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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..1689241 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63569 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63569) diff --git a/old/63569-0.txt b/old/63569-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3ffe7b9..0000000 --- a/old/63569-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4558 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Watsons: By Jane Austen, Concluded by L. -Oulton, by Jane Austen - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this ebook. - -Title: The Watsons: By Jane Austen, Concluded by L. Oulton - -Author: Jane Austen - L. Oulton - -Release Date: October 28, 2020 [EBook #63569] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Mary Glenn Krause, Martin Pettit and the Online - Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WATSONS: BY JANE AUSTEN, -CONCLUDED BY L. OULTON *** - -THE WATSONS - -BY - -JANE AUSTEN -AUTHOR OF "PRIDE AND PREJUDICE," -"SENSE AND SENSIBILITY," ETC. - -CONCLUDED -BY -L. OULTON - -[Illustration: Logo] - -D. APPLETON AND COMPANY -NEW YORK :: :: :: MCMXXIII - - - - -COPYRIGHT, 1923, BY -D. APPLETON AND COMPANY - -PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - - - - -PREFACE - - -This work was left by its author, a fragment without a name, in so -elementary a state as not even to be divided into chapters, and some -obscurities and inaccuracies of expression may be observed in it which -the author would probably have corrected. The original manuscript -is the property of my sister, Miss Austen, by whose permission it -is now published. I have called it _The Watsons_, for the sake of -having a title by which to designate it. Two questions may be asked -concerning it. When was it written? And, why was it never finished? -I was unable to answer the first question, so long as I had only the -internal evidence of the style to guide me. I felt satisfied, indeed, -that it did not belong to that early class of her writings which are -mentioned at page 46 of the _Memoir_, but rather bore marks of her -more mature style, though it had never been subjected to the filing -and polishing process by which she was accustomed to impart a high -finish to her published works. At last, on a close inspection of the -original manuscript, the water-marks of 1803 and 1804 were found in -the paper on which it was written. It is therefore probable that it -was composed at Bath, before she ceased to reside there in 1805. This -would place the date a few years later than the composition, but -earlier than the publication of _Sense and Sensibility_, and _Pride -and Prejudice_. To the second question, why was it never finished? -I can give no satisfactory answer. I think it will be generally -admitted that there is much in it which promised well; that some of -the characters are drawn with her wonted vigour, and some with a -delicate discrimination peculiarly her own; and that it is rich in her -especial power of telling the story, and bringing out the characters -by conversation rather than by description. It could not have been -broken up for the purpose of using the materials in another fabric; -for, with the exception of Mrs. Robert Watson, in whom a resemblance -to the future Mrs. Elton is very discernible, it would not be easy to -trace much resemblance between this and any of her subsequent works. -She must have felt some regret at leaving Tom Musgrave's character -incomplete; yet he never appears elsewhere. My own idea is, but it is -only a guess, that the author became aware of the evil of having placed -her heroine too low, in such a position of poverty and obscurity as, -though not necessarily connected with vulgarity, has a sad tendency to -degenerate into it; and, therefore, like a singer who has begun on too -low a note, she discontinued the strain. It was an error of which she -was likely to become more sensible, as she grew older and saw more of -Society; certainly she never repeated it by placing the heroine of any -subsequent work under circumstances likely to be unfavourable to the -refinement of a lady. - -J. E. AUSTEN LEIGH - - - - -THE WATSONS - - - - -CHAPTER I - - -The first winter assembly in the town of D----, in Surrey, was to be -held on Tuesday, October 13th, and it was generally expected to be -a very good one. A long list of county families was confidently run -over as sure of attending, and sanguine hopes were entertained that -the Osbornes themselves would be there. The Edwards' invitation to -the Watsons followed, as a matter of course. The Edwards were people -of fortune, who lived in the town and kept their coach. The Watsons -inhabited a village about three miles distant, were poor and had no -close carriage; and ever since there had been balls in the place, the -former were accustomed to invite the latter to dress, dine, and sleep -at their house on every monthly return throughout the winter. On the -present occasion, as only two of Mr. Watson's children were at home, -and one was always necessary as companion to himself, for he was sickly -and had lost his wife, one only could profit by the kindness of their -friends. Miss Emma Watson, who was very recently returned to her family -from the care of an aunt who had brought her up, was to make her first -public appearance in the neighbourhood; and her eldest sister, whose -delight in a ball was not lessened by a ten years' enjoyment, had some -merit in cheerfully undertaking to drive her and all her finery in the -old chair to D---- on the important morning. - -As they splashed along the dirty lane Miss Watson thus instructed and -cautioned her inexperienced sister. - -"I daresay it will be a very good ball, and among so many officers -you will hardly want partners. You will find Mrs. Edwards' maid very -willing to help you, and I would advise you to ask Mary Edwards' -opinion if you are at all at a loss, for she has a very good taste. If -Mr. Edwards does not lose his money at cards you will stay as late as -you can wish for; if he does he will hurry you home perhaps--but you -are sure of some comfortable soup. I hope you will be in good looks. I -should not be surprised if you were to be thought one of the prettiest -girls in the room, there is a great deal in novelty. Perhaps Tom -Musgrave may take notice of you, but I would advise you by all means -not to give him any encouragement. He generally pays attention to every -new girl, but he is a great flirt, and never means anything serious." - -"I think I have heard you speak of him before," said Emma. "Who is he?" - -"A young man of very good fortune, quite independent, and remarkably -agreeable, an universal favourite wherever he goes. Most of the girls -hereabouts are in love with him, or have been. I believe I am the only -one among them that have escaped with a whole heart; and yet I was the -first he paid attention to when he came into this country six years -ago; and very great attention did he pay me. Some people say that he -has never seemed to like any girl so well since, though he is always -behaving in a particular way to one or another." - -"And how came _your_ heart to be the only cold one?" asked Emma, -smiling. - -"There was a reason for that," replied Miss Watson, changing colour. -"I have not been very well used among them, Emma. I hope you will have -better luck." - -"Dear sister, I beg your pardon, if I have unthinkingly given you pain." - -"When we first knew Tom Musgrave," continued Miss Watson, without -seeming to hear her, "I was very much attached to a young man of the -name of Purvis, a particular friend of Robert's, who used to be with us -a great deal. Everybody thought it would have been a match." - -A sigh accompanied these words, which Emma respected in silence. But -her sister, after a short pause, went on. - -"You will naturally ask why it did not take place, and why he is -married to another woman, while I am still single. But you must ask -him--not me--you must ask Penelope. Yes, Emma, Penelope was at the -bottom of it all. She thinks everything fair for a husband. I trusted -her: she set him against me, with a view of gaining him herself, and -it ended in his discontinuing his visits, and, soon after, marrying -somebody else. Penelope makes light of her conduct, but _I_ think such -treachery very bad. It has been the ruin of my happiness. I shall never -love any man as I loved Purvis. I do not think Tom Musgrave should be -named with him in the same day." - -"You quite shock me by what you say of Penelope," said Emma. "Could a -sister do such a thing? Rivalry, treachery between sisters! I shall -be afraid of being acquainted with her. But I hope it was not so; -appearances were against her." - -"You do not know Penelope. There is nothing she would not do to get -married. She would as good as tell you so herself. Do not trust her -with any secrets of your own, take warning by me, do not trust her; she -has her good qualities, but she has no faith, no honour, no scruples, -if she can promote her own advantage. I wish with all my heart she was -well married. I declare I had rather have her well married than myself." - -"Than yourself! Yes, I can suppose so. A heart wounded like yours can -have little inclination for matrimony." - -"Not much, indeed--but you know we must marry." - -"I could do very well single for my own part." - -"A little company, and a pleasant ball now and then, would be enough -for me, if one could be young for ever; but my father cannot provide -for us, and it is very bad to grow old and be poor and laughed at. I -have lost Purvis, it is true; but very few people marry their first -loves. I should not refuse a man because he was not Purvis. Not that I -can ever quite forgive Penelope." - -Emma shook her head in acquiescence. - -"Penelope, however, has had her troubles," continued Miss Watson. "She -was sadly disappointed in Tom Musgrave, who afterwards transferred -his attentions from me to her, and whom she was very fond of, but he -never means anything serious, and when he had trifled with her long -enough, he began to slight her for Margaret, and poor Penelope was very -wretched. And since then she has been trying to make some match at -Chichester--she won't tell us with whom, but I believe it is a rich old -Dr. Harding, uncle to the friend she goes to see; and she has taken a -vast deal of trouble about him, and given up a great deal of time to no -purpose as yet. When she went away the other day, she said it should be -the last time. I suppose you did not know what her particular business -was at Chichester, nor guess at the object which could take her away -from Stanton just as you were coming home after so many years' absence." - -"No, indeed, I had not the smallest suspicion of it. I considered her -engagement to Mrs. Shaw just at that time as very unfortunate for me. -I had hoped to find all my sisters at home, to be able to make an -immediate friend of each." - -"I suspect the Doctor to have had an attack of the asthma, and that she -was hurried away on that account. The Shaws are quite on her side--at -least I believe so; but she tells me nothing. She professes to keep her -own counsel; she says, and truly enough, that 'Too many cooks spoil the -broth.'" - -"I am sorry for her anxieties," said Emma, "but I do not like her plans -or her opinions. I shall be afraid of her. She must have too masculine -and bold a temper. To be so bent on marriage--to pursue a man merely -for the sake of situation, is a sort of thing that shocks me; I cannot -understand it. Poverty is a great evil; but to a woman of education and -feeling it ought not, it cannot be, the greatest. I would rather be -teacher at a school--and I can think of nothing worse--than marry a man -I did not like." - -"I would rather do anything than be teacher at a school," said her -sister. "_I_ have been at school, Emma, and know what a life they -lead; _you_ never have. I should not like marrying a disagreeable -man any more than yourself, but I do not think there _are_ many very -disagreeable men; I think I could like any good-humoured man with -a comfortable income. I suppose my aunt brought you up to be rather -refined." - -"Indeed, I do not know. My conduct must tell you how I have been -brought up. I am no judge of it myself. I cannot compare my aunt's -method with any other person's, because I know no other." - -"But I can see in a great many things that you are very refined. I have -observed it ever since you came home, and I am afraid it will not be -for your happiness. Penelope will laugh at you very much." - -"That will not be for my happiness, I am sure. If my opinions are wrong -I must correct them; if they are above my situation, I must endeavour -to conceal them; but I doubt whether ridicule--has Penelope much wit?" - -"Yes, she has great spirit, and never cares what she says." - -"Margaret is more gentle, I imagine?" - -"Yes, especially in company; she is all gentleness and mildness -when anybody is by. But she is a little fretful and perverse among -ourselves. Poor creature! She is possessed with the notion of Tom -Musgrave's being more seriously in love with her than he ever was with -anybody else, and is always expecting him to come to the point. This -is the second time within this twelvemonth that she has gone to spend -a month with Robert and Jane on purpose to egg him on by her absence; -but I am sure she is mistaken, and that he will no more follow her to -Croydon now than he did last March. He will never marry unless he can -marry somebody very great; Miss Osborne, perhaps, or somebody in that -style." - -"Your account of this Tom Musgrave, Elizabeth, gives me very little -inclination for his acquaintance." - -"You are afraid of him; I do not wonder at you." - -"No, indeed, I dislike and despise him." - -"Dislike and despise Tom Musgrave! No, _that_ you never can. I defy you -not to be delighted with him if he takes notice of you. I hope he will -dance with you, and I daresay he will, unless the Osbornes come with a -large party, and then he will not speak to anybody else." - -"He seems to have most engaging manners!" said Emma. "Well, we shall -see how irresistible Mr. Tom Musgrave and I find each other. I suppose -I shall know him as soon as I enter the ball-room: he _must_ carry some -of his charms in his face." - -"You will not find him in the ball-room, I can tell you; you will go -early, that Mrs. Edwards may get a good place by the fire, and he -never comes till late; if the Osbornes are coming, he will wait in the -passage and come in with them. I should like to look in upon you, Emma. -If it was but a good day with my father, I would wrap myself up, and -James should drive me over as soon as I had made tea for him, and I -should be with you by the time the dancing began." - -"What! Would you come late at night in this chair?" - -"To be sure I would. There, I said you were very refined, and that's an -instance of it." - -Emma for a moment made no answer. At last she said-- - -"I wish, Elizabeth, you had not made a point of my going to this ball; -I wish you were going instead of me. Your pleasure would be greater -than mine. I am a stranger here, and know nobody but the Edwards; my -enjoyment, therefore, must be very doubtful. Yours, among all your -acquaintances, would be certain. It is not too late to change. Very -little apology would be requisite to the Edwards, who must be more -glad of your company than of mine; and I should most readily return -to my father, and should not be at all afraid to drive this quiet old -creature home. Your clothes I would undertake to find means of sending -to you." - -"My dearest Emma," cried Elizabeth, warmly. "Do you think I would do -such a thing? Not for the universe! But I shall never forget your -good-nature in proposing it. You must have a sweet temper indeed! I -never met anything like it! And would you really give up the ball that -I might be able to go to it? Believe me, Emma, I am not so selfish as -that comes to. No; though I am nine years older than you are, I would -not be the means of keeping you from being seen. You are very pretty, -and it would be very hard that you should not have as fair a chance as -we have all had to make your fortune. No, Emma; whoever stays at home -this winter, it shan't be you. I am sure I should never have forgiven -the person who kept me from a ball at nineteen." - -Emma expressed her gratitude, and for a few minutes they jogged on in -silence. Elizabeth first spoke-- - -"You will take notice who Mary Edwards dances with?" - -"I will remember her partners, if I can; but you know they will be all -strangers to me." - -"Only observe whether she dances with Captain Hunter more than once--I -have my fears in that quarter. Not that her father or mother like -officers; but if she does, you know, it is all over with poor Sam. And -I have promised to write him word who she dances with." - -"Is Sam attached to Miss Edwards?" - -"Did not you know _that_?" - -"How should I know it? How should I know in Shropshire what is passing -of that nature in Surrey? It is not likely that circumstances of such -delicacy should have made any part of the scanty communication which -passed between you and me for the last fourteen years." - -"I wonder I never mentioned it when I wrote. Since you have been at -home, I have been so busy with my poor father, and our great wash, that -I have had no leisure to tell you anything; but, indeed, I concluded -you knew it all. He has been very much in love with her these two -years, and it is a great disappointment to him that he cannot always -get away to our balls; but Mr. Curtis won't often spare him, and just -now it is a sickly time at Guildford." - -"Do you suppose Miss Edwards inclined to like him?" - -"I am afraid not; you know, she is an only child, and will have at -least ten thousand pounds." - -"But, still, she may like our brother." - -"Oh, no! The Edwards look much higher. Her father and mother would -never consent to it. Sam is only a surgeon, you know. Sometimes I think -she does like him. But Mary Edwards is rather prim and reserved; I do -not always know what she would be at." - -"Unless Sam feels on sure grounds with the lady herself, it seems a -pity to me that he should be encouraged to think of her at all." - -"A young man must think of somebody," said Elizabeth; "and why should -not he be as lucky as Robert, who has got a good wife and six thousand -pounds?" - -"We must not all expect to be individually lucky," replied Emma. "The -luck of one member of a family is luck to all." - -"Mine is all to come, I am sure," said Elizabeth, giving another sigh -to the remembrance of Purvis. "I have been unlucky enough, and I cannot -say much for you, as my aunt married again so foolishly. Well, you -will have a good ball, I daresay. The next turning will bring us to -the turnpike; you may see the church-tower over the hedge, and the -'White Hart' is close by it. I shall long to know what you think of Tom -Musgrave." - -Such were the last audible sounds of Miss Watson's voice, before they -passed through the turnpike-gate and entered on the pitching of the -town, the jumbling and noise of which made further conversation most -thoroughly undesirable. The old mare trotted heavily on, wanting no -direction of the reins to take a right turning; and making only one -blunder, in proposing to stop at the milliner's, before she drew up -towards Mr. Edwards' door. Mr. Edwards lived in the best house in the -street, and the best in the place; if Mr. Tomlinson, the banker, might -be indulged in calling his newly-erected house at the end of the town, -with a shrubbery and sweep, in the country. - -Mr. Edwards' house was higher than most of its neighbours, with four -windows on each side the door; the windows guarded by posts and chains, -and the door approached by a flight of stone steps. - -"Here we are," said Elizabeth, as the carriage ceased moving, "safely -arrived; and by the market clock we have been only five-and-thirty -minutes coming; which, I think, is doing pretty well, though it would -be nothing for Penelope. Is not it a nice town? The Edwards have a -noble house, you see, and they live quite in style. The door will be -opened by a man in livery, with a powdered head, I can tell you." - - - - -CHAPTER II - - -Emma had seen the Edwards only one morning at Stanton; they were -therefore all but strangers to her, and though her spirits were by -no means insensible to the expected joys of the evening, she felt a -little uncomfortable in the thought of all that was to precede them. -Her conversation with Elizabeth, too, giving her some very unpleasant -feelings with respect to her own family, had made her more open to -disagreeable impressions from any other cause, and increased her -sense of the awkwardness of rushing into intimacy on so slight an -acquaintance. - -There was nothing in the manner of Mrs. and Miss Edwards to give -immediate change to these ideas. The mother, though a very friendly -woman, had a reserved air and a great deal of formal civility; and -the daughter, a genteel-looking girl of twenty-two, with her hair in -papers, seemed very naturally to have caught something of the style -of her mother, who had brought her up. Emma was soon left to know what -they could be, by Elizabeth being obliged to hurry away; and some very -languid remarks on the probable brilliancy of the ball were all that -broke, at intervals, a silence of half-an-hour before they were joined -by the master of the house. Mr. Edwards had a much easier and more -communicative air than the ladies of the family; he was fresh from the -street, and he came ready to tell whatever might interest. After a -cordial reception of Emma, he turned to his daughter with-- - -"Well, Mary, I bring you good news: the Osbornes will certainly be at -the ball to-night. Horses for two carriages are ordered from the 'White -Hart' to be at Osborne Castle by nine." - -"I am glad of it," observed Mrs. Edwards, "because their coming gives -a credit to our assembly. The Osbornes being known to have been at the -first ball, will dispose a great many people to attend the second. -It is more than they deserve, for, in fact, they add nothing to the -pleasure of the evening; they come so late and go so early; but great -people have always their charm." - -Mr. Edwards proceeded to relate many other little articles of news -which his morning's lounge had supplied him with, and they chatted with -greater briskness till Mrs. Edwards' moment for dressing arrived, and -the young ladies were carefully recommended to lose no time. Emma was -shown to a very comfortable apartment, and as soon as Mrs. Edwards' -civilities could leave her to herself, the happy occupation, the first -bliss of a ball, began. The girls, dressing in some measure together, -grew unavoidably better acquainted. Emma found in Miss Edwards the -show of good sense, a modest unpretending mind, and a great wish of -obliging; and when they returned to the parlour where Mrs. Edwards was -sitting, respectably attired in one of the two satin gowns which went -through the winter, and a new cap from the milliner's, they entered it -with much easier feelings and more natural smiles than they had taken -away. Their dress was now to be examined: Mrs. Edwards acknowledged -herself too old-fashioned to approve of every modern extravagance, -however sanctioned; and though complacently viewing her daughter's good -looks, would give but a qualified admiration; and Mr. Edwards, not less -satisfied with Mary, paid some compliments of good-humoured gallantry -to Emma at her expense. - -The discussion led to more intimate remarks, and Miss Edwards gently -asked Emma if she was not often reckoned very like her youngest -brother. Emma thought she could perceive a faint blush accompany the -question, and there seemed something still more suspicious in the -manner in which Mr. Edwards took up the subject. - -"You are paying Miss Emma no great compliment, I think, Mary," said -he hastily. "Mr. Sam Watson is a very good sort of young man, and I -daresay a very clever surgeon; but his complexion has been rather -too much exposed to all weathers to make a likeness to him very -flattering." - -Mary apologised, in some confusion-- - -"She had not thought a strong likeness at all incompatible with very -different degrees of beauty. There might be resemblance in countenance, -and the complexion, and even the features, be very unlike." - -"I know nothing of my brother's beauty," said Emma, "for I have not -seen him since he was seven years old; but my father reckons us alike." - -"Mr. Watson!" cried Mr. Edwards, "well, you astonish me. There is not -the least likeness in the world; your brother's eyes are grey, yours -are brown; he has a long face, and a wide mouth. My dear, do _you_ -perceive the least resemblance?" - -"Not the least; Miss Emma Watson puts me very much in mind of her -eldest sister, and sometimes I see a look of Miss Penelope, and once or -twice there has been a glance of Mr. Robert; but I cannot perceive any -likeness to Mr. Samuel." - -"I see the likeness between her and Miss Watson," replied Mr. Edwards, -"very strongly, but I am not sensible of the others. I do not much -think she is like any of the family _but_ Miss Watson; but I am very -sure there is no resemblance between her and Sam." - -This matter was settled, and they went to dinner. - -"Your father, Miss Emma, is one of my oldest friends," said Mr. -Edwards, as he helped her to wine, when they were drawn round the fire -to enjoy their dessert. "We must drink to his better health. It is a -great concern to me, I assure you, that he should be such an invalid. -I know nobody who likes a game of cards, in a social way, better than -he does, and very few people who play a fairer rubber. It is a thousand -pities that he should be so deprived of the pleasure. For now, we have -a quiet little whist club, that meets three times a week at the 'White -Hart'; and if he could but have his health, how much he would enjoy it!" - -"I daresay he would, sir; and I wish, with all my heart, he were equal -to it." - -"Your club would be better fitted for an invalid," said Mrs. Edwards, -"if you did not keep it up so late." This was an old grievance. - -"So late, my dear! What are you talking of?" cried her husband with -sturdy pleasantry. "We are always at home before midnight. They would -laugh at Osborne Castle to hear you call _that_ late. They are but just -rising from dinner at midnight." - -"That is nothing to the purpose," retorted the lady calmly. "The -Osbornes are to be no rule for us. You had better meet every night and -break up two hours sooner." - -So far the subject was very often carried; but Mr. and Mrs. Edwards -were so wise as never to pass that point; and Mr. Edwards now turned to -something else. He had lived long enough in the idleness of a town to -become a little of a gossip, and having some anxiety to know more of -the circumstances of his young guest than had yet reached him, he began -with-- - -"I think, Miss Emma, I remember your aunt very well, about thirty years -ago; I am pretty sure I danced with her in the old rooms at Bath the -year before I married. She was a very fine woman then, but like other -people, I suppose, she is grown somewhat older since that time. I hope -she is likely to be happy in her second choice." - -"I hope so; I believe so, sir," said Emma, in some agitation. - -"Mr. Turner had not been dead a great while, I think?" - -"About two years, sir." - -"I forget what her name is now." - -"O'Brien." - -"Irish! Ah, I remember; and she is gone to settle in Ireland. I do not -wonder that you should not wish to go with her into _that_ country, -Miss Emma; but it must be a great deprivation to her, poor lady! after -bringing you up like a child of her own." - -"I was not so ungrateful, sir," said Emma, warmly, "as to wish to be -anywhere but with her. It did not suit Captain O'Brien that I should be -of the party." - -"Captain!" repeated Mrs. Edwards. "The gentleman is in the army, then?" - -"Yes, ma'am." - -"Aye, there is nothing like your officers for captivating the ladies, -young or old. There is no resisting a cockade, my dear." - -"I hope there is," said Mrs. Edwards gravely, with a quick glance at -her daughter; and Emma had just recovered from her own perturbation in -time to see a blush on Miss Edwards' cheek; and, in remembering what -Elizabeth had said of Captain Hunter, to wonder and waver between his -influence and her brother's. - -"Elderly ladies should be careful how they make a second choice," -observed Mr. Edwards. - -"Carefulness and discretion should not be confined to elderly ladies, -or to a second choice," added his wife. "They are quite as necessary to -young ladies in their first." - -"Rather more so, my dear," replied he; "because young ladies are likely -to feel the effects of it longer. When an old lady plays the fool, it -is not in the course of nature that she should suffer from it many -years." - -Emma drew her hand across her eyes; and Mrs. Edwards, in perceiving -it, changed the subject to one of less anxiety to all. - -With nothing to do but to expect the hour of setting off, the afternoon -was long to the two young ladies; and though Miss Edwards was rather -discomposed at the very early hour which her mother always fixed for -going, that early hour itself was watched for with some eagerness. -The entrance of the tea-things at seven o'clock was some relief; and, -luckily, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards always drank a dish extraordinary and -ate an additional muffin when they were going to sit up late, which -lengthened the ceremony almost to the wished-for moment. - -At a little before eight o'clock the Tomlinsons' carriage was heard to -go by, which was the constant signal for Mrs. Edwards to order hers -to the door; and in a very few minutes the party were transported -from the quiet and warmth of a snug parlour to the bustle, noise, and -draughts of air of a broad entrance passage of an inn. Mrs. Edwards, -carefully guarding her own dress, while she attended to the proper -security of her young charges' shoulders and throats, led the way up -the wide staircase, while no sound of a ball, but the first scrape -of one violin, blessed the ears of her followers; and Miss Edwards, -on hazarding the anxious enquiry of whether there were many people -come yet, was told by the waiter, as she knew she should be, that Mr. -Tomlinson's family were in the room. - -In passing along a short gallery to the assembly room, brilliant in -lights before them, they were accosted by a young man in a morning -dress and boots, who was standing in the doorway of a bedchamber -apparently on purpose to see them go by. - -"Ah! Mrs. Edwards, how do you do? How do you do, Miss Edwards?" he -cried, with an easy air. "You are determined to be in good time, I see, -as usual. The candles are but this moment lit." - -"I like to get a good seat by the fire, you know, Mr. Musgrave," -replied Mrs. Edwards. - -"I am this moment going to dress," said he. "I am waiting for my -stupid fellow. We shall have a famous ball. The Osbornes are certainly -coming; you may depend upon _that_, for I was with Lord Osborne this -morning." - -The party passed on. Mrs. Edwards' satin gown swept along the clean -floor of the ball-room to the fireplace at the upper end, where one -party only were formally seated, while three or four officers were -lounging together, passing in and out from the adjoining card-room. A -very stiff meeting between these near neighbours ensued, and as soon as -they were all duly placed again, Emma, in a low whisper, which became -the solemn scene, said to Miss Edwards-- - -"The gentleman we passed in the passage was Mr. Musgrave, then; he is -reckoned remarkably agreeable, I understand?" - -Miss Edwards answered hesitatingly: "Yes, he is very much liked by many -people; but we are not very intimate." - -"He is rich, is not he?" - -"He has about eight or nine hundred a year, I believe. He came into -possession of it when he was very young, and my father and mother think -it has given him rather an unsettled turn. He is no favourite with -them." - -The cold and empty appearance of the room, and the demure air of the -small cluster of females at one end of it, began soon to give way. -The inspiriting sound of other carriages was heard, and continual -accessions of portly chaperones, and strings of smartly dressed girls, -were received, with now and then a fresh gentleman straggler, who, if -not enough in love to station himself near any fair creature, seemed -glad to escape into the card-room. - -Among the increasing number of military men, one now made his way to -Miss Edwards with an air of _empressement_ which decidedly said to her -companion: "I am Captain Hunter"; and Emma, who could not but watch her -at such a moment, saw her looking rather distressed, but by no means -displeased, and heard an engagement formed for the two first dances, -which made her think her brother Sam's a hopeless case. - -Emma, in the meanwhile, was not unobserved or unadmired herself. A -new face, and a very pretty one, could not be slighted. Her name was -whispered from one party to another, and no sooner had the signal been -given by the orchestra's striking up a favourite air, which seemed to -call the young to their duty, and people the centre of the room, than -she found herself engaged to dance with a brother officer, introduced -by Captain Hunter. - -Emma Watson was not more than of the middle height, well made and -plump, with an air of healthy vigour. Her skin was very brown, but -clear, smooth, and glowing; which, with a lively eye, a sweet smile, -and an open countenance, gave beauty to attract, and expression to -make that beauty improve on acquaintance. Having no reason to be -dissatisfied with her partner, the evening began very pleasantly -to her, and her feelings perfectly coincided with the reiterated -observation of others, that it was an excellent ball. The two first -dances were not quite over when the returning sound of carriages, after -a long interruption, called general notice--"the Osbornes are coming!" -was repeated round the room. After some minutes of extraordinary -bustle without, and watchful curiosity within, the important party, -preceded by the attentive master of the inn to open a door which was -never shut, made their appearance. They consisted of Lady Osborne; -her son, Lord Osborne; her daughter, Miss Osborne; Miss Carr, her -daughter's friend; Mr. Howard, formerly tutor to Lord Osborne, now -clergyman of the parish in which the castle stood; Mrs. Blake, a widow -sister, who lived with him; her son, a fine boy of ten years old; and -Mr. Tom Musgrave, who probably, imprisoned within his own room, had -been listening in bitter impatience to the sound of music for the last -half-hour. In their progress up the room they paused almost immediately -behind Emma to receive the compliments of some acquaintance, and she -heard Lady Osborne observe that they had made a point of coming early -for the gratification of Mrs. Blake's little boy, who was uncommonly -fond of dancing. Emma looked at them all as they passed, but chiefly -and with most interest on Tom Musgrave, who was certainly a genteel, -good-looking young man. Of the females, Lady Osborne had by much the -finest person; though nearly fifty, she was very handsome, and had all -the dignity of rank. - -Lord Osborne was a very fine young man; but there was an air of -coldness, of carelessness, even of awkwardness about him, which seemed -to speak him out of his element in a ball-room. He came, in fact, only -because it was judged expedient for him to please the borough; he was -not fond of women's company, and he never danced. Mr. Howard was an -agreeable-looking man, a little more than thirty. - -At the conclusion of the two dances, Emma found herself, she knew not -how, seated amongst the Osbornes' set; and she was immediately struck -with the fine countenance and animated gestures of the little boy, as -he was standing before his mother, considering when they should begin. - -"You will not be surprised at Charles's impatience," said Mrs. Blake, a -lively, pleasant-looking little woman of five- or six-and-thirty, to a -lady who was standing near her, "when you know what a partner he is to -have. Miss Osborne has been so very kind as to promise to dance the two -first dances with him." - -"Oh, yes! we have been engaged this week," cried the boy, "and we are -to dance down every couple." - -On the other side of Emma, Miss Osborne, Miss Carr, and a party of -young men were standing engaged in a very lively consultation; and soon -afterwards she saw the smartest officer of the set walking off to the -orchestra to order the dance, while Miss Osborne, passing before her -to her little expecting partner, hastily said: "Charles, I beg your -pardon for not keeping my engagement, but I am going to dance these -two dances with Colonel Beresford. I know you will excuse me, and I -will certainly dance with you after tea"; and without staying for an -answer, she turned again to Miss Carr, and in another minute was led -by Colonel Beresford to begin the set. If the poor little boy's face -had in its happiness been interesting to Emma, it was infinitely more -so under this sudden reverse; he stood the picture of disappointment -with crimsoned cheeks, quivering lips, and eyes bent on the floor. His -mother, stifling her own mortification, tried to soothe him with the -prospect of Miss Osborne's second promise; but, though he contrived to -utter with an effort of boyish bravery, "Oh, I do not mind it!" it was -very evident by the unceasing agitation of his features that he minded -it as much as ever. - -Emma did not think or reflect; she felt and acted. "I shall be very -happy to dance with you, sir, if you like it," said she, holding out -her hand with the most unaffected good-humour. The boy, in one moment -restored to all his first delight, looked joyfully at his mother; -and stepping forwards with an honest, simple "Thank you, ma'am," was -instantly ready to attend his new acquaintance. The thankfulness of -Mrs. Blake was more diffuse; with a look most expressive of unexpected -pleasure and lively gratitude, she turned to her neighbour with -repeated and fervent acknowledgments of so great and condescending -a kindness to her boy. Emma, with perfect truth, assured her that -she could not be giving greater pleasure than she felt herself; and -Charles, being provided with his gloves and charged to keep them on, -they joined the set which was now rapidly forming, with nearly equal -complacency. It was a partnership which could not be noticed without -surprise. It gained her a broad stare from Miss Osborne and Miss Carr, -as they passed her in the dance. "Upon my word, Charles, you are in -luck," said the former, as she turned him; "you have got a better -partner than me"; to which the happy Charles answered "Yes." - -Tom Musgrave, who was dancing with Miss Carr, gave her many inquisitive -glances; and after a time Lord Osborne himself came, and under pretence -of talking to Charles, stood to look at his partner. Though rather -distressed by such observation, Emma could not repent what she had -done, so happy had it made both the boy and his mother; the latter of -whom was continually making opportunities of addressing her with the -warmest civility. Her little partner she found, though bent chiefly on -dancing, was not unwilling to speak, when her questions or remarks gave -him anything to say; and she learnt, by a sort of inevitable enquiry, -that he had two brothers and a sister, that they and their mamma all -lived with his uncle at Wickstead, that his uncle taught him Latin, -that he was very fond of riding, and had a horse of his own given -him by Lord Osborne; and that he had been out once already with Lord -Osborne's hounds. - -At the end of these dances, Emma found they were to drink tea; Miss -Edwards gave her a caution to be at hand, in a manner which convinced -her of Mrs. Edwards' holding it very important to have them both close -to her when she moved into the tea-room; and Emma was accordingly on -the alert to gain her proper station. - -It was always the pleasure of the company to have a little bustle and -crowd when they adjourned for refreshment. The tea-room was a small -room within the card-room; and in passing through the latter, where the -passage was straitened by tables, Mrs. Edwards and her party were for -a few moments hemmed in. It happened close by Lady Osborne's casino -table; Mr. Howard, who belonged to it, spoke to his nephew; and Emma, -on perceiving herself the object of attention both to Lady Osborne and -him, had just turned away her eyes in time to avoid seeming to hear her -young companion exclaim delightedly aloud: "Oh, uncle! do look at my -partner, she is so pretty!" As they were immediately in motion again, -however, Charles was hurried off without being able to receive his -uncle's suffrage. On entering the tea-room, in which two long tables -were prepared, Lord Osborne was to be seen quite alone at the end of -one, as if retreating as far as he could from the ball, to enjoy his -own thoughts and gape without restraint. Charles instantly pointed him -out to Emma. "There's Lord Osborne; let you and I go and sit by him." - -"No, no," said Emma laughing, "you must sit with my friends." - -Charles was now free enough to hazard a few questions in his turn. -"What o'clock was it?" - -"Eleven." - -"Eleven! and I am not at all sleepy. Mamma said I should be asleep -before ten. Do you think Miss Osborne will keep her word with me when -tea is over?" - -"Oh, yes; I suppose so," though she felt that she had no better reason -to give than that Miss Osborne had _not_ kept it before. - -"When shall you come to Osborne Castle?" - -"Never, probably. I am not acquainted with the family." - -"But you may come to Wickstead and see mamma, and she can take you -to the castle. There is a monstrous curious stuffed fox there, and a -badger; anybody would think they were alive. It is a pity you should -not see them." - -On rising from tea there was again a scramble for the pleasure of -being first out of the room, which happened to be increased by one or -two of the card-parties having just broken up, and the players being -disposed to move exactly the different way. Among these was Mr. Howard, -his sister leaning on his arm; and no sooner were they within reach of -Emma, than Mrs. Blake, calling her notice by a friendly touch, said: -"Your goodness to Charles, my dear Miss Watson, brings all his family -upon you. Give me leave to introduce my brother." Emma curtsied, the -gentleman bowed, made a hasty request for the honour of her hand in -the two next dances, to which as hasty an affirmative was given, and -they were immediately impelled in opposite directions. Emma was very -well pleased with the circumstance; there was a quietly cheerful, -gentlemanlike air in Mr. Howard, which suited her; and in a few minutes -afterwards the value of her engagement increased when, as she was -sitting in the card-room, somewhat screened by a door, she heard Lord -Osborne, who was lounging on a vacant table near her, call Tom Musgrave -towards him and say: "Why do not you dance with that beautiful Emma -Watson? I want you to dance with her, and I will come and stand by you." - -"I was determined on it this very moment, my lord; I'll be introduced -and dance with her directly." - -"Aye, do; and if you find she does not want much talking to, you may -introduce me by-and-by." - -"Very well, my lord; if she is like her sisters, she will only want -to be listened to. I will go this moment. I shall find her in the -tea-room. That stiff old Mrs. Edwards has never done tea." - -Away he went, Lord Osborne after him; and Emma lost no time in hurrying -from her corner exactly the other way, forgetting in her haste that she -left Mrs. Edwards behind. - -"We had quite lost you," said Mrs. Edwards, who followed in less than -five minutes. "If you prefer this room to the other, there is no reason -why you should not be here; but we had better all be together." - -Emma was saved the trouble of apologising, by their being joined at -the moment by Tom Musgrave, who, requesting Mrs. Edwards aloud to do -him the honour of presenting him to Miss Emma Watson, left that good -lady without any choice in the business, but that of testifying by -the coldness of her manner that she did it unwillingly. The honour of -dancing with her was solicited without loss of time; and Emma, however -she might like to be thought a beautiful girl by lord or commoner, -was so little disposed to favour Tom Musgrave himself, that she had -considerable satisfaction in avowing her previous engagement. He was -evidently surprised and discomposed. The style of her last partner had -probably led him to believe her not overpowered with applications. - -"My little friend, Charles Blake," he cried, "must not expect to -engross you the whole evening. We can never suffer this. It is against -the rules of the assembly, and I am sure it will never be patronised by -our good friend here, Mrs. Edwards; she is by much too nice a judge of -decorum to give her licence to such a dangerous particularity----" - -"I am not going to dance with Master Blake, sir!" - -The gentleman, a little disconcerted, could only hope he might be -fortunate another time; and seeming unwilling to leave her, though his -friend, Lord Osborne, was waiting in the doorway for the result, as -Emma with some amusement perceived, he began to make civil enquiries -after her family. - -"How comes it that we have not the pleasure of seeing your sisters here -this evening? Our assemblies have been used to be so well treated by -them that we do not know how to take this neglect." - -"My eldest sister is the only one at home, and she could not leave my -father." - -"Miss Watson the only one at home! You astonish me! It seems but the -day before yesterday that I saw them all three in the town. But I -am afraid I have been a very sad neighbour of late. I hear dreadful -complaints of my negligence wherever I go, and I confess it is a -shameful length of time since I was at Stanton. But I shall _now_ -endeavour to make myself amends for the past." - -Emma's calm curtsey in reply must have struck him as very unlike the -encouraging warmth he had been used to receive from her sisters; and -gave him probably the novel sensation of doubting his own influence, -and of wishing for more attention than she bestowed. The dancing -now recommenced. Miss Carr being impatient to _call_, everybody was -required to stand up; and Tom Musgrave's curiosity was appeased on -seeing Mr. Howard come forward and claim Emma's hand. - -"That will do as well for me," was Lord Osborne's remark, when his -friend carried him the news, and he was continually at Howard's elbow -during the two dances. - -The frequency of his appearance there was the only unpleasant part of -the engagement, the only objection she could make to Mr. Howard. In -himself, she thought him as agreeable as he looked; though chatting on -the commonest topics, he had a sensible, unaffected way of expressing -himself, which made whatever he said worth hearing, and she only -regretted that he had not been able to make his pupil's manners as -unexceptionable as his own. The two dances seemed very short, and -she had her partner's authority for considering them so. At their -conclusion, the Osbornes and their train were all on the move. - -"We are off at last," said his lordship to Tom. "How much longer do you -stay in this heavenly place?