Emma by Jane Austen





VOLUME I



CHAPTER I


Emma Woodhouse handsome clever and rich with a comfortable home
and happy disposition seemed to unite some of the best blessings
of existence and had lived nearly twenty one years in the world
with very little to distress or vex her 

She was the youngest of the two daughters of a most affectionate
indulgent father and had in consequence of her sister's marriage
been mistress of his house from a very early period  Her mother
had died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinct
remembrance of her caresses and her place had been supplied
by an excellent woman as governess who had fallen little short
of a mother in affection 

Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr Woodhouse's family
less as a governess than a friend very fond of both daughters
but particularly of Emma  Between them it was more the intimacy
of sisters  Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to hold the nominal
office of governess the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed
her to impose any restraint and the shadow of authority being
now long passed away they had been living together as friend and
friend very mutually attached and Emma doing just what she liked
highly esteeming Miss Taylor's judgment but directed chiefly by
her own 

The real evils indeed of Emma's situation were the power of having
rather too much her own way and a disposition to think a little
too well of herself these were the disadvantages which threatened
alloy to her many enjoyments  The danger however was at present
so unperceived that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes
with her 

Sorrow came  a gentle sorrow  but not at all in the shape of any
disagreeable consciousness  Miss Taylor married  It was Miss
Taylor's loss which first brought grief  It was on the wedding day
of this beloved friend that Emma first sat in mournful thought
of any continuance  The wedding over and the bride people gone
her father and herself were left to dine together with no prospect
of a third to cheer a long evening  Her father composed himself
to sleep after dinner as usual and she had then only to sit
and think of what she had lost 

The event had every promise of happiness for her friend  Mr Weston
was a man of unexceptionable character easy fortune suitable age
and pleasant manners and there was some satisfaction in considering
with what self denying generous friendship she had always wished
and promoted the match but it was a black morning's work for her 
The want of Miss Taylor would be felt every hour of every day 
She recalled her past kindness  the kindness the affection of sixteen
years  how she had taught and how she had played with her from five
years old  how she had devoted all her powers to attach and amuse
her in health  and how nursed her through the various illnesses
of childhood  A large debt of gratitude was owing here but the
intercourse of the last seven years the equal footing and perfect
unreserve which had soon followed Isabella's marriage on their
being left to each other was yet a dearer tenderer recollection 
She had been a friend and companion such as few possessed intelligent
well informed useful gentle knowing all the ways of the family
interested in all its concerns and peculiarly interested in herself
in every pleasure every scheme of hers  one to whom she could speak
every thought as it arose and who had such an affection for her
as could never find fault 

How was she to bear the change  It was true that her friend was
going only half a mile from them but Emma was aware that great must
be the difference between a Mrs Weston only half a mile from them
and a Miss Taylor in the house and with all her advantages
natural and domestic she was now in great danger of suffering
from intellectual solitude  She dearly loved her father but he
was no companion for her  He could not meet her in conversation
rational or playful 

The evil of the actual disparity in their ages and Mr Woodhouse had
not married early was much increased by his constitution and habits
for having been a valetudinarian all his life without activity
of mind or body he was a much older man in ways than in years
and though everywhere beloved for the friendliness of his heart
and his amiable temper his talents could not have recommended him
at any time 

Her sister though comparatively but little removed by matrimony
being settled in London only sixteen miles off was much beyond
her daily reach and many a long October and November evening must
be struggled through at Hartfield before Christmas brought the next
visit from Isabella and her husband and their little children
to fill the house and give her pleasant society again 

Highbury the large and populous village almost amounting to a town
to which Hartfield in spite of its separate lawn and shrubberies
and name did really belong afforded her no equals  The Woodhouses
were first in consequence there  All looked up to them  She had
many acquaintance in the place for her father was universally civil
but not one among them who could be accepted in lieu of Miss
Taylor for even half a day  It was a melancholy change and Emma
could not but sigh over it and wish for impossible things
till her father awoke and made it necessary to be cheerful 
His spirits required support  He was a nervous man easily depressed
fond of every body that he was used to and hating to part with them
hating change of every kind  Matrimony as the origin of change
was always disagreeable and he was by no means yet reconciled
to his own daughter's marrying nor could ever speak of her but
with compassion though it had been entirely a match of affection
when he was now obliged to part with Miss Taylor too and from
his habits of gentle selfishness and of being never able to
suppose that other people could feel differently from himself
he was very much disposed to think Miss Taylor had done as sad
a thing for herself as for them and would have been a great deal
happier if she had spent all the rest of her life at Hartfield 
Emma smiled and chatted as cheerfully as she could to keep him
from such thoughts but when tea came it was impossible for him
not to say exactly as he had said at dinner

Poor Miss Taylor  I wish she were here again  What a pity it
is that Mr Weston ever thought of her

I cannot agree with you papa you know I cannot  Mr Weston is such
a good humoured pleasant excellent man that he thoroughly deserves
a good wife  and you would not have had Miss Taylor live with us
for ever and bear all my odd humours when she might have a house of her own

A house of her own  But where is the advantage of a house of her own
This is three times as large  And you have never any odd humours
my dear

How often we shall be going to see them and they coming to see
us  We shall be always meeting We must begin we must go and pay
wedding visit very soon

My dear how am I to get so far Randalls is such a distance 
I could not walk half so far

No papa nobody thought of your walking  We must go in the carriage
to be sure

The carriage But James will not like to put the horses to for
such a little way  and where are the poor horses to be while we
are paying our visit

They are to be put into Mr Weston's stable papa  You know we
have settled all that already  We talked it all over with Mr Weston
last night  And as for James you may be very sure he will always like
going to Randalls because of his daughter's being housemaid there 
I only doubt whether he will ever take us anywhere else  That was
your doing papa  You got Hannah that good place  Nobody thought
of Hannah till you mentioned her  James is so obliged to you

I am very glad I did think of her  It was very lucky for I would
not have had poor James think himself slighted upon any account
and I am sure she will make a very good servant she is a civil
pretty spoken girl I have a great opinion of her  Whenever I see her
she always curtseys and asks me how I do in a very pretty manner
and when you have had her here to do needlework I observe she
always turns the lock of the door the right way and never bangs it 
I am sure she will be an excellent servant and it will be a great
comfort to poor Miss Taylor to have somebody about her that she is
used to see  Whenever James goes over to see his daughter you know
she will be hearing of us  He will be able to tell her how we
all are

Emma spared no exertions to maintain this happier flow of ideas
and hoped by the help of backgammon to get her father tolerably
through the evening and be attacked by no regrets but her own 
The backgammon table was placed but a visitor immediately afterwards
walked in and made it unnecessary 

Mr Knightley a sensible man about seven or eight and thirty was not
only a very old and intimate friend of the family but particularly
connected with it as the elder brother of Isabella's husband 
He lived about a mile from Highbury was a frequent visitor
and always welcome and at this time more welcome than usual
as coming directly from their mutual connexions in London  He had
returned to a late dinner after some days absence and now walked
up to Hartfield to say that all were well in Brunswick Square 
It was a happy circumstance and animated Mr Woodhouse for some time 
Mr Knightley had a cheerful manner which always did him good
and his many inquiries after poor Isabella and her children were
answered most satisfactorily  When this was over Mr Woodhouse
gratefully observed It is very kind of you Mr Knightley to come
out at this late hour to call upon us  I am afraid you must have
had a shocking walk

Not at all sir  It is a beautiful moonlight night and so mild
that I must draw back from your great fire

But you must have found it very damp and dirty  I wish you may
not catch cold

Dirty sir Look at my shoes  Not a speck on them

Well that is quite surprising for we have had a vast deal
of rain here  It rained dreadfully hard for half an hour
while we were at breakfast  I wanted them to put off the wedding

By the bye  I have not wished you joy  Being pretty well aware
of what sort of joy you must both be feeling I have been in no hurry
with my congratulations but I hope it all went off tolerably well 
How did you all behave Who cried most

Ah poor Miss Taylor Tis a sad business

Poor Mr and Miss Woodhouse if you please but I cannot possibly
say poor Miss Taylor I have a great regard for you and Emma
but when it comes to the question of dependence or independence  At
any rate it must be better to have only one to please than two

Especially when one of those two is such a fanciful troublesome creature
said Emma playfully  That is what you have in your head
I know  and what you would certainly say if my father were not by

I believe it is very true my dear indeed said Mr Woodhouse
with a sigh  I am afraid I am sometimes very fanciful and troublesome

My dearest papa You do not think I could mean you or suppose
Mr Knightley to mean you  What a horrible idea Oh no I meant
only myself  Mr Knightley loves to find fault with me you know  
in a joke  it is all a joke  We always say what we like to one another

Mr Knightley in fact was one of the few people who could see
faults in Emma Woodhouse and the only one who ever told her of them
and though this was not particularly agreeable to Emma herself
she knew it would be so much less so to her father that she would
not have him really suspect such a circumstance as her not being
thought perfect by every body 

Emma knows I never flatter her said Mr Knightley but I
meant no reflection on any body  Miss Taylor has been used
to have two persons to please she will now have but one 
The chances are that she must be a gainer

Well said Emma willing to let it pass  you want to hear
about the wedding and I shall be happy to tell you for we all
behaved charmingly  Every body was punctual every body in their
best looks not a tear and hardly a long face to be seen  Oh no
we all felt that we were going to be only half a mile apart
and were sure of meeting every day

Dear Emma bears every thing so well said her father 
But Mr Knightley she is really very sorry to lose poor Miss Taylor
and I am sure she will miss her more than she thinks for

Emma turned away her head divided between tears and smiles 
It is impossible that Emma should not miss such a companion
said Mr Knightley  We should not like her so well as we do sir
if we could suppose it but she knows how much the marriage is to
Miss Taylor's advantage she knows how very acceptable it must be
at Miss Taylor's time of life to be settled in a home of her own
and how important to her to be secure of a comfortable provision
and therefore cannot allow herself to feel so much pain as pleasure 
Every friend of Miss Taylor must be glad to have her so happily
married

And you have forgotten one matter of joy to me said Emma
and a very considerable one  that I made the match myself 
I made the match you know four years ago and to have it take place
and be proved in the right when so many people said Mr Weston would
never marry again may comfort me for any thing

Mr Knightley shook his head at her  Her father fondly replied
Ah my dear I wish you would not make matches and foretell things
for whatever you say always comes to pass  Pray do not make any
more matches

I promise you to make none for myself papa but I must indeed
for other people  It is the greatest amusement in the world And
after such success you know  Every body said that Mr Weston would
never marry again  Oh dear no Mr Weston who had been a widower
so long and who seemed so perfectly comfortable without a wife
so constantly occupied either in his business in town or among his
friends here always acceptable wherever he went always cheerful  
Mr Weston need not spend a single evening in the year alone if he did
not like it  Oh no Mr Weston certainly would never marry again 
Some people even talked of a promise to his wife on her deathbed
and others of the son and the uncle not letting him  All manner
of solemn nonsense was talked on the subject but I believed none
of it 

Ever since the day  about four years ago  that Miss Taylor and I
met with him in Broadway Lane when because it began to drizzle
he darted away with so much gallantry and borrowed two umbrellas
for us from Farmer Mitchell's I made up my mind on the subject 
I planned the match from that hour and when such success has blessed
me in this instance dear papa you cannot think that I shall leave
off match making

I do not understand what you mean by success said Mr Knightley 
Success supposes endeavour  Your time has been properly and
delicately spent if you have been endeavouring for the last four
years to bring about this marriage  A worthy employment for a young
lady's mind But if which I rather imagine your making the match
as you call it means only your planning it your saying to yourself
one idle day I think it would be a very good thing for Miss Taylor
if Mr Weston were to marry her and saying it again to yourself
every now and then afterwards why do you talk of success Where
is your merit What are you proud of You made a lucky guess
and that is all that can be said

And have you never known the pleasure and triumph of a lucky guess  
I pity you  I thought you cleverer  for depend upon it a lucky
guess is never merely luck  There is always some talent in it 
And as to my poor word success which you quarrel with I do not
know that I am so entirely without any claim to it  You have drawn
two pretty pictures but I think there may be a third  a something
between the do nothing and the do all If I had not promoted Mr Weston's
visits here and given many little encouragements and smoothed
many little matters it might not have come to any thing after all 
I think you must know Hartfield enough to comprehend that

A straightforward open hearted man like Weston and a rational
unaffected woman like Miss Taylor may be safely left to manage their
own concerns  You are more likely to have done harm to yourself
than good to them by interference

Emma never thinks of herself if she can do good to others
rejoined Mr Woodhouse understanding but in part  But my dear
pray do not make any more matches they are silly things and break up
one's family circle grievously

Only one more papa only for Mr Elton  Poor Mr Elton You
like Mr Elton papa  I must look about for a wife for him 
There is nobody in Highbury who deserves him  and he has been
here a whole year and has fitted up his house so comfortably
that it would be a shame to have him single any longer  and I thought
when he was joining their hands to day he looked so very much as if
he would like to have the same kind office done for him I think
very well of Mr Elton and this is the only way I have of doing
him a service

Mr Elton is a very pretty young man to be sure and a very
good young man and I have a great regard for him  But if you
want to shew him any attention my dear ask him to come
and dine with us some day  That will be a much better thing 
I dare say Mr Knightley will be so kind as to meet him

With a great deal of pleasure sir at any time said Mr Knightley
laughing and I agree with you entirely that it will be a much
better thing  Invite him to dinner Emma and help him to the best
of the fish and the chicken but leave him to chuse his own wife 
Depend upon it a man of six or seven and twenty can take care
of himself



CHAPTER II


Mr Weston was a native of Highbury and born of a respectable family
which for the last two or three generations had been rising into
gentility and property  He had received a good education but
on succeeding early in life to a small independence had become
indisposed for any of the more homely pursuits in which his brothers
were engaged and had satisfied an active cheerful mind and social
temper by entering into the militia of his county then embodied 

Captain Weston was a general favourite and when the chances
of his military life had introduced him to Miss Churchill
of a great Yorkshire family and Miss Churchill fell in love
with him nobody was surprized except her brother and his wife
who had never seen him and who were full of pride and importance
which the connexion would offend 

Miss Churchill however being of age and with the full command
of her fortune  though her fortune bore no proportion to the
family estate  was not to be dissuaded from the marriage and it
took place to the infinite mortification of Mr and Mrs Churchill
who threw her off with due decorum  It was an unsuitable connexion
and did not produce much happiness  Mrs Weston ought to have found
more in it for she had a husband whose warm heart and sweet temper
made him think every thing due to her in return for the great goodness
of being in love with him but though she had one sort of spirit
she had not the best  She had resolution enough to pursue
her own will in spite of her brother but not enough to refrain
from unreasonable regrets at that brother's unreasonable anger
nor from missing the luxuries of her former home  They lived beyond
their income but still it was nothing in comparison of Enscombe
she did not cease to love her husband but she wanted at once
to be the wife of Captain Weston and Miss Churchill of Enscombe 

Captain Weston who had been considered especially by the Churchills
as making such an amazing match was proved to have much the worst
of the bargain for when his wife died after a three years marriage
he was rather a poorer man than at first and with a child to maintain 
From the expense of the child however he was soon relieved 
The boy had with the additional softening claim of a lingering
illness of his mother's been the means of a sort of reconciliation
and Mr and Mrs Churchill having no children of their own
nor any other young creature of equal kindred to care for offered to
take the whole charge of the little Frank soon after her decease 
Some scruples and some reluctance the widower father may be supposed
to have felt but as they were overcome by other considerations
the child was given up to the care and the wealth of the Churchills
and he had only his own comfort to seek and his own situation to
improve as he could 

A complete change of life became desirable  He quitted the militia
and engaged in trade having brothers already established in a
good way in London which afforded him a favourable opening 
It was a concern which brought just employment enough  He had still
a small house in Highbury where most of his leisure days were spent
and between useful occupation and the pleasures of society
the next eighteen or twenty years of his life passed cheerfully away 
He had by that time realised an easy competence  enough to secure
the purchase of a little estate adjoining Highbury which he had
always longed for  enough to marry a woman as portionless even
as Miss Taylor and to live according to the wishes of his own
friendly and social disposition 

It was now some time since Miss Taylor had begun to influence
his schemes but as it was not the tyrannic influence of youth
on youth it had not shaken his determination of never settling
till he could purchase Randalls and the sale of Randalls was long
looked forward to but he had gone steadily on with these objects
in view till they were accomplished  He had made his fortune
bought his house and obtained his wife and was beginning a new
period of existence with every probability of greater happiness
than in any yet passed through  He had never been an unhappy man
his own temper had secured him from that even in his first marriage
but his second must shew him how delightful a well judging and truly
amiable woman could be and must give him the pleasantest proof
of its being a great deal better to choose than to be chosen
to excite gratitude than to feel it 

He had only himself to please in his choice his fortune was
his own for as to Frank it was more than being tacitly brought
up as his uncle's heir it had become so avowed an adoption
as to have him assume the name of Churchill on coming of age 
It was most unlikely therefore that he should ever want his
father's assistance  His father had no apprehension of it 
The aunt was a capricious woman and governed her husband entirely
but it was not in Mr Weston's nature to imagine that any caprice
could be strong enough to affect one so dear and as he believed
so deservedly dear  He saw his son every year in London
and was proud of him and his fond report of him as a very fine
young man had made Highbury feel a sort of pride in him too 
He was looked on as sufficiently belonging to the place to make his
merits and prospects a kind of common concern 

Mr Frank Churchill was one of the boasts of Highbury and a lively
curiosity to see him prevailed though the compliment was so little
returned that he had never been there in his life  His coming
to visit his father had been often talked of but never achieved 

Now upon his father's marriage it was very generally proposed
as a most proper attention that the visit should take place 
There was not a dissentient voice on the subject either when
Mrs Perry drank tea with Mrs and Miss Bates or when Mrs and
Miss Bates returned the visit  Now was the time for Mr Frank
Churchill to come among them and the hope strengthened when it was
understood that he had written to his new mother on the occasion 
For a few days every morning visit in Highbury included some mention
of the handsome letter Mrs Weston had received  I suppose you
have heard of the handsome letter Mr Frank Churchill has written
to Mrs Weston I understand it was a very handsome letter indeed 
Mr Woodhouse told me of it  Mr Woodhouse saw the letter and he
says he never saw such a handsome letter in his life

It was indeed a highly prized letter  Mrs Weston had of course
formed a very favourable idea of the young man and such a pleasing
attention was an irresistible proof of his great good sense
and a most welcome addition to every source and every expression
of congratulation which her marriage had already secured  She felt
herself a most fortunate woman and she had lived long enough
to know how fortunate she might well be thought where the only
regret was for a partial separation from friends whose friendship
for her had never cooled and who could ill bear to part with her 

She knew that at times she must be missed and could not think
without pain of Emma's losing a single pleasure or suffering
an hour's ennui from the want of her companionableness but dear
Emma was of no feeble character she was more equal to her situation
than most girls would have been and had sense and energy
and spirits that might be hoped would bear her well and happily
through its little difficulties and privations  And then there was
such comfort in the very easy distance of Randalls from Hartfield
so convenient for even solitary female walking and in Mr Weston's
disposition and circumstances which would make the approaching
season no hindrance to their spending half the evenings in the
week together 

Her situation was altogether the subject of hours of gratitude
to Mrs Weston and of moments only of regret and her
satisfaction   her more than satisfaction  her cheerful enjoyment
was so just and so apparent that Emma well as she knew her father
was sometimes taken by surprize at his being still able to pity
poor Miss Taylor when they left her at Randalls in the centre
of every domestic comfort or saw her go away in the evening
attended by her pleasant husband to a carriage of her own 
But never did she go without Mr Woodhouse's giving a gentle sigh
and saying Ah poor Miss Taylor She would be very glad to stay

There was no recovering Miss Taylor  nor much likelihood of
ceasing to pity her but a few weeks brought some alleviation
to Mr Woodhouse  The compliments of his neighbours were over
he was no longer teased by being wished joy of so sorrowful an event
and the wedding cake which had been a great distress to him
was all eat up  His own stomach could bear nothing rich and he
could never believe other people to be different from himself 
What was unwholesome to him he regarded as unfit for any body
and he had therefore earnestly tried to dissuade them from having
any wedding cake at all and when that proved vain as earnestly
tried to prevent any body's eating it  He had been at the pains
of consulting Mr Perry the apothecary on the subject  Mr Perry
was an intelligent gentlemanlike man whose frequent visits were one
of the comforts of Mr Woodhouse's life and upon being applied to
he could not but acknowledge though it seemed rather against the
bias of inclination that wedding cake might certainly disagree
with many  perhaps with most people unless taken moderately 
With such an opinion in confirmation of his own Mr Woodhouse hoped
to influence every visitor of the newly married pair but still the
cake was eaten and there was no rest for his benevolent nerves till
it was all gone 

There was a strange rumour in Highbury of all the little Perrys
being seen with a slice of Mrs Weston's wedding cake in their
hands but Mr Woodhouse would never believe it 



CHAPTER III


Mr Woodhouse was fond of society in his own way  He liked very much
to have his friends come and see him and from various united causes
from his long residence at Hartfield and his good nature
from his fortune his house and his daughter he could command the
visits of his own little circle in a great measure as he liked 
He had not much intercourse with any families beyond that circle
his horror of late hours and large dinner parties made him unfit
for any acquaintance but such as would visit him on his own terms 
Fortunately for him Highbury including Randalls in the same parish
and Donwell Abbey in the parish adjoining the seat of Mr Knightley
comprehended many such  Not unfrequently through Emma's persuasion
he had some of the chosen and the best to dine with him but evening
parties were what he preferred and unless he fancied himself at any
time unequal to company there was scarcely an evening in the week
in which Emma could not make up a card table for him 

Real long standing regard brought the Westons and Mr Knightley
and by Mr Elton a young man living alone without liking it
the privilege of exchanging any vacant evening of his own blank solitude
for the elegancies and society of Mr Woodhouse's drawing room
and the smiles of his lovely daughter was in no danger of being
thrown away 

After these came a second set among the most come at able
of whom were Mrs and Miss Bates and Mrs Goddard three ladies
almost always at the service of an invitation from Hartfield
and who were fetched and carried home so often that Mr Woodhouse
thought it no hardship for either James or the horses  Had it
taken place only once a year it would have been a grievance 

Mrs Bates the widow of a former vicar of Highbury was a
very old lady almost past every thing but tea and quadrille 
She lived with her single daughter in a very small way and was
considered with all the regard and respect which a harmless old lady
under such untoward circumstances can excite  Her daughter enjoyed
a most uncommon degree of popularity for a woman neither young
handsome rich nor married  Miss Bates stood in the very worst
predicament in the world for having much of the public favour
and she had no intellectual superiority to make atonement to herself
or frighten those who might hate her into outward respect 
She had never boasted either beauty or cleverness  Her youth
had passed without distinction and her middle of life was devoted
to the care of a failing mother and the endeavour to make a small
income go as far as possible  And yet she was a happy woman
and a woman whom no one named without good will  It was her own
universal good will and contented temper which worked such wonders 
She loved every body was interested in every body's happiness
quicksighted to every body's merits thought herself a most fortunate
creature and surrounded with blessings in such an excellent mother
and so many good neighbours and friends and a home that wanted
for nothing  The simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature
her contented and grateful spirit were a recommendation to every body
and a mine of felicity to herself  She was a great talker upon
little matters which exactly suited Mr Woodhouse full of trivial
communications and harmless gossip 

Mrs Goddard was the mistress of a School  not of a seminary
or an establishment or any thing which professed in long sentences of
refined nonsense to combine liberal acquirements with elegant morality
upon new principles and new systems  and where young ladies for
enormous pay might be screwed out of health and into vanity  but
a real honest old fashioned Boarding school where a reasonable
quantity of accomplishments were sold at a reasonable price
and where girls might be sent to be out of the way and scramble
themselves into a little education without any danger of coming
back prodigies  Mrs Goddard's school was in high repute  and
very deservedly for Highbury was reckoned a particularly healthy
spot she had an ample house and garden gave the children plenty
of wholesome food let them run about a great deal in the summer
and in winter dressed their chilblains with her own hands 
It was no wonder that a train of twenty young couple now walked
after her to church  She was a plain motherly kind of woman
who had worked hard in her youth and now thought herself entitled
to the occasional holiday of a tea visit and having formerly
owed much to Mr Woodhouse's kindness felt his particular claim
on her to leave her neat parlour hung round with fancy work
whenever she could and win or lose a few sixpences by his fireside 

These were the ladies whom Emma found herself very frequently
able to collect and happy was she for her father's sake
in the power though as far as she was herself concerned
it was no remedy for the absence of Mrs Weston  She was delighted
to see her father look comfortable and very much pleased with
herself for contriving things so well but the quiet prosings
of three such women made her feel that every evening so spent
was indeed one of the long evenings she had fearfully anticipated 

As she sat one morning looking forward to exactly such a close
of the present day a note was brought from Mrs Goddard requesting
in most respectful terms to be allowed to bring Miss Smith with her
a most welcome request for Miss Smith was a girl of seventeen
whom Emma knew very well by sight and had long felt an interest in
on account of her beauty  A very gracious invitation was returned
and the evening no longer dreaded by the fair mistress of the mansion 

Harriet Smith was the natural daughter of somebody  Somebody had
placed her several years back at Mrs Goddard's school
and somebody had lately raised her from the condition of scholar
to that of parlour boarder This was all that was generally known
of her history  She had no visible friends but what had been
acquired at Highbury and was now just returned from a long visit
in the country to some young ladies who had been at school there with her 

She was a very pretty girl and her beauty happened to be of a sort
which Emma particularly admired  She was short plump and fair
with a fine bloom blue eyes light hair regular features
and a look of great sweetness and before the end of the evening
Emma was as much pleased with her manners as her person and quite
determined to continue the acquaintance 

She was not struck by any thing remarkably clever in Miss Smith's
conversation but she found her altogether very engaging  not
inconveniently shy not unwilling to talk  and yet so far from pushing
shewing so proper and becoming a deference seeming so pleasantly
grateful for being admitted to Hartfield and so artlessly
impressed by the appearance of every thing in so superior a style
to what she had been used to that she must have good sense
and deserve encouragement  Encouragement should be given 
Those soft blue eyes and all those natural graces should not be
wasted on the inferior society of Highbury and its connexions 
The acquaintance she had already formed were unworthy of her 
The friends from whom she had just parted though very good sort
of people must be doing her harm  They were a family of the name
of Martin whom Emma well knew by character as renting a large farm
of Mr Knightley and residing in the parish of Donwell  very creditably
she believed  she knew Mr Knightley thought highly of them  but they
must be coarse and unpolished and very unfit to be the intimates
of a girl who wanted only a little more knowledge and elegance
to be quite perfect  She would notice her she would improve her
she would detach her from her bad acquaintance and introduce her
into good society she would form her opinions and her manners 
It would be an interesting and certainly a very kind undertaking
highly becoming her own situation in life her leisure and powers 

She was so busy in admiring those soft blue eyes in talking
and listening and forming all these schemes in the in betweens that
the evening flew away at a very unusual rate and the supper table
which always closed such parties and for which she had been
used to sit and watch the due time was all set out and ready
and moved forwards to the fire before she was aware  With an
alacrity beyond the common impulse of a spirit which yet was never
indifferent to the credit of doing every thing well and attentively
with the real good will of a mind delighted with its own ideas
did she then do all the honours of the meal and help and recommend
the minced chicken and scalloped oysters with an urgency which she
knew would be acceptable to the early hours and civil scruples of their guests 

Upon such occasions poor Mr Woodhouses feelings were in sad warfare 
He loved to have the cloth laid because it had been the fashion
of his youth but his conviction of suppers being very unwholesome
made him rather sorry to see any thing put on it and while his
hospitality would have welcomed his visitors to every thing
his care for their health made him grieve that they would eat 

Such another small basin of thin gruel as his own was all that
he could with thorough self approbation recommend though he
might constrain himself while the ladies were comfortably clearing
the nicer things to say

Mrs Bates let me propose your venturing on one of these eggs 
An egg boiled very soft is not unwholesome  Serle understands boiling
an egg better than any body  I would not recommend an egg boiled
by any body else but you need not be afraid they are very small
you see  one of our small eggs will not hurt you  Miss Bates
let Emma help you to a little bit of tart  a very little bit 
Ours are all apple tarts You need not be afraid of unwholesome
preserves here  I do not advise the custard  Mrs Goddard what say
you to half a glass of wine A small half glass put into a tumbler
of water I do not think it could disagree with you

Emma allowed her father to talk  but supplied her visitors in
a much more satisfactory style and on the present evening had
particular pleasure in sending them away happy  The happiness
of Miss Smith was quite equal to her intentions  Miss Woodhouse
was so great a personage in Highbury that the prospect of the
introduction had given as much panic as pleasure but the humble
grateful little girl went off with highly gratified feelings
delighted with the affability with which Miss Woodhouse had treated
her all the evening and actually shaken hands with her at last



CHAPTER IV


Harriet Smith's intimacy at Hartfield was soon a settled thing 
Quick and decided in her ways Emma lost no time in inviting encouraging
and telling her to come very often and as their acquaintance increased
so did their satisfaction in each other  As a walking companion
Emma had very early foreseen how useful she might find her 
In that respect Mrs Weston's loss had been important  Her father
never went beyond the shrubbery where two divisions of the ground
sufficed him for his long walk or his short as the year varied
and since Mrs Weston's marriage her exercise had been too much confined 
She had ventured once alone to Randalls but it was not pleasant
and a Harriet Smith therefore one whom she could summon at any
time to a walk would be a valuable addition to her privileges 
But in every respect as she saw more of her she approved her
and was confirmed in all her kind designs 

Harriet certainly was not clever but she had a sweet docile
grateful disposition was totally free from conceit and only desiring
to be guided by any one she looked up to  Her early attachment
to herself was very amiable and her inclination for good company
and power of appreciating what was elegant and clever shewed that
there was no want of taste though strength of understanding must
not be expected  Altogether she was quite convinced of Harriet
Smith's being exactly the young friend she wanted  exactly the
something which her home required  Such a friend as Mrs Weston
was out of the question  Two such could never be granted 
Two such she did not want  It was quite a different sort of thing
a sentiment distinct and independent  Mrs Weston was the object
of a regard which had its basis in gratitude and esteem 
Harriet would be loved as one to whom she could be useful 
For Mrs Weston there was nothing to be done for Harriet every thing 

Her first attempts at usefulness were in an endeavour to find out who
were the parents but Harriet could not tell  She was ready to tell
every thing in her power but on this subject questions were vain 
Emma was obliged to fancy what she liked  but she could never
believe that in the same situation she should not have discovered
the truth  Harriet had no penetration  She had been satisfied
to hear and believe just what Mrs Goddard chose to tell her
and looked no farther 

Mrs Goddard and the teachers and the girls and the affairs of the
school in general formed naturally a great part of the conversation  and
but for her acquaintance with the Martins of Abbey Mill Farm
it must have been the whole  But the Martins occupied her thoughts
a good deal she had spent two very happy months with them
and now loved to talk of the pleasures of her visit and describe
the many comforts and wonders of the place  Emma encouraged her
talkativeness   amused by such a picture of another set of beings
and enjoying the youthful simplicity which could speak with so much
exultation of Mrs Martin's having two parlours two very good parlours
indeed one of them quite as large as Mrs Goddard's drawing room
and of her having an upper maid who had lived five and twenty years
with her and of their having eight cows two of them Alderneys
and one a little Welch cow a very pretty little Welch cow indeed
and of Mrs Martin's saying as she was so fond of it it should be
called her cow and of their having a very handsome summer house
in their garden where some day next year they were all to drink
tea   a very handsome summer house large enough to hold a dozen people

For some time she was amused without thinking beyond the immediate cause
but as she came to understand the family better other feelings arose 
She had taken up a wrong idea fancying it was a mother and daughter
a son and son's wife who all lived together but when it appeared
that the Mr Martin who bore a part in the narrative and was always
mentioned with approbation for his great good nature in doing something
or other was a single man that there was no young Mrs Martin
no wife in the case she did suspect danger to her poor little
friend from all this hospitality and kindness and that if she
were not taken care of she might be required to sink herself forever 

With this inspiriting notion her questions increased in number
and meaning and she particularly led Harriet to talk more of Mr Martin
and there was evidently no dislike to it  Harriet was very ready
to speak of the share he had had in their moonlight walks and merry
evening games and dwelt a good deal upon his being so very good humoured
and obliging  He had gone three miles round one day in order to bring
her some walnuts because she had said how fond she was of them
and in every thing else he was so very obliging  He had his
shepherd's son into the parlour one night on purpose to sing to her 
She was very fond of singing  He could sing a little himself 
She believed he was very clever and understood every thing 
He had a very fine flock and while she was with them
he had been bid more for his wool than any body in the country 
She believed every body spoke well of him  His mother and sisters
were very fond of him  Mrs Martin had told her one day and there
was a blush as she said it that it was impossible for any body
to be a better son and therefore she was sure whenever he married
he would make a good husband  Not that she wanted him to marry 
She was in no hurry at all 

Well done Mrs Martin thought Emma  You know what you are about

And when she had come away Mrs Martin was so very kind as to send
Mrs Goddard a beautiful goose  the finest goose Mrs Goddard had
ever seen  Mrs Goddard had dressed it on a Sunday and asked all
the three teachers Miss Nash and Miss Prince and Miss Richardson
to sup with her

Mr Martin I suppose is not a man of information beyond the line
of his own business He does not read

Oh yes  that is no  I do not know  but I believe he has
read a good deal  but not what you would think any thing of 
He reads the Agricultural Reports and some other books that lay
in one of the window seats  but he reads all them to himself 
But sometimes of an evening before we went to cards he would read
something aloud out of the Elegant Extracts very entertaining 
And I know he has read the Vicar of Wakefield  He never read the
Romance of the Forest nor The Children of the Abbey  He had never
heard of such books before I mentioned them but he is determined
to get them now as soon as ever he can

The next question was  

What sort of looking man is Mr Martin

Oh not handsome  not at all handsome  I thought him very plain
at first but I do not think him so plain now  One does not you know
after a time  But did you never see him He is in Highbury every
now and then and he is sure to ride through every week in his way
to Kingston  He has passed you very often

That may be and I may have seen him fifty times but without
having any idea of his name  A young farmer whether on horseback
or on foot is the very last sort of person to raise my curiosity 
The yeomanry are precisely the order of people with whom I feel I
can have nothing to do  A degree or two lower and a creditable
appearance might interest me I might hope to be useful to their
families in some way or other  But a farmer can need none of my help
and is therefore in one sense as much above my notice as in every
other he is below it

To be sure  Oh yes It is not likely you should ever have
observed him but he knows you very well indeed  I mean by sight

I have no doubt of his being a very respectable young man 
I know indeed that he is so and as such wish him well 
What do you imagine his age to be

He was four and twenty the 8th of last June and my birthday is
the 23rd just a fortnight and a day's difference  which is very odd

Only four and twenty That is too young to settle  His mother is
perfectly right not to be in a hurry  They seem very comfortable
as they are and if she were to take any pains to marry him
she would probably repent it  Six years hence if he could meet
with a good sort of young woman in the same rank as his own
with a little money it might be very desirable

Six years hence Dear Miss Woodhouse he would be thirty years old

Well and that is as early as most men can afford to marry
who are not born to an independence  Mr Martin I imagine
has his fortune entirely to make  cannot be at all beforehand with
the world  Whatever money he might come into when his father died
whatever his share of the family property it is I dare say
all afloat all employed in his stock and so forth and though
with diligence and good luck he may be rich in time it is next to
impossible that he should have realised any thing yet

To be sure so it is  But they live very comfortably 
They have no indoors man else they do not want for any thing
and Mrs Martin talks of taking a boy another year

I wish you may not get into a scrape Harriet whenever he does
marry  I mean as to being acquainted with his wife  for though
his sisters from a superior education are not to be altogether
objected to it does not follow that he might marry any body at all fit
for you to notice  The misfortune of your birth ought to make you
particularly careful as to your associates  There can be no doubt
of your being a gentleman's daughter and you must support your
claim to that station by every thing within your own power or there
will be plenty of people who would take pleasure in degrading you

Yes to be sure I suppose there are  But while I visit
at Hartfield and you are so kind to me Miss Woodhouse
I am not afraid of what any body can do

You understand the force of influence pretty well Harriet but I
would have you so firmly established in good society as to be
independent even of Hartfield and Miss Woodhouse  I want to see you
permanently well connected and to that end it will be advisable
to have as few odd acquaintance as may be and therefore I say
that if you should still be in this country when Mr Martin marries
I wish you may not be drawn in by your intimacy with the sisters
to be acquainted with the wife who will probably be some mere
farmer's daughter without education

To be sure  Yes  Not that I think Mr Martin would ever marry any body
but what had had some education  and been very well brought up 
However I do not mean to set up my opinion against your's  and I
am sure I shall not wish for the acquaintance of his wife  I shall
always have a great regard for the Miss Martins especially Elizabeth
and should be very sorry to give them up for they are quite as well
educated as me  But if he marries a very ignorant vulgar woman
certainly I had better not visit her if I can help it

Emma watched her through the fluctuations of this speech
and saw no alarming symptoms of love  The young man had been
the first admirer but she trusted there was no other hold
and that there would be no serious difficulty on Harriet's side
to oppose any friendly arrangement of her own 

They met Mr Martin the very next day as they were walking on the
Donwell road  He was on foot and after looking very respectfully
at her looked with most unfeigned satisfaction at her companion 
Emma was not sorry to have such an opportunity of survey
and walking a few yards forward while they talked together soon made
her quick eye sufficiently acquainted with Mr Robert Martin 
His appearance was very neat and he looked like a sensible young man
but his person had no other advantage and when he came to be
contrasted with gentlemen she thought he must lose all the ground
he had gained in Harriet's inclination  Harriet was not insensible
of manner she had voluntarily noticed her father's gentleness
with admiration as well as wonder  Mr Martin looked as if he
did not know what manner was 

They remained but a few minutes together as Miss Woodhouse must
not be kept waiting and Harriet then came running to her with a
smiling face and in a flutter of spirits which Miss Woodhouse
hoped very soon to compose 

Only think of our happening to meet him  How very odd It was
quite a chance he said that he had not gone round by Randalls 
He did not think we ever walked this road  He thought we walked
towards Randalls most days  He has not been able to get the
Romance of the Forest yet  He was so busy the last time he was
at Kingston that he quite forgot it but he goes again to morrow 
So very odd we should happen to meet Well Miss Woodhouse is he
like what you expected What do you think of him Do you think him
so very plain

He is very plain undoubtedly  remarkably plain  but that is
nothing compared with his entire want of gentility  I had no
right to expect much and I did not expect much but I had no
idea that he could be so very clownish so totally without air 
I had imagined him I confess a degree or two nearer gentility

To be sure said Harriet in a mortified voice he is not
so genteel as real gentlemen

I think Harriet since your acquaintance with us you have been
repeatedly in the company of some such very real gentlemen
that you must yourself be struck with the difference in Mr Martin 
At Hartfield you have had very good specimens of well educated
well bred men  I should be surprized if after seeing them
you could be in company with Mr Martin again without perceiving
him to be a very inferior creature  and rather wondering at
yourself for having ever thought him at all agreeable before 
Do not you begin to feel that now Were not you struck I am sure
you must have been struck by his awkward look and abrupt manner
and the uncouthness of a voice which I heard to be wholly unmodulated
as I stood here

Certainly he is not like Mr Knightley  He has not such a fine
air and way of walking as Mr Knightley  I see the difference
plain enough  But Mr Knightley is so very fine a man

Mr Knightley's air is so remarkably good that it is not fair
to compare Mr Martin with him  You might not see one in a hundred
with gentleman so plainly written as in Mr Knightley  But he is
not the only gentleman you have been lately used to  What say you
to Mr Weston and Mr Elton Compare Mr Martin with either of them 
Compare their manner of carrying themselves of walking of speaking
of being silent  You must see the difference

Oh yes  there is a great difference  But Mr Weston is almost
an old man  Mr Weston must be between forty and fifty

Which makes his good manners the more valuable  The older a
person grows Harriet the more important it is that their manners
should not be bad the more glaring and disgusting any loudness
or coarseness or awkwardness becomes  What is passable in youth
is detestable in later age  Mr Martin is now awkward and abrupt
what will he be at Mr Weston's time of life

There is no saying indeed replied Harriet rather solemnly 

But there may be pretty good guessing  He will be a completely gross
vulgar farmer totally inattentive to appearances and thinking
of nothing but profit and loss

Will he indeed That will be very bad

How much his business engrosses him already is very plain from the
circumstance of his forgetting to inquire for the book you recommended 
He was a great deal too full of the market to think of any thing
else  which is just as it should be for a thriving man  What has
he to do with books And I have no doubt that he will thrive
and be a very rich man in time  and his being illiterate and coarse
need not disturb us

I wonder he did not remember the book  was all Harriet's answer
and spoken with a degree of grave displeasure which Emma thought might
be safely left to itself  She therefore said no more for some time 
Her next beginning was

In one respect perhaps Mr Elton's manners are superior
to Mr Knightley's or Mr Weston's They have more gentleness 
They might be more safely held up as a pattern  There is an openness
a quickness almost a bluntness in Mr Weston which every body
likes in him because there is so much good humour with it  but
that would not do to be copied  Neither would Mr Knightley's
downright decided commanding sort of manner though it suits
him very well his figure and look and situation in life seem
to allow it but if any young man were to set about copying him
he would not be sufferable  On the contrary I think a young man
might be very safely recommended to take Mr Elton as a model 
Mr Elton is good humoured cheerful obliging and gentle 
He seems to me to be grown particularly gentle of late  I do not
know whether he has any design of ingratiating himself with either
of us Harriet by additional softness but it strikes me that his
manners are softer than they used to be  If he means any thing
it must be to please you  Did not I tell you what he said of you
the other day

She then repeated some warm personal praise which she had drawn
from Mr Elton and now did full justice to and Harriet blushed
and smiled and said she had always thought Mr Elton very agreeable 

Mr Elton was the very person fixed on by Emma for driving
the young farmer out of Harriet's head  She thought it would
be an excellent match and only too palpably desirable natural
and probable for her to have much merit in planning it 
She feared it was what every body else must think of and predict 
It was not likely however that any body should have equalled
her in the date of the plan as it had entered her brain during
the very first evening of Harriet's coming to Hartfield  The longer
she considered it the greater was her sense of its expediency 
Mr Elton's situation was most suitable quite the gentleman himself
and without low connexions at the same time not of any family
that could fairly object to the doubtful birth of Harriet  He had a
comfortable home for her and Emma imagined a very sufficient income
for though the vicarage of Highbury was not large he was known
to have some independent property and she thought very highly
of him as a good humoured well meaning respectable young man
without any deficiency of useful understanding or knowledge of the world 

She had already satisfied herself that he thought Harriet a beautiful
girl which she trusted with such frequent meetings at Hartfield
was foundation enough on his side and on Harriet's there could be
little doubt that the idea of being preferred by him would have all
the usual weight and efficacy  And he was really a very pleasing
young man a young man whom any woman not fastidious might like 
He was reckoned very handsome his person much admired in general
though not by her there being a want of elegance of feature which
she could not dispense with  but the girl who could be gratified
by a Robert Martin's riding about the country to get walnuts
for her might very well be conquered by Mr Elton's admiration 



CHAPTER V


I do not know what your opinion may be Mrs Weston said Mr Knightley of
this great intimacy between Emma and Harriet Smith but I think it a bad thing

A bad thing Do you really think it a bad thing   why so

I think they will neither of them do the other any good

You surprize me Emma must do Harriet good and by supplying her
with a new object of interest Harriet may be said to do Emma good 
I have been seeing their intimacy with the greatest pleasure 
How very differently we feel  Not think they will do each other any
good This will certainly be the beginning of one of our quarrels
about Emma Mr Knightley

Perhaps you think I am come on purpose to quarrel with you
knowing Weston to be out and that you must still fight your own battle

Mr Weston would undoubtedly support me if he were here
for he thinks exactly as I do on the subject  We were speaking
of it only yesterday and agreeing how fortunate it was for Emma
that there should be such a girl in Highbury for her to associate with 
Mr Knightley I shall not allow you to be a fair judge in this case 
You are so much used to live alone that you do not know the value
of a companion and perhaps no man can be a good judge of the comfort
a woman feels in the society of one of her own sex after being used
to it all her life  I can imagine your objection to Harriet Smith 
She is not the superior young woman which Emma's friend ought to be 
But on the other hand as Emma wants to see her better informed
it will be an inducement to her to read more herself  They will
read together  She means it I know

Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve
years old  I have seen a great many lists of her drawing up at
various times of books that she meant to read regularly through  and
very good lists they were  very well chosen and very neatly
arranged  sometimes alphabetically and sometimes by some other rule 
The list she drew up when only fourteen  I remember thinking it
did her judgment so much credit that I preserved it some time
and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now  But I
have done with expecting any course of steady reading from Emma 
She will never submit to any thing requiring industry and patience
and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding  Where Miss Taylor
failed to stimulate I may safely affirm that Harriet Smith will do
nothing   You never could persuade her to read half so much as you
wished  You know you could not

I dare say replied Mrs Weston smiling that I thought
so then  but since we have parted I can never remember Emma's
omitting to do any thing I wished

There is hardly any desiring to refresh such a memory as that  said
Mr Knightley feelingly and for a moment or two he had done  But I
he soon added who have had no such charm thrown over my senses
must still see hear and remember  Emma is spoiled by being the
cleverest of her family  At ten years old she had the misfortune of
being able to answer questions which puzzled her sister at seventeen 
She was always quick and assured Isabella slow and diffident 
And ever since she was twelve Emma has been mistress of the house
and of you all  In her mother she lost the only person able to cope
with her  She inherits her mother's talents and must have been
under subjection to her

I should have been sorry Mr Knightley to be dependent on
your recommendation had I quitted Mr Woodhouse's family and wanted
another situation I do not think you would have spoken a good word for
me to any body  I am sure you always thought me unfit for the office I held

Yes said he smiling  You are better placed here very fit
for a wife but not at all for a governess  But you were preparing
yourself to be an excellent wife all the time you were at Hartfield 
You might not give Emma such a complete education as your powers would
seem to promise but you were receiving a very good education from her
on the very material matrimonial point of submitting your own will
and doing as you were bid and if Weston had asked me to recommend
him a wife I should certainly have named Miss Taylor

Thank you  There will be very little merit in making a good wife
to such a man as Mr Weston

Why to own the truth I am afraid you are rather thrown away
and that with every disposition to bear there will be nothing
to be borne  We will not despair however  Weston may grow cross
from the wantonness of comfort or his son may plague him

I hope not that  It is not likely  No Mr Knightley do not
foretell vexation from that quarter

Not I indeed  I only name possibilities  I do not pretend to Emma's
genius for foretelling and guessing  I hope with all my heart
the young man may be a Weston in merit and a Churchill in fortune  But
Harriet Smith  I have not half done about Harriet Smith  I think
her the very worst sort of companion that Emma could possibly have 
She knows nothing herself and looks upon Emma as knowing every thing 
She is a flatterer in all her ways and so much the worse
because undesigned  Her ignorance is hourly flattery  How can
Emma imagine she has any thing to learn herself while Harriet
is presenting such a delightful inferiority And as for Harriet
I will venture to say that she cannot gain by the acquaintance 
Hartfield will only put her out of conceit with all the other places
she belongs to  She will grow just refined enough to be uncomfortable
with those among whom birth and circumstances have placed her home 
I am much mistaken if Emma's doctrines give any strength of mind
or tend at all to make a girl adapt herself rationally to the varieties
of her situation in life  They only give a little polish

I either depend more upon Emma's good sense than you do or am more
anxious for her present comfort for I cannot lament the acquaintance 
How well she looked last night

Oh you would rather talk of her person than her mind would you
Very well I shall not attempt to deny Emma's being pretty

Pretty say beautiful rather  Can you imagine any thing nearer
perfect beauty than Emma altogether   face and figure

I do not know what I could imagine but I confess that I have
seldom seen a face or figure more pleasing to me than hers 
But I am a partial old friend

Such an eye  the true hazle eye  and so brilliant regular features
open countenance with a complexion oh what a bloom of full health
and such a pretty height and size such a firm and upright figure
There is health not merely in her bloom but in her air her head
her glance  One hears sometimes of a child being the picture
of health now Emma always gives me the idea of being the complete
picture of grown up health  She is loveliness itself  Mr Knightley
is not she

I have not a fault to find with her person he replied 
I think her all you describe  I love to look at her and I
will add this praise that I do not think her personally vain 
Considering how very handsome she is she appears to be little
occupied with it her vanity lies another way  Mrs Weston I am
not to be talked out of my dislike of Harriet Smith or my dread
of its doing them both harm

And I Mr Knightley am equally stout in my confidence of its
not doing them any harm  With all dear Emma's little faults
she is an excellent creature  Where shall we see a better daughter
or a kinder sister or a truer friend No no she has qualities
which may be trusted she will never lead any one really wrong
she will make no lasting blunder where Emma errs once she is in the
right a hundred times

Very well I will not plague you any more  Emma shall be an angel
and I will keep my spleen to myself till Christmas brings John
and Isabella  John loves Emma with a reasonable and therefore
not a blind affection and Isabella always thinks as he does
except when he is not quite frightened enough about the children 
I am sure of having their opinions with me

I know that you all love her really too well to be unjust or unkind
but excuse me Mr Knightley if I take the liberty I consider myself
you know as having somewhat of the privilege of speech that Emma's
mother might have had the liberty of hinting that I do not think
any possible good can arise from Harriet Smith's intimacy being made
a matter of much discussion among you  Pray excuse me but supposing
any little inconvenience may be apprehended from the intimacy
it cannot be expected that Emma accountable to nobody but her father
who perfectly approves the acquaintance should put an end to it
so long as it is a source of pleasure to herself  It has been so
many years my province to give advice that you cannot be surprized
Mr Knightley at this little remains of office

Not at all cried he I am much obliged to you for it 
It is very good advice and it shall have a better fate than your
advice has often found for it shall be attended to

Mrs John Knightley is easily alarmed and might be made unhappy
about her sister

Be satisfied said he I will not raise any outcry  I will keep
my ill humour to myself  I have a very sincere interest in Emma 
Isabella does not seem more my sister has never excited a
greater interest perhaps hardly so great  There is an anxiety
a curiosity in what one feels for Emma  I wonder what will become
of her

So do I said Mrs Weston gently very much

She always declares she will never marry which of course
means just nothing at all  But I have no idea that she has yet
ever seen a man she cared for  It would not be a bad thing for her
to be very much in love with a proper object  I should like to see
Emma in love and in some doubt of a return it would do her good 
But there is nobody hereabouts to attach her and she goes so seldom
from home

There does indeed seem as little to tempt her to break
her resolution at present said Mrs Weston as can well be
and while she is so happy at Hartfield I cannot wish her to be
forming any attachment which would be creating such difficulties
on poor Mr Woodhouse's account  I do not recommend matrimony
at present to Emma though I mean no slight to the state I assure you

Part of her meaning was to conceal some favourite thoughts of
her own and Mr Weston's on the subject as much as possible 
There were wishes at Randalls respecting Emma's destiny but it
was not desirable to have them suspected and the quiet transition
which Mr Knightley soon afterwards made to What does Weston
think of the weather shall we have rain convinced her that he
had nothing more to say or surmise about Hartfield 



CHAPTER VI


Emma could not feel a doubt of having given Harriet's fancy
a proper direction and raised the gratitude of her young vanity
to a very good purpose for she found her decidedly more sensible
than before of Mr Elton's being a remarkably handsome man with most
agreeable manners and as she had no hesitation in following up
the assurance of his admiration by agreeable hints she was soon
pretty confident of creating as much liking on Harriet's side
as there could be any occasion for  She was quite convinced
of Mr Elton's being in the fairest way of falling in love
if not in love already  She had no scruple with regard to him 
He talked of Harriet and praised her so warmly that she could
not suppose any thing wanting which a little time would not add 
His perception of the striking improvement of Harriet's manner
since her introduction at Hartfield was not one of the least
agreeable proofs of his growing attachment 

You have given Miss Smith all that she required said he
you have made her graceful and easy  She was a beautiful creature
when she came to you but in my opinion the attractions you have
added are infinitely superior to what she received from nature

I am glad you think I have been useful to her but Harriet
only wanted drawing out and receiving a few very few hints 
She had all the natural grace of sweetness of temper and artlessness
in herself  I have done very little

If it were admissible to contradict a lady said the gallant
Mr Elton  

I have perhaps given her a little more decision of character
have taught her to think on points which had not fallen in her
way before

Exactly so that is what principally strikes me  So much superadded
decision of character Skilful has been the hand

Great has been the pleasure I am sure  I never met with
a disposition more truly amiable

I have no doubt of it And it was spoken with a sort
of sighing animation which had a vast deal of the lover 
She was not less pleased another day with the manner
in which he seconded a sudden wish of hers to have Harriet's picture 

Did you ever have your likeness taken Harriet said she did
you ever sit for your picture

Harriet was on the point of leaving the room and only stopt to say
with a very interesting naivete

Oh dear no never

No sooner was she out of sight than Emma exclaimed

What an exquisite possession a good picture of her would be I would
give any money for it  I almost long to attempt her likeness myself 
You do not know it I dare say but two or three years ago I had
a great passion for taking likenesses and attempted several of
my friends and was thought to have a tolerable eye in general 
But from one cause or another I gave it up in disgust 
But really I could almost venture if Harriet would sit to me 
It would be such a delight to have her picture

Let me entreat you cried Mr Elton it would indeed be a delight
Let me entreat you Miss Woodhouse to exercise so charming a
talent in favour of your friend  I know what your drawings are 
How could you suppose me ignorant Is not this room rich in
specimens of your landscapes and flowers and has not Mrs Weston
some inimitable figure pieces in her drawing room at Randalls

Yes good man  thought Emma  but what has all that to do with taking
likenesses You know nothing of drawing  Don't pretend to be
in raptures about mine  Keep your raptures for Harriet's face 
Well if you give me such kind encouragement Mr Elton I believe
I shall try what I can do  Harriet's features are very delicate
which makes a likeness difficult and yet there is a peculiarity
in the shape of the eye and the lines about the mouth which one ought
to catch

Exactly so  The shape of the eye and the lines about the mouth  I
have not a doubt of your success  Pray pray attempt it 
As you will do it it will indeed to use your own words
be an exquisite possession

But I am afraid Mr Elton Harriet will not like to sit 
She thinks so little of her own beauty  Did not you observe her
manner of answering me How completely it meant why should my
picture be drawn

Oh yes I observed it I assure you  It was not lost on me 
But still I cannot imagine she would not be persuaded

Harriet was soon back again and the proposal almost immediately made
and she had no scruples which could stand many minutes against the earnest
pressing of both the others  Emma wished to go to work directly
and therefore produced the portfolio containing her various attempts
at portraits for not one of them had ever been finished that they
might decide together on the best size for Harriet  Her many
beginnings were displayed  Miniatures half lengths whole lengths
pencil crayon and water colours had been all tried in turn 
She had always wanted to do every thing and had made more progress
both in drawing and music than many might have done with so little
labour as she would ever submit to  She played and sang  and drew
in almost every style but steadiness had always been wanting
and in nothing had she approached the degree of excellence which she
would have been glad to command and ought not to have failed of 
She was not much deceived as to her own skill either as an artist
or a musician but she was not unwilling to have others deceived
or sorry to know her reputation for accomplishment often higher
than it deserved 

There was merit in every drawing  in the least finished perhaps the most
her style was spirited but had there been much less or had there
been ten times more the delight and admiration of her two companions
would have been the same  They were both in ecstasies  A likeness
pleases every body and Miss Woodhouse's performances must be capital 

No great variety of faces for you said Emma  I had only my
own family to study from  There is my father  another of my
father  but the idea of sitting for his picture made him so nervous
that I could only take him by stealth neither of them very
like therefore  Mrs Weston again and again and again you see 
Dear Mrs Weston always my kindest friend on every occasion 
She would sit whenever I asked her  There is my sister and really
quite her own little elegant figure  and the face not unlike 
I should have made a good likeness of her if she would have
sat longer but she was in such a hurry to have me draw her four
children that she would not be quiet  Then here come all my
attempts at three of those four children  there they are
Henry and John and Bella from one end of the sheet to the other
and any one of them might do for any one of the rest  She was so
eager to have them drawn that I could not refuse but there is no
making children of three or four years old stand still you know
nor can it be very easy to take any likeness of them beyond the
air and complexion unless they are coarser featured than any
of mama's children ever were  Here is my sketch of the fourth
who was a baby  I took him as he was sleeping on the sofa and it
is as strong a likeness of his cockade as you would wish to see 
He had nestled down his head most conveniently  That's very like 
I am rather proud of little George  The corner of the sofa is very good 
Then here is my last  unclosing a pretty sketch of a gentleman
in small size whole length   my last and my best  my brother
Mr John Knightley    This did not want much of being finished when I
put it away in a pet and vowed I would never take another likeness 
I could not help being provoked for after all my pains and when I
had really made a very good likeness of it  Mrs Weston and I
were quite agreed in thinking it very like  only too handsome  too
flattering  but that was a fault on the right side   after
all this came poor dear Isabella's cold approbation of  Yes
it was a little like  but to be sure it did not do him justice
We had had a great deal of trouble in persuading him to sit at all 
It was made a great favour of and altogether it was more than I
could bear and so I never would finish it to have it apologised
over as an unfavourable likeness to every morning visitor in
Brunswick Square  and as I said I did then forswear ever drawing
any body again  But for Harriet's sake or rather for my own
and as there are no husbands and wives in the case at present
I will break my resolution now

Mr Elton seemed very properly struck and delighted by the idea
and was repeating No husbands and wives in the case at present
indeed as you observe  Exactly so  No husbands and wives
with so interesting a consciousness that Emma began to consider
whether she had not better leave them together at once  But as she
wanted to be drawing the declaration must wait a little longer 

She had soon fixed on the size and sort of portrait 
It was to be a whole length in water colours like Mr John
Knightley's and was destined if she could please herself
to hold a very honourable station over the mantelpiece 

The sitting began and Harriet smiling and blushing and afraid
of not keeping her attitude and countenance presented a very sweet
mixture of youthful expression to the steady eyes of the artist 
But there was no doing any thing with Mr Elton fidgeting behind
her and watching every touch  She gave him credit for stationing
himself where he might gaze and gaze again without offence
but was really obliged to put an end to it and request him to
place himself elsewhere  It then occurred to her to employ him
in reading 

If he would be so good as to read to them it would be a kindness
indeed It would amuse away the difficulties of her part and lessen
the irksomeness of Miss Smith's

Mr Elton was only too happy  Harriet listened and Emma drew
in peace  She must allow him to be still frequently coming to look
any thing less would certainly have been too little in a lover
and he was ready at the smallest intermission of the pencil
to jump up and see the progress and be charmed  There was no
being displeased with such an encourager for his admiration
made him discern a likeness almost before it was possible 
She could not respect his eye but his love and his complaisance
were unexceptionable 

The sitting was altogether very satisfactory she was quite
enough pleased with the first day's sketch to wish to go on 
There was no want of likeness she had been fortunate in the attitude
and as she meant to throw in a little improvement to the figure
to give a little more height and considerably more elegance she had
great confidence of its being in every way a pretty drawing at last
and of its filling its destined place with credit to them both  a
standing memorial of the beauty of one the skill of the other
and the friendship of both with as many other agreeable associations
as Mr Elton's very promising attachment was likely to add 

Harriet was to sit again the next day and Mr Elton just as he ought
entreated for the permission of attending and reading to them again 

By all means  We shall be most happy to consider you as one
of the party

The same civilities and courtesies the same success and satisfaction
took place on the morrow and accompanied the whole progress
of the picture which was rapid and happy  Every body who saw it
was pleased but Mr Elton was in continual raptures and defended
it through every criticism 

Miss Woodhouse has given her friend the only beauty she
wanted  observed Mrs Weston to him  not in the least suspecting
that she was addressing a lover  The expression of the eye is
most correct but Miss Smith has not those eyebrows and eyelashes 
It is the fault of her face that she has them not

Do you think so replied he  I cannot agree with you 
It appears to me a most perfect resemblance in every feature 
I never saw such a likeness in my life  We must allow for the effect
of shade you know

You have made her too tall Emma said Mr Knightley 

Emma knew that she had but would not own it and Mr Elton warmly added

Oh no certainly not too tall not in the least too tall  Consider
she is sitting down  which naturally presents a different  which
in short gives exactly the idea  and the proportions must
be preserved you know  Proportions fore shortening  Oh no it
gives one exactly the idea of such a height as Miss Smith's Exactly so indeed

It is very pretty said Mr Woodhouse  So prettily done Just
as your drawings always are my dear  I do not know any body who draws
so well as you do  The only thing I do not thoroughly like is
that she seems to be sitting out of doors with only a little shawl
over her shoulders  and it makes one think she must catch cold

But my dear papa it is supposed to be summer a warm day in summer 
Look at the tree

But it is never safe to sit out of doors my dear

You sir may say any thing cried Mr Elton but I must confess
that I regard it as a most happy thought the placing of Miss
Smith out of doors and the tree is touched with such inimitable
spirit Any other situation would have been much less in character 
The naivete of Miss Smith's manners  and altogether  Oh it is
most admirable I cannot keep my eyes from it  I never saw such
a likeness

The next thing wanted was to get the picture framed and here were a
few difficulties  It must be done directly it must be done in London
the order must go through the hands of some intelligent person whose taste
could be depended on and Isabella the usual doer of all commissions
must not be applied to because it was December and Mr Woodhouse
could not bear the idea of her stirring out of her house in the fogs
of December  But no sooner was the distress known to Mr Elton
than it was removed  His gallantry was always on the alert 
Might he be trusted with the commission what infinite pleasure
should he have in executing it he could ride to London at any time 
It was impossible to say how much he should be gratified by being
employed on such an errand

He was too good  she could not endure the thought   she would
not give him such a troublesome office for the world  brought
on the desired repetition of entreaties and assurances  and
a very few minutes settled the business 

Mr Elton was to take the drawing to London chuse the frame
and give the directions and Emma thought she could so pack it
as to ensure its safety without much incommoding him while he
seemed mostly fearful of not being incommoded enough 

What a precious deposit said he with a tender sigh as he
received it 

This man is almost too gallant to be in love thought Emma 
I should say so but that I suppose there may be a hundred different
ways of being in love  He is an excellent young man and will suit
Harriet exactly it will be an Exactly so as he says himself
but he does sigh and languish and study for compliments rather more
than I could endure as a principal  I come in for a pretty good
share as a second  But it is his gratitude on Harriet's account



CHAPTER VII


The very day of Mr Elton's going to London produced a fresh occasion
for Emma's services towards her friend  Harriet had been at Hartfield
as usual soon after breakfast and after a time had gone home
to return again to dinner she returned and sooner than had been
talked of and with an agitated hurried look announcing something
extraordinary to have happened which she was longing to tell 
Half a minute brought it all out  She had heard as soon as she got
back to Mrs Goddard's that Mr Martin had been there an hour before
and finding she was not at home nor particularly expected had left
a little parcel for her from one of his sisters and gone away
and on opening this parcel she had actually found besides the two
songs which she had lent Elizabeth to copy a letter to herself
and this letter was from him from Mr Martin and contained a direct
proposal of marriage  Who could have thought it She was so surprized
she did not know what to do  Yes quite a proposal of marriage
and a very good letter at least she thought so  And he wrote
as if he really loved her very much  but she did not know  and so
she was come as fast as she could to ask Miss Woodhouse what she
should do   Emma was half ashamed of her friend for seeming so
pleased and so doubtful 

Upon my word she cried the young man is determined not to lose
any thing for want of asking  He will connect himself well if he can

Will you read the letter cried Harriet  Pray do  I'd rather
you would

Emma was not sorry to be pressed  She read and was surprized 
The style of the letter was much above her expectation 
There were not merely no grammatical errors but as a composition it
would not have disgraced a gentleman the language though plain
was strong and unaffected and the sentiments it conveyed very much
to the credit of the writer  It was short but expressed good sense
warm attachment liberality propriety even delicacy of feeling 
She paused over it while Harriet stood anxiously watching for
her opinion with a Well well and was at last forced to add
Is it a good letter or is it too short

Yes indeed a very good letter replied Emma rather slowly  so
good a letter Harriet that every thing considered I think one of
his sisters must have helped him  I can hardly imagine the young
man whom I saw talking with you the other day could express himself
so well if left quite to his own powers and yet it is not the
style of a woman no certainly it is too strong and concise
not diffuse enough for a woman  No doubt he is a sensible man
and I suppose may have a natural talent for  thinks strongly and
clearly  and when he takes a pen in hand his thoughts naturally find
proper words  It is so with some men  Yes I understand the sort
of mind  Vigorous decided with sentiments to a certain point
not coarse  A better written letter Harriet returning it
than I had expected

Well said the still waiting Harriet   well  and   and what
shall I do

What shall you do In what respect Do you mean with regard
to this letter

Yes

But what are you in doubt of You must answer it of course  and speedily

Yes But what shall I say Dear Miss Woodhouse do advise me

Oh no no the letter had much better be all your own  You will
express yourself very properly I am sure  There is no danger of your
not being intelligible which is the first thing  Your meaning must
be unequivocal no doubts or demurs and such expressions of gratitude
and concern for the pain you are inflicting as propriety requires
will present themselves unbidden to your mind I am persuaded 
You need not be prompted to write with the appearance of sorrow
for his disappointment

You think I ought to refuse him then said Harriet looking down 

Ought to refuse him My dear Harriet what do you mean Are you
in any doubt as to that I thought  but I beg your pardon perhaps I
have been under a mistake  I certainly have been misunderstanding
you if you feel in doubt as to the purport of your answer 
I had imagined you were consulting me only as to the wording of it

Harriet was silent  With a little reserve of manner Emma continued

You mean to return a favourable answer I collect

No I do not that is I do not mean  What shall I do What would
you advise me to do Pray dear Miss Woodhouse tell me what I
ought to do

I shall not give you any advice Harriet  I will have nothing to
do with it  This is a point which you must settle with your feelings

I had no notion that he liked me so very much said Harriet
contemplating the letter  For a little while Emma persevered
in her silence but beginning to apprehend the bewitching flattery
of that letter might be too powerful she thought it best to say

I lay it down as a general rule Harriet that if a woman doubts
as to whether she should accept a man or not she certainly ought
to refuse him  If she can hesitate as to Yes she ought to say
No directly  It is not a state to be safely entered into
with doubtful feelings with half a heart  I thought it my duty
as a friend and older than yourself to say thus much to you 
But do not imagine that I want to influence you

Oh no I am sure you are a great deal too kind to  but if you
would just advise me what I had best do  No no I do not mean
that  As you say one's mind ought to be quite made up  One should
not be hesitating  It is a very serious thing  It will be safer
to say No perhaps  Do you think I had better say No

Not for the world said Emma smiling graciously would I advise
you either way  You must be the best judge of your own happiness 
If you prefer Mr Martin to every other person if you think him
the most agreeable man you have ever been in company with why should
you hesitate You blush Harriet  Does any body else occur to you
at this moment under such a definition Harriet Harriet do not
deceive yourself do not be run away with by gratitude and compassion 
At this moment whom are you thinking of

The symptoms were favourable  Instead of answering Harriet turned
away confused and stood thoughtfully by the fire and though
the letter was still in her hand it was now mechanically twisted
about without regard  Emma waited the result with impatience
but not without strong hopes  At last with some hesitation
Harriet said  

Miss Woodhouse as you will not give me your opinion I must
do as well as I can by myself and I have now quite determined
and really almost made up my mind  to refuse Mr Martin  Do you
think I am right

Perfectly perfectly right my dearest Harriet you are doing just
what you ought  While you were at all in suspense I kept my feelings
to myself but now that you are so completely decided I have no
hesitation in approving  Dear Harriet I give myself joy of this 
It would have grieved me to lose your acquaintance which must have
been the consequence of your marrying Mr Martin  While you were in
the smallest degree wavering I said nothing about it because I would
not influence but it would have been the loss of a friend to me 
I could not have visited Mrs Robert Martin of Abbey Mill Farm 
Now I am secure of you for ever

Harriet had not surmised her own danger but the idea of it struck
her forcibly 

You could not have visited me she cried looking aghast 
No to be sure you could not but I never thought of that before 
That would have been too dreadful  What an escape  Dear Miss Woodhouse
I would not give up the pleasure and honour of being intimate with you
for any thing in the world

Indeed Harriet it would have been a severe pang to lose you
but it must have been  You would have thrown yourself out of all
good society  I must have given you up

Dear me  How should I ever have borne it It would have killed
me never to come to Hartfield any more

Dear affectionate creature  You banished to Abbey Mill Farm  You
confined to the society of the illiterate and vulgar all your life
I wonder how the young man could have the assurance to ask it 
He must have a pretty good opinion of himself

I do not think he is conceited either in general said Harriet
her conscience opposing such censure at least he is very good natured
and I shall always feel much obliged to him and have a great regard
for   but that is quite a different thing from  and you know
though he may like me it does not follow that I should  and
certainly I must confess that since my visiting here I have seen
people  and if one comes to compare them person and manners
there is no comparison at all one is so very handsome and agreeable 
However I do really think Mr Martin a very amiable young man
and have a great opinion of him and his being so much attached
to me  and his writing such a letter  but as to leaving you
it is what I would not do upon any consideration

Thank you thank you my own sweet little friend  We will not
be parted  A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked
or because he is attached to her and can write a tolerable letter

Oh no  and it is but a short letter too

Emma felt the bad taste of her friend but let it pass with a
very true and it would be a small consolation to her for the
clownish manner which might be offending her every hour of the day
to know that her husband could write a good letter

Oh yes very  Nobody cares for a letter the thing is to be always
happy with pleasant companions  I am quite determined to refuse him 
But how shall I do That shall I say

Emma assured her there would be no difficulty in the answer
and advised its being written directly which was agreed to
in the hope of her assistance and though Emma continued to protest
against any assistance being wanted it was in fact given in the
formation of every sentence  The looking over his letter again
in replying to it had such a softening tendency that it was
particularly necessary to brace her up with a few decisive expressions
and she was so very much concerned at the idea of making him unhappy
and thought so much of what his mother and sisters would think and say
and was so anxious that they should not fancy her ungrateful
that Emma believed if the young man had come in her way at that moment
he would have been accepted after all 

This letter however was written and sealed and sent 
The business was finished and Harriet safe  She was rather low
all the evening but Emma could allow for her amiable regrets
and sometimes relieved them by speaking of her own affection
sometimes by bringing forward the idea of Mr Elton 

I shall never be invited to Abbey Mill again was said in rather
a sorrowful tone 

Nor if you were could I ever bear to part with you my Harriet 
You are a great deal too necessary at Hartfield to be spared
to Abbey Mill

And I am sure I should never want to go there for I am never happy
but at Hartfield

Some time afterwards it was I think Mrs Goddard would be very
much surprized if she knew what had happened  I am sure Miss Nash
would  for Miss Nash thinks her own sister very well married
and it is only a linen draper

One should be sorry to see greater pride or refinement in the
teacher of a school Harriet  I dare say Miss Nash would envy you
such an opportunity as this of being married  Even this conquest
would appear valuable in her eyes  As to any thing superior for you
I suppose she is quite in the dark  The attentions of a certain
person can hardly be among the tittle tattle of Highbury yet 
Hitherto I fancy you and I are the only people to whom his looks
and manners have explained themselves

Harriet blushed and smiled and said something about wondering
that people should like her so much  The idea of Mr Elton was
certainly cheering but still after a time she was tender hearted
again towards the rejected Mr Martin 

Now he has got my letter said she softly  I wonder what they
are all doing  whether his sisters know  if he is unhappy
they will be unhappy too  I hope he will not mind it so very much

Let us think of those among our absent friends who are more
cheerfully employed cried Emma  At this moment perhaps Mr Elton
is shewing your picture to his mother and sisters telling how much
more beautiful is the original and after being asked for it five
or six times allowing them to hear your name your own dear name

My picture  But he has left my picture in Bond street

Has he so  Then I know nothing of Mr Elton  No my dear
little modest Harriet depend upon it the picture will not be
in Bond street till just before he mounts his horse to morrow
It is his companion all this evening his solace his delight 
It opens his designs to his family it introduces you among them
it diffuses through the party those pleasantest feelings of our nature
eager curiosity and warm prepossession  How cheerful how animated
how suspicious how busy their imaginations all are

Harriet smiled again and her smiles grew stronger 



CHAPTER VIII


Harriet slept at Hartfield that night  For some weeks past she
had been spending more than half her time there and gradually
getting to have a bed room appropriated to herself and Emma
judged it best in every respect safest and kindest to keep her
with them as much as possible just at present  She was obliged
to go the next morning for an hour or two to Mrs Goddard's
but it was then to be settled that she should return to Hartfield
to make a regular visit of some days 

While she was gone Mr Knightley called and sat some time with
Mr Woodhouse and Emma till Mr Woodhouse who had previously made up
his mind to walk out was persuaded by his daughter not to defer it
and was induced by the entreaties of both though against the scruples
of his own civility to leave Mr Knightley for that purpose 
Mr Knightley who had nothing of ceremony about him was offering
by his short decided answers an amusing contrast to the protracted
apologies and civil hesitations of the other 

Well I believe if you will excuse me Mr Knightley if you
will not consider me as doing a very rude thing I shall take
Emma's advice and go out for a quarter of an hour  As the sun
is out I believe I had better take my three turns while I can 
I treat you without ceremony Mr Knightley  We invalids think we
are privileged people

My dear sir do not make a stranger of me

I leave an excellent substitute in my daughter  Emma will be happy
to entertain you  And therefore I think I will beg your excuse
and take my three turns  my winter walk

You cannot do better sir

I would ask for the pleasure of your company Mr Knightley
but I am a very slow walker and my pace would be tedious to you
and besides you have another long walk before you to Donwell Abbey

Thank you sir thank you I am going this moment myself and I
think the sooner you go the better  I will fetch your greatcoat
and open the garden door for you

Mr Woodhouse at last was off but Mr Knightley instead of being
immediately off likewise sat down again seemingly inclined
for more chat  He began speaking of Harriet and speaking
of her with more voluntary praise than Emma had ever heard before 

I cannot rate her beauty as you do said he but she is a
pretty little creature and I am inclined to think very well of
her disposition  Her character depends upon those she is with
but in good hands she will turn out a valuable woman

I am glad you think so and the good hands I hope may not be wanting

Come said he you are anxious for a compliment so I will
tell you that you have improved her  You have cured her of her
school girl's giggle she really does you credit

Thank you  I should be mortified indeed if I did not believe I
had been of some use but it is not every body who will bestow
praise where they may  You do not often overpower me with it

You are expecting her again you say this morning

Almost every moment  She has been gone longer already than
she intended

Something has happened to delay her some visitors perhaps

Highbury gossips  Tiresome wretches

Harriet may not consider every body tiresome that you would

Emma knew this was too true for contradiction and therefore
said nothing  He presently added with a smile

I do not pretend to fix on times or places but I must tell you
that I have good reason to believe your little friend will soon
hear of something to her advantage

Indeed how so of what sort

A very serious sort I assure you still smiling 

Very serious I can think of but one thing  Who is in love
with her Who makes you their confidant

Emma was more than half in hopes of Mr Elton's having dropt a hint 
Mr Knightley was a sort of general friend and adviser and she knew
Mr Elton looked up to him 

I have reason to think he replied that Harriet Smith will
soon have an offer of marriage and from a most unexceptionable
quarter  Robert Martin is the man  Her visit to Abbey Mill
this summer seems to have done his business  He is desperately
in love and means to marry her

He is very obliging said Emma but is he sure that Harriet
means to marry him

Well well means to make her an offer then  Will that do He came
to the Abbey two evenings ago on purpose to consult me about it 
He knows I have a thorough regard for him and all his family and
I believe considers me as one of his best friends  He came to ask
me whether I thought it would be imprudent in him to settle so early
whether I thought her too young in short whether I approved his
choice altogether having some apprehension perhaps of her being
considered especially since your making so much of her as in a line
of society above him  I was very much pleased with all that he said 
I never hear better sense from any one than Robert Martin 
He always speaks to the purpose open straightforward and very
well judging  He told me every thing his circumstances and plans
and what they all proposed doing in the event of his marriage  He is
an excellent young man both as son and brother  I had no hesitation
in advising him to marry  He proved to me that he could afford it
and that being the case I was convinced he could not do better 
I praised the fair lady too and altogether sent him away very happy 
If he had never esteemed my opinion before he would have thought
highly of me then and I dare say left the house thinking me the
best friend and counsellor man ever had  This happened the night
before last  Now as we may fairly suppose he would not allow
much time to pass before he spoke to the lady and as he does not
appear to have spoken yesterday it is not unlikely that he should
be at Mrs Goddard's to day and she may be detained by a visitor
without thinking him at all a tiresome wretch

Pray Mr Knightley said Emma who had been smiling to herself
through a great part of this speech how do you know that Mr Martin
did not speak yesterday

Certainly replied he surprized I do not absolutely know it
but it may be inferred  Was not she the whole day with you

Come said she I will tell you something in return for what
you have told me  He did speak yesterday  that is he wrote
and was refused

This was obliged to be repeated before it could be believed
and Mr Knightley actually looked red with surprize and displeasure
as he stood up in tall indignation and said

Then she is a greater simpleton than I ever believed her 
What is the foolish girl about

Oh to be sure cried Emma it is always incomprehensible
to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage 
A man always imagines a woman to be ready for any body who asks her

Nonsense a man does not imagine any such thing  But what is
the meaning of this Harriet Smith refuse Robert Martin madness
if it is so but I hope you are mistaken

I saw her answer  nothing could be clearer

You saw her answer  you wrote her answer too  Emma this is
your doing  You persuaded her to refuse him

And if I did which however I am far from allowing I should
not feel that I had done wrong  Mr Martin is a very respectable
young man but I cannot admit him to be Harriet's equal and am
rather surprized indeed that he should have ventured to address her 
By your account he does seem to have had some scruples  It is
a pity that they were ever got over

Not Harriet's equal exclaimed Mr Knightley loudly and warmly
and with calmer asperity added a few moments afterwards No he
is not her equal indeed for he is as much her superior in sense
as in situation  Emma your infatuation about that girl blinds you 
What are Harriet Smith's claims either of birth nature or education
to any connexion higher than Robert Martin She is the natural
daughter of nobody knows whom with probably no settled provision
at all and certainly no respectable relations  She is known only
as parlour boarder at a common school  She is not a sensible girl
nor a girl of any information  She has been taught nothing useful
and is too young and too simple to have acquired any thing herself 
At her age she can have no experience and with her little wit
is not very likely ever to have any that can avail her 
She is pretty and she is good tempered and that is all 
My only scruple in advising the match was on his account as being
beneath his deserts and a bad connexion for him  I felt that
as to fortune in all probability he might do much better and that as
to a rational companion or useful helpmate he could not do worse 
But I could not reason so to a man in love and was willing
to trust to there being no harm in her to her having that sort
of disposition which in good hands like his might be easily led
aright and turn out very well  The advantage of the match I felt
to be all on her side and had not the smallest doubt nor have I now
that there would be a general cry out upon her extreme good luck 
Even your satisfaction I made sure of  It crossed my mind immediately
that you would not regret your friend's leaving Highbury for the
sake of her being settled so well  I remember saying to myself
Even Emma with all her partiality for Harriet will think this a
good match

I cannot help wondering at your knowing so little of Emma as to say
any such thing  What think a farmer and with all his sense and all
his merit Mr Martin is nothing more a good match for my intimate
friend Not regret her leaving Highbury for the sake of marrying
a man whom I could never admit as an acquaintance of my own I
wonder you should think it possible for me to have such feelings 
I assure you mine are very different  I must think your statement
by no means fair  You are not just to Harriet's claims 
They would be estimated very differently by others as well as myself
Mr Martin may be the richest of the two but he is undoubtedly
her inferior as to rank in society  The sphere in which she moves
is much above his  It would be a degradation

A degradation to illegitimacy and ignorance to be married
to a respectable intelligent gentleman farmer

As to the circumstances of her birth though in a legal sense
she may be called Nobody it will not hold in common sense 
She is not to pay for the offence of others by being held below
the level of those with whom she is brought up  There can scarcely
be a doubt that her father is a gentleman  and a gentleman of
fortune  Her allowance is very liberal nothing has ever been grudged
for her improvement or comfort  That she is a gentleman's daughter
is indubitable to me that she associates with gentlemen's daughters
no one I apprehend will deny  She is superior to Mr Robert Martin

Whoever might be her parents said Mr Knightley whoever may
have had the charge of her it does not appear to have been any part
of their plan to introduce her into what you would call good society 
After receiving a very indifferent education she is left in
Mrs Goddard's hands to shift as she can  to move in short
in Mrs Goddard's line to have Mrs Goddard's acquaintance 
Her friends evidently thought this good enough for her and it was
good enough  She desired nothing better herself  Till you chose
to turn her into a friend her mind had no distaste for her own set
nor any ambition beyond it  She was as happy as possible with the
Martins in the summer  She had no sense of superiority then 
If she has it now you have given it  You have been no friend to
Harriet Smith Emma  Robert Martin would never have proceeded so far
if he had not felt persuaded of her not being disinclined to him 
I know him well  He has too much real feeling to address any
woman on the haphazard of selfish passion  And as to conceit
he is the farthest from it of any man I know  Depend upon it he
had encouragement

It was most convenient to Emma not to make a direct reply to this
assertion she chose rather to take up her own line of the subject again 

You are a very warm friend to Mr Martin but as I said before
are unjust to Harriet  Harriet's claims to marry well are not
so contemptible as you represent them  She is not a clever girl
but she has better sense than you are aware of and does not
deserve to have her understanding spoken of so slightingly 
Waiving that point however and supposing her to be as you
describe her only pretty and good natured let me tell you that in
the degree she possesses them they are not trivial recommendations
to the world in general for she is in fact a beautiful girl
and must be thought so by ninety nine people out of an hundred
and till it appears that men are much more philosophic on the subject
of beauty than they are generally supposed till they do fall
in love with well informed minds instead of handsome faces a girl
with such loveliness as Harriet has a certainty of being admired
and sought after of having the power of chusing from among many
consequently a claim to be nice  Her good nature too is not so very
slight a claim comprehending as it does real thorough sweetness
of temper and manner a very humble opinion of herself and a great
readiness to be pleased with other people  I am very much mistaken
if your sex in general would not think such beauty and such temper
the highest claims a woman could possess

Upon my word Emma to hear you abusing the reason you have
is almost enough to make me think so too  Better be without sense
than misapply it as you do

To be sure cried she playfully  I know that is the feeling
of you all  I know that such a girl as Harriet is exactly
what every man delights in  what at once bewitches his senses
and satisfies his judgment  Oh Harriet may pick and chuse 
Were you yourself ever to marry she is the very woman for you 
And is she at seventeen just entering into life just beginning
to be known to be wondered at because she does not accept the first
offer she receives No  pray let her have time to look about her

I have always thought it a very foolish intimacy said Mr Knightley
presently though I have kept my thoughts to myself but I now
perceive that it will be a very unfortunate one for Harriet 
You will puff her up with such ideas of her own beauty and of what
she has a claim to that in a little while nobody within her
reach will be good enough for her  Vanity working on a weak head
produces every sort of mischief  Nothing so easy as for a young lady
to raise her expectations too high  Miss Harriet Smith may not find
offers of marriage flow in so fast though she is a very pretty girl 
Men of sense whatever you may chuse to say do not want silly wives 
Men of family would not be very fond of connecting themselves
with a girl of such obscurity   and most prudent men would be
afraid of the inconvenience and disgrace they might be involved in
when the mystery of her parentage came to be revealed  Let her marry
Robert Martin and she is safe respectable and happy for ever
but if you encourage her to expect to marry greatly and teach
her to be satisfied with nothing less than a man of consequence
and large fortune she may be a parlour boarder at Mrs Goddard's
all the rest of her life  or at least for Harriet Smith is a
girl who will marry somebody or other till she grow desperate
and is glad to catch at the old writing master's son

We think so very differently on this point Mr Knightley
that there can be no use in canvassing it  We shall only be making
each other more angry  But as to my letting her marry Robert Martin
it is impossible she has refused him and so decidedly I think
as must prevent any second application  She must abide by the evil
of having refused him whatever it may be and as to the refusal itself
I will not pretend to say that I might not influence her a little
but I assure you there was very little for me or for any body to do 
His appearance is so much against him and his manner so bad
that if she ever were disposed to favour him she is not now 
I can imagine that before she had seen any body superior
she might tolerate him  He was the brother of her friends
and he took pains to please her and altogether having seen
nobody better that must have been his great assistant
she might not while she was at Abbey Mill find him disagreeable 
But the case is altered now  She knows now what gentlemen are
and nothing but a gentleman in education and manner has any chance
with Harriet

Nonsense errant nonsense as ever was talked cried Mr Knightley  Robert
Martin's manners have sense sincerity and good humour to recommend
them and his mind has more true gentility than Harriet Smith could understand

Emma made no answer and tried to look cheerfully unconcerned but was
really feeling uncomfortable and wanting him very much to be gone 
She did not repent what she had done she still thought herself
a better judge of such a point of female right and refinement than he
could be but yet she had a sort of habitual respect for his judgment
in general which made her dislike having it so loudly against her
and to have him sitting just opposite to her in angry state
was very disagreeable  Some minutes passed in this unpleasant silence
with only one attempt on Emma's side to talk of the weather
but he made no answer  He was thinking  The result of his thoughts
appeared at last in these words 

Robert Martin has no great loss  if he can but think so and I
hope it will not be long before he does  Your views for Harriet
are best known to yourself but as you make no secret of your love
of match making it is fair to suppose that views and plans
and projects you have  and as a friend I shall just hint to you
that if Elton is the man I think it will be all labour in vain

Emma laughed and disclaimed  He continued

Depend upon it Elton will not do  Elton is a very good sort of man
and a very respectable vicar of Highbury but not at all likely
to make an imprudent match  He knows the value of a good income
as well as any body  Elton may talk sentimentally but he will
act rationally  He is as well acquainted with his own claims as you
can be with Harriet's He knows that he is a very handsome young man
and a great favourite wherever he goes and from his general way
of talking in unreserved moments when there are only men present
I am convinced that he does not mean to throw himself away 
I have heard him speak with great animation of a large family
of young ladies that his sisters are intimate with who have all
twenty thousand pounds apiece

I am very much obliged to you said Emma laughing again 
If I had set my heart on Mr Elton's marrying Harriet it would
have been very kind to open my eyes but at present I only want
to keep Harriet to myself  I have done with match making indeed 
I could never hope to equal my own doings at Randalls  I shall leave
off while I am well

Good morning to you  said he rising and walking off abruptly 
He was very much vexed  He felt the disappointment of the young man
and was mortified to have been the means of promoting it by the
sanction he had given and the part which he was persuaded Emma had
taken in the affair was provoking him exceedingly 

Emma remained in a state of vexation too but there was more
indistinctness in the causes of her's than in his  She did not always
feel so absolutely satisfied with herself so entirely convinced that
her opinions were right and her adversary's wrong as Mr Knightley 
He walked off in more complete self approbation than he left for her 
She was not so materially cast down however but that a little
time and the return of Harriet were very adequate restoratives 
Harriet's staying away so long was beginning to make her uneasy 
The possibility of the young man's coming to Mrs Goddard's
that morning and meeting with Harriet and pleading his own cause
gave alarming ideas  The dread of such a failure after all became the
prominent uneasiness and when Harriet appeared and in very good spirits
and without having any such reason to give for her long absence
she felt a satisfaction which settled her with her own mind
and convinced her that let Mr Knightley think or say what he would
she had done nothing which woman's friendship and woman's feelings
would not justify 

He had frightened her a little about Mr Elton but when she considered
that Mr Knightley could not have observed him as she had done
neither with the interest nor she must be allowed to tell herself
in spite of Mr Knightley's pretensions with the skill of such
an observer on such a question as herself that he had spoken it
hastily and in anger she was able to believe that he had rather
said what he wished resentfully to be true than what he knew
any thing about  He certainly might have heard Mr Elton speak
with more unreserve than she had ever done and Mr Elton might not
be of an imprudent inconsiderate disposition as to money matters
he might naturally be rather attentive than otherwise to them
but then Mr Knightley did not make due allowance for the influence
of a strong passion at war with all interested motives  Mr Knightley
saw no such passion and of course thought nothing of its effects
but she saw too much of it to feel a doubt of its overcoming any
hesitations that a reasonable prudence might originally suggest
and more than a reasonable becoming degree of prudence she was very
sure did not belong to Mr Elton 

Harriet's cheerful look and manner established hers she came back
not to think of Mr Martin but to talk of Mr Elton  Miss Nash
had been telling her something which she repeated immediately
with great delight  Mr Perry had been to Mrs Goddard's to attend
a sick child and Miss Nash had seen him and he had told Miss Nash
that as he was coming back yesterday from Clayton Park he had met
Mr Elton and found to his great surprize that Mr Elton was
actually on his road to London and not meaning to return till
the morrow though it was the whist club night which he had been
never known to miss before and Mr Perry had remonstrated with him
about it and told him how shabby it was in him their best player
to absent himself and tried very much to persuade him to put off
his journey only one day but it would not do Mr Elton had been
determined to go on and had said in a very particular way indeed
that he was going on business which he would not put off for any
inducement in the world and something about a very enviable commission
and being the bearer of something exceedingly precious  Mr Perry
could not quite understand him but he was very sure there must
be a lady in the case and he told him so and Mr Elton only
looked very conscious and smiling and rode off in great spirits 
Miss Nash had told her all this and had talked a great deal more
about Mr Elton and said looking so very significantly at her
that she did not pretend to understand what his business might be
but she only knew that any woman whom Mr Elton could prefer
she should think the luckiest woman in the world for beyond a doubt
Mr Elton had not his equal for beauty or agreeableness



CHAPTER IX


Mr Knightley might quarrel with her but Emma could not quarrel
with herself  He was so much displeased that it was longer than
usual before he came to Hartfield again and when they did meet
his grave looks shewed that she was not forgiven  She was sorry
but could not repent  On the contrary her plans and proceedings
were more and more justified and endeared to her by the general
appearances of the next few days 

The Picture elegantly framed came safely to hand soon after
Mr Elton's return and being hung over the mantelpiece of the common
sitting room he got up to look at it and sighed out his half sentences
of admiration just as he ought and as for Harriet's feelings they were
visibly forming themselves into as strong and steady an attachment
as her youth and sort of mind admitted  Emma was soon perfectly
satisfied of Mr Martin's being no otherwise remembered than as
he furnished a contrast with Mr Elton of the utmost advantage to the latter 

Her views of improving her little friend's mind by a great deal
of useful reading and conversation had never yet led to more than
a few first chapters and the intention of going on to morrow
It was much easier to chat than to study much pleasanter to let
her imagination range and work at Harriet's fortune than to be
labouring to enlarge her comprehension or exercise it on sober facts
and the only literary pursuit which engaged Harriet at present
the only mental provision she was making for the evening of life
was the collecting and transcribing all the riddles of every sort
that she could meet with into a thin quarto of hot pressed paper
made up by her friend and ornamented with ciphers and trophies 

In this age of literature such collections on a very grand scale
are not uncommon  Miss Nash head teacher at Mrs Goddard's
had written out at least three hundred and Harriet who had taken
the first hint of it from her hoped with Miss Woodhouse's help
to get a great many more  Emma assisted with her invention
memory and taste and as Harriet wrote a very pretty hand
it was likely to be an arrangement of the first order in form
as well as quantity 

Mr Woodhouse was almost as much interested in the business as the girls
and tried very often to recollect something worth their putting in 
So many clever riddles as there used to be when he was young   he
wondered he could not remember them but he hoped he should in time
And it always ended in Kitty a fair but frozen maid

His good friend Perry too whom he had spoken to on the subject
did not at present recollect any thing of the riddle kind
but he had desired Perry to be upon the watch and as he went about
so much something he thought might come from that quarter 

It was by no means his daughter's wish that the intellects of
Highbury in general should be put under requisition  Mr Elton
was the only one whose assistance she asked  He was invited
to contribute any really good enigmas charades or conundrums
that he might recollect and she had the pleasure of seeing him
most intently at work with his recollections and at the same time
as she could perceive most earnestly careful that nothing ungallant
nothing that did not breathe a compliment to the sex should pass
his lips  They owed to him their two or three politest puzzles
and the joy and exultation with which at last he recalled
and rather sentimentally recited that well known charade

    My first doth affliction denote
      Which my second is destin'd to feel
    And my whole is the best antidote
      That affliction to soften and heal  

made her quite sorry to acknowledge that they had transcribed it
some pages ago already 

Why will not you write one yourself for us Mr Elton said she
that is the only security for its freshness and nothing could be
easier to you

Oh no he had never written hardly ever any thing of the kind
in his life  The stupidest fellow He was afraid not even Miss
Woodhouse  he stopt a moment   or Miss Smith could inspire him

The very next day however produced some proof of inspiration 
He called for a few moments just to leave a piece of paper on the
table containing as he said a charade which a friend of his had
addressed to a young lady the object of his admiration but which
from his manner Emma was immediately convinced must be his own 

