaintance with Alfred Freemantle, or -perhaps you are looking out for George Millar himself. I see I must keep a -firm hand over you, or I shall have some disgraceful proceedings no doubt—a -girl of your age to be so given up to flirtation; it is quite shocking."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not know what I have done," replied Emma, struggling with her -feelings, "to deserve your reproaches; Miss Millar asked me to walk with -her, but how am I to blame for that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Don't answer me, Miss, it is exceedingly impertinent and disrespectful, -and I will not put up with it from you. If you imagine because you have -been acquainted with the Osbornes and those grand folks, that you are to be -mistress here, and do as you like, you will find yourself excessively -mistaken. I shall allow nothing of the kind I assure you. Go to the nursery -and take care of the little girl, and tell the nurse-maid I want her to go -on an errand for me. Try and make yourself useful if you can, and show some -gratitude for the extraordinary liberality of your brother, in receiving a -beggar like you into his house."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's spirit rose and tempted her strongly to rebel; her first impulse was -to go to her own room, and shut herself in there; but she remembered that -she was powerless, and totally without effectual support in the house. -Elizabeth, it was true, would take her part, but she could only talk, not -act, and as any contention must be fruitless, ending inevitably in her own -defeat, she wisely determined to submit as quietly as possible, -endeavouring to suppress her unavoidable feelings of repugnance and -mortification, and trying to remember that since she was actually indebted -to her brother for food and shelter, it became her to try by every means in -her power to lessen the unwelcome burden. She went accordingly as she was -desired to the nursery, and remained the rest of the morning in charge of -Janetta, whose encreasing attachment towards her kind, new aunt, really -gave her satisfaction, and made the time pass as pleasantly as was possible -under such circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It distressed Elizabeth a good deal that Emma was not allowed to walk with -her, and as she could never disguise her feelings, she immediately -expressed this to her companion, adding that she was afraid Emma could -never be happy at Robert's house, as Jane seemed to have taken a decided -dislike to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Annie exclaimed at the idea; she could not conceive it possible that any -one could dislike Emma; those delightful dark eyes, those elegant ringlets, -and the general grace of her appearance were in her opinion, so strongly -indicative of an amiable, lively and ingenuous mind, that nobody could take -offence at her. She was most enthusiastic in her praises, and Elizabeth -felt gratified. This conversation passed on their way to Miss Millar's -home, where she wished to call before starting for a country walk. She led -her companion up at once to her own apartments, and whilst she left her for -a moment in her dressing-room, to make some arrangements in private, -Elizabeth, who to pass the time was looking at some books on the table, was -suddenly interrupted by the entrance of George Millar. Her back being -turned towards the door, the disguise of her bonnet and cloak prevented his -recognising her, and concluding it to be his sister, he advanced hastily, -and laying his hand on her shoulder he said:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear Annie," when on her turning her face towards him, he of course -discovered his mistake.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He looked excessively confused for a moment, but Elizabeth laughed and took -it so easily, that he soon recovered himself; she explained to him why she -was waiting there, and on hearing that they were preparing to take a -country walk, he declared that it was a holiday with him to-day, and if -they would not object he would accompany them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed," he added, "I think it my duty to go with you, or that wicked -sister of mine would infallibly walk too far, and make herself ill. She is -not to be trusted in the country I assure you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth did not feel inclined to raise any objection to this arrangement, -as she was quite as well satisfied with what she saw, as with what she had -heard of Mr. Millar, and did not feel disposed to retract her previous -declaration in his favor. Their walk proved as agreeable as she could -desire, and only left her the wish that she could have such another, and -Emma with her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They were out a considerable time, as George Millar proposed visiting a -small farm in which he took much pride, and which particularly delighted -Elizabeth. The arrangement of his dairy, the welfare of his lambs, the -progress of his poultry, were all subjects exactly to her taste, and she -entered heart and soul into the matter: her interest was far too sincere -for him to be otherwise than flattered by it, and he -came to the conclusion that she was a very delightful young woman, with -more intelligence and a clearer head than any town-bred young lady of his -acquaintance. He determined to take her opinion and advice on the subject -of making cream cheeses, and resolved to rear a calf which she had admired, -instead of sending it to the butcher's the following week. They were left a -good deal to entertain each other, as Annie had chosen to unchain a large -Newfoundland dog kept at the farm, and gone off in company with it for a -gambol in the meadows.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When every part of the establishment had been carefully visited, and some -of the hops in the nearest fields inspected, Elizabeth began to think it -was time for her to go home; but Annie had not yet rejoined them, and -having quite lost sight of her during the last hour, they had nothing to do -but to sit down, and wait patiently, if they could, for her appearance. The -house, which was only inhabited by a bailiff and his wife, was small but -pretty, and Elizabeth was eloquent in her praise of everything she saw, -declaring with perfect unreserve how very much she should prefer living in -that charming little house, to inhabiting the best mansion in the town.</p> - -<p class='c006'>However, as time passed on, and she remembered the distance she had to walk -before reaching home, she began to be rather uneasy, well knowing how -extremely displeased Robert would be, if they were late for dinner, as -seemed probable. She confided her fears to George Millar, confessing, with -perfect candour, that she was very much afraid of her brother's -displeasure. He immediately suggested, as a remedy, that if their return to -Croydon was deferred later than she liked, she should give them the -pleasure of her company at their own family meal; assuring her that there -was not the smallest risk of Mrs. Turner's being angry, even if they kept -her waiting an hour. At the same time, he said that, for that very reason, -he should be sorry to do so, and he, therefore, hoped his sister would soon -join them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length, after trying their patience till Elizabeth was surprised it did -not fail, the truant girl returned; and when her brother attempted to scold -her, she laughingly placed her hand over his mouth, and desired him to -behave well before her friends, at least; there would be time enough for -him to find fault in the course of the evening—he could keep awake on -purpose.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He called her, in reply, a saucy girl, and threatened that another time he -would not take her out walking with him; whilst she persisted in asserting -that it was she to whom he was obliged for his excursion, and that she and -Miss Watson could have done perfectly well without him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They then commenced their return homewards, and George told his sister to -invite Miss Watson to dine with them on the plea of being too late for her -own dinner. Elizabeth expressed herself exceedingly ready to comply, and it -was so settled.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When within half a mile of the town, they met Alfred Freemantle, who was -enjoying a stroll on his escape from the office. Uninvited, he joined them, -and placed himself by the side of Miss Millar, who was leaning on her -brother's arm. She put up her lip in a very contemptuous way, and a moment -after, changed to the other side, and found a refuge for herself between -Elizabeth and George, where she was safe from him. He saw the manœuvre, -and mortified at it, tried in his turn to mortify her, by enthusiastic -praises of the absent Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What a sweet, charming girl she is—I don't know when I have seen anything -which pleased me better—those sparkling black eyes, and the clear olive -complexion, are perfection in my eyes; and her manners—so sweet—so -ladylike, she is quite bewitching."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You cannot praise her too much for me," replied Annie, quite sincerely; "I -have been raving about her ever since last night, and so long as you make -use of suitable and judicious terms, you may extol her beauty till you are -worn out with fatigue."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I intend to write an acrostic on her name," said he, in a most -self-satisfied tone, "perhaps you did not know it; but I am considered -rather to shine in that way; I <i>have</i> made capital verses."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So you have told me, Mr. Freemantle, before; indeed, I remember, on one -occasion, your presenting me with some lines which, from the style and -manner, I should have judged impossible to be your own composition, but for -your affirmation of that fact; of course, therefore, I am aware of your -talents."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am only too much flattered by your remembering the circumstance at all, -Miss Millar—you don't happen to recollect the lines, do you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed: I remember the fact, because I know a cousin of mine who was -staying with us at the time, amused himself with cutting the paper into the -smallest possible morsels, and I only read the lines once in consequence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The utter carelessness with which this assertion was made, would have been -sufficient to overwhelm an ordinarily modest man, but he did not appear -distressed, only interposing with a declaration that he thought he could -remember the little poem—accordingly he commenced reciting—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c007'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in6'>"A nimated airy angel</div> - <div class='line in7'>N otice now my humble line;</div> - <div class='line in7'>N ever was there such a feeling</div> - <div class='line in7'>I n my breast, as now is stealing,</div> - <div class='line in7'>E re I saw that form divine."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>"Pray spare me the rest," exclaimed Annie, almost suffocated with laughter, -which she vainly tried to repress, "my modesty is too sensitive to stand -such praises, so I entreat you to allow us to exercise our imaginations as -to the remainder."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you know when I began that I wanted to make every word in the line -commence with the same letter, but I could not manage it; it was too much -for me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I can easily believe that," replied Mr. Millar, gravely. "I think it was -too much for my sister too; you should not indulge young girls with such -flattery: depend upon it, it's very bad for them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, dear no," replied he, "a little flattery delicately administered makes -way amazingly amongst those whose hearts are soft and easily touched."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Amongst which number I conclude you reckon me?" enquired Annie.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed, you are hard-hearted and cruel to a degree to drive twenty -such men as me to despair."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope I shall never be reduced to do so desperate a deed; twenty such men -would be a formidable phalanx—more than I could stand at all," said Miss -Millar, arching her eye-brows and apparently looking on the point of -laughing again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He looked suspiciously at her, and said, after considering her countenance -a moment,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have not made more than the first couplet of my address to Miss Emma -Watson, do you think you can help me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Let us hear your effusion—we will see what we can do," replied Annie.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c007'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in6'>"Emma, elegant, enchanting,</div> - <div class='line in7'>Merry maiden, much is wanting—"</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>"But, then, I don't know what to say next—what <i>do</i> you think is -wanting?" said Mr. Alfred in the most earnest tone possible.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should finish it this way," suggested Annie.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c007'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in6'>"My melodious muse to make</div> - <div class='line in7'>All I wish it for thy sake."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you, indeed," cried he, "what condescending goodness on your part to -stoop to such kindness as to assist me with such poetical rhymes. Do you -ever compose yourself?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How can you ask—have you not read a small volume of poems entitled, -'Way-side Flowers?'—and did you not know they were mine?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed! How delighted I am to be acquainted with a real author! I -shall never rest till I have procured and read your poems."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish you success in the search then," replied Annie, "and repose and -quiet when you have succeeded."</p> - -<p class='c006'>In those days, Authors and Authoresses were far less plentiful than now; -when not to know, or be nearly related to one, is a more remarkable -circumstance by far, than the contrary; and Alfred Freemantle really -believing Annie's assertion, looked and felt most highly exalted at the -supposed discovery.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He continued, during the rest of the walk, to plague her with questions as -to what species of stanzas—what measure—what style of writing she -preferred, until Annie on getting free from him at length, burst into a -strong invective against his stupidity and want of common sense.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her brother quietly told her she deserved it—she liked to play on his -dullness of perception, and it served her right when it recoiled on her own -head. Annie denied that there was any malice in what she said, it was only -a little fun, and was not really, at all naughty.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They reached their house at last, and the two ladies, being both tired and -hungry, were extremely glad of rest and dinner. Elizabeth could not help -wondering at herself for what she was doing, and where she was; but the -human mind soon gets accustomed to any circumstances, and she enjoyed -herself too much to feel any regret at the change of scene. Their little -quartette was extremely pleasant and good-humoured; she was introduced to -Mr. Millar's children, and was much pleased with them; and the little -things, with the intuitive perception peculiar to children, clung to her -with great delight and affection.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After spending, by far the most cheerful evening which she could remember, -since they were snowed up at Mr. Howard's she was escorted home by George -Millar, and parted from him with so friendly a feeling, that she could -hardly believe he was only a two days' acquaintance.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch10' class='c004'>CHAPTER X.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Very different was the evening her sisters had been passing. Robert was -engaged in his office—Margaret engrossed with a new romance that morning -procured—and Jane, being tired, and having nothing to amuse her, was more -than usually cross to Emma; finding fault with the manner in which she had -performed some needle-work, and going on from that to a general charge of -indifference, indolence, and constant inattention.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma sighed, and could not help throwing back a mournful thought to passed -times, when she had felt herself the pet of her dear uncle, and the idol of -a whole household; or later, when she had flattered herself with the notion -that she was the first object with Mr. Howard. It seemed now, quite like -recalling a dream, when she looked back to those happy days; so suddenly, -and entirely, had the scene been changed. Then she began to wonder when she -should hear from Miss Osborne—and what she would say—how she would bear the -idea of being called into a court of justice; whether her family would not -be angry at it—and what the result would be. Would Tom Musgrove yield or -not?