Emma was almost too much astonished to answer; but Mrs. Elton hardly waited for the affirmative before she went on.

　　"Having understood as much, I was rather astonished to find her so very lady-like! But she is really quite the gentlewoman."

　　"Mrs. Weston’s manners," said Emma, "were always particularly good. Their propriety, simplicity, and elegance, would make them the safest model for any young woman."

　　"And who do you think came in while we were there?"

　　Emma was quite at a loss. The tone implied some old acquaintance—— and how could she possibly guess?

　　"Knightley!" continued Mrs. Elton; "Knightley himself!——Was not it lucky?——for, not being within when he called the other day, I had never seen him before; and of course, as so particular a friend of Mr. E.’s, I had a great curiosity. `My friend Knightley’ had been so often mentioned, that I was really impatient to see him; and I must do my caro sposo the justice to say that he need not be ashamed of his friend. Knightley is quite the gentleman. I like him very much. Decidedly, I think, a very gentleman-like man."

　　Happily, it was now time to be gone. They were off; and Emma could breathe.
All this ran so glibly through her thoughts, that by the time her father had arranged himself, after the bustle of the Eltons’ departure, and was ready to speak, she was very tolerably capable of attending.

　　"I dare say your apologies were accepted, sir. Mr. Elton knows you."

　　"Yes: but a young lady——a bride——I ought to have paid my respects to her if possible. It was being very deficient."

　　"But, my dear papa, you are no friend to matrimony; and therefore why should you be so anxious to pay your respects to a bride? It ought to be no recommendation to you. It is encouraging people to marry if you make so much of them."

　　"No, my dear, I never encouraged any body to marry, but I would always wish to pay every proper attention to a lady——and a bride, especially, is never to be neglected. More is avowedly due to her. A bride, you know, my dear, is always the first in company, let the others be who they may."