She promised him again and again to come-much oftener than he doubted-and was extremely gratified by such a proof of intimacy, such a distinguishing compliment as she chose to consider it.
"You may depend upon me," said she. "I certainly will come.
Name your day, and I will come. You will allow me to bring Jane Fairfax?"
"I cannot name a day," said he, "till I have spoken to some others whom I would wish to meet you."
"Oh! leave all that to me. Only give me a carte-blanche.-I am Lady Patroness, you know. It is my party. I will bring friends with me."
"I hope you will bring Elton," said he: "but I will not trouble you to give any other invitations."
"Oh! now you are looking very sly. But consider-you need not be afraid of delegating power to me. I am no young lady on her preferment.
Married women, you know, may be safely authorised. It is my party.
Leave it all to me. I will invite your guests."
"No,"-he calmly replied,-"there is but one married woman in the world whom I can ever allow to invite what guests she pleases to Donwell, and that one is-"