Page:A memoir of Jane Austen (Fourth Edition).pdf/343

 the pleasure of being first out of the room, which happened to be increased by one or two of the card-parties having just broken up, and the players being disposed to move exactly the different way. Among these was Mr. Howard, his sister leaning on his arm; and no sooner were they within reach of Emma, than Mrs. Blake, calling her notice by a friendly touch, said, ‘Your goodness to Charles, my dear Miss Watson; brings all his family upon you. Give me leave to introduce my brother.' Emma curtsied, the gentleman bowed, made a hasty request for the honour of her hand in the two next dances, to which as hasty an affirmative was given, aud they were immediately impelled in opposite directions, Emma was very well pleased with the circumstance ; there was a quietly cheerful, gentlemanlike air in Mr. Howard which suited her ; and ina few minutes aftenvards the value of her engagement increased, when, as she was sitting in the card-room, somewhat screened by a door, she heard Lord Osborne, who was lounging on a vacant table near her, call Tom Musgrave towards him and say, ‘Why do not you dance with that beautiful Emma Watson? I want you to dance with her, and I will come and stand by you.’

‘I was determined on it this very moment, my lord ; I'll be introduced and dance with her directly.’

‘Aye, do; and if you find she does not want much talking to, you may introduce me by and by.’

‘Very well, my lord; if she is like her sisters she will only want to be listened to, I will go this