—or would Robert persist in his determination; and in these silent -meditations the evening passed heavily away. She was glad when Elizabeth -came home; her entrance brought some little diversion to their scene, as -she had something new to tell; and Jane, though rather inclined to resent -any one having so much enjoyment without her, was too well satisfied with -the union which she anticipated between Elizabeth and Mr. Millar, to feel -any very strong indignation on this occasion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Bed time came, and Emma, feeling wretchedly depressed and miserable, could -not refrain from the luxury of finishing the evening with a good fit of -crying, which relieved her heart, and soothed her to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Early the next morning Elizabeth went to Emma's room, and began to express -to her how very much she was pleased with George Millar, his sister, his -children, his house, his farm, and all that belonged to him. Then she -declared that, of all situations she had ever seen, she thought she should -like the neighbourhood of Croydon for a home,—and, indeed, she should not -object to live in the town altogether.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma listened and acquiesced in it all; she had not recovered her -spirits—and though trying to enter into her sister's hopes and wishes, she -could hardly summon energy sufficient to do so.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The morning passed much as usual until post time, when Emma received an -answer to her note to Miss Osborne, and Robert at the same time was favored -with a letter from Tom Musgrove. The four ladies were in the drawing-room, -and Emma was looking over the dispatch from Miss Osborne, when her brother -entered and communicated to them all the contents of Tom's letter. It was -short and decisive.</p> -<p class='c009'>"Dear Sir,</p> -<p class='c010'>"The receipt of your letter of -yesterday surprised me a good deal. I am -extremely sorry that there should have been -any misunderstanding of the sort; but I -am sure your amiable sister will at once -admit that my attentions to her have always -been limited within the bounds of -friendship, such as our long acquaintance -justifies, and such as I have paid to twenty -other young ladies before her eyes. With -kind compliments to the ladies of your -family, I have the honor to remain,</p> -<p class='c016'>"Dear Sir,</p> -<p class='c017'>"Yours faithfully, &c. &c."</p> - -<p class='c005'>Margaret thought it incumbent on her immediately to go off in a fit of -hysterics on hearing this read, sobbing out between whiles, that he was a -cruel, cruel man, and she never meant to care more about him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do have done with that confounded noise," said Robert impatiently, "for -there's no getting a word of sense from a woman when she's in that state, -and heaven knows it's little enough one can reasonably expect at any time."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret's sobs did not cease at this gentle request, and Robert grew more -angry.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"By Jove, Margaret, if you don't stop, I'll leave you to make the best of -your own matters, and neither meddle nor make any more in it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Afraid that he might really keep his word, she ceased at last, and he then -enquired what Emma had heard from Miss Osborne. Emma read the passage in -which Miss Osborne replied to her assurance that Margaret still considered -Mr. Musgrove engaged to her; it merely thanked her for the information, -stated that she would warn her friend, and wished Miss Margaret a happy -termination to her engagement. The rest of the letter was about subjects -quite unconnected with Tom Musgrove, and uninteresting to any one but Emma. -Miss Osborne mentioned one thing which gave her peculiar pleasure; her -marriage with Sir William was to take place after Easter, and they were -going down to spend the spring and summer months at Osborne Castle, which -her brother had lent to them, whilst Sir William Gordon was determining on -the plan and elevation of a new mansion, which he intended to build on his -property. Miss Osborne earnestly hoped that Emma would once more visit -there, and declared she quite looked forward with impatience to a future -meeting.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She did not wish to read this aloud, as she shrunk from the appearance of -boasting about her grand acquaintance, but neither Jane nor Margaret would -allow her to rest in peace until she had made known the principal contents -of her letter; and a sentence containing the information that they had seen -Mr. Howard, who had spent a few days in town lately, was the only -information she eventually kept to herself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret's curiosity having materially aided in restoring her composure, -she was soon able to enquire of her brother what he intended to do. He -repeated all he had formerly asserted, and Emma heard it with horror; she -escaped from in the room to consider what she had better do, and after much -thought, decided on writing at once to Miss Osborne, informing her of what -was threatened. She sat down and wrote accordingly:</p> - -<p class='c013'>"Dear Miss Osborne,</p> -<p class='c010'>"I hope you will not consider -me in any way to blame, if the information -I have to communicate is disagreeable to you. -I am sorry to say that Mr. Musgrove has -been so unprincipled as entirely to deny -the engagement, which <i>we</i> know subsisted -between him and my sister; and what -grieves me still more is, that my brother, -convinced that there actually was an engagement, -declares he will bring an action -against Mr. Musgrove, unless he immediately -fulfils it. The idea that we shall have -to appear in a court of justice, frightens -me very much, and I thought it right to -give you early notice of his intention that -you might not be taken by surprise. My -brother is so fixed in his resolution, that -I cannot see the smallest probability of an -escape for us, unless Mr. Musgrove can be -persuaded to act up to his promise. I -know Lord Osborne has great influence with -him, and for the sake of your family, and -his own character and respectability, he -might perhaps be persuaded by him to do -so; but with a man of such a character, -my sister's chance of happiness would be -small, and I cannot wish for their marriage, -even to save myself from what I so greatly -dread. I feel I am wrong and selfish in -shrinking from an exertion which I suppose -is my duty, and perhaps after all, when -there are so many troubles in life, one difficulty -more or less ought not to disturb me -so much. I am truly rejoiced at your bright -prospects, and shall indeed have great -pleasure at any time you name, in witnessing -your domestic happiness; I assure you -that your kind invitation has given me -more pleasure than anything I have lately -experienced.</p> -<p class='c011'>"Believe me, dear Miss Osborne,</p> -<p class='c015'>"Very truly yours, &c. &c."</p> - -<p class='c005'>We must follow this letter to London, and describe the effect which it -produced on the parties concerned, and the results which arose from it. -Miss Osborne was sitting in the breakfast-room in Portman Square when it -was brought to her. Sir William Gordon was beside her on the sofa, -assisting at her late breakfast, in the English sense of the word, and -playfully telling her that he never meant to wait so long for his, when he -was settled at home. As she looked at the address.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Here is a letter," she observed, "from that charming Emma Watson with whom -you were pleased to carry on such a flirtation just before you proposed to -me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I flirt with Emma Watson," exclaimed he, "I deny it entirely—I never -flirted with any girl in my life."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What have you forgotten it all—did you not take a walk with her in the -park—a sketch in a cottage—and a drive in a cart? do you mean to deny all -that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"By no means, I only deny entirely all flirtation whatever—what time—what -spirits—what inclination could I have to flirt with her, when I was doing -hard service to win your most intractable and hard-hearted self."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not so very hard-hearted, I think, Sir William," said she, blushing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Stern enough to drive an ordinary man to despair, Rosa," replied he, -looking admiringly at her; "and had I not been as obstinate as yourself, we -never should have been sitting as we now are."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, you may as well let my hand alone, I think, for I want the use of it -to open my letter," and accordingly the young lady broke the seal, as soon -as she could get possession of her hand.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Let me look over you," said he, leaning forward with his cheek close to -hers.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She repulsed him, and placed herself in the corner of the sofa, where he -was forced to be satisfied with watching her face. He saw her cheek glow, -and her eye flash, whilst her brow contracted with repressed indignation, -and she seemed on the point of tearing the letter in two. She did not, -however, but dropped her hands in her lap, and sat for a minute looking -upwards earnestly, as if trying to recall some past event, then frowned -again. Her lover extended his hand towards her, and exclaimed—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear Rosa, what <i>is</i> the matter, your looks quite frighten me—do -let me see this letter."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Take it," said she, "and see what intolerable impertinence is threatened -me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He read it attentively, then said—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am quite bewildered—completely mystified—what have you got to do with -all this—and what does it mean?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah, you may well be astonished," she replied; "don't you see what is -threatened? imagine <i>me</i>, a peer's daughter, dragged into the Assize -Court as a witness in an action between Margaret Watson and Thomas -Musgrove, for a breach of promise of marriage. Can you realise the scene? -It would be novel and interesting, I think."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Extremely so, and I do not see why you should mind it: you will, of -course, be treated with all proper respect and consideration, and justice -must be done. Don't make yourself unhappy about that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are joking, Sir William; and I shall be angry presently."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, don't pray; I should not like that—but tell me how you happened to -become the confidante of this charming Margaret; I did not know your -friendship extended to the whole family."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Neither does it—it is only Emma I care for," replied she; and she then -proceeded to explain to Sir William all the circumstances attending their -involuntary audience of Musgrove's courtship, and her reason for keeping it -quiet.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Caught listening, eh!" ejaculated Sir William; "I do not wonder that you -shrink from being called on to avow it in public. What a pity that you did -not start out and cry 'bo!' to them both; from all accounts they deserved -it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That's all very well, and you may amuse yourself with laughing at me, if -you like; but tell me how can I avoid this difficulty—must I appear in -court?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly, if you are subpœned to appear—there is no help for that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How coolly you treat it—why is it not you instead of me it has happened -to?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only because I was not one of the eavesdroppers."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you, Sir William, if you go on laughing at my distress, I will -punish you for it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am excessively sorry for your distress, my dear Rosa, but I must think -it quite unfounded."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, there's one thing certain, I warn you: if I have to appear in this -business, we must defer our marriage; I could not appear as a bride and a -witness during the same month."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William started up from the cushion where he was lounging, and looking -fixedly at her, exclaimed—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are not serious."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perfectly so, Sir William; and I see you are so now," replied Miss -Osborne.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then you shall have no occasion to put your threat in execution," said he, -with an air of determination; "let us talk the matter over seriously, -Rosa."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah, I am glad I have brought you to your senses, at last; now consider, if -we could do as Emma advises, and persuade this Mr. Musgrove to marry, as he -ought, there would be an end of all trouble in the affair."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"To you, perhaps, but not to Miss Margaret; I dare say her amiable husband -would beat her every day."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now don't relax into your indifference again, and be provoking! Oh, here -comes Osborne; let's explain the case to him, and see what he says on the -subject."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne, at the moment, entered the room, and his sister tried to make -him comprehend the facts that had occurred.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think," said he, after hearing her story, "that Musgrove has behaved -very ill—very ill, indeed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No doubt of that, my dear brother," replied she; "but what do you think of -this Mr. Watson's proposal?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Just what we might expect from a lawyer, that he would go to law; it's his -business, Rosa," replied her brother.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But it's not my business to be obliged to appear in public is a witness in -this ridiculous matter. If he likes to make his sister's <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>affaires de -cœur</i></span> the subject for conversation and coarse jokes through the -county, it is all very well, but I cannot see -why I am to be implicated in a transaction which reflects nothing but -discredit on all the parties," said Miss Osborne, with encreasing -dissatisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Especially to those who are detected in listening, Rosa," suggested Sir -William Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And poor Emma too," continued she, pretending not to hear him, "she -evidently dreads the threatened exposure; I am quite concerned about it for -her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Naturally enough," said the lover, in the same tormenting tone; "it makes -every one sorry to be found out."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really, Sir William Gordon," said Miss Osborne, drawing up her slight -figure with an air of great indignation, "if you can suggest nothing that -is more agreeable than such reflections, we shall be better without you; -and I recommend you to leave us to take care of ourselves."</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was haughtily said—for her quick temper was roused; he knew her well, -and did not mean that she should obtain a sovereign rule over him. He loved -her for her spirit—but he was determined not to crouch to it—and rising, he -made her a grave bow, and left the room. She looked after him anxiously, -expecting he would return, or at least, give her one more glance, but he -did not, and the door closed before she could make up her mind to speak -again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What do you want me to do, Rosa?" said her brother, "I think it will be -easy to prevent all this, if it plagues you and your friend so much; I will -speak to Tom myself, and see if I cannot persuade him to keep his promise."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah! do, if you can, Osborne; of course the girl wants to marry him; and if -he will do that, we shall be left in peace. Poor Emma seems very -unhappy—look at her letter."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne received it eagerly and read it through.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Poor thing," said he, quite compassionately, "how soon, Rosa, may girls -marry after their father's death?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! that's a matter of taste! and I don't think it signifies in this -matter at all. If we could only get Mr. Musgrove to acknowledge his -engagement, he may take his own time for marrying."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her brother was on the point of saying that he was not thinking of him, but -he let it pass—and, after a moment's consideration, added:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then you think there would be no harm in <i>engaging</i> a girl, even if -she could not marry immediately."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! I don't know, this engagement was formed before old Mr. Watson died, -and that makes a difference. Perhaps, if people are very particular, they -might not like to commence a courtship under such circumstances."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, what can I do?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Find Mr. Musgrove—tiresome man that he is—and tell him that, as the fact -of his engagement is known, and, consequently, he is as certain to have a -verdict against him, as this Mr. Watson is determined to try for it, the -only thing for him to do, to avoid such a result, is to act like a man of -honor. If he refuses, and by that means draws me into any thing so -repugnant to my feelings as appearing in a court, he can never expect to be -noticed by us again; and if <i>we</i> set the example, every one will throw -him off—he will be scouted in the neighbourhood, and can never dare to shew -his face again at home. Tell him this, and if I do not greatly mistake the -man he will yield."