Page 327 - EMMA
P. 327
Emma
not even the pitifullest old spinet in the world, to amuse
herself with.—I was saying this to Mr. Cole but yesterday,
and he quite agreed with me; only he is so particularly
fond of music that he could not help indulging himself in
the purchase, hoping that some of our good neighbours
might be so obliging occasionally to put it to a better use
than we can; and that really is the reason why the
instrument was bought— or else I am sure we ought to be
ashamed of it.—We are in great hopes that Miss
Woodhouse may be prevailed with to try it this evening.’
Miss Woodhouse made the proper acquiescence; and
finding that nothing more was to be entrapped from any
communication of Mrs. Cole’s, turned to Frank Churchill.
‘Why do you smile?’ said she.
‘Nay, why do you?’
‘Me!—I suppose I smile for pleasure at Colonel
Campbell’s being so rich and so liberal.—It is a handsome
present.’
‘Very.’
‘I rather wonder that it was never made before.’
‘Perhaps Miss Fairfax has never been staying here so
long before.’
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