"Another sister! Why in the name of Heaven, how many sisters have you in the room?"
"Only three! And how many others have you?"
"Well but three is too many," replied he gravely; "it must be very awkward and disagreeable having so many—don't you find it so?"
"I never looked upon it in that light, which is fortunate, perhaps, as I see no remedy."
"That's true—you have them and cannot help it; but that does not make it less of an evil—one would not choose three sisters."
Emma did not think it necessary to reply to this speech.
"Then your father has four daughters?" continued he, as if the result of profound calculation on his part.
"Your arithmetic is quite correct, my lord," replied she, smiling a little.
"That makes six children in all—what a family. It's a great draw-back certainly."
"That must be because you are so very good-tempered. I am not sure that I could bear it myself."
"It is fortunate that you will not probably be called on to support such an infliction!"
"Unless I were to marry a woman who had a good many brothers and sisters."
"It will be your own fault if you do that, and with so strong a prejudice against them, I should certainly advise you not."
A long pause ensued, during which every one seemed occupied with the singing, and when, at the close of the first act, there was an opportunity again afforded for conversation, Emma's attention was claimed by Miss Osborne, who made her way up to her, and offering her arm, led her into another saloon, as she said, to enjoy a little chat with her.
"How do you find Sir William Gordon?" enquired she, presently, turning away her face as she spoke, to examine some flowers near her.
"He seems chatty and pleasant," replied Emma; "but I have hardly seen enough to form a serious idea of him."
"Are you engaged to Mr. Howard for the first dance?"
"No, I have hardly seen him this afternoon," replied Emma, in her turn trying to conceal her countenance.
"That's unlucky; I wish he had asked you," observed Miss Osborne, thoughtfully.
"Thank you; but I dare say he would have done so, had he wished it; and I have no claim on him, more than any one else," replied Emma, rather proudly.
Miss Osborne looked rather quickly at her. Her eyes were particularly piercing, and she seemed to read Emma's thoughts in her face. This scrutiny somewhat distressed her companion, and she was much relieved by the approach of Lord Osborne and Sir William Gordon, who joined them, with a request that they would return to the music saloon as the performance would soon be beginning.