Neither Mr.Suckling nor me had ever any patience with them; and we used sometimes to say very cutting things! Selina, who is mild almost to a fault, bore with them much better." While she talked of his son, Mr.Weston's attention was chained; but when she got to Maple Grove, he could recollect that there were ladies just arriving to be attended to, and with happy smiles must hurry away.
Mrs.Elton turned to Mrs.Weston.

"I have no doubt of its being our carriage with Miss Bates and Jane.

Our coachman and horses are so extremely expeditious!--I believe we drive faster than any body .-- What a pleasure it is to send one's carriage for a friend!--I understand you were so kind as to offer, but another time it will be quite unnecessary.
You may be very sure I shall always take care of _them_." Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax, escorted by the two gentlemen, walked into the room; and Mrs.Elton seemed to think it as much her duty as Mrs.
Weston's to receive them.

Her gestures and movements might be understood by any one who looked on like Emma; but her words, every body's words, were soon lost under the incessant flow of Miss Bates, who came in talking, and had not finished her speech under many minutes after her being admitted into the circle at the fire.

As the door opened she was heard, "So very obliging of you!--No rain at all.