"Oh yes, a great deal of curiosity—but no time to spare, and I know that if I wait a little, you will tell me all without the trouble of looking at it."
"Provoking man," said Lady Gordon, "I declare I will not tell you a word, as a punishment for such incorrigible laziness and impertinence."
"I see by the address it is from your brother, my love," replied the husband, glancing again at the letter, "what does he say to provoke you, and put you so out of temper?"
"I will not tell you a word. I assure you."
"Is he going to be married?"
"Look in the letter and you will have no occasion to ask me."
"Miss Watson, suppose you were to take it, and oblige me by reading it out; you have done your breakfast, and I am still busy with mine."
"No, indeed, I quite agree with Lady Gordon in thinking it very indolent not to read it for yourself, and shall certainly not countenance it at all."
"I see you are in a conspiracy against me, and that is very unfair when there are two ladies to one man," replied he laughing.
"I am just going to make you even as to numbers at least," returned Emma, "for I am about to leave the room."