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'!"
* * * * * *