With the view of passing off an awkward moment, Emma smilingly said, "You must make my apologies to your friend; but so good a charade must not be confined to one or two.

He may be sure of every woman's approbation while he writes with such gallantry." "I have no hesitation in saying," replied Mr.Elton, though hesitating a good deal while he spoke; "I have no hesitation in saying--at least if my friend feels at all as _I_ do--I have not the smallest doubt that, could he see his little effusion honoured as _I_ see it, (looking at the book again, and replacing it on the table), he would consider it as the proudest moment of his life." After this speech he was gone as soon as possible.

Emma could not think it too soon; for with all his good and agreeable qualities, there was a sort of parade in his speeches which was very apt to incline her to laugh.

She ran away to indulge the inclination, leaving the tender and the sublime of pleasure to Harriet's share..