Sam was obliged to leave them on the following day; but, before going, he urged Robert to put a stop to Lord Osborne calling. "It is not so simple as you think, Sam," replied his brother. "I shall certainly not give him any encouragement--still less, allow Emma to be thrown at his head. But Jane will have it that he is violently in love with Emma, and quite determined to marry her. If such should be the case, I would not be justified in standing in her way--it would be a very fine match for her." "I assure you she does not desire it." "Emma is a good girl--I am perfectly satisfied with her conduct; but, of course, if Lord Osborne intends to ask her, everything will be quite different--she will not think of him in the same way. She is now afraid of being made to appear foolish." With this, Sam had perforce to be satisfied; and he was at least confident that Robert would secure his sister from any impertinence. CHAPTER XV Mrs. Robert Watson having announced her emancipation from the trammels of woe, invitations poured in, fast and thick, in all of which Emma was specially included. It was fine, bright weather, with the pleasantest frost; and Emma was able to take out Augusta nearly every morning for a walk. To her dismay, however, she found herself frequently joined by Lord Osborne, who had taken rooms in a neighbouring inn; and she appealed in vain to her sister to accompany them, or to take charge of the child herself. Matters were brought to a head by Jane, who deliberately informed Lord Osborne one morning when he called, of the direction in which Emma had gone. She herself had sent her some little distance beyond the town, in order to enquire for an old servant who was ill. The result was, that as Emma was turning but the first corner on her return home, she came face to face with Lord Osborne. She replied to his greeting as coldly as might be; and was endeavouring to proceed on her way, when she was brought to a standstill by his informing her that Mrs. Watson had been so good as to indicate to him where he might find her. "She was particularly kind," he said. "I am very much obliged to her--the more so that I have been missing you for so many mornings." Emma's eyes had been fixed on the ground, but she now suddenly raised them. His face was slightly flushed, and his whole manner betrayed confidence. Pale with anger, and holding Augusta's hand tightly, she confronted him. "Lord Osborne, I am alone and unprotected," she said. "You must surely see that your attentions only cause me distress. Be good enough to let me proceed on my way, without accompanying me." "Mrs. Watson has given me her permission to escort you home." "My sister-in-law has no conception of her duty to me." "Believe me, Miss Watson, my intentions are entirely honourable. You have no reason to treat me with such coldness. My whole desire is to make you my wife--if you will honour me by accepting me." Emma curtsied.