"What am I to do if you are going away for two or three days? You are but just come home as it is—I cannot do without you."
"Then I, at all events, can stay with you," replied Emma cheerfully, "and my sisters can do as they please."
Annoyed at the gentleman's selfishness, Mr. Howard felt inclined to interpose, but doubted whether he should not do more harm than good.
Emma knew better, or acted more wisely in not contradicting him, for like many irritable people, the moment he found himself unopposed, he began to relent, and said in a more placid voice,
"What's the invitation, read it again, Emma, I am not quite clear about it."
Emma complied.
"Well, I do not know; she does not want you all to stay over the ball—and as Elizabeth will be at home, perhaps I could spare you for a day or two."
"Elizabeth would like to go to the ball too, papa."
"Yes, yes, but then she and Margaret would come home at night, and I should not be all day alone. I think you might go—you must have a post-chaise and a pair of horses to take you, I suppose, and bring your sisters back again. Would you like it, my dear?"
"Very much, sir, if it does not disturb you."