--till sunrise?" - -"No, faith! my lord; I have had quite enough of it, I assure you. -I shall not show myself here again when I have had the honour of -attending Lady Osborne to her carriage. I shall retreat in as much -secrecy as possible to the most remote corner of the house, where I -shall order a barrel of oysters, and be famously snug." - -"Let me see you soon at the castle, and bring me word how she looks by -daylight." - -Emma and Mrs. Blake parted as old acquaintance; and Charles shook her -by the hand and wished her good-bye at least a dozen times. From Miss -Osborne and Miss Carr she received something like a jerking curtsey as -they passed her; even Lady Osborne gave her a look of complacency, and -his lordship actually came back after the others were out of the room, -to "beg her pardon," and look in the window-seat behind her for the -gloves which were visibly compressed in his hand. As Tom Musgrave was -seen no more, we may suppose his plan to have succeeded, and imagine -him mortifying with his barrel of oysters in dreary solitude, or gladly -assisting the landlady in her bar to make fresh negus for the happy -dancers above. Emma could not help missing the party by whom she had -been, though in some respects unpleasantly, distinguished; and the -two dances which followed and concluded the ball were rather flat in -comparison with the others. Mr. Edwards having played with good luck, -they were some of the last in the room. - -"Here we are back again, I declare," said Emma sorrowfully, as she -walked into the dining-room, where the table was prepared, and the neat -upper maid was lighting the candles. - -"My dear Miss Edwards, how soon it is at an end! I wish it could all -come over again." - -A great deal of kind pleasure was expressed in her having enjoyed the -evening so much; and Mr. Edwards was as warm as herself in the praise -of the fulness, brilliancy, and spirit of the meeting; though as he had -been fixed the whole time at the same table in the same room, with only -one change of chairs, it might have seemed a matter scarcely perceived; -but he had won four rubbers out of five, and everything went well. His -daughter felt the advantage of this gratified state of mind in the -course of the remarks and retrospections which now ensued over the -welcome soup. - -"How came you not to dance with either of the Mr. Tomlinsons, Mary?" -said her mother. - -"I was always engaged when they asked me." - -"I thought you were to have stood up with Mr. James the two last -dances; Mrs. Tomlinson told me he was gone to ask you, and I had heard -you say two minutes before that you were _not_ engaged?" - -"Yes, but there was a mistake; I had misunderstood. I did not know I -was engaged. I thought it had been for the two dances after, if we -stayed so long; but Captain Hunter assured me it was for those very -two." - -"So you ended with Captain Hunter, Mary, did you?" said her father. -"And whom did you begin with?" - -"Captain Hunter," was repeated in a very humble tone. - -"Hum! That is being constant, however. But who else did you dance with?" - -"Mr. Norton and Mr. Styles." - -"And who are they?" - -"Mr. Norton is a cousin of Captain Hunter's." - -"And who is Mr. Styles?" - -"One of his particular friends." - -"All in the same regiment," added Mrs. Edwards. "Mary was surrounded by -redcoats all the evening. I should have been better pleased to see her -dancing with some of our old neighbours, I confess." - -"Yes, yes; we must not neglect our old neighbours. But if these -soldiers are quicker than other people in a ball-room, what are young -ladies to do?" - -"I think there is no occasion for their engaging themselves so many -dances beforehand, Mr. Edwards." - -"No, perhaps not; but I remember, my dear, when you and I did the same." - -Mrs. Edwards said no more, and Mary breathed again. A good deal of -good-humoured pleasantry followed, and Emma went to bed in charming -spirits, her head full of Osbornes, Blakes, and Howards. - - - - -CHAPTER III - - -The next morning brought a great many visitors. It was the way of the -place always to call on Mrs. Edwards the morning after a ball, and this -neighbourly inclination was increased in the present instance by a -general spirit of curiosity on Emma's account, as everybody wanted to -look again at the girl who had been admired the night before by Lord -Osborne. Many were the eyes, and various the degrees of approbation, -with which she was examined. Some saw no fault, and some no beauty. -With some, her brown skin was the annihilation of every grace, and -others could never be persuaded that she was half so handsome as -Elizabeth Watson had been ten years ago. The morning passed quickly -away in discussing the merits of the ball with all this succession of -company, and Emma was at once astonished by finding it two o'clock, -and considering that she had heard nothing of her father's chair. -After this discovery she had walked twice to the window to examine the -street, and was on the point of asking leave to ring the bell and make -enquiries, when the light sound of a carriage driving up to the door -set her heart at ease. She stepped again to the window, but instead -of the convenient though very un-smart family equipage, perceived a -neat curricle. Mr. Musgrave was shortly afterwards announced, and -Mrs. Edwards put on her very stiffest look at the sound. Not at all -dismayed, however, by her chilling air, he paid his compliments to each -of the ladies with no unbecoming ease, and continuing to address Emma, -presented her a note, which "he had the honour of bringing from her -sister, but to which, he must observe, a verbal postscript from himself -would be requisite." - -The note, which Emma was beginning to read rather before Mrs. Edwards -had entreated her to use no ceremony, contained a few lines from -Elizabeth importing that their father, in consequence of being -unusually well, had taken the sudden resolution of attending the -visitation that day; and that as his road lay quite wide from D----, -it was impossible for her to come home till the following morning; -unless the Edwards would send her, which was hardly to be expected, or -she could meet with any chance conveyance, or did not mind walking so -far. She had scarcely run her eye through the whole, before she found -herself obliged to listen to Tom Musgrave's further account. - -"I received that note from the fair hands of Miss Watson only ten -minutes ago," said he; "I met her in the village of Stanton, whither my -good stars prompted me to run my horses' heads. She was at that moment -in quest of a person to employ on the errand, and I was fortunate -enough to convince her that she could not find a more willing or speedy -messenger than myself. Remember, I say nothing of my disinterestedness. -My reward is to be the indulgence of conveying you to Stanton in my -curricle. Though they are not written down, I bring your sister's -orders for the same." - -Emma felt distressed; she did not like the proposal--she did not wish -to be on terms of intimacy with the proposer: and yet, fearful of -encroaching on the Edwards, as well as wishing to go home herself, she -was at a loss how entirely to decline what he offered. Mrs. Edwards -continued silent, either not understanding the case, or waiting to see -how the young lady's inclination lay. Emma thanked him, but professed -herself very unwilling to give him so much trouble. The trouble was of -course, honour, pleasure, delight--what had he or his horses to do? -Still she hesitated--she believed she must beg leave to decline his -assistance; she was rather afraid of the sort of carriage. The distance -was not beyond a walk. Mrs. Edwards was silent no longer. She enquired -into the particulars, and then said, "We shall be extremely happy, Miss -Emma, if you can give us the pleasure of your company till to-morrow; -but if you cannot conveniently do so, our carriage is quite at your -service, and Mary will be pleased with the opportunity of seeing your -sister." - -This was precisely what Emma longed for, and she accepted the offer -most thankfully; acknowledging that as Elizabeth was entirely alone, it -was her wish to return home to dinner. The plan was warmly opposed by -their visitor. - -"I cannot suffer it, indeed. I must not be deprived of the happiness -of escorting you. I assure you there is not a possibility of fear with -my horses. You might guide them yourself. Your sisters all know how -quiet they are; they have none of them the smallest scruple intrusting -themselves with me, even on a racecourse. Believe me," added he, -lowering his voice, "_you_ are quite safe--the danger is only _mine_." - -Emma was not more disposed to oblige him for all this. - -"And as for Mrs. Edwards' carriage being used the day after the ball, -it is a thing out of all rule, I assure you--never heard of before. The -old coachman will look as black as his horses--won't he, Miss Edwards?" - -No notice was taken. The ladies were silently firm, and the gentleman -found himself obliged to submit. - -"What a famous ball we had last night," he cried, after a short pause. -"How long did you keep it up after the Osbornes and I went away?" - -"We had two dances more." - -"It is making it too much of a fatigue, I think, to stay so late. I -suppose your set was not a very full one?" - -"Yes, quite as full as ever, except the Osbornes. There seemed no -vacancy anywhere; and everybody danced with uncommon spirit to the very -last." - -Emma said this, though against her conscience. - -"Indeed! Perhaps I might have looked in upon you again, if I had been -aware of as much; for I am rather fond of dancing than not. Miss -Osborne is a charming girl, is not she?" - -"I do not think her handsome," replied Emma, to whom all this was -chiefly addressed. - -"Perhaps she is not critically handsome, but her manners are -delightful. And Fanny Carr is a most interesting little creature. You -can imagine nothing more naïve or _piquante_; and what do you think of -Lord Osborne, Miss Watson?" - -"He would be handsome even though he were _not_ a lord, and perhaps -better himself pleased in a right place." - -"Upon my word, you are severe upon my friend! I assure you Lord Osborne -is a very good fellow." - -"I do not dispute his virtues, but I do not like his careless air." - -"If it were not a breach of confidence," replied Tom, with an important -look, "perhaps I might be able to win a more favourable opinion of poor -Osborne." - -Emma gave him no encouragement, and he was obliged to keep his friend's -secret. He was also obliged to put an end to his visit, for Mrs. -Edwards having ordered her carriage, there was no time to be lost on -Emma's side in preparing for it. Miss Edwards accompanied her home; but -as it was dinner hour at Stanton, stayed with them only a few minutes. - -"Now, my dear Emma," said Miss Watson, as soon as they were alone, "you -must talk to me all the rest of the day without stopping, or I shall -not be satisfied; but, first of all, Nanny shall bring in the dinner. -Poor thing! You will not dine as you did yesterday, for we have nothing -but some fried beef. How nice Mary Edwards looks in her new pelisse! -And now tell me how you like them all, and what I am to say to Sam. I -have begun my letter; Jack Stokes is to call for it to-morrow, for his -uncle is going within a mile of Guildford next day." - -Nanny brought in the dinner. - -"We will wait upon ourselves," continued Elizabeth, "and then we shall -lose no time. And so you would not come home with Tom Musgrave?" - -"No, you had said so much against him that I could not wish either for -the obligation or the intimacy which the use of his carriage must have -created. I should not even have liked the appearance of it." - -"You did very right, though I wonder at your forbearance, and I do not -think I could have done it myself. He seemed so eager to fetch you that -I could not say no, though it rather went against me to be throwing you -together, so well as I knew his tricks; but I did long to see you, and -it was a clever way of getting you home. Besides, it won't do to be too -nice. Nobody could have thought of the Edwards letting you have their -coach, after the horses being out so late. But what am I to say to Sam?" - -"If you are guided by me you will not encourage him to think of -Miss Edwards. The father is decidedly against him, the mother shows -him no favour, and I doubt his having any interest with Mary. She -danced twice with Captain Hunter, and I think shows him in general -as much encouragement as is consistent with her disposition and the -circumstances she is placed in. She once mentioned Sam, and certainly -with a little confusion; but that was perhaps merely owing to the -consciousness of his liking her, which may very probably have come to -her knowledge. - -"Oh! dear, yes. She has heard enough of _that_ from us all! Poor Sam! -he is out of luck as well as other people. For the life of me, Emma, I -cannot help feeling for those that are crossed in love. Well, now begin -and give me an account of everything as it happened." - -Emma obeyed her, and Elizabeth listened with very little interruption -till she heard of Mr. Howard as a partner. - -"Dance with Mr. Howard. Good heavens! You don't say so! Why, he is -quite one of the great and grand ones. Did you not find him very high?" - -"His manners are of a kind to give me much more ease and confidence -than Tom Musgrave's." - -"Well, go on. I should have been frightened out of my wits to have had -anything to do with the Osbornes' set." - -Emma concluded her narration. - -"And so you really did not dance with Tom Musgrave at all, but you -must have liked him--you must have been struck with him altogether?" - -"I do _not_ like him, Elizabeth. I allow his person and air to be -good; and that his manners to a certain point--his address rather--is -pleasing. But I see nothing else to admire in him. On the contrary, he -seems very vain, very conceited, absurdly anxious for distinction, and -absolutely contemptible in some of the measures he takes for being so. -There is a ridiculousness about him that entertains me; but his company -gives me no other agreeable emotion." - -"My dearest Emma! You are like nobody else in the world. It is well -Margaret is not by. You do not offend _me_, though I hardly know how to -believe you; but Margaret would never forgive such words." - -"I wish Margaret could have heard him profess his ignorance of her -being out of the country; he declared it seemed only two days since he -had seen her." - -"Aye, that is just like him; and yet this is the man she _will_ fancy -so desperately in love with her. He is no favourite of mine, as you -well know, Emma; but you must think him agreeable. Can you lay your -hand on your heart and say you do not?" - -"Indeed I can, both hands; and spread them to their widest extent." - -"I should like to know the man you _do_ think agreeable." - -"His name is Howard." - -"Howard! Dear me, I cannot think of him but as playing cards with Lady -Osborne, and looking proud. I must own, however, that it is a relief -to me to find you can speak as you do of Tom Musgrave. My heart did -misgive me that you would like him too well. You talked so stoutly -beforehand, that I was sadly afraid your brag would be punished. -I only hope it will last, and that he will not come on to pay you -much attention. It is a hard thing for a woman to stand against the -flattering ways of a man when he is bent upon pleasing her." - -As their quietly sociable little meal concluded, Miss Watson could not -help observing how comfortably it had passed. - -"It is so delightful to me," said she, "to have things going on in -peace and good-humour. Nobody can tell how much I hate quarrelling. -Now, though we have had nothing but fried beef, how good it has all -seemed. I wish everybody were as easily satisfied as you; but poor -Margaret is very snappish, and Penelope owns she would rather have -quarrelling going on than nothing at all." - -Mr. Watson returned in the evening not the worse for the exertion of -the day and, consequently, pleased with what he had done, and glad to -talk of it over his own fireside. Emma had not foreseen any interest -to herself in the occurrences of a visitation; but when she heard Mr. -Howard spoken of as the preacher, and as having given them an excellent -sermon, she could not help listening with a quicker ear. - -"I do not know when I have heard a discourse more to my mind," -continued Mr. Watson, "or one better delivered. He reads extremely -well, with great propriety, and in a very impressive manner; and at -the same time without any theatrical grimace or violence. I own I do -not like much action in the pulpit; I do not like the studied air and -artificial inflexions of voice which your very popular and most admired -preachers generally have. A simple delivery is much better calculated -to inspire devotion, and shows a much better taste. Mr. Howard read -like a scholar and a gentleman." - -"And what had you for dinner, sir?" said his eldest daughter. - -He related the dishes, and told what he had ate himself. - -"Upon the whole," he added, "I have had a very comfortable day. My old -friends were quite surprised to see me amongst them, and I must say -that everybody paid me great attention, and seemed to feel for me as an -invalid. They would make me sit near the fire; and as the partridges -were pretty high, Dr. Richards would have them sent away to the other -end of the table, 'that they might not offend Mr. Watson,' which I -thought very kind of him. But what pleased me as much as anything was -Mr. Howard's attention. There is a pretty steep flight of steps up to -the room we dine in, which do not agree with my gouty foot, and Mr. -Howard walked by me from the bottom to the top, and would make me take -his arm. It struck me as very becoming in so young a man, but I am sure -I had no claim to expect it, for I never saw him before in my life. By -the by, he enquired after one of my daughters, but I do not know which. -I suppose you know among yourselves." - - - - -CHAPTER IV - - -On the third day after the ball, as Nanny at five minutes before three, -was beginning to bustle into the parlour with the tray and knife case, -she was suddenly called to the front door by the sound of as smart -a rap as the end of a riding whip could give; and though charged by -Miss Watson to let nobody in, returned in half a minute with a look -of awkward dismay to hold the parlour door open for Lord Osborne and -Tom Musgrave. The surprise of the young ladies may be imagined. No -visitors would have been welcome at such a moment, but such visitors as -these--such an one as Lord Osborne at least, a nobleman and a stranger, -was really distressing. - -He looked a little embarrassed himself, as, on being introduced by -his easy voluble friend, he muttered something of doing himself the -honour of waiting upon Mr. Watson. Though Emma could not but take the -compliment of the visit to herself, she was very far from enjoying -it. She felt all the inconsistency of such an acquaintance with the -very humble style in which they were obliged to live; and having in -her aunt's family been used to many of the elegancies of life, was -fully sensible of all that must be open to the ridicule of richer -people in her present home. Of the pain of such feelings, Elizabeth -knew very little. Her simple mind or juster reason saved her from -such mortification; and though shrinking under a general sense of -inferiority, she felt no particular shame. Mr. Watson, as the gentlemen -had already heard from Nanny, was not well enough to be down stairs. -With much concern they took their seats; Lord Osborne near Emma, and -the convenient Mr. Musgrave, in high spirits at his own importance, on -the other side of the fireplace with Elizabeth. _He_ was at no loss -for words; but when Lord Osborne had hoped that Emma had not caught -cold at the ball, he had nothing more to say for some time, and could -only gratify his eye by occasional glances at his fair companion. Emma -was not inclined to give herself much trouble for his entertainment; -and after hard labour of mind, he produced the remark of its being a -very fine day; and followed it up with the question of "Have you been -walking this morning?" - -"No, my lord, we thought it too dirty." - -"You should wear half-boots." After another pause: "Nothing sets off a -neat ankle more than a half-boot; nankeen, goloshed with black, looks -very well. Do not you like half-boots?" - -"Yes; but unless they are so stout as to injure their beauty, they are -not fit for country walking." - -"Ladies should ride in dirty weather. Do you ride?" - -"No, my lord." - -"I wonder every lady does not; a woman never looks better than on -horseback." - -"But every woman may not have the inclination or the means." - -"If they knew how much it became them, they would all have the -inclination; and I fancy, Miss Watson, when once they had the -inclination, the means would soon follow." - -"Your lordship thinks we always have our own way. _That_ is a point on -which ladies and gentlemen have long disagreed; but without pretending -to decide it, I may say that there are some circumstances which even -_women_ cannot control. Female economy will do a great deal, my lord; -but it cannot turn a small income into a large one." - -Lord Osborne was silenced. Her manner had been neither sententious nor -sarcastic, but there was a something in its mild seriousness, as well -as in the words themselves, which made his lordship think; and when he -addressed her again, it was with a degree of considerable propriety -totally unlike the half-awkward, half-fearless style of his former -remarks. It was a new thing with him to wish to please a woman; it -was the first time that he had ever felt what was due to a woman in -Emma's situation; but as he was wanting neither in sense nor a good -disposition, he did not feel it without effect. - -"You have not been long in this country, I understand," said he in the -tone of a gentleman. "I hope you are pleased with it." - -He was rewarded by a gracious answer and a more liberal full view -of her face than she had yet bestowed. Unused to exert himself, and -happy in contemplating her, he then sat in silence for some minutes -longer, while Tom Musgrave was chattering to Elizabeth, till they were -interrupted by Nanny's approach, who, half-opening the door and putting -in her head, said-- - -"Please, ma'am, master wants to know why he be'nt to have his dinner?" - -The gentlemen, who had hitherto disregarded every symptom, however -positive, of the nearness of that meal, now jumped up with apologies; -while Elizabeth called briskly after Nanny to take up the fowls. - -"I am sorry it happens so," she added, turning good-humouredly towards -Musgrave, "but you know what early hours we keep." - -Tom had nothing to say for himself, he knew it very well; and such -honest simplicity, such shameless truth, rather bewildered him. -Lord Osborne's parting compliments took some time, his inclination -for speech seeming to increase with the shortness of the term for -indulgence. He recommended exercise in defiance of dirt; spoke again in -praise of half-boots; begged that his sister might be allowed to send -Emma the name of her shoemaker; and concluded with saying: "My hounds -will be hunting this country next week. I believe they will throw -off at Stanton Wood on Wednesday at nine o'clock. I mention this in -hopes of your being drawn out to see what's going on. If the morning's -tolerable, pray do us the honour of giving us your good wishes in -person." - -The sisters looked on each other with astonishment when their visitors -had withdrawn. - -"Here's an unaccountable honour!" cried Elizabeth at last. "Who would -have thought of Lord Osborne's coming to Stanton? He is very handsome; -but Tom Musgrave looks all to nothing the smartest and most fashionable -man of the two. I am glad he did not say anything to me; I would not -have had to talk to such a great man for the world. Tom was very -agreeable, was not he? But did you hear him ask where Miss Penelope and -Miss Margaret were, when he first came in? It put me out of patience. I -am glad Nanny had not laid the cloth, however, it would have looked so -awkward; just the tray did not signify." - -To say that Emma was not flattered by Lord Osborne's visit, would be to -assert a very unlikely thing, and describe a very odd young lady; but -the gratification was by no means unalloyed; his coming was a sort of -notice which might please her vanity, but did not suit her pride; and -she would rather have known that he wished the visit without presuming -to make it, than have seen him at Stanton. - -Among other unsatisfactory feelings, it once occurred to her to -wonder why Mr. Howard had not taken the same privilege of coming, and -accompanied his lordship; but she was willing to suppose that he had -either known nothing about it, or had declined any share in a measure -which carried quite as much impertinence in form as good breeding. Mr. -Watson was very far from being delighted when he heard what had passed; -a little peevish under immediate pain, and ill-disposed to be pleased, -he only replied-- - -"Pooh! Pooh! what occasion could there be for Lord Osborne's coming? -I have lived here fourteen years without being noticed by any of the -family. It is some fooling of that idle fellow, Tom Musgrave. I cannot -return the visit. I would not if I could." And when Tom Musgrave was -met with again, he was commissioned with a message of excuse to Osborne -Castle on the too sufficient plea of Mr. Watson's infirm state of -health. - - - - -CHAPTER V - - -A week or ten days rolled quietly away after this visit before any -new bustle arose to interrupt, even for half a day, the tranquil and -affectionate intercourse of the two sisters, whose mutual regard -was increasing with the intimate knowledge of each other which such -intercourse produced. The first circumstance to break in on their -security was the receipt of a letter from Croydon, to announce the -speedy return of Margaret, and a visit of two or three days from Mr. -and Mrs. Robert Watson, who undertook to bring her home, and wished to -see their sister Emma. - -It was an expectation to fill the thoughts of the sisters at Stanton -and to busy the hours of one of them at least; for, as Jane had been -a woman of fortune, the preparations for her entertainment were -considerable; and as Elizabeth had at all times more goodwill than -method in her guidance of the house, she could make no change without -a bustle. An absence of fourteen years had made all her brothers and -sisters strangers to Emma, but in her expectation of Margaret there was -more than the awkwardness of such an alienation; she had heard things -which made her dread her return; and the day which brought the party to -Stanton, seemed to her the probable conclusion of almost all that had -been comfortable in the house. - -Robert Watson was an attorney at Croydon in a good way of business, -very well satisfied with himself for the same, and for having married -the only daughter of the attorney to whom he had been clerk, with -a fortune of six thousand pounds. Mrs. Robert was not less pleased -with herself for having had that six thousand pounds, and for being -now in possession of a very smart house in Croydon, where she gave -genteel parties and wore fine clothes. In her person there was nothing -remarkable; her manners were pert and conceited. Margaret was not -without beauty; she had a slight, pretty figure, and rather wanted -countenance than good features; but the sharp and anxious expression -on her face made her beauty in general little felt. On meeting her -long-absent sister, as on every occasion of show, her manner was all -affection and her voice all gentleness; continual smiles and a very -slow articulation being her constant resource when determined on -pleasing. - -She was now "so delighted to see dear, dear Emma," that she could -hardly speak a word in a minute. - -"I am sure we shall be great friends," she observed with much sentiment -as they were sitting together. Emma scarcely knew how to answer such -a proposition, and the manner in which it was spoken she could not -attempt to equal. Mrs. Robert Watson eyed her with much familiar -curiosity and triumphant compassion; the loss of her aunt's fortune -was uppermost in her mind at the moment of meeting, and she could not -but feel how much better it was to be the daughter of a gentleman of -property in Croydon than the niece of an old woman who threw herself -away on an Irish captain. Robert was carelessly kind, as became -a prosperous man and a brother; more intent on settling with the -post-boy, inveighing against the exorbitant advance in posting, and -pondering over a doubtful half-crown, than on welcoming a sister who -was no longer likely to have any property for him to get the direction -of. - -"Your road through the village is infamous, Elizabeth," said he; "worse -than ever it was. By heaven! I would indict it if I lived near you. Who -is the surveyor now?" - -There was a little niece at Croydon to be fondly enquired after by the -kind-hearted Elizabeth, who regretted very much her not being of the -party. - -"You are very good," replied her mother, "and I assure you it went -very hard with Augusta to have us come away without her. I was forced -to say we were only going to church, and promise to come back for her -directly. But you know it would not do to bring her without her maid, -and I am as particular as ever in having her properly attended to." - -"Sweet little darling," cried Margaret. "It quite broke my heart to -leave her." - -"Then why was you in such a hurry to run away from her?" cried Mrs. -Robert. "You are a sad, shabby girl. I have been quarrelling with you -all the way we came, have not I? Such a visit as this I never heard -of! You know how glad we are to have any of you with us, if it be for -months together; and I am sorry (with a witty smile) we have not been -able to make Croydon agreeable this autumn." - -"My dearest Jane, do not overpower me with your raillery. You know what -inducements I had to bring me home. Spare me, I entreat you. I am no -match for your arch sallies." - -"Well, I only beg you will not set your neighbours against the place. -Perhaps Emma may be tempted to go back with us and stay till Christmas, -if you don't put in your word." - -Emma was greatly obliged. "I assure you we have very good society at -Croydon. I do not much attend the balls, they are rather too mixed; but -our parties are very select and good. I had seven tables last week in -my drawing-room. - -"Are you fond of the country? How do you like Stanton?" - -"Very much," replied Emma, who thought a comprehensive answer most to -the purpose. She saw that her sister-in-law despised her immediately. -Mrs. Robert Watson was indeed wondering what sort of a home Emma could -possibly have been used to in Shropshire, and setting it down as -certain that the aunt could never have had six thousand pounds. - -"How charming Emma is," whispered Margaret to Mrs. Robert in her -most languishing tone. Emma was quite distressed by such behaviour, -and she did not like it better when she heard Margaret, five minutes -afterwards, say to Elizabeth in a sharp, quick accent, totally unlike -the first: "Have you heard from Pen since she went to Chichester? I had -a letter the other day. I don't find she is likely to make anything of -it. I fancy she'll come back 'Miss Penelope,' as she went." - -Such she feared would be Margaret's common voice when the novelty of -her own appearance was over; the tone of artificial sensibility was not -recommended by the idea. The ladies were invited upstairs to prepare -for dinner. - -"I hope you will find things tolerably comfortable, Jane," said -Elizabeth, as she opened the door of the spare bedchamber. - -"My good creature," replied she, "use no ceremony with me, I entreat -you. I am one of those who always take things as they find them. I hope -I can put up with a small apartment for two or three nights without -making a piece of work. I always wish to be treated quite _en famille_ -when I come to see you. And now I do hope you have not been getting a -great dinner for us. Remember, we never eat suppers." - -"I suppose," said Margaret rather quickly to Emma, "you and I are to -be together; Elizabeth always takes care to have a room to herself." - -"No. Elizabeth gives me half hers." - -"Oh!" in a softened voice, and rather mortified to find that she was -not ill-used. - -"I am sorry I am not to have the pleasure of your company, especially -as it makes me nervous to be much alone." - -Emma was the first of the females in the parlour again; on entering it, -she found her brother alone. - -"So, Emma," said he, "you are quite a stranger at home. It must seem -odd enough for you to be here. A pretty piece of work your Aunt Turner -has made of it! By heaven! A woman should never be trusted with money. -I always said she ought to have settled something on you, as soon as -her husband died." - -"But that would have been trusting _me_ with money," replied Emma; "and -I am a woman, too." - -"It might have been secured to your future use, without your having -any power over it now. What a blow it must have been upon you! To find -yourself, instead of heiress of eight thousand pounds or nine thousand -pounds, sent back a weight upon your family, without a sixpence. I hope -the old woman will smart for it." - -"Do not speak disrespectfully of her; she was very good to me, and if -she has made an imprudent choice, she will suffer more from it herself -than I can possibly do." - -"I do not mean to distress you, but you know everybody must think her -an old fool. I thought Turner had been reckoned an extraordinarily -sensible, clever man. How the devil came he to make such a will?" - -"My uncle's sense is not at all impeached in my opinion by his -attachment to my aunt. She had been an excellent wife to him. The most -liberal and enlightened minds are always the most confiding. The event -has been unfortunate, but my uncle's memory is, if possible, endeared -to me by such a proof of tender respect for my aunt." - -"That's odd sort of talking. He might have provided decently for his -widow, without leaving everything that he had to dispose of, or any -part of it, at her mercy." - -"My aunt may have erred," said Emma warmly; "she _has_ erred, but my -uncle's conduct was faultless; I was her own niece, and he left to her -the power of providing for me." - -"But unluckily she has left the pleasure of providing for you to -your father, and without the power. That's the long and short of the -business. After keeping you at a distance from your family for such a -length of time as must do away with all natural affection among us, and -breeding you up (I suppose) in a superior style, you are returned upon -their hands without a sixpence." - -"You know," replied Emma, struggling with her tears, "my uncle's -melancholy state of health. He was a greater invalid than my father. He -could not leave home." - -"I do not mean to make you cry," said Robert, rather softened; and -after a short silence, by way of changing the subject, he added: "I -am just come from my father's room; he seems very indifferent. It will -be a sad break up if he dies. Pity you can none of you get married! -You must come to Croydon as well as the rest, and see what you can do -there. I believe if Margaret had had a thousand or fifteen hundred -pounds, there was a young man who would have thought of her." - -Emma was glad when they were joined by the others; it was better to -look at her sister-in-law's finery than listen to Robert, who had -equally irritated and grieved her. Mrs. Robert, exactly as smart as she -had been at her own party, came in with apologies for her dress. - -"I would not make you wait," said she, "so I put on the first thing I -met with. I am afraid I am a sad figure. My dear Mr. W---- (addressing -her husband), you have not put fresh powder in your hair." - -"No, I do not intend it. I think there is powder enough in my hair for -my wife and sisters." - -"Indeed, you ought to make some alteration in your dress before dinner -when you are out visiting, though you do not at home." - -"Nonsense." - -"It is very odd you do not like to do what other gentlemen do. Mr. -Marshall and Mr. Hemming change their dress every day of their lives -before dinner. And what was the use of my putting up your last new -coat, if you are never to wear it?" - -"Do be satisfied with being fine yourself and leave your husband alone." - -To put an end to this altercation and soften the evident vexation of -her sister-in-law, Emma (though in no spirits to make nonsense easy) -began to admire her gown. It produced immediate complacency. - -"Do you like it?" she said. "I am very happy. It has been excessively -admired, but sometimes I think the pattern too large. I shall wear one -to-morrow which I think you will prefer to this. Have you seen the one -I gave Margaret?" - -Dinner came, and except when Mrs. Robert looked at her husband's head, -she continued gay and flippant; chiding Elizabeth for the profusion -on the table, and absolutely protesting against the entrance of the -roast turkey, which formed the only exception to "you see your dinner." -"I do beg and entreat that no turkey may be seen to-day. I am really -frightened out of my wits with the number of dishes we have already. -Let us have no turkey, I beseech you." - -"My dear," replied Elizabeth, "the turkey is roasted, and it may just -as well come in as stay in the kitchen. Besides, if it is cut, I am -in hopes my father may be tempted to eat a bit, for it is rather a -favourite dish." - -"You may have it in, then, my dear; but I assure you I shan't touch it." - -Mr. Watson had not been well enough to join the party at dinner, but -was prevailed on to come down and drink tea with them. - -"I wish he may be able to have a game of cards to-night," said -Elizabeth to Mrs. Robert, after seeing her father comfortably seated -in his arm-chair. - -"Not on my account, my dear, I beg. You know I am no card-player. I -think a snug chat infinitely better. I always say cards are very well -sometimes to break a formal circle, but one never wants them among -friends." - -"I was thinking of its being something to amuse my father," said -Elizabeth, "if it was not disagreeable to you. He says his head won't -bear whist, but perhaps if we make a round game he may be tempted to -sit down with us." - -"By all means, my dear creature; I am quite at your service, only do -not oblige me to choose the game, that's all. Speculation is the only -round game at Croydon now, but I can play anything. When there is only -one or two of you at home, you must be quite at a loss to amuse him. -Why do not you get him to play at cribbage? Margaret and I have played -at cribbage most nights that we have not been engaged." - -A sound like a distant carriage was at this moment caught; everybody -listened; it became more decided; it certainly drew nearer. It was -an unusual sound for Stanton at any time of the day, for the village -was on no very public road, and contained no gentleman's family but -the rector's. The wheels rapidly approached, in two minutes the -general expectation was answered; they stopped beyond a doubt at the -garden-gate of the parsonage. Who could it be? It was certainly a -post-chaise. Penelope was the only creature to be thought of: she -might perhaps have met with some unexpected opportunity of returning. -A pause of suspense ensued. Steps were distinguished along the paved -footway, which led under the window of the house to the front door, -and then within the passage. They were the steps of a man. It could -not be Penelope. It must be Samuel. The door opened, and displayed Tom -Musgrave in the wrap of a traveller. He had been in London and was now -on his way home, and he had come half a mile out of his road to call -for ten minutes at Stanton. He loved to take people by surprise with -sudden visits at extraordinary seasons and, in the present instance, he -had the additional motive of being able to tell the Miss Watsons, whom -he depended on finding sitting quietly employed after tea, that he was -going home to an eight o'clock dinner. - -As it happened, he did not give more surprise than he received, -when, instead of being shown into the usual little sitting-room, the -door of the best parlour (a foot larger each way than the other) was -thrown open, and he beheld a circle of smart people, whom he could not -immediately recognise, arranged with all the honours of visiting round -the fire; and Miss Watson seated at the best Pembroke table, with the -best tea-things before her. - -He stood a few seconds in silent amazement. "Musgrave," ejaculated -Margaret, in a tender voice. He recollected himself, and came forward, -delighted to find such a circle of friends, and blessing his good -fortune for the unlooked-for indulgence. He shook hands with Robert, -bowed and smiled to the ladies, and did everything very prettily; -but as to any particularity of address or emotion towards Margaret, -Emma, who closely observed him, perceived nothing that did not justify -Elizabeth's opinion; though Margaret's modest smiles imported that -she meant to take the visit to herself. He was persuaded without much -difficulty to throw off his great coat and drink tea with them. For -"whether he dined at eight or nine," as he observed, "was a matter -of very little consequence"; and without seeming to seek, he did not -turn away from the chair close by Margaret, which she was assiduous in -providing him. She had thus secured him from her sisters, but it was -not immediately in her power to preserve him from her brother's claims; -for as he came avowedly from London, and had left it only four hours -ago, the last current report as to public news, and the general opinion -of the day, must be understood before Robert could let his attention -be yielded to the less rational and important demands of the women. -At last, however, he was at liberty to hear Margaret's soft address, -as she spoke her fears of his having had a most terrible cold, dark, -dreadful journey. - -"Indeed, you should not have set out so late." - -"I could not be earlier," he replied. "I was detained chatting at the -'Bedford' by a friend. All hours are alike to me. How long have you -been in the country, Miss Margaret?" - -"We only came this morning; my kind brother and sister brought me home -this very morning. 'Tis singular--is not it?" - -"You were gone a great while, were not you? A fortnight, I suppose?" - -"_You_ may call a _fortnight_ a great while, Mr. Musgrave," said Mrs. -Robert, sharply; "but _we_ think a _month_ very little. I assure you we -bring her home at the end of a month much against our will." - -"A month! Have you really been gone a month? 'Tis amazing how time -flies." - -"You may imagine," said Margaret, in a sort of whisper, "what are my -sensations in finding myself once more at Stanton; you know what a -sad visitor I make. And I was so excessively impatient to see Emma; I -dreaded the meeting, and at the same time longed for it. Do you not -comprehend the sort of feeling?" - -"Not at all," cried he, aloud. "I could never dread a meeting with Miss -Emma Watson, or any of her sisters." - -It was lucky that he added that finish. - -"Were you speaking of me?" said Emma, who had caught her own name. - -"Not absolutely," he answered; "but I was thinking of you, as many at a -greater distance are probably doing at this moment. Fine open weather, -Miss Emma--charming season for hunting." - -"Emma is delightful, is not she?" whispered Margaret; "I have found -her more than answer my warmest hopes. Did you ever see anything more -perfectly beautiful? I think even _you_ must be a convert to a brown -complexion." - -He hesitated. Margaret was fair herself, and he did not particularly -want to compliment her; but Miss Osborne and Miss Carr were likewise -fair, and his devotion to them carried the day. - -"Your sister's complexion," said he, at last, "is as fine as a dark -complexion can be; but I still profess my preference of a white skin. -You have seen Miss Osborne? She is my model for a truly feminine -complexion, and she is very fair." - -"Is she fairer than me?" - -Tom made no reply. "Upon my honour, ladies," said he, giving a glance -over his own person, "I am highly indebted to your condescension for -admitting me in such dishabille into your drawing-room. I really did -not consider how unfit I was to be here, or I hope I should have kept -my distance. Lady Osborne would tell me that I was growing as careless -as her son if she saw me in this condition." - -The ladies were not wanting in civil returns, and Robert Watson, -stealing a view of his own head in an opposite glass, said with equal -civility-- - -"You cannot be more in dishabille than myself. We got here so late that -I had not time even to put a little fresh powder into my hair." - -Emma could not help entering into what she supposed her sister-in-law's -feelings at the moment. - -When the tea-things were removed, Tom began to talk of his carriage; -but the old card-table being set out, and the fish and counters, with -a tolerably clean pack brought forward from the buffet by Miss Watson, -the general voice was so urgent with him to join their party, that -he agreed to allow himself another quarter of an hour. Even Emma was -pleased that he would stay, for she was beginning to feel that a family -party might be the worst of all parties; and the others were delighted. - -"What's the game?" cried he, as they stood round the table. - -"Speculation, I believe," said Elizabeth. "My sister recommends it, and -I fancy we all like it. I know _you_ do, Tom." - -"It is the only round game played at Croydon now," said Mrs. Robert; -"we never think of any other. I am glad it is a favourite with you." - -"Oh! _me_," said Tom. "Whatever you decide on will be a favourite with -_me_. I have had some pleasant hours at speculation in my time; but I -have not been in the way of it for a long while. Vingt-un is the game -at Osborne Castle. I have played nothing but vingt-un of late. You -would be astonished to hear the noise we make there--the fine old lofty -drawing-room rings again. Lady Osborne sometimes declares she cannot -hear herself speak. Lord Osborne enjoys it famously, and he makes the -best dealer without exception that I ever beheld--such quickness and -spirit; he lets nobody dream over their cards. I wish you could see him -overdraw himself on both his own cards. It is worth anything in the -world!" - -"Dear me!" cried Margaret, "why should not we play vingt-un? I think it -is a much better game than speculation. I cannot say I am very fond of -speculation." - -Mrs. Robert offered not another word in support of the game. She was -quite vanquished, and the fashions of Osborne Castle carried it over -the fashions of Croydon. - -"Do you see much of the parsonage family at the castle, Mr. Musgrave?" -said Emma, as they were taking their seats. - -"Oh, yes; they are almost always there. Mrs. Blake is a nice, little, -good-humoured woman; she and I are sworn friends; and Howard's a very -gentlemanlike sort of fellow. You are not forgotten, I assure you, by -any of the party. I fancy you must have a little cheek-glowing now and -then, Miss Emma. Were not you rather warm last Saturday about nine or -ten o'clock in the evening? I will tell you how it was--I see you are -dying to know. Says Howard to Lord Osborne----" - -At this interesting moment he was called on by the others to regulate -the game and determine some disputable point; and his attention was so -totally engaged in the business, and afterwards by the course of the -game, as never to revert to what he had been saying before; and Emma, -though suffering a good deal from curiosity, dared not remind him. - -He proved a very useful addition at their table. Without him it would -have been a party of such very near relations as could have felt little -interest, and perhaps maintained little complaisance, but his presence -gave variety and secured good manners. He was, in fact, excellently -qualified to shine at a round game, and few situations made him appear -to greater advantage. He played with spirit, and had a great deal to -say; and though no wit himself, could sometimes make use of the wit of -an absent friend, and had a lively way of retailing a commonplace, or -saying a mere nothing, that had great effect at a card-table. The ways -and good jokes of Osborne Castle were now added to his ordinary means -of entertainment. He repeated the smart sayings of one lady, detailed -the oversights of another, and indulged them even with a copy of Lord -Osborne's overdrawing himself on both cards. - -The clock struck nine while he was thus agreeably occupied; and when -Nanny came in with her master's basin of gruel, he had the pleasure of -observing to Mr. Watson that he should leave him at supper while he -went home to dinner himself. The carriage was ordered to the door, and -no entreaties for his staying longer could now avail; for he well knew -that if he stayed he would have to sit down to supper in less than ten -minutes, which to a man whose heart has been long fixed on calling his -next meal a dinner, was quite insupportable. On finding him determined -to go, Margaret began to wink and nod at Elizabeth to ask him to dinner -the following day; and Elizabeth at last, not able to resist hints -which her own hospitable social temper more than half seconded, gave -the invitation: "Would he give Robert the meeting, they would be very -happy?" - -"With the greatest pleasure," was his first reply. In a moment -afterwards: "That is, if I can possibly get here in time; but I shoot -with Lord Osborne, and therefore must not engage. You will not -think of me unless you see me." And so he departed, delighted in the -uncertainty in which he had left it. - -Margaret, in the joy of her heart, under circumstances which she -chose to consider as peculiarly propitious, would willingly have -made a confidante of Emma, when they were alone for a short time -the next morning, and had proceeded so far as to say: "The young -man who was here last night, my dear Emma, and returns to-day, is -more interesting to me than perhaps you may be aware"; but Emma, -pretending to understand nothing extraordinary in the words, made some -very inapplicable reply, and, jumping up, ran away from a subject -which was odious to her. As Margaret would not allow a doubt to be -repeated of Musgrave's coming to dinner, preparations were made for -his entertainment much exceeding what had been deemed necessary the -day before; and taking the office of superintendence entirely from her -sister, she was half the morning in the kitchen herself, directing and -scolding. - -After a great deal of indifferent cooking and anxious suspense, -however, they were obliged to sit down without their guest. Tom -Musgrave never came; and Margaret was at no pains to conceal her -vexation under the disappointment, or repress the peevishness of -her temper. The peace of the party for the remainder of that day -and the whole of the next, which comprised the length of Robert and -Jane's visit, was continually invaded by her fretful displeasure and -querulous attacks. Elizabeth was the usual object of both. Margaret -had just respect enough for her brother's and sister's opinion to -behave properly by _them_, but Elizabeth and the maids could never -do right; and Emma, whom she seemed no longer to think about, found -the continuance of the gentle voice beyond calculation short. Eager -to be as little among them as possible, Emma was delighted with the -alternative of sitting above with her father, and warmly entreated to -be his constant companion each evening; and as Elizabeth loved company -of any kind too well not to prefer being below at all risks; as she had -rather talk of Croydon with Jane, with every interruption of Margaret's -perverseness, than sit with only her father, who frequently could not -endure talking at all, the affair was so settled, as soon as she could -be persuaded to believe it no sacrifice on her sister's part. To Emma, -the change was most acceptable and delightful. Her father, if ill, -required little more than gentleness and silence; and being a man of -sense and education, was, if able to converse, a welcome companion. In -_his_ chamber, Emma was at peace from the dreadful mortifications of -unequal society and family discord, and from the immediate endurance -of hard-hearted prosperity, low-minded conceit, and wrong-headed folly -engrafted on an untoward disposition. She still suffered from them in -the contemplation of their existence, in memory and in prospect, but -for the moment she ceased to be tortured by their effects. She was at -leisure; she could read and think, though her situation was hardly such -as to make reflection very soothing. The evils arising from the loss of -her uncle were neither trifling nor likely to lessen; and when thought -had been freely indulged, in contrasting the past and the present, the -employment of mind and dissipation of unpleasant ideas, which only -reading could produce, made her thankfully return to a book. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - - -The change in Emma's home society and style of life, in consequence -of the death of one friend and the imprudence of another, had indeed -been striking. From being the first object of hope and solicitude to -an uncle who had formed her mind with the care of a parent, and of -tenderness to an aunt whose amiable temper had delighted to give her -every indulgence; from being the life and spirit of a house where all -had been comfort and elegance, and the expected heiress of an easy -independence, she was become of importance to no one--a burden on those -whose affections she could not expect, an addition in a house already -overstocked, surrounded by inferior minds, with little chance of -domestic comfort, and as little hope of future support. It was well for -her that she was naturally cheerful, for the change had been such as -might have plunged weak spirits in despondence. - -She was very much pressed by Robert and Jane to return with them to -Croydon, and had some difficulty in getting a refusal accepted, as -they thought too highly of their own kindness and situation to suppose -the offer could appear in less advantageous light to anybody else. -Elizabeth gave them her interest, though evidently against her own, in -privately urging Emma to go. - -"You do not know what you refuse, Emma," said she, "nor what you -have to bear at home. I would advise you by all means to accept the -invitation; there is always something lively going on at Croydon. You -will be in company almost every day, and Robert and Jane will be very -kind to you. As for me, I shall be no worse off without you than I -have been used to be; but poor Margaret's disagreeable ways are new to -_you_, and they would vex you more than you think for, if you stay at -home." - -Emma was, of course, uninfluenced, except to greater esteem for -Elizabeth by such representations; and the visitors departed without -her. - -On the following day, as Emma and Elizabeth were in the best parlour, -setting the sofa before the fire for their father to lie on, for a -little change, they heard a carriage stopping at the garden gate; and -a minute or two later Nanny showed in Mrs. Blake and her little boy, -closely followed by Mr. Howard. - -Charles was carrying a beautiful bunch of greenhouse flowers and, on -seeing Emma, he ran eagerly forward, saying-- - -"I have brought you these flowers, ma'am, because you were so good as -to dance with me. Lord Osborne gave me anything I liked for you, and -cut some for you himself." - -Emma blushed as she smiled and curtsied, and blushed again as she -advanced to receive her other visitors and present her sister to them. - -They had often observed Elizabeth at balls, and had considered her -handsome, but they had never before spoken to her, and were at once -favourably impressed by her unaffected good-humour and pleasant manner. -Before long they were conversing with almost as little formality as -though they had been old friends. On questioning Emma, Mrs. Blake -easily drew from her some account of her former life and, on learning -her aunt's name, recollected having heard it mentioned by friends in a -manner entirely agreeable to Emma's feelings. - -Presently Mr. Watson came into the room, and although he was a good -deal surprised at finding himself in company, as Mr. Howard at once -came forward with a show of friendliness, he had not time to lose his -temper. - -He was a man of considerable information, and finding the present -society entirely congenial to him, contributed not a little to the -pleasure of the visit, even going so far as to show Charles a volume -of coloured prints; and before taking leave, Mr. Howard had persuaded -him to join him, with his three daughters, at dinner, on the following -Thursday, promising to send the carriage for them, and assuring him of -his return at an early hour. - -On Margaret's coming in from the village, where she had gone on -an errand, she was all amazement on learning the arrangement; and -displeased her father by enquiring if Mr. Musgrave and Lord Osborne -were to be present. - -"Mr. Howard expressly said they were to be by themselves," he replied, -with the importance of an invalid. "He took particular care to assure -me that I should suffer as little fatigue as possible." - -He was therefore by no means too well pleased when, on the appointed -evening, shortly after they had assembled in the drawing-room at -Wickstead, Lord Osborne and Mr. Musgrave were ushered in; and before -any explanation could be vouchsafed him, dinner was announced. - -Turning to Lord Osborne, Mr. Howard said-- - -"As I cannot very well, my lord, ask Mr. Watson to hand in his -daughter, I must ask him to conduct Mrs. Blake; and I will lead with -Miss Watson if you will be good enough to give your arm to Miss Emma -Watson; while Mr. Musgrave takes in Miss Margaret." - -This arrangement was agreeable to all, except Mr. Musgrave, who, had he -been of greater sensibility, would have been embarrassed by Margaret's -manner towards him; and, as it was, felt not a little irritated by her -determination to consider his escort as a _personal compliment_, rather -than as _inevitable_ on his part. - -He had long since tired of his fancy for her, which indeed had always -been of the slightest; and now in his determination to free himself -from her, did not hesitate to go beyond the limits of propriety, openly -disregarding her, and entering into conversation with everyone else -in preference to her. Greatly mortified, she would have sunk under -this neglect but for the kindness of Mrs. Blake, who addressed her as -often as possible; and even Lord Osborne, vaguely aware that there was -something wanting in ease, observed to her across the table that the -roads were monstrous wet when it rained. - -In the meantime, his lordship had not been enjoying himself either, -to any great extent; for Emma, having perceived a volume on the -drawing-room table with which she was familiar, on finding herself -placed beside her host at the dinner table, fell to discussing it with -him with much sense and spirit; and from this proceeded to contrast her -favourite authors and the merits of their respective works. As Lord -Osborne had as little knowledge of literature as well might be, he was -compelled, despite the kindly efforts of his host, to sit more or less -in silence, trying to look as if he had not less in his head than might -reasonably be expected. - -Elizabeth was only too glad to share her partner with her sister, -as she did not very well know what to say to him; and she enjoyed -listening to their conversation, the more so as they repeatedly -explained to her the situation, or the point, in question. Moreover, -she could not help hoping that another future, far different to what -she had feared for her young sister, might possibly be in store for -her. - -With dessert, Charles arrived on the scene, which created a diversion -in Lord Osborne's favour, as he came to place himself between the -latter and his dear Miss Emma Watson, and both joined in the endeavour -to entertain him. - -On the ladies withdrawing, Lord Osborne turned to Mr. Watson and said-- - -"You have a very beautiful daughter, sir," but he received in reply -such a chilling bow that he could find nothing more to say; and Tom -Musgrave nearly choked himself over his wine in the effort to control -his merriment at his friend's discomfiture. Mr. Howard then placed -himself at the other side of Mr. Watson, and speedily restored him to -good-humour by discussing the late visitation with him. - -They were not long in returning to the drawing-room for tea; and -shortly after, Mrs. Blake and Mr. Watson began to play the new game -of écarté, proposing to one another with a pleasant air; whilst the -others, seating themselves round the larger table, started vingt-un. - -They had scarcely commenced, however, when a carriage drove up to the -door, and Miss Osborne and Miss Carr were shown in. - -"Oh, Mr. Howard! how could you have used us so?" cried Miss Osborne -archly. "I protest we are vastly offended with you!