, most frequently here. They are very, very
kind in their visits. Mr. Weston is really as kind as herself. Papa, if you
speak in that melancholy way, you will be giving Isabella a false idea of us
all. Every body must be aware that Miss Taylor must be missed, but every body
ought also to be assured that Mr. and Mrs. Weston do really prevent our missing
her by any means to the extent we ourselves anticipated - which is the exact
truth.«
    »Just as it should be,« said Mr. John Knightley, »and just as I hoped it was
from your letters. Her wish of shewing you attention could not be doubted, and
his being a disengaged and social man makes it all easy. I have been always
telling you, my love, that I had no idea of the change being so very material to
Hartfield as you apprehended; and now you have Emma's account, I hope you will
be satisfied.«
    »Why to be sure,« said Mr. Woodhouse - »yes, certainly - I cannot deny that
Mrs. Weston, poor Mrs. Weston, does come and see us pretty often - but then -
she is always obliged to go away again.«
    »It would be very hard upon Mr. Weston if she did not, papa. - You quite
forget poor Mr. Weston.«
    »I think, indeed,« said John Knightley pleasantly, »that Mr. Weston has some
little claim. You and I, Emma, will venture to take the part of the poor
husband. I, being a husband, and you not being a wife, the claims of the man may
very likely strike us with equal force. As for Isabella, she has been married
long enough to see the convenience of putting all the Mr. Westons aside as much
as she can.«
    »Me, my love,« cried his wife, hearing and understanding only in part. -
»Are you talking about me? - I am sure nobody ought to be, or can be, a greater
advocate for matrimony than I am; and if it had not been for the misery of her
leaving Hartfield, I should never have thought of Miss Taylor but as the most
fortunate woman in the world; and as to slighting Mr. Weston, that excellent Mr.
Weston, I think there is nothing he does not deserve. I believe he is one of the
very best tempered men that ever existed. Excepting yourself and your brother, I
do not know his equal for temper. I
