His air and
dress were so remarkable, that it was almost impossible he should
have escaped the eyes of a curious observer, especially as he had
chosen a time for coming in, when his entrance could not fail to
attract the notice of the spectators; I mean, when the whole house
was hushed in attention to the performance on the stage. Emilia,
therefore, perceived him at his first approach; she found herself
discovered by the direction of his glass, and, guessing his intention
by his abrupt retreat from the box, summoned all her fortitude to
her aid, and prepared for his reception. He advanced to her with
an air of eagerness and joy, tempered with modesty and respect, and
expressed his satisfaction at seeing her, with a seeming reverence
of regard. Though she was extremely well pleased at this unexpected
behaviour, she suppressed the emotions of her heart, and answered
his compliments with affected ease and unconcern, such as might
denote the good humour of a person who meets by accident with an
indifferent acquaintance. After having certified himself of her
own good health, he very kindly inquired about her mother and Miss
Sophy, gave her to understand that he had lately been favoured
with a letter from Godfrey; that he had actually intended to set
out next morning on a visit to Mrs.
Pages:
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
763
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
773
774
775
776