"Indeed! I wish you would take me as one."
Emma shook her head.
"I assure you, I am very modest, I should make an excellent friend; only try me."
She answered only by an incredulous look.
"Here comes Lord Osborne into the room," continued he, "looking as if he were going to be hanged. Just turn your eyes this way, Miss Watson."
"Thank you," replied Emma, without complying; "but I will not add to Lord Osborne's modest confusion by looking at him."
"His modest confusion—what a good idea. Why he is the most impudent man in Great Britain. What bribe do you suppose his mother had to offer him, to induce him to come into the music saloon to-day?"
"It is difficult for me to guess. Agreeable company and excellent music no doubt."
"I cannot fancy either would gratify him; he is certainly one of the most unpolished boors in the county. I assure you his groom is a gentleman compared to him."
"For shame to say such things of your host—you are taking away his character, and there is surely some penalty attached to stealing in a dwelling-house."