--to give a party -and leave us out!" - -Miss Carr joined in, in the same strain. She had never heard of -anything so perfidious--it was really beyond everything she had ever -known in all her life! - -Mr. Howard received them with the quiet courtesy that was habitual to -him; and when he deemed it possible to make his voice heard, expressed -his sense of the honour they had done him; but observed that one family -was scarcely a party, adding that Lord Osborne and Mr. Musgrave had -been good enough to invite themselves. - -Lord Osborne remained silent, looking rather ashamed; but Mr. Tom -Musgrave protested vigorously that if Howard were such a sly dog, -plotting to cut them out like this, they were bound to look after -themselves! - -The Miss Watsons and their father having been presented, and tea -declined, and Miss Carr, having, further, declared that there was -nothing she so doted on as vingt-un, the game was once more started. - -Miss Osborne at once took possession of the chair at Mr. Howard's right -hand, which had previously been occupied by Emma; and just as he was -about to request the latter to accept the one at his left, he found it -already secured by Miss Carr. Lord Osborne, therefore, shared Emma with -Charles; and Tom Musgrave devoted himself assiduously to Miss Carr. -Presently he was heard endeavouring to persuade her to accept him as -her cavalier at the next meet. Unfortunately this reminded Charles of -the stuffed fox, and again he implored Emma to come and see it, adding-- - -"Lord Osborne will now ask you himself, ma'am--will you not, Lord -Osborne?" - -Before he could reply, Emma had hastily excused herself; but Miss Carr, -leaning forward, said impertinently-- - -"It is a pity you should not see the castle, Miss Watson; it is thrown -open to the public every Wednesday--all except the private apartments." - -Emma coloured and made no reply; but Lord Osborne quite shocked his -sister and her friend by saying-- - -"Lady Osborne will wait on Miss Watson." - -Miss Osborne stared at her brother, but there was something in his face -that compelled her to lower her eyes. Never before had he so asserted -himself, and she had not deemed him capable of it. - -At the conclusion of the game, Mr. Watson asked to return -home--declining to wait for supper--and took leave with his daughters. - -Mr. Howard conducted them to the carriage, and as Emma curtsied in -passing him, held out his hand to her, and retaining hers for a moment, -thanked her in a low tone for the honour she had done him in coming. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - - -During the drive back, Mr. Watson was in very good humour, speaking -several times of the civility and attention he had received from Mr. -Howard and his sister; and praising Charles, to whom he had taken a -considerable fancy. - -"As for Lord Osborne," he continued, "though I do not think very much -of him, he is at least preferable to that fellow Musgrave, whom I have -never thought a gentleman." - -This was cruelly mortifying to Margaret, who was nevertheless forced -to constrain her feelings in the presence of her father; but on their -return home, as he went directly to his room, she gave way to her -agitation--quite shocking Emma by the violence of her passion, as well -as by a wholly unexpected attack on her own conduct. - -Elizabeth endeavoured in vain to interpose, but Margaret would not be -stayed; and Emma stood motionless under a shower of angry accusations. -She was running after Lord Osborne--her intentions were plain to -everyone, and she would only have herself despised! Lord Osborne would -never _look at her_! - -Mr. Musgrave saw through her! No doubt he was in Miss Osborne's -confidence, and knew she was coming--_that_ was why he had been so -wanting in civility to herself!--he did not want the Osbornes to think -he was mixed up with them--but Lord Osborne would never think of her, -except to insult her! - -At this, Emma, in silent indignation, took up her candlestick and -retired to her room. - -When she had gone, Elizabeth spoke more seriously to her sister than -ever she had done in her life before; and as Margaret at first refused -to listen to reason, threatened to appeal to her father should there be -any repetition of the scene. Completely overcome, Margaret then burst -into tears, and shortly after permitted Elizabeth to lead her upstairs. - -A few days later, Lady Osborne and her daughter called on the Miss -Watsons. Miss Osborne, supported by her friend Miss Carr, had -endeavoured to dissuade her mother from taking this step; but Lady -Osborne, seeing that her son's feelings were more deeply engaged -than ever she had previously known them to be, was too clever not to -be assured that opposition would only serve to fan his flame; and, -moreover, she did not choose that he should visit with people whom she -would not acknowledge. - -She was showed by Nanny into the parlour, and though it was not such a -room as she was accustomed to be received in, everything was in order; -and Elizabeth, who had become more refined from her intercourse with -Emma, received her with greater dignity than she had expected. As for -Emma herself, she was not less elegant in her simple house frock than -in her ball-dress, and the Osbornes were compelled to acknowledge her -beauty. It was not such a marriage as Lady Osborne could possibly -countenance for her son; but nevertheless she found herself drawn -towards Emma; and placing herself near to her, directed the greater -part of her conversation to her; while Margaret sat somewhat aside, -white and silent, only able to join in the conversation when directly -addressed. - -"I understand from Mrs. Blake," said Lady Osborne, "that you have been -brought up by a relative at some distance?" - -"By my aunt, Mrs. Turner, now Mrs. O'Brien." - -"And where has she gone to live?" - -"In the South of Ireland, ma'am, where Captain O'Brien has a small -property." - -"Captain O'Brien? There was an officer of that name in the Royal ----s, -my brother's regiment." - -"That was his regiment, but he resigned his commission many years ago." - -"I am afraid it could scarcely have been a prudent marriage." - -Seeing tears gathering in Emma's eyes, Lady Osborne hastened to change -the conversation by speaking of other officers in the same regiment; -and on mentioning a Colonel Norwood, was interested to hear that he had -been a friend of the late Mr. Turner, with whom he had frequently dined. - -"It is a pity your aunt did not marry him instead," she observed. - -"But he is dead, ma'am. He left me this brooch I am wearing and also a -legacy of fifty pounds." - -"I did not know you had fifty pounds, Emma," said Elizabeth, surprised. -Miss Osborne looked her disdain, but Lady Osborne said kindly-- - -"It will be very useful to Miss Emma for her trousseau, in a few years; -well, do not be in too great a hurry to marry, my dear." - -Emma blushed, and Lady Osborne, believing that it was on account of her -son, grew more reserved for a few moments. Determined, however, to have -fuller proof, she presently mentioned him by name, and was gratified to -observe that Emma received it without any embarrassment. - -"Perhaps there is someone else," she thought to herself. - -But on sharing this surmise with Miss Osborne, during the drive home, -she was surprised to find that her daughter received it with so little -favour. - -Elizabeth and Emma shortly returned the visit, but Lady Osborne was not -at home. - -Soon after this event, Lord Osborne sent game for Mr. Watson; Mr. -Howard was not less civil with a present of fruit; and Mr. Musgrave, -not to be out of the fashion, called with a basket of fish. Poor Mr. -Watson was considerably surprised at finding himself become so popular -all at once; but when he questioned Emma on the subject, received -surprisingly little information in her reply. - -In the meantime, Margaret's health was occasioning not a little anxiety -to her sisters. She seemed to have no interest in anything, had quite -lost her appetite, and went listlessly about the house; before long she -was confined to her room with a feverish attack. - -Elizabeth and Emma were assiduous in their care of her, and were -presently rewarded, not only by her being restored to some measure of -health, but also by her being rendered less irritable towards them, -from a sense of gratitude for their sympathy. - -Just as she was beginning to come down stairs again, the Osbornes -issued invitations for a ball; and the Miss Watsons were among the -first to receive a card. - -Elizabeth had no idea but that they should go with the Edwards, and was -considerably put out when she found that not only were they not going, -but that Mrs. Edwards was offended at having been ignored, when the -Watsons (on whom she had always looked down) had been included. - -Mary Edwards was absent at the moment, but, on learning what had -transpired, with great good sense pointed out to her mother that as -they had never before been taken notice of by the Osbornes, they had -now no cause for mortification, generously adding that such beauty as -Emma's could not but be distinguished. - -Nevertheless there is no young lady who can hear of a ball without -desiring to go to it; and the matter occasioned not a little stir in -the small country town, where any subject for gossip was eagerly seized -upon. Tom Musgrave, hearing of it, reported it at the Castle as a good -joke, believing the Osbornes would be gratified by learning of the -disappointment they had unwittingly occasioned. - -It had quite a different effect, however, on Lady Osborne, who at -once despatched an invitation to Mary Edwards, together with a kind -note in which she said she understood that she was a friend of the -Miss Watsons, and that it would give her much pleasure if she would -accompany them to the dance. - -All was now happily settled, as Mrs. Blake had arranged to meet them in -the cloakroom at the Castle and act as chaperon. - -Miss Osborne, though in some awe of her mother, had done all in her -power to prevent her inviting Emma. - -"You are encouraging Osborne in every way," she said, "to make this -disgraceful marriage--to ask Emma Watson to this house will be to throw -her into his arms." - -"I think differently," replied Lady Osborne coldly, "and I do not -choose that Osborne should give a dance in the Assembly Rooms, which -was what he had intended doing." - -"It would have been far better, ma'am. You could then have refused to -attend." - -"I have not the slightest intention of ever inflicting such a slight -upon my son." - -"It would have put Miss Watson in her place. She will now be more -forward and impertinent than ever." - -"I find her neither forward nor impertinent." - -"You do not know her, ma'am; there is a sort of independence in her -which I find insupportable." - -"I believe I am the better judge--and it is not a question of _her_ -conduct, but of _mine_." - -Miss Osborne, finding nothing to reply, curtsied and left the room. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - - -During the interval which elapsed, Lord Osborne and Mr. Howard both -discovered various pretexts for calling at the Rectory; Mr. Watson's -health, for one thing, causing them no inconsiderable anxiety; and -on different occasions when the latter was riding by chance in the -neighbourhood of Stanton, and had met Emma out walking with Elizabeth, -in view of all the perils of a singularly quiet neighbourhood, had -believed it incumbent on him to escort her the whole way home, leading -his horse by the bridle. - -Nor is it to be supposed that Mr. Musgrave permitted himself to -be relegated to the background, where a new and pretty woman was -concerned; even had she not possessed the additional importance, in -his eyes, of having aroused Lord Osborne from his habitual apathy. He -addressed himself to her without loss of time, confident of success, -and wholly incapable of believing that her indifference was genuine. - -But Emma's contempt for him, as can well be imagined, only served to -aggravate the mortification from which poor Margaret was constrained -to suffer; and she could not be prevailed upon to go to the Osbornes' -dance, although her father had expressed his willingness to remain, for -once, by himself. - -On the night of the ball, Emma and Elizabeth were received with every -attention by Lord Osborne, who met them in the hall; and Lady Osborne -both curtsied and held out her hand; but Miss Osborne contented herself -with a very short curtsey; while Miss Carr found herself obliged to -become so engrossed in Colonel Beresford that she could not see them at -all. - -Lord Osborne was to open the ball with the Countess of X----, but he -engaged Emma for the next two dances; and Mr. Howard secured her for -the first two, and led her aside. - -"This is just your second dance, is it not?" - -"Oh, no! I have been out a year." - -"Preposterous! A year's licence for breaking hearts in." - -"Hearts so easily broken would be scarcely worth considering." - -"Do not you, then, preserve them in a glass case?" - -"I never preserve what I do not value." - -"So young and so untender!" - -"'So young, my lord, and true!'" - -"I did not know young ladies were students of Shakespeare." - -"No doubt they are more intelligent at breaking hearts, and preserving -them in a glass case!" - -Miss Osborne, who was near to her at the moment, turned and looked at -her in cold surprise, then passed on; but Emma's face was at once so -arch and sweet that Mr. Howard was wholly charmed, and bending slightly -over her, took a white rose from his coat and begged her to honour him -by wearing it. Then as the violins were playing, and several couples -leaving the room, they followed in their wake. - -As Emma entered the ball-room, all eyes were fixed on her--it passed -from mouth to mouth that she was the prettiest woman in the room, and -she was speedily acclaimed the _belle_. - -Gentlemen flocked round her, begging for introductions; and Tom -Musgrave was foremost in presenting himself; but Emma felt so keenly -all the misery he had caused her sister, that she declined to give him -an engagement for any dance, and without affording him any semblance of -excuse. - -Never before had he received such treatment at the hands of any lady, -and least of all had he expected it from a Miss Watson. - -Highly incensed, and with a view to covering his discomfiture, he -approached Miss Carr, and solicited her; but as she had witnessed what -had transpired, and would have been the last to accept a rejected -suitor, he was promptly dismissed, and retired to the card-room vowing -vengeance. - -Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Mary Edwards had no lack of partners, as they -knew several of the officers present; and Lord Osborne had made a -point of introducing other gentlemen to them. Both were in good looks, -especially Elizabeth, who was accounted by several to be almost as -handsome as her sister. - -In the course of the evening the Boulangeries were danced. This had -been arranged by Miss Osborne and Miss Carr, with a special view to -mortifying Emma; but to their disappointment, it transpired that -she was not only conversant with the several figures, but was also -accustomed to innovations; and on Lord Osborne requesting her to direct -a new movement, conducted it with a simple confidence which proved her -to be no novice. - -Had Elizabeth been her mother, she could not have taken a greater pride -in her performance; and Charles was in ecstasies as she selected him -for her cavalier. - -Lady Osborne, who had come in with Mrs. Blake to watch the dance, -entirely approved her conduct, fully recognizing that she acted in this -manner, not only that she might keep her promise to Charles of giving -him a dance, but also in order to avoid Lord Osborne, who made not -the slightest effort to conceal his admiration of her. Her eyes then -fell on her own daughter, and it seemed to her that never had she seen -her less in looks. Near to her was Miss Carr, and she could not but -note the ill-humour of her countenance. The next moment she was almost -startled by its sudden change of expression as she leaned forward to -speak to her son, and as she did so her designs on him were betrayed. - -In point of fortune and connection there was nothing to be urged; but -in that moment Lady Osborne felt that if she were asked to choose -between her and Emma Watson for a daughter-in-law, she would be -constrained to give her suffrage to the latter--and again her eyes -wandered to her. - -She was now dancing with Mr. Howard, in a temporary exchange of -partners, and it was very evident that he was quite absorbed in her. - -At this moment, Miss Osborne passed near to her mother, and her -excessive pallor showed beneath her rouge. - -Presently Colonel Beresford and his partner paused within a few steps -of her, without observing her, and she could not help hearing part of -their conversation. - -"Osborne must be monstrous hard hit when he gives a dance." - -"But you are all in love with this beautiful girl--are not you?--Look -at Mr. Howard!--and she is not insensible to his merit!" - -"He has no chance against Lord Osborne. No young lady could refuse a -title!" - -"Why such strictures! Do not you then allow anything for our hearts?" - -"Zounds, Madam; I have more respect for your wits! I should form but a -mean opinion of any woman's understanding who would reject Lord Osborne -for his former tutor!" - -Then they passed on; but in the short space that Lady Osborne had -stood there, it seemed to her that all the comedy and tragedy of the -ball had been revealed to her; no longer could she find any enjoyment -in it; and, sick at heart, she would have left the room only for the -observation it would have occasioned. - -As Lady X---- had been obliged to return home early, Lord Osborne, -having danced twice with Emma, took her in to supper. Mr. Howard then -danced twice with her. He had admired her very much from the first; -and now was in a fair way to be very much in love with her. Casting -prudence to the winds, he drew her into the greenhouse and, in accents -which betrayed his emotion, endeavoured to thank her for having given -him the happiest evening of his life, begging her to favour him by -returning him the rose he had presented to her. - -Emma was unable to meet the ardour of his eyes, and with fingers which -slightly trembled, she removed it from her dress. - -He placed it in his breast and, raising her hand, pressed it to his -lips. - -"I believe this is our dance, Mr. Howard," Miss Osborne's cold voice -broke in on them, and nothing could well have been less opportune. -Mr. Howard, however, appeared entirely unembarrassed, and, bowing -and smiling, gave her his arm--seeing that Colonel Beresford was -claiming Emma; and the latter saw him no more. For almost immediately -afterwards, Miss Edwards came to beg her to come home, as she had -promised her father to return early; and as Lady X---- had already -gone, there could be no impropriety in their doing so. - -Lord Osborne attended them to the carriage, but Emma was almost wholly -silent, and he was deeply mortified by her reserve. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - - -The next day Mr. Watson was taken seriously ill; and though he lingered -for some weeks, his daughters were almost completely cut off from all -social intercourse. - -Towards Christmas he died. - -Everything was overshadowed by the sense of loss; but Emma found that -she could be still more lonely, when, on receipt of a kind letter -from Mrs. Blake, she learned that she had taken a house in London, in -order to put Charles to school; and that Mr. Howard had been called to -Cumberland to the bedside of a relative who had had a stroke. - -The Osbornes had gone abroad. - -The clergyman who had been doing duty for Mr. Watson, had been -appointed to the parish; but with great consideration had begged -them not to move till the following March; so that they might have -sufficient leisure to dispose of their furniture, and to make their -arrangements. - -Penelope had returned for some time, and Emma had learned to dread the -sound of her sharp voice. She and Margaret quarrelled perpetually. -There seemed never to be any peace in the house. Her ill-humour was -aggravated by her friends, the Shaws, having secured a situation for -her as assistant teacher in a private seminary; for not only was she -averse to this position, but she felt, even more keenly, that it was a -tacit acknowledgment of the fatal obduracy of the heart, she had wasted -so much time in endeavouring to subdue. - -Margaret had got an engagement as companion to a delicate girl. - -Emma's case was the hardest. She was to find her home with Robert and -Jane, who openly discussed her prospects of making a good match. In -vain she pleaded her desire to take a situation, like her sisters. -Robert would not hear of it. She had already received ill-treatment -enough from her family, he affirmed, and he would do his best to give -her a good chance. Even Elizabeth joined her voice to her brother's. - -"You do not know what you would suffer as governess or companion. Your -beauty would be for ever making you enemies." - -Emma could say no more while her brother was present, but when she -found herself alone with Elizabeth, she besought her to aid her in -getting a post where she might earn her bread independently. - -"My position with Robert and Jane would not be tolerable," she pleaded. - -"Do not stand in your own light, dear Emma," Elizabeth replied; "your -position would be much worse with strangers. Robert and Jane will -both be kind to you if you do not offend them. They were not too well -pleased by your refusing to go with them in October; and now that Lord -Osborne has admired you, they are all for having you. Believe me, it -will be the best thing for you." - -"Anyway, I shall stay here until March." - -"Yes--Robert has consented to that--and as Penelope and Margaret are -to go to their situations in February, we can have a little time in -peace to ourselves." - -To Elizabeth alone did there come any prospect of happiness. - -Mr. Purvis, now a widower, had been engaged by Mr. Howard to do duty -for him; and, on learning that Miss Watson was as handsome as ever, -considered it to be his duty to call as soon as circumstances permitted. - -His earlier feelings for her were very soon revived, and although he -could not immediately enter into an engagement with her, on account -of his recent bereavement, it was quite evident to all that the old -relations between them would be happily restored. - -In the meantime it was arranged that Elizabeth should go to his aunt as -companion. - -His marriage had not been happy, which is scarcely to be wondered at, -seeing that he had entered somewhat hastily into it in order to assuage -his feelings of disappointment; and as his wife shortly afterwards -fell into ill-health, matters had been scarcely brightened by the -peevish temper of an invalid. - -The more Emma saw of him, the better was she pleased with him. He was -good-looking and gentlemanlike, with unaffected manners, and a pleasant -countenance. She could not but feel confident that Elizabeth would be -happy at his side. - -Towards the end of February, Mr. Howard returned, and lost no time in -riding over to Stanton. Unfortunately, however, as he drew near to the -Rectory gate, he met Tom Musgrave coming out of it, and was instantly -hailed by that gentleman. - -"Upon my word, Howard, I thought you had taken root in Cumberland. Oh, -a sad break up here!--monstrous pleasant girls as ever I met! Miss -Emma is going to Croydon with her brother, and I hear is shortly to be -married to an old flame. Oh, a famous little flirt, I can assure you!" - -So saying, and waving his hand, he took himself off, laughing heartily -at his own ingenuity. - -In consequence therefore of this unwelcome intelligence, Mr. Howard -merely called at the door; and, ignoring Nanny's information that the -ladies were in, rode gloomily away. - -Emma had watched his approach from an upper window, and blushed and -blushed again. - -She was pausing before coming down, in the endeavour to quell the -beating of her heart, when to her surprise she heard the clattering of -his horse's hoofs; and, running back to the window, saw him vanishing -round the corner. - -At first she was all disappointment, and did not know what to think. -Tears gathered thickly in her eyes, and fell on her black dress. But -presently she considered that he might perhaps think it right to call -at first without coming in, on account of her father's death, and that -he would come again. - -But he never came again, and about a week later she was carried away to -Croydon by her brother, who had returned for her. - - - - -CHAPTER X - - -Emma had now entered on a new chapter of her life, and one which she -could not but regard with pain and misgiving. Being in mourning, -however, she was for the present saved from any special distress; and -she at once found an object for her affection in little Augusta, a very -pretty child, with much more natural refinement than either her father -or mother. As her health was indifferent, Emma was the more drawn to -her, and devoted all the time to her that she could spare from Jane's -constant demands on her needle. - -All this time she had never seen her brother Sam, as he had been -seriously ill when the others had been called to the bedside of their -father. During this period he had been attended by Mr. Curtis with the -solicitude of a relative; and, on his recovering sufficiently to be -removed, he had sent him to Bath at his own charge. - -Towards the end of March, he gave him a few days' leave to go and see -his brother and sisters at Croydon. - -On the day previous to that on which he was expected, as Emma was -sitting alone in the drawing-room, the door opened and a young -gentleman, with a very open, attractive countenance, entered the room -unannounced. - -He bowed on seeing her, apologising for his intrusion, and she rose and -curtsied--when suddenly he called out---- - -"As sure as anything, it is little Emma!" and came over to her with -both hands stretched out. - -"Oh, Sam! Can it be really you?" - -"Were not you, then, expecting me?" - -"Not until to-morrow. How came you a day sooner?" - -"I met Tom Musgrave in Guildford, and he drove me over in his curricle. -He will be staying here for a couple of days, and is coming this -evening to wait on you and Jane--but let me look at you properly! You -have got your nice little brown face still, I see; and I dare say you -have that fine little vixenish temper that you used to have--I vow you -gave me a famous slap the last time I had the honour of seeing you!" - -"No doubt it was the price of you, sir! and I shall give you another, -if you do not be careful!" - -Before very long, Jane came into the room and affected a great start of -surprise on seeing Sam and Emma sitting on the sofa together. - -"Good Lord, Sam!" she cried. "I thought you must be one of Emma's -lovers come after her!" - -"Has she so many as all that?--I protest I must look into this!" he -replied, laughing; then seeing a shade on Emma's face, he easily turned -the conversation by enquiring for Robert, and begging that little -Augusta might be sent for. - -In the course of the evening, Tom Musgrave arrived, and was received -with great cordiality by Robert and Jane. - -After the usual enquiries and civilities, he threw himself back in the -easiest chair in the room, and beamed round at them, saying-- - -"I vow and declare there are no friends like old friends. Oh, it's -monstrous dull since you and the Osbornes left--positively I have half -a mind to go after Osborne!" - -"Is not he soon coming back?" asked Robert. - -"Faith, there's no sign of it! Howard has joined them at Rome. He is -very likely to be engaged to Miss Osborne." - -Emma was sitting beyond the candles, so that he could not see her face; -but by her very stillness he was satisfied that he had wounded her. - -"I think it is Miss Carr that he is after," said Jane in an important -tone, as though she were intimate. - -"Oh, Fanny Carr is all for me! She won't look at anyone else, I can -assure you, when I am by!" - -"Take care, Tom!" said Sam, laughing. "Out of sight, out of mind! She -will have forgotten you months ago, I wager!" - -"Why do not you join Lord Osborne?" enquired Jane. - -Now, as this was precisely what Tom Musgrave had been straining every -nerve to accomplish--giving hints to his lordship of unimaginable -breadth, which so far had been entirely ignored--he was by no means too -well pleased by the question; and delighted Sam, who saw through him -perfectly, by reeling off a string of excuses, each less convincing -than the last. - -"Does Miss Carr never stay with her own people?" enquired Robert. - -"She has been at Castle Carr all winter," said Sam carelessly. "She -will be going up to Berkeley Square next month with Lord and Lady Carr." - -Tom Musgrave stared at him. - -"How came you to know this?" he asked in a sulky tone. - -"Lord Montague told me." - -"Lord Montague? How came you to meet with him?" - -"I was called in to attend him when Mr. Curtis was away. I had supposed -he would consider a surgeon's assistant as little superior to his -valet; but he was very civil, and chatted away--told me he had seen my -sisters at the Osbornes' dance, and was so obliging as to add they were -prodigious pretty! Emma, do not be listening!" - -Jane was as surprised as Musgrave, but shrewd enough not to betray it; -and, seeing the clouded look on his face, suggested a game of cards. - -Robert hesitated a little, but, as Tom caught eagerly at the -suggestion, she produced a pack; and, Emma declining to play, whist was -selected. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - - -Sam was so little satisfied with Augusta's health that he insisted on -her being taken to the sea; and a client of Robert's at once offered to -lend him his house, which was in a sheltered bay on the South Coast, -for six months. As Jane was unable to go into company, she demurred -a good deal less than she might otherwise have done; and, like most -wives, was not averse to suffering the mild anguish of a temporary -separation from her husband. - -Sam himself took charge of them on the journey, as Robert was engaged -on an important case; and he had the satisfaction of assuring himself -that the climate was suited to his little patient. - -She and Emma were delighted with the change, and as the weather was -unusually mild, they rambled about the greater part of the day. - -It was with sincere regret that Emma parted from Sam; she had found -in him a true friend, and one who comprehended the possible evils of -her situation with much greater distinctness than had been the case -with Elizabeth. They all escorted him to the mail coach at A----, and -Emma was constrained to wonder if it were to be for ever her lot to be -parted from all to whom she had become attached; while little Augusta, -holding her young uncle's hands, danced round with him on the publick -road, to the indignation of her mother and the amusement of the other -passengers. - -At Emma's request, the child's nurse had been dismissed on their -leaving Croydon; Emma now taking Augusta under her sole charge, to the -great advantage of the little girl, who had been considerably tried by -the vagaries of an uncertain temper and an injudicious arrangement of -her meals. - -As her health rapidly improved, Emma commenced some simple lessons with -her, which included instruction in drawing, for which she showed some -aptitude. In the course of a few weeks she had copied a little picture -so neatly, that Jane enclosed it in a letter to her father, who was so -pleased that he sent her down a box of water-colours. This was a great -boon to the child during the broken weather, which set in for a short -time. - -As Jane was really fond of her little daughter, she could not but feel -grateful to Emma for her care of her; but she had been not a little -offended at finding her indifferent to the petty gossip of Croydon, -which occupied half her own time, and had always been willingly -listened to by both Elizabeth and Margaret. At once jealous of her, -and yet considering her to be wanting in fashion, she was nevertheless -gratified by the pretty manners she was instilling into Augusta. - -Emma was teaching her to curtsey before leaving the room; but, as she -was of a very lively disposition, she would often run out into the hall -before she could remember to do so. They would then hear her stopping -short, and saying to herself, "Oh, I forgot!" when she would come -running back to make her curtsey. It was all done so prettily, they -could not but be delighted with her. - -It had been apparent from the first that Jane had derived but little -pleasure from the excursions by the sea, or through the country -lanes, which delighted Emma and Augusta so much; preferring rather -to drive in the pony chaise, which had been left for their use, into -the neighbouring town of A----. It was not, however, until the early -days of June that Emma began to notice how many hours she was spending -there; and presently Jane informed her that a former school friend, -a Mrs. Burton, now a widow, had taken rooms in the hotel there, and -that she spent the most of her time with her, playing cards. She also -confessed that this lady was no favourite of Robert's. This was very -unwelcome news to Emma, who knew her brother to be very far from -particular. - -"I assure you, Emma," Jane continued earnestly, "it is all prejudice; -Jemima Burton is of quite superior style, and very well off. You could -hardly meet with anyone more agreeable; and she is all anxiety to know -you. I hope you will come with me to-morrow--she will not be having -company--we shall be quite by ourselves." - -Emma was considerably embarrassed. - -"I could not leave Augusta," she said. - -"Oh! The maids here will take every care of her--she will not be -wanting for anything. I cannot very well go without you, when she has -made such a point of it." - -On the following afternoon, therefore, Emma was constrained to drive -with her sister-in-law into A----, and they were shown into the common -sitting-room of the hotel, where they were warmly received by a vulgar, -over-dressed woman. - -"Now, I call this kind," she exclaimed. "And so this is the young lady -Lord Osborne admired!" - -This was said in such a loud voice that everyone in the room turned -and stared at Emma; so that, in spite of her efforts to maintain her -countenance, she grew crimson. - -"Introduce me, madam, I beg," said a thin, unpleasant-looking man, -thrusting himself boldly forward; "I know his Lordship well, and am -proud to make the acquaintance of any friend of his." - -"Allow me to have the pleasure of introducing Captain Conway, Miss -Watson." - -Emma's curtsey was of the slightest. They were then joined by two or -three other men, all of them desiring to be presented, and each more -objectionable than the last. - -With a quiet courage which surprised Emma herself, she said-- - -"I am in mourning for my father and do not desire introductions. I -understood, ma'am, that we were to be received by you in your own -rooms." - -Jane stared at her sister-in-law; but Mrs. Burton at once gave in; and, -waving them all aside, declared that they were sad fellows, and that -none of them need think to be introduced. With that she led the way to -her apartments; but, to Emma's surprise, they were closely followed by -Captain Conway. - -"Oh! he is my cousin," she said with bold assurance; but Emma was -convinced that this was a falsehood; the more so that the gentleman in -question laughed immoderately, and repeated the assertion several times -over. - -He placed himself at her side and, fixing his glass in his eye, -ogled her in a manner she had never before been subjected to in the -whole course of her life; whilst he did his utmost to draw her into -conversation. But she would neither answer him, nor raise her eyes from -the ground. - -Jane grew uncomfortable and, in order to conceal it and to regain -confidence, began to speak in a much louder voice than was her wont. In -this she was ably assisted by her friend--one would have thought that -there were at least a dozen women in the room. - -At first, Emma was too agitated to pay any attention to what they -were saying--she was even too confused to arrange her thoughts; but -presently, as she grew more composed, the contrast of her past life -with her present position came home to her with such poignancy, that -she could scarcely contain her tears. Were it possible, she thought, -that her aunt could have seen her in such company, what would not have -been her feelings? - -Presently, however, her attention was caught by Jane saying-- - -"Thursday, then; you will both come and have a dish of tea with me on -Thursday evening; and we can start a quiet rubber of whist." - -During the drive home, Jane was in more ill-humour than Emma could have -conceived possible. - -"Good heavens! Emma," she said. "How can you give yourself such airs? -Your head is completely turned by Lord Osborne having admired you! I -could not have imagined anyone could have been so silly!" - -Emma remained silent. - -"I assure you I am very much offended at the way you have been treating -my friends. Mrs. Burton has more style than you; and Captain Conway -is quite the gentleman. I never saw anyone of more fashion--and such -attentions he paid you! Mrs. Burton told me he was wild to know you; -and anyone could see how he was struck with you. Good Lord! Emma, what -more do you want--a _Captain_!--and _second cousin_ to the _Marquis of -H_----!--Mrs. Burton told me so!--Why do not you answer?" - -"I cannot permit his attentions." - -"You cannot permit his attentions!--did anyone ever hear the like! -Well, let me tell you, Miss Emma, you _must_ permit them--You should -be only too thankful he should _wish_ to pay them, when you are just -nothing!--you are all of you beggars!" - -Emma covered her face with her hands. - -"There, Emma--I did not mean to make you cry." - - * * * * * * - -On the evening on which Mrs. Burton and Captain Conway were expected, -Augusta was laid up with a feverish cold, and Emma steadily refused to -leave her bedside. Jane was at first angry, but, seeing the child's -flushed cheeks, was obliged to give way and send for the apothecary, -who prescribed a soothing draught. - -A few days later, however, Captain Conway called again, and as on this -occasion Emma happened to be in the drawing-room with her sister, she -was obliged to submit to his company; but she remained almost as silent -as before, and would scarcely raise her eyes. - -On his departure, Jane again turned on her and vowed that she would -soon bring her to her senses by writing to Robert. - -"He will send you such a message as you will be bound to obey," she -said. "We have done all that could be thought of to fix one of you, -and now when there is a chance of your getting settled you are all for -throwing it away! You put me quite out of patience with you!" - -Robert answered the letter in person; and, to Jane's amazement, -declared positively that he was not going to have Emma thrown away on -any half-pay officer; and that he had so much information against -Captain Conway, he would hunt him out of the neighbourhood. - -On the following morning, however, when he drove into A----, he found -that that gentleman, having caught sight of him on the stage coach the -previous afternoon, had hastily cleared out, taking Mrs. Burton along -with him. - -It then transpired that the two had been in collusion; and that Mrs. -Burton, believing Emma to be the heiress of her aunt, had introduced -Captain Conway to her, on the understanding that she was to receive a -substantial sum on the consummation of his marriage with her. - -Jane was deeply mortified at having allowed herself to be mixed up with -such people; and it was in a very chastened frame of mind that Robert -left her, on his return to Croydon, promising to come back in August -for a fortnight's holiday. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - - -Mr. Howard had been but a short time with the Osbornes when he was -obliged to confess that he had made a mistake in coming. - -A man of singular charm of manner, eminently gifted for social -success, he had as little vanity as well might be; and his devotion to -literature engendered in him a sort of absent-mindedness which rendered -him unconscious of things which were sufficiently obvious to others. - -He could scarcely himself have said what now opened his eyes in some -measure to the nature of Miss Osborne's regard for him; for never -before had it occurred to him that she entertained anything beyond an -ordinary friendship--the very fact of her occasional efforts to flirt -with him only confirming his confidence in her indifference and merely -contributing to his amusement. - -He had been but little pleased by her incursion into his dinner party; -but had attributed it to her lack of variety in a dull neighbourhood -and to the influence of Miss Carr, of whom he entertained but a slight -opinion. The jealousy of Emma, which she had betrayed at the ball, he -believed to be entirely owing to her brother's admiration of her--the -connection being such as she could scarcely be expected to advocate. - -The knowledge of her feelings occasioned him so much regret, that he -would fain have left Italy then and there; but in view of the urgent -invitations he had received from Lady Osborne and her son, this was -scarcely possible. For the moment at least, he must remain where he was. - -He began at once, however, to cast about for some excuse to shorten -his stay; and presently urged his desire to prosecute his travels in -Spain and Portugal. He had long desired to journey there, and there was -now no impediment to his doing so, as his cousin, whose bedside he -had attended, had bequeathed him a large fortune, independently of the -handsome property to which he had succeeded as heir-presumptive; but, -to his surprise, Lady Osborne withstood him, with flushed cheeks and -tears in her eyes. - -"Do not desert us the moment you have come," she said; "Osborne has -seemed so much more composed since you joined us--I never before knew -him to be so disquieted as he has been. I cannot but admire Miss -Watson's conduct--had she chosen to accept him, nothing could have -prevented the marriage. I had scarcely realised how serious his passion -was until the night of the ball--after she had left us. He was quite in -despair." - -"I understand she is shortly to be married." - -"Have you told Osborne?" - -"No. He has not mentioned her name to me." - -"Am I at liberty to tell him?" - -"Certainly, madam; what object could be served in concealing it? -Osborne could scarcely conceive the idea of rushing home to present a -pistol at her lover's head!" - -Later on in the evening, Lord Osborne entered the private sitting-room -of his late tutor, and said abruptly-- - -"My mother has informed me of Miss Watson's engagement. To whom is she -to be married?" - -"That I cannot tell you." - -"How came you to know?" - -"Musgrave told me.' - -"_Musgrave!_ I would place monstrous little faith in anything he said!" - -"He was certainly never _my_ friend, but I understood him to be -_yours_," replied Mr. Howard, coldly. - -"What can a man do in that delectable neighbourhood?--He helps one to -get through the time. I dare swear he made the whole thing up!" So -saying, Lord Osborne swung out of the room. - -He had not been long gone when there was a timid knock, and Miss -Osborne entered with a book in her hand. - -Mr. Howard rose and placed a chair for her; but did not sit down -himself. - -"I came to ask you if you would be so very good as to help me with this -passage in Dante's _Inferno_," she said. - -He read it at once without any hesitation, as the portion indicated -presented no special difficulty that he could see; and he was -constrained to wonder wherefore she had selected it--the truth being -that she had opened the volume at random. - -"I have just heard from Lady Osborne that Miss Watson is about to be -married." - -In spite of himself, he was obliged to smile. - -"I regret that I have nothing to add to this thunderbolt!" - -"You are quite sure that she is to be married?" - -He was aware that she was watching him narrowly, and both his face and -voice were entirely under control as he replied-- - -"I see no reason to doubt Mr. Musgrave's statement. He was just coming -from the Rectory, and I know he was intimate with them." - -"He was altogether mad with her for refusing to dance with him at our -ball--Fanny Carr told me so." - -Mr. Howard looked startled for a moment; and she proceeded-- - -"Fanny thought it showed a great want of breeding on her part to be so -insolent to a guest of ours--she is not in a position to be disdainful -of anyone--I should never think of calling her a lady." - -She received no answer to this. - -"Oh, I know you were vastly in love with her--I was quite expecting to -have to congratulate you!"--with an attempt at archness. - -Mr. Howard contented himself with bowing. - -"I thought her rather handsome myself; but several gentlemen said to me -that they did not at all think her anything out of the common." - -This again was received in silence; and Julia Osborne, considerably -mortified, and perfectly aware of Lady Osborne's displeasure, should -she learn of her adventure, thought it best to retire to her room. - -A few days later they were joined by Lord Edward Sothern, to whom -Miss Osborne turned her attentions, and with much greater prospect of -ultimate success. - -This, however, was not at all what she desired; but to inflict some -gentle damage on an unimpressive heart, which she should presently -be called upon to repair. In vain was the snare laid; and she was -shortly engaged in a flirtation which obliged Lady Osborne to compel -her to accept the proposal which speedily followed, and was urged with -insistence. - -Julia Osborne was not a little incensed at the turn affairs had taken; -and believing Mr. Howard to be the cause of all the mischief, felt that -she had been barbarously used. Her resentment grew with reflection; -and for a time nothing could appease her, although it was incumbent -on her to dissemble her feelings. All this, however, had the salutary -effect of estranging her from the first object of her affections; and -by degrees the good-humour and attentions of her lover reconciled her -to the hardship of her fate. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - - -As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments -(in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their -guests by easy stages to Florence. - -Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled -about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in -the masterpieces of the world. He was much more attached to her than to -any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion. -She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her -son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation. - -Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; -her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she -walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky. As they turned -down the "Way of the Beautiful Ladies," he could not but acknowledge -how well she fulfilled the tradition. - -"You are very silent, Arthur," she said. - -He looked at her with a smile in his eyes, and made some brief answer. - -Never before had she addressed him by his christian name, and he was at -once gratified by a friendship which was sincere enough to desire the -intimacy; and disappointed that the music of his name had not sounded -for him on the lips of another, whose image he was as yet unable to -banish from his heart. - -As though divining something of the trend of his thought, she began to -speak of Emma; continuing-- - -"I thought her a perfect lady--I could find no want of breeding in her. -Modest, yet confident, as one used to Society; refined, yet without -affectation. When I think of the difference between her and the other -members of her family, whom I have noticed at the Assembly balls, I am -forced to the conclusion that her father must have married very much -beneath him. It must be trying for her, when she has been brought up -so differently, to be obliged to live with them now." - -"She seems to be attached to her eldest sister." - -"_She_ impressed me much more favourably than her other sisters, whose -conduct has attracted my attention on different occasions--she is too -simple to be accused of vulgarity." - -They walked along in silence for a brief space; and then Lady Osborne -continued-- - -"Is it not very much to be deplored that men so seldom ask for anything -beyond youth and beauty?--so seldom consider merit, or suitability? How -often have not men disregarded every indication of personal qualities -that would have assured their happiness, and turned aside after the -first pretty face that came in their way? It is a sort of blindness--an -absence of penetration--which must bring ultimate regret. Do you -remember the Sacristan, in Santa Croce, telling us of the priceless -frescoes of Giotto that lay hidden under the whitewash on the walls of -the Chapel of the Bardi della Liberta? It made me think of how often -so much lies hidden from us by an even slighter veil--a gossamer so -slender that we may afterwards come to wonder what obstacle it could -have presented to us!" - -Her companion looked at her in wonder, not unmixed with sorrow, though -the appeal in her voice held no meaning for him; and he was constrained -to walk along in silence at her side. - -Later on, as she sat beneath Botticelli's _Fortitude_, with her hand -on her parasol, the likeness between them struck him with almost a -sense of dismay. Her bright colour had faded, and there was a look of -weariness and lassitude on her face. As in the picture, it was the face -of one who had suffered, and would yet again suffer, before she had -laid her head on the quiet pillow of her grave. - - * * * * * * - -Towards the end of May, the Osbornes returned to London to prepare for -Miss Osborne's wedding, whilst Mr. Howard went on his way to Spain. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - - -The Watsons returned to Croydon in October; and a few weeks later, Mrs. -Watson, finding the resignation of second mourning eminently becoming, -sent out invitations for a party. - -Emma was very sensible of the want of propriety in having company -within a year of her father's death; but Robert welcomed the -arrangement, as he was anxious to show attention to some new and -important clients. - -About a week before the entertainment was to take place, Lord Osborne -called. He was shown into the drawing-room where Emma was working at -her embroidery; while Jane sat near her, making out a list of the -dishes that would be necessary for the supper. - -It was with a sinking heart that Emma rose and curtsied to him. She -had hoped that he had forgotten her; and his persistence in once more -following her could only serve to aggravate the difficulty of her -position. Jane was not a little agitated at finding herself, for the -first time in her life, in the society of a man of his position; and -was also a good deal disconcerted by having thrown her second best -tippet round her shoulders, when her _best_ would have been so much -more suitable to such an important occasion. - -As Emma remained silent, she believed it to be incumbent on her to -express her sense of the honour he had done them in calling, enquiring -with immense affability for Lady Osborne and Lady Edward Sothern. - -Emma then enquired for Mrs. Blake and Charles, and learned that the -latter was head of his class at school, and was grown a monstrous fine -fellow. Lord Osborne then added that Mr. Howard was not yet returned -from Spain. - -"How do you like Croydon, Miss Watson?" he continued. "I always thought -it famously dull myself." - -"There are some pleasant walks towards the country," she began, when -she was hastily interrupted by Jane. - -"Oh! I assure you, Lord Osborne, there is an immense deal of fashion -in Croydon! Many of the families live in the first style--and as for -sociability, there are few places to equal it! When not in mourning, we -are in company nearly every evening!" - -Lord Osborne looked not a little astonished; then, after a short pause, -turning to Emma, said-- - -"I am glad to hear you are taking exercise. Do not you now wear -half-boots?" - -Emma began to laugh; and believing he must have said something witty, -he joined in very heartily. - -At this moment, Robert entered the room. He had not expected to find -Lord Osborne there; but Emma was gratified by the quiet manner in -which he received him. Taking the conversation into his own hands, he -discussed the harvest; the French; the incapacity of the Government -(that unfailing source of gratification to those who govern not); and -a new play, which a friend of his had seen in London. Emma had never -before heard him talk so well; and yet she was aware that there was -something wanting in cordiality; but Lord Osborne was apparently very -well satisfied to be spared the fatigue of exercising his brain. - -Jane, however, listened with ill-concealed impatience; and when, at -length, Robert paused, she lost no time in striking in, and began-- - -"We are arranging to have a little company, my lord----" - -But Robert was quite equal to playing the husband; and the instant -displeasure of his eye froze the invitation which was hovering on her -lips. - -"Mr. Musgrave mentioned something of the sort to me," replied Lord -Osborne, colouring slightly. "I should be very much honoured, madam, if -you would be so good as to include me." - -The request was made with a sort of simple shyness that made it -impossible to be refused; but as Robert returned to the drawing-room, -after seeing him out, his face was clouded. - -"I am sure you are too sensible, Emma," he said, "to desire to have -Lord Osborne dangling after you. It will not be possible for him to -marry you. It will only occasion spiteful gossip; and perhaps prevent -your getting fixed." - -"I assure you, Robert," replied Emma, blushing, "that not for anything -in the world would I encourage him--I sincerely hope that he will not -continue to call." With that, she left the room. - -Jane had been watching her, with shrewd eyes, in silence. - -"I declare I never met a girl like her!" she exclaimed. "I am as -certain as anything that she is not wanting to have him! But mark my -words, Robert, Lord Osborne is in earnest! He is not for flirting at -all. And, unless she is a born fool, Emma will be 'my lady'!" - - * * * * * * - -On the night of the party, Augusta was allowed to remain up for -half-an-hour; Sam had got leave to join them; and Lord Osborne and Mr. -Musgrave were amongst the first arrivals. - -After the usual civilities, Lord Osborne sat down by Emma; and as the -guests began to arrive in quick succession, and were not long in being -informed by Jane as to his quality, inquisitive glances were constantly -directed towards them. Seeing this, Emma presently excused herself, -and went to sit by a lady to whom she had been previously introduced; -but in a few moments he had followed her. She then presented him to -the lady, who was only too pleased to form the acquaintance; and moved -on to speak to a pretty girl who was sitting somewhat apart, and who -appeared to know as few people as Emma herself. But again he came after -her; and although she did her best to engage the two in conversation, -the former was so shy, and the latter so dull, that it appeared to -her as though they had simultaneously embarked on a game as to which -should limit their observations to the fewest words of one syllable. In -response to an imploring eye, Sam came over, and she introduced them; -and shortly afterwards they were joined by little Augusta. Lord Osborne -was at once attracted by the pretty child; and, lifting her up on his -knee, presented her with his silver comfit-box. It was soon time for -her to retire, and Emma took her, herself, up to her room, remaining -with her until Sam was sent in search of her. - -As she was coming down stairs, with her hand on his arm, she paused and -said earnestly-- - -"Sam--cannot you help me?" - -He remained silent, and she continued: "You can have no conception how -I have been suffering from Jane's boasting--and now that Lord Osborne -has come, it will be worse than ever! Could not you persuade Robert to -forbid him the house?" - -"Are you quite sure, Emma, that you know your own heart? Should he be -sent away, can you be certain that you will not be regretting it?" - -"Quite sure and quite certain!" she replied, smiling. - -"Is there anyone else, then, that you care for?" - -She blushed deeply, and tears gathered in her eyes. - -"There--my love!" he said, gently. "I should not have asked you." - -When they re-entered the drawing-room, Lord Osborne was at once at her -side. The card-table was being set, and he was anxious to arrange a -party for whist, which should include Emma and himself. - -Robert, however, interposed by coming forward and requesting his sister -to be so kind as to sit beside old Lady Brown, and show her how to play -speculation. "Did I hear you say 'whist,' my lord?--this way, if you -will be good enough." - -At supper, Lord Osborne found himself separated by the length of the -room from the object of his admiration; and when he endeavoured to -engage her afterwards as his partner, Sam had already secured her for -another table. - -Jane was perfectly aware of the manoeuvres of her husband and brother, -and was not a little entertained by them. "It will only serve to -inflame Lord Osborne," she thought to herself. "They could not be -playing her cards better!" - - * * * * * * - -Sam was obliged to leave them on the following day; but, before going, -he urged Robert to put a stop to Lord Osborne calling. - -"It is not so simple as you think, Sam," replied his brother. "I shall -certainly not give him any encouragement--still less, allow Emma to be -thrown at his head. But Jane will have it that he is violently in love -with Emma, and quite determined to marry her. If such should be the -case, I would not be justified in standing in her way--it would be a -very fine match for her." - -"I assure you she does not desire it." - -"Emma is a good girl--I am perfectly satisfied with her conduct; but, -of course, if Lord Osborne intends to ask her, everything will be quite -different--she will not think of him in the same way. She is now afraid -of being made to appear foolish." - -With this, Sam had perforce to be satisfied; and he was at least -confident that Robert would secure his sister from any impertinence. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - - -Mrs. Robert Watson having announced her emancipation from the trammels -of woe, invitations poured in, fast and thick, in all of which Emma was -specially included. - -It was fine, bright weather, with the pleasantest frost; and Emma -was able to take out Augusta nearly every morning for a walk. To her -dismay, however, she found herself frequently joined by Lord Osborne, -who had taken rooms in a neighbouring inn; and she appealed in vain to -her sister to accompany them, or to take charge of the child herself. - -Matters were brought to a head by Jane, who deliberately informed Lord -Osborne one morning when he called, of the direction in which Emma had -gone. She herself had sent her some little distance beyond the town, in -order to enquire for an old servant who was ill. The result was, that -as Emma was turning but the first corner on her return home, she came -face to face with Lord Osborne. - -She replied to his greeting as coldly as might be; and was endeavouring -to proceed on her way, when she was brought to a standstill by his -informing her that Mrs. Watson had been so good as to indicate to him -where he might find her. "She was particularly kind," he said. "I am -very much obliged to her--the more so that I have been missing you for -so many mornings." - -Emma's eyes had been fixed on the ground, but she now suddenly raised -them. His face was slightly flushed, and his whole manner betrayed -confidence. - -Pale with anger, and holding Augusta's hand tightly, she confronted him. - -"Lord Osborne, I am alone and unprotected," she said. "You must surely -see that your attentions only cause me distress. Be good enough to let -me proceed on my way, without accompanying me." - -"Mrs. Watson has given me her permission to escort you home." - -"My sister-in-law has no conception of her duty to me." - -"Believe me, Miss Watson, my intentions are entirely honourable. You -have no reason to treat me with such coldness. My whole desire is to -make you my wife--if you will honour me by accepting me." - -Emma curtsied. - -"I cannot possibly accept you, my lord--I beseech you to accept this -answer as final--I can never be your wife!--but, believe me, I am -deeply sensible to the honour you have done me." - -"What reason can you have for refusing me? Do not be so hasty! You do -not perhaps know me well enough. I will wait--I will be patient--if you -will only give me one word of hope!" - -"My lord, I cannot!" - -"You cannot?--why cannot you?" - -Emma remained silent, but she was walking onward, the while he kept at -her side. - -"Miss Emma! why do not you speak?" - -She could find no reply. - -"I know I am a dull fellow--but I love you so much! There is not -anything I would not do for you! Could not you care for me a little?" - -"No, my lord." - -"If you were only married to me, you would care for me!--you could not -but care for me if we were married--I would love you so much!" - -Emma wept. - -"Why do you make my aunt cry? Why do not you go away?" asked little -Augusta, looking over at him reproachfully. - -"It needs a child to point out my obvious duty," he said bitterly; and, -turning back, he strode away. - -Augusta remained silent for several minutes, and then said-- - -"Is not a lord nicer than a gentleman?" - -Emma was obliged to smile. - -"Shall not you marry him after a while?" she continued. - -"Would _you_ like to marry him, Augusta?" - -"No," replied the child, after a little hesitation; "it always seems a -long time when he is there." - -On their return home, Jane herself opened the door and, fixing her eyes -on Emma, said-- - -"Has Lord Osborne asked you?" - -Emma admitted it. - -"Well, you have accepted him?" - -"No." - -"You have _not_ accepted him! Good heavens! Emma!--do you tell me you -have _refused_ him?--refused _Lord Osborne_!" - -"Yes." - -"Wicked, ungrateful girl! How have you the face to stand there and tell -me such a thing? Are you mad, Emma? What bewitched you to refuse him?" - -Emma remained silent. - -"Speak, wretched girl! How dared you to refuse him?" - -Emma looked at her haughtily. - -"I shall speak to my brother," she replied coldly. - -"It is your brother who will speak to _you_--Minx! Do not look at -me like that! You are insufferable with your airs--and you _just -nothing_! Owing every stick on your back to your brother and to me!" - -Jane had completely lost all self-control; and little Augusta, -terrified, clung to Emma, crying bitterly. - -At this moment, Robert came into the hall. - -"Here is Emma gone and refused Lord Osborne!" cried his wife. - -"Do you consider the servants to be stone deaf!" he demanded angrily. -"Come with me into my study, Emma. Go with your mother, Augusta." - -Crossing the hall, he opened the door of his room for Emma to enter, -and, following her in, closed and locked it. - -"What is the meaning of all this?" - -Emma was too agitated to reply. - -"Is it true that you have refused Lord Osborne?" - -"Yes, Robert." - -"And why have you refused him?" Emma strove to answer, but no words -came. - -"I insist on your answering me. Why have you refused him?--you must -have some reason." - -"I do not love him." - -"As far as I am aware, it is not the custom for a nice girl to love -a man before he asks her. It will come in time. Listen to me, Emma. -I was anything but pleased when Lord Osborne followed you here, but -he has shown that his intentions are wholly honourable. Shortly after -our party he called on me to obtain my permission to offer himself to -you, as soon as he deemed that he might do so with reasonable hope -of success. This morning he acquainted your sister with his design -in following you. You have nothing to complain of with regard to his -conduct; he is a handsome man; and his position is far above that you -have any right to expect." - -Emma remained silent, with her eyes on the ground and her cheeks -burning. - -"I stand to you in the light of a father," continued Robert; "I have -a right to your obedience; and if you have any natural feelings you -will be glad to make me some return for all I have done for you--and -I am ready to do much more--by showing some willingness to comply -with what I judge to be best for you. I am not saying that I might not -have preferred that you had married a man in a simpler rank; but as -you are so difficult to suit, I could not run the risk of dismissing -him. Our aunt was no friend to you, breeding you up in a different way -to us all, making you discontented; and you should be grateful to Lord -Osborne for overlooking so much and being willing to marry you. Promise -me, Emma, that there will be no more nonsense, if he should be so good -as to forgive you for the insult you have done him, and should come -forward again." - -"I cannot promise. I can never marry him." - -"You _can_, and _will_ marry him! Obstinate girl! What are you aiming -at? Would you prefer to attract the attentions of a royal prince?" - -Robert had no sooner uttered these words than he would gladly have -recalled them--shrinking from the flash of his sister's eyes. The next -moment she had swept past him, unlocked the door, and was gone. - -Half-an-hour later she had left the house, and was on her way to Sam at -Guildford. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - - -Early in January Mr. Howard returned from Spain. Had he been able to -follow his own inclinations, he would have gone straight to Cumberland -in order to look after his property, and confer with his agent on some -matters of importance; but he received such an urgent summons from Lady -Osborne that he did not like to disregard it, and went down into Surrey. - -As he entered the beautiful drawing-room of the Castle, where -everything was so familiar to him, and Lady Osborne, so entirely in -keeping with her surroundings, came forward to greet him, with a slight -flush upon her face, he could not but feel how good it was to be once -more at home. - -They sat together by the wide hearth, and it seemed to him that in the -soft light of the candles she might well pass for ten years less than -her age, but as a matter of fact a stranger might well have taken her -for but little older than himself; in her beauty there was something -so soft and fair. - -They had been chatting of one thing and another--principally of Lady -Edward Sothern, and the wedding--when suddenly it occurred to him that -he had not enquired for Lord Osborne, and, to his amazement, learned -that he was in Paris. - -"Upon my word I do not understand him," he said, rising to his feet, -and leaning against the mantelpiece. "When we were in Italy he was for -ever playing the _rôle_ of lonely exile, and pining for his native -land!" - -He looked down at Lady Osborne, and she coloured. - -"I was particularly anxious to speak to you about him," she replied. -"It is on account of his disappointment with Miss Watson. She has -definitely refused him." - -"But what could have induced him to ask her when she is the betrothed -of another?" - -"It was all a mistake--Mr. Musgrave confesses to having been -misinformed. She continues to live with her brother and sister at -Croydon--vulgar impossible people!--though Osborne insists that they -have a child who is a perfect little lady!--I cannot understand these -Watsons!" - -On the plea of his disordered dress, Mr. Howard soon after retired, -but, as he crossed the room it was as though something of its beauty -had faded. It no longer held the same spell for him. Something of -disquiet had wakened in him. An instinct, not unakin to a sense of -shrinking, had possessed him--almost as though there were a pitfall at -his feet. - -As he entered his old apartment, he was again conscious of uneasiness. -It had been freshly decorated, and re-furnished, and there was an -air of luxury which somehow repelled him, giving him a feeling of -oppression. He went over to the casement, and throwing it wide open, -regardless of frost and snow, looked out into the quiet night, with its -myriad of stars. - - -On the following day he set out to call on some old parishioners, and -had not gone very far on his way when he encountered Tom Musgrave -riding along. - -"If ever I met such a fellow as you are, Howard! We all thought you'd -been eaten by cannibals!" - -"Sorry to disappoint you!--but there are no cannibals in Spain!" - -"Well, crocodiles!--it's all one!--and here's Osborne gone off to -Paris, clean out of his wits over Miss Watson!" - -"How came you to make such a mistake with regard to Miss Watson?" - -"Faith! I don't know that there was any mistake! Her people are wild -with her for not having Osborne--but there seems to be some other -fellow in the background--someone she had met at her aunt's--and she -seems fully determined to have her own way. She has, absolutely, left -them at Croydon, and gone to stay with her younger brother, where there -will be nobody to look after her from morning to night!" - -This story unfortunately received confirmation during the morning; and -on the following day, when he rode over to the Rectory to see Purvis, -it received a still more disquieting aspect. Emma had been seen in the -company of a Captain Conway at A----, a man who was said to be highly -connected, though of this there was no certain proof--but who, on -the other hand, was well known to be a profligate. Heavy at heart he -returned to the Castle. - -As he sat with Lady Osborne over the fire that night, she told him more -of her history than ever he had previously known. - -He had always deplored the inferiority of her son and daughter to their -mother, but hitherto it had never occurred to him that she had been -conscious of it herself. - -"I have known but little happiness in my life," she said. "My father, -Lord Foulke, was a gambler; and, in view of the increasing difficulty -of living, my mother believed it to be her duty to marry off all her -daughters as soon as they came out. I was the third of five girls, -and married when scarcely sixteen--no more than a child. I could not -endure Lord Osborne--my every instinct revolted against him--but though -I implored my father and mother, with tears, to spare me, they would -not listen to me. No one may know the misery of my married life. When -I was about twenty-three, however, my husband died, leaving me with -two young children--the boy so backward that I believed him for a time -to be deficient; but as I spared no effort to develop him he gradually -improved. Not long afterwards my father died from an accident. The -shock brought a stroke on my mother, depriving her of the power of -speech, which she never afterwards recovered, though she lingered on -for several years. My brother, despite the remonstrances of the doctor, -insisted on her removal to the Dower House, and short as was the drive, -she never recovered from it; so that I dared not attempt to bring her -here. As it was seldom possible to leave her, I could see but little -of my children, for as the Dower House was small, and indifferently -built, she could not endure their noise. But never had I loved her so -well. Qualities, that I had never before discerned in her, now showed -themselves, and we were drawn together as we never had been before. At -her death I returned home, to find my daughter almost a stranger to me. -Julia was now fourteen, and her pretty manners, which I had believed -to be the expression of her affection for me, had merely served as a -mask to her serious defects of character. Perhaps unjustly, I dismissed -her governess, believing her to be blamed, and endeavoured myself to -correct them, but I had come too late, and it only served to estrange -her the further. Osborne, on the other hand, has always held for me -the simple affection of his childhood, and his faults are rather of a -negative than of a positive character, but he cares for little beyond -hunting and fishing--we have almost nothing in common. Until you came, -Arthur, I had scarcely known what it was to have a companion." - -There was a slight falter in her voice as she uttered the last words, -and she looked at her visitor wistfully. - -His eyes, half veiled by their lashes, were fixed on the glowing -embers, and he remained silent. Once again Emma's soft hand trembled -in his own, and he was conscious of the beating of her heart. Why had -he not taken her into his arms, then and there, to shelter in his -breast for ever? - -"Arthur, you are not listening to me!" - -There was a note of reproach in the gentle voice at his side. - -"I assure you, Lady Osborne, that I am deeply concerned and distressed -to hear of all that you have suffered. Perhaps in view of my office -it is scarcely orthodox for me to say how very unfair it has all -seemed--but from the point of view of a simple human being, it is -impossible to think otherwise." - -Nothing could have been kinder than the tone in which he pronounced -these words; but that she had expected something altogether different -was quite evident by the expression of disappointment which overspread -her countenance, as she shrank into the shadow. - -After a moment's silence he continued: - -"The want of sympathy between parents and children is only too common, -but there must have been a total absence of all natural feeling on -the part of your brother, with regard to Lady Foulke, when he could -act in such a manner towards her. The counterpart of it, however, I -witnessed at the bedside of my cousin. His son, as you know, broke his -neck in the hunting field, as his father lay dying. I was deputed to -tell him, and did so in fear and trembling as to the possible effect it -might have on him, but he just looked round at me and said: 'And a good -thing, too!' Although I had been aware that the relations between them -were very unfortunate, I had not believed it possible that there could -be such an estrangement between father and son." - -After a pause Mr. Howard then announced that he had written to his -agent to expect him on the following Saturday. - -"Oh, surely not!" exclaimed his hostess, leaning forward in -expostulation. "Cumberland will be quite intolerable in this weather--I -have heard that the cold there is beyond everything!" - -"I have yet to learn that I am in a galloping consumption. I assure -you there is no country more delightful and wonderful than Cumberland -in the grasp of winter!" - -"I am well aware a Northman will swear _anything_ with respect to his -country!" - -"Madam! I protest!" - -"Oh, protest away! you are all of you alike! I had hoped that you might -have been prevailed upon to remain with us until Easter--in which case -Osborne would have come back at once." - -"Do not you think he had much better remain where he is? In the gay -world of Paris he will have everything to distract him, and may -possibly find someone to replace Miss Watson?" - -"I do not think so." - -"Surely you do not believe that Osborne will remain inconsolable for -ever?" - -There was a gleam of humour in his dark eyes as he turned them towards -her. In all his intimate knowledge of his former pupil, it had -certainly never occurred to him that he possessed a heart of untold -depths! - -"No. What I believe is, that he will revert to his former indifference -towards women, and never marry at all." - -"That would be very much to be deplored." - -"I am not so sure of that. He is scarcely fitted to attract a superior -mind, and you could not expect me to welcome an inferior one, or to -view, without pain, an unwilling bride forced into his arms." - -A day or two later Lady Osborne stood beneath the portico, to wish her -guest "God-speed." - -"Remember I shall be counting on you for an invitation!" she said, -smiling. - -He bowed low. - -"I shall have to secure a fair chatelaine, madam, in order to receive -you worthily!" - -How little did he realize that his idle words were as a naked sword in -her breast. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - - -Sam was walking along the High Street of Guildford just as the coach -drove up to the stage; and, for the moment, thinking less of anything -in the world than of Emma, when, to his amazement, she suddenly -appeared on the platform. Hastening forward, he lifted her down; but -seeing she could scarcely maintain her composure, forbore to question -her, and, drawing her hand within his arm, he led her home. - -He now lived entirely with Mr. Curtis at his residence, in a quiet -suburban road, not far off: a large, red-brick house, standing in its -own grounds, and furnished with all the comfort and suitability of -wealth and refinement. As soon as they were seated by a comfortable -fire in the library, Emma, in a few words, informed her brother of -all that had happened. He was much moved by the recital, but deeply -gratified that she had come to him at once--indeed his satisfaction -at having her would have been without bounds, had it not been for his -indignation at the conduct of Robert and Jane, and the shock he had -sustained at finding Emma travelling by herself. - -Presently Mr. Curtis, who had been out, returned to the house, and -entered the room. Sam at once introduced his sister, and while sparing -her feelings as much as possible, made him acquainted with a sufficient -account of what had occurred, to let him see that it was impossible -for Emma to return to Croydon. He then announced his intention of at -once seeking for suitable lodgings for his sister and himself, but Mr. -Curtis steadily refused to countenance such an arrangement, insisting -that as he already regarded Sam as a son, he had some justification -in venturing to hope that Miss Emma might come to look on him as her -father, and in the meantime his house was as truly at her service. -Emma thanked him charmingly, but begged for permission to look for a -situation, as governess, or companion. On perceiving, however, the -mortification she was occasioning, both to Sam and Mr. Curtis, she was -soon obliged to give way. - -Before very long her box was forwarded from Croydon, and both Robert -and Jane wrote more suitably than might have been expected, expressing -considerable regret that she had left them. - -Emma was now more at ease than she had been since her quiet time with -Elizabeth, although she daily missed little Augusta; but her health had -been injured by all she had gone through. Her cheek, once rounded with -perfect health, was now thin and worn, and to Sam's dismay she did not -appear to be regaining her vitality as the weeks went by. In view of -her half-confession to him, he feared she was suffering from a secret -sorrow, and he and Mr. Curtis spared no effort to restore her. - -Towards the end of February Elizabeth's marriage was arranged, and -Mrs. John Purvis, with whom she had been residing, and from whose -house the wedding was to take place, kindly invited the whole family, -including Augusta. Emma's embarrassment at meeting Robert and Jane -was considerably lessened by this arrangement, and she and the child -were inseparable during the few days they spent together. Penelope and -Margaret had obtained leave to be present, and both appeared improved -by having been provided with occupation, other than hunting for -husbands. Mary Edwards had also been invited, and Emma was now able to -satisfy herself that she was not wholly indifferent to Sam. - -Elizabeth looked very sweet and handsome in her white bonnet and shawl, -and the bridegroom distinguished himself not a little by forgetting -neither cheque nor ring. - -The sisters had been truly happy to have met together again, and their -parting was much less sorrowful than before, both bride and bridegroom -insisting that Emma should come to them in April to make her home with -them. - -Poor Sam protested with no little warmth against this arrangement, but -Elizabeth was not his elder sister for nothing. - -"Cannot you have some sense, Sam!" she said. "Emma is quite too pretty, -and has already been too much talked about, to be left alone with a -pair of old bachelors!--the two of you out the half of the time! Oh! I -know she can take care of herself better than could have been thought -possible--she has told me all about Captain Conway--but she should not -be left in such a position--her home is with her sister!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - - -Unfortunately, Emma contracted a chill during the long drive back from -the wedding, and in spite of, or perhaps, rather as a result of the -various remedies with which she was treated, she was still very far -from strong when Sam took her over to Wickstead, and left her in the -care of Elizabeth. - -With what mingled feelings did not Emma view once more the scene where -she had spent one of the happiest evenings of her life. Once again, -in fancy, she was received by Mr. Howard with all that particularity -which had assured her that the entertainment had been arranged with -a sole view to enjoying her society. Once again as she entered the -dining-parlour, she saw herself at his side, and heard the raillery -of his voice as he combated her cherished opinions--from no personal -conviction as she had been well aware, but in order to draw her into -friendly combat. In the evening afterwards, perhaps she alone had been -conscious of his vexation at Miss Osborne's intrusion; and she had also -divined his intention of retaining her as his neighbour at cards. The -moment of parting was also present with her. - -But more to her than all these memories was that of the fateful moment -at the ball, when he had begged her to return him the rose he had given -to her. Even now it so moved her that she endeavoured to refrain from -dwelling on it. Yet how had she been so vain, so foolish, as to have -mistaken an ordinary flirtation of a man of the world, for an emotion -of a deeper character? For there could no longer be any doubt in her -mind with respect to him. He had simply been amusing himself, he had -had no intentions with regard to her. Nor had he in any way stepped -beyond the limits of convention--blame rested solely with herself. Her -former experience of life, slight as it had been, should have taught -her that all men of breeding and fashion are more or less adepts at -flirting--unless indeed they are scarcely to be tolerated. - -Sweet and unselfish as was Emma's nature, the perfect happiness of -Elizabeth and Henry Purvis, in a setting so pregnant of another--where -every article of furniture seemed to speak of that other--could not but -make her sensible of a feeling of bereavement; nor could she withhold -her wayward fancy from depicting herself, and that other, as playing -the part of her sister and brother-in-law, in their daily life. - -Lord Osborne had rejoined his regiment, but Lady Osborne, to the -surprise of all, continued to remain on at the Castle, instead of going -up to the family town house. Tom Musgrave was as much to the fore as -ever, and as busily occupied in impressing his own importance wherever -he went, and Mary Edwards drove over at once to welcome Emma. Happening -by accident to mention Sam, she gave Emma the opportunity of telling -her that Mr. Curtis had formally declared him his heir, for which she -was rewarded by a quick blush. - -A ball was to take place shortly at the Assembly Rooms, and the Edwards -were anxious that Emma should come to them for it, but as can readily -be supposed it was almost the last entertainment she would have cared -to attend. Elizabeth, however, relieved her from all embarrassment by -saying that she did not desire her to go out at night till she was -recovered from a cough which had troubled her for some time. - -It was not till the end of the month that she took her to a party, -given by Mrs. Stephenson, of Ashley Park. Emma had no sooner entered -the drawing-room, and before ever her eyes had rested on his tall -figure, than she was aware of the presence of Mr. Howard. - -Following Elizabeth, she was slightly screened by her, and although -they passed within no great distance of him, as he appeared to be -looking the other way, she was able to persuade herself, for a short -time, that he had not observed her. But it was impossible she should -long continue in this belief. The moments were as hours to her, when, -presently, as he was conducting a lady into the room beyond, he was -obliged to come quite close to her, and recognition was inevitable. He -merely bowed and passed on. - -Emma had never sought to disguise her feelings from herself, but how -deeply her heart was engaged she had not realised until that moment, -when she felt that it must break. - -A minute or two later Mr. Howard grew aware of a sudden commotion, and -then heard it said that a lady had fainted. - -Instinctively he knew that it was Emma--and almost immediately, he knew -not how, had reached her side. Motioning everyone away, he raised her -in his arms, and carried her out to the hall, where there was a couch, -but just before he laid her down she opened her eyes, and there was no -mistaking the look of deep joy which flashed into them, as she saw him -bending over her. - -"Emma--my dearest Emma!" - -He could say no more, as they were instantly joined by Mrs. Stephenson -and Elizabeth; other guests--some impelled by solicitude, and some by -curiosity--quickly following. - -These, however, were quietly got rid of by their hostess, who at the -same time directed the servants to bring restoratives, and soon Emma -was able to sit up. She remained so pale and shaken, however, that -Mrs. Stephenson begged her to remain all night; but this was steadily -opposed by Elizabeth, who was anxious to bring her back with her, and -as Emma herself joined in begging to return, the carriage was sent for. - -At this moment Henry, who had just heard of Emma's indisposition, came -hurrying up, and assisted in conveying her home. - -On the following morning Mr. Howard rode over to Wickstead, and, -meeting Emma in the shrubbery, declared his passion. - -She could not speak, but she laid her trembling hands in his. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - - -The engagement created not a little stir, and many and various were the -comments. - -Mr. Curtis composed a pretty speech, for the edification of his -patients, to the effect that had he been some forty years younger, when -he had had the honour of meeting with Miss Emma, his bachelorhood would -have been seriously imperilled. - -It is said that when this was reported to Mr. Howard, he vowed he would -have imperilled it still further for him. - -Mrs. Blake was rejoiced at the news, but it must be confessed that it -would be scarcely prudent to record the observations of Charles, who -thirsted for his uncle's blood for fully three days after. - -Jane still protested that Emma was a fool to have refused a title. - -Augusta enquired if she might not be married on the same day? - -Lady Edward Sothern's comment was perhaps characteristic-- - -"There must be something singularly wanting in Arthur Howard to marry a -woman of the lower orders." - -In a remote room of the Castle Lady Osborne sat, with her head bowed -on her hands. No one could have condemned her more severely than she -condemned herself. Having missed all hope of romance in her youth, she -had endeavoured to secure some measure of it when it was no longer -reasonable to expect it; and now she felt that her punishment was -almost greater than she well might bear--standing alone, as the slow -years went by. - - * * * * * * - -Emma's wedding morning shone fair, and people flocked from far and near -to see her married. - -Lady Osborne lent her her own veil, placing it herself on her head. - -Penelope and Margaret could not get leave so soon again, but the bride -was attended by Charles and Augusta, carrying baskets of flowers; and -it was easy to discern that the former, with the charming fickleness -of his sex, had wholly transferred his allegiance from the elder to the -younger lady. - -As Emma came down from the altar on her husband's arm, she looked all -loveliness, but the eyes of different among the congregation strayed -from her fresh young beauty to the face of Lady Osborne, and rested -there. To the mind of more than one there was something, they knew not -what, that seemed to elevate it beyond all they could have believed -possible. - -Sam and Mary Edwards, now happily betrothed (as Mr. and Mrs. Edwards -were unable any longer to urge anything against the alliance) were -amongst the company, and received the congratulations of all. It had -been arranged that they were to live on with Mr. Curtis, as the old -gentleman declared that he could not be deserted in his advancing years. - -Shortly after Emma's marriage, Captain O'Brien died, and his widow, -surviving him but a short time, Emma found herself the recipient of a -legacy of twelve thousand pounds. With her husband's cordial approval, -she shared it equally with her sisters; and Penelope lost no time in -investing hers in a husband. - -But Margaret had suffered so deeply through Tom Musgrave, that in -spite of anything Robert and Jane could urge, she insisted on keeping -her situation. It was only on the death of the young girl, some years -later, to whom she had been acting as companion, that she married a -naval officer, whom she had frequently met at her house, and to whom -she had become attached, finding with him a much greater measure of -happiness than could ever have been her lot had she become the wife of -one so worthless as Tom Musgrave. - -This gentleman, not long after, fell a prey to a vixen, who lost but -little time in reducing him, and on his endeavouring to console himself -with strong waters, secured the keys of the cellar, and retained them -with a firm hand. - -As the Rector of the living, on Mr. Howard's property, shortly resigned -it, on account of ill-health, he undertook it himself, appointing -Henry Purvis his curate, at a much handsomer figure than he would -have received as incumbent, and installing him in the rectory, with -its excellent gardens and farm. Emma and Elizabeth's happiness was -complete, now that they were settled so near to each other, and as the -years went by, there were many merry games between the children of the -Rectory and those of the Manor. - -Lady Osborne was a frequent visitor at the Howards', some saying that -she was fonder of their young people than of her own grandchildren, but -this was scarcely the case, as the latter added, in no little degree, -to the happiness of her life. Perhaps it might have been nearer the -mark had they divined that in Emma she had found the companionship that -she had always missed in her own daughter. - -She also became very fond of Mrs. Blake, whom Lord Osborne, to the -surprise of everyone, married a couple of years later. - -If he did not entertain for her the same degree of love that Emma had -awakened in him, he was very sincerely attached to her, making an -excellent step-father to her children. - -Charles entered the Royal Navy. - -As he and Augusta spend the greater part of their holidays together at -the Howards', and do not find matter for heated argument above seven -times in the week, it is confidently believed by several that they will -ultimately embark on the more serious argument of life, with all its -possibilities for sweetness, or disaster. - - -FINIS - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WATSONS: BY JANE AUSTEN, -CONCLUDED BY L. 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Oulton. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - - p { margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - - p.bold {text-align: center; font-weight: bold;} - p.bold2 {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 150%;} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; - } - h1 span, h2 span { display: block; text-align: center; } - #id1 { font-size: smaller } - - - hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; - } - - body{margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - } - - table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; text-align: right;} - - .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - text-indent: 0px; - } /* page numbers */ - - .center {text-align: center;} - .smaller {font-size: smaller;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .mynote { background-color: #DDE; color: black; padding: .5em; margin-left: 20%; - margin-right: 20%; } /* colored box for notes at beginning of file */ - .space-above {margin-top: 3em;} - .right {text-align: right;} - .left {text-align: left;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<pre style='margin-bottom:6em;'>The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Watsons: By Jane Austen, Concluded by L. -Oulton, by Jane Austen - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this ebook. - -Title: The Watsons: By Jane Austen, Concluded by L. Oulton - -Author: Jane Austen - L. Oulton - -Release Date: October 28, 2020 [EBook #63569] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Mary Glenn Krause, Martin Pettit and the Online - Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WATSONS: BY JANE AUSTEN, -CONCLUDED BY L. OULTON *** -</pre> -<div class="mynote"><p class="center">Transcriber's Note:<br /><br /> -A Table of Contents has been added.<br /></p></div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/front.jpg" alt="front" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/spine.jpg" alt="spine" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> - -<h1>THE WATSONS </h1> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/title.jpg" alt="title page" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="bold2">THE WATSONS</p> - -<p class="bold space-above">BY</p> - -<p class="bold2">JANE AUSTEN</p> - -<p class="bold">AUTHOR OF "PRIDE AND PREJUDICE,"<br />"SENSE AND SENSIBILITY," ETC.</p> - -<p class="bold2">CONCLUDED</p> - -<p class="bold">BY</p> - -<p class="bold2">L. OULTON</p> - -<div class="center space-above"><img src="images/logo.jpg" alt="logo" /></div> - -<p class="bold space-above">D. APPLETON AND COMPANY<br />NEW YORK :: :: :: MCMXXIII</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center">COPYRIGHT, 1923, BY<br />D. APPLETON AND COMPANY</p> - -<p class="center space-above">PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span>CONTENTS</span></h2> - -<table summary="CONTENTS"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td><span class="smaller">PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">PREFACE</td> - <td><a href="#Page_v">v</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER I</td> - <td><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER II</td> - <td><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER III</td> - <td><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER IV</td> - <td><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER V</td> - <td><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER VI</td> - <td><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER VII</td> - <td><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER VIII</td> - <td><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER IX</td> - <td><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER X</td> - <td><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XI</td> - <td><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XII</td> - <td><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XIII</td> - <td><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XIV</td> - <td><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XV</td> - <td><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XVI</td> - <td><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XVII</td> - <td><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XVIII</td> - <td><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XIX</td> - <td><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER XX</td> - <td><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> - -<h2>PREFACE</h2> - -<p>This work was left by its author, a fragment without a name, in so -elementary a state as not even to be divided into chapters, and some -obscurities and inaccuracies of expression may be observed in it which -the author would probably have corrected. The original manuscript -is the property of my sister, Miss Austen, by whose permission it -is now published. I have called it <i>The Watsons</i>, for the sake of -having a title by which to designate it. Two questions may be asked -concerning it. When was it written? And, why was it never finished? -I was unable to answer the first question, so long as I had only the -internal evidence of the style to guide me. I felt satisfied, indeed, -that it did not belong to that early class of her writings which are -mentioned at page 46 of the <i>Memoir</i>, but rather bore marks of her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span> -more mature style, though it had never been subjected to the filing -and polishing process by which she was accustomed to impart a high -finish to her published works. At last, on a close inspection of the -original manuscript, the water-marks of 1803 and 1804 were found in -the paper on which it was written. It is therefore probable that it -was composed at Bath, before she ceased to reside there in 1805. This -would place the date a few years later than the composition, but -earlier than the publication of <i>Sense and Sensibility</i>, and <i>Pride -and Prejudice</i>. To the second question, why was it never finished? -I can give no satisfactory answer. I think it will be generally -admitted that there is much in it which promised well; that some of -the characters are drawn with her wonted vigour, and some with a -delicate discrimination peculiarly her own; and that it is rich in her -especial power of telling the story, and bringing out the characters -by conversation rather than by description. It could not have been -broken up for the purpose of using the materials<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span> in another fabric; -for, with the exception of Mrs. Robert Watson, in whom a resemblance -to the future Mrs. Elton is very discernible, it would not be easy to -trace much resemblance between this and any of her subsequent works. -She must have felt some regret at leaving Tom Musgrave's character -incomplete; yet he never appears elsewhere. My own idea is, but it is -only a guess, that the author became aware of the evil of having placed -her heroine too low, in such a position of poverty and obscurity as, -though not necessarily connected with vulgarity, has a sad tendency to -degenerate into it; and, therefore, like a singer who has begun on too -low a note, she discontinued the strain. It was an error of which she -was likely to become more sensible, as she grew older and saw more of -Society; certainly she never repeated it by placing the heroine of any -subsequent work under circumstances likely to be unfavourable to the -refinement of a lady.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">J. E. Austen Leigh</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - -<p class="bold2">THE WATSONS</p> - -<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> - -<p>The first winter assembly in the town of D——, in Surrey, was to be -held on Tuesday, October 13th, and it was generally expected to be -a very good one. A long list of county families was confidently run -over as sure of attending, and sanguine hopes were entertained that -the Osbornes themselves would be there. The Edwards' invitation to -the Watsons followed, as a matter of course. The Edwards were people -of fortune, who lived in the town and kept their coach. The Watsons -inhabited a village about three miles distant, were poor and had no -close carriage; and ever since there had been balls in the place, the -former were accustomed to invite the latter to dress, dine, and sleep -at their house on every monthly return throughout the winter. On the -present occasion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> as only two of Mr. Watson's children were at home, -and one was always necessary as companion to himself, for he was sickly -and had lost his wife, one only could profit by the kindness of their -friends. Miss Emma Watson, who was very recently returned to her family -from the care of an aunt who had brought her up, was to make her first -public appearance in the neighbourhood; and her eldest sister, whose -delight in a ball was not lessened by a ten years' enjoyment, had some -merit in cheerfully undertaking to drive her and all her finery in the -old chair to D—— on the important morning.</p> - -<p>As they splashed along the dirty lane Miss Watson thus instructed and -cautioned her inexperienced sister.</p> - -<p>"I daresay it will be a very good ball, and among so many officers -you will hardly want partners. You will find Mrs. Edwards' maid very -willing to help you, and I would advise you to ask Mary Edwards' -opinion if you are at all at a loss, for she has a very good taste. If -Mr. Edwards does not lose his money at cards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> you will stay as late as -you can wish for; if he does he will hurry you home perhaps—but you -are sure of some comfortable soup. I hope you will be in good looks. I -should not be surprised if you were to be thought one of the prettiest -girls in the room, there is a great deal in novelty. Perhaps Tom -Musgrave may take notice of you, but I would advise you by all means -not to give him any encouragement. He generally pays attention to every -new girl, but he is a great flirt, and never means anything serious."</p> - -<p>"I think I have heard you speak of him before," said Emma. "Who is he?"</p> - -<p>"A young man of very good fortune, quite independent, and remarkably -agreeable, an universal favourite wherever he goes. Most of the girls -hereabouts are in love with him, or have been. I believe I am the only -one among them that have escaped with a whole heart; and yet I was the -first he paid attention to when he came into this country six years -ago; and very great attention did he pay me. Some people say that he -has never seemed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> like any girl so well since, though he is always -behaving in a particular way to one or another."