"I wish to heaven she were in any respect," cried Tom, "but I had no such good luck. However, I suppose I must bear my yoke."
Nobody answered, and after a little while Mr. Musgrove continued,
"One comfort of being married is, that I can flirt now without danger with any girl I choose, there is no risk now of being compelled to marry any more."
"You consider that a privilege of married men," said Sir William, enquiringly.
"Certainly, for on my honour, they need some compensation; I recommend you to marry, my lord, as indeed the privilege is a great comfort!"
"When I marry I shall leave off flirting," said Lord Osborne, decidedly, "out of compliment to my wife."
"Tantamount to an assertion you will never marry, Osborne," said Sir William, "for I never knew you flirt yet."
"How does your stable go on, my lord?" enquired Tom, "I should like to see it."
"You are welcome to go and see it if you please, so long as you don't drag me there; I am not inclined for an excursion to the stables at present."
Tom whistled and walked away, Lord Osborne drew nearer to Emma, and said,