"It would I am afraid be encroaching too much on Mr. Howard's time," replied Emma, "to exact his attentions as a cicerone. Miss Osborne has promised to go round with me herself."
"Miss Osborne sometimes breaks her word," said Mrs. Willis coolly; "and as she has usually a good many engagements, perhaps you had better trust to my brother since you seem determined to shun hers."
"I should not expect much intellectual gratification from Lord Osborne's company, or his remarks on painting," replied Emma, almost laughing at the idea.
Mrs. Willis left the room, to speak to her brother. She found him of course in his study, from whence Charles had just been dismissed.
"Edward, are you busy?" said she.
"No; what do you want, Clara?" looking up for a moment and then returning to his papers. "I was just coming to the parlour."
"It is not I, but Emma Watson who wants you."
Mr. Howard turned round to look at his sister with an expression half pleased, half incredulous.
"Yes indeed, so you need not stare so; Miss Osborne has sent down to ask you to bring her to lunch at the Castle, and go through the picture-gallery afterwards—that is to say, she has promised to go through the gallery, but you must be sure to accompany them."
Mr. Howard bent over his papers again for a moment in silence.