</p> - -<p>"And how came <i>your</i> heart to be the only cold one?" asked Emma, -smiling.</p> - -<p>"There was a reason for that," replied Miss Watson, changing colour. -"I have not been very well used among them, Emma. I hope you will have -better luck."</p> - -<p>"Dear sister, I beg your pardon, if I have unthinkingly given you pain."</p> - -<p>"When we first knew Tom Musgrave," continued Miss Watson, without -seeming to hear her, "I was very much attached to a young man of the -name of Purvis, a particular friend of Robert's, who used to be with us -a great deal. Everybody thought it would have been a match."</p> - -<p>A sigh accompanied these words, which Emma respected in silence. But -her sister, after a short pause, went on.</p> - -<p>"You will naturally ask why it did not take place, and why he is -married to another woman, while I am still single. But you must ask -him—not me—you must ask Penelope. Yes, Emma, Penelope was at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> the -bottom of it all. She thinks everything fair for a husband. I trusted -her: she set him against me, with a view of gaining him herself, and -it ended in his discontinuing his visits, and, soon after, marrying -somebody else. Penelope makes light of her conduct, but <i>I</i> think such -treachery very bad. It has been the ruin of my happiness. I shall never -love any man as I loved Purvis. I do not think Tom Musgrave should be -named with him in the same day."</p> - -<p>"You quite shock me by what you say of Penelope," said Emma. "Could a -sister do such a thing? Rivalry, treachery between sisters! I shall -be afraid of being acquainted with her. But I hope it was not so; -appearances were against her."</p> - -<p>"You do not know Penelope. There is nothing she would not do to get -married. She would as good as tell you so herself. Do not trust her -with any secrets of your own, take warning by me, do not trust her; she -has her good qualities, but she has no faith, no honour, no scruples, -if she can promote her own advantage. I wish with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> all my heart she was -well married. I declare I had rather have her well married than myself."</p> - -<p>"Than yourself! Yes, I can suppose so. A heart wounded like yours can -have little inclination for matrimony."</p> - -<p>"Not much, indeed—but you know we must marry."</p> - -<p>"I could do very well single for my own part."</p> - -<p>"A little company, and a pleasant ball now and then, would be enough -for me, if one could be young for ever; but my father cannot provide -for us, and it is very bad to grow old and be poor and laughed at. I -have lost Purvis, it is true; but very few people marry their first -loves. I should not refuse a man because he was not Purvis. Not that I -can ever quite forgive Penelope."</p> - -<p>Emma shook her head in acquiescence.</p> - -<p>"Penelope, however, has had her troubles," continued Miss Watson. "She -was sadly disappointed in Tom Musgrave, who afterwards transferred -his attentions from me to her, and whom she was very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> fond of, but he -never means anything serious, and when he had trifled with her long -enough, he began to slight her for Margaret, and poor Penelope was very -wretched. And since then she has been trying to make some match at -Chichester—she won't tell us with whom, but I believe it is a rich old -Dr. Harding, uncle to the friend she goes to see; and she has taken a -vast deal of trouble about him, and given up a great deal of time to no -purpose as yet. When she went away the other day, she said it should be -the last time. I suppose you did not know what her particular business -was at Chichester, nor guess at the object which could take her away -from Stanton just as you were coming home after so many years' absence."</p> - -<p>"No, indeed, I had not the smallest suspicion of it. I considered her -engagement to Mrs. Shaw just at that time as very unfortunate for me. -I had hoped to find all my sisters at home, to be able to make an -immediate friend of each."</p> - -<p>"I suspect the Doctor to have had an attack of the asthma, and that she -was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> hurried away on that account. The Shaws are quite on her side—at -least I believe so; but she tells me nothing. She professes to keep her -own counsel; she says, and truly enough, that 'Too many cooks spoil the -broth.'"</p> - -<p>"I am sorry for her anxieties," said Emma, "but I do not like her plans -or her opinions. I shall be afraid of her. She must have too masculine -and bold a temper. To be so bent on marriage—to pursue a man merely -for the sake of situation, is a sort of thing that shocks me; I cannot -understand it. Poverty is a great evil; but to a woman of education and -feeling it ought not, it cannot be, the greatest. I would rather be -teacher at a school—and I can think of nothing worse—than marry a man -I did not like."</p> - -<p>"I would rather do anything than be teacher at a school," said her -sister. "<i>I</i> have been at school, Emma, and know what a life they -lead; <i>you</i> never have. I should not like marrying a disagreeable -man any more than yourself, but I do not think there <i>are</i> many very -disagreeable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> men; I think I could like any good-humoured man with -a comfortable income. I suppose my aunt brought you up to be rather -refined."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, I do not know. My conduct must tell you how I have been -brought up. I am no judge of it myself. I cannot compare my aunt's -method with any other person's, because I know no other."</p> - -<p>"But I can see in a great many things that you are very refined. I have -observed it ever since you came home, and I am afraid it will not be -for your happiness. Penelope will laugh at you very much."</p> - -<p>"That will not be for my happiness, I am sure. If my opinions are wrong -I must correct them; if they are above my situation, I must endeavour -to conceal them; but I doubt whether ridicule—has Penelope much wit?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, she has great spirit, and never cares what she says."</p> - -<p>"Margaret is more gentle, I imagine?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, especially in company; she is all gentleness and mildness -when anybody is by. But she is a little fretful and perverse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> among -ourselves. Poor creature! She is possessed with the notion of Tom -Musgrave's being more seriously in love with her than he ever was with -anybody else, and is always expecting him to come to the point. This -is the second time within this twelvemonth that she has gone to spend -a month with Robert and Jane on purpose to egg him on by her absence; -but I am sure she is mistaken, and that he will no more follow her to -Croydon now than he did last March. He will never marry unless he can -marry somebody very great; Miss Osborne, perhaps, or somebody in that -style."</p> - -<p>"Your account of this Tom Musgrave, Elizabeth, gives me very little -inclination for his acquaintance."</p> - -<p>"You are afraid of him; I do not wonder at you."</p> - -<p>"No, indeed, I dislike and despise him."</p> - -<p>"Dislike and despise Tom Musgrave! No, <i>that</i> you never can. I defy you -not to be delighted with him if he takes notice of you. I hope he will -dance with you, and I daresay he will, unless the Osbornes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> come with a -large party, and then he will not speak to anybody else."</p> - -<p>"He seems to have most engaging manners!" said Emma. "Well, we shall -see how irresistible Mr. Tom Musgrave and I find each other. I suppose -I shall know him as soon as I enter the ball-room: he <i>must</i> carry some -of his charms in his face."</p> - -<p>"You will not find him in the ball-room, I can tell you; you will go -early, that Mrs. Edwards may get a good place by the fire, and he -never comes till late; if the Osbornes are coming, he will wait in the -passage and come in with them. I should like to look in upon you, Emma. -If it was but a good day with my father, I would wrap myself up, and -James should drive me over as soon as I had made tea for him, and I -should be with you by the time the dancing began."</p> - -<p>"What! Would you come late at night in this chair?"</p> - -<p>"To be sure I would. There, I said you were very refined, and that's an -instance of it." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> - -<p>Emma for a moment made no answer. At last she said—</p> - -<p>"I wish, Elizabeth, you had not made a point of my going to this ball; -I wish you were going instead of me. Your pleasure would be greater -than mine. I am a stranger here, and know nobody but the Edwards; my -enjoyment, therefore, must be very doubtful. Yours, among all your -acquaintances, would be certain. It is not too late to change. Very -little apology would be requisite to the Edwards, who must be more -glad of your company than of mine; and I should most readily return -to my father, and should not be at all afraid to drive this quiet old -creature home. Your clothes I would undertake to find means of sending -to you."</p> - -<p>"My dearest Emma," cried Elizabeth, warmly. "Do you think I would do -such a thing? Not for the universe! But I shall never forget your -good-nature in proposing it. You must have a sweet temper indeed! I -never met anything like it! And would you really give up the ball that -I might be able to go to it? Believe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> me, Emma, I am not so selfish as -that comes to. No; though I am nine years older than you are, I would -not be the means of keeping you from being seen. You are very pretty, -and it would be very hard that you should not have as fair a chance as -we have all had to make your fortune. No, Emma; whoever stays at home -this winter, it shan't be you. I am sure I should never have forgiven -the person who kept me from a ball at nineteen."</p> - -<p>Emma expressed her gratitude, and for a few minutes they jogged on in -silence. Elizabeth first spoke—</p> - -<p>"You will take notice who Mary Edwards dances with?"</p> - -<p>"I will remember her partners, if I can; but you know they will be all -strangers to me."</p> - -<p>"Only observe whether she dances with Captain Hunter more than once—I -have my fears in that quarter. Not that her father or mother like -officers; but if she does, you know, it is all over with poor Sam. And -I have promised to write him word who she dances with." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Is Sam attached to Miss Edwards?"</p> - -<p>"Did not you know <i>that</i>?"</p> - -<p>"How should I know it? How should I know in Shropshire what is passing -of that nature in Surrey? It is not likely that circumstances of such -delicacy should have made any part of the scanty communication which -passed between you and me for the last fourteen years."</p> - -<p>"I wonder I never mentioned it when I wrote. Since you have been at -home, I have been so busy with my poor father, and our great wash, that -I have had no leisure to tell you anything; but, indeed, I concluded -you knew it all. He has been very much in love with her these two -years, and it is a great disappointment to him that he cannot always -get away to our balls; but Mr. Curtis won't often spare him, and just -now it is a sickly time at Guildford."</p> - -<p>"Do you suppose Miss Edwards inclined to like him?"</p> - -<p>"I am afraid not; you know, she is an only child, and will have at -least ten thousand pounds." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But, still, she may like our brother."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! The Edwards look much higher. Her father and mother would -never consent to it. Sam is only a surgeon, you know. Sometimes I think -she does like him. But Mary Edwards is rather prim and reserved; I do -not always know what she would be at."</p> - -<p>"Unless Sam feels on sure grounds with the lady herself, it seems a -pity to me that he should be encouraged to think of her at all."</p> - -<p>"A young man must think of somebody," said Elizabeth; "and why should -not he be as lucky as Robert, who has got a good wife and six thousand -pounds?"</p> - -<p>"We must not all expect to be individually lucky," replied Emma. "The -luck of one member of a family is luck to all."</p> - -<p>"Mine is all to come, I am sure," said Elizabeth, giving another sigh -to the remembrance of Purvis. "I have been unlucky enough, and I cannot -say much for you, as my aunt married again so foolishly. Well, you -will have a good ball, I daresay. The next turning will bring us to -the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>turnpike; you may see the church-tower over the hedge, and the -'White Hart' is close by it. I shall long to know what you think of Tom -Musgrave."</p> - -<p>Such were the last audible sounds of Miss Watson's voice, before they -passed through the turnpike-gate and entered on the pitching of the -town, the jumbling and noise of which made further conversation most -thoroughly undesirable. The old mare trotted heavily on, wanting no -direction of the reins to take a right turning; and making only one -blunder, in proposing to stop at the milliner's, before she drew up -towards Mr. Edwards' door. Mr. Edwards lived in the best house in the -street, and the best in the place; if Mr. Tomlinson, the banker, might -be indulged in calling his newly-erected house at the end of the town, -with a shrubbery and sweep, in the country.</p> - -<p>Mr. Edwards' house was higher than most of its neighbours, with four -windows on each side the door; the windows guarded by posts and chains, -and the door approached by a flight of stone steps. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Here we are," said Elizabeth, as the carriage ceased moving, "safely -arrived; and by the market clock we have been only five-and-thirty -minutes coming; which, I think, is doing pretty well, though it would -be nothing for Penelope. Is not it a nice town? The Edwards have a -noble house, you see, and they live quite in style. The door will be -opened by a man in livery, with a powdered head, I can tell you."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> - -<p>Emma had seen the Edwards only one morning at Stanton; they were -therefore all but strangers to her, and though her spirits were by -no means insensible to the expected joys of the evening, she felt a -little uncomfortable in the thought of all that was to precede them. -Her conversation with Elizabeth, too, giving her some very unpleasant -feelings with respect to her own family, had made her more open to -disagreeable impressions from any other cause, and increased her -sense of the awkwardness of rushing into intimacy on so slight an -acquaintance.</p> - -<p>There was nothing in the manner of Mrs. and Miss Edwards to give -immediate change to these ideas. The mother, though a very friendly -woman, had a reserved air and a great deal of formal civility; and -the daughter, a genteel-looking girl of twenty-two, with her hair in -papers, seemed very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> naturally to have caught something of the style -of her mother, who had brought her up. Emma was soon left to know what -they could be, by Elizabeth being obliged to hurry away; and some very -languid remarks on the probable brilliancy of the ball were all that -broke, at intervals, a silence of half-an-hour before they were joined -by the master of the house. Mr. Edwards had a much easier and more -communicative air than the ladies of the family; he was fresh from the -street, and he came ready to tell whatever might interest. After a -cordial reception of Emma, he turned to his daughter with—</p> - -<p>"Well, Mary, I bring you good news: the Osbornes will certainly be at -the ball to-night. Horses for two carriages are ordered from the 'White -Hart' to be at Osborne Castle by nine."</p> - -<p>"I am glad of it," observed Mrs. Edwards, "because their coming gives -a credit to our assembly. The Osbornes being known to have been at the -first ball, will dispose a great many people to attend the second. -It is more than they deserve,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> for, in fact, they add nothing to the -pleasure of the evening; they come so late and go so early; but great -people have always their charm."</p> - -<p>Mr. Edwards proceeded to relate many other little articles of news -which his morning's lounge had supplied him with, and they chatted with -greater briskness till Mrs. Edwards' moment for dressing arrived, and -the young ladies were carefully recommended to lose no time. Emma was -shown to a very comfortable apartment, and as soon as Mrs. Edwards' -civilities could leave her to herself, the happy occupation, the first -bliss of a ball, began. The girls, dressing in some measure together, -grew unavoidably better acquainted. Emma found in Miss Edwards the -show of good sense, a modest unpretending mind, and a great wish of -obliging; and when they returned to the parlour where Mrs. Edwards was -sitting, respectably attired in one of the two satin gowns which went -through the winter, and a new cap from the milliner's, they entered it -with much easier feelings and more natural smiles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> than they had taken -away. Their dress was now to be examined: Mrs. Edwards acknowledged -herself too old-fashioned to approve of every modern extravagance, -however sanctioned; and though complacently viewing her daughter's good -looks, would give but a qualified admiration; and Mr. Edwards, not less -satisfied with Mary, paid some compliments of good-humoured gallantry -to Emma at her expense.</p> - -<p>The discussion led to more intimate remarks, and Miss Edwards gently -asked Emma if she was not often reckoned very like her youngest -brother. Emma thought she could perceive a faint blush accompany the -question, and there seemed something still more suspicious in the -manner in which Mr. Edwards took up the subject.</p> - -<p>"You are paying Miss Emma no great compliment, I think, Mary," said -he hastily. "Mr. Sam Watson is a very good sort of young man, and I -daresay a very clever surgeon; but his complexion has been rather -too much exposed to all weathers to make a likeness to him very -flattering." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> - -<p>Mary apologised, in some confusion—</p> - -<p>"She had not thought a strong likeness at all incompatible with very -different degrees of beauty. There might be resemblance in countenance, -and the complexion, and even the features, be very unlike."</p> - -<p>"I know nothing of my brother's beauty," said Emma, "for I have not -seen him since he was seven years old; but my father reckons us alike."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Watson!" cried Mr. Edwards, "well, you astonish me. There is not -the least likeness in the world; your brother's eyes are grey, yours -are brown; he has a long face, and a wide mouth. My dear, do <i>you</i> -perceive the least resemblance?"</p> - -<p>"Not the least; Miss Emma Watson puts me very much in mind of her -eldest sister, and sometimes I see a look of Miss Penelope, and once or -twice there has been a glance of Mr. Robert; but I cannot perceive any -likeness to Mr. Samuel."</p> - -<p>"I see the likeness between her and Miss Watson," replied Mr. Edwards, -"very strongly, but I am not sensible of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> others. I do not much -think she is like any of the family <i>but</i> Miss Watson; but I am very -sure there is no resemblance between her and Sam."</p> - -<p>This matter was settled, and they went to dinner.</p> - -<p>"Your father, Miss Emma, is one of my oldest friends," said Mr. -Edwards, as he helped her to wine, when they were drawn round the fire -to enjoy their dessert. "We must drink to his better health. It is a -great concern to me, I assure you, that he should be such an invalid. -I know nobody who likes a game of cards, in a social way, better than -he does, and very few people who play a fairer rubber. It is a thousand -pities that he should be so deprived of the pleasure. For now, we have -a quiet little whist club, that meets three times a week at the 'White -Hart'; and if he could but have his health, how much he would enjoy it!"</p> - -<p>"I daresay he would, sir; and I wish, with all my heart, he were equal -to it."</p> - -<p>"Your club would be better fitted for an invalid," said Mrs. Edwards, -"if you did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> not keep it up so late." This was an old grievance.</p> - -<p>"So late, my dear! What are you talking of?" cried her husband with -sturdy pleasantry. "We are always at home before midnight. They would -laugh at Osborne Castle to hear you call <i>that</i> late. They are but just -rising from dinner at midnight."</p> - -<p>"That is nothing to the purpose," retorted the lady calmly. "The -Osbornes are to be no rule for us. You had better meet every night and -break up two hours sooner."</p> - -<p>So far the subject was very often carried; but Mr. and Mrs. Edwards -were so wise as never to pass that point; and Mr. Edwards now turned to -something else. He had lived long enough in the idleness of a town to -become a little of a gossip, and having some anxiety to know more of -the circumstances of his young guest than had yet reached him, he began -with—</p> - -<p>"I think, Miss Emma, I remember your aunt very well, about thirty years -ago; I am pretty sure I danced with her in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> old rooms at Bath the -year before I married. She was a very fine woman then, but like other -people, I suppose, she is grown somewhat older since that time. I hope -she is likely to be happy in her second choice."</p> - -<p>"I hope so; I believe so, sir," said Emma, in some agitation.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Turner had not been dead a great while, I think?"</p> - -<p>"About two years, sir."</p> - -<p>"I forget what her name is now."</p> - -<p>"O'Brien."</p> - -<p>"Irish! Ah, I remember; and she is gone to settle in Ireland. I do not -wonder that you should not wish to go with her into <i>that</i> country, -Miss Emma; but it must be a great deprivation to her, poor lady! after -bringing you up like a child of her own."</p> - -<p>"I was not so ungrateful, sir," said Emma, warmly, "as to wish to be -anywhere but with her. It did not suit Captain O'Brien that I should be -of the party."</p> - -<p>"Captain!" repeated Mrs. Edwards. "The gentleman is in the army, then?"</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"Aye, there is nothing like your officers for captivating the ladies, -young or old. There is no resisting a cockade, my dear."</p> - -<p>"I hope there is," said Mrs. Edwards gravely, with a quick glance at -her daughter; and Emma had just recovered from her own perturbation in -time to see a blush on Miss Edwards' cheek; and, in remembering what -Elizabeth had said of Captain Hunter, to wonder and waver between his -influence and her brother's.</p> - -<p>"Elderly ladies should be careful how they make a second choice," -observed Mr. Edwards.</p> - -<p>"Carefulness and discretion should not be confined to elderly ladies, -or to a second choice," added his wife. "They are quite as necessary to -young ladies in their first."</p> - -<p>"Rather more so, my dear," replied he; "because young ladies are likely -to feel the effects of it longer. When an old lady plays the fool, it -is not in the course of nature that she should suffer from it many -years."</p> - -<p>Emma drew her hand across her eyes;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> and Mrs. Edwards, in perceiving -it, changed the subject to one of less anxiety to all.</p> - -<p>With nothing to do but to expect the hour of setting off, the afternoon -was long to the two young ladies; and though Miss Edwards was rather -discomposed at the very early hour which her mother always fixed for -going, that early hour itself was watched for with some eagerness. -The entrance of the tea-things at seven o'clock was some relief; and, -luckily, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards always drank a dish extraordinary and -ate an additional muffin when they were going to sit up late, which -lengthened the ceremony almost to the wished-for moment.</p> - -<p>At a little before eight o'clock the Tomlinsons' carriage was heard to -go by, which was the constant signal for Mrs. Edwards to order hers -to the door; and in a very few minutes the party were transported -from the quiet and warmth of a snug parlour to the bustle, noise, and -draughts of air of a broad entrance passage of an inn. Mrs. Edwards, -carefully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> guarding her own dress, while she attended to the proper -security of her young charges' shoulders and throats, led the way up -the wide staircase, while no sound of a ball, but the first scrape -of one violin, blessed the ears of her followers; and Miss Edwards, -on hazarding the anxious enquiry of whether there were many people -come yet, was told by the waiter, as she knew she should be, that Mr. -Tomlinson's family were in the room.</p> - -<p>In passing along a short gallery to the assembly room, brilliant in -lights before them, they were accosted by a young man in a morning -dress and boots, who was standing in the doorway of a bedchamber -apparently on purpose to see them go by.</p> - -<p>"Ah! Mrs. Edwards, how do you do? How do you do, Miss Edwards?" he -cried, with an easy air. "You are determined to be in good time, I see, -as usual. The candles are but this moment lit."</p> - -<p>"I like to get a good seat by the fire, you know, Mr. Musgrave," -replied Mrs. Edwards.</p> - -<p>"I am this moment going to dress," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> he. "I am waiting for my -stupid fellow. We shall have a famous ball. The Osbornes are certainly -coming; you may depend upon <i>that</i>, for I was with Lord Osborne this -morning."</p> - -<p>The party passed on. Mrs. Edwards' satin gown swept along the clean -floor of the ball-room to the fireplace at the upper end, where one -party only were formally seated, while three or four officers were -lounging together, passing in and out from the adjoining card-room. A -very stiff meeting between these near neighbours ensued, and as soon as -they were all duly placed again, Emma, in a low whisper, which became -the solemn scene, said to Miss Edwards—</p> - -<p>"The gentleman we passed in the passage was Mr. Musgrave, then; he is -reckoned remarkably agreeable, I understand?"</p> - -<p>Miss Edwards answered hesitatingly: "Yes, he is very much liked by many -people; but we are not very intimate."</p> - -<p>"He is rich, is not he?"</p> - -<p>"He has about eight or nine hundred a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> year, I believe. He came into -possession of it when he was very young, and my father and mother think -it has given him rather an unsettled turn. He is no favourite with -them."</p> - -<p>The cold and empty appearance of the room, and the demure air of the -small cluster of females at one end of it, began soon to give way. -The inspiriting sound of other carriages was heard, and continual -accessions of portly chaperones, and strings of smartly dressed girls, -were received, with now and then a fresh gentleman straggler, who, if -not enough in love to station himself near any fair creature, seemed -glad to escape into the card-room.</p> - -<p>Among the increasing number of military men, one now made his way to -Miss Edwards with an air of <i>empressement</i> which decidedly said to her -companion: "I am Captain Hunter"; and Emma, who could not but watch her -at such a moment, saw her looking rather distressed, but by no means -displeased, and heard an engagement formed for the two first dances,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> -which made her think her brother Sam's a hopeless case.</p> - -<p>Emma, in the meanwhile, was not unobserved or unadmired herself. A -new face, and a very pretty one, could not be slighted. Her name was -whispered from one party to another, and no sooner had the signal been -given by the orchestra's striking up a favourite air, which seemed to -call the young to their duty, and people the centre of the room, than -she found herself engaged to dance with a brother officer, introduced -by Captain Hunter.</p> - -<p>Emma Watson was not more than of the middle height, well made and -plump, with an air of healthy vigour. Her skin was very brown, but -clear, smooth, and glowing; which, with a lively eye, a sweet smile, -and an open countenance, gave beauty to attract, and expression to -make that beauty improve on acquaintance. Having no reason to be -dissatisfied with her partner, the evening began very pleasantly -to her, and her feelings perfectly coincided with the reiterated -observation of others, that it was an excellent ball.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> The two first -dances were not quite over when the returning sound of carriages, after -a long interruption, called general notice—"the Osbornes are coming!" -was repeated round the room. After some minutes of extraordinary -bustle without, and watchful curiosity within, the important party, -preceded by the attentive master of the inn to open a door which was -never shut, made their appearance. They consisted of Lady Osborne; -her son, Lord Osborne; her daughter, Miss Osborne; Miss Carr, her -daughter's friend; Mr. Howard, formerly tutor to Lord Osborne, now -clergyman of the parish in which the castle stood; Mrs. Blake, a widow -sister, who lived with him; her son, a fine boy of ten years old; and -Mr. Tom Musgrave, who probably, imprisoned within his own room, had -been listening in bitter impatience to the sound of music for the last -half-hour. In their progress up the room they paused almost immediately -behind Emma to receive the compliments of some acquaintance, and she -heard Lady Osborne observe that they had made a point<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> of coming early -for the gratification of Mrs. Blake's little boy, who was uncommonly -fond of dancing. Emma looked at them all as they passed, but chiefly -and with most interest on Tom Musgrave, who was certainly a genteel, -good-looking young man. Of the females, Lady Osborne had by much the -finest person; though nearly fifty, she was very handsome, and had all -the dignity of rank.</p> - -<p>Lord Osborne was a very fine young man; but there was an air of -coldness, of carelessness, even of awkwardness about him, which seemed -to speak him out of his element in a ball-room. He came, in fact, only -because it was judged expedient for him to please the borough; he was -not fond of women's company, and he never danced. Mr. Howard was an -agreeable-looking man, a little more than thirty.</p> - -<p>At the conclusion of the two dances, Emma found herself, she knew not -how, seated amongst the Osbornes' set; and she was immediately struck -with the fine countenance and animated gestures of the little boy, as -he was standing before his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> mother, considering when they should begin.</p> - -<p>"You will not be surprised at Charles's impatience," said Mrs. Blake, a -lively, pleasant-looking little woman of five- or six-and-thirty, to a -lady who was standing near her, "when you know what a partner he is to -have. Miss Osborne has been so very kind as to promise to dance the two -first dances with him."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes! we have been engaged this week," cried the boy, "and we are -to dance down every couple."</p> - -<p>On the other side of Emma, Miss Osborne, Miss Carr, and a party of -young men were standing engaged in a very lively consultation; and soon -afterwards she saw the smartest officer of the set walking off to the -orchestra to order the dance, while Miss Osborne, passing before her -to her little expecting partner, hastily said: "Charles, I beg your -pardon for not keeping my engagement, but I am going to dance these -two dances with Colonel Beresford. I know you will excuse me, and I -will certainly dance with you after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> tea"; and without staying for an -answer, she turned again to Miss Carr, and in another minute was led -by Colonel Beresford to begin the set. If the poor little boy's face -had in its happiness been interesting to Emma, it was infinitely more -so under this sudden reverse; he stood the picture of disappointment -with crimsoned cheeks, quivering lips, and eyes bent on the floor. His -mother, stifling her own mortification, tried to soothe him with the -prospect of Miss Osborne's second promise; but, though he contrived to -utter with an effort of boyish bravery, "Oh, I do not mind it!" it was -very evident by the unceasing agitation of his features that he minded -it as much as ever.</p> - -<p>Emma did not think or reflect; she felt and acted. "I shall be very -happy to dance with you, sir, if you like it," said she, holding out -her hand with the most unaffected good-humour. The boy, in one moment -restored to all his first delight, looked joyfully at his mother; -and stepping forwards with an honest, simple "Thank you, ma'am," was -instantly ready<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> to attend his new acquaintance. The thankfulness of -Mrs. Blake was more diffuse; with a look most expressive of unexpected -pleasure and lively gratitude, she turned to her neighbour with -repeated and fervent acknowledgments of so great and condescending -a kindness to her boy. Emma, with perfect truth, assured her that -she could not be giving greater pleasure than she felt herself; and -Charles, being provided with his gloves and charged to keep them on, -they joined the set which was now rapidly forming, with nearly equal -complacency. It was a partnership which could not be noticed without -surprise. It gained her a broad stare from Miss Osborne and Miss Carr, -as they passed her in the dance. "Upon my word, Charles, you are in -luck," said the former, as she turned him; "you have got a better -partner than me"; to which the happy Charles answered "Yes."</p> - -<p>Tom Musgrave, who was dancing with Miss Carr, gave her many inquisitive -glances; and after a time Lord Osborne himself came, and under pretence -of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>talking to Charles, stood to look at his partner. Though rather -distressed by such observation, Emma could not repent what she had -done, so happy had it made both the boy and his mother; the latter of -whom was continually making opportunities of addressing her with the -warmest civility. Her little partner she found, though bent chiefly on -dancing, was not unwilling to speak, when her questions or remarks gave -him anything to say; and she learnt, by a sort of inevitable enquiry, -that he had two brothers and a sister, that they and their mamma all -lived with his uncle at Wickstead, that his uncle taught him Latin, -that he was very fond of riding, and had a horse of his own given -him by Lord Osborne; and that he had been out once already with Lord -Osborne's hounds.</p> - -<p>At the end of these dances, Emma found they were to drink tea; Miss -Edwards gave her a caution to be at hand, in a manner which convinced -her of Mrs. Edwards' holding it very important to have them both close -to her when she moved into the tea-room; and Emma was <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>accordingly on -the alert to gain her proper station.</p> - -<p>It was always the pleasure of the company to have a little bustle and -crowd when they adjourned for refreshment. The tea-room was a small -room within the card-room; and in passing through the latter, where the -passage was straitened by tables, Mrs. Edwards and her party were for -a few moments hemmed in. It happened close by Lady Osborne's casino -table; Mr. Howard, who belonged to it, spoke to his nephew; and Emma, -on perceiving herself the object of attention both to Lady Osborne and -him, had just turned away her eyes in time to avoid seeming to hear her -young companion exclaim delightedly aloud: "Oh, uncle! do look at my -partner, she is so pretty!" As they were immediately in motion again, -however, Charles was hurried off without being able to receive his -uncle's suffrage. On entering the tea-room, in which two long tables -were prepared, Lord Osborne was to be seen quite alone at the end of -one, as if retreating as far as he could from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> the ball, to enjoy his -own thoughts and gape without restraint. Charles instantly pointed him -out to Emma. "There's Lord Osborne; let you and I go and sit by him."</p> - -<p>"No, no," said Emma laughing, "you must sit with my friends."</p> - -<p>Charles was now free enough to hazard a few questions in his turn. -"What o'clock was it?"</p> - -<p>"Eleven."</p> - -<p>"Eleven! and I am not at all sleepy. Mamma said I should be asleep -before ten. Do you think Miss Osborne will keep her word with me when -tea is over?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; I suppose so," though she felt that she had no better reason -to give than that Miss Osborne had <i>not</i> kept it before.</p> - -<p>"When shall you come to Osborne Castle?"</p> - -<p>"Never, probably. I am not acquainted with the family."</p> - -<p>"But you may come to Wickstead and see mamma, and she can take you -to the castle. There is a monstrous curious stuffed fox there, and a -badger; anybody<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> would think they were alive. It is a pity you should -not see them."</p> - -<p>On rising from tea there was again a scramble for the pleasure of -being first out of the room, which happened to be increased by one or -two of the card-parties having just broken up, and the players being -disposed to move exactly the different way. Among these was Mr. Howard, -his sister leaning on his arm; and no sooner were they within reach of -Emma, than Mrs. Blake, calling her notice by a friendly touch, said: -"Your goodness to Charles, my dear Miss Watson, brings all his family -upon you. Give me leave to introduce my brother." Emma curtsied, the -gentleman bowed, made a hasty request for the honour of her hand in -the two next dances, to which as hasty an affirmative was given, and -they were immediately impelled in opposite directions. Emma was very -well pleased with the circumstance; there was a quietly cheerful, -gentlemanlike air in Mr. Howard, which suited her; and in a few minutes -afterwards the value of her engagement<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> increased when, as she was -sitting in the card-room, somewhat screened by a door, she heard Lord -Osborne, who was lounging on a vacant table near her, call Tom Musgrave -towards him and say: "Why do not you dance with that beautiful Emma -Watson? I want you to dance with her, and I will come and stand by you."</p> - -<p>"I was determined on it this very moment, my lord; I'll be introduced -and dance with her directly."</p> - -<p>"Aye, do; and if you find she does not want much talking to, you may -introduce me by-and-by."</p> - -<p>"Very well, my lord; if she is like her sisters, she will only want -to be listened to. I will go this moment. I shall find her in the -tea-room. That stiff old Mrs. Edwards has never done tea."</p> - -<p>Away he went, Lord Osborne after him; and Emma lost no time in hurrying -from her corner exactly the other way, forgetting in her haste that she -left Mrs. Edwards behind.</p> - -<p>"We had quite lost you," said Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> Edwards, who followed in less than -five minutes. "If you prefer this room to the other, there is no reason -why you should not be here; but we had better all be together."</p> - -<p>Emma was saved the trouble of apologising, by their being joined at -the moment by Tom Musgrave, who, requesting Mrs. Edwards aloud to do -him the honour of presenting him to Miss Emma Watson, left that good -lady without any choice in the business, but that of testifying by -the coldness of her manner that she did it unwillingly. The honour of -dancing with her was solicited without loss of time; and Emma, however -she might like to be thought a beautiful girl by lord or commoner, -was so little disposed to favour Tom Musgrave himself, that she had -considerable satisfaction in avowing her previous engagement. He was -evidently surprised and discomposed. The style of her last partner had -probably led him to believe her not overpowered with applications.</p> - -<p>"My little friend, Charles Blake," he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> cried, "must not expect to -engross you the whole evening. We can never suffer this. It is against -the rules of the assembly, and I am sure it will never be patronised by -our good friend here, Mrs. Edwards; she is by much too nice a judge of -decorum to give her licence to such a dangerous particularity——"</p> - -<p>"I am not going to dance with Master Blake, sir!"</p> - -<p>The gentleman, a little disconcerted, could only hope he might be -fortunate another time; and seeming unwilling to leave her, though his -friend, Lord Osborne, was waiting in the doorway for the result, as -Emma with some amusement perceived, he began to make civil enquiries -after her family.</p> - -<p>"How comes it that we have not the pleasure of seeing your sisters here -this evening? Our assemblies have been used to be so well treated by -them that we do not know how to take this neglect."</p> - -<p>"My eldest sister is the only one at home, and she could not leave my -father."</p> - -<p>"Miss Watson the only one at home!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> You astonish me! It seems but the -day before yesterday that I saw them all three in the town. But I -am afraid I have been a very sad neighbour of late. I hear dreadful -complaints of my negligence wherever I go, and I confess it is a -shameful length of time since I was at Stanton. But I shall <i>now</i> -endeavour to make myself amends for the past."</p> - -<p>Emma's calm curtsey in reply must have struck him as very unlike the -encouraging warmth he had been used to receive from her sisters; and -gave him probably the novel sensation of doubting his own influence, -and of wishing for more attention than she bestowed. The dancing -now recommenced. Miss Carr being impatient to <i>call</i>, everybody was -required to stand up; and Tom Musgrave's curiosity was appeased on -seeing Mr. Howard come forward and claim Emma's hand.</p> - -<p>"That will do as well for me," was Lord Osborne's remark, when his -friend carried him the news, and he was continually at Howard's elbow -during the two dances.</p> - -<p>The frequency of his appearance there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> was the only unpleasant part of -the engagement, the only objection she could make to Mr. Howard. In -himself, she thought him as agreeable as he looked; though chatting on -the commonest topics, he had a sensible, unaffected way of expressing -himself, which made whatever he said worth hearing, and she only -regretted that he had not been able to make his pupil's manners as -unexceptionable as his own. The two dances seemed very short, and -she had her partner's authority for considering them so. At their -conclusion, the Osbornes and their train were all on the move.</p> - -<p>"We are off at last," said his lordship to Tom. "How much longer do you -stay in this heavenly place?—till sunrise?"</p> - -<p>"No, faith! my lord; I have had quite enough of it, I assure you. -I shall not show myself here again when I have had the honour of -attending Lady Osborne to her carriage. I shall retreat in as much -secrecy as possible to the most remote corner of the house, where I -shall order a barrel of oysters, and be famously snug." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Let me see you soon at the castle, and bring me word how she looks by -daylight."</p> - -<p>Emma and Mrs. Blake parted as old acquaintance; and Charles shook her -by the hand and wished her good-bye at least a dozen times. From Miss -Osborne and Miss Carr she received something like a jerking curtsey as -they passed her; even Lady Osborne gave her a look of complacency, and -his lordship actually came back after the others were out of the room, -to "beg her pardon," and look in the window-seat behind her for the -gloves which were visibly compressed in his hand. As Tom Musgrave was -seen no more, we may suppose his plan to have succeeded, and imagine -him mortifying with his barrel of oysters in dreary solitude, or gladly -assisting the landlady in her bar to make fresh negus for the happy -dancers above. Emma could not help missing the party by whom she had -been, though in some respects unpleasantly, distinguished; and the -two dances which followed and concluded the ball were rather flat in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>comparison with the others. Mr. Edwards having played with good luck, -they were some of the last in the room.</p> - -<p>"Here we are back again, I declare," said Emma sorrowfully, as she -walked into the dining-room, where the table was prepared, and the neat -upper maid was lighting the candles.</p> - -<p>"My dear Miss Edwards, how soon it is at an end! I wish it could all -come over again."</p> - -<p>A great deal of kind pleasure was expressed in her having enjoyed the -evening so much; and Mr. Edwards was as warm as herself in the praise -of the fulness, brilliancy, and spirit of the meeting; though as he had -been fixed the whole time at the same table in the same room, with only -one change of chairs, it might have seemed a matter scarcely perceived; -but he had won four rubbers out of five, and everything went well. His -daughter felt the advantage of this gratified state of mind in the -course of the remarks and retrospections which now ensued over the -welcome soup. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> - -<p>"How came you not to dance with either of the Mr. Tomlinsons, Mary?" -said her mother.</p> - -<p>"I was always engaged when they asked me."</p> - -<p>"I thought you were to have stood up with Mr. James the two last -dances; Mrs. Tomlinson told me he was gone to ask you, and I had heard -you say two minutes before that you were <i>not</i> engaged?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but there was a mistake; I had misunderstood. I did not know I -was engaged. I thought it had been for the two dances after, if we -stayed so long; but Captain Hunter assured me it was for those very -two."</p> - -<p>"So you ended with Captain Hunter, Mary, did you?" said her father. -"And whom did you begin with?"</p> - -<p>"Captain Hunter," was repeated in a very humble tone.</p> - -<p>"Hum! That is being constant, however. But who else did you dance with?"</p> - -<p>"Mr. Norton and Mr. Styles."</p> - -<p>"And who are they?" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Mr. Norton is a cousin of Captain Hunter's."</p> - -<p>"And who is Mr. Styles?"</p> - -<p>"One of his particular friends."</p> - -<p>"All in the same regiment," added Mrs. Edwards. "Mary was surrounded by -redcoats all the evening. I should have been better pleased to see her -dancing with some of our old neighbours, I confess."</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes; we must not neglect our old neighbours. But if these -soldiers are quicker than other people in a ball-room, what are young -ladies to do?"</p> - -<p>"I think there is no occasion for their engaging themselves so many -dances beforehand, Mr. Edwards."</p> - -<p>"No, perhaps not; but I remember, my dear, when you and I did the same."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Edwards said no more, and Mary breathed again. A good deal of -good-humoured pleasantry followed, and Emma went to bed in charming -spirits, her head full of Osbornes, Blakes, and Howards.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> - -<p>The next morning brought a great many visitors. It was the way of the -place always to call on Mrs. Edwards the morning after a ball, and this -neighbourly inclination was increased in the present instance by a -general spirit of curiosity on Emma's account, as everybody wanted to -look again at the girl who had been admired the night before by Lord -Osborne. Many were the eyes, and various the degrees of approbation, -with which she was examined. Some saw no fault, and some no beauty. -With some, her brown skin was the annihilation of every grace, and -others could never be persuaded that she was half so handsome as -Elizabeth Watson had been ten years ago. The morning passed quickly -away in discussing the merits of the ball with all this succession of -company, and Emma was at once astonished by finding it two o'clock, -and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> considering that she had heard nothing of her father's chair. -After this discovery she had walked twice to the window to examine the -street, and was on the point of asking leave to ring the bell and make -enquiries, when the light sound of a carriage driving up to the door -set her heart at ease. She stepped again to the window, but instead -of the convenient though very un-smart family equipage, perceived a -neat curricle. Mr. Musgrave was shortly afterwards announced, and -Mrs. Edwards put on her very stiffest look at the sound. Not at all -dismayed, however, by her chilling air, he paid his compliments to each -of the ladies with no unbecoming ease, and continuing to address Emma, -presented her a note, which "he had the honour of bringing from her -sister, but to which, he must observe, a verbal postscript from himself -would be requisite."</p> - -<p>The note, which Emma was beginning to read rather before Mrs. Edwards -had entreated her to use no ceremony, contained a few lines from -Elizabeth importing that their father, in consequence of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> being -unusually well, had taken the sudden resolution of attending the -visitation that day; and that as his road lay quite wide from D——, -it was impossible for her to come home till the following morning; -unless the Edwards would send her, which was hardly to be expected, or -she could meet with any chance conveyance, or did not mind walking so -far. She had scarcely run her eye through the whole, before she found -herself obliged to listen to Tom Musgrave's further account.</p> - -<p>"I received that note from the fair hands of Miss Watson only ten -minutes ago," said he; "I met her in the village of Stanton, whither my -good stars prompted me to run my horses' heads. She was at that moment -in quest of a person to employ on the errand, and I was fortunate -enough to convince her that she could not find a more willing or speedy -messenger than myself. Remember, I say nothing of my disinterestedness. -My reward is to be the indulgence of conveying you to Stanton in my -curricle. Though they are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> not written down, I bring your sister's -orders for the same."</p> - -<p>Emma felt distressed; she did not like the proposal—she did not wish -to be on terms of intimacy with the proposer: and yet, fearful of -encroaching on the Edwards, as well as wishing to go home herself, she -was at a loss how entirely to decline what he offered. Mrs. Edwards -continued silent, either not understanding the case, or waiting to see -how the young lady's inclination lay. Emma thanked him, but professed -herself very unwilling to give him so much trouble. The trouble was of -course, honour, pleasure, delight—what had he or his horses to do? -Still she hesitated—she believed she must beg leave to decline his -assistance; she was rather afraid of the sort of carriage. The distance -was not beyond a walk. Mrs. Edwards was silent no longer. She enquired -into the particulars, and then said, "We shall be extremely happy, Miss -Emma, if you can give us the pleasure of your company till to-morrow; -but if you cannot conveniently do so, our carriage is quite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> at your -service, and Mary will be pleased with the opportunity of seeing your -sister."</p> - -<p>This was precisely what Emma longed for, and she accepted the offer -most thankfully; acknowledging that as Elizabeth was entirely alone, it -was her wish to return home to dinner. The plan was warmly opposed by -their visitor.