Mrs. Cole had made such a point⁠—and Mrs. Perry had said so much⁠—but, except them, Jane would really see nobody.”

Emma did not want to be classed with the Mrs. Eltons, the Mrs. Perrys, and the Mrs. Coles, who would force themselves anywhere; neither could she feel any right of preference herself⁠—she submitted, therefore, and only questioned Miss Bates farther as to her niece’s appetite and diet, which she longed to be able to assist. On that subject poor Miss Bates was very unhappy, and very communicative; Jane would hardly eat anything:⁠— Mr. Perry recommended nourishing food; but everything they could command (and never had anybody such good neighbours) was distasteful.