"I cannot say—but though he seems rather shy of them now, depend upon it, he is all the easier caught."
"Ay, by those who try; I can fancy that certainly—I really must exert myself—your fascinating description quite rouses my energies."
"And I am sure if you do set about it, your success is certain," continued Mrs. Watson.
"Thank you, my dear Madam, for your encouraging opinion. I fear you rate my powers too highly," laughed Annie, bowing with mock ceremony—"a young and inexperienced girl like me, cannot pretend to anything so wonderful as the captivation of a dark Mr. Grant, with a large estate, and a contempt for women—you must not expect such a triumph for me."
"Indeed, I am certain you will succeed to admiration," cried Mrs. Watson, eagerly.
"Show me how to begin then," pursued Annie. "Teach me the first step."
"I should recommend your catching his eye in some striking attitude—as I dare say he is fond of paintings—something very elegant to attract him at once," replied the married lady quite sincerely.
"Indeed—let me practice," cried Miss Millar, placing herself in an affected attitude in an arm-chair. "Will this do—or this—do I look sufficiently captivating now? which becomes me most, languor or liveliness."
"You, I see, are determined to make game of the whole thing," said Mrs. Watson. "Will nothing induce you to think well of a single man? are you so devoted a follower of celibacy yourself? ah, you are quite right—liberty, charming liberty! no one knows its value till, like me, they have sacrificed it. Ah, I say you are quite right—only, as you are so uncommonly fascinating, I cannot wonder if others should seek to win you."
"You are far too complimentary, Mrs. Watson," said the young lady, with affected gravity, and rising from her chair, she walked up to Emma, and commenced an acquaintance with her by admiring her work.