</p> - -<p>"I cannot suffer it, indeed. I must not be deprived of the happiness -of escorting you. I assure you there is not a possibility of fear with -my horses. You might guide them yourself. Your sisters all know how -quiet they are; they have none of them the smallest scruple intrusting -themselves with me, even on a racecourse. Believe me," added he, -lowering his voice, "<i>you</i> are quite safe—the danger is only <i>mine</i>."</p> - -<p>Emma was not more disposed to oblige him for all this.</p> - -<p>"And as for Mrs. Edwards' carriage being used the day after the ball, -it is a thing out of all rule, I assure you—never heard of before. The -old coachman will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> look as black as his horses—won't he, Miss Edwards?"</p> - -<p>No notice was taken. The ladies were silently firm, and the gentleman -found himself obliged to submit.</p> - -<p>"What a famous ball we had last night," he cried, after a short pause. -"How long did you keep it up after the Osbornes and I went away?"</p> - -<p>"We had two dances more."</p> - -<p>"It is making it too much of a fatigue, I think, to stay so late. I -suppose your set was not a very full one?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, quite as full as ever, except the Osbornes. There seemed no -vacancy anywhere; and everybody danced with uncommon spirit to the very -last."</p> - -<p>Emma said this, though against her conscience.</p> - -<p>"Indeed! Perhaps I might have looked in upon you again, if I had been -aware of as much; for I am rather fond of dancing than not. Miss -Osborne is a charming girl, is not she?"</p> - -<p>"I do not think her handsome," replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> Emma, to whom all this was -chiefly addressed.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps she is not critically handsome, but her manners are -delightful. And Fanny Carr is a most interesting little creature. You -can imagine nothing more naïve or <i>piquante</i>; and what do you think of -Lord Osborne, Miss Watson?"</p> - -<p>"He would be handsome even though he were <i>not</i> a lord, and perhaps -better himself pleased in a right place."</p> - -<p>"Upon my word, you are severe upon my friend! I assure you Lord Osborne -is a very good fellow."</p> - -<p>"I do not dispute his virtues, but I do not like his careless air."</p> - -<p>"If it were not a breach of confidence," replied Tom, with an important -look, "perhaps I might be able to win a more favourable opinion of poor -Osborne."</p> - -<p>Emma gave him no encouragement, and he was obliged to keep his friend's -secret. He was also obliged to put an end to his visit, for Mrs. -Edwards having ordered her carriage, there was no time to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> be lost on -Emma's side in preparing for it. Miss Edwards accompanied her home; but -as it was dinner hour at Stanton, stayed with them only a few minutes.</p> - -<p>"Now, my dear Emma," said Miss Watson, as soon as they were alone, "you -must talk to me all the rest of the day without stopping, or I shall -not be satisfied; but, first of all, Nanny shall bring in the dinner. -Poor thing! You will not dine as you did yesterday, for we have nothing -but some fried beef. How nice Mary Edwards looks in her new pelisse! -And now tell me how you like them all, and what I am to say to Sam. I -have begun my letter; Jack Stokes is to call for it to-morrow, for his -uncle is going within a mile of Guildford next day."</p> - -<p>Nanny brought in the dinner.</p> - -<p>"We will wait upon ourselves," continued Elizabeth, "and then we shall -lose no time. And so you would not come home with Tom Musgrave?"</p> - -<p>"No, you had said so much against him that I could not wish either for -the obligation or the intimacy which the use of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> his carriage must have -created. I should not even have liked the appearance of it."</p> - -<p>"You did very right, though I wonder at your forbearance, and I do not -think I could have done it myself. He seemed so eager to fetch you that -I could not say no, though it rather went against me to be throwing you -together, so well as I knew his tricks; but I did long to see you, and -it was a clever way of getting you home. Besides, it won't do to be too -nice. Nobody could have thought of the Edwards letting you have their -coach, after the horses being out so late. But what am I to say to Sam?"</p> - -<p>"If you are guided by me you will not encourage him to think of -Miss Edwards. The father is decidedly against him, the mother shows -him no favour, and I doubt his having any interest with Mary. She -danced twice with Captain Hunter, and I think shows him in general -as much encouragement as is consistent with her disposition and the -circumstances she is placed in. She once mentioned Sam, and certainly -with a little confusion; but that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> was perhaps merely owing to the -consciousness of his liking her, which may very probably have come to -her knowledge.</p> - -<p>"Oh! dear, yes. She has heard enough of <i>that</i> from us all! Poor Sam! -he is out of luck as well as other people. For the life of me, Emma, I -cannot help feeling for those that are crossed in love. Well, now begin -and give me an account of everything as it happened."</p> - -<p>Emma obeyed her, and Elizabeth listened with very little interruption -till she heard of Mr. Howard as a partner.</p> - -<p>"Dance with Mr. Howard. Good heavens! You don't say so! Why, he is -quite one of the great and grand ones. Did you not find him very high?"</p> - -<p>"His manners are of a kind to give me much more ease and confidence -than Tom Musgrave's."</p> - -<p>"Well, go on. I should have been frightened out of my wits to have had -anything to do with the Osbornes' set."</p> - -<p>Emma concluded her narration.</p> - -<p>"And so you really did not dance with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> Tom Musgrave at all, but you -must have liked him—you must have been struck with him altogether?"</p> - -<p>"I do <i>not</i> like him, Elizabeth. I allow his person and air to be -good; and that his manners to a certain point—his address rather—is -pleasing. But I see nothing else to admire in him. On the contrary, he -seems very vain, very conceited, absurdly anxious for distinction, and -absolutely contemptible in some of the measures he takes for being so. -There is a ridiculousness about him that entertains me; but his company -gives me no other agreeable emotion."</p> - -<p>"My dearest Emma! You are like nobody else in the world. It is well -Margaret is not by. You do not offend <i>me</i>, though I hardly know how to -believe you; but Margaret would never forgive such words."</p> - -<p>"I wish Margaret could have heard him profess his ignorance of her -being out of the country; he declared it seemed only two days since he -had seen her."</p> - -<p>"Aye, that is just like him; and yet this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> is the man she <i>will</i> fancy -so desperately in love with her. He is no favourite of mine, as you -well know, Emma; but you must think him agreeable. Can you lay your -hand on your heart and say you do not?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed I can, both hands; and spread them to their widest extent."</p> - -<p>"I should like to know the man you <i>do</i> think agreeable."</p> - -<p>"His name is Howard."</p> - -<p>"Howard! Dear me, I cannot think of him but as playing cards with Lady -Osborne, and looking proud. I must own, however, that it is a relief -to me to find you can speak as you do of Tom Musgrave. My heart did -misgive me that you would like him too well. You talked so stoutly -beforehand, that I was sadly afraid your brag would be punished. -I only hope it will last, and that he will not come on to pay you -much attention. It is a hard thing for a woman to stand against the -flattering ways of a man when he is bent upon pleasing her."</p> - -<p>As their quietly sociable little meal <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>concluded, Miss Watson could not -help observing how comfortably it had passed.</p> - -<p>"It is so delightful to me," said she, "to have things going on in -peace and good-humour. Nobody can tell how much I hate quarrelling. -Now, though we have had nothing but fried beef, how good it has all -seemed. I wish everybody were as easily satisfied as you; but poor -Margaret is very snappish, and Penelope owns she would rather have -quarrelling going on than nothing at all."</p> - -<p>Mr. Watson returned in the evening not the worse for the exertion of -the day and, consequently, pleased with what he had done, and glad to -talk of it over his own fireside. Emma had not foreseen any interest -to herself in the occurrences of a visitation; but when she heard Mr. -Howard spoken of as the preacher, and as having given them an excellent -sermon, she could not help listening with a quicker ear.</p> - -<p>"I do not know when I have heard a discourse more to my mind," -continued Mr. Watson, "or one better delivered.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> He reads extremely -well, with great propriety, and in a very impressive manner; and at -the same time without any theatrical grimace or violence. I own I do -not like much action in the pulpit; I do not like the studied air and -artificial inflexions of voice which your very popular and most admired -preachers generally have. A simple delivery is much better calculated -to inspire devotion, and shows a much better taste. Mr. Howard read -like a scholar and a gentleman."</p> - -<p>"And what had you for dinner, sir?" said his eldest daughter.</p> - -<p>He related the dishes, and told what he had ate himself.</p> - -<p>"Upon the whole," he added, "I have had a very comfortable day. My old -friends were quite surprised to see me amongst them, and I must say -that everybody paid me great attention, and seemed to feel for me as an -invalid. They would make me sit near the fire; and as the partridges -were pretty high, Dr. Richards would have them sent away to the other -end of the table, 'that they might not <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>offend Mr. Watson,' which I -thought very kind of him. But what pleased me as much as anything was -Mr. Howard's attention. There is a pretty steep flight of steps up to -the room we dine in, which do not agree with my gouty foot, and Mr. -Howard walked by me from the bottom to the top, and would make me take -his arm. It struck me as very becoming in so young a man, but I am sure -I had no claim to expect it, for I never saw him before in my life. By -the by, he enquired after one of my daughters, but I do not know which. -I suppose you know among yourselves."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> - -<p>On the third day after the ball, as Nanny at five minutes before three, -was beginning to bustle into the parlour with the tray and knife case, -she was suddenly called to the front door by the sound of as smart -a rap as the end of a riding whip could give; and though charged by -Miss Watson to let nobody in, returned in half a minute with a look -of awkward dismay to hold the parlour door open for Lord Osborne and -Tom Musgrave. The surprise of the young ladies may be imagined. No -visitors would have been welcome at such a moment, but such visitors as -these—such an one as Lord Osborne at least, a nobleman and a stranger, -was really distressing.</p> - -<p>He looked a little embarrassed himself, as, on being introduced by -his easy voluble friend, he muttered something of doing himself the -honour of waiting upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> Mr. Watson. Though Emma could not but take the -compliment of the visit to herself, she was very far from enjoying -it. She felt all the inconsistency of such an acquaintance with the -very humble style in which they were obliged to live; and having in -her aunt's family been used to many of the elegancies of life, was -fully sensible of all that must be open to the ridicule of richer -people in her present home. Of the pain of such feelings, Elizabeth -knew very little. Her simple mind or juster reason saved her from -such mortification; and though shrinking under a general sense of -inferiority, she felt no particular shame. Mr. Watson, as the gentlemen -had already heard from Nanny, was not well enough to be down stairs. -With much concern they took their seats; Lord Osborne near Emma, and -the convenient Mr. Musgrave, in high spirits at his own importance, on -the other side of the fireplace with Elizabeth. <i>He</i> was at no loss -for words; but when Lord Osborne had hoped that Emma had not caught -cold at the ball, he had nothing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> more to say for some time, and could -only gratify his eye by occasional glances at his fair companion. Emma -was not inclined to give herself much trouble for his entertainment; -and after hard labour of mind, he produced the remark of its being a -very fine day; and followed it up with the question of "Have you been -walking this morning?"</p> - -<p>"No, my lord, we thought it too dirty."</p> - -<p>"You should wear half-boots." After another pause: "Nothing sets off a -neat ankle more than a half-boot; nankeen, goloshed with black, looks -very well. Do not you like half-boots?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but unless they are so stout as to injure their beauty, they are -not fit for country walking."</p> - -<p>"Ladies should ride in dirty weather. Do you ride?"</p> - -<p>"No, my lord."</p> - -<p>"I wonder every lady does not; a woman never looks better than on -horseback."</p> - -<p>"But every woman may not have the inclination or the means." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> - -<p>"If they knew how much it became them, they would all have the -inclination; and I fancy, Miss Watson, when once they had the -inclination, the means would soon follow."</p> - -<p>"Your lordship thinks we always have our own way. <i>That</i> is a point on -which ladies and gentlemen have long disagreed; but without pretending -to decide it, I may say that there are some circumstances which even -<i>women</i> cannot control. Female economy will do a great deal, my lord; -but it cannot turn a small income into a large one."</p> - -<p>Lord Osborne was silenced. Her manner had been neither sententious nor -sarcastic, but there was a something in its mild seriousness, as well -as in the words themselves, which made his lordship think; and when he -addressed her again, it was with a degree of considerable propriety -totally unlike the half-awkward, half-fearless style of his former -remarks. It was a new thing with him to wish to please a woman; it -was the first time that he had ever felt what was due to a woman in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> -Emma's situation; but as he was wanting neither in sense nor a good -disposition, he did not feel it without effect.</p> - -<p>"You have not been long in this country, I understand," said he in the -tone of a gentleman. "I hope you are pleased with it."</p> - -<p>He was rewarded by a gracious answer and a more liberal full view -of her face than she had yet bestowed. Unused to exert himself, and -happy in contemplating her, he then sat in silence for some minutes -longer, while Tom Musgrave was chattering to Elizabeth, till they were -interrupted by Nanny's approach, who, half-opening the door and putting -in her head, said—</p> - -<p>"Please, ma'am, master wants to know why he be'nt to have his dinner?"</p> - -<p>The gentlemen, who had hitherto disregarded every symptom, however -positive, of the nearness of that meal, now jumped up with apologies; -while Elizabeth called briskly after Nanny to take up the fowls.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry it happens so," she added,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> turning good-humouredly towards -Musgrave, "but you know what early hours we keep."</p> - -<p>Tom had nothing to say for himself, he knew it very well; and such -honest simplicity, such shameless truth, rather bewildered him. -Lord Osborne's parting compliments took some time, his inclination -for speech seeming to increase with the shortness of the term for -indulgence. He recommended exercise in defiance of dirt; spoke again in -praise of half-boots; begged that his sister might be allowed to send -Emma the name of her shoemaker; and concluded with saying: "My hounds -will be hunting this country next week. I believe they will throw -off at Stanton Wood on Wednesday at nine o'clock. I mention this in -hopes of your being drawn out to see what's going on. If the morning's -tolerable, pray do us the honour of giving us your good wishes in -person."</p> - -<p>The sisters looked on each other with astonishment when their visitors -had withdrawn.</p> - -<p>"Here's an unaccountable honour!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> cried Elizabeth at last. "Who would -have thought of Lord Osborne's coming to Stanton? He is very handsome; -but Tom Musgrave looks all to nothing the smartest and most fashionable -man of the two. I am glad he did not say anything to me; I would not -have had to talk to such a great man for the world. Tom was very -agreeable, was not he? But did you hear him ask where Miss Penelope and -Miss Margaret were, when he first came in? It put me out of patience. I -am glad Nanny had not laid the cloth, however, it would have looked so -awkward; just the tray did not signify."</p> - -<p>To say that Emma was not flattered by Lord Osborne's visit, would be to -assert a very unlikely thing, and describe a very odd young lady; but -the gratification was by no means unalloyed; his coming was a sort of -notice which might please her vanity, but did not suit her pride; and -she would rather have known that he wished the visit without presuming -to make it, than have seen him at Stanton.</p> - -<p>Among other unsatisfactory feelings, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> once occurred to her to -wonder why Mr. Howard had not taken the same privilege of coming, and -accompanied his lordship; but she was willing to suppose that he had -either known nothing about it, or had declined any share in a measure -which carried quite as much impertinence in form as good breeding. Mr. -Watson was very far from being delighted when he heard what had passed; -a little peevish under immediate pain, and ill-disposed to be pleased, -he only replied—</p> - -<p>"Pooh! Pooh! what occasion could there be for Lord Osborne's coming? -I have lived here fourteen years without being noticed by any of the -family. It is some fooling of that idle fellow, Tom Musgrave. I cannot -return the visit. I would not if I could." And when Tom Musgrave was -met with again, he was commissioned with a message of excuse to Osborne -Castle on the too sufficient plea of Mr. Watson's infirm state of health.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> - -<p>A week or ten days rolled quietly away after this visit before any -new bustle arose to interrupt, even for half a day, the tranquil and -affectionate intercourse of the two sisters, whose mutual regard -was increasing with the intimate knowledge of each other which such -intercourse produced. The first circumstance to break in on their -security was the receipt of a letter from Croydon, to announce the -speedy return of Margaret, and a visit of two or three days from Mr. -and Mrs. Robert Watson, who undertook to bring her home, and wished to -see their sister Emma.</p> - -<p>It was an expectation to fill the thoughts of the sisters at Stanton -and to busy the hours of one of them at least; for, as Jane had been -a woman of fortune, the preparations for her entertainment were -considerable; and as Elizabeth had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> at all times more goodwill than -method in her guidance of the house, she could make no change without -a bustle. An absence of fourteen years had made all her brothers and -sisters strangers to Emma, but in her expectation of Margaret there was -more than the awkwardness of such an alienation; she had heard things -which made her dread her return; and the day which brought the party to -Stanton, seemed to her the probable conclusion of almost all that had -been comfortable in the house.</p> - -<p>Robert Watson was an attorney at Croydon in a good way of business, -very well satisfied with himself for the same, and for having married -the only daughter of the attorney to whom he had been clerk, with -a fortune of six thousand pounds. Mrs. Robert was not less pleased -with herself for having had that six thousand pounds, and for being -now in possession of a very smart house in Croydon, where she gave -genteel parties and wore fine clothes. In her person there was nothing -remarkable; her manners were pert and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> conceited. Margaret was not -without beauty; she had a slight, pretty figure, and rather wanted -countenance than good features; but the sharp and anxious expression -on her face made her beauty in general little felt. On meeting her -long-absent sister, as on every occasion of show, her manner was all -affection and her voice all gentleness; continual smiles and a very -slow articulation being her constant resource when determined on -pleasing.</p> - -<p>She was now "so delighted to see dear, dear Emma," that she could -hardly speak a word in a minute.</p> - -<p>"I am sure we shall be great friends," she observed with much sentiment -as they were sitting together. Emma scarcely knew how to answer such -a proposition, and the manner in which it was spoken she could not -attempt to equal. Mrs. Robert Watson eyed her with much familiar -curiosity and triumphant compassion; the loss of her aunt's fortune -was uppermost in her mind at the moment of meeting, and she could not -but feel how much better it was to be the daughter of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> gentleman of -property in Croydon than the niece of an old woman who threw herself -away on an Irish captain. Robert was carelessly kind, as became -a prosperous man and a brother; more intent on settling with the -post-boy, inveighing against the exorbitant advance in posting, and -pondering over a doubtful half-crown, than on welcoming a sister who -was no longer likely to have any property for him to get the direction -of.</p> - -<p>"Your road through the village is infamous, Elizabeth," said he; "worse -than ever it was. By heaven! I would indict it if I lived near you. Who -is the surveyor now?"</p> - -<p>There was a little niece at Croydon to be fondly enquired after by the -kind-hearted Elizabeth, who regretted very much her not being of the -party.</p> - -<p>"You are very good," replied her mother, "and I assure you it went -very hard with Augusta to have us come away without her. I was forced -to say we were only going to church, and promise to come back for her -directly. But you know it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> would not do to bring her without her maid, -and I am as particular as ever in having her properly attended to."</p> - -<p>"Sweet little darling," cried Margaret. "It quite broke my heart to -leave her."</p> - -<p>"Then why was you in such a hurry to run away from her?" cried Mrs. -Robert. "You are a sad, shabby girl. I have been quarrelling with you -all the way we came, have not I? Such a visit as this I never heard -of! You know how glad we are to have any of you with us, if it be for -months together; and I am sorry (with a witty smile) we have not been -able to make Croydon agreeable this autumn."</p> - -<p>"My dearest Jane, do not overpower me with your raillery. You know what -inducements I had to bring me home. Spare me, I entreat you. I am no -match for your arch sallies."</p> - -<p>"Well, I only beg you will not set your neighbours against the place. -Perhaps Emma may be tempted to go back with us and stay till Christmas, -if you don't put in your word."</p> - -<p>Emma was greatly obliged. "I assure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> you we have very good society at -Croydon. I do not much attend the balls, they are rather too mixed; but -our parties are very select and good. I had seven tables last week in -my drawing-room.</p> - -<p>"Are you fond of the country? How do you like Stanton?"</p> - -<p>"Very much," replied Emma, who thought a comprehensive answer most to -the purpose. She saw that her sister-in-law despised her immediately. -Mrs. Robert Watson was indeed wondering what sort of a home Emma could -possibly have been used to in Shropshire, and setting it down as -certain that the aunt could never have had six thousand pounds.</p> - -<p>"How charming Emma is," whispered Margaret to Mrs. Robert in her -most languishing tone. Emma was quite distressed by such behaviour, -and she did not like it better when she heard Margaret, five minutes -afterwards, say to Elizabeth in a sharp, quick accent, totally unlike -the first: "Have you heard from Pen since she went to Chichester? I had -a letter the other day. I don't find she is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> likely to make anything of -it. I fancy she'll come back 'Miss Penelope,' as she went."</p> - -<p>Such she feared would be Margaret's common voice when the novelty of -her own appearance was over; the tone of artificial sensibility was not -recommended by the idea. The ladies were invited upstairs to prepare -for dinner.</p> - -<p>"I hope you will find things tolerably comfortable, Jane," said -Elizabeth, as she opened the door of the spare bedchamber.</p> - -<p>"My good creature," replied she, "use no ceremony with me, I entreat -you. I am one of those who always take things as they find them. I hope -I can put up with a small apartment for two or three nights without -making a piece of work. I always wish to be treated quite <i>en famille</i> -when I come to see you. And now I do hope you have not been getting a -great dinner for us. Remember, we never eat suppers."</p> - -<p>"I suppose," said Margaret rather quickly to Emma, "you and I are to -be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> together; Elizabeth always takes care to have a room to herself."</p> - -<p>"No. Elizabeth gives me half hers."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" in a softened voice, and rather mortified to find that she was -not ill-used.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry I am not to have the pleasure of your company, especially -as it makes me nervous to be much alone."</p> - -<p>Emma was the first of the females in the parlour again; on entering it, -she found her brother alone.</p> - -<p>"So, Emma," said he, "you are quite a stranger at home. It must seem -odd enough for you to be here. A pretty piece of work your Aunt Turner -has made of it! By heaven! A woman should never be trusted with money. -I always said she ought to have settled something on you, as soon as -her husband died."</p> - -<p>"But that would have been trusting <i>me</i> with money," replied Emma; "and -I am a woman, too."</p> - -<p>"It might have been secured to your future use, without your having -any power over it now. What a blow it must have been upon you! To find -yourself,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> instead of heiress of eight thousand pounds or nine thousand -pounds, sent back a weight upon your family, without a sixpence. I hope -the old woman will smart for it."</p> - -<p>"Do not speak disrespectfully of her; she was very good to me, and if -she has made an imprudent choice, she will suffer more from it herself -than I can possibly do."</p> - -<p>"I do not mean to distress you, but you know everybody must think her -an old fool. I thought Turner had been reckoned an extraordinarily -sensible, clever man. How the devil came he to make such a will?"</p> - -<p>"My uncle's sense is not at all impeached in my opinion by his -attachment to my aunt. She had been an excellent wife to him. The most -liberal and enlightened minds are always the most confiding. The event -has been unfortunate, but my uncle's memory is, if possible, endeared -to me by such a proof of tender respect for my aunt."</p> - -<p>"That's odd sort of talking. He might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> have provided decently for his -widow, without leaving everything that he had to dispose of, or any -part of it, at her mercy."</p> - -<p>"My aunt may have erred," said Emma warmly; "she <i>has</i> erred, but my -uncle's conduct was faultless; I was her own niece, and he left to her -the power of providing for me."</p> - -<p>"But unluckily she has left the pleasure of providing for you to -your father, and without the power. That's the long and short of the -business. After keeping you at a distance from your family for such a -length of time as must do away with all natural affection among us, and -breeding you up (I suppose) in a superior style, you are returned upon -their hands without a sixpence."</p> - -<p>"You know," replied Emma, struggling with her tears, "my uncle's -melancholy state of health. He was a greater invalid than my father. He -could not leave home."</p> - -<p>"I do not mean to make you cry," said Robert, rather softened; and -after a short silence, by way of changing the subject,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> he added: "I -am just come from my father's room; he seems very indifferent. It will -be a sad break up if he dies. Pity you can none of you get married! -You must come to Croydon as well as the rest, and see what you can do -there. I believe if Margaret had had a thousand or fifteen hundred -pounds, there was a young man who would have thought of her."</p> - -<p>Emma was glad when they were joined by the others; it was better to -look at her sister-in-law's finery than listen to Robert, who had -equally irritated and grieved her. Mrs. Robert, exactly as smart as she -had been at her own party, came in with apologies for her dress.</p> - -<p>"I would not make you wait," said she, "so I put on the first thing I -met with. I am afraid I am a sad figure. My dear Mr. W—— (addressing -her husband), you have not put fresh powder in your hair."</p> - -<p>"No, I do not intend it. I think there is powder enough in my hair for -my wife and sisters."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, you ought to make some <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>alteration in your dress before dinner -when you are out visiting, though you do not at home."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense."</p> - -<p>"It is very odd you do not like to do what other gentlemen do. Mr. -Marshall and Mr. Hemming change their dress every day of their lives -before dinner. And what was the use of my putting up your last new -coat, if you are never to wear it?"</p> - -<p>"Do be satisfied with being fine yourself and leave your husband alone."</p> - -<p>To put an end to this altercation and soften the evident vexation of -her sister-in-law, Emma (though in no spirits to make nonsense easy) -began to admire her gown. It produced immediate complacency.</p> - -<p>"Do you like it?" she said. "I am very happy. It has been excessively -admired, but sometimes I think the pattern too large. I shall wear one -to-morrow which I think you will prefer to this. Have you seen the one -I gave Margaret?"</p> - -<p>Dinner came, and except when Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> Robert looked at her husband's head, -she continued gay and flippant; chiding Elizabeth for the profusion -on the table, and absolutely protesting against the entrance of the -roast turkey, which formed the only exception to "you see your dinner." -"I do beg and entreat that no turkey may be seen to-day. I am really -frightened out of my wits with the number of dishes we have already. -Let us have no turkey, I beseech you."</p> - -<p>"My dear," replied Elizabeth, "the turkey is roasted, and it may just -as well come in as stay in the kitchen. Besides, if it is cut, I am -in hopes my father may be tempted to eat a bit, for it is rather a -favourite dish."</p> - -<p>"You may have it in, then, my dear; but I assure you I shan't touch it."</p> - -<p>Mr. Watson had not been well enough to join the party at dinner, but -was prevailed on to come down and drink tea with them.</p> - -<p>"I wish he may be able to have a game of cards to-night," said -Elizabeth to Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> Robert, after seeing her father comfortably seated -in his arm-chair.</p> - -<p>"Not on my account, my dear, I beg. You know I am no card-player. I -think a snug chat infinitely better. I always say cards are very well -sometimes to break a formal circle, but one never wants them among -friends."</p> - -<p>"I was thinking of its being something to amuse my father," said -Elizabeth, "if it was not disagreeable to you. He says his head won't -bear whist, but perhaps if we make a round game he may be tempted to -sit down with us."</p> - -<p>"By all means, my dear creature; I am quite at your service, only do -not oblige me to choose the game, that's all. Speculation is the only -round game at Croydon now, but I can play anything. When there is only -one or two of you at home, you must be quite at a loss to amuse him. -Why do not you get him to play at cribbage? Margaret and I have played -at cribbage most nights that we have not been engaged."</p> - -<p>A sound like a distant carriage was at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> this moment caught; everybody -listened; it became more decided; it certainly drew nearer. It was -an unusual sound for Stanton at any time of the day, for the village -was on no very public road, and contained no gentleman's family but -the rector's. The wheels rapidly approached, in two minutes the -general expectation was answered; they stopped beyond a doubt at the -garden-gate of the parsonage. Who could it be? It was certainly a -post-chaise. Penelope was the only creature to be thought of: she -might perhaps have met with some unexpected opportunity of returning. -A pause of suspense ensued. Steps were distinguished along the paved -footway, which led under the window of the house to the front door, -and then within the passage. They were the steps of a man. It could -not be Penelope. It must be Samuel. The door opened, and displayed Tom -Musgrave in the wrap of a traveller. He had been in London and was now -on his way home, and he had come half a mile out of his road to call -for ten minutes at Stanton.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> He loved to take people by surprise with -sudden visits at extraordinary seasons and, in the present instance, he -had the additional motive of being able to tell the Miss Watsons, whom -he depended on finding sitting quietly employed after tea, that he was -going home to an eight o'clock dinner.</p> - -<p>As it happened, he did not give more surprise than he received, -when, instead of being shown into the usual little sitting-room, the -door of the best parlour (a foot larger each way than the other) was -thrown open, and he beheld a circle of smart people, whom he could not -immediately recognise, arranged with all the honours of visiting round -the fire; and Miss Watson seated at the best Pembroke table, with the -best tea-things before her.</p> - -<p>He stood a few seconds in silent amazement. "Musgrave," ejaculated -Margaret, in a tender voice. He recollected himself, and came forward, -delighted to find such a circle of friends, and blessing his good -fortune for the unlooked-for indulgence. He shook hands with Robert,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> -bowed and smiled to the ladies, and did everything very prettily; -but as to any particularity of address or emotion towards Margaret, -Emma, who closely observed him, perceived nothing that did not justify -Elizabeth's opinion; though Margaret's modest smiles imported that -she meant to take the visit to herself. He was persuaded without much -difficulty to throw off his great coat and drink tea with them. For -"whether he dined at eight or nine," as he observed, "was a matter -of very little consequence"; and without seeming to seek, he did not -turn away from the chair close by Margaret, which she was assiduous in -providing him. She had thus secured him from her sisters, but it was -not immediately in her power to preserve him from her brother's claims; -for as he came avowedly from London, and had left it only four hours -ago, the last current report as to public news, and the general opinion -of the day, must be understood before Robert could let his attention -be yielded to the less rational and important demands of the women.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> -At last, however, he was at liberty to hear Margaret's soft address, -as she spoke her fears of his having had a most terrible cold, dark, -dreadful journey.</p> - -<p>"Indeed, you should not have set out so late."</p> - -<p>"I could not be earlier," he replied. "I was detained chatting at the -'Bedford' by a friend. All hours are alike to me. How long have you -been in the country, Miss Margaret?"</p> - -<p>"We only came this morning; my kind brother and sister brought me home -this very morning. 'Tis singular—is not it?"</p> - -<p>"You were gone a great while, were not you? A fortnight, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"<i>You</i> may call a <i>fortnight</i> a great while, Mr. Musgrave," said Mrs. -Robert, sharply; "but <i>we</i> think a <i>month</i> very little. I assure you we -bring her home at the end of a month much against our will."</p> - -<p>"A month! Have you really been gone a month? 'Tis amazing how time -flies."</p> - -<p>"You may imagine," said Margaret, in a sort of whisper, "what are my -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>sensations in finding myself once more at Stanton; you know what a -sad visitor I make. And I was so excessively impatient to see Emma; I -dreaded the meeting, and at the same time longed for it. Do you not -comprehend the sort of feeling?"</p> - -<p>"Not at all," cried he, aloud. "I could never dread a meeting with Miss -Emma Watson, or any of her sisters."</p> - -<p>It was lucky that he added that finish.</p> - -<p>"Were you speaking of me?" said Emma, who had caught her own name.</p> - -<p>"Not absolutely," he answered; "but I was thinking of you, as many at a -greater distance are probably doing at this moment. Fine open weather, -Miss Emma—charming season for hunting."</p> - -<p>"Emma is delightful, is not she?" whispered Margaret; "I have found -her more than answer my warmest hopes. Did you ever see anything more -perfectly beautiful? I think even <i>you</i> must be a convert to a brown -complexion."</p> - -<p>He hesitated. Margaret was fair herself, and he did not particularly -want to compliment her; but Miss Osborne and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> Miss Carr were likewise -fair, and his devotion to them carried the day.</p> - -<p>"Your sister's complexion," said he, at last, "is as fine as a dark -complexion can be; but I still profess my preference of a white skin. -You have seen Miss Osborne? She is my model for a truly feminine -complexion, and she is very fair."</p> - -<p>"Is she fairer than me?"</p> - -<p>Tom made no reply. "Upon my honour, ladies," said he, giving a glance -over his own person, "I am highly indebted to your condescension for -admitting me in such dishabille into your drawing-room. I really did -not consider how unfit I was to be here, or I hope I should have kept -my distance. Lady Osborne would tell me that I was growing as careless -as her son if she saw me in this condition."</p> - -<p>The ladies were not wanting in civil returns, and Robert Watson, -stealing a view of his own head in an opposite glass, said with equal -civility—</p> - -<p>"You cannot be more in dishabille than myself. We got here so late that -I had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> not time even to put a little fresh powder into my hair."</p> - -<p>Emma could not help entering into what she supposed her sister-in-law's -feelings at the moment.</p> - -<p>When the tea-things were removed, Tom began to talk of his carriage; -but the old card-table being set out, and the fish and counters, with -a tolerably clean pack brought forward from the buffet by Miss Watson, -the general voice was so urgent with him to join their party, that -he agreed to allow himself another quarter of an hour. Even Emma was -pleased that he would stay, for she was beginning to feel that a family -party might be the worst of all parties; and the others were delighted.</p> - -<p>"What's the game?" cried he, as they stood round the table.</p> - -<p>"Speculation, I believe," said Elizabeth. "My sister recommends it, and -I fancy we all like it. I know <i>you</i> do, Tom."</p> - -<p>"It is the only round game played at Croydon now," said Mrs. Robert; -"we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> never think of any other. I am glad it is a favourite with you."</p> - -<p>"Oh! <i>me</i>," said Tom. "Whatever you decide on will be a favourite with -<i>me</i>. I have had some pleasant hours at speculation in my time; but I -have not been in the way of it for a long while. Vingt-un is the game -at Osborne Castle. I have played nothing but vingt-un of late. You -would be astonished to hear the noise we make there—the fine old lofty -drawing-room rings again. Lady Osborne sometimes declares she cannot -hear herself speak. Lord Osborne enjoys it famously, and he makes the -best dealer without exception that I ever beheld—such quickness and -spirit; he lets nobody dream over their cards. I wish you could see him -overdraw himself on both his own cards. It is worth anything in the -world!"</p> - -<p>"Dear me!" cried Margaret, "why should not we play vingt-un? I think it -is a much better game than speculation. I cannot say I am very fond of -speculation."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Robert offered not another word<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> in support of the game. She was -quite vanquished, and the fashions of Osborne Castle carried it over -the fashions of Croydon.</p> - -<p>"Do you see much of the parsonage family at the castle, Mr. Musgrave?" -said Emma, as they were taking their seats.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; they are almost always there. Mrs. Blake is a nice, little, -good-humoured woman; she and I are sworn friends; and Howard's a very -gentlemanlike sort of fellow. You are not forgotten, I assure you, by -any of the party. I fancy you must have a little cheek-glowing now and -then, Miss Emma. Were not you rather warm last Saturday about nine or -ten o'clock in the evening? I will tell you how it was—I see you are -dying to know. Says Howard to Lord Osborne——"</p> - -<p>At this interesting moment he was called on by the others to regulate -the game and determine some disputable point; and his attention was so -totally engaged in the business, and afterwards by the course of the -game, as never to revert<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> to what he had been saying before; and Emma, -though suffering a good deal from curiosity, dared not remind him.</p> - -<p>He proved a very useful addition at their table. Without him it would -have been a party of such very near relations as could have felt little -interest, and perhaps maintained little complaisance, but his presence -gave variety and secured good manners. He was, in fact, excellently -qualified to shine at a round game, and few situations made him appear -to greater advantage. He played with spirit, and had a great deal to -say; and though no wit himself, could sometimes make use of the wit of -an absent friend, and had a lively way of retailing a commonplace, or -saying a mere nothing, that had great effect at a card-table. The ways -and good jokes of Osborne Castle were now added to his ordinary means -of entertainment. He repeated the smart sayings of one lady, detailed -the oversights of another, and indulged them even with a copy of Lord -Osborne's overdrawing himself on both cards. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> - -<p>The clock struck nine while he was thus agreeably occupied; and when -Nanny came in with her master's basin of gruel, he had the pleasure of -observing to Mr. Watson that he should leave him at supper while he -went home to dinner himself. The carriage was ordered to the door, and -no entreaties for his staying longer could now avail; for he well knew -that if he stayed he would have to sit down to supper in less than ten -minutes, which to a man whose heart has been long fixed on calling his -next meal a dinner, was quite insupportable. On finding him determined -to go, Margaret began to wink and nod at Elizabeth to ask him to dinner -the following day; and Elizabeth at last, not able to resist hints -which her own hospitable social temper more than half seconded, gave -the invitation: "Would he give Robert the meeting, they would be very -happy?"</p> - -<p>"With the greatest pleasure," was his first reply. In a moment -afterwards: "That is, if I can possibly get here in time; but I shoot -with Lord Osborne, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> therefore must not engage. You will not -think of me unless you see me." And so he departed, delighted in the -uncertainty in which he had left it.</p> - -<p>Margaret, in the joy of her heart, under circumstances which she -chose to consider as peculiarly propitious, would willingly have -made a confidante of Emma, when they were alone for a short time -the next morning, and had proceeded so far as to say: "The young -man who was here last night, my dear Emma, and returns to-day, is -more interesting to me than perhaps you may be aware"; but Emma, -pretending to understand nothing extraordinary in the words, made some -very inapplicable reply, and, jumping up, ran away from a subject -which was odious to her. As Margaret would not allow a doubt to be -repeated of Musgrave's coming to dinner, preparations were made for -his entertainment much exceeding what had been deemed necessary the -day before; and taking the office of superintendence entirely from her -sister, she was half the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> morning in the kitchen herself, directing and -scolding.</p> - -<p>After a great deal of indifferent cooking and anxious suspense, -however, they were obliged to sit down without their guest. Tom -Musgrave never came; and Margaret was at no pains to conceal her -vexation under the disappointment, or repress the peevishness of -her temper. The peace of the party for the remainder of that day -and the whole of the next, which comprised the length of Robert and -Jane's visit, was continually invaded by her fretful displeasure and -querulous attacks. Elizabeth was the usual object of both. Margaret -had just respect enough for her brother's and sister's opinion to -behave properly by <i>them</i>, but Elizabeth and the maids could never -do right; and Emma, whom she seemed no longer to think about, found -the continuance of the gentle voice beyond calculation short. Eager -to be as little among them as possible, Emma was delighted with the -alternative of sitting above with her father, and warmly entreated to -be his constant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> companion each evening; and as Elizabeth loved company -of any kind too well not to prefer being below at all risks; as she had -rather talk of Croydon with Jane, with every interruption of Margaret's -perverseness, than sit with only her father, who frequently could not -endure talking at all, the affair was so settled, as soon as she could -be persuaded to believe it no sacrifice on her sister's part. To Emma, -the change was most acceptable and delightful. Her father, if ill, -required little more than gentleness and silence; and being a man of -sense and education, was, if able to converse, a welcome companion. In -<i>his</i> chamber, Emma was at peace from the dreadful mortifications of -unequal society and family discord, and from the immediate endurance -of hard-hearted prosperity, low-minded conceit, and wrong-headed folly -engrafted on an untoward disposition. She still suffered from them in -the contemplation of their existence, in memory and in prospect, but -for the moment she ceased to be tortured by their effects. She was at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> -leisure; she could read and think, though her situation was hardly such -as to make reflection very soothing. The evils arising from the loss of -her uncle were neither trifling nor likely to lessen; and when thought -had been freely indulged, in contrasting the past and the present, the -employment of mind and dissipation of unpleasant ideas, which only -reading could produce, made her thankfully return to a book.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> - -<p>The change in Emma's home society and style of life, in consequence -of the death of one friend and the imprudence of another, had indeed -been striking. From being the first object of hope and solicitude to -an uncle who had formed her mind with the care of a parent, and of -tenderness to an aunt whose amiable temper had delighted to give her -every indulgence; from being the life and spirit of a house where all -had been comfort and elegance, and the expected heiress of an easy -independence, she was become of importance to no one—a burden on those -whose affections she could not expect, an addition in a house already -overstocked, surrounded by inferior minds, with little chance of -domestic comfort, and as little hope of future support. It was well for -her that she was naturally cheerful, for the change<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> had been such as -might have plunged weak spirits in despondence.</p> - -<p>She was very much pressed by Robert and Jane to return with them to -Croydon, and had some difficulty in getting a refusal accepted, as -they thought too highly of their own kindness and situation to suppose -the offer could appear in less advantageous light to anybody else. -Elizabeth gave them her interest, though evidently against her own, in -privately urging Emma to go.</p> - -<p>"You do not know what you refuse, Emma," said she, "nor what you -have to bear at home. I would advise you by all means to accept the -invitation; there is always something lively going on at Croydon. You -will be in company almost every day, and Robert and Jane will be very -kind to you. As for me, I shall be no worse off without you than I -have been used to be; but poor Margaret's disagreeable ways are new to -<i>you</i>, and they would vex you more than you think for, if you stay at -home."</p> - -<p>Emma was, of course, uninfluenced, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>except to greater esteem for -Elizabeth by such representations; and the visitors departed without -her.</p> - -<p>On the following day, as Emma and Elizabeth were in the best parlour, -setting the sofa before the fire for their father to lie on, for a -little change, they heard a carriage stopping at the garden gate; and -a minute or two later Nanny showed in Mrs. Blake and her little boy, -closely followed by Mr. Howard.</p> - -<p>Charles was carrying a beautiful bunch of greenhouse flowers and, on -seeing Emma, he ran eagerly forward, saying—</p> - -<p>"I have brought you these flowers, ma'am, because you were so good as -to dance with me. Lord Osborne gave me anything I liked for you, and -cut some for you himself."</p> - -<p>Emma blushed as she smiled and curtsied, and blushed again as she -advanced to receive her other visitors and present her sister to them.</p> - -<p>They had often observed Elizabeth at balls, and had considered her -handsome, but they had never before spoken to her,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> and were at once -favourably impressed by her unaffected good-humour and pleasant manner. -Before long they were conversing with almost as little formality as -though they had been old friends. On questioning Emma, Mrs. Blake -easily drew from her some account of her former life and, on learning -her aunt's name, recollected having heard it mentioned by friends in a -manner entirely agreeable to Emma's feelings.</p> - -<p>Presently Mr. Watson came into the room, and although he was a good -deal surprised at finding himself in company, as Mr. Howard at once -came forward with a show of friendliness, he had not time to lose his -temper.