in his opinion. She went
on, however.
    »I have very little to say for my own conduct. - I was tempted by his
attentions, and allowed myself to appear pleased. - An old story, probably - a
common case - and no more than has happened to hundreds of my sex before; and
yet it may not be the more excusable in one who sets up as I do for
Understanding. Many circumstances assisted the temptation. He was the son of Mr.
Weston - he was continually here - I always found him very pleasant - and, in
short, for (with a sigh) let me swell out the causes ever so ingeniously, they
all centre in this at last - my vanity was flattered, and I allowed his
attentions. Latterly, however - for some time, indeed - I have had no idea of
their meaning any thing. - I thought them a habit, a trick, nothing that called
for seriousness on my side. He has imposed on me, but he has not injured me. I
have never been attached to him. And now I can tolerably comprehend his
behaviour. He never wished to attach me. It was merely a blind to conceal his
real situation with another. - It was his object to blind all about him; and no
one, I am sure, could be more effectually blinded than myself - except that I
was not blinded - that it was my good fortune - that, in short, I was somehow or
other safe from him.«
    She had hoped for an answer here - for a few words to say that her conduct
was at least intelligible; but he was silent; and, as far as she could judge,
deep in thought. At last, and tolerably in his usual tone, he said,
    »I have never had a high opinion of Frank Churchill. - I can suppose,
however, that I may have under-rated him. My acquaintance with him has been but
trifling. - And even if I have not under-rated him hitherto, he may yet turn out
well. - With such a woman he has a chance. - I have no motive for wishing him
ill - and for her sake, whose happiness will be involved in his good character
and conduct, I shall certainly wish him well.«
    »I have no doubt of their being happy together,« said Emma; »I believe them
to be very mutually and very sincerely attached.«
    »He is a most fortunate man!« returned Mr. Knightley, with energy. »So early
in life