"Remember," continued Emma as if retracting, "I mean no disparagement to your friend, who I have no doubt may be a very excellent and amiable woman, but I was speaking merely as she appeared to me to-day."
"There have been young Lady Osbornes," said he almost in a whisper, and as if rather doubtful whether or not to speak the words.
"I suppose so," replied Emma coolly, without the smallest embarrassment, but with a slight shade of reserve in her manner. She never allowed jesting on the topic of matrimony. He saw it immediately.
"Then what do you think you require to make you happy?" said he, to escape from the other subject.
"A very comprehensive question—I should like to know whether you expect a serious answer," replied she gaily.
"A true one, if you please."
"To be with those I love, and have money in my purse—I think that is sufficient: no—I think I should like a house too—"
"Very reasonable and moderate."
"But preserve me from the slavery of living en grande dame; I was not brought up to it—and nothing but habit could make such bonds sit light and gracefully."
"I believe you are right, and you must certainly be wise."