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will try what I can do, Rosa, but I wish Gordon had undertaken it—he has -so many more words than I have?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And if you cannot succeed with him, we must have recourse to Mr. Watson, -the attorney, and try what we can do to stop his proceedings," continued -Rosa. "Perhaps a little bribery, judiciously applied, might induce him to -relinquish his intention, and save any further trouble."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We shall see about that," replied he, "but, in the meantime, I will look -for Musgrove, and try my skill on him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Could you find Sir William, Osborne," said Rosa, blushing, "and tell him -that I should like to speak to him—or no, perhaps, if you tell him only -what you are going to do, it will be better."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I heard him leave the house, Rosa," said Lord Osborne, quite innocently, -"but, if I see him at the club, I will tell him what you say."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne bit her lip and made no reply; she did not like to shew the -empire which Sir William had over her feelings—nor would she readily have -acknowledged the anxiety she could not avoid entertaining with regard to -his quitting her so gravely. She had discovered that he would not be played -with and tormented for her amusement, and she dared not attempt to trifle -with him as she might have done with a less resolute man. Her brother left -her and she spent the rest of the morning alone, and very uneasy. She was -in no humour to receive visitors, and was entirely disinclined for any -occupation. She kept on telling herself it was not because Sir William was -absent that she was dissatisfied, it was only because she herself was -threatened with a disagreeable incident; then she fell into a train of -wondering thought as to what Sir William intended to do, where he was gone, -and whether he would soon return to Portman Square. Her heart beat every -time she heard the knocker, though she knew his hand too well to be -deceived in that. At length, a note was brought to her with an assurance -that the bearer was waiting. It was in his handwriting, and she opened it -with trepidation. The style surprised her.</p> - -<p class='c018'>"Sir William Gordon's compliments to Miss Osborne, and he has the happiness -of informing her that affairs are placed on a satisfactory footing with -regard to Mr. Musgrove; but, as Sir W., has undertaken to communicate the -result of the interview to Miss Watson and her sister, he wishes to know -whether Miss Osborne would recommend him to go in person to Croydon—and if -so, whether she has any commands for him."</p> - -<p class='c005'>Rosa read the note over three times before she could make up her mind to -the answer she should return. She felt it deeply; the tone, the meaning, -all conveyed a sort of covert reproach to her. She was sorry and angry at -the same moment; and she was quite undecided whether to yield to or resent -his conduct. After much deliberation she hastily wrote:</p> - -<p class='c018'>"Miss Osborne's compliments to Sir William Gordon, and as she finds it -impossible to give an opinion without understanding more of the -circumstances, she begs he will favor her with a call this afternoon, to -explain what arrangements he has made."</p> - -<p class='c005'>No sooner was this note despatched than she bitterly regretted having sent -such a one, and felt she would have given anything in the world to recall -it, when too late. She could think of nothing else, of course, and being -quite indisposed for any amusement she refused to accompany her mother in -the afternoon drive, but remained sitting alone in the drawing-room. -Engrossed with her own thoughts, she did not hear him enter, and was not -aware of his presence till he spoke, and gravely observed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am here, Miss Osborne, according to your commands; may I request you -will let me know your further wishes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are still offended, Sir William," replied she, looking up at him; "I -thought you would have recovered yourself by this time."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot so soon forget the repulse I received; and I presume you intended -it to be remembered."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nay, now don't look like that, I cannot bear it, I was wrong;" said she -extending her hand to him. "Forgive me and sit down."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Osborne had not to say she was wrong twice over, nor to repeat the -request for forgiveness. He was not tyrannical, though he could not submit -to slavery, and a reconciliation was soon effected. When they were able to -talk of anything besides themselves, he described to her his interview with -Tom Musgrove. He had found him insolent and angry—disposed to resent Mr. -Watson's threats as insulting, and Sir William's interference as -uncalled-for. His tone, however, was considerably lowered when he -ascertained for the first time that his conversation with Margaret had been -overheard by two who were quite able to prove the fact. Sir William told -him he was authorized by the family of one young lady—indeed as her -affianced husband he considered himself bound to step forward and endeavour -to prevent the necessity of her appearing as a witness in a public court: -should she, in consequence of Mr. Musgrove's persevering in denying the -truth, be compelled to perform so unpleasant a task, it would bring down on -him the enmity of the noble family of which the lady was a member, and the -universal contempt of the county; whereas, whilst affairs stood as they did -at present, the fact of his inconstancy being known to so few, it was -evident the whole business might be hushed up, and when he and Miss Watson -were married, they might be certain of the countenance and favour of the -family at Osborne Castle, and all their connexions.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Tom had hesitated much, and evidently deeply repented the unguarded conduct -which had placed him in such an unpleasant predicament; and though he had -yielded at last to a conviction of the necessity of the thing, it was with -a reluctance which augured ill for the domestic felicity of the future Mrs. -Musgrove. Indeed he had told Sir William, with an oath, that if she really -compelled him to marry her, Margaret Watson should rue the day; so that -upon the whole Sir William was of opinion that the young lady had much -better not persist in her claim, if she had any value for a quiet home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say he will not be worse than other men," replied Rosa saucily; "I -have a notion that they are all tyrants to women at heart, only some wear a -mask in courtship and some do not take that trouble. But they are all alike -in the end, no doubt."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very possibly, Rosa; suppose you were to carry out your theory and change -places with Miss Margaret."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you; your liberality is overpowering; but though they may be all -alike in temper, they are so neither in person nor name—and in neither of -these particulars does Mr. Musgrove please me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was then settled that Rosa should write to her friend and inform her how -matters were going on—it being understood that Tom Musgrove was by the same -post to assert his claim to Miss Margaret Watson's hand in a letter to her -brother.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch11' class='c004'>CHAPTER XI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Had Margaret Watson possessed one particle of proper spirit, the tone and -manner in which Tom Musgrove fulfilled his part of the bargain would have -been sufficient to cause a total rupture between them; but far from this -was the case with her. The fact of being now believed in her declaration, -of being known as an engaged young lady, of having a right to talk about -wedding-clothes, and sigh sentimentally at the prospect before her; the -distinction which all this would give her in a small country town, where -every occurrence, from a proposal of marriage down to the purchase of a new -pair of shoes, was immediately known to all the neighbours—this delighted -Margaret's weak mind, and set her heart in a flutter of gratified vanity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To be able to inform all the morning visitors at her brother's house that -indeed she was contemplating this important change, that she was yielding -to a long and well placed affection, that she had known her dear Tom all -her life, and that their mutual attachment had been of many years' -standing—to sigh over the prospect of soon leaving her sisters, and trying -a new situation, seeking a new home, entering on new duties—all this was -perfect ecstasy to her, and on the strength of her engagement she became -more than ever peevish and disagreeable to her sisters in private, and more -affable and smiling to her associates in public.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her dear Tom—her absent friend—was introduced on all occasions in her -speeches, and most happy would she have been had she been able to introduce -him personally to the admiring young ladies of Croydon. Miss Jenkins was -dying to see him; Miss Lamb was certain he must be a charming beau; Miss -Morgan and her sister were never weary of hearing the colour of his hair, -and the style of his equipage.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This was highly gratifying to Margaret, but she had her little discomforts -too. There were some young ladies who shrugged their shoulders and wished -Mr. and Mrs. Tom Musgrove might have a quiet house of it—there were others -who whispered strange things about the courtship. Miss Lascomb thought it -very odd indeed Mr. Musgrove did not come to see his betrothed—of course -they knew their own affairs best, but she hoped if ever she were in such a -situation, to see a little more devotion and warmth in her swain. Miss -Johnston said <i>she</i> knew how young men were sometimes caught, that she -did, and till she heard the gentleman declare his engagement with a smile, -she should not be persuaded that it did not cost him a sigh.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These speeches, though not made to Margaret, were all carefully repeated to -her, by some of her many kind friends, who delighted in retailing small -ware of the kind. She coloured and pouted, tossed her head, and recommended -people to leave affairs alone which did not belong to them, and wondered -any people could take such pleasure in interfering in other people's -concerns. But <i>she</i> knew what it came from, that she did, it was all -envy and spite, because she was going to marry a real gentleman, who had -nothing to do, and Mr. Johnston was only an apothecary, and all the world -knew that Miss Lascomb had been setting her cap at the writing master for -the last three years, and all to no purpose. In her heart, she was really -troubled with some misgivings on account of not receiving any communication -from Tom—she would have delighted to parade his letters before her admiring -confidantes, and her envying female friends, but this pleasure was denied -her. All she could do, was to write very often herself, and take care to -have a letter directed to him beside her, whenever any of her gossipping -acquaintance came to pay her a visit of inspection.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The news from Chichester which about this time arrived gave a very -flourishing account of Penelope's affairs. Her lover, notwithstanding his -advanced age, appeared far more ardent and energetic than the youthful Tom -Musgrove.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In accordance, it was said, with his earnest solicitations, their union was -to take place very speedily, and Penelope hoped that the next time she had -occasion to write to her sisters, it would be to inform them that she no -longer bore the same name as themselves. In the prospects of her two -sisters, Emma saw little to console her for the blight which had fallen on -her own; she would have rejoiced with all her heart had she been able to -suppose they would be happy, but she could not reconcile herself to the -proceedings of either, nor persuade herself, try as she would, that in -either case, the motives which led them to engage in a connection so -important as matrimony were such as could ensure a blessing with them. In -Penelope's case especially, she could view it as nothing but a sale of -herself for a certain amount of settlements; she knew there was neither -love nor esteem on her side, for she had heard her, in unguarded moments, -express sentiments quite the reverse, speaking of her future husband in a -slighting tone, and with a contemptuous accent, as if she held him little -better than an idiot for the very act of marrying her. As to Margaret, -though she really seemed in love, after a fashion, with Mr. Musgrove, there -was too evident a reluctance on his part, and too much want of delicacy on -hers, to leave, as Emma imagined, the least chance of anything happier than -a total rupture between them; and taking everything into consideration it -seemed to her that such an event would be by much the most desirable -circumstance that could occur.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma herself was, for some time, a close prisoner. Mrs. Watson found so -much for her to do, that she had scarcely time to stir from the nursery, -except when she took a walk with Janetta, who was now almost entirely -confided to her care. The child loved her dearly; and had her exertions as -nursery governess given the smallest satisfaction to her sister-in-law, had -they even been treated by her as an equivalent for board and maintenance, -she would have been less uncomfortable.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But whilst she was spending her whole time in unremunerated, and indeed -unacknowledged services, she was perpetually reminded of her entire -dependence on Robert, and taunted with her uselessness, her idle habits, -and her fine lady manners. The numerous visitors, who dawdled away a -morning hour in Mrs. Watson's parlour, were apt to expatiate on her -extraordinary liberality and kindness in receiving her three sisters as her -guests, little imagining that the two elder paid for their board out of -their scanty incomes, and that the younger compensated for the misery she -endured, under the show of patronage, in a way yet more advantageous to her -grudging but ostentatious relatives.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length, a grand event occurred. Mr. Millar invited them all to a dinner -party, and Annie hinted that it was to be followed by a dance and a supper. -They were all asked, and though Jane demurred about Emma, Robert overruled -her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We must let the girl have a chance," said he; "if she is never seen, -there's no chance of any of those young fellows proposing for her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Jane had no wish that they should. She felt Emma's value far too strongly -to be at all inclined to part with her. Her caps had never been so nicely -made—her stockings so carefully darned—or Janetta's wardrobe so well -attended to, as since she had turned over every trouble of the kind to -Emma. But as she did not choose to own these considerations, she was -obliged to assent to Robert's proposal, and Emma was to go to the Millars'. -In spite of their mutual wishes, she had seen very little of Annie Millar; -their meetings had been hindered in every possible way by Mrs. Watson, who -was always apprehensive that Emma would complain, aware, as she was, that -she had real reason to do so; but Mrs. Watson had skilfully contrived that -the drawing back from her acquaintance should appear the voluntary act of -Emma, a notion which cooled Annie's friendship towards her, until -Elizabeth, with her usual frankness, had on one occasion afforded an -explanation of the matter. The result of this was an energetic attempt, on -Miss Millar's side, to secure her society for the evening in question, and -as she had appealed to Robert as well as Jane, she was successful.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They went accordingly, and Emma's quick eyes were immediately caught by the -difference of manner which George Millar displayed towards Elizabeth, -compared with the rest of the party. To the others he was open, cordial, -and kind, with an address which if not exactly polished, was at least far -removed from vulgarity; but to Miss Watson he was hurried and awkward, -apparently eager to please to a degree which deprived him of the -self-possession necessary for that end. Elizabeth too, looked shy and -conscious when their eyes met, though evidently expecting and wishing that -he should take his stand beside her chair, which she had fortunately -secured in such a position, that after walking forward to receive his -visitors, he was able to fall back again, and resume his conversation with -her. Emma saw this with satisfaction, and venturing, in spite of her own -disappointments, to speculate on the future, she fancied that at least her -dear sister Elizabeth would secure a happy home for herself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Annie Millar seated herself by Emma's side soon after the Watson party -entered the room, and began warmly expressing her pleasure in at length -seeing her in her brother's house. Emma assured her in reply, that it was -not want of inclination that had kept her away, but want of leisure, for -she added quite simply:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am governess to my little niece, and have not, therefore, much time to -spare for any other purpose. I dare say my sister-in-law told you so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No indeed," said Annie warmly, and colouring with indignation, "she never -said anything of the kind; she always excused you on the plea of studies or -occupations for your good which you had to pursue, and boasted of her kind -and attentive care for your benefit, without once hinting that she was -under obligations to you, which the hospitality of which she boasts so much -can ill-repay."