“I do not admire it,” said Mr. Knightley. “It is too small⁠—wants strength. It is like a woman’s writing.”

This was not submitted to by either lady. They vindicated him against the base aspersion. “No, it by no means wanted strength⁠—it was not a large hand, but very clear and certainly strong. Had not Mrs. Weston any letter about her to produce?” No, she had heard from him very lately, but having answered the letter, had put it away.

“If we were in the other room,” said Emma, “if I had my writing-desk, I am sure I could produce a specimen. I have a note of his.⁠—Do not you remember, Mrs. Weston, employing him to write for you one day?”

“He chose to say he was employed⁠—”