It is encouraging people to marry if you make so much of them." "No, my dear, I never encouraged any body to marry, but I would always wish to pay every proper attention to a lady--and a bride, especially, is never to be neglected.

More is avowedly due to _her_.

A bride, you know, my dear, is always the first in company, let the others be who they may." "Well, papa, if this is not encouragement to marry, I do not know what is.

And I should never have expected you to be lending your sanction to such vanity-baits for poor young ladies." "My dear, you do not understand me.

This is a matter of mere common politeness and good-breeding, and has nothing to do with any encouragement to people to marry." Emma had done.