I do not offer it for Miss Smith's collection said he 
Being my friend's I have no right to expose it in any degree
to the public eye but perhaps you may not dislike looking at it

The speech was more to Emma than to Harriet which Emma
could understand  There was deep consciousness about him
and he found it easier to meet her eye than her friend's
He was gone the next moment  after another moment's pause

Take it said Emma smiling and pushing the paper towards
Harriet  it is for you  Take your own

But Harriet was in a tremor and could not touch it and Emma
never loth to be first was obliged to examine it herself 

        To Miss  

          CHARADE 

    My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings
      Lords of the earth their luxury and ease
    Another view of man my second brings
      Behold him there the monarch of the seas

    But ah united what reverse we have
      Man's boasted power and freedom all are flown
    Lord of the earth and sea he bends a slave
      And woman lovely woman reigns alone 

      Thy ready wit the word will soon supply
      May its approval beam in that soft eye

She cast her eye over it pondered caught the meaning read it through
again to be quite certain and quite mistress of the lines and then
passing it to Harriet sat happily smiling and saying to herself
while Harriet was puzzling over the paper in all the confusion
of hope and dulness Very well Mr Elton very well indeed 
I have read worse charades  Courtship  a very good hint  I give
you credit for it  This is feeling your way  This is saying very
plainly   Pray Miss Smith give me leave to pay my addresses to you 
Approve my charade and my intentions in the same glance

      May its approval beam in that soft eye

Harriet exactly  Soft is the very word for her eye  of all epithets
the justest that could be given 

      Thy ready wit the word will soon supply 

Humph  Harriet's ready wit All the better  A man must be very much
in love indeed to describe her so  Ah Mr Knightley I wish
you had the benefit of this I think this would convince you 
For once in your life you would be obliged to own yourself mistaken 
An excellent charade indeed and very much to the purpose 
Things must come to a crisis soon now

She was obliged to break off from these very pleasant observations
which were otherwise of a sort to run into great length by the
eagerness of Harriet's wondering questions 

What can it be Miss Woodhouse  what can it be I have not an idea  I
cannot guess it in the least  What can it possibly be Do try
to find it out Miss Woodhouse  Do help me  I never saw any thing
so hard  Is it kingdom I wonder who the friend was  and who could
be the young lady  Do you think it is a good one Can it be woman

      And woman lovely woman reigns alone 

Can it be Neptune

      Behold him there the monarch of the seas

Or a trident or a mermaid or a shark Oh no shark is only
one syllable  It must be very clever or he would not have brought it 
Oh Miss Woodhouse do you think we shall ever find it out

Mermaids and sharks Nonsense My dear Harriet what are you
thinking of Where would be the use of his bringing us a charade made
by a friend upon a mermaid or a shark Give me the paper and listen 

For Miss            read Miss Smith 

    My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings
      Lords of the earth their luxury and ease 

That is court 

    Another view of man my second brings
      Behold him there the monarch of the seas

That is ship  plain as it can be  Now for the cream 

    But ah united courtship you know what reverse we have
      Man's boasted power and freedom all are flown
    Lord of the earth and sea he bends a slave
      And woman lovely woman reigns alone 

A very proper compliment  and then follows the application
which I think my dear Harriet you cannot find much difficulty
in comprehending  Read it in comfort to yourself  There can
be no doubt of its being written for you and to you

Harriet could not long resist so delightful a persuasion 
She read the concluding lines and was all flutter and happiness 
She could not speak  But she was not wanted to speak  It was enough
for her to feel  Emma spoke for her 

There is so pointed and so particular a meaning in this compliment
said she that I cannot have a doubt as to Mr Elton's intentions 
You are his object   and you will soon receive the completest proof
of it  I thought it must be so  I thought I could not be so deceived
but now it is clear the state of his mind is as clear and decided
as my wishes on the subject have been ever since I knew you 
Yes Harriet just so long have I been wanting the very circumstance
to happen what has happened  I could never tell whether an attachment
between you and Mr Elton were most desirable or most natural 
Its probability and its eligibility have really so equalled each
other I am very happy  I congratulate you my dear Harriet with all
my heart  This is an attachment which a woman may well feel pride
in creating  This is a connexion which offers nothing but good 
It will give you every thing that you want  consideration independence
a proper home  it will fix you in the centre of all your real friends
close to Hartfield and to me and confirm our intimacy for ever 
This Harriet is an alliance which can never raise a blush in either
of us

Dear Miss Woodhouse  and Dear Miss Woodhouse was all that Harriet
with many tender embraces could articulate at first but when they
did arrive at something more like conversation it was sufficiently
clear to her friend that she saw felt anticipated and remembered
just as she ought  Mr Elton's superiority had very ample acknowledgment 

Whatever you say is always right cried Harriet and therefore
I suppose and believe and hope it must be so but otherwise I could
not have imagined it  It is so much beyond any thing I deserve 
Mr Elton who might marry any body There cannot be two opinions
about him  He is so very superior  Only think of those sweet
verses  To Miss          Dear me how clever  Could it really
be meant for me

I cannot make a question or listen to a question about that 
It is a certainty  Receive it on my judgment  It is a sort
of prologue to the play a motto to the chapter and will be soon
followed by matter of fact prose

It is a sort of thing which nobody could have expected  I am sure
a month ago I had no more idea myself  The strangest things do
take place

When Miss Smiths and Mr Eltons get acquainted  they do indeed  and
really it is strange it is out of the common course that what is
so evidently so palpably desirable  what courts the pre arrangement
of other people should so immediately shape itself into the proper form 
You and Mr Elton are by situation called together you belong
to one another by every circumstance of your respective homes 
Your marrying will be equal to the match at Randalls  There does
seem to be a something in the air of Hartfield which gives love
exactly the right direction and sends it into the very channel
where it ought to flow 

      The course of true love never did run smooth  

A Hartfield edition of Shakespeare would have a long note on that passage

That Mr Elton should really be in love with me  me of all people
who did not know him to speak to him at Michaelmas And he
the very handsomest man that ever was and a man that every body
looks up to quite like Mr Knightley His company so sought after
that every body says he need not eat a single meal by himself if he
does not chuse it that he has more invitations than there are days
in the week  And so excellent in the Church Miss Nash has put down
all the texts he has ever preached from since he came to Highbury 
Dear me When I look back to the first time I saw him How little
did I think   The two Abbots and I ran into the front room and
peeped through the blind when we heard he was going by and Miss
Nash came and scolded us away and staid to look through herself
however she called me back presently and let me look too
which was very good natured And how beautiful we thought he looked
He was arm in arm with Mr Cole

This is an alliance which whoever  whatever your friends may be
must be agreeable to them provided at least they have common sense
and we are not to be addressing our conduct to fools  If they
are anxious to see you happily married here is a man whose amiable
character gives every assurance of it  if they wish to have you
settled in the same country and circle which they have chosen
to place you in here it will be accomplished and if their only
object is that you should in the common phrase be well married
here is the comfortable fortune the respectable establishment
the rise in the world which must satisfy them

Yes very true  How nicely you talk I love to hear you 
You understand every thing  You and Mr Elton are one as clever
as the other  This charade  If I had studied a twelvemonth
I could never have made any thing like it

I thought he meant to try his skill by his manner of declining
it yesterday

I do think it is without exception the best charade I ever read

I never read one more to the purpose certainly

It is as long again as almost all we have had before

I do not consider its length as particularly in its favour 
Such things in general cannot be too short

Harriet was too intent on the lines to hear  The most satisfactory
comparisons were rising in her mind 

It is one thing said she presently  her cheeks in a glow  to
have very good sense in a common way like every body else
and if there is any thing to say to sit down and write a letter
and say just what you must in a short way and another to write
verses and charades like this

Emma could not have desired a more spirited rejection of Mr Martin's prose 

Such sweet lines continued Harriet  these two last  But
how shall I ever be able to return the paper or say I have found
it out  Oh Miss Woodhouse what can we do about that

Leave it to me  You do nothing  He will be here this evening
I dare say and then I will give it him back and some nonsense
or other will pass between us and you shall not be committed  Your
soft eyes shall chuse their own time for beaming  Trust to me

Oh Miss Woodhouse what a pity that I must not write this beautiful
charade into my book I am sure I have not got one half so good

Leave out the two last lines and there is no reason why you
should not write it into your book

Oh but those two lines are  

  The best of all  Granted  for private enjoyment and for private
enjoyment keep them  They are not at all the less written you know
because you divide them  The couplet does not cease to be nor does
its meaning change  But take it away and all appropriation ceases
and a very pretty gallant charade remains fit for any collection 
Depend upon it he would not like to have his charade slighted
much better than his passion  A poet in love must be encouraged in
both capacities or neither  Give me the book I will write it down
and then there can be no possible reflection on you

Harriet submitted though her mind could hardly separate the parts
so as to feel quite sure that her friend were not writing down
a declaration of love  It seemed too precious an offering for any
degree of publicity 

I shall never let that book go out of my own hands said she 

Very well replied Emma a most natural feeling and the longer
it lasts the better I shall be pleased  But here is my father
coming you will not object to my reading the charade to him 
It will be giving him so much pleasure He loves any thing of
the sort and especially any thing that pays woman a compliment 
He has the tenderest spirit of gallantry towards us all   You must
let me read it to him

Harriet looked grave 

My dear Harriet you must not refine too much upon this
charade  You will betray your feelings improperly if you are
too conscious and too quick and appear to affix more meaning
or even quite all the meaning which may be affixed to it 
Do not be overpowered by such a little tribute of admiration 
If he had been anxious for secrecy he would not have left the paper
while I was by but he rather pushed it towards me than towards you 
Do not let us be too solemn on the business  He has encouragement
enough to proceed without our sighing out our souls over this charade

Oh no  I hope I shall not be ridiculous about it  Do as you please

Mr Woodhouse came in and very soon led to the subject again
by the recurrence of his very frequent inquiry of Well my dears
how does your book go on  Have you got any thing fresh

Yes papa we have something to read you something quite fresh 
A piece of paper was found on the table this morning  dropt
we suppose by a fairy   containing a very pretty charade and we
have just copied it in

She read it to him just as he liked to have any thing read
slowly and distinctly and two or three times over with explanations
of every part as she proceeded   and he was very much pleased and
as she had foreseen especially struck with the complimentary conclusion 

Aye that's very just indeed that's very properly said 
Very true  Woman lovely woman It is such a pretty charade
my dear that I can easily guess what fairy brought it   Nobody
could have written so prettily but you Emma

Emma only nodded and smiled  After a little thinking
and a very tender sigh he added

Ah it is no difficulty to see who you take after Your dear mother
was so clever at all those things If I had but her memory But I
can remember nothing  not even that particular riddle which you
have heard me mention I can only recollect the first stanza
and there are several 

    Kitty a fair but frozen maid
      Kindled a flame I yet deplore
    The hood wink'd boy I called to aid
    Though of his near approach afraid
      So fatal to my suit before 

And that is all that I can recollect of it  but it is very clever
all the way through  But I think my dear you said you had got it

Yes papa it is written out in our second page  We copied it
from the Elegant Extracts  It was Garrick's you know

Aye very true  I wish I could recollect more of it 

    Kitty a fair but frozen maid 

The name makes me think of poor Isabella for she was very near
being christened Catherine after her grandmama  I hope we shall
have her here next week  Have you thought my dear where you
shall put her  and what room there will be for the children

Oh yes  she will have her own room of course the room she always
has  and there is the nursery for the children  just as usual
you know  Why should there be any change

I do not know my dear  but it is so long since she was here  not
since last Easter and then only for a few days  Mr John Knightley's
being a lawyer is very inconvenient  Poor Isabella  she is sadly
taken away from us all  and how sorry she will be when she comes
not to see Miss Taylor here

She will not be surprized papa at least

I do not know my dear  I am sure I was very much surprized
when I first heard she was going to be married

We must ask Mr and Mrs Weston to dine with us while Isabella
is here

Yes my dear if there is time  But  in a very depressed tone  she
is coming for only one week  There will not be time for any thing

It is unfortunate that they cannot stay longer  but it seems a case
of necessity  Mr John Knightley must be in town again on the 28th
and we ought to be thankful papa that we are to have the whole
of the time they can give to the country that two or three days
are not to be taken out for the Abbey  Mr Knightley promises
to give up his claim this Christmas   though you know it is longer
since they were with him than with us

It would be very hard indeed my dear if poor Isabella were
to be anywhere but at Hartfield

Mr Woodhouse could never allow for Mr Knightley's claims on
his brother or any body's claims on Isabella except his own 
He sat musing a little while and then said

But I do not see why poor Isabella should be obliged to go back
so soon though he does  I think Emma I shall try and persuade
her to stay longer with us  She and the children might stay very well

Ah papa  that is what you never have been able to accomplish
and I do not think you ever will  Isabella cannot bear to stay
behind her husband

This was too true for contradiction  Unwelcome as it was Mr Woodhouse
could only give a submissive sigh and as Emma saw his spirits
affected by the idea of his daughter's attachment to her husband
she immediately led to such a branch of the subject as must raise them 

Harriet must give us as much of her company as she can while
my brother and sister are here  I am sure she will be pleased
with the children  We are very proud of the children are not we
papa I wonder which she will think the handsomest Henry or John

Aye I wonder which she will  Poor little dears how glad they
will be to come  They are very fond of being at Hartfield Harriet

I dare say they are sir  I am sure I do not know who is not

Henry is a fine boy but John is very like his mama  Henry is the eldest
he was named after me not after his father  John the second
is named after his father  Some people are surprized I believe
that the eldest was not but Isabella would have him called Henry
which I thought very pretty of her  And he is a very clever boy
indeed  They are all remarkably clever and they have so many
pretty ways  They will come and stand by my chair and say
Grandpapa can you give me a bit of string and once Henry asked me
for a knife but I told him knives were only made for grandpapas 
I think their father is too rough with them very often

He appears rough to you said Emma because you are so very
gentle yourself but if you could compare him with other papas
you would not think him rough  He wishes his boys to be active and hardy
and if they misbehave can give them a sharp word now and then
but he is an affectionate father  certainly Mr John Knightley
is an affectionate father  The children are all fond of him

And then their uncle comes in and tosses them up to the ceiling
in a very frightful way

But they like it papa there is nothing they like so much 
It is such enjoyment to them that if their uncle did not lay down
the rule of their taking turns whichever began would never give way
to the other

Well I cannot understand it

That is the case with us all papa  One half of the world cannot
understand the pleasures of the other

Later in the morning and just as the girls were going to separate
in preparation for the regular four o'clock dinner the hero
of this inimitable charade walked in again  Harriet turned away
but Emma could receive him with the usual smile and her quick eye
soon discerned in his the consciousness of having made a push  of
having thrown a die and she imagined he was come to see how it
might turn up  His ostensible reason however was to ask whether
Mr Woodhouse's party could be made up in the evening without him
or whether he should be in the smallest degree necessary at Hartfield 
If he were every thing else must give way but otherwise his friend
Cole had been saying so much about his dining with him  had made
such a point of it that he had promised him conditionally to come 

Emma thanked him but could not allow of his disappointing his
friend on their account her father was sure of his rubber 
He re urged   she re declined and he seemed then about to make
his bow when taking the paper from the table she returned it  

Oh here is the charade you were so obliging as to leave with us
thank you for the sight of it  We admired it so much that I have
ventured to write it into Miss Smith's collection  Your friend
will not take it amiss I hope  Of course I have not transcribed
beyond the first eight lines

Mr Elton certainly did not very well know what to say 
He looked rather doubtingly  rather confused said something about
honour  glanced at Emma and at Harriet and then seeing the book
open on the table took it up and examined it very attentively 
With the view of passing off an awkward moment Emma smilingly said

You must make my apologies to your friend but so good a charade
must not be confined to one or two  He may be sure of every woman's
approbation while he writes with such gallantry

I have no hesitation in saying replied Mr Elton though hesitating
a good deal while he spoke I have no hesitation in saying  at
least if my friend feels at all as I do  I have not the smallest
doubt that could he see his little effusion honoured as I see it
looking at the book again and replacing it on the table he
would consider it as the proudest moment of his life

After this speech he was gone as soon as possible  Emma could not
think it too soon for with all his good and agreeable qualities
there was a sort of parade in his speeches which was very apt
to incline her to laugh  She ran away to indulge the inclination
leaving the tender and the sublime of pleasure to Harriet's share 



CHAPTER X


Though now the middle of December there had yet been no weather
to prevent the young ladies from tolerably regular exercise
and on the morrow Emma had a charitable visit to pay to a poor
sick family who lived a little way out of Highbury

Their road to this detached cottage was down Vicarage Lane a lane
leading at right angles from the broad though irregular main street
of the place and as may be inferred containing the blessed abode
of Mr Elton  A few inferior dwellings were first to be passed
and then about a quarter of a mile down the lane rose the Vicarage
an old and not very good house almost as close to the road as it
could be  It had no advantage of situation but had been very much
smartened up by the present proprietor and such as it was
there could be no possibility of the two friends passing it without
a slackened pace and observing eyes  Emma's remark was  

There it is  There go you and your riddle book one of these days  
Harriet's was  

Oh what a sweet house  How very beautiful  There are the yellow
curtains that Miss Nash admires so much

I do not often walk this way now said Emma as they proceeded
but then there will be an inducement and I shall gradually get
intimately acquainted with all the hedges gates pools and pollards
of this part of Highbury

Harriet she found had never in her life been within side the Vicarage
and her curiosity to see it was so extreme that considering exteriors
and probabilities Emma could only class it as a proof of love
with Mr Elton's seeing ready wit in her

I wish we could contrive it said she but I cannot think
of any tolerable pretence for going in  no servant that I want
to inquire about of his housekeeper  no message from my father

She pondered but could think of nothing  After a mutual silence
of some minutes Harriet thus began again  

I do so wonder Miss Woodhouse that you should not be married
or going to be married so charming as you are  

Emma laughed and replied

My being charming Harriet is not quite enough to induce me to marry
I must find other people charming  one other person at least 
And I am not only not going to be married at present but have
very little intention of ever marrying at all

Ah  so you say but I cannot believe it

I must see somebody very superior to any one I have seen yet
to be tempted Mr Elton you know recollecting herself
is out of the question  and I do not wish to see any such person 
I would rather not be tempted  I cannot really change for the better 
If I were to marry I must expect to repent it

Dear me  it is so odd to hear a woman talk so  

I have none of the usual inducements of women to marry 
Were I to fall in love indeed it would be a different thing
but I never have been in love it is not my way or my nature
and I do not think I ever shall  And without love I am sure I
should be a fool to change such a situation as mine  Fortune I
do not want employment I do not want consequence I do not want 
I believe few married women are half as much mistress of their
husband's house as I am of Hartfield and never never could I expect
to be so truly beloved and important so always first and always
right in any man's eyes as I am in my father's

But then to be an old maid at last like Miss Bates

That is as formidable an image as you could present Harriet and if I
thought I should ever be like Miss Bates so silly  so satisfied  
so smiling  so prosing  so undistinguishing and unfastidious  
and so apt to tell every thing relative to every body about me
I would marry to morrow But between us I am convinced there never
can be any likeness except in being unmarried

But still you will be an old maid and that's so dreadful

Never mind Harriet I shall not be a poor old maid and it is
poverty only which makes celibacy contemptible to a generous public 
A single woman with a very narrow income must be a ridiculous
disagreeable old maid the proper sport of boys and girls
but a single woman of good fortune is always respectable
and may be as sensible and pleasant as any body else  And the
distinction is not quite so much against the candour and common
sense of the world as appears at first for a very narrow income
has a tendency to contract the mind and sour the temper 
Those who can barely live and who live perforce in a very small
and generally very inferior society may well be illiberal and cross 
This does not apply however to Miss Bates she is only too good
natured and too silly to suit me but in general she is very
much to the taste of every body though single and though poor 
Poverty certainly has not contracted her mind  I really believe
if she had only a shilling in the world she would be very likely
to give away sixpence of it and nobody is afraid of her  that is a
great charm

Dear me but what shall you do how shall you employ yourself
when you grow old

If I know myself Harriet mine is an active busy mind with a great
many independent resources and I do not perceive why I should be
more in want of employment at forty or fifty than one and twenty
Woman's usual occupations of hand and mind will be as open to me then
as they are now or with no important variation  If I draw less
I shall read more if I give up music I shall take to carpet work
And as for objects of interest objects for the affections
which is in truth the great point of inferiority the want of which
is really the great evil to be avoided in not marrying I shall
be very well off with all the children of a sister I love so much
to care about  There will be enough of them in all probability
to supply every sort of sensation that declining life can need 
There will be enough for every hope and every fear and though my
attachment to none can equal that of a parent it suits my ideas
of comfort better than what is warmer and blinder  My nephews
and nieces  I shall often have a niece with me

Do you know Miss Bates's niece  That is I know you must have
seen her a hundred times  but are you acquainted

Oh yes we are always forced to be acquainted whenever she comes
to Highbury  By the bye that is almost enough to put one out
of conceit with a niece  Heaven forbid at least that I should
ever bore people half so much about all the Knightleys together
as she does about Jane Fairfax  One is sick of the very name
of Jane Fairfax  Every letter from her is read forty times over
her compliments to all friends go round and round again and if she
does but send her aunt the pattern of a stomacher or knit a pair
of garters for her grandmother one hears of nothing else for a month 
I wish Jane Fairfax very well but she tires me to death

They were now approaching the cottage and all idle topics
were superseded  Emma was very compassionate and the distresses
of the poor were as sure of relief from her personal attention
and kindness her counsel and her patience as from her purse 
She understood their ways could allow for their ignorance and
their temptations had no romantic expectations of extraordinary
virtue from those for whom education had done so little entered into
their troubles with ready sympathy and always gave her assistance
with as much intelligence as good will  In the present instance
it was sickness and poverty together which she came to visit
and after remaining there as long as she could give comfort or advice
she quitted the cottage with such an impression of the scene
as made her say to Harriet as they walked away

These are the sights Harriet to do one good  How trifling they
make every thing else appear  I feel now as if I could think of
nothing but these poor creatures all the rest of the day and yet
who can say how soon it may all vanish from my mind

Very true said Harriet  Poor creatures one can think
of nothing else

And really I do not think the impression will soon be over
said Emma as she crossed the low hedge and tottering footstep
which ended the narrow slippery path through the cottage garden
and brought them into the lane again  I do not think it will
stopping to look once more at all the outward wretchedness of the place
and recall the still greater within

Oh dear no said her companion

They walked on  The lane made a slight bend and when that bend
was passed Mr Elton was immediately in sight and so near
as to give Emma time only to say farther

Ah  Harriet here comes a very sudden trial of our stability
in good thoughts  Well smiling I hope it may be allowed that
if compassion has produced exertion and relief to the sufferers
it has done all that is truly important  If we feel for the wretched
enough to do all we can for them the rest is empty sympathy
only distressing to ourselves

Harriet could just answer Oh dear yes before the gentleman
joined them  The wants and sufferings of the poor family however
were the first subject on meeting  He had been going to call
on them  His visit he would now defer but they had a very
interesting parley about what could be done and should be done 
Mr Elton then turned back to accompany them

To fall in with each other on such an errand as this thought Emma
to meet in a charitable scheme this will bring a great increase
of love on each side  I should not wonder if it were to bring
on the declaration  It must if I were not here  I wish I were
anywhere else

Anxious to separate herself from them as far as she could she soon
afterwards took possession of a narrow footpath a little raised
on one side of the lane leaving them together in the main road 
But she had not been there two minutes when she found that Harriet's
habits of dependence and imitation were bringing her up too and that
in short they would both be soon after her  This would not do
she immediately stopped under pretence of having some alteration
to make in the lacing of her half boot and stooping down in complete
occupation of the footpath begged them to have the goodness to walk on
and she would follow in half a minute  They did as they were desired
and by the time she judged it reasonable to have done with her boot
she had the comfort of farther delay in her power being overtaken
by a child from the cottage setting out according to orders
with her pitcher to fetch broth from Hartfield  To walk by the side
of this child and talk to and question her was the most natural
thing in the world or would have been the most natural had she been
acting just then without design and by this means the others were
still able to keep ahead without any obligation of waiting for her 
She gained on them however involuntarily  the child's pace was quick
and theirs rather slow and she was the more concerned at it
from their being evidently in a conversation which interested them 
Mr Elton was speaking with animation Harriet listening with a very
pleased attention and Emma having sent the child on was beginning
to think how she might draw back a little more when they both
looked around and she was obliged to join them

Mr Elton was still talking still engaged in some interesting detail
and Emma experienced some disappointment when she found that he
was only giving his fair companion an account of the yesterday's
party at his friend Cole's and that she was come in herself for
the Stilton cheese the north Wiltshire the butter the cellery
the beet root and all the dessert

This would soon have led to something better of course was her
consoling reflection any thing interests between those who love
and any thing will serve as introduction to what is near the heart 
If I could but have kept longer away

They now walked on together quietly till within view of the vicarage
pales when a sudden resolution of at least getting Harriet into
the house made her again find something very much amiss about her boot
and fall behind to arrange it once more  She then broke the lace
off short and dexterously throwing it into a ditch was presently
obliged to entreat them to stop and acknowledged her inability to
put herself to rights so as to be able to walk home in tolerable comfort

Part of my lace is gone said she and I do not know how I am
to contrive  I really am a most troublesome companion to you both
but I hope I am not often so ill equipped Mr Elton I must beg
leave to stop at your house and ask your housekeeper for a bit
of ribband or string or any thing just to keep my boot on

Mr Elton looked all happiness at this proposition and nothing
could exceed his alertness and attention in conducting them into
his house and endeavouring to make every thing appear to advantage 
The room they were taken into was the one he chiefly occupied
and looking forwards behind it was another with which it immediately
communicated the door between them was open and Emma passed
into it with the housekeeper to receive her assistance in the most
comfortable manner  She was obliged to leave the door ajar as she
found it but she fully intended that Mr Elton should close it 
It was not closed however it still remained ajar but by engaging
the housekeeper in incessant conversation she hoped to make it
practicable for him to chuse his own subject in the adjoining room 
For ten minutes she could hear nothing but herself  It could
be protracted no longer  She was then obliged to be finished
and make her appearance

The lovers were standing together at one of the windows  It had a
most favourable aspect and for half a minute Emma felt the glory
of having schemed successfully  But it would not do he had not
come to the point  He had been most agreeable most delightful
he had told Harriet that he had seen them go by and had purposely
followed them other little gallantries and allusions had been dropt
but nothing serious

Cautious very cautious thought Emma he advances inch by inch
and will hazard nothing till he believes himself secure

Still however though every thing had not been accomplished
by her ingenious device she could not but flatter herself
that it had been the occasion of much present enjoyment to both
and must be leading them forward to the great event



CHAPTER XI


Mr Elton must now be left to himself  It was no longer in Emma's
power to superintend his happiness or quicken his measures 
The coming of her sister's family was so very near at hand
that first in anticipation and then in reality it became henceforth
her prime object of interest and during the ten days of their stay
at Hartfield it was not to be expected  she did not herself expect  
that any thing beyond occasional fortuitous assistance could
be afforded by her to the lovers  They might advance rapidly
if they would however they must advance somehow or other whether
they would or no  She hardly wished to have more leisure for them 
There are people who the more you do for them the less they will
do for themselves

Mr and Mrs John Knightley from having been longer than usual
absent from Surry were exciting of course rather more than the
usual interest  Till this year every long vacation since their
marriage had been divided between Hartfield and Donwell Abbey
but all the holidays of this autumn had been given to sea bathing
for the children and it was therefore many months since they had
been seen in a regular way by their Surry connexions or seen at all
by Mr Woodhouse who could not be induced to get so far as London
even for poor Isabella's sake and who consequently was now most
nervously and apprehensively happy in forestalling this too short visit

He thought much of the evils of the journey for her and not a
little of the fatigues of his own horses and coachman who were to
bring some of the party the last half of the way but his alarms
were needless the sixteen miles being happily accomplished
and Mr and Mrs John Knightley their five children and a competent
number of nursery maids all reaching Hartfield in safety 
The bustle and joy of such an arrival the many to be talked to
welcomed encouraged and variously dispersed and disposed of
produced a noise and confusion which his nerves could not have borne
under any other cause nor have endured much longer even for this
but the ways of Hartfield and the feelings of her father were
so respected by Mrs John Knightley that in spite of maternal
solicitude for the immediate enjoyment of her little ones
and for their having instantly all the liberty and attendance
all the eating and drinking and sleeping and playing
which they could possibly wish for without the smallest delay
the children were never allowed to be long a disturbance to him
either in themselves or in any restless attendance on them

Mrs John Knightley was a pretty elegant little woman of gentle
quiet manners and a disposition remarkably amiable and affectionate
wrapt up in her family a devoted wife a doating mother
and so tenderly attached to her father and sister that but for
these higher ties a warmer love might have seemed impossible 
She could never see a fault in any of them  She was not a woman
of strong understanding or any quickness and with this resemblance
of her father she inherited also much of his constitution
was delicate in her own health over careful of that of her children
had many fears and many nerves and was as fond of her own Mr Wingfield
in town as her father could be of Mr Perry  They were alike too
in a general benevolence of temper and a strong habit of regard
for every old acquaintance

Mr John Knightley was a tall gentleman like and very clever man
rising in his profession domestic and respectable in his
private character but with reserved manners which prevented his being
generally pleasing and capable of being sometimes out of humour 
He was not an ill tempered man not so often unreasonably cross
as to deserve such a reproach but his temper was not his
great perfection and indeed with such a worshipping wife
it was hardly possible that any natural defects in it should not
be increased  The extreme sweetness of her temper must hurt his 
He had all the clearness and quickness of mind which she wanted
and he could sometimes act an ungracious or say a severe thing

He was not a great favourite with his fair sister in law Nothing
wrong in him escaped her  She was quick in feeling the little
injuries to Isabella which Isabella never felt herself 
Perhaps she might have passed over more had his manners been
flattering to Isabella's sister but they were only those of a calmly
kind brother and friend without praise and without blindness
but hardly any degree of personal compliment could have made her
regardless of that greatest fault of all in her eyes which he sometimes
fell into the want of respectful forbearance towards her father 
There he had not always the patience that could have been wished 
Mr Woodhouse's peculiarities and fidgetiness were sometimes provoking
him to a rational remonstrance or sharp retort equally ill bestowed
It did not often happen for Mr John Knightley had really a great
regard for his father in law and generally a strong sense of what was
due to him but it was too often for Emma's charity especially as
there was all the pain of apprehension frequently to be endured
though the offence came not  The beginning however of every visit
displayed none but the properest feelings and this being of necessity
so short might be hoped to pass away in unsullied cordiality 
They had not been long seated and composed when Mr Woodhouse
with a melancholy shake of the head and a sigh called his daughter's
attention to the sad change at Hartfield since she had been there last

Ah my dear said he poor Miss Taylor  It is a grievous business

Oh yes sir cried she with ready sympathy how you must
miss her  And dear Emma too  What a dreadful loss to you both  
I have been so grieved for you  I could not imagine how you could
possibly do without her  It is a sad change indeed  But I hope
she is pretty well sir

Pretty well my dear  I hope  pretty well  I do not know
but that the place agrees with her tolerably

Mr John Knightley here asked Emma quietly whether there were any
doubts of the air of Randalls

Oh no  none in the least  I never saw Mrs Weston better in my life  
never looking so well  Papa is only speaking his own regret

Very much to the honour of both was the handsome reply

And do you see her sir tolerably often asked Isabella
in the plaintive tone which just suited her father

Mr Woodhouse hesitated  Not near so often my dear as I could wish

Oh papa we have missed seeing them but one entire day since
they married  Either in the morning or evening of every day
excepting one have we seen either Mr Weston or Mrs Weston
and generally both either at Randalls or here  and as you
may suppose Isabella most frequently here  They are very
very kind in their visits  Mr Weston is really as kind as herself 
Papa if you speak in that melancholy way you will be giving
Isabella a false idea of us all  Every body must be aware that Miss
Taylor must be missed but every body ought also to be assured
that Mr and Mrs Weston do really prevent our missing her by any
means to the extent we ourselves anticipated  which is the exact truth

Just as it should be said Mr John Knightley and just as I hoped
it was from your letters  Her wish of shewing you attention could
not be doubted and his being a disengaged and social man makes it
all easy  I have been always telling you my love that I had no idea
of the change being so very material to Hartfield as you apprehended
and now you have Emma's account I hope you will be satisfied

Why to be sure said Mr Woodhouse  yes certainly  I cannot deny
that Mrs Weston poor Mrs Weston does come and see us pretty often  
but then  she is always obliged to go away again

It would be very hard upon Mr Weston if she did not papa  
You quite forget poor Mr Weston

I think indeed said John Knightley pleasantly that Mr Weston
has some little claim  You and I Emma will venture to take the part
of the poor husband  I being a husband and you not being a wife
the claims of the man may very likely strike us with equal force 
As for Isabella she has been married long enough to see the convenience
of putting all the Mr Westons aside as much as she can

Me my love cried his wife hearing and understanding only in part  
Are you talking about me  I am sure nobody ought to be or can be
a greater advocate for matrimony than I am and if it had not been
for the misery of her leaving Hartfield I should never have thought
of Miss Taylor but as the most fortunate woman in the world
and as to slighting Mr Weston that excellent Mr Weston I think
there is nothing he does not deserve  I believe he is one of the
very best tempered men that ever existed  Excepting yourself
and your brother I do not know his equal for temper  I shall
never forget his flying Henry's kite for him that very windy day
last Easter  and ever since his particular kindness last September
twelvemonth in writing that note at twelve o'clock at night
on purpose to assure me that there was no scarlet fever at Cobham
I have been convinced there could not be a more feeling heart nor
a better man in existence  If any body can deserve him it must be
Miss Taylor

Where is the young man said John Knightley  Has he been here
on this occasion  or has he not

He has not been here yet replied Emma  There was a strong
expectation of his coming soon after the marriage but it ended
in nothing and I have not heard him mentioned lately

But you should tell them of the letter my dear said her father 
He wrote a letter to poor Mrs Weston to congratulate her
and a very proper handsome letter it was  She shewed it to me 
I thought it very well done of him indeed  Whether it was his own idea
you know one cannot tell  He is but young and his uncle perhaps  

My dear papa he is three and twenty You forget how time passes

Three and twenty  is he indeed  Well I could not have thought it  
and he was but two years old when he lost his poor mother  Well
time does fly indeed  and my memory is very bad  However it was
an exceeding good pretty letter and gave Mr and Mrs Weston
a great deal of pleasure  I remember it was written from Weymouth
and dated Sept 28th  and began My dear Madam but I forget
how it went on and it was signed F C Weston Churchill  
I remember that perfectly

How very pleasing and proper of him cried the good hearted Mrs John
Knightley  I have no doubt of his being a most amiable young man 
But how sad it is that he should not live at home with his father 
There is something so shocking in a child's being taken away from his
parents and natural home  I never could comprehend how Mr Weston
could part with him  To give up one's child  I really never
could think well of any body who proposed such a thing to any body else

Nobody ever did think well of the Churchills I fancy
observed Mr John Knightley coolly  But you need not imagine
Mr Weston to have felt what you would feel in giving up Henry
or John  Mr Weston is rather an easy cheerful tempered man
than a man of strong feelings he takes things as he finds them
and makes enjoyment of them somehow or other depending I suspect
much more upon what is called society for his comforts that is
upon the power of eating and drinking and playing whist with his
neighbours five times a week than upon family affection or any
thing that home affords

Emma could not like what bordered on a reflection on Mr Weston
and had half a mind to take it up but she struggled and let
it pass  She would keep the peace if possible and there was
something honourable and valuable in the strong domestic habits
the all sufficiency of home to himself whence resulted her brother's
disposition to look down on the common rate of social intercourse
and those to whom it was important  It had a high claim to forbearance



CHAPTER XII


Mr Knightley was to dine with them  rather against the inclination
of Mr Woodhouse who did not like that any one should share with him
in Isabella's first day  Emma's sense of right however had decided it
and besides the consideration of what was due to each brother
she had particular pleasure from the circumstance of the late
disagreement between Mr Knightley and herself in procuring him
the proper invitation

She hoped they might now become friends again  She thought it
was time to make up  Making up indeed would not do  She certainly
had not been in the wrong and he would never own that he had 
Concession must be out of the question but it was time to appear
to forget that they had ever quarrelled and she hoped it might rather
assist the restoration of friendship that when he came into the room
she had one of the children with her  the youngest a nice little girl
about eight months old who was now making her first visit to Hartfield
and very happy to be danced about in her aunt's arms  It did assist
for though he began with grave looks and short questions he was soon
led on to talk of them all in the usual way and to take the child
out of her arms with all the unceremoniousness of perfect amity 
Emma felt they were friends again and the conviction giving
her at first great satisfaction and then a little sauciness
she could not help saying as he was admiring the baby

What a comfort it is that we think alike about our nephews and nieces 
As to men and women our opinions are sometimes very different
but with regard to these children I observe we never disagree

If you were as much guided by nature in your estimate of men
and women and as little under the power of fancy and whim in your
dealings with them as you are where these children are concerned
we might always think alike

To be sure  our discordancies must always arise from my being
in the wrong

Yes said he smiling  and reason good  I was sixteen years
old when you were born

A material difference then she replied  and no doubt you were
much my superior in judgment at that period of our lives but does
not the lapse of one and twenty years bring our understandings
a good deal nearer

Yes  a good deal nearer

But still not near enough to give me a chance of being right
if we think differently

I have still the advantage of you by sixteen years experience and by
not being a pretty young woman and a spoiled child  Come my dear Emma
let us be friends and say no more about it  Tell your aunt little Emma
that she ought to set you a better example than to be renewing
old grievances and that if she were not wrong before she is now

That's true she cried  very true  Little Emma grow up
a better woman than your aunt  Be infinitely cleverer and not
half so conceited  Now Mr Knightley a word or two more and I
have done  As far as good intentions went we were both right
and I must say that no effects on my side of the argument have yet
proved wrong  I only want to know that Mr Martin is not very
very bitterly disappointed

A man cannot be more so was his short full answer

Ah  Indeed I am very sorry  Come shake hands with me

This had just taken place and with great cordiality when John
Knightley made his appearance and How d'ye do George and John
how are you succeeded in the true English style burying under
a calmness that seemed all but indifference the real attachment
which would have led either of them if requisite to do every thing
for the good of the other

The evening was quiet and conversable as Mr Woodhouse declined
cards entirely for the sake of comfortable talk with his
dear Isabella and the little party made two natural divisions
on one side he and his daughter on the other the two Mr Knightleys
their subjects totally distinct or very rarely mixing  and Emma
only occasionally joining in one or the other

The brothers talked of their own concerns and pursuits but principally
of those of the elder whose temper was by much the most communicative
and who was always the greater talker  As a magistrate he had
generally some point of law to consult John about or at least
some curious anecdote to give and as a farmer as keeping in hand
the home farm at Donwell he had to tell what every field was to bear
next year and to give all such local information as could not fail
of being interesting to a brother whose home it had equally been
the longest part of his life and whose attachments were strong 
The plan of a drain the change of a fence the felling of a tree
and the destination of every acre for wheat turnips or spring corn
was entered into with as much equality of interest by John as his
cooler manners rendered possible and if his willing brother ever
left him any thing to inquire about his inquiries even approached
a tone of eagerness

While they were thus comfortably occupied Mr Woodhouse was enjoying
a full flow of happy regrets and fearful affection with his daughter

My poor dear Isabella said he fondly taking her hand
and interrupting for a few moments her busy labours for some one
of her five children  How long it is how terribly long since you
were here  And how tired you must be after your journey  You must
go to bed early my dear  and I recommend a little gruel to you
before you go  You and I will have a nice basin of gruel together 
My dear Emma suppose we all have a little gruel

Emma could not suppose any such thing knowing as she did
that both the Mr Knightleys were as unpersuadable on that article
as herself  and two basins only were ordered  After a little
more discourse in praise of gruel with some wondering at its
not being taken every evening by every body he proceeded to say
with an air of grave reflection

It was an awkward business my dear your spending the autumn
at South End instead of coming here  I never had much opinion
of the sea air

Mr Wingfield most strenuously recommended it sir  or we
should not have gone  He recommended it for all the children
but particularly for the weakness in little Bella's throat  
both sea air and bathing

Ah my dear but Perry had many doubts about the sea doing her
any good and as to myself I have been long perfectly convinced
though perhaps I never told you so before that the sea is very
rarely of use to any body  I am sure it almost killed me once

Come come cried Emma feeling this to be an unsafe subject I must
beg you not to talk of the sea  It makes me envious and miserable  
I who have never seen it  South End is prohibited if you please 
My dear Isabella I have not heard you make one inquiry about
Mr Perry yet and he never forgets you

Oh good Mr Perry  how is he sir

Why pretty well but not quite well  Poor Perry is bilious
and he has not time to take care of himself  he tells me he has
not time to take care of himself  which is very sad  but he is
always wanted all round the country  I suppose there is not a man
in such practice anywhere  But then there is not so clever a man
any where

And Mrs Perry and the children how are they do the children grow 
I have a great regard for Mr Perry  I hope he will be calling soon 
He will be so pleased to see my little ones

I hope he will be here to morrow for I have a question or two to ask
him about myself of some consequence  And my dear whenever he comes
you had better let him look at little Bella's throat

Oh my dear sir her throat is so much better that I have hardly
any uneasiness about it  Either bathing has been of the greatest
service to her or else it is to be attributed to an excellent
embrocation of Mr Wingfield's which we have been applying
at times ever since August

It is not very likely my dear that bathing should have been
of use to her  and if I had known you were wanting an embrocation
I would have spoken to  

You seem to me to have forgotten Mrs and Miss Bates said Emma
I have not heard one inquiry after them

Oh the good Bateses  I am quite ashamed of myself  but you
mention them in most of your letters  I hope they are quite well 
Good old Mrs Bates  I will call upon her to morrow and take
my children  They are always so pleased to see my children  
And that excellent Miss Bates  such thorough worthy people  
How are they sir

Why pretty well my dear upon the whole  But poor Mrs Bates
had a bad cold about a month ago

How sorry I am  But colds were never so prevalent as they have been
this autumn  Mr Wingfield told me that he has never known them
more general or heavy  except when it has been quite an influenza

That has been a good deal the case my dear but not to the degree
you mention  Perry says that colds have been very general
but not so heavy as he has very often known them in November 
Perry does not call it altogether a sickly season

No I do not know that Mr Wingfield considers it very sickly except  

Ah my poor dear child the truth is that in London it is always
a sickly season  Nobody is healthy in London nobody can be 
It is a dreadful thing to have you forced to live there so far off  
and the air so bad

No indeed  we are not at all in a bad air  Our part of London is
very superior to most others  You must not confound us with London
in general my dear sir  The neighbourhood of Brunswick Square
is very different from almost all the rest  We are so very airy 
I should be unwilling I own to live in any other part of the town  
there is hardly any other that I could be satisfied to have my
children in  but we are so remarkably airy  Mr Wingfield thinks
the vicinity of Brunswick Square decidedly the most favourable as
to air

Ah my dear it is not like Hartfield  You make the best of it  
but after you have been a week at Hartfield you are all of you
different creatures you do not look like the same  Now I cannot say
that I think you are any of you looking well at present

I am sorry to hear you say so sir but I assure you excepting those
little nervous head aches and palpitations which I am never entirely
free from anywhere I am quite well myself and if the children were
rather pale before they went to bed it was only because they were
a little more tired than usual from their journey and the happiness
of coming  I hope you will think better of their looks to morrow
for I assure you Mr Wingfield told me that he did not believe
he had ever sent us off altogether in such good case  I trust
at least that you do not think Mr Knightley looking ill
turning her eyes with affectionate anxiety towards her husband

Middling my dear I cannot compliment you  I think Mr John
Knightley very far from looking well

What is the matter sir  Did you speak to me cried Mr John
Knightley hearing his own name

I am sorry to find my love that my father does not think you
looking well  but I hope it is only from being a little fatigued 
I could have wished however as you know that you had seen
Mr Wingfield before you left home

My dear Isabella  exclaimed he hastily  pray do not concern
yourself about my looks  Be satisfied with doctoring and coddling
yourself and the children and let me look as I chuse

I did not thoroughly understand what you were telling your brother
cried Emma about your friend Mr Graham's intending to have a bailiff
from Scotland to look after his new estate  What will it answer 
Will not the old prejudice be too strong

And she talked in this way so long and successfully that when forced
to give her attention again to her father and sister she had nothing
worse to hear than Isabella's kind inquiry after Jane Fairfax
and Jane Fairfax though no great favourite with her in general
she was at that moment very happy to assist in praising

That sweet amiable Jane Fairfax said Mrs John Knightley  
It is so long since I have seen her except now and then for a moment
accidentally in town  What happiness it must be to her good old
grandmother and excellent aunt when she comes to visit them 
I always regret excessively on dear Emma's account that she cannot
be more at Highbury but now their daughter is married I suppose
Colonel and Mrs Campbell will not be able to part with her at all 
She would be such a delightful companion for Emma

Mr Woodhouse agreed to it all but added

Our little friend Harriet Smith however is just such another
pretty kind of young person  You will like Harriet  Emma could
not have a better companion than Harriet

I am most happy to hear it  but only Jane Fairfax one knows to be
so very accomplished and superior  and exactly Emma's age

This topic was discussed very happily and others succeeded of
similar moment and passed away with similar harmony but the evening
did not close without a little return of agitation  The gruel came
and supplied a great deal to be said  much praise and many comments  
undoubting decision of its wholesomeness for every constitution
and pretty severe Philippics upon the many houses where it was
never met with tolerable  but unfortunately among the failures
which the daughter had to instance the most recent and therefore
most prominent was in her own cook at South End a young woman
hired for the time who never had been able to understand what she
meant by a basin of nice smooth gruel thin but not too thin 
Often as she had wished for and ordered it she had never been able
to get any thing tolerable  Here was a dangerous opening

Ah said Mr Woodhouse shaking his head and fixing his eyes on
her with tender concern  The ejaculation in Emma's ear expressed
Ah there is no end of the sad consequences of your going to
South End  It does not bear talking of  And for a little while
she hoped he would not talk of it and that a silent rumination
might suffice to restore him to the relish of his own smooth gruel 
After an interval of some minutes however he began with

I shall always be very sorry that you went to the sea this autumn
instead of coming here

But why should you be sorry sir  I assure you it did the children
a great deal of good

And moreover if you must go to the sea it had better not
have been to South End  South End is an unhealthy place 
Perry was surprized to hear you had fixed upon South End

I know there is such an idea with many people but indeed it is
quite a mistake sir  We all had our health perfectly well there
never found the least inconvenience from the mud and Mr Wingfield
says it is entirely a mistake to suppose the place unhealthy
and I am sure he may be depended on for he thoroughly understands
the nature of the air and his own brother and family have been
there repeatedly

You should have gone to Cromer my dear if you went anywhere  
Perry was a week at Cromer once and he holds it to be the best
of all the sea bathing places  A fine open sea he says and very
pure air  And by what I understand you might have had lodgings there
quite away from the sea  a quarter of a mile off  very comfortable 
You should have consulted Perry

But my dear sir the difference of the journey  only consider how
great it would have been  An hundred miles perhaps instead of forty

Ah my dear as Perry says where health is at stake nothing else
should be considered and if one is to travel there is not much
to chuse between forty miles and an hundred  Better not move at all
better stay in London altogether than travel forty miles to get
into a worse air  This is just what Perry said  It seemed to him
a very ill judged measure

Emma's attempts to stop her father had been vain and when he
had reached such a point as this she could not wonder at her
brother in law's breaking out

Mr Perry said he in a voice of very strong displeasure
would do as well to keep his opinion till it is asked for 
Why does he make it any business of his to wonder at what I do  
at my taking my family to one part of the coast or another  I may
be allowed I hope the use of my judgment as well as Mr Perry  
I want his directions no more than his drugs  He paused  
and growing cooler in a moment added with only sarcastic dryness
If Mr Perry can tell me how to convey a wife and five children
a distance of an hundred and thirty miles with no greater expense
or inconvenience than a distance of forty I should be as willing to
prefer Cromer to South End as he could himself

True true cried Mr Knightley with most ready interposition  
very true  That's a consideration indeed  But John as to what I
was telling you of my idea of moving the path to Langham of turning
it more to the right that it may not cut through the home meadows
I cannot conceive any difficulty  I should not attempt it
if it were to be the means of inconvenience to the Highbury people
but if you call to mind exactly the present line of the path    
The only way of proving it however will be to turn to our maps 
I shall see you at the Abbey to morrow morning I hope and then we
will look them over and you shall give me your opinion

Mr Woodhouse was rather agitated by such harsh reflections on
his friend Perry to whom he had in fact though unconsciously
been attributing many of his own feelings and expressions  
but the soothing attentions of his daughters gradually removed
the present evil and the immediate alertness of one brother
and better recollections of the other prevented any renewal of it



CHAPTER XIII


There could hardly be a happier creature in the world than Mrs John
Knightley in this short visit to Hartfield going about every morning
among her old acquaintance with her five children and talking
over what she had done every evening with her father and sister 
She had nothing to wish otherwise but that the days did not pass
so swiftly  It was a delightful visit  perfect in being much too short

In general their evenings were less engaged with friends than
their mornings but one complete dinner engagement and out
of the house too there was no avoiding though at Christmas 
Mr Weston would take no denial they must all dine at Randalls
one day  even Mr Woodhouse was persuaded to think it a possible
thing in preference to a division of the party

How they were all to be conveyed he would have made a difficulty
if he could but as his son and daughter's carriage and horses
were actually at Hartfield he was not able to make more than
a simple question on that head it hardly amounted to a doubt
nor did it occupy Emma long to convince him that they might in one
of the carriages find room for Harriet also

Harriet Mr Elton and Mr Knightley their own especial set
were the only persons invited to meet them  the hours were to be early
as well as the numbers few Mr Woodhouse's habits and inclination
being consulted in every thing

The evening before this great event for it was a very great event
that Mr Woodhouse should dine out on the 24th of December had been
spent by Harriet at Hartfield and she had gone home so much indisposed
with a cold that but for her own earnest wish of being nursed
by Mrs Goddard Emma could not have allowed her to leave the house 
Emma called on her the next day and found her doom already signed
with regard to Randalls  She was very feverish and had a bad
sore throat  Mrs Goddard was full of care and affection Mr Perry
was talked of and Harriet herself was too ill and low to resist
the authority which excluded her from this delightful engagement
though she could not speak of her loss without many tears

Emma sat with her as long as she could to attend her in Mrs Goddard's
unavoidable absences and raise her spirits by representing how much
Mr Elton's would be depressed when he knew her state and left her
at last tolerably comfortable in the sweet dependence of his having
a most comfortless visit and of their all missing her very much 
She had not advanced many yards from Mrs Goddard's door when she
was met by Mr Elton himself evidently coming towards it and as
they walked on slowly together in conversation about the invalid  
of whom he on the rumour of considerable illness had been going
to inquire that he might carry some report of her to Hartfield  
they were overtaken by Mr John Knightley returning from the
daily visit to Donwell with his two eldest boys whose healthy
glowing faces shewed all the benefit of a country run and seemed
to ensure a quick despatch of the roast mutton and rice pudding they
were hastening home for  They joined company and proceeded together 
Emma was just describing the nature of her friend's complaint  
a throat very much inflamed with a great deal of heat about her
a quick low pulse &c  and she was sorry to find from Mrs Goddard
that Harriet was liable to very bad sore throats and had often
alarmed her with them  Mr Elton looked all alarm on the occasion
as he exclaimed

A sore throat  I hope not infectious  I hope not of a putrid
infectious sort  Has Perry seen her  Indeed you should take care
of yourself as well as of your friend  Let me entreat you to run
no risks  Why does not Perry see her

Emma who was not really at all frightened herself tranquillised this
excess of apprehension by assurances of Mrs Goddard's experience
and care but as there must still remain a degree of uneasiness
which she could not wish to reason away which she would rather
feed and assist than not she added soon afterwards  as if quite
another subject

It is so cold so very cold  and looks and feels so very much
like snow that if it were to any other place or with any other party
I should really try not to go out to day  and dissuade my father
from venturing but as he has made up his mind and does not seem
to feel the cold himself I do not like to interfere as I know it
would be so great a disappointment to Mr and Mrs Weston  But upon
my word Mr Elton in your case I should certainly excuse myself 
You appear to me a little hoarse already and when you consider
what demand of voice and what fatigues to morrow will bring
I think it would be no more than common prudence to stay at home
and take care of yourself to night

Mr Elton looked as if he did not very well know what answer to make
which was exactly the case for though very much gratified by the kind
care of such a fair lady and not liking to resist any advice of
her's he had not really the least inclination to give up the visit  
but Emma too eager and busy in her own previous conceptions
and views to hear him impartially or see him with clear vision
was very well satisfied with his muttering acknowledgment of its
being very cold certainly very cold and walked on rejoicing in
having extricated him from Randalls and secured him the power
of sending to inquire after Harriet every hour of the evening

You do quite right said she  we will make your apologies
to Mr and Mrs Weston

But hardly had she so spoken when she found her brother was civilly
offering a seat in his carriage if the weather were Mr Elton's
only objection and Mr Elton actually accepting the offer with much
prompt satisfaction  It was a done thing Mr Elton was to go
and never had his broad handsome face expressed more pleasure than
at this moment never had his smile been stronger nor his eyes
more exulting than when he next looked at her

Well said she to herself this is most strange  After I
had got him off so well to chuse to go into company and leave
Harriet ill behind  Most strange indeed  But there is I believe
in many men especially single men such an inclination  
such a passion for dining out  a dinner engagement is so high in
the class of their pleasures their employments their dignities
almost their duties that any thing gives way to it  and this must
be the case with Mr Elton a most valuable amiable pleasing young
man undoubtedly and very much in love with Harriet but still
he cannot refuse an invitation he must dine out wherever he is asked 
What a strange thing love is he can see ready wit in Harriet
but will not dine alone for her

Soon afterwards Mr Elton quitted them and she could not but do him
the justice of feeling that there was a great deal of sentiment
in his manner of naming Harriet at parting in the tone of his
voice while assuring her that he should call at Mrs Goddard's
for news of her fair friend the last thing before he prepared
for the happiness of meeting her again when he hoped to be
able to give a better report and he sighed and smiled himself
off in a way that left the balance of approbation much in his favour

After a few minutes of entire silence between them John Knightley
began with  

I never in my life saw a man more intent on being agreeable than
Mr Elton  It is downright labour to him where ladies are concerned 
With men he can be rational and unaffected but when he has ladies
to please every feature works

Mr Elton's manners are not perfect replied Emma but where there
is a wish to please one ought to overlook and one does overlook
a great deal  Where a man does his best with only moderate powers
he will have the advantage over negligent superiority  There is
such perfect good temper and good will in Mr Elton as one cannot
but value

Yes said Mr John Knightley presently with some slyness
he seems to have a great deal of good will towards you

Me she replied with a smile of astonishment are you imagining
me to be Mr Elton's object

Such an imagination has crossed me I own Emma and if it never
occurred to you before you may as well take it into consideration now

Mr Elton in love with me  What an idea

I do not say it is so but you will do well to consider whether
it is so or not and to regulate your behaviour accordingly 
I think your manners to him encouraging  I speak as a friend
Emma  You had better look about you and ascertain what you do
and what you mean to do

I thank you but I assure you you are quite mistaken  Mr Elton
and I are very good friends and nothing more and she walked on
amusing herself in the consideration of the blunders which often
arise from a partial knowledge of circumstances of the mistakes
which people of high pretensions to judgment are for ever falling into
and not very well pleased with her brother for imagining her blind
and ignorant and in want of counsel  He said no more

Mr Woodhouse had so completely made up his mind to the visit
that in spite of the increasing coldness he seemed to have no idea
of shrinking from it and set forward at last most punctually
with his eldest daughter in his own carriage with less apparent
consciousness of the weather than either of the others too full
of the wonder of his own going and the pleasure it was to afford at
Randalls to see that it was cold and too well wrapt up to feel it 
The cold however was severe and by the time the second carriage
was in motion a few flakes of snow were finding their way down
and the sky had the appearance of being so overcharged as to want only
a milder air to produce a very white world in a very short time

Emma soon saw that her companion was not in the happiest humour 
The preparing and the going abroad in such weather with the sacrifice
of his children after dinner were evils were disagreeables at least
which Mr John Knightley did not by any means like he anticipated
nothing in the visit that could be at all worth the purchase
and the whole of their drive to the vicarage was spent by him in
expressing his discontent

A man said he must have a very good opinion of himself when
he asks people to leave their own fireside and encounter such
a day as this for the sake of coming to see him  He must think
himself a most agreeable fellow I could not do such a thing 
It is the greatest absurdity  Actually snowing at this moment  
The folly of not allowing people to be comfortable at home  and the
folly of people's not staying comfortably at home when they can 
If we were obliged to go out such an evening as this by any call of
duty or business what a hardship we should deem it  and here are we
probably with rather thinner clothing than usual setting forward
voluntarily without excuse in defiance of the voice of nature
which tells man in every thing given to his view or his feelings
to stay at home himself and keep all under shelter that he can  
here are we setting forward to spend five dull hours in another
man's house with nothing to say or to hear that was not said
and heard yesterday and may not be said and heard again to morrow
Going in dismal weather to return probably in worse  four horses
and four servants taken out for nothing but to convey five idle
shivering creatures into colder rooms and worse company than they
might have had at home

Emma did not find herself equal to give the pleased assent which no doubt
he was in the habit of receiving to emulate the Very true my love
which must have been usually administered by his travelling companion
but she had resolution enough to refrain from making any answer
at all  She could not be complying she dreaded being quarrelsome
her heroism reached only to silence  She allowed him to talk
and arranged the glasses and wrapped herself up without opening
her lips

They arrived the carriage turned the step was let down
and Mr Elton spruce black and smiling was with them instantly 
Emma thought with pleasure of some change of subject  Mr Elton
was all obligation and cheerfulness he was so very cheerful
in his civilities indeed that she began to think he must have
received a different account of Harriet from what had reached her 
She had sent while dressing and the answer had been Much the same  
not better

My report from Mrs Goddard's said she presently was not
so pleasant as I had hoped  Not better was my answer

His face lengthened immediately and his voice was the voice
of sentiment as he answered

Oh no  I am grieved to find  I was on the point of telling you that
when I called at Mrs Goddard's door which I did the very last thing
before I returned to dress I was told that Miss Smith was not better
by no means better rather worse  Very much grieved and concerned  
I had flattered myself that she must be better after such a cordial
as I knew had been given her in the morning

Emma smiled and answered  My visit was of use to the nervous part
of her complaint I hope but not even I can charm away a sore throat
it is a most severe cold indeed  Mr Perry has been with her
as you probably heard

Yes  I imagined  that is  I did not  

He has been used to her in these complaints and I hope to morrow
morning will bring us both a more comfortable report  But it is
impossible not to feel uneasiness  Such a sad loss to our party to day

Dreadful  Exactly so indeed  She will be missed every moment

This was very proper the sigh which accompanied it was really estimable
but it should have lasted longer  Emma was rather in dismay when
only half a minute afterwards he began to speak of other things
and in a voice of the greatest alacrity and enjoyment

What an excellent device said he the use of a sheepskin
for carriages  How very comfortable they make it  impossible to
feel cold with such precautions  The contrivances of modern days
indeed have rendered a gentleman's carriage perfectly complete 
One is so fenced and guarded from the weather that not a breath
of air can find its way unpermitted  Weather becomes absolutely
of no consequence  It is a very cold afternoon  but in this carriage
we know nothing of the matter  Ha snows a little I see

Yes said John Knightley and I think we shall have a good deal
of it

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 Knightley 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 Knightley as they passed through
the sweep gate will be to find myself safe at Hartfield again



CHAPTER XIV


Some change of countenance was necessary for each gentleman
as they walked into Mrs Weston's drawing room  Mr Elton must
compose his joyous looks and Mr John Knightley disperse his
ill humour Mr Elton must smile less and Mr John Knightley more
to fit them for the place  Emma only might be as nature prompted
and shew herself just as happy as she was  To her it was real
enjoyment to be with the Westons  Mr Weston was a great favourite
and there was not a creature in the world to whom she spoke with
such unreserve as to his wife not any one to whom she related
with such conviction of being listened to and understood of being
always interesting and always intelligible the little affairs
arrangements perplexities and pleasures of her father and herself 
She could tell nothing of Hartfield in which Mrs Weston had not
a lively concern and half an hour's uninterrupted communication
of all those little matters on which the daily happiness of private
life depends was one of the first gratifications of each

This was a pleasure which perhaps the whole day's visit might
not afford which certainly did not belong to the present half hour
but the very sight of Mrs Weston her smile her touch her voice
was grateful to Emma and she determined to think as little as
possible of Mr Elton's oddities or of any thing else unpleasant
and enjoy all that was enjoyable to the utmost

The misfortune of Harriet's cold had been pretty well gone through
before her arrival  Mr Woodhouse had been safely seated long
enough to give the history of it besides all the history of his own
and Isabella's coming and of Emma's being to follow and had indeed
just got to the end of his satisfaction that James should come
and see his daughter when the others appeared and Mrs Weston
who had been almost wholly engrossed by her attentions to him
was able to turn away and welcome her dear Emma

Emma's project of forgetting Mr Elton for a while made her rather
sorry to find when they had all taken their places that he was
close to her  The difficulty was great of driving his strange
insensibility towards Harriet from her mind while he not only sat
at her elbow but was continually obtruding his happy countenance
on her notice and solicitously addressing her upon every occasion 
Instead of forgetting him his behaviour was such that she could
not avoid the internal suggestion of Can it really be as my brother
imagined can it be possible for this man to be beginning to transfer
his affections from Harriet to me  Absurd and insufferable  
Yet he would be so anxious for her being perfectly warm would be
so interested about her father and so delighted with Mrs Weston
and at last would begin admiring her drawings with so much zeal
and so little knowledge as seemed terribly like a would be lover
and made it some effort with her to preserve her good manners 
For her own sake she could not be rude and for Harriet's in the hope
that all would yet turn out right she was even positively civil
but it was an effort especially as something was going on amongst
the others in the most overpowering period of Mr Elton's nonsense
which she particularly wished to listen to  She heard enough
to know that Mr Weston was giving some information about his son
she heard the words my son and Frank and my son
repeated several times over and from a few other half syllables
very much suspected that he was announcing an early visit from
his son but before she could quiet Mr Elton the subject was
so completely past that any reviving question from her would have
been awkward

Now it so happened that in spite of Emma's resolution of never marrying
there was something in the name in the idea of Mr Frank Churchill
which always interested her  She had frequently thought  especially since
his father's marriage with Miss Taylor  that if she were to marry
he was the very person to suit her in age character and condition 
He seemed by this connexion between the families quite to belong to her 
She could not but suppose it to be a match that every body who knew
them must think of  That Mr and Mrs Weston did think of it she was
very strongly persuaded and though not meaning to be induced by him
or by any body else to give up a situation which she believed more
replete with good than any she could change it for she had a great
curiosity to see him a decided intention of finding him pleasant
of being liked by him to a certain degree and a sort of pleasure
in the idea of their being coupled in their friends imaginations

With such sensations Mr Elton's civilities were dreadfully ill timed
but she had the comfort of appearing very polite while feeling
very cross  and of thinking that the rest of the visit could not
possibly pass without bringing forward the same information again
or the substance of it from the open hearted Mr Weston  So it proved  
for when happily released from Mr Elton and seated by Mr Weston
at dinner he made use of the very first interval in the cares
of hospitality the very first leisure from the saddle of mutton
to say to her

We want only two more to be just the right number  I should
like to see two more here  your pretty little friend Miss Smith
and my son  and then I should say we were quite complete 
I believe you did not hear me telling the others in the drawing room
that we are expecting Frank  I had a letter from him this morning
and he will be with us within a fortnight

Emma spoke with a very proper degree of pleasure and fully assented
to his proposition of Mr Frank Churchill and Miss Smith making
their party quite complete

He has been wanting to come to us continued Mr Weston
ever since September  every letter has been full of it
but he cannot command his own time  He has those to please
who must be pleased and who between ourselves are sometimes
to be pleased only by a good many sacrifices  But now
I have no doubt of seeing him here about the second week in January

What a very great pleasure it will be to you and Mrs Weston
is so anxious to be acquainted with him that she must be almost
as happy as yourself

Yes she would be but that she thinks there will be another
put off She does not depend upon his coming so much as I do 
but she does not know the parties so well as I do  The case
you see is  but this is quite between ourselves  I did not mention
a syllable of it in the other room  There are secrets in all families
you know  The case is that a party of friends are invited to pay
a visit at Enscombe in January and that Frank's coming depends upon
their being put off  If they are not put off he cannot stir 
But I know they will because it is a family that a certain lady
of some consequence at Enscombe has a particular dislike to 
and though it is thought necessary to invite them once in two or
three years they always are put off when it comes to the point 
I have not the smallest doubt of the issue  I am as confident
of seeing Frank here before the middle of January as I am
of being here myself  but your good friend there nodding
towards the upper end of the table has so few vagaries herself
and has been so little used to them at Hartfield that she cannot
calculate on their effects as I have been long in the practice
of doing

I am sorry there should be any thing like doubt in the case
replied Emma but am disposed to side with you Mr Weston  If you
think he will come I shall think so too for you know Enscombe

Yes  I have some right to that knowledge though I have never been
at the place in my life  She is an odd woman  But I never allow
myself to speak ill of her on Frank's account for I do believe
her to be very fond of him  I used to think she was not capable
of being fond of any body except herself  but she has always been
kind to him in her way  allowing for little whims and caprices
and expecting every thing to be as she likes And it is no small credit
in my opinion to him that he should excite such an affection
for though I would not say it to any body else she has no more
heart than a stone to people in general and the devil of a temper

Emma liked the subject so well that she began upon it to Mrs Weston
very soon after their moving into the drawing room wishing her joy  
yet observing that she knew the first meeting must be rather alarming  
Mrs Weston agreed to it but added that she should be very
glad to be secure of undergoing the anxiety of a first meeting
at the time talked of  for I cannot depend upon his coming 
I cannot be so sanguine as Mr Weston  I am very much afraid
that it will all end in nothing  Mr Weston I dare say has been
telling you exactly how the matter stands

Yes  it seems to depend upon nothing but the ill humour
of Mrs Churchill which I imagine to be the most certain
thing in the world

My Emma replied Mrs Weston smiling what is the certainty
of caprice  Then turning to Isabella who had not been
attending before  You must know my dear Mrs Knightley
that we are by no means so sure of seeing Mr Frank Churchill
in my opinion as his father thinks  It depends entirely upon
his aunt's spirits and pleasure in short upon her temper 
To you  to my two daughters  I may venture on the truth 
Mrs Churchill rules at Enscombe and is a very odd tempered woman
and his coming now depends upon her being willing to spare him

Oh Mrs Churchill every body knows Mrs Churchill
replied Isabella  and I am sure I never think of that poor young
man without the greatest compassion  To be constantly living
with an ill tempered person must be dreadful  It is what we
happily have never known any thing of but it must be a life
of misery  What a blessing that she never had any children 
Poor little creatures how unhappy she would have made them

Emma wished she had been alone with Mrs Weston  She should then have
heard more  Mrs Weston would speak to her with a degree of unreserve
which she would not hazard with Isabella and she really believed
would scarcely try to conceal any thing relative to the Churchills
from her excepting those views on the young man of which her own
imagination had already given her such instinctive knowledge 
But at present there was nothing more to be said  Mr Woodhouse
very soon followed them into the drawing room To be sitting
long after dinner was a confinement that he could not endure 
Neither wine nor conversation was any thing to him and gladly did
he move to those with whom he was always comfortable

While he talked to Isabella however Emma found an opportunity
of saying

And so you do not consider this visit from your son as by any
means certain  I am sorry for it  The introduction must be unpleasant
whenever it takes place and the sooner it could be over the better

Yes and every delay makes one more apprehensive of other delays 
Even if this family the Braithwaites are put off I am still
afraid that some excuse may be found for disappointing us 
I cannot bear to imagine any reluctance on his side but I am sure
there is a great wish on the Churchills to keep him to themselves 
There is jealousy  They are jealous even of his regard for his father 
In short I can feel no dependence on his coming and I wish Mr Weston
were less sanguine

He ought to come said Emma  If he could stay only a couple
of days he ought to come and one can hardly conceive a young man's
not having it in his power to do as much as that  A young woman
if she fall into bad hands may be teazed and kept at a distance
from those she wants to be with but one cannot comprehend a young
man's being under such restraint as not to be able to spend a week
with his father if he likes it

One ought to be at Enscombe and know the ways of the family
before one decides upon what he can do replied Mrs Weston 
One ought to use the same caution perhaps in judging of the
conduct of any one individual of any one family but Enscombe
I believe certainly must not be judged by general rules 
she is so very unreasonable and every thing gives way to her

But she is so fond of the nephew  he is so very great a favourite 
Now according to my idea of Mrs Churchill it would be most natural
that while she makes no sacrifice for the comfort of the husband
to whom she owes every thing while she exercises incessant caprice
towards him she should frequently be governed by the nephew
to whom she owes nothing at all

My dearest Emma do not pretend with your sweet temper
to understand a bad one or to lay down rules for it  you must
let it go its own way  I have no doubt of his having at times
considerable influence but it may be perfectly impossible for him
to know beforehand when it will be

Emma listened and then coolly said I shall not be satisfied
unless he comes

He may have a great deal of influence on some points
continued Mrs Weston and on others very little  and among those
on which she is beyond his reach it is but too likely may be
this very circumstance of his coming away from them to visit us



CHAPTER XV


Mr Woodhouse was soon ready for his tea and when he had drank his
tea he was quite ready to go home and it was as much as his three
companions could do to entertain away his notice of the lateness
of the hour before the other gentlemen appeared  Mr Weston was
chatty and convivial and no friend to early separations of any sort
but at last the drawing room party did receive an augmentation 
Mr Elton in very good spirits was one of the first to walk in 
Mrs Weston and Emma were sitting together on a sofa  He joined
them immediately and with scarcely an invitation seated himself
between them

Emma in good spirits too from the amusement afforded her mind
by the expectation of Mr Frank Churchill was willing to forget
his late improprieties and be as well satisfied with him as before
and on his making Harriet his very first subject was ready to listen
with most friendly smiles

He professed himself extremely anxious about her fair friend  
her fair lovely amiable friend  Did she know  had she
heard any thing about her since their being at Randalls  
he felt much anxiety  he must confess that the nature of her
complaint alarmed him considerably  And in this style he talked
on for some time very properly not much attending to any answer
but altogether sufficiently awake to the terror of a bad sore throat
and Emma was quite in charity with him

But at last there seemed a perverse turn it seemed all at once as if
he were more afraid of its being a bad sore throat on her account
than on Harriet's  more anxious that she should escape the infection
than that there should be no infection in the complaint  He began
with great earnestness to entreat her to refrain from visiting
the sick chamber again for the present  to entreat her to promise
him not to venture into such hazard till he had seen Mr Perry
and learnt his opinion and though she tried to laugh it off
and bring the subject back into its proper course there was no
putting an end to his extreme solicitude about her  She was vexed 
It did appear  there was no concealing it  exactly like the pretence
of being in love with her instead of Harriet an inconstancy
if real the most contemptible and abominable and she had difficulty
in behaving with temper  He turned to Mrs Weston to implore
her assistance Would not she give him her support  would not she
add her persuasions to his to induce Miss Woodhouse not to go
to Mrs Goddard's till it were certain that Miss Smith's disorder
had no infection  He could not be satisfied without a promise  
would not she give him her influence in procuring it

So scrupulous for others he continued and yet so careless
for herself  She wanted me to nurse my cold by staying at home to day
and yet will not promise to avoid the danger of catching an ulcerated
sore throat herself  Is this fair Mrs Weston  Judge between us 
Have not I some right to complain  I am sure of your kind support
and aid

Emma saw Mrs Weston's surprize and felt that it must be great
at an address which in words and manner was assuming to himself
the right of first interest in her and as for herself she was
too much provoked and offended to have the power of directly
saying any thing to the purpose  She could only give him a look
but it was such a look as she thought must restore him to his senses
and then left the sofa removing to a seat by her sister and giving
her all her attention

She had not time to know how Mr Elton took the reproof so rapidly
did another subject succeed for Mr John Knightley now came
into the room from examining the weather and opened on them
all with the information of the ground being covered with snow
and of its still snowing fast with a strong drifting wind
concluding with these words to Mr Woodhouse

This will prove a spirited beginning of your winter engagements
sir  Something new for your coachman and horses to be making
their way through a storm of snow

Poor Mr Woodhouse was silent from consternation but every body else
had something to say every body was either surprized or not surprized
and had some question to ask or some comfort to offer  Mrs Weston
and Emma tried earnestly to cheer him and turn his attention
from his son in law who was pursuing his triumph rather unfeelingly

I admired your resolution very much sir said he in venturing
out in such weather for of course you saw there would be snow
very soon  Every body must have seen the snow coming on 
I admired your spirit and I dare say we shall get home very well 
Another hour or two's snow can hardly make the road impassable
and we are two carriages if one is blown over in the bleak part
of the common field there will be the other at hand  I dare say we
shall be all safe at Hartfield before midnight

Mr Weston with triumph of a different sort was confessing that he
had known it to be snowing some time but had not said a word
lest it should make Mr Woodhouse uncomfortable and be an excuse
for his hurrying away  As to there being any quantity of snow fallen
or likely to fall to impede their return that was a mere joke
he was afraid they would find no difficulty  He wished the road might
be impassable that he might be able to keep them all at Randalls
and with the utmost good will was sure that accommodation might
be found for every body calling on his wife to agree with him
that with a little contrivance every body might be lodged
which she hardly knew how to do from the consciousness of there
being but two spare rooms in the house

What is to be done my dear Emma  what is to be done
was Mr Woodhouse's first exclamation and all that he could say
for some time  To her he looked for comfort and her assurances
of safety her representation of the excellence of the horses
and of James and of their having so many friends about them
revived him a little

His eldest daughter's alarm was equal to his own  The horror of
being blocked up at Randalls while her children were at Hartfield
was full in her imagination and fancying the road to be now just
passable for adventurous people but in a state that admitted no delay
she was eager to have it settled that her father and Emma should remain
at Randalls while she and her husband set forward instantly through
all the possible accumulations of drifted snow that might impede them

You had better order the carriage directly my love said she
I dare say we shall be able to get along if we set off directly
and if we do come to any thing very bad I can get out and walk 
I am not at all afraid  I should not mind walking half the way 
I could change my shoes you know the moment I got home and it is not
the sort of thing that gives me cold

Indeed replied he  Then my dear Isabella it is the most
extraordinary sort of thing in the world for in general every
thing does give you cold  Walk home  you are prettily shod
for walking home I dare say  It will be bad enough for the horses

Isabella turned to Mrs Weston for her approbation of the plan 
Mrs Weston could only approve  Isabella then went to Emma
but Emma could not so entirely give up the hope of their being
all able to get away and they were still discussing the point
when Mr Knightley who had left the room immediately after his
brother's first report of the snow came back again and told them
that he had been out of doors to examine and could answer for there
not being the smallest difficulty in their getting home whenever they
liked it either now or an hour hence  He had gone beyond the sweep  
some way along the Highbury road  the snow was nowhere above half
an inch deep  in many places hardly enough to whiten the ground
a very few flakes were falling at present but the clouds were parting
and there was every appearance of its being soon over  He had seen
the coachmen and they both agreed with him in there being nothing
to apprehend

To Isabella the relief of such tidings was very great and they
were scarcely less acceptable to Emma on her father's account
who was immediately set as much at ease on the subject as his nervous
constitution allowed but the alarm that had been raised could not
be appeased so as to admit of any comfort for him while he continued
at Randalls  He was satisfied of there being no present danger in
returning home but no assurances could convince him that it was safe
to stay and while the others were variously urging and recommending
Mr Knightley and Emma settled it in a few brief sentences  thus  

Your father will not be easy why do not you go

I am ready if the others are

Shall I ring the bell

Yes do

And the bell was rung and the carriages spoken for  A few
minutes more and Emma hoped to see one troublesome companion
deposited in his own house to get sober and cool and the other
recover his temper and happiness when this visit of hardship were over

The carriage came  and Mr Woodhouse always the first object on
such occasions was carefully attended to his own by Mr Knightley
and Mr Weston but not all that either could say could prevent some
renewal of alarm at the sight of the snow which had actually fallen
and the discovery of a much darker night than he had been prepared for 
He was afraid they should have a very bad drive  He was afraid
poor Isabella would not like it  And there would be poor Emma
in the carriage behind  He did not know what they had best do 
They must keep as much together as they could and James was talked to
and given a charge to go very slow and wait for the other carriage

Isabella stept in after her father John Knightley forgetting that he
did not belong to their party stept in after his wife very naturally
so that Emma found on being escorted and followed into the second
carriage by Mr Elton that the door was to be lawfully shut on them
and that they were to have a tete a tete drive  It would not have been
the awkwardness of a moment it would have been rather a pleasure
previous to the suspicions of this very day she could have talked
to him of Harriet and the three quarters of a mile would have
seemed but one  But now she would rather it had not happened 
She believed he had been drinking too much of Mr Weston's good wine
and felt sure that he would want to be talking nonsense

To restrain him as much as might be by her own manners she was
immediately preparing to speak with exquisite calmness and gravity
of the weather and the night but scarcely had she begun scarcely had
they passed the sweep gate and joined the other carriage than she
found her subject cut up  her hand seized  her attention demanded
and Mr Elton actually making violent love to her  availing himself
of the precious opportunity declaring sentiments which must be already
well known hoping  fearing  adoring  ready to die if she refused him
but flattering himself that his ardent attachment and unequalled
love and unexampled passion could not fail of having some effect
and in short very much resolved on being seriously accepted as soon
as possible  It really was so  Without scruple  without apology  
without much apparent diffidence Mr Elton the lover of Harriet
was professing himself her lover  She tried to stop him but vainly
he would go on and say it all  Angry as she was the thought of
the moment made her resolve to restrain herself when she did speak 
She felt that half this folly must be drunkenness and therefore
could hope that it might belong only to the passing hour 
Accordingly with a mixture of the serious and the playful which she
hoped would best suit his half and half state she replied

I am very much astonished Mr Elton  This to me you forget yourself  
you take me for my friend  any message to Miss Smith I shall
be happy to deliver but no more of this to me if you please

Miss Smith  message to Miss Smith  What could she possibly mean  
And he repeated her words with such assurance of accent such boastful
pretence of amazement that she could not help replying with quickness

Mr Elton this is the most extraordinary conduct and I can account
for it only in one way you are not yourself or you could not speak
either to me or of Harriet in such a manner  Command yourself
enough to say no more and I will endeavour to forget it

But Mr Elton had only drunk wine enough to elevate his spirits
not at all to confuse his intellects  He perfectly knew his own meaning
and having warmly protested against her suspicion as most injurious
and slightly touched upon his respect for Miss Smith as her friend  
but acknowledging his wonder that Miss Smith should be mentioned
at all  he resumed the subject of his own passion and was very
urgent for a favourable answer

As she thought less of his inebriety she thought more of his inconstancy
and presumption and with fewer struggles for politeness replied

It is impossible for me to doubt any longer  You have made
yourself too clear  Mr Elton my astonishment is much beyond
any thing I can express  After such behaviour as I have witnessed
during the last month to Miss Smith  such attentions as I
have been in the daily habit of observing  to be addressing me
in this manner  this is an unsteadiness of character indeed
which I had not supposed possible  Believe me sir I am far
very far from gratified in being the object of such professions

Good Heaven cried Mr Elton what can be the meaning of this  
Miss Smith  I never thought of Miss Smith in the whole course
of my existence  never paid her any attentions but as your friend 
never cared whether she were dead or alive but as your friend 
If she has fancied otherwise her own wishes have misled her
and I am very sorry  extremely sorry  But Miss Smith indeed  Oh 
Miss Woodhouse who can think of Miss Smith when Miss Woodhouse
is near  No upon my honour there is no unsteadiness of character 
I have thought only of you  I protest against having paid the smallest
attention to any one else  Every thing that I have said or done
for many weeks past has been with the sole view of marking my
adoration of yourself  You cannot really seriously doubt it 
No  in an accent meant to be insinuating  I am sure you have seen
and understood me

It would be impossible to say what Emma felt on hearing this  
which of all her unpleasant sensations was uppermost  She was
too completely overpowered to be immediately able to reply 
and two moments of silence being ample encouragement for Mr Elton's
sanguine state of mind he tried to take her hand again as he
joyously exclaimed  

Charming Miss Woodhouse allow me to interpret this interesting silence 
It confesses that you have long understood me

No sir cried Emma it confesses no such thing  So far from
having long understood you I have been in a most complete error
with respect to your views till this moment  As to myself I am
very sorry that you should have been giving way to any feelings  
Nothing could be farther from my wishes  your attachment to my
friend Harriet  your pursuit of her pursuit it appeared gave me
great pleasure and I have been very earnestly wishing you success 
but had I supposed that she were not your attraction to Hartfield
I should certainly have thought you judged ill in making your visits
so frequent  Am I to believe that you have never sought to recommend
yourself particularly to Miss Smith  that you have never thought
seriously of her

Never madam cried he affronted in his turn  never I assure you 
I think seriously of Miss Smith  Miss Smith is a very good sort
of girl and I should be happy to see her respectably settled 
I wish her extremely well  and no doubt there are men who might not
object to  Every body has their level  but as for myself I am not
I think quite so much at a loss  I need not so totally despair
of an equal alliance as to be addressing myself to Miss Smith  
No madam my visits to Hartfield have been for yourself only
and the encouragement I received  

Encouragement  I give you encouragement  Sir you have been entirely
mistaken in supposing it  I have seen you only as the admirer
of my friend  In no other light could you have been more to me than
a common acquaintance  I am exceedingly sorry  but it is well that
the mistake ends where it does  Had the same behaviour continued
Miss Smith might have been led into a misconception of your views
not being aware probably any more than myself of the very
great inequality which you are so sensible of  But as it is
the disappointment is single and I trust will not be lasting 
I have no thoughts of matrimony at present

He was too angry to say another word her manner too decided
to invite supplication and in this state of swelling resentment
and mutually deep mortification they had to continue together a few
minutes longer for the fears of Mr Woodhouse had confined them
to a foot pace If there had not been so much anger there would have
been desperate awkwardness but their straightforward emotions left
no room for the little zigzags of embarrassment  Without knowing
when the carriage turned into Vicarage Lane or when it stopped
they found themselves all at once at the door of his house
and he was out before another syllable passed  Emma then felt it
indispensable to wish him a good night  The compliment was just returned
coldly and proudly and under indescribable irritation of spirits
she was then conveyed to Hartfield

There she was welcomed with the utmost delight by her father
who had been trembling for the dangers of a solitary drive from
Vicarage Lane  turning a corner which he could never bear to think of  
and in strange hands  a mere common coachman  no James and there it
seemed as if her return only were wanted to make every thing go well 
for Mr John Knightley ashamed of his ill humour was now all
kindness and attention and so particularly solicitous for the comfort
of her father as to seem  if not quite ready to join him in a basin
of gruel  perfectly sensible of its being exceedingly wholesome
and the day was concluding in peace and comfort to all their little party
except herself  But her mind had never been in such perturbation
and it needed a very strong effort to appear attentive and cheerful till
the usual hour of separating allowed her the relief of quiet reflection



CHAPTER XVI


The hair was curled and the maid sent away and Emma sat down to think
and be miserable  It was a wretched business indeed  Such an overthrow
of every thing she had been wishing for  Such a development of every
thing most unwelcome  Such a blow for Harriet  that was the worst
of all  Every part of it brought pain and humiliation of some sort
or other but compared with the evil to Harriet all was light
and she would gladly have submitted to feel yet more mistaken  
more in error  more disgraced by mis judgment than she actually was
could the effects of her blunders have been confined to herself

If I had not persuaded Harriet into liking the man I could have
borne any thing  He might have doubled his presumption to me  
but poor Harriet

How she could have been so deceived  He protested that he
had never thought seriously of Harriet  never  She looked back
as well as she could but it was all confusion  She had taken
up the idea she supposed and made every thing bend to it 
His manners however must have been unmarked wavering dubious
or she could not have been so misled

The picture  How eager he had been about the picture  
and the charade  and an hundred other circumstances  
how clearly they had seemed to point at Harriet  To be sure
the charade with its ready wit  but then the soft eyes  
in fact it suited neither it was a jumble without taste or truth 
Who could have seen through such thick headed nonsense

Certainly she had often especially of late thought his manners
to herself unnecessarily gallant but it had passed as his way
as a mere error of judgment of knowledge of taste as one proof
among others that he had not always lived in the best society
that with all the gentleness of his address true elegance
was sometimes wanting but till this very day she had never
for an instant suspected it to mean any thing but grateful respect
to her as Harriet's friend

To Mr John Knightley was she indebted for her first idea on
the subject for the first start of its possibility  There was
no denying that those brothers had penetration  She remembered
what Mr Knightley had once said to her about Mr Elton the caution
he had given the conviction he had professed that Mr Elton would
never marry indiscreetly and blushed to think how much truer
a knowledge of his character had been there shewn than any she
had reached herself  It was dreadfully mortifying but Mr Elton
was proving himself in many respects the very reverse of what she
had meant and believed him proud assuming conceited very full
of his own claims and little concerned about the feelings of others

Contrary to the usual course of things Mr Elton's wanting
to pay his addresses to her had sunk him in her opinion 
His professions and his proposals did him no service  She thought
nothing of his attachment and was insulted by his hopes 
He wanted to marry well and having the arrogance to raise his
eyes to her pretended to be in love but she was perfectly easy
as to his not suffering any disappointment that need be cared for 
There had been no real affection either in his language or manners 
Sighs and fine words had been given in abundance but she could
hardly devise any set of expressions or fancy any tone of voice
less allied with real love  She need not trouble herself to pity him 
He only wanted to aggrandise and enrich himself and if Miss Woodhouse
of Hartfield the heiress of thirty thousand pounds were not quite
so easily obtained as he had fancied he would soon try for Miss
Somebody else with twenty or with ten

But  that he should talk of encouragement should consider her as
aware of his views accepting his attentions meaning in short
to marry him  should suppose himself her equal in connexion
or mind  look down upon her friend so well understanding the
gradations of rank below him and be so blind to what rose above
as to fancy himself shewing no presumption in addressing her  
It was most provoking

Perhaps it was not fair to expect him to feel how very much he
was her inferior in talent and all the elegancies of mind 
The very want of such equality might prevent his perception of it
but he must know that in fortune and consequence she was greatly
his superior  He must know that the Woodhouses had been settled
for several generations at Hartfield the younger branch
of a very ancient family  and that the Eltons were nobody 
The landed property of Hartfield certainly was inconsiderable
being but a sort of notch in the Donwell Abbey estate to which all
the rest of Highbury belonged but their fortune from other sources
was such as to make them scarcely secondary to Donwell Abbey itself
in every other kind of consequence and the Woodhouses had long
held a high place in the consideration of the neighbourhood which
Mr Elton had first entered not two years ago to make his way
as he could without any alliances but in trade or any thing
to recommend him to notice but his situation and his civility  
But he had fancied her in love with him that evidently must
have been his dependence and after raving a little about the
seeming incongruity of gentle manners and a conceited head
Emma was obliged in common honesty to stop and admit that her own
behaviour to him had been so complaisant and obliging so full of
courtesy and attention as supposing her real motive unperceived
might warrant a man of ordinary observation and delicacy
like Mr Elton in fancying himself a very decided favourite  If she
had so misinterpreted his feelings she had little right to wonder
that he with self interest to blind him should have mistaken hers

The first error and the worst lay at her door  It was foolish
it was wrong to take so active a part in bringing any two
people together  It was adventuring too far assuming too much
making light of what ought to be serious a trick of what ought
to be simple  She was quite concerned and ashamed and resolved
to do such things no more

Here have I said she actually talked poor Harriet into being
very much attached to this man  She might never have thought of him
but for me and certainly never would have thought of him with hope
if I had not assured her of his attachment for she is as modest
and humble as I used to think him  Oh that I had been satisfied with
persuading her not to accept young Martin  There I was quite right 
That was well done of me but there I should have stopped and left
the rest to time and chance  I was introducing her into good company
and giving her the opportunity of pleasing some one worth having
I ought not to have attempted more  But now poor girl her peace
is cut up for some time  I have been but half a friend to her
and if she were not to feel this disappointment so very much I am
sure I have not an idea of any body else who would be at all desirable
for her  William Coxe  Oh no I could not endure William Coxe  
a pert young lawyer

She stopt to blush and laugh at her own relapse and then resumed
a more serious more dispiriting cogitation upon what had been
and might be and must be  The distressing explanation she had
to make to Harriet and all that poor Harriet would be suffering
with the awkwardness of future meetings the difficulties of
continuing or discontinuing the acquaintance of subduing feelings
concealing resentment and avoiding eclat were enough to occupy
her in most unmirthful reflections some time longer and she went
to bed at last with nothing settled but the conviction of her having
blundered most dreadfully

To youth and natural cheerfulness like Emma's though under
temporary gloom at night the return of day will hardly fail
to bring return of spirits  The youth and cheerfulness of morning
are in happy analogy and of powerful operation and if the
distress be not poignant enough to keep the eyes unclosed they
will be sure to open to sensations of softened pain and brighter hope

Emma got up on the morrow more disposed for comfort than she had
gone to bed more ready to see alleviations of the evil before her
and to depend on getting tolerably out of it

It was a great consolation that Mr Elton should not be really
in love with her or so particularly amiable as to make it shocking
to disappoint him  that Harriet's nature should not be of that
superior sort in which the feelings are most acute and retentive  
and that there could be no necessity for any body's knowing
what had passed except the three principals and especially
for her father's being given a moment's uneasiness about it

These were very cheering thoughts and the sight of a great deal
of snow on the ground did her further service for any thing was
welcome that might justify their all three being quite asunder
at present

The weather was most favourable for her though Christmas Day
she could not go to church  Mr Woodhouse would have been miserable
had his daughter attempted it and she was therefore safe from
either exciting or receiving unpleasant and most unsuitable ideas 
The ground covered with snow and the atmosphere in that unsettled
state between frost and thaw which is of all others the most
unfriendly for exercise every morning beginning in rain or snow
and every evening setting in to freeze she was for many days a most
honourable prisoner  No intercourse with Harriet possible but by note
no church for her on Sunday any more than on Christmas Day and no
need to find excuses for Mr Elton's absenting himself

It was weather which might fairly confine every body at home
and though she hoped and believed him to be really taking comfort
in some society or other it was very pleasant to have her father
so well satisfied with his being all alone in his own house
too wise to stir out and to hear him say to Mr Knightley whom no
weather could keep entirely from them  

Ah  Mr Knightley why do not you stay at home like poor Mr Elton

These days of confinement would have been but for her private
perplexities remarkably comfortable as such seclusion exactly
suited her brother whose feelings must always be of great importance
to his companions and he had besides so thoroughly cleared off
his ill humour at Randalls that his amiableness never failed him
during the rest of his stay at Hartfield  He was always agreeable
and obliging and speaking pleasantly of every body  But with all
the hopes of cheerfulness and all the present comfort of delay
there was still such an evil hanging over her in the hour of explanation
with Harriet as made it impossible for Emma to be ever perfectly at ease



CHAPTER XVII


Mr and Mrs John Knightley were not detained long at Hartfield 
The weather soon improved enough for those to move who must move
and Mr Woodhouse having as usual tried to persuade his daughter
to stay behind with all her children was obliged to see the whole
party set off and return to his lamentations over the destiny
of poor Isabella  which poor Isabella passing her life with
those she doated on full of their merits blind to their faults
and always innocently busy might have been a model of right
feminine happiness

The evening of the very day on which they went brought a note
from Mr Elton to Mr Woodhouse a long civil ceremonious note
to say with Mr Elton's best compliments that he was proposing
to leave Highbury the following morning in his way to Bath
where in compliance with the pressing entreaties of some friends
he had engaged to spend a few weeks and very much regretted
the impossibility he was under from various circumstances of
weather and business of taking a personal leave of Mr Woodhouse
of whose friendly civilities he should ever retain a grateful sense  
and had Mr Woodhouse any commands should be happy to attend to them

Emma was most agreeably surprized  Mr Elton's absence just
at this time was the very thing to be desired  She admired
him for contriving it though not able to give him much credit
for the manner in which it was announced  Resentment could not
have been more plainly spoken than in a civility to her father
from which she was so pointedly excluded  She had not even a
share in his opening compliments  Her name was not mentioned  
and there was so striking a change in all this and such an
ill judged solemnity of leave taking in his graceful acknowledgments
as she thought at first could not escape her father's suspicion

It did however  Her father was quite taken up with the surprize
of so sudden a journey and his fears that Mr Elton might never get
safely to the end of it and saw nothing extraordinary in his language 
It was a very useful note for it supplied them with fresh matter
for thought and conversation during the rest of their lonely evening 
Mr Woodhouse talked over his alarms and Emma was in spirits
to persuade them away with all her usual promptitude

