She wanted, rather, to be quiet, and out of temptation; but still, as it was desirable that she should appear, in general, like her usual self, she took care to express as much interest in the circumstance, and enter as warmly into Mr.
and Mrs.Weston's disappointment, as might naturally belong to their friendship.
She was the first to announce it to Mr.Knightley; and exclaimed quite as much as was necessary, (or, being acting a part, perhaps rather more,) at the conduct of the Churchills, in keeping him away.

She then proceeded to say a good deal more than she felt, of the advantage of such an addition to their confined society in Surry; the pleasure of looking at somebody new; the gala-day to Highbury entire, which the sight of him would have made; and ending with reflections on the Churchills again, found herself directly involved in a disagreement with Mr.Knightley; and, to her great amusement, perceived that she was taking the other side of the question from her real opinion, and making use of Mrs.Weston's arguments against herself.
"The Churchills are very likely in fault," said Mr.Knightley, coolly; "but I dare say he might come if he would." "I do not know why you should say so.

He wishes exceedingly to come; but his uncle and aunt will not spare him." "I cannot believe that he has not the power of coming, if he made a point of it.

It is too unlikely, for me to believe it without proof." "How odd you are! What has Mr.Frank Churchill done, to make you suppose him such an unnatural creature ?" "I am not supposing him at all an unnatural creature, in suspecting that he may have learnt to be above his connexions, and to care very little for any thing but his own pleasure, from living with those who have always set him the example of it.

It is a great deal more natural than one could wish, that a young man, brought up by those who are proud, luxurious, and selfish, should be proud, luxurious, and selfish too.