evening.  The dews of a summer evening are what I would not expose any body to.  However, as they are so very desirous to have dear Emma dine with them, and as you will both be there, and Mr. Knightley too, to take care of her, I cannot wish to prevent it, provided the weather be what it ought, neither damp, nor cold, nor windy.”  Then turning to Mrs. Weston, with a look of gentle reproach—­“Ah!  Miss Taylor, if you had not married, you would have staid at home with me.”

“Well, sir,” cried Mr. Weston, “as I took Miss Taylor away, it is incumbent on me to supply her place, if I can; and I will step to Mrs. Goddard in a moment, if you wish it.”

But the idea of any thing to be done in a moment, was increasing, not lessening, Mr. Woodhouse’s agitation.  The ladies knew better how to allay it.  Mr. Weston must be quiet, and every thing deliberately arranged.

With this treatment, Mr. Woodhouse was soon composed enough for talking as usual.  “He should be happy to see Mrs. Goddard.  He had a great regard for Mrs. Goddard; and Emma should write a line, and invite her.  James could take the note.  But first of all, there must be an answer written to Mrs. Cole.”

“You will make my excuses, my dear, as civilly as possible.  You will say that I am quite an invalid, and go no where, and therefore must decline their obliging invitation; beginning with my compliments, of course.  But you will do every thing right.  I need not tell you what is to be done.  We must remember to let James know that the carriage will be wanted on Tuesday.  I shall have no fears for you with him.  We have never been there above once since the new approach was made; but still I have no doubt that James will take you very safely.  And when you get there, you must tell him at what time you would have him come for you again; and you had better name an early hour.  You will not like staying late.  You will get very tired when tea is over.”

“But you would not wish me to come away before I am tired, papa?”

“Oh! no, my love; but you will soon be tired.  There will be a great many people talking at once.  You will not like the noise.”

“But, my dear sir,” cried Mr. Weston, “if Emma comes away early, it will be breaking up the party.”

“And no great harm if it does,” said Mr. Woodhouse.  “The sooner every party breaks up, the better.”

“But you do not consider how it may appear to the Coles.  Emma’s going away directly after tea might be giving offence.  They are good-natured people, and think little of their own claims; but still they must feel that any body’s hurrying away is no great compliment; and Miss Woodhouse’s doing it would be more thought of than any other person’s in the room.  You would not wish to disappoint and mortify the Coles, I am sure, sir; friendly, good sort of people as ever lived, and who have been your neighbours these ten years.”