She now resolved to keep Harriet no longer in the dark  She had
reason to believe her nearly recovered from her cold and it was
desirable that she should have as much time as possible for getting
the better of her other complaint before the gentleman's return 
She went to Mrs Goddard's accordingly the very next day to undergo
the necessary penance of communication and a severe one it was  
She had to destroy all the hopes which she had been so industriously
feeding  to appear in the ungracious character of the one preferred  
and acknowledge herself grossly mistaken and mis judging in all her
ideas on one subject all her observations all her convictions
all her prophecies for the last six weeks

The confession completely renewed her first shame  and the sight
of Harriet's tears made her think that she should never be in charity
with herself again

Harriet bore the intelligence very well  blaming nobody  
and in every thing testifying such an ingenuousness of disposition
and lowly opinion of herself as must appear with particular
advantage at that moment to her friend

Emma was in the humour to value simplicity and modesty to the utmost
and all that was amiable all that ought to be attaching
seemed on Harriet's side not her own  Harriet did not consider
herself as having any thing to complain of  The affection of such
a man as Mr Elton would have been too great a distinction  
She never could have deserved him  and nobody but so partial
and kind a friend as Miss Woodhouse would have thought it possible

Her tears fell abundantly  but her grief was so truly artless
that no dignity could have made it more respectable in Emma's eyes  
and she listened to her and tried to console her with all her heart
and understanding  really for the time convinced that Harriet was
the superior creature of the two  and that to resemble her would
be more for her own welfare and happiness than all that genius or
intelligence could do

It was rather too late in the day to set about being simple minded
and ignorant but she left her with every previous resolution
confirmed of being humble and discreet and repressing imagination
all the rest of her life  Her second duty now inferior only to her
father's claims was to promote Harriet's comfort and endeavour
to prove her own affection in some better method than by match making 
She got her to Hartfield and shewed her the most unvarying kindness
striving to occupy and amuse her and by books and conversation
to drive Mr Elton from her thoughts

Time she knew must be allowed for this being thoroughly done and she
could suppose herself but an indifferent judge of such matters in general
and very inadequate to sympathise in an attachment to Mr Elton
in particular but it seemed to her reasonable that at Harriet's age
and with the entire extinction of all hope such a progress might be
made towards a state of composure by the time of Mr Elton's return
as to allow them all to meet again in the common routine of acquaintance
without any danger of betraying sentiments or increasing them

Harriet did think him all perfection and maintained the non existence
of any body equal to him in person or goodness  and did in truth
prove herself more resolutely in love than Emma had foreseen
but yet it appeared to her so natural so inevitable to strive
against an inclination of that sort unrequited that she could not
comprehend its continuing very long in equal force

If Mr Elton on his return made his own indifference as evident
and indubitable as she could not doubt he would anxiously do
she could not imagine Harriet's persisting to place her happiness
in the sight or the recollection of him

Their being fixed so absolutely fixed in the same place was bad
for each for all three  Not one of them had the power of removal
or of effecting any material change of society  They must encounter
each other and make the best of it

Harriet was farther unfortunate in the tone of her companions at
Mrs Goddard's Mr Elton being the adoration of all the teachers
and great girls in the school and it must be at Hartfield only
that she could have any chance of hearing him spoken of with cooling
moderation or repellent truth  Where the wound had been given
there must the cure be found if anywhere and Emma felt that
till she saw her in the way of cure there could be no true peace
for herself



CHAPTER XVIII


Mr Frank Churchill did not come  When the time proposed
drew near Mrs Weston's fears were justified in the arrival
of a letter of excuse  For the present he could not be spared
to his very great mortification and regret but still he looked
forward with the hope of coming to Randalls at no distant period

Mrs Weston was exceedingly disappointed  much more disappointed
in fact than her husband though her dependence on seeing the
young man had been so much more sober  but a sanguine temper
though for ever expecting more good than occurs does not
always pay for its hopes by any proportionate depression 
It soon flies over the present failure and begins to hope again 
For half an hour Mr Weston was surprized and sorry but then he
began to perceive that Frank's coming two or three months later
would be a much better plan better time of year better weather
and that he would be able without any doubt to stay considerably
longer with them than if he had come sooner

These feelings rapidly restored his comfort while Mrs Weston
of a more apprehensive disposition foresaw nothing but a repetition
of excuses and delays and after all her concern for what her husband
was to suffer suffered a great deal more herself

Emma was not at this time in a state of spirits to care really
about Mr Frank Churchill's not coming except as a disappointment
at Randalls  The acquaintance at present had no charm for her 
She wanted rather to be quiet and out of temptation but still as it
was desirable that she should appear in general like her usual self
she took care to express as much interest in the circumstance
and enter as warmly into Mr and Mrs Weston's disappointment
as might naturally belong to their friendship

She was the first to announce it to Mr Knightley and exclaimed
quite as much as was necessary or being acting a part perhaps
rather more at the conduct of the Churchills in keeping him away 
She then proceeded to say a good deal more than she felt of the
advantage of such an addition to their confined society in Surry
the pleasure of looking at somebody new the gala day to Highbury entire
which the sight of him would have made and ending with reflections
on the Churchills again found herself directly involved in a
disagreement with Mr Knightley and to her great amusement
perceived that she was taking the other side of the question from her
real opinion and making use of Mrs Weston's arguments against herself

The Churchills are very likely in fault said Mr Knightley
coolly but I dare say he might come if he would

I do not know why you should say so  He wishes exceedingly to come
but his uncle and aunt will not spare him

I cannot believe that he has not the power of coming if he made
a point of it  It is too unlikely for me to believe it without proof

How odd you are  What has Mr Frank Churchill done to make you
suppose him such an unnatural creature

I am not supposing him at all an unnatural creature in suspecting
that he may have learnt to be above his connexions and to care
very little for any thing but his own pleasure from living with
those who have always set him the example of it  It is a great deal
more natural than one could wish that a young man brought up
by those who are proud luxurious and selfish should be proud
luxurious and selfish too  If Frank Churchill had wanted to see
his father he would have contrived it between September and January 
A man at his age  what is he  three or four and twenty  cannot be
without the means of doing as much as that  It is impossible

That's easily said and easily felt by you who have always
been your own master  You are the worst judge in the world
Mr Knightley of the difficulties of dependence  You do not know
what it is to have tempers to manage

It is not to be conceived that a man of three or four and twenty
should not have liberty of mind or limb to that amount  He cannot
want money  he cannot want leisure  We know on the contrary
that he has so much of both that he is glad to get rid of them at
the idlest haunts in the kingdom  We hear of him for ever at some
watering place or other  A little while ago he was at Weymouth 
This proves that he can leave the Churchills

Yes sometimes he can

And those times are whenever he thinks it worth his while
whenever there is any temptation of pleasure

It is very unfair to judge of any body's conduct without an
intimate knowledge of their situation  Nobody who has not been
in the interior of a family can say what the difficulties
of any individual of that family may be  We ought to be
acquainted with Enscombe and with Mrs Churchill's temper
before we pretend to decide upon what her nephew can do 
He may at times be able to do a great deal more than he can at others

There is one thing Emma which a man can always do if he chuses
and that is his duty not by manoeuvring and finessing but by vigour
and resolution  It is Frank Churchill's duty to pay this attention
to his father  He knows it to be so by his promises and messages
but if he wished to do it it might be done  A man who felt rightly
would say at once simply and resolutely to Mrs Churchill  
Every sacrifice of mere pleasure you will always find me ready to make
to your convenience but I must go and see my father immediately 
I know he would be hurt by my failing in such a mark of respect to him
on the present occasion  I shall therefore set off to morrow  
If he would say so to her at once in the tone of decision becoming
a man there would be no opposition made to his going

No said Emma laughing but perhaps there might be some made to his
coming back again  Such language for a young man entirely dependent
to use  Nobody but you Mr Knightley would imagine it possible 
But you have not an idea of what is requisite in situations directly
opposite to your own  Mr Frank Churchill to be making such
a speech as that to the uncle and aunt who have brought him up
and are to provide for him  Standing up in the middle of the room
I suppose and speaking as loud as he could  How can you imagine
such conduct practicable

Depend upon it Emma a sensible man would find no difficulty in it 
He would feel himself in the right and the declaration  made
of course as a man of sense would make it in a proper manner  
would do him more good raise him higher fix his interest stronger
with the people he depended on than all that a line of shifts
and expedients can ever do  Respect would be added to affection 
They would feel that they could trust him that the nephew who had
done rightly by his father would do rightly by them for they know
as well as he does as well as all the world must know that he
ought to pay this visit to his father and while meanly exerting
their power to delay it are in their hearts not thinking the better
of him for submitting to their whims  Respect for right conduct
is felt by every body  If he would act in this sort of manner
on principle consistently regularly their little minds would bend
to his

I rather doubt that  You are very fond of bending little minds
but where little minds belong to rich people in authority
I think they have a knack of swelling out till they are quite as
unmanageable as great ones  I can imagine that if you as you are
Mr Knightley were to be transported and placed all at once in
Mr Frank Churchill's situation you would be able to say and do
just what you have been recommending for him and it might have
a very good effect  The Churchills might not have a word to say
in return but then you would have no habits of early obedience
and long observance to break through  To him who has it might
not be so easy to burst forth at once into perfect independence
and set all their claims on his gratitude and regard at nought 
He may have as strong a sense of what would be right as you can have
without being so equal under particular circumstances to act up
to it

Then it would not be so strong a sense  If it failed to produce
equal exertion it could not be an equal conviction

Oh the difference of situation and habit  I wish you would try
to understand what an amiable young man may be likely to feel
in directly opposing those whom as child and boy he has been
looking up to all his life

Our amiable young man is a very weak young man if this be the first
occasion of his carrying through a resolution to do right against
the will of others  It ought to have been a habit with him by
this time of following his duty instead of consulting expediency 
I can allow for the fears of the child but not of the man 
As he became rational he ought to have roused himself and shaken off
all that was unworthy in their authority  He ought to have opposed
the first attempt on their side to make him slight his father 
Had he begun as he ought there would have been no difficulty now

We shall never agree about him cried Emma but that is
nothing extraordinary  I have not the least idea of his being
a weak young man  I feel sure that he is not  Mr Weston would
not be blind to folly though in his own son but he is very likely
to have a more yielding complying mild disposition than would suit
your notions of man's perfection  I dare say he has and though
it may cut him off from some advantages it will secure him many others

Yes all the advantages of sitting still when he ought to move
and of leading a life of mere idle pleasure and fancying himself
extremely expert in finding excuses for it  He can sit down and
write a fine flourishing letter full of professions and falsehoods
and persuade himself that he has hit upon the very best method
in the world of preserving peace at home and preventing his father's
having any right to complain  His letters disgust me

Your feelings are singular  They seem to satisfy every body else

I suspect they do not satisfy Mrs Weston  They hardly can
satisfy a woman of her good sense and quick feelings  standing in
a mother's place but without a mother's affection to blind her 
It is on her account that attention to Randalls is doubly due
and she must doubly feel the omission  Had she been a person
of consequence herself he would have come I dare say and it would
not have signified whether he did or no  Can you think your friend
behindhand in these sort of considerations  Do you suppose she
does not often say all this to herself  No Emma your amiable
young man can be amiable only in French not in English  He may be
very aimable have very good manners and be very agreeable but he
can have no English delicacy towards the feelings of other people 
nothing really amiable about him

You seem determined to think ill of him

Me  not at all replied Mr Knightley rather displeased I do
not want to think ill of him  I should be as ready to acknowledge
his merits as any other man but I hear of none except what are
merely personal that he is well grown and good looking with smooth
plausible manners

Well if he have nothing else to recommend him he will be a
treasure at Highbury  We do not often look upon fine young men
well bred and agreeable  We must not be nice and ask for all
the virtues into the bargain  Cannot you imagine Mr Knightley
what a sensation his coming will produce  There will be but one subject
throughout the parishes of Donwell and Highbury but one interest  
one object of curiosity it will be all Mr Frank Churchill
we shall think and speak of nobody else

You will excuse my being so much over powered If I find him
conversable I shall be glad of his acquaintance but if he is only
a chattering coxcomb he will not occupy much of my time or thoughts

My idea of him is that he can adapt his conversation to the taste
of every body and has the power as well as the wish of being
universally agreeable  To you he will talk of farming to me
of drawing or music and so on to every body having that general
information on all subjects which will enable him to follow the lead
or take the lead just as propriety may require and to speak
extremely well on each that is my idea of him

And mine said Mr Knightley warmly is that if he turn out any
thing like it he will be the most insufferable fellow breathing 
What at three and twenty to be the king of his company  the great man  
the practised politician who is to read every body's character
and make every body's talents conduce to the display of his
own superiority to be dispensing his flatteries around that he
may make all appear like fools compared with himself  My dear Emma
your own good sense could not endure such a puppy when it came
to the point

I will say no more about him cried Emma you turn every
thing to evil  We are both prejudiced you against I for him
and we have no chance of agreeing till he is really here

Prejudiced  I am not prejudiced

But I am very much and without being at all ashamed of it 
My love for Mr and Mrs Weston gives me a decided prejudice in
his favour

He is a person I never think of from one month's end to another
said Mr Knightley with a degree of vexation which made Emma
immediately talk of something else though she could not comprehend
why he should be angry

To take a dislike to a young man only because he appeared to be
of a different disposition from himself was unworthy the real
liberality of mind which she was always used to acknowledge in him
for with all the high opinion of himself which she had often laid
to his charge she had never before for a moment supposed it could
make him unjust to the merit of another




VOLUME II



CHAPTER I


Emma and Harriet had been walking together one morning and
in Emma's opinion had been talking enough of Mr Elton for that day 
She could not think that Harriet's solace or her own sins required more
and she was therefore industriously getting rid of the subject
as they returned  but it burst out again when she thought she
had succeeded and after speaking some time of what the poor must
suffer in winter and receiving no other answer than a very plaintive  
Mr Elton is so good to the poor she found something else must be done

They were just approaching the house where lived Mrs and Miss Bates 
She determined to call upon them and seek safety in numbers 
There was always sufficient reason for such an attention Mrs and
Miss Bates loved to be called on and she knew she was considered
by the very few who presumed ever to see imperfection in her
as rather negligent in that respect and as not contributing what she
ought to the stock of their scanty comforts

She had had many a hint from Mr Knightley and some from her own heart
as to her deficiency  but none were equal to counteract the persuasion
of its being very disagreeable  a waste of time  tiresome women  
and all the horror of being in danger of falling in with the second rate
and third rate of Highbury who were calling on them for ever
and therefore she seldom went near them  But now she made the sudden
resolution of not passing their door without going in  observing
as she proposed it to Harriet that as well as she could calculate
they were just now quite safe from any letter from Jane Fairfax

The house belonged to people in business  Mrs and Miss Bates occupied
the drawing room floor and there in the very moderate sized apartment
which was every thing to them the visitors were most cordially
and even gratefully welcomed the quiet neat old lady who with her
knitting was seated in the warmest corner wanting even to give up
her place to Miss Woodhouse and her more active talking daughter
almost ready to overpower them with care and kindness thanks for
their visit solicitude for their shoes anxious inquiries after
Mr Woodhouse's health cheerful communications about her mother's
and sweet cake from the beaufet  Mrs Cole had just been there
just called in for ten minutes and had been so good as to sit an
hour with them and she had taken a piece of cake and been so kind
as to say she liked it very much and therefore she hoped Miss
Woodhouse and Miss Smith would do them the favour to eat a piece too

The mention of the Coles was sure to be followed by that of Mr Elton 
There was intimacy between them and Mr Cole had heard from
Mr Elton since his going away  Emma knew what was coming they must
have the letter over again and settle how long he had been gone
and how much he was engaged in company and what a favourite he
was wherever he went and how full the Master of the Ceremonies
ball had been and she went through it very well with all the
interest and all the commendation that could be requisite and always
putting forward to prevent Harriet's being obliged to say a word

This she had been prepared for when she entered the house
but meant having once talked him handsomely over to be no farther
incommoded by any troublesome topic and to wander at large amongst
all the Mistresses and Misses of Highbury and their card parties
She had not been prepared to have Jane Fairfax succeed Mr Elton
but he was actually hurried off by Miss Bates she jumped away
from him at last abruptly to the Coles to usher in a letter from
her niece

Oh yes  Mr Elton I understand  certainly as to dancing  
Mrs Cole was telling me that dancing at the rooms at Bath was  
Mrs Cole was so kind as to sit some time with us talking of Jane
for as soon as she came in she began inquiring after her
Jane is so very great a favourite there  Whenever she is with us
Mrs Cole does not know how to shew her kindness enough
and I must say that Jane deserves it as much as any body can 
And so she began inquiring after her directly saying I know you
cannot have heard from Jane lately because it is not her time
for writing and when I immediately said But indeed we have
we had a letter this very morning I do not know that I ever saw
any body more surprized  Have you upon your honour said she
well that is quite unexpected  Do let me hear what she says

Emma's politeness was at hand directly to say with smiling interest  

Have you heard from Miss Fairfax so lately  I am extremely happy 
I hope she is well

Thank you  You are so kind replied the happily deceived aunt
while eagerly hunting for the letter  Oh here it is  I was sure
it could not be far off but I had put my huswife upon it you see
without being aware and so it was quite hid but I had it in my hand
so very lately that I was almost sure it must be on the table 
I was reading it to Mrs Cole and since she went away I was
reading it again to my mother for it is such a pleasure to her  
a letter from Jane  that she can never hear it often enough
so I knew it could not be far off and here it is only just under
my huswife  and since you are so kind as to wish to hear what
she says  but first of all I really must in justice to Jane
apologise for her writing so short a letter  only two pages you see  
hardly two  and in general she fills the whole paper and crosses half 
My mother often wonders that I can make it out so well 
She often says when the letter is first opened Well Hetty
now I think you will be put to it to make out all that checker work  
don't you ma'am  And then I tell her I am sure she would contrive
to make it out herself if she had nobody to do it for her  
every word of it  I am sure she would pore over it till she had
made out every word  And indeed though my mother's eyes are not
so good as they were she can see amazingly well still thank God
with the help of spectacles  It is such a blessing  My mother's
are really very good indeed  Jane often says when she is here
I am sure grandmama you must have had very strong eyes to see
as you do  and so much fine work as you have done too  I only wish
my eyes may last me as well

All this spoken extremely fast obliged Miss Bates to stop for breath
and Emma said something very civil about the excellence of Miss
Fairfax's handwriting

You are extremely kind replied Miss Bates highly gratified
you who are such a judge and write so beautifully yourself 
I am sure there is nobody's praise that could give us so much pleasure
as Miss Woodhouse's My mother does not hear she is a little deaf
you know  Ma'am addressing her do you hear what Miss Woodhouse
is so obliging to say about Jane's handwriting

And Emma had the advantage of hearing her own silly compliment
repeated twice over before the good old lady could comprehend it 
She was pondering in the meanwhile upon the possibility without seeming
very rude of making her escape from Jane Fairfax's letter and had
almost resolved on hurrying away directly under some slight excuse
when Miss Bates turned to her again and seized her attention

My mother's deafness is very trifling you see  just nothing at all 
By only raising my voice and saying any thing two or three times over
she is sure to hear but then she is used to my voice  But it is very
remarkable that she should always hear Jane better than she does me 
Jane speaks so distinct  However she will not find her grandmama
at all deafer than she was two years ago which is saying a great
deal at my mother's time of life  and it really is full two years
you know since she was here  We never were so long without seeing
her before and as I was telling Mrs Cole we shall hardly know
how to make enough of her now

Are you expecting Miss Fairfax here soon

Oh yes next week

Indeed  that must be a very great pleasure

Thank you  You are very kind  Yes next week  Every body is
so surprized and every body says the same obliging things  I am
sure she will be as happy to see her friends at Highbury as they
can be to see her  Yes Friday or Saturday she cannot say which
because Colonel Campbell will be wanting the carriage himself one
of those days  So very good of them to send her the whole way 
But they always do you know  Oh yes Friday or Saturday next 
That is what she writes about  That is the reason of her writing out
of rule as we call it for in the common course we should not have
heard from her before next Tuesday or Wednesday

Yes so I imagined  I was afraid there could be little chance
of my hearing any thing of Miss Fairfax to day

So obliging of you  No we should not have heard if it had not
been for this particular circumstance of her being to come here
so soon  My mother is so delighted  for she is to be three months
with us at least  Three months she says so positively as I
am going to have the pleasure of reading to you  The case is
you see that the Campbells are going to Ireland  Mrs Dixon has
persuaded her father and mother to come over and see her directly 
They had not intended to go over till the summer but she is so
impatient to see them again  for till she married last October
she was never away from them so much as a week which must make
it very strange to be in different kingdoms I was going to say
but however different countries and so she wrote a very urgent letter
to her mother  or her father I declare I do not know which it was
but we shall see presently in Jane's letter  wrote in Mr Dixon's
name as well as her own to press their coming over directly
and they would give them the meeting in Dublin and take them back
to their country seat Baly craig a beautiful place I fancy 
Jane has heard a great deal of its beauty from Mr Dixon I mean  
I do not know that she ever heard about it from any body else
but it was very natural you know that he should like to speak
of his own place while he was paying his addresses  and as Jane used
to be very often walking out with them  for Colonel and Mrs Campbell
were very particular about their daughter's not walking out
often with only Mr Dixon for which I do not at all blame them
of course she heard every thing he might be telling Miss Campbell
about his own home in Ireland and I think she wrote us word
that he had shewn them some drawings of the place views that he
had taken himself  He is a most amiable charming young man
I believe  Jane was quite longing to go to Ireland from his account
of things

At this moment an ingenious and animating suspicion entering
Emma's brain with regard to Jane Fairfax this charming Mr Dixon
and the not going to Ireland she said with the insidious design
of farther discovery

You must feel it very fortunate that Miss Fairfax should be allowed
to come to you at such a time  Considering the very particular
friendship between her and Mrs Dixon you could hardly have expected
her to be excused from accompanying Colonel and Mrs Campbell

Very true very true indeed  The very thing that we have always
been rather afraid of for we should not have liked to have her
at such a distance from us for months together  not able to come
if any thing was to happen  But you see every thing turns out
for the best  They want her Mr and Mrs Dixon excessively to
come over with Colonel and Mrs Campbell quite depend upon it
nothing can be more kind or pressing than their joint invitation
Jane says as you will hear presently Mr Dixon does not seem in the
least backward in any attention  He is a most charming young man 
Ever since the service he rendered Jane at Weymouth when they were
out in that party on the water and she by the sudden whirling
round of something or other among the sails would have been dashed
into the sea at once and actually was all but gone if he had not
with the greatest presence of mind caught hold of her habit  
I can never think of it without trembling  But ever since we
had the history of that day I have been so fond of Mr Dixon

But in spite of all her friends urgency and her own wish
of seeing Ireland Miss Fairfax prefers devoting the time to you
and Mrs Bates

Yes  entirely her own doing entirely her own choice and Colonel
and Mrs Campbell think she does quite right just what they
should recommend and indeed they particularly wish her to try
her native air as she has not been quite so well as usual lately

I am concerned to hear of it  I think they judge wisely 
But Mrs Dixon must be very much disappointed  Mrs Dixon
I understand has no remarkable degree of personal beauty is not
by any means to be compared with Miss Fairfax

Oh no  You are very obliging to say such things  but certainly not 
There is no comparison between them  Miss Campbell always was
absolutely plain  but extremely elegant and amiable

Yes that of course

Jane caught a bad cold poor thing so long ago as the 7th
of November as I am going to read to you and has never been
well since  A long time is not it for a cold to hang upon her 
She never mentioned it before because she would not alarm us 
Just like her so considerate  But however she is so far from well
that her kind friends the Campbells think she had better come home
and try an air that always agrees with her and they have no doubt
that three or four months at Highbury will entirely cure her  
and it is certainly a great deal better that she should come here
than go to Ireland if she is unwell Nobody could nurse her as we
should do

It appears to me the most desirable arrangement in the world

And so she is to come to us next Friday or Saturday and the
Campbells leave town in their way to Holyhead the Monday following  
as you will find from Jane's letter  So sudden  You may guess
dear Miss Woodhouse what a flurry it has thrown me in 
If it was not for the drawback of her illness  but I am afraid
we must expect to see her grown thin and looking very poorly 
I must tell you what an unlucky thing happened to me as to that 
I always make a point of reading Jane's letters through to myself first
before I read them aloud to my mother you know for fear of there
being any thing in them to distress her  Jane desired me to do it
so I always do  and so I began to day with my usual caution
but no sooner did I come to the mention of her being unwell than I
burst out quite frightened with Bless me poor Jane is ill  
which my mother being on the watch heard distinctly and was sadly
alarmed at  However when I read on I found it was not near so bad
as I had fancied at first and I make so light of it now to her
that she does not think much about it  But I cannot imagine
how I could be so off my guard  If Jane does not get well soon
we will call in Mr Perry  The expense shall not be thought of
and though he is so liberal and so fond of Jane that I dare say
he would not mean to charge any thing for attendance we could not
suffer it to be so you know  He has a wife and family to maintain
and is not to be giving away his time  Well now I have just given you
a hint of what Jane writes about we will turn to her letter and I am
sure she tells her own story a great deal better than I can tell it
for her

I am afraid we must be running away said Emma glancing at Harriet
and beginning to rise  My father will be expecting us 
I had no intention I thought I had no power of staying more than
five minutes when I first entered the house  I merely called
because I would not pass the door without inquiring after Mrs Bates
but I have been so pleasantly detained  Now however we must wish
you and Mrs Bates good morning

And not all that could be urged to detain her succeeded 
She regained the street  happy in this that though much had been
forced on her against her will though she had in fact heard
the whole substance of Jane Fairfax's letter she had been able
to escape the letter itself



CHAPTER II


Jane Fairfax was an orphan the only child of Mrs Bates's
youngest daughter

The marriage of Lieut Fairfax of the  regiment of infantry
and Miss Jane Bates had had its day of fame and pleasure
hope and interest but nothing now remained of it save the melancholy
remembrance of him dying in action abroad  of his widow sinking
under consumption and grief soon afterwards  and this girl

By birth she belonged to Highbury  and when at three years old
on losing her mother she became the property the charge
the consolation the fondling of her grandmother and aunt there had
seemed every probability of her being permanently fixed there
of her being taught only what very limited means could command
and growing up with no advantages of connexion or improvement
to be engrafted on what nature had given her in a pleasing person
good understanding and warm hearted well meaning relations

But the compassionate feelings of a friend of her father gave
a change to her destiny  This was Colonel Campbell who had
very highly regarded Fairfax as an excellent officer and most
deserving young man and farther had been indebted to him for
such attentions during a severe camp fever as he believed had saved
his life  These were claims which he did not learn to overlook
though some years passed away from the death of poor Fairfax
before his own return to England put any thing in his power 
When he did return he sought out the child and took notice of her 
He was a married man with only one living child a girl
about Jane's age  and Jane became their guest paying them long visits
and growing a favourite with all and before she was nine years old
his daughter's great fondness for her and his own wish of being
a real friend united to produce an offer from Colonel Campbell
of undertaking the whole charge of her education  It was accepted
and from that period Jane had belonged to Colonel Campbell's family
and had lived with them entirely only visiting her grandmother
from time to time

The plan was that she should be brought up for educating others
the very few hundred pounds which she inherited from her father
making independence impossible  To provide for her otherwise
was out of Colonel Campbell's power for though his income by pay
and appointments was handsome his fortune was moderate and must
be all his daughter's but by giving her an education he hoped
to be supplying the means of respectable subsistence hereafter

Such was Jane Fairfax's history  She had fallen into good hands
known nothing but kindness from the Campbells and been given
an excellent education  Living constantly with right minded
and well informed people her heart and understanding had received
every advantage of discipline and culture and Colonel Campbell's
residence being in London every lighter talent had been done
full justice to by the attendance of first rate masters 
Her disposition and abilities were equally worthy of all that
friendship could do and at eighteen or nineteen she was as far
as such an early age can be qualified for the care of children
fully competent to the office of instruction herself but she
was too much beloved to be parted with  Neither father nor mother
could promote and the daughter could not endure it  The evil day
was put off  It was easy to decide that she was still too young
and Jane remained with them sharing as another daughter in all
the rational pleasures of an elegant society and a judicious
mixture of home and amusement with only the drawback of the future
the sobering suggestions of her own good understanding to remind
her that all this might soon be over

The affection of the whole family the warm attachment of Miss
Campbell in particular was the more honourable to each party
from the circumstance of Jane's decided superiority both in beauty
and acquirements  That nature had given it in feature could not
be unseen by the young woman nor could her higher powers of mind
be unfelt by the parents  They continued together with unabated
regard however till the marriage of Miss Campbell who by that chance
that luck which so often defies anticipation in matrimonial affairs
giving attraction to what is moderate rather than to what is superior
engaged the affections of Mr Dixon a young man rich and agreeable
almost as soon as they were acquainted and was eligibly
and happily settled while Jane Fairfax had yet her bread to earn

This event had very lately taken place too lately for any thing to be
yet attempted by her less fortunate friend towards entering on her path
of duty though she had now reached the age which her own judgment
had fixed on for beginning  She had long resolved that one and twenty
should be the period  With the fortitude of a devoted novitiate
she had resolved at one and twenty to complete the sacrifice
and retire from all the pleasures of life of rational intercourse
equal society peace and hope to penance and mortification for ever

The good sense of Colonel and Mrs Campbell could not oppose such
a resolution though their feelings did  As long as they lived
no exertions would be necessary their home might be hers for ever
and for their own comfort they would have retained her wholly
but this would be selfishness  what must be at last had better
be soon  Perhaps they began to feel it might have been kinder
and wiser to have resisted the temptation of any delay and spared
her from a taste of such enjoyments of ease and leisure as must
now be relinquished  Still however affection was glad to catch
at any reasonable excuse for not hurrying on the wretched moment 
She had never been quite well since the time of their daughter's marriage
and till she should have completely recovered her usual strength
they must forbid her engaging in duties which so far from being
compatible with a weakened frame and varying spirits seemed
under the most favourable circumstances to require something
more than human perfection of body and mind to be discharged with
tolerable comfort

With regard to her not accompanying them to Ireland her account
to her aunt contained nothing but truth though there might be some
truths not told  It was her own choice to give the time of their
absence to Highbury to spend perhaps her last months of perfect
liberty with those kind relations to whom she was so very dear 
and the Campbells whatever might be their motive or motives
whether single or double or treble gave the arrangement
their ready sanction and said that they depended more on a few
months spent in her native air for the recovery of her health
than on any thing else  Certain it was that she was to come
and that Highbury instead of welcoming that perfect novelty which
had been so long promised it  Mr Frank Churchill  must put up for
the present with Jane Fairfax who could bring only the freshness
of a two years absence

Emma was sorry  to have to pay civilities to a person she did
not like through three long months  to be always doing more than
she wished and less than she ought  Why she did not like Jane
Fairfax might be a difficult question to answer Mr Knightley
had once told her it was because she saw in her the really
accomplished young woman which she wanted to be thought herself
and though the accusation had been eagerly refuted at the time
there were moments of self examination in which her conscience could
not quite acquit her  But she could never get acquainted with her 
she did not know how it was but there was such coldness and reserve  
such apparent indifference whether she pleased or not  and then
her aunt was such an eternal talker  and she was made such a fuss
with by every body  and it had been always imagined that they were
to be so intimate  because their ages were the same every body had
supposed they must be so fond of each other  These were her reasons  
she had no better

It was a dislike so little just  every imputed fault was so magnified
by fancy that she never saw Jane Fairfax the first time after any
considerable absence without feeling that she had injured her
and now when the due visit was paid on her arrival after a two years
interval she was particularly struck with the very appearance
and manners which for those two whole years she had been depreciating 
Jane Fairfax was very elegant remarkably elegant and she had
herself the highest value for elegance  Her height was pretty
just such as almost every body would think tall and nobody could
think very tall her figure particularly graceful her size a most
becoming medium between fat and thin though a slight appearance
of ill health seemed to point out the likeliest evil of the two 
Emma could not but feel all this and then her face  her features  
there was more beauty in them altogether than she had remembered
it was not regular but it was very pleasing beauty  Her eyes
a deep grey with dark eye lashes and eyebrows had never been denied
their praise but the skin which she had been used to cavil at
as wanting colour had a clearness and delicacy which really needed
no fuller bloom  It was a style of beauty of which elegance
was the reigning character and as such she must in honour
by all her principles admire it  elegance which whether of person
or of mind she saw so little in Highbury  There not to be vulgar
was distinction and merit

In short she sat during the first visit looking at Jane Fairfax
with twofold complacency the sense of pleasure and the sense
of rendering justice and was determining that she would dislike
her no longer  When she took in her history indeed her situation
as well as her beauty when she considered what all this elegance
was destined to what she was going to sink from how she was going
to live it seemed impossible to feel any thing but compassion
and respect especially if to every well known particular entitling
her to interest were added the highly probable circumstance
of an attachment to Mr Dixon which she had so naturally started
to herself  In that case nothing could be more pitiable
or more honourable than the sacrifices she had resolved on 
Emma was very willing now to acquit her of having seduced
Mr Dixon's actions from his wife or of any thing mischievous
which her imagination had suggested at first  If it were love
it might be simple single successless love on her side alone 
She might have been unconsciously sucking in the sad poison
while a sharer of his conversation with her friend and from the best
the purest of motives might now be denying herself this visit
to Ireland and resolving to divide herself effectually from
him and his connexions by soon beginning her career of laborious duty

Upon the whole Emma left her with such softened charitable feelings
as made her look around in walking home and lament that Highbury
afforded no young man worthy of giving her independence
nobody that she could wish to scheme about for her

These were charming feelings  but not lasting  Before she had
committed herself by any public profession of eternal friendship for
Jane Fairfax or done more towards a recantation of past prejudices
and errors than saying to Mr Knightley She certainly is handsome
she is better than handsome  Jane had spent an evening at Hartfield
with her grandmother and aunt and every thing was relapsing much
into its usual state  Former provocations reappeared  The aunt
was as tiresome as ever more tiresome because anxiety for her
health was now added to admiration of her powers and they had to
listen to the description of exactly how little bread and butter
she ate for breakfast and how small a slice of mutton for dinner
as well as to see exhibitions of new caps and new workbags for her
mother and herself and Jane's offences rose again  They had music
Emma was obliged to play and the thanks and praise which necessarily
followed appeared to her an affectation of candour an air
of greatness meaning only to shew off in higher style her own very
superior performance  She was besides which was the worst of all
so cold so cautious  There was no getting at her real opinion 
Wrapt up in a cloak of politeness she seemed determined
to hazard nothing  She was disgustingly was suspiciously reserved

If any thing could be more where all was most she was more
reserved on the subject of Weymouth and the Dixons than any thing 
She seemed bent on giving no real insight into Mr Dixon's character
or her own value for his company or opinion of the suitableness
of the match  It was all general approbation and smoothness
nothing delineated or distinguished  It did her no service however 
Her caution was thrown away  Emma saw its artifice and returned
to her first surmises  There probably was something more to conceal
than her own preference Mr Dixon perhaps had been very near
changing one friend for the other or been fixed only to Miss Campbell
for the sake of the future twelve thousand pounds

The like reserve prevailed on other topics  She and Mr Frank Churchill
had been at Weymouth at the same time  It was known that they were
a little acquainted but not a syllable of real information could Emma
procure as to what he truly was  Was he handsome  She believed
he was reckoned a very fine young man  Was he agreeable  
He was generally thought so  Did he appear a sensible young man
a young man of information  At a watering place or in a common
London acquaintance it was difficult to decide on such points 
Manners were all that could be safely judged of under a much longer
knowledge than they had yet had of Mr Churchill  She believed
every body found his manners pleasing  Emma could not forgive her



CHAPTER III


Emma could not forgive her  but as neither provocation nor resentment
were discerned by Mr Knightley who had been of the party and had
seen only proper attention and pleasing behaviour on each side
he was expressing the next morning being at Hartfield again on
business with Mr Woodhouse his approbation of the whole not so
openly as he might have done had her father been out of the room
but speaking plain enough to be very intelligible to Emma 
He had been used to think her unjust to Jane and had now great
pleasure in marking an improvement

A very pleasant evening he began as soon as Mr Woodhouse
had been talked into what was necessary told that he understood
and the papers swept away  particularly pleasant  You and Miss
Fairfax gave us some very good music  I do not know a more
luxurious state sir than sitting at one's ease to be entertained
a whole evening by two such young women sometimes with music
and sometimes with conversation  I am sure Miss Fairfax must
have found the evening pleasant Emma  You left nothing undone 
I was glad you made her play so much for having no instrument
at her grandmother's it must have been a real indulgence

I am happy you approved said Emma smiling but I hope I am
not often deficient in what is due to guests at Hartfield

No my dear said her father instantly that I am sure you
are not  There is nobody half so attentive and civil as you are 
If any thing you are too attentive  The muffin last night  if it
had been handed round once I think it would have been enough

No said Mr Knightley nearly at the same time you are not
often deficient not often deficient either in manner or comprehension 
I think you understand me therefore

An arch look expressed  I understand you well enough but she
said only Miss Fairfax is reserved

I always told you she was  a little but you will soon overcome
all that part of her reserve which ought to be overcome all that
has its foundation in diffidence  What arises from discretion
must be honoured

You think her diffident  I do not see it

My dear Emma said he moving from his chair into one close
by her you are not going to tell me I hope that you
had not a pleasant evening

Oh no I was pleased with my own perseverance in asking questions
and amused to think how little information I obtained

I am disappointed was his only answer

I hope every body had a pleasant evening said Mr Woodhouse
in his quiet way  I had  Once I felt the fire rather too much
but then I moved back my chair a little a very little and it did
not disturb me  Miss Bates was very chatty and good humoured
as she always is though she speaks rather too quick  However
she is very agreeable and Mrs Bates too in a different way 
I like old friends and Miss Jane Fairfax is a very pretty sort of
young lady a very pretty and a very well behaved young lady indeed 
She must have found the evening agreeable Mr Knightley because she
had Emma

True sir and Emma because she had Miss Fairfax

Emma saw his anxiety and wishing to appease it at least for
the present said and with a sincerity which no one could question  

She is a sort of elegant creature that one cannot keep one's eyes from 
I am always watching her to admire and I do pity her from my heart

Mr Knightley looked as if he were more gratified than he cared
to express and before he could make any reply Mr Woodhouse
whose thoughts were on the Bates's said  

It is a great pity that their circumstances should be so confined
a great pity indeed and I have often wished  but it is so little one
can venture to do  small trifling presents of any thing uncommon  
Now we have killed a porker and Emma thinks of sending them
a loin or a leg it is very small and delicate  Hartfield pork is
not like any other pork  but still it is pork  and my dear Emma
unless one could be sure of their making it into steaks nicely fried
as ours are fried without the smallest grease and not roast it
for no stomach can bear roast pork  I think we had better send the leg  
do not you think so my dear

My dear papa I sent the whole hind quarter I knew you would wish it 
There will be the leg to be salted you know which is so very nice
and the loin to be dressed directly in any manner they like

That's right my dear very right  I had not thought of it before
but that is the best way  They must not over salt the leg and then
if it is not over salted and if it is very thoroughly boiled
just as Serle boils ours and eaten very moderately of with a
boiled turnip and a little carrot or parsnip I do not consider
it unwholesome

Emma said Mr Knightley presently I have a piece of news for you 
You like news  and I heard an article in my way hither that I think
will interest you

News  Oh yes I always like news  What is it  why do you
smile so  where did you hear it  at Randalls

He had time only to say

No not at Randalls I have not been near Randalls when the door
was thrown open and Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax walked into the room 
Full of thanks and full of news Miss Bates knew not which to
give quickest  Mr Knightley soon saw that he had lost his moment
and that not another syllable of communication could rest with him

Oh my dear sir how are you this morning  My dear Miss Woodhouse  
I come quite over powered Such a beautiful hind quarter of pork 
You are too bountiful  Have you heard the news  Mr Elton is going
to be married

Emma had not had time even to think of Mr Elton and she was
so completely surprized that she could not avoid a little start
and a little blush at the sound

There is my news  I thought it would interest you
said Mr Knightley with a smile which implied a conviction
of some part of what had passed between them

But where could you hear it cried Miss Bates  Where could
you possibly hear it Mr Knightley  For it is not five minutes
since I received Mrs Cole's note  no it cannot be more than five  
or at least ten  for I had got my bonnet and spencer on just ready
to come out  I was only gone down to speak to Patty again about
the pork  Jane was standing in the passage  were not you Jane  
for my mother was so afraid that we had not any salting pan
large enough  So I said I would go down and see and Jane said
Shall I go down instead for I think you have a little cold
and Patty has been washing the kitchen  Oh my dear
said I  well and just then came the note  A Miss Hawkins  
that's all I know  A Miss Hawkins of Bath  But Mr Knightley
how could you possibly have heard it for the very moment Mr Cole
told Mrs Cole of it she sat down and wrote to me  A Miss Hawkins  

I was with Mr Cole on business an hour and a half ago 
He had just read Elton's letter as I was shewn in and handed it
to me directly

Well that is quite  I suppose there never was a piece of news more
generally interesting  My dear sir you really are too bountiful 
My mother desires her very best compliments and regards and a
thousand thanks and says you really quite oppress her

We consider our Hartfield pork replied Mr Woodhouse  indeed it
certainly is so very superior to all other pork that Emma and I
cannot have a greater pleasure than   

Oh my dear sir as my mother says our friends are only too good
to us  If ever there were people who without having great wealth
themselves had every thing they could wish for I am sure it is us 
We may well say that our lot is cast in a goodly heritage 
Well Mr Knightley and so you actually saw the letter well  

It was short  merely to announce  but cheerful exulting of course  
Here was a sly glance at Emma  He had been so fortunate as to  
I forget the precise words  one has no business to remember them 
The information was as you state that he was going to be married
to a Miss Hawkins  By his style I should imagine it just settled

Mr Elton going to be married said Emma as soon as she could speak 
He will have every body's wishes for his happiness

He is very young to settle was Mr Woodhouse's observation 
He had better not be in a hurry  He seemed to me very well off
as he was  We were always glad to see him at Hartfield

A new neighbour for us all Miss Woodhouse said Miss Bates
joyfully my mother is so pleased  she says she cannot
bear to have the poor old Vicarage without a mistress 
This is great news indeed  Jane you have never seen
Mr Elton  no wonder that you have such a curiosity to see him

Jane's curiosity did not appear of that absorbing nature as wholly
to occupy her

No  I have never seen Mr Elton she replied starting on this appeal
is he  is he a tall man

Who shall answer that question cried Emma  My father would
say yes Mr Knightley no and Miss Bates and I that he is
just the happy medium  When you have been here a little longer
Miss Fairfax you will understand that Mr Elton is the standard
of perfection in Highbury both in person and mind

Very true Miss Woodhouse so she will  He is the very best
young man  But my dear Jane if you remember I told you yesterday
he was precisely the height of Mr Perry  Miss Hawkins  I dare say
an excellent young woman  His extreme attention to my mother  
wanting her to sit in the vicarage pew that she might hear the better
for my mother is a little deaf you know  it is not much but she
does not hear quite quick  Jane says that Colonel Campbell is a
little deaf  He fancied bathing might be good for it  the warm bath  
but she says it did him no lasting benefit  Colonel Campbell
you know is quite our angel  And Mr Dixon seems a very charming
young man quite worthy of him  It is such a happiness when good
people get together  and they always do  Now here will be Mr Elton
and Miss Hawkins and there are the Coles such very good people
and the Perrys  I suppose there never was a happier or a better couple
than Mr and Mrs Perry  I say sir turning to Mr Woodhouse
I think there are few places with such society as Highbury 
I always say we are quite blessed in our neighbours  My dear sir
if there is one thing my mother loves better than another it is pork  
a roast loin of pork  

As to who or what Miss Hawkins is or how long he has been
acquainted with her said Emma nothing I suppose can be known 
One feels that it cannot be a very long acquaintance  He has been
gone only four weeks

Nobody had any information to give and after a few more wonderings
Emma said

You are silent Miss Fairfax  but I hope you mean to take
an interest in this news  You who have been hearing and seeing
so much of late on these subjects who must have been so deep
in the business on Miss Campbell's account  we shall not excuse
your being indifferent about Mr Elton and Miss Hawkins

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

Emma alone with her father had half her attention wanted by him
while he lamented that young people would be in such a hurry to marry  
and to marry strangers too  and the other half she could give
to her own view of the subject  It was to herself an amusing
and a very welcome piece of news as proving that Mr Elton
could not have suffered long but she was sorry for Harriet 
Harriet must feel it  and all that she could hope was by giving
the first information herself to save her from hearing it abruptly
from others  It was now about the time that she was likely to call 
If she were to meet Miss Bates in her way  and upon its beginning
to rain Emma was obliged to expect that the weather would be
detaining her at Mrs Goddard's and that the intelligence would
undoubtedly rush upon her without preparation

The shower was heavy but short and it had not been over five minutes
when in came Harriet with just the heated agitated look which
hurrying thither with a full heart was likely to give and the
Oh Miss Woodhouse what do you think has happened which instantly
burst forth had all the evidence of corresponding perturbation 
As the blow was given Emma felt that she could not now shew greater
kindness than in listening and Harriet unchecked ran eagerly
through what she had to tell  She had set out from Mrs Goddard's
half an hour ago  she had been afraid it would rain  she had been
afraid it would pour down every moment  but she thought she might
get to Hartfield first  she had hurried on as fast as possible
but then as she was passing by the house where a young woman
was making up a gown for her she thought she would just step
in and see how it went on and though she did not seem to stay
half a moment there soon after she came out it began to rain
and she did not know what to do so she ran on directly as fast
as she could and took shelter at Ford's  Ford's was the principal
woollen draper linen draper and haberdasher's shop united
the shop first in size and fashion in the place  And so
there she had set without an idea of any thing in the world
full ten minutes perhaps  when all of a sudden who should come in  
to be sure it was so very odd  but they always dealt at Ford's  
who should come in but Elizabeth Martin and her brother  
Dear Miss Woodhouse only think  I thought I should have fainted 
I did not know what to do  I was sitting near the door  Elizabeth saw
me directly but he did not he was busy with the umbrella 
I am sure she saw me but she looked away directly and took
no notice and they both went to quite the farther end of the shop
and I kept sitting near the door  Oh dear I was so miserable 
I am sure I must have been as white as my gown  I could not go away
you know because of the rain but I did so wish myself anywhere
in the world but there  Oh dear Miss Woodhouse  well at last
I fancy he looked round and saw me for instead of going
on with her buyings they began whispering to one another 
I am sure they were talking of me and I could not help thinking
that he was persuading her to speak to me  do you think he was
Miss Woodhouse  for presently she came forward  came quite up
to me and asked me how I did and seemed ready to shake hands
if I would  She did not do any of it in the same way that she used
I could see she was altered but however she seemed to try to be
very friendly and we shook hands and stood talking some time
but I know no more what I said  I was in such a tremble  I remember
she said she was sorry we never met now which I thought almost
too kind  Dear Miss Woodhouse I was absolutely miserable 
By that time it was beginning to hold up and I was determined
that nothing should stop me from getting away  and then  only think  
I found he was coming up towards me too  slowly you know and as
if he did not quite know what to do and so he came and spoke
and I answered  and I stood for a minute feeling dreadfully
you know one can't tell how and then I took courage and said it
did not rain and I must go and so off I set and I had not got
three yards from the door when he came after me only to say
if I was going to Hartfield he thought I had much better go round
by Mr Cole's stables for I should find the near way quite floated
by this rain  Oh dear I thought it would have been the death of me 
So I said I was very much obliged to him  you know I could
not do less and then he went back to Elizabeth and I came round
by the stables  I believe I did  but I hardly knew where I was
or any thing about it  Oh  Miss Woodhouse I would rather done
any thing than have it happen  and yet you know there was a sort
of satisfaction in seeing him behave so pleasantly and so kindly 
And Elizabeth too  Oh  Miss Woodhouse do talk to me and make
me comfortable again

Very sincerely did Emma wish to do so but it was not immediately in
her power  She was obliged to stop and think  She was not thoroughly
comfortable herself  The young man's conduct and his sister's
seemed the result of real feeling and she could not but pity them 
As Harriet described it there had been an interesting mixture
of wounded affection and genuine delicacy in their behaviour 
But she had believed them to be well meaning worthy people before
and what difference did this make in the evils of the connexion 
It was folly to be disturbed by it  Of course he must be sorry
to lose her  they must be all sorry  Ambition as well as love
had probably been mortified  They might all have hoped to rise
by Harriet's acquaintance  and besides what was the value of
Harriet's description  So easily pleased  so little discerning  
what signified her praise

She exerted herself and did try to make her comfortable
by considering all that had passed as a mere trifle and quite
unworthy of being dwelt on

It might be distressing for the moment said she but you seem
to have behaved extremely well and it is over  and may never  
can never as a first meeting occur again and therefore you need
not think about it

Harriet said very true and she would not think about it
but still she talked of it  still she could talk of nothing else
and Emma at last in order to put the Martins out of her head
was obliged to hurry on the news which she had meant to give
with so much tender caution hardly knowing herself whether
to rejoice or be angry ashamed or only amused at such a state
of mind in poor Harriet  such a conclusion of Mr Elton's importance
with her

Mr Elton's rights however gradually revived  Though she did not
feel the first intelligence as she might have done the day before
or an hour before its interest soon increased and before their
first conversation was over she had talked herself into all the
sensations of curiosity wonder and regret pain and pleasure
as to this fortunate Miss Hawkins which could conduce to place
the Martins under proper subordination in her fancy

Emma learned to be rather glad that there had been such a meeting 
It had been serviceable in deadening the first shock without retaining
any influence to alarm  As Harriet now lived the Martins could
not get at her without seeking her where hitherto they had wanted
either the courage or the condescension to seek her for since her
refusal of the brother the sisters never had been at Mrs Goddard's
and a twelvemonth might pass without their being thrown together again
with any necessity or even any power of speech



CHAPTER IV


Human nature is so well disposed towards those who are in
interesting situations that a young person who either marries
or dies is sure of being kindly spoken of

A week had not passed since Miss Hawkins's name was first
mentioned in Highbury before she was by some means or other
discovered to have every recommendation of person and mind
to be handsome elegant highly accomplished and perfectly amiable 
and when Mr Elton himself arrived to triumph in his happy prospects
and circulate the fame of her merits there was very little more
for him to do than to tell her Christian name and say whose
music she principally played

Mr Elton returned a very happy man  He had gone away rejected
and mortified  disappointed in a very sanguine hope after a series
of what appeared to him strong encouragement and not only losing
the right lady but finding himself debased to the level of a very
wrong one  He had gone away deeply offended  he came back engaged
to another  and to another as superior of course to the first
as under such circumstances what is gained always is to what is lost 
He came back gay and self satisfied eager and busy caring nothing
for Miss Woodhouse and defying Miss Smith

The charming Augusta Hawkins in addition to all the usual advantages
of perfect beauty and merit was in possession of an independent fortune
of so many thousands as would always be called ten a point of
some dignity as well as some convenience  the story told well
he had not thrown himself away  he had gained a woman of 10000 l 
or thereabouts and he had gained her with such delightful rapidity  
the first hour of introduction had been so very soon followed by
distinguishing notice the history which he had to give Mrs Cole
of the rise and progress of the affair was so glorious  the steps
so quick from the accidental rencontre to the dinner at Mr Green's
and the party at Mrs Brown's  smiles and blushes rising in importance  
with consciousness and agitation richly scattered  the lady
had been so easily impressed  so sweetly disposed  had in short
to use a most intelligible phrase been so very ready to have him
that vanity and prudence were equally contented

He had caught both substance and shadow  both fortune and affection
and was just the happy man he ought to be talking only of himself
and his own concerns  expecting to be congratulated  ready to be
laughed at  and with cordial fearless smiles now addressing
all the young ladies of the place to whom a few weeks ago
he would have been more cautiously gallant

The wedding was no distant event as the parties had only themselves
to please and nothing but the necessary preparations to wait for
and when he set out for Bath again there was a general expectation
which a certain glance of Mrs Cole's did not seem to contradict
that when he next entered Highbury he would bring his bride

During his present short stay Emma had barely seen him but just
enough to feel that the first meeting was over and to give her
the impression of his not being improved by the mixture of pique
and pretension now spread over his air  She was in fact
beginning very much to wonder that she had ever thought him pleasing
at all and his sight was so inseparably connected with some very
disagreeable feelings that except in a moral light as a penance
a lesson a source of profitable humiliation to her own mind
she would have been thankful to be assured of never seeing him again 
She wished him very well but he gave her pain and his welfare
twenty miles off would administer most satisfaction

The pain of his continued residence in Highbury however must certainly
be lessened by his marriage  Many vain solicitudes would be prevented  
many awkwardnesses smoothed by it  A Mrs Elton would be an excuse for
any change of intercourse former intimacy might sink without remark 
It would be almost beginning their life of civility again

Of the lady individually Emma thought very little  She was good
enough for Mr Elton no doubt accomplished enough for Highbury  
handsome enough  to look plain probably by Harriet's side 
As to connexion there Emma was perfectly easy persuaded
that after all his own vaunted claims and disdain of Harriet
he had done nothing  On that article truth seemed attainable 
What she was must be uncertain but who she was might be found out
and setting aside the 10000 l it did not appear that she was at
all Harriet's superior  She brought no name no blood no alliance 
Miss Hawkins was the youngest of the two daughters of a Bristol  
merchant of course he must be called but as the whole of the
profits of his mercantile life appeared so very moderate it was
not unfair to guess the dignity of his line of trade had been very
moderate also  Part of every winter she had been used to spend in Bath
but Bristol was her home the very heart of Bristol for though
the father and mother had died some years ago an uncle remained  
in the law line  nothing more distinctly honourable was hazarded
of him than that he was in the law line and with him the daughter
had lived  Emma guessed him to be the drudge of some attorney
and too stupid to rise  And all the grandeur of the connexion
seemed dependent on the elder sister who was very well married
to a gentleman in a great way near Bristol who kept two carriages 
That was the wind up of the history that was the glory of
Miss Hawkins

Could she but have given Harriet her feelings about it all 
She had talked her into love but alas she was not so easily to be
talked out of it  The charm of an object to occupy the many vacancies
of Harriet's mind was not to be talked away  He might be superseded
by another he certainly would indeed nothing could be clearer
even a Robert Martin would have been sufficient but nothing else
she feared would cure her  Harriet was one of those who
having once begun would be always in love  And now poor girl
she was considerably worse from this reappearance of Mr Elton 
She was always having a glimpse of him somewhere or other  Emma saw
him only once but two or three times every day Harriet was sure
just to meet with him or just to miss him just to hear his voice
or see his shoulder just to have something occur to preserve him
in her fancy in all the favouring warmth of surprize and conjecture 
She was moreover perpetually hearing about him for excepting when
at Hartfield she was always among those who saw no fault in Mr Elton
and found nothing so interesting as the discussion of his concerns
and every report therefore every guess  all that had already
occurred all that might occur in the arrangement of his affairs
comprehending income servants and furniture was continually
in agitation around her  Her regard was receiving strength by
invariable praise of him and her regrets kept alive and feelings
irritated by ceaseless repetitions of Miss Hawkins's happiness
and continual observation of how much he seemed attached  
his air as he walked by the house  the very sitting of his hat
being all in proof of how much he was in love

Had it been allowable entertainment had there been no pain
to her friend or reproach to herself in the waverings of
Harriet's mind Emma would have been amused by its variations 
Sometimes Mr Elton predominated sometimes the Martins and each
was occasionally useful as a check to the other  Mr Elton's
engagement had been the cure of the agitation of meeting Mr Martin 
The unhappiness produced by the knowledge of that engagement had been
a little put aside by Elizabeth Martin's calling at Mrs Goddard's
a few days afterwards  Harriet had not been at home but a note had
been prepared and left for her written in the very style to touch
a small mixture of reproach with a great deal of kindness
and till Mr Elton himself appeared she had been much occupied
by it continually pondering over what could be done in return
and wishing to do more than she dared to confess  But Mr Elton
in person had driven away all such cares  While he staid
the Martins were forgotten and on the very morning of his setting off
for Bath again Emma to dissipate some of the distress it occasioned
judged it best for her to return Elizabeth Martin's visit

How that visit was to be acknowledged  what would be necessary  
and what might be safest had been a point of some doubtful
consideration  Absolute neglect of the mother and sisters
when invited to come would be ingratitude  It must not be 
and yet the danger of a renewal of the acquaintance  

After much thinking she could determine on nothing better than Harriet's
returning the visit but in a way that if they had understanding
should convince them that it was to be only a formal acquaintance 
She meant to take her in the carriage leave her at the Abbey Mill
while she drove a little farther and call for her again so soon
as to allow no time for insidious applications or dangerous
recurrences to the past and give the most decided proof of what
degree of intimacy was chosen for the future

She could think of nothing better  and though there was something
in it which her own heart could not approve  something of ingratitude
merely glossed over  it must be done or what would become of Harriet



CHAPTER V


Small heart had Harriet for visiting  Only half an hour before her
friend called for her at Mrs Goddard's her evil stars had led
her to the very spot where at that moment a trunk directed to
The Rev Philip Elton White Hart Bath was to be seen under the
operation of being lifted into the butcher's cart which was to
convey it to where the coaches past and every thing in this world
excepting that trunk and the direction was consequently a blank

She went however and when they reached the farm and she was to
be put down at the end of the broad neat gravel walk which led
between espalier apple trees to the front door the sight of every
thing which had given her so much pleasure the autumn before
was beginning to revive a little local agitation and when they parted
Emma observed her to be looking around with a sort of fearful curiosity
which determined her not to allow the visit to exceed the proposed
quarter of an hour  She went on herself to give that portion
of time to an old servant who was married and settled in Donwell

The quarter of an hour brought her punctually to the white gate again
and Miss Smith receiving her summons was with her without delay
and unattended by any alarming young man  She came solitarily
down the gravel walk  a Miss Martin just appearing at the door
and parting with her seemingly with ceremonious civility

Harriet could not very soon give an intelligible account 
She was feeling too much but at last Emma collected from her
enough to understand the sort of meeting and the sort of pain it
was creating  She had seen only Mrs Martin and the two girls 
They had received her doubtingly if not coolly and nothing
beyond the merest commonplace had been talked almost all the time  
till just at last when Mrs Martin's saying all of a sudden
that she thought Miss Smith was grown had brought on a more
interesting subject and a warmer manner  In that very room
she had been measured last September with her two friends 
There were the pencilled marks and memorandums on the wainscot by
the window  He had done it  They all seemed to remember the day
the hour the party the occasion  to feel the same consciousness
the same regrets  to be ready to return to the same good understanding
and they were just growing again like themselves Harriet as Emma
must suspect as ready as the best of them to be cordial and happy
when the carriage reappeared and all was over  The style of
the visit and the shortness of it were then felt to be decisive 
Fourteen minutes to be given to those with whom she had thankfully
passed six weeks not six months ago  Emma could not but picture
it all and feel how justly they might resent how naturally
Harriet must suffer  It was a bad business  She would have given
a great deal or endured a great deal to have had the Martins
in a higher rank of life  They were so deserving that a little
higher should have been enough  but as it was how could she have
done otherwise  Impossible  She could not repent  They must
be separated but there was a great deal of pain in the process  
so much to herself at this time that she soon felt the necessity
of a little consolation and resolved on going home by way of Randalls
to procure it  Her mind was quite sick of Mr Elton and the Martins 
The refreshment of Randalls was absolutely necessary

It was a good scheme but on driving to the door they heard
that neither master nor mistress was at home they had both
been out some time the man believed they were gone to Hartfield

This is too bad cried Emma as they turned away  And now we
shall just miss them too provoking  I do not know when I have been
so disappointed  And she leaned back in the corner to indulge
her murmurs or to reason them away probably a little of both  
such being the commonest process of a not ill disposed mind 
Presently the carriage stopt she looked up it was stopt
by Mr and Mrs Weston who were standing to speak to her 
There was instant pleasure in the sight of them and still greater
pleasure was conveyed in sound  for Mr Weston immediately accosted
her with

How d'ye do  how d'ye do  We have been sitting with your father  
glad to see him so well  Frank comes to morrow  I had a letter
this morning  we see him to morrow by dinner time to a certainty  
he is at Oxford to day and he comes for a whole fortnight I knew it would
be so  If he had come at Christmas he could not have staid three days
I was always glad he did not come at Christmas now we are going
to have just the right weather for him fine dry settled weather 
We shall enjoy him completely every thing has turned out exactly
as we could wish

There was no resisting such news no possibility of avoiding the
influence of such a happy face as Mr Weston's confirmed as it all
was by the words and the countenance of his wife fewer and quieter
but not less to the purpose  To know that she thought his coming
certain was enough to make Emma consider it so and sincerely did
she rejoice in their joy  It was a most delightful reanimation
of exhausted spirits  The worn out past was sunk in the freshness
of what was coming and in the rapidity of half a moment's thought
she hoped Mr Elton would now be talked of no more

Mr Weston gave her the history of the engagements at Enscombe
which allowed his son to answer for having an entire fortnight at
his command as well as the route and the method of his journey
and she listened and smiled and congratulated

I shall soon bring him over to Hartfield said he at the conclusion

Emma could imagine she saw a touch of the arm at this speech
from his wife

We had better move on Mr Weston said she we are detaining
the girls

Well well I am ready  and turning again to Emma but you must
not be expecting such a very fine young man you have only had my
account you know I dare say he is really nothing extraordinary  
though his own sparkling eyes at the moment were speaking a very
different conviction

Emma could look perfectly unconscious and innocent and answer
in a manner that appropriated nothing

Think of me to morrow my dear Emma about four o'clock
was Mrs Weston's parting injunction spoken with some anxiety
and meant only for her

Four o'clock  depend upon it he will be here by three was Mr Weston's
quick amendment and so ended a most satisfactory meeting 
Emma's spirits were mounted quite up to happiness every thing wore
a different air James and his horses seemed not half so sluggish
as before  When she looked at the hedges she thought the elder at
least must soon be coming out and when she turned round to Harriet
she saw something like a look of spring a tender smile even there

Will Mr Frank Churchill pass through Bath as well as Oxford  
was a question however which did not augur much

But neither geography nor tranquillity could come all at once
and Emma was now in a humour to resolve that they should both come
in time

The morning of the interesting day arrived and Mrs Weston's
faithful pupil did not forget either at ten or eleven or twelve
o'clock that she was to think of her at four

My dear dear anxious friend  said she in mental soliloquy
while walking downstairs from her own room always overcareful
for every body's comfort but your own I see you now in all your
little fidgets going again and again into his room to be sure
that all is right  The clock struck twelve as she passed through
the hall  Tis twelve I shall not forget to think of you four
hours hence and by this time to morrow perhaps or a little later
I may be thinking of the possibility of their all calling here 
I am sure they will bring him soon

She opened the parlour door and saw two gentlemen sitting with
her father  Mr Weston and his son  They had been arrived only
a few minutes and Mr Weston had scarcely finished his explanation
of Frank's being a day before his time and her father was yet
in the midst of his very civil welcome and congratulations when
she appeared to have her share of surprize introduction and pleasure

The Frank Churchill so long talked of so high in interest
was actually before her  he was presented to her and she did
not think too much had been said in his praise he was a very good
looking young man height air address all were unexceptionable
and his countenance had a great deal of the spirit and liveliness
of his father's he looked quick and sensible  She felt immediately
that she should like him and there was a well bred ease of manner
and a readiness to talk which convinced her that he came intending
to be acquainted with her and that acquainted they soon must be

He had reached Randalls the evening before  She was pleased
with the eagerness to arrive which had made him alter his plan
and travel earlier later and quicker that he might gain half
a day

I told you yesterday cried Mr Weston with exultation I told
you all that he would be here before the time named  I remembered
what I used to do myself  One cannot creep upon a journey
one cannot help getting on faster than one has planned and the
pleasure of coming in upon one's friends before the look out begins
is worth a great deal more than any little exertion it needs

It is a great pleasure where one can indulge in it said the young man
though there are not many houses that I should presume on so far
but in coming home I felt I might do any thing

The word home made his father look on him with fresh complacency 
Emma was directly sure that he knew how to make himself agreeable
the conviction was strengthened by what followed  He was very much
pleased with Randalls thought it a most admirably arranged house
would hardly allow it even to be very small admired the situation
the walk to Highbury Highbury itself Hartfield still more
and professed himself to have always felt the sort of interest
in the country which none but one's own country gives and the
greatest curiosity to visit it  That he should never have been
able to indulge so amiable a feeling before passed suspiciously
through Emma's brain but still if it were a falsehood it was a
pleasant one and pleasantly handled  His manner had no air of study
or exaggeration  He did really look and speak as if in a state of no
common enjoyment

Their subjects in general were such as belong to an opening acquaintance 
On his side were the inquiries  Was she a horsewoman  Pleasant rides  
Pleasant walks  Had they a large neighbourhood  Highbury perhaps
afforded society enough  There were several very pretty houses
in and about it  Balls  had they balls  Was it a musical society

But when satisfied on all these points and their acquaintance
proportionably advanced he contrived to find an opportunity
while their two fathers were engaged with each other of introducing
his mother in law and speaking of her with so much handsome praise
so much warm admiration so much gratitude for the happiness she
secured to his father and her very kind reception of himself
as was an additional proof of his knowing how to please  
and of his certainly thinking it worth while to try to please her 
He did not advance a word of praise beyond what she knew to be
thoroughly deserved by Mrs Weston but undoubtedly he could know
very little of the matter  He understood what would be welcome
he could be sure of little else  His father's marriage he said
had been the wisest measure every friend must rejoice in it
and the family from whom he had received such a blessing must
be ever considered as having conferred the highest obligation
on him

He got as near as he could to thanking her for Miss Taylor's merits
without seeming quite to forget that in the common course of things it
was to be rather supposed that Miss Taylor had formed Miss Woodhouse's
character than Miss Woodhouse Miss Taylor's And at last as if resolved
to qualify his opinion completely for travelling round to its object he
wound it all up with astonishment at the youth and beauty of her person

Elegant agreeable manners I was prepared for said he
but I confess that considering every thing I had not expected
more than a very tolerably well looking woman of a certain age
I did not know that I was to find a pretty young woman in Mrs Weston

You cannot see too much perfection in Mrs Weston for my feelings
said Emma were you to guess her to be eighteen I should listen
with pleasure but she would be ready to quarrel with you for using
such words  Don't let her imagine that you have spoken of her as
a pretty young woman

I hope I should know better he replied no depend upon it
with a gallant bow that in addressing Mrs Weston I should
understand whom I might praise without any danger of being thought
extravagant in my terms

Emma wondered whether the same suspicion of what might be expected
from their knowing each other which had taken strong possession
of her mind had ever crossed his and whether his compliments were
to be considered as marks of acquiescence or proofs of defiance 
She must see more of him to understand his ways at present she
only felt they were agreeable

She had no doubt of what Mr Weston was often thinking about 
His quick eye she detected again and again glancing towards them
with a happy expression and even when he might have determined not
to look she was confident that he was often listening

Her own father's perfect exemption from any thought of the kind
the entire deficiency in him of all such sort of penetration
or suspicion was a most comfortable circumstance  Happily he
was not farther from approving matrimony than from foreseeing it  
Though always objecting to every marriage that was arranged
he never suffered beforehand from the apprehension of any
it seemed as if he could not think so ill of any two persons
understanding as to suppose they meant to marry till it were
proved against them  She blessed the favouring blindness 
He could now without the drawback of a single unpleasant surmise
without a glance forward at any possible treachery in his guest
give way to all his natural kind hearted civility in solicitous
inquiries after Mr Frank Churchill's accommodation on his journey
through the sad evils of sleeping two nights on the road and express
very genuine unmixed anxiety to know that he had certainly escaped
catching cold  which however he could not allow him to feel quite
assured of himself till after another night

A reasonable visit paid Mr Weston began to move  He must be going 
He had business at the Crown about his hay and a great many errands
for Mrs Weston at Ford's but he need not hurry any body else 
His son too well bred to hear the hint rose immediately also
saying

As you are going farther on business sir I will take the
opportunity of paying a visit which must be paid some day or other
and therefore may as well be paid now  I have the honour of being
acquainted with a neighbour of yours turning to Emma a lady
residing in or near Highbury a family of the name of Fairfax 
I shall have no difficulty I suppose in finding the house
though Fairfax I believe is not the proper name  I should rather
say Barnes or Bates  Do you know any family of that name

To be sure we do cried his father Mrs Bates  we passed her house  
I saw Miss Bates at the window  True true you are acquainted
with Miss Fairfax I remember you knew her at Weymouth and a fine
girl she is  Call upon her by all means

There is no necessity for my calling this morning said the
young man another day would do as well but there was that degree
of acquaintance at Weymouth which  

Oh go to day go to day Do not defer it  What is right to be done
cannot be done too soon  And besides I must give you a hint Frank
any want of attention to her here should be carefully avoided 
You saw her with the Campbells when she was the equal of every body
she mixed with but here she is with a poor old grandmother
who has barely enough to live on  If you do not call early it
will be a slight

The son looked convinced

I have heard her speak of the acquaintance said Emma she is
a very elegant young woman

He agreed to it but with so quiet a Yes as inclined her almost
to doubt his real concurrence and yet there must be a very distinct
sort of elegance for the fashionable world if Jane Fairfax could
be thought only ordinarily gifted with it

If you were never particularly struck by her manners before
said she I think you will to day You will see her to advantage
see her and hear her  no I am afraid you will not hear her at all
for she has an aunt who never holds her tongue

You are acquainted with Miss Jane Fairfax sir are you
said Mr Woodhouse always the last to make his way in conversation
then give me leave to assure you that you will find her a very
agreeable young lady  She is staying here on a visit to her grandmama
and aunt very worthy people I have known them all my life 
They will be extremely glad to see you I am sure and one of my
servants shall go with you to shew you the way

My dear sir upon no account in the world my father can direct me

But your father is not going so far he is only going to the Crown
quite on the other side of the street and there are a great many houses
you might be very much at a loss and it is a very dirty walk
unless you keep on the footpath but my coachman can tell you
where you had best cross the street

Mr Frank Churchill still declined it looking as serious as he could
and his father gave his hearty support by calling out My good friend
this is quite unnecessary Frank knows a puddle of water when he
sees it and as to Mrs Bates's he may get there from the Crown
in a hop step and jump

They were permitted to go alone and with a cordial nod from one
and a graceful bow from the other the two gentlemen took leave 
Emma remained very well pleased with this beginning of the acquaintance
and could now engage to think of them all at Randalls any hour of
the day with full confidence in their comfort



CHAPTER VI


The next morning brought Mr Frank Churchill again  He came with
Mrs Weston to whom and to Highbury he seemed to take very cordially 
He had been sitting with her it appeared most companionably at home
till her usual hour of exercise and on being desired to chuse
their walk immediately fixed on Highbury  He did not doubt there
being very pleasant walks in every direction but if left to him
he should always chuse the same  Highbury that airy cheerful
happy looking Highbury would be his constant attraction  
Highbury with Mrs Weston stood for Hartfield and she trusted to
its bearing the same construction with him  They walked thither directly

Emma had hardly expected them  for Mr Weston who had called in
for half a minute in order to hear that his son was very handsome
knew nothing of their plans and it was an agreeable surprize
to her therefore to perceive them walking up to the house together
arm in arm  She was wanting to see him again and especially
to see him in company with Mrs Weston upon his behaviour to whom
her opinion of him was to depend  If he were deficient there
nothing should make amends for it  But on seeing them together
she became perfectly satisfied  It was not merely in fine words
or hyperbolical compliment that he paid his duty nothing could be
more proper or pleasing than his whole manner to her  nothing could
more agreeably denote his wish of considering her as a friend and
securing her affection  And there was time enough for Emma to form a
reasonable judgment as their visit included all the rest of the morning 
They were all three walking about together for an hour or two  
first round the shrubberies of Hartfield and afterwards in Highbury 
He was delighted with every thing admired Hartfield sufficiently
for Mr Woodhouse's ear and when their going farther was resolved on
confessed his wish to be made acquainted with the whole village
and found matter of commendation and interest much oftener than Emma
could have supposed

Some of the objects of his curiosity spoke very amiable feelings 
He begged to be shewn the house which his father had lived in so long
and which had been the home of his father's father and on recollecting
that an old woman who had nursed him was still living walked in quest
of her cottage from one end of the street to the other and though
in some points of pursuit or observation there was no positive merit
they shewed altogether a good will towards Highbury in general
which must be very like a merit to those he was with

Emma watched and decided that with such feelings as were now shewn
it could not be fairly supposed that he had been ever voluntarily
absenting himself that he had not been acting a part or making
a parade of insincere professions and that Mr Knightley certainly
had not done him justice

Their first pause was at the Crown Inn an inconsiderable house
though the principal one of the sort where a couple of pair of
post horses were kept more for the convenience of the neighbourhood
than from any run on the road and his companions had not expected
to be detained by any interest excited there but in passing it they
gave the history of the large room visibly added it had been built
many years ago for a ball room and while the neighbourhood had been
in a particularly populous dancing state had been occasionally used
as such  but such brilliant days had long passed away and now the
highest purpose for which it was ever wanted was to accommodate a whist
club established among the gentlemen and half gentlemen of the place 
He was immediately interested  Its character as a ball room caught him
and instead of passing on he stopt for several minutes at the two
superior sashed windows which were open to look in and contemplate
its capabilities and lament that its original purpose should
have ceased  He saw no fault in the room he would acknowledge
none which they suggested  No it was long enough broad enough
handsome enough  It would hold the very number for comfort 
They ought to have balls there at least every fortnight through
the winter  Why had not Miss Woodhouse revived the former good
old days of the room  She who could do any thing in Highbury 
The want of proper families in the place and the conviction
that none beyond the place and its immediate environs could be
tempted to attend were mentioned but he was not satisfied 
He could not be persuaded that so many good looking houses as he saw
around him could not furnish numbers enough for such a meeting
and even when particulars were given and families described he was
still unwilling to admit that the inconvenience of such a mixture
would be any thing or that there would be the smallest difficulty
in every body's returning into their proper place the next morning 
He argued like a young man very much bent on dancing and Emma
was rather surprized to see the constitution of the Weston prevail
so decidedly against the habits of the Churchills  He seemed to have
all the life and spirit cheerful feelings and social inclinations
of his father and nothing of the pride or reserve of Enscombe 
Of pride indeed there was perhaps scarcely enough his indifference
to a confusion of rank bordered too much on inelegance of mind 
He could be no judge however of the evil he was holding cheap 
It was but an effusion of lively spirits

At last he was persuaded to move on from the front of the Crown
and being now almost facing the house where the Bateses lodged
Emma recollected his intended visit the day before and asked him
if he had paid it

Yes oh yes  he replied I was just going to mention it 
A very successful visit  I saw all the three ladies and felt very
much obliged to you for your preparatory hint  If the talking aunt
had taken me quite by surprize it must have been the death of me 
As it was I was only betrayed into paying a most unreasonable visit 
Ten minutes would have been all that was necessary perhaps all that
was proper and I had told my father I should certainly be at home
before him  but there was no getting away no pause and to my
utter astonishment I found when he finding me nowhere else
joined me there at last that I had been actually sitting with them
very nearly three quarters of an hour  The good lady had not given me
the possibility of escape before

And how did you think Miss Fairfax looking

Ill very ill  that is if a young lady can ever be allowed to look ill 
But the expression is hardly admissible Mrs Weston is it 
Ladies can never look ill  And seriously Miss Fairfax is naturally
so pale as almost always to give the appearance of ill health  
A most deplorable want of complexion

Emma would not agree to this and began a warm defence of Miss
Fairfax's complexion  It was certainly never brilliant but she
would not allow it to have a sickly hue in general and there was
a softness and delicacy in her skin which gave peculiar elegance
to the character of her face  He listened with all due deference
acknowledged that he had heard many people say the same  but yet he
must confess that to him nothing could make amends for the want
of the fine glow of health  Where features were indifferent
a fine complexion gave beauty to them all and where they were good
the effect was  fortunately he need not attempt to describe what the
effect was

Well said Emma there is no disputing about taste  At least
you admire her except her complexion

He shook his head and laughed  I cannot separate Miss Fairfax
and her complexion

Did you see her often at Weymouth  Were you often in the same society

At this moment they were approaching Ford's and he hastily exclaimed
Ha this must be the very shop that every body attends every day
of their lives as my father informs me  He comes to Highbury himself
he says six days out of the seven and has always business at Ford's
If it be not inconvenient to you pray let us go in that I may prove
myself to belong to the place to be a true citizen of Highbury 
I must buy something at Ford's It will be taking out my freedom  
I dare say they sell gloves

Oh yes gloves and every thing  I do admire your patriotism 
You will be adored in Highbury  You were very popular before you came
because you were Mr Weston's son  but lay out half a guinea at
Ford's and your popularity will stand upon your own virtues

They went in and while the sleek well tied parcels of Men's Beavers
and York Tan were bringing down and displaying on the counter
he said  But I beg your pardon Miss Woodhouse you were speaking
to me you were saying something at the very moment of this burst
of my amor patriae  Do not let me lose it  I assure you the utmost
stretch of public fame would not make me amends for the loss of any
happiness in private life

I merely asked whether you had known much of Miss Fairfax
and her party at Weymouth

And now that I understand your question I must pronounce it to be a
very unfair one  It is always the lady's right to decide on the degree
of acquaintance  Miss Fairfax must already have given her account  
I shall not commit myself by claiming more than she may chuse to allow

Upon my word you answer as discreetly as she could do herself 
But her account of every thing leaves so much to be guessed
she is so very reserved so very unwilling to give the least
information about any body that I really think you may say what you
like of your acquaintance with her

May I indeed  Then I will speak the truth and nothing suits me
so well  I met her frequently at Weymouth  I had known the Campbells
a little in town and at Weymouth we were very much in the same set 
Colonel Campbell is a very agreeable man and Mrs Campbell a friendly
warm hearted woman  I like them all

You know Miss Fairfax's situation in life I conclude what she
is destined to be

Yes  rather hesitatingly  I believe I do

You get upon delicate subjects Emma said Mrs Weston smiling
remember that I am here  Mr Frank Churchill hardly knows
what to say when you speak of Miss Fairfax's situation in life 
I will move a little farther off

I certainly do forget to think of her said Emma as having ever
been any thing but my friend and my dearest friend

He looked as if he fully understood and honoured such a sentiment

When the gloves were bought and they had quitted the shop again
Did you ever hear the young lady we were speaking of play
said Frank Churchill

Ever hear her repeated Emma  You forget how much she belongs
to Highbury  I have heard her every year of our lives since we
both began  She plays charmingly

You think so do you  I wanted the opinion of some one who
could really judge  She appeared to me to play well that is
with considerable taste but I know nothing of the matter myself  
I am excessively fond of music but without the smallest skill
or right of judging of any body's performance  I have been used
to hear her's admired and I remember one proof of her being
thought to play well  a man a very musical man and in love
with another woman  engaged to her  on the point of marriage  
would yet never ask that other woman to sit down to the instrument
if the lady in question could sit down instead  never seemed
to like to hear one if he could hear the other  That I thought
in a man of known musical talent was some proof

Proof indeed said Emma highly amused  Mr Dixon is very musical
is he  We shall know more about them all in half an hour from you
than Miss Fairfax would have vouchsafed in half a year

Yes Mr Dixon and Miss Campbell were the persons and I thought
it a very strong proof

Certainly  very strong it was to own the truth a great deal
stronger than if I had been Miss Campbell would have been at all
agreeable to me  I could not excuse a man's having more music
than love  more ear than eye  a more acute sensibility to fine
sounds than to my feelings  How did Miss Campbell appear to like it

It was her very particular friend you know

Poor comfort said Emma laughing  One would rather have a stranger
preferred than one's very particular friend  with a stranger it might
not recur again  but the misery of having a very particular friend
always at hand to do every thing better than one does oneself  
Poor Mrs Dixon  Well I am glad she is gone to settle in Ireland

You are right  It was not very flattering to Miss Campbell
but she really did not seem to feel it

So much the better  or so much the worse  I do not know which 
But be it sweetness or be it stupidity in her  quickness of friendship
or dulness of feeling  there was one person I think who must have
felt it  Miss Fairfax herself  She must have felt the improper
and dangerous distinction

As to that  I do not  

Oh do not imagine that I expect an account of Miss Fairfax's
sensations from you or from any body else  They are known to no
human being I guess but herself  But if she continued to play
whenever she was asked by Mr Dixon one may guess what one chuses

There appeared such a perfectly good understanding among them all  
he began rather quickly but checking himself added however it
is impossible for me to say on what terms they really were  
how it might all be behind the scenes  I can only say that there
was smoothness outwardly  But you who have known Miss Fairfax from
a child must be a better judge of her character and of how she
is likely to conduct herself in critical situations than I can be

I have known her from a child undoubtedly we have been children
and women together and it is natural to suppose that we should
be intimate  that we should have taken to each other whenever
she visited her friends  But we never did  I hardly know how it
has happened a little perhaps from that wickedness on my side
which was prone to take disgust towards a girl so idolized
and so cried up as she always was by her aunt and grandmother
and all their set  And then her reserve  I never could attach
myself to any one so completely reserved

It is a most repulsive quality indeed said he  Oftentimes
very convenient no doubt but never pleasing  There is safety
in reserve but no attraction  One cannot love a reserved person

Not till the reserve ceases towards oneself and then the attraction
may be the greater  But I must be more in want of a friend
or an agreeable companion than I have yet been to take
the trouble of conquering any body's reserve to procure one 
Intimacy between Miss Fairfax and me is quite out of the question 
I have no reason to think ill of her  not the least  except that
such extreme and perpetual cautiousness of word and manner
such a dread of giving a distinct idea about any body is apt
to suggest suspicions of there being something to conceal

He perfectly agreed with her  and after walking together so long
and thinking so much alike Emma felt herself so well acquainted with him
that she could hardly believe it to be only their second meeting 
He was not exactly what she had expected less of the man of the
world in some of his notions less of the spoiled child of fortune
therefore better than she had expected  His ideas seemed more moderate  
his feelings warmer  She was particularly struck by his manner
of considering Mr Elton's house which as well as the church
he would go and look at and would not join them in finding much
fault with  No he could not believe it a bad house not such a house
as a man was to be pitied for having  If it were to be shared with
the woman he loved he could not think any man to be pitied for having
that house  There must be ample room in it for every real comfort 
The man must be a blockhead who wanted more

Mrs Weston laughed and said he did not know what he was talking about 
Used only to a large house himself and without ever thinking how many
advantages and accommodations were attached to its size he could
be no judge of the privations inevitably belonging to a small one 
But Emma in her own mind determined that he did know what he
was talking about and that he shewed a very amiable inclination
to settle early in life and to marry from worthy motives 
He might not be aware of the inroads on domestic peace to be
occasioned by no housekeeper's room or a bad butler's pantry
but no doubt he did perfectly feel that Enscombe could not make
him happy and that whenever he were attached he would willingly
give up much of wealth to be allowed an early establishment



CHAPTER VII


Emma's very good opinion of Frank Churchill was a little shaken
the following day by hearing that he was gone off to London
merely to have his hair cut  A sudden freak seemed to have seized him
at breakfast and he had sent for a chaise and set off intending to
return to dinner but with no more important view that appeared than
having his hair cut  There was certainly no harm in his travelling
sixteen miles twice over on such an errand but there was an air
of foppery and nonsense in it which she could not approve  It did
not accord with the rationality of plan the moderation in expense
or even the unselfish warmth of heart which she had believed herself
to discern in him yesterday  Vanity extravagance love of change
restlessness of temper which must be doing something good or bad
heedlessness as to the pleasure of his father and Mrs Weston
indifferent as to how his conduct might appear in general he became
liable to all these charges  His father only called him a coxcomb
and thought it a very good story but that Mrs Weston did not like it
was clear enough by her passing it over as quickly as possible
and making no other comment than that all young people would have
their little whims

With the exception of this little blot Emma found that his visit
hitherto had given her friend only good ideas of him  Mrs Weston
was very ready to say how attentive and pleasant a companion he
made himself  how much she saw to like in his disposition altogether 
He appeared to have a very open temper  certainly a very cheerful
and lively one she could observe nothing wrong in his notions
a great deal decidedly right he spoke of his uncle with warm regard
was fond of talking of him  said he would be the best man in the
world if he were left to himself and though there was no being
attached to the aunt he acknowledged her kindness with gratitude
and seemed to mean always to speak of her with respect 
This was all very promising and but for such an unfortunate fancy
for having his hair cut there was nothing to denote him unworthy
of the distinguished honour which her imagination had given him
the honour if not of being really in love with her of being
at least very near it and saved only by her own indifference  
for still her resolution held of never marrying  the honour in short
of being marked out for her by all their joint acquaintance

Mr Weston on his side added a virtue to the account which must
have some weight  He gave her to understand that Frank admired
her extremely  thought her very beautiful and very charming
and with so much to be said for him altogether she found she must
not judge him harshly  As Mrs Weston observed all young people
would have their little whims

There was one person among his new acquaintance in Surry not so
leniently disposed  In general he was judged throughout the parishes
of Donwell and Highbury with great candour liberal allowances
were made for the little excesses of such a handsome young man  
one who smiled so often and bowed so well but there was one spirit
among them not to be softened from its power of censure by bows
or smiles  Mr Knightley  The circumstance was told him at Hartfield
for the moment he was silent but Emma heard him almost immediately
afterwards say to himself over a newspaper he held in his hand
Hum just the trifling silly fellow I took him for  She had
half a mind to resent but an instant's observation convinced
her that it was really said only to relieve his own feelings
and not meant to provoke and therefore she let it pass

Although in one instance the bearers of not good tidings
Mr and Mrs Weston's visit this morning was in another respect
particularly opportune  Something occurred while they were
at Hartfield to make Emma want their advice and which was
still more lucky she wanted exactly the advice they gave

This was the occurrence  The Coles had been settled some years
in Highbury and were very good sort of people  friendly liberal
and unpretending but on the other hand they were of low origin
in trade and only moderately genteel  On their first coming into
the country they had lived in proportion to their income quietly
keeping little company and that little unexpensively but the last
year or two had brought them a considerable increase of means  
the house in town had yielded greater profits and fortune in general
had smiled on them  With their wealth their views increased
their want of a larger house their inclination for more company 
They added to their house to their number of servants
to their expenses of every sort and by this time were in fortune
and style of living second only to the family at Hartfield 
Their love of society and their new dining room prepared every body
for their keeping dinner company and a few parties chiefly among
the single men had already taken place  The regular and best
families Emma could hardly suppose they would presume to invite  
neither Donwell nor Hartfield nor Randalls  Nothing should
tempt her to go if they did and she regretted that her father's
known habits would be giving her refusal less meaning than she
could wish  The Coles were very respectable in their way but they
ought to be taught that it was not for them to arrange the terms
on which the superior families would visit them  This lesson
she very much feared they would receive only from herself
she had little hope of Mr Knightley none of Mr Weston

But she had made up her mind how to meet this presumption so many
weeks before it appeared that when the insult came at last
it found her very differently affected  Donwell and Randalls
had received their invitation and none had come for her father
and herself and Mrs Weston's accounting for it with I suppose
they will not take the liberty with you they know you do not
dine out was not quite sufficient  She felt that she should
like to have had the power of refusal and afterwards as the idea
of the party to be assembled there consisting precisely of those
whose society was dearest to her occurred again and again
she did not know that she might not have been tempted to accept 
Harriet was to be there in the evening and the Bateses  They had
been speaking of it as they walked about Highbury the day before
and Frank Churchill had most earnestly lamented her absence 
Might not the evening end in a dance had been a question of his 
The bare possibility of it acted as a farther irritation on her spirits
and her being left in solitary grandeur even supposing the omission
to be intended as a compliment was but poor comfort

It was the arrival of this very invitation while the Westons were
at Hartfield which made their presence so acceptable for though her
first remark on reading it was that of course it must be declined
she so very soon proceeded to ask them what they advised her to do
that their advice for her going was most prompt and successful

She owned that considering every thing she was not absolutely
without inclination for the party  The Coles expressed themselves
so properly  there was so much real attention in the manner of it  
so much consideration for her father  They would have solicited the
honour earlier but had been waiting the arrival of a folding screen
from London which they hoped might keep Mr Woodhouse from any draught
of air and therefore induce him the more readily to give them the
honour of his company  Upon the whole she was very persuadable
and it being briefly settled among themselves how it might be
done without neglecting his comfort  how certainly Mrs Goddard
if not Mrs Bates might be depended on for bearing him company  
Mr Woodhouse was to be talked into an acquiescence of his daughter's
going out to dinner on a day now near at hand and spending
the whole evening away from him  As for his going Emma did
not wish him to think it possible the hours would be too late
and the party too numerous  He was soon pretty well resigned

I am not fond of dinner visiting said he  I never was 
No more is Emma  Late hours do not agree with us  I am sorry
Mr and Mrs Cole should have done it  I think it would be
much better if they would come in one afternoon next summer
and take their tea with us  take us in their afternoon walk
which they might do as our hours are so reasonable and yet get home
without being out in the damp of the evening  The dews of a summer
evening are what I would not expose any body to  However as they
are so very desirous to have dear Emma dine with them and as you
will both be there and Mr Knightley too to take care of her
I cannot wish to prevent it provided the weather be what it ought
neither damp nor cold nor windy  Then turning to Mrs Weston
with a look of gentle reproach  Ah  Miss Taylor if you had
not married you would have staid at home with me

Well sir cried Mr Weston as I took Miss Taylor away
it is incumbent on me to supply her place if I can and I will
step to Mrs Goddard in a moment if you wish it

But the idea of any thing to be done in a moment was increasing
not lessening Mr Woodhouse's agitation  The ladies knew better
how to allay it  Mr Weston must be quiet and every thing
deliberately arranged

With this treatment Mr Woodhouse was soon composed enough
for talking as usual  He should be happy to see Mrs Goddard 
He had a great regard for Mrs Goddard and Emma should write a line
and invite her  James could take the note  But first of all
there must be an answer written to Mrs Cole

You will make my excuses my dear as civilly as possible  You will
say that I am quite an invalid and go no where and therefore must
decline their obliging invitation beginning with my compliments
of course  But you will do every thing right  I need not tell you
what is to be done  We must remember to let James know that the carriage
will be wanted on Tuesday  I shall have no fears for you with him 
We have never been there above once since the new approach was made
but still I have no doubt that James will take you very safely 
And when you get there you must tell him at what time you would
have him come for you again and you had better name an early hour 
You will not like staying late  You will get very tired when tea
is over

But you would not wish me to come away before I am tired papa

Oh no my love but you will soon be tired  There will be
a great many people talking at once  You will not like the noise

But my dear sir cried Mr Weston if Emma comes away early
it will be breaking up the party

And no great harm if it does said Mr Woodhouse  The sooner
every party breaks up the better

But you do not consider how it may appear to the Coles 
Emma's going away directly after tea might be giving offence 
They are good natured people and think little of their own claims
but still they must feel that any body's hurrying away is no
great compliment and Miss Woodhouse's doing it would be more thought
of than any other person's in the room  You would not wish to disappoint
and mortify the Coles I am sure sir friendly good sort of people
as ever lived and who have been your neighbours these ten years

No upon no account in the world Mr Weston I am much obliged
to you for reminding me  I should be extremely sorry to be giving
them any pain  I know what worthy people they are  Perry tells
me that Mr Cole never touches malt liquor  You would not think
it to look at him but he is bilious  Mr Cole is very bilious 
No I would not be the means of giving them any pain  My dear Emma
we must consider this  I am sure rather than run the risk of hurting
Mr and Mrs Cole you would stay a little longer than you might wish 
You will not regard being tired  You will be perfectly safe
you know among your friends

Oh yes papa  I have no fears at all for myself and I should have
no scruples of staying as late as Mrs Weston but on your account 
I am only afraid of your sitting up for me  I am not afraid
of your not being exceedingly comfortable with Mrs Goddard 
She loves piquet you know but when she is gone home I am afraid
you will be sitting up by yourself instead of going to bed at your
usual time  and the idea of that would entirely destroy my comfort 
You must promise me not to sit up

He did on the condition of some promises on her side  such as that
if she came home cold she would be sure to warm herself thoroughly
if hungry that she would take something to eat that her own maid
should sit up for her and that Serle and the butler should see
that every thing were safe in the house as usual



CHAPTER VIII


Frank Churchill came back again and if he kept his father's
dinner waiting it was not known at Hartfield for Mrs Weston
was too anxious for his being a favourite with Mr Woodhouse
to betray any imperfection which could be concealed

He came back had had his hair cut and laughed at himself with
a very good grace but without seeming really at all ashamed
of what he had done  He had no reason to wish his hair longer
to conceal any confusion of face no reason to wish the money unspent
to improve his spirits  He was quite as undaunted and as lively
as ever and after seeing him Emma thus moralised to herself  

I do not know whether it ought to be so but certainly silly things
do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an
impudent way  Wickedness is always wickedness but folly is not
always folly  It depends upon the character of those who handle it 
Mr Knightley he is not a trifling silly young man  If he were
he would have done this differently  He would either have gloried
in the achievement or been ashamed of it  There would have been
either the ostentation of a coxcomb or the evasions of a mind too
weak to defend its own vanities  No I am perfectly sure that he
is not trifling or silly

