Page:A memoir of Jane Austen (Fourth Edition).pdf/371

 others ; if was better to look at her sister-in-law’s finery than listen to Robert, who had equally irritated and grieved her. Mrs, Robert, exactly as smart as she had been at her own party, came in with apologies for her dress.

‘I would not make you wait, said she, ‘so I put on the first thing I met with. I am afraid I am a sad figure. My dear Mr. W. (addressing her husband), you have not put any fresh powder in your hair.’

‘No, I do not intend it. I think there is powder enough in my hair for my wife and sisters.’

‘Indeed, you ought to make some alteration in your dress before dinner when you are out visiting, though you do not at home.’

‘Nonsense.’

‘It is very odd you do not like to do what other gentlemen do, Mr. Marshalland Mr. Hemming change their dress every day of their lives before dinner. And what was the use of my putting up your last new coat, if you are never to wear it?’

‘Do be satisfied with being fine yourself and leave your husband alone.’

To put an end to this altercation and soften the evident vexation of her sister-in-law, Emma (though in no spirits to make such nonsense easy), began to admire her gown, It produced immediate complacency.

‘Do you like it?’ said she. ‘lam very happy. It has been excessively admired, but sometimes I think the pattern too large. I shall wear one to-morrow which I think you will prefer to this. Have you seen the one I gave Margaret?’