Emma was ready for her visitor some time before he appeared; but if this reflected at all upon his impatience, his sorrowful look and total want of spirits when he did come might redeem him. He felt the going away almost too much to speak of it. His dejection was most evident. He sat really lost in thought for the first few minutes; and when rousing himself, it was only to say,

“Of all horrid things, leave-taking is the worst.”

“But you will come again,” said Emma. “This will not be your only visit to Randalls.”

“Ah!⁠—(shaking his head)⁠—the uncertainty of when I may be able to return!⁠—I shall try for it with a zeal!⁠—It will be the object of all my thoughts and cares!⁠—and if my uncle and aunt go to town this spring⁠—but I am afraid⁠—they did not stir last spring⁠—I am afraid it is a custom gone forever.”

“Our poor ball must be quite given up.”