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh hush, Miss Millar," replied Emma blushing deeply, "you must not indeed -talk so: if my brother receives me into his house, the least I can do is to -take care of his child in return, and so lighten the trouble which I cannot -help giving."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But, my dear Miss Emma, excuse my taking the liberty of saying that if you -were governess to any other lady's child, you would not only be supposed to -earn your board and lodging, but some fifty or sixty pounds in addition, so -that in fact Mrs. Watson is the obliged party in this concern."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Millar was called away at the moment to receive some other visitor, -and when able again to return to her seat, she observed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That was a most fortunate interruption, for it certainly saved me from -saying something unpardonably impertinent. I am, I have been told, much too -apt to speak my feelings on all subjects, without sufficiently considering, -times, places, and persons. How well your sister looks to-night."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Which sister?" enquired Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh Miss Watson; I never could admire your sister Margaret, though I know -many people who do; neither she nor Mrs. Watson, who is rather in the other -extreme, are at all to my taste."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Elizabeth looks very happy," observed Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure she deserves to be so," replied Annie with enthusiasm, "she is -such a very amiable person, I know few with whom I more enjoy a day's -intercourse. It always seems to do me good to hear her talk, she makes so -light of difficulties, and is so cheerful. To me, who I believe am rather -too apt to grumble, she is quite a lesson I assure you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am delighted to hear you say so," replied Emma, with a look that shewed -how perfectly sincere was the expression she used.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Though Annie was frequently called away by the necessity of receiving other -visitors, she took every opportunity she could command of returning to -Emma's side, and conversing with her in the most friendly way. During the -intervals when she was obliged to withdraw, Emma looked round the room, to -see how the others were employed or amused. Mrs. Turner was discoursing -eloquently with Mrs. Watson, who was evidently bored exceedingly, and -hardly listening at all; her thoughts as well as her eyes seemed to turn -constantly to an individual of the party unknown to Emma, a tall and -pleasant looking man, who stood by a nice looking elderly lady, and seemed -to be making himself very agreeable to her. Margaret had no one to talk to, -and was busy in arranging her tucker in a satisfactory way, and smoothing -her gloves from the tips of the fingers upwards. Robert was hungry, and -consequently quite unable to enter into conversation with any one. He was -faintly trying to hide the violent yawns which were produced by the -suspension of feeling—the uneasy state of expectancy in which he was kept. -Emma could read his impatience in the peculiar twitching about his eyes, -and the spasmodic way in which his hands closed at intervals, as if -grasping some imaginary knife and fork. There were two other gentlemen of -the party whose names she ascertained from her young friend; one a tall, -stiff, elderly man, with an erect carriage, and rather disappointed -expression of countenance, she learnt was a Captain Tomlins, an old -soldier, who played a remarkably good rubber at whist; the other was the -clergyman of the parish, who had but just returned from Bath, and -consequently was unknown to Emma. He was a mild-looking, middle-aged man, -with a very bald head, and a small quantity of silver hair; his countenance -was singularly pleasing and inviting, and there was an earnest kindness in -his manner which charmed her. He stooped and was very round shouldered, -whilst a slight appearance of lameness arising from the gout which had -driven him to Bath, interested Emma peculiarly in him, because it reminded -her of her father. The other individual who occupied so much of Jane's -attention, Emma was likewise informed was the doctor of the parish, and one -of the principal objects of interest to half the ladies of the town. Annie -assured her his reputation as a doctor was wonderful; he made all his -patients pleased with themselves, and consequently pleased with him -likewise; indeed he had a sort of harmless way of making love to the ladies -under his care, which was very captivating to most people.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And are you one of his patients?" enquired Emma, "or only an amateur -admirer of his?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, I was never any one's patient," replied Annie; "I am never ill; and as -to being an admirer of his, indeed I do not think I ever could admire a -doctor—I have a decided aversion to the profession altogether."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I never liked it," observed Emma, "until I became acquainted with my -brother Sam, and for his sake I have been quite reconciled to it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes I can understand that, I think George could reconcile me to anything," -replied Miss Millar with an expression of feeling -resting on her open countenance, which Emma thought quite bewitching; "but -after all a doctor's is an odious profession: to be eternally dinned with -complaints and pains, and always administering drugs and mixtures in which -I dare say they have no faith all the time, must require a stock of -extraordinary patience. I wonder how that man can go smiling and -complimenting through the world as he does."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But you look only at the disagreeable side of the profession," returned -Emma; "you should consider it as the means of alleviating suffering, -relieving distress—perhaps prolonging the most valuable life; if you think -of the good a doctor can do, you will form a higher estimate of the -profession."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, but then all those wise thoughts do not come of themselves into my -poor brain; it is only those as clever and sedate as you who can suggest -them, and in spite of it all, I am afraid I shall go on always hating the -profession all my life."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Their conversation was cut short by a summons to dinner, when owing to -there being a preponderance of ladies in the party, Annie and Emma walked -in together. At the table, however, they were separated, and Emma's -ill-luck placed her between her sister-in-law and her brother, a -mis-arrangement which was not perceived until every one was seated, and -which Mrs. Watson then insisted should not be changed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Jane was particularly cross; she had expected the distinction of leading -the way to the dining-room in company with the master of the house, and she -saw instead a quiet-looking, plainly-dressed lady precede her. Not knowing -who the stranger was, and feeling all the right of being first, which as -niece to Sir Thomas she invariably claimed, the indignant blood mounted to -her cheeks. The hope, however, that Mr. Morgan the doctor would take care -of her instead for a moment tranquillized her mind; but when the place he -should have occupied was officiously filled by the whist-playing Captain -Tomlins, who cared nothing for the right of precedence and only desired to -reach the dining-room quickly, her indignation was with difficulty -repressed; and as she looked over her shoulder in leaving the room, and saw -Elizabeth following with Mr. Morgan, her anger rose to a climax.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wonder who that is walking just in front of <i>me</i>," said she to her -companion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure I don't know, ma'am—I was thinking she must be a stranger;" -replied Captain Tomlins anxiously snuffing up the scent of dinner ascending -from the lower regions of the house. "The Millars always give such good -dinners."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It's very odd," continued Mrs. Watson, "how little attention is paid to -rank; it seems to be getting quite the fashion now to set aside all the old -distinctions. Formerly neither men nor women thought of pushing themselves -out of their places, but now all that is forgotten, and one may be obliged -to walk in to dinner behind you don't know who, and often conducted by some -one who has no right to put himself forward."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very true, ma'am, such things may happen—but you know at least who is -leading you, and I conceive that as an officer in the service of his -Majesty, I have a perfect right to walk before any of our present company, -excepting always our host. I am sure you must agree with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word," said Mrs. Watson, with an angry little laugh. "I was not at -all aware of your rank being so very high, or entitling you to such very -great distinction. However, I dare say it's all right, and I shall find -myself, no doubt, soon walking in behind the old sexton's wife, or taking -the hand of the parish clerk to the table."</p> - -<p class='c006'>As they had reached the table, by the time she had made this speech, -Captain Tomlins did not trouble himself to answer her, being intently -occupied in counting the dishes which stood before him, as resting his -hands on the edge of the table, and firmly compressing his lips, he bent -forward to take a survey of the shining covers, as if half-expecting to be -able to penetrate their substance, and ascertain their contents. Mrs. -Watson tossed her head in angry disdain, and was forced to soothe her -agitated feelings by scrutinising the way in which the party on the -opposite side disposed themselves. The doctor, whom she had vainly coveted -as a companion, was seated between Elizabeth and Margaret, the former -having a seat at the corner next her host's chair, so that Mr. Morgan was -not likely to be much engrossed by her conversation. Mr. Bridge, the -rector, and Annie Millar filled up the rest of that side, as Mrs. Turner -took the head of the table.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These were well placed, as Mrs. Turner delighted in carving, and Annie -being exceedingly attached to the old clergyman, whom she had known from -childhood, amply compensated to him by her respectful attention for the -total neglect with which he was treated by Margaret, and the rude repulsive -stare with which she received his first attempt at conversation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In consequence of her situation, Emma's dinner was exceedingly dull, and -right glad was she when the time came for retiring to the drawing-room. -Here there was a change of scene, and also a change of companions; for she -was able to take a seat by Elizabeth, and learn from her, that she, at -least, had found the party very agreeable. Meanwhile Mrs. Watson was -venting her indignation against Captain Tomlins, in no very measured terms, -for his love of eating, his indifference to good society, and his -presumptuous and pushing manner.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The stranger lady, whose name had not yet been made known, enquired if it -was her neighbour of whom she was speaking, and having received from Mrs. -Watson an abrupt and haughty affirmation, she turned to Mrs. Turner, and -informed her that she formerly knew him, and added, that they had enjoyed -some agreeable conversation together about old times and former -acquaintances. Mrs. Watson, on hearing this, eyed her with increased -disdain and suspicion, and moving away to the other side of the fireplace, -she flirted her handkerchief before her face, as if the very air were laden -with impurity by her presence. With head thrown back, and lips closely -pressed together, she seemed determined to prevent any more of her words -being wasted in such a presence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Their party was soon after joined and enlivened by a number of young -ladies, and a fair proportion of young men. The Miss Morgans, sisters to -the doctor, the Miss Jones and their brothers, children of a wealthy baker -deceased; the owner of a flourishing paper mill in the neighbourhood, -together with the whole of his large family, four sons and three daughters, -rejoicing in the name of Lamb, the eldest daughter being an enthusiastic -friend of Margaret's; and two or three families of great elegance and -distinction in the neighbourhood; families who enjoyed the advantage of -having houses quite in the country, surrounded with poplars and laurels, -and no connection with any trade or business; these formed the -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>élite</i></span> of the party. There were several unconnected -young men, amongst whom Mr. Alfred Freemantle appeared conspicuous; and -swaggering up to Emma's side, declared that he meant to make that the -<span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><i>ne plus ultra</i></span> of his hopes for the evening. Annie, -who heard him, maliciously desired he would translate the Latin for the -benefit of ignorant young ladies; but he pretended not to hear her request, -and went on talking to Emma without pity or cessation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst Annie Millar was busy dispensing the tea and coffee to her guests, -Mrs. Watson approached her, and enquired, who was that little old lady who -walked into dinner before her. A wicked light danced in Annie's eyes, for -she had noticed Jane's scornful manner, and was excessively pleased at the -surprise in store for her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you not know her?" she replied; "she is my godmother, and is now -staying with us on her road to London."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And her name, tell me that—who is she—who was she—to have the precedence -over me, Miss Millar?'</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She is the widow of Sir George Barry, a baronet—who died a year or two -ago—there is no family, so the title becomes extinct—she is the kindest, -quietest, best old lady in the world, I am sure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Bless me," cried Mrs. Watson, growing very red in the face, "you don't say -so, sure: a baronet's lady! well really—I never thought of that—I am sure I -wish I had known it sooner. Why did you not introduce me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She did not think it necessary," replied Annie, quietly; "and we always -let her have her own way—indeed, I believe I ought not to have told you who -she is, only I saw you were annoyed at her having the precedence of you, -and I thought it would comfort you to find it was not without reason and -right."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I shall certainly go and talk to her now; but I am sure I don't know -why you should suppose I was annoyed about anything of the sort; I declare -I do not mind in the least what I do—or where I go—nobody can be more -indifferent about their place than I am, though, of course, I do not like -to see a mere nobody put over my head; but a baronet's lady is quite a -different thing; I wonder whether she knows my uncle Sir Thomas—I dare say -she does—people of rank usually know one another in London."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Millar did not try to prevent her going to make the <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>amende -honorable</i></span> to Lady Barry, whose quiet features expressed some surprise -at the manner in which she was attacked by the hitherto scornful Mrs. -Watson; and the repetition of the word "your ladyship" met Annie's ear as -she contemplated them from the other side of the hearth rug.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Alfred Freemantle continued his battery of small talk in Emma's ear, -and, at length, in spite of the cold ungraciousness of her manner, which -was as far removed as possible from welcome or encouragement, the young -gentleman ended his tirade by presenting her with a paper which he declared -was a copy of verses in her honour. Emma coldly declined taking it, and his -most urgent entreaties could not prevail on her to look at the verses—just -at this juncture, Miss Millar joined them, and on understanding the subject -in dispute she seized on the paper, and commenced reading the lines aloud. -They consisted of the usual jumble about stars and flowers, streams and -bowers, wings and other things, hearts, darts, flames and names, which -might be expected in the valentine of a school-boy, and Annie read them in -such an absurd, mock-heroic tone as made those within hearing laugh most -naturally, really thinking, as they did, that it was intended altogether as -a burlesque. Alfred Freemantle writhed under this laughter, which he could -not take as a compliment, having intended the whole poem to be extremely -sentimental: he tried to smile too, but really felt far more inclined to -cry, and he shrank back into a corner, there to hide his confusion as well -as he could. Annie did not pursue her triumph farther, but left the poor -young man to the mortifying consideration of his own defeat.