</p> - -<p>He was a man of considerable information, and finding the present -society entirely congenial to him, contributed not a little to the -pleasure of the visit, even going so far as to show Charles a volume -of coloured prints; and before taking leave, Mr. Howard had persuaded -him to join him, with his three daughters, at dinner, on the following -Thursday, promising to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> send the carriage for them, and assuring him of -his return at an early hour.</p> - -<p>On Margaret's coming in from the village, where she had gone on -an errand, she was all amazement on learning the arrangement; and -displeased her father by enquiring if Mr. Musgrave and Lord Osborne -were to be present.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Howard expressly said they were to be by themselves," he replied, -with the importance of an invalid. "He took particular care to assure -me that I should suffer as little fatigue as possible."</p> - -<p>He was therefore by no means too well pleased when, on the appointed -evening, shortly after they had assembled in the drawing-room at -Wickstead, Lord Osborne and Mr. Musgrave were ushered in; and before -any explanation could be vouchsafed him, dinner was announced.</p> - -<p>Turning to Lord Osborne, Mr. Howard said—</p> - -<p>"As I cannot very well, my lord, ask Mr. Watson to hand in his -daughter, I must ask him to conduct Mrs. Blake; and I will lead with -Miss Watson if you will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> be good enough to give your arm to Miss Emma -Watson; while Mr. Musgrave takes in Miss Margaret."</p> - -<p>This arrangement was agreeable to all, except Mr. Musgrave, who, had he -been of greater sensibility, would have been embarrassed by Margaret's -manner towards him; and, as it was, felt not a little irritated by her -determination to consider his escort as a <i>personal compliment</i>, rather -than as <i>inevitable</i> on his part.</p> - -<p>He had long since tired of his fancy for her, which indeed had always -been of the slightest; and now in his determination to free himself -from her, did not hesitate to go beyond the limits of propriety, openly -disregarding her, and entering into conversation with everyone else -in preference to her. Greatly mortified, she would have sunk under -this neglect but for the kindness of Mrs. Blake, who addressed her as -often as possible; and even Lord Osborne, vaguely aware that there was -something wanting in ease, observed to her across the table that the -roads were monstrous wet when it rained. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the meantime, his lordship had not been enjoying himself either, -to any great extent; for Emma, having perceived a volume on the -drawing-room table with which she was familiar, on finding herself -placed beside her host at the dinner table, fell to discussing it with -him with much sense and spirit; and from this proceeded to contrast her -favourite authors and the merits of their respective works. As Lord -Osborne had as little knowledge of literature as well might be, he was -compelled, despite the kindly efforts of his host, to sit more or less -in silence, trying to look as if he had not less in his head than might -reasonably be expected.</p> - -<p>Elizabeth was only too glad to share her partner with her sister, -as she did not very well know what to say to him; and she enjoyed -listening to their conversation, the more so as they repeatedly -explained to her the situation, or the point, in question. Moreover, -she could not help hoping that another future, far different to what -she had feared for her young sister, might possibly be in store for -her. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> - -<p>With dessert, Charles arrived on the scene, which created a diversion -in Lord Osborne's favour, as he came to place himself between the -latter and his dear Miss Emma Watson, and both joined in the endeavour -to entertain him.</p> - -<p>On the ladies withdrawing, Lord Osborne turned to Mr. Watson and said—</p> - -<p>"You have a very beautiful daughter, sir," but he received in reply -such a chilling bow that he could find nothing more to say; and Tom -Musgrave nearly choked himself over his wine in the effort to control -his merriment at his friend's discomfiture. Mr. Howard then placed -himself at the other side of Mr. Watson, and speedily restored him to -good-humour by discussing the late visitation with him.</p> - -<p>They were not long in returning to the drawing-room for tea; and -shortly after, Mrs. Blake and Mr. Watson began to play the new game -of écarté, proposing to one another with a pleasant air; whilst the -others, seating themselves round the larger table, started vingt-un.</p> - -<p>They had scarcely commenced, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>however, when a carriage drove up to the -door, and Miss Osborne and Miss Carr were shown in.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Mr. Howard! how could you have used us so?" cried Miss Osborne -archly. "I protest we are vastly offended with you!—to give a party -and leave us out!"</p> - -<p>Miss Carr joined in, in the same strain. She had never heard of -anything so perfidious—it was really beyond everything she had ever -known in all her life!</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard received them with the quiet courtesy that was habitual to -him; and when he deemed it possible to make his voice heard, expressed -his sense of the honour they had done him; but observed that one family -was scarcely a party, adding that Lord Osborne and Mr. Musgrave had -been good enough to invite themselves.</p> - -<p>Lord Osborne remained silent, looking rather ashamed; but Mr. Tom -Musgrave protested vigorously that if Howard were such a sly dog, -plotting to cut them out like this, they were bound to look after -themselves!</p> - -<p>The Miss Watsons and their father<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> having been presented, and tea -declined, and Miss Carr, having, further, declared that there was -nothing she so doted on as vingt-un, the game was once more started.</p> - -<p>Miss Osborne at once took possession of the chair at Mr. Howard's right -hand, which had previously been occupied by Emma; and just as he was -about to request the latter to accept the one at his left, he found it -already secured by Miss Carr. Lord Osborne, therefore, shared Emma with -Charles; and Tom Musgrave devoted himself assiduously to Miss Carr. -Presently he was heard endeavouring to persuade her to accept him as -her cavalier at the next meet. Unfortunately this reminded Charles of -the stuffed fox, and again he implored Emma to come and see it, adding—</p> - -<p>"Lord Osborne will now ask you himself, ma'am—will you not, Lord -Osborne?"</p> - -<p>Before he could reply, Emma had hastily excused herself; but Miss Carr, -leaning forward, said impertinently—</p> - -<p>"It is a pity you should not see the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> castle, Miss Watson; it is thrown -open to the public every Wednesday—all except the private apartments."</p> - -<p>Emma coloured and made no reply; but Lord Osborne quite shocked his -sister and her friend by saying—</p> - -<p>"Lady Osborne will wait on Miss Watson."</p> - -<p>Miss Osborne stared at her brother, but there was something in his face -that compelled her to lower her eyes. Never before had he so asserted -himself, and she had not deemed him capable of it.</p> - -<p>At the conclusion of the game, Mr. Watson asked to return -home—declining to wait for supper—and took leave with his daughters.</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard conducted them to the carriage, and as Emma curtsied in -passing him, held out his hand to her, and retaining hers for a moment, -thanked her in a low tone for the honour she had done him in coming.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> - -<p>During the drive back, Mr. Watson was in very good humour, speaking -several times of the civility and attention he had received from Mr. -Howard and his sister; and praising Charles, to whom he had taken a -considerable fancy.</p> - -<p>"As for Lord Osborne," he continued, "though I do not think very much -of him, he is at least preferable to that fellow Musgrave, whom I have -never thought a gentleman."</p> - -<p>This was cruelly mortifying to Margaret, who was nevertheless forced -to constrain her feelings in the presence of her father; but on their -return home, as he went directly to his room, she gave way to her -agitation—quite shocking Emma by the violence of her passion, as well -as by a wholly unexpected attack on her own conduct.</p> - -<p>Elizabeth endeavoured in vain to interpose, but Margaret would not be -stayed;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> and Emma stood motionless under a shower of angry accusations. -She was running after Lord Osborne—her intentions were plain to -everyone, and she would only have herself despised! Lord Osborne would -never <i>look at her</i>!</p> - -<p>Mr. Musgrave saw through her! No doubt he was in Miss Osborne's -confidence, and knew she was coming—<i>that</i> was why he had been so -wanting in civility to herself!—he did not want the Osbornes to think -he was mixed up with them—but Lord Osborne would never think of her, -except to insult her!</p> - -<p>At this, Emma, in silent indignation, took up her candlestick and -retired to her room.</p> - -<p>When she had gone, Elizabeth spoke more seriously to her sister than -ever she had done in her life before; and as Margaret at first refused -to listen to reason, threatened to appeal to her father should there be -any repetition of the scene. Completely overcome, Margaret then burst -into tears, and shortly after permitted Elizabeth to lead her upstairs.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> - -<p>A few days later, Lady Osborne and her daughter called on the Miss -Watsons. Miss Osborne, supported by her friend Miss Carr, had -endeavoured to dissuade her mother from taking this step; but Lady -Osborne, seeing that her son's feelings were more deeply engaged -than ever she had previously known them to be, was too clever not to -be assured that opposition would only serve to fan his flame; and, -moreover, she did not choose that he should visit with people whom she -would not acknowledge.</p> - -<p>She was showed by Nanny into the parlour, and though it was not such a -room as she was accustomed to be received in, everything was in order; -and Elizabeth, who had become more refined from her intercourse with -Emma, received her with greater dignity than she had expected. As for -Emma herself, she was not less elegant in her simple house frock than -in her ball-dress, and the Osbornes were compelled to acknowledge her -beauty. It was not such a marriage as Lady Osborne could possibly -countenance for her son;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> but nevertheless she found herself drawn -towards Emma; and placing herself near to her, directed the greater -part of her conversation to her; while Margaret sat somewhat aside, -white and silent, only able to join in the conversation when directly -addressed.</p> - -<p>"I understand from Mrs. Blake," said Lady Osborne, "that you have been -brought up by a relative at some distance?"</p> - -<p>"By my aunt, Mrs. Turner, now Mrs. O'Brien."</p> - -<p>"And where has she gone to live?"</p> - -<p>"In the South of Ireland, ma'am, where Captain O'Brien has a small -property."</p> - -<p>"Captain O'Brien? There was an officer of that name in the Royal ——s, -my brother's regiment."</p> - -<p>"That was his regiment, but he resigned his commission many years ago."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid it could scarcely have been a prudent marriage."</p> - -<p>Seeing tears gathering in Emma's eyes, Lady Osborne hastened to change -the conversation by speaking of other officers in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> the same regiment; -and on mentioning a Colonel Norwood, was interested to hear that he had -been a friend of the late Mr. Turner, with whom he had frequently dined.</p> - -<p>"It is a pity your aunt did not marry him instead," she observed.</p> - -<p>"But he is dead, ma'am. He left me this brooch I am wearing and also a -legacy of fifty pounds."</p> - -<p>"I did not know you had fifty pounds, Emma," said Elizabeth, surprised. -Miss Osborne looked her disdain, but Lady Osborne said kindly—</p> - -<p>"It will be very useful to Miss Emma for her trousseau, in a few years; -well, do not be in too great a hurry to marry, my dear."</p> - -<p>Emma blushed, and Lady Osborne, believing that it was on account of her -son, grew more reserved for a few moments. Determined, however, to have -fuller proof, she presently mentioned him by name, and was gratified to -observe that Emma received it without any embarrassment. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Perhaps there is someone else," she thought to herself.</p> - -<p>But on sharing this surmise with Miss Osborne, during the drive home, -she was surprised to find that her daughter received it with so little -favour.</p> - -<p>Elizabeth and Emma shortly returned the visit, but Lady Osborne was not -at home.</p> - -<p>Soon after this event, Lord Osborne sent game for Mr. Watson; Mr. -Howard was not less civil with a present of fruit; and Mr. Musgrave, -not to be out of the fashion, called with a basket of fish. Poor Mr. -Watson was considerably surprised at finding himself become so popular -all at once; but when he questioned Emma on the subject, received -surprisingly little information in her reply.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, Margaret's health was occasioning not a little anxiety -to her sisters. She seemed to have no interest in anything, had quite -lost her appetite, and went listlessly about the house; before long she -was confined to her room with a feverish attack. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> - -<p>Elizabeth and Emma were assiduous in their care of her, and were -presently rewarded, not only by her being restored to some measure of -health, but also by her being rendered less irritable towards them, -from a sense of gratitude for their sympathy.</p> - -<p>Just as she was beginning to come down stairs again, the Osbornes -issued invitations for a ball; and the Miss Watsons were among the -first to receive a card.</p> - -<p>Elizabeth had no idea but that they should go with the Edwards, and was -considerably put out when she found that not only were they not going, -but that Mrs. Edwards was offended at having been ignored, when the -Watsons (on whom she had always looked down) had been included.</p> - -<p>Mary Edwards was absent at the moment, but, on learning what had -transpired, with great good sense pointed out to her mother that as -they had never before been taken notice of by the Osbornes, they had -now no cause for mortification, generously adding that such beauty as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>Emma's could not but be distinguished.</p> - -<p>Nevertheless there is no young lady who can hear of a ball without -desiring to go to it; and the matter occasioned not a little stir in -the small country town, where any subject for gossip was eagerly seized -upon. Tom Musgrave, hearing of it, reported it at the Castle as a good -joke, believing the Osbornes would be gratified by learning of the -disappointment they had unwittingly occasioned.</p> - -<p>It had quite a different effect, however, on Lady Osborne, who at -once despatched an invitation to Mary Edwards, together with a kind -note in which she said she understood that she was a friend of the -Miss Watsons, and that it would give her much pleasure if she would -accompany them to the dance.</p> - -<p>All was now happily settled, as Mrs. Blake had arranged to meet them in -the cloakroom at the Castle and act as chaperon.</p> - -<p>Miss Osborne, though in some awe of her mother, had done all in her -power to prevent her inviting Emma. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are encouraging Osborne in every way," she said, "to make this -disgraceful marriage—to ask Emma Watson to this house will be to throw -her into his arms."</p> - -<p>"I think differently," replied Lady Osborne coldly, "and I do not -choose that Osborne should give a dance in the Assembly Rooms, which -was what he had intended doing."</p> - -<p>"It would have been far better, ma'am. You could then have refused to -attend."</p> - -<p>"I have not the slightest intention of ever inflicting such a slight -upon my son."</p> - -<p>"It would have put Miss Watson in her place. She will now be more -forward and impertinent than ever."</p> - -<p>"I find her neither forward nor impertinent."</p> - -<p>"You do not know her, ma'am; there is a sort of independence in her -which I find insupportable."</p> - -<p>"I believe I am the better judge—and it is not a question of <i>her</i> -conduct, but of <i>mine</i>."</p> - -<p>Miss Osborne, finding nothing to reply, curtsied and left the room.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> - -<p>During the interval which elapsed, Lord Osborne and Mr. Howard both -discovered various pretexts for calling at the Rectory; Mr. Watson's -health, for one thing, causing them no inconsiderable anxiety; and -on different occasions when the latter was riding by chance in the -neighbourhood of Stanton, and had met Emma out walking with Elizabeth, -in view of all the perils of a singularly quiet neighbourhood, had -believed it incumbent on him to escort her the whole way home, leading -his horse by the bridle.</p> - -<p>Nor is it to be supposed that Mr. Musgrave permitted himself to -be relegated to the background, where a new and pretty woman was -concerned; even had she not possessed the additional importance, in -his eyes, of having aroused Lord Osborne from his habitual apathy. He -addressed himself to her without loss of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> time, confident of success, -and wholly incapable of believing that her indifference was genuine.</p> - -<p>But Emma's contempt for him, as can well be imagined, only served to -aggravate the mortification from which poor Margaret was constrained -to suffer; and she could not be prevailed upon to go to the Osbornes' -dance, although her father had expressed his willingness to remain, for -once, by himself.</p> - -<p>On the night of the ball, Emma and Elizabeth were received with every -attention by Lord Osborne, who met them in the hall; and Lady Osborne -both curtsied and held out her hand; but Miss Osborne contented herself -with a very short curtsey; while Miss Carr found herself obliged to -become so engrossed in Colonel Beresford that she could not see them at -all.</p> - -<p>Lord Osborne was to open the ball with the Countess of X——, but he -engaged Emma for the next two dances; and Mr. Howard secured her for -the first two, and led her aside. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> - -<p>"This is just your second dance, is it not?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! I have been out a year."</p> - -<p>"Preposterous! A year's licence for breaking hearts in."</p> - -<p>"Hearts so easily broken would be scarcely worth considering."</p> - -<p>"Do not you, then, preserve them in a glass case?"</p> - -<p>"I never preserve what I do not value."</p> - -<p>"So young and so untender!"</p> - -<p>"'So young, my lord, and true!'"</p> - -<p>"I did not know young ladies were students of Shakespeare."</p> - -<p>"No doubt they are more intelligent at breaking hearts, and preserving -them in a glass case!"</p> - -<p>Miss Osborne, who was near to her at the moment, turned and looked at -her in cold surprise, then passed on; but Emma's face was at once so -arch and sweet that Mr. Howard was wholly charmed, and bending slightly -over her, took a white rose from his coat and begged her to honour him -by wearing it. Then as the violins were playing, and several couples<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> -leaving the room, they followed in their wake.</p> - -<p>As Emma entered the ball-room, all eyes were fixed on her—it passed -from mouth to mouth that she was the prettiest woman in the room, and -she was speedily acclaimed the <i>belle</i>.</p> - -<p>Gentlemen flocked round her, begging for introductions; and Tom -Musgrave was foremost in presenting himself; but Emma felt so keenly -all the misery he had caused her sister, that she declined to give him -an engagement for any dance, and without affording him any semblance of -excuse.</p> - -<p>Never before had he received such treatment at the hands of any lady, -and least of all had he expected it from a Miss Watson.</p> - -<p>Highly incensed, and with a view to covering his discomfiture, he -approached Miss Carr, and solicited her; but as she had witnessed what -had transpired, and would have been the last to accept a rejected -suitor, he was promptly dismissed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> and retired to the card-room vowing -vengeance.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Mary Edwards had no lack of partners, as they -knew several of the officers present; and Lord Osborne had made a -point of introducing other gentlemen to them. Both were in good looks, -especially Elizabeth, who was accounted by several to be almost as -handsome as her sister.</p> - -<p>In the course of the evening the Boulangeries were danced. This had -been arranged by Miss Osborne and Miss Carr, with a special view to -mortifying Emma; but to their disappointment, it transpired that -she was not only conversant with the several figures, but was also -accustomed to innovations; and on Lord Osborne requesting her to direct -a new movement, conducted it with a simple confidence which proved her -to be no novice.</p> - -<p>Had Elizabeth been her mother, she could not have taken a greater pride -in her performance; and Charles was in ecstasies as she selected him -for her cavalier.</p> - -<p>Lady Osborne, who had come in with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> Mrs. Blake to watch the dance, -entirely approved her conduct, fully recognizing that she acted in this -manner, not only that she might keep her promise to Charles of giving -him a dance, but also in order to avoid Lord Osborne, who made not -the slightest effort to conceal his admiration of her. Her eyes then -fell on her own daughter, and it seemed to her that never had she seen -her less in looks. Near to her was Miss Carr, and she could not but -note the ill-humour of her countenance. The next moment she was almost -startled by its sudden change of expression as she leaned forward to -speak to her son, and as she did so her designs on him were betrayed.</p> - -<p>In point of fortune and connection there was nothing to be urged; but -in that moment Lady Osborne felt that if she were asked to choose -between her and Emma Watson for a daughter-in-law, she would be -constrained to give her suffrage to the latter—and again her eyes -wandered to her.</p> - -<p>She was now dancing with Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> Howard, in a temporary exchange of -partners, and it was very evident that he was quite absorbed in her.</p> - -<p>At this moment, Miss Osborne passed near to her mother, and her -excessive pallor showed beneath her rouge.</p> - -<p>Presently Colonel Beresford and his partner paused within a few steps -of her, without observing her, and she could not help hearing part of -their conversation.</p> - -<p>"Osborne must be monstrous hard hit when he gives a dance."</p> - -<p>"But you are all in love with this beautiful girl—are not you?—Look -at Mr. Howard!—and she is not insensible to his merit!"</p> - -<p>"He has no chance against Lord Osborne. No young lady could refuse a -title!"</p> - -<p>"Why such strictures! Do not you then allow anything for our hearts?"</p> - -<p>"Zounds, Madam; I have more respect for your wits! I should form but a -mean opinion of any woman's understanding who would reject Lord Osborne -for his former tutor!" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> - -<p>Then they passed on; but in the short space that Lady Osborne had -stood there, it seemed to her that all the comedy and tragedy of the -ball had been revealed to her; no longer could she find any enjoyment -in it; and, sick at heart, she would have left the room only for the -observation it would have occasioned.</p> - -<p>As Lady X—— had been obliged to return home early, Lord Osborne, -having danced twice with Emma, took her in to supper. Mr. Howard then -danced twice with her. He had admired her very much from the first; -and now was in a fair way to be very much in love with her. Casting -prudence to the winds, he drew her into the greenhouse and, in accents -which betrayed his emotion, endeavoured to thank her for having given -him the happiest evening of his life, begging her to favour him by -returning him the rose he had presented to her.</p> - -<p>Emma was unable to meet the ardour of his eyes, and with fingers which -slightly trembled, she removed it from her dress. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> - -<p>He placed it in his breast and, raising her hand, pressed it to his -lips.</p> - -<p>"I believe this is our dance, Mr. Howard," Miss Osborne's cold voice -broke in on them, and nothing could well have been less opportune. -Mr. Howard, however, appeared entirely unembarrassed, and, bowing -and smiling, gave her his arm—seeing that Colonel Beresford was -claiming Emma; and the latter saw him no more. For almost immediately -afterwards, Miss Edwards came to beg her to come home, as she had -promised her father to return early; and as Lady X—— had already -gone, there could be no impropriety in their doing so.</p> - -<p>Lord Osborne attended them to the carriage, but Emma was almost wholly -silent, and he was deeply mortified by her reserve.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> - -<p>The next day Mr. Watson was taken seriously ill; and though he lingered -for some weeks, his daughters were almost completely cut off from all -social intercourse.</p> - -<p>Towards Christmas he died.</p> - -<p>Everything was overshadowed by the sense of loss; but Emma found that -she could be still more lonely, when, on receipt of a kind letter -from Mrs. Blake, she learned that she had taken a house in London, in -order to put Charles to school; and that Mr. Howard had been called to -Cumberland to the bedside of a relative who had had a stroke.</p> - -<p>The Osbornes had gone abroad.</p> - -<p>The clergyman who had been doing duty for Mr. Watson, had been -appointed to the parish; but with great consideration had begged -them not to move till the following March; so that they might have -sufficient leisure to dispose of their <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>furniture, and to make their -arrangements.</p> - -<p>Penelope had returned for some time, and Emma had learned to dread the -sound of her sharp voice. She and Margaret quarrelled perpetually. -There seemed never to be any peace in the house. Her ill-humour was -aggravated by her friends, the Shaws, having secured a situation for -her as assistant teacher in a private seminary; for not only was she -averse to this position, but she felt, even more keenly, that it was a -tacit acknowledgment of the fatal obduracy of the heart, she had wasted -so much time in endeavouring to subdue.</p> - -<p>Margaret had got an engagement as companion to a delicate girl.</p> - -<p>Emma's case was the hardest. She was to find her home with Robert and -Jane, who openly discussed her prospects of making a good match. In -vain she pleaded her desire to take a situation, like her sisters. -Robert would not hear of it. She had already received ill-treatment -enough from her family, he affirmed, and he would do his best to give -her a good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> chance. Even Elizabeth joined her voice to her brother's.</p> - -<p>"You do not know what you would suffer as governess or companion. Your -beauty would be for ever making you enemies."</p> - -<p>Emma could say no more while her brother was present, but when she -found herself alone with Elizabeth, she besought her to aid her in -getting a post where she might earn her bread independently.</p> - -<p>"My position with Robert and Jane would not be tolerable," she pleaded.</p> - -<p>"Do not stand in your own light, dear Emma," Elizabeth replied; "your -position would be much worse with strangers. Robert and Jane will -both be kind to you if you do not offend them. They were not too well -pleased by your refusing to go with them in October; and now that Lord -Osborne has admired you, they are all for having you. Believe me, it -will be the best thing for you."</p> - -<p>"Anyway, I shall stay here until March."</p> - -<p>"Yes—Robert has consented to that—and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>as Penelope and Margaret are -to go to their situations in February, we can have a little time in -peace to ourselves."</p> - -<p>To Elizabeth alone did there come any prospect of happiness.</p> - -<p>Mr. Purvis, now a widower, had been engaged by Mr. Howard to do duty -for him; and, on learning that Miss Watson was as handsome as ever, -considered it to be his duty to call as soon as circumstances permitted.</p> - -<p>His earlier feelings for her were very soon revived, and although he -could not immediately enter into an engagement with her, on account -of his recent bereavement, it was quite evident to all that the old -relations between them would be happily restored.</p> - -<p>In the meantime it was arranged that Elizabeth should go to his aunt as -companion.</p> - -<p>His marriage had not been happy, which is scarcely to be wondered at, -seeing that he had entered somewhat hastily into it in order to assuage -his feelings of disappointment; and as his wife shortly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> afterwards -fell into ill-health, matters had been scarcely brightened by the -peevish temper of an invalid.</p> - -<p>The more Emma saw of him, the better was she pleased with him. He was -good-looking and gentlemanlike, with unaffected manners, and a pleasant -countenance. She could not but feel confident that Elizabeth would be -happy at his side.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of February, Mr. Howard returned, and lost no time in -riding over to Stanton. Unfortunately, however, as he drew near to the -Rectory gate, he met Tom Musgrave coming out of it, and was instantly -hailed by that gentleman.</p> - -<p>"Upon my word, Howard, I thought you had taken root in Cumberland. Oh, -a sad break up here!—monstrous pleasant girls as ever I met! Miss -Emma is going to Croydon with her brother, and I hear is shortly to be -married to an old flame. Oh, a famous little flirt, I can assure you!"</p> - -<p>So saying, and waving his hand, he took himself off, laughing heartily -at his own ingenuity. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> - -<p>In consequence therefore of this unwelcome intelligence, Mr. Howard -merely called at the door; and, ignoring Nanny's information that the -ladies were in, rode gloomily away.</p> - -<p>Emma had watched his approach from an upper window, and blushed and -blushed again.</p> - -<p>She was pausing before coming down, in the endeavour to quell the -beating of her heart, when to her surprise she heard the clattering of -his horse's hoofs; and, running back to the window, saw him vanishing -round the corner.</p> - -<p>At first she was all disappointment, and did not know what to think. -Tears gathered thickly in her eyes, and fell on her black dress. But -presently she considered that he might perhaps think it right to call -at first without coming in, on account of her father's death, and that -he would come again.</p> - -<p>But he never came again, and about a week later she was carried away to -Croydon by her brother, who had returned for her.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> - -<p>Emma had now entered on a new chapter of her life, and one which she -could not but regard with pain and misgiving. Being in mourning, -however, she was for the present saved from any special distress; and -she at once found an object for her affection in little Augusta, a very -pretty child, with much more natural refinement than either her father -or mother. As her health was indifferent, Emma was the more drawn to -her, and devoted all the time to her that she could spare from Jane's -constant demands on her needle.</p> - -<p>All this time she had never seen her brother Sam, as he had been -seriously ill when the others had been called to the bedside of their -father. During this period he had been attended by Mr. Curtis with the -solicitude of a relative; and, on his recovering sufficiently to be -removed, he had sent him to Bath at his own charge. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> - -<p>Towards the end of March, he gave him a few days' leave to go and see -his brother and sisters at Croydon.</p> - -<p>On the day previous to that on which he was expected, as Emma was -sitting alone in the drawing-room, the door opened and a young -gentleman, with a very open, attractive countenance, entered the room -unannounced.</p> - -<p>He bowed on seeing her, apologising for his intrusion, and she rose and -curtsied—when suddenly he called out——</p> - -<p>"As sure as anything, it is little Emma!" and came over to her with -both hands stretched out.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Sam! Can it be really you?"</p> - -<p>"Were not you, then, expecting me?"</p> - -<p>"Not until to-morrow. How came you a day sooner?"</p> - -<p>"I met Tom Musgrave in Guildford, and he drove me over in his curricle. -He will be staying here for a couple of days, and is coming this -evening to wait on you and Jane—but let me look at you properly! You -have got your nice little brown face still, I see; and I dare say you -have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> that fine little vixenish temper that you used to have—I vow you -gave me a famous slap the last time I had the honour of seeing you!"</p> - -<p>"No doubt it was the price of you, sir! and I shall give you another, -if you do not be careful!"</p> - -<p>Before very long, Jane came into the room and affected a great start of -surprise on seeing Sam and Emma sitting on the sofa together.</p> - -<p>"Good Lord, Sam!" she cried. "I thought you must be one of Emma's -lovers come after her!"</p> - -<p>"Has she so many as all that?—I protest I must look into this!" he -replied, laughing; then seeing a shade on Emma's face, he easily turned -the conversation by enquiring for Robert, and begging that little -Augusta might be sent for.</p> - -<p>In the course of the evening, Tom Musgrave arrived, and was received -with great cordiality by Robert and Jane.</p> - -<p>After the usual enquiries and civilities, he threw himself back in the -easiest chair<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> in the room, and beamed round at them, saying—</p> - -<p>"I vow and declare there are no friends like old friends. Oh, it's -monstrous dull since you and the Osbornes left—positively I have half -a mind to go after Osborne!"</p> - -<p>"Is not he soon coming back?" asked Robert.</p> - -<p>"Faith, there's no sign of it! Howard has joined them at Rome. He is -very likely to be engaged to Miss Osborne."</p> - -<p>Emma was sitting beyond the candles, so that he could not see her face; -but by her very stillness he was satisfied that he had wounded her.</p> - -<p>"I think it is Miss Carr that he is after," said Jane in an important -tone, as though she were intimate.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Fanny Carr is all for me! She won't look at anyone else, I can -assure you, when I am by!"</p> - -<p>"Take care, Tom!" said Sam, laughing. "Out of sight, out of mind! She -will have forgotten you months ago, I wager!" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why do not you join Lord Osborne?" enquired Jane.</p> - -<p>Now, as this was precisely what Tom Musgrave had been straining every -nerve to accomplish—giving hints to his lordship of unimaginable -breadth, which so far had been entirely ignored—he was by no means too -well pleased by the question; and delighted Sam, who saw through him -perfectly, by reeling off a string of excuses, each less convincing -than the last.</p> - -<p>"Does Miss Carr never stay with her own people?" enquired Robert.</p> - -<p>"She has been at Castle Carr all winter," said Sam carelessly. "She -will be going up to Berkeley Square next month with Lord and Lady Carr."</p> - -<p>Tom Musgrave stared at him.</p> - -<p>"How came you to know this?" he asked in a sulky tone.</p> - -<p>"Lord Montague told me."</p> - -<p>"Lord Montague? How came you to meet with him?"</p> - -<p>"I was called in to attend him when Mr. Curtis was away. I had supposed -he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> would consider a surgeon's assistant as little superior to his -valet; but he was very civil, and chatted away—told me he had seen my -sisters at the Osbornes' dance, and was so obliging as to add they were -prodigious pretty! Emma, do not be listening!"</p> - -<p>Jane was as surprised as Musgrave, but shrewd enough not to betray it; -and, seeing the clouded look on his face, suggested a game of cards.</p> - -<p>Robert hesitated a little, but, as Tom caught eagerly at the -suggestion, she produced a pack; and, Emma declining to play, whist was selected.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> - -<p>Sam was so little satisfied with Augusta's health that he insisted on -her being taken to the sea; and a client of Robert's at once offered to -lend him his house, which was in a sheltered bay on the South Coast, -for six months. As Jane was unable to go into company, she demurred -a good deal less than she might otherwise have done; and, like most -wives, was not averse to suffering the mild anguish of a temporary -separation from her husband.</p> - -<p>Sam himself took charge of them on the journey, as Robert was engaged -on an important case; and he had the satisfaction of assuring himself -that the climate was suited to his little patient.</p> - -<p>She and Emma were delighted with the change, and as the weather was -unusually mild, they rambled about the greater part of the day.</p> - -<p>It was with sincere regret that Emma<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> parted from Sam; she had found -in him a true friend, and one who comprehended the possible evils of -her situation with much greater distinctness than had been the case -with Elizabeth. They all escorted him to the mail coach at A——, and -Emma was constrained to wonder if it were to be for ever her lot to be -parted from all to whom she had become attached; while little Augusta, -holding her young uncle's hands, danced round with him on the publick -road, to the indignation of her mother and the amusement of the other -passengers.</p> - -<p>At Emma's request, the child's nurse had been dismissed on their -leaving Croydon; Emma now taking Augusta under her sole charge, to the -great advantage of the little girl, who had been considerably tried by -the vagaries of an uncertain temper and an injudicious arrangement of -her meals.</p> - -<p>As her health rapidly improved, Emma commenced some simple lessons with -her, which included instruction in drawing, for which she showed some -aptitude. In the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> course of a few weeks she had copied a little picture -so neatly, that Jane enclosed it in a letter to her father, who was so -pleased that he sent her down a box of water-colours. This was a great -boon to the child during the broken weather, which set in for a short -time.</p> - -<p>As Jane was really fond of her little daughter, she could not but feel -grateful to Emma for her care of her; but she had been not a little -offended at finding her indifferent to the petty gossip of Croydon, -which occupied half her own time, and had always been willingly -listened to by both Elizabeth and Margaret. At once jealous of her, -and yet considering her to be wanting in fashion, she was nevertheless -gratified by the pretty manners she was instilling into Augusta.</p> - -<p>Emma was teaching her to curtsey before leaving the room; but, as she -was of a very lively disposition, she would often run out into the hall -before she could remember to do so. They would then hear her stopping -short, and saying to herself, "Oh, I forgot!" when she would come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> -running back to make her curtsey. It was all done so prettily, they -could not but be delighted with her.</p> - -<p>It had been apparent from the first that Jane had derived but little -pleasure from the excursions by the sea, or through the country -lanes, which delighted Emma and Augusta so much; preferring rather -to drive in the pony chaise, which had been left for their use, into -the neighbouring town of A——. It was not, however, until the early -days of June that Emma began to notice how many hours she was spending -there; and presently Jane informed her that a former school friend, -a Mrs. Burton, now a widow, had taken rooms in the hotel there, and -that she spent the most of her time with her, playing cards. She also -confessed that this lady was no favourite of Robert's. This was very -unwelcome news to Emma, who knew her brother to be very far from -particular.</p> - -<p>"I assure you, Emma," Jane continued earnestly, "it is all prejudice; -Jemima Burton is of quite superior style, and very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> well off. You could -hardly meet with anyone more agreeable; and she is all anxiety to know -you. I hope you will come with me to-morrow—she will not be having -company—we shall be quite by ourselves."</p> - -<p>Emma was considerably embarrassed.</p> - -<p>"I could not leave Augusta," she said.</p> - -<p>"Oh! The maids here will take every care of her—she will not be -wanting for anything. I cannot very well go without you, when she has -made such a point of it."</p> - -<p>On the following afternoon, therefore, Emma was constrained to drive -with her sister-in-law into A——, and they were shown into the common -sitting-room of the hotel, where they were warmly received by a vulgar, -over-dressed woman.</p> - -<p>"Now, I call this kind," she exclaimed. "And so this is the young lady -Lord Osborne admired!"</p> - -<p>This was said in such a loud voice that everyone in the room turned -and stared at Emma; so that, in spite of her efforts to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> maintain her -countenance, she grew crimson.</p> - -<p>"Introduce me, madam, I beg," said a thin, unpleasant-looking man, -thrusting himself boldly forward; "I know his Lordship well, and am -proud to make the acquaintance of any friend of his."</p> - -<p>"Allow me to have the pleasure of introducing Captain Conway, Miss -Watson."</p> - -<p>Emma's curtsey was of the slightest. They were then joined by two or -three other men, all of them desiring to be presented, and each more -objectionable than the last.</p> - -<p>With a quiet courage which surprised Emma herself, she said—</p> - -<p>"I am in mourning for my father and do not desire introductions. I -understood, ma'am, that we were to be received by you in your own -rooms."</p> - -<p>Jane stared at her sister-in-law; but Mrs. Burton at once gave in; and, -waving them all aside, declared that they were sad fellows, and that -none of them need think to be introduced. With that she led the way to -her apartments; but, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> Emma's surprise, they were closely followed by -Captain Conway.</p> - -<p>"Oh! he is my cousin," she said with bold assurance; but Emma was -convinced that this was a falsehood; the more so that the gentleman in -question laughed immoderately, and repeated the assertion several times -over.</p> - -<p>He placed himself at her side and, fixing his glass in his eye, -ogled her in a manner she had never before been subjected to in the -whole course of her life; whilst he did his utmost to draw her into -conversation. But she would neither answer him, nor raise her eyes from -the ground.</p> - -<p>Jane grew uncomfortable and, in order to conceal it and to regain -confidence, began to speak in a much louder voice than was her wont. In -this she was ably assisted by her friend—one would have thought that -there were at least a dozen women in the room.</p> - -<p>At first, Emma was too agitated to pay any attention to what they -were saying—she was even too confused to arrange her thoughts; but -presently, as she grew more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> composed, the contrast of her past life -with her present position came home to her with such poignancy, that -she could scarcely contain her tears. Were it possible, she thought, -that her aunt could have seen her in such company, what would not have -been her feelings?</p> - -<p>Presently, however, her attention was caught by Jane saying—</p> - -<p>"Thursday, then; you will both come and have a dish of tea with me on -Thursday evening; and we can start a quiet rubber of whist."</p> - -<p>During the drive home, Jane was in more ill-humour than Emma could have -conceived possible.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens! Emma," she said. "How can you give yourself such airs? -Your head is completely turned by Lord Osborne having admired you! I -could not have imagined anyone could have been so silly!"</p> - -<p>Emma remained silent.</p> - -<p>"I assure you I am very much offended at the way you have been treating -my friends. Mrs. Burton has more style than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> you; and Captain Conway -is quite the gentleman. I never saw anyone of more fashion—and such -attentions he paid you! Mrs. Burton told me he was wild to know you; -and anyone could see how he was struck with you. Good Lord! Emma, what -more do you want—a <i>Captain</i>!—and <i>second cousin</i> to the <i>Marquis of -H</i>——!—Mrs. Burton told me so!—Why do not you answer?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot permit his attentions."</p> - -<p>"You cannot permit his attentions!—did anyone ever hear the like! -Well, let me tell you, Miss Emma, you <i>must</i> permit them—You should -be only too thankful he should <i>wish</i> to pay them, when you are just -nothing!—you are all of you beggars!"</p> - -<p>Emma covered her face with her hands.</p> - -<p>"There, Emma—I did not mean to make you cry."</p> - -<p class="center">* * * * * *</p> - -<p>On the evening on which Mrs. Burton and Captain Conway were expected, -Augusta was laid up with a feverish cold, and Emma steadily refused to -leave her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> bedside. Jane was at first angry, but, seeing the child's -flushed cheeks, was obliged to give way and send for the apothecary, -who prescribed a soothing draught.</p> - -<p>A few days later, however, Captain Conway called again, and as on this -occasion Emma happened to be in the drawing-room with her sister, she -was obliged to submit to his company; but she remained almost as silent -as before, and would scarcely raise her eyes.</p> - -<p>On his departure, Jane again turned on her and vowed that she would -soon bring her to her senses by writing to Robert.</p> - -<p>"He will send you such a message as you will be bound to obey," she -said. "We have done all that could be thought of to fix one of you, -and now when there is a chance of your getting settled you are all for -throwing it away! You put me quite out of patience with you!"</p> - -<p>Robert answered the letter in person; and, to Jane's amazement, -declared positively that he was not going to have Emma thrown away on -any half-pay officer; and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> that he had so much information against -Captain Conway, he would hunt him out of the neighbourhood.</p> - -<p>On the following morning, however, when he drove into A——, he found -that that gentleman, having caught sight of him on the stage coach the -previous afternoon, had hastily cleared out, taking Mrs. Burton along -with him.</p> - -<p>It then transpired that the two had been in collusion; and that Mrs. -Burton, believing Emma to be the heiress of her aunt, had introduced -Captain Conway to her, on the understanding that she was to receive a -substantial sum on the consummation of his marriage with her.</p> - -<p>Jane was deeply mortified at having allowed herself to be mixed up with -such people; and it was in a very chastened frame of mind that Robert -left her, on his return to Croydon, promising to come back in August -for a fortnight's holiday.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> - -<p>Mr. Howard had been but a short time with the Osbornes when he was -obliged to confess that he had made a mistake in coming.</p> - -<p>A man of singular charm of manner, eminently gifted for social -success, he had as little vanity as well might be; and his devotion to -literature engendered in him a sort of absent-mindedness which rendered -him unconscious of things which were sufficiently obvious to others.</p> - -<p>He could scarcely himself have said what now opened his eyes in some -measure to the nature of Miss Osborne's regard for him; for never -before had it occurred to him that she entertained anything beyond an -ordinary friendship—the very fact of her occasional efforts to flirt -with him only confirming his confidence in her indifference and merely -contributing to his amusement. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> - -<p>He had been but little pleased by her incursion into his dinner party; -but had attributed it to her lack of variety in a dull neighbourhood -and to the influence of Miss Carr, of whom he entertained but a slight -opinion. The jealousy of Emma, which she had betrayed at the ball, he -believed to be entirely owing to her brother's admiration of her—the -connection being such as she could scarcely be expected to advocate.</p> - -<p>The knowledge of her feelings occasioned him so much regret, that he -would fain have left Italy then and there; but in view of the urgent -invitations he had received from Lady Osborne and her son, this was -scarcely possible. For the moment at least, he must remain where he was.</p> - -<p>He began at once, however, to cast about for some excuse to shorten -his stay; and presently urged his desire to prosecute his travels in -Spain and Portugal. He had long desired to journey there, and there was -now no impediment to his doing so, as his cousin, whose bedside he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> -had attended, had bequeathed him a large fortune, independently of the -handsome property to which he had succeeded as heir-presumptive; but, -to his surprise, Lady Osborne withstood him, with flushed cheeks and -tears in her eyes.</p> - -<p>"Do not desert us the moment you have come," she said; "Osborne has -seemed so much more composed since you joined us—I never before knew -him to be so disquieted as he has been. I cannot but admire Miss -Watson's conduct—had she chosen to accept him, nothing could have -prevented the marriage. I had scarcely realised how serious his passion -was until the night of the ball—after she had left us. He was quite in -despair."</p> - -<p>"I understand she is shortly to be married."</p> - -<p>"Have you told Osborne?"</p> - -<p>"No. He has not mentioned her name to me."</p> - -<p>"Am I at liberty to tell him?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, madam; what object could be served in concealing it? -Osborne could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> scarcely conceive the idea of rushing home to present a -pistol at her lover's head!"</p> - -<p>Later on in the evening, Lord Osborne entered the private sitting-room -of his late tutor, and said abruptly—</p> - -<p>"My mother has informed me of Miss Watson's engagement. To whom is she -to be married?"</p> - -<p>"That I cannot tell you."</p> - -<p>"How came you to know?"</p> - -<p>"Musgrave told me.'</p> - -<p>"<i>Musgrave!</i> I would place monstrous little faith in anything he said!"</p> - -<p>"He was certainly never <i>my</i> friend, but I understood him to be -<i>yours</i>," replied Mr. Howard, coldly.</p> - -<p>"What can a man do in that delectable neighbourhood?—He helps one to -get through the time. I dare swear he made the whole thing up!" So -saying, Lord Osborne swung out of the room.</p> - -<p>He had not been long gone when there was a timid knock, and Miss -Osborne entered with a book in her hand.</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard rose and placed a chair for her; but did not sit down -himself. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I came to ask you if you would be so very good as to help me with this -passage in Dante's <i>Inferno</i>," she said.