With Tuesday came the agreeable prospect of seeing him again
and for a longer time than hitherto of judging of his general manners
and by inference of the meaning of his manners towards herself
of guessing how soon it might be necessary for her to throw coldness
into her air and of fancying what the observations of all those
might be who were now seeing them together for the first time

She meant to be very happy in spite of the scene being laid at
Mr Cole's and without being able to forget that among the failings
of Mr Elton even in the days of his favour none had disturbed
her more than his propensity to dine with Mr Cole

Her father's comfort was amply secured Mrs Bates as well as
Mrs Goddard being able to come and her last pleasing duty
before she left the house was to pay her respects to them as
they sat together after dinner and while her father was fondly
noticing the beauty of her dress to make the two ladies all
the amends in her power by helping them to large slices of cake
and full glasses of wine for whatever unwilling self denial his
care of their constitution might have obliged them to practise
during the meal  She had provided a plentiful dinner for them
she wished she could know that they had been allowed to eat it

She followed another carriage to Mr Cole's door and was pleased
to see that it was Mr Knightley's for Mr Knightley keeping
no horses having little spare money and a great deal of health
activity and independence was too apt in Emma's opinion to get
about as he could and not use his carriage so often as became
the owner of Donwell Abbey  She had an opportunity now of speaking
her approbation while warm from her heart for he stopped to hand her out

This is coming as you should do said she like a gentleman  
I am quite glad to see you

He thanked her observing How lucky that we should arrive at the same
moment for if we had met first in the drawing room I doubt whether
you would have discerned me to be more of a gentleman than usual  
You might not have distinguished how I came by my look or manner

Yes I should I am sure I should  There is always a look of
consciousness or bustle when people come in a way which they know
to be beneath them  You think you carry it off very well I dare say
but with you it is a sort of bravado an air of affected unconcern
I always observe it whenever I meet you under those circumstances 
Now you have nothing to try for  You are not afraid of being
supposed ashamed  You are not striving to look taller than any
body else  Now I shall really be very happy to walk into the same
room with you

Nonsensical girl was his reply but not at all in anger

Emma had as much reason to be satisfied with the rest of the party
as with Mr Knightley  She was received with a cordial respect
which could not but please and given all the consequence she could
wish for  When the Westons arrived the kindest looks of love
the strongest of admiration were for her from both husband and wife
the son approached her with a cheerful eagerness which marked
her as his peculiar object and at dinner she found him seated
by her  and as she firmly believed not without some dexterity
on his side

The party was rather large as it included one other family a proper
unobjectionable country family whom the Coles had the advantage of
naming among their acquaintance and the male part of Mr Cox's family
the lawyer of Highbury  The less worthy females were to come
in the evening with Miss Bates Miss Fairfax and Miss Smith
but already at dinner they were too numerous for any subject
of conversation to be general and while politics and Mr Elton
were talked over Emma could fairly surrender all her attention to
the pleasantness of her neighbour  The first remote sound to which
she felt herself obliged to attend was the name of Jane Fairfax 
Mrs Cole seemed to be relating something of her that was expected to be
very interesting  She listened and found it well worth listening to 
That very dear part of Emma her fancy received an amusing supply 
Mrs Cole was telling that she had been calling on Miss Bates
and as soon as she entered the room had been struck by the sight
of a pianoforte  a very elegant looking instrument  not a grand
but a large sized square pianoforte and the substance of the story
the end of all the dialogue which ensued of surprize and inquiry
and congratulations on her side and explanations on Miss Bates's was
that this pianoforte had arrived from Broadwood's the day before
to the great astonishment of both aunt and niece  entirely unexpected
that at first by Miss Bates's account Jane herself was quite at
a loss quite bewildered to think who could possibly have ordered it  
but now they were both perfectly satisfied that it could be from only
one quarter  of course it must be from Colonel Campbell

One can suppose nothing else added Mrs Cole and I was only
surprized that there could ever have been a doubt  But Jane
it seems had a letter from them very lately and not a word was said
about it  She knows their ways best but I should not consider their
silence as any reason for their not meaning to make the present 
They might chuse to surprize her

Mrs Cole had many to agree with her every body who spoke on the
subject was equally convinced that it must come from Colonel Campbell
and equally rejoiced that such a present had been made and there
were enough ready to speak to allow Emma to think her own way
and still listen to Mrs Cole

I declare I do not know when I have heard any thing that has given
me more satisfaction  It always has quite hurt me that Jane Fairfax
who plays so delightfully should not have an instrument 
It seemed quite a shame especially considering how many houses
there are where fine instruments are absolutely thrown away 
This is like giving ourselves a slap to be sure and it was
but yesterday I was telling Mr Cole I really was ashamed
to look at our new grand pianoforte in the drawing room while I
do not know one note from another and our little girls who are
but just beginning perhaps may never make any thing of it
and there is poor Jane Fairfax who is mistress of music has not
any thing of the nature of an instrument not even the pitifullest
old spinet in the world to amuse herself with  I was saying this
to Mr Cole but yesterday and he quite agreed with me only he
is so particularly fond of music that he could not help indulging
himself in the purchase hoping that some of our good neighbours might
be so obliging occasionally to put it to a better use than we can
and that really is the reason why the instrument was bought  
or else I am sure we ought to be ashamed of it  We are in great
hopes that Miss Woodhouse may be prevailed with to try it this evening

Miss Woodhouse made the proper acquiescence and finding that nothing
more was to be entrapped from any communication of Mrs Cole's
turned to Frank Churchill

Why do you smile said she

Nay why do you

Me  I suppose I smile for pleasure at Colonel Campbell's being
so rich and so liberal  It is a handsome present

Very

I rather wonder that it was never made before

Perhaps Miss Fairfax has never been staying here so long before

Or that he did not give her the use of their own instrument  
which must now be shut up in London untouched by any body

That is a grand pianoforte and he might think it too large
for Mrs Bates's house

You may say what you chuse  but your countenance testifies
that your thoughts on this subject are very much like mine

I do not know  I rather believe you are giving me more credit for
acuteness than I deserve  I smile because you smile and shall probably
suspect whatever I find you suspect but at present I do not see what
there is to question  If Colonel Campbell is not the person who can be

What do you say to Mrs Dixon

Mrs Dixon very true indeed  I had not thought of Mrs Dixon 
She must know as well as her father how acceptable an instrument
would be and perhaps the mode of it the mystery the surprize
is more like a young woman's scheme than an elderly man's It
is Mrs Dixon I dare say  I told you that your suspicions would
guide mine

If so you must extend your suspicions and comprehend Mr Dixon
in them

Mr Dixon  Very well  Yes I immediately perceive that it must
be the joint present of Mr and Mrs Dixon  We were speaking the
other day you know of his being so warm an admirer of her performance

Yes and what you told me on that head confirmed an idea which I
had entertained before  I do not mean to reflect upon the good
intentions of either Mr Dixon or Miss Fairfax but I cannot help
suspecting either that after making his proposals to her friend
he had the misfortune to fall in love with her or that he became
conscious of a little attachment on her side  One might guess
twenty things without guessing exactly the right but I am sure
there must be a particular cause for her chusing to come to Highbury
instead of going with the Campbells to Ireland  Here she must be
leading a life of privation and penance there it would have been
all enjoyment  As to the pretence of trying her native air I look
upon that as a mere excuse  In the summer it might have passed
but what can any body's native air do for them in the months
of January February and March  Good fires and carriages would
be much more to the purpose in most cases of delicate health and I
dare say in her's I do not require you to adopt all my suspicions
though you make so noble a profession of doing it but I honestly
tell you what they are

And upon my word they have an air of great probability 
Mr Dixon's preference of her music to her friend's I can answer
for being very decided

And then he saved her life  Did you ever hear of that  
A water party and by some accident she was falling overboard 
He caught her

He did  I was there  one of the party

Were you really  Well  But you observed nothing of course
for it seems to be a new idea to you  If I had been there I think
I should have made some discoveries

I dare say you would but I simple I saw nothing but the fact
that Miss Fairfax was nearly dashed from the vessel and that Mr Dixon
caught her  It was the work of a moment  And though the consequent
shock and alarm was very great and much more durable  indeed I
believe it was half an hour before any of us were comfortable again  
yet that was too general a sensation for any thing of peculiar
anxiety to be observable  I do not mean to say however that you
might not have made discoveries

The conversation was here interrupted  They were called on to share
in the awkwardness of a rather long interval between the courses
and obliged to be as formal and as orderly as the others but when
the table was again safely covered when every corner dish was placed
exactly right and occupation and ease were generally restored
Emma said

The arrival of this pianoforte is decisive with me  I wanted to know
a little more and this tells me quite enough  Depend upon it
we shall soon hear that it is a present from Mr and Mrs Dixon

And if the Dixons should absolutely deny all knowledge of it we
must conclude it to come from the Campbells

No I am sure it is not from the Campbells  Miss Fairfax knows it
is not from the Campbells or they would have been guessed at first 
She would not have been puzzled had she dared fix on them 
I may not have convinced you perhaps but I am perfectly convinced
myself that Mr Dixon is a principal in the business

Indeed you injure me if you suppose me unconvinced  Your reasonings
carry my judgment along with them entirely  At first while I
supposed you satisfied that Colonel Campbell was the giver I saw
it only as paternal kindness and thought it the most natural thing
in the world  But when you mentioned Mrs Dixon I felt how much more
probable that it should be the tribute of warm female friendship 
And now I can see it in no other light than as an offering of love

There was no occasion to press the matter farther  The conviction
seemed real he looked as if he felt it  She said no more
other subjects took their turn and the rest of the dinner passed away
the dessert succeeded the children came in and were talked
to and admired amid the usual rate of conversation a few clever
things said a few downright silly but by much the larger proportion
neither the one nor the other  nothing worse than everyday remarks
dull repetitions old news and heavy jokes

The ladies had not been long in the drawing room before the other ladies
in their different divisions arrived  Emma watched the entree of her
own particular little friend and if she could not exult in her dignity
and grace she could not only love the blooming sweetness and the
artless manner but could most heartily rejoice in that light cheerful
unsentimental disposition which allowed her so many alleviations
of pleasure in the midst of the pangs of disappointed affection 
There she sat  and who would have guessed how many tears she had
been lately shedding  To be in company nicely dressed herself
and seeing others nicely dressed to sit and smile and look pretty
and say nothing was enough for the happiness of the present hour 
Jane Fairfax did look and move superior but Emma suspected she
might have been glad to change feelings with Harriet very glad
to have purchased the mortification of having loved  yes of having
loved even Mr Elton in vain  by the surrender of all the dangerous
pleasure of knowing herself beloved by the husband of her friend

In so large a party it was not necessary that Emma should approach her 
She did not wish to speak of the pianoforte she felt too much
in the secret herself to think the appearance of curiosity
or interest fair and therefore purposely kept at a distance
but by the others the subject was almost immediately introduced
and she saw the blush of consciousness with which congratulations
were received the blush of guilt which accompanied the name of my
excellent friend Colonel Campbell

Mrs Weston kind hearted and musical was particularly interested
by the circumstance and Emma could not help being amused at her
perseverance in dwelling on the subject and having so much to ask
and to say as to tone touch and pedal totally unsuspicious
of that wish of saying as little about it as possible which she
plainly read in the fair heroine's countenance

They were soon joined by some of the gentlemen and the very first of the
early was Frank Churchill  In he walked the first and the handsomest
and after paying his compliments en passant to Miss Bates and
her niece made his way directly to the opposite side of the circle
where sat Miss Woodhouse and till he could find a seat by her
would not sit at all  Emma divined what every body present must
be thinking  She was his object and every body must perceive it 
She introduced him to her friend Miss Smith and at convenient
moments afterwards heard what each thought of the other  He had
never seen so lovely a face and was delighted with her naivete 
And she Only to be sure it was paying him too great a compliment
but she did think there were some looks a little like Mr Elton 
Emma restrained her indignation and only turned from her in silence

Smiles of intelligence passed between her and the gentleman on first
glancing towards Miss Fairfax but it was most prudent to avoid speech 
He told her that he had been impatient to leave the dining room  
hated sitting long  was always the first to move when he could  
that his father Mr Knightley Mr Cox and Mr Cole were left
very busy over parish business  that as long as he had staid
however it had been pleasant enough as he had found them in general
a set of gentlemanlike sensible men and spoke so handsomely of
Highbury altogether  thought it so abundant in agreeable families  
that Emma began to feel she had been used to despise the place
rather too much  She questioned him as to the society in Yorkshire  
the extent of the neighbourhood about Enscombe and the sort
and could make out from his answers that as far as Enscombe
was concerned there was very little going on that their visitings
were among a range of great families none very near and that even
when days were fixed and invitations accepted it was an even
chance that Mrs Churchill were not in health and spirits for going
that they made a point of visiting no fresh person and that
though he had his separate engagements it was not without difficulty
without considerable address at times that he could get away
or introduce an acquaintance for a night

She saw that Enscombe could not satisfy and that Highbury
taken at its best might reasonably please a young man who had more
retirement at home than he liked  His importance at Enscombe was
very evident  He did not boast but it naturally betrayed itself
that he had persuaded his aunt where his uncle could do nothing
and on her laughing and noticing it he owned that he believed excepting
one or two points he could with time persuade her to any thing 
One of those points on which his influence failed he then mentioned 
He had wanted very much to go abroad  had been very eager indeed
to be allowed to travel  but she would not hear of it  This had
happened the year before  Now he said he was beginning to have
no longer the same wish

The unpersuadable point which he did not mention Emma guessed
to be good behaviour to his father

I have made a most wretched discovery said he after a short pause  
I have been here a week to morrow  half my time  I never knew
days fly so fast  A week to morrow  And I have hardly begun to
enjoy myself  But just got acquainted with Mrs Weston and others  
I hate the recollection

Perhaps you may now begin to regret that you spent one whole day
out of so few in having your hair cut

No said he smiling that is no subject of regret at all 
I have no pleasure in seeing my friends unless I can believe myself
fit to be seen

The rest of the gentlemen being now in the room Emma found herself
obliged to turn from him for a few minutes and listen to Mr Cole 
When Mr Cole had moved away and her attention could be restored
as before she saw Frank Churchill looking intently across the room
at Miss Fairfax who was sitting exactly opposite

What is the matter said she

He started  Thank you for rousing me he replied  I believe
I have been very rude but really Miss Fairfax has done her hair
in so odd a way  so very odd a way  that I cannot keep my eyes
from her  I never saw any thing so outree  Those curls  This must
be a fancy of her own  I see nobody else looking like her  
I must go and ask her whether it is an Irish fashion  Shall I  
Yes I will  I declare I will  and you shall see how she takes it  
whether she colours

He was gone immediately and Emma soon saw him standing before Miss
Fairfax and talking to her but as to its effect on the young lady
as he had improvidently placed himself exactly between them exactly
in front of Miss Fairfax she could absolutely distinguish nothing

Before he could return to his chair it was taken by Mrs Weston

This is the luxury of a large party said she  one can get
near every body and say every thing  My dear Emma I am longing
to talk to you  I have been making discoveries and forming plans
just like yourself and I must tell them while the idea is fresh 
Do you know how Miss Bates and her niece came here

How  They were invited were not they

Oh yes  but how they were conveyed hither  the manner of their coming

They walked I conclude  How else could they come

Very true  Well a little while ago it occurred to me how very sad
it would be to have Jane Fairfax walking home again late at night
and cold as the nights are now  And as I looked at her though I
never saw her appear to more advantage it struck me that she
was heated and would therefore be particularly liable to take cold 
Poor girl  I could not bear the idea of it so as soon as Mr Weston
came into the room and I could get at him I spoke to him about
the carriage  You may guess how readily he came into my wishes
and having his approbation I made my way directly to Miss Bates
to assure her that the carriage would be at her service before it took
us home for I thought it would be making her comfortable at once 
Good soul she was as grateful as possible you may be sure 
Nobody was ever so fortunate as herself  but with many
many thanks  there was no occasion to trouble us for Mr Knightley's
carriage had brought and was to take them home again  I was
quite surprized  very glad I am sure but really quite surprized 
Such a very kind attention  and so thoughtful an attention  
the sort of thing that so few men would think of  And in short
from knowing his usual ways I am very much inclined to think
that it was for their accommodation the carriage was used at all 
I do suspect he would not have had a pair of horses for himself
and that it was only as an excuse for assisting them

Very likely said Emma  nothing more likely  I know no man
more likely than Mr Knightley to do the sort of thing  to do any
thing really good natured useful considerate or benevolent 
He is not a gallant man but he is a very humane one and this
considering Jane Fairfax's ill health would appear a case
of humanity to him  and for an act of unostentatious kindness
there is nobody whom I would fix on more than on Mr Knightley 
I know he had horses to day  for we arrived together and I laughed at
him about it but he said not a word that could betray

Well said Mrs Weston smiling you give him credit for
more simple disinterested benevolence in this instance than I do
for while Miss Bates was speaking a suspicion darted into my head
and I have never been able to get it out again  The more I think
of it the more probable it appears  In short I have made a match
between Mr Knightley and Jane Fairfax  See the consequence
of keeping you company  What do you say to it

Mr Knightley and Jane Fairfax exclaimed Emma  Dear Mrs Weston
how could you think of such a thing  Mr Knightley  Mr Knightley
must not marry  You would not have little Henry cut out from Donwell  
Oh no no Henry must have Donwell  I cannot at all consent to
Mr Knightley's marrying and I am sure it is not at all likely 
I am amazed that you should think of such a thing

My dear Emma I have told you what led me to think of it 
I do not want the match  I do not want to injure dear little Henry  
but the idea has been given me by circumstances and if Mr Knightley
really wished to marry you would not have him refrain on Henry's
account a boy of six years old who knows nothing of the matter

Yes I would  I could not bear to have Henry supplanted  
Mr Knightley marry  No I have never had such an idea and I
cannot adopt it now  And Jane Fairfax too of all women

Nay she has always been a first favourite with him as you
very well know

But the imprudence of such a match

I am not speaking of its prudence merely its probability

I see no probability in it unless you have any better foundation
than what you mention  His good nature his humanity as I tell you
would be quite enough to account for the horses  He has a great
regard for the Bateses you know independent of Jane Fairfax  
and is always glad to shew them attention  My dear Mrs Weston
do not take to match making  You do it very ill  Jane Fairfax mistress
of the Abbey  Oh no no  every feeling revolts  For his own sake
I would not have him do so mad a thing

Imprudent if you please  but not mad  Excepting inequality of fortune
and perhaps a little disparity of age I can see nothing unsuitable

But Mr Knightley does not want to marry  I am sure he has not the
least idea of it  Do not put it into his head  Why should he marry  
He is as happy as possible by himself with his farm and his sheep
and his library and all the parish to manage and he is extremely
fond of his brother's children  He has no occasion to marry
either to fill up his time or his heart

My dear Emma as long as he thinks so it is so but if he really
loves Jane Fairfax  

Nonsense  He does not care about Jane Fairfax  In the way
of love I am sure he does not  He would do any good to her
or her family but  

Well said Mrs Weston laughing perhaps the greatest good he
could do them would be to give Jane such a respectable home

If it would be good to her I am sure it would be evil to himself
a very shameful and degrading connexion  How would he bear to have
Miss Bates belonging to him  To have her haunting the Abbey
and thanking him all day long for his great kindness in marrying Jane  
So very kind and obliging  But he always had been such a very
kind neighbour  And then fly off through half a sentence
to her mother's old petticoat  Not that it was such a very old
petticoat either  for still it would last a great while  and indeed
she must thankfully say that their petticoats were all very strong

For shame Emma  Do not mimic her  You divert me against
my conscience  And upon my word I do not think Mr Knightley would
be much disturbed by Miss Bates  Little things do not irritate him 
She might talk on and if he wanted to say any thing himself he would
only talk louder and drown her voice  But the question is not
whether it would be a bad connexion for him but whether he wishes it
and I think he does  I have heard him speak and so must you
so very highly of Jane Fairfax  The interest he takes in her  
his anxiety about her health  his concern that she should have no
happier prospect  I have heard him express himself so warmly on
those points  Such an admirer of her performance on the pianoforte
and of her voice  I have heard him say that he could listen to her
for ever  Oh and I had almost forgotten one idea that occurred
to me  this pianoforte that has been sent here by somebody  
though we have all been so well satisfied to consider it a present
from the Campbells may it not be from Mr Knightley  I cannot
help suspecting him  I think he is just the person to do it
even without being in love

Then it can be no argument to prove that he is in love 
But I do not think it is at all a likely thing for him to do 
Mr Knightley does nothing mysteriously

I have heard him lamenting her having no instrument repeatedly
oftener than I should suppose such a circumstance would in the common
course of things occur to him

Very well and if he had intended to give her one he would have
told her so

There might be scruples of delicacy my dear Emma  I have a very
strong notion that it comes from him  I am sure he was particularly
silent when Mrs Cole told us of it at dinner

You take up an idea Mrs Weston and run away with it as you have
many a time reproached me with doing  I see no sign of attachment  
I believe nothing of the pianoforte  and proof only shall convince
me that Mr Knightley has any thought of marrying Jane Fairfax

They combated the point some time longer in the same way Emma rather
gaining ground over the mind of her friend for Mrs Weston was
the most used of the two to yield till a little bustle in the room
shewed them that tea was over and the instrument in preparation  
and at the same moment Mr Cole approaching to entreat Miss Woodhouse
would do them the honour of trying it  Frank Churchill of whom
in the eagerness of her conversation with Mrs Weston she had been
seeing nothing except that he had found a seat by Miss Fairfax
followed Mr Cole to add his very pressing entreaties and as
in every respect it suited Emma best to lead she gave a very
proper compliance

She knew the limitations of her own powers too well to attempt
more than she could perform with credit she wanted neither taste
nor spirit in the little things which are generally acceptable
and could accompany her own voice well  One accompaniment to her song
took her agreeably by surprize  a second slightly but correctly
taken by Frank Churchill  Her pardon was duly begged at the close
of the song and every thing usual followed  He was accused
of having a delightful voice and a perfect knowledge of music
which was properly denied and that he knew nothing of the matter
and had no voice at all roundly asserted  They sang together
once more and Emma would then resign her place to Miss Fairfax
whose performance both vocal and instrumental she never could
attempt to conceal from herself was infinitely superior to her own

With mixed feelings she seated herself at a little distance from the
numbers round the instrument to listen  Frank Churchill sang again 
They had sung together once or twice it appeared at Weymouth 
But the sight of Mr Knightley among the most attentive soon drew
away half Emma's mind and she fell into a train of thinking
on the subject of Mrs Weston's suspicions to which the sweet
sounds of the united voices gave only momentary interruptions 
Her objections to Mr Knightley's marrying did not in the least subside 
She could see nothing but evil in it  It would be a great
disappointment to Mr John Knightley consequently to Isabella 
A real injury to the children  a most mortifying change
and material loss to them all  a very great deduction from her
father's daily comfort  and as to herself she could not at all
endure the idea of Jane Fairfax at Donwell Abbey  A Mrs Knightley
for them all to give way to  No  Mr Knightley must never marry 
Little Henry must remain the heir of Donwell

Presently Mr Knightley looked back and came and sat down by her 
They talked at first only of the performance  His admiration
was certainly very warm yet she thought but for Mrs Weston
it would not have struck her  As a sort of touchstone however
she began to speak of his kindness in conveying the aunt and niece
and though his answer was in the spirit of cutting the matter short
she believed it to indicate only his disinclination to dwell on any
kindness of his own

I often feel concern said she that I dare not make our carriage
more useful on such occasions  It is not that I am without the wish
but you know how impossible my father would deem it that James
should put to for such a purpose

Quite out of the question quite out of the question he replied  
but you must often wish it I am sure  And he smiled with such
seeming pleasure at the conviction that she must proceed another step

This present from the Campbells said she  this pianoforte
is very kindly given

Yes he replied and without the smallest apparent embarrassment  
But they would have done better had they given her notice of it 
Surprizes are foolish things  The pleasure is not enhanced and the
inconvenience is often considerable  I should have expected better
judgment in Colonel Campbell

From that moment Emma could have taken her oath that Mr Knightley
had had no concern in giving the instrument  But whether he
were entirely free from peculiar attachment  whether there
were no actual preference  remained a little longer doubtful 
Towards the end of Jane's second song her voice grew thick

That will do said he when it was finished thinking aloud  
you have sung quite enough for one evening  now be quiet

Another song however was soon begged for  One more  they would
not fatigue Miss Fairfax on any account and would only ask for
one more  And Frank Churchill was heard to say I think you could
manage this without effort the first part is so very trifling 
The strength of the song falls on the second

Mr Knightley grew angry

That fellow said he indignantly thinks of nothing but shewing
off his own voice  This must not be  And touching Miss Bates
who at that moment passed near  Miss Bates are you mad to let
your niece sing herself hoarse in this manner  Go and interfere 
They have no mercy on her

Miss Bates in her real anxiety for Jane could hardly stay even
to be grateful before she stept forward and put an end to all
farther singing  Here ceased the concert part of the evening
for Miss Woodhouse and Miss Fairfax were the only young lady performers
but soon within five minutes the proposal of dancing  
originating nobody exactly knew where  was so effectually promoted
by Mr and Mrs Cole that every thing was rapidly clearing away
to give proper space  Mrs Weston capital in her country dances
was seated and beginning an irresistible waltz and Frank Churchill
coming up with most becoming gallantry to Emma had secured her hand
and led her up to the top

While waiting till the other young people could pair themselves off
Emma found time in spite of the compliments she was receiving on her
voice and her taste to look about and see what became of Mr Knightley 
This would be a trial  He was no dancer in general  If he were to be
very alert in engaging Jane Fairfax now it might augur something 
There was no immediate appearance  No he was talking to Mrs Cole  
he was looking on unconcerned Jane was asked by somebody else
and he was still talking to Mrs Cole

Emma had no longer an alarm for Henry his interest was yet safe
and she led off the dance with genuine spirit and enjoyment 
Not more than five couple could be mustered but the rarity and the
suddenness of it made it very delightful and she found herself well
matched in a partner  They were a couple worth looking at

Two dances unfortunately were all that could be allowed 
It was growing late and Miss Bates became anxious to get home
on her mother's account  After some attempts therefore to be
permitted to begin again they were obliged to thank Mrs Weston
look sorrowful and have done

Perhaps it is as well said Frank Churchill as he attended Emma
to her carriage  I must have asked Miss Fairfax and her languid
dancing would not have agreed with me after your's



CHAPTER IX


Emma did not repent her condescension in going to the Coles 
The visit afforded her many pleasant recollections the next day
and all that she might be supposed to have lost on the side
of dignified seclusion must be amply repaid in the splendour
of popularity  She must have delighted the Coles  worthy people
who deserved to be made happy  And left a name behind her that would
not soon die away

Perfect happiness even in memory is not common and there were
two points on which she was not quite easy  She doubted whether
she had not transgressed the duty of woman by woman in betraying
her suspicions of Jane Fairfax's feelings to Frank Churchill 
It was hardly right but it had been so strong an idea that it
would escape her and his submission to all that she told
was a compliment to her penetration which made it difficult
for her to be quite certain that she ought to have held her tongue

The other circumstance of regret related also to Jane Fairfax
and there she had no doubt  She did unfeignedly and unequivocally
regret the inferiority of her own playing and singing  She did
most heartily grieve over the idleness of her childhood  and sat
down and practised vigorously an hour and a half

She was then interrupted by Harriet's coming in and if Harriet's
praise could have satisfied her she might soon have been comforted

Oh if I could but play as well as you and Miss Fairfax

Don't class us together Harriet  My playing is no more like
her's than a lamp is like sunshine

Oh dear  I think you play the best of the two  I think you play
quite as well as she does  I am sure I had much rather hear you 
Every body last night said how well you played

Those who knew any thing about it must have felt the difference 
The truth is Harriet that my playing is just good enough to be praised
but Jane Fairfax's is much beyond it

Well I always shall think that you play quite as well as she does
or that if there is any difference nobody would ever find it out 
Mr Cole said how much taste you had and Mr Frank Churchill talked
a great deal about your taste and that he valued taste much more
than execution

Ah but Jane Fairfax has them both Harriet

Are you sure  I saw she had execution but I did not know she had
any taste  Nobody talked about it  And I hate Italian singing  
There is no understanding a word of it  Besides if she does play
so very well you know it is no more than she is obliged to do
because she will have to teach  The Coxes were wondering last night
whether she would get into any great family  How did you think the
Coxes looked

Just as they always do  very vulgar

They told me something said Harriet rather hesitatingly
but it is nothing of any consequence

Emma was obliged to ask what they had told her though fearful
of its producing Mr Elton

They told me   that Mr Martin dined with them last Saturday

Oh

He came to their father upon some business and he asked him
to stay to dinner

Oh

They talked a great deal about him especially Anne Cox 
I do not know what she meant but she asked me if I thought I
should go and stay there again next summer

She meant to be impertinently curious just as such an Anne Cox
should be

She said he was very agreeable the day he dined there  He sat
by her at dinner  Miss Nash thinks either of the Coxes would
be very glad to marry him

Very likely  I think they are without exception the most vulgar
girls in Highbury

Harriet had business at Ford's  Emma thought it most prudent to go
with her  Another accidental meeting with the Martins was possible
and in her present state would be dangerous

Harriet tempted by every thing and swayed by half a word was always
very long at a purchase and while she was still hanging over muslins
and changing her mind Emma went to the door for amusement  Much could
not be hoped from the traffic of even the busiest part of Highbury  
Mr Perry walking hastily by Mr William Cox letting himself in at
the office door Mr Cole's carriage horses returning from exercise
or a stray letter boy on an obstinate mule were the liveliest
objects she could presume to expect and when her eyes fell only on
the butcher with his tray a tidy old woman travelling homewards from
shop with her full basket two curs quarrelling over a dirty bone
and a string of dawdling children round the baker's little bow window
eyeing the gingerbread she knew she had no reason to complain
and was amused enough quite enough still to stand at the door 
A mind lively and at ease can do with seeing nothing and can see
nothing that does not answer

She looked down the Randalls road  The scene enlarged
two persons appeared Mrs Weston and her son in law they were
walking into Highbury  to Hartfield of course  They were stopping
however in the first place at Mrs Bates's whose house was
a little nearer Randalls than Ford's and had all but knocked
when Emma caught their eye  Immediately they crossed the road
and came forward to her and the agreeableness of yesterday's
engagement seemed to give fresh pleasure to the present meeting 
Mrs Weston informed her that she was going to call on the Bateses
in order to hear the new instrument

For my companion tells me said she that I absolutely promised
Miss Bates last night that I would come this morning  I was
not aware of it myself  I did not know that I had fixed a day
but as he says I did I am going now

And while Mrs Weston pays her visit I may be allowed I hope
said Frank Churchill to join your party and wait for her at Hartfield  
if you are going home

Mrs Weston was disappointed

I thought you meant to go with me  They would be very much pleased

Me  I should be quite in the way  But perhaps  I may be equally
in the way here  Miss Woodhouse looks as if she did not want me 
My aunt always sends me off when she is shopping  She says I fidget
her to death and Miss Woodhouse looks as if she could almost say
the same  What am I to do

I am here on no business of my own said Emma I am only waiting
for my friend  She will probably have soon done and then we
shall go home  But you had better go with Mrs Weston and hear
the instrument

Well  if you advise it  But with a smile if Colonel Campbell
should have employed a careless friend and if it should prove
to have an indifferent tone  what shall I say  I shall be no
support to Mrs Weston  She might do very well by herself 
A disagreeable truth would be palatable through her lips but I
am the wretchedest being in the world at a civil falsehood

I do not believe any such thing replied Emma  I am persuaded
that you can be as insincere as your neighbours when it is necessary
but there is no reason to suppose the instrument is indifferent 
Quite otherwise indeed if I understood Miss Fairfax's opinion
last night

Do come with me said Mrs Weston if it be not very disagreeable
to you  It need not detain us long  We will go to Hartfield afterwards 
We will follow them to Hartfield  I really wish you to call with me 
It will be felt so great an attention and I always thought you
meant it

He could say no more and with the hope of Hartfield to reward him
returned with Mrs Weston to Mrs Bates's door  Emma watched them in
and then joined Harriet at the interesting counter  trying with all
the force of her own mind to convince her that if she wanted plain
muslin it was of no use to look at figured and that a blue ribbon
be it ever so beautiful would still never match her yellow pattern 
At last it was all settled even to the destination of the parcel

Should I send it to Mrs Goddard's ma'am asked Mrs Ford  
Yes  no  yes to Mrs Goddard's Only my pattern gown is
at Hartfield  No you shall send it to Hartfield if you please 
But then Mrs Goddard will want to see it  And I could take the
pattern gown home any day  But I shall want the ribbon directly  
so it had better go to Hartfield  at least the ribbon  You could
make it into two parcels Mrs Ford could not you

It is not worth while Harriet to give Mrs Ford the trouble
of two parcels

No more it is

No trouble in the world ma'am said the obliging Mrs Ford

Oh but indeed I would much rather have it only in one 
Then if you please you shall send it all to Mrs Goddard's  
I do not know  No I think Miss Woodhouse I may just as well
have it sent to Hartfield and take it home with me at night 
What do you advise

That you do not give another half second to the subject 
To Hartfield if you please Mrs Ford

Aye that will be much best said Harriet quite satisfied
I should not at all like to have it sent to Mrs Goddard's

Voices approached the shop  or rather one voice and two ladies 
Mrs Weston and Miss Bates met them at the door

My dear Miss Woodhouse said the latter I am just run across to
entreat the favour of you to come and sit down with us a little while
and give us your opinion of our new instrument you and Miss Smith 
How do you do Miss Smith  Very well I thank you  And I begged
Mrs Weston to come with me that I might be sure of succeeding

I hope Mrs Bates and Miss Fairfax are  

Very well I am much obliged to you  My mother is delightfully well
and Jane caught no cold last night  How is Mr Woodhouse  I am so glad
to hear such a good account  Mrs Weston told me you were here  
Oh then said I I must run across I am sure Miss Woodhouse will
allow me just to run across and entreat her to come in my mother
will be so very happy to see her  and now we are such a nice party
she cannot refuse  Aye pray do said Mr Frank Churchill
Miss Woodhouse's opinion of the instrument will be worth having  
But said I I shall be more sure of succeeding if one of you will go
with me  Oh said he wait half a minute till I have finished
my job  For would you believe it Miss Woodhouse there he is
in the most obliging manner in the world fastening in the rivet of my
mother's spectacles  The rivet came out you know this morning  
So very obliging  For my mother had no use of her spectacles  
could not put them on  And by the bye every body ought to have
two pair of spectacles they should indeed  Jane said so 
I meant to take them over to John Saunders the first thing I did
but something or other hindered me all the morning first one thing
then another there is no saying what you know  At one time Patty came
to say she thought the kitchen chimney wanted sweeping  Oh said I
Patty do not come with your bad news to me  Here is the rivet
of your mistress's spectacles out  Then the baked apples came home
Mrs Wallis sent them by her boy they are extremely civil and
obliging to us the Wallises always  I have heard some people
say that Mrs Wallis can be uncivil and give a very rude answer
but we have never known any thing but the greatest attention
from them  And it cannot be for the value of our custom now
for what is our consumption of bread you know  Only three of us  
besides dear Jane at present  and she really eats nothing  makes such
a shocking breakfast you would be quite frightened if you saw it 
I dare not let my mother know how little she eats  so I say one
thing and then I say another and it passes off  But about the
middle of the day she gets hungry and there is nothing she likes
so well as these baked apples and they are extremely wholesome
for I took the opportunity the other day of asking Mr Perry
I happened to meet him in the street  Not that I had any doubt before  
I have so often heard Mr Woodhouse recommend a baked apple 
I believe it is the only way that Mr Woodhouse thinks the
fruit thoroughly wholesome  We have apple dumplings however
very often  Patty makes an excellent apple dumpling Well
Mrs Weston you have prevailed I hope and these ladies will
oblige us

Emma would be very happy to wait on Mrs Bates &c and they
did at last move out of the shop with no farther delay from Miss
Bates than

How do you do Mrs Ford  I beg your pardon  I did not see
you before  I hear you have a charming collection of new ribbons
from town  Jane came back delighted yesterday  Thank ye
the gloves do very well  only a little too large about the wrist
but Jane is taking them in

What was I talking of said she beginning again when they were
all in the street

Emma wondered on what of all the medley she would fix

I declare I cannot recollect what I was talking of  Oh my
mother's spectacles  So very obliging of Mr Frank Churchill 
Oh said he I do think I can fasten the rivet I like a job
of this kind excessively  Which you know shewed him to be so
very    Indeed I must say that much as I had heard of him
before and much as I had expected he very far exceeds any
thing    I do congratulate you Mrs Weston most warmly 
He seems every thing the fondest parent could    Oh said he
I can fasten the rivet  I like a job of that sort excessively 
I never shall forget his manner  And when I brought out the baked
apples from the closet and hoped our friends would be so very
obliging as to take some Oh said he directly there is nothing
in the way of fruit half so good and these are the finest looking
home baked apples I ever saw in my life  That you know was so
very    And I am sure by his manner it was no compliment 
Indeed they are very delightful apples and Mrs Wallis does them
full justice  only we do not have them baked more than twice
and Mr Woodhouse made us promise to have them done three times  
but Miss Woodhouse will be so good as not to mention it  The apples
themselves are the very finest sort for baking beyond a doubt
all from Donwell  some of Mr Knightley's most liberal supply 
He sends us a sack every year and certainly there never was such
a keeping apple anywhere as one of his trees  I believe there
is two of them  My mother says the orchard was always famous
in her younger days  But I was really quite shocked the other day  
for Mr Knightley called one morning and Jane was eating these apples
and we talked about them and said how much she enjoyed them
and he asked whether we were not got to the end of our stock 
I am sure you must be said he and I will send you
another supply for I have a great many more than I can ever use 
William Larkins let me keep a larger quantity than usual this year 
I will send you some more before they get good for nothing 
So I begged he would not  for really as to ours being gone I could
not absolutely say that we had a great many left  it was but half
a dozen indeed but they should be all kept for Jane and I could
not at all bear that he should be sending us more so liberal as he
had been already and Jane said the same  And when he was gone
she almost quarrelled with me  No I should not say quarrelled
for we never had a quarrel in our lives but she was quite distressed
that I had owned the apples were so nearly gone she wished I had
made him believe we had a great many left  Oh said I my dear
I did say as much as I could  However the very same evening
William Larkins came over with a large basket of apples the same
sort of apples a bushel at least and I was very much obliged
and went down and spoke to William Larkins and said every thing
as you may suppose  William Larkins is such an old acquaintance 
I am always glad to see him  But however I found afterwards
from Patty that William said it was all the apples of that sort
his master had he had brought them all  and now his master had not
one left to bake or boil  William did not seem to mind it himself
he was so pleased to think his master had sold so many for William
you know thinks more of his master's profit than any thing
but Mrs Hodges he said was quite displeased at their being
all sent away  She could not bear that her master should not be
able to have another apple tart this spring  He told Patty this
but bid her not mind it and be sure not to say any thing to us
about it for Mrs Hodges would be cross sometimes and as long as
so many sacks were sold it did not signify who ate the remainder 
And so Patty told me and I was excessively shocked indeed 
I would not have Mr Knightley know any thing about it for
the world  He would be so very    I wanted to keep it from
Jane's knowledge but unluckily I had mentioned it before I was
aware

Miss Bates had just done as Patty opened the door and her visitors
walked upstairs without having any regular narration to attend to
pursued only by the sounds of her desultory good will

Pray take care Mrs Weston there is a step at the turning 
Pray take care Miss Woodhouse ours is rather a dark staircase  
rather darker and narrower than one could wish  Miss Smith
pray take care  Miss Woodhouse I am quite concerned I am sure you
hit your foot  Miss Smith the step at the turning



CHAPTER X


The appearance of the little sitting room as they entered
was tranquillity itself Mrs Bates deprived of her usual employment
slumbering on one side of the fire Frank Churchill at a table
near her most deedily occupied about her spectacles and Jane Fairfax
standing with her back to them intent on her pianoforte

Busy as he was however the young man was yet able to shew a most
happy countenance on seeing Emma again

This is a pleasure said he in rather a low voice coming at
least ten minutes earlier than I had calculated  You find me
trying to be useful tell me if you think I shall succeed

What said Mrs Weston have not you finished it yet you would
not earn a very good livelihood as a working silversmith at this rate

I have not been working uninterruptedly he replied I have been
assisting Miss Fairfax in trying to make her instrument stand steadily
it was not quite firm an unevenness in the floor I believe 
You see we have been wedging one leg with paper  This was very kind
of you to be persuaded to come  I was almost afraid you would be
hurrying home

He contrived that she should be seated by him and was sufficiently
employed in looking out the best baked apple for her and trying
to make her help or advise him in his work till Jane Fairfax was
quite ready to sit down to the pianoforte again  That she was not
immediately ready Emma did suspect to arise from the state of her nerves
she had not yet possessed the instrument long enough to touch it
without emotion she must reason herself into the power of performance
and Emma could not but pity such feelings whatever their origin
and could not but resolve never to expose them to her neighbour again

At last Jane began and though the first bars were feebly given
the powers of the instrument were gradually done full justice to 
Mrs Weston had been delighted before and was delighted again
Emma joined her in all her praise and the pianoforte with every
proper discrimination was pronounced to be altogether of the
highest promise

Whoever Colonel Campbell might employ said Frank Churchill
with a smile at Emma the person has not chosen ill  I heard a good
deal of Colonel Campbell's taste at Weymouth and the softness of the
upper notes I am sure is exactly what he and all that party would
particularly prize  I dare say Miss Fairfax that he either gave
his friend very minute directions or wrote to Broadwood himself 
Do not you think so

Jane did not look round  She was not obliged to hear  Mrs Weston
had been speaking to her at the same moment

It is not fair said Emma in a whisper mine was a random guess 
Do not distress her

He shook his head with a smile and looked as if he had very little
doubt and very little mercy  Soon afterwards he began again

How much your friends in Ireland must be enjoying your pleasure
on this occasion Miss Fairfax  I dare say they often think of you
and wonder which will be the day the precise day of the instrument's
coming to hand  Do you imagine Colonel Campbell knows the business
to be going forward just at this time  Do you imagine it to be
the consequence of an immediate commission from him or that he may
have sent only a general direction an order indefinite as to time
to depend upon contingencies and conveniences

He paused  She could not but hear she could not avoid answering

Till I have a letter from Colonel Campbell said she in a voice
of forced calmness I can imagine nothing with any confidence 
It must be all conjecture

Conjecture  aye sometimes one conjectures right and sometimes
one conjectures wrong  I wish I could conjecture how soon I shall
make this rivet quite firm  What nonsense one talks Miss Woodhouse
when hard at work if one talks at all  your real workmen
I suppose hold their tongues but we gentlemen labourers if we get
hold of a word  Miss Fairfax said something about conjecturing 
There it is done  I have the pleasure madam to Mrs Bates
of restoring your spectacles healed for the present

He was very warmly thanked both by mother and daughter to escape
a little from the latter he went to the pianoforte and begged
Miss Fairfax who was still sitting at it to play something more

If you are very kind said he it will be one of the waltzes
we danced last night  let me live them over again  You did not
enjoy them as I did you appeared tired the whole time  I believe
you were glad we danced no longer but I would have given worlds  
all the worlds one ever has to give  for another half hour

She played

What felicity it is to hear a tune again which has made one happy  
If I mistake not that was danced at Weymouth

She looked up at him for a moment coloured deeply and played
something else  He took some music from a chair near the pianoforte
and turning to Emma said

Here is something quite new to me  Do you know it  Cramer  
And here are a new set of Irish melodies  That from such a quarter
one might expect  This was all sent with the instrument  Very thoughtful
of Colonel Campbell was not it  He knew Miss Fairfax could have
no music here  I honour that part of the attention particularly
it shews it to have been so thoroughly from the heart  Nothing hastily
done nothing incomplete  True affection only could have prompted it

Emma wished he would be less pointed yet could not help being amused
and when on glancing her eye towards Jane Fairfax she caught
the remains of a smile when she saw that with all the deep blush
of consciousness there had been a smile of secret delight
she had less scruple in the amusement and much less compunction
with respect to her  This amiable upright perfect Jane Fairfax
was apparently cherishing very reprehensible feelings

He brought all the music to her and they looked it over together  
Emma took the opportunity of whispering

You speak too plain  She must understand you

I hope she does  I would have her understand me  I am not
in the least ashamed of my meaning

But really I am half ashamed and wish I had never taken up
the idea

I am very glad you did and that you communicated it to me 
I have now a key to all her odd looks and ways  Leave shame to her 
If she does wrong she ought to feel it

She is not entirely without it I think

I do not see much sign of it  She is playing Robin Adair
at this moment  his favourite

Shortly afterwards Miss Bates passing near the window
descried Mr Knightley on horse back not far off

Mr Knightley I declare  I must speak to him if possible
just to thank him  I will not open the window here it would give
you all cold but I can go into my mother's room you know  I dare
say he will come in when he knows who is here  Quite delightful
to have you all meet so  Our little room so honoured

She was in the adjoining chamber while she still spoke and opening
the casement there immediately called Mr Knightley's attention
and every syllable of their conversation was as distinctly heard
by the others as if it had passed within the same apartment

How d ye do  how d'ye do  Very well I thank you  So obliged
to you for the carriage last night  We were just in time
my mother just ready for us  Pray come in do come in  You will
find some friends here

So began Miss Bates and Mr Knightley seemed determined to be heard
in his turn for most resolutely and commandingly did he say

How is your niece Miss Bates  I want to inquire after you all
but particularly your niece  How is Miss Fairfax  I hope she
caught no cold last night  How is she to day Tell me how Miss
Fairfax is

And Miss Bates was obliged to give a direct answer before he
would hear her in any thing else  The listeners were amused
and Mrs Weston gave Emma a look of particular meaning  But Emma
still shook her head in steady scepticism

So obliged to you  so very much obliged to you for the carriage
resumed Miss Bates

He cut her short with

I am going to Kingston  Can I do anything for you

Oh dear Kingston  are you  Mrs Cole was saying the other day
she wanted something from Kingston

Mrs Cole has servants to send  Can I do any thing for you

No I thank you  But do come in  Who do you think is here  
Miss Woodhouse and Miss Smith so kind as to call to hear the
new pianoforte  Do put up your horse at the Crown and come in

Well said he in a deliberating manner for five minutes perhaps

And here is Mrs Weston and Mr Frank Churchill too  Quite delightful
so many friends

No not now I thank you  I could not stay two minutes 
I must get on to Kingston as fast as I can

Oh do come in  They will be so very happy to see you

No no your room is full enough  I will call another day
and hear the pianoforte

Well I am so sorry  Oh  Mr Knightley what a delightful party
last night how extremely pleasant  Did you ever see such dancing  
Was not it delightful  Miss Woodhouse and Mr Frank Churchill
I never saw any thing equal to it

Oh very delightful indeed I can say nothing less for I suppose
Miss Woodhouse and Mr Frank Churchill are hearing every thing
that passes  And raising his voice still more I do not see why Miss
Fairfax should not be mentioned too  I think Miss Fairfax dances
very well and Mrs Weston is the very best country dance player
without exception in England  Now if your friends have any gratitude
they will say something pretty loud about you and me in return
but I cannot stay to hear it

Oh  Mr Knightley one moment more something of consequence  
so shocked  Jane and I are both so shocked about the apples

What is the matter now

To think of your sending us all your store apples  You said you had
a great many and now you have not one left  We really are so shocked 
Mrs Hodges may well be angry  William Larkins mentioned it here 
You should not have done it indeed you should not  Ah he is off 
He never can bear to be thanked  But I thought he would have staid now
and it would have been a pity not to have mentioned    Well
returning to the room I have not been able to succeed 
Mr Knightley cannot stop  He is going to Kingston  He asked me
if he could do any thing   

Yes said Jane we heard his kind offers we heard every thing

Oh yes my dear I dare say you might because you know the door
was open and the window was open and Mr Knightley spoke loud 
You must have heard every thing to be sure  Can I do any thing
for you at Kingston said he so I just mentioned    Oh 
Miss Woodhouse must you be going  You seem but just come  so very
obliging of you

Emma found it really time to be at home the visit had already
lasted long and on examining watches so much of the morning was
perceived to be gone that Mrs Weston and her companion taking
leave also could allow themselves only to walk with the two young
ladies to Hartfield gates before they set off for Randalls



CHAPTER XI


It may be possible to do without dancing entirely  Instances have
been known of young people passing many many months successively
without being at any ball of any description and no material injury
accrue either to body or mind  but when a beginning is made  
when the felicities of rapid motion have once been though slightly
felt  it must be a very heavy set that does not ask for more

Frank Churchill had danced once at Highbury and longed to dance again
and the last half hour of an evening which Mr Woodhouse was persuaded
to spend with his daughter at Randalls was passed by the two young
people in schemes on the subject  Frank's was the first idea
and his the greatest zeal in pursuing it for the lady was the best
judge of the difficulties and the most solicitous for accommodation
and appearance  But still she had inclination enough for shewing
people again how delightfully Mr Frank Churchill and Miss
Woodhouse danced  for doing that in which she need not blush to compare
herself with Jane Fairfax  and even for simple dancing itself
without any of the wicked aids of vanity  to assist him first
in pacing out the room they were in to see what it could be made
to hold  and then in taking the dimensions of the other parlour
in the hope of discovering in spite of all that Mr Weston could
say of their exactly equal size that it was a little the largest

His first proposition and request that the dance begun at Mr Cole's
should be finished there  that the same party should be collected
and the same musician engaged met with the readiest acquiescence 
Mr Weston entered into the idea with thorough enjoyment
and Mrs Weston most willingly undertook to play as long as they
could wish to dance and the interesting employment had followed
of reckoning up exactly who there would be and portioning out the
indispensable division of space to every couple

You and Miss Smith and Miss Fairfax will be three and the two
Miss Coxes five had been repeated many times over  And there
will be the two Gilberts young Cox my father and myself
besides Mr Knightley  Yes that will be quite enough for pleasure 
You and Miss Smith and Miss Fairfax will be three and the two Miss
Coxes five and for five couple there will be plenty of room

But soon it came to be on one side

But will there be good room for five couple  I really do not think
there will

On another

And after all five couple are not enough to make it worth
while to stand up  Five couple are nothing when one thinks
seriously about it  It will not do to invite five couple 
It can be allowable only as the thought of the moment

Somebody said that Miss Gilbert was expected at her brother's
and must be invited with the rest  Somebody else believed
Mrs Gilbert would have danced the other evening if she had
been asked  A word was put in for a second young Cox and at last
Mr Weston naming one family of cousins who must be included
and another of very old acquaintance who could not be left out
it became a certainty that the five couple would be at least ten
and a very interesting speculation in what possible manner they
could be disposed of

The doors of the two rooms were just opposite each other 
Might not they use both rooms and dance across the passage 
It seemed the best scheme and yet it was not so good but that
many of them wanted a better  Emma said it would be awkward
Mrs Weston was in distress about the supper and Mr Woodhouse
opposed it earnestly on the score of health  It made him so
very unhappy indeed that it could not be persevered in

Oh no said he it would be the extreme of imprudence 
I could not bear it for Emma  Emma is not strong  She would
catch a dreadful cold  So would poor little Harriet 
So you would all  Mrs Weston you would be quite laid up
do not let them talk of such a wild thing  Pray do not let them
talk of it  That young man speaking lower is very thoughtless 
Do not tell his father but that young man is not quite the thing 
He has been opening the doors very often this evening and keeping
them open very inconsiderately  He does not think of the draught 
I do not mean to set you against him but indeed he is not quite
the thing

Mrs Weston was sorry for such a charge  She knew the importance
of it and said every thing in her power to do it away  Every door
was now closed the passage plan given up and the first scheme
of dancing only in the room they were in resorted to again
and with such good will on Frank Churchill's part that the space
which a quarter of an hour before had been deemed barely sufficient
for five couple was now endeavoured to be made out quite enough
for ten

We were too magnificent said he  We allowed unnecessary room 
Ten couple may stand here very well

Emma demurred  It would be a crowd  a sad crowd and what could
be worse than dancing without space to turn in

Very true he gravely replied it was very bad  But still he
went on measuring and still he ended with

I think there will be very tolerable room for ten couple

No no said she you are quite unreasonable  It would be dreadful
to be standing so close  Nothing can be farther from pleasure
than to be dancing in a crowd  and a crowd in a little room

There is no denying it he replied  I agree with you exactly 
A crowd in a little room  Miss Woodhouse you have the art of giving
pictures in a few words  Exquisite quite exquisite  Still however
having proceeded so far one is unwilling to give the matter up 
It would be a disappointment to my father  and altogether  I do
not know that  I am rather of opinion that ten couple might stand
here very well

Emma perceived that the nature of his gallantry was a little
self willed and that he would rather oppose than lose the pleasure
of dancing with her but she took the compliment and forgave
the rest  Had she intended ever to marry him it might have been
worth while to pause and consider and try to understand the value
of his preference and the character of his temper but for
all the purposes of their acquaintance he was quite amiable enough

Before the middle of the next day he was at Hartfield and he entered
the room with such an agreeable smile as certified the continuance
of the scheme  It soon appeared that he came to announce an improvement

Well Miss Woodhouse he almost immediately began your inclination
for dancing has not been quite frightened away I hope by the
terrors of my father's little rooms  I bring a new proposal
on the subject  a thought of my father's which waits only your
approbation to be acted upon  May I hope for the honour of your
hand for the two first dances of this little projected ball
to be given not at Randalls but at the Crown Inn

The Crown

Yes if you and Mr Woodhouse see no objection and I trust you cannot
my father hopes his friends will be so kind as to visit him there 
Better accommodations he can promise them and not a less grateful
welcome than at Randalls  It is his own idea  Mrs Weston sees
no objection to it provided you are satisfied  This is what we
all feel  Oh you were perfectly right  Ten couple in either of
the Randalls rooms would have been insufferable  Dreadful  I felt
how right you were the whole time but was too anxious for securing
any thing to like to yield  Is not it a good exchange  You consent  
I hope you consent

It appears to me a plan that nobody can object to if Mr and
Mrs Weston do not  I think it admirable and as far as I can
answer for myself shall be most happy  It seems the only improvement
that could be  Papa do you not think it an excellent improvement

She was obliged to repeat and explain it before it was fully
comprehended and then being quite new farther representations
were necessary to make it acceptable

No he thought it very far from an improvement  a very bad plan  
much worse than the other  A room at an inn was always damp
and dangerous never properly aired or fit to be inhabited 
If they must dance they had better dance at Randalls  He had never
been in the room at the Crown in his life  did not know the people
who kept it by sight  Oh no  a very bad plan  They would catch
worse colds at the Crown than anywhere

I was going to observe sir said Frank Churchill
that one of the great recommendations of this change would
be the very little danger of any body's catching cold  
so much less danger at the Crown than at Randalls  Mr Perry
might have reason to regret the alteration but nobody else could

Sir said Mr Woodhouse rather warmly you are very much
mistaken if you suppose Mr Perry to be that sort of character 
Mr Perry is extremely concerned when any of us are ill  But I
do not understand how the room at the Crown can be safer for you
than your father's house

From the very circumstance of its being larger sir  We shall have
no occasion to open the windows at all  not once the whole evening
and it is that dreadful habit of opening the windows letting in cold
air upon heated bodies which as you well know sir does the mischief

Open the windows  but surely Mr Churchill nobody would think
of opening the windows at Randalls  Nobody could be so imprudent 
I never heard of such a thing  Dancing with open windows  I am sure
neither your father nor Mrs Weston poor Miss Taylor that was
would suffer it

Ah sir  but a thoughtless young person will sometimes step behind
a window curtain and throw up a sash without its being suspected 
I have often known it done myself

Have you indeed sir  Bless me  I never could have supposed it 
But I live out of the world and am often astonished at what I hear 
However this does make a difference and perhaps when we come
to talk it over  but these sort of things require a good deal
of consideration  One cannot resolve upon them in a hurry 
If Mr and Mrs Weston will be so obliging as to call here one morning
we may talk it over and see what can be done

But unfortunately sir my time is so limited  

Oh interrupted Emma there will be plenty of time for talking
every thing over  There is no hurry at all  If it can be contrived
to be at the Crown papa it will be very convenient for the horses 
They will be so near their own stable

So they will my dear  That is a great thing  Not that James
ever complains but it is right to spare our horses when we can 
If I could be sure of the rooms being thoroughly aired  but is
Mrs Stokes to be trusted  I doubt it  I do not know her
even by sight

I can answer for every thing of that nature sir because it will
be under Mrs Weston's care  Mrs Weston undertakes to direct
the whole

There papa  Now you must be satisfied  Our own dear Mrs Weston
who is carefulness itself  Do not you remember what Mr Perry said
so many years ago when I had the measles  If Miss Taylor undertakes
to wrap Miss Emma up you need not have any fears sir  How often
have I heard you speak of it as such a compliment to her

Aye very true  Mr Perry did say so  I shall never forget it 
Poor little Emma  You were very bad with the measles that is
you would have been very bad but for Perry's great attention 
He came four times a day for a week  He said from the first
it was a very good sort  which was our great comfort but the measles
are a dreadful complaint  I hope whenever poor Isabella's little ones
have the measles she will send for Perry

My father and Mrs Weston are at the Crown at this moment
said Frank Churchill examining the capabilities of the house 
I left them there and came on to Hartfield impatient for your opinion
and hoping you might be persuaded to join them and give your advice
on the spot  I was desired to say so from both  It would be the
greatest pleasure to them if you could allow me to attend you there 
They can do nothing satisfactorily without you

Emma was most happy to be called to such a council and her father
engaging to think it all over while she was gone the two young
people set off together without delay for the Crown  There were
Mr and Mrs Weston delighted to see her and receive her approbation
very busy and very happy in their different way she in some
little distress and he finding every thing perfect

Emma said she this paper is worse than I expected 
Look in places you see it is dreadfully dirty and the wainscot
is more yellow and forlorn than any thing I could have imagined

My dear you are too particular said her husband  What does
all that signify  You will see nothing of it by candlelight 
It will be as clean as Randalls by candlelight  We never see any
thing of it on our club nights

The ladies here probably exchanged looks which meant Men never
know when things are dirty or not and the gentlemen perhaps
thought each to himself Women will have their little nonsenses
and needless cares

One perplexity however arose which the gentlemen did not disdain 
It regarded a supper room  At the time of the ballroom's being built
suppers had not been in question and a small card room adjoining
was the only addition  What was to be done  This card room would
be wanted as a card room now or if cards were conveniently voted
unnecessary by their four selves still was it not too small for
any comfortable supper  Another room of much better size might be
secured for the purpose but it was at the other end of the house
and a long awkward passage must be gone through to get at it 
This made a difficulty  Mrs Weston was afraid of draughts
for the young people in that passage and neither Emma nor the
gentlemen could tolerate the prospect of being miserably crowded
at supper

Mrs Weston proposed having no regular supper merely sandwiches
&c set out in the little room but that was scouted as a
wretched suggestion  A private dance without sitting down to supper
was pronounced an infamous fraud upon the rights of men and women
and Mrs Weston must not speak of it again  She then took another
line of expediency and looking into the doubtful room observed

I do not think it is so very small  We shall not be many
you know

And Mr Weston at the same time walking briskly with long steps
through the passage was calling out

You talk a great deal of the length of this passage my dear 
It is a mere nothing after all and not the least draught from
the stairs

I wish said Mrs Weston one could know which arrangement our
guests in general would like best  To do what would be most generally
pleasing must be our object  if one could but tell what that would be

Yes very true cried Frank very true  You want your neighbours
opinions  I do not wonder at you  If one could ascertain what the
chief of them  the Coles for instance  They are not far off 
Shall I call upon them  Or Miss Bates  She is still nearer  
And I do not know whether Miss Bates is not as likely to understand
the inclinations of the rest of the people as any body  I think
we do want a larger council  Suppose I go and invite Miss Bates
to join us

Well  if you please said Mrs Weston rather hesitating if you
think she will be of any use

You will get nothing to the purpose from Miss Bates said Emma 
She will be all delight and gratitude but she will tell you nothing 
She will not even listen to your questions  I see no advantage in
consulting Miss Bates

But she is so amusing so extremely amusing  I am very fond
of hearing Miss Bates talk  And I need not bring the whole family
you know

Here Mr Weston joined them and on hearing what was proposed
gave it his decided approbation

Aye do Frank  Go and fetch Miss Bates and let us end the matter
at once  She will enjoy the scheme I am sure and I do not know
a properer person for shewing us how to do away difficulties 
Fetch Miss Bates  We are growing a little too nice  She is
a standing lesson of how to be happy  But fetch them both 
Invite them both

Both sir  Can the old lady   

The old lady  No the young lady to be sure  I shall think you
a great blockhead Frank if you bring the aunt without the niece

Oh  I beg your pardon sir  I did not immediately recollect 
Undoubtedly if you wish it I will endeavour to persuade them both 
And away he ran

Long before he reappeared attending the short neat brisk moving aunt
and her elegant niece  Mrs Weston like a sweet tempered
woman and a good wife had examined the passage again
and found the evils of it much less than she had supposed before  
indeed very trifling and here ended the difficulties of decision 
All the rest in speculation at least was perfectly smooth 
All the minor arrangements of table and chair lights and music
tea and supper made themselves or were left as mere trifles
to be settled at any time between Mrs Weston and Mrs Stokes  
Every body invited was certainly to come Frank had already written
to Enscombe to propose staying a few days beyond his fortnight
which could not possibly be refused  And a delightful dance it was
to be

Most cordially when Miss Bates arrived did she agree that it must 
As a counsellor she was not wanted but as an approver a much
safer character she was truly welcome  Her approbation at once
general and minute warm and incessant could not but please
and for another half hour they were all walking to and fro
between the different rooms some suggesting some attending
and all in happy enjoyment of the future  The party did not break
up without Emma's being positively secured for the two first dances
by the hero of the evening nor without her overhearing Mr Weston
whisper to his wife He has asked her my dear  That's right 
I knew he would



CHAPTER XII


One thing only was wanting to make the prospect of the ball
completely satisfactory to Emma  its being fixed for a day within
the granted term of Frank Churchill's stay in Surry for in spite
of Mr Weston's confidence she could not think it so very impossible
that the Churchills might not allow their nephew to remain
a day beyond his fortnight  But this was not judged feasible 
The preparations must take their time nothing could be properly
ready till the third week were entered on and for a few days they
must be planning proceeding and hoping in uncertainty  at the risk  
in her opinion the great risk of its being all in vain

Enscombe however was gracious gracious in fact if not in word 
His wish of staying longer evidently did not please but it was
not opposed  All was safe and prosperous and as the removal of one
solicitude generally makes way for another Emma being now certain
of her ball began to adopt as the next vexation Mr Knightley's
provoking indifference about it  Either because he did not
dance himself or because the plan had been formed without his
being consulted he seemed resolved that it should not interest him
determined against its exciting any present curiosity or affording
him any future amusement  To her voluntary communications Emma
could get no more approving reply than

Very well  If the Westons think it worth while to be at all this
trouble for a few hours of noisy entertainment I have nothing
to say against it but that they shall not chuse pleasures for me  
Oh yes I must be there I could not refuse and I will keep
as much awake as I can but I would rather be at home looking over
William Larkins's week's account much rather I confess  
Pleasure in seeing dancing  not I indeed  I never look at it  
I do not know who does  Fine dancing I believe like virtue
must be its own reward  Those who are standing by are usually
thinking of something very different

This Emma felt was aimed at her and it made her quite angry 
It was not in compliment to Jane Fairfax however that he was
so indifferent or so indignant he was not guided by her feelings
in reprobating the ball for she enjoyed the thought of it
to an extraordinary degree  It made her animated  open hearted  
she voluntarily said  

Oh  Miss Woodhouse I hope nothing may happen to prevent the ball 
What a disappointment it would be  I do look forward to it I own
with very great pleasure

It was not to oblige Jane Fairfax therefore that he would have
preferred the society of William Larkins  No  she was more and more
convinced that Mrs Weston was quite mistaken in that surmise 
There was a great deal of friendly and of compassionate attachment
on his side  but no love

Alas there was soon no leisure for quarrelling with Mr Knightley 
Two days of joyful security were immediately followed by the
over throw of every thing  A letter arrived from Mr Churchill
to urge his nephew's instant return  Mrs Churchill was unwell  
far too unwell to do without him she had been in a very suffering
state so said her husband when writing to her nephew two days before
though from her usual unwillingness to give pain and constant
habit of never thinking of herself she had not mentioned it
but now she was too ill to trifle and must entreat him to set off
for Enscombe without delay

The substance of this letter was forwarded to Emma in a note
from Mrs Weston instantly  As to his going it was inevitable 
He must be gone within a few hours though without feeling any real
alarm for his aunt to lessen his repugnance  He knew her illnesses
they never occurred but for her own convenience

Mrs Weston added that he could only allow himself time to
hurry to Highbury after breakfast and take leave of the few
friends there whom he could suppose to feel any interest in him
and that he might be expected at Hartfield very soon

This wretched note was the finale of Emma's breakfast  When once
it had been read there was no doing any thing but lament
and exclaim  The loss of the ball  the loss of the young man  
and all that the young man might be feeling  It was too wretched  
Such a delightful evening as it would have been  Every body so happy
and she and her partner the happiest  I said it would be so
was the only consolation

Her father's feelings were quite distinct  He thought principally
of Mrs Churchill's illness and wanted to know how she was treated
and as for the ball it was shocking to have dear Emma disappointed
but they would all be safer at home

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 for ever

Our poor ball must be quite given up

Ah that ball  why did we wait for any thing  why not seize the
pleasure at once  How often is happiness destroyed by preparation
foolish preparation  You told us it would be so  Oh  Miss Woodhouse
why are you always so right

Indeed I am very sorry to be right in this instance  I would
much rather have been merry than wise

If I can come again we are still to have our ball  My father
depends on it  Do not forget your engagement

Emma looked graciously

Such a fortnight as it has been he continued every day more
precious and more delightful than the day before  every day making
me less fit to bear any other place  Happy those who can remain
at Highbury

As you do us such ample justice now said Emma laughing I will
venture to ask whether you did not come a little doubtfully at first 
Do not we rather surpass your expectations  I am sure we do 
I am sure you did not much expect to like us  You would not have been
so long in coming if you had had a pleasant idea of Highbury

He laughed rather consciously and though denying the sentiment
Emma was convinced that it had been so

And you must be off this very morning

Yes my father is to join me here  we shall walk back together
and I must be off immediately  I am almost afraid that every moment
will bring him

Not five minutes to spare even for your friends Miss Fairfax and
Miss Bates  How unlucky  Miss Bates's powerful argumentative mind
might have strengthened yours

Yes  I have called there passing the door I thought it better 
It was a right thing to do  I went in for three minutes and was
detained by Miss Bates's being absent  She was out and I felt it
impossible not to wait till she came in  She is a woman that one may
that one must laugh at but that one would not wish to slight 
It was better to pay my visit then  

He hesitated got up walked to a window

In short said he perhaps Miss Woodhouse  I think you can
hardly be quite without suspicion  

He looked at her as if wanting to read her thoughts  She hardly
knew what to say  It seemed like the forerunner of something
absolutely serious which she did not wish  Forcing herself
to speak therefore in the hope of putting it by she calmly said

You are quite in the right it was most natural to pay your visit then  

He was silent  She believed he was looking at her probably reflecting
on what she had said and trying to understand the manner 
She heard him sigh  It was natural for him to feel that he had
cause to sigh  He could not believe her to be encouraging him 
A few awkward moments passed and he sat down again and in a more
determined manner said

It was something to feel that all the rest of my time might be
given to Hartfield  My regard for Hartfield is most warm  

He stopt again rose again and seemed quite embarrassed  
He was more in love with her than Emma had supposed and who can say
how it might have ended if his father had not made his appearance 
Mr Woodhouse soon followed and the necessity of exertion made
him composed

A very few minutes more however completed the present trial 
Mr Weston always alert when business was to be done and as
incapable of procrastinating any evil that was inevitable
as of foreseeing any that was doubtful said It was time to go
and the young man though he might and did sigh could not but agree
to take leave

I shall hear about you all said he that is my chief consolation 
I shall hear of every thing that is going on among you  I have
engaged Mrs Weston to correspond with me  She has been so kind as
to promise it  Oh the blessing of a female correspondent when one
is really interested in the absent  she will tell me every thing 
In her letters I shall be at dear Highbury again

A very friendly shake of the hand a very earnest Good bye
closed the speech and the door had soon shut out Frank Churchill 
Short had been the notice  short their meeting he was gone and Emma
felt so sorry to part and foresaw so great a loss to their little
society from his absence as to begin to be afraid of being too sorry
and feeling it too much

It was a sad change  They had been meeting almost every day
since his arrival  Certainly his being at Randalls had given
great spirit to the last two weeks  indescribable spirit the idea
the expectation of seeing him which every morning had brought
the assurance of his attentions his liveliness his manners 
It had been a very happy fortnight and forlorn must be the sinking
from it into the common course of Hartfield days  To complete every
other recommendation he had almost told her that he loved her 
What strength or what constancy of affection he might be subject to
was another point but at present she could not doubt his having
a decidedly warm admiration a conscious preference of herself
and this persuasion joined to all the rest made her think that
she must be a little in love with him in spite of every previous
determination against it

I certainly must said she  This sensation of listlessness
weariness stupidity this disinclination to sit down and employ myself
this feeling of every thing's being dull and insipid about the house  
I must be in love I should be the oddest creature in the world if I
were not  for a few weeks at least  Well evil to some is always
good to others  I shall have many fellow mourners for the ball
if not for Frank Churchill but Mr Knightley will be happy 
He may spend the evening with his dear William Larkins now if he likes

Mr Knightley however shewed no triumphant happiness  He could
not say that he was sorry on his own account his very cheerful look
would have contradicted him if he had but he said and very steadily
that he was sorry for the disappointment of the others and with
considerable kindness added

You Emma who have so few opportunities of dancing you are really
out of luck you are very much out of luck

It was some days before she saw Jane Fairfax to judge of her
honest regret in this woeful change but when they did meet
her composure was odious  She had been particularly unwell however
suffering from headache to a degree which made her aunt declare
that had the ball taken place she did not think Jane could have
attended it and it was charity to impute some of her unbecoming
indifference to the languor of ill health



CHAPTER XIII


Emma continued to entertain no doubt of her being in love  Her ideas
only varied as to the how much  At first she thought it was a good deal
and afterwards but little  She had great pleasure in hearing Frank
Churchill talked of and for his sake greater pleasure than ever
in seeing Mr and Mrs Weston she was very often thinking of him
and quite impatient for a letter that she might know how he was
how were his spirits how was his aunt and what was the chance
of his coming to Randalls again this spring  But on the other hand
she could not admit herself to be unhappy nor after the
first morning to be less disposed for employment than usual
she was still busy and cheerful and pleasing as he was she could
yet imagine him to have faults and farther though thinking of him
so much and as she sat drawing or working forming a thousand
amusing schemes for the progress and close of their attachment
fancying interesting dialogues and inventing elegant letters
the conclusion of every imaginary declaration on his side was that she
refused him  Their affection was always to subside into friendship 
Every thing tender and charming was to mark their parting
but still they were to part  When she became sensible of this
it struck her that she could not be very much in love for in spite
of her previous and fixed determination never to quit her father
never to marry a strong attachment certainly must produce more
of a struggle than she could foresee in her own feelings

I do not find myself making any use of the word sacrifice said she  
In not one of all my clever replies my delicate negatives
is there any allusion to making a sacrifice  I do suspect that he
is not really necessary to my happiness  So much the better 
I certainly will not persuade myself to feel more than I do  I am
quite enough in love  I should be sorry to be more

Upon the whole she was equally contented with her view of his feelings

He is undoubtedly very much in love  every thing denotes it  very much
in love indeed  and when he comes again if his affection continue
I must be on my guard not to encourage it  It would be most
inexcusable to do otherwise as my own mind is quite made up 
Not that I imagine he can think I have been encouraging him hitherto 
No if he had believed me at all to share his feelings he would
not have been so wretched  Could he have thought himself encouraged
his looks and language at parting would have been different  
Still however I must be on my guard  This is in the supposition
of his attachment continuing what it now is but I do not know that I
expect it will I do not look upon him to be quite the sort of man  
I do not altogether build upon his steadiness or constancy  
His feelings are warm but I can imagine them rather changeable  
Every consideration of the subject in short makes me thankful
that my happiness is not more deeply involved  I shall do very well
again after a little while  and then it will be a good thing over
for they say every body is in love once in their lives and I shall
have been let off easily

When his letter to Mrs Weston arrived Emma had the perusal of it
and she read it with a degree of pleasure and admiration which made
her at first shake her head over her own sensations and think she
had undervalued their strength  It was a long well written letter
giving the particulars of his journey and of his feelings
expressing all the affection gratitude and respect which was
natural and honourable and describing every thing exterior and local
that could be supposed attractive with spirit and precision 
No suspicious flourishes now of apology or concern it was the
language of real feeling towards Mrs Weston and the transition
from Highbury to Enscombe the contrast between the places in some
of the first blessings of social life was just enough touched on
to shew how keenly it was felt and how much more might have been
said but for the restraints of propriety  The charm of her own
name was not wanting  Miss Woodhouse appeared more than once
and never without a something of pleasing connexion either a
compliment to her taste or a remembrance of what she had said
and in the very last time of its meeting her eye unadorned as it
was by any such broad wreath of gallantry she yet could discern
the effect of her influence and acknowledge the greatest compliment
perhaps of all conveyed  Compressed into the very lowest vacant
corner were these words  I had not a spare moment on Tuesday
as you know for Miss Woodhouse's beautiful little friend  Pray make
my excuses and adieus to her  This Emma could not doubt was all
for herself  Harriet was remembered only from being her friend 
His information and prospects as to Enscombe were neither worse nor
better than had been anticipated Mrs Churchill was recovering
and he dared not yet even in his own imagination fix a time for
coming to Randalls again

Gratifying however and stimulative as was the letter in the
material part its sentiments she yet found when it was folded up
and returned to Mrs Weston that it had not added any lasting warmth
that she could still do without the writer and that he must learn
to do without her  Her intentions were unchanged  Her resolution
of refusal only grew more interesting by the addition of a scheme for
his subsequent consolation and happiness  His recollection of Harriet
and the words which clothed it the beautiful little friend
suggested to her the idea of Harriet's succeeding her in his affections 
Was it impossible  No  Harriet undoubtedly was greatly his
inferior in understanding but he had been very much struck with
the loveliness of her face and the warm simplicity of her manner
and all the probabilities of circumstance and connexion were in
her favour  For Harriet it would be advantageous and delightful indeed

I must not dwell upon it said she  I must not think of it 
I know the danger of indulging such speculations  But stranger
things have happened and when we cease to care for each other
as we do now it will be the means of confirming us in that sort
of true disinterested friendship which I can already look forward
to with pleasure

It was well to have a comfort in store on Harriet's behalf
though it might be wise to let the fancy touch it seldom for evil
in that quarter was at hand  As Frank Churchill's arrival had
succeeded Mr Elton's engagement in the conversation of Highbury
as the latest interest had entirely borne down the first so now
upon Frank Churchill's disappearance Mr Elton's concerns were
assuming the most irresistible form  His wedding day was named 
He would soon be among them again Mr Elton and his bride 
There was hardly time to talk over the first letter from Enscombe
before Mr Elton and his bride was in every body's mouth
and Frank Churchill was forgotten  Emma grew sick at the sound 
She had had three weeks of happy exemption from Mr Elton
and Harriet's mind she had been willing to hope had been lately
gaining strength  With Mr Weston's ball in view at least
there had been a great deal of insensibility to other things
but it was now too evident that she had not attained such a state
of composure as could stand against the actual approach  new carriage
bell ringing and all

Poor Harriet was in a flutter of spirits which required all the
reasonings and soothings and attentions of every kind that Emma
could give  Emma felt that she could not do too much for her
that Harriet had a right to all her ingenuity and all her patience
but it was heavy work to be for ever convincing without producing
any effect for ever agreed to without being able to make their opinions
the same  Harriet listened submissively and said it was very true  
it was just as Miss Woodhouse described  it was not worth while to
think about them  and she would not think about them any longer
but no change of subject could avail and the next half hour
saw her as anxious and restless about the Eltons as before 
At last Emma attacked her on another ground

Your allowing yourself to be so occupied and so unhappy about
Mr Elton's marrying Harriet is the strongest reproach you can
make me  You could not give me a greater reproof for the mistake I
fell into  It was all my doing I know  I have not forgotten it
I assure you  Deceived myself I did very miserably deceive you  
and it will be a painful reflection to me for ever  Do not imagine
me in danger of forgetting it

Harriet felt this too much to utter more than a few words
of eager exclamation  Emma continued

I have not said exert yourself Harriet for my sake think less
talk less of Mr Elton for my sake because for your own sake rather
I would wish it to be done for the sake of what is more important
than my comfort a habit of self command in you a consideration
of what is your duty an attention to propriety an endeavour
to avoid the suspicions of others to save your health and credit
and restore your tranquillity  These are the motives which I
have been pressing on you  They are very important  and sorry
I am that you cannot feel them sufficiently to act upon them 
My being saved from pain is a very secondary consideration  I want
you to save yourself from greater pain  Perhaps I may sometimes
have felt that Harriet would not forget what was due  or rather
what would be kind by me

This appeal to her affections did more than all the rest 
The idea of wanting gratitude and consideration for Miss Woodhouse
whom she really loved extremely made her wretched for a while
and when the violence of grief was comforted away still remained
powerful enough to prompt to what was right and support her in it
very tolerably

You who have been the best friend I ever had in my life  
Want gratitude to you  Nobody is equal to you  I care for nobody
as I do for you  Oh  Miss Woodhouse how ungrateful I have been

Such expressions assisted as they were by every thing that look
and manner could do made Emma feel that she had never loved Harriet
so well nor valued her affection so highly before

There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart said she
afterwards to herself  There is nothing to be compared to it 
Warmth and tenderness of heart with an affectionate open manner
will beat all the clearness of head in the world for attraction
I am sure it will  It is tenderness of heart which makes my dear
father so generally beloved  which gives Isabella all her popularity  
I have it not  but I know how to prize and respect it  Harriet is
my superior in all the charm and all the felicity it gives 
Dear Harriet  I would not change you for the clearest headed
longest sighted best judging female breathing  Oh the coldness
of a Jane Fairfax  Harriet is worth a hundred such  And for a wife  
a sensible man's wife  it is invaluable  I mention no names
but happy the man who changes Emma for Harriet



CHAPTER XIV


Mrs Elton was first seen at church  but though devotion might
be interrupted curiosity could not be satisfied by a bride in a pew
and it must be left for the visits in form which were then to be paid
to settle whether she were very pretty indeed or only rather pretty
or not pretty at all

Emma had feelings less of curiosity than of pride or propriety
to make her resolve on not being the last to pay her respects
and she made a point of Harriet's going with her that the worst of
the business might be gone through as soon as possible

She could not enter the house again could not be in the same room
to which she had with such vain artifice retreated three months ago
to lace up her boot without recollecting  A thousand vexatious
thoughts would recur  Compliments charades and horrible blunders
and it was not to be supposed that poor Harriet should not be
recollecting too but she behaved very well and was only rather
pale and silent  The visit was of course short and there was so
much embarrassment and occupation of mind to shorten it that Emma
would not allow herself entirely to form an opinion of the lady
and on no account to give one beyond the nothing meaning terms
of being elegantly dressed and very pleasing

She did not really like her  She would not be in a hurry to find fault
but she suspected that there was no elegance  ease but not elegance  
She was almost sure that for a young woman a stranger a bride
there was too much ease  Her person was rather good her face
not unpretty but neither feature nor air nor voice nor manner
were elegant  Emma thought at least it would turn out so

As for Mr Elton his manners did not appear  but no she would
not permit a hasty or a witty word from herself about his manners 
It was an awkward ceremony at any time to be receiving wedding visits
and a man had need be all grace to acquit himself well through it 
The woman was better off she might have the assistance of fine clothes
and the privilege of bashfulness but the man had only his own
good sense to depend on and when she considered how peculiarly
unlucky poor Mr Elton was in being in the same room at once with
the woman he had just married the woman he had wanted to marry
and the woman whom he had been expected to marry she must allow him
to have the right to look as little wise and to be as much affectedly
and as little really easy as could be

Well Miss Woodhouse said Harriet when they had quitted
the house and after waiting in vain for her friend to begin
Well Miss Woodhouse with a gentle sigh what do you think of her  
Is not she very charming

There was a little hesitation in Emma's answer

Oh yes  very  a very pleasing young woman

I think her beautiful quite beautiful

Very nicely dressed indeed a remarkably elegant gown

I am not at all surprized that he should have fallen in love

Oh no  there is nothing to surprize one at all  A pretty fortune
and she came in his way

I dare say returned Harriet sighing again I dare say she
was very much attached to him

Perhaps she might but it is not every man's fate to marry the
woman who loves him best  Miss Hawkins perhaps wanted a home
and thought this the best offer she was likely to have

Yes said Harriet earnestly and well she might nobody could ever
have a better  Well I wish them happy with all my heart  And now
Miss Woodhouse I do not think I shall mind seeing them again 
He is just as superior as ever  but being married you know
it is quite a different thing  No indeed Miss Woodhouse you need
not be afraid I can sit and admire him now without any great misery 
To know that he has not thrown himself away is such a comfort  
She does seem a charming young woman just what he deserves 
Happy creature  He called her Augusta  How delightful

When the visit was returned Emma made up her mind  She could then
see more and judge better  From Harriet's happening not to be
at Hartfield and her father's being present to engage Mr Elton
she had a quarter of an hour of the lady's conversation to herself
and could composedly attend to her and the quarter of an hour quite
convinced her that Mrs Elton was a vain woman extremely well
satisfied with herself and thinking much of her own importance
that she meant to shine and be very superior but with manners which
had been formed in a bad school pert and familiar that all her
notions were drawn from one set of people and one style of living
that if not foolish she was ignorant and that her society would
certainly do Mr Elton no good

Harriet would have been a better match  If not wise or refined herself
she would have connected him with those who were but Miss Hawkins
it might be fairly supposed from her easy conceit had been the best
of her own set  The rich brother in law near Bristol was the pride
of the alliance and his place and his carriages were the pride
of him

The very first subject after being seated was Maple Grove My brother
Mr Suckling's seat  a comparison of Hartfield to Maple Grove 
The grounds of Hartfield were small but neat and pretty and the
house was modern and well built Mrs Elton seemed most favourably
impressed by the size of the room the entrance and all that she
could see or imagine  Very like Maple Grove indeed  She was quite
struck by the likeness  That room was the very shape and size
of the morning room at Maple Grove her sister's favourite room  
Mr Elton was appealed to  Was not it astonishingly like  
She could really almost fancy herself at Maple Grove

And the staircase  You know as I came in I observed how very like
the staircase was placed exactly in the same part of the house 
I really could not help exclaiming  I assure you Miss Woodhouse
it is very delightful to me to be reminded of a place I am so
extremely partial to as Maple Grove  I have spent so many happy
months there with a little sigh of sentiment A charming place
undoubtedly  Every body who sees it is struck by its beauty
but to me it has been quite a home  Whenever you are transplanted
like me Miss Woodhouse you will understand how very delightful it
is to meet with any thing at all like what one has left behind 
I always say this is quite one of the evils of matrimony

Emma made as slight a reply as she could but it was fully sufficient
for Mrs Elton who only wanted to be talking herself

So extremely like Maple Grove  And it is not merely the house  
the grounds I assure you as far as I could observe are strikingly
like  The laurels at Maple Grove are in the same profusion as here
and stand very much in the same way  just across the lawn
and I had a glimpse of a fine large tree with a bench round it
which put me so exactly in mind  My brother and sister will be
enchanted with this place  People who have extensive grounds
themselves are always pleased with any thing in the same style

Emma doubted the truth of this sentiment  She had a great idea
that people who had extensive grounds themselves cared very little
for the extensive grounds of any body else but it was not worth
while to attack an error so double dyed and therefore only said
in reply

When you have seen more of this country I am afraid you will think
you have overrated Hartfield  Surry is full of beauties

Oh yes I am quite aware of that  It is the garden of England
you know  Surry is the garden of England

Yes but we must not rest our claims on that distinction 
Many counties I believe are called the garden of England
as well as Surry

No I fancy not replied Mrs Elton with a most satisfied smile
I never heard any county but Surry called so

Emma was silenced

My brother and sister have promised us a visit in the spring
or summer at farthest continued Mrs Elton and that will be
our time for exploring  While they are with us we shall explore
a great deal I dare say  They will have their barouche landau
of course which holds four perfectly and therefore without saying
any thing of our carriage we should be able to explore the different
beauties extremely well  They would hardly come in their chaise
I think at that season of the year  Indeed when the time draws on
I shall decidedly recommend their bringing the barouche landau
it will be so very much preferable  When people come into a beautiful
country of this sort you know Miss Woodhouse one naturally wishes
them to see as much as possible and Mr Suckling is extremely fond
of exploring  We explored to King's Weston twice last summer
in that way most delightfully just after their first having the
barouche landau  You have many parties of that kind here I suppose
Miss Woodhouse every summer

No not immediately here  We are rather out of distance of the very
striking beauties which attract the sort of parties you speak of
and we are a very quiet set of people I believe more disposed
to stay at home than engage in schemes of pleasure

Ah there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort 
Nobody can be more devoted to home than I am  I was quite
a proverb for it at Maple Grove  Many a time has Selina said
when she has been going to Bristol I really cannot get this girl
to move from the house  I absolutely must go in by myself though I
hate being stuck up in the barouche landau without a companion
but Augusta I believe with her own good will would never stir
beyond the park paling  Many a time has she said so and yet I
am no advocate for entire seclusion  I think on the contrary
when people shut themselves up entirely from society it is a very
bad thing and that it is much more advisable to mix in the world in
a proper degree without living in it either too much or too little 
I perfectly understand your situation however Miss Woodhouse  
looking towards Mr Woodhouse Your father's state of health must
be a great drawback  Why does not he try Bath  Indeed he should 
Let me recommend Bath to you  I assure you I have no doubt of its doing
Mr Woodhouse good

My father tried it more than once formerly but without receiving
any benefit and Mr Perry whose name I dare say is not unknown
to you does not conceive it would be at all more likely to be
useful now

Ah that's a great pity for I assure you Miss Woodhouse
where the waters do agree it is quite wonderful the relief
they give  In my Bath life I have seen such instances of it 
And it is so cheerful a place that it could not fail of being of
use to Mr Woodhouse's spirits which I understand are sometimes
much depressed  And as to its recommendations to you I fancy I
need not take much pains to dwell on them  The advantages of Bath
to the young are pretty generally understood  It would be a charming
introduction for you who have lived so secluded a life and I could
immediately secure you some of the best society in the place 
A line from me would bring you a little host of acquaintance and my
particular friend Mrs Partridge the lady I have always resided
with when in Bath would be most happy to shew you any attentions
and would be the very person for you to go into public with

It was as much as Emma could bear without being impolite 
The idea of her being indebted to Mrs Elton for what was called
an introduction  of her going into public under the auspices
of a friend of Mrs Elton's  probably some vulgar dashing widow
who with the help of a boarder just made a shift to live  
The dignity of Miss Woodhouse of Hartfield was sunk indeed

She restrained herself however from any of the reproofs she could
have given and only thanked Mrs Elton coolly but their going
to Bath was quite out of the question and she was not perfectly
convinced that the place might suit her better than her father 
And then to prevent farther outrage and indignation changed the
subject directly

I do not ask whether you are musical Mrs Elton  Upon these occasions
a lady's character generally precedes her and Highbury has long
known that you are a superior performer

Oh no indeed I must protest against any such idea 
A superior performer  very far from it I assure you 
Consider from how partial a quarter your information came 
I am doatingly fond of music  passionately fond  and my friends
say I am not entirely devoid of taste but as to any thing else
upon my honour my performance is mediocre to the last degree 
You Miss Woodhouse I well know play delightfully  I assure you
it has been the greatest satisfaction comfort and delight to me
to hear what a musical society I am got into  I absolutely cannot
do without music  It is a necessary of life to me and having always
been used to a very musical society both at Maple Grove and in Bath
it would have been a most serious sacrifice  I honestly said as much
to Mr E when he was speaking of my future home and expressing
his fears lest the retirement of it should be disagreeable
and the inferiority of the house too  knowing what I had been
accustomed to  of course he was not wholly without apprehension 
When he was speaking of it in that way I honestly said that the
world I could give up  parties balls plays  for I had no fear
of retirement  Blessed with so many resources within myself
the world was not necessary to me  I could do very well without it 
To those who had no resources it was a different thing but my
resources made me quite independent  And as to smaller sized rooms
than I had been used to I really could not give it a thought 
I hoped I was perfectly equal to any sacrifice of that description 
Certainly I had been accustomed to every luxury at Maple Grove but I
did assure him that two carriages were not necessary to my happiness
nor were spacious apartments  But said I to be quite honest
I do not think I can live without something of a musical society 
I condition for nothing else but without music life would be a blank
to me

We cannot suppose said Emma smiling that Mr Elton would hesitate
to assure you of there being a very musical society in Highbury
and I hope you will not find he has outstepped the truth more than
may be pardoned in consideration of the motive

No indeed I have no doubts at all on that head  I am delighted
to find myself in such a circle  I hope we shall have many sweet
little concerts together  I think Miss Woodhouse you and I
must establish a musical club and have regular weekly meetings
at your house or ours  Will not it be a good plan  If we
exert ourselves I think we shall not be long in want of allies 
Something of that nature would be particularly desirable for me
as an inducement to keep me in practice for married women you know  
there is a sad story against them in general  They are but too apt
to give up music

But you who are so extremely fond of it  there can
be no danger surely

I should hope not but really when I look around among my acquaintance
I tremble  Selina has entirely given up music  never touches
the instrument  though she played sweetly  And the same may be said
of Mrs Jeffereys  Clara Partridge that was  and of the two Milmans
now Mrs Bird and Mrs James Cooper and of more than I can enumerate 
Upon my word it is enough to put one in a fright  I used to be
quite angry with Selina but really I begin now to comprehend
that a married woman has many things to call her attention 
I believe I was half an hour this morning shut up with my housekeeper

But every thing of that kind said Emma will soon
be in so regular a train  

Well said Mrs Elton laughing we shall see

Emma finding her so determined upon neglecting her music
had nothing more to say and after a moment's pause Mrs Elton
chose another subject

We have been calling at Randalls said she and found them
both at home and very pleasant people they seem to be 
I like them extremely  Mr Weston seems an excellent creature  
quite a first rate favourite with me already I assure you 
And she appears so truly good  there is something so motherly
and kind hearted about her that it wins upon one directly 
She was your governess I think

Emma was almost too much astonished to answer but Mrs Elton
hardly waited for the affirmative before she went on

Having understood as much I was rather astonished to find her
so very lady like  But she is really quite the gentlewoman

Mrs Weston's manners said Emma were always particularly good 
Their propriety simplicity and elegance would make them the safest
model for any young woman

And who do you think came in while we were there

Emma was quite at a loss  The tone implied some old acquaintance  
and how could she possibly guess

Knightley continued Mrs Elton Knightley himself  Was not
it lucky  for not being within when he called the other day
I had never seen him before and of course as so particular a
friend of Mr E's I had a great curiosity  My friend Knightley
had been so often mentioned that I was really impatient to see him
and I must do my caro sposo the justice to say that he need not
be ashamed of his friend  Knightley is quite the gentleman 
I like him very much  Decidedly I think a very gentleman like man

Happily it was now time to be gone  They were off and Emma
could breathe

Insufferable woman was her immediate exclamation  Worse than I
had supposed  Absolutely insufferable  Knightley  I could not
have believed it  Knightley  never seen him in her life before
and call him Knightley  and discover that he is a gentleman 
A little upstart vulgar being with her Mr E and her caro sposo
and her resources and all her airs of pert pretension and
underbred finery  Actually to discover that Mr Knightley is
a gentleman  I doubt whether he will return the compliment
and discover her to be a lady  I could not have believed it 
And to propose that she and I should unite to form a musical club 
One would fancy we were bosom friends  And Mrs Weston  
Astonished that the person who had brought me up should be
a gentlewoman  Worse and worse  I never met with her equal 
Much beyond my hopes  Harriet is disgraced by any comparison 
Oh what would Frank Churchill say to her if he were here 
How angry and how diverted he would be  Ah there I am  
thinking of him directly  Always the first person to be thought of 
How I catch myself out  Frank Churchill comes as regularly into
my mind  

All this ran so glibly through her thoughts that by the time
her father had arranged himself after the bustle of the Eltons
departure and was ready to speak she was very tolerably capable
of attending

Well my dear he deliberately began considering we never saw
her before she seems a very pretty sort of young lady and I dare say
she was very much pleased with you  She speaks a little too quick 
A little quickness of voice there is which rather hurts the ear 
But I believe I am nice I do not like strange voices and nobody speaks
like you and poor Miss Taylor  However she seems a very obliging
pretty behaved young lady and no doubt will make him a very good wife 
Though I think he had better not have married  I made the best
excuses I could for not having been able to wait on him and Mrs Elton
on this happy occasion I said that I hoped I should in the course
of the summer  But I ought to have gone before  Not to wait upon
a bride is very remiss  Ah it shews what a sad invalid I am 
But I do not like the corner into Vicarage Lane

