CHAPTER X

One morning, about ten days after Mrs.Churchill's decease, Emma was called downstairs to Mr.Weston, who "could not stay five minutes, and wanted particularly to speak with her."-- He met her at the parlour-door, and hardly asking her how she did, in the natural key of his voice, sunk it immediately, to say, unheard by her father, "Can you come to Randalls at any time this morning ?--Do, if it be possible.

Mrs.Weston wants to see you.

She must see you." "Is she unwell ?" "No, no, not at all--only a little agitated.

She would have ordered the carriage, and come to you, but she must see you _alone_, and that you know--( nodding towards her father)--Humph!--Can you come ?" "Certainly.

This moment, if you please.