Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/157

 a very musical society in Highbury; and I hope you will not find he has outstepped the truth more than may be pardoned, in consideration of the motive.'

No, indeed, I have no doubts at all on that head. I am delighted to find myself in such a circle: I hope we shall have many sweet little concerts together. I think, Miss Woodhouse, you and I must establish a musical club, and have regular weekly meetings at your house, or ours. Will it not be a good plan? If we exert ourselves, I think we shall not be long in want of allies. Something of that nature would be particularly desirable for me as an inducement to keep me in practice; for married women, you know—there is a sad story against them in general. They are but too apt to give up music I used to be quite angry with Selina; but really I begin now to comprehend that a married woman has many things to call her attention. I believe I was half an hour this morning shut up with my house-keeper.'

But everything of that kind,' said Emma, 'will soon be in so regular a train'

Well,' said Mrs. Elton, laughing, 'we shall see.'

"Emma, finding her so determined upon neglecting her music, had nothing more to say; and, after a moment's pause, Mrs. Elton chose another subject.

We have been calling at Randalls,' said she, 'and found them both at home; and very pleasant people they seem to be. I like them extremely. Mr. Weston seems an excellent creature, quite a first-rate favourite with me already, I assure you. And she appears so truly good; there is something so motherly and kind-hearted about her that it wins upon one directly. She was your governess, I think?'