nts of
a fragment, which one man puts together and another throws down. Here
we stumble upon thy great ones at their work. Show me now, if thou
canst, in history, three great warriors, or three great statesmen, who
have acted otherwise than spiteful children.

(_Imaginary Conversations_.)

JANE AUSTEN 1775-1817

AN INVITATION

It was now the middle of June and the weather fine, and Mrs Elton was
growing impatient to name the day, and settle with Mr Weston as to
pigeon-pies and cold lamb, when a lame carriage-horse threw everything
into {114} sad uncertainty. It might be weeks, it might be only a few
days, before the horse were useable, but no preparations could be
ventured on, and it was all melancholy stagnation. Mrs Elton's
resources were inadequate to such an attack.

"Is not this most vexatious, Knightley?" she cried; "and such weather
for exploring! these delays and disappointments are quite odious. What
are we to do? The year will wear away at this rate, and nothing done.
Before this time last year, I assure you, we had had a delightful
exploring party from Maple Grove to Kings Weston."

"You had better explore to Donwell," replied Mr Knightley. "That may
be done without horses. Come and eat my strawberries; they are
ripening fast."

If Mr Knightley did not begin seriously, he was obliged to proceed so;
for his proposal was caught at with delight; and the "Oh! I should
like it of all things," was not plainer in words than manner. Donwell
was famous for its strawberry-beds, which seemed a plea for the
invitation; but no plea was necessary; cabbage-beds would have been
enough to tempt the lady, who only wanted to be going somewhere. She
promised him again and again to come--much oftener than he doubted--and
was extremely gratified by such a proof of intimacy, such a
distinguishing compliment as she chose to consider it.

"You may depend upon me," said she; "I certainly will come.--Name your
day, and I will come.--You will allow me to bring Jane Fairfax?"

"I cannot name a day," said he, "till I have {115} spoken to some
others, whom I would wish to meet you."

"Oh, leave all that to me; only give me a carte-blanche.--I am Lady
Patroness, you know. It is my party. I will bring friends with me."

"I hope you will bring Elton," said he; "but I will not trouble you to
give any other invitations."

"Oh, now you are looking very sly; but consider,--you need not be
afraid of delegating po