I used to think she was not capable of being fond of any body, except herself: but she has always been kind to him (in her way--allowing for little whims and caprices, and expecting every thing to be as she likes).

And it is no small credit, in my opinion, to him, that he should excite such an affection; for, though I would not say it to any body else, she has no more heart than a stone to people in general; and the devil of a temper." Emma liked the subject so well, that she began upon it, to Mrs.Weston, very soon after their moving into the drawing-room: wishing her joy--yet observing, that she knew the first meeting must be rather alarming .-- Mrs.Weston agreed to it; but added, that she should be very glad to be secure of undergoing the anxiety of a first meeting at the time talked of: "for I cannot depend upon his coming.

I cannot be so sanguine as Mr.Weston.I am very much afraid that it will all end in nothing.

Mr.
Weston, I dare say, has been telling you exactly how the matter stands ?" "Yes--it seems to depend upon nothing but the ill-humour of Mrs.
Churchill, which I imagine to be the most certain thing in the world." "My Emma!" replied Mrs.Weston, smiling, "what is the certainty of caprice ?" Then turning to Isabella, who had not been attending before--"You must know, my dear Mrs.Knightley, that we are by no means so sure of seeing Mr.Frank Churchill, in my opinion, as his father thinks.

It depends entirely upon his aunt's spirits and pleasure; in short, upon her temper.