“Yes—­I imagined—­that is—­I did not—­”

“He has been used to her in these complaints, and I hope to-morrow morning will bring us both a more comfortable report.  But it is impossible not to feel uneasiness.  Such a sad loss to our party to-day!”

“Dreadful!—­Exactly so, indeed.—­She will be missed every moment.”

This was very proper; the sigh which accompanied it was really estimable; but it should have lasted longer.  Emma was rather in dismay when only half a minute afterwards he began to speak of other things, and in a voice of the greatest alacrity and enjoyment.

“What an excellent device,” said he, “the use of a sheepskin for carriages.  How very comfortable they make it;—­impossible to feel cold with such precautions.  The contrivances of modern days indeed have rendered a gentleman’s carriage perfectly complete.  One is so fenced and guarded from the weather, that not a breath of air can find its way unpermitted.  Weather becomes absolutely of no consequence.  It is a very cold afternoon—­but in this carriage we know nothing of the matter.—­Ha! snows a little I see.”

“Yes,” said John Knightley, “and I think we shall have a good deal of it.”

“Christmas weather,” observed Mr. Elton.  “Quite seasonable; and extremely fortunate we may think ourselves that it did not begin yesterday, and prevent this day’s party, which it might very possibly have done, for Mr. Woodhouse would hardly have ventured had there been much snow on the ground; but now it is of no consequence.  This is quite the season indeed for friendly meetings.  At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather.  I was snowed up at a friend’s house once for a week.  Nothing could be pleasanter.  I went for only one night, and could not get away till that very day se’nnight.”

Mr. John Knightley looked as if he did not comprehend the pleasure, but said only, coolly,

“I cannot wish to be snowed up a week at Randalls.”

At another time Emma might have been amused, but she was too much astonished now at Mr. Elton’s spirits for other feelings.  Harriet seemed quite forgotten in the expectation of a pleasant party.

“We are sure of excellent fires,” continued he, “and every thing in the greatest comfort.  Charming people, Mr. and Mrs. Weston;—­ Mrs. Weston indeed is much beyond praise, and he is exactly what one values, so hospitable, and so fond of society;—­ it will be a small party, but where small parties are select, they are perhaps the most agreeable of any.  Mr. Weston’s dining-room does not accommodate more than ten comfortably; and for my part, I would rather, under such circumstances, fall short by two than exceed by two.  I think you will agree with me, (turning with a soft air to Emma,) I think I shall certainly have your approbation, though Mr. Knightley perhaps, from being used to the large parties of London, may not quite enter into our feelings.”