"I have some hope," resumed he, "of my uncle's being persuaded to pay a visit at Randalls; he wants to be introduced to her.
When the Campbells are returned, we shall meet them in London, and continue there, I trust, till we may carry her northward.-But now, I am at such a distance from her-is not it hard, Miss Woodhouse?-Till this morning, we have not once met since the day of reconciliation.
Do not you pity me?"
Emma spoke her pity so very kindly, that with a sudden accession of gay thought, he cried,
"Ah! by the bye," then sinking his voice, and looking demure for the moment-"I hope Mr. Knightley is well?" He paused.-She coloured and laughed.-"I know you saw my letter, and think you may remember my wish in your favour. Let me return your congratulations.-I assure you that I have heard the news with the warmest interest and satisfaction.-He is a man whom I cannot presume to praise."
Emma was delighted, and only wanted him to go on in the same style; but his mind was the next moment in his own concerns and with his own Jane, and his next words were,
"Did you ever see such a skin?-such smoothness! such delicacy!-and yet without being actually fair.-One cannot call her fair.
It is a most uncommon complexion, with her dark eye-lashes and hair-a most distinguishing complexion! So peculiarly the lady in it.-Just colour enough for beauty."
"I have always admired her complexion," replied Emma, archly; "but do not I remember the time when you found fault with her for being so pale?-When we first began to talk of her.-Have you quite forgotten?"
"Oh! no-what an impudent dog I was!-How could I dare-"