</p> - -<p>He read it at once without any hesitation, as the portion indicated -presented no special difficulty that he could see; and he was -constrained to wonder wherefore she had selected it—the truth being -that she had opened the volume at random.</p> - -<p>"I have just heard from Lady Osborne that Miss Watson is about to be -married."</p> - -<p>In spite of himself, he was obliged to smile.</p> - -<p>"I regret that I have nothing to add to this thunderbolt!"</p> - -<p>"You are quite sure that she is to be married?"</p> - -<p>He was aware that she was watching him narrowly, and both his face and -voice were entirely under control as he replied—</p> - -<p>"I see no reason to doubt Mr. Musgrave's statement. He was just coming -from the Rectory, and I know he was intimate with them."</p> - -<p>"He was altogether mad with her for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> refusing to dance with him at our -ball—Fanny Carr told me so."</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard looked startled for a moment; and she proceeded—</p> - -<p>"Fanny thought it showed a great want of breeding on her part to be so -insolent to a guest of ours—she is not in a position to be disdainful -of anyone—I should never think of calling her a lady."</p> - -<p>She received no answer to this.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I know you were vastly in love with her—I was quite expecting to -have to congratulate you!"—with an attempt at archness.</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard contented himself with bowing.</p> - -<p>"I thought her rather handsome myself; but several gentlemen said to me -that they did not at all think her anything out of the common."</p> - -<p>This again was received in silence; and Julia Osborne, considerably -mortified, and perfectly aware of Lady Osborne's displeasure, should -she learn of her adventure, thought it best to retire to her room.</p> - -<p>A few days later they were joined by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> Lord Edward Sothern, to whom -Miss Osborne turned her attentions, and with much greater prospect of -ultimate success.</p> - -<p>This, however, was not at all what she desired; but to inflict some -gentle damage on an unimpressive heart, which she should presently -be called upon to repair. In vain was the snare laid; and she was -shortly engaged in a flirtation which obliged Lady Osborne to compel -her to accept the proposal which speedily followed, and was urged with -insistence.</p> - -<p>Julia Osborne was not a little incensed at the turn affairs had taken; -and believing Mr. Howard to be the cause of all the mischief, felt that -she had been barbarously used. Her resentment grew with reflection; -and for a time nothing could appease her, although it was incumbent -on her to dissemble her feelings. All this, however, had the salutary -effect of estranging her from the first object of her affections; and -by degrees the good-humour and attentions of her lover reconciled her -to the hardship of her fate.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> - -<p>As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments -(in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their -guests by easy stages to Florence.</p> - -<p>Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled -about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in -the masterpieces of the world. He was much more attached to her than to -any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion. -She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her -son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.</p> - -<p>Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; -her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she -walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky. As they turned -down the "Way of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>Beautiful Ladies," he could not but acknowledge -how well she fulfilled the tradition.</p> - -<p>"You are very silent, Arthur," she said.</p> - -<p>He looked at her with a smile in his eyes, and made some brief answer.</p> - -<p>Never before had she addressed him by his christian name, and he was at -once gratified by a friendship which was sincere enough to desire the -intimacy; and disappointed that the music of his name had not sounded -for him on the lips of another, whose image he was as yet unable to -banish from his heart.</p> - -<p>As though divining something of the trend of his thought, she began to -speak of Emma; continuing—</p> - -<p>"I thought her a perfect lady—I could find no want of breeding in her. -Modest, yet confident, as one used to Society; refined, yet without -affectation. When I think of the difference between her and the other -members of her family, whom I have noticed at the Assembly balls, I am -forced to the conclusion that her father must have married very much -beneath him. It must be trying for her, when she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> has been brought up -so differently, to be obliged to live with them now."</p> - -<p>"She seems to be attached to her eldest sister."</p> - -<p>"<i>She</i> impressed me much more favourably than her other sisters, whose -conduct has attracted my attention on different occasions—she is too -simple to be accused of vulgarity."</p> - -<p>They walked along in silence for a brief space; and then Lady Osborne -continued—</p> - -<p>"Is it not very much to be deplored that men so seldom ask for anything -beyond youth and beauty?—so seldom consider merit, or suitability? How -often have not men disregarded every indication of personal qualities -that would have assured their happiness, and turned aside after the -first pretty face that came in their way? It is a sort of blindness—an -absence of penetration—which must bring ultimate regret. Do you -remember the Sacristan, in Santa Croce, telling us of the priceless -frescoes of Giotto that lay hidden under the whitewash on the walls<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> of -the Chapel of the Bardi della Liberta? It made me think of how often -so much lies hidden from us by an even slighter veil—a gossamer so -slender that we may afterwards come to wonder what obstacle it could -have presented to us!"</p> - -<p>Her companion looked at her in wonder, not unmixed with sorrow, though -the appeal in her voice held no meaning for him; and he was constrained -to walk along in silence at her side.</p> - -<p>Later on, as she sat beneath Botticelli's <i>Fortitude</i>, with her hand -on her parasol, the likeness between them struck him with almost a -sense of dismay. Her bright colour had faded, and there was a look of -weariness and lassitude on her face. As in the picture, it was the face -of one who had suffered, and would yet again suffer, before she had -laid her head on the quiet pillow of her grave.</p> - -<p class="center">* * * * * *</p> - -<p>Towards the end of May, the Osbornes returned to London to prepare for -Miss Osborne's wedding, whilst Mr. Howard went on his way to Spain.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> - -<p>The Watsons returned to Croydon in October; and a few weeks later, Mrs. -Watson, finding the resignation of second mourning eminently becoming, -sent out invitations for a party.</p> - -<p>Emma was very sensible of the want of propriety in having company -within a year of her father's death; but Robert welcomed the -arrangement, as he was anxious to show attention to some new and -important clients.</p> - -<p>About a week before the entertainment was to take place, Lord Osborne -called. He was shown into the drawing-room where Emma was working at -her embroidery; while Jane sat near her, making out a list of the -dishes that would be necessary for the supper.</p> - -<p>It was with a sinking heart that Emma rose and curtsied to him. She -had hoped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> that he had forgotten her; and his persistence in once more -following her could only serve to aggravate the difficulty of her -position. Jane was not a little agitated at finding herself, for the -first time in her life, in the society of a man of his position; and -was also a good deal disconcerted by having thrown her second best -tippet round her shoulders, when her <i>best</i> would have been so much -more suitable to such an important occasion.</p> - -<p>As Emma remained silent, she believed it to be incumbent on her to -express her sense of the honour he had done them in calling, enquiring -with immense affability for Lady Osborne and Lady Edward Sothern.</p> - -<p>Emma then enquired for Mrs. Blake and Charles, and learned that the -latter was head of his class at school, and was grown a monstrous fine -fellow. Lord Osborne then added that Mr. Howard was not yet returned -from Spain.</p> - -<p>"How do you like Croydon, Miss Watson?" he continued. "I always thought -it famously dull myself." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> - -<p>"There are some pleasant walks towards the country," she began, when -she was hastily interrupted by Jane.</p> - -<p>"Oh! I assure you, Lord Osborne, there is an immense deal of fashion -in Croydon! Many of the families live in the first style—and as for -sociability, there are few places to equal it! When not in mourning, we -are in company nearly every evening!"</p> - -<p>Lord Osborne looked not a little astonished; then, after a short pause, -turning to Emma, said—</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear you are taking exercise. Do not you now wear -half-boots?"</p> - -<p>Emma began to laugh; and believing he must have said something witty, -he joined in very heartily.</p> - -<p>At this moment, Robert entered the room. He had not expected to find -Lord Osborne there; but Emma was gratified by the quiet manner in -which he received him. Taking the conversation into his own hands, he -discussed the harvest; the French; the incapacity of the Government -(that unfailing source of gratification to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> those who govern not); and -a new play, which a friend of his had seen in London. Emma had never -before heard him talk so well; and yet she was aware that there was -something wanting in cordiality; but Lord Osborne was apparently very -well satisfied to be spared the fatigue of exercising his brain.</p> - -<p>Jane, however, listened with ill-concealed impatience; and when, at -length, Robert paused, she lost no time in striking in, and began—</p> - -<p>"We are arranging to have a little company, my lord——"</p> - -<p>But Robert was quite equal to playing the husband; and the instant -displeasure of his eye froze the invitation which was hovering on her -lips.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Musgrave mentioned something of the sort to me," replied Lord -Osborne, colouring slightly. "I should be very much honoured, madam, if -you would be so good as to include me."</p> - -<p>The request was made with a sort of simple shyness that made it -impossible to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> be refused; but as Robert returned to the drawing-room, -after seeing him out, his face was clouded.</p> - -<p>"I am sure you are too sensible, Emma," he said, "to desire to have -Lord Osborne dangling after you. It will not be possible for him to -marry you. It will only occasion spiteful gossip; and perhaps prevent -your getting fixed."</p> - -<p>"I assure you, Robert," replied Emma, blushing, "that not for anything -in the world would I encourage him—I sincerely hope that he will not -continue to call." With that, she left the room.</p> - -<p>Jane had been watching her, with shrewd eyes, in silence.</p> - -<p>"I declare I never met a girl like her!" she exclaimed. "I am as -certain as anything that she is not wanting to have him! But mark my -words, Robert, Lord Osborne is in earnest! He is not for flirting at -all. And, unless she is a born fool, Emma will be 'my lady'!"</p> - -<p class="center">* * * * * *</p> - -<p>On the night of the party, Augusta was allowed to remain up for -half-an-hour;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> Sam had got leave to join them; and Lord Osborne and Mr. -Musgrave were amongst the first arrivals.</p> - -<p>After the usual civilities, Lord Osborne sat down by Emma; and as the -guests began to arrive in quick succession, and were not long in being -informed by Jane as to his quality, inquisitive glances were constantly -directed towards them. Seeing this, Emma presently excused herself, -and went to sit by a lady to whom she had been previously introduced; -but in a few moments he had followed her. She then presented him to -the lady, who was only too pleased to form the acquaintance; and moved -on to speak to a pretty girl who was sitting somewhat apart, and who -appeared to know as few people as Emma herself. But again he came after -her; and although she did her best to engage the two in conversation, -the former was so shy, and the latter so dull, that it appeared to -her as though they had simultaneously embarked on a game as to which -should limit their observations to the fewest words of one syllable. In -response to an imploring eye,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> Sam came over, and she introduced them; -and shortly afterwards they were joined by little Augusta. Lord Osborne -was at once attracted by the pretty child; and, lifting her up on his -knee, presented her with his silver comfit-box. It was soon time for -her to retire, and Emma took her, herself, up to her room, remaining -with her until Sam was sent in search of her.</p> - -<p>As she was coming down stairs, with her hand on his arm, she paused and -said earnestly—</p> - -<p>"Sam—cannot you help me?"</p> - -<p>He remained silent, and she continued: "You can have no conception how -I have been suffering from Jane's boasting—and now that Lord Osborne -has come, it will be worse than ever! Could not you persuade Robert to -forbid him the house?"</p> - -<p>"Are you quite sure, Emma, that you know your own heart? Should he be -sent away, can you be certain that you will not be regretting it?"</p> - -<p>"Quite sure and quite certain!" she replied, smiling. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Is there anyone else, then, that you care for?"</p> - -<p>She blushed deeply, and tears gathered in her eyes.</p> - -<p>"There—my love!" he said, gently. "I should not have asked you."</p> - -<p>When they re-entered the drawing-room, Lord Osborne was at once at her -side. The card-table was being set, and he was anxious to arrange a -party for whist, which should include Emma and himself.</p> - -<p>Robert, however, interposed by coming forward and requesting his sister -to be so kind as to sit beside old Lady Brown, and show her how to play -speculation. "Did I hear you say 'whist,' my lord?—this way, if you -will be good enough."</p> - -<p>At supper, Lord Osborne found himself separated by the length of the -room from the object of his admiration; and when he endeavoured to -engage her afterwards as his partner, Sam had already secured her for -another table.</p> - -<p>Jane was perfectly aware of the manoeuvres of her husband and brother, -and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> was not a little entertained by them. "It will only serve to -inflame Lord Osborne," she thought to herself. "They could not be -playing her cards better!"</p> - -<p class="center">* * * * * *</p> - -<p>Sam was obliged to leave them on the following day; but, before going, -he urged Robert to put a stop to Lord Osborne calling.</p> - -<p>"It is not so simple as you think, Sam," replied his brother. "I shall -certainly not give him any encouragement—still less, allow Emma to be -thrown at his head. But Jane will have it that he is violently in love -with Emma, and quite determined to marry her. If such should be the -case, I would not be justified in standing in her way—it would be a -very fine match for her."</p> - -<p>"I assure you she does not desire it."</p> - -<p>"Emma is a good girl—I am perfectly satisfied with her conduct; but, -of course, if Lord Osborne intends to ask her, everything will be quite -different—she will not think of him in the same way. She is now afraid -of being made to appear foolish." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> - -<p>With this, Sam had perforce to be satisfied; and he was at least -confident that Robert would secure his sister from any impertinence.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> - -<p>Mrs. Robert Watson having announced her emancipation from the trammels -of woe, invitations poured in, fast and thick, in all of which Emma was -specially included.</p> - -<p>It was fine, bright weather, with the pleasantest frost; and Emma -was able to take out Augusta nearly every morning for a walk. To her -dismay, however, she found herself frequently joined by Lord Osborne, -who had taken rooms in a neighbouring inn; and she appealed in vain to -her sister to accompany them, or to take charge of the child herself.</p> - -<p>Matters were brought to a head by Jane, who deliberately informed Lord -Osborne one morning when he called, of the direction in which Emma had -gone. She herself had sent her some little distance beyond the town, in -order to enquire for an old servant who was ill. The result was,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> that -as Emma was turning but the first corner on her return home, she came -face to face with Lord Osborne.</p> - -<p>She replied to his greeting as coldly as might be; and was endeavouring -to proceed on her way, when she was brought to a standstill by his -informing her that Mrs. Watson had been so good as to indicate to him -where he might find her. "She was particularly kind," he said. "I am -very much obliged to her—the more so that I have been missing you for -so many mornings."</p> - -<p>Emma's eyes had been fixed on the ground, but she now suddenly raised -them. His face was slightly flushed, and his whole manner betrayed -confidence.</p> - -<p>Pale with anger, and holding Augusta's hand tightly, she confronted him.</p> - -<p>"Lord Osborne, I am alone and unprotected," she said. "You must surely -see that your attentions only cause me distress. Be good enough to let -me proceed on my way, without accompanying me."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Watson has given me her permission to escort you home." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> - -<p>"My sister-in-law has no conception of her duty to me."</p> - -<p>"Believe me, Miss Watson, my intentions are entirely honourable. You -have no reason to treat me with such coldness. My whole desire is to -make you my wife—if you will honour me by accepting me."</p> - -<p>Emma curtsied.</p> - -<p>"I cannot possibly accept you, my lord—I beseech you to accept this -answer as final—I can never be your wife!—but, believe me, I am -deeply sensible to the honour you have done me."</p> - -<p>"What reason can you have for refusing me? Do not be so hasty! You do -not perhaps know me well enough. I will wait—I will be patient—if you -will only give me one word of hope!"</p> - -<p>"My lord, I cannot!"</p> - -<p>"You cannot?—why cannot you?"</p> - -<p>Emma remained silent, but she was walking onward, the while he kept at -her side.</p> - -<p>"Miss Emma! why do not you speak?"</p> - -<p>She could find no reply.</p> - -<p>"I know I am a dull fellow—but I love<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> you so much! There is not -anything I would not do for you! Could not you care for me a little?"</p> - -<p>"No, my lord."</p> - -<p>"If you were only married to me, you would care for me!—you could not -but care for me if we were married—I would love you so much!"</p> - -<p>Emma wept.</p> - -<p>"Why do you make my aunt cry? Why do not you go away?" asked little -Augusta, looking over at him reproachfully.</p> - -<p>"It needs a child to point out my obvious duty," he said bitterly; and, -turning back, he strode away.</p> - -<p>Augusta remained silent for several minutes, and then said—</p> - -<p>"Is not a lord nicer than a gentleman?"</p> - -<p>Emma was obliged to smile.</p> - -<p>"Shall not you marry him after a while?" she continued.</p> - -<p>"Would <i>you</i> like to marry him, Augusta?"</p> - -<p>"No," replied the child, after a little hesitation; "it always seems a -long time when he is there." </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p> - -<p>On their return home, Jane herself opened the door and, fixing her eyes -on Emma, said—</p> - -<p>"Has Lord Osborne asked you?"</p> - -<p>Emma admitted it.</p> - -<p>"Well, you have accepted him?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"You have <i>not</i> accepted him! Good heavens! Emma!—do you tell me you -have <i>refused</i> him?—refused <i>Lord Osborne</i>!"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Wicked, ungrateful girl! How have you the face to stand there and tell -me such a thing? Are you mad, Emma? What bewitched you to refuse him?"</p> - -<p>Emma remained silent.</p> - -<p>"Speak, wretched girl! How dared you to refuse him?"</p> - -<p>Emma looked at her haughtily.</p> - -<p>"I shall speak to my brother," she replied coldly.</p> - -<p>"It is your brother who will speak to <i>you</i>—Minx! Do not look at -me like that! You are insufferable with your airs—and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> you <i>just -nothing</i>! Owing every stick on your back to your brother and to me!"</p> - -<p>Jane had completely lost all self-control; and little Augusta, -terrified, clung to Emma, crying bitterly.</p> - -<p>At this moment, Robert came into the hall.</p> - -<p>"Here is Emma gone and refused Lord Osborne!" cried his wife.</p> - -<p>"Do you consider the servants to be stone deaf!" he demanded angrily. -"Come with me into my study, Emma. Go with your mother, Augusta."</p> - -<p>Crossing the hall, he opened the door of his room for Emma to enter, -and, following her in, closed and locked it.</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of all this?"</p> - -<p>Emma was too agitated to reply.</p> - -<p>"Is it true that you have refused Lord Osborne?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Robert."</p> - -<p>"And why have you refused him?" Emma strove to answer, but no words -came.</p> - -<p>"I insist on your answering me. Why<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> have you refused him?—you must -have some reason."</p> - -<p>"I do not love him."</p> - -<p>"As far as I am aware, it is not the custom for a nice girl to love -a man before he asks her. It will come in time. Listen to me, Emma. -I was anything but pleased when Lord Osborne followed you here, but -he has shown that his intentions are wholly honourable. Shortly after -our party he called on me to obtain my permission to offer himself to -you, as soon as he deemed that he might do so with reasonable hope -of success. This morning he acquainted your sister with his design -in following you. You have nothing to complain of with regard to his -conduct; he is a handsome man; and his position is far above that you -have any right to expect."</p> - -<p>Emma remained silent, with her eyes on the ground and her cheeks -burning.</p> - -<p>"I stand to you in the light of a father," continued Robert; "I have -a right to your obedience; and if you have any natural feelings you -will be glad to make me some return for all I have done for you—and -I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> am ready to do much more—by showing some willingness to comply -with what I judge to be best for you. I am not saying that I might not -have preferred that you had married a man in a simpler rank; but as -you are so difficult to suit, I could not run the risk of dismissing -him. Our aunt was no friend to you, breeding you up in a different way -to us all, making you discontented; and you should be grateful to Lord -Osborne for overlooking so much and being willing to marry you. Promise -me, Emma, that there will be no more nonsense, if he should be so good -as to forgive you for the insult you have done him, and should come -forward again."</p> - -<p>"I cannot promise. I can never marry him."</p> - -<p>"You <i>can</i>, and <i>will</i> marry him! Obstinate girl! What are you aiming -at? Would you prefer to attract the attentions of a royal prince?"</p> - -<p>Robert had no sooner uttered these words than he would gladly have -recalled them—shrinking from the flash of his sister's eyes. The next -moment she had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> swept past him, unlocked the door, and was gone.</p> - -<p>Half-an-hour later she had left the house, and was on her way to Sam at Guildford.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> - -<p>Early in January Mr. Howard returned from Spain. Had he been able to -follow his own inclinations, he would have gone straight to Cumberland -in order to look after his property, and confer with his agent on some -matters of importance; but he received such an urgent summons from Lady -Osborne that he did not like to disregard it, and went down into Surrey.</p> - -<p>As he entered the beautiful drawing-room of the Castle, where -everything was so familiar to him, and Lady Osborne, so entirely in -keeping with her surroundings, came forward to greet him, with a slight -flush upon her face, he could not but feel how good it was to be once -more at home.</p> - -<p>They sat together by the wide hearth, and it seemed to him that in the -soft light of the candles she might well pass for ten years less than -her age, but as a matter of fact a stranger might well have taken her -for but little older than himself; in her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> beauty there was something -so soft and fair.</p> - -<p>They had been chatting of one thing and another—principally of Lady -Edward Sothern, and the wedding—when suddenly it occurred to him that -he had not enquired for Lord Osborne, and, to his amazement, learned -that he was in Paris.</p> - -<p>"Upon my word I do not understand him," he said, rising to his feet, -and leaning against the mantelpiece. "When we were in Italy he was for -ever playing the <i>rôle</i> of lonely exile, and pining for his native -land!"</p> - -<p>He looked down at Lady Osborne, and she coloured.</p> - -<p>"I was particularly anxious to speak to you about him," she replied. -"It is on account of his disappointment with Miss Watson. She has -definitely refused him."</p> - -<p>"But what could have induced him to ask her when she is the betrothed -of another?"</p> - -<p>"It was all a mistake—Mr. Musgrave confesses to having been -misinformed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> She continues to live with her brother and sister at -Croydon—vulgar impossible people!—though Osborne insists that they -have a child who is a perfect little lady!—I cannot understand these -Watsons!"</p> - -<p>On the plea of his disordered dress, Mr. Howard soon after retired, -but, as he crossed the room it was as though something of its beauty -had faded. It no longer held the same spell for him. Something of -disquiet had wakened in him. An instinct, not unakin to a sense of -shrinking, had possessed him—almost as though there were a pitfall at -his feet.</p> - -<p>As he entered his old apartment, he was again conscious of uneasiness. -It had been freshly decorated, and re-furnished, and there was an -air of luxury which somehow repelled him, giving him a feeling of -oppression. He went over to the casement, and throwing it wide open, -regardless of frost and snow, looked out into the quiet night, with its -myriad of stars.</p> - -<p class="space-above">On the following day he set out to call on some old parishioners, and -had not gone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> very far on his way when he encountered Tom Musgrave -riding along.</p> - -<p>"If ever I met such a fellow as you are, Howard! We all thought you'd -been eaten by cannibals!"</p> - -<p>"Sorry to disappoint you!—but there are no cannibals in Spain!"</p> - -<p>"Well, crocodiles!—it's all one!—and here's Osborne gone off to -Paris, clean out of his wits over Miss Watson!"</p> - -<p>"How came you to make such a mistake with regard to Miss Watson?"</p> - -<p>"Faith! I don't know that there was any mistake! Her people are wild -with her for not having Osborne—but there seems to be some other -fellow in the background—someone she had met at her aunt's—and she -seems fully determined to have her own way. She has, absolutely, left -them at Croydon, and gone to stay with her younger brother, where there -will be nobody to look after her from morning to night!"</p> - -<p>This story unfortunately received confirmation during the morning; and -on the following day, when he rode over to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> Rectory to see Purvis, -it received a still more disquieting aspect. Emma had been seen in the -company of a Captain Conway at A——, a man who was said to be highly -connected, though of this there was no certain proof—but who, on -the other hand, was well known to be a profligate. Heavy at heart he -returned to the Castle.</p> - -<p>As he sat with Lady Osborne over the fire that night, she told him more -of her history than ever he had previously known.</p> - -<p>He had always deplored the inferiority of her son and daughter to their -mother, but hitherto it had never occurred to him that she had been -conscious of it herself.</p> - -<p>"I have known but little happiness in my life," she said. "My father, -Lord Foulke, was a gambler; and, in view of the increasing difficulty -of living, my mother believed it to be her duty to marry off all her -daughters as soon as they came out. I was the third of five girls, -and married when scarcely sixteen—no more than a child. I could not -endure Lord Osborne—my every instinct revolted against him—but though -I implored my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> father and mother, with tears, to spare me, they would -not listen to me. No one may know the misery of my married life. When -I was about twenty-three, however, my husband died, leaving me with -two young children—the boy so backward that I believed him for a time -to be deficient; but as I spared no effort to develop him he gradually -improved. Not long afterwards my father died from an accident. The -shock brought a stroke on my mother, depriving her of the power of -speech, which she never afterwards recovered, though she lingered on -for several years. My brother, despite the remonstrances of the doctor, -insisted on her removal to the Dower House, and short as was the drive, -she never recovered from it; so that I dared not attempt to bring her -here. As it was seldom possible to leave her, I could see but little -of my children, for as the Dower House was small, and indifferently -built, she could not endure their noise. But never had I loved her so -well. Qualities, that I had never before discerned in her, now showed -themselves, and we were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> drawn together as we never had been before. At -her death I returned home, to find my daughter almost a stranger to me. -Julia was now fourteen, and her pretty manners, which I had believed -to be the expression of her affection for me, had merely served as a -mask to her serious defects of character. Perhaps unjustly, I dismissed -her governess, believing her to be blamed, and endeavoured myself to -correct them, but I had come too late, and it only served to estrange -her the further. Osborne, on the other hand, has always held for me -the simple affection of his childhood, and his faults are rather of a -negative than of a positive character, but he cares for little beyond -hunting and fishing—we have almost nothing in common. Until you came, -Arthur, I had scarcely known what it was to have a companion."</p> - -<p>There was a slight falter in her voice as she uttered the last words, -and she looked at her visitor wistfully.</p> - -<p>His eyes, half veiled by their lashes, were fixed on the glowing -embers, and he remained silent. Once again Emma's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> soft hand trembled -in his own, and he was conscious of the beating of her heart. Why had -he not taken her into his arms, then and there, to shelter in his -breast for ever?</p> - -<p>"Arthur, you are not listening to me!"</p> - -<p>There was a note of reproach in the gentle voice at his side.</p> - -<p>"I assure you, Lady Osborne, that I am deeply concerned and distressed -to hear of all that you have suffered. Perhaps in view of my office -it is scarcely orthodox for me to say how very unfair it has all -seemed—but from the point of view of a simple human being, it is -impossible to think otherwise."</p> - -<p>Nothing could have been kinder than the tone in which he pronounced -these words; but that she had expected something altogether different -was quite evident by the expression of disappointment which overspread -her countenance, as she shrank into the shadow.</p> - -<p>After a moment's silence he continued:</p> - -<p>"The want of sympathy between parents and children is only too common, -but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> there must have been a total absence of all natural feeling on -the part of your brother, with regard to Lady Foulke, when he could -act in such a manner towards her. The counterpart of it, however, I -witnessed at the bedside of my cousin. His son, as you know, broke his -neck in the hunting field, as his father lay dying. I was deputed to -tell him, and did so in fear and trembling as to the possible effect it -might have on him, but he just looked round at me and said: 'And a good -thing, too!' Although I had been aware that the relations between them -were very unfortunate, I had not believed it possible that there could -be such an estrangement between father and son."</p> - -<p>After a pause Mr. Howard then announced that he had written to his -agent to expect him on the following Saturday.</p> - -<p>"Oh, surely not!" exclaimed his hostess, leaning forward in -expostulation. "Cumberland will be quite intolerable in this weather—I -have heard that the cold there is beyond everything!"</p> - -<p>"I have yet to learn that I am in a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>galloping consumption. I assure -you there is no country more delightful and wonderful than Cumberland -in the grasp of winter!"</p> - -<p>"I am well aware a Northman will swear <i>anything</i> with respect to his -country!"</p> - -<p>"Madam! I protest!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, protest away! you are all of you alike! I had hoped that you might -have been prevailed upon to remain with us until Easter—in which case -Osborne would have come back at once."</p> - -<p>"Do not you think he had much better remain where he is? In the gay -world of Paris he will have everything to distract him, and may -possibly find someone to replace Miss Watson?"</p> - -<p>"I do not think so."</p> - -<p>"Surely you do not believe that Osborne will remain inconsolable for -ever?"</p> - -<p>There was a gleam of humour in his dark eyes as he turned them towards -her. In all his intimate knowledge of his former pupil, it had -certainly never occurred to him that he possessed a heart of untold -depths! </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No. What I believe is, that he will revert to his former indifference -towards women, and never marry at all."</p> - -<p>"That would be very much to be deplored."</p> - -<p>"I am not so sure of that. He is scarcely fitted to attract a superior -mind, and you could not expect me to welcome an inferior one, or to -view, without pain, an unwilling bride forced into his arms."</p> - -<p>A day or two later Lady Osborne stood beneath the portico, to wish her -guest "God-speed."</p> - -<p>"Remember I shall be counting on you for an invitation!" she said, -smiling.</p> - -<p>He bowed low.</p> - -<p>"I shall have to secure a fair chatelaine, madam, in order to receive -you worthily!"</p> - -<p>How little did he realize that his idle words were as a naked sword in -her breast.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> - -<p>Sam was walking along the High Street of Guildford just as the coach -drove up to the stage; and, for the moment, thinking less of anything -in the world than of Emma, when, to his amazement, she suddenly -appeared on the platform. Hastening forward, he lifted her down; but -seeing she could scarcely maintain her composure, forbore to question -her, and, drawing her hand within his arm, he led her home.</p> - -<p>He now lived entirely with Mr. Curtis at his residence, in a quiet -suburban road, not far off: a large, red-brick house, standing in its -own grounds, and furnished with all the comfort and suitability of -wealth and refinement. As soon as they were seated by a comfortable -fire in the library, Emma, in a few words, informed her brother of -all that had happened. He was much moved by the recital, but deeply<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> -gratified that she had come to him at once—indeed his satisfaction -at having her would have been without bounds, had it not been for his -indignation at the conduct of Robert and Jane, and the shock he had -sustained at finding Emma travelling by herself.</p> - -<p>Presently Mr. Curtis, who had been out, returned to the house, and -entered the room. Sam at once introduced his sister, and while sparing -her feelings as much as possible, made him acquainted with a sufficient -account of what had occurred, to let him see that it was impossible -for Emma to return to Croydon. He then announced his intention of at -once seeking for suitable lodgings for his sister and himself, but Mr. -Curtis steadily refused to countenance such an arrangement, insisting -that as he already regarded Sam as a son, he had some justification -in venturing to hope that Miss Emma might come to look on him as her -father, and in the meantime his house was as truly at her service. -Emma thanked him charmingly, but begged for permission to look for a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> -situation, as governess, or companion. On perceiving, however, the -mortification she was occasioning, both to Sam and Mr. Curtis, she was -soon obliged to give way.</p> - -<p>Before very long her box was forwarded from Croydon, and both Robert -and Jane wrote more suitably than might have been expected, expressing -considerable regret that she had left them.</p> - -<p>Emma was now more at ease than she had been since her quiet time with -Elizabeth, although she daily missed little Augusta; but her health had -been injured by all she had gone through. Her cheek, once rounded with -perfect health, was now thin and worn, and to Sam's dismay she did not -appear to be regaining her vitality as the weeks went by. In view of -her half-confession to him, he feared she was suffering from a secret -sorrow, and he and Mr. Curtis spared no effort to restore her.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of February Elizabeth's marriage was arranged, and -Mrs. John Purvis, with whom she had been residing, and from whose -house the wedding was to take place, kindly invited the whole<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> family, -including Augusta. Emma's embarrassment at meeting Robert and Jane -was considerably lessened by this arrangement, and she and the child -were inseparable during the few days they spent together. Penelope and -Margaret had obtained leave to be present, and both appeared improved -by having been provided with occupation, other than hunting for -husbands. Mary Edwards had also been invited, and Emma was now able to -satisfy herself that she was not wholly indifferent to Sam.</p> - -<p>Elizabeth looked very sweet and handsome in her white bonnet and shawl, -and the bridegroom distinguished himself not a little by forgetting -neither cheque nor ring.</p> - -<p>The sisters had been truly happy to have met together again, and their -parting was much less sorrowful than before, both bride and bridegroom -insisting that Emma should come to them in April to make her home with -them.</p> - -<p>Poor Sam protested with no little warmth against this arrangement, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> -Elizabeth was not his elder sister for nothing.</p> - -<p>"Cannot you have some sense, Sam!" she said. "Emma is quite too pretty, -and has already been too much talked about, to be left alone with a -pair of old bachelors!—the two of you out the half of the time! Oh! I -know she can take care of herself better than could have been thought -possible—she has told me all about Captain Conway—but she should not -be left in such a position—her home is with her sister!"</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> - -<p>Unfortunately, Emma contracted a chill during the long drive back from -the wedding, and in spite of, or perhaps, rather as a result of the -various remedies with which she was treated, she was still very far -from strong when Sam took her over to Wickstead, and left her in the -care of Elizabeth.</p> - -<p>With what mingled feelings did not Emma view once more the scene where -she had spent one of the happiest evenings of her life. Once again, -in fancy, she was received by Mr. Howard with all that particularity -which had assured her that the entertainment had been arranged with -a sole view to enjoying her society. Once again as she entered the -dining-parlour, she saw herself at his side, and heard the raillery -of his voice as he combated her cherished opinions—from no personal -conviction as she had been well aware, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> in order to draw her into -friendly combat. In the evening afterwards, perhaps she alone had been -conscious of his vexation at Miss Osborne's intrusion; and she had also -divined his intention of retaining her as his neighbour at cards. The -moment of parting was also present with her.</p> - -<p>But more to her than all these memories was that of the fateful moment -at the ball, when he had begged her to return him the rose he had given -to her. Even now it so moved her that she endeavoured to refrain from -dwelling on it. Yet how had she been so vain, so foolish, as to have -mistaken an ordinary flirtation of a man of the world, for an emotion -of a deeper character? For there could no longer be any doubt in her -mind with respect to him. He had simply been amusing himself, he had -had no intentions with regard to her. Nor had he in any way stepped -beyond the limits of convention—blame rested solely with herself. Her -former experience of life, slight as it had been, should have taught -her that all men of breeding and fashion are more or less adepts at -flirting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>—unless indeed they are scarcely to be tolerated.</p> - -<p>Sweet and unselfish as was Emma's nature, the perfect happiness of -Elizabeth and Henry Purvis, in a setting so pregnant of another—where -every article of furniture seemed to speak of that other—could not but -make her sensible of a feeling of bereavement; nor could she withhold -her wayward fancy from depicting herself, and that other, as playing -the part of her sister and brother-in-law, in their daily life.</p> - -<p>Lord Osborne had rejoined his regiment, but Lady Osborne, to the -surprise of all, continued to remain on at the Castle, instead of going -up to the family town house. Tom Musgrave was as much to the fore as -ever, and as busily occupied in impressing his own importance wherever -he went, and Mary Edwards drove over at once to welcome Emma. Happening -by accident to mention Sam, she gave Emma the opportunity of telling -her that Mr. Curtis had formally declared him his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> heir, for which she -was rewarded by a quick blush.</p> - -<p>A ball was to take place shortly at the Assembly Rooms, and the Edwards -were anxious that Emma should come to them for it, but as can readily -be supposed it was almost the last entertainment she would have cared -to attend. Elizabeth, however, relieved her from all embarrassment by -saying that she did not desire her to go out at night till she was -recovered from a cough which had troubled her for some time.</p> - -<p>It was not till the end of the month that she took her to a party, -given by Mrs. Stephenson, of Ashley Park. Emma had no sooner entered -the drawing-room, and before ever her eyes had rested on his tall -figure, than she was aware of the presence of Mr. Howard.</p> - -<p>Following Elizabeth, she was slightly screened by her, and although -they passed within no great distance of him, as he appeared to be -looking the other way, she was able to persuade herself, for a short -time, that he had not observed her. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> it was impossible she should -long continue in this belief. The moments were as hours to her, when, -presently, as he was conducting a lady into the room beyond, he was -obliged to come quite close to her, and recognition was inevitable. He -merely bowed and passed on.</p> - -<p>Emma had never sought to disguise her feelings from herself, but how -deeply her heart was engaged she had not realised until that moment, -when she felt that it must break.</p> - -<p>A minute or two later Mr. Howard grew aware of a sudden commotion, and -then heard it said that a lady had fainted.</p> - -<p>Instinctively he knew that it was Emma—and almost immediately, he knew -not how, had reached her side. Motioning everyone away, he raised her -in his arms, and carried her out to the hall, where there was a couch, -but just before he laid her down she opened her eyes, and there was no -mistaking the look of deep joy which flashed into them, as she saw him -bending over her.</p> - -<p>"Emma—my dearest Emma!" </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p> - -<p>He could say no more, as they were instantly joined by Mrs. Stephenson -and Elizabeth; other guests—some impelled by solicitude, and some by -curiosity—quickly following.</p> - -<p>These, however, were quietly got rid of by their hostess, who at the -same time directed the servants to bring restoratives, and soon Emma -was able to sit up. She remained so pale and shaken, however, that -Mrs. Stephenson begged her to remain all night; but this was steadily -opposed by Elizabeth, who was anxious to bring her back with her, and -as Emma herself joined in begging to return, the carriage was sent for.</p> - -<p>At this moment Henry, who had just heard of Emma's indisposition, came -hurrying up, and assisted in conveying her home.</p> - -<p>On the following morning Mr. Howard rode over to Wickstead, and, -meeting Emma in the shrubbery, declared his passion.</p> - -<p>She could not speak, but she laid her trembling hands in his.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> - -<p>The engagement created not a little stir, and many and various were the -comments.</p> - -<p>Mr. Curtis composed a pretty speech, for the edification of his -patients, to the effect that had he been some forty years younger, when -he had had the honour of meeting with Miss Emma, his bachelorhood would -have been seriously imperilled.</p> - -<p>It is said that when this was reported to Mr. Howard, he vowed he would -have imperilled it still further for him.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Blake was rejoiced at the news, but it must be confessed that it -would be scarcely prudent to record the observations of Charles, who -thirsted for his uncle's blood for fully three days after.</p> - -<p>Jane still protested that Emma was a fool to have refused a title.</p> - -<p>Augusta enquired if she might not be married on the same day? </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> - -<p>Lady Edward Sothern's comment was perhaps characteristic—</p> - -<p>"There must be something singularly wanting in Arthur Howard to marry a -woman of the lower orders."</p> - -<p>In a remote room of the Castle Lady Osborne sat, with her head bowed -on her hands. No one could have condemned her more severely than she -condemned herself. Having missed all hope of romance in her youth, she -had endeavoured to secure some measure of it when it was no longer -reasonable to expect it; and now she felt that her punishment was -almost greater than she well might bear—standing alone, as the slow -years went by.</p> - -<p class="center">* * * * * *</p> - -<p>Emma's wedding morning shone fair, and people flocked from far and near -to see her married.</p> - -<p>Lady Osborne lent her her own veil, placing it herself on her head.</p> - -<p>Penelope and Margaret could not get leave so soon again, but the bride -was attended by Charles and Augusta, carrying baskets of flowers; and -it was easy to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>discern that the former, with the charming fickleness -of his sex, had wholly transferred his allegiance from the elder to the -younger lady.</p> - -<p>As Emma came down from the altar on her husband's arm, she looked all -loveliness, but the eyes of different among the congregation strayed -from her fresh young beauty to the face of Lady Osborne, and rested -there. To the mind of more than one there was something, they knew not -what, that seemed to elevate it beyond all they could have believed -possible.</p> - -<p>Sam and Mary Edwards, now happily betrothed (as Mr. and Mrs. Edwards -were unable any longer to urge anything against the alliance) were -amongst the company, and received the congratulations of all. It had -been arranged that they were to live on with Mr. Curtis, as the old -gentleman declared that he could not be deserted in his advancing years.</p> - -<p>Shortly after Emma's marriage, Captain O'Brien died, and his widow, -surviving him but a short time, Emma found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> herself the recipient of a -legacy of twelve thousand pounds. With her husband's cordial approval, -she shared it equally with her sisters; and Penelope lost no time in -investing hers in a husband.</p> - -<p>But Margaret had suffered so deeply through Tom Musgrave, that in -spite of anything Robert and Jane could urge, she insisted on keeping -her situation. It was only on the death of the young girl, some years -later, to whom she had been acting as companion, that she married a -naval officer, whom she had frequently met at her house, and to whom -she had become attached, finding with him a much greater measure of -happiness than could ever have been her lot had she become the wife of -one so worthless as Tom Musgrave.</p> - -<p>This gentleman, not long after, fell a prey to a vixen, who lost but -little time in reducing him, and on his endeavouring to console himself -with strong waters, secured the keys of the cellar, and retained them -with a firm hand.</p> - -<p>As the Rector of the living, on Mr. Howard's property, shortly resigned -it,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> on account of ill-health, he undertook it himself, appointing -Henry Purvis his curate, at a much handsomer figure than he would -have received as incumbent, and installing him in the rectory, with -its excellent gardens and farm. Emma and Elizabeth's happiness was -complete, now that they were settled so near to each other, and as the -years went by, there were many merry games between the children of the -Rectory and those of the Manor.</p> - -<p>Lady Osborne was a frequent visitor at the Howards', some saying that -she was fonder of their young people than of her own grandchildren, but -this was scarcely the case, as the latter added, in no little degree, -to the happiness of her life. Perhaps it might have been nearer the -mark had they divined that in Emma she had found the companionship that -she had always missed in her own daughter.</p> - -<p>She also became very fond of Mrs. Blake, whom Lord Osborne, to the -surprise of everyone, married a couple of years later. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> - -<p>If he did not entertain for her the same degree of love that Emma had -awakened in him, he was very sincerely attached to her, making an -excellent step-father to her children.</p> - -<p>Charles entered the Royal Navy.</p> - -<p>As he and Augusta spend the greater part of their holidays together at -the Howards', and do not find matter for heated argument above seven -times in the week, it is confidently believed by several that they will -ultimately embark on the more serious argument of life, with all its -possibilities for sweetness, or disaster.</p> - -<p class="center space-above">FINIS</p> - -<pre style='margin-top:6em'> -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WATSONS: BY JANE AUSTEN, -CONCLUDED BY L. 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