"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.