“But she is so amusing, so extremely amusing!  I am very fond of hearing Miss Bates talk.  And I need not bring the whole family, you know.”

Here Mr. Weston joined them, and on hearing what was proposed, gave it his decided approbation.

“Aye, do, Frank.—­Go and fetch Miss Bates, and let us end the matter at once.  She will enjoy the scheme, I am sure; and I do not know a properer person for shewing us how to do away difficulties.  Fetch Miss Bates.  We are growing a little too nice.  She is a standing lesson of how to be happy.  But fetch them both.  Invite them both.”

“Both sir!  Can the old lady?” . . .

“The old lady!  No, the young lady, to be sure.  I shall think you a great blockhead, Frank, if you bring the aunt without the niece.”

“Oh!  I beg your pardon, sir.  I did not immediately recollect.  Undoubtedly if you wish it, I will endeavour to persuade them both.”  And away he ran.

Long before he reappeared, attending the short, neat, brisk-moving aunt, and her elegant niece,—­Mrs. Weston, like a sweet-tempered woman and a good wife, had examined the passage again, and found the evils of it much less than she had supposed before—­ indeed very trifling; and here ended the difficulties of decision.  All the rest, in speculation at least, was perfectly smooth.  All the minor arrangements of table and chair, lights and music, tea and supper, made themselves; or were left as mere trifles to be settled at any time between Mrs. Weston and Mrs. Stokes.—­ Every body invited, was certainly to come; Frank had already written to Enscombe to propose staying a few days beyond his fortnight, which could not possibly be refused.  And a delightful dance it was to be.

Most cordially, when Miss Bates arrived, did she agree that it must.  As a counsellor she was not wanted; but as an approver, (a much safer character,) she was truly welcome.  Her approbation, at once general and minute, warm and incessant, could not but please; and for another half-hour they were all walking to and fro, between the different rooms, some suggesting, some attending, and all in happy enjoyment of the future.  The party did not break up without Emma’s being positively secured for the two first dances by the hero of the evening, nor without her overhearing Mr. Weston whisper to his wife, “He has asked her, my dear.  That’s right.  I knew he would!”

CHAPTER XII

One thing only was wanting to make the prospect of the ball completely satisfactory to Emma—­its being fixed for a day within the granted term of Frank Churchill’s stay in Surry; for, in spite of Mr. Weston’s confidence, she could not think it so very impossible that the Churchills might not allow their nephew to remain a day beyond his fortnight.  But this was not judged feasible.  The preparations must take their time, nothing could be properly ready till the third week were entered on, and for a few days they must be planning, proceeding and hoping in uncertainty—­at the risk—­ in her opinion, the great risk, of its being all in vain.