"Who is that gentleman on horseback?" said she, as they proceeded-speaking more to assist Mr. Weston in keeping his secret, than with any other view.
"I do not know.-One of the Otways.-Not Frank;-it is not Frank, I assure you. You will not see him. He is half way to Windsor by this time."
"Has your son been with you, then?"
"Oh! yes-did not you know?-Well, well, never mind."
For a moment he was silent; and then added, in a tone much more guarded and demure,
"Yes, Frank came over this morning, just to ask us how we did."
They hurried on, and were speedily at Randalls.-"Well, my dear," said he, as they entered the room-"I have brought her, and now I hope you will soon be better. I shall leave you together.
There is no use in delay. I shall not be far off, if you want me."-And Emma distinctly heard him add, in a lower tone, before he quitted the room,-"I have been as good as my word. She has not the least idea."
Mrs. Weston was looking so ill, and had an air of so much perturbation, that Emma's uneasiness increased; and the moment they were alone, she eagerly said,
"What is it my dear friend? Something of a very unpleasant nature, I find, has occurred;-do let me know directly what it is.