Oh! I beg your pardon, sir. I did not
immediately recollect. Undoubtedly if you wish it, I will endeavour to persuade
them both.' And away he ran.
Long before he reappeared, attending the
short, neat, brisk-moving aunt, and her elegant niece, - Mrs. Weston, like a
sweet-tempered woman and a good wife, had examined the passage again, and found
the evils of it much less than she had supposed before - indeed very trifling;
and here ended the difficulties of decision. All the rest, in speculation at
least, was perfectly smooth. All the minor arrangements of table and chair,
lights and music, tea and supper, made themselves; or were left as mere trifles
to be settled at any time between Mrs. Weston and Mrs. Stokes. - Every body
invited, was certainly to come; Frank had already written to Enscombe to
propose staying a few days beyond his fortnight, which could not possibly be
refused. And a delightful dance it was to be.
Most cordially, when
Miss Bates arrived, did she agree that it must. As a counsellor she was not
wanted; but as an approver, (a much safer character,) she was truly welcome.
Her approbation, at once general and minute, warm and incessant, could not but
please; and for another half-hour they were all walking to and fro, between the
different rooms, some suggesting, some attending, and all in happy enjoyment of
the future. The party did not break up without Emma's being positively secured
for the two first dances by the hero of the evening, nor without her
overhearing Mr. Weston whisper to his wife, `He has asked her, my dear. That's
right. I knew he would!'
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