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Mrs Weston looked up, afraid to believe; but Emma's countenance was as steady as her words

"That youthis boast, of my present perfect indifference," she continued, "I will farther tell you, that there was a period in the early part of our acquaintance, when I did like him, when I was very much disposed to be attached to him--nay, was attached--and how it came to cease, is perhaps the wonder

Fortunately, however, it did cease I have really for so about him You may believe me, Mrs Weston This is the simple truth"

Mrs Weston kissed her with tears of joy; and when she could find utterance, assured her, that this protestation had done herelse in the world could do

"Mr Weston will be almost as much relieved as myself," said she "On this point we have been wretched It was our darling wish that you ht be attached to each other--and ere persuaded that it was so-- I on your account"

"I have escaped; and that I should escape, rateful wonder to you and myself But this does not acquit _hireatly to bla us with affection and faith engaged, and with ht had he to endeavour to please, as he certainly did--to distinguish any one young wo attention, as he certainly did--while he really belonged to another?--How could he tell what ht not beindeed"

"Froine--"

"And how could _she_ bear such behaviour! Composure with a witness!

to look on, while repeated attentions were offering to another woree of placidity, which I can neither cos between them, Emma; he said so expressly

He had not time to enter into much explanation He was here only a quarter of an hour, and in a state of agitation which did not allow the full use even of the tis he decidedly said The present crisis, indeed, seeht very possibly arise from the impropriety of his conduct"