But I am not afraid of your seeing what he writes." "He writes like a sensible man," replied Emma, when she had read the letter.

"I honour his sincerity.

It is very plain that he considers the good fortune of the engagement as all on my side, but that he is not without hope of my growing, in time, as worthy of your affection, as you think me already.

Had he said any thing to bear a different construction, I should not have believed him." "My Emma, he means no such thing.

He only means--" "He and I should differ very little in our estimation of the two," interrupted she, with a sort of serious smile--"much less, perhaps, than he is aware of, if we could enter without ceremony or reserve on the subject." "Emma, my dear Emma--" "Oh!" she cried with more thorough gaiety, "if you fancy your brother does not do me justice, only wait till my dear father is in the secret, and hear his opinion.