She thought it in reality a sad exchange for herself, to have him with his grave looks and reluctant conversation opposed to her instead of his brother.
The event was more favourable to Mr.Woodhouse than to Emma.

John Knightley came; but Mr.Weston was unexpectedly summoned to town and must be absent on the very day.

He might be able to join them in the evening, but certainly not to dinner.

Mr.Woodhouse was quite at ease; and the seeing him so, with the arrival of the little boys and the philosophic composure of her brother on hearing his fate, removed the chief of even Emma's vexation.
The day came, the party were punctually assembled, and Mr.John Knightley seemed early to devote himself to the business of being agreeable.

Instead of drawing his brother off to a window while they waited for dinner, he was talking to Miss Fairfax.