Emma spoke her pity so very kindly, that with a sudden accession of gay thought, he cried,

“Ah! by the by,” 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 eyelashes and hair⁠—a most distinguishing complexion! So peculiarly the lady in it.⁠—Just colour enough for beauty.”