"Think, oh, of anything—of Mr. Howard for instance—what do you think of him?"
"That he carves very well," returned Emma laughing.
"Well, that is something—a good quality in the master of a house; I commend it seriously to your attention."
"I should think the gentlemen would not sit very long," observed Miss Osborne, "and when they come we must all adjourn to the drawing-room, for mama will wish to sit down to cards. I hope you can play cards."
Her visitors assented, Elizabeth asserting that she was very fond of them.
"And you, Miss Emma Watson," cried Miss Carr, "do you not delight in cards—you answer with a degree of coldness that speaks rather of indifference on the subject."
"I can play if necessary," replied Emma, "but there are many occupations I prefer."
"But you shall not be obliged to make martyrs of yourselves," said Miss Osborne good-humouredly. "If you prefer it you shall sit here, either or both of you, but we do not play high."
Nothing remarkable occurred during the rest of the evening; a dull, leaden state seemed to pervade everything, and both the Miss Watsons felt an inclination to yawn, which they dared not indulge in so august a presence. They were very glad when the time for taking leave arrived, and the enlivening bustle of putting on cloaks and fur boots quite aroused them. Lord Osborne looked on whilst Mr. Howard was wrapping up Emma, with a degree of attention which held out fair hopes of his soon learning such a lesson by heart.
"I shall come down and see you to-morrow," said he.