The backgammon-table was placed; but a visitor immediately afterwards walked in and made it unnecessary.
Mr.Knightley, a sensible man about seven or eight-and-thirty, was not only a very old and intimate friend of the family, but particularly connected with it, as the elder brother of Isabella's husband.

He lived about a mile from Highbury, was a frequent visitor, and always welcome, and at this time more welcome than usual, as coming directly from their mutual connexions in London.

He had returned to a late dinner, after some days' absence, and now walked up to Hartfield to say that all were well in Brunswick Square.

It was a happy circumstance, and animated Mr.Woodhouse for some time.

Mr.Knightley had a cheerful manner, which always did him good; and his many inquiries after "poor Isabella" and her children were answered most satisfactorily.