I dare say your apologies were accepted sir  Mr Elton knows you

Yes  but a young lady  a bride  I ought to have paid my respects
to her if possible  It was being very deficient

But my dear papa you are no friend to matrimony and therefore
why should you be so anxious to pay your respects to a bride 
It ought to be no recommendation to you  It is encouraging people
to marry if you make so much of them

No my dear I never encouraged any body to marry but I would
always wish to pay every proper attention to a lady  and a bride
especially is never to be neglected  More is avowedly due to her 
A bride you know my dear is always the first in company
let the others be who they may

Well papa if this is not encouragement to marry I do not know
what is  And I should never have expected you to be lending your
sanction to such vanity baits for poor young ladies

My dear you do not understand me  This is a
matter of mere common politeness and good breeding
and has nothing to do with any encouragement to people to marry

Emma had done  Her father was growing nervous and could not
understand her  Her mind returned to Mrs Elton's offences
and long very long did they occupy her



CHAPTER XV


Emma was not required by any subsequent discovery to retract her ill
opinion of Mrs Elton  Her observation had been pretty correct 
Such as Mrs Elton appeared to her on this second interview
such she appeared whenever they met again  self important presuming
familiar ignorant and ill bred She had a little beauty and a
little accomplishment but so little judgment that she thought herself
coming with superior knowledge of the world to enliven and improve
a country neighbourhood and conceived Miss Hawkins to have held
such a place in society as Mrs Elton's consequence only could surpass

There was no reason to suppose Mr Elton thought at all differently
from his wife  He seemed not merely happy with her but proud 
He had the air of congratulating himself on having brought such
a woman to Highbury as not even Miss Woodhouse could equal
and the greater part of her new acquaintance disposed to commend
or not in the habit of judging following the lead of Miss Bates's
good will or taking it for granted that the bride must be as clever
and as agreeable as she professed herself were very well satisfied
so that Mrs Elton's praise passed from one mouth to another as it
ought to do unimpeded by Miss Woodhouse who readily continued her
first contribution and talked with a good grace of her being very
pleasant and very elegantly dressed

In one respect Mrs Elton grew even worse than she had appeared
at first  Her feelings altered towards Emma  Offended probably
by the little encouragement which her proposals of intimacy met with
she drew back in her turn and gradually became much more cold
and distant and though the effect was agreeable the ill will
which produced it was necessarily increasing Emma's dislike 
Her manners too  and Mr Elton's were unpleasant towards Harriet 
They were sneering and negligent  Emma hoped it must rapidly work
Harriet's cure but the sensations which could prompt such behaviour
sunk them both very much  It was not to be doubted that poor
Harriet's attachment had been an offering to conjugal unreserve
and her own share in the story under a colouring the least favourable
to her and the most soothing to him had in all likelihood been
given also  She was of course the object of their joint dislike  
When they had nothing else to say it must be always easy to begin
abusing Miss Woodhouse and the enmity which they dared not shew
in open disrespect to her found a broader vent in contemptuous
treatment of Harriet

Mrs Elton took a great fancy to Jane Fairfax and from the first 
Not merely when a state of warfare with one young lady might be
supposed to recommend the other but from the very first and she
was not satisfied with expressing a natural and reasonable admiration  
but without solicitation or plea or privilege she must be wanting
to assist and befriend her  Before Emma had forfeited her confidence
and about the third time of their meeting she heard all Mrs Elton's
knight errantry on the subject  

Jane Fairfax is absolutely charming Miss Woodhouse  I quite
rave about Jane Fairfax  A sweet interesting creature  So mild
and ladylike  and with such talents  I assure you I think she
has very extraordinary talents  I do not scruple to say that she
plays extremely well  I know enough of music to speak decidedly
on that point  Oh she is absolutely charming  You will laugh at
my warmth  but upon my word I talk of nothing but Jane Fairfax  
And her situation is so calculated to affect one  Miss Woodhouse
we must exert ourselves and endeavour to do something for her 
We must bring her forward  Such talent as hers must not be suffered
to remain unknown  I dare say you have heard those charming lines of
the poet

        Full many a flower is born to blush unseen
          And waste its fragrance on the desert air

We must not allow them to be verified in sweet Jane Fairfax

I cannot think there is any danger of it was Emma's calm answer  
and when you are better acquainted with Miss Fairfax's situation
and understand what her home has been with Colonel and Mrs Campbell
I have no idea that you will suppose her talents can be unknown

Oh but dear Miss Woodhouse she is now in such retirement
such obscurity so thrown away  Whatever advantages she may have
enjoyed with the Campbells are so palpably at an end  And I think
she feels it  I am sure she does  She is very timid and silent 
One can see that she feels the want of encouragement  I like her
the better for it  I must confess it is a recommendation to me 
I am a great advocate for timidity  and I am sure one does
not often meet with it  But in those who are at all inferior
it is extremely prepossessing  Oh  I assure you Jane Fairfax
is a very delightful character and interests me more than I
can express

You appear to feel a great deal  but I am not aware how you or any
of Miss Fairfax's acquaintance here any of those who have known
her longer than yourself can shew her any other attention than  

My dear Miss Woodhouse a vast deal may be done by those who dare
to act  You and I need not be afraid  If we set the example
many will follow it as far as they can though all have not
our situations  We have carriages to fetch and convey her home
and we live in a style which could not make the addition of
Jane Fairfax at any time the least inconvenient  I should be
extremely displeased if Wright were to send us up such a dinner
as could make me regret having asked more than Jane Fairfax
to partake of it  I have no idea of that sort of thing  It is
not likely that I should considering what I have been used to 
My greatest danger perhaps in housekeeping may be quite the
other way in doing too much and being too careless of expense 
Maple Grove will probably be my model more than it ought to be  
for we do not at all affect to equal my brother Mr Suckling
in income  However my resolution is taken as to noticing Jane Fairfax  
I shall certainly have her very often at my house shall introduce
her wherever I can shall have musical parties to draw out her talents
and shall be constantly on the watch for an eligible situation 
My acquaintance is so very extensive that I have little doubt
of hearing of something to suit her shortly  I shall introduce her
of course very particularly to my brother and sister when they come
to us  I am sure they will like her extremely and when she gets
a little acquainted with them her fears will completely wear off
for there really is nothing in the manners of either but what is
highly conciliating  I shall have her very often indeed while they
are with me and I dare say we shall sometimes find a seat for her in
the barouche landau in some of our exploring parties

Poor Jane Fairfax  thought Emma  You have not deserved this 
You may have done wrong with regard to Mr Dixon but this is a
punishment beyond what you can have merited  The kindness and protection
of Mrs Elton  Jane Fairfax and Jane Fairfax  Heavens  Let me
not suppose that she dares go about Emma Woodhouse ing me  
But upon my honour there seems no limits to the licentiousness
of that woman's tongue

Emma had not to listen to such paradings again  to any so exclusively
addressed to herself  so disgustingly decorated with a dear Miss
Woodhouse  The change on Mrs Elton's side soon afterwards appeared
and she was left in peace  neither forced to be the very particular
friend of Mrs Elton nor under Mrs Elton's guidance the very
active patroness of Jane Fairfax and only sharing with others in a
general way in knowing what was felt what was meditated what was done

She looked on with some amusement  Miss Bates's gratitude for
Mrs Elton's attentions to Jane was in the first style of guileless
simplicity and warmth  She was quite one of her worthies  
the most amiable affable delightful woman  just as accomplished
and condescending as Mrs Elton meant to be considered 
Emma's only surprize was that Jane Fairfax should accept
those attentions and tolerate Mrs Elton as she seemed to do 
She heard of her walking with the Eltons sitting with the Eltons
spending a day with the Eltons  This was astonishing  She could not
have believed it possible that the taste or the pride of Miss Fairfax
could endure such society and friendship as the Vicarage had to offer

She is a riddle quite a riddle said she  To chuse to remain
here month after month under privations of every sort  And now
to chuse the mortification of Mrs Elton's notice and the penury
of her conversation rather than return to the superior companions
who have always loved her with such real generous affection

Jane had come to Highbury professedly for three months the Campbells
were gone to Ireland for three months but now the Campbells
had promised their daughter to stay at least till Midsummer
and fresh invitations had arrived for her to join them there 
According to Miss Bates  it all came from her  Mrs Dixon had
written most pressingly  Would Jane but go means were to be found
servants sent friends contrived  no travelling difficulty allowed
to exist but still she had declined it

She must have some motive more powerful than appears for refusing
this invitation was Emma's conclusion  She must be under some
sort of penance inflicted either by the Campbells or herself 
There is great fear great caution great resolution somewhere  
She is not to be with the Dixons  The decree is issued by somebody 
But why must she consent to be with the Eltons  Here is quite a
separate puzzle

Upon her speaking her wonder aloud on that part of the subject
before the few who knew her opinion of Mrs Elton Mrs Weston
ventured this apology for Jane

We cannot suppose that she has any great enjoyment at the Vicarage
my dear Emma  but it is better than being always at home 
Her aunt is a good creature but as a constant companion
must be very tiresome  We must consider what Miss Fairfax quits
before we condemn her taste for what she goes to

You are right Mrs Weston said Mr Knightley warmly Miss Fairfax
is as capable as any of us of forming a just opinion of Mrs Elton 
Could she have chosen with whom to associate she would not have
chosen her  But with a reproachful smile at Emma she receives
attentions from Mrs Elton which nobody else pays her

Emma felt that Mrs Weston was giving her a momentary glance
and she was herself struck by his warmth  With a faint blush
she presently replied

Such attentions as Mrs Elton's I should have imagined
would rather disgust than gratify Miss Fairfax  Mrs Elton's
invitations I should have imagined any thing but inviting

I should not wonder said Mrs Weston if Miss Fairfax were to have
been drawn on beyond her own inclination by her aunt's eagerness
in accepting Mrs Elton's civilities for her  Poor Miss Bates may
very likely have committed her niece and hurried her into a greater
appearance of intimacy than her own good sense would have dictated
in spite of the very natural wish of a little change

Both felt rather anxious to hear him speak again and after a few
minutes silence he said

Another thing must be taken into consideration too  Mrs Elton
does not talk to Miss Fairfax as she speaks of her  We all know
the difference between the pronouns he or she and thou the plainest
spoken amongst us we all feel the influence of a something beyond
common civility in our personal intercourse with each other  
a something more early implanted  We cannot give any body the
disagreeable hints that we may have been very full of the hour before 
We feel things differently  And besides the operation of this
as a general principle you may be sure that Miss Fairfax awes
Mrs Elton by her superiority both of mind and manner and that
face to face Mrs Elton treats her with all the respect which she
has a claim to  Such a woman as Jane Fairfax probably never fell
in Mrs Elton's way before  and no degree of vanity can prevent
her acknowledging her own comparative littleness in action if not
in consciousness

I know how highly you think of Jane Fairfax said Emma 
Little Henry was in her thoughts and a mixture of alarm and delicacy
made her irresolute what else to say

Yes he replied any body may know how highly I think of her

And yet said Emma beginning hastily and with an arch look
but soon stopping  it was better however to know the worst at once  
she hurried on  And yet perhaps you may hardly be aware yourself
how highly it is  The extent of your admiration may take you by
surprize some day or other

Mr Knightley was hard at work upon the lower buttons of his thick
leather gaiters and either the exertion of getting them together
or some other cause brought the colour into his face as he answered

Oh are you there  But you are miserably behindhand  Mr Cole
gave me a hint of it six weeks ago

He stopped  Emma felt her foot pressed by Mrs Weston and did
not herself know what to think  In a moment he went on  

That will never be however I can assure you  Miss Fairfax
I dare say would not have me if I were to ask her  and I am very
sure I shall never ask her

Emma returned her friend's pressure with interest and was pleased
enough to exclaim

You are not vain Mr Knightley  I will say that for you

He seemed hardly to hear her he was thoughtful  and in a manner
which shewed him not pleased soon afterwards said

So you have been settling that I should marry Jane Fairfax

No indeed I have not  You have scolded me too much for match making
for me to presume to take such a liberty with you  What I said
just now meant nothing  One says those sort of things of course
without any idea of a serious meaning  Oh no upon my word I have not
the smallest wish for your marrying Jane Fairfax or Jane any body 
You would not come in and sit with us in this comfortable way
if you were married

Mr Knightley was thoughtful again  The result of his reverie was
No Emma I do not think the extent of my admiration for her will
ever take me by surprize  I never had a thought of her in that way
I assure you  And soon afterwards Jane Fairfax is a very charming
young woman  but not even Jane Fairfax is perfect  She has a fault 
She has not the open temper which a man would wish for in a wife

Emma could not but rejoice to hear that she had a fault 
Well said she and you soon silenced Mr Cole I suppose

Yes very soon  He gave me a quiet hint I told him he was mistaken
he asked my pardon and said no more  Cole does not want to be wiser
or wittier than his neighbours

In that respect how unlike dear Mrs Elton who wants to be wiser
and wittier than all the world  I wonder how she speaks of the Coles  
what she calls them  How can she find any appellation for them
deep enough in familiar vulgarity  She calls you Knightley  what can
she do for Mr Cole  And so I am not to be surprized that Jane
Fairfax accepts her civilities and consents to be with her 
Mrs Weston your argument weighs most with me  I can much more
readily enter into the temptation of getting away from Miss Bates
than I can believe in the triumph of Miss Fairfax's mind over
Mrs Elton  I have no faith in Mrs Elton's acknowledging herself
the inferior in thought word or deed or in her being under any
restraint beyond her own scanty rule of good breeding I cannot
imagine that she will not be continually insulting her visitor
with praise encouragement and offers of service that she will not be
continually detailing her magnificent intentions from the procuring
her a permanent situation to the including her in those delightful
exploring parties which are to take place in the barouche landau

Jane Fairfax has feeling said Mr Knightley  I do not
accuse her of want of feeling  Her sensibilities I suspect
are strong  and her temper excellent in its power of forbearance
patience self controul but it wants openness  She is reserved
more reserved I think than she used to be  And I love an
open temper  No  till Cole alluded to my supposed attachment
it had never entered my head  I saw Jane Fairfax and conversed with
her with admiration and pleasure always  but with no thought beyond

Well Mrs Weston said Emma triumphantly when he left them
what do you say now to Mr Knightley's marrying Jane Fairfax

Why really dear Emma I say that he is so very much occupied
by the idea of not being in love with her that I should not wonder
if it were to end in his being so at last  Do not beat me



CHAPTER XVI


Every body in and about Highbury who had ever visited Mr Elton
was disposed to pay him attention on his marriage  Dinner parties and
evening parties were made for him and his lady and invitations
flowed in so fast that she had soon the pleasure of apprehending
they were never to have a disengaged day

I see how it is said she  I see what a life I am to lead
among you  Upon my word we shall be absolutely dissipated 
We really seem quite the fashion  If this is living in the country
it is nothing very formidable  From Monday next to Saturday
I assure you we have not a disengaged day  A woman with fewer
resources than I have need not have been at a loss

No invitation came amiss to her  Her Bath habits made evening parties
perfectly natural to her and Maple Grove had given her a taste
for dinners  She was a little shocked at the want of two
drawing rooms at the poor attempt at rout cakes and there being
no ice in the Highbury card parties Mrs Bates Mrs Perry
Mrs Goddard and others were a good deal behind hand in knowledge
of the world but she would soon shew them how every thing ought
to be arranged  In the course of the spring she must return their
civilities by one very superior party  in which her card tables
should be set out with their separate candles and unbroken packs
in the true style  and more waiters engaged for the evening
than their own establishment could furnish to carry round
the refreshments at exactly the proper hour and in the proper order

Emma in the meanwhile could not be satisfied without a dinner
at Hartfield for the Eltons  They must not do less than others
or she should be exposed to odious suspicions and imagined capable
of pitiful resentment  A dinner there must be  After Emma had
talked about it for ten minutes Mr Woodhouse felt no unwillingness
and only made the usual stipulation of not sitting at the bottom
of the table himself with the usual regular difficulty of deciding
who should do it for him

The persons to be invited required little thought  Besides the Eltons
it must be the Westons and Mr Knightley so far it was all of course  
and it was hardly less inevitable that poor little Harriet must
be asked to make the eighth  but this invitation was not given
with equal satisfaction and on many accounts Emma was particularly
pleased by Harriet's begging to be allowed to decline it 
She would rather not be in his company more than she could help 
She was not yet quite able to see him and his charming happy
wife together without feeling uncomfortable  If Miss Woodhouse
would not be displeased she would rather stay at home 
It was precisely what Emma would have wished had she deemed it
possible enough for wishing  She was delighted with the fortitude
of her little friend  for fortitude she knew it was in her to give
up being in company and stay at home and she could now invite the
very person whom she really wanted to make the eighth Jane Fairfax  
Since her last conversation with Mrs Weston and Mr Knightley
she was more conscience stricken about Jane Fairfax than she had
often been  Mr Knightley's words dwelt with her  He had said
that Jane Fairfax received attentions from Mrs Elton which nobody
else paid her

This is very true said she at least as far as relates to me
which was all that was meant  and it is very shameful  Of the same age  
and always knowing her  I ought to have been more her friend  
She will never like me now  I have neglected her too long  But I
will shew her greater attention than I have done

Every invitation was successful  They were all disengaged and all happy  
The preparatory interest of this dinner however was not yet over 
A circumstance rather unlucky occurred  The two eldest little
Knightleys were engaged to pay their grandpapa and aunt a visit of
some weeks in the spring and their papa now proposed bringing them
and staying one whole day at Hartfield  which one day would be
the very day of this party  His professional engagements did
not allow of his being put off but both father and daughter were
disturbed by its happening so  Mr Woodhouse considered eight
persons at dinner together as the utmost that his nerves could bear  
and here would be a ninth  and Emma apprehended that it would
be a ninth very much out of humour at not being able to come even
to Hartfield for forty eight hours without falling in with a dinner party

She comforted her father better than she could comfort herself
by representing that though he certainly would make them nine
yet he always said so little that the increase of noise would be
very immaterial  She thought it in reality a sad exchange for herself
to have him with his grave looks and reluctant conversation opposed
to her instead of his brother

The event was more favourable to Mr Woodhouse than to Emma 
John Knightley came but Mr Weston was unexpectedly summoned to town
and must be absent on the very day  He might be able to join them
in the evening but certainly not to dinner  Mr Woodhouse was quite
at ease and the seeing him so with the arrival of the little boys
and the philosophic composure of her brother on hearing his fate
removed the chief of even Emma's vexation

The day came the party were punctually assembled and Mr John Knightley
seemed early to devote himself to the business of being agreeable 
Instead of drawing his brother off to a window while they waited
for dinner he was talking to Miss Fairfax  Mrs Elton as elegant
as lace and pearls could make her he looked at in silence  
wanting only to observe enough for Isabella's information  but Miss
Fairfax was an old acquaintance and a quiet girl and he could
talk to her  He had met her before breakfast as he was returning
from a walk with his little boys when it had been just beginning
to rain  It was natural to have some civil hopes on the subject
and he said

I hope you did not venture far Miss Fairfax this morning or I
am sure you must have been wet  We scarcely got home in time 
I hope you turned directly

I went only to the post office said she and reached home
before the rain was much  It is my daily errand  I always fetch
the letters when I am here  It saves trouble and is a something
to get me out  A walk before breakfast does me good

Not a walk in the rain I should imagine

No but it did not absolutely rain when I set out

Mr John Knightley smiled and replied

That is to say you chose to have your walk for you were not six
yards from your own door when I had the pleasure of meeting you
and Henry and John had seen more drops than they could count long before 
The post office has a great charm at one period of our lives 
When you have lived to my age you will begin to think letters are
never worth going through the rain for

There was a little blush and then this answer

I must not hope to be ever situated as you are in the midst of
every dearest connexion and therefore I cannot expect that simply
growing older should make me indifferent about letters

Indifferent  Oh no  I never conceived you could become indifferent 
Letters are no matter of indifference they are generally a very
positive curse

You are speaking of letters of business mine are letters
of friendship

I have often thought them the worst of the two replied he coolly 
Business you know may bring money but friendship hardly
ever does

Ah you are not serious now  I know Mr John Knightley too well  
I am very sure he understands the value of friendship as well as
any body  I can easily believe that letters are very little to you
much less than to me but it is not your being ten years older than
myself which makes the difference it is not age but situation 
You have every body dearest to you always at hand I probably
never shall again and therefore till I have outlived all my affections
a post office I think must always have power to draw me out
in worse weather than to day

When I talked of your being altered by time by the progress of years
said John Knightley I meant to imply the change of situation
which time usually brings  I consider one as including the other 
Time will generally lessen the interest of every attachment not within
the daily circle  but that is not the change I had in view for you 
As an old friend you will allow me to hope Miss Fairfax that ten
years hence you may have as many concentrated objects as I have

It was kindly said and very far from giving offence  A pleasant
thank you seemed meant to laugh it off but a blush a quivering lip
a tear in the eye shewed that it was felt beyond a laugh 
Her attention was now claimed by Mr Woodhouse who being
according to his custom on such occasions making the circle of
his guests and paying his particular compliments to the ladies
was ending with her  and with all his mildest urbanity said

I am very sorry to hear Miss Fairfax of your being out this
morning in the rain  Young ladies should take care of themselves  
Young ladies are delicate plants  They should take care of their
health and their complexion  My dear did you change your stockings

Yes sir I did indeed and I am very much obliged by your kind
solicitude about me

My dear Miss Fairfax young ladies are very sure to be cared for  
I hope your good grand mama and aunt are well  They are some
of my very old friends  I wish my health allowed me to be a
better neighbour  You do us a great deal of honour to day I am sure 
My daughter and I are both highly sensible of your goodness
and have the greatest satisfaction in seeing you at Hartfield

The kind hearted polite old man might then sit down and feel
that he had done his duty and made every fair lady welcome and easy

By this time the walk in the rain had reached Mrs Elton
and her remonstrances now opened upon Jane

My dear Jane what is this I hear  Going to the post office
in the rain  This must not be I assure you  You sad girl
how could you do such a thing  It is a sign I was not there
to take care of you

Jane very patiently assured her that she had not caught any cold

Oh do not tell me  You really are a very sad girl and do not
know how to take care of yourself  To the post office indeed 
Mrs Weston did you ever hear the like  You and I must positively
exert our authority

My advice said Mrs Weston kindly and persuasively I certainly
do feel tempted to give  Miss Fairfax you must not run such risks  
Liable as you have been to severe colds indeed you ought
to be particularly careful especially at this time of year 
The spring I always think requires more than common care 
Better wait an hour or two or even half a day for your letters
than run the risk of bringing on your cough again  Now do not you
feel that you had  Yes I am sure you are much too reasonable 
You look as if you would not do such a thing again

Oh she shall not do such a thing again eagerly rejoined
Mrs Elton  We will not allow her to do such a thing again  
and nodding significantly  there must be some arrangement made
there must indeed  I shall speak to Mr E The man who fetches
our letters every morning one of our men I forget his name
shall inquire for yours too and bring them to you  That will obviate
all difficulties you know and from us I really think my dear Jane
you can have no scruple to accept such an accommodation

You are extremely kind said Jane but I cannot give up my
early walk  I am advised to be out of doors as much as I can
I must walk somewhere and the post office is an object and upon
my word I have scarcely ever had a bad morning before

My dear Jane say no more about it  The thing is determined
that is laughing affectedly as far as I can presume to determine
any thing without the concurrence of my lord and master  You know
Mrs Weston you and I must be cautious how we express ourselves 
But I do flatter myself my dear Jane that my influence is not entirely
worn out  If I meet with no insuperable difficulties therefore
consider that point as settled

Excuse me said Jane earnestly I cannot by any means consent
to such an arrangement so needlessly troublesome to your servant 
If the errand were not a pleasure to me it could be done as it
always is when I am not here by my grandmama's

Oh my dear but so much as Patty has to do  And it is a kindness
to employ our men

Jane looked as if she did not mean to be conquered but instead
of answering she began speaking again to Mr John Knightley

The post office is a wonderful establishment said she  
The regularity and despatch of it  If one thinks of all that it
has to do and all that it does so well it is really astonishing

It is certainly very well regulated

So seldom that any negligence or blunder appears  So seldom
that a letter among the thousands that are constantly passing
about the kingdom is even carried wrong  and not one in a million
I suppose actually lost  And when one considers the variety
of hands and of bad hands too that are to be deciphered
it increases the wonder

The clerks grow expert from habit  They must begin with some
quickness of sight and hand and exercise improves them  If you
want any farther explanation continued he smiling they are
paid for it  That is the key to a great deal of capacity 
The public pays and must be served well

The varieties of handwriting were farther talked of and the usual
observations made

I have heard it asserted said John Knightley that the same
sort of handwriting often prevails in a family and where the
same master teaches it is natural enough  But for that reason
I should imagine the likeness must be chiefly confined to the females
for boys have very little teaching after an early age and scramble
into any hand they can get  Isabella and Emma I think do write
very much alike  I have not always known their writing apart

Yes said his brother hesitatingly there is a likeness 
I know what you mean  but Emma's hand is the strongest

Isabella and Emma both write beautifully said Mr Woodhouse
and always did  And so does poor Mrs Weston  with half a sigh
and half a smile at her

I never saw any gentleman's handwriting  Emma began looking also
at Mrs Weston but stopped on perceiving that Mrs Weston was
attending to some one else  and the pause gave her time to reflect
Now how am I going to introduce him  Am I unequal to speaking
his name at once before all these people  Is it necessary
for me to use any roundabout phrase  Your Yorkshire friend  
your correspondent in Yorkshire  that would be the way I suppose
if I were very bad  No I can pronounce his name without the
smallest distress  I certainly get better and better  Now for it

Mrs Weston was disengaged and Emma began again  Mr Frank Churchill
writes one of the best gentleman's hands I ever saw

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  

Well well I have that note and can shew it after dinner
to convince Mr Knightley

Oh when a gallant young man like Mr Frank Churchill
said Mr Knightley dryly writes to a fair lady like Miss Woodhouse
he will of course put forth his best

Dinner was on table  Mrs Elton before she could be spoken to
was ready and before Mr Woodhouse had reached her with his request
to be allowed to hand her into the dining parlour was saying  

Must I go first  I really am ashamed of always leading the way

Jane's solicitude about fetching her own letters had not escaped Emma 
She had heard and seen it all and felt some curiosity to know
whether the wet walk of this morning had produced any  She suspected
that it had that it would not have been so resolutely encountered
but in full expectation of hearing from some one very dear
and that it had not been in vain  She thought there was an air
of greater happiness than usual  a glow both of complexion and spirits

She could have made an inquiry or two as to the expedition
and the expense of the Irish mails  it was at her tongue's end  
but she abstained  She was quite determined not to utter a word
that should hurt Jane Fairfax's feelings and they followed
the other ladies out of the room arm in arm with an appearance
of good will highly becoming to the beauty and grace of each



CHAPTER XVII


When the ladies returned to the drawing room after dinner Emma found
it hardly possible to prevent their making two distinct parties  
with so much perseverance in judging and behaving ill did Mrs Elton
engross Jane Fairfax and slight herself  She and Mrs Weston were
obliged to be almost always either talking together or silent together 
Mrs Elton left them no choice  If Jane repressed her for a
little time she soon began again and though much that passed
between them was in a half whisper especially on Mrs Elton's side
there was no avoiding a knowledge of their principal subjects 
The post office  catching cold  fetching letters  and friendship
were long under discussion and to them succeeded one which must
be at least equally unpleasant to Jane  inquiries whether she had
yet heard of any situation likely to suit her and professions of
Mrs Elton's meditated activity

Here is April come said she I get quite anxious about you 
June will soon be here

But I have never fixed on June or any other month  merely looked
forward to the summer in general

But have you really heard of nothing

I have not even made any inquiry I do not wish to make any yet

Oh my dear we cannot begin too early you are not aware
of the difficulty of procuring exactly the desirable thing

I not aware said Jane shaking her head dear Mrs Elton
who can have thought of it as I have done

But you have not seen so much of the world as I have  You do not
know how many candidates there always are for the first situations 
I saw a vast deal of that in the neighbourhood round Maple Grove 
A cousin of Mr Suckling Mrs Bragge had such an infinity
of applications every body was anxious to be in her family
for she moves in the first circle  Wax candles in the schoolroom 
You may imagine how desirable  Of all houses in the kingdom
Mrs Bragge's is the one I would most wish to see you in

Colonel and Mrs Campbell are to be in town again by midsummer
said Jane  I must spend some time with them I am sure they will
want it  afterwards I may probably be glad to dispose of myself 
But I would not wish you to take the trouble of making any inquiries
at present

Trouble aye I know your scruples  You are afraid of giving
me trouble but I assure you my dear Jane the Campbells can
hardly be more interested about you than I am  I shall write
to Mrs Partridge in a day or two and shall give her a strict
charge to be on the look out for any thing eligible

Thank you but I would rather you did not mention the subject
to her till the time draws nearer I do not wish to be giving
any body trouble

But my dear child the time is drawing near here is April
and June or say even July is very near with such business
to accomplish before us  Your inexperience really amuses me 
A situation such as you deserve and your friends would require for you
is no everyday occurrence is not obtained at a moment's notice
indeed indeed we must begin inquiring directly

Excuse me ma'am but this is by no means my intention I make no
inquiry myself and should be sorry to have any made by my friends 
When I am quite determined as to the time I am not at all afraid
of being long unemployed  There are places in town offices
where inquiry would soon produce something  Offices for the sale  
not quite of human flesh  but of human intellect

Oh my dear human flesh  You quite shock me if you mean a fling
at the slave trade I assure you Mr Suckling was always rather
a friend to the abolition

I did not mean I was not thinking of the slave trade replied Jane
governess trade I assure you was all that I had in view
widely different certainly as to the guilt of those who carry it on
but as to the greater misery of the victims I do not know where
it lies  But I only mean to say that there are advertising offices
and that by applying to them I should have no doubt of very soon
meeting with something that would do

Something that would do repeated Mrs Elton  Aye that may
suit your humble ideas of yourself  I know what a modest creature
you are but it will not satisfy your friends to have you taking up
with any thing that may offer any inferior commonplace situation
in a family not moving in a certain circle or able to command
the elegancies of life

You are very obliging but as to all that I am very indifferent
it would be no object to me to be with the rich my mortifications
I think would only be the greater I should suffer more from comparison 
A gentleman's family is all that I should condition for

I know you I know you you would take up with any thing but I
shall be a little more nice and I am sure the good Campbells will
be quite on my side with your superior talents you have a right
to move in the first circle  Your musical knowledge alone would
entitle you to name your own terms have as many rooms as you like
and mix in the family as much as you chose  that is  I do not know  
if you knew the harp you might do all that I am very sure
but you sing as well as play  yes I really believe you might
even without the harp stipulate for what you chose  and you must
and shall be delightfully honourably and comfortably settled before
the Campbells or I have any rest

You may well class the delight the honour and the comfort
of such a situation together said Jane they are pretty sure
to be equal however I am very serious in not wishing any thing
to be attempted at present for me  I am exceedingly obliged to you
Mrs Elton I am obliged to any body who feels for me but I am
quite serious in wishing nothing to be done till the summer 
For two or three months longer I shall remain where I am and as
I am

And I am quite serious too I assure you replied Mrs Elton gaily
in resolving to be always on the watch and employing my friends
to watch also that nothing really unexceptionable may pass us

In this style she ran on never thoroughly stopped by any thing
till Mr Woodhouse came into the room her vanity had then a change
of object and Emma heard her saying in the same half whisper to Jane

Here comes this dear old beau of mine I protest  Only think of his
gallantry in coming away before the other men  what a dear creature
he is  I assure you I like him excessively  I admire all that quaint
old fashioned politeness it is much more to my taste than modern ease
modern ease often disgusts me  But this good old Mr Woodhouse
I wish you had heard his gallant speeches to me at dinner  Oh  I assure
you I began to think my caro sposo would be absolutely jealous 
I fancy I am rather a favourite he took notice of my gown 
How do you like it  Selina's choice  handsome I think but I
do not know whether it is not over trimmed I have the greatest
dislike to the idea of being over trimmed  quite a horror of finery 
I must put on a few ornaments now because it is expected of me 
A bride you know must appear like a bride but my natural taste
is all for simplicity a simple style of dress is so infinitely
preferable to finery  But I am quite in the minority I believe
few people seem to value simplicity of dress  show and finery
are every thing  I have some notion of putting such a trimming
as this to my white and silver poplin  Do you think it will
look well

The whole party were but just reassembled in the drawing room
when Mr Weston made his appearance among them  He had returned
to a late dinner and walked to Hartfield as soon as it was over 
He had been too much expected by the best judges for surprize  
but there was great joy  Mr Woodhouse was almost as glad to see
him now as he would have been sorry to see him before  John Knightley
only was in mute astonishment  That a man who might have spent
his evening quietly at home after a day of business in London
should set off again and walk half a mile to another man's house
for the sake of being in mixed company till bed time of finishing
his day in the efforts of civility and the noise of numbers
was a circumstance to strike him deeply  A man who had been in motion
since eight o'clock in the morning and might now have been still
who had been long talking and might have been silent who had been
in more than one crowd and might have been alone  Such a man
to quit the tranquillity and independence of his own fireside
and on the evening of a cold sleety April day rush out again into
the world  Could he by a touch of his finger have instantly taken
back his wife there would have been a motive but his coming would
probably prolong rather than break up the party  John Knightley
looked at him with amazement then shrugged his shoulders and said
I could not have believed it even of him

Mr Weston meanwhile perfectly unsuspicious of the indignation
he was exciting happy and cheerful as usual and with all
the right of being principal talker which a day spent anywhere
from home confers was making himself agreeable among the rest
and having satisfied the inquiries of his wife as to his dinner
convincing her that none of all her careful directions to the servants
had been forgotten and spread abroad what public news he had heard
was proceeding to a family communication which though principally
addressed to Mrs Weston he had not the smallest doubt of being
highly interesting to every body in the room  He gave her a letter
it was from Frank and to herself he had met with it in his way
and had taken the liberty of opening it

Read it read it said he it will give you pleasure
only a few lines  will not take you long read it to Emma

The two ladies looked over it together and he sat smiling
and talking to them the whole time in a voice a little subdued
but very audible to every body

Well he is coming you see good news I think  Well what do
you say to it  I always told you he would be here again soon
did not I  Anne my dear did not I always tell you so and you would
not believe me  In town next week you see  at the latest I dare say
for she is as impatient as the black gentleman when any thing is
to be done most likely they will be there to morrow or Saturday 
As to her illness all nothing of course  But it is an excellent
thing to have Frank among us again so near as town  They will stay
a good while when they do come and he will be half his time with us 
This is precisely what I wanted  Well pretty good news is not it 
Have you finished it  Has Emma read it all  Put it up put it up
we will have a good talk about it some other time but it will not
do now  I shall only just mention the circumstance to the others in a
common way

Mrs Weston was most comfortably pleased on the occasion 
Her looks and words had nothing to restrain them  She was happy
she knew she was happy and knew she ought to be happy 
Her congratulations were warm and open but Emma could not speak
so fluently  She was a little occupied in weighing her own feelings
and trying to understand the degree of her agitation which she
rather thought was considerable

Mr Weston however too eager to be very observant too communicative
to want others to talk was very well satisfied with what she did say
and soon moved away to make the rest of his friends happy by a partial
communication of what the whole room must have overheard already

It was well that he took every body's joy for granted or he
might not have thought either Mr Woodhouse or Mr Knightley
particularly delighted  They were the first entitled
after Mrs Weston and Emma to be made happy  from them he would
have proceeded to Miss Fairfax but she was so deep in conversation
with John Knightley that it would have been too positive
an interruption and finding himself close to Mrs Elton and
her attention disengaged he necessarily began on the subject with her



CHAPTER XVIII


I hope I shall soon have the pleasure of introducing my son to you
said Mr Weston

Mrs Elton very willing to suppose a particular compliment intended
her by such a hope smiled most graciously

You have heard of a certain Frank Churchill I presume he continued  
and know him to be my son though he does not bear my name

Oh yes and I shall be very happy in his acquaintance 
I am sure Mr Elton will lose no time in calling on him and we
shall both have great pleasure in seeing him at the Vicarage

You are very obliging  Frank will be extremely happy I am sure  
He is to be in town next week if not sooner  We have notice of it
in a letter to day I met the letters in my way this morning
and seeing my son's hand presumed to open it  though it was not directed
to me  it was to Mrs Weston  She is his principal correspondent
I assure you  I hardly ever get a letter

And so you absolutely opened what was directed to her  Oh  Mr Weston  
laughing affectedly I must protest against that  A most dangerous
precedent indeed  I beg you will not let your neighbours follow
your example  Upon my word if this is what I am to expect
we married women must begin to exert ourselves  Oh  Mr Weston
I could not have believed it of you

Aye we men are sad fellows  You must take care of yourself
Mrs Elton  This letter tells us  it is a short letter  written in
a hurry merely to give us notice  it tells us that they are all
coming up to town directly on Mrs Churchill's account  she has
not been well the whole winter and thinks Enscombe too cold for her  
so they are all to move southward without loss of time

Indeed  from Yorkshire I think  Enscombe is in Yorkshire

Yes they are about one hundred and ninety miles from London 
a considerable journey

Yes upon my word very considerable  Sixty five miles farther
than from Maple Grove to London  But what is distance Mr Weston
to people of large fortune  You would be amazed to hear how my brother
Mr Suckling sometimes flies about  You will hardly believe me  
but twice in one week he and Mr Bragge went to London and back again
with four horses

The evil of the distance from Enscombe said Mr Weston is that
Mrs Churchill as we understand has not been able to leave the
sofa for a week together  In Frank's last letter she complained
he said of being too weak to get into her conservatory without having
both his arm and his uncle's This you know speaks a great degree
of weakness  but now she is so impatient to be in town that she
means to sleep only two nights on the road  So Frank writes word 
Certainly delicate ladies have very extraordinary constitutions
Mrs Elton  You must grant me that

No indeed I shall grant you nothing  I Always take the part
of my own sex  I do indeed  I give you notice  You will find me
a formidable antagonist on that point  I always stand up for women  
and I assure you if you knew how Selina feels with respect
to sleeping at an inn you would not wonder at Mrs Churchill's
making incredible exertions to avoid it  Selina says it is quite
horror to her  and I believe I have caught a little of her nicety 
She always travels with her own sheets an excellent precaution 
Does Mrs Churchill do the same

Depend upon it Mrs Churchill does every thing that any other
fine lady ever did  Mrs Churchill will not be second to any lady
in the land for  

Mrs Elton eagerly interposed with

Oh  Mr Weston do not mistake me  Selina is no fine lady
I assure you  Do not run away with such an idea

Is not she  Then she is no rule for Mrs Churchill who is
as thorough a fine lady as any body ever beheld

Mrs Elton began to think she had been wrong in disclaiming so warmly 
It was by no means her object to have it believed that her sister
was not a fine lady perhaps there was want of spirit in the pretence
of it  and she was considering in what way she had best retract
when Mr Weston went on

Mrs Churchill is not much in my good graces as you may suspect  
but this is quite between ourselves  She is very fond of Frank
and therefore I would not speak ill of her  Besides she is out of
health now but that indeed by her own account she has always been 
I would not say so to every body Mrs Elton but I have not much
faith in Mrs Churchill's illness

If she is really ill why not go to Bath Mr Weston  To Bath
or to Clifton  She has taken it into her head that Enscombe is too
cold for her  The fact is I suppose that she is tired of Enscombe 
She has now been a longer time stationary there than she ever
was before and she begins to want change  It is a retired place 
A fine place but very retired

Aye  like Maple Grove I dare say  Nothing can stand more retired from
the road than Maple Grove  Such an immense plantation all round it 
You seem shut out from every thing  in the most complete retirement  
And Mrs Churchill probably has not health or spirits like Selina
to enjoy that sort of seclusion  Or perhaps she may not have
resources enough in herself to be qualified for a country life 
I always say a woman cannot have too many resources  and I feel
very thankful that I have so many myself as to be quite independent
of society

Frank was here in February for a fortnight

So I remember to have heard  He will find an addition to the
society of Highbury when he comes again that is if I may presume
to call myself an addition  But perhaps he may never have heard
of there being such a creature in the world

This was too loud a call for a compliment to be passed by
and Mr Weston with a very good grace immediately exclaimed

My dear madam  Nobody but yourself could imagine such a
thing possible  Not heard of you  I believe Mrs Weston's
letters lately have been full of very little else than Mrs Elton

He had done his duty and could return to his son

When Frank left us continued he it was quite uncertain when we
might see him again which makes this day's news doubly welcome 
It has been completely unexpected  That is I always had a strong
persuasion he would be here again soon I was sure something
favourable would turn up  but nobody believed me  He and Mrs Weston
were both dreadfully desponding  How could he contrive to come 
And how could it be supposed that his uncle and aunt would spare
him again and so forth  I always felt that something would happen
in our favour and so it has you see  I have observed Mrs Elton
in the course of my life that if things are going untowardly one month
they are sure to mend the next

Very true Mr Weston perfectly true  It is just what I used
to say to a certain gentleman in company in the days of courtship
when because things did not go quite right did not proceed with all
the rapidity which suited his feelings he was apt to be in despair
and exclaim that he was sure at this rate it would be May before
Hymen's saffron robe would be put on for us  Oh the pains I have
been at to dispel those gloomy ideas and give him cheerfuller views 
The carriage  we had disappointments about the carriage  one morning
I remember he came to me quite in despair

She was stopped by a slight fit of coughing and Mr Weston instantly
seized the opportunity of going on

You were mentioning May  May is the very month which Mrs Churchill
is ordered or has ordered herself to spend in some warmer place
than Enscombe  in short to spend in London so that we have the
agreeable prospect of frequent visits from Frank the whole spring  
precisely the season of the year which one should have chosen
for it  days almost at the longest weather genial and pleasant
always inviting one out and never too hot for exercise  When he
was here before we made the best of it but there was a good deal
of wet damp cheerless weather there always is in February you know
and we could not do half that we intended  Now will be the time 
This will be complete enjoyment and I do not know Mrs Elton
whether the uncertainty of our meetings the sort of constant
expectation there will be of his coming in to day or to morrow
and at any hour may not be more friendly to happiness than having
him actually in the house  I think it is so  I think it is the
state of mind which gives most spirit and delight  I hope you
will be pleased with my son but you must not expect a prodigy 
He is generally thought a fine young man but do not expect a prodigy 
Mrs Weston's partiality for him is very great and as you may suppose
most gratifying to me  She thinks nobody equal to him

And I assure you Mr Weston I have very little doubt that my
opinion will be decidedly in his favour  I have heard so much
in praise of Mr Frank Churchill  At the same time it is fair
to observe that I am one of those who always judge for themselves
and are by no means implicitly guided by others  I give you notice
that as I find your son so I shall judge of him  I am no flatterer

Mr Weston was musing

I hope said he presently I have not been severe upon poor
Mrs Churchill  If she is ill I should be sorry to do her injustice
but there are some traits in her character which make it difficult
for me to speak of her with the forbearance I could wish 
You cannot be ignorant Mrs Elton of my connexion with the family
nor of the treatment I have met with and between ourselves
the whole blame of it is to be laid to her  She was the instigator 
Frank's mother would never have been slighted as she was but for her 
Mr Churchill has pride but his pride is nothing to his wife's
his is a quiet indolent gentlemanlike sort of pride that would
harm nobody and only make himself a little helpless and tiresome
but her pride is arrogance and insolence  And what inclines one less
to bear she has no fair pretence of family or blood  She was nobody
when he married her barely the daughter of a gentleman but ever
since her being turned into a Churchill she has out Churchill'd them
all in high and mighty claims  but in herself I assure you she is
an upstart

Only think well that must be infinitely provoking  I have quite
a horror of upstarts  Maple Grove has given me a thorough disgust
to people of that sort for there is a family in that neighbourhood
who are such an annoyance to my brother and sister from the airs
they give themselves  Your description of Mrs Churchill made me
think of them directly  People of the name of Tupman very lately
settled there and encumbered with many low connexions but giving
themselves immense airs and expecting to be on a footing with the old
established families  A year and a half is the very utmost that they can
have lived at West Hall and how they got their fortune nobody knows 
They came from Birmingham which is not a place to promise much
you know Mr Weston  One has not great hopes from Birmingham 
I always say there is something direful in the sound  but nothing
more is positively known of the Tupmans though a good many things
I assure you are suspected and yet by their manners they evidently
think themselves equal even to my brother Mr Suckling who happens
to be one of their nearest neighbours  It is infinitely too bad 
Mr Suckling who has been eleven years a resident at Maple Grove
and whose father had it before him  I believe at least  I am
almost sure that old Mr Suckling had completed the purchase before
his death

They were interrupted  Tea was carrying round and Mr Weston
having said all that he wanted soon took the opportunity of
walking away

After tea Mr and Mrs Weston and Mr Elton sat down with Mr Woodhouse
to cards  The remaining five were left to their own powers
and Emma doubted their getting on very well for Mr Knightley seemed
little disposed for conversation Mrs Elton was wanting notice
which nobody had inclination to pay and she was herself
in a worry of spirits which would have made her prefer being silent

Mr John Knightley proved more talkative than his brother 
He was to leave them early the next day and he soon began with  

Well Emma I do not believe I have any thing more to say about
the boys but you have your sister's letter and every thing is
down at full length there we may be sure  My charge would be much
more concise than her's and probably not much in the same spirit
all that I have to recommend being comprised in do not spoil them
and do not physic them

I rather hope to satisfy you both said Emma for I shall do all
in my power to make them happy which will be enough for Isabella
and happiness must preclude false indulgence and physic

And if you find them troublesome you must send them home again

That is very likely  You think so do not you

I hope I am aware that they may be too noisy for your father  
or even may be some encumbrance to you if your visiting engagements
continue to increase as much as they have done lately

Increase

Certainly you must be sensible that the last half year has made
a great difference in your way of life

Difference  No indeed I am not

There can be no doubt of your being much more engaged with company
than you used to be  Witness this very time  Here am I come
down for only one day and you are engaged with a dinner party  
When did it happen before or any thing like it  Your neighbourhood
is increasing and you mix more with it  A little while ago
every letter to Isabella brought an account of fresh gaieties
dinners at Mr Cole's or balls at the Crown  The difference
which Randalls Randalls alone makes in your goings on is very great

Yes said his brother quickly it is Randalls that does it all

Very well  and as Randalls I suppose is not likely to have less
influence than heretofore it strikes me as a possible thing Emma
that Henry and John may be sometimes in the way  And if they are
I only beg you to send them home

No cried Mr Knightley that need not be the consequence 
Let them be sent to Donwell  I shall certainly be at leisure

Upon my word exclaimed Emma you amuse me  I should like to know
how many of all my numerous engagements take place without your being
of the party and why I am to be supposed in danger of wanting leisure
to attend to the little boys  These amazing engagements of mine  
what have they been  Dining once with the Coles  and having a ball
talked of which never took place  I can understand you  nodding at
Mr John Knightley  your good fortune in meeting with so many of
your friends at once here delights you too much to pass unnoticed 
But you turning to Mr Knightley who know how very very seldom
I am ever two hours from Hartfield why you should foresee such a
series of dissipation for me I cannot imagine  And as to my dear
little boys I must say that if Aunt Emma has not time for them
I do not think they would fare much better with Uncle Knightley
who is absent from home about five hours where she is absent one  
and who when he is at home is either reading to himself or settling
his accounts

Mr Knightley seemed to be trying not to smile and succeeded
without difficulty upon Mrs Elton's beginning to talk to him




VOLUME III



CHAPTER I


A very little quiet reflection was enough to satisfy Emma as to the
nature of her agitation on hearing this news of Frank Churchill 
She was soon convinced that it was not for herself she was feeling at
all apprehensive or embarrassed it was for him  Her own attachment
had really subsided into a mere nothing it was not worth thinking of  
but if he who had undoubtedly been always so much the most in love
of the two were to be returning with the same warmth of sentiment
which he had taken away it would be very distressing  If a separation
of two months should not have cooled him there were dangers and evils
before her  caution for him and for herself would be necessary 
She did not mean to have her own affections entangled again
and it would be incumbent on her to avoid any encouragement of his

She wished she might be able to keep him from an absolute declaration 
That would be so very painful a conclusion of their present acquaintance
and yet she could not help rather anticipating something decisive 
She felt as if the spring would not pass without bringing a crisis
an event a something to alter her present composed and tranquil state

It was not very long though rather longer than Mr Weston had foreseen
before she had the power of forming some opinion of Frank Churchill's
feelings  The Enscombe family were not in town quite so soon as had
been imagined but he was at Highbury very soon afterwards  He rode
down for a couple of hours he could not yet do more but as he came
from Randalls immediately to Hartfield she could then exercise all
her quick observation and speedily determine how he was influenced
and how she must act  They met with the utmost friendliness 
There could be no doubt of his great pleasure in seeing her 
But she had an almost instant doubt of his caring for her as he
had done of his feeling the same tenderness in the same degree 
She watched him well  It was a clear thing he was less in love than he
had been  Absence with the conviction probably of her indifference
had produced this very natural and very desirable effect

He was in high spirits as ready to talk and laugh as ever and seemed
delighted to speak of his former visit and recur to old stories 
and he was not without agitation  It was not in his calmness that
she read his comparative difference  He was not calm his spirits
were evidently fluttered there was restlessness about him 
Lively as he was it seemed a liveliness that did not satisfy himself
but what decided her belief on the subject was his staying only a
quarter of an hour and hurrying away to make other calls in Highbury 
He had seen a group of old acquaintance in the street as he passed  
he had not stopped he would not stop for more than a word  but he
had the vanity to think they would be disappointed if he did not call
and much as he wished to stay longer at Hartfield he must hurry off 
She had no doubt as to his being less in love  but neither his
agitated spirits nor his hurrying away seemed like a perfect cure
and she was rather inclined to think it implied a dread of her
returning power and a discreet resolution of not trusting himself
with her long

This was the only visit from Frank Churchill in the course of ten days 
He was often hoping intending to come  but was always prevented 
His aunt could not bear to have him leave her  Such was his own account
at Randall's If he were quite sincere if he really tried to come
it was to be inferred that Mrs Churchill's removal to London had
been of no service to the wilful or nervous part of her disorder 
That she was really ill was very certain he had declared himself
convinced of it at Randalls  Though much might be fancy he could
not doubt when he looked back that she was in a weaker state
of health than she had been half a year ago  He did not believe it
to proceed from any thing that care and medicine might not remove
or at least that she might not have many years of existence before her
but he could not be prevailed on by all his father's doubts to say
that her complaints were merely imaginary or that she was as strong
as ever

It soon appeared that London was not the place for her  She could
not endure its noise  Her nerves were under continual irritation
and suffering and by the ten days end her nephew's letter to
Randalls communicated a change of plan  They were going to remove
immediately to Richmond  Mrs Churchill had been recommended
to the medical skill of an eminent person there and had otherwise
a fancy for the place  A ready furnished house in a favourite
spot was engaged and much benefit expected from the change

Emma heard that Frank wrote in the highest spirits of this arrangement
and seemed most fully to appreciate the blessing of having two
months before him of such near neighbourhood to many dear friends  
for the house was taken for May and June  She was told that now
he wrote with the greatest confidence of being often with them
almost as often as he could even wish

Emma saw how Mr Weston understood these joyous prospects  He was
considering her as the source of all the happiness they offered 
She hoped it was not so  Two months must bring it to the proof

Mr Weston's own happiness was indisputable  He was quite delighted 
It was the very circumstance he could have wished for  Now it would
be really having Frank in their neighbourhood  What were nine miles
to a young man  An hour's ride  He would be always coming over 
The difference in that respect of Richmond and London was enough
to make the whole difference of seeing him always and seeing
him never  Sixteen miles  nay eighteen  it must be full eighteen
to Manchester street  was a serious obstacle  Were he ever able
to get away the day would be spent in coming and returning 
There was no comfort in having him in London he might as well be
at Enscombe but Richmond was the very distance for easy intercourse 
Better than nearer

One good thing was immediately brought to a certainty by this removal  
the ball at the Crown  It had not been forgotten before but it had
been soon acknowledged vain to attempt to fix a day  Now however
it was absolutely to be every preparation was resumed and very soon
after the Churchills had removed to Richmond a few lines from Frank
to say that his aunt felt already much better for the change
and that he had no doubt of being able to join them for twenty four
hours at any given time induced them to name as early a day as possible

Mr Weston's ball was to be a real thing  A very few to morrows
stood between the young people of Highbury and happiness

Mr Woodhouse was resigned  The time of year lightened the evil
to him  May was better for every thing than February  Mrs Bates
was engaged to spend the evening at Hartfield James had due notice
and he sanguinely hoped that neither dear little Henry nor dear
little John would have any thing the matter with them while dear
Emma were gone



CHAPTER II


No misfortune occurred again to prevent the ball  The day approached
the day arrived and after a morning of some anxious watching
Frank Churchill in all the certainty of his own self reached Randalls
before dinner and every thing was safe

No second meeting had there yet been between him and Emma 
The room at the Crown was to witness it  but it would be better
than a common meeting in a crowd  Mr Weston had been so very
earnest in his entreaties for her arriving there as soon as possible
after themselves for the purpose of taking her opinion as to the
propriety and comfort of the rooms before any other persons came
that she could not refuse him and must therefore spend some quiet
interval in the young man's company  She was to convey Harriet
and they drove to the Crown in good time the Randalls party just
sufficiently before them

Frank Churchill seemed to have been on the watch and though
he did not say much his eyes declared that he meant to have
a delightful evening  They all walked about together to see
that every thing was as it should be and within a few minutes
were joined by the contents of another carriage which Emma
could not hear the sound of at first without great surprize 
So unreasonably early she was going to exclaim but she presently
found that it was a family of old friends who were coming like herself
by particular desire to help Mr Weston's judgment and they were
so very closely followed by another carriage of cousins who had been
entreated to come early with the same distinguishing earnestness
on the same errand that it seemed as if half the company might
soon be collected together for the purpose of preparatory inspection

Emma perceived that her taste was not the only taste on which
Mr Weston depended and felt that to be the favourite and
intimate of a man who had so many intimates and confidantes
was not the very first distinction in the scale of vanity 
She liked his open manners but a little less of open heartedness
would have made him a higher character  General benevolence
but not general friendship made a man what he ought to be  
She could fancy such a man  The whole party walked about
and looked and praised again and then having nothing else to do
formed a sort of half circle round the fire to observe in their
various modes till other subjects were started that though May
a fire in the evening was still very pleasant

Emma found that it was not Mr Weston's fault that the number
of privy councillors was not yet larger  They had stopped
at Mrs Bates's door to offer the use of their carriage
but the aunt and niece were to be brought by the Eltons

Frank was standing by her but not steadily there was a restlessness
which shewed a mind not at ease  He was looking about he was going
to the door he was watching for the sound of other carriages  
impatient to begin or afraid of being always near her

Mrs Elton was spoken of  I think she must be here soon said he 
I have a great curiosity to see Mrs Elton I have heard so much
of her  It cannot be long I think before she comes

A carriage was heard  He was on the move immediately
but coming back said

I am forgetting that I am not acquainted with her  I have never seen
either Mr or Mrs Elton  I have no business to put myself forward

Mr and Mrs Elton appeared and all the smiles and the proprieties passed

But Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax said Mr Weston looking about 
We thought you were to bring them

The mistake had been slight  The carriage was sent for them now 
Emma longed to know what Frank's first opinion of Mrs Elton
might be how he was affected by the studied elegance of her dress
and her smiles of graciousness  He was immediately qualifying
himself to form an opinion by giving her very proper attention
after the introduction had passed

In a few minutes the carriage returned  Somebody talked of rain  
I will see that there are umbrellas sir said Frank to his father 
Miss Bates must not be forgotten  and away he went  Mr Weston
was following but Mrs Elton detained him to gratify him by her
opinion of his son and so briskly did she begin that the young
man himself though by no means moving slowly could hardly be out
of hearing

A very fine young man indeed Mr Weston  You know I candidly told
you I should form my own opinion and I am happy to say that I am
extremely pleased with him  You may believe me  I never compliment 
I think him a very handsome young man and his manners are precisely
what I like and approve  so truly the gentleman without the least
conceit or puppyism  You must know I have a vast dislike to puppies  
quite a horror of them  They were never tolerated at Maple Grove 
Neither Mr Suckling nor me had ever any patience with them and we
used sometimes to say very cutting things  Selina who is mild almost
to a fault bore with them much better

While she talked of his son Mr Weston's attention was chained
but when she got to Maple Grove he could recollect that there were
ladies just arriving to be attended to and with happy smiles must
hurry away

Mrs Elton turned to Mrs Weston  I have no doubt of its being
our carriage with Miss Bates and Jane  Our coachman and horses are
so extremely expeditious  I believe we drive faster than any body  
What a pleasure it is to send one's carriage for a friend  
I understand you were so kind as to offer but another time it
will be quite unnecessary  You may be very sure I shall always
take care of them

Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax escorted by the two gentlemen
walked into the room and Mrs Elton seemed to think it as much
her duty as Mrs Weston's to receive them  Her gestures and
movements might be understood by any one who looked on like Emma
but her words every body's words were soon lost under the
incessant flow of Miss Bates who came in talking and had not
finished her speech under many minutes after her being admitted
into the circle at the fire  As the door opened she was heard

So very obliging of you  No rain at all  Nothing to signify 
I do not care for myself  Quite thick shoes  And Jane declares  
Well  as soon as she was within the door Well  This is brilliant
indeed  This is admirable  Excellently contrived upon my word 
Nothing wanting  Could not have imagined it  So well lighted up  
Jane Jane look  did you ever see any thing  Oh  Mr Weston
you must really have had Aladdin's lamp  Good Mrs Stokes
would not know her own room again  I saw her as I came in
she was standing in the entrance  Oh  Mrs Stokes said I  
but I had not time for more  She was now met by Mrs Weston  
Very well I thank you ma'am I hope you are quite well 
Very happy to hear it  So afraid you might have a headach  
seeing you pass by so often and knowing how much trouble you must have 
Delighted to hear it indeed  Ah dear Mrs Elton so obliged
to you for the carriage  excellent time  Jane and I quite ready 
Did not keep the horses a moment  Most comfortable carriage  
Oh and I am sure our thanks are due to you Mrs Weston on that score 
Mrs Elton had most kindly sent Jane a note or we should have been  
But two such offers in one day  Never were such neighbours 
I said to my mother Upon my word ma'am    Thank you my mother
is remarkably well  Gone to Mr Woodhouse's I made her take
her shawl  for the evenings are not warm  her large new shawl  
Mrs Dixon's wedding present  So kind of her to think of my mother 
Bought at Weymouth you know  Mr Dixon's choice  There were
three others Jane says which they hesitated about some time 
Colonel Campbell rather preferred an olive  My dear Jane
are you sure you did not wet your feet  It was but a drop or two
but I am so afraid  but Mr Frank Churchill was so extremely  
and there was a mat to step upon  I shall never forget his
extreme politeness  Oh  Mr Frank Churchill I must tell you
my mother's spectacles have never been in fault since the rivet
never came out again  My mother often talks of your good nature
Does not she Jane  Do not we often talk of Mr Frank Churchill  
Ah here's Miss Woodhouse  Dear Miss Woodhouse how do you do  
Very well I thank you quite well  This is meeting quite in fairy land  
Such a transformation  Must not compliment I know eyeing Emma
most complacently  that would be rude  but upon my word Miss Woodhouse
you do look  how do you like Jane's hair  You are a judge  
She did it all herself  Quite wonderful how she does her hair  
No hairdresser from London I think could  Ah Dr Hughes I declare  
and Mrs Hughes  Must go and speak to Dr and Mrs Hughes for
a moment  How do you do  How do you do  Very well I thank you 
This is delightful is not it  Where's dear Mr Richard  
Oh there he is  Don't disturb him  Much better employed talking
to the young ladies  How do you do Mr Richard  I saw you the
other day as you rode through the town  Mrs Otway I protest  
and good Mr Otway and Miss Otway and Miss Caroline  Such a host
of friends  and Mr George and Mr Arthur  How do you do  How do
you all do  Quite well I am much obliged to you  Never better  
Don't I hear another carriage  Who can this be  very likely the
worthy Coles  Upon my word this is charming to be standing about
among such friends  And such a noble fire  I am quite roasted 
No coffee I thank you for me  never take coffee  A little tea
if you please sir by and bye  no hurry  Oh here it comes 
Every thing so good

Frank Churchill returned to his station by Emma and as soon as Miss
Bates was quiet she found herself necessarily overhearing the
discourse of Mrs Elton and Miss Fairfax who were standing a little
way behind her  He was thoughtful  Whether he were overhearing too
she could not determine  After a good many compliments to Jane
on her dress and look compliments very quietly and properly taken
Mrs Elton was evidently wanting to be complimented herself  
and it was How do you like my gown  How do you like my trimming  
How has Wright done my hair  with many other relative questions
all answered with patient politeness  Mrs Elton then said
Nobody can think less of dress in general than I do  but upon such
an occasion as this when every body's eyes are so much upon me
and in compliment to the Westons  who I have no doubt are giving
this ball chiefly to do me honour  I would not wish to be inferior
to others  And I see very few pearls in the room except mine  
So Frank Churchill is a capital dancer I understand  We shall see
if our styles suit  A fine young man certainly is Frank Churchill 
I like him very well

At this moment Frank began talking so vigorously that Emma could
not but imagine he had overheard his own praises and did not want
to hear more  and the voices of the ladies were drowned for a while
till another suspension brought Mrs Elton's tones again distinctly
forward  Mr Elton had just joined them and his wife was exclaiming

Oh you have found us out at last have you in our seclusion  
I was this moment telling Jane I thought you would begin to be
impatient for tidings of us

Jane  repeated Frank Churchill with a look of surprize and displeasure  
That is easy  but Miss Fairfax does not disapprove it I suppose

How do you like Mrs Elton said Emma in a whisper

Not at all

You are ungrateful

Ungrateful  What do you mean  Then changing from a frown to
a smile  No do not tell me  I do not want to know what you mean  
Where is my father  When are we to begin dancing

Emma could hardly understand him he seemed in an odd humour 
He walked off to find his father but was quickly back again with both
Mr and Mrs Weston  He had met with them in a little perplexity
which must be laid before Emma  It had just occurred to Mrs Weston
that Mrs Elton must be asked to begin the ball that she would
expect it which interfered with all their wishes of giving Emma
that distinction  Emma heard the sad truth with fortitude

And what are we to do for a proper partner for her said Mr Weston 
She will think Frank ought to ask her

Frank turned instantly to Emma to claim her former promise
and boasted himself an engaged man which his father looked his most
perfect approbation of  and it then appeared that Mrs Weston was
wanting him to dance with Mrs Elton himself and that their business
was to help to persuade him into it which was done pretty soon  
Mr Weston and Mrs Elton led the way Mr Frank Churchill and Miss
Woodhouse followed  Emma must submit to stand second to Mrs Elton
though she had always considered the ball as peculiarly for her 
It was almost enough to make her think of marrying  Mrs Elton had
undoubtedly the advantage at this time in vanity completely gratified
for though she had intended to begin with Frank Churchill she could
not lose by the change  Mr Weston might be his son's superior  
In spite of this little rub however Emma was smiling with enjoyment
delighted to see the respectable length of the set as it was forming
and to feel that she had so many hours of unusual festivity before her  
She was more disturbed by Mr Knightley's not dancing than by any
thing else  There he was among the standers by where he ought not
to be he ought to be dancing  not classing himself with the husbands
and fathers and whist players who were pretending to feel an interest
in the dance till their rubbers were made up  so young as he looked  
He could not have appeared to greater advantage perhaps anywhere
than where he had placed himself  His tall firm upright figure
among the bulky forms and stooping shoulders of the elderly men
was such as Emma felt must draw every body's eyes and excepting her
own partner there was not one among the whole row of young men
who could be compared with him  He moved a few steps nearer
and those few steps were enough to prove in how gentlemanlike
a manner with what natural grace he must have danced would he
but take the trouble  Whenever she caught his eye she forced him
to smile but in general he was looking grave  She wished he could
love a ballroom better and could like Frank Churchill better  
He seemed often observing her  She must not flatter herself that he
thought of her dancing but if he were criticising her behaviour
she did not feel afraid  There was nothing like flirtation between
her and her partner  They seemed more like cheerful easy friends
than lovers  That Frank Churchill thought less of her than he had done
was indubitable

The ball proceeded pleasantly  The anxious cares the incessant
attentions of Mrs Weston were not thrown away  Every body
seemed happy and the praise of being a delightful ball
which is seldom bestowed till after a ball has ceased to be
was repeatedly given in the very beginning of the existence of this 
Of very important very recordable events it was not more productive
than such meetings usually are  There was one however which Emma
thought something of  The two last dances before supper were begun
and Harriet had no partner  the only young lady sitting down  
and so equal had been hitherto the number of dancers that how there
could be any one disengaged was the wonder  But Emma's wonder
lessened soon afterwards on seeing Mr Elton sauntering about 
He would not ask Harriet to dance if it were possible to be avoided 
she was sure he would not  and she was expecting him every moment to
escape into the card room

Escape however was not his plan  He came to the part of the room
where the sitters by were collected spoke to some and walked about
in front of them as if to shew his liberty and his resolution
of maintaining it  He did not omit being sometimes directly
before Miss Smith or speaking to those who were close to her  
Emma saw it  She was not yet dancing she was working her way
up from the bottom and had therefore leisure to look around
and by only turning her head a little she saw it all  When she was
half way up the set the whole group were exactly behind her and she
would no longer allow her eyes to watch but Mr Elton was so near
that she heard every syllable of a dialogue which just then took
place between him and Mrs Weston and she perceived that his wife
who was standing immediately above her was not only listening also
but even encouraging him by significant glances  The kind hearted
gentle Mrs Weston had left her seat to join him and say Do not
you dance Mr Elton to which his prompt reply was Most readily
Mrs Weston if you will dance with me

Me  oh no  I would get you a better partner than myself 
I am no dancer

If Mrs Gilbert wishes to dance said he I shall have great pleasure
I am sure  for though beginning to feel myself rather an old married man
and that my dancing days are over it would give me very great
pleasure at any time to stand up with an old friend like Mrs Gilbert

Mrs Gilbert does not mean to dance but there is a young lady
disengaged whom I should be very glad to see dancing  Miss Smith 
Miss Smith  oh  I had not observed  You are extremely obliging  
and if I were not an old married man  But my dancing days are over
Mrs Weston  You will excuse me  Any thing else I should be most happy
to do at your command  but my dancing days are over

Mrs Weston said no more and Emma could imagine with what
surprize and mortification she must be returning to her seat 
This was Mr Elton the amiable obliging gentle Mr Elton  
She looked round for a moment he had joined Mr Knightley at a
little distance and was arranging himself for settled conversation
while smiles of high glee passed between him and his wife

She would not look again  Her heart was in a glow and she feared
her face might be as hot

In another moment a happier sight caught her  Mr Knightley
leading Harriet to the set  Never had she been more surprized
seldom more delighted than at that instant  She was all pleasure
and gratitude both for Harriet and herself and longed to be
thanking him and though too distant for speech her countenance
said much as soon as she could catch his eye again

His dancing proved to be just what she had believed it
extremely good and Harriet would have seemed almost too lucky
if it had not been for the cruel state of things before and for
the very complete enjoyment and very high sense of the distinction
which her happy features announced  It was not thrown away on her
she bounded higher than ever flew farther down the middle
and was in a continual course of smiles

Mr Elton had retreated into the card room looking Emma trusted
very foolish  She did not think he was quite so hardened as his wife
though growing very like her  she spoke some of her feelings
by observing audibly to her partner

Knightley has taken pity on poor little Miss Smith  Very goodnatured
I declare

Supper was announced  The move began and Miss Bates might be
heard from that moment without interruption till her being
seated at table and taking up her spoon

Jane Jane my dear Jane where are you  Here is your tippet 
Mrs Weston begs you to put on your tippet  She says she is afraid
there will be draughts in the passage though every thing has
been done  One door nailed up  Quantities of matting  My dear Jane
indeed you must  Mr Churchill oh you are too obliging 
How well you put it on  so gratified  Excellent dancing indeed  
Yes my dear I ran home as I said I should to help grandmama
to bed and got back again and nobody missed me  I set off without
saying a word just as I told you  Grandmama was quite well
had a charming evening with Mr Woodhouse a vast deal of chat
and backgammon  Tea was made downstairs biscuits and baked apples
and wine before she came away  amazing luck in some of her throws 
and she inquired a great deal about you how you were amused
and who were your partners  Oh said I I shall not forestall Jane
I left her dancing with Mr George Otway she will love to tell you
all about it herself to morrow her first partner was Mr Elton
I do not know who will ask her next perhaps Mr William Cox 
My dear sir you are too obliging  Is there nobody you would
not rather  I am not helpless  Sir you are most kind  Upon my word
Jane on one arm and me on the other  Stop stop let us stand
a little back Mrs Elton is going dear Mrs Elton how elegant
she looks  Beautiful lace  Now we all follow in her train 
Quite the queen of the evening  Well here we are at the passage 
Two steps Jane take care of the two steps  Oh no there is
but one  Well I was persuaded there were two  How very odd 
I was convinced there were two and there is but one  I never saw any
thing equal to the comfort and style  Candles everywhere  I was telling
you of your grandmama Jane  There was a little disappointment  
The baked apples and biscuits excellent in their way you know
but there was a delicate fricassee of sweetbread and some asparagus
brought in at first and good Mr Woodhouse not thinking the
asparagus quite boiled enough sent it all out again  Now there
is nothing grandmama loves better than sweetbread and asparagus  
so she was rather disappointed but we agreed we would not speak of it
to any body for fear of its getting round to dear Miss Woodhouse
who would be so very much concerned  Well this is brilliant 
I am all amazement could not have supposed any thing  Such
elegance and profusion  I have seen nothing like it since  
Well where shall we sit where shall we sit  Anywhere so that
Jane is not in a draught  Where I sit is of no consequence 
Oh do you recommend this side  Well I am sure Mr Churchill  
only it seems too good  but just as you please  What you direct
in this house cannot be wrong  Dear Jane how shall we ever
recollect half the dishes for grandmama  Soup too  Bless me 
I should not be helped so soon but it smells most excellent and I
cannot help beginning

Emma had no opportunity of speaking to Mr Knightley till
after supper but when they were all in the ballroom again
her eyes invited him irresistibly to come to her and be thanked 
He was warm in his reprobation of Mr Elton's conduct it had been
unpardonable rudeness and Mrs Elton's looks also received the due
share of censure

They aimed at wounding more than Harriet said he  Emma why
is it that they are your enemies

He looked with smiling penetration and on receiving
no answer added She ought not to be angry with you I suspect
whatever he may be  To that surmise you say nothing of course
but confess Emma that you did want him to marry Harriet

I did replied Emma and they cannot forgive me

He shook his head but there was a smile of indulgence with it
and he only said

I shall not scold you  I leave you to your own reflections

Can you trust me with such flatterers  Does my vain spirit ever
tell me I am wrong

Not your vain spirit but your serious spirit  If one leads
you wrong I am sure the other tells you of it

I do own myself to have been completely mistaken in Mr Elton 
There is a littleness about him which you discovered and which I
did not  and I was fully convinced of his being in love with Harriet 
It was through a series of strange blunders

And in return for your acknowledging so much I will do you the justice
to say that you would have chosen for him better than he has chosen for
himself  Harriet Smith has some first rate qualities which Mrs Elton
is totally without  An unpretending single minded artless girl  
infinitely to be preferred by any man of sense and taste to such
a woman as Mrs Elton  I found Harriet more conversable than I expected

Emma was extremely gratified  They were interrupted by the bustle
of Mr Weston calling on every body to begin dancing again

Come Miss Woodhouse Miss Otway Miss Fairfax what are you all doing  
Come Emma set your companions the example  Every body is lazy 
Every body is asleep

I am ready said Emma whenever I am wanted

Whom are you going to dance with asked Mr Knightley

She hesitated a moment and then replied With you if you will
ask me

Will you said he offering his hand

Indeed I will  You have shewn that you can dance and you know we
are not really so much brother and sister as to make it at all improper

Brother and sister no indeed



CHAPTER III


This little explanation with Mr Knightley gave Emma considerable
pleasure  It was one of the agreeable recollections of the ball
which she walked about the lawn the next morning to enjoy  She was
extremely glad that they had come to so good an understanding respecting
the Eltons and that their opinions of both husband and wife were so
much alike and his praise of Harriet his concession in her favour
was peculiarly gratifying  The impertinence of the Eltons which for
a few minutes had threatened to ruin the rest of her evening had been
the occasion of some of its highest satisfactions and she looked
forward to another happy result  the cure of Harriet's infatuation  
From Harriet's manner of speaking of the circumstance before they
quitted the ballroom she had strong hopes  It seemed as if her eyes
were suddenly opened and she were enabled to see that Mr Elton
was not the superior creature she had believed him  The fever
was over and Emma could harbour little fear of the pulse being
quickened again by injurious courtesy  She depended on the evil
feelings of the Eltons for supplying all the discipline of pointed
neglect that could be farther requisite  Harriet rational
Frank Churchill not too much in love and Mr Knightley not
wanting to quarrel with her how very happy a summer must be before her

She was not to see Frank Churchill this morning  He had told
her that he could not allow himself the pleasure of stopping
at Hartfield as he was to be at home by the middle of the day 
She did not regret it

Having arranged all these matters looked them through and put them all
to rights she was just turning to the house with spirits freshened up
for the demands of the two little boys as well as of their grandpapa
when the great iron sweep gate opened and two persons entered
whom she had never less expected to see together  Frank Churchill
with Harriet leaning on his arm  actually Harriet  A moment
sufficed to convince her that something extraordinary had happened 
Harriet looked white and frightened and he was trying to cheer her  
The iron gates and the front door were not twenty yards asunder  
they were all three soon in the hall and Harriet immediately sinking
into a chair fainted away

A young lady who faints must be recovered questions must be answered
and surprizes be explained  Such events are very interesting
but the suspense of them cannot last long  A few minutes made Emma
acquainted with the whole

Miss Smith and Miss Bickerton another parlour boarder at
Mrs Goddard's who had been also at the ball had walked out together
and taken a road the Richmond road which though apparently public
enough for safety had led them into alarm  About half a mile
beyond Highbury making a sudden turn and deeply shaded by elms
on each side it became for a considerable stretch very retired
and when the young ladies had advanced some way into it
they had suddenly perceived at a small distance before them
on a broader patch of greensward by the side a party of gipsies 
A child on the watch came towards them to beg and Miss Bickerton
excessively frightened gave a great scream and calling on Harriet
to follow her ran up a steep bank cleared a slight hedge at the top
and made the best of her way by a short cut back to Highbury 
But poor Harriet could not follow  She had suffered very much
from cramp after dancing and her first attempt to mount the bank
brought on such a return of it as made her absolutely powerless  
and in this state and exceedingly terrified she had been obliged
to remain

How the trampers might have behaved had the young ladies been
more courageous must be doubtful but such an invitation for attack
could not be resisted and Harriet was soon assailed by half a
dozen children headed by a stout woman and a great boy all clamorous
and impertinent in look though not absolutely in word  More and
more frightened she immediately promised them money and taking out
her purse gave them a shilling and begged them not to want more
or to use her ill  She was then able to walk though but slowly
and was moving away  but her terror and her purse were too tempting
and she was followed or rather surrounded by the whole gang
demanding more

In this state Frank Churchill had found her she trembling
and conditioning they loud and insolent  By a most fortunate
chance his leaving Highbury had been delayed so as to bring him
to her assistance at this critical moment  The pleasantness
of the morning had induced him to walk forward and leave his
horses to meet him by another road a mile or two beyond Highbury  
and happening to have borrowed a pair of scissors the night before
of Miss Bates and to have forgotten to restore them he had
been obliged to stop at her door and go in for a few minutes 
he was therefore later than he had intended and being on foot
was unseen by the whole party till almost close to them 
The terror which the woman and boy had been creating in Harriet
was then their own portion  He had left them completely frightened
and Harriet eagerly clinging to him and hardly able to speak
had just strength enough to reach Hartfield before her spirits
were quite overcome  It was his idea to bring her to Hartfield 
he had thought of no other place

This was the amount of the whole story  of his communication and
of Harriet's as soon as she had recovered her senses and speech  
He dared not stay longer than to see her well these several delays
left him not another minute to lose and Emma engaging to give
assurance of her safety to Mrs Goddard and notice of there
being such a set of people in the neighbourhood to Mr Knightley
he set off with all the grateful blessings that she could utter
for her friend and herself

Such an adventure as this  a fine young man and a lovely young
woman thrown together in such a way could hardly fail of suggesting
certain ideas to the coldest heart and the steadiest brain 
So Emma thought at least  Could a linguist could a grammarian
could even a mathematician have seen what she did have witnessed their
appearance together and heard their history of it without feeling
that circumstances had been at work to make them peculiarly interesting
to each other  How much more must an imaginist like herself
be on fire with speculation and foresight  especially with such
a groundwork of anticipation as her mind had already made

It was a very extraordinary thing  Nothing of the sort had ever
occurred before to any young ladies in the place within her memory
no rencontre no alarm of the kind  and now it had happened
to the very person and at the very hour when the other very
person was chancing to pass by to rescue her  It certainly
was very extraordinary  And knowing as she did the favourable
state of mind of each at this period it struck her the more 
He was wishing to get the better of his attachment to herself
she just recovering from her mania for Mr Elton  It seemed as if
every thing united to promise the most interesting consequences 
It was not possible that the occurrence should not be strongly
recommending each to the other

In the few minutes conversation which she had yet had with him
while Harriet had been partially insensible he had spoken of her terror
her naivete her fervour as she seized and clung to his arm with a
sensibility amused and delighted and just at last after Harriet's
own account had been given he had expressed his indignation
at the abominable folly of Miss Bickerton in the warmest terms 
Every thing was to take its natural course however neither impelled
nor assisted  She would not stir a step nor drop a hint 
No she had had enough of interference  There could be no harm
in a scheme a mere passive scheme  It was no more than a wish 
Beyond it she would on no account proceed

Emma's first resolution was to keep her father from the knowledge
of what had passed  aware of the anxiety and alarm it would occasion 
but she soon felt that concealment must be impossible  Within half
an hour it was known all over Highbury  It was the very event
to engage those who talk most the young and the low and all
the youth and servants in the place were soon in the happiness of
frightful news  The last night's ball seemed lost in the gipsies 
Poor Mr Woodhouse trembled as he sat and as Emma had foreseen
would scarcely be satisfied without their promising never to go
beyond the shrubbery again  It was some comfort to him that many
inquiries after himself and Miss Woodhouse for his neighbours
knew that he loved to be inquired after as well as Miss Smith
were coming in during the rest of the day and he had the pleasure
of returning for answer that they were all very indifferent  
which though not exactly true for she was perfectly well
and Harriet not much otherwise Emma would not interfere with 
She had an unhappy state of health in general for the child of such
a man for she hardly knew what indisposition was and if he did not
invent illnesses for her she could make no figure in a message

The gipsies did not wait for the operations of justice they took
themselves off in a hurry  The young ladies of Highbury might have
walked again in safety before their panic began and the whole
history dwindled soon into a matter of little importance but to Emma
and her nephews  in her imagination it maintained its ground
and Henry and John were still asking every day for the story of
Harriet and the gipsies and still tenaciously setting her right
if she varied in the slightest particular from the original recital



CHAPTER IV


A very few days had passed after this adventure when Harriet came
one morning to Emma with a small parcel in her hand and after
sitting down and hesitating thus began

Miss Woodhouse  if you are at leisure  I have something that I
should like to tell you  a sort of confession to make  and then
you know it will be over

Emma was a good deal surprized but begged her to speak 
There was a seriousness in Harriet's manner which prepared her
quite as much as her words for something more than ordinary

It is my duty and I am sure it is my wish she continued
to have no reserves with you on this subject  As I am happily
quite an altered creature in one respect it is very fit that you
should have the satisfaction of knowing it  I do not want to say
more than is necessary  I am too much ashamed of having given way
as I have done and I dare say you understand me

Yes said Emma I hope I do

How I could so long a time be fancying myself    
cried Harriet warmly  It seems like madness  I can see nothing
at all extraordinary in him now  I do not care whether I meet
him or not  except that of the two I had rather not see him  
and indeed I would go any distance round to avoid him  but I do
not envy his wife in the least I neither admire her nor envy her
as I have done  she is very charming I dare say and all that
but I think her very ill tempered and disagreeable  I shall never forget
her look the other night  However I assure you Miss Woodhouse
I wish her no evil  No let them be ever so happy together
it will not give me another moment's pang  and to convince you
that I have been speaking truth I am now going to destroy  what I
ought to have destroyed long ago  what I ought never to have kept  
I know that very well blushing as she spoke  However now I
will destroy it all  and it is my particular wish to do it
in your presence that you may see how rational I am grown 
Cannot you guess what this parcel holds said she with a conscious look

Not the least in the world  Did he ever give you any thing

No  I cannot call them gifts but they are things that I have
valued very much

She held the parcel towards her and Emma read the words Most
precious treasures on the top  Her curiosity was greatly excited 
Harriet unfolded the parcel and she looked on with impatience 
Within abundance of silver paper was a pretty little Tunbridge ware box
which Harriet opened  it was well lined with the softest cotton
but excepting the cotton Emma saw only a small piece of court plaister

Now said Harriet you must recollect

No indeed I do not

Dear me  I should not have thought it possible you could forget
what passed in this very room about court plaister one of the very
last times we ever met in it  It was but a very few days before I
had my sore throat  just before Mr and Mrs John Knightley came  
I think the very evening  Do not you remember his cutting his finger
with your new penknife and your recommending court plaister  
But as you had none about you and knew I had you desired
me to supply him and so I took mine out and cut him a piece
but it was a great deal too large and he cut it smaller and kept
playing some time with what was left before he gave it back to me 
And so then in my nonsense I could not help making a treasure of it  
so I put it by never to be used and looked at it now and then
as a great treat

My dearest Harriet cried Emma putting her hand before her face
and jumping up you make me more ashamed of myself than I can bear 
Remember it  Aye I remember it all now all except your saving
this relic  I knew nothing of that till this moment  but the cutting
the finger and my recommending court plaister and saying I had none
about me  Oh my sins my sins  And I had plenty all the while in
my pocket  One of my senseless tricks  I deserve to be under a
continual blush all the rest of my life  Well  sitting down again  
go on  what else

And had you really some at hand yourself  I am sure I never
suspected it you did it so naturally

And so you actually put this piece of court plaister by for his sake
said Emma recovering from her state of shame and feeling divided
between wonder and amusement  And secretly she added to herself
Lord bless me when should I ever have thought of putting by in cotton
a piece of court plaister that Frank Churchill had been pulling about 
I never was equal to this

Here resumed Harriet turning to her box again here is
something still more valuable I mean that has been more valuable
because this is what did really once belong to him which the
court plaister never did

Emma was quite eager to see this superior treasure  It was the end
of an old pencil  the part without any lead

This was really his said Harriet  Do not you remember
one morning  no I dare say you do not  But one morning  I forget
exactly the day  but perhaps it was the Tuesday or Wednesday before
that evening he wanted to make a memorandum in his pocket book
it was about spruce beer Mr Knightley had been telling him
something about brewing spruce beer and he wanted to put it down
but when he took out his pencil there was so little lead that he
soon cut it all away and it would not do so you lent him another
and this was left upon the table as good for nothing  But I kept
my eye on it and as soon as I dared caught it up and never
parted with it again from that moment

I do remember it cried Emma I perfectly remember it  
Talking about spruce beer  Oh yes  Mr Knightley and I both saying we
liked it and Mr Elton's seeming resolved to learn to like it too 
I perfectly remember it  Stop Mr Knightley was standing just here
was not he  I have an idea he was standing just here

Ah  I do not know  I cannot recollect  It is very odd
but I cannot recollect  Mr Elton was sitting here I remember
much about where I am now  

Well go on

Oh that's all  I have nothing more to shew you or to say  
except that I am now going to throw them both behind the fire
and I wish you to see me do it

My poor dear Harriet and have you actually found happiness
in treasuring up these things

Yes simpleton as I was  but I am quite ashamed of it now and wish
I could forget as easily as I can burn them  It was very wrong
of me you know to keep any remembrances after he was married 
I knew it was  but had not resolution enough to part with them

But Harriet is it necessary to burn the court plaister  I have
not a word to say for the bit of old pencil but the court plaister
might be useful

I shall be happier to burn it replied Harriet  It has
a disagreeable look to me  I must get rid of every thing  
There it goes and there is an end thank Heaven of Mr Elton

And when thought Emma will there be a beginning of Mr Churchill

She had soon afterwards reason to believe that the beginning was
already made and could not but hope that the gipsy though she had
told no fortune might be proved to have made Harriet's  About a
fortnight after the alarm they came to a sufficient explanation
and quite undesignedly  Emma was not thinking of it at the moment
which made the information she received more valuable 
She merely said in the course of some trivial chat Well Harriet
whenever you marry I would advise you to do so and so  and thought
no more of it till after a minute's silence she heard Harriet
say in a very serious tone I shall never marry

Emma then looked up and immediately saw how it was and after a
moment's debate as to whether it should pass unnoticed or not replied

Never marry  This is a new resolution

It is one that I shall never change however

After another short hesitation I hope it does not proceed from  
I hope it is not in compliment to Mr Elton

Mr Elton indeed cried Harriet indignantly  Oh no  and Emma
could just catch the words so superior to Mr Elton

She then took a longer time for consideration  Should she proceed
no farther  should she let it pass and seem to suspect nothing  
Perhaps Harriet might think her cold or angry if she did
or perhaps if she were totally silent it might only drive
Harriet into asking her to hear too much and against any thing
like such an unreserve as had been such an open and frequent
discussion of hopes and chances she was perfectly resolved  
She believed it would be wiser for her to say and know at once
all that she meant to say and know  Plain dealing was always best 
She had previously determined how far she would proceed
on any application of the sort and it would be safer for both
to have the judicious law of her own brain laid down with speed  
She was decided and thus spoke  

Harriet I will not affect to be in doubt of your meaning 
Your resolution or rather your expectation of never marrying
results from an idea that the person whom you might prefer
would be too greatly your superior in situation to think of you 
Is not it so

Oh  Miss Woodhouse believe me I have not the presumption to suppose  
Indeed I am not so mad  But it is a pleasure to me to admire him
at a distance  and to think of his infinite superiority to all
the rest of the world with the gratitude wonder and veneration
which are so proper in me especially

I am not at all surprized at you Harriet  The service he rendered
you was enough to warm your heart

Service oh it was such an inexpressible obligation  
The very recollection of it and all that I felt at the time  
when I saw him coming  his noble look  and my wretchedness before 
Such a change  In one moment such a change  From perfect misery
to perfect happiness

It is very natural  It is natural and it is honourable  
Yes honourable I think to chuse so well and so gratefully  
But that it will be a fortunate preference is more that I can promise 
I do not advise you to give way to it Harriet  I do not by any
means engage for its being returned  Consider what you are about 
Perhaps it will be wisest in you to check your feelings while you can 
at any rate do not let them carry you far unless you are persuaded
of his liking you  Be observant of him  Let his behaviour be the
guide of your sensations  I give you this caution now because I
shall never speak to you again on the subject  I am determined
against all interference  Henceforward I know nothing of the matter 
Let no name ever pass our lips  We were very wrong before
we will be cautious now  He is your superior no doubt and there
do seem objections and obstacles of a very serious nature
but yet Harriet more wonderful things have taken place there have
been matches of greater disparity  But take care of yourself 
I would not have you too sanguine though however it may end
be assured your raising your thoughts to him is a mark of good taste
which I shall always know how to value

Harriet kissed her hand in silent and submissive gratitude 
Emma was very decided in thinking such an attachment no bad thing
for her friend  Its tendency would be to raise and refine her mind  
and it must be saving her from the danger of degradation



CHAPTER V


In this state of schemes and hopes and connivance June opened
upon Hartfield  To Highbury in general it brought no material change 
The Eltons were still talking of a visit from the Sucklings
and of the use to be made of their barouche landau and Jane Fairfax
was still at her grandmother's and as the return of the Campbells
from Ireland was again delayed and August instead of Midsummer
fixed for it she was likely to remain there full two months longer
provided at least she were able to defeat Mrs Elton's activity
in her service and save herself from being hurried into a delightful
situation against her will

Mr Knightley who for some reason best known to himself had certainly
taken an early dislike to Frank Churchill was only growing to dislike
him more  He began to suspect him of some double dealing in his
pursuit of Emma  That Emma was his object appeared indisputable 
Every thing declared it his own attentions his father's hints
his mother in law's guarded silence it was all in unison
words conduct discretion and indiscretion told the same story 
But while so many were devoting him to Emma and Emma herself making him
over to Harriet Mr Knightley began to suspect him of some inclination
to trifle with Jane Fairfax  He could not understand it but there
were symptoms of intelligence between them  he thought so at least  
symptoms of admiration on his side which having once observed
he could not persuade himself to think entirely void of meaning
however he might wish to escape any of Emma's errors of imagination 
She was not present when the suspicion first arose  He was dining
with the Randalls family and Jane at the Eltons and he had
seen a look more than a single look at Miss Fairfax which
from the admirer of Miss Woodhouse seemed somewhat out of place 
When he was again in their company he could not help remembering
what he had seen nor could he avoid observations which unless it
were like Cowper and his fire at twilight

Myself creating what I saw

brought him yet stronger suspicion of there being a something
of private liking of private understanding even between Frank
Churchill and Jane

He had walked up one day after dinner as he very often did
to spend his evening at Hartfield  Emma and Harriet were going
to walk he joined them and on returning they fell in with a
larger party who like themselves judged it wisest to take their
exercise early as the weather threatened rain Mr and Mrs Weston
and their son Miss Bates and her niece who had accidentally met 
They all united and on reaching Hartfield gates Emma who knew it
was exactly the sort of visiting that would be welcome to her father
pressed them all to go in and drink tea with him  The Randalls
party agreed to it immediately and after a pretty long speech
from Miss Bates which few persons listened to she also found it
possible to accept dear Miss Woodhouse's most obliging invitation

As they were turning into the grounds Mr Perry passed by on horseback 
The gentlemen spoke of his horse

By the bye said Frank Churchill to Mrs Weston presently
what became of Mr Perry's plan of setting up his carriage

Mrs Weston looked surprized and said I did not know that he
ever had any such plan

Nay I had it from you  You wrote me word of it three months ago

Me impossible

Indeed you did  I remember it perfectly  You mentioned it as
what was certainly to be very soon  Mrs Perry had told somebody
and was extremely happy about it  It was owing to her persuasion
as she thought his being out in bad weather did him a great deal
of harm  You must remember it now

Upon my word I never heard of it till this moment

Never really never  Bless me how could it be  Then I must
have dreamt it  but I was completely persuaded  Miss Smith
you walk as if you were tired  You will not be sorry to find
yourself at home

What is this  What is this cried Mr Weston about Perry
and a carriage  Is Perry going to set up his carriage Frank 
I am glad he can afford it  You had it from himself had you

No sir replied his son laughing I seem to have had it
from nobody  Very odd  I really was persuaded of Mrs Weston's
having mentioned it in one of her letters to Enscombe many weeks ago
with all these particulars  but as she declares she never heard
a syllable of it before of course it must have been a dream  I am
a great dreamer  I dream of every body at Highbury when I am away  
and when I have gone through my particular friends then I begin
dreaming of Mr and Mrs Perry

It is odd though observed his father that you should have had such
a regular connected dream about people whom it was not very likely you
should be thinking of at Enscombe  Perry's setting up his carriage
and his wife's persuading him to it out of care for his health  
just what will happen I have no doubt some time or other
only a little premature  What an air of probability sometimes
runs through a dream  And at others what a heap of absurdities
it is  Well Frank your dream certainly shews that Highbury is in
your thoughts when you are absent  Emma you are a great dreamer
I think

Emma was out of hearing  She had hurried on before her guests
to prepare her father for their appearance and was beyond the reach
of Mr Weston's hint

Why to own the truth cried Miss Bates who had been trying in vain
to be heard the last two minutes if I must speak on this subject
there is no denying that Mr Frank Churchill might have  I do not
mean to say that he did not dream it  I am sure I have sometimes
the oddest dreams in the world  but if I am questioned about it
I must acknowledge that there was such an idea last spring
for Mrs Perry herself mentioned it to my mother and the Coles
knew of it as well as ourselves  but it was quite a secret
known to nobody else and only thought of about three days 
Mrs Perry was very anxious that he should have a carriage and came
to my mother in great spirits one morning because she thought she
had prevailed  Jane don't you remember grandmama's telling us
of it when we got home  I forget where we had been walking to  
very likely to Randalls yes I think it was to Randalls 
Mrs Perry was always particularly fond of my mother  indeed I do
not know who is not  and she had mentioned it to her in confidence
she had no objection to her telling us of course but it was not
to go beyond  and from that day to this I never mentioned it
to a soul that I know of  At the same time I will not positively
answer for my having never dropt a hint because I know I do
sometimes pop out a thing before I am aware  I am a talker
you know I am rather a talker and now and then I have let a thing
escape me which I should not  I am not like Jane I wish I were 
I will answer for it she never betrayed the least thing in the world 
Where is she  Oh just behind  Perfectly remember Mrs Perry's coming  
Extraordinary dream indeed

