“When I have seen Mr. Elton,” replied Jane, “I dare say I shall be interested—­but I believe it requires that with me.  And as it is some months since Miss Campbell married, the impression may be a little worn off.”

“Yes, he has been gone just four weeks, as you observe, Miss Woodhouse,” said Miss Bates, “four weeks yesterday.—­A Miss Hawkins!—­Well, I had always rather fancied it would be some young lady hereabouts; not that I ever—­Mrs. Cole once whispered to me—­but I immediately said, `No, Mr. Elton is a most worthy young man—­but’—­In short, I do not think I am particularly quick at those sort of discoveries.  I do not pretend to it.  What is before me, I see.  At the same time, nobody could wonder if Mr. Elton should have aspired—­Miss Woodhouse lets me chatter on, so good-humouredly.  She knows I would not offend for the world.  How does Miss Smith do?  She seems quite recovered now.  Have you heard from Mrs. John Knightley lately?  Oh! those dear little children.  Jane, do you know I always fancy Mr. Dixon like Mr. John Knightley.  I mean in person—­tall, and with that sort of look—­and not very talkative.”

“Quite wrong, my dear aunt; there is no likeness at all.”

“Very odd! but one never does form a just idea of any body beforehand.  One takes up a notion, and runs away with it.  Mr. Dixon, you say, is not, strictly speaking, handsome?”

“Handsome!  Oh! no—­far from it—­certainly plain.  I told you he was plain.”

“My dear, you said that Miss Campbell would not allow him to be plain, and that you yourself—­”

“Oh! as for me, my judgment is worth nothing.  Where I have a regard, I always think a person well-looking.  But I gave what I believed the general opinion, when I called him plain.”

“Well, my dear Jane, I believe we must be running away.  The weather does not look well, and grandmama will be uneasy.  You are too obliging, my dear Miss Woodhouse; but we really must take leave.  This has been a most agreeable piece of news indeed.  I shall just go round by Mrs. Cole’s; but I shall not stop three minutes:  and, Jane, you had better go home directly—­I would not have you out in a shower!—­We think she is the better for Highbury already.  Thank you, we do indeed.  I shall not attempt calling on Mrs. Goddard, for I really do not think she cares for any thing but boiled pork:  when we dress the leg it will be another thing.  Good morning to you, my dear sir.  Oh!  Mr. Knightley is coming too.  Well, that is so very!—­I am sure if Jane is tired, you will be so kind as to give her your arm.—­Mr. Elton, and Miss Hawkins!—­Good morning to you.”