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When tea and coffee were dismissed, Annie declared it to be her intention -to have a dance, which of course all the young people seconded with zeal. -There was fortunately amongst the party one lady, who it was known excelled -in playing country-dances on the harpsichord, which stood in the -drawing-room, an heir loom from Annie's mother. The room was soon prepared, -and the young ladies all drew up their heads, and began to look straight -before them, as if they did not care the least in the world which of the -gentlemen asked them to dance, or whether any did at all. Emma having no -intention of standing up herself, drew farther back into a corner, without -perceiving that it was the very one where young Freemantle had hidden his -diminished head. He quite misinterpreted the action, and dropping down into -an empty chair by her side, said with an air intended to be very arch,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope, Miss Watson, you were coming to ask me to dance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I was not," replied Emma, "for I did not see you, but I shall be -very happy to do so immediately. Pray, Mr. Freemantle, go and dance with -any one but myself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Unparalleled cruelty," cried he clasping his hands, and throwing up his -chin into the air. "To ask me to stand up with any other woman than the -fair, the captivating, the charming object of all my vows, of all my -wishes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If you mean me by those expressions," replied Emma quite calmly, "and that -you wish to stand up with me, allow me to save you all further trouble, by -the information that I do not intend to dance at all this evening."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Impossible, you cannot be so hard-hearted—so cruel to your devoted slaves, -as all the men in this room must be—you cannot be so unjust to your own -charms, so unkind to your own attractions. That elastic figure, graceful as -the weeping willow, was formed to float through the dance like the water -lily on the surface of the stream. Those fairy feet—those—in short do you -really mean not to dance?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really so," replied Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your reason—tell me your reason, I entreat you, why should you shrink from -bewitching our eyes, and lapping our senses in Elysium."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Excuse me, I think I have done enough in giving you one positive answer; -you have no right to require any reason from a woman: or let this suffice -you, I will not because I will not."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Freemantle," said Annie, advancing towards them, and effecting an -agreeable diversion in Emma's favour, "I must request you to stand up; we -can harbour no idle young men in corners here; you are doomed to make -yourself agreeable to one lady for the space of two dances, and only on -this condition shall you remain in the room."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Since then the beauteous Miss Emma will not do me the honor, will you -permit me to solicit your hand, Miss Millar."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No indeed, I am engaged for the whole evening, so you must find a partner -somewhere else; go and ask Miss Morgan or Miss Lamb."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I obey with the alacrity which your commands must always inspire," and he -went accordingly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Millar stayed a moment after him with Emma,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will not ask you to stand up," said she, "after the reason you gave me, -but both Mrs. Watson and your youngest sister have joined the set you see. -How shall you amuse yourself?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, never mind me," replied Emma cheerfully, "where is Elizabeth—she does -not dance surely?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, she's playing cards with my brother and yours, I believe; they went -into that little parlour on purpose. Will you join them and look on?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before Emma had time to answer, Annie was called away, and a moment after -Mr. Morgan came, and taking a chair near her, entered into conversation -with the ease of a man accustomed to see much of the world, and mix in good -society. She was interested and amused by his conversation, and more -especially so when she accidentally discovered that at college he had been -well acquainted with Mr. Howard, had since been visiting occasionally in -the neighbourhood of Osborne Castle, and knew the whole family. He was a -good deal older than Howard he told her, but he had remained some time in -the vicinity of Oxford after he began to practise; indeed he had adopted -his profession rather late in life, and having a fellowship he had -continued single.</p> - -<p class='c006'>All this he communicated to Emma, but he had tact soon enough to discover -that his own history, unconnected with the family and neighbourhood of -Osborne Castle, interested her but little. He soon therefore turned the -conversation to that channel again, and discovered that her feelings were -certainly deeply concerned in it. Yet he could not quite satisfy himself -whether it was the young lord or his former tutor, whose name raised a -tinge of blood to her cheek, which he saw to be very becoming. Indeed there -were so many reminiscences and peculiar circumstances associated with her -intimacy with Miss Osborne, and acquaintance with her brother, they were so -strangely implicated in Margaret's affairs, and so much that Emma was -ashamed of, was suggested by their names, that she was quite as ready to -blush at the memory of them, as at the dearer and more tantalising -recollections connected with Mrs. Willis and her brother. Well knowing the -art of pleasing, Mr. Morgan allowed her to lead in the subject of the -conversation, carefully following the turn which she chose to give it, and -trying to read her feelings with his scrutinising eye, whilst he seemed to -be all attention to her conversation at the moment. Annie's account of him -had not prepossessed her in his favour, yet now she could not deny that he -was on the whole an agreeable man. The interval of the two dances passed -pleasantly away, but when they were concluded Mr. Morgan left her, and she -soon afterwards stole away to the little room where the card-table was. For -some reason, however, which she could not learn, the whist party had been -broken up, and she only found sitting there George Millar and Elizabeth, -apparently deeply engrossed in a game at chess. She seated herself near -them; her sister looked up and smiled, and then resumed her game; no one -spoke. Emma took up a folio of prints lying on the table, and amused -herself with looking over them. At length her attention was arrested by the -sound of her own name. By the voices she learnt the speakers were her -sister-in-law and Mr. Morgan, and the first words she heard were, the -gentleman saying:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A very charming girl indeed, Mrs. Watson, that young sister-in-law of -yours."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You think so—do you admire her?" enquired the lady.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very much—she is very handsome, indeed!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot agree with you," replied Mrs. Watson, rather tartly; "her -features are too irregular to be called handsome; good eyes, perhaps, but -her skin is coarse and her features insignificant. I cannot but wonder at -your taste."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, I must beg leave to differ from you, my dear Mrs. Watson; her -features may, perhaps, be rather smaller than real beauty requires, but the -dark glowing complexion—the brilliant eye—the redundant hair, and rich red -lips, these reminded me so strongly of yourself, that I cannot give up -admiring them, even though you will not agree with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I don't know, I never was told she was like me before," said Mrs. -Watson, in a simpering tone, which seemed to speak her propitiated by the -incense thus offered to her. "Do you know how she is situated?" added she, -"It's a most unfortunate thing; she was brought up so very much above her -situation, in the most foolish, ill-judging way, by an old uncle who died -without leaving her farthing; and now she is a beggar, without a sixpence -to bless herself with, entirely dependent on her brother's and my charity. -I am sure I am sorry for the poor thing."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, indeed," replied Mr. Morgan, with a really feeling tone, "if that is -the case, she is, indeed, to be pitied. Poor thing you may well say."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The worst of it is, that both her education, and I must say, her temper, -unfit her for her future situation; she must do something for herself—a -situation as governess seems the only thing—but with her fine lady notions, -I don't know what to do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If you are wanting to get her such a situation," replied Mr. Morgan, "I -think I know of one which would probably suit her. Lady Fanny Allston is -wanting a governess for her little girl. The child is extremely delicate. I -am in almost daily attendance on it, and I know Lady Fanny always says, 'I -don't care for accomplishments, Mr. Morgan; my child can have masters, but -it's manners I want—mind and manners—the feelings—the look—and the -behaviour of a gentlewoman.' Now would not this exactly suit your sister? -The salary is most liberal; and, altogether, I think she might be very -happy there."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps so, I don't know—you are very kind to think of her—but, indeed, I -am not sure that she would be at all suited for the place—and how are we to -get it for her. I am sure I don't know."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! I shall see her ladyship to-morrow, and can mention it to her; only -give me authority to ask, and you shall see how soon it will be arranged."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are very kind—very obliging—but, indeed, I cannot answer at once; I -must speak to my husband about it; but don't mention it to any one else, if -you please—my intentions—my wishes with regard to her, are quite -confidentially entrusted to you, and I wish you not to say any thing on the -subject."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Morgan acquiesced, but Emma did not in this decision.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She had, at first, felt extremely hurt that Mrs. Watson should make her -circumstances and situation the subject of unreserved discussion with a man -totally unconnected with her family—and that in so loud a tone as to be -perfectly audible to any one within a dozen yards of where she sat. But the -accent of real interest in Mr. Morgan's voice—and above all, the prospect -which he held up of a release from the galling thraldom of her present -situation, served to compensate for the want of delicacy in her -sister-in-law. She immediately formed a resolution to profit by the offer, -if Mr. Morgan would really make good his word; whilst meditating on this -plan, she heard her sister-in-law invited to dance again; and her quitting -her seat, was immediately followed by Mr. Morgan's turning into the room -where she was sitting.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She looked up at him as he entered, and fancied she perceived a slight -shade of embarrassment on his countenance, as if he suspected she must have -overheard his recent conversation. He drew a chair by her side immediately, -and began complimenting her on her taste for silence and seclusion, as he -could not imagine that the two chess players, at the other table, had -proved very communicative companions. She readily admitted that they were -too much engrossed by their game, to have bestowed a word or thought on -her; and then added, that, in consequence of the quiet around her, she had -discovered that others were thinking and talking of her in her absence. She -colored a little as she added:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My sister informed you so fully of my circumstances, that it is no use to -affect reserve, and you mentioned a plan to her, which, it appears to me, -would suit me perfectly well, if you really can make the arrangements you -talk of."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sorry you overheard what, I fear, may have appeared impertinent to -you," replied he, with a grave and earnest kindness of manner, which would -have suited a parent. "But Mrs. Watson is accustomed to speak -confidentially to me of family matters; and though I certainly have no -right to intermeddle in your concerns, yet permit me to say, no one could -have the pleasure of conversing with you for even half an hour, without -feeling a degree of interest which would certainly lead them to do every -thing in their power to serve you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma smiled and replied,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If you really want to serve me, Mr. Morgan, the first step to it must be -leaving off complimentary speeches; keep them for those whom you have no -other means of serving, and speak to the point with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He smiled likewise, and rejoined,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I will keep them for Mrs. Watson, she will not reject them with so -much scorn."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Hush, I will allow nothing personal," said Emma, "I am Mrs. Watson's -inmate, and must not listen to reflections upon her. But tell me, if you -know, exactly what are the particular qualities required by Lady Fanny for -the little girl's governess?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"First youth, health, and good spirits—lady-like manners, a cultivated -mind—a thorough acquaintance with English literature, a taste for the fine -arts, and a love both of poetry and nature. Such, as well as I remember, -was the catalogue she gave me, and to that she had no objection to add -accomplishments, but on this subject she is not particular. She knows that -though a woman may perform as well as an amateur musician, may draw or -paint pleasingly, and may be tolerably well acquainted with modern -languages, it is not more than one in ten who can be so thoroughly grounded -in these accomplishments as to be really able to teach them with any -effect—one subject of study is as much as most women can compass, and those -who pretend to more are most likely to fail in all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma listened in silence, and wondered mentally whether the entire oblivion -of everything relative to principles—morals—and religion were the result of -indifference to such subjects on the part of Lady Fanny, or Mr. Morgan.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are silent, Miss Watson," continued he, after surveying, for a moment, -her downcast look and thoughtful expression. "Am I to suppose that my -catalogue does not please you—or are you doubtful of my accuracy?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed, I was considering my own sufficiency for such a task."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not imagine you need doubt that, so far as my judgment goes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But that must be a very little way, Mr. Morgan, the experience of this -evening cannot be considered sufficient by those who will require -information on the subject, however entirely it may satisfy yourself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You give me credit for less penetration than I would claim, if you suppose -my experience is limited to this evening. You possibly have never seen me -before, but we have often met, nevertheless—you did not know that I am a -particular friend of your little niece, and deep in her confidence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I will allow you as much penetration as you choose to claim on this -subject—meantime, tell me when will the situation be vacant at Lady -Fanny's?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"In about two months, I believe; I do not know exactly, but if you will -authorise me, I will make all necessary enquiries for you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You may do so, if you please, without absolutely committing me; and when I -know all the particulars I can consult my brother, to whom I hold myself -responsible, and whose approbation I must, of course, have."</p> - -<p class='c006'>At this juncture, the chess table was broken up, and Elizabeth joined Emma. -Mr. Millar walked away to make the <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>amende honorable</i></span> -to those ladies young and old, whom he had grievously neglected whilst -devoting himself to Miss Watson. Elizabeth looked very well pleased with -her game; but she did not seem disposed to talk; at this moment the noise -in the dancing-room attracted their attention, and they moved to the door -to look on. The party were going through Sir Roger de Coverley, in a high -state of excitement, especially some of the young gentleman, of whom Mr. -Alfred Freemantle was the most conspicuous. He rushed forwards with fury, -and rather tore than ran round the figure; at length, when advancing to -meet Margaret Watson, who was, like himself, dancing with more vigour than -grace, they ran against each other, her foot slipt, and she fell completely -into his arms. Not satisfied with this exploit, she made believe to faint, -and he was forced to support her out of the circle: one or two people -offered to assist, but he rejected their efforts, and half carried, half -led her to the little drawing-room, near which her sisters were standing. -Elizabeth and Emma tried to be of service, but, in fact, there was nothing -to do; she would have been quite well would she only have held up her head, -and sat upright; but whilst she chose to recline on Mr. Freemantle's -shoulder—and allow him to keep his arms round her waist, they could do -nothing but look on and feel very much ashamed of her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma went to procure a glass of water from the side-board, and meeting Mr. -Morgan, asked him to come and see if anything was the matter with her -sister, as she hoped his presence would be an inducement to Margaret to -resume the use of her senses, and leave off the hugging in which she was -indulging Alfred.