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 me in such dishabille into your drawing-room. I really did not consider how unfit I was to be here, or I hope I should have kept my distance. Lady Osborne would tell me that I was growing as careless as her son if she saw me in this condition.’

The ladies were not wanting in civil returns, and Robert Watson, stealing a view of his own head in an opposite glass, said with equal civility—

‘You cannot be more in dishabille than myself. We got here so late that I had not time even to put a little fresh powder into my hair.'

Emma could not help entering into what she supposed her sister-in-law’s feelings at the moment.

When the tea-things were removed, Tom began to talk of his carriage; but the old card-table being set out, and the fish and counters, with a tolerably clean pack brought forward from the buffet by Miss Watson, the general voice was so urgent with him to join their party that he agreed to allow himself another quarter of an hour. Even Emma was pleased that he would stay, for she was beginning to feel that a family party might be the worst of all parties; and the others were delighted.

‘What’s your game?’ cried he, as they stood round the table.

‘Speculation, I believe,’ said Elizabeth. ‘My sister recommends it, and I fancy we all like it I know you do, Tom.'

‘It is the only round game played at Croydon now,’ said Mrs. Robert; ‘we never think of any other. I am glad it is a favourite with you.’