They were entering the hall  Mr Knightley's eyes had preceded
Miss Bates's in a glance at Jane  From Frank Churchill's face
where he thought he saw confusion suppressed or laughed away
he had involuntarily turned to hers but she was indeed behind
and too busy with her shawl  Mr Weston had walked in  The two
other gentlemen waited at the door to let her pass  Mr Knightley
suspected in Frank Churchill the determination of catching her eye  
he seemed watching her intently  in vain however if it were so  
Jane passed between them into the hall and looked at neither

There was no time for farther remark or explanation  The dream must
be borne with and Mr Knightley must take his seat with the rest round
the large modern circular table which Emma had introduced at Hartfield
and which none but Emma could have had power to place there and
persuade her father to use instead of the small sized Pembroke
on which two of his daily meals had for forty years been crowded 
Tea passed pleasantly and nobody seemed in a hurry to move

Miss Woodhouse said Frank Churchill after examining a table
behind him which he could reach as he sat have your nephews taken
away their alphabets  their box of letters  It used to stand here 
Where is it  This is a sort of dull looking evening that ought
to be treated rather as winter than summer  We had great amusement
with those letters one morning  I want to puzzle you again

Emma was pleased with the thought and producing the box the table
was quickly scattered over with alphabets which no one seemed so much
disposed to employ as their two selves  They were rapidly forming
words for each other or for any body else who would be puzzled 
The quietness of the game made it particularly eligible for
Mr Woodhouse who had often been distressed by the more animated sort
which Mr Weston had occasionally introduced and who now sat happily
occupied in lamenting with tender melancholy over the departure
of the poor little boys or in fondly pointing out as he took
up any stray letter near him how beautifully Emma had written it

Frank Churchill placed a word before Miss Fairfax  She gave
a slight glance round the table and applied herself to it 
Frank was next to Emma Jane opposite to them  and Mr Knightley
so placed as to see them all and it was his object to see as much
as he could with as little apparent observation  The word
was discovered and with a faint smile pushed away  If meant
to be immediately mixed with the others and buried from sight
she should have looked on the table instead of looking just across
for it was not mixed and Harriet eager after every fresh word
and finding out none directly took it up and fell to work 
She was sitting by Mr Knightley and turned to him for help 
The word was blunder and as Harriet exultingly proclaimed it
there was a blush on Jane's cheek which gave it a meaning not
otherwise ostensible  Mr Knightley connected it with the dream
but how it could all be was beyond his comprehension 
How the delicacy the discretion of his favourite could have been
so lain asleep  He feared there must be some decided involvement 
Disingenuousness and double dealing seemed to meet him at every turn 
These letters were but the vehicle for gallantry and trick 
It was a child's play chosen to conceal a deeper game on Frank
Churchill's part

With great indignation did he continue to observe him with great
alarm and distrust to observe also his two blinded companions 
He saw a short word prepared for Emma and given to her with a look
sly and demure  He saw that Emma had soon made it out and found
it highly entertaining though it was something which she judged it
proper to appear to censure for she said Nonsense for shame 
He heard Frank Churchill next say with a glance towards Jane
I will give it to her  shall I  and as clearly heard Emma
opposing it with eager laughing warmth  No no you must not
you shall not indeed

It was done however  This gallant young man who seemed to love
without feeling and to recommend himself without complaisance
directly handed over the word to Miss Fairfax and with a particular
degree of sedate civility entreated her to study it  Mr Knightley's
excessive curiosity to know what this word might be made him seize
every possible moment for darting his eye towards it and it was
not long before he saw it to be Dixon  Jane Fairfax's perception
seemed to accompany his her comprehension was certainly more equal
to the covert meaning the superior intelligence of those five letters
so arranged  She was evidently displeased looked up and seeing
herself watched blushed more deeply than he had ever perceived her
and saying only I did not know that proper names were allowed
pushed away the letters with even an angry spirit and looked
resolved to be engaged by no other word that could be offered 
Her face was averted from those who had made the attack and turned
towards her aunt

Aye very true my dear cried the latter though Jane had not
spoken a word  I was just going to say the same thing  It is time
for us to be going indeed  The evening is closing in and grandmama
will be looking for us  My dear sir you are too obliging 
We really must wish you good night

Jane's alertness in moving proved her as ready as her aunt
had preconceived  She was immediately up and wanting to quit
the table but so many were also moving that she could not get away
and Mr Knightley thought he saw another collection of letters anxiously
pushed towards her and resolutely swept away by her unexamined 
She was afterwards looking for her shawl  Frank Churchill was
looking also  it was growing dusk and the room was in confusion
and how they parted Mr Knightley could not tell

He remained at Hartfield after all the rest his thoughts full
of what he had seen so full that when the candles came to assist
his observations he must  yes he certainly must as a friend  
an anxious friend  give Emma some hint ask her some question 
He could not see her in a situation of such danger without trying to
preserve her  It was his duty

Pray Emma said he may I ask in what lay the great amusement
the poignant sting of the last word given to you and Miss Fairfax 
I saw the word and am curious to know how it could be so very
entertaining to the one and so very distressing to the other

Emma was extremely confused  She could not endure to give him the
true explanation for though her suspicions were by no means removed
she was really ashamed of having ever imparted them

Oh she cried in evident embarrassment it all meant nothing
a mere joke among ourselves

The joke he replied gravely seemed confined to you
and Mr Churchill

He had hoped she would speak again but she did not  She would
rather busy herself about any thing than speak  He sat a little
while in doubt  A variety of evils crossed his mind  Interference  
fruitless interference  Emma's confusion and the acknowledged intimacy
seemed to declare her affection engaged  Yet he would speak 
He owed it to her to risk any thing that might be involved in
an unwelcome interference rather than her welfare to encounter
any thing rather than the remembrance of neglect in such a cause

My dear Emma said he at last with earnest kindness do you
think you perfectly understand the degree of acquaintance between
the gentleman and lady we have been speaking of

Between Mr Frank Churchill and Miss Fairfax  Oh yes perfectly  
Why do you make a doubt of it

Have you never at any time had reason to think that he admired her
or that she admired him

Never never she cried with a most open eagerness  Never for
the twentieth part of a moment did such an idea occur to me 
And how could it possibly come into your head

I have lately imagined that I saw symptoms of attachment between them  
certain expressive looks which I did not believe meant to be public

Oh you amuse me excessively  I am delighted to find that you
can vouchsafe to let your imagination wander  but it will not do  
very sorry to check you in your first essay  but indeed it will
not do  There is no admiration between them I do assure you
and the appearances which have caught you have arisen from some
peculiar circumstances  feelings rather of a totally different nature  
it is impossible exactly to explain  there is a good deal of
nonsense in it  but the part which is capable of being communicated
which is sense is that they are as far from any attachment or
admiration for one another as any two beings in the world can be 
That is I presume it to be so on her side and I can answer for its
being so on his  I will answer for the gentleman's indifference

She spoke with a confidence which staggered with a satisfaction
which silenced Mr Knightley  She was in gay spirits and would
have prolonged the conversation wanting to hear the particulars
of his suspicions every look described and all the wheres and hows
of a circumstance which highly entertained her  but his gaiety did
not meet hers  He found he could not be useful and his feelings
were too much irritated for talking  That he might not be irritated
into an absolute fever by the fire which Mr Woodhouse's tender
habits required almost every evening throughout the year he soon
afterwards took a hasty leave and walked home to the coolness
and solitude of Donwell Abbey



CHAPTER VI


After being long fed with hopes of a speedy visit from Mr and
Mrs Suckling the Highbury world were obliged to endure the mortification
of hearing that they could not possibly come till the autumn 
No such importation of novelties could enrich their intellectual stores
at present  In the daily interchange of news they must be again
restricted to the other topics with which for a while the Sucklings
coming had been united such as the last accounts of Mrs Churchill
whose health seemed every day to supply a different report
and the situation of Mrs Weston whose happiness it was to be hoped
might eventually be as much increased by the arrival of a child
as that of all her neighbours was by the approach of it

Mrs Elton was very much disappointed  It was the delay of a great
deal of pleasure and parade  Her introductions and recommendations
must all wait and every projected party be still only talked of 
So she thought at first  but a little consideration convinced
her that every thing need not be put off  Why should not they
explore to Box Hill though the Sucklings did not come  They could
go there again with them in the autumn  It was settled that they
should go to Box Hill  That there was to be such a party had been
long generally known  it had even given the idea of another 
Emma had never been to Box Hill she wished to see what every body
found so well worth seeing and she and Mr Weston had agreed
to chuse some fine morning and drive thither  Two or three more
of the chosen only were to be admitted to join them and it was to
be done in a quiet unpretending elegant way infinitely superior
to the bustle and preparation the regular eating and drinking
and picnic parade of the Eltons and the Sucklings

This was so very well understood between them that Emma could
not but feel some surprise and a little displeasure on hearing
from Mr Weston that he had been proposing to Mrs Elton as her
brother and sister had failed her that the two parties should unite
and go together and that as Mrs Elton had very readily acceded
to it so it was to be if she had no objection  Now as her
objection was nothing but her very great dislike of Mrs Elton
of which Mr Weston must already be perfectly aware it was not worth
bringing forward again  it could not be done without a reproof
to him which would be giving pain to his wife and she found
herself therefore obliged to consent to an arrangement which she
would have done a great deal to avoid an arrangement which would
probably expose her even to the degradation of being said to be of
Mrs Elton's party  Every feeling was offended and the forbearance
of her outward submission left a heavy arrear due of secret severity
in her reflections on the unmanageable goodwill of Mr Weston's temper

I am glad you approve of what I have done said he very comfortably 
But I thought you would  Such schemes as these are nothing
without numbers  One cannot have too large a party  A large party
secures its own amusement  And she is a good natured woman after all 
One could not leave her out

Emma denied none of it aloud and agreed to none of it in private

It was now the middle of June and the weather fine and Mrs Elton
was growing impatient to name the day and settle with Mr Weston
as to pigeon pies and cold lamb when a lame carriage horse threw
every thing into sad uncertainty  It might be weeks it might be
only a few days before the horse were useable but no preparations
could be ventured on and it was all melancholy stagnation 
Mrs Elton's resources were inadequate to such an attack

Is not this most vexations Knightley she cried  And such weather
for exploring  These delays and disappointments are quite odious 
What are we to do  The year will wear away at this rate
and nothing done  Before this time last year I assure you we had
had a delightful exploring party from Maple Grove to Kings Weston

You had better explore to Donwell replied Mr Knightley 
That may be done without horses  Come and eat my strawberries 
They are ripening fast

If Mr Knightley did not begin seriously he was obliged to proceed so
for his proposal was caught at with delight and the Oh  I should
like it of all things was not plainer in words than manner 
Donwell was famous for its strawberry beds which seemed a plea for
the invitation  but no plea was necessary cabbage beds would have
been enough to tempt the lady who only wanted to be going somewhere 
She promised him again and again to come  much oftener than
he doubted  and was extremely gratified by such a proof of intimacy
such a distinguishing compliment as she chose to consider it

You may depend upon me said she  I certainly will come 
Name your day and I will come  You will allow me to bring
Jane Fairfax

I cannot name a day said he till I have spoken to some others
whom I would wish to meet you

Oh leave all that to me  Only give me a carte blanche  I am
Lady Patroness you know  It is my party  I will bring friends
with me

I hope you will bring Elton said he  but I will not trouble
you to give any other invitations

Oh now you are looking very sly  But consider  you need not be afraid
of delegating power to me  I am no young lady on her preferment 
Married women you know may be safely authorised  It is my party 
Leave it all to me  I will invite your guests

No  he calmly replied  there is but one married woman in the world
whom I can ever allow to invite what guests she pleases to Donwell
and that one is  

  Mrs Weston I suppose interrupted Mrs Elton rather mortified

No  Mrs Knightley  and till she is in being I will manage
such matters myself

Ah you are an odd creature she cried satisfied to have no
one preferred to herself  You are a humourist and may say what
you like  Quite a humourist  Well I shall bring Jane with me  
Jane and her aunt  The rest I leave to you  I have no objections
at all to meeting the Hartfield family  Don't scruple  I know
you are attached to them

You certainly will meet them if I can prevail and I shall call
on Miss Bates in my way home

That's quite unnecessary I see Jane every day  but as you like 
It is to be a morning scheme you know Knightley quite a simple thing 
I shall wear a large bonnet and bring one of my little baskets
hanging on my arm  Here  probably this basket with pink ribbon 
Nothing can be more simple you see  And Jane will have such another 
There is to be no form or parade  a sort of gipsy party  We are
to walk about your gardens and gather the strawberries ourselves
and sit under trees  and whatever else you may like to provide
it is to be all out of doors  a table spread in the shade you know 
Every thing as natural and simple as possible  Is not that your idea

Not quite  My idea of the simple and the natural will be to have
the table spread in the dining room The nature and the simplicity
of gentlemen and ladies with their servants and furniture I think
is best observed by meals within doors  When you are tired of eating
strawberries in the garden there shall be cold meat in the house

Well  as you please only don't have a great set out  And by the bye
can I or my housekeeper be of any use to you with our opinion  
Pray be sincere Knightley  If you wish me to talk to Mrs Hodges
or to inspect anything  

I have not the least wish for it I thank you

Well  but if any difficulties should arise my housekeeper
is extremely clever

I will answer for it that mine thinks herself full as clever
and would spurn any body's assistance

I wish we had a donkey  The thing would be for us all to come
on donkeys Jane Miss Bates and me  and my caro sposo walking by 
I really must talk to him about purchasing a donkey  In a country
life I conceive it to be a sort of necessary for let a woman have
ever so many resources it is not possible for her to be always shut
up at home  and very long walks you know  in summer there is dust
and in winter there is dirt

You will not find either between Donwell and Highbury 
Donwell Lane is never dusty and now it is perfectly dry  Come on
a donkey however if you prefer it  You can borrow Mrs Cole's
I would wish every thing to be as much to your taste as possible

That I am sure you would  Indeed I do you justice my good friend 
Under that peculiar sort of dry blunt manner I know you have the
warmest heart  As I tell Mr E you are a thorough humourist  
Yes believe me Knightley I am fully sensible of your attention
to me in the whole of this scheme  You have hit upon the very thing
to please me

Mr Knightley had another reason for avoiding a table in the shade 
He wished to persuade Mr Woodhouse as well as Emma to join the party
and he knew that to have any of them sitting down out of doors
to eat would inevitably make him ill  Mr Woodhouse must not
under the specious pretence of a morning drive and an hour or two
spent at Donwell be tempted away to his misery

He was invited on good faith  No lurking horrors were to upbraid
him for his easy credulity  He did consent  He had not been
at Donwell for two years  Some very fine morning he and Emma
and Harriet could go very well and he could sit still with
Mrs Weston while the dear girls walked about the gardens 
He did not suppose they could be damp now in the middle of
the day  He should like to see the old house again exceedingly
and should be very happy to meet Mr and Mrs Elton and any other
of his neighbours  He could not see any objection at all to his
and Emma's and Harriet's going there some very fine morning 
He thought it very well done of Mr Knightley to invite them  
very kind and sensible  much cleverer than dining out  He was not
fond of dining out

Mr Knightley was fortunate in every body's most ready concurrence 
The invitation was everywhere so well received that it seemed as if
like Mrs Elton they were all taking the scheme as a particular
compliment to themselves  Emma and Harriet professed very high
expectations of pleasure from it and Mr Weston unasked
promised to get Frank over to join them if possible a proof
of approbation and gratitude which could have been dispensed with  
Mr Knightley was then obliged to say that he should be glad
to see him and Mr Weston engaged to lose no time in writing
and spare no arguments to induce him to come

In the meanwhile the lame horse recovered so fast that the party
to Box Hill was again under happy consideration and at last Donwell
was settled for one day and Box Hill for the next  the weather
appearing exactly right

Under a bright mid day sun at almost Midsummer Mr Woodhouse
was safely conveyed in his carriage with one window down
to partake of this al fresco party and in one of the most
comfortable rooms in the Abbey especially prepared for him by a
fire all the morning he was happily placed quite at his ease
ready to talk with pleasure of what had been achieved and advise
every body to come and sit down and not to heat themselves  
Mrs Weston who seemed to have walked there on purpose to be tired
and sit all the time with him remained when all the others
were invited or persuaded out his patient listener and sympathiser

It was so long since Emma had been at the Abbey that as soon as she
was satisfied of her father's comfort she was glad to leave him
and look around her eager to refresh and correct her memory with
more particular observation more exact understanding of a house
and grounds which must ever be so interesting to her and all her family

She felt all the honest pride and complacency which her alliance
with the present and future proprietor could fairly warrant
as she viewed the respectable size and style of the building
its suitable becoming characteristic situation low and sheltered  
its ample gardens stretching down to meadows washed by a stream
of which the Abbey with all the old neglect of prospect
had scarcely a sight  and its abundance of timber in rows and avenues
which neither fashion nor extravagance had rooted up  The house
was larger than Hartfield and totally unlike it covering a good
deal of ground rambling and irregular with many comfortable
and one or two handsome rooms  It was just what it ought to be
and it looked what it was  and Emma felt an increasing respect
for it as the residence of a family of such true gentility
untainted in blood and understanding  Some faults of temper John
Knightley had but Isabella had connected herself unexceptionably 
She had given them neither men nor names nor places that could
raise a blush  These were pleasant feelings and she walked about
and indulged them till it was necessary to do as the others did
and collect round the strawberry beds  The whole party were assembled
excepting Frank Churchill who was expected every moment from Richmond
and Mrs Elton in all her apparatus of happiness her large bonnet
and her basket was very ready to lead the way in gathering
accepting or talking  strawberries and only strawberries
could now be thought or spoken of  The best fruit in England  
every body's favourite  always wholesome  These the finest beds
and finest sorts  Delightful to gather for one's self  the only way
of really enjoying them  Morning decidedly the best time  never tired  
every sort good  hautboy infinitely superior  no comparison  
the others hardly eatable  hautboys very scarce  Chili preferred  
white wood finest flavour of all  price of strawberries in London  
abundance about Bristol  Maple Grove  cultivation  beds when to
be renewed  gardeners thinking exactly different  no general rule  
gardeners never to be put out of their way  delicious fruit  
only too rich to be eaten much of  inferior to cherries  
currants more refreshing  only objection to gathering strawberries
the stooping  glaring sun  tired to death  could bear it no longer  
must go and sit in the shade

Such for half an hour was the conversation  interrupted only
once by Mrs Weston who came out in her solicitude after her
son in law to inquire if he were come  and she was a little uneasy  
She had some fears of his horse

Seats tolerably in the shade were found and now Emma was obliged
to overhear what Mrs Elton and Jane Fairfax were talking of  
A situation a most desirable situation was in question  Mrs Elton
had received notice of it that morning and was in raptures 
It was not with Mrs Suckling it was not with Mrs Bragge
but in felicity and splendour it fell short only of them  it was
with a cousin of Mrs Bragge an acquaintance of Mrs Suckling
a lady known at Maple Grove  Delightful charming superior
first circles spheres lines ranks every thing  and Mrs Elton
was wild to have the offer closed with immediately  On her side
all was warmth energy and triumph  and she positively refused
to take her friend's negative though Miss Fairfax continued
to assure her that she would not at present engage in any thing
repeating the same motives which she had been heard to urge before  
Still Mrs Elton insisted on being authorised to write an acquiescence
by the morrow's post  How Jane could bear it at all was astonishing
to Emma  She did look vexed she did speak pointedly  and at last
with a decision of action unusual to her proposed a removal  
Should not they walk  Would not Mr Knightley shew them the gardens  
all the gardens  She wished to see the whole extent  The pertinacity
of her friend seemed more than she could bear

It was hot and after walking some time over the gardens in a scattered
dispersed way scarcely any three together they insensibly
followed one another to the delicious shade of a broad short
avenue of limes which stretching beyond the garden at an equal
distance from the river seemed the finish of the pleasure grounds  
It led to nothing nothing but a view at the end over a low stone
wall with high pillars which seemed intended in their erection
to give the appearance of an approach to the house which never had
been there  Disputable however as might be the taste of such
a termination it was in itself a charming walk and the view
which closed it extremely pretty  The considerable slope at nearly
the foot of which the Abbey stood gradually acquired a steeper
form beyond its grounds and at half a mile distant was a bank
of considerable abruptness and grandeur well clothed with wood  
and at the bottom of this bank favourably placed and sheltered
rose the Abbey Mill Farm with meadows in front and the river
making a close and handsome curve around it

It was a sweet view  sweet to the eye and the mind  English verdure
English culture English comfort seen under a sun bright
without being oppressive

In this walk Emma and Mr Weston found all the others assembled
and towards this view she immediately perceived Mr Knightley
and Harriet distinct from the rest quietly leading the way 
Mr Knightley and Harriet  It was an odd tete a tete but she was
glad to see it  There had been a time when he would have scorned
her as a companion and turned from her with little ceremony 
Now they seemed in pleasant conversation  There had been a time
also when Emma would have been sorry to see Harriet in a spot
so favourable for the Abbey Mill Farm but now she feared it not 
It might be safely viewed with all its appendages of prosperity
and beauty its rich pastures spreading flocks orchard in blossom
and light column of smoke ascending  She joined them at the wall
and found them more engaged in talking than in looking around 
He was giving Harriet information as to modes of agriculture etc 
and Emma received a smile which seemed to say These are my
own concerns  I have a right to talk on such subjects without being
suspected of introducing Robert Martin  She did not suspect him 
It was too old a story  Robert Martin had probably ceased to think
of Harriet  They took a few turns together along the walk  The shade
was most refreshing and Emma found it the pleasantest part of
the day

The next remove was to the house they must all go in and eat  
and they were all seated and busy and still Frank Churchill did
not come  Mrs Weston looked and looked in vain  His father would
not own himself uneasy and laughed at her fears but she could
not be cured of wishing that he would part with his black mare 
He had expressed himself as to coming with more than common certainty 
His aunt was so much better that he had not a doubt of getting
over to them  Mrs Churchill's state however as many were ready
to remind her was liable to such sudden variation as might disappoint
her nephew in the most reasonable dependence  and Mrs Weston
was at last persuaded to believe or to say that it must be
by some attack of Mrs Churchill that he was prevented coming  
Emma looked at Harriet while the point was under consideration
she behaved very well and betrayed no emotion

The cold repast was over and the party were to go out once more
to see what had not yet been seen the old Abbey fish ponds
perhaps get as far as the clover which was to be begun cutting
on the morrow or at any rate have the pleasure of being hot
and growing cool again  Mr Woodhouse who had already taken
his little round in the highest part of the gardens where no
damps from the river were imagined even by him stirred no more
and his daughter resolved to remain with him that Mrs Weston
might be persuaded away by her husband to the exercise and variety
which her spirits seemed to need

Mr Knightley had done all in his power for Mr Woodhouse's
entertainment  Books of engravings drawers of medals cameos
corals shells and every other family collection within his cabinets
had been prepared for his old friend to while away the morning
and the kindness had perfectly answered  Mr Woodhouse had been
exceedingly well amused  Mrs Weston had been shewing them all to him
and now he would shew them all to Emma  fortunate in having no other
resemblance to a child than in a total want of taste for what he saw
for he was slow constant and methodical  Before this second looking
over was begun however Emma walked into the hall for the sake
of a few moments free observation of the entrance and ground plot
of the house  and was hardly there when Jane Fairfax appeared
coming quickly in from the garden and with a look of escape  
Little expecting to meet Miss Woodhouse so soon there was a start
at first but Miss Woodhouse was the very person she was in quest of

Will you be so kind said she when I am missed as to say
that I am gone home  I am going this moment  My aunt is not aware
how late it is nor how long we have been absent  but I am sure we
shall be wanted and I am determined to go directly  I have said
nothing about it to any body  It would only be giving trouble
and distress  Some are gone to the ponds and some to the lime walk 
Till they all come in I shall not be missed and when they do
will you have the goodness to say that I am gone

Certainly if you wish it  but you are not going to walk
to Highbury alone

Yes  what should hurt me  I walk fast  I shall be at home
in twenty minutes

But it is too far indeed it is to be walking quite alone 
Let my father's servant go with you  Let me order the carriage 
It can be round in five minutes

Thank you thank you  but on no account  I would rather walk  
And for me to be afraid of walking alone  I who may so soon have
to guard others

She spoke with great agitation and Emma very feelingly replied
That can be no reason for your being exposed to danger now 
I must order the carriage  The heat even would be danger  You are
fatigued already

I am  she answered  I am fatigued but it is not the sort
of fatigue  quick walking will refresh me  Miss Woodhouse we all
know at times what it is to be wearied in spirits  Mine I confess
are exhausted  The greatest kindness you can shew me will be to let
me have my own way and only say that I am gone when it is necessary

Emma had not another word to oppose  She saw it all and entering
into her feelings promoted her quitting the house immediately
and watched her safely off with the zeal of a friend  Her parting
look was grateful  and her parting words Oh  Miss Woodhouse
the comfort of being sometimes alone  seemed to burst from
an overcharged heart and to describe somewhat of the continual
endurance to be practised by her even towards some of those who
loved her best

Such a home indeed such an aunt said Emma as she turned back
into the hall again  I do pity you  And the more sensibility
you betray of their just horrors the more I shall like you

Jane had not been gone a quarter of an hour and they had only
accomplished some views of St Mark's Place Venice when Frank
Churchill entered the room  Emma had not been thinking of him
she had forgotten to think of him  but she was very glad to see him 
Mrs Weston would be at ease  The black mare was blameless
they were right who had named Mrs Churchill as the cause 
He had been detained by a temporary increase of illness in her
a nervous seizure which had lasted some hours  and he had quite given
up every thought of coming till very late  and had he known how hot
a ride he should have and how late with all his hurry he must be
he believed he should not have come at all  The heat was excessive
he had never suffered any thing like it  almost wished he had staid
at home  nothing killed him like heat  he could bear any degree of cold
etc but heat was intolerable  and he sat down at the greatest
possible distance from the slight remains of Mr Woodhouse's fire
looking very deplorable

You will soon be cooler if you sit still said Emma

As soon as I am cooler I shall go back again  I could very
ill be spared  but such a point had been made of my coming 
You will all be going soon I suppose the whole party breaking up 
I met one as I came  Madness in such weather  absolute madness

Emma listened and looked and soon perceived that Frank Churchill's
state might be best defined by the expressive phrase of being
out of humour  Some people were always cross when they were hot 
Such might be his constitution and as she knew that eating
and drinking were often the cure of such incidental complaints
she recommended his taking some refreshment he would find abundance
of every thing in the dining room  and she humanely pointed out
the door

No  he should not eat  He was not hungry it would only make
him hotter  In two minutes however he relented in his own favour
and muttering something about spruce beer walked off  Emma returned
all her attention to her father saying in secret  

I am glad I have done being in love with him  I should not like a
man who is so soon discomposed by a hot morning  Harriet's sweet
easy temper will not mind it

He was gone long enough to have had a very comfortable meal and came
back all the better  grown quite cool  and with good manners
like himself  able to draw a chair close to them take an interest
in their employment and regret in a reasonable way that he
should be so late  He was not in his best spirits but seemed
trying to improve them and at last made himself talk nonsense
very agreeably  They were looking over views in Swisserland

As soon as my aunt gets well I shall go abroad said he 
I shall never be easy till I have seen some of these places 
You will have my sketches some time or other to look at  or my tour
to read  or my poem  I shall do something to expose myself

That may be  but not by sketches in Swisserland  You will
never go to Swisserland  Your uncle and aunt will never allow
you to leave England

They may be induced to go too  A warm climate may be prescribed
for her  I have more than half an expectation of our all going abroad 
I assure you I have  I feel a strong persuasion this morning
that I shall soon be abroad  I ought to travel  I am tired
of doing nothing  I want a change  I am serious Miss Woodhouse
whatever your penetrating eyes may fancy  I am sick of England  
and would leave it to morrow if I could

You are sick of prosperity and indulgence  Cannot you invent
a few hardships for yourself and be contented to stay

I sick of prosperity and indulgence  You are quite mistaken 
I do not look upon myself as either prosperous or indulged  I am
thwarted in every thing material  I do not consider myself at all
a fortunate person

You are not quite so miserable though as when you first came 
Go and eat and drink a little more and you will do very well 
Another slice of cold meat another draught of Madeira and water
will make you nearly on a par with the rest of us

No  I shall not stir  I shall sit by you  You are my best cure

We are going to Box Hill to morrow  you will join us 
It is not Swisserland but it will be something for a young
man so much in want of a change  You will stay and go with us

No certainly not I shall go home in the cool of the evening

But you may come again in the cool of to morrow morning

No  It will not be worth while  If I come I shall be cross

Then pray stay at Richmond

But if I do I shall be crosser still  I can never bear to think
of you all there without me

These are difficulties which you must settle for yourself 
Chuse your own degree of crossness  I shall press you no more

The rest of the party were now returning and all were soon collected 
With some there was great joy at the sight of Frank Churchill
others took it very composedly but there was a very general distress
and disturbance on Miss Fairfax's disappearance being explained 
That it was time for every body to go concluded the subject and with
a short final arrangement for the next day's scheme they parted 
Frank Churchill's little inclination to exclude himself increased
so much that his last words to Emma were

Well  if you wish me to stay and join the party I will

She smiled her acceptance and nothing less than a summons from
Richmond was to take him back before the following evening



CHAPTER VII


They had a very fine day for Box Hill and all the other outward
circumstances of arrangement accommodation and punctuality
were in favour of a pleasant party  Mr Weston directed the whole
officiating safely between Hartfield and the Vicarage and every
body was in good time  Emma and Harriet went together Miss Bates
and her niece with the Eltons the gentlemen on horseback 
Mrs Weston remained with Mr Woodhouse  Nothing was wanting
but to be happy when they got there  Seven miles were travelled
in expectation of enjoyment and every body had a burst of admiration
on first arriving but in the general amount of the day there
was deficiency  There was a languor a want of spirits a want of union
which could not be got over  They separated too much into parties 
The Eltons walked together Mr Knightley took charge of Miss
Bates and Jane and Emma and Harriet belonged to Frank Churchill 
And Mr Weston tried in vain to make them harmonise better  It seemed
at first an accidental division but it never materially varied 
Mr and Mrs Elton indeed shewed no unwillingness to mix
and be as agreeable as they could but during the two whole hours
that were spent on the hill there seemed a principle of separation
between the other parties too strong for any fine prospects or any
cold collation or any cheerful Mr Weston to remove

At first it was downright dulness to Emma  She had never seen Frank
Churchill so silent and stupid  He said nothing worth hearing  
looked without seeing  admired without intelligence  listened without
knowing what she said  While he was so dull it was no wonder that
Harriet should be dull likewise and they were both insufferable

When they all sat down it was better to her taste a great deal better
for Frank Churchill grew talkative and gay making her his first object 
Every distinguishing attention that could be paid was paid to her 
To amuse her and be agreeable in her eyes seemed all that he
cared for  and Emma glad to be enlivened not sorry to be flattered
was gay and easy too and gave him all the friendly encouragement
the admission to be gallant which she had ever given in the first
and most animating period of their acquaintance but which now
in her own estimation meant nothing though in the judgment of most
people looking on it must have had such an appearance as no English
word but flirtation could very well describe  Mr Frank Churchill
and Miss Woodhouse flirted together excessively  They were laying
themselves open to that very phrase  and to having it sent off
in a letter to Maple Grove by one lady to Ireland by another 
Not that Emma was gay and thoughtless from any real felicity
it was rather because she felt less happy than she had expected 
She laughed because she was disappointed and though she liked him
for his attentions and thought them all whether in friendship
admiration or playfulness extremely judicious they were not winning
back her heart  She still intended him for her friend

How much I am obliged to you said he for telling me to come to day  
If it had not been for you I should certainly have lost all the
happiness of this party  I had quite determined to go away again

Yes you were very cross and I do not know what about
except that you were too late for the best strawberries 
I was a kinder friend than you deserved  But you were humble 
You begged hard to be commanded to come

Don't say I was cross  I was fatigued  The heat overcame me

It is hotter to day

Not to my feelings  I am perfectly comfortable to day

You are comfortable because you are under command

Your command  Yes

Perhaps I intended you to say so but I meant self command You had
somehow or other broken bounds yesterday and run away from your
own management but to day you are got back again  and as I cannot
be always with you it is best to believe your temper under your
own command rather than mine

It comes to the same thing  I can have no self command without
a motive  You order me whether you speak or not  And you can
be always with me  You are always with me

Dating from three o'clock yesterday  My perpetual influence
could not begin earlier or you would not have been so much
out of humour before

Three o'clock yesterday  That is your date  I thought I had seen
you first in February

Your gallantry is really unanswerable  But lowering her voice  
nobody speaks except ourselves and it is rather too much to be
talking nonsense for the entertainment of seven silent people

I say nothing of which I am ashamed replied he with lively impudence 
I saw you first in February  Let every body on the Hill hear me if
they can  Let my accents swell to Mickleham on one side and Dorking
on the other  I saw you first in February  And then whispering  
Our companions are excessively stupid  What shall we do to rouse them 
Any nonsense will serve  They shall talk  Ladies and gentlemen
I am ordered by Miss Woodhouse who wherever she is presides
to say that she desires to know what you are all thinking of

Some laughed and answered good humouredly Miss Bates said a great deal
Mrs Elton swelled at the idea of Miss Woodhouse's presiding
Mr Knightley's answer was the most distinct

Is Miss Woodhouse sure that she would like to hear what we are
all thinking of

Oh no no  cried Emma laughing as carelessly as she could  
Upon no account in the world  It is the very last thing I
would stand the brunt of just now  Let me hear any thing rather
than what you are all thinking of  I will not say quite all 
There are one or two perhaps glancing at Mr Weston and Harriet
whose thoughts I might not be afraid of knowing

It is a sort of thing cried Mrs Elton emphatically
which I should not have thought myself privileged to
inquire into  Though perhaps as the Chaperon of the party  
I never was in any circle  exploring parties  young ladies  married women  

Her mutterings were chiefly to her husband and he murmured
in reply

Very true my love very true  Exactly so indeed  quite unheard of  
but some ladies say any thing  Better pass it off as a joke 
Every body knows what is due to you

It will not do whispered Frank to Emma they are most
of them affronted  I will attack them with more address 
Ladies and gentlemen  I am ordered by Miss Woodhouse to say that she
waives her right of knowing exactly what you may all be thinking of
and only requires something very entertaining from each of you
in a general way  Here are seven of you besides myself who she
is pleased to say am very entertaining already and she only
demands from each of you either one thing very clever be it prose
or verse original or repeated  or two things moderately clever  
or three things very dull indeed and she engages to laugh heartily
at them all

Oh very well exclaimed Miss Bates then I need not be uneasy 
Three things very dull indeed  That will just do for me you know 
I shall be sure to say three dull things as soon as ever I open
my mouth shan't I looking round with the most good humoured
dependence on every body's assent  Do not you all think I shall

Emma could not resist

Ah ma'am but there may be a difficulty  Pardon me  but you
will be limited as to number  only three at once

Miss Bates deceived by the mock ceremony of her manner did not
immediately catch her meaning but when it burst on her it could
not anger though a slight blush shewed that it could pain her

Ah  well  to be sure  Yes I see what she means turning to
Mr Knightley and I will try to hold my tongue  I must make
myself very disagreeable or she would not have said such a thing
to an old friend

I like your plan cried Mr Weston  Agreed agreed  I will do
my best  I am making a conundrum  How will a conundrum reckon

Low I am afraid sir very low answered his son  but we shall
be indulgent  especially to any one who leads the way

No no said Emma it will not reckon low  A conundrum of
Mr Weston's shall clear him and his next neighbour  Come sir
pray let me hear it

I doubt its being very clever myself said Mr Weston 
It is too much a matter of fact but here it is  What two letters
of the alphabet are there that express perfection

What two letters  express perfection  I am sure I do not know

Ah you will never guess  You to Emma I am certain will
never guess  I will tell you  M and A  Em ma  Do you understand

Understanding and gratification came together  It might be a very
indifferent piece of wit but Emma found a great deal to laugh
at and enjoy in it  and so did Frank and Harriet  It did not seem
to touch the rest of the party equally some looked very stupid
about it and Mr Knightley gravely said

This explains the sort of clever thing that is wanted and Mr Weston
has done very well for himself but he must have knocked up every
body else  Perfection should not have come quite so soon

Oh for myself I protest I must be excused said Mrs Elton
I really cannot attempt  I am not at all fond of the sort of thing 
I had an acrostic once sent to me upon my own name which I was not
at all pleased with  I knew who it came from  An abominable puppy  
You know who I mean nodding to her husband These kind of things
are very well at Christmas when one is sitting round the fire
but quite out of place in my opinion when one is exploring
about the country in summer  Miss Woodhouse must excuse me 
I am not one of those who have witty things at every body's service 
I do not pretend to be a wit  I have a great deal of vivacity
in my own way but I really must be allowed to judge when to speak
and when to hold my tongue  Pass us if you please Mr Churchill 
Pass Mr E Knightley Jane and myself  We have nothing clever to say  
not one of us

Yes yes pray pass me added her husband with a sort of
sneering consciousness I have nothing to say that can entertain
Miss Woodhouse or any other young lady  An old married man  
quite good for nothing  Shall we walk Augusta

With all my heart  I am really tired of exploring so long
on one spot  Come Jane take my other arm

Jane declined it however and the husband and wife walked off 
Happy couple said Frank Churchill as soon as they were out
of hearing  How well they suit one another  Very lucky  marrying as
they did upon an acquaintance formed only in a public place  They only
knew each other I think a few weeks in Bath  Peculiarly lucky  
for as to any real knowledge of a person's disposition that Bath
or any public place can give  it is all nothing there can be
no knowledge  It is only by seeing women in their own homes
among their own set just as they always are that you can form
any just judgment  Short of that it is all guess and luck  
and will generally be ill luck How many a man has committed himself
on a short acquaintance and rued it all the rest of his life

Miss Fairfax who had seldom spoken before except among her
own confederates spoke now

Such things do occur undoubtedly  She was stopped by a cough 
Frank Churchill turned towards her to listen

You were speaking said he gravely  She recovered her voice

I was only going to observe that though such unfortunate circumstances
do sometimes occur both to men and women I cannot imagine them
to be very frequent  A hasty and imprudent attachment may arise  
but there is generally time to recover from it afterwards  I would
be understood to mean that it can be only weak irresolute characters
whose happiness must be always at the mercy of chance
who will suffer an unfortunate acquaintance to be an inconvenience
an oppression for ever

He made no answer merely looked and bowed in submission and soon
afterwards said in a lively tone

Well I have so little confidence in my own judgment that whenever
I marry I hope some body will chuse my wife for me  Will you
turning to Emma Will you chuse a wife for me  I am sure I
should like any body fixed on by you  You provide for the family
you know with a smile at his father Find some body for me 
I am in no hurry  Adopt her educate her

And make her like myself

By all means if you can

Very well  I undertake the commission  You shall have a charming wife

She must be very lively and have hazle eyes  I care for nothing else 
I shall go abroad for a couple of years  and when I return
I shall come to you for my wife  Remember

Emma was in no danger of forgetting  It was a commission to touch every
favourite feeling  Would not Harriet be the very creature described 
Hazle eyes excepted two years more might make her all that he wished 
He might even have Harriet in his thoughts at the moment
who could say  Referring the education to her seemed to imply it

Now ma'am said Jane to her aunt shall we join Mrs Elton

If you please my dear  With all my heart  I am quite ready 
I was ready to have gone with her but this will do just as well 
We shall soon overtake her  There she is  no that's somebody else 
That's one of the ladies in the Irish car party not at all like her  
Well I declare  

They walked off followed in half a minute by Mr Knightley 
Mr Weston his son Emma and Harriet only remained and the young
man's spirits now rose to a pitch almost unpleasant  Even Emma grew
tired at last of flattery and merriment and wished herself rather
walking quietly about with any of the others or sitting almost alone
and quite unattended to in tranquil observation of the beautiful
views beneath her  The appearance of the servants looking out
for them to give notice of the carriages was a joyful sight
and even the bustle of collecting and preparing to depart
and the solicitude of Mrs Elton to have her carriage first
were gladly endured in the prospect of the quiet drive home which was
to close the very questionable enjoyments of this day of pleasure 
Such another scheme composed of so many ill assorted people
she hoped never to be betrayed into again

While waiting for the carriage she found Mr Knightley by her side 
He looked around as if to see that no one were near and then said

Emma I must once more speak to you as I have been used to do 
a privilege rather endured than allowed perhaps but I must still
use it  I cannot see you acting wrong without a remonstrance 
How could you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates  How could you be so
insolent in your wit to a woman of her character age and situation  
Emma I had not thought it possible

Emma recollected blushed was sorry but tried to laugh it off

Nay how could I help saying what I did  Nobody could have helped it 
It was not so very bad  I dare say she did not understand me

I assure you she did  She felt your full meaning  She has talked
of it since  I wish you could have heard how she talked of it  
with what candour and generosity  I wish you could have heard her
honouring your forbearance in being able to pay her such attentions
as she was for ever receiving from yourself and your father
when her society must be so irksome

Oh cried Emma I know there is not a better creature in the world 
but you must allow that what is good and what is ridiculous are
most unfortunately blended in her

They are blended said he I acknowledge and were she prosperous
I could allow much for the occasional prevalence of the ridiculous
over the good  Were she a woman of fortune I would leave every
harmless absurdity to take its chance I would not quarrel with you
for any liberties of manner  Were she your equal in situation  
but Emma consider how far this is from being the case  She is poor
she has sunk from the comforts she was born to and if she live
to old age must probably sink more  Her situation should secure
your compassion  It was badly done indeed  You whom she had known
from an infant whom she had seen grow up from a period when her
notice was an honour to have you now in thoughtless spirits
and the pride of the moment laugh at her humble her  and before
her niece too  and before others many of whom certainly some
would be entirely guided by your treatment of her  This is not
pleasant to you Emma  and it is very far from pleasant to me
but I must I will  I will tell you truths while I can
satisfied with proving myself your friend by very faithful counsel
and trusting that you will some time or other do me greater justice
than you can do now

While they talked they were advancing towards the carriage
it was ready and before she could speak again he had handed her in 
He had misinterpreted the feelings which had kept her face averted
and her tongue motionless  They were combined only of anger
against herself mortification and deep concern  She had not
been able to speak and on entering the carriage sunk back
for a moment overcome  then reproaching herself for having taken
no leave making no acknowledgment parting in apparent sullenness
she looked out with voice and hand eager to shew a difference
but it was just too late  He had turned away and the horses were
in motion  She continued to look back but in vain and soon
with what appeared unusual speed they were half way down the hill
and every thing left far behind  She was vexed beyond what could
have been expressed  almost beyond what she could conceal 
Never had she felt so agitated mortified grieved at any circumstance
in her life  She was most forcibly struck  The truth of this
representation there was no denying  She felt it at her heart 
How could she have been so brutal so cruel to Miss Bates  How could
she have exposed herself to such ill opinion in any one she valued 
And how suffer him to leave her without saying one word of gratitude
of concurrence of common kindness

Time did not compose her  As she reflected more she seemed
but to feel it more  She never had been so depressed  Happily it
was not necessary to speak  There was only Harriet who seemed not
in spirits herself fagged and very willing to be silent and Emma
felt the tears running down her cheeks almost all the way home
without being at any trouble to check them extraordinary as they were



CHAPTER VIII


The wretchedness of a scheme to Box Hill was in Emma's thoughts all
the evening  How it might be considered by the rest of the party
she could not tell  They in their different homes and their different
ways might be looking back on it with pleasure but in her view it
was a morning more completely misspent more totally bare of rational
satisfaction at the time and more to be abhorred in recollection
than any she had ever passed  A whole evening of back gammon with
her father was felicity to it  There indeed lay real pleasure
for there she was giving up the sweetest hours of the twenty four
to his comfort and feeling that unmerited as might be the degree
of his fond affection and confiding esteem she could not in her
general conduct be open to any severe reproach  As a daughter
she hoped she was not without a heart  She hoped no one could
have said to her How could you be so unfeeling to your father  
I must I will tell you truths while I can  Miss Bates should
never again  no never  If attention in future could do away
the past she might hope to be forgiven  She had been often remiss
her conscience told her so remiss perhaps more in thought
than fact scornful ungracious  But it should be so no more 
In the warmth of true contrition she would call upon her the
very next morning and it should be the beginning on her side
of a regular equal kindly intercourse

She was just as determined when the morrow came and went early
that nothing might prevent her  It was not unlikely she thought
that she might see Mr Knightley in her way or perhaps he might
come in while she were paying her visit  She had no objection 
She would not be ashamed of the appearance of the penitence so justly
and truly hers  Her eyes were towards Donwell as she walked but she
saw him not

The ladies were all at home  She had never rejoiced at the sound
before nor ever before entered the passage nor walked up the stairs
with any wish of giving pleasure but in conferring obligation
or of deriving it except in subsequent ridicule

There was a bustle on her approach a good deal of moving and talking 
She heard Miss Bates's voice something was to be done in a hurry
the maid looked frightened and awkward hoped she would be pleased
to wait a moment and then ushered her in too soon  The aunt and
niece seemed both escaping into the adjoining room  Jane she had
a distinct glimpse of looking extremely ill and before the door
had shut them out she heard Miss Bates saying Well my dear
I shall say you are laid down upon the bed and I am sure you are
ill enough

Poor old Mrs Bates civil and humble as usual looked as if she
did not quite understand what was going on

I am afraid Jane is not very well said she but I do not know
they tell me she is well  I dare say my daughter will be here presently
Miss Woodhouse  I hope you find a chair  I wish Hetty had not gone 
I am very little able  Have you a chair ma'am Do you sit where
you like  I am sure she will be here presently

Emma seriously hoped she would  She had a moment's fear of Miss
Bates keeping away from her  But Miss Bates soon came  Very happy
and obliged  but Emma's conscience told her that there was not the
same cheerful volubility as before  less ease of look and manner 
A very friendly inquiry after Miss Fairfax she hoped might lead
the way to a return of old feelings  The touch seemed immediate

Ah  Miss Woodhouse how kind you are  I suppose you have heard  
and are come to give us joy  This does not seem much like joy
indeed in me  twinkling away a tear or two  but it will be
very trying for us to part with her after having had her so long
and she has a dreadful headach just now writing all the morning  
such long letters you know to be written to Colonel Campbell
and Mrs Dixon  My dear said I you will blind yourself  
for tears were in her eyes perpetually  One cannot wonder
one cannot wonder  It is a great change and though she is
amazingly fortunate  such a situation I suppose as no young woman
before ever met with on first going out  do not think us ungrateful
Miss Woodhouse for such surprising good fortune  again dispersing
her tears  but poor dear soul if you were to see what a headache
she has  When one is in great pain you know one cannot feel
any blessing quite as it may deserve  She is as low as possible 
To look at her nobody would think how delighted and happy she
is to have secured such a situation  You will excuse her not
coming to you  she is not able  she is gone into her own room  
I want her to lie down upon the bed  My dear said I I shall
say you are laid down upon the bed  but however she is not
she is walking about the room  But now that she has written
her letters she says she shall soon be well  She will be extremely
sorry to miss seeing you Miss Woodhouse but your kindness will
excuse her  You were kept waiting at the door  I was quite ashamed  
but somehow there was a little bustle  for it so happened that we
had not heard the knock and till you were on the stairs we did
not know any body was coming  It is only Mrs Cole said I
depend upon it  Nobody else would come so early  Well said she
it must be borne some time or other and it may as well be now 
But then Patty came in and said it was you  Oh said I
it is Miss Woodhouse  I am sure you will like to see her  
I can see nobody said she and up she got and would go away
and that was what made us keep you waiting  and extremely sorry
and ashamed we were  If you must go my dear said I you must
and I will say you are laid down upon the bed

Emma was most sincerely interested  Her heart had been long growing
kinder towards Jane and this picture of her present sufferings acted
as a cure of every former ungenerous suspicion and left her nothing
but pity and the remembrance of the less just and less gentle
sensations of the past obliged her to admit that Jane might very
naturally resolve on seeing Mrs Cole or any other steady friend
when she might not bear to see herself  She spoke as she felt
with earnest regret and solicitude  sincerely wishing that the
circumstances which she collected from Miss Bates to be now actually
determined on might be as much for Miss Fairfax's advantage
and comfort as possible  It must be a severe trial to them all 
She had understood it was to be delayed till Colonel Campbell's return

So very kind  replied Miss Bates  But you are always kind

There was no bearing such an always and to break through her
dreadful gratitude Emma made the direct inquiry of  

Where  may I ask  is Miss Fairfax going

To a Mrs Smallridge  charming woman  most superior  to have
the charge of her three little girls  delightful children 
Impossible that any situation could be more replete with comfort
if we except perhaps Mrs Suckling's own family and Mrs Bragge's
but Mrs Smallridge is intimate with both and in the very
same neighbourhood  lives only four miles from Maple Grove 
Jane will be only four miles from Maple Grove

Mrs Elton I suppose has been the person to whom Miss Fairfax owes  

Yes our good Mrs Elton  The most indefatigable true friend 
She would not take a denial  She would not let Jane say No for
when Jane first heard of it it was the day before yesterday
the very morning we were at Donwell when Jane first heard of it
she was quite decided against accepting the offer and for the
reasons you mention exactly as you say she had made up her mind
to close with nothing till Colonel Campbell's return and nothing
should induce her to enter into any engagement at present  and so she
told Mrs Elton over and over again  and I am sure I had no more
idea that she would change her mind  but that good Mrs Elton
whose judgment never fails her saw farther than I did  It is not
every body that would have stood out in such a kind way as she did
and refuse to take Jane's answer but she positively declared she
would not write any such denial yesterday as Jane wished her
she would wait  and sure enough yesterday evening it was all
settled that Jane should go  Quite a surprize to me  I had not
the least idea  Jane took Mrs Elton aside and told her at once
that upon thinking over the advantages of Mrs Smallridge's situation
she had come to the resolution of accepting it  I did not know a word
of it till it was all settled

You spent the evening with Mrs Elton

Yes all of us Mrs Elton would have us come  It was settled so
upon the hill while we were walking about with Mr Knightley 
You must all spend your evening with us said she  I positively must
have you all come

Mr Knightley was there too was he

No not Mr Knightley he declined it from the first and though I
thought he would come because Mrs Elton declared she would not let
him off he did not  but my mother and Jane and I were all there
and a very agreeable evening we had  Such kind friends you know
Miss Woodhouse one must always find agreeable though every body
seemed rather fagged after the morning's party  Even pleasure
you know is fatiguing  and I cannot say that any of them seemed
very much to have enjoyed it  However I shall always think it
a very pleasant party and feel extremely obliged to the kind friends
who included me in it

Miss Fairfax I suppose though you were not aware of it had been
making up her mind the whole day

I dare say she had

Whenever the time may come it must be unwelcome to her and all
her friends  but I hope her engagement will have every alleviation
that is possible  I mean as to the character and manners of the family

Thank you dear Miss Woodhouse  Yes indeed there is every thing
in the world that can make her happy in it  Except the Sucklings
and Bragges there is not such another nursery establishment
so liberal and elegant in all Mrs Elton's acquaintance 
Mrs Smallridge a most delightful woman  A style of living almost
equal to Maple Grove  and as to the children except the little
Sucklings and little Bragges there are not such elegant sweet
children anywhere  Jane will be treated with such regard and kindness  
It will be nothing but pleasure a life of pleasure  And her salary  
I really cannot venture to name her salary to you Miss Woodhouse 
Even you used as you are to great sums would hardly believe that
so much could be given to a young person like Jane

Ah madam cried Emma if other children are at all like what I
remember to have been myself I should think five times the amount
of what I have ever yet heard named as a salary on such occasions
dearly earned

You are so noble in your ideas

And when is Miss Fairfax to leave you

Very soon very soon indeed that's the worst of it 
Within a fortnight  Mrs Smallridge is in a great hurry  My poor
mother does not know how to bear it  So then I try to put it out of
her thoughts and say Come ma'am do not let us think about it any more

Her friends must all be sorry to lose her and will not Colonel
and Mrs Campbell be sorry to find that she has engaged herself
before their return

Yes Jane says she is sure they will but yet this is such
a situation as she cannot feel herself justified in declining 
I was so astonished when she first told me what she had been saying
to Mrs Elton and when Mrs Elton at the same moment came congratulating
me upon it  It was before tea  stay  no it could not be before tea
because we were just going to cards  and yet it was before tea
because I remember thinking  Oh no now I recollect now I have it
something happened before tea but not that  Mr Elton was called
out of the room before tea old John Abdy's son wanted to speak
with him  Poor old John I have a great regard for him he was clerk
to my poor father twenty seven years and now poor old man he is
bed ridden and very poorly with the rheumatic gout in his joints  
I must go and see him to day and so will Jane I am sure if she
gets out at all  And poor John's son came to talk to Mr Elton
about relief from the parish he is very well to do himself
you know being head man at the Crown ostler and every thing
of that sort but still he cannot keep his father without some help
and so when Mr Elton came back he told us what John ostler
had been telling him and then it came out about the chaise having
been sent to Randalls to take Mr Frank Churchill to Richmond 
That was what happened before tea  It was after tea that Jane spoke
to Mrs Elton

Miss Bates would hardly give Emma time to say how perfectly
new this circumstance was to her but as without supposing it
possible that she could be ignorant of any of the particulars
of Mr Frank Churchill's going she proceeded to give them all
it was of no consequence

What Mr Elton had learned from the ostler on the subject being the
accumulation of the ostler's own knowledge and the knowledge
of the servants at Randalls was that a messenger had come over
from Richmond soon after the return of the party from Box Hill  
which messenger however had been no more than was expected
and that Mr Churchill had sent his nephew a few lines containing
upon the whole a tolerable account of Mrs Churchill and only
wishing him not to delay coming back beyond the next morning early
but that Mr Frank Churchill having resolved to go home directly
without waiting at all and his horse seeming to have got a cold
Tom had been sent off immediately for the Crown chaise and the
ostler had stood out and seen it pass by the boy going a good pace
and driving very steady

There was nothing in all this either to astonish or interest
and it caught Emma's attention only as it united with the subject
which already engaged her mind  The contrast between Mrs Churchill's
importance in the world and Jane Fairfax's struck her one was
every thing the other nothing  and she sat musing on the difference
of woman's destiny and quite unconscious on what her eyes were fixed
till roused by Miss Bates's saying

Aye I see what you are thinking of the pianoforte  What is to become
of that  Very true  Poor dear Jane was talking of it just now  
You must go said she  You and I must part  You will have no
business here  Let it stay however said she give it houseroom
till Colonel Campbell comes back  I shall talk about it to him
he will settle for me he will help me out of all my difficulties  
And to this day I do believe she knows not whether it was his
present or his daughter's

Now Emma was obliged to think of the pianoforte and the remembrance
of all her former fanciful and unfair conjectures was so little pleasing
that she soon allowed herself to believe her visit had been
long enough and with a repetition of every thing that she could
venture to say of the good wishes which she really felt took leave



CHAPTER IX


Emma's pensive meditations as she walked home were not interrupted
but on entering the parlour she found those who must rouse her 
Mr Knightley and Harriet had arrived during her absence and were
sitting with her father  Mr Knightley immediately got up and in a
manner decidedly graver than usual said

I would not go away without seeing you but I have no time to spare
and therefore must now be gone directly  I am going to London
to spend a few days with John and Isabella  Have you any thing to
send or say besides the love which nobody carries

Nothing at all  But is not this a sudden scheme

Yes  rather  I have been thinking of it some little time

Emma was sure he had not forgiven her he looked unlike himself 
Time however she thought would tell him that they ought to be
friends again  While he stood as if meaning to go but not going  
her father began his inquiries

Well my dear and did you get there safely  And how did you
find my worthy old friend and her daughter  I dare say they must
have been very much obliged to you for coming  Dear Emma has been
to call on Mrs and Miss Bates Mr Knightley as I told you before 
She is always so attentive to them

Emma's colour was heightened by this unjust praise and with a smile
and shake of the head which spoke much she looked at Mr Knightley  
It seemed as if there were an instantaneous impression in her favour
as if his eyes received the truth from her's and all that had
passed of good in her feelings were at once caught and honoured  
He looked at her with a glow of regard  She was warmly gratified  
and in another moment still more so by a little movement of
more than common friendliness on his part  He took her hand  
whether she had not herself made the first motion she could not say  
she might perhaps have rather offered it  but he took her hand
pressed it and certainly was on the point of carrying it to his lips  
when from some fancy or other he suddenly let it go  Why he should feel
such a scruple why he should change his mind when it was all but done
she could not perceive  He would have judged better she thought
if he had not stopped  The intention however was indubitable
and whether it was that his manners had in general so little gallantry
or however else it happened but she thought nothing became him more  
It was with him of so simple yet so dignified a nature  
She could not but recall the attempt with great satisfaction 
It spoke such perfect amity  He left them immediately afterwards  
gone in a moment  He always moved with the alertness of a mind which
could neither be undecided nor dilatory but now he seemed more sudden
than usual in his disappearance

Emma could not regret her having gone to Miss Bates but she wished
she had left her ten minutes earlier  it would have been a great
pleasure to talk over Jane Fairfax's situation with Mr Knightley  
Neither would she regret that he should be going to Brunswick Square
for she knew how much his visit would be enjoyed  but it might have
happened at a better time  and to have had longer notice of it
would have been pleasanter  They parted thorough friends however
she could not be deceived as to the meaning of his countenance
and his unfinished gallantry  it was all done to assure her that she
had fully recovered his good opinion  He had been sitting with them
half an hour she found  It was a pity that she had not come
back earlier

In the hope of diverting her father's thoughts from the disagreeableness
of Mr Knightley's going to London and going so suddenly
and going on horseback which she knew would be all very bad
Emma communicated her news of Jane Fairfax and her dependence
on the effect was justified it supplied a very useful check  
interested without disturbing him  He had long made up his mind to Jane
Fairfax's going out as governess and could talk of it cheerfully
but Mr Knightley's going to London had been an unexpected blow

I am very glad indeed my dear to hear she is to be so
comfortably settled  Mrs Elton is very good natured and agreeable
and I dare say her acquaintance are just what they ought
to be  I hope it is a dry situation and that her health
will be taken good care of  It ought to be a first object
as I am sure poor Miss Taylor's always was with me  You know
my dear she is going to be to this new lady what Miss Taylor
was to us  And I hope she will be better off in one respect
and not be induced to go away after it has been her home so long

The following day brought news from Richmond to throw every
thing else into the background  An express arrived at Randalls
to announce the death of Mrs Churchill  Though her nephew
had had no particular reason to hasten back on her account
she had not lived above six and thirty hours after his return 
A sudden seizure of a different nature from any thing foreboded
by her general state had carried her off after a short struggle 
The great Mrs Churchill was no more

It was felt as such things must be felt  Every body had a
degree of gravity and sorrow tenderness towards the departed
solicitude for the surviving friends and in a reasonable time
curiosity to know where she would be buried  Goldsmith tells us
that when lovely woman stoops to folly she has nothing to do
but to die and when she stoops to be disagreeable it is equally
to be recommended as a clearer of ill fame Mrs Churchill
after being disliked at least twenty five years was now spoken of
with compassionate allowances  In one point she was fully justified 
She had never been admitted before to be seriously ill  The event
acquitted her of all the fancifulness and all the selfishness
of imaginary complaints

Poor Mrs Churchill no doubt she had been suffering a great deal 
more than any body had ever supposed  and continual pain would try
the temper  It was a sad event  a great shock  with all her faults
what would Mr Churchill do without her  Mr Churchill's loss
would be dreadful indeed  Mr Churchill would never get over it  
Even Mr Weston shook his head and looked solemn and said
Ah poor woman who would have thought it and resolved that his
mourning should be as handsome as possible and his wife sat sighing
and moralising over her broad hems with a commiseration and good sense
true and steady  How it would affect Frank was among the earliest
thoughts of both  It was also a very early speculation with Emma 
The character of Mrs Churchill the grief of her husband  her mind
glanced over them both with awe and compassion  and then rested
with lightened feelings on how Frank might be affected by the event
how benefited how freed  She saw in a moment all the possible good 
Now an attachment to Harriet Smith would have nothing to encounter 
Mr Churchill independent of his wife was feared by nobody
an easy guidable man to be persuaded into any thing by his nephew 
All that remained to be wished was that the nephew should form
the attachment as with all her goodwill in the cause Emma could feel
no certainty of its being already formed

Harriet behaved extremely well on the occasion with great self command
What ever she might feel of brighter hope she betrayed nothing  Emma was
gratified to observe such a proof in her of strengthened character
and refrained from any allusion that might endanger its maintenance 
They spoke therefore of Mrs Churchill's death with mutual forbearance

Short letters from Frank were received at Randalls communicating
all that was immediately important of their state and plans 
Mr Churchill was better than could be expected and their
first removal on the departure of the funeral for Yorkshire
was to be to the house of a very old friend in Windsor to whom
Mr Churchill had been promising a visit the last ten years 
At present there was nothing to be done for Harriet good wishes
for the future were all that could yet be possible on Emma's side

It was a more pressing concern to shew attention to Jane Fairfax
whose prospects were closing while Harriet's opened and whose
engagements now allowed of no delay in any one at Highbury who wished
to shew her kindness  and with Emma it was grown into a first wish 
She had scarcely a stronger regret than for her past coldness
and the person whom she had been so many months neglecting was now
the very one on whom she would have lavished every distinction of
regard or sympathy  She wanted to be of use to her wanted to shew
a value for her society and testify respect and consideration 
She resolved to prevail on her to spend a day at Hartfield 
A note was written to urge it  The invitation was refused and by
a verbal message  Miss Fairfax was not well enough to write
and when Mr Perry called at Hartfield the same morning
it appeared that she was so much indisposed as to have been visited
though against her own consent by himself and that she was suffering
under severe headaches and a nervous fever to a degree which made
him doubt the possibility of her going to Mrs Smallridge's at the
time proposed  Her health seemed for the moment completely deranged  
appetite quite gone  and though there were no absolutely
alarming symptoms nothing touching the pulmonary complaint
which was the standing apprehension of the family Mr Perry was
uneasy about her  He thought she had undertaken more than she
was equal to and that she felt it so herself though she would
not own it  Her spirits seemed overcome  Her present home
he could not but observe was unfavourable to a nervous disorder  
confined always to one room  he could have wished it otherwise  
and her good aunt though his very old friend he must acknowledge
to be not the best companion for an invalid of that description 
Her care and attention could not be questioned they were in fact
only too great  He very much feared that Miss Fairfax derived more
evil than good from them  Emma listened with the warmest concern
grieved for her more and more and looked around eager to discover
some way of being useful  To take her  be it only an hour
or two  from her aunt to give her change of air and scene
and quiet rational conversation even for an hour or two
might do her good and the following morning she wrote again to say
in the most feeling language she could command that she would
call for her in the carriage at any hour that Jane would name  
mentioning that she had Mr Perry's decided opinion in favour
of such exercise for his patient  The answer was only in this
short note

Miss Fairfax's compliments and thanks but is quite unequal
to any exercise

Emma felt that her own note had deserved something better but it
was impossible to quarrel with words whose tremulous inequality
shewed indisposition so plainly and she thought only of how she
might best counteract this unwillingness to be seen or assisted 
In spite of the answer therefore she ordered the carriage and drove
to Mrs Bates's in the hope that Jane would be induced to join her  
but it would not do  Miss Bates came to the carriage door all gratitude
and agreeing with her most earnestly in thinking an airing might be of
the greatest service  and every thing that message could do was tried  
but all in vain  Miss Bates was obliged to return without success
Jane was quite unpersuadable the mere proposal of going out
seemed to make her worse  Emma wished she could have seen her
and tried her own powers but almost before she could hint the wish
Miss Bates made it appear that she had promised her niece on
no account to let Miss Woodhouse in  Indeed the truth was
that poor dear Jane could not bear to see any body  any body at all  
Mrs Elton indeed could not be denied  and 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 any thing  
Mr Perry recommended nourishing food but every thing they could
command and never had any body such good neighbours was distasteful

Emma on reaching home called the housekeeper directly to an
examination of her stores and some arrowroot of very superior quality
was speedily despatched to Miss Bates with a most friendly note 
In half an hour the arrowroot was returned with a thousand thanks
from Miss Bates but dear Jane would not be satisfied without its
being sent back it was a thing she could not take  and moreover
she insisted on her saying that she was not at all in want of any thing

When Emma afterwards heard that Jane Fairfax had been seen wandering
about the meadows at some distance from Highbury on the afternoon
of the very day on which she had under the plea of being unequal
to any exercise so peremptorily refused to go out with her in
the carriage she could have no doubt  putting every thing together  
that Jane was resolved to receive no kindness from her  She was sorry
very sorry  Her heart was grieved for a state which seemed
but the more pitiable from this sort of irritation of spirits
inconsistency of action and inequality of powers and it mortified
her that she was given so little credit for proper feeling or esteemed
so little worthy as a friend  but she had the consolation of knowing
that her intentions were good and of being able to say to herself
that could Mr Knightley have been privy to all her attempts
of assisting Jane Fairfax could he even have seen into her heart
he would not on this occasion have found any thing to reprove



CHAPTER X


One morning about ten days after Mrs Churchill's decease
Emma was called downstairs to Mr Weston who could not stay
five minutes and wanted particularly to speak with her  
He met her at the parlour door and hardly asking her how she did
in the natural key of his voice sunk it immediately to say
unheard by her father

Can you come to Randalls at any time this morning  Do if it
be possible  Mrs Weston wants to see you  She must see you

Is she unwell

No no not at all  only a little agitated  She would have
ordered the carriage and come to you but she must see you alone
and that you know  nodding towards her father  Humph  Can you come

Certainly  This moment if you please  It is impossible to
refuse what you ask in such a way  But what can be the matter  
Is she really not ill

Depend upon me  but ask no more questions  You will know it
all in time  The most unaccountable business  But hush hush

To guess what all this meant was impossible even for Emma 
Something really important seemed announced by his looks
but as her friend was well she endeavoured not to be uneasy
and settling it with her father that she would take her walk now
she and Mr Weston were soon out of the house together and on
their way at a quick pace for Randalls

Now  said Emma when they were fairly beyond the sweep gates  
now Mr Weston do let me know what has happened

No no  he gravely replied  Don't ask me  I promised my wife
to leave it all to her  She will break it to you better than I can 
Do not be impatient Emma it will all come out too soon

Break it to me cried Emma standing still with terror  
Good God  Mr Weston tell me at once  Something has happened
in Brunswick Square  I know it has  Tell me I charge you tell
me this moment what it is

No indeed you are mistaken  

Mr Weston do not trifle with me  Consider how many of my dearest
friends are now in Brunswick Square  Which of them is it  
I charge you by all that is sacred not to attempt concealment

Upon my word Emma  

Your word  why not your honour  why not say upon your honour
that it has nothing to do with any of them  Good Heavens  What can
be to be broke to me that does not relate to one of that family

Upon my honour said he very seriously it does not  It is not
in the smallest degree connected with any human being of the name
of Knightley

Emma's courage returned and she walked on

I was wrong he continued in talking of its being broke to you 
I should not have used the expression  In fact it does not concern you  
it concerns only myself  that is we hope  Humph  In short
my dear Emma there is no occasion to be so uneasy about it 
I don't say that it is not a disagreeable business  but things might
be much worse  If we walk fast we shall soon be at Randalls

Emma found that she must wait and now it required little effort 
She asked no more questions therefore merely employed her own fancy
and that soon pointed out to her the probability of its being some
money concern  something just come to light of a disagreeable
nature in the circumstances of the family  something which the late
event at Richmond had brought forward  Her fancy was very active 
Half a dozen natural children perhaps  and poor Frank cut off  
This though very undesirable would be no matter of agony to her 
It inspired little more than an animating curiosity

Who is that gentleman on horseback said she as they proceeded  
speaking more to assist Mr Weston in keeping his secret than with
any other view

I do not know  One of the Otways  Not Frank  it is not Frank
I assure you  You will not see him  He is half way to Windsor
by this time

Has your son been with you then

Oh yes  did not you know  Well well never mind

For a moment he was silent and then added in a tone much more
guarded and demure

Yes Frank came over this morning just to ask us how we did

They hurried on and were speedily at Randalls  Well my dear
said he as they entered the room  I have brought her and now
I hope you will soon be better  I shall leave you together 
There is no use in delay  I shall not be far off if you want me  
And Emma distinctly heard him add in a lower tone before he
quitted the room  I have been as good as my word  She has not the
least idea

Mrs Weston was looking so ill and had an air of so much perturbation
that Emma's uneasiness increased and the moment they were alone
she eagerly said

What is it my dear friend  Something of a very unpleasant nature
I find has occurred  do let me know directly what it is 
I have been walking all this way in complete suspense  We both
abhor suspense  Do not let mine continue longer  It will do you
good to speak of your distress whatever it may be

Have you indeed no idea said Mrs Weston in a trembling voice 
Cannot you my dear Emma  cannot you form a guess as to what you
are to hear

So far as that it relates to Mr Frank Churchill I do guess

You are right  It does relate to him and I will tell you directly
resuming her work and seeming resolved against looking up
He has been here this very morning on a most extraordinary errand 
It is impossible to express our surprize  He came to speak to his
father on a subject  to announce an attachment  

She stopped to breathe  Emma thought first of herself and then
of Harriet

More than an attachment indeed resumed Mrs Weston an engagement  
a positive engagement  What will you say Emma  what will any
body say when it is known that Frank Churchill and Miss Fairfax
are engaged  nay that they have been long engaged

Emma even jumped with surprize  and horror struck exclaimed

Jane Fairfax  Good God  You are not serious  You do not mean it

You may well be amazed returned Mrs Weston still averting her eyes
and talking on with eagerness that Emma might have time to recover  
You may well be amazed  But it is even so  There has been a solemn
engagement between them ever since October  formed at Weymouth
and kept a secret from every body  Not a creature knowing it
but themselves  neither the Campbells nor her family nor his  
It is so wonderful that though perfectly convinced of the fact
it is yet almost incredible to myself  I can hardly believe it  
I thought I knew him

Emma scarcely heard what was said  Her mind was divided between
two ideas  her own former conversations with him about Miss Fairfax
and poor Harriet  and for some time she could only exclaim
and require confirmation repeated confirmation

Well said she at last trying to recover herself this is a
circumstance which I must think of at least half a day before I
can at all comprehend it  What  engaged to her all the winter  
before either of them came to Highbury

Engaged since October  secretly engaged  It has hurt me
Emma very much  It has hurt his father equally  Some part
of his conduct we cannot excuse

Emma pondered a moment and then replied I will not pretend
not to understand you and to give you all the relief in my power
be assured that no such effect has followed his attentions to me
as you are apprehensive of

Mrs Weston looked up afraid to believe but Emma's countenance
was as steady as her words

That you may have less difficulty in believing this boast of my
present perfect indifference she continued I will farther tell you
that there was a period in the early part of our acquaintance
when I did like him when I was very much disposed to be
attached to him  nay was attached  and how it came to cease
is perhaps the wonder  Fortunately however it did cease 
I have really for some time past for at least these three months
cared nothing about him  You may believe me Mrs Weston 
This is the simple truth

Mrs Weston kissed her with tears of joy and when she could
find utterance assured her that this protestation had done
her more good than any thing else in the world could do

Mr Weston will be almost as much relieved as myself said she 
On this point we have been wretched  It was our darling wish that you
might be attached to each other  and we were persuaded that it was so  
Imagine what we have been feeling on your account

I have escaped and that I should escape may be a matter of
grateful wonder to you and myself  But this does not acquit him
Mrs Weston and I must say that I think him greatly to blame 
What right had he to come among us with affection and faith engaged
and with manners so very disengaged  What right had he to endeavour
to please as he certainly did  to distinguish any one young woman with
persevering attention as he certainly did  while he really belonged
to another  How could he tell what mischief he might be doing  
How could he tell that he might not be making me in love with him  
very wrong very wrong indeed

From something that he said my dear Emma I rather imagine  

And how could she bear such behaviour  Composure with a witness
to look on while repeated attentions were offering to another woman
before her face and not resent it  That is a degree of placidity
which I can neither comprehend nor respect

There were misunderstandings between them Emma he said
so expressly  He had not time to enter into much explanation 
He was here only a quarter of an hour and in a state of agitation
which did not allow the full use even of the time he could stay  
but that there had been misunderstandings he decidedly said 
The present crisis indeed seemed to be brought on by them
and those misunderstandings might very possibly arise from the
impropriety of his conduct

Impropriety  Oh  Mrs Weston  it is too calm a censure 
Much much beyond impropriety  It has sunk him I cannot say how
it has sunk him in my opinion  So unlike what a man should be  
None of that upright integrity that strict adherence to truth
and principle that disdain of trick and littleness which a man
should display in every transaction of his life

Nay dear Emma now I must take his part for though he has been
wrong in this instance I have known him long enough to answer
for his having many very many good qualities and  

Good God cried Emma not attending to her  Mrs Smallridge too 
Jane actually on the point of going as governess  What could he
mean by such horrible indelicacy  To suffer her to engage herself  
to suffer her even to think of such a measure

He knew nothing about it Emma  On this article I can fully
acquit him  It was a private resolution of hers not communicated
to him  or at least not communicated in a way to carry conviction  
Till yesterday I know he said he was in the dark as to her plans 
They burst on him I do not know how but by some letter or message  
and it was the discovery of what she was doing of this very project
of hers which determined him to come forward at once own it
all to his uncle throw himself on his kindness and in short
put an end to the miserable state of concealment that had been
carrying on so long

Emma began to listen better

I am to hear from him soon continued Mrs Weston  He told me
at parting that he should soon write and he spoke in a manner which
seemed to promise me many particulars that could not be given now 
Let us wait therefore for this letter  It may bring many extenuations 
It may make many things intelligible and excusable which now are
not to be understood  Don't let us be severe don't let us be in
a hurry to condemn him  Let us have patience  I must love him
and now that I am satisfied on one point the one material point
I am sincerely anxious for its all turning out well and ready
to hope that it may  They must both have suffered a great deal
under such a system of secresy and concealment

His sufferings replied Emma dryly do not appear to have done
him much harm  Well and how did Mr Churchill take it

Most favourably for his nephew  gave his consent with scarcely
a difficulty  Conceive what the events of a week have done
in that family  While poor Mrs Churchill lived I suppose there
could not have been a hope a chance a possibility  but scarcely
are her remains at rest in the family vault than her husband is
persuaded to act exactly opposite to what she would have required 
What a blessing it is when undue influence does not survive the grave  
He gave his consent with very little persuasion

Ah thought Emma he would have done as much for Harriet

This was settled last night and Frank was off with the light
this morning  He stopped at Highbury at the Bates's I fancy
some time  and then came on hither but was in such a hurry to get
back to his uncle to whom he is just now more necessary than ever
that as I tell you he could stay with us but a quarter of an hour  
He was very much agitated  very much indeed  to a degree that made
him appear quite a different creature from any thing I had ever seen
him before  In addition to all the rest there had been the shock of
finding her so very unwell which he had had no previous suspicion of  
and there was every appearance of his having been feeling a great deal

And do you really believe the affair to have been carrying on
with such perfect secresy  The Campbells the Dixons did none
of them know of the engagement

Emma could not speak the name of Dixon without a little blush

None not one  He positively said that it had been known to no
being in the world but their two selves

Well said Emma I suppose we shall gradually grow reconciled
to the idea and I wish them very happy  But I shall always
think it a very abominable sort of proceeding  What has it been
but a system of hypocrisy and deceit  espionage and treachery  
To come among us with professions of openness and simplicity
and such a league in secret to judge us all  Here have we been
the whole winter and spring completely duped fancying ourselves
all on an equal footing of truth and honour with two people in the
midst of us who may have been carrying round comparing and sitting
in judgment on sentiments and words that were never meant for both
to hear  They must take the consequence if they have heard each
other spoken of in a way not perfectly agreeable

I am quite easy on that head replied Mrs Weston  I am
very sure that I never said any thing of either to the other
which both might not have heard

You are in luck  Your only blunder was confined to my ear
when you imagined a certain friend of ours in love with the lady

True  But as I have always had a thoroughly good opinion of Miss
Fairfax I never could under any blunder have spoken ill of her
and as to speaking ill of him there I must have been safe

At this moment Mr Weston appeared at a little distance from the window
evidently on the watch  His wife gave him a look which invited
him in and while he was coming round added Now dearest Emma
let me intreat you to say and look every thing that may set his
heart at ease and incline him to be satisfied with the match 
Let us make the best of it  and indeed almost every thing may
be fairly said in her favour  It is not a connexion to gratify
but if Mr Churchill does not feel that why should we and it
may be a very fortunate circumstance for him for Frank I mean
that he should have attached himself to a girl of such steadiness
of character and good judgment as I have always given her credit for  
and still am disposed to give her credit for in spite of this
one great deviation from the strict rule of right  And how much
may be said in her situation for even that error

Much indeed cried Emma feelingly  If a woman can ever
be excused for thinking only of herself it is in a situation
like Jane Fairfax's  Of such one may almost say that the
world is not their's nor the world's law

She met Mr Weston on his entrance with a smiling countenance
exclaiming

A very pretty trick you have been playing me upon my word 
This was a device I suppose to sport with my curiosity
and exercise my talent of guessing  But you really frightened me 
I thought you had lost half your property at least  And here
instead of its being a matter of condolence it turns out to be one
of congratulation  I congratulate you Mr Weston with all my heart
on the prospect of having one of the most lovely and accomplished
young women in England for your daughter

A glance or two between him and his wife convinced him that all was
as right as this speech proclaimed and its happy effect on his spirits
was immediate  His air and voice recovered their usual briskness 
he shook her heartily and gratefully by the hand and entered
on the subject in a manner to prove that he now only wanted
time and persuasion to think the engagement no very bad thing 
His companions suggested only what could palliate imprudence
or smooth objections and by the time they had talked it all
over together and he had talked it all over again with Emma
in their walk back to Hartfield he was become perfectly reconciled
and not far from thinking it the very best thing that Frank could
possibly have done



CHAPTER XI


Harriet poor Harriet  Those were the words in them lay the
tormenting ideas which Emma could not get rid of and which constituted
the real misery of the business to her  Frank Churchill had behaved
very ill by herself  very ill in many ways  but it was not so much
his behaviour as her own which made her so angry with him 
It was the scrape which he had drawn her into on Harriet's account
that gave the deepest hue to his offence  Poor Harriet to be a second
time the dupe of her misconceptions and flattery  Mr Knightley
had spoken prophetically when he once said Emma you have been
no friend to Harriet Smith  She was afraid she had done her nothing
but disservice  It was true that she had not to charge herself
in this instance as in the former with being the sole and original
author of the mischief with having suggested such feelings as might
otherwise never have entered Harriet's imagination for Harriet
had acknowledged her admiration and preference of Frank Churchill
before she had ever given her a hint on the subject but she felt
completely guilty of having encouraged what she might have repressed 
She might have prevented the indulgence and increase of such sentiments 
Her influence would have been enough  And now she was very conscious
that she ought to have prevented them  She felt that she had been
risking her friend's happiness on most insufficient grounds 
Common sense would have directed her to tell Harriet that she
must not allow herself to think of him and that there were five
hundred chances to one against his ever caring for her  But with
common sense she added I am afraid I have had little to do

She was extremely angry with herself  If she could not have been
angry with Frank Churchill too it would have been dreadful  
As for Jane Fairfax she might at least relieve her feelings
from any present solicitude on her account  Harriet would
be anxiety enough she need no longer be unhappy about Jane
whose troubles and whose ill health having of course the same origin
must be equally under cure  Her days of insignificance and evil
were over  She would soon be well and happy and prosperous  
Emma could now imagine why her own attentions had been slighted 
This discovery laid many smaller matters open  No doubt it had been
from jealousy  In Jane's eyes she had been a rival and well might
any thing she could offer of assistance or regard be repulsed 
An airing in the Hartfield carriage would have been the rack
and arrowroot from the Hartfield storeroom must have been poison 
She understood it all and as far as her mind could disengage itself
from the injustice and selfishness of angry feelings she acknowledged
that Jane Fairfax would have neither elevation nor happiness beyond
her desert  But poor Harriet was such an engrossing charge 
There was little sympathy to be spared for any body else 
Emma was sadly fearful that this second disappointment would be
more severe than the first  Considering the very superior claims
of the object it ought and judging by its apparently stronger effect
on Harriet's mind producing reserve and self command it would  
She must communicate the painful truth however and as soon
as possible  An injunction of secresy had been among Mr Weston's
parting words  For the present the whole affair was to be
completely a secret  Mr Churchill had made a point of it
as a token of respect to the wife he had so very recently lost
and every body admitted it to be no more than due decorum  
Emma had promised but still Harriet must be excepted  It was her
superior duty

In spite of her vexation she could not help feeling it almost ridiculous
that she should have the very same distressing and delicate office to
perform by Harriet which Mrs Weston had just gone through by herself 
The intelligence which had been so anxiously announced to her
she was now to be anxiously announcing to another  Her heart beat
quick on hearing Harriet's footstep and voice so she supposed
had poor Mrs Weston felt when she was approaching Randalls 
Could the event of the disclosure bear an equal resemblance  
But of that unfortunately there could be no chance

Well Miss Woodhouse cried Harriet coming eagerly into the room  
is not this the oddest news that ever was

What news do you mean replied Emma unable to guess by look
or voice whether Harriet could indeed have received any hint

About Jane Fairfax  Did you ever hear any thing so strange 
Oh  you need not be afraid of owning it to me for Mr Weston has
told me himself  I met him just now  He told me it was to be
a great secret and therefore I should not think of mentioning
it to any body but you but he said you knew it

What did Mr Weston tell you  said Emma still perplexed

Oh he told me all about it that Jane Fairfax and Mr Frank
Churchill are to be married and that they have been privately
engaged to one another this long while  How very odd

It was indeed so odd Harriet's behaviour was so extremely odd
that Emma did not know how to understand it  Her character appeared
absolutely changed  She seemed to propose shewing no agitation
or disappointment or peculiar concern in the discovery  Emma looked
at her quite unable to speak

Had you any idea cried Harriet of his being in love
with her  You perhaps might  You blushing as she spoke
who can see into every body's heart but nobody else  

Upon my word said Emma I begin to doubt my having any such talent 
Can you seriously ask me Harriet whether I imagined him attached
to another woman at the very time that I was  tacitly if not openly  
encouraging you to give way to your own feelings  I never had
the slightest suspicion till within the last hour of Mr Frank
Churchill's having the least regard for Jane Fairfax  You may be
very sure that if I had I should have cautioned you accordingly

Me cried Harriet colouring and astonished  Why should you
caution me  You do not think I care about Mr Frank Churchill

I am delighted to hear you speak so stoutly on the subject
replied Emma smiling but you do not mean to deny that there
was a time  and not very distant either  when you gave me reason
to understand that you did care about him

Him  never never  Dear Miss Woodhouse how could you so mistake me
turning away distressed

Harriet cried Emma after a moment's pause  What do you mean  
Good Heaven what do you mean  Mistake you  Am I to suppose then  

She could not speak another word  Her voice was lost and she
sat down waiting in great terror till Harriet should answer

Harriet who was standing at some distance and with face turned
from her did not immediately say any thing and when she did speak
it was in a voice nearly as agitated as Emma's

I should not have thought it possible she began that you
could have misunderstood me  I know we agreed never to name him  
but considering how infinitely superior he is to every body else
I should not have thought it possible that I could be supposed
to mean any other person  Mr Frank Churchill indeed  I do not
know who would ever look at him in the company of the other 
I hope I have a better taste than to think of Mr Frank Churchill
who is like nobody by his side  And that you should have been
so mistaken is amazing  I am sure but for believing that you
entirely approved and meant to encourage me in my attachment
I should have considered it at first too great a presumption almost
to dare to think of him  At first if you had not told me
that more wonderful things had happened that there had been
matches of greater disparity those were your very words  
I should not have dared to give way to  I should not have thought
it possible  But if you who had been always acquainted with him  

Harriet cried Emma collecting herself resolutely  Let us
understand each other now without the possibility of farther mistake 
Are you speaking of  Mr Knightley

To be sure I am  I never could have an idea of any body else  
and so I thought you knew  When we talked about him it was as clear
as possible

Not quite returned Emma with forced calmness for all that
you then said appeared to me to relate to a different person 
I could almost assert that you had named Mr Frank Churchill 
I am sure the service Mr Frank Churchill had rendered you
in protecting you from the gipsies was spoken of

Oh  Miss Woodhouse how you do forget

My dear Harriet I perfectly remember the substance of what I
said on the occasion  I told you that I did not wonder at
your attachment that considering the service he had rendered you
it was extremely natural  and you agreed to it expressing yourself
very warmly as to your sense of that service and mentioning
even what your sensations had been in seeing him come forward
to your rescue  The impression of it is strong on my memory

Oh dear cried Harriet now I recollect what you mean but I
was thinking of something very different at the time  It was not
the gipsies  it was not Mr Frank Churchill that I meant  No with
some elevation I was thinking of a much more precious circumstance  
of Mr Knightley's coming and asking me to dance when Mr Elton
would not stand up with me and when there was no other partner in
the room  That was the kind action that was the noble benevolence
and generosity that was the service which made me begin to feel
how superior he was to every other being upon earth

Good God cried Emma this has been a most unfortunate  
most deplorable mistake  What is to be done

You would not have encouraged me then if you had understood me 
At least however I cannot be worse off than I should have been
if the other had been the person and now  it is possible  

She paused a few moments  Emma could not speak

I do not wonder Miss Woodhouse she resumed that you should feel
a great difference between the two as to me or as to any body 
You must think one five hundred million times more above me than
the other  But I hope Miss Woodhouse that supposing  that if  
strange as it may appear    But you know they were your own words
that more wonderful things had happened matches of greater disparity
had taken place than between Mr Frank Churchill and me and therefore
it seems as if such a thing even as this may have occurred before  
and if I should be so fortunate beyond expression as to  
if Mr Knightley should really  if he does not mind the disparity
I hope dear Miss Woodhouse you will not set yourself against it
and try to put difficulties in the way  But you are too good for that
I am sure

Harriet was standing at one of the windows  Emma turned round
to look at her in consternation and hastily said

Have you any idea of Mr Knightley's returning your affection

Yes replied Harriet modestly but not fearfully  I must say
that I have

Emma's eyes were instantly withdrawn and she sat silently meditating
in a fixed attitude for a few minutes  A few minutes were sufficient
for making her acquainted with her own heart  A mind like hers
once opening to suspicion made rapid progress  She touched  
she admitted  she acknowledged the whole truth  Why was it
so much worse that Harriet should be in love with Mr Knightley
than with Frank Churchill  Why was the evil so dreadfully increased
by Harriet's having some hope of a return  It darted through her
with the speed of an arrow that Mr Knightley must marry no one
but herself

Her own conduct as well as her own heart was before her in the
same few minutes  She saw it all with a clearness which had
never blessed her before  How improperly had she been acting
by Harriet  How inconsiderate how indelicate how irrational
how unfeeling had been her conduct  What blindness what madness
had led her on  It struck her with dreadful force and she
was ready to give it every bad name in the world  Some portion
of respect for herself however in spite of all these demerits  
some concern for her own appearance and a strong sense of justice
by Harriet  there would be no need of compassion to the girl
who believed herself loved by Mr Knightley  but justice required
that she should not be made unhappy by any coldness now
gave Emma the resolution to sit and endure farther with calmness
with even apparent kindness  For her own advantage indeed it was fit
that the utmost extent of Harriet's hopes should be enquired into
and Harriet had done nothing to forfeit the regard and interest
which had been so voluntarily formed and maintained  or to deserve
to be slighted by the person whose counsels had never led her right  
Rousing from reflection therefore and subduing her emotion
she turned to Harriet again and in a more inviting accent renewed
the conversation for as to the subject which had first introduced it
the wonderful story of Jane Fairfax that was quite sunk and lost  
Neither of them thought but of Mr Knightley and themselves

Harriet who had been standing in no unhappy reverie was yet very glad
to be called from it by the now encouraging manner of such a judge
and such a friend as Miss Woodhouse and only wanted invitation
to give the history of her hopes with great though trembling
delight  Emma's tremblings as she asked and as she listened
were better concealed than Harriet's but they were not less 
Her voice was not unsteady but her mind was in all the perturbation
that such a development of self such a burst of threatening evil
such a confusion of sudden and perplexing emotions must create  
She listened with much inward suffering but with great outward
patience to Harriet's detail  Methodical or well arranged
or very well delivered it could not be expected to be
but it contained when separated from all the feebleness and
tautology of the narration a substance to sink her spirit  
especially with the corroborating circumstances which her own memory
brought in favour of Mr Knightley's most improved opinion of Harriet

Harriet had been conscious of a difference in his behaviour ever since
those two decisive dances  Emma knew that he had on that occasion
found her much superior to his expectation  From that evening
or at least from the time of Miss Woodhouse's encouraging her
to think of him Harriet had begun to be sensible of his talking
to her much more than he had been used to do and of his having
indeed quite a different manner towards her a manner of kindness
and sweetness  Latterly she had been more and more aware of it 
When they had been all walking together he had so often come and walked
by her and talked so very delightfully  He seemed to want to be
acquainted with her  Emma knew it to have been very much the case 
She had often observed the change to almost the same extent  
Harriet repeated expressions of approbation and praise from him  
and Emma felt them to be in the closest agreement with what she had
known of his opinion of Harriet  He praised her for being without
art or affectation for having simple honest generous feelings  
She knew that he saw such recommendations in Harriet he had dwelt
on them to her more than once  Much that lived in Harriet's memory
many little particulars of the notice she had received from him a look
a speech a removal from one chair to another a compliment implied
a preference inferred had been unnoticed because unsuspected
by Emma  Circumstances that might swell to half an hour's relation
and contained multiplied proofs to her who had seen them had passed
undiscerned by her who now heard them but the two latest occurrences
to be mentioned the two of strongest promise to Harriet were not
without some degree of witness from Emma herself  The first
was his walking with her apart from the others in the lime walk
at Donwell where they had been walking some time before Emma came
and he had taken pains as she was convinced to draw her from
the rest to himself  and at first he had talked to her in a more
particular way than he had ever done before in a very particular
way indeed  Harriet could not recall it without a blush He seemed
to be almost asking her whether her affections were engaged  
But as soon as she Miss Woodhouse appeared likely to join them
he changed the subject and began talking about farming  
The second was his having sat talking with her nearly half an hour
before Emma came back from her visit the very last morning of his
being at Hartfield  though when he first came in he had said
that he could not stay five minutes  and his having told her
during their conversation that though he must go to London
it was very much against his inclination that he left home at all
which was much more as Emma felt than he had acknowledged to her 
The superior degree of confidence towards Harriet which this one
article marked gave her severe pain

On the subject of the first of the two circumstances she did
after a little reflection venture the following question 
Might he not  Is not it possible that when enquiring as you thought
into the state of your affections he might be alluding to Mr Martin  
he might have Mr Martin's interest in view  But Harriet rejected
the suspicion with spirit

Mr Martin  No indeed  There was not a hint of Mr Martin 
I hope I know better now than to care for Mr Martin or to be
suspected of it

When Harriet had closed her evidence she appealed to her dear
Miss Woodhouse to say whether she had not good ground for hope

I never should have presumed to think of it at first said she
but for you  You told me to observe him carefully and let
his behaviour be the rule of mine  and so I have  But now I seem
to feel that I may deserve him and that if he does chuse me
it will not be any thing so very wonderful

The bitter feelings occasioned by this speech the many bitter
feelings made the utmost exertion necessary on Emma's side
to enable her to say on reply

Harriet I will only venture to declare that Mr Knightley is
the last man in the world who would intentionally give any woman
the idea of his feeling for her more than he really does

Harriet seemed ready to worship her friend for a sentence so satisfactory
and Emma was only saved from raptures and fondness which at
that moment would have been dreadful penance by the sound of her
father's footsteps  He was coming through the hall  Harriet was
too much agitated to encounter him  She could not compose herself  
Mr Woodhouse would be alarmed  she had better go  with most ready
encouragement from her friend therefore she passed off through
another door  and the moment she was gone this was the spontaneous
burst of Emma's feelings  Oh God that I had never seen her

The rest of the day the following night were hardly enough
for her thoughts  She was bewildered amidst the confusion
of all that had rushed on her within the last few hours 
Every moment had brought a fresh surprize and every surprize
must be matter of humiliation to her  How to understand it all 
How to understand the deceptions she had been thus practising
on herself and living under  The blunders the blindness of her
own head and heart  she sat still she walked about she tried her
own room she tried the shrubbery  in every place every posture
she perceived that she had acted most weakly that she had been imposed
on by others in a most mortifying degree that she had been imposing
on herself in a degree yet more mortifying that she was wretched
and should probably find this day but the beginning of wretchedness

To understand thoroughly understand her own heart was the
first endeavour  To that point went every leisure moment which her
father's claims on her allowed and every moment of involuntary
absence of mind