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Morgan accompanied Emma, and arrived just in time to see Margaret, -after making a slight effort to sit up, sink again on her companion's -breast in an attitude of the greatest exhaustion. Throwing an arch glance -at Emma as he took the glass of water from her hand, Mr. Morgan said, in an -extremely plaintive tone, "Poor thing—that is a complete faint—something -must be done for her," and without the smallest warning, he dashed the cold -water over her face and neck, plentifully bedewing the young gentleman's -coat and embroidered waistcoat at the same time. Margaret started up -instantly, and so did Alfred, each shaking off the water, and looking -excessively annoyed. Margaret was as red as fire, and whilst dabbing up the -drops from her neck and cheeks with her pocket-handkerchief, she exclaimed—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Good gracious, doctor, is that the way you cure young ladies in a fainting -fit."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Precisely so, my dear Miss Margaret," returned he, laughing; "and you are -a splendid example of the beneficial effects of my practice. What can be -more different, from the languid state in which I found you, than the -animation and colour which you now display."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my honour, Mr. Morgan," murmured Alfred, after he had done his best -towards getting himself in good order again, after the share he had enjoyed -of the sprinkling, "if that is the way you treat gentlemen, I must really -call you to account, sir;" and in a lower tone, he murmured something -further about "satisfaction and honour," which was quite indistinct.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, my dear sir," replied the doctor, quite blandly, "the libation was not -intended for you; though your proximity to Miss Margaret made you come in -for a portion of it, I assure you I did not mean to throw it away on you at -all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Annie now entered to enquire for Margaret's safety, and expressed herself -rejoiced to find that she was apparently well, and without injury. She had -feared, she said, from Mr. Morgan being called in, that something very -serious had happened.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Instead of which," whispered he to Miss Millar, "it was only something a -little comic. I wish you had seen it, Miss Annie."</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was soon after this time for the party to separate, Alfred Freemantle -insisting on seeing the fair Margaret home, after her accident, and -tenderly supporting her through the street. They had not very far to go—but -Emma, who was behind them, saw, if she was not very much mistaken, that he -had his arm round her waist the whole way, and how Margaret, a woman -engaged to another, could allow of such familiarity she could not -understand.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She went to bed, firmly resolving if Mr. Morgan's report from Lady Fanny -Allston was favorable, to speak immediately to her brother, and arrange -everything for her removing there. She thought, for full five minutes, on -what Miss Osborne would say, when she heard of her plans, whether she would -renew her invitation for her to spend some time with her after Easter; and -she spent double that time in considering whether, if she did, and she -should again meet Mr. Howard, his manners would be warm or cold, how he -would receive her, and what he would think of her undertaking such a -situation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The result of her meditations was that she would write to Miss Osborne, and -explain to her, her plans and wishes, asking her, in case she failed in -procuring this situation as governess to Miss Allston, to use her interest -in finding her some other suitable to her abilities. This determination she -put in practice the next day, and her mind felt relieved when it was done.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch12' class='c004'>CHAPTER XII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Mrs. Watson was so excessively cross after the excitement of last night, -that Emma's post in the nursery was really a subject of great -self-congratulation to her, for though she did sometimes intrude, and was -sure to worry when she did come, still it was better to be secluded from -her for several hours as was now the case. In the afternoon, as Emma was -walking in a quiet lane on the outskirts of the town, with her little -niece, for it was now considered a regular part of her duty to take the -little girl out for exercise, she was met by Mr. Morgan returning home on -horseback. He immediately stopped to speak to her, and dismounting, placed -himself by her side, and proceeded to tell her the result of his mission -that morning to Lady Fanny Allston's. He had been very successful: her -ladyship had expressed herself very well satisfied with his -representations, and had empowered him to say that she should like an -interview with Miss Watson on the first convenient opportunity. He -proceeded to relate to her all the particulars as to salary, the comfort -and the peculiarities of the situation, described the little girl, and, in -short, entered into the most minute particulars relative to it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma, considering him as a man old enough to be her father, and thinking no -evil herself, felt no hesitation in listening to him, or allowing him to -walk beside her. She certainly would not have chosen to confide in him, but -since Jane had imparted her situation, she did not scruple to avail herself -of the advantage which that knowledge offered to her. They walked a -considerable time, for engrossed by the conversation, she did not reflect -where they were going, until Janetta's complaints of fatigue, and -entreaties to be carried, reminded her that they were a long way from home. -Emma prepared to comply with the request of the child in such a manner as -showed him immediately that the exertion was habitual with her, but he -interposed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Surely Janetta you do not want to make your pretty aunt ill," said he to -the child; "indeed I consider myself, Miss Watson, called on to prevent -that; it is enough to kill you. Janetta shall ride on my horse, that will -do as well, will it not?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>But Janetta was afraid of the horse, and cried for aunt Emma to carry her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She is so very light," said Emma, "I assure you I can do it with ease."</p> - -<p class='c006'>But Mr. Morgan would not allow of it; he took the little girl in his own -arms and they turned their steps homeward. The lane in which they were -walking opened on the little garden behind Mr. Watson's house, at which Mr. -Morgan privately rejoiced, whilst Emma, unconscious that she had done -anything in the least imprudent or remarkable in allowing him to walk with -her, felt no other emotion than satisfaction at getting Janetta quietly -home. She wished much to speak to her brother that evening about Lady -Fanny, but he returned to the office after dinner, and she was obliged to -postpone it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret and Mrs. Watson had an invitation out to tea that night, and in -consequence, Emma and Elizabeth spent a comfortable evening together. The -former told her sister of her plans, her hopes, and her walk with Mr. -Morgan. In the first of these she sympathised sincerely, but when she heard -of the latter she looked horrified.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Surely Emma you never could be so excessively imprudent! Walk -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with Mr. Morgan—what could you be -thinking of! Did any one see you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not know, I never thought about it—our meeting was quite accidental, -Elizabeth, and as he wanted to speak to me, why should I not take that -opportunity? I cannot see anything wrong in it: why he is old enough to be -my father."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your father! what nonsense! he is a single man, and a man at least six -ladies want to catch. I hope you were not seen by any one, for depend upon -it if you were, the account of your walk will be all over the town -to-morrow, and then you will get into a pretty scrape," said Elizabeth with -a look of sincere commiseration.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, what harm have I done, Elizabeth?—I am sure I meant none."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You will have put all the single ladies of Croydon in a passion, that's -all, and made yourself the subject of very unpleasant scandal."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well I am very sorry," replied Emma quite humbly; "but as I did not go on -purpose to meet Mr. Morgan, and I had little Janetta with me, I never -thought of there being any harm in it at all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>They were interrupted in their conversation by the entrance of Robert, -followed by a supper tray with oysters and porter, for he was determined to -enjoy himself in a comfortable way when his wife was out. When he had -discussed the oysters and was composedly seated with his feet on the fender -and a glass of hot brandy and water in his hand, Emma ventured to open the -case to him, and inform him of what she had learnt from Mr. Morgan, and her -wishes with regard to engaging in the situation he mentioned. Robert agreed -to it very readily; he never had intended to keep a nursery-governess for -his daughter. The trouble of educating her, would fall on Jane alone, if -Emma left them, but the expense of his sister's maintenance came out of his -pocket—therefore, though Mrs. Watson wished to retain her for the value of -assistance which she well knew she could obtain under no other -circumstances, Robert was quite willing to part with her, as it would be a -certain saving to himself, and would give additional trouble only to his -wife. He, therefore, gave her his entire approbation, commending her warmly -for thinking of exerting herself, as it was the duty of every individual to -do; and even promised, with great liberality, to make her a present of a -new cloak and bonnet, when she left his house, that her dress might shew -her to advantage. At the same time, he gave her strict injunctions not to -forget his interests when she was there; to recollect that it was always -the duty of each one of the family to help the others forward; and -therefore, if, on any occasion, Lady Fanny wanted an agent for her landed -property, or needed the advice of a respectable lawyer, it became Emma's -duty to say all she could for him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma promised she would take every opportunity in her power to attend to -his injunctions; and soon after this, the girls went to bed without waiting -to see the others on their return home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The next morning was ushered in with a violent domestic storm—such as she -never remembered to have witnessed before. How it began, Emma did not know, -but she was startled, when quietly sitting in the nursery with her niece, -by the sound of loud screams which greatly alarmed her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Little Janetta looked up and said, very innocently, "Mama is in a fit—do -you hear? I dare say papa is cross to her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Anxious to know the cause of the uproar, she ran down stairs, and entering -the parlour, the door of which was open, she saw Mrs. Watson stretched on -the sofa in a violent fit of hysterics, whilst Elizabeth and Margaret were -vainly endeavouring to hold her hands and arms, which she threw about with -convulsive energy, whilst her feet kept up a perpetual agitation in a way -as far removed from elegance as possible. As her head was turned away from -the door, Emma's entrance was unobserved, and her light step was quite -unheard by Jane, who continued to scream vociferously.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Fortunately, at that moment, one of the maids observed Mr. Morgan on the -opposite side of the street, and running after him, he was soon brought -back and introduced to the scene. Whilst he was applying sal volatile and -cold water, and soothingly holding the lady's hand, her excitement -gradually began to subside; and at length, she was sufficiently recovered -to open her eyes and look round her. But the moment she saw Emma standing -near, her languid gestures were suddenly changed into looks of rage, and -starting up, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You little ungrateful vixen, I'll teach you to treat me so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She aimed a violent blow at her, which, had not Mr. Morgan interposed, and -with one arm drawn Emma back, whilst on the other he received the slap -himself, would probably have been successful in its object.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear girl," he whispered to Emma, as he withdrew the arm he had thrown -round her waist to protect her; "you had better leave the room; I must -manage her myself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She readily obeyed the injunction, whilst the doctor, seating Mrs. Watson -on the sofa, placed himself by her side; and, still holding her hand in -his, he turned to Elizabeth and enquired, in a subdued and melancholy tone, -suitable to the occasion, how this sad affair commenced.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth's account was not very clear—and, indeed, she was so puzzled and -frightened, that had she really understood the case, she would have been at -a loss how to explain herself. The facts were these: After breakfast, -whilst Elizabeth had been out of the room, Robert had informed his wife -that Emma was trying for the situation of governess to Lady Fanny Allston's -daughter, with his entire approbation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This announcement was a severe blow to Jane, who did not at all like losing -her services. She argued hard against it, representing the impossibility in -her delicate state of health, of her doing justice to Janetta or attending -at all to her education; the certainty that no other terms would they get a -governess so cheaply, and the probability that the household expenses would -shortly be greatly diminished by the marriage, not only of Margaret, but of -Elizabeth likewise: but it was all in vain; the advantage was all to -himself—the evil only to his wife—so Robert was firm; and even when Jane -burst into a passion of tears, and began to shew symptoms of hysterics, he -was still obdurate. Suddenly the thought occurred to her, how did Emma -learn that the situation was to be procured?—and, at this point, began -Elizabeth's knowledge of the affair, for she entered the room just in time -to hear the question and to answer it. She explained that Emma had -accidentally overheard their conversation, and, consequently, questioned -Mr. Morgan about it. This announcement had put the climax to the lady's -rage, and brought on the screams and convulsions which had occasioned so -much disturbance. Mr. Morgan, however, knew how to manage her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear madam," said he, in a softly soothing voice; "you know I have -forbidden this violent excitement; to people of your nervous temperament, -it is decidedly hurtful, and should be avoided. I must give you something -to calm you. Miss Watson will be so kind as to bring me a glass of cold -water—quite pure water."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah! my dear doctor," sighed the patient, "how could you use me so—join in -a conspiracy against me. I <i>am</i> astonished, I did not expect this from -you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I, my dear Mrs. Watson! What have I done to deserve such censure?—surely, -you are under a delusion! I do not understand you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You betrayed about Lady Fanny, when I charged you not, you have been the -means of setting my husband cruelly against me; making him take part with -that little mischief-making vixen, Emma—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There, there," interrupted he, placing one finger on her pulse, "you are -agitating yourself again; I must forbid such excessive excitement. Thank -you, Miss Watson," taking the glass from Elizabeth, "now please young -ladies, open the window a hair's breadth or so, and then leave the room. I -always like to have the patient to myself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Then taking a little case from his pocket, he said: "I have a fine sedative -powder here, which I shall give you to calm your nerves," then proceeding -to mix something in the glass—which it required a good deal of faith to -believe was anything but powdered sugar, he commanded her to sip a little -at intervals, and hold it as long as possible in her mouth without -swallowing it. Having thus succeeded in stopping her tongue, he proceeded -to explain the circumstances of his making Emma acquainted with what he had -proposed, taking particular care to allow no blame to rest on her, and -saying every thing he could to flatter and soothe Mrs. Watson. "And you -see," added he, "was I not quite right in thinking she ought to be removed -from you—this may happen again, and it is really too much for you—do you -not feel I am right—I am sure your own good sense must prove it—you cannot -speak, I know, but press my hand if you agree with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>It is presumed the pressure was given, as Mr. Morgan seemed satisfied—he -raised her hand and looked at it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How each slender finger trembles," said he—certainly, there were few who -would have applied such an epithet to her plump and powerful hand. "Indeed, -it's a very naughty hand," added he, tapping it playfully with the tips of -his fingers. "It hit me very hard upon my arm—the hand should be made to -pay a forfeit for that; how shall I punish it?