This well-timed offer was gratefully and gladly accepted, but Tom loudly interposed.
"But you know, Mrs. Edwards, that is contrary to all your rules—quite impossible to have your horses out to-day, after their night-work. Surely you cannot really and seriously mean such a thing—and my curricle here to make it quite unnecessary."
"I do really mean it;" replied Mrs. Edwards steadily, "our carriage and horses are quite at Miss Watson's service; and I am happy to relieve her from the risk which she evidently apprehends in so dashing an equipage as your curricle. She will, no doubt, feel much safer in our coach!"
The gentleman bit his lip, but was forced to yield; and turning to Emma, enquired:
"How did it happen, Miss Emma, that none of your sisters were at the ball?—I don't think I saw them there all the evening."
"My eldest sister," answered Emma coldly, "could not leave my father, and she is the only one at home now."
"Oh, indeed; why how long have the others been away?" then without waiting for an answer, he continued—"How did you like our ball last night? I suppose you did not keep it up much after I was gone!"
"When did you leave the room?" enquired Emma, pleased to give him the retort courteous, for his affected ignorance about her sisters.
"Oh, I did not stay after the Osbornes' party went away—I was tired and bored."
"And we enjoyed ourselves nearly two hours after that," cried Emma, "and as the room was less crowded with idlers who would not dance, I think it was particularly pleasant."