"What is it all about?" enquired Lady Gordon, "I must understand before I decide."
"Not the least necessary, my dear Rosa," said her husband, "and quite out of character; women always decide first—and understanding, if it comes at all, is quite a secondary consideration with them."
"A pretty speech to make," exclaimed Emma, "when he himself just now answered without understanding at all."
"I knew you would be severe," replied Sir William to Emma, "but I was, I assure you, only trying to bring down my conduct to the level of my companions."
"Shall we not turn him out of the room?" cried his wife, "he is intolerable to-day!"
"Oh no! take no notice of him," said Emma, with spirit, "I do not mind a word he says!"
"You—all of you talk so much," exclaimed Lord Osborne, "that it is impossible for me to settle my thoughts—but I think I have made my moral now—shall I say it?"
"By all means, my lord," said Emma.
"We are all grave attention," observed Sir William.
"Well, I think ladies should take great care not to make false steps—because, if they do, they will not be able to stand by themselves afterwards."