Jane grew uncomfortable and, in order to conceal it and to regain confidence, began to speak in a much louder voice than was her wont. In this she was ably assisted by her friend--one would have thought that there were at least a dozen women in the room.
At first, Emma was too agitated to pay any attention to what they were saying--she was even too confused to arrange her thoughts; but presently, as she grew more composed, the contrast of her past life with her present position came home to her with such poignancy, that she could scarcely contain her tears. Were it possible, she thought, that her aunt could have seen her in such company, what would not have been her feelings?
Presently, however, her attention was caught by Jane saying--
"Thursday, then; you will both come and have a dish of tea with me on Thursday evening; and we can start a quiet rubber of whist."
During the drive home, Jane was in more ill-humour than Emma could have conceived possible.
"Good heavens! Emma," she said. "How can you give yourself such airs? Your head is completely turned by Lord Osborne having admired you! I could not have imagined anyone could have been so silly!"
"I assure you I am very much offended at the way you have been treating my friends. Mrs. Burton has more style than you; and Captain Conway is quite the gentleman. I never saw anyone of more fashion--and such attentions he paid you! Mrs. Burton told me he was wild to know you; and anyone could see how he was struck with you. Good Lord! Emma, what more do you want--a _Captain_!--and _second cousin_ to the _Marquis of H_----!--Mrs. Burton told me so!--Why do not you answer?"
"You cannot permit his attentions!--did anyone ever hear the like! Well, let me tell you, Miss Emma, you _must_ permit them--You should be only too thankful he should _wish_ to pay them, when you are just nothing!--you are all of you beggars!"
"There, Emma--I did not mean to make you cry."
On the evening on which Mrs. Burton and Captain Conway were expected, Augusta was laid up with a feverish cold, and Emma steadily refused to leave her bedside. Jane was at first angry, but, seeing the child's flushed cheeks, was obliged to give way and send for the apothecary, who prescribed a soothing draught.