Advent Book Quiz Day 13

Day thirteen of our festive quiz

Another classic novel for you today. 

When you have identified author and title submit your answer as a comment below. Comments will not be published until the winner and answers have been revealed on 3rd January. Closing date for entries is 1st January. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another festive extract. 

'Christmas weather', observed Mr. Elton. 'Quite seasonable; and extremely fortunate we may think ourselves that it did not begin yesterday, and prevent this day's party, which it might very possibly have done, for Mr. Woodhouse would hardly have ventured had there been much snow on the ground; but now it is of no consequence. This is quite the season indeed for friendly meetings. At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather. I was snowed up at a friend's house once for a week. Nothing could be pleasanter. I went for only one night, and could not get away till that very day se'nnight.' 

Mr. John Knightly looked as if he did not comprehend the pleasure, but said only, coolly, 

'I cannot wish to be snowed up a week at Randalls.' 

At another time Emma might have been amused, but she was too much astonished now at Mr. Elton's spirits for other feelings. Harriet seemed quite forgotten in the expectation of a pleasant party. 

'We are sure of excellent fires,' continued he, 'and every thing in the greatest comfort. Charming people, Mr. and Mrs. Weston;- Mrs. Weston indeed is much beyond praise, and he is exactly what one values, so hospitable, and so fond of society; - it will be a small party, but where small parties are select, they are perhaps the most agreeable of any. Mr. Weston's dining-room does not accommodate more than ten comfortably; and for my part, I would rather under such circumstances, fall short by two than exceed by two. I think you will agree with me, (turning with a soft air to Emma,) I think I shall certainly have your approbation, though Mr. Knightley perhaps, from being used to the large parties of London, may not quite enter into our feelings.' 

'I know nothing of the large parties of London, sir - I never dine with any body.' 

'Indeed! (in a tone of wonder and pity,) I had no idea that the law had been so great a slavery. Well, sir, the time must come when you will be paid for all this, when you will have little labour and great enjoyment.' 

'My first enjoyment,' replied John Knightly, as they passed through the sweep-gate, ' will be to find myself safe at Hartfield again.'