How long had Mr Knightley been so dear to her as every feeling
declared him now to be  When had his influence such influence begun  
When had he succeeded to that place in her affection which Frank
Churchill had once for a short period occupied  She looked back
she compared the two  compared them as they had always stood in
her estimation from the time of the latter's becoming known to her  
and as they must at any time have been compared by her had it  
oh had it by any blessed felicity occurred to her to institute
the comparison  She saw that there never had been a time when she
did not consider Mr Knightley as infinitely the superior or when
his regard for her had not been infinitely the most dear  She saw
that in persuading herself in fancying in acting to the contrary
she had been entirely under a delusion totally ignorant of her
own heart  and in short that she had never really cared for Frank
Churchill at all

This was the conclusion of the first series of reflection 
This was the knowledge of herself on the first question of inquiry
which she reached and without being long in reaching it  
She was most sorrowfully indignant ashamed of every sensation
but the one revealed to her  her affection for Mr Knightley  
Every other part of her mind was disgusting

With insufferable vanity had she believed herself in the secret of every
body's feelings with unpardonable arrogance proposed to arrange every
body's destiny  She was proved to have been universally mistaken
and she had not quite done nothing  for she had done mischief 
She had brought evil on Harriet on herself and she too much feared
on Mr Knightley  Were this most unequal of all connexions to
take place on her must rest all the reproach of having given it
a beginning for his attachment she must believe to be produced only
by a consciousness of Harriet's  and even were this not the case
he would never have known Harriet at all but for her folly

Mr Knightley and Harriet Smith  It was a union to distance every
wonder of the kind  The attachment of Frank Churchill and Jane
Fairfax became commonplace threadbare stale in the comparison
exciting no surprize presenting no disparity affording nothing
to be said or thought  Mr Knightley and Harriet Smith  Such an
elevation on her side  Such a debasement on his  It was horrible
to Emma to think how it must sink him in the general opinion
to foresee the smiles the sneers the merriment it would prompt at
his expense the mortification and disdain of his brother the thousand
inconveniences to himself  Could it be  No it was impossible 
And yet it was far very far from impossible  Was it a new
circumstance for a man of first rate abilities to be captivated by
very inferior powers  Was it new for one perhaps too busy to seek
to be the prize of a girl who would seek him  Was it new for any
thing in this world to be unequal inconsistent incongruous  or for
chance and circumstance as second causes to direct the human fate

Oh had she never brought Harriet forward  Had she left her where
she ought and where he had told her she ought  Had she not
with a folly which no tongue could express prevented her marrying
the unexceptionable young man who would have made her happy
and respectable in the line of life to which she ought to belong  
all would have been safe none of this dreadful sequel would have been

How Harriet could ever have had the presumption to raise
her thoughts to Mr Knightley  How she could dare to fancy
herself the chosen of such a man till actually assured of it  
But Harriet was less humble had fewer scruples than formerly  
Her inferiority whether of mind or situation seemed little felt  
She had seemed more sensible of Mr Elton's being to stoop
in marrying her than she now seemed of Mr Knightley's  
Alas was not that her own doing too  Who had been at pains to give
Harriet notions of self consequence but herself  Who but herself
had taught her that she was to elevate herself if possible
and that her claims were great to a high worldly establishment  
If Harriet from being humble were grown vain it was her doing too



CHAPTER XII


Till now that she was threatened with its loss Emma had never known
how much of her happiness depended on being first with Mr Knightley
first in interest and affection  Satisfied that it was so
and feeling it her due she had enjoyed it without reflection
and only in the dread of being supplanted found how inexpressibly
important it had been  Long very long she felt she had been first
for having no female connexions of his own there had been
only Isabella whose claims could be compared with hers and she
had always known exactly how far he loved and esteemed Isabella 
She had herself been first with him for many years past 
She had not deserved it she had often been negligent or perverse
slighting his advice or even wilfully opposing him insensible of
half his merits and quarrelling with him because he would not
acknowledge her false and insolent estimate of her own  but still
from family attachment and habit and thorough excellence of mind
he had loved her and watched over her from a girl with an endeavour
to improve her and an anxiety for her doing right which no
other creature had at all shared  In spite of all her faults
she knew she was dear to him might she not say very dear  
When the suggestions of hope however which must follow here
presented themselves she could not presume to indulge them 
Harriet Smith might think herself not unworthy of being peculiarly
exclusively passionately loved by Mr Knightley  She could not 
She could not flatter herself with any idea of blindness in his attachment
to her  She had received a very recent proof of its impartiality  
How shocked had he been by her behaviour to Miss Bates  How directly
how strongly had he expressed himself to her on the subject  Not too
strongly for the offence  but far far too strongly to issue from
any feeling softer than upright justice and clear sighted goodwill  
She had no hope nothing to deserve the name of hope that he could
have that sort of affection for herself which was now in question
but there was a hope at times a slight one at times much stronger
that Harriet might have deceived herself and be overrating his
regard for her  Wish it she must for his sake  be the consequence
nothing to herself but his remaining single all his life 
Could she be secure of that indeed of his never marrying at all
she believed she should be perfectly satisfied  Let him but continue
the same Mr Knightley to her and her father the same Mr Knightley
to all the world let Donwell and Hartfield lose none of their
precious intercourse of friendship and confidence and her peace
would be fully secured  Marriage in fact would not do for her 
It would be incompatible with what she owed to her father and with
what she felt for him  Nothing should separate her from her father 
She would not marry even if she were asked by Mr Knightley

It must be her ardent wish that Harriet might be disappointed
and she hoped that when able to see them together again she might at
least be able to ascertain what the chances for it were  She should
see them henceforward with the closest observance and wretchedly
as she had hitherto misunderstood even those she was watching
she did not know how to admit that she could be blinded here  
He was expected back every day  The power of observation would be
soon given  frightfully soon it appeared when her thoughts were in
one course  In the meanwhile she resolved against seeing Harriet  
It would do neither of them good it would do the subject no good
to be talking of it farther  She was resolved not to be convinced
as long as she could doubt and yet had no authority for opposing
Harriet's confidence  To talk would be only to irritate  She wrote
to her therefore kindly but decisively to beg that she would not
at present come to Hartfield acknowledging it to be her conviction
that all farther confidential discussion of one topic had better
be avoided and hoping that if a few days were allowed to pass before
they met again except in the company of others  she objected only
to a tete a tete  they might be able to act as if they had forgotten
the conversation of yesterday  Harriet submitted and approved
and was grateful

This point was just arranged when a visitor arrived to tear Emma's
thoughts a little from the one subject which had engrossed them
sleeping or waking the last twenty four hours  Mrs Weston who had
been calling on her daughter in law elect and took Hartfield in her
way home almost as much in duty to Emma as in pleasure to herself
to relate all the particulars of so interesting an interview

Mr Weston had accompanied her to Mrs Bates's and gone through his
share of this essential attention most handsomely but she having
then induced Miss Fairfax to join her in an airing was now returned
with much more to say and much more to say with satisfaction
than a quarter of an hour spent in Mrs Bates's parlour with all
the encumbrance of awkward feelings could have afforded

A little curiosity Emma had and she made the most of it while
her friend related  Mrs Weston had set off to pay the visit
in a good deal of agitation herself and in the first place had
wished not to go at all at present to be allowed merely to write
to Miss Fairfax instead and to defer this ceremonious call till
a little time had passed and Mr Churchill could be reconciled
to the engagement's becoming known as considering every thing
she thought such a visit could not be paid without leading to reports  
but Mr Weston had thought differently he was extremely anxious
to shew his approbation to Miss Fairfax and her family and did not
conceive that any suspicion could be excited by it or if it were
that it would be of any consequence for such things he observed
always got about  Emma smiled and felt that Mr Weston had
very good reason for saying so  They had gone in short  and very
great had been the evident distress and confusion of the lady 
She had hardly been able to speak a word and every look and action
had shewn how deeply she was suffering from consciousness  The quiet
heart felt satisfaction of the old lady and the rapturous delight
of her daughter  who proved even too joyous to talk as usual
had been a gratifying yet almost an affecting scene  They were
both so truly respectable in their happiness so disinterested
in every sensation thought so much of Jane so much of every body
and so little of themselves that every kindly feeling was at work
for them  Miss Fairfax's recent illness had offered a fair plea
for Mrs Weston to invite her to an airing she had drawn back and
declined at first but on being pressed had yielded and in the
course of their drive Mrs Weston had by gentle encouragement
overcome so much of her embarrassment as to bring her to converse
on the important subject  Apologies for her seemingly ungracious
silence in their first reception and the warmest expressions of the
gratitude she was always feeling towards herself and Mr Weston
must necessarily open the cause but when these effusions were put by
they had talked a good deal of the present and of the future state
of the engagement  Mrs Weston was convinced that such conversation
must be the greatest relief to her companion pent up within her own
mind as every thing had so long been and was very much pleased
with all that she had said on the subject

On the misery of what she had suffered during the concealment
of so many months continued Mrs Weston she was energetic 
This was one of her expressions  I will not say that since I
entered into the engagement I have not had some happy moments but I
can say that I have never known the blessing of one tranquil hour  
and the quivering lip Emma which uttered it was an attestation
that I felt at my heart

Poor girl said Emma  She thinks herself wrong then for having
consented to a private engagement

Wrong  No one I believe can blame her more than she is disposed
to blame herself  The consequence said she has been a state
of perpetual suffering to me and so it ought  But after all the
punishment that misconduct can bring it is still not less misconduct 
Pain is no expiation  I never can be blameless  I have been acting
contrary to all my sense of right and the fortunate turn that every
thing has taken and the kindness I am now receiving is what my
conscience tells me ought not to be  Do not imagine madam
she continued that I was taught wrong  Do not let any reflection
fall on the principles or the care of the friends who brought
me up  The error has been all my own and I do assure you that
with all the excuse that present circumstances may appear to give
I shall yet dread making the story known to Colonel Campbell

Poor girl said Emma again  She loves him then excessively
I suppose  It must have been from attachment only that she could
be led to form the engagement  Her affection must have overpowered
her judgment

Yes I have no doubt of her being extremely attached to him

I am afraid returned Emma sighing that I must often have
contributed to make her unhappy

On your side my love it was very innocently done  But she
probably had something of that in her thoughts when alluding
to the misunderstandings which he had given us hints of before 
One natural consequence of the evil she had involved herself in
she said was that of making her unreasonable  The consciousness
of having done amiss had exposed her to a thousand inquietudes
and made her captious and irritable to a degree that must have been  
that had been  hard for him to bear  I did not make the allowances
said she which I ought to have done for his temper and spirits  
his delightful spirits and that gaiety that playfulness
of disposition which under any other circumstances would I am sure
have been as constantly bewitching to me as they were at first 
She then began to speak of you and of the great kindness you
had shewn her during her illness and with a blush which shewed me
how it was all connected desired me whenever I had an opportunity
to thank you  I could not thank you too much  for every wish and
every endeavour to do her good  She was sensible that you had never
received any proper acknowledgment from herself

If I did not know her to be happy now said Emma seriously
which in spite of every little drawback from her scrupulous
conscience she must be I could not bear these thanks  for oh 
Mrs Weston if there were an account drawn up of the evil
and the good I have done Miss Fairfax  Well checking herself
and trying to be more lively this is all to be forgotten 
You are very kind to bring me these interesting particulars 
They shew her to the greatest advantage  I am sure she is very good  
I hope she will be very happy  It is fit that the fortune
should be on his side for I think the merit will be all on hers

Such a conclusion could not pass unanswered by Mrs Weston 
She thought well of Frank in almost every respect and what was more
she loved him very much and her defence was therefore earnest 
She talked with a great deal of reason and at least equal affection  
but she had too much to urge for Emma's attention it was soon gone
to Brunswick Square or to Donwell she forgot to attempt to listen
and when Mrs Weston ended with We have not yet had the letter
we are so anxious for you know but I hope it will soon come
she was obliged to pause before she answered and at last obliged
to answer at random before she could at all recollect what letter it
was which they were so anxious for

Are you well my Emma was Mrs Weston's parting question

Oh perfectly  I am always well you know  Be sure to give me
intelligence of the letter as soon as possible

Mrs Weston's communications furnished Emma with more food for
unpleasant reflection by increasing her esteem and compassion
and her sense of past injustice towards Miss Fairfax  She bitterly
regretted not having sought a closer acquaintance with her and blushed
for the envious feelings which had certainly been in some measure
the cause  Had she followed Mr Knightley's known wishes in paying
that attention to Miss Fairfax which was every way her due had she
tried to know her better had she done her part towards intimacy
had she endeavoured to find a friend there instead of in Harriet Smith
she must in all probability have been spared from every pain
which pressed on her now  Birth abilities and education
had been equally marking one as an associate for her to be received
with gratitude and the other  what was she  Supposing even that
they had never become intimate friends that she had never been
admitted into Miss Fairfax's confidence on this important matter  
which was most probable  still in knowing her as she ought
and as she might she must have been preserved from the abominable
suspicions of an improper attachment to Mr Dixon which she had
not only so foolishly fashioned and harboured herself but had so
unpardonably imparted an idea which she greatly feared had been made
a subject of material distress to the delicacy of Jane's feelings
by the levity or carelessness of Frank Churchill's  Of all the sources
of evil surrounding the former since her coming to Highbury
she was persuaded that she must herself have been the worst 
She must have been a perpetual enemy  They never could have been
all three together without her having stabbed Jane Fairfax's peace
in a thousand instances and on Box Hill perhaps it had been
the agony of a mind that would bear no more

The evening of this day was very long and melancholy at Hartfield 
The weather added what it could of gloom  A cold stormy rain set in
and nothing of July appeared but in the trees and shrubs which the
wind was despoiling and the length of the day which only made
such cruel sights the longer visible

The weather affected Mr Woodhouse and he could only be kept tolerably
comfortable by almost ceaseless attention on his daughter's side
and by exertions which had never cost her half so much before 
It reminded her of their first forlorn tete a tete on the evening
of Mrs Weston's wedding day but Mr Knightley had walked
in then soon after tea and dissipated every melancholy fancy 
Alas such delightful proofs of Hartfield's attraction as those
sort of visits conveyed might shortly be over  The picture which
she had then drawn of the privations of the approaching winter
had proved erroneous no friends had deserted them no pleasures
had been lost  But her present forebodings she feared would
experience no similar contradiction  The prospect before her now
was threatening to a degree that could not be entirely dispelled  
that might not be even partially brightened  If all took place
that might take place among the circle of her friends Hartfield must
be comparatively deserted and she left to cheer her father with the
spirits only of ruined happiness

The child to be born at Randalls must be a tie there even dearer
than herself and Mrs Weston's heart and time would be occupied
by it  They should lose her and probably in great measure
her husband also  Frank Churchill would return among them no more
and Miss Fairfax it was reasonable to suppose would soon cease
to belong to Highbury  They would be married and settled either
at or near Enscombe  All that were good would be withdrawn and if
to these losses the loss of Donwell were to be added what would
remain of cheerful or of rational society within their reach 
Mr Knightley to be no longer coming there for his evening comfort  
No longer walking in at all hours as if ever willing to change
his own home for their's  How was it to be endured  And if he were
to be lost to them for Harriet's sake if he were to be thought
of hereafter as finding in Harriet's society all that he wanted
if Harriet were to be the chosen the first the dearest the friend
the wife to whom he looked for all the best blessings of existence
what could be increasing Emma's wretchedness but the reflection never far
distant from her mind that it had been all her own work

When it came to such a pitch as this she was not able to refrain
from a start or a heavy sigh or even from walking about the room
for a few seconds  and the only source whence any thing like consolation
or composure could be drawn was in the resolution of her own
better conduct and the hope that however inferior in spirit and
gaiety might be the following and every future winter of her life
to the past it would yet find her more rational more acquainted
with herself and leave her less to regret when it were gone



CHAPTER XIII


The weather continued much the same all the following morning
and the same loneliness and the same melancholy seemed to
reign at Hartfield  but in the afternoon it cleared the wind
changed into a softer quarter the clouds were carried off
the sun appeared it was summer again  With all the eagerness
which such a transition gives Emma resolved to be out of doors
as soon as possible  Never had the exquisite sight smell
sensation of nature tranquil warm and brilliant after a storm
been more attractive to her  She longed for the serenity they might
gradually introduce and on Mr Perry's coming in soon after dinner
with a disengaged hour to give her father she lost no time ill
hurrying into the shrubbery  There with spirits freshened
and thoughts a little relieved she had taken a few turns when she
saw Mr Knightley passing through the garden door and coming
towards her  It was the first intimation of his being returned
from London  She had been thinking of him the moment before
as unquestionably sixteen miles distant  There was time only for
the quickest arrangement of mind  She must be collected and calm 
In half a minute they were together  The How d'ye do's were quiet
and constrained on each side  She asked after their mutual friends
they were all well  When had he left them  Only that morning 
He must have had a wet ride  Yes  He meant to walk with her
she found  He had just looked into the dining room and as he
was not wanted there preferred being out of doors  She thought
he neither looked nor spoke cheerfully and the first possible
cause for it suggested by her fears was that he had perhaps been
communicating his plans to his brother and was pained by the manner
in which they had been received

They walked together  He was silent  She thought he was often
looking at her and trying for a fuller view of her face than it
suited her to give  And this belief produced another dread 
Perhaps he wanted to speak to her of his attachment to Harriet
he might be watching for encouragement to begin  She did not
could not feel equal to lead the way to any such subject 
He must do it all himself  Yet she could not bear this silence 
With him it was most unnatural  She considered  resolved  and trying
to smile began  

You have some news to hear now you are come back that will rather
surprize you

Have I said he quietly and looking at her of what nature

Oh the best nature in the world  a wedding

After waiting a moment as if to be sure she intended to say no more
he replied

If you mean Miss Fairfax and Frank Churchill I have heard
that already

How is it possible cried Emma turning her glowing cheeks
towards him for while she spoke it occurred to her that he
might have called at Mrs Goddard's in his way

I had a few lines on parish business from Mr Weston this morning
and at the end of them he gave me a brief account of what had happened

Emma was quite relieved and could presently say with a little
more composure

You probably have been less surprized than any of us for you have
had your suspicions  I have not forgotten that you once tried to give
me a caution  I wish I had attended to it  but  with a sinking
voice and a heavy sigh I seem to have been doomed to blindness

For a moment or two nothing was said and she was unsuspicious
of having excited any particular interest till she found her arm
drawn within his and pressed against his heart and heard him
thus saying in a tone of great sensibility speaking low

Time my dearest Emma time will heal the wound  Your own
excellent sense  your exertions for your father's sake  I know
you will not allow yourself    Her arm was pressed again
as he added in a more broken and subdued accent The feelings
of the warmest friendship  Indignation  Abominable scoundrel  
And in a louder steadier tone he concluded with He will soon
be gone  They will soon be in Yorkshire  I am sorry for her 
She deserves a better fate

Emma understood him and as soon as she could recover from the
flutter of pleasure excited by such tender consideration replied

You are very kind  but you are mistaken  and I must set you right  
I am not in want of that sort of compassion  My blindness to what
was going on led me to act by them in a way that I must always
be ashamed of and I was very foolishly tempted to say and do many
things which may well lay me open to unpleasant conjectures but I
have no other reason to regret that I was not in the secret earlier

Emma cried he looking eagerly at her are you indeed  
but checking himself  No no I understand you  forgive me  I am
pleased that you can say even so much  He is no object of regret
indeed and it will not be very long I hope before that becomes
the acknowledgment of more than your reason  Fortunate that your
affections were not farther entangled  I could never I confess
from your manners assure myself as to the degree of what you felt  
I could only be certain that there was a preference  and a preference
which I never believed him to deserve  He is a disgrace to the name
of man  And is he to be rewarded with that sweet young woman  
Jane Jane you will be a miserable creature

Mr Knightley said Emma trying to be lively but really confused  
I am in a very extraordinary situation  I cannot let you continue in
your error and yet perhaps since my manners gave such an impression
I have as much reason to be ashamed of confessing that I never have
been at all attached to the person we are speaking of as it might
be natural for a woman to feel in confessing exactly the reverse  
But I never have

He listened in perfect silence  She wished him to speak but he
would not  She supposed she must say more before she were entitled
to his clemency but it was a hard case to be obliged still to lower
herself in his opinion  She went on however

I have very little to say for my own conduct  I was tempted
by his attentions and allowed myself to appear pleased  
An old story probably  a common case  and no more than has happened
to hundreds of my sex before and yet it may not be the more excusable
in one who sets up as I do for Understanding  Many circumstances
assisted the temptation  He was the son of Mr Weston  he was
continually here  I always found him very pleasant  and in short
for with a sigh let me swell out the causes ever so ingeniously
they all centre in this at last  my vanity was flattered and I
allowed his attentions  Latterly however  for some time indeed  
I have had no idea of their meaning any thing  I thought them
a habit a trick nothing that called for seriousness on my side 
He has imposed on me but he has not injured me  I have never been
attached to him  And now I can tolerably comprehend his behaviour 
He never wished to attach me  It was merely a blind to conceal
his real situation with another  It was his object to blind
all about him and no one I am sure could be more effectually
blinded than myself  except that I was not blinded  that it was my
good fortune  that in short I was somehow or other safe from him

She had hoped for an answer here  for a few words to say that her
conduct was at least intelligible but he was silent and as far
as she could judge deep in thought  At last and tolerably
in his usual tone he said

I have never had a high opinion of Frank Churchill  I can suppose
however that I may have underrated him  My acquaintance with
him has been but trifling  And even if I have not underrated
him hitherto he may yet turn out well  With such a woman he has
a chance  I have no motive for wishing him ill  and for her sake
whose happiness will be involved in his good character and conduct
I shall certainly wish him well

I have no doubt of their being happy together said Emma
I believe them to be very mutually and very sincerely attached

He is a most fortunate man returned Mr Knightley with energy 
So early in life  at three and twenty  a period when if a man
chuses a wife he generally chuses ill  At three and twenty
to have drawn such a prize  What years of felicity that man
in all human calculation has before him  Assured of the love of
such a woman  the disinterested love for Jane Fairfax's character
vouches for her disinterestedness every thing in his favour  
equality of situation  I mean as far as regards society and all the
habits and manners that are important equality in every point but one  
and that one since the purity of her heart is not to be doubted
such as must increase his felicity for it will be his to bestow the
only advantages she wants  A man would always wish to give a woman
a better home than the one he takes her from and he who can do it
where there is no doubt of her regard must I think be the happiest
of mortals  Frank Churchill is indeed the favourite of fortune 
Every thing turns out for his good  He meets with a young woman
at a watering place gains her affection cannot even weary her
by negligent treatment  and had he and all his family sought round
the world for a perfect wife for him they could not have found
her superior  His aunt is in the way  His aunt dies  He has
only to speak  His friends are eager to promote his happiness  
He had used every body ill  and they are all delighted to forgive him  
He is a fortunate man indeed

You speak as if you envied him

And I do envy him Emma  In one respect he is the object of my envy

Emma could say no more  They seemed to be within half a sentence
of Harriet and her immediate feeling was to avert the subject
if possible  She made her plan she would speak of something
totally different  the children in Brunswick Square and she
only waited for breath to begin when Mr Knightley startled her
by saying

You will not ask me what is the point of envy  You are determined
I see to have no curiosity  You are wise  but I cannot be wise 
Emma I must tell you what you will not ask though I may wish it
unsaid the next moment

Oh then don't speak it don't speak it she eagerly cried 
Take a little time consider do not commit yourself

Thank you said he in an accent of deep mortification and not
another syllable followed

Emma could not bear to give him pain  He was wishing to confide in her  
perhaps to consult her  cost her what it would she would listen 
She might assist his resolution or reconcile him to it
she might give just praise to Harriet or by representing to him
his own independence relieve him from that state of indecision
which must be more intolerable than any alternative to such a mind
as his  They had reached the house

You are going in I suppose said he

No  replied Emma  quite confirmed by the depressed manner
in which he still spoke  I should like to take another turn 
Mr Perry is not gone  And after proceeding a few steps she added  
I stopped you ungraciously just now Mr Knightley and I am afraid
gave you pain  But if you have any wish to speak openly to me
as a friend or to ask my opinion of any thing that you may have
in contemplation  as a friend indeed you may command me  I will
hear whatever you like  I will tell you exactly what I think

As a friend  repeated Mr Knightley  Emma that I fear is
a word  No I have no wish  Stay yes why should I hesitate  
I have gone too far already for concealment  Emma I accept your offer  
Extraordinary as it may seem I accept it and refer myself to you
as a friend  Tell me then have I no chance of ever succeeding

He stopped in his earnestness to look the question and the expression
of his eyes overpowered her

My dearest Emma said he for dearest you will always be
whatever the event of this hour's conversation my dearest
most beloved Emma  tell me at once  Say No if it is to be said  
She could really say nothing  You are silent he cried
with great animation absolutely silent at present I ask no more

Emma was almost ready to sink under the agitation of this moment 
The dread of being awakened from the happiest dream was perhaps
the most prominent feeling

I cannot make speeches Emma  he soon resumed and in a tone
of such sincere decided intelligible tenderness as was
tolerably convincing  If I loved you less I might be able
to talk about it more  But you know what I am  You hear nothing
but truth from me  I have blamed you and lectured you and you
have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it  
Bear with the truths I would tell you now dearest Emma as well as
you have borne with them  The manner perhaps may have as little
to recommend them  God knows I have been a very indifferent lover  
But you understand me  Yes you see you understand my feelings  
and will return them if you can  At present I ask only to hear
once to hear your voice

While he spoke Emma's mind was most busy and with all the wonderful
velocity of thought had been able  and yet without losing a word  
to catch and comprehend the exact truth of the whole to see that
Harriet's hopes had been entirely groundless a mistake a delusion
as complete a delusion as any of her own  that Harriet was nothing
that she was every thing herself that what she had been saying
relative to Harriet had been all taken as the language of her
own feelings and that her agitation her doubts her reluctance
her discouragement had been all received as discouragement
from herself  And not only was there time for these convictions
with all their glow of attendant happiness there was time also to
rejoice that Harriet's secret had not escaped her and to resolve
that it need not and should not  It was all the service she could
now render her poor friend for as to any of that heroism of sentiment
which might have prompted her to entreat him to transfer his affection
from herself to Harriet as infinitely the most worthy of the two  
or even the more simple sublimity of resolving to refuse him
at once and for ever without vouchsafing any motive because he
could not marry them both Emma had it not  She felt for Harriet
with pain and with contrition but no flight of generosity run mad
opposing all that could be probable or reasonable entered her brain 
She had led her friend astray and it would be a reproach to
her for ever but her judgment was as strong as her feelings
and as strong as it had ever been before in reprobating any such
alliance for him as most unequal and degrading  Her way was clear
though not quite smooth  She spoke then on being so entreated  
What did she say  Just what she ought of course  A lady always does  
She said enough to shew there need not be despair  and to invite him
to say more himself  He had despaired at one period he had received
such an injunction to caution and silence as for the time crushed
every hope  she had begun by refusing to hear him  The change had
perhaps been somewhat sudden  her proposal of taking another turn
her renewing the conversation which she had just put an end to
might be a little extraordinary  She felt its inconsistency
but Mr Knightley was so obliging as to put up with it and seek no
farther explanation

Seldom very seldom does complete truth belong to any human disclosure
seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised
or a little mistaken but where as in this case though the conduct
is mistaken the feelings are not it may not be very material  
Mr Knightley could not impute to Emma a more relenting heart than
she possessed or a heart more disposed to accept of his

He had in fact been wholly unsuspicious of his own influence 
He had followed her into the shrubbery with no idea of trying it 
He had come in his anxiety to see how she bore Frank Churchill's
engagement with no selfish view no view at all but of endeavouring
if she allowed him an opening to soothe or to counsel her  The rest
had been the work of the moment the immediate effect of what he heard
on his feelings  The delightful assurance of her total indifference
towards Frank Churchill of her having a heart completely disengaged
from him had given birth to the hope that in time he might gain
her affection himself  but it had been no present hope  he had only
in the momentary conquest of eagerness over judgment aspired to be
told that she did not forbid his attempt to attach her  The superior
hopes which gradually opened were so much the more enchanting  
The affection which he had been asking to be allowed to create
if he could was already his  Within half an hour he had passed
from a thoroughly distressed state of mind to something so like
perfect happiness that it could bear no other name

Her change was equal  This one half hour had given to each the
same precious certainty of being beloved had cleared from each
the same degree of ignorance jealousy or distrust  On his side
there had been a long standing jealousy old as the arrival
or even the expectation of Frank Churchill  He had been in love
with Emma and jealous of Frank Churchill from about the same period
one sentiment having probably enlightened him as to the other 
It was his jealousy of Frank Churchill that had taken him from
the country  The Box Hill party had decided him on going away 
He would save himself from witnessing again such permitted
encouraged attentions  He had gone to learn to be indifferent  
But he had gone to a wrong place  There was too much domestic
happiness in his brother's house woman wore too amiable a form in it
Isabella was too much like Emma  differing only in those striking
inferiorities which always brought the other in brilliancy before him
for much to have been done even had his time been longer  He had
stayed on however vigorously day after day  till this very morning's
post had conveyed the history of Jane Fairfax  Then with the
gladness which must be felt nay which he did not scruple to feel
having never believed Frank Churchill to be at all deserving Emma
was there so much fond solicitude so much keen anxiety for her
that he could stay no longer  He had ridden home through the rain
and had walked up directly after dinner to see how this sweetest
and best of all creatures faultless in spite of all her faults
bore the discovery

He had found her agitated and low  Frank Churchill was a villain  
He heard her declare that she had never loved him  Frank Churchill's
character was not desperate  She was his own Emma by hand and word
when they returned into the house and if he could have thought
of Frank Churchill then he might have deemed him a very good sort
of fellow



CHAPTER XIV


What totally different feelings did Emma take back into the house
from what she had brought out  she had then been only daring to hope
for a little respite of suffering  she was now in an exquisite
flutter of happiness and such happiness moreover as she believed
must still be greater when the flutter should have passed away

They sat down to tea  the same party round the same table  
how often it had been collected  and how often had her eyes fallen
on the same shrubs in the lawn and observed the same beautiful
effect of the western sun  But never in such a state of spirits
never in any thing like it and it was with difficulty that she could
summon enough of her usual self to be the attentive lady of the house
or even the attentive daughter

Poor Mr Woodhouse little suspected what was plotting against him
in the breast of that man whom he was so cordially welcoming and so
anxiously hoping might not have taken cold from his ride  Could he
have seen the heart he would have cared very little for the lungs
but without the most distant imagination of the impending evil
without the slightest perception of any thing extraordinary in
the looks or ways of either he repeated to them very comfortably
all the articles of news he had received from Mr Perry and talked
on with much self contentment totally unsuspicious of what they
could have told him in return

As long as Mr Knightley remained with them Emma's fever continued
but when he was gone she began to be a little tranquillised
and subdued  and in the course of the sleepless night which was
the tax for such an evening she found one or two such very serious
points to consider as made her feel that even her happiness
must have some alloy  Her father  and Harriet  She could not be
alone without feeling the full weight of their separate claims
and how to guard the comfort of both to the utmost was the question 
With respect to her father it was a question soon answered 
She hardly knew yet what Mr Knightley would ask but a very short
parley with her own heart produced the most solemn resolution
of never quitting her father  She even wept over the idea of it
as a sin of thought  While he lived it must be only an engagement
but she flattered herself that if divested of the danger of
drawing her away it might become an increase of comfort to him  
How to do her best by Harriet was of more difficult decision  
how to spare her from any unnecessary pain how to make
her any possible atonement how to appear least her enemy  
On these subjects her perplexity and distress were very great  
and her mind had to pass again and again through every bitter
reproach and sorrowful regret that had ever surrounded it  
She could only resolve at last that she would still avoid a
meeting with her and communicate all that need be told by letter
that it would be inexpressibly desirable to have her removed just
now for a time from Highbury and  indulging in one scheme more  
nearly resolve that it might be practicable to get an invitation
for her to Brunswick Square  Isabella had been pleased with Harriet
and a few weeks spent in London must give her some amusement  
She did not think it in Harriet's nature to escape being benefited
by novelty and variety by the streets the shops and the children  
At any rate it would be a proof of attention and kindness in herself
from whom every thing was due a separation for the present an averting
of the evil day when they must all be together again

She rose early and wrote her letter to Harriet an employment
which left her so very serious so nearly sad that Mr Knightley
in walking up to Hartfield to breakfast did not arrive at all too soon
and half an hour stolen afterwards to go over the same ground again
with him literally and figuratively was quite necessary to reinstate
her in a proper share of the happiness of the evening before

He had not left her long by no means long enough for her to have
the slightest inclination for thinking of any body else when a letter
was brought her from Randalls  a very thick letter  she guessed
what it must contain and deprecated the necessity of reading it  
She was now in perfect charity with Frank Churchill she wanted
no explanations she wanted only to have her thoughts to herself  
and as for understanding any thing he wrote she was sure she was
incapable of it  It must be waded through however  She opened
the packet it was too surely so  a note from Mrs Weston to herself
ushered in the letter from Frank to Mrs Weston

I have the greatest pleasure my dear Emma in forwarding
to you the enclosed  I know what thorough justice you will
do it and have scarcely a doubt of its happy effect  I think
we shall never materially disagree about the writer again
but I will not delay you by a long preface  We are quite well  
This letter has been the cure of all the little nervousness I have
been feeling lately  I did not quite like your looks on Tuesday
but it was an ungenial morning and though you will never own being
affected by weather I think every body feels a north east wind  
I felt for your dear father very much in the storm of Tuesday
afternoon and yesterday morning but had the comfort of hearing
last night by Mr Perry that it had not made him ill
                              Yours ever
                                                       A W

                       [To Mrs Weston]
                                                       WINDSOR JULY
MY DEAR MADAM

If I made myself intelligible yesterday this letter will be expected
but expected or not I know it will be read with candour and indulgence  
You are all goodness and I believe there will be need of even
all your goodness to allow for some parts of my past conduct  
But I have been forgiven by one who had still more to resent 
My courage rises while I write  It is very difficult for the
prosperous to be humble  I have already met with such success
in two applications for pardon that I may be in danger of thinking
myself too sure of yours and of those among your friends who have
had any ground of offence  You must all endeavour to comprehend
the exact nature of my situation when I first arrived at Randalls
you must consider me as having a secret which was to be kept
at all hazards  This was the fact  My right to place myself
in a situation requiring such concealment is another question 
I shall not discuss it here  For my temptation to think it a right
I refer every caviller to a brick house sashed windows below
and casements above in Highbury  I dared not address her openly
my difficulties in the then state of Enscombe must be too well
known to require definition and I was fortunate enough to prevail
before we parted at Weymouth and to induce the most upright female
mind in the creation to stoop in charity to a secret engagement  
Had she refused I should have gone mad  But you will be ready to say
what was your hope in doing this  What did you look forward to  
To any thing every thing  to time chance circumstance slow effects
sudden bursts perseverance and weariness health and sickness 
Every possibility of good was before me and the first of blessings
secured in obtaining her promises of faith and correspondence 
If you need farther explanation I have the honour my dear madam
of being your husband's son and the advantage of inheriting
a disposition to hope for good which no inheritance of houses
or lands can ever equal the value of  See me then under these
circumstances arriving on my first visit to Randalls  and here I
am conscious of wrong for that visit might have been sooner paid 
You will look back and see that I did not come till Miss Fairfax
was in Highbury and as you were the person slighted you will
forgive me instantly but I must work on my father's compassion
by reminding him that so long as I absented myself from his house
so long I lost the blessing of knowing you  My behaviour
during the very happy fortnight which I spent with you did not
I hope lay me open to reprehension excepting on one point 
And now I come to the principal the only important part of my
conduct while belonging to you which excites my own anxiety
or requires very solicitous explanation  With the greatest respect
and the warmest friendship do I mention Miss Woodhouse my father
perhaps will think I ought to add with the deepest humiliation  
A few words which dropped from him yesterday spoke his opinion
and some censure I acknowledge myself liable to  My behaviour
to Miss Woodhouse indicated I believe more than it ought  
In order to assist a concealment so essential to me I was led
on to make more than an allowable use of the sort of intimacy
into which we were immediately thrown  I cannot deny that Miss
Woodhouse was my ostensible object  but I am sure you will believe
the declaration that had I not been convinced of her indifference
I would not have been induced by any selfish views to go on  
Amiable and delightful as Miss Woodhouse is she never gave me
the idea of a young woman likely to be attached and that she was
perfectly free from any tendency to being attached to me was as much
my conviction as my wish  She received my attentions with an easy
friendly goodhumoured playfulness which exactly suited me 
We seemed to understand each other  From our relative situation
those attentions were her due and were felt to be so  Whether Miss
Woodhouse began really to understand me before the expiration of
that fortnight I cannot say  when I called to take leave of her
I remember that I was within a moment of confessing the truth
and I then fancied she was not without suspicion but I have no
doubt of her having since detected me at least in some degree  
She may not have surmised the whole but her quickness must
have penetrated a part  I cannot doubt it  You will find
whenever the subject becomes freed from its present restraints
that it did not take her wholly by surprize  She frequently gave
me hints of it  I remember her telling me at the ball that I
owed Mrs Elton gratitude for her attentions to Miss Fairfax  
I hope this history of my conduct towards her will be admitted
by you and my father as great extenuation of what you saw amiss 
While you considered me as having sinned against Emma Woodhouse
I could deserve nothing from either  Acquit me here and procure
for me when it is allowable the acquittal and good wishes of that
said Emma Woodhouse whom I regard with so much brotherly affection
as to long to have her as deeply and as happily in love as myself  
Whatever strange things I said or did during that fortnight you have
now a key to  My heart was in Highbury and my business was to get
my body thither as often as might be and with the least suspicion 
If you remember any queernesses set them all to the right account  
Of the pianoforte so much talked of I feel it only necessary to say
that its being ordered was absolutely unknown to Miss F   who would
never have allowed me to send it had any choice been given her  
The delicacy of her mind throughout the whole engagement
my dear madam is much beyond my power of doing justice to 
You will soon I earnestly hope know her thoroughly yourself  
No description can describe her  She must tell you herself what she is  
yet not by word for never was there a human creature who would
so designedly suppress her own merit  Since I began this letter
which will be longer than I foresaw I have heard from her  
She gives a good account of her own health but as she never complains
I dare not depend  I want to have your opinion of her looks 
I know you will soon call on her she is living in dread of the visit 
Perhaps it is paid already  Let me hear from you without delay
I am impatient for a thousand particulars  Remember how few
minutes I was at Randalls and in how bewildered how mad a state 
and I am not much better yet still insane either from happiness
or misery  When I think of the kindness and favour I have met with
of her excellence and patience and my uncle's generosity I am mad
with joy  but when I recollect all the uneasiness I occasioned her
and how little I deserve to be forgiven I am mad with anger 
If I could but see her again  But I must not propose it yet 
My uncle has been too good for me to encroach  I must still add
to this long letter  You have not heard all that you ought to hear 
I could not give any connected detail yesterday but the suddenness
and in one light the unseasonableness with which the affair burst out
needs explanation for though the event of the 26th ult as you
will conclude immediately opened to me the happiest prospects
I should not have presumed on such early measures but from the
very particular circumstances which left me not an hour to lose 
I should myself have shrunk from any thing so hasty and she would have
felt every scruple of mine with multiplied strength and refinement  
But I had no choice  The hasty engagement she had entered into with
that woman  Here my dear madam I was obliged to leave off abruptly
to recollect and compose myself  I have been walking over the country
and am now I hope rational enough to make the rest of my letter
what it ought to be  It is in fact a most mortifying retrospect
for me  I behaved shamefully  And here I can admit that my manners
to Miss W in being unpleasant to Miss F were highly blameable 
She disapproved them which ought to have been enough  My plea of
concealing the truth she did not think sufficient  She was displeased
I thought unreasonably so  I thought her on a thousand occasions
unnecessarily scrupulous and cautious  I thought her even cold 
But she was always right  If I had followed her judgment and subdued
my spirits to the level of what she deemed proper I should have
escaped the greatest unhappiness I have ever known  We quarrelled  
Do you remember the morning spent at Donwell  There every little
dissatisfaction that had occurred before came to a crisis  I was late
I met her walking home by herself and wanted to walk with her
but she would not suffer it  She absolutely refused to allow me
which I then thought most unreasonable  Now however I see nothing
in it but a very natural and consistent degree of discretion 
While I to blind the world to our engagement was behaving one
hour with objectionable particularity to another woman was she
to be consenting the next to a proposal which might have made
every previous caution useless  Had we been met walking together
between Donwell and Highbury the truth must have been suspected  
I was mad enough however to resent  I doubted her affection 
I doubted it more the next day on Box Hill when provoked by
such conduct on my side such shameful insolent neglect of her
and such apparent devotion to Miss W as it would have been
impossible for any woman of sense to endure she spoke her
resentment in a form of words perfectly intelligible to me  
In short my dear madam it was a quarrel blameless on her side
abominable on mine and I returned the same evening to Richmond
though I might have staid with you till the next morning
merely because I would be as angry with her as possible  Even then
I was not such a fool as not to mean to be reconciled in time
but I was the injured person injured by her coldness and I went
away determined that she should make the first advances  I shall
always congratulate myself that you were not of the Box Hill party 
Had you witnessed my behaviour there I can hardly suppose you would
ever have thought well of me again  Its effect upon her appears
in the immediate resolution it produced  as soon as she found I
was really gone from Randalls she closed with the offer of that
officious Mrs Elton the whole system of whose treatment of her
by the bye has ever filled me with indignation and hatred 
I must not quarrel with a spirit of forbearance which has been
so richly extended towards myself but otherwise I should loudly
protest against the share of it which that woman has known  
Jane indeed  You will observe that I have not yet indulged myself
in calling her by that name even to you  Think then what I must
have endured in hearing it bandied between the Eltons with all
the vulgarity of needless repetition and all the insolence of
imaginary superiority  Have patience with me I shall soon have done  
She closed with this offer resolving to break with me entirely
and wrote the next day to tell me that we never were to meet again  
She felt the engagement to be a source of repentance and misery
to each  she dissolved it  This letter reached me on the very
morning of my poor aunt's death  I answered it within an hour
but from the confusion of my mind and the multiplicity of business
falling on me at once my answer instead of being sent with all
the many other letters of that day was locked up in my writing desk
and I trusting that I had written enough though but a few lines
to satisfy her remained without any uneasiness  I was rather
disappointed that I did not hear from her again speedily
but I made excuses for her and was too busy and  may I add  
too cheerful in my views to be captious  We removed to Windsor
and two days afterwards I received a parcel from her my own letters
all returned  and a few lines at the same time by the post
stating her extreme surprize at not having had the smallest reply
to her last and adding that as silence on such a point could
not be misconstrued and as it must be equally desirable to both
to have every subordinate arrangement concluded as soon as possible
she now sent me by a safe conveyance all my letters and requested
that if I could not directly command hers so as to send them
to Highbury within a week I would forward them after that period
to her at    in short the full direction to Mr Smallridge's
near Bristol stared me in the face  I knew the name the place
I knew all about it and instantly saw what she had been doing 
It was perfectly accordant with that resolution of character
which I knew her to possess and the secrecy she had maintained
as to any such design in her former letter was equally descriptive
of its anxious delicacy  For the world would not she have seemed
to threaten me  Imagine the shock imagine how till I had actually
detected my own blunder I raved at the blunders of the post  
What was to be done  One thing only  I must speak to my uncle 
Without his sanction I could not hope to be listened to again  
I spoke circumstances were in my favour the late event had softened
away his pride and he was earlier than I could have anticipated
wholly reconciled and complying and could say at last poor man
with a deep sigh that he wished I might find as much happiness
in the marriage state as he had done  I felt that it would be
of a different sort  Are you disposed to pity me for what I must
have suffered in opening the cause to him for my suspense while
all was at stake  No do not pity me till I reached Highbury
and saw how ill I had made her  Do not pity me till I saw her wan
sick looks  I reached Highbury at the time of day when from my
knowledge of their late breakfast hour I was certain of a good chance
of finding her alone  I was not disappointed and at last I was
not disappointed either in the object of my journey  A great deal
of very reasonable very just displeasure I had to persuade away 
But it is done we are reconciled dearer much dearer than ever
and no moment's uneasiness can ever occur between us again  Now my
dear madam I will release you but I could not conclude before 
A thousand and a thousand thanks for all the kindness you have
ever shewn me and ten thousand for the attentions your heart
will dictate towards her  If you think me in a way to be happier
than I deserve I am quite of your opinion  Miss W calls me
the child of good fortune  I hope she is right  In one respect
my good fortune is undoubted that of being able to subscribe
myself
                    Your obliged and affectionate Son
                                          F C WESTON CHURCHILL



CHAPTER XV


This letter must make its way to Emma's feelings  She was obliged
in spite of her previous determination to the contrary to do
it all the justice that Mrs Weston foretold  As soon as she
came to her own name it was irresistible every line relating
to herself was interesting and almost every line agreeable
and when this charm ceased the subject could still maintain itself
by the natural return of her former regard for the writer and the
very strong attraction which any picture of love must have for her at
that moment  She never stopt till she had gone through the whole
and though it was impossible not to feel that he had been wrong
yet he had been less wrong than she had supposed  and he had suffered
and was very sorry  and he was so grateful to Mrs Weston
and so much in love with Miss Fairfax and she was so happy herself
that there was no being severe and could he have entered the room
she must have shaken hands with him as heartily as ever

She thought so well of the letter that when Mr Knightley came again
she desired him to read it  She was sure of Mrs Weston's wishing
it to be communicated especially to one who like Mr Knightley
had seen so much to blame in his conduct

I shall be very glad to look it over said he but it seems long 
I will take it home with me at night

But that would not do  Mr Weston was to call in the evening
and she must return it by him

I would rather be talking to you he replied but as it seems
a matter of justice it shall be done

He began  stopping however almost directly to say Had I been offered
the sight of one of this gentleman's letters to his mother in law a few
months ago Emma it would not have been taken with such indifference

He proceeded a little farther reading to himself and then
with a smile observed Humph a fine complimentary opening 
But it is his way  One man's style must not be the rule of another's
We will not be severe

It will be natural for me he added shortly afterwards to speak my
opinion aloud as I read  By doing it I shall feel that I am near you 
It will not be so great a loss of time  but if you dislike it  

Not at all  I should wish it

Mr Knightley returned to his reading with greater alacrity

He trifles here said he as to the temptation  He knows
he is wrong and has nothing rational to urge  Bad  He ought
not to have formed the engagement  His father's disposition  
he is unjust however to his father  Mr Weston's sanguine
temper was a blessing on all his upright and honourable exertions
but Mr Weston earned every present comfort before he endeavoured
to gain it  Very true he did not come till Miss Fairfax was here

And I have not forgotten said Emma how sure you were that he
might have come sooner if he would  You pass it over very handsomely  
but you were perfectly right

I was not quite impartial in my judgment Emma  but yet I think  
had you not been in the case  I should still have distrusted him

When he came to Miss Woodhouse he was obliged to read the whole
of it aloud  all that related to her with a smile a look
a shake of the head a word or two of assent or disapprobation
or merely of love as the subject required concluding however
seriously and after steady reflection thus  

Very bad  though it might have been worse  Playing a most
dangerous game  Too much indebted to the event for his acquittal  
No judge of his own manners by you  Always deceived in fact by his
own wishes and regardless of little besides his own convenience  
Fancying you to have fathomed his secret  Natural enough  
his own mind full of intrigue that he should suspect it
in others  Mystery Finesse  how they pervert the understanding 
My Emma does not every thing serve to prove more and more the
beauty of truth and sincerity in all our dealings with each other

Emma agreed to it and with a blush of sensibility on Harriet's account
which she could not give any sincere explanation of

You had better go on said she

He did so but very soon stopt again to say the pianoforte 
Ah  That was the act of a very very young man one too young
to consider whether the inconvenience of it might not very much
exceed the pleasure  A boyish scheme indeed  I cannot
comprehend a man's wishing to give a woman any proof of affection
which he knows she would rather dispense with and he did
know that she would have prevented the instrument's coming if she could

After this he made some progress without any pause 
Frank Churchill's confession of having behaved shamefully
was the first thing to call for more than a word in passing

I perfectly agree with you sir  was then his remark 
You did behave very shamefully  You never wrote a truer line 
And having gone through what immediately followed of the basis
of their disagreement and his persisting to act in direct
opposition to Jane Fairfax's sense of right he made a fuller pause
to say This is very bad  He had induced her to place herself
for his sake in a situation of extreme difficulty and uneasiness
and it should have been his first object to prevent her from
suffering unnecessarily  She must have had much more to contend with
in carrying on the correspondence than he could  He should have
respected even unreasonable scruples had there been such but hers
were all reasonable  We must look to her one fault and remember
that she had done a wrong thing in consenting to the engagement
to bear that she should have been in such a state of punishment

Emma knew that he was now getting to the Box Hill party
and grew uncomfortable  Her own behaviour had been so very improper 
She was deeply ashamed and a little afraid of his next look 
It was all read however steadily attentively and without
the smallest remark and excepting one momentary glance at her
instantly withdrawn in the fear of giving pain  no remembrance
of Box Hill seemed to exist

There is no saying much for the delicacy of our good friends
the Eltons was his next observation  His feelings are natural  
What actually resolve to break with him entirely  She felt
the engagement to be a source of repentance and misery to each  
she dissolved it  What a view this gives of her sense of
his behaviour  Well he must be a most extraordinary  

Nay nay read on  You will find how very much he suffers

I hope he does replied Mr Knightley coolly and resuming the letter 
Smallridge  What does this mean  What is all this

She had engaged to go as governess to Mrs Smallridge's children  
a dear friend of Mrs Elton's  a neighbour of Maple Grove and
by the bye I wonder how Mrs Elton bears the disappointment

Say nothing my dear Emma while you oblige me to read  not even
of Mrs Elton  Only one page more  I shall soon have done 
What a letter the man writes

I wish you would read it with a kinder spirit towards him

Well there is feeling here  He does seem to have suffered in finding
her ill  Certainly I can have no doubt of his being fond of her 
Dearer much dearer than ever  I hope he may long continue to feel
all the value of such a reconciliation  He is a very liberal thanker
with his thousands and tens of thousands  Happier than I deserve 
Come he knows himself there  Miss Woodhouse calls me the child
of good fortune  Those were Miss Woodhouse's words were they  
And a fine ending  and there is the letter  The child of good fortune 
That was your name for him was it

You do not appear so well satisfied with his letter as I am
but still you must at least I hope you must think the better
of him for it  I hope it does him some service with you

Yes certainly it does  He has had great faults faults of
inconsideration and thoughtlessness and I am very much of his
opinion in thinking him likely to be happier than he deserves 
but still as he is beyond a doubt really attached to Miss Fairfax
and will soon it may be hoped have the advantage of being constantly
with her I am very ready to believe his character will improve
and acquire from hers the steadiness and delicacy of principle
that it wants  And now let me talk to you of something else 
I have another person's interest at present so much at heart
that I cannot think any longer about Frank Churchill  Ever since I
left you this morning Emma my mind has been hard at work on
one subject

The subject followed it was in plain unaffected gentlemanlike English
such as Mr Knightley used even to the woman he was in love with
how to be able to ask her to marry him without attacking the
happiness of her father  Emma's answer was ready at the first word 
While her dear father lived any change of condition must be impossible
for her  She could never quit him  Part only of this answer
however was admitted  The impossibility of her quitting her father
Mr Knightley felt as strongly as herself but the inadmissibility
of any other change he could not agree to  He had been thinking
it over most deeply most intently he had at first hoped to induce
Mr Woodhouse to remove with her to Donwell he had wanted to believe
it feasible but his knowledge of Mr Woodhouse would not suffer
him to deceive himself long and now he confessed his persuasion
that such a transplantation would be a risk of her father's comfort
perhaps even of his life which must not be hazarded  Mr Woodhouse
taken from Hartfield  No he felt that it ought not to be attempted 
But the plan which had arisen on the sacrifice of this he trusted
his dearest Emma would not find in any respect objectionable
it was that he should be received at Hartfield that so long as
her father's happiness in other words his life  required Hartfield
to continue her home it should be his likewise

Of their all removing to Donwell Emma had already had her own
passing thoughts  Like him she had tried the scheme and rejected it
but such an alternative as this had not occurred to her 
She was sensible of all the affection it evinced  She felt that
in quitting Donwell he must be sacrificing a great deal of independence
of hours and habits that in living constantly with her father
and in no house of his own there would be much very much
to be borne with  She promised to think of it and advised him
to think of it more but he was fully convinced that no reflection
could alter his wishes or his opinion on the subject  He had
given it he could assure her very long and calm consideration
he had been walking away from William Larkins the whole morning
to have his thoughts to himself

Ah there is one difficulty unprovided for cried Emma  I am
sure William Larkins will not like it  You must get his consent
before you ask mine

She promised however to think of it and pretty nearly promised moreover
to think of it with the intention of finding it a very good scheme

It is remarkable that Emma in the many very many points of view
in which she was now beginning to consider Donwell Abbey was never
struck with any sense of injury to her nephew Henry whose rights
as heir expectant had formerly been so tenaciously regarded 
Think she must of the possible difference to the poor little boy
and yet she only gave herself a saucy conscious smile about it
and found amusement in detecting the real cause of that violent
dislike of Mr Knightley's marrying Jane Fairfax or any body else
which at the time she had wholly imputed to the amiable solicitude of
the sister and the aunt

This proposal of his this plan of marrying and continuing at Hartfield  
the more she contemplated it the more pleasing it became 
His evils seemed to lessen her own advantages to increase
their mutual good to outweigh every drawback  Such a companion
for herself in the periods of anxiety and cheerlessness before her  
Such a partner in all those duties and cares to which time must be
giving increase of melancholy

She would have been too happy but for poor Harriet but every
blessing of her own seemed to involve and advance the sufferings
of her friend who must now be even excluded from Hartfield 
The delightful family party which Emma was securing for herself
poor Harriet must in mere charitable caution be kept at a
distance from  She would be a loser in every way  Emma could not
deplore her future absence as any deduction from her own enjoyment 
In such a party Harriet would be rather a dead weight than otherwise
but for the poor girl herself it seemed a peculiarly cruel necessity
that was to be placing her in such a state of unmerited punishment

In time of course Mr Knightley would be forgotten that is
supplanted but this could not be expected to happen very early 
Mr Knightley himself would be doing nothing to assist the cure  
not like Mr Elton  Mr Knightley always so kind so feeling
so truly considerate for every body would never deserve to be
less worshipped than now and it really was too much to hope even
of Harriet that she could be in love with more than three men
in one year



CHAPTER XVI


It was a very great relief to Emma to find Harriet as desirous
as herself to avoid a meeting  Their intercourse was painful
enough by letter  How much worse had they been obliged to meet

Harriet expressed herself very much as might be supposed
without reproaches or apparent sense of ill usage and yet Emma fancied
there was a something of resentment a something bordering on it in
her style which increased the desirableness of their being separate  
It might be only her own consciousness but it seemed as if an
angel only could have been quite without resentment under such a stroke

She had no difficulty in procuring Isabella's invitation
and she was fortunate in having a sufficient reason for asking it
without resorting to invention  There was a tooth amiss 
Harriet really wished and had wished some time to consult a dentist 
Mrs John Knightley was delighted to be of use any thing of ill
health was a recommendation to her  and though not so fond of a
dentist as of a Mr Wingfield she was quite eager to have Harriet
under her care  When it was thus settled on her sister's side
Emma proposed it to her friend and found her very persuadable  
Harriet was to go she was invited for at least a fortnight she was
to be conveyed in Mr Woodhouse's carriage  It was all arranged
it was all completed and Harriet was safe in Brunswick Square

Now Emma could indeed enjoy Mr Knightley's visits now she
could talk and she could listen with true happiness unchecked by
that sense of injustice of guilt of something most painful
which had haunted her when remembering how disappointed a heart was
near her how much might at that moment and at a little distance
be enduring by the feelings which she had led astray herself

The difference of Harriet at Mrs Goddard's or in London made perhaps
an unreasonable difference in Emma's sensations but she could not
think of her in London without objects of curiosity and employment
which must be averting the past and carrying her out of herself

She would not allow any other anxiety to succeed directly to the place
in her mind which Harriet had occupied  There was a communication
before her one which she only could be competent to make  
the confession of her engagement to her father but she would
have nothing to do with it at present  She had resolved to defer
the disclosure till Mrs Weston were safe and well  No additional
agitation should be thrown at this period among those she loved  
and the evil should not act on herself by anticipation before the
appointed time  A fortnight at least of leisure and peace of mind
to crown every warmer but more agitating delight should be hers

She soon resolved equally as a duty and a pleasure to employ half
an hour of this holiday of spirits in calling on Miss Fairfax  
She ought to go  and she was longing to see her the resemblance of
their present situations increasing every other motive of goodwill 
It would be a secret satisfaction but the consciousness of a
similarity of prospect would certainly add to the interest with
which she should attend to any thing Jane might communicate

She went  she had driven once unsuccessfully to the door but had
not been into the house since the morning after Box Hill when poor
Jane had been in such distress as had filled her with compassion
though all the worst of her sufferings had been unsuspected  
The fear of being still unwelcome determined her though assured
of their being at home to wait in the passage and send up her name  
She heard Patty announcing it but no such bustle succeeded as poor
Miss Bates had before made so happily intelligible  No she heard
nothing but the instant reply of Beg her to walk up  and a moment
afterwards she was met on the stairs by Jane herself coming eagerly
forward as if no other reception of her were felt sufficient  
Emma had never seen her look so well so lovely so engaging 
There was consciousness animation and warmth there was every
thing which her countenance or manner could ever have wanted  
She came forward with an offered hand and said in a low but very
feeling tone

This is most kind indeed  Miss Woodhouse it is impossible
for me to express  I hope you will believe  Excuse me for being
so entirely without words

Emma was gratified and would soon have shewn no want of words
if the sound of Mrs Elton's voice from the sitting room had not
checked her and made it expedient to compress all her friendly
and all her congratulatory sensations into a very very earnest
shake of the hand

Mrs Bates and Mrs Elton were together  Miss Bates was out
which accounted for the previous tranquillity  Emma could have
wished Mrs Elton elsewhere but she was in a humour to have patience
with every body and as Mrs Elton met her with unusual graciousness
she hoped the rencontre would do them no harm

She soon believed herself to penetrate Mrs Elton's thoughts
and understand why she was like herself in happy spirits
it was being in Miss Fairfax's confidence and fancying herself
acquainted with what was still a secret to other people 
Emma saw symptoms of it immediately in the expression of her face
and while paying her own compliments to Mrs Bates and appearing
to attend to the good old lady's replies she saw her with a sort
of anxious parade of mystery fold up a letter which she had apparently
been reading aloud to Miss Fairfax and return it into the purple
and gold reticule by her side saying with significant nods

We can finish this some other time you know  You and I shall
not want opportunities  And in fact you have heard all the
essential already  I only wanted to prove to you that Mrs S admits
our apology and is not offended  You see how delightfully
she writes  Oh she is a sweet creature  You would have doated
on her had you gone  But not a word more  Let us be discreet  
quite on our good behaviour  Hush  You remember those lines  
I forget the poem at this moment

        For when a lady's in the case
        You know all other things give place

Now I say my dear in our case for lady read    mum a word
to the wise  I am in a fine flow of spirits an't I  But I want
to set your heart at ease as to Mrs S  My representation you see
has quite appeased her

And again on Emma's merely turning her head to look
at Mrs Bates's knitting she added in a half whisper

I mentioned no names you will observe  Oh no cautious as
a minister of state  I managed it extremely well

Emma could not doubt  It was a palpable display repeated on every
possible occasion  When they had all talked a little while in harmony
of the weather and Mrs Weston she found herself abruptly addressed with

Do not you think Miss Woodhouse our saucy little friend here is
charmingly recovered  Do not you think her cure does Perry the
highest credit  here was a side glance of great meaning at Jane
Upon my word Perry has restored her in a wonderful short time  
Oh if you had seen her as I did when she was at the worst  
And when Mrs Bates was saying something to Emma whispered farther
We do not say a word of any assistance that Perry might have
not a word of a certain young physician from Windsor  Oh no
Perry shall have all the credit

I have scarce had the pleasure of seeing you Miss Woodhouse
she shortly afterwards began since the party to Box Hill 
Very pleasant party  But yet I think there was something wanting 
Things did not seem  that is there seemed a little cloud upon
the spirits of some  So it appeared to me at least but I might
be mistaken  However I think it answered so far as to tempt one
to go again  What say you both to our collecting the same party
and exploring to Box Hill again while the fine weather lasts  
It must be the same party you know quite the same party
not one exception

Soon after this Miss Bates came in and Emma could not help being diverted
by the perplexity of her first answer to herself resulting she supposed
from doubt of what might be said and impatience to say every thing

Thank you dear Miss Woodhouse you are all kindness  It is impossible
to say  Yes indeed I quite understand  dearest Jane's prospects  
that is I do not mean  But she is charmingly recovered  
How is Mr Woodhouse  I am so glad  Quite out of my power  
Such a happy little circle as you find us here  Yes indeed  
Charming young man  that is  so very friendly I mean good Mr Perry  
such attention to Jane  And from her great her more than commonly
thankful delight towards Mrs Elton for being there Emma guessed
that there had been a little show of resentment towards Jane
from the vicarage quarter which was now graciously overcome  
After a few whispers indeed which placed it beyond a guess
Mrs Elton speaking louder said

Yes here I am my good friend and here I have been so long
that anywhere else I should think it necessary to apologise
but the truth is that I am waiting for my lord and master 
He promised to join me here and pay his respects to you

What are we to have the pleasure of a call from Mr Elton  
That will be a favour indeed for I know gentlemen do not like
morning visits and Mr Elton's time is so engaged

Upon my word it is Miss Bates  He really is engaged from morning
to night  There is no end of people's coming to him on some pretence
or other  The magistrates and overseers and churchwardens
are always wanting his opinion  They seem not able to do any thing
without him  Upon my word Mr E I often say rather you than I  
I do not know what would become of my crayons and my instrument
if I had half so many applicants  Bad enough as it is for I
absolutely neglect them both to an unpardonable degree  I believe
I have not played a bar this fortnight  However he is coming
I assure you  yes indeed on purpose to wait on you all  And putting
up her hand to screen her words from Emma  A congratulatory visit
you know  Oh yes quite indispensable

Miss Bates looked about her so happily  

He promised to come to me as soon as he could disengage himself
from Knightley but he and Knightley are shut up together
in deep consultation  Mr E is Knightley's right hand

Emma would not have smiled for the world and only said Is Mr Elton
gone on foot to Donwell  He will have a hot walk

Oh no it is a meeting at the Crown a regular meeting 
Weston and Cole will be there too but one is apt to speak only
of those who lead  I fancy Mr E and Knightley have every thing
their own way

Have not you mistaken the day said Emma  I am almost certain
that the meeting at the Crown is not till to morrow  Mr Knightley
was at Hartfield yesterday and spoke of it as for Saturday

Oh no the meeting is certainly to day was the abrupt answer
which denoted the impossibility of any blunder on Mrs Elton's side  
I do believe she continued this is the most troublesome parish
that ever was  We never heard of such things at Maple Grove

Your parish there was small said Jane

Upon my word my dear I do not know for I never heard the subject
talked of

But it is proved by the smallness of the school which I have heard
you speak of as under the patronage of your sister and Mrs Bragge
the only school and not more than five and twenty children

Ah you clever creature that's very true  What a thinking brain
you have  I say Jane what a perfect character you and I should make
if we could be shaken together  My liveliness and your solidity
would produce perfection  Not that I presume to insinuate however
that some people may not think you perfection already  But hush  
not a word if you please

It seemed an unnecessary caution Jane was wanting to give her words
not to Mrs Elton but to Miss Woodhouse as the latter plainly saw 
The wish of distinguishing her as far as civility permitted
was very evident though it could not often proceed beyond a look

Mr Elton made his appearance  His lady greeted him with some
of her sparkling vivacity

Very pretty sir upon my word to send me on here to be an
encumbrance to my friends so long before you vouchsafe to come  
But you knew what a dutiful creature you had to deal with 
You knew I should not stir till my lord and master appeared  
Here have I been sitting this hour giving these young ladies
a sample of true conjugal obedience  for who can say you know
how soon it may be wanted

Mr Elton was so hot and tired that all this wit seemed thrown away 
His civilities to the other ladies must be paid but his subsequent
object was to lament over himself for the heat he was suffering
and the walk he had had for nothing

When I got to Donwell said he Knightley could not be found 
Very odd very unaccountable after the note I sent him this morning
and the message he returned that he should certainly be at home
till one

Donwell cried his wife  My dear Mr E you have not been
to Donwell  You mean the Crown you come from the meeting at the Crown

No no that's to morrow and I particularly wanted to see Knightley
to day on that very account  Such a dreadful broiling morning  
I went over the fields too  speaking in a tone of great ill usage
which made it so much the worse  And then not to find him at home 
I assure you I am not at all pleased  And no apology left no message
for me  The housekeeper declared she knew nothing of my being expected  
Very extraordinary  And nobody knew at all which way he was gone 
Perhaps to Hartfield perhaps to the Abbey Mill perhaps into his woods  
Miss Woodhouse this is not like our friend Knightley  Can you
explain it

Emma amused herself by protesting that it was very extraordinary
indeed and that she had not a syllable to say for him

I cannot imagine said Mrs Elton feeling the indignity as a wife
ought to do I cannot imagine how he could do such a thing by you
of all people in the world  The very last person whom one should expect
to be forgotten  My dear Mr E he must have left a message for you
I am sure he must  Not even Knightley could be so very eccentric  
and his servants forgot it  Depend upon it that was the case 
and very likely to happen with the Donwell servants who are all
I have often observed extremely awkward and remiss  I am sure I
would not have such a creature as his Harry stand at our sideboard
for any consideration  And as for Mrs Hodges Wright holds
her very cheap indeed  She promised Wright a receipt and never
sent it

I met William Larkins continued Mr Elton as I got near
the house and he told me I should not find his master at home
but I did not believe him  William seemed rather out of humour 
He did not know what was come to his master lately he said but he
could hardly ever get the speech of him  I have nothing to do with
William's wants but it really is of very great importance that I
should see Knightley to day and it becomes a matter therefore
of very serious inconvenience that I should have had this hot walk
to no purpose

Emma felt that she could not do better than go home directly 
In all probability she was at this very time waited for there
and Mr Knightley might be preserved from sinking deeper in aggression
towards Mr Elton if not towards William Larkins

She was pleased on taking leave to find Miss Fairfax determined
to attend her out of the room to go with her even downstairs
it gave her an opportunity which she immediately made use of
to say

It is as well perhaps that I have not had the possibility 
Had you not been surrounded by other friends I might have been
tempted to introduce a subject to ask questions to speak more
openly than might have been strictly correct  I feel that I should
certainly have been impertinent

Oh cried Jane with a blush and an hesitation which Emma thought
infinitely more becoming to her than all the elegance of all her
usual composure  there would have been no danger  The danger
would have been of my wearying you  You could not have gratified
me more than by expressing an interest    Indeed Miss Woodhouse
speaking more collectedly with the consciousness which I
have of misconduct very great misconduct it is particularly
consoling to me to know that those of my friends whose good
opinion is most worth preserving are not disgusted to such a
degree as to  I have not time for half that I could wish to say 
I long to make apologies excuses to urge something for myself 
I feel it so very due  But unfortunately  in short if your
compassion does not stand my friend  

Oh you are too scrupulous indeed you are cried Emma warmly
and taking her hand  You owe me no apologies and every body to
whom you might be supposed to owe them is so perfectly satisfied
so delighted even  

You are very kind but I know what my manners were to you  
So cold and artificial  I had always a part to act  It was a life
of deceit  I know that I must have disgusted you

Pray say no more  I feel that all the apologies should be on my side 
Let us forgive each other at once  We must do whatever is to be
done quickest and I think our feelings will lose no time there 
I hope you have pleasant accounts from Windsor

Very

And the next news I suppose will be that we are to lose you  
just as I begin to know you

Oh as to all that of course nothing can be thought of yet 
I am here till claimed by Colonel and Mrs Campbell

Nothing can be actually settled yet perhaps replied Emma
smiling  but excuse me it must be thought of

The smile was returned as Jane answered

You are very right it has been thought of  And I will own
to you I am sure it will be safe that so far as our living
with Mr Churchill at Enscombe it is settled  There must be
three months at least of deep mourning but when they are over
I imagine there will be nothing more to wait for

Thank you thank you  This is just what I wanted to be assured of  
Oh if you knew how much I love every thing that is decided and open  
Good bye good bye



CHAPTER XVII


Mrs Weston's friends were all made happy by her safety
and if the satisfaction of her well doing could be increased
to Emma it was by knowing her to be the mother of a little girl 
She had been decided in wishing for a Miss Weston  She would
not acknowledge that it was with any view of making a match
for her hereafter with either of Isabella's sons but she was
convinced that a daughter would suit both father and mother best 
It would be a great comfort to Mr Weston as he grew older  
and even Mr Weston might be growing older ten years hence  to have
his fireside enlivened by the sports and the nonsense the freaks
and the fancies of a child never banished from home and Mrs Weston  
no one could doubt that a daughter would be most to her and it
would be quite a pity that any one who so well knew how to teach
should not have their powers in exercise again

She has had the advantage you know of practising on me
she continued  like La Baronne d'Almane on La Comtesse d'Ostalis
in Madame de Genlis Adelaide and Theodore and we shall now see
her own little Adelaide educated on a more perfect plan

That is replied Mr Knightley she will indulge her even more
than she did you and believe that she does not indulge her at all 
It will be the only difference

Poor child cried Emma at that rate what will become of her

Nothing very bad  The fate of thousands  She will be disagreeable
in infancy and correct herself as she grows older  I am losing
all my bitterness against spoilt children my dearest Emma 
I who am owing all my happiness to you would not it be horrible
ingratitude in me to be severe on them

Emma laughed and replied  But I had the assistance of all
your endeavours to counteract the indulgence of other people 
I doubt whether my own sense would have corrected me without it

Do you  I have no doubt  Nature gave you understanding  
Miss Taylor gave you principles  You must have done well 
My interference was quite as likely to do harm as good  It was
very natural for you to say what right has he to lecture me  
and I am afraid very natural for you to feel that it was done
in a disagreeable manner  I do not believe I did you any good 
The good was all to myself by making you an object of the tenderest
affection to me  I could not think about you so much without doating
on you faults and all and by dint of fancying so many errors
have been in love with you ever since you were thirteen at least

I am sure you were of use to me cried Emma  I was very often
influenced rightly by you  oftener than I would own at the time 
I am very sure you did me good  And if poor little Anna Weston is
to be spoiled it will be the greatest humanity in you to do as much
for her as you have done for me except falling in love with her
when she is thirteen

How often when you were a girl have you said to me with one
of your saucy looks  Mr Knightley I am going to do so and so
papa says I may or I have Miss Taylor's leave  something which
you knew I did not approve  In such cases my interference was giving
you two bad feelings instead of one

What an amiable creature I was  No wonder you should hold
my speeches in such affectionate remembrance

Mr Knightley  You always called me Mr Knightley and
from habit it has not so very formal a sound  And yet it is formal 
I want you to call me something else but I do not know what

I remember once calling you George in one of my amiable fits
about ten years ago  I did it because I thought it would offend you
but as you made no objection I never did it again

And cannot you call me George now

Impossible  I never can call you any thing but Mr Knightley 
I will not promise even to equal the elegant terseness of Mrs Elton
by calling you Mr K  But I will promise she added presently
laughing and blushing  I will promise to call you once by your
Christian name  I do not say when but perhaps you may guess
where  in the building in which N takes M for better for worse

Emma grieved that she could not be more openly just to one
important service which his better sense would have rendered her
to the advice which would have saved her from the worst of all
her womanly follies  her wilful intimacy with Harriet Smith
but it was too tender a subject  She could not enter on it  
Harriet was very seldom mentioned between them  This on his side
might merely proceed from her not being thought of but Emma
was rather inclined to attribute it to delicacy and a suspicion
from some appearances that their friendship were declining 
She was aware herself that parting under any other circumstances
they certainly should have corresponded more and that her
intelligence would not have rested as it now almost wholly did
on Isabella's letters  He might observe that it was so  The pain
of being obliged to practise concealment towards him was very little
inferior to the pain of having made Harriet unhappy

Isabella sent quite as good an account of her visitor as could
be expected on her first arrival she had thought her out of spirits
which appeared perfectly natural as there was a dentist to
be consulted but since that business had been over she did not
appear to find Harriet different from what she had known her before  
Isabella to be sure was no very quick observer yet if Harriet
had not been equal to playing with the children it would not have
escaped her  Emma's comforts and hopes were most agreeably carried on
by Harriet's being to stay longer her fortnight was likely to be
a month at least  Mr and Mrs John Knightley were to come down
in August and she was invited to remain till they could bring her back

John does not even mention your friend said Mr Knightley 
Here is his answer if you like to see it

It was the answer to the communication of his intended marriage 
Emma accepted it with a very eager hand with an impatience all alive
to know what he would say about it and not at all checked by hearing
that her friend was unmentioned

John enters like a brother into my happiness continued Mr Knightley
but he is no complimenter and though I well know him to have
likewise a most brotherly affection for you he is so far from
making flourishes that any other young woman might think him rather
cool in her praise  But I am not afraid of your seeing what he writes

He writes like a sensible man replied Emma when she had read
the letter  I honour his sincerity  It is very plain that he
considers the good fortune of the engagement as all on my side
but that he is not without hope of my growing in time as worthy
of your affection as you think me already  Had he said any thing
to bear a different construction I should not have believed him

My Emma he means no such thing  He only means  

He and I should differ very little in our estimation of the two
interrupted she with a sort of serious smile  much less perhaps
than he is aware of if we could enter without ceremony or reserve
on the subject

Emma my dear Emma  

Oh she cried with more thorough gaiety if you fancy your
brother does not do me justice only wait till my dear father is in
the secret and hear his opinion  Depend upon it he will be much
farther from doing you justice  He will think all the happiness
all the advantage on your side of the question all the merit
on mine  I wish I may not sink into poor Emma with him at once  
His tender compassion towards oppressed worth can go no farther

Ah he cried I wish your father might be half as easily convinced
as John will be of our having every right that equal worth can give
to be happy together  I am amused by one part of John's letter  
did you notice it  where he says that my information did not take
him wholly by surprize that he was rather in expectation of hearing
something of the kind

If I understand your brother he only means so far as your having
some thoughts of marrying  He had no idea of me  He seems perfectly
unprepared for that

Yes yes  but I am amused that he should have seen so far into
my feelings  What has he been judging by  I am not conscious
of any difference in my spirits or conversation that could prepare
him at this time for my marrying any more than at another  
But it was so I suppose  I dare say there was a difference when I
was staying with them the other day  I believe I did not play
with the children quite so much as usual  I remember one evening
the poor boys saying Uncle seems always tired now

The time was coming when the news must spread farther and other persons
reception of it tried  As soon as Mrs Weston was sufficiently
recovered to admit Mr Woodhouse's visits Emma having it in view
that her gentle reasonings should be employed in the cause
resolved first to announce it at home and then at Randalls  
But how to break it to her father at last  She had bound herself
to do it in such an hour of Mr Knightley's absence or when it
came to the point her heart would have failed her and she must
have put it off but Mr Knightley was to come at such a time
and follow up the beginning she was to make  She was forced
to speak and to speak cheerfully too  She must not make it a more
decided subject of misery to him by a melancholy tone herself 
She must not appear to think it a misfortune  With all the spirits
she could command she prepared him first for something strange
and then in a few words said that if his consent and approbation
could be obtained  which she trusted would be attended with
no difficulty since it was a plan to promote the happiness of all  
she and Mr Knightley meant to marry by which means Hartfield
would receive the constant addition of that person's company
whom she knew he loved next to his daughters and Mrs Weston
best in the world

Poor man  it was at first a considerable shock to him and he tried
earnestly to dissuade her from it  She was reminded more than once
of having always said she would never marry and assured that it
would be a great deal better for her to remain single and told of
poor Isabella and poor Miss Taylor  But it would not do  Emma hung
about him affectionately and smiled and said it must be so and that
he must not class her with Isabella and Mrs Weston whose marriages
taking them from Hartfield had indeed made a melancholy change 
but she was not going from Hartfield she should be always there
she was introducing no change in their numbers or their comforts but
for the better and she was very sure that he would be a great deal
the happier for having Mr Knightley always at hand when he were once
got used to the idea  Did he not love Mr Knightley very much  
He would not deny that he did she was sure  Whom did he ever want
to consult on business but Mr Knightley  Who was so useful to him
who so ready to write his letters who so glad to assist him  
Who so cheerful so attentive so attached to him  Would not he
like to have him always on the spot  Yes  That was all very true 
Mr Knightley could not be there too often he should be glad to see
him every day  but they did see him every day as it was  Why could
not they go on as they had done

Mr Woodhouse could not be soon reconciled but the worst was overcome
the idea was given time and continual repetition must do the rest  
To Emma's entreaties and assurances succeeded Mr Knightley's
whose fond praise of her gave the subject even a kind of welcome
and he was soon used to be talked to by each on every fair occasion  
They had all the assistance which Isabella could give by letters
of the strongest approbation and Mrs Weston was ready
on the first meeting to consider the subject in the most
serviceable light  first as a settled and secondly as a good one  
well aware of the nearly equal importance of the two recommendations
to Mr Woodhouse's mind  It was agreed upon as what was to be
and every body by whom he was used to be guided assuring him that
it would be for his happiness and having some feelings himself
which almost admitted it he began to think that some time or other  
in another year or two perhaps  it might not be so very bad
if the marriage did take place

Mrs Weston was acting no part feigning no feelings in all that she
said to him in favour of the event  She had been extremely surprized
never more so than when Emma first opened the affair to her
but she saw in it only increase of happiness to all and had
no scruple in urging him to the utmost  She had such a regard
for Mr Knightley as to think he deserved even her dearest Emma
and it was in every respect so proper suitable and unexceptionable
a connexion and in one respect one point of the highest importance
so peculiarly eligible so singularly fortunate that now it seemed
as if Emma could not safely have attached herself to any other creature
and that she had herself been the stupidest of beings in not having
thought of it and wished it long ago  How very few of those men
in a rank of life to address Emma would have renounced their own
home for Hartfield  And who but Mr Knightley could know and bear
with Mr Woodhouse so as to make such an arrangement desirable  
The difficulty of disposing of poor Mr Woodhouse had been always
felt in her husband's plans and her own for a marriage between Frank
and Emma  How to settle the claims of Enscombe and Hartfield had
been a continual impediment  less acknowledged by Mr Weston than
by herself  but even he had never been able to finish the subject
better than by saying  Those matters will take care of themselves
the young people will find a way  But here there was nothing to be
shifted off in a wild speculation on the future  It was all right
all open all equal  No sacrifice on any side worth the name 
It was a union of the highest promise of felicity in itself
and without one real rational difficulty to oppose or delay it

Mrs Weston with her baby on her knee indulging in such reflections
as these was one of the happiest women in the world  If any thing
could increase her delight it was perceiving that the baby would
soon have outgrown its first set of caps

The news was universally a surprize wherever it spread
and Mr Weston had his five minutes share of it but five minutes
were enough to familiarise the idea to his quickness of mind  
He saw the advantages of the match and rejoiced in them with all
the constancy of his wife but the wonder of it was very soon nothing
and by the end of an hour he was not far from believing that he
had always foreseen it

It is to be a secret I conclude said he  These matters are
always a secret till it is found out that every body knows them 
Only let me be told when I may speak out  I wonder whether Jane has
any suspicion

He went to Highbury the next morning and satisfied himself on
that point  He told her the news  Was not she like a daughter
his eldest daughter  he must tell her and Miss Bates being present
it passed of course to Mrs Cole Mrs Perry and Mrs Elton
immediately afterwards  It was no more than the principals were
prepared for they had calculated from the time of its being known
at Randalls how soon it would be over Highbury and were thinking
of themselves as the evening wonder in many a family circle
with great sagacity

In general it was a very well approved match  Some might think him
and others might think her the most in luck  One set might
recommend their all removing to Donwell and leaving Hartfield
for the John Knightleys and another might predict disagreements
among their servants but yet upon the whole there was no serious
objection raised except in one habitation the Vicarage  There
the surprize was not softened by any satisfaction  Mr Elton
cared little about it compared with his wife he only hoped the
young lady's pride would now be contented and supposed she had
always meant to catch Knightley if she could and on the point
of living at Hartfield could daringly exclaim Rather he than I  
But Mrs Elton was very much discomposed indeed  Poor Knightley
poor fellow  sad business for him  She was extremely concerned
for though very eccentric he had a thousand good qualities  
How could he be so taken in  Did not think him at all in love  
not in the least  Poor Knightley  There would be an end of all
pleasant intercourse with him  How happy he had been to come and dine
with them whenever they asked him  But that would be all over now  
Poor fellow  No more exploring parties to Donwell made for her 
Oh no there would be a Mrs Knightley to throw cold water on
every thing  Extremely disagreeable  But she was not at all sorry
that she had abused the housekeeper the other day  Shocking plan
living together  It would never do  She knew a family near Maple
Grove who had tried it and been obliged to separate before the end
of the first quarter



CHAPTER XVIII


Time passed on  A few more to morrows and the party from London
would be arriving  It was an alarming change and Emma was thinking
of it one morning as what must bring a great deal to agitate and
grieve her when Mr Knightley came in and distressing thoughts
were put by  After the first chat of pleasure he was silent
and then in a graver tone began with

I have something to tell you Emma some news

Good or bad said she quickly looking up in his face

I do not know which it ought to be called

Oh good I am sure  I see it in your countenance  You are trying
not to smile

I am afraid said he composing his features I am very much afraid
my dear Emma that you will not smile when you hear it

Indeed but why so  I can hardly imagine that any thing which
pleases or amuses you should not please and amuse me too

There is one subject he replied I hope but one on which
we do not think alike  He paused a moment again smiling
with his eyes fixed on her face  Does nothing occur to you  
Do not you recollect  Harriet Smith

Her cheeks flushed at the name and she felt afraid of something
though she knew not what

Have you heard from her yourself this morning cried he 
You have I believe and know the whole

No I have not I know nothing pray tell me

You are prepared for the worst I see  and very bad it is 
Harriet Smith marries Robert Martin

Emma gave a start which did not seem like being prepared  
and her eyes in eager gaze said No this is impossible
but her lips were closed

It is so indeed continued Mr Knightley I have it from Robert
Martin himself  He left me not half an hour ago

She was still looking at him with the most speaking amazement

You like it my Emma as little as I feared  I wish our opinions were
the same  But in time they will  Time you may be sure will make
one or the other of us think differently and in the meanwhile
we need not talk much on the subject

You mistake me you quite mistake me she replied exerting herself 
It is not that such a circumstance would now make me unhappy
but I cannot believe it  It seems an impossibility  You cannot mean
to say that Harriet Smith has accepted Robert Martin  You cannot
mean that he has even proposed to her again  yet  You only mean
that he intends it

I mean that he has done it answered Mr Knightley with smiling
but determined decision and been accepted

Good God she cried  Well  Then having recourse to her workbasket
in excuse for leaning down her face and concealing all the
exquisite feelings of delight and entertainment which she knew she
must be expressing she added Well now tell me every thing
make this intelligible to me  How where when  Let me know it all 
I never was more surprized  but it does not make me unhappy
I assure you  How  how has it been possible

It is a very simple story  He went to town on business three days ago
and I got him to take charge of some papers which I was wanting
to send to John  He delivered these papers to John at his chambers
and was asked by him to join their party the same evening to Astley's
They were going to take the two eldest boys to Astley's The party
was to be our brother and sister Henry John  and Miss Smith 
My friend Robert could not resist  They called for him in their way
were all extremely amused and my brother asked him to dine with
them the next day  which he did  and in the course of that visit
as I understand he found an opportunity of speaking to Harriet
and certainly did not speak in vain  She made him by her acceptance
as happy even as he is deserving  He came down by yesterday's coach
and was with me this morning immediately after breakfast to report
his proceedings first on my affairs and then on his own 
This is all that I can relate of the how where and when 
Your friend Harriet will make a much longer history when you see her  
She will give you all the minute particulars which only woman's
language can make interesting  In our communications we deal only
in the great  However I must say that Robert Martin's heart seemed
for him and to me very overflowing and that he did mention
without its being much to the purpose that on quitting their
box at Astley's my brother took charge of Mrs John Knightley
and little John and he followed with Miss Smith and Henry
and that at one time they were in such a crowd as to make Miss Smith
rather uneasy

He stopped  Emma dared not attempt any immediate reply  To speak
she was sure would be to betray a most unreasonable degree
of happiness  She must wait a moment or he would think her mad 
Her silence disturbed him and after observing her a little while
he added

Emma my love you said that this circumstance would not now make
you unhappy but I am afraid it gives you more pain than you expected 
His situation is an evil  but you must consider it as what satisfies
your friend and I will answer for your thinking better and better
of him as you know him more  His good sense and good principles would
delight you  As far as the man is concerned you could not wish your
friend in better hands  His rank in society I would alter if I could
which is saying a great deal I assure you Emma  You laugh at me
about William Larkins but I could quite as ill spare Robert Martin

He wanted her to look up and smile and having now brought herself
not to smile too broadly  she did  cheerfully answering

You need not be at any pains to reconcile me to the match  I think
Harriet is doing extremely well  Her connexions may be worse than his 
In respectability of character there can be no doubt that they are 
I have been silent from surprize merely excessive surprize 
You cannot imagine how suddenly it has come on me how peculiarly
unprepared I was  for I had reason to believe her very lately more
determined against him much more than she was before

You ought to know your friend best replied Mr Knightley
but I should say she was a good tempered soft hearted girl
not likely to be very very determined against any young man who told
her he loved her

Emma could not help laughing as she answered Upon my word
I believe you know her quite as well as I do  But Mr Knightley
are you perfectly sure that she has absolutely and downright
accepted him  I could suppose she might in time  but can she already  
Did not you misunderstand him  You were both talking of other things
of business shows of cattle or new drills  and might not you
in the confusion of so many subjects mistake him  It was not
Harriet's hand that he was certain of  it was the dimensions of some
famous ox

The contrast between the countenance and air of Mr Knightley and
Robert Martin was at this moment so strong to Emma's feelings
and so strong was the recollection of all that had so recently
passed on Harriet's side so fresh the sound of those words
spoken with such emphasis No I hope I know better than to think
of Robert Martin that she was really expecting the intelligence
to prove in some measure premature  It could not be otherwise

Do you dare say this cried Mr Knightley  Do you dare to suppose
me so great a blockhead as not to know what a man is talking of  
What do you deserve

Oh  I always deserve the best treatment because I never put
up with any other and therefore you must give me a plain
direct answer  Are you quite sure that you understand the terms
on which Mr Martin and Harriet now are

I am quite sure he replied speaking very distinctly that he
told me she had accepted him and that there was no obscurity
nothing doubtful in the words he used and I think I can give you
a proof that it must be so  He asked my opinion as to what he
was now to do  He knew of no one but Mrs Goddard to whom he
could apply for information of her relations or friends  Could I
mention any thing more fit to be done than to go to Mrs Goddard 
I assured him that I could not  Then he said he would endeavour
to see her in the course of this day

I am perfectly satisfied replied Emma with the brightest smiles
and most sincerely wish them happy

You are materially changed since we talked on this subject before

I hope so  for at that time I was a fool

And I am changed also for I am now very willing to grant you all
Harriet's good qualities  I have taken some pains for your sake
and for Robert Martin's sake whom I have always had reason to believe
as much in love with her as ever to get acquainted with her 
I have often talked to her a good deal  You must have seen that
I did  Sometimes indeed I have thought you were half suspecting me
of pleading poor Martin's cause which was never the case but from all
my observations I am convinced of her being an artless amiable girl
with very good notions very seriously good principles and placing
her happiness in the affections and utility of domestic life  
Much of this I have no doubt she may thank you for

Me cried Emma shaking her head  Ah poor Harriet

She checked herself however and submitted quietly to a little
more praise than she deserved

Their conversation was soon afterwards closed by the entrance of
her father  She was not sorry  She wanted to be alone  Her mind
was in a state of flutter and wonder which made it impossible for her
to be collected  She was in dancing singing exclaiming spirits
and till she had moved about and talked to herself and laughed
and reflected she could be fit for nothing rational

Her father's business was to announce James's being gone out to put
the horses to preparatory to their now daily drive to Randalls
and she had therefore an immediate excuse for disappearing

The joy the gratitude the exquisite delight of her sensations
may be imagined  The sole grievance and alloy thus removed in the
prospect of Harriet's welfare she was really in danger of becoming
too happy for security  What had she to wish for  Nothing but to
grow more worthy of him whose intentions and judgment had been
ever so superior to her own  Nothing but that the lessons
of her past folly might teach her humility and circumspection in future

Serious she was very serious in her thankfulness and in her resolutions
and yet there was no preventing a laugh sometimes in the very midst
of them  She must laugh at such a close  Such an end of the doleful
disappointment of five weeks back  Such a heart  such a Harriet

Now there would be pleasure in her returning  Every thing would
be a pleasure  It would be a great pleasure to know Robert Martin

High in the rank of her most serious and heartfelt felicities
was the reflection that all necessity of concealment from
Mr Knightley would soon be over  The disguise equivocation
mystery so hateful to her to practise might soon be over 
She could now look forward to giving him that full and perfect
confidence which her disposition was most ready to welcome as a duty

In the gayest and happiest spirits she set forward with her father
not always listening but always agreeing to what he said
and whether in speech or silence conniving at the comfortable
persuasion of his being obliged to go to Randalls every day
or poor Mrs Weston would be disappointed

They arrived  Mrs Weston was alone in the drawing room  
but hardly had they been told of the baby and Mr Woodhouse
received the thanks for coming which he asked for when a glimpse
was caught through the blind of two figures passing near the window

It is Frank and Miss Fairfax said Mrs Weston  I was just
going to tell you of our agreeable surprize in seeing him arrive
this morning  He stays till to morrow and Miss Fairfax has been
persuaded to spend the day with us  They are coming in I hope

In half a minute they were in the room  Emma was extremely glad
to see him  but there was a degree of confusion  a number of
embarrassing recollections on each side  They met readily and smiling
but with a consciousness which at first allowed little to be said
and having all sat down again there was for some time such a blank
in the circle that Emma began to doubt whether the wish now indulged
which she had long felt of seeing Frank Churchill once more
and of seeing him with Jane would yield its proportion of pleasure 
When Mr Weston joined the party however and when the baby
was fetched there was no longer a want of subject or animation  
or of courage and opportunity for Frank Churchill to draw near her
and say

I have to thank you Miss Woodhouse for a very kind forgiving
message in one of Mrs Weston's letters  I hope time has not made
you less willing to pardon  I hope you do not retract what you
then said

No indeed cried Emma most happy to begin not in the least 
I am particularly glad to see and shake hands with you  and to give
you joy in person

He thanked her with all his heart and continued some time to speak
with serious feeling of his gratitude and happiness

Is not she looking well said he turning his eyes towards Jane 
Better than she ever used to do  You see how my father and
Mrs Weston doat upon her

But his spirits were soon rising again and with laughing eyes
after mentioning the expected return of the Campbells he named
the name of Dixon  Emma blushed and forbade its being pronounced
in her hearing

I can never think of it she cried without extreme shame

The shame he answered is all mine or ought to be  But is it
possible that you had no suspicion  I mean of late  Early I know
you had none

I never had the smallest I assure you

That appears quite wonderful  I was once very near  and I wish I had  
it would have been better  But though I was always doing wrong things
they were very bad wrong things and such as did me no service  
It would have been a much better transgression had I broken the bond
of secrecy and told you every thing

It is not now worth a regret said Emma

I have some hope resumed he of my uncle's being persuaded
to pay a visit at Randalls he wants to be introduced to her 
When the Campbells are returned we shall meet them in London
and continue there I trust till we may carry her northward  But now
I am at such a distance from her  is not it hard Miss Woodhouse  
Till this morning we have not once met since the day of reconciliation 
Do not you pity me

Emma spoke her pity so very kindly that with a sudden accession
of gay thought he cried

Ah by the bye then sinking his voice and looking demure for
the moment  I hope Mr Knightley is well  He paused  She coloured
and laughed  I know you saw my letter and think you may remember
my wish in your favour  Let me return your congratulations  
I assure you that I have heard the news with the warmest interest
and satisfaction  He is a man whom I cannot presume to praise

Emma was delighted and only wanted him to go on in the same style
but his mind was the next moment in his own concerns and with his
own Jane and his next words were

Did you ever see such a skin  such smoothness such delicacy  
and yet without being actually fair  One cannot call her fair 
It is a most uncommon complexion with her dark eye lashes and hair  
a most distinguishing complexion  So peculiarly the lady in it  
Just colour enough for beauty

I have always admired her complexion replied Emma archly but do not
I remember the time when you found fault with her for being so pale  
When we first began to talk of her  Have you quite forgotten

Oh no  what an impudent dog I was  How could I dare  

But he laughed so heartily at the recollection that Emma could
not help saying

I do suspect that in the midst of your perplexities at that time
you had very great amusement in tricking us all  I am sure you had  
I am sure it was a consolation to you

Oh no no no  how can you suspect me of such a thing 
I was the most miserable wretch

