"So I understand, Miss Watson, you have been playing the truant, and been obliged to be brought back almost by force."
"And are you come to congratulate or condole with me on our return?"
"I am come to wish you joy about being overwhelmed in the snow. I little thought when I was last at Osborne Castle we were such near neighbours."
"When were you there?" cried Elizabeth.
"Let me see—I think it was Thursday. I am there very often, but I think Thursday was the last day. How droll it would have been had we met."
"Emma," cried Miss Watson, as her youngest sister just then entered the room, "Mr. Musgrove says he was at the Castle on Thursday."
"Oh," said Emma.
"I wonder we did not hear of it," pursued Elizabeth. "Miss Osborne never mentioned it."
"How do you like Miss Osborne," enquired Tom, who wanted to appear perfectly well informed as to what had passed, and was, therefore, ashamed of asking questions which might betray his real ignorance.
"She seems a very pleasant, amiable young lady," replied Elizabeth, "don't you think so, Emma."