Jane had, in a decided way very common to her, avowed her disgust of the manners of their new associates at the commencement of the acquaintance; and yet Jane would now even quit her own society for that of Miss Jarvis, especially if Colonel Egerton happened to be of the party The innocence of Emily prevented her scanning the motives for the conduct of her sister; and she set seriously about an examination into her own deportment to find the latent cause, in order, wherever an opportunity should offer, to evince her regret, had it been her misfortune, to have erred by the tenderness of her own manner.

For a short time the colonel seemed at a loss where to make his choice; but a few days determined him, and Jane was evidently the favorite.  It is true, that in the presence of the Jarvis ladies he was more guarded and general in his attentions; but as John, from a motive of charity, had taken the direction of the captain’s sports into his own hands; and as they were in the frequent habit of meeting at the Hall preparatory to their morning excursion, the colonel suddenly became a sportsman.  The ladies would often accompany them in their morning excursions; and as John would certainly be a baronet, and the colonel might not if his uncle married, he had the comfort of being sometimes ridden, as well as of riding.

One morning, having all prepared for an excursion on horseback, as they stood at the door ready to mount, Francis Ives drove up in his father’s gig, and for a moment arrested the party.  Francis was a favorite with the whole Moseley family, and their greetings were warm and sincere.  He found they meant to take the rectory in their ride, and insisted that they should proceed.  “Clara would take a seat with him.”  As he spoke, the cast of his countenance brought the color into the cheeks of his intended; she suffered herself, however, to be handed into the vacant seat in the gig, and they moved on.  John, who was at the bottom good-natured, and loved both Francis and Clara very sincerely, soon set Captain Jarvis and his sister what he called “scrub racing,” and necessity, in some measure, compelled the rest of the equestrians to hard riding, in order to keep up with the sports.

“That will do, that will do,” cried John, casting his eye back, and perceiving they had lost sight of the gig, and nearly so of Colonel Egerton and Jane, “why you carry it off like a jockey, captain; better than any amateur I have ever seen, unless indeed it be your sister.”

The lady encouraged by his commendations, whipped on, followed by her brother and sister at half speed.

“There, Emily,” said John, quietly dropping by her side “I see no reason you and I should break our necks, to show the blood of our horses.  Now do you know I think we are going to have a wedding in the family soon?”

Emily looked at him in amazement.

“Frank has got a living; I saw it the moment he drove up.  He came in like somebody.  Yes, I dare say he has calculated the tithes already a dozen times.”