Emma tried to excuse Margaret, but fortunately, before she had wasted much eloquence in that way, Jane perceived it was time to withdraw.
No sooner was she out of the room than Sam returned from the window where he had ensconced himself during her visit, and exclaimed:
"Really, I hope it is not very wicked, but that woman puts me more out of patience than all the rest of the world of Croydon put together."
"The rest of the world of Croydon is infinitely obliged to you," said Annie Millar, walking up to him; "allow me, sir, as its representative, to make you a grateful curtsey on the occasion. You can bear with us all better than with your sister-in-law?"
She made him a saucy curtsey as she spoke, looking exceedingly pretty as she did so.
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself for such a speech, Sam," said Emma, at the same moment; "I am sure she meant to be kind."
"Yes, but who did she mean to be kind to, Emma? was it to Emma Watson or some imaginary future baroness," replied Sam.
"Why should I enquire into motives, or attribute a bad ones? She might have been just the same if Lord Osborne had never existed."
"I do not believe it," persisted he.
"Your brother wants to see how violent prejudices become him," said Annie Millar, "do not argue with him—he does not deserve it."