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She smiled languidly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I was so provoked, doctor, you must forgive me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Forgive you? oh yes, dear madam, only you know, when a lady strikes a -gentleman she ought to pay the penalty attached," advancing his face very -close to her cheek.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, fie, doctor," cried she, affecting to be quite shocked, "you are -really too bad,—I am ashamed of you quite!" a form of denunciation which -would be, in nine cases out of ten, considered as positive encouragement. -At this moment the door opened and Robert entered the room.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Doctor, I say, as Mrs. Watson appears a little better just now, I want to -speak to you in my room for a moment."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Morgan followed him directly; with a sort of dubious feeling as to what -was to follow; but he felt rather relieved by the interruption, as he was -conscious he had carried his tenderness quite as far as was necessary for -the good of his patient. Robert wanted to learn from himself about the -situation at Lady Fanny's, and questioned him with some interest on the -subject; for in a case where his own interest was in no way involved, he -was not exactly an unkind brother. He felt on the whole a tolerable share -of anxiety that his sister should be as safe and comfortable as -circumstances would admit, and was glad to hear from Mr. Morgan a very -favorable account of the family in question. At length, having satisfied -all the fraternal doubts and scruples of Mr. Watson, he returned to the -lady, and was immediately assailed by a shower of questions relative to -what her husband had wanted with him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He only smiled and said it was nothing bad, but he was far too much used to -the enquiries and curiosity of ladies not to be expert at baffling such an -attack as hers.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And now, my dear Mrs. Watson," said he, "I must insist on your keeping -your mind easy, and not worrying yourself about such things as the occasion -of this attack, it is of serious importance, indeed it is."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But, doctor, how can I keep my mind easy, when I see that little -ungrateful thing there, Emma, coming round my husband and persuading him to -contradict me. Is it not enough to provoke a saint, to find one's own -husband turned against one by his sister, and that after all the kindness I -have shown her; but I knew how it would be from the first, that I did; I -always said so from the time those girls entered the house."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is very probable, your penetration, my dear friend, might lead you to -that conclusion, and you may be right; but in that case, is it not -satisfactory to you that there is an immediate prospect of their being -removed. Will not Miss Margaret soon be married—does not all the town see -that George Millar intends soon, if the lady prove willing, to ally himself -to your family. And supposing Emma is likewise removed, you will have -nothing left to vex you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That may be very true, doctor, but I do not think it is the case; if Emma -would only be tractable and obedient, she would be rather useful than -otherwise; and really she might be quite a comfort if she were better -tempered and more accommodating. But to go and say such things, to be bent -on having her own way, without caring about my convenience—to leave me with -that child in my hands, never considering my fragile health, and the -miseries I suffer, this is really more than I can bear, it puts me in a -nervous tremor which is very bad for me. See how my hand shakes still."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I see," said the gentleman, contenting himself this time with simply -looking at the hand extended to him. "But now I must wish you good -morning—remember my prescriptions and pray keep quiet."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The rest of the day was spent by Mrs. Watson shut up -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with Margaret, bewailing her hard fate -in having such a husband and such a tiresome sister; she would not go down -to dinner, but indulged in a quiet little regale in her own bed-room of -some dainties of a very superior order to the plain boiled beef and suet -pudding, which was the family meal. Her husband took refuge with some -friends, and Elizabeth and Emma spent another quiet evening together, -during which Elizabeth, with open-hearted warmth, confided to her sister -how very much she liked George Millar, and how sanguine were her hopes that -George Millar did not dislike her. She had seen a great deal more of him -than Emma, for their walk to the farm had only been the precursor of -several others to different places, and they had enjoyed them all -exceedingly. He had not actually proposed to her yet, but he had both said -and done things which led her to expect that such a termination to their -acquaintance was in his contemplation. All this was truly the subject of -rejoicing to Emma, especially as she was convinced from what she had both -seen and heard of George Millar, that he was not a man to draw back from an -implied engagement, and hold himself privileged to carry his actions to any -point of particularity, provided he never committed himself by word. It was -true, had it been <i>her</i> taste to be consulted, she would have -preferred a quieter person, one more inclined to study and literature, and -in every respect more refined; but Elizabeth would indeed be well matched, -and the happiness of thinking this, led her to reflect with pleasure even -on their visit at Croydon, painful as it had been to herself in most -respects.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v2ch13' class='c004'>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The next morning was ushered in with less of domestic tempest than the -last; Mrs. Watson was tired of her own room, and quite ready to come down -stairs and mix in the world; she was perfectly amiable to-day, with only -the drawback of being a little sulky to her husband, and exceedingly -snappish to his sisters, except to Emma, whom she did not condescend to -address at all. Emma thought this silence decidedly better than the form of -invective which was the usual address to her, so that on the whole, the day -passed with tolerable comfort and peace to those concerned.</p> - -<p class='c006'>That afternoon, Mrs. Watson having occasion to send a note to an -acquaintance residing nearly a mile from the town, she chose to employ Emma -as a messenger, ordering her at the same time, to be sure and not allow -Janetta to over fatigue herself, but to carry her if the poor child was -tired.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The way led them through pleasant fields, and as the aunt and niece were -quietly sauntering along, the little girl filling her hands with daisies, -or stopping to watch the birds flitting in the hedgerow, they were again -overtaken by Mr. Morgan, who seemed prepared to join their walk. Emma -coloured deeply, and was considerably embarrassed by the recollection of -what Elizabeth had said about him. They had passed his house on their way, -and she could not but suspect that his joining them was the result of -design, not accident. With the vanity common to men, he completely -misinterpreted the blushes and embarrassment of the pretty girl who -interested him so much, and he fancied he was giving her peculiar pleasure, -when, after enquiring how far they were going, he assured her that his way -led in the same direction, and that he should be most happy to escort her. -Had she not been charged with the note from Jane, she would immediately -have turned back, but she had no recourse, and as she had not courage to -desire him to leave her, she saw nothing to be done but to submit in as -quiet and unconcerned a manner as possible.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope," said he presently, "you do not feel any the worse for the -excitement and agitation which you went through yesterday."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She thanked him rather coldly, and replied she was very well. But he was -not to be so repulsed. He was bent on making himself agreeable to her, and -with a quick perception of the readiest means, long practice, and no -scruples on the subject, it was no wonder that he succeeded. There was just -the proper air of interest, joined to a respectful deference, at the same -time that he showed by his intimate knowledge of the family concerns, that -he was completely in the confidence of her sister-in-law, and deserving to -be treated as a friend of the family. The sympathy which he seemed -endeavouring vainly to suppress, and the knowledge of her situation and -difficulties, which he allowed her to discover he possessed, all tended to -throw her off her guard, and to abate the cold indifference with which she -meant to have treated him. -He was so kind—so considerately and properly kind—and then both her brother -and sister had allowed him to be so much connected with their affairs, that -it was impossible to repulse him, and gradually, she hardly knew how, she -found herself led on to speak to him with openness, which he in reality -little deserved.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Morgan was a man of no principles, whose ruling passion was vanity—and -this passion with him took one particular turn; he liked to be beloved by -all the women of his acquaintance. The self-complacency excited by the -worship of a woman, was to him the most agreeable feeling in the world. He -did not flirt merely for an idle amusement, like Tom Musgrove, with an -entire indifference to the feelings he excited; but he made downright -serious, but clandestine love to nearly all the good-looking women with -whom his practice brought him acquainted. He liked of all things to watch -the gradual growth of an ardent love in the unsuspecting heart, and more -than one interesting girl had had occasion to rue the day when illness had -first brought her acquainted with Mr. Morgan—more than one young wife had -been hurried abruptly from the neighbourhood, as was whispered, because her -husband thought her too fond of the Doctor. Yet so well had he managed, and -so general was the admiration he excited, that <i>he</i> never bore a -fraction of the blame which was unsparingly bestowed on the victims of his -arts. This was the man, who struck by Emma's beauty, and seeing her -helpless situation, had formed a deliberate plan to gain her affections, -though what was to follow when she was thus added to his list of triumphs, -he had not quite determined. One thing was certain, he did not mean to -marry her; but the necessary evils to which he saw she was exposed, laid -her he imagined, peculiarly open to temptation, and he certainly indulged -in hopes and speculations, for which even the phlegmatic Robert would have -kicked him out of the house, had they chanced to come to his knowledge. One -great object in his attempt to remove her to Lady Fanny Allston's was, that -it would give him so great an advantage over her. Lady Fanny and her -daughter were both invalides, and he was in the habit of visiting them -every day. This, could he place Emma there, was an important step, as it -would bring him in the most advantageous position before her eyes. She -would see no one else. Shut up for weeks together with an ailing child, her -only recreation being an hour's drive in the pony chaise every morning, she -would soon learn to look forward to his visit as the great event of the -day. He should see her eyes sparkle at his approach, and feel her hand -gently tremble as he pressed it. Such had been the case with her -predecessor, and now that the poor girl had lost her health and spirits -from disappointed affections and heart-sickening anxiety, he was coldly -turning to seek another to supply her place. Little did Emma, as she -listened to his sentiments of sympathy, his professions of philosophy, or -his insinuations of warm interest, suspect the real motive of his actions -and his friendship. His age, so much greater than hers, prevented her -supposing he would feel attachment, and her own preference for Mr. Howard -was a safeguard to her own affections.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After conversing some time with great apparent interest on the subject of -education, as appropriate to her peculiar calling, he gradually turned it -in an almost imperceptible way to the scene of yesterday. The necessity of -subduing passion, and the dreadful effects of it when unrestrained, -naturally brought on a comment on the conduct of her sister-in-law. It was -shocking, he protested, to think of such violence; it made his heart bleed -to imagine what a mild and gentle-tempered girl must undergo when dependent -on such a relative. Hers was a heavy hand as he had experienced; he was -delighted that he had warded off one blow from her, he only wished he could -more effectually protect her from the other hardships of her lot.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma assured him that such a scene had never occurred before, and probably -would never do so again; that he greatly magnified the evils of her -situation, and that she really did not require such intense sympathy as he -seemed inclined to bestow on her. This, so far from stopping him, only -brought on a more decided eulogium upon the sweetness of temper which could -endure such tyranny, and the self-denial which must be practised daily to -live in peace with one who could practise it. How much farther his -compliments would have carried him is not known, as they arrived at the -lodge-gate, and Emma was obliged to interrupt him to deliver the note which -formed her errand. Now she expected to part company, but to her great -surprise, she found on turning her steps homewards, that he was still at -her elbow, and that he seemed resolved to continue the conversation as well -as the walk. What was still more provoking, Janetta claimed his assistance -to carry her again, and Emma had no alternative but to continue with him; -and as he caught up the child with glee, and an appearance of positive -enjoyment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"This, my dear Miss Emma," said he, "is a trouble which, I trust, you will -not long have to endure; at Lady Fanny's you will not be expected to do any -thing which would be more properly entrusted to a servant. You will be Miss -Alston's companion, not her slave; and I shall, indeed, rejoice to see it -so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma thanked him with a sincerity rather greater, perhaps, than his own, -but she could not help heartily wishing that he would demonstrate his -interest in some other way than in walking home with her; she was in -continual dread of meeting some one who would know her; for, though she -really saw no harm in it herself, yet after what Elizabeth had said, she -was afraid of being misinterpreted or misjudged. He parted from her at the -entrance of the town, and Emma returned in some trepidation homewards.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The whole town of Croydon was, shortly after, thrown into a ferment, by the -announcement that George Millar, the rich, the popular, the good-looking -George Millar, was engaged—actually engaged to be married to Elizabeth -Watson.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was so extraordinary, so incredible, so unheard of, that a young woman -like Elizabeth Watson—not so very young—for she was at least thirty, they -said, if not more—who had never been handsome, and was now decidedly -faded—without money, for every one knew she was dependent on her brother—in -short, with none of the requisites for matrimony, except a pleasing person, -an amiable and unselfish disposition, good temper, and a most affectionate -heart, that such a girl should have presumed to try for George Millar's -hand! and should have had the effrontery to accept him when he offered! She -was a stranger, an interloper—and for her to come, and thus carry off in -triumph, their best beau, it was too bad; as the oldest Miss Morgan -observed to one of her intimate friends, she was sure there was more than -they understood in the business; and she should like to know where they -<i>were</i> to look for husbands if their fellow townsmen deserted them in -that way for strange faces. It was the more hard upon Miss Morgan, because -she had been so very kind to the children; she had more than once asked -them to drink tea, and often kissed her hand to them from the drawing-room -window. Their houses were exactly opposite, and it would be too much to be -forced to sit in contemplation of another mistress ruling in the house -where she had long expected to reign supreme.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was the elder young ladies of the neighbourhood who felt the affront -most keenly; and were most bitter against Miss Watson. They had long -regarded Mr. Millar as the lawful property of one of themselves; ever since -the second month after his wife's death; and, unfortunately for their peace -of mind, Mrs. Turner's habit of flattering every one, had given rise to -hopes in their minds, which it now seemed never would be realised. The -younger ladies felt it much less acutely; for, as a widower and a man -verging on forty, they regarded George Millar as a little past his youthful -and interesting days, but they felt for their friends and their sisters, -and sympathised in their indignation. Had Miss Watson been a stranger, in -reality, the affair would have been more endurable; had she been married -from Winston, for instance, they would have welcomed her to Croydon with -tolerable cordiality—nay, perhaps, with absolute enthusiasm. She might have -been pictured then in their imaginations with no colours less brilliant -than those belonging to a gay wedding, and making her first appearance in -new finery, she would probably have won popularity immediately.