donkey. The thing would be for us all to come on
donkeys, Jane, Miss Bates, and me, {117} and my _caro sposo_ walking
by. I really must talk to him about purchasing a donkey. In a country
life I conceive it to be a sort of necessary; for, let a woman have
ever so many resources, it is not possible for her to be always shut up
at home; and very long walks, you know--in summer there is dust, and in
winter there is dirt."

"You will not find either between Donwell and Highbury. Donwell Lane
is never dusty, and now it is perfectly dry. Come on a donkey,
however, if you prefer it. You can borrow Mrs Cole's. I would wish
everything to be as much to your taste as possible."

"That I am sure you would. Indeed I do you justice, my good friend.
Under that peculiar sort of dry, blunt manner, I know you have the
warmest heart. As I tell Mr E., you are a thorough humourist. Yes,
believe me, Knightley, I am fully sensible of your attention to me in
the whole of this scheme. You have hit upon the very thing to please
me."

Mr Knightley had another reason for avoiding a table in the shade. He
wished to persuade Mr Woodhouse, as well as Emma, to join the party;
and he knew that to have any of them sitting down out of doors to eat
would inevitably make him ill. Mr Woodhouse must not, under the
specious pretence of a morning drive, and an hour or two spent at
Donwell, be tempted away to his misery.

He was invited on good faith. No lurking horrors were to upbraid him
for his easy credulity. He did consent. He had not been at Donwell
for two years. "Some very fine morning, he, and Emma, and Harriet
{118} could go very well; and he could sit still with Mrs Weston while
the dear girls walked about the gardens. He did not suppose they could
be damp now, in the middle of the day. He should like to see the old
house again exceedingly, and should be very happy to meet Mr and Mrs
Elton, and any other of his neighbours. He could not see any objection
at all to his, and Emma's, and Harriet's going there some very fine
morning. He thought it very well done of Mr Knightley to invite them;
very kind and sensible; much cleverer than dining out. He was not fond
of dining out."

Mr Knightley was fortunate in everybody's most ready concurrence. The
invitation was everywhere so well received, that it seemed as if, like
Mrs Elton, they were all taking the scheme as a particular compliment
to themselves.

(_Emma_.)

WI