‘But every woman may not have the inclination or the means.’
‘If they knew how much it became them, they would all have the inclination; and I fancy, Miss Watson, when once they had the inclination, the means would soon follow.’
‘Your lordship thinks we always have our own way. That is a point on which ladies and gentlemen have long disagreed; but without pretending to decide it, 1Imay say that there are some circumstances which even women cannot control. Female economy will do a great deal, my lord, but it cannot turn a small income into a large one.’
Lord Osborne was silenced. Her manner had been neither sententious nor sarcastic, but there was a something in its mild seriousness, as well as in the words themselves, which made his lordship think ; and when he addressed her again, it was with a degree of considerate propriety totally unlike the half-awkward, half-fearless style of his former remarks. It was a new thing with him to wish to please a woman; it was the first time that he had ever felt what was due to a woman in Emma’s situation; but as he was wanting neither in sense nor a good disposition he did not feel it without effect.
‘You have not been long in this country, I understand, said he, in the tone of a gentleman. ‘I hope you are pleased with it.’
He was rewarded by a gracious answer, and a more liberal full view of her face than she had yet bestowed, Unused to exert himself, and happy in con-
