Emma's curtsey was of the slightest. They were then joined by two or three other men, all of them desiring to be presented, and each more objectionable than the last. With a quiet courage which surprised Emma herself, she said-- "I am in mourning for my father and do not desire introductions. I understood, ma'am, that we were to be received by you in your own rooms." Jane stared at her sister-in-law; but Mrs. Burton at once gave in; and, waving them all aside, declared that they were sad fellows, and that none of them need think to be introduced. With that she led the way to her apartments; but, to Emma's surprise, they were closely followed by Captain Conway. "Oh! he is my cousin," she said with bold assurance; but Emma was convinced that this was a falsehood; the more so that the gentleman in question laughed immoderately, and repeated the assertion several times over. He placed himself at her side and, fixing his glass in his eye, ogled her in a manner she had never before been subjected to in the whole course of her life; whilst he did his utmost to draw her into conversation. But she would neither answer him, nor raise her eyes from the ground. 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!" Emma remained silent. "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?" "I cannot permit his attentions."