Never better .-- Don't I hear another carriage ?--Who can this be ?--very likely the worthy Coles .-- Upon my word, this is charming to be standing about among such friends! And such a noble fire!--I am quite roasted.

No coffee, I thank you, for me--never take coffee .-- A little tea if you please, sir, by and bye,--no hurry--Oh! here it comes.
Every thing so good!" Frank Churchill returned to his station by Emma; and as soon as Miss Bates was quiet, she found herself necessarily overhearing the discourse of Mrs.Elton and Miss Fairfax, who were standing a little way behind her .-- He was thoughtful.

Whether he were overhearing too, she could not determine.

After a good many compliments to Jane on her dress and look, compliments very quietly and properly taken, Mrs.Elton was evidently wanting to be complimented herself--and it was, "How do you like my gown ?--How do you like my trimming ?--How has Wright done my hair ?"--with many other relative questions, all answered with patient politeness.

Mrs.Elton then said, "Nobody can think less of dress in general than I do--but upon such an occasion as this, when every body's eyes are so much upon me, and in compliment to the Westons--who I have no doubt are giving this ball chiefly to do me honour--I would not wish to be inferior to others.