It was the greatest of misfortunes for a woman possessing such beauty and grace, as did Jane Bennet, to be surrounded by the many a inferior society and suitor provided in Meryton. Thus it must be she who guided Jane into a proper match; she who detached Jane from the evils of lowly family connections, and a much too deficient dowry. It would, of course, be a very kind thing to do. And she should like it very much to be welcomed to the home she had planned into being.

So thought Emma Woodhouse on her trek to Longbourn, for she had received the pleasing news of a gentleman arriving in the neighborhood, one said to earn a respectable fortune. And if her guess was correct, and she was quite certain of its being so, Mrs. Bennet would have already demanded Mr. Bennet visit this Mr. Bingley. Mrs. Bennet, though a foolish, unpolished woman, had at least the sense to search for a suitable match for her daughters.

Emma arrived at the respectable estate of Longbourn, and Jane hurried out to meet her. A smile brightened her round, blooming face.

"My dear Emma, how do you do?"

"I am exceedingly well, thank you; my fancy received an unexpected delight in hearing of a Mr. Bingley entering the neighborhood. All it now requires to be perfectly satisfied is the confirmation of his being handsome."

"I am afraid I cannot satisfy your fancy just yet, for we have not had the opportunity of seeing him. Papa has just returned from calling on him."

"And so you do not know, I suppose, his source of income?"

"Oh, no; but Mama said Mrs. Long assured her of his being respectable, for his fortune is very large."

But Emma did not much rely on Mrs. Long knowing what was respectable.

"Well, I am sure Mr. Bennet will satisfy our inquiries readily,"

Jane hooked Emma's arm in hers, and they entered the home. Emma chatted about the pleasure of a new acquaintance, but watched Jane most keenly. Jane smiled and agreed, but no turn of countenance announced any particular interest. That was to be expected, and provided no obstacle; though it would have been most diverting had an interest kindled in Jane

Jane shut the doors behind them, and Mrs. Bennet clunking in, her breath strangely labored. But, Emma inquired of her heath, and the health of the Miss Bennets, only to be interrupted the cry of,

"Oh! Miss Woodhouse, we are all very, very bad. Mr. Bennet refuses to give any descriptions of Mr. Bingley, despite how I scold him for being so tiresome! He has no sympathy for my nerves. But I never complain, and those who are quiet about their sufferings are never heard, you know." Here came a heavy sigh, and Emma fought a smile. "But I am delighted you have come. You must inquire of Mr. Bingley, do say you will. Mr. Bennet cannot refuse you."

"I am obliged to you, ma'am, but I cannot believe I have as much influence over Mr. Bennet as you have the kindness to say."

"But I declare you do! He would not think of being so wearisome to you."

Jane fiddled with the sleeve of her dress. "Mama, I believe Miss Woodhouse will be wanting a refreshment. Do not you, Miss Woodhouse?"

Emma gazed at her friend, and a light pink suffused Jane's cheeks. Thus she deemed it a kindness to agree.

"I would be much obliged, if it were not too troublesome, Mrs. Bennet."

"Oh, not at all, Miss Woodhouse—I shall bring some immediately."

And so she bustled away, taking her impertinence with her. Jane led Emma into the parlour, where Lydia hovered over her father's easy chair, demanding a description of Mr. Bingley.

"Is he a handsome man, Papa? Is he in the militia? I declare I will not be satisfied with him unless I see him in a handsome red coat. Did he wear one when you called on him? He must have; Kitty, do not think you Mr. Bingley must be part of the militia? I declare he must."

"Oh! He must," Kitty echoed.

Mr. Bennet's eyes left not his book. "I did not think it necessary to ask him."

"But is he handsome, Papa?"

"I believe he is considered a well-looking man,"

And the inquiries proceeded thus, until Mr. Bennet slammed shut his book, declared he desired the peace of the library, and left the room. Lydia flopped onto the sofa and heaved a long sigh, and, when accompanied by frequent laments from Kitty, they made a pretty picture.

Emma sat beside her. Mr. Bennet's obstinance was rather vexing, for she should have liked to have at least a hint of his appearance and air. But the absence allowed her to oblige her fancy by all sorts of imaginations, and with frequent interjections from Elizabeth, she departed these to the Bennet sisters, much to the enjoyment of all.

Emma's wishes received gratification much earlier than she had supposed, for while sitting with the Bennet sisters, and chatting merrily away, Lady Lucas called on Mrs. Bennet and delivered most welcome news.

"Oh! Sir Lucas was quite delighted with him. And he is a wonderfully handsome man, with such agreeable manners! And he means to be at the next assembly, and bring a large party with him. He was in raptures with the thought of dancing."

Mrs. Bennet poured forth warm approval of such an agreeable-sounding man. Lydia and Kitty declared they would insist on his asking to dance with them first.

"It is as a gentleman should be," Emma exclaimed, "to be fond of dancing must be a mark of good sense."

Mr. Bennet looked up from his book and raised his eyebrows. "A very little a man now requires to be thought sensible. I suppose, Miss Woodhouse, as I prefer to sit quietly with a book, I am sadly devoid of such virtue?"

Emma smiled. "Oh! I am sorry to say you are, indeed, wanting some sense. To prefer the company of a book! I quite wonder at it."

Mr. Bennet merely shook his head and returned to the comfort of his book.

Elizabeth laughed, a bright, twinkling sound. "How fortunate Mr. Bingley is! He will be in no want of admirers; he has excited your approbation without having even been introduced to you, a true testament to his charm."

"You tease, but does not a fondness for dance display good-humor?"

"Far be it from me to disagree; I only remarked on Mr. Bingley's good fortune."

"I must say, I do agree with Emma," Jane said, "it does indeed indicate a more happy temper."

Elizabeth's voice was bright. "Well, I see I am quite overpowered. If Jane agrees, I can say no more on the subject."

Jane smiled. "My dear Lizzy!"

Though Emma had uttered her exclamation more for the amusement of the company, than for relieving any strong sentiment she had, she nevertheless was inclined to suppose Mr. Bingley's readiness for the assembly did shew something of good humour. And that would do very well for Jane.