"The Osbornes will all turn all your heads with their balls and their visits, child," said he pettishly. "I wish you had never known them."
Emma looked down.
"I am sure I do not wish to go, if you dislike it," said she, in a voice which rather trembled.
It was evident to Mr. Howard that she did wish it very much.
Mr. Watson began again.
"What am I to do if you are going away for two or three days? You are but just come home as it is—I cannot do without you."
"Then I, at all events, can stay with you," replied Emma cheerfully, "and my sisters can do as they please."
Annoyed at the gentleman's selfishness, Mr. Howard felt inclined to interpose, but doubted whether he should not do more harm than good.
Emma knew better, or acted more wisely in not contradicting him, for like many irritable people, the moment he found himself unopposed, he began to relent, and said in a more placid voice,
"What's the invitation, read it again, Emma, I am not quite clear about it."