Not quite so miserable as to be insensible to mirth  I am sure it
was a source of high entertainment to you to feel that you were taking
us all in  Perhaps I am the readier to suspect because to tell
you the truth I think it might have been some amusement to myself
in the same situation  I think there is a little likeness between us

He bowed

If not in our dispositions she presently added with a look of
true sensibility there is a likeness in our destiny the destiny
which bids fair to connect us with two characters so much superior
to our own

True true he answered warmly  No not true on your side  You can
have no superior but most true on mine  She is a complete angel 
Look at her  Is not she an angel in every gesture  Observe the turn
of her throat  Observe her eyes as she is looking up at my father  
You will be glad to hear inclining his head and whispering seriously
that my uncle means to give her all my aunt's jewels  They are to be
new set  I am resolved to have some in an ornament for the head 
Will not it be beautiful in her dark hair

Very beautiful indeed replied Emma and she spoke so kindly
that he gratefully burst out

How delighted I am to see you again and to see you in such
excellent looks  I would not have missed this meeting for the world 
I should certainly have called at Hartfield had you failed to come

The others had been talking of the child Mrs Weston giving an
account of a little alarm she had been under the evening before
from the infant's appearing not quite well  She believed she had
been foolish but it had alarmed her and she had been within half
a minute of sending for Mr Perry  Perhaps she ought to be ashamed
but Mr Weston had been almost as uneasy as herself  In ten minutes
however the child had been perfectly well again  This was
her history and particularly interesting it was to Mr Woodhouse
who commended her very much for thinking of sending for Perry
and only regretted that she had not done it  She should always send
for Perry if the child appeared in the slightest degree disordered
were it only for a moment  She could not be too soon alarmed
nor send for Perry too often  It was a pity perhaps that he
had not come last night for though the child seemed well now
very well considering it would probably have been better if Perry
had seen it

Frank Churchill caught the name

Perry said he to Emma and trying as he spoke to catch Miss
Fairfax's eye  My friend Mr Perry  What are they saying
about Mr Perry  Has he been here this morning  And how does
he travel now  Has he set up his carriage

Emma soon recollected and understood him and while she joined
in the laugh it was evident from Jane's countenance that she
too was really hearing him though trying to seem deaf

Such an extraordinary dream of mine he cried  I can never think
of it without laughing  She hears us she hears us Miss Woodhouse 
I see it in her cheek her smile her vain attempt to frown 
Look at her  Do not you see that at this instant the very passage
of her own letter which sent me the report is passing under her eye  
that the whole blunder is spread before her  that she can attend to
nothing else though pretending to listen to the others

Jane was forced to smile completely for a moment and the smile
partly remained as she turned towards him and said in a conscious
low yet steady voice

How you can bear such recollections is astonishing to me  
They will sometimes obtrude  but how you can court them

He had a great deal to say in return and very entertainingly
but Emma's feelings were chiefly with Jane in the argument and on
leaving Randalls and falling naturally into a comparison of the two men
she felt that pleased as she had been to see Frank Churchill
and really regarding him as she did with friendship she had never
been more sensible of Mr Knightley's high superiority of character 
The happiness of this most happy day received its completion in the
animated contemplation of his worth which this comparison produced



CHAPTER XIX


If Emma had still at intervals an anxious feeling for Harriet
a momentary doubt of its being possible for her to be really cured
of her attachment to Mr Knightley and really able to accept
another man from unbiased inclination it was not long that she
had to suffer from the recurrence of any such uncertainty 
A very few days brought the party from London and she had no
sooner an opportunity of being one hour alone with Harriet
than she became perfectly satisfied  unaccountable as it was  
that Robert Martin had thoroughly supplanted Mr Knightley
and was now forming all her views of happiness

Harriet was a little distressed  did look a little foolish at first 
but having once owned that she had been presumptuous and silly
and self deceived before her pain and confusion seemed to die
away with the words and leave her without a care for the past
and with the fullest exultation in the present and future for as to
her friend's approbation Emma had instantly removed every fear of
that nature by meeting her with the most unqualified congratulations  
Harriet was most happy to give every particular of the evening at
Astley's and the dinner the next day she could dwell on it all
with the utmost delight  But what did such particulars explain  
The fact was as Emma could now acknowledge that Harriet had
always liked Robert Martin and that his continuing to love her had
been irresistible  Beyond this it must ever be unintelligible
to Emma

The event however was most joyful and every day was giving her
fresh reason for thinking so  Harriet's parentage became known 
She proved to be the daughter of a tradesman rich enough to afford
her the comfortable maintenance which had ever been hers and decent
enough to have always wished for concealment  Such was the blood
of gentility which Emma had formerly been so ready to vouch for  
It was likely to be as untainted perhaps as the blood of many
a gentleman  but what a connexion had she been preparing for
Mr Knightley  or for the Churchills  or even for Mr Elton  
The stain of illegitimacy unbleached by nobility or wealth
would have been a stain indeed

No objection was raised on the father's side the young man was
treated liberally it was all as it should be  and as Emma became
acquainted with Robert Martin who was now introduced at Hartfield
she fully acknowledged in him all the appearance of sense and worth
which could bid fairest for her little friend  She had no doubt
of Harriet's happiness with any good tempered man but with him
and in the home he offered there would be the hope of more
of security stability and improvement  She would be placed in the
midst of those who loved her and who had better sense than herself
retired enough for safety and occupied enough for cheerfulness 
She would be never led into temptation nor left for it to find her out 
She would be respectable and happy and Emma admitted her to be
the luckiest creature in the world to have created so steady and
persevering an affection in such a man  or if not quite the luckiest
to yield only to herself

Harriet necessarily drawn away by her engagements with the Martins
was less and less at Hartfield which was not to be regretted  
The intimacy between her and Emma must sink their friendship must
change into a calmer sort of goodwill and fortunately what ought
to be and must be seemed already beginning and in the most gradual
natural manner

Before the end of September Emma attended Harriet to church and saw
her hand bestowed on Robert Martin with so complete a satisfaction
as no remembrances even connected with Mr Elton as he stood
before them could impair  Perhaps indeed at that time she
scarcely saw Mr Elton but as the clergyman whose blessing at the
altar might next fall on herself  Robert Martin and Harriet Smith
the latest couple engaged of the three were the first to be married

Jane Fairfax had already quitted Highbury and was restored to the
comforts of her beloved home with the Campbells  The Mr Churchills
were also in town and they were only waiting for November

The intermediate month was the one fixed on as far as they dared
by Emma and Mr Knightley  They had determined that their marriage
ought to be concluded while John and Isabella were still at Hartfield
to allow them the fortnight's absence in a tour to the seaside
which was the plan  John and Isabella and every other friend
were agreed in approving it  But Mr Woodhouse  how was Mr Woodhouse
to be induced to consent  he who had never yet alluded to their
marriage but as a distant event

When first sounded on the subject he was so miserable that they
were almost hopeless  A second allusion indeed gave less pain  
He began to think it was to be and that he could not prevent it  
a very promising step of the mind on its way to resignation 
Still however he was not happy  Nay he appeared so much otherwise
that his daughter's courage failed  She could not bear to see
him suffering to know him fancying himself neglected and though
her understanding almost acquiesced in the assurance of both the
Mr Knightleys that when once the event were over his distress
would be soon over too she hesitated  she could not proceed

In this state of suspense they were befriended not by any sudden
illumination of Mr Woodhouse's mind or any wonderful change of his
nervous system but by the operation of the same system in another way  
Mrs Weston's poultry house was robbed one night of all her turkeys  
evidently by the ingenuity of man  Other poultry yards in the
neighbourhood also suffered  Pilfering was housebreaking to
Mr Woodhouse's fears  He was very uneasy and but for the sense
of his son in law's protection would have been under wretched alarm
every night of his life  The strength resolution and presence
of mind of the Mr Knightleys commanded his fullest dependence 
While either of them protected him and his Hartfield was safe  
But Mr John Knightley must be in London again by the end of the
first week in November

The result of this distress was that with a much more voluntary
cheerful consent than his daughter had ever presumed to hope for at
the moment she was able to fix her wedding day  and Mr Elton was
called on within a month from the marriage of Mr and Mrs Robert
Martin to join the hands of Mr Knightley and Miss Woodhouse

The wedding was very much like other weddings where the parties
have no taste for finery or parade and Mrs Elton from the
particulars detailed by her husband thought it all extremely shabby
and very inferior to her own  Very little white satin very few
lace veils a most pitiful business  Selina would stare when she
heard of it  But in spite of these deficiencies the wishes
the hopes the confidence the predictions of the small band
of true friends who witnessed the ceremony were fully answered
in the perfect happiness of the union


FINIS




MANSFIELD PARK
1814

by

Jane Austen




CHAPTER I

About thirty years ago Miss Maria Ward of Huntingdon
with only seven thousand pounds had the good luck
to captivate Sir Thomas Bertram of Mansfield Park
in the county of Northampton and to be thereby raised
to the rank of a baronet's lady with all the comforts
and consequences of an handsome house and large income 
All Huntingdon exclaimed on the greatness of the match
and her uncle the lawyer himself allowed her to be at least
three thousand pounds short of any equitable claim to it 
She had two sisters to be benefited by her elevation
and such of their acquaintance as thought Miss Ward and Miss
Frances quite as handsome as Miss Maria did not scruple
to predict their marrying with almost equal advantage 
But there certainly are not so many men of large fortune
in the world as there are pretty women to deserve them 
Miss Ward at the end of half a dozen years found
herself obliged to be attached to the Rev Mr Norris
a friend of her brother in law with scarcely any
private fortune and Miss Frances fared yet worse 
Miss Ward's match indeed when it came to the point
was not contemptible  Sir Thomas being happily able
to give his friend an income in the living of Mansfield
and Mr and Mrs Norris began their career of conjugal
felicity with very little less than a thousand a year 
But Miss Frances married in the common phrase
to disoblige her family and by fixing on a lieutenant
of marines without education fortune or connexions
did it very thoroughly  She could hardly have made
a more untoward choice  Sir Thomas Bertram had interest
which from principle as well as pride  from a general
wish of doing right and a desire of seeing all that were
connected with him in situations of respectability
he would have been glad to exert for the advantage
of Lady Bertram's sister but her husband's profession
was such as no interest could reach and before he
had time to devise any other method of assisting them
an absolute breach between the sisters had taken place 
It was the natural result of the conduct of each party
and such as a very imprudent marriage almost always produces 
To save herself from useless remonstrance Mrs Price never
wrote to her family on the subject till actually married 
Lady Bertram who was a woman of very tranquil feelings
and a temper remarkably easy and indolent would have
contented herself with merely giving up her sister
and thinking no more of the matter but Mrs Norris
had a spirit of activity which could not be satisfied
till she had written a long and angry letter to Fanny
to point out the folly of her conduct and threaten
her with all its possible ill consequences  Mrs Price
in her turn was injured and angry and an answer
which comprehended each sister in its bitterness and bestowed
such very disrespectful reflections on the pride of Sir
Thomas as Mrs Norris could not possibly keep to herself
put an end to all intercourse between them for a considerable
period

Their homes were so distant and the circles in which they
moved so distinct as almost to preclude the means of ever
hearing of each other's existence during the eleven
following years or at least to make it very wonderful
to Sir Thomas that Mrs Norris should ever have it
in her power to tell them as she now and then did
in an angry voice that Fanny had got another child 
By the end of eleven years however Mrs Price could no
longer afford to cherish pride or resentment or to lose one
connexion that might possibly assist her  A large and still
increasing family an husband disabled for active service
but not the less equal to company and good liquor and a
very small income to supply their wants made her eager
to regain the friends she had so carelessly sacrificed
and she addressed Lady Bertram in a letter which spoke
so much contrition and despondence such a superfluity
of children and such a want of almost everything else
as could not but dispose them all to a reconciliation 
She was preparing for her ninth lying in and after
bewailing the circumstance and imploring their countenance
as sponsors to the expected child she could not conceal
how important she felt they might be to the future
maintenance of the eight already in being  Her eldest
was a boy of ten years old a fine spirited fellow
who longed to be out in the world but what could she do 
Was there any chance of his being hereafter useful to Sir
Thomas in the concerns of his West Indian property 
No situation would be beneath him or what did Sir Thomas
think of Woolwich or how could a boy be sent out to
the East

The letter was not unproductive  It re established
peace and kindness  Sir Thomas sent friendly
advice and professions Lady Bertram dispatched
money and baby linen and Mrs Norris wrote the letters

Such were its immediate effects and within a twelvemonth
a more important advantage to Mrs Price resulted from it 
Mrs Norris was often observing to the others that she
could not get her poor sister and her family out of
her head and that much as they had all done for her
she seemed to be wanting to do more and at length she
could not but own it to be her wish that poor Mrs Price
should be relieved from the charge and expense of one child
entirely out of her great number  What if they were
among them to undertake the care of her eldest daughter
a girl now nine years old of an age to require more
attention than her poor mother could possibly give 
The trouble and expense of it to them would be nothing
compared with the benevolence of the action  Lady Bertram
agreed with her instantly  I think we cannot do better
said she let us send for the child

Sir Thomas could not give so instantaneous and unqualified
a consent  He debated and hesitated  it was a serious charge  
a girl so brought up must be adequately provided for
or there would be cruelty instead of kindness in taking
her from her family  He thought of his own four children
of his two sons of cousins in love etc  but no sooner
had he deliberately begun to state his objections
than Mrs Norris interrupted him with a reply to them all
whether stated or not

My dear Sir Thomas I perfectly comprehend you and do
justice to the generosity and delicacy of your notions
which indeed are quite of a piece with your general conduct
and I entirely agree with you in the main as to the propriety
of doing everything one could by way of providing for a
child one had in a manner taken into one's own hands
and I am sure I should be the last person in the world to
withhold my mite upon such an occasion  Having no children
of my own who should I look to in any little matter I
may ever have to bestow but the children of my sisters  
and I am sure Mr Norris is too just  but you know I am
a woman of few words and professions  Do not let us
be frightened from a good deed by a trifle  Give a girl
an education and introduce her properly into the world
and ten to one but she has the means of settling well
without farther expense to anybody  A niece of ours
Sir Thomas I may say or at least ofyours would not
grow up in this neighbourhood without many advantages 
I don't say she would be so handsome as her cousins 
I dare say she would not but she would be introduced into
the society of this country under such very favourable
circumstances as in all human probability would get her
a creditable establishment  You are thinking of your sons  
but do not you know that of all things upon earth
that is the least likely to happen brought up as they
would be always together like brothers and sisters 
It is morally impossible  I never knew an instance of it 
It is in fact the only sure way of providing against
the connexion  Suppose her a pretty girl and seen by Tom
or Edmund for the first time seven years hence and I dare
say there would be mischief  The very idea of her having
been suffered to grow up at a distance from us all in poverty
and neglect would be enough to make either of the dear
sweet tempered boys in love with her  But breed her up
with them from this time and suppose her even to have the
beauty of an angel and she will never be more to either than
a sister

There is a great deal of truth in what you say
replied Sir Thomas and far be it from me to throw any
fanciful impediment in the way of a plan which would be
so consistent with the relative situations of each  I only
meant to observe that it ought not to be lightly engaged in
and that to make it really serviceable to Mrs Price
and creditable to ourselves we must secure to the child
or consider ourselves engaged to secure to her hereafter
as circumstances may arise the provision of a gentlewoman
if no such establishment should offer as you are so sanguine
in expecting

I thoroughly understand you cried Mrs Norris
you are everything that is generous and considerate
and I am sure we shall never disagree on this point 
Whatever I can do as you well know I am always ready
enough to do for the good of those I love and though I
could never feel for this little girl the hundredth
part of the regard I bear your own dear children
nor consider her in any respect so much my own
I should hate myself if I were capable of neglecting her 
Is not she a sister's child and could I bear to see
her want while I had a bit of bread to give her 
My dear Sir Thomas with all my faults I have a warm heart
and poor as I am would rather deny myself the necessaries
of life than do an ungenerous thing  So if you are not
against it I will write to my poor sister tomorrow
and make the proposal and as soon as matters are settled
I will engage to get the child to Mansfield you shall
have no trouble about it  My own trouble you know
I never regard  I will send Nanny to London on purpose
and she may have a bed at her cousin the saddler's and the
child be appointed to meet her there  They may easily get
her from Portsmouth to town by the coach under the care
of any creditable person that may chance to be going 
I dare say there is always some reputable tradesman's wife
or other going up

Except to the attack on Nanny's cousin Sir Thomas no longer
made any objection and a more respectable though less
economical rendezvous being accordingly substituted
everything was considered as settled and the pleasures
of so benevolent a scheme were already enjoyed 
The division of gratifying sensations ought not
in strict justice to have been equal for Sir Thomas was
fully resolved to be the real and consistent patron of the
selected child and Mrs Norris had not the least intention
of being at any expense whatever in her maintenance 
As far as walking talking and contriving reached
she was thoroughly benevolent and nobody knew better
how to dictate liberality to others but her love of money
was equal to her love of directing and she knew quite as
well how to save her own as to spend that of her friends 
Having married on a narrower income than she had been
used to look forward to she had from the first
fancied a very strict line of economy necessary
and what was begun as a matter of prudence soon grew
into a matter of choice as an object of that needful
solicitude which there were no children to supply 
Had there been a family to provide for Mrs Norris might
never have saved her money but having no care of that kind
there was nothing to impede her frugality or lessen the
comfort of making a yearly addition to an income which they
had never lived up to  Under this infatuating principle
counteracted by no real affection for her sister
it was impossible for her to aim at more than the credit
of projecting and arranging so expensive a charity
though perhaps she might so little know herself as to
walk home to the Parsonage after this conversation
in the happy belief of being the most liberal minded
sister and aunt in the world

When the subject was brought forward again her views
were more fully explained and in reply to Lady Bertram's
calm inquiry of Where shall the child come to first
sister to you or to us  Sir Thomas heard with some
surprise that it would be totally out of Mrs Norris's
power to take any share in the personal charge of her 
He had been considering her as a particularly welcome
addition at the Parsonage as a desirable companion
to an aunt who had no children of her own but he found
himself wholly mistaken  Mrs Norris was sorry to say
that the little girl's staying with them at least
as things then were was quite out of the question 
Poor Mr Norris's indifferent state of health made it
an impossibility  he could no more bear the noise of a child
than he could fly if indeed he should ever get well
of his gouty complaints it would be a different matter 
she should then be glad to take her turn and think nothing
of the inconvenience but just now poor Mr Norris
took up every moment of her time and the very mention
of such a thing she was sure would distract him

Then she had better come to us said Lady Bertram
with the utmost composure  After a short pause Sir Thomas
added with dignity Yes let her home be in this house 
We will endeavour to do our duty by her and she will
at least have the advantage of companions of her own age
and of a regular instructress

Very true cried Mrs Norris which are both very
important considerations and it will be just the same
to Miss Lee whether she has three girls to teach
or only two  there can be no difference  I only wish I
could be more useful but you see I do all in my power 
I am not one of those that spare their own trouble
and Nanny shall fetch her however it may put me
to inconvenience to have my chief counsellor away for
three days  I suppose sister you will put the child
in the little white attic near the old nurseries 
It will be much the best place for her so near Miss Lee
and not far from the girls and close by the housemaids
who could either of them help to dress her you know
and take care of her clothes for I suppose you would not
think it fair to expect Ellis to wait on her as well as
the others  Indeed I do not see that you could possibly
place her anywhere else

Lady Bertram made no opposition

I hope she will prove a well disposed girl
continued Mrs Norris and be sensible of her uncommon
good fortune in having such friends

Should her disposition be really bad said Sir Thomas
we must not for our own children's sake continue her
in the family but there is no reason to expect so great
an evil  We shall probably see much to wish altered
in her and must prepare ourselves for gross ignorance
some meanness of opinions and very distressing vulgarity
of manner but these are not incurable faults nor I trust
can they be dangerous for her associates  Had my daughters
been younger than herself I should have considered
the introduction of such a companion as a matter of very
serious moment but as it is I hope there can be nothing
to fear for them and everything to hope for her
from the association

That is exactly what I think cried Mrs Norris
and what I was saying to my husband this morning 
It will be an education for the child said I only being
with her cousins if Miss Lee taught her nothing she would
learn to be good and clever from them

I hope she will not tease my poor pug said Lady Bertram
I have but just got Julia to leave it alone

There will be some difficulty in our way Mrs Norris
observed Sir Thomas as to the distinction proper to be made
between the girls as they grow up  how to preserve in the
minds of my daughters the consciousness of what they are
without making them think too lowly of their cousin
and how without depressing her spirits too far
to make her remember that she is not a Miss Bertram 
I should wish to see them very good friends and would
on no account authorise in my girls the smallest degree
of arrogance towards their relation but still they cannot
be equals  Their rank fortune rights and expectations
will always be different  It is a point of great delicacy
and you must assist us in our endeavours to choose exactly
the right line of conduct

Mrs Norris was quite at his service and though she
perfectly agreed with him as to its being a most
difficult thing encouraged him to hope that between
them it would be easily managed

It will be readily believed that Mrs Norris did not write
to her sister in vain  Mrs Price seemed rather surprised
that a girl should be fixed on when she had so many fine boys
but accepted the offer most thankfully assuring them of her
daughter's being a very well disposed good humoured girl
and trusting they would never have cause to throw her off 
She spoke of her farther as somewhat delicate and puny
but was sanguine in the hope of her being materially better
for change of air  Poor woman she probably thought
change of air might agree with many of her children



CHAPTER II

The little girl performed her long journey in safety
and at Northampton was met by Mrs Norris who thus
regaled in the credit of being foremost to welcome her
and in the importance of leading her in to the others
and recommending her to their kindness

Fanny Price was at this time just ten years old
and though there might not be much in her first appearance
to captivate there was at least nothing to disgust
her relations  She was small of her age with no
glow of complexion nor any other striking beauty
exceedingly timid and shy and shrinking from notice
but her air though awkward was not vulgar her voice
was sweet and when she spoke her countenance was pretty 
Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram received her very kindly
and Sir Thomas seeing how much she needed encouragement
tried to be all that was conciliating  but he had
to work against a most untoward gravity of deportment
and Lady Bertram without taking half so much trouble
or speaking one word where he spoke ten by the mere aid
of a good humoured smile became immediately the less awful
character of the two

The young people were all at home and sustained their
share in the introduction very well with much good humour
and no embarrassment at least on the part of the sons who
at seventeen and sixteen and tall of their age had all
the grandeur of men in the eyes of their little cousin 
The two girls were more at a loss from being younger
and in greater awe of their father who addressed them
on the occasion with rather an injudicious particularity 
But they were too much used to company and praise to have
anything like natural shyness and their confidence
increasing from their cousin's total want of it
they were soon able to take a full survey of her face
and her frock in easy indifference

They were a remarkably fine family the sons very well looking
the daughters decidedly handsome and all of them well grown
and forward of their age which produced as striking
a difference between the cousins in person as education
had given to their address and no one would have supposed
the girls so nearly of an age as they really were  There were
in fact but two years between the youngest and Fanny 
Julia Bertram was only twelve and Maria but a year older 
The little visitor meanwhile was as unhappy as possible 
Afraid of everybody ashamed of herself and longing
for the home she had left she knew not how to look up
and could scarcely speak to be heard or without crying 
Mrs Norris had been talking to her the whole way from
Northampton of her wonderful good fortune and the
extraordinary degree of gratitude and good behaviour
which it ought to produce and her consciousness of
misery was therefore increased by the idea of its being
a wicked thing for her not to be happy  The fatigue
too of so long a journey became soon no trifling evil 
In vain were the well meant condescensions of Sir Thomas
and all the officious prognostications of Mrs Norris
that she would be a good girl in vain did Lady Bertram
smile and make her sit on the sofa with herself and pug
and vain was even the sight of a gooseberry tart towards
giving her comfort she could scarcely swallow two mouthfuls
before tears interrupted her and sleep seeming to be her
likeliest friend she was taken to finish her sorrows in bed

This is not a very promising beginning said Mrs Norris
when Fanny had left the room  After all that I said to her
as we came along I thought she would have behaved better
I told her how much might depend upon her acquitting
herself well at first  I wish there may not be a little
sulkiness of temper  her poor mother had a good deal
but we must make allowances for such a child  and I
do not know that her being sorry to leave her home is
really against her for with all its faults it was
her home and she cannot as yet understand how much she
has changed for the better but then there is moderation
in all things

It required a longer time however than Mrs Norris
was inclined to allow to reconcile Fanny to the novelty
of Mansfield Park and the separation from everybody
she had been used to  Her feelings were very acute
and too little understood to be properly attended to 
Nobody meant to be unkind but nobody put themselves out
of their way to secure her comfort

The holiday allowed to the Miss Bertrams the next day
on purpose to afford leisure for getting acquainted with
and entertaining their young cousin produced little union 
They could not but hold her cheap on finding that she
had but two sashes and had never learned French and when
they perceived her to be little struck with the duet they
were so good as to play they could do no more than make
her a generous present of some of their least valued toys
and leave her to herself while they adjourned to whatever
might be the favourite holiday sport of the moment
making artificial flowers or wasting gold paper

Fanny whether near or from her cousins whether in
the schoolroom the drawing room or the shrubbery
was equally forlorn finding something to fear in
every person and place  She was disheartened by Lady
Bertram's silence awed by Sir Thomas's grave looks
and quite overcome by Mrs Norris's admonitions 
Her elder cousins mortified her by reflections on her size
and abashed her by noticing her shyness  Miss Lee
wondered at her ignorance and the maid servants sneered
at her clothes and when to these sorrows was added the idea
of the brothers and sisters among whom she had always
been important as playfellow instructress and nurse
the despondence that sunk her little heart was severe

The grandeur of the house astonished but could not console her 
The rooms were too large for her to move in with ease 
whatever she touched she expected to injure and she
crept about in constant terror of something or other
often retreating towards her own chamber to cry
and the little girl who was spoken of in the drawing room
when she left it at night as seeming so desirably sensible
of her peculiar good fortune ended every day's sorrows
by sobbing herself to sleep  A week had passed in this way
and no suspicion of it conveyed by her quiet passive manner
when she was found one morning by her cousin Edmund
the youngest of the sons sitting crying on the attic stairs

My dear little cousin said he with all the gentleness
of an excellent nature what can be the matter  And sitting
down by her he was at great pains to overcome her shame
in being so surprised and persuade her to speak openly 
Was she ill or was anybody angry with her or had she
quarrelled with Maria and Julia or was she puzzled
about anything in her lesson that he could explain 
Did she in short want anything he could possibly get her
or do for her  For a long while no answer could be
obtained beyond a no no  not at all  no thank you
but he still persevered and no sooner had he begun to
revert to her own home than her increased sobs explained
to him where the grievance lay  He tried to console her

You are sorry to leave Mama my dear little Fanny
said he which shows you to be a very good girl but you
must remember that you are with relations and friends
who all love you and wish to make you happy  Let us walk
out in the park and you shall tell me all about your
brothers and sisters

On pursuing the subject he found that dear as all
these brothers and sisters generally were there was one
among them who ran more in her thoughts than the rest 
It was William whom she talked of most and wanted most
to see  William the eldest a year older than herself
her constant companion and friend her advocate with her
mother of whom he was the darling in every distress 
William did not like she should come away he had told
her he should miss her very much indeed  But William will
write to you I dare say  Yes he had promised he would
but he had told her to write first  And when shall
you do it  She hung her head and answered hesitatingly
she did not know she had not any paper

If that be all your difficulty I will furnish you
with paper and every other material and you may write
your letter whenever you choose  Would it make you
happy to write to William

Yes very

Then let it be done now  Come with me into the
breakfast room we shall find everything there
and be sure of having the room to ourselves

But cousin will it go to the post

Yes depend upon me it shall  it shall go with the
other letters and as your uncle will frank it
it will cost William nothing

My uncle repeated Fanny with a frightened look

Yes when you have written the letter I will take it
to my father to frank

Fanny thought it a bold measure but offered no further
resistance and they went together into the breakfast room
where Edmund prepared her paper and ruled her lines
with all the goodwill that her brother could himself
have felt and probably with somewhat more exactness 
He continued with her the whole time of her writing
to assist her with his penknife or his orthography
as either were wanted and added to these attentions
which she felt very much a kindness to her brother which
delighted her beyond all the rest  He wrote with his own
hand his love to his cousin William and sent him half
a guinea under the seal  Fanny's feelings on the occasion
were such as she believed herself incapable of expressing
but her countenance and a few artless words fully
conveyed all their gratitude and delight and her cousin
began to find her an interesting object  He talked
to her more and from all that she said was convinced
of her having an affectionate heart and a strong desire
of doing right and he could perceive her to be farther
entitled to attention by great sensibility of her situation
and great timidity  He had never knowingly given her pain
but he now felt that she required more positive kindness
and with that view endeavoured in the first place
to lessen her fears of them all and gave her especially
a great deal of good advice as to playing with Maria
and Julia and being as merry as possible

From this day Fanny grew more comfortable  She felt
that she had a friend and the kindness of her cousin
Edmund gave her better spirits with everybody else 
The place became less strange and the people less formidable
and if there were some amongst them whom she could not
cease to fear she began at least to know their ways
and to catch the best manner of conforming to them 
The little rusticities and awkwardnesses which had at
first made grievous inroads on the tranquillity of all
and not least of herself necessarily wore away and she
was no longer materially afraid to appear before her uncle
nor did her aunt Norris's voice make her start very much 
To her cousins she became occasionally an acceptable companion 
Though unworthy from inferiority of age and strength
to be their constant associate their pleasures and schemes
were sometimes of a nature to make a third very useful
especially when that third was of an obliging
yielding temper and they could not but own when their
aunt inquired into her faults or their brother Edmund
urged her claims to their kindness that Fanny was
good natured enough

Edmund was uniformly kind himself and she had nothing
worse to endure on the part of Tom than that sort
of merriment which a young man of seventeen will always
think fair with a child of ten  He was just entering
into life full of spirits and with all the liberal
dispositions of an eldest son who feels born only
for expense and enjoyment  His kindness to his little
cousin was consistent with his situation and rights 
he made her some very pretty presents and laughed at her

As her appearance and spirits improved Sir Thomas and Mrs Norris
thought with greater satisfaction of their benevolent plan
and it was pretty soon decided between them that
though far from clever she showed a tractable disposition
and seemed likely to give them little trouble  A mean
opinion of her abilities was not confined to them 
Fanny could read work and write but she had been taught
nothing more and as her cousins found her ignorant
of many things with which they had been long familiar
they thought her prodigiously stupid and for the first
two or three weeks were continually bringing some fresh
report of it into the drawing room Dear mama only think
my cousin cannot put the map of Europe together  
or my cousin cannot tell the principal rivers in Russia  
or she never heard of Asia Minor  or she does not know
the difference between water colours and crayons  
How strange  Did you ever hear anything so stupid

My dear their considerate aunt would reply
it is very bad but you must not expect everybody
to be as forward and quick at learning as yourself

But aunt she is really so very ignorant  Do you know
we asked her last night which way she would go to get
to Ireland and she said she should cross to the Isle
of Wight  She thinks of nothing but the Isle of Wight
and she calls it the Island as if there were no
other island in the world  I am sure I should have been
ashamed of myself if I had not known better long before I
was so old as she is  I cannot remember the time when I
did not know a great deal that she has not the least
notion of yet  How long ago it is aunt since we used
to repeat the chronological order of the kings of England
with the dates of their accession and most of the principal
events of their reigns

Yes added the other and of the Roman emperors
as low as Severus besides a great deal of the heathen
mythology and all the metals semi metals planets
and distinguished philosophers

Very true indeed my dears but you are blessed with
wonderful memories and your poor cousin has probably none
at all  There is a vast deal of difference in memories
as well as in everything else and therefore you must
make allowance for your cousin and pity her deficiency 
And remember that if you are ever so forward and clever
yourselves you should always be modest for much as you
know already there is a great deal more for you to learn

Yes I know there is till I am seventeen  But I must
tell you another thing of Fanny so odd and so stupid 
Do you know she says she does not want to learn either
music or drawing

To be sure my dear that is very stupid indeed
and shows a great want of genius and emulation 
But all things considered I do not know whether it is
not as well that it should be so for though you know
owing to me your papa and mama are so good as to bring
her up with you it is not at all necessary that she
should be as accomplished as you are  on the contrary
it is much more desirable that there should be a difference

Such were the counsels by which Mrs Norris assisted to form
her nieces minds and it is not very wonderful that
with all their promising talents and early information
they should be entirely deficient in the less common
acquirements of self knowledge generosity and humility 
In everything but disposition they were admirably taught 
Sir Thomas did not know what was wanting because though a
truly anxious father he was not outwardly affectionate
and the reserve of his manner repressed all the flow of their
spirits before him

To the education of her daughters Lady Bertram paid not
the smallest attention  She had not time for such cares 
She was a woman who spent her days in sitting nicely dressed
on a sofa doing some long piece of needlework of little use
and no beauty thinking more of her pug than her children
but very indulgent to the latter when it did not put
herself to inconvenience guided in everything important
by Sir Thomas and in smaller concerns by her sister 
Had she possessed greater leisure for the service of her girls
she would probably have supposed it unnecessary for they
were under the care of a governess with proper masters
and could want nothing more  As for Fanny's being stupid
at learning she could only say it was very unlucky
but some people were stupid and Fanny must take more pains 
she did not know what else was to be done and except her
being so dull she must add she saw no harm in the poor
little thing and always found her very handy and quick
in carrying messages and fetching what she wanted

Fanny with all her faults of ignorance and timidity
was fixed at Mansfield Park and learning to transfer
in its favour much of her attachment to her former home
grew up there not unhappily among her cousins  There was
no positive ill nature in Maria or Julia and though
Fanny was often mortified by their treatment of her
she thought too lowly of her own claims to feel injured
by it

From about the time of her entering the family
Lady Bertram in consequence of a little ill health
and a great deal of indolence gave up the house in town
which she had been used to occupy every spring
and remained wholly in the country leaving Sir Thomas
to attend his duty in Parliament with whatever increase
or diminution of comfort might arise from her absence 
In the country therefore the Miss Bertrams continued
to exercise their memories practise their duets and grow
tall and womanly  and their father saw them becoming
in person manner and accomplishments everything that
could satisfy his anxiety  His eldest son was careless
and extravagant and had already given him much uneasiness
but his other children promised him nothing but good 
His daughters he felt while they retained the name
of Bertram must be giving it new grace and in quitting it
he trusted would extend its respectable alliances
and the character of Edmund his strong good sense
and uprightness of mind bid most fairly for utility
honour and happiness to himself and all his connexions 
He was to be a clergyman

Amid the cares and the complacency which his own
children suggested Sir Thomas did not forget to do what
he could for the children of Mrs Price  he assisted
her liberally in the education and disposal of her sons
as they became old enough for a determinate pursuit
and Fanny though almost totally separated from her family
was sensible of the truest satisfaction in hearing of any
kindness towards them or of anything at all promising
in their situation or conduct  Once and once only
in the course of many years had she the happiness
of being with William  Of the rest she saw nothing 
nobody seemed to think of her ever going amongst them again
even for a visit nobody at home seemed to want her
but William determining soon after her removal
to be a sailor was invited to spend a week with his
sister in Northamptonshire before he went to sea 
Their eager affection in meeting their exquisite
delight in being together their hours of happy mirth
and moments of serious conference may be imagined
as well as the sanguine views and spirits of the boy even
to the last and the misery of the girl when he left her 
Luckily the visit happened in the Christmas holidays
when she could directly look for comfort to her cousin Edmund
and he told her such charming things of what William was
to do and be hereafter in consequence of his profession
as made her gradually admit that the separation might
have some use  Edmund's friendship never failed her 
his leaving Eton for Oxford made no change in his kind
dispositions and only afforded more frequent opportunities
of proving them  Without any display of doing more than
the rest or any fear of doing too much he was always
true to her interests and considerate of her feelings
trying to make her good qualities understood and to conquer
the diffidence which prevented their being more apparent
giving her advice consolation and encouragement

Kept back as she was by everybody else his single support
could not bring her forward but his attentions were otherwise
of the highest importance in assisting the improvement
of her mind and extending its pleasures  He knew her to
be clever to have a quick apprehension as well as good sense
and a fondness for reading which properly directed
must be an education in itself  Miss Lee taught her French
and heard her read the daily portion of history but he
recommended the books which charmed her leisure hours
he encouraged her taste and corrected her judgment 
he made reading useful by talking to her of what she read
and heightened its attraction by judicious praise 
In return for such services she loved him better than
anybody in the world except William  her heart was divided
between the two



CHAPTER III

The first event of any importance in the family was
the death of Mr Norris which happened when Fanny was
about fifteen and necessarily introduced alterations
and novelties  Mrs Norris on quitting the Parsonage
removed first to the Park and afterwards to a small house
of Sir Thomas's in the village and consoled herself
for the loss of her husband by considering that she
could do very well without him and for her reduction
of income by the evident necessity of stricter economy

The living was hereafter for Edmund and had his uncle
died a few years sooner it would have been duly given
to some friend to hold till he were old enough for orders 
But Tom's extravagance had previous to that event
been so great as to render a different disposal of the
next presentation necessary and the younger brother
must help to pay for the pleasures of the elder 
There was another family living actually held for Edmund
but though this circumstance had made the arrangement
somewhat easier to Sir Thomas's conscience he could not
but feel it to be an act of injustice and he earnestly
tried to impress his eldest son with the same conviction
in the hope of its producing a better effect than anything he
had yet been able to say or do

I blush for you Tom said he in his most dignified manner
I blush for the expedient which I am driven on and I trust
I may pity your feelings as a brother on the occasion 
You have robbed Edmund for ten twenty thirty years
perhaps for life of more than half the income which ought
to be his  It may hereafter be in my power or in yours
I hope it will to procure him better preferment
but it must not be forgotten that no benefit of that
sort would have been beyond his natural claims on us
and that nothing can in fact be an equivalent for the
certain advantage which he is now obliged to forego
through the urgency of your debts

Tom listened with some shame and some sorrow
but escaping as quickly as possible could soon with
cheerful selfishness reflect firstly that he had
not been half so much in debt as some of his friends
secondly that his father had made a most tiresome piece
of work of it and thirdly that the future incumbent
whoever he might be would in all probability die very soon

On Mr Norris's death the presentation became the right of
a Dr Grant who came consequently to reside at Mansfield
and on proving to be a hearty man of forty five seemed
likely to disappoint Mr Bertram's calculations 
But no he was a short necked apoplectic sort of fellow
and plied well with good things would soon pop off

He had a wife about fifteen years his junior but no children
and they entered the neighbourhood with the usual fair
report of being very respectable agreeable people

The time was now come when Sir Thomas expected his
sister in law to claim her share in their niece
the change in Mrs Norris's situation and the improvement
in Fanny's age seeming not merely to do away any former
objection to their living together but even to give it
the most decided eligibility and as his own circumstances
were rendered less fair than heretofore by some recent
losses on his West India estate in addition to his eldest
son's extravagance it became not undesirable to himself to be
relieved from the expense of her support and the obligation
of her future provision  In the fullness of his belief
that such a thing must be he mentioned its probability
to his wife and the first time of the subject's occurring
to her again happening to be when Fanny was present
she calmly observed to her So Fanny you are going
to leave us and live with my sister  How shall you like it

Fanny was too much surprised to do more than repeat
her aunt's words Going to leave you

Yes my dear why should you be astonished 
You have been five years with us and my sister
always meant to take you when Mr Norris died 
But you must come up and tack on my patterns all the same

The news was as disagreeable to Fanny as it had been unexpected 
She had never received kindness from her aunt Norris
and could not love her

I shall be very sorry to go away said she with a
faltering voice

Yes I dare say you will that's natural enough 
I suppose you have had as little to vex you since you came
into this house as any creature in the world

I hope I am not ungrateful aunt said Fanny modestly

No my dear I hope not  I have always found you
a very good girl

And am I never to live here again

Never my dear but you are sure of a comfortable home 
It can make very little difference to you whether you are
in one house or the other

Fanny left the room with a very sorrowful heart she could
not feel the difference to be so small she could not think
of living with her aunt with anything like satisfaction 
As soon as she met with Edmund she told him her distress

Cousin said she something is going to happen which I
do not like at all and though you have often persuaded me
into being reconciled to things that I disliked at first
you will not be able to do it now  I am going to live
entirely with my aunt Norris

Indeed

Yes my aunt Bertram has just told me so  It is quite settled 
I am to leave Mansfield Park and go to the White House
I suppose as soon as she is removed there

Well Fanny and if the plan were not unpleasant to you
I should call it an excellent one

Oh cousin

It has everything else in its favour  My aunt is
acting like a sensible woman in wishing for you  She is
choosing a friend and companion exactly where she ought
and I am glad her love of money does not interfere 
You will be what you ought to be to her  I hope it does
not distress you very much Fanny

Indeed it does  I cannot like it  I love this house
and everything in it  I shall love nothing there 
You know how uncomfortable I feel with her

I can say nothing for her manner to you as a child
but it was the same with us all or nearly so  She never
knew how to be pleasant to children  But you are now
of an age to be treated better I think she is behaving
better already and when you are her only companion
you must be important to her

I can never be important to any one

What is to prevent you

Everything  My situation my foolishness and awkwardness

As to your foolishness and awkwardness my dear Fanny
believe me you never have a shadow of either but in using
the words so improperly  There is no reason in the world
why you should not be important where you are known 
You have good sense and a sweet temper and I am sure you
have a grateful heart that could never receive kindness
without wishing to return it  I do not know any better
qualifications for a friend and companion

You are too kind said Fanny colouring at such praise
how shall I ever thank you as I ought for thinking
so well of me  Oh cousin if I am to go away I shall
remember your goodness to the last moment of my life

Why indeed Fanny I should hope to be remembered at
such a distance as the White House  You speak as if you
were going two hundred miles off instead of only across
the park but you will belong to us almost as much as ever 
The two families will be meeting every day in the year 
The only difference will be that living with your aunt
you will necessarily be brought forward as you ought to be 
Here there are too many whom you can hide behind but with
her you will be forced to speak for yourself

Oh  I do not say so

I must say it and say it with pleasure  Mrs Norris
is much better fitted than my mother for having the charge
of you now  She is of a temper to do a great deal
for anybody she really interests herself about and she
will force you to do justice to your natural powers

Fanny sighed and said I cannot see things as you do
but I ought to believe you to be right rather than myself
and I am very much obliged to you for trying to reconcile
me to what must be  If I could suppose my aunt really
to care for me it would be delightful to feel myself
of consequence to anybody   Here I know I am of none
and yet I love the place so well

The place Fanny is what you will not quit though you
quit the house  You will have as free a command of the
park and gardens as ever  Even your constant little
heart need not take fright at such a nominal change 
You will have the same walks to frequent the same library
to choose from the same people to look at the same horse
to ride

Very true  Yes dear old grey pony  Ah cousin when I
remember how much I used to dread riding what terrors
it gave me to hear it talked of as likely to do me good
oh how I have trembled at my uncle's opening his lips
if horses were talked of and then think of the kind
pains you took to reason and persuade me out of my fears
and convince me that I should like it after a little while
and feel how right you proved to be I am inclined to hope
you may always prophesy as well

And I am quite convinced that your being with Mrs Norris
will be as good for your mind as riding has been for
your health and as much for your ultimate happiness too

So ended their discourse which for any very appropriate
service it could render Fanny might as well have been spared
for Mrs Norris had not the smallest intention of taking her 
It had never occurred to her on the present occasion
but as a thing to be carefully avoided  To prevent its
being expected she had fixed on the smallest habitation
which could rank as genteel among the buildings of Mansfield
parish the White House being only just large enough to
receive herself and her servants and allow a spare room
for a friend of which she made a very particular point 
The spare rooms at the Parsonage had never been wanted
but the absolute necessity of a spare room for a friend
was now never forgotten  Not all her precautions however
could save her from being suspected of something better
or perhaps her very display of the importance of a
spare room might have misled Sir Thomas to suppose it
really intended for Fanny  Lady Bertram soon brought
the matter to a certainty by carelessly observing to Mrs Norris  

I think sister we need not keep Miss Lee any longer
when Fanny goes to live with you

Mrs Norris almost started  Live with me dear Lady
Bertram what do you mean

Is she not to live with you  I thought you had settled
it with Sir Thomas

Me never  I never spoke a syllable about it to Sir Thomas
nor he to me  Fanny live with me the last thing in the
world for me to think of or for anybody to wish that really
knows us both  Good heaven what could I do with Fanny 
Me a poor helpless forlorn widow unfit for anything
my spirits quite broke down what could I do with a girl
at her time of life  A girl of fifteen the very age
of all others to need most attention and care and put
the cheerfullest spirits to the test  Sure Sir Thomas
could not seriously expect such a thing  Sir Thomas is too
much my friend  Nobody that wishes me well I am sure
would propose it  How came Sir Thomas to speak to you
about it

Indeed I do not know  I suppose he thought it best

But what did he say  He could not say he wished me
to take Fanny  I am sure in his heart he could not wish
me to do it

No he only said he thought it very likely and I thought
so too  We both thought it would be a comfort to you 
But if you do not like it there is no more to be said 
She is no encumbrance here

Dear sister if you consider my unhappy state how can she
be any comfort to me  Here am I a poor desolate widow
deprived of the best of husbands my health gone in attending
and nursing him my spirits still worse all my peace
in this world destroyed with hardly enough to support
me in the rank of a gentlewoman and enable me to live
so as not to disgrace the memory of the dear departed  
what possible comfort could I have in taking such a charge
upon me as Fanny  If I could wish it for my own sake
I would not do so unjust a thing by the poor girl 
She is in good hands and sure of doing well  I must
struggle through my sorrows and difficulties as I can

Then you will not mind living by yourself quite alone

Lady Bertram I do not complain  I know I cannot
live as I have done but I must retrench where I can
and learn to be a better manager  I have been
a liberal housekeeper enough but I shall not be ashamed
to practise economy now  My situation is as much
altered as my income  A great many things were due
from poor Mr Norris as clergyman of the parish
that cannot be expected from me  It is unknown how much
was consumed in our kitchen by odd comers and goers 
At the White House matters must be better looked after 
I must live within my income or I shall be miserable
and I own it would give me great satisfaction to be able
to do rather more to lay by a little at the end of
the year

I dare say you will  You always do don't you

My object Lady Bertram is to be of use to those that
come after me  It is for your children's good that I
wish to be richer  I have nobody else to care for
but I should be very glad to think I could leave a little
trifle among them worth their having

You are very good but do not trouble yourself about them 
They are sure of being well provided for  Sir Thomas
will take care of that

Why you know Sir Thomas's means will be rather straitened
if the Antigua estate is to make such poor returns

Oh that will soon be settled  Sir Thomas has been
writing about it I know

Well Lady Bertram said Mrs Norris moving to go
I can only say that my sole desire is to be of use
to your family  and so if Sir Thomas should ever speak
again about my taking Fanny you will be able to say that
my health and spirits put it quite out of the question
besides that I really should not have a bed to give her
for I must keep a spare room for a friend

Lady Bertram repeated enough of this conversation
to her husband to convince him how much he had mistaken
his sister in law's views and she was from that moment
perfectly safe from all expectation or the slightest
allusion to it from him  He could not but wonder at her
refusing to do anything for a niece whom she had been so
forward to adopt but as she took early care to make him
as well as Lady Bertram understand that whatever she
possessed was designed for their family he soon grew
reconciled to a distinction which at the same time
that it was advantageous and complimentary to them
would enable him better to provide for Fanny himself

Fanny soon learnt how unnecessary had been her fears of a removal
and her spontaneous untaught felicity on the discovery
conveyed some consolation to Edmund for his disappointment
in what he had expected to be so essentially serviceable
to her  Mrs Norris took possession of the White House
the Grants arrived at the Parsonage and these events over
everything at Mansfield went on for some time as usual

The Grants showing a disposition to be friendly and sociable
gave great satisfaction in the main among their new acquaintance 
They had their faults and Mrs Norris soon found them out 
The Doctor was very fond of eating and would have a good
dinner every day and Mrs Grant instead of contriving
to gratify him at little expense gave her cook as high
wages as they did at Mansfield Park and was scarcely ever
seen in her offices  Mrs Norris could not speak with any
temper of such grievances nor of the quantity of butter
and eggs that were regularly consumed in the house 
Nobody loved plenty and hospitality more than herself
nobody more hated pitiful doings the Parsonage
she believed had never been wanting in comforts of any sort
had never borne a bad character in her time but this
was a way of going on that she could not understand 
A fine lady in a country parsonage was quite out of place 
Her store room she thought might have been good enough
for Mrs Grant to go into  Inquire where she would
she could not find out that Mrs Grant had ever had more
than five thousand pounds

Lady Bertram listened without much interest to this
sort of invective  She could not enter into the wrongs
of an economist but she felt all the injuries of beauty
in Mrs Grant's being so well settled in life without
being handsome and expressed her astonishment on
that point almost as often though not so diffusely
as Mrs Norris discussed the other

These opinions had been hardly canvassed a year before
another event arose of such importance in the family
as might fairly claim some place in the thoughts and
conversation of the ladies  Sir Thomas found it expedient
to go to Antigua himself for the better arrangement
of his affairs and he took his eldest son with him
in the hope of detaching him from some bad connexions
at home  They left England with the probability of being
nearly a twelvemonth absent

The necessity of the measure in a pecuniary light
and the hope of its utility to his son reconciled Sir
Thomas to the effort of quitting the rest of his family
and of leaving his daughters to the direction of others
at their present most interesting time of life 
He could not think Lady Bertram quite equal to supply his
place with them or rather to perform what should have
been her own but in Mrs Norris's watchful attention
and in Edmund's judgment he had sufficient confidence
to make him go without fears for their conduct

Lady Bertram did not at all like to have her husband leave her
but she was not disturbed by any alarm for his safety
or solicitude for his comfort being one of those persons
who think nothing can be dangerous or difficult
or fatiguing to anybody but themselves

The Miss Bertrams were much to be pitied on the occasion 
not for their sorrow but for their want of it 
Their father was no object of love to them he had never
seemed the friend of their pleasures and his absence
was unhappily most welcome  They were relieved by it from
all restraint and without aiming at one gratification
that would probably have been forbidden by Sir Thomas
they felt themselves immediately at their own disposal
and to have every indulgence within their reach 
Fanny's relief and her consciousness of it were quite
equal to her cousins but a more tender nature suggested
that her feelings were ungrateful and she really
grieved because she could not grieve  Sir Thomas
who had done so much for her and her brothers and who was
gone perhaps never to return that she should see him
go without a tear it was a shameful insensibility 
He had said to her moreover on the very last morning
that he hoped she might see William again in the course
of the ensuing winter and had charged her to write
and invite him to Mansfield as soon as the squadron
to which he belonged should be known to be in England 
This was so thoughtful and kind and would he only
have smiled upon her and called her my dear Fanny
while he said it every former frown or cold address
might have been forgotten  But he had ended his speech
in a way to sink her in sad mortification by adding
If William does come to Mansfield I hope you may be able
to convince him that the many years which have passed
since you parted have not been spent on your side entirely
without improvement though I fear he must find his sister
at sixteen in some respects too much like his sister at ten 
She cried bitterly over this reflection when her uncle
was gone and her cousins on seeing her with red eyes
set her down as a hypocrite



CHAPTER IV

Tom Bertram had of late spent so little of his time at
home that he could be only nominally missed and Lady
Bertram was soon astonished to find how very well they
did even without his father how well Edmund could
supply his place in carving talking to the steward
writing to the attorney settling with the servants
and equally saving her from all possible fatigue or exertion
in every particular but that of directing her letters

The earliest intelligence of the travellers safe arrival
at Antigua after a favourable voyage was received
though not before Mrs Norris had been indulging in very
dreadful fears and trying to make Edmund participate them
whenever she could get him alone and as she depended
on being the first person made acquainted with any
fatal catastrophe she had already arranged the manner of
breaking it to all the others when Sir Thomas's assurances
of their both being alive and well made it necessary to lay
by her agitation and affectionate preparatory speeches for a while

The winter came and passed without their being
called for the accounts continued perfectly good
and Mrs Norris in promoting gaieties for her nieces
assisting their toilets displaying their accomplishments
and looking about for their future husbands had so much
to do as in addition to all her own household cares
some interference in those of her sister and Mrs Grant's
wasteful doings to overlook left her very little occasion
to be occupied in fears for the absent

The Miss Bertrams were now fully established among the
belles of the neighbourhood and as they joined to beauty
and brilliant acquirements a manner naturally easy
and carefully formed to general civility and obligingness
they possessed its favour as well as its admiration 
Their vanity was in such good order that they seemed
to be quite free from it and gave themselves no airs
while the praises attending such behaviour secured and
brought round by their aunt served to strengthen them in
believing they had no faults

Lady Bertram did not go into public with her daughters 
She was too indolent even to accept a mother's gratification
in witnessing their success and enjoyment at the expense
of any personal trouble and the charge was made over
to her sister who desired nothing better than a post
of such honourable representation and very thoroughly
relished the means it afforded her of mixing in society
without having horses to hire

Fanny had no share in the festivities of the season
but she enjoyed being avowedly useful as her aunt's companion
when they called away the rest of the family and as Miss
Lee had left Mansfield she naturally became everything
to Lady Bertram during the night of a ball or a party 
She talked to her listened to her read to her
and the tranquillity of such evenings her perfect security
in such a tete a tete from any sound of unkindness
was unspeakably welcome to a mind which had seldom
known a pause in its alarms or embarrassments  As to
her cousins gaieties she loved to hear an account of them
especially of the balls and whom Edmund had danced with
but thought too lowly of her own situation to imagine
she should ever be admitted to the same and listened
therefore without an idea of any nearer concern in them 
Upon the whole it was a comfortable winter to her
for though it brought no William to England the never failing
hope of his arrival was worth much

The ensuing spring deprived her of her valued friend
the old grey pony and for some time she was in danger of
feeling the loss in her health as well as in her affections
for in spite of the acknowledged importance of her riding
on horse back no measures were taken for mounting
her again because as it was observed by her aunts
she might ride one of her cousin's horses at any time
when they did not want them and as the Miss Bertrams
regularly wanted their horses every fine day and had no
idea of carrying their obliging manners to the sacrifice
of any real pleasure that time of course never came 
They took their cheerful rides in the fine mornings
of April and May and Fanny either sat at home the whole
day with one aunt or walked beyond her strength at the
instigation of the other  Lady Bertram holding exercise
to be as unnecessary for everybody as it was unpleasant
to herself and Mrs Norris who was walking all day
thinking everybody ought to walk as much  Edmund was absent
at this time or the evil would have been earlier remedied 
When he returned to understand how Fanny was situated
and perceived its ill effects there seemed with him but
one thing to be done and that Fanny must have a horse
was the resolute declaration with which he opposed
whatever could be urged by the supineness of his mother
or the economy of his aunt to make it appear unimportant 
Mrs Norris could not help thinking that some steady
old thing might be found among the numbers belonging
to the Park that would do vastly well or that one might
be borrowed of the steward or that perhaps Dr Grant
might now and then lend them the pony he sent to the post 
She could not but consider it as absolutely unnecessary
and even improper that Fanny should have a regular
lady's horse of her own in the style of her cousins 
She was sure Sir Thomas had never intended it  and she
must say that to be making such a purchase in his absence
and adding to the great expenses of his stable
at a time when a large part of his income was unsettled
seemed to her very unjustifiable  Fanny must have
a horse was Edmund's only reply  Mrs Norris could
not see it in the same light  Lady Bertram did 
she entirely agreed with her son as to the necessity of it
and as to its being considered necessary by his father
she only pleaded against there being any hurry she only
wanted him to wait till Sir Thomas's return and then Sir
Thomas might settle it all himself  He would be at home
in September and where would be the harm of only waiting
till September

Though Edmund was much more displeased with his aunt than
with his mother as evincing least regard for her niece
he could not help paying more attention to what she said
and at length determined on a method of proceeding
which would obviate the risk of his father's thinking he
had done too much and at the same time procure for Fanny
the immediate means of exercise which he could not bear
she should be without  He had three horses of his own
but not one that would carry a woman  Two of them
were hunters the third a useful road horse this third he
resolved to exchange for one that his cousin might ride
he knew where such a one was to be met with and having once
made up his mind the whole business was soon completed 
The new mare proved a treasure with a very little
trouble she became exactly calculated for the purpose
and Fanny was then put in almost full possession of her 
She had not supposed before that anything could ever suit
her like the old grey pony but her delight in Edmund's
mare was far beyond any former pleasure of the sort
and the addition it was ever receiving in the consideration
of that kindness from which her pleasure sprung
was beyond all her words to express  She regarded
her cousin as an example of everything good and great
as possessing worth which no one but herself could
ever appreciate and as entitled to such gratitude
from her as no feelings could be strong enough to pay 
Her sentiments towards him were compounded of all that
was respectful grateful confiding and tender

As the horse continued in name as well as fact
the property of Edmund Mrs Norris could tolerate its being
for Fanny's use and had Lady Bertram ever thought about
her own objection again he might have been excused in her
eyes for not waiting till Sir Thomas's return in September
for when September came Sir Thomas was still abroad
and without any near prospect of finishing his business 
Unfavourable circumstances had suddenly arisen at a moment
when he was beginning to turn all his thoughts towards England
and the very great uncertainty in which everything was then
involved determined him on sending home his son and waiting
the final arrangement by himself Tom arrived safely
bringing an excellent account of his father's health
but to very little purpose as far as Mrs Norris
was concerned  Sir Thomas's sending away his son seemed
to her so like a parent's care under the influence of a
foreboding of evil to himself that she could not help
feeling dreadful presentiments and as the long evenings
of autumn came on was so terribly haunted by these ideas
in the sad solitariness of her cottage as to be obliged
to take daily refuge in the dining room of the Park 
The return of winter engagements however was not
without its effect and in the course of their progress
her mind became so pleasantly occupied in superintending
the fortunes of her eldest niece as tolerably to quiet
her nerves  If poor Sir Thomas were fated never to return
it would be peculiarly consoling to see their dear Maria
well married she very often thought always when they
were in the company of men of fortune and particularly on
the introduction of a young man who had recently succeeded
to one of the largest estates and finest places in the country

Mr Rushworth was from the first struck with the beauty
of Miss Bertram and being inclined to marry soon fancied
himself in love  He was a heavy young man with not more
than common sense but as there was nothing disagreeable
in his figure or address the young lady was well pleased
with her conquest  Being now in her twenty first year
Maria Bertram was beginning to think matrimony a duty
and as a marriage with Mr Rushworth would give her the
enjoyment of a larger income than her father's as well as
ensure her the house in town which was now a prime object
it became by the same rule of moral obligation
her evident duty to marry Mr Rushworth if she could 
Mrs Norris was most zealous in promoting the match
by every suggestion and contrivance likely to enhance
its desirableness to either party and among other means
by seeking an intimacy with the gentleman's mother
who at present lived with him and to whom she even forced
Lady Bertram to go through ten miles of indifferent road
to pay a morning visit  It was not long before a good
understanding took place between this lady and herself 
Mrs Rushworth acknowledged herself very desirous that
her son should marry and declared that of all the young
ladies she had ever seen Miss Bertram seemed by her
amiable qualities and accomplishments the best adapted
to make him happy  Mrs Norris accepted the compliment
and admired the nice discernment of character which
could so well distinguish merit  Maria was indeed
the pride and delight of them all  perfectly faultless  
an angel and of course so surrounded by admirers must be
difficult in her choice  but yet as far as Mrs Norris
could allow herself to decide on so short an acquaintance
Mr Rushworth appeared precisely the young man to deserve
and attach her

After dancing with each other at a proper number of balls
the young people justified these opinions and an engagement
with a due reference to the absent Sir Thomas was entered into
much to the satisfaction of their respective families
and of the general lookers on of the neighbourhood
who had for many weeks past felt the expediency
of Mr Rushworth's marrying Miss Bertram

It was some months before Sir Thomas's consent could
be received but in the meanwhile as no one felt
a doubt of his most cordial pleasure in the connexion
the intercourse of the two families was carried on
without restraint and no other attempt made at secrecy
than Mrs Norris's talking of it everywhere as a matter
not to be talked of at present

Edmund was the only one of the family who could see a fault
in the business but no representation of his aunt's could
induce him to find Mr Rushworth a desirable companion 
He could allow his sister to be the best judge of her
own happiness but he was not pleased that her happiness
should centre in a large income nor could he refrain
from often saying to himself in Mr Rushworth's company  
If this man had not twelve thousand a year he would be
a very stupid fellow

Sir Thomas however was truly happy in the prospect of an
alliance so unquestionably advantageous and of which he
heard nothing but the perfectly good and agreeable 
It was a connexion exactly of the right sort  
in the same county and the same interest  and his most
hearty concurrence was conveyed as soon as possible 
He only conditioned that the marriage should not take
place before his return which he was again looking
eagerly forward to  He wrote in April and had strong
hopes of settling everything to his entire satisfaction
and leaving Antigua before the end of the summer

Such was the state of affairs in the month of July
and Fanny had just reached her eighteenth year when the
society of the village received an addition in the brother
and sister of Mrs Grant a Mr and Miss Crawford
the children of her mother by a second marriage 
They were young people of fortune  The son had a good
estate in Norfolk the daughter twenty thousand pounds 
As children their sister had been always very fond
of them but as her own marriage had been soon followed
by the death of their common parent which left them
to the care of a brother of their father of whom
Mrs Grant knew nothing she had scarcely seen them since 
In their uncle's house they had found a kind home 
Admiral and Mrs Crawford though agreeing in nothing else
were united in affection for these children or at least
were no farther adverse in their feelings than that each
had their favourite to whom they showed the greatest
fondness of the two  The Admiral delighted in the boy
Mrs Crawford doted on the girl and it was the lady's
death which now obliged her protegee after some months
further trial at her uncle's house to find another home 
Admiral Crawford was a man of vicious conduct who chose
instead of retaining his niece to bring his mistress
under his own roof and to this Mrs Grant was indebted
for her sister's proposal of coming to her a measure quite
as welcome on one side as it could be expedient on the other
for Mrs Grant having by this time run through the usual
resources of ladies residing in the country without a
family of children  having more than filled her favourite
sitting room with pretty furniture and made a choice
collection of plants and poultry  was very much in want
of some variety at home  The arrival therefore of a sister
whom she had always loved and now hoped to retain with
her as long as she remained single was highly agreeable
and her chief anxiety was lest Mansfield should not satisfy
the habits of a young woman who had been mostly used
to London

Miss Crawford was not entirely free from similar
apprehensions though they arose principally from doubts
of her sister's style of living and tone of society
and it was not till after she had tried in vain to persuade
her brother to settle with her at his own country house
that she could resolve to hazard herself among her
other relations  To anything like a permanence of abode
or limitation of society Henry Crawford had unluckily
a great dislike  he could not accommodate his sister
in an article of such importance but he escorted her
with the utmost kindness into Northamptonshire
and as readily engaged to fetch her away again at half
an hour's notice whenever she were weary of the place

The meeting was very satisfactory on each side 
Miss Crawford found a sister without preciseness
or rusticity a sister's husband who looked the gentleman
and a house commodious and well fitted up and Mrs Grant
received in those whom she hoped to love better than ever
a young man and woman of very prepossessing appearance 
Mary Crawford was remarkably pretty Henry though not handsome
had air and countenance the manners of both were lively
and pleasant and Mrs Grant immediately gave them credit
for everything else  She was delighted with each
but Mary was her dearest object and having never been
able to glory in beauty of her own she thoroughly enjoyed
the power of being proud of her sister's She had not waited
her arrival to look out for a suitable match for her 
she had fixed on Tom Bertram the eldest son of a baronet
was not too good for a girl of twenty thousand pounds
with all the elegance and accomplishments which Mrs Grant
foresaw in her and being a warm hearted unreserved woman
Mary had not been three hours in the house before she
told her what she had planned

Miss Crawford was glad to find a family of such consequence
so very near them and not at all displeased either at
her sister's early care or the choice it had fallen on 
Matrimony was her object provided she could marry well 
and having seen Mr Bertram in town she knew that
objection could no more be made to his person than to
his situation in life  While she treated it as a joke
therefore she did not forget to think of it seriously 
The scheme was soon repeated to Henry

And now added Mrs Grant I have thought of something
to make it complete  I should dearly love to settle you
both in this country and therefore Henry you shall
marry the youngest Miss Bertram a nice handsome
good humoured accomplished girl who will make you very happy

Henry bowed and thanked her

My dear sister said Mary if you can persuade him
into anything of the sort it will be a fresh matter of
delight to me to find myself allied to anybody so clever
and I shall only regret that you have not half a dozen
daughters to dispose of  If you can persuade Henry
to marry you must have the address of a Frenchwoman 
All that English abilities can do has been tried already 
I have three very particular friends who have been all
dying for him in their turn and the pains which they
their mothers very clever women as well as my dear
aunt and myself have taken to reason coax or trick
him into marrying is inconceivable  He is the most
horrible flirt that can be imagined  If your Miss
Bertrams do not like to have their hearts broke let them
avoid Henry

My dear brother I will not believe this of you

No I am sure you are too good  You will be kinder than Mary 
You will allow for the doubts of youth and inexperience 
I am of a cautious temper and unwilling to risk my
happiness in a hurry  Nobody can think more highly of
the matrimonial state than myself I consider the blessing
of a wife as most justly described in those discreet
lines of the poet  Heaven's last best gift

There Mrs Grant you see how he dwells on one word
and only look at his smile  I assure you he is very detestable
the Admiral's lessons have quite spoiled him

I pay very little regard said Mrs Grant to what
any young person says on the subject of marriage 
If they profess a disinclination for it I only set it
down that they have not yet seen the right person

Dr Grant laughingly congratulated Miss Crawford
on feeling no disinclination to the state herself

Oh yes  I am not at all ashamed of it  I would
have everybody marry if they can do it properly 
I do not like to have people throw themselves away
but everybody should marry as soon as they can do it
to advantage



CHAPTER V

The young people were pleased with each other from
the first  On each side there was much to attract
and their acquaintance soon promised as early an intimacy
as good manners would warrant  Miss Crawford's
beauty did her no disservice with the Miss Bertrams 
They were too handsome themselves to dislike any woman
for being so too and were almost as much charmed as their
brothers with her lively dark eye clear brown complexion
and general prettiness  Had she been tall full formed
and fair it might have been more of a trial  but as it was
there could be no comparison and she was most allowably
a sweet pretty girl while they were the finest young
women in the country

Her brother was not handsome  no when they first saw him
he was absolutely plain black and plain but still he
was the gentleman with a pleasing address  The second
meeting proved him not so very plain  he was plain
to be sure but then he had so much countenance and his
teeth were so good and he was so well made that one
soon forgot he was plain and after a third interview
after dining in company with him at the Parsonage
he was no longer allowed to be called so by anybody 
He was in fact the most agreeable young man the sisters
had ever known and they were equally delighted with him 
Miss Bertram's engagement made him in equity the property
of Julia of which Julia was fully aware and before he had
been at Mansfield a week she was quite ready to be fallen
in love with

Maria's notions on the subject were more confused
and indistinct  She did not want to see or understand 
There could be no harm in her liking an agreeable man  
everybody knew her situation  Mr Crawford must take care
of himself  Mr Crawford did not mean to be in any danger
the Miss Bertrams were worth pleasing and were ready
to be pleased and he began with no object but of making
them like him  He did not want them to die of love
but with sense and temper which ought to have made him
judge and feel better he allowed himself great latitude
on such points

I like your Miss Bertrams exceedingly sister said he
as he returned from attending them to their carriage
after the said dinner visit they are very elegant
agreeable girls

So they are indeed and I am delighted to hear you say it 
But you like Julia best

Oh yes  I like Julia best

But do you really for Miss Bertram is in general thought
the handsomest

So I should suppose  She has the advantage in every feature
and I prefer her countenance but I like Julia best
Miss Bertram is certainly the handsomest and I have found
her the most agreeable but I shall always like Julia best
because you order me

I shall not talk to you Henry but I know you will
like her best at last

Do not I tell you that I like her best at first

And besides Miss Bertram is engaged  Remember that
my dear brother  Her choice is made

Yes and I like her the better for it  An engaged
woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged 
She is satisfied with herself  Her cares are over
and she feels that she may exert all her powers of pleasing
without suspicion  All is safe with a lady engaged 
no harm can be done

Why as to that Mr Rushworth is a very good sort
of young man and it is a great match for her

But Miss Bertram does not care three straws for him
that is your opinion of your intimate friend  I do
not subscribe to it  I am sure Miss Bertram is very much
attached to Mr Rushworth  I could see it in her eyes
when he was mentioned  I think too well of Miss Bertram
to suppose she would ever give her hand without her heart

Mary how shall we manage him

We must leave him to himself I believe  Talking does
no good  He will be taken in at last

But I would not have him taken in I would not have
him duped I would have it all fair and honourable

Oh dear let him stand his chance and be taken in 
It will do just as well  Everybody is taken in at some
period or other

Not always in marriage dear Mary

In marriage especially  With all due respect to such
of the present company as chance to be married my dear
Mrs Grant there is not one in a hundred of either sex
who is not taken in when they marry  Look where I will
I see that it is so and I feel that it must be so
when I consider that it is of all transactions the one
in which people expect most from others and are least
honest themselves

Ah  You have been in a bad school for matrimony
in Hill Street

My poor aunt had certainly little cause to love
the state but however speaking from my own observation
it is a manoeuvring business  I know so many who
have married in the full expectation and confidence
of some one particular advantage in the connexion
or accomplishment or good quality in the person who have
found themselves entirely deceived and been obliged
to put up with exactly the reverse  What is this but a take in

My dear child there must be a little imagination here 
I beg your pardon but I cannot quite believe you 
Depend upon it you see but half  You see the evil
but you do not see the consolation  There will be
little rubs and disappointments everywhere and we
are all apt to expect too much but then if one scheme
of happiness fails human nature turns to another
if the first calculation is wrong we make a second better 
we find comfort somewhere  and those evil minded observers
dearest Mary who make much of a little are more taken
in and deceived than the parties themselves

Well done sister  I honour your esprit du corps 
When I am a wife I mean to be just as staunch myself
and I wish my friends in general would be so too  It would
save me many a heartache

You are as bad as your brother Mary but we will cure
you both  Mansfield shall cure you both and without
any taking in  Stay with us and we will cure you

The Crawfords without wanting to be cured were very
willing to stay  Mary was satisfied with the Parsonage
as a present home and Henry equally ready to lengthen
his visit  He had come intending to spend only a few
days with them but Mansfield promised well and there
was nothing to call him elsewhere  It delighted Mrs Grant
to keep them both with her and Dr Grant was exceedingly
well contented to have it so  a talking pretty young
woman like Miss Crawford is always pleasant society
to an indolent stay at home man and Mr Crawford's
being his guest was an excuse for drinking claret every day

The Miss Bertrams admiration of Mr Crawford was more
rapturous than anything which Miss Crawford's habits made
her likely to feel  She acknowledged however that the
Mr Bertrams were very fine young men that two such
young men were not often seen together even in London
and that their manners particularly those of the eldest
were very good  He had been much in London
and had more liveliness and gallantry than Edmund
and must therefore be preferred and indeed his being
the eldest was another strong claim  She had felt an early
presentiment that she should like the eldest best 
She knew it was her way

Tom Bertram must have been thought pleasant indeed at any rate
he was the sort of young man to be generally liked
his agreeableness was of the kind to be oftener found
agreeable than some endowments of a higher stamp for he
had easy manners excellent spirits a large acquaintance
and a great deal to say and the reversion of Mansfield Park
and a baronetcy did no harm to all this  Miss Crawford
soon felt that he and his situation might do  She looked
about her with due consideration and found almost everything
in his favour  a park a real park five miles round
a spacious modern built house so well placed and well
screened as to deserve to be in any collection of engravings
of gentlemen's seats in the kingdom and wanting only to be
completely new furnished  pleasant sisters a quiet mother
and an agreeable man himself  with the advantage of
being tied up from much gaming at present by a promise
to his father and of being Sir Thomas hereafter 
It might do very well she believed she should accept him
and she began accordingly to interest herself a little
about the horse which he had to run at the B        races

These races were to call him away not long after their
acquaintance began and as it appeared that the family
did not from his usual goings on expect him back
again for many weeks it would bring his passion to an
early proof  Much was said on his side to induce her
to attend the races and schemes were made for a large
party to them with all the eagerness of inclination
but it would only do to be talked of

And Fanny what was she doing and thinking all this
while and what was her opinion of the newcomers 
Few young ladies of eighteen could be less called on
to speak their opinion than Fanny  In a quiet way
very little attended to she paid her tribute of admiration
to Miss Crawford's beauty but as she still continued
to think Mr Crawford very plain in spite of her two
cousins having repeatedly proved the contrary she never
mentioned him  The notice which she excited herself
was to this effect  I begin now to understand you all
except Miss Price said Miss Crawford as she was
walking with the Mr Bertrams  Pray is she out
or is she not  I am puzzled  She dined at the Parsonage
with the rest of you which seemed like being out
and yet she says so little that I can hardly suppose
she is

Edmund to whom this was chiefly addressed replied I believe
I know what you mean but I will not undertake to answer
the question  My cousin is grown up  She has the age
and sense of a woman but the outs and not outs are beyond me

And yet in general nothing can be more easily ascertained 
The distinction is so broad  Manners as well as
appearance are generally speaking so totally different 
Till now I could not have supposed it possible to be
mistaken as to a girl's being out or not  A girl not
out has always the same sort of dress  a close bonnet
for instance looks very demure and never says a word 
You may smile but it is so I assure you and except
that it is sometimes carried a little too far it is
all very proper  Girls should be quiet and modest 
The most objectionable part is that the alteration
of manners on being introduced into company is frequently
too sudden  They sometimes pass in such very little
time from reserve to quite the opposite  to confidence 
That is the faulty part of the present system 
One does not like to see a girl of eighteen or nineteen
so immediately up to every thing  and perhaps when one
has seen her hardly able to speak the year before 
Mr Bertram I dare say you have sometimes met with
such changes

I believe I have but this is hardly fair I see what you
are at  You are quizzing me and Miss Anderson

No indeed  Miss Anderson  I do not know who or what
you mean  I am quite in the dark  But I will quiz you
with a great deal of pleasure if you will tell me what about

Ah you carry it off very well but I cannot be quite
so far imposed on  You must have had Miss Anderson
in your eye in describing an altered young lady 
You paint too accurately for mistake  It was exactly so 
The Andersons of Baker Street  We were speaking of them
the other day you know  Edmund you have heard me mention
Charles Anderson  The circumstance was precisely as this
lady has represented it  When Anderson first introduced
me to his family about two years ago his sister was
not out and I could not get her to speak to me 
I sat there an hour one morning waiting for Anderson
with only her and a little girl or two in the room
the governess being sick or run away and the mother
in and out every moment with letters of business and I
could hardly get a word or a look from the young lady  
nothing like a civil answer  she screwed up her mouth
and turned from me with such an air  I did not see
her again for a twelvemonth  She was then out 
I met her at Mrs Holford's and did not recollect her 
She came up to me claimed me as an acquaintance stared me
out of countenance and talked and laughed till I did not
know which way to look  I felt that I must be the jest
of the room at the time and Miss Crawford it is plain
has heard the story

And a very pretty story it is and with more truth
in it I dare say than does credit to Miss Anderson 
It is too common a fault  Mothers certainly have not yet
got quite the right way of managing their daughters 
I do not know where the error lies  I do not pretend to set
people right but I do see that they are often wrong

Those who are showing the world what female manners
should be said Mr Bertram gallantly are doing
a great deal to set them right

The error is plain enough said the less courteous Edmund
such girls are ill brought up  They are given wrong notions
from the beginning  They are always acting upon motives
of vanity and there is no more real modesty in their
behaviour before they appear in public than afterwards

I do not know replied Miss Crawford hesitatingly 
Yes I cannot agree with you there  It is certainly
the modestest part of the business  It is much worse to
have girls not out give themselves the same airs and take
the same liberties as if they were which I have seen done 
That is worse than anything  quite disgusting

Yes that is very inconvenient indeed said Mr Bertram 
It leads one astray one does not know what to do 
The close bonnet and demure air you describe so well and
nothing was ever juster tell one what is expected
but I got into a dreadful scrape last year from the want
of them  I went down to Ramsgate for a week with a friend
last September just after my return from the West Indies 
My friend Sneyd  you have heard me speak of Sneyd Edmund  
his father and mother and sisters were there all new
to me  When we reached Albion Place they were out
we went after them and found them on the pier  Mrs and
the two Miss Sneyds with others of their acquaintance 
I made my bow in form and as Mrs Sneyd was surrounded
by men attached myself to one of her daughters
walked by her side all the way home and made myself
as agreeable as I could the young lady perfectly easy
in her manners and as ready to talk as to listen 
I had not a suspicion that I could be doing anything wrong 
They looked just the same  both well dressed with veils
and parasols like other girls but I afterwards found
that I had been giving all my attention to the youngest
who was not out and had most excessively offended
the eldest  Miss Augusta ought not to have been noticed
for the next six months and Miss Sneyd I believe has never
forgiven me

That was bad indeed  Poor Miss Sneyd  Though I have no
younger sister I feel for her  To be neglected before
one's time must be very vexatious but it was entirely
the mother's fault  Miss Augusta should have been with
her governess  Such half and half doings never prosper 
But now I must be satisfied about Miss Price 
Does she go to balls  Does she dine out every where
as well as at my sister's

No replied Edmund I do not think she has ever been
to a ball  My mother seldom goes into company herself
and dines nowhere but with Mrs Grant and Fanny stays at
home with her

Oh then the point is clear  Miss Price is not out



CHAPTER VI

Mr Bertram set off for         and Miss Crawford
was prepared to find a great chasm in their society
and to miss him decidedly in the meetings which were now
becoming almost daily between the families and on their
all dining together at the Park soon after his going
she retook her chosen place near the bottom of the table
fully expecting to feel a most melancholy difference in
the change of masters  It would be a very flat business
she was sure  In comparison with his brother Edmund would
have nothing to say  The soup would be sent round in a
most spiritless manner wine drank without any smiles
or agreeable trifling and the venison cut up without
supplying one pleasant anecdote of any former haunch
or a single entertaining story about my friend such a one 
She must try to find amusement in what was passing at the
upper end of the table and in observing Mr Rushworth
who was now making his appearance at Mansfield for the first
time since the Crawfords arrival  He had been visiting
a friend in the neighbouring county and that friend
having recently had his grounds laid out by an improver
Mr Rushworth was returned with his head full of the subject
and very eager to be improving his own place in the same way
and though not saying much to the purpose could talk
of nothing else  The subject had been already handled
in the drawing room it was revived in the dining parlour
Miss Bertram's attention and opinion was evidently
his chief aim and though her deportment showed rather
conscious superiority than any solicitude to oblige him
the mention of Sotherton Court and the ideas attached
to it gave her a feeling of complacency which prevented
her from being very ungracious

I wish you could see Compton said he it is the most
complete thing  I never saw a place so altered in my life 
I told Smith I did not know where I was  The approach now
is one of the finest things in the country  you see the
house in the most surprising manner  I declare when I
got back to Sotherton yesterday it looked like a prison  
quite a dismal old prison

Oh for shame cried Mrs Norris  A prison indeed 
Sotherton Court is the noblest old place in the world

It wants improvement ma'am beyond anything  I never
saw a place that wanted so much improvement in my life
and it is so forlorn that I do not know what can be done
with it

No wonder that Mr Rushworth should think so at present
said Mrs Grant to Mrs Norris with a smile but depend
upon it Sotherton will have every improvement in time
which his heart can desire

I must try to do something with it said Mr Rushworth
but I do not know what  I hope I shall have some good
friend to help me

Your best friend upon such an occasion said Miss
Bertram calmly would be Mr Repton I imagine

That is what I was thinking of  As he has done so
well by Smith I think I had better have him at once 
His terms are five guineas a day

Well and if they were ten cried Mrs Norris
I am sure you need not regard it  The expense need
not be any impediment  If I were you I should not
think of the expense  I would have everything done
in the best style and made as nice as possible 
Such a place as Sotherton Court deserves everything that
taste and money can do  You have space to work upon there
and grounds that will well reward you  For my own part
if I had anything within the fiftieth part of the size
of Sotherton I should be always planting and improving
for naturally I am excessively fond of it  It would be
too ridiculous for me to attempt anything where I am now
with my little half acre  It would be quite a burlesque 
But if I had more room I should take a prodigious delight
in improving and planting  We did a vast deal in that way
at the Parsonage  we made it quite a different place
from what it was when we first had it  You young ones
do not remember much about it perhaps but if dear Sir
Thomas were here he could tell you what improvements
we made  and a great deal more would have been done
but for poor Mr Norris's sad state of health  He could
hardly ever get out poor man to enjoy anything and that
disheartened me from doing several things that Sir Thomas
and I used to talk of  If it had not been for that
we should have carried on the garden wall and made the
plantation to shut out the churchyard just as Dr Grant
has done  We were always doing something as it was 
It was only the spring twelvemonth before Mr Norris's
death that we put in the apricot against the stable wall
which is now grown such a noble tree and getting
to such perfection sir addressing herself then to
Dr Grant

The tree thrives well beyond a doubt madam replied Dr Grant 
The soil is good and I never pass it without regretting
that the fruit should be so little worth the trouble of gathering

Sir it is a Moor Park we bought it as a Moor Park
and it cost us  that is it was a present from Sir Thomas
but I saw the bill  and I know it cost seven shillings
and was charged as a Moor Park

You were imposed on ma'am replied Dr Grant 
these potatoes have as much the flavour of a Moor Park
apricot as the fruit from that tree  It is an insipid
fruit at the best but a good apricot is eatable
which none from my garden are

The truth is ma'am said Mrs Grant pretending to
whisper across the table to Mrs Norris that Dr Grant
hardly knows what the natural taste of our apricot is 
he is scarcely ever indulged with one for it is so
valuable a fruit with a little assistance and ours is
such a remarkably large fair sort that what with early
tarts and preserves my cook contrives to get them all

Mrs Norris who had begun to redden was appeased
and for a little while other subjects took place of the
improvements of Sotherton  Dr Grant and Mrs Norris
were seldom good friends their acquaintance had begun
in dilapidations and their habits were totally dissimilar

After a short interruption Mr Rushworth began again 
Smith's place is the admiration of all the country
and it was a mere nothing before Repton took it in hand 
I think I shall have Repton

Mr Rushworth said Lady Bertram if I were you
I would have a very pretty shrubbery  One likes to get
out into a shrubbery in fine weather

Mr Rushworth was eager to assure her ladyship of his
acquiescence and tried to make out something complimentary
but between his submission to her taste and his having
always intended the same himself with the superadded
objects of professing attention to the comfort of ladies
in general and of insinuating that there was one only whom
he was anxious to please he grew puzzled and Edmund was
glad to put an end to his speech by a proposal of wine 
Mr Rushworth however though not usually a great talker
had still more to say on the subject next his heart 
Smith has not much above a hundred acres altogether
in his grounds which is little enough and makes it more
surprising that the place can have been so improved 
Now at Sotherton we have a good seven hundred
without reckoning the water meadows so that I think
if so much could be done at Compton we need not despair 
There have been two or three fine old trees cut down that grew
too near the house and it opens the prospect amazingly
which makes me think that Repton or anybody of that sort
would certainly have the avenue at Sotherton down  the avenue
that leads from the west front to the top of the hill
you know turning to Miss Bertram particularly as he spoke 
But Miss Bertram thought it most becoming to reply  

The avenue  Oh  I do not recollect it  I really know
very little of Sotherton

Fanny who was sitting on the other side of Edmund
exactly opposite Miss Crawford and who had been attentively
listening now looked at him and said in a low voice  

Cut down an avenue  What a pity  Does it not make you
think of Cowper  Ye fallen avenues once more I mourn
your fate unmerited  

He smiled as he answered I am afraid the avenue stands
a bad chance Fanny

I should like to see Sotherton before it is cut down
to see the place as it is now in its old state but I do
not suppose I shall

Have you never been there  No you never can
and unluckily it is out of distance for a ride 
I wish we could contrive it

Oh it does not signify  Whenever I do see it
you will tell me how it has been altered

I collect said Miss Crawford that Sotherton
is an old place and a place of some grandeur 
In any particular style of building

The house was built in Elizabeth's time and is a large
regular brick building heavy but respectable looking
and has many good rooms  It is ill placed  It stands
in one of the lowest spots of the park in that respect
unfavourable for improvement  But the woods are fine
and there is a stream which I dare say might be made
a good deal of  Mr Rushworth is quite right I think
in meaning to give it a modern dress and I have no doubt
that it will be all done extremely well

Miss Crawford listened with submission and said to herself
He is a well bred man he makes the best of it

I do not wish to influence Mr Rushworth he continued
but had I a place to new fashion I should not put
myself into the hands of an improver  I would rather
have an inferior degree of beauty of my own choice
and acquired progressively  I would rather abide by my own
blunders than by his

You would know what you were about of course
but that would not suit me  I have no eye or
ingenuity for such matters but as they are before me
and had I a place of my own in the country I should be
most thankful to any Mr Repton who would undertake it
and give me as much beauty as he could for my money
and I should never look at it till it was complete

It would be delightful to me to see the progress
of it all said Fanny

Ay you have been brought up to it  It was no part of
my education and the only dose I ever had being administered
by not the first favourite in the world has made me consider
improvements in hand as the greatest of nuisances 
Three years ago the Admiral my honoured uncle bought a
cottage at Twickenham for us all to spend our summers in
and my aunt and I went down to it quite in raptures
but it being excessively pretty it was soon found
necessary to be improved and for three months we were
all dirt and confusion without a gravel walk to step on
or a bench fit for use  I would have everything as complete
as possible in the country shrubberies and flower gardens
and rustic seats innumerable  but it must all be done
without my care  Henry is different he loves to be doing

Edmund was sorry to hear Miss Crawford whom he was much
disposed to admire speak so freely of her uncle 
It did not suit his sense of propriety and he was silenced
till induced by further smiles and liveliness to put
the matter by for the present

Mr Bertram said she I have tidings of my harp at last 
I am assured that it is safe at Northampton and there it
has probably been these ten days in spite of the solemn
assurances we have so often received to the contrary 
Edmund expressed his pleasure and surprise  The truth is
that our inquiries were too direct we sent a servant
we went ourselves  this will not do seventy miles from London
but this morning we heard of it in the right way 
It was seen by some farmer and he told the miller
and the miller told the butcher and the butcher's
son in law left word at the shop

I am very glad that you have heard of it by whatever means
and hope there will be no further delay

I am to have it to morrow but how do you think it
is to be conveyed  Not by a wagon or cart  oh no
nothing of that kind could be hired in the village 
I might as well have asked for porters and a handbarrow

You would find it difficult I dare say just now
in the middle of a very late hay harvest to hire a horse
and cart

I was astonished to find what a piece of work was made of it 
To want a horse and cart in the country seemed impossible
so I told my maid to speak for one directly and as I cannot
look out of my dressing closet without seeing one farmyard
nor walk in the shrubbery without passing another
I thought it would be only ask and have and was rather
grieved that I could not give the advantage to all 
Guess my surprise when I found that I had been asking
the most unreasonable most impossible thing in the world
had offended all the farmers all the labourers
all the hay in the parish  As for Dr Grant's bailiff
I believe I had better keep out of his way and my
brother in law himself who is all kindness in general
looked rather black upon me when he found what I had
been at

You could not be expected to have thought on the subject before
but when you do think of it you must see the importance
of getting in the grass  The hire of a cart at any time
might not be so easy as you suppose  our farmers are
not in the habit of letting them out but in harvest
it must be quite out of their power to spare a horse

I shall understand all your ways in time but coming down
with the true London maxim that everything is to be
got with money I was a little embarrassed at first
by the sturdy independence of your country customs 
However I am to have my harp fetched to morrow Henry
who is good nature itself has offered to fetch
it in his barouche  Will it not be honourably conveyed

Edmund spoke of the harp as his favourite instrument
and hoped to be soon allowed to hear her  Fanny had never
heard the harp at all and wished for it very much

I shall be most happy to play to you both said Miss
Crawford at least as long as you can like to listen 
probably much longer for I dearly love music myself
and where the natural taste is equal the player must
always be best off for she is gratified in more ways
than one  Now Mr Bertram if you write to your brother
I entreat you to tell him that my harp is come 
he heard so much of my misery about it  And you may say
if you please that I shall prepare my most plaintive
airs against his return in compassion to his feelings
as I know his horse will lose

If I write I will say whatever you wish me but I do not
at present foresee any occasion for writing

No I dare say nor if he were to be gone a twelvemonth
would you ever write to him nor he to you if it could
be helped  The occasion would never be foreseen 
What strange creatures brothers are  You would not write
to each other but upon the most urgent necessity in the world
and when obliged to take up the pen to say that such a horse
is ill or such a relation dead it is done in the fewest
possible words  You have but one style among you 
I know it perfectly  Henry who is in every other respect
exactly what a brother should be who loves me consults me
confides in me and will talk to me by the hour together
has never yet turned the page in a letter and very often
it is nothing more than  Dear Mary I am just arrived 
Bath seems full and everything as usual  Yours sincerely 
That is the true manly style that is a complete
brother's letter

When they are at a distance from all their family
said Fanny colouring for William's sake they can write
long letters

Miss Price has a brother at sea said Edmund
whose excellence as a correspondent makes her think
you too severe upon us

At sea has she  In the king's service of course

Fanny would rather have had Edmund tell the story
but his determined silence obliged her to relate her
brother's situation  her voice was animated in speaking
of his profession and the foreign stations he had been on
but she could not mention the number of years that he
had been absent without tears in her eyes  Miss Crawford
civilly wished him an early promotion

Do you know anything of my cousin's captain said Edmund
Captain Marshall  You have a large acquaintance in the navy
I conclude

Among admirals large enough but with an air of grandeur
we know very little of the inferior ranks  Post captains may
be very good sort of men but they do not belong to us 
Of various admirals I could tell you a great deal 
of them and their flags and the gradation of their pay
and their bickerings and jealousies  But in general
I can assure you that they are all passed over and all
very ill used  Certainly my home at my uncle's brought
me acquainted with a circle of admirals  Of Rears and
Vices I saw enough  Now do not be suspecting me of a pun
I entreat

Edmund again felt grave and only replied It is
a noble profession

Yes the profession is well enough under two circumstances 
if it make the fortune and there be discretion in spending it
but in short it is not a favourite profession of mine 
It has never worn an amiable form to me

Edmund reverted to the harp and was again very happy
in the prospect of hearing her play

The subject of improving grounds meanwhile was still
under consideration among the others and Mrs Grant could
not help addressing her brother though it was calling
his attention from Miss Julia Bertram

My dear Henry have you nothing to say  You have been
an improver yourself and from what I hear of Everingham
it may vie with any place in England  Its natural beauties
I am sure are great  Everingham as it used to be
was perfect in my estimation  such a happy fall of ground
and such timber  What would I not give to see it again

Nothing could be so gratifying to me as to hear your
opinion of it was his answer but I fear there would
be some disappointment  you would not find it equal
to your present ideas  In extent it is a mere nothing
you would be surprised at its insignificance and
as for improvement there was very little for me to do  
too little  I should like to have been busy much longer

You are fond of the sort of thing said Julia

Excessively but what with the natural advantages of
the ground which pointed out even to a very young eye
what little remained to be done and my own consequent
resolutions I had not been of age three months before
Everingham was all that it is now  My plan was laid
at Westminster a little altered perhaps at Cambridge
and at one and twenty executed  I am inclined to envy
Mr Rushworth for having so much happiness yet before him 
I have been a devourer of my own

Those who see quickly will resolve quickly and act quickly
said Julia  You can never want employment 
Instead of envying Mr Rushworth you should assist
him with your opinion

Mrs Grant hearing the latter part of this speech
enforced it warmly persuaded that no judgment could
be equal to her brother's and as Miss Bertram caught
at the idea likewise and gave it her full support
declaring that in her opinion it was infinitely better
to consult with friends and disinterested advisers
than immediately to throw the business into the hands of a
professional man Mr Rushworth was very ready to request
the favour of Mr Crawford's assistance and Mr Crawford
after properly depreciating his own abilities was quite at
his service in any way that could be useful  Mr Rushworth
then began to propose Mr Crawford's doing him the honour
of coming over to Sotherton and taking a bed there
when Mrs Norris as if reading in her two nieces
minds their little approbation of a plan which was to take
Mr Crawford away interposed with an amendment

There can be no doubt of Mr Crawford's willingness
but why should not more of us go  Why should not we
make a little party  Here are many that would be
interested in your improvements my dear Mr Rushworth
and that would like to hear Mr Crawford's opinion on
the spot and that might be of some small use to you with
their opinions and for my own part I have been long
wishing to wait upon your good mother again nothing but
having no horses of my own could have made me so remiss
but now I could go and sit a few hours with Mrs Rushworth
while the rest of you walked about and settled things
and then we could all return to a late dinner here
or dine at Sotherton just as might be most agreeable to
your mother and have a pleasant drive home by moonlight 
I dare say Mr Crawford would take my two nieces and me
in his barouche and Edmund can go on horseback you know
sister and Fanny will stay at home with you

Lady Bertram made no objection and every one concerned in
the going was forward in expressing their ready concurrence
excepting Edmund who heard it all and said