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But now, the case was very different; it had all passed before their own -eyes, so they naturally suspected something quite wrong, and Mrs. Watson -was involved in the blame—as it was supposed she must have aided to win the -point by some skilful manœuvring.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was so unnatural, so improbable, that, out of four sisters, three should -be engaged to be married, that Miss Morgan declared, over and over again, -that she could not, and would not believe it happened in the due course of -events. There must be something wrong about those Watsons, and she was -determined to find it out.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth was very unsuspicious of the storm her engagement had raised, but -went about as usual with a smiling face, looking forward to the termination -of her residence with her brother, with peculiar satisfaction—and rejoicing -especially, because she had a plan in her head for the advantage of Emma. -This was no less than that Emma should reside with them; and since she was -resolved against spending her life in idleness, that she should consent to -superintend the education of Mr. Millar's little girls—for which task, -Elizabeth felt she was more competent than herself. In the meantime, she -did not mention it to her, until their own plans were arranged with a -little more certainty, and the time of their wedding fixed; at present, -they could only say that it should not take place for a couple of months at -least.</p> - -<p class='c006'>A day or two after this grand event becoming known, Mr. Morgan called on -Mrs. Watson and found her little girl in the room. After praising and -caressing the child, he asked her if she should like to ride a donkey; and -turning to the mother with a winning smile, he added, that he had a very -beautiful Spanish donkey, for which, at present, he had no occasion—that it -was quite at the service of her charming daughter—for whom, he was -convinced, the exercise would be peculiarly salutary. He, therefore, begged -she would make use of it as her own. Mrs. Watson gratefully assented; -to-morrow Janetta should have a ride—but the little girl cried out for -to-day—she would go to-day—aunt Emma must take her out to-day—and she -always had her own way with her mother—and as Mr. Morgan was merely -following out a concerted plan, she of course, carried her point; and, -whilst she went up-stairs to make her aunt get ready for the excursion, the -gentleman hurried away to give orders to prepare the donkey. In about half -an hour, Janetta had the delight of seeing the promised animal at the door, -with a beautiful new saddle and white bridle, and she clapped her hands -with ecstasy as the doctor's foot-boy placed her on, hardly sitting -sufficiently still to allow him to fasten the strap in front of the Spanish -saddle. Emma felt extremely reluctant to go; she feared Mr. Morgan might -again join them, and tried hard to persuade Margaret to accompany her; but -Margaret "hated walking like a nurse-maid after the child," and Elizabeth -being out, Emma had no alternative but to set out alone.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The foot-boy said his master had ordered him to go with them to see how the -donkey went, and to save Miss Watson any trouble. Emma rejoiced at this -announcement—although it seemed to her, so unreasonable an encroachment on -Mr. Morgan's obliging temper, that she half dreaded lest her sister-in-law -should decline the lad's services. Mrs. Watson, however, accepted it all as -if, in allowing the favour to be confirmed, she were in reality the giver, -instead of the receiver of the benefit. She seemed rather to expect that he -would be grateful that his donkey had the honour of carrying her little -girl.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's anticipations proved perfectly correct, for they met Mr. Morgan -again, and he again, uninvited, prepared to accompany them. She resolved -that this should not occur another time, as she determined at once to speak -to her brother, representing how extremely unpleasant it was for her to be -daily sent out walking where she was exposed to be joined by any one in -this way, and begging that in future the duty of walking out with Janetta -might devolve on one of the maids, when neither of her sisters could -accompany her. If it had not been that she feared it was wrong, she would -have enjoyed the walk extremely, as the day was fresh and invigorating, -whilst her companion was particularly pleasant. She found his conversation -both instructive and amusing, and as Janetta, on her donkey, kept a little -a-head of them, they were free from the incessant calls on her attention -with which the child usually interrupted them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Their <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> did not, as usual, conclude at the -suburbs of the town, for emboldened probably by habit, he walked straight -home with her, with only the precaution of placing himself on one side of -Janetta; and lifting the child off at the door, he carried her in triumph -to her mother. Emma expected and hoped that some notice would be taken of -his having accompanied them, as she rather hesitated about introducing the -subject; but Mrs. Watson seemed satisfied with believing that it was a -refined compliment to herself through her child, as if a man of his age -could take such pleasure in the society of a girl not yet out of babyhood. -Emma was therefore firmly resolved to speak to Robert on the subject, and -that afternoon, finding him alone in the parlour, she, with some -hesitation, introduced the point. He heard her with considerable surprise.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well," said he, when she seemed to have done, "what do you want or expect -me to do? what's all this to me, child?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I want you, brother, to persuade Jane not to send me out without a maid or -some other companion, that I may not be exposed to long walks with him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But what harm does Morgan do you, I should like to know—are you afraid he -will eat you up—or what do you fear?" enquired he, in a very discouraging -tone.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am afraid it may excite observation and unpleasant reports, if I am seen -repeatedly walking with a single man," replied poor Emma, not liking to say -that she thought wrong what Robert seemed to regard as so innocent.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Pooh, pooh, child—don't be absurd and prudish—there's no use in setting -yourself up for an immaculate young lady. I don't believe but that you like -it all the time, and are only wanting a little domestic persecution to make -you more interesting. I am not going to indulge you, so you must find out -some other way of making a martyr of yourself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, you are quite mistaken; but I do not think it right to throw -myself in the way of any man as I am obliged to do with regard to him, and -I would rather not go out of the house for a month than continue, as I have -done, meeting him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Morgan's a very good kind of fellow, and will do you no harm," repeated -Robert, as if rather at a loss what else to say; and Emma, thinking she saw -symptoms of wavering in his tone, began to hope that she should carry her -point, when Jane entered the room, and her husband at once appealed to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's astonishment was great at the way in which she took it. She had -expected she would be angry at her walking with Mr. Morgan; but that was -not the case; her indignation seemed only roused by the fact of her wanting -to evade the walking at all: she was in a great passion at this.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A very pretty thing indeed, Miss Emma Watson—a very pretty thing, that you -are to be fancying yourself too grand and too great to walk out with my -child—want a servant sent after you, do you—I wonder what your ladyship -will want next—upon my word, for such a little saucy minx as you, to be -giving yourself such airs, is rather too good, I must say."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have no wish to give myself airs—I only want—" but she was not allowed -to finish the sentence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You don't wish <i>this</i>, and you don't wish <i>that</i>—and you only -want something quite different from what I order—I see what it is, Miss, I -know you want to be mistress, that's all—and if Mr. Morgan does walk with -you, where's the harm of that?—are you such a conceited creature as to -fancy it is your beauty which charms him?—depend upon it, <i>you</i> are -very safe with him. It's for my child that he comes—out of compliment to -me, of course—so don't you go pluming yourself upon his attentions, or -expecting anything to come of that—you are greatly mistaken if you think -him in love with you, I can answer for it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I never, for a moment, supposed such a thing," replied Emma, with a -spirit, which was roused by her sister's injustice; "but I am sure that it -is not correct or respectable to be walking repeatedly alone with any -gentleman, even one of Mr. Morgan's age and character; and I have a -<i>right</i>, whilst I live with you, to have my respectability of -appearance attended to."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Watson stood with a face of scarlet and her mouth open, contemplating -Emma as she spoke with unaccustomed energy—she seemed almost to mistrust -her senses at hearing such words, but Emma's firmness quite appalled her, -and she actually did not know what to say. Seeing she was silent Emma -added:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Therefore, for the present, I must beg that when one of my sisters cannot -accompany me, you will send the maid in my place; when in company with any -one else, I shall have no objection to walk with Janetta as usual."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, well," said Jane after some hesitation, "as you wish it so much, I -will see what I can do, and perhaps Martha may walk with Janetta -to-morrow."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma thanked her, and the entrance of her sisters, fortunately prevented -farther discussion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was rather surprised that she heard no more from Lady Fanny Allston, -but the fact was, her ladyship was ill, and quite incapable of exerting -herself in any way; therefore her engagement with Emma was forced to remain -unsettled, until she recovered sufficient strength to think again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Relieved from the care of Janetta's walk the next day, Emma enjoyed the -treat of accompanying Elizabeth and the two Millars, during a stroll in the -country. Annie of course was her companion, and she found it a very -charming change from the incessant trouble of looking after a young child. -They talked much of Elizabeth's future prospects, and of Annie's -likewise—she was delighted at the idea of the marriage, and anticipated -with pleasure the society of a sister. She told Emma she had hardly known -George's first wife, as she had been at school until after her death, and -often spent her holidays with her own mother's relations; but since there -would now be a chaperone for her on all occasions, her home would be much -pleasanter.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At the same time, she confided to Emma her secret wonder that any woman -should marry at all. Excepting her own brother, she did not believe there -existed a single man in the world good enough to serve as a reasonable -excuse for a woman becoming his slave. Emma remonstrated and protested at -this idea, but Annie laughed and persisted: she asserted that nearly all -men were dreadful and selfish, and that as it was impossible to be -thoroughly acquainted with their dispositions until after marriage, and it -was then too late to change, it was much better not to take the fatal step, -but to continue mistress of oneself and one's fortune. She never meant to -marry—that was her firm determination. Emma suggested that she might fall -in love—but Annie protested again that the fall, which she considered a -serious <i>fall</i> indeed, was only the effect of a pre-disposition to -commit matrimony, and that where the mind was firmly made up, as hers was, -on the subject, there could not be the slightest danger of such an -accident.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma smiled and said time would show, whilst Annie drew an animated picture -of the miseries of matrimony, dwelling on all the little trifles which she -could imagine or recollect, to convince her companion of the wretchedness -of the state. In spite of the nonsense she talked, Emma liked her very -much, and was quite sorry when their walk came to a termination.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Several days passed quietly, and there was, during that time, no solitary -walk for Emma; one of her sisters was her constant companion, and sometimes -Janetta accompanied her mother, sometimes went out with the maid. Neither -did Mr. Morgan plague her any more, they passed two or three times on the -road, but a friendly bow was all the intercourse they had together; and -when he called on Mrs. Watson, which Emma rather thought occurred pretty -often, she never saw him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her first interview was on the occasion of his coming to take a quiet -dinner, and the cause of his being asked to do so was so grand an event, as -to throw his presence quite into the shade. It was nothing less than the -first visit of Tom Musgrove to his betrothed. He had written to say he was -coming down to Croydon, and the announcement threw Margaret into such a -state of trepidation and nervous excitement, as to make Mr. Morgan and a -composing draught absolutely necessary for her. She was very near fainting -when she received the letter, and indeed was only prevented by not knowing -how to manage it. Her next idea was to go out, and see how many of her -acquaintance she could meet with, either in the street or their own houses, -to whom she might impart the interesting intelligence. She had intense -gratification in assuring them of the nervous tremors, the palpitations, -the painful excitement, the strain on the mental energies, the soft -sensibility, the affecting circumstances, and all other sentiments and -weaknesses, with which she was pleased to charge herself. She viewed with -much satisfaction, the envy and mortification with which her joyous -prospects were viewed by her sweet young friends; and the more cool and -indifferent they appeared, the more she enjoyed expatiating on her own -delightful situation. Some she kindly congratulated, because they had now -experienced her agitating feelings, some she fondly caressed, because she -could see they would feel the same in a similar situation, and some she -triumphantly hoped might ever be blessed with prospects as bright as her -own.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In all this excitement, Emma and her walks were nearly forgotten, and she -was suddenly asked, as a special favour, to take Janetta out for half an -hour. She could not refuse, and had the satisfaction of going and returning -without seeing any thing of Mr. Morgan, or encountering any acquaintance -whomsoever. This gave her courage, and she began to think her fears and -scruples were as imaginary as Jane had assumed them to be.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c019'> - <div>END OF VOL. II.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div><span class='sc'>T. C. Newby</span>, Printer, 30, Welbeck-street, Cavendish-sq.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - <ul class='ul_1 c003'> - <li>Transcriber's Notes: - <ul class='ul_2'> - <li>A few cases of inconsistent spelling were regularized, but -our/-or inconsistencies - were left. - </li> - <li>Punctuation and spelling were made consistent when a predominant form was found in - this book; otherwise they were not changed. - </li> - <li>The second chapter was relabeled from CHAPTER XIII to CHAPTER II. - </li> - <li>With the view of producing a project containing all three volumes, a Table of - Contents was added. - </li> - </ul> - </li> - </ul> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Younger Sister, Volume II., by -Catherine Anne Austen Hubback and Jane Austen - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNGER SISTER, VOLUME II. *** - -***** This file should be named 54011-h.htm or 54011-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/0/1/54011/ - -Produced by Barry Abrahamsen, Mary Glenn Krause, David -Edwards, The University of Iowa and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (University of -Iowa) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at -http://gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at -809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email -business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact -information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at http://pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit http://pglaf.org - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - -</pre> - - </body> - <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.56l on 2017-01-19 18:19:42 GMT --> -</html> diff --git a/old/54011-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/54011-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 9b4563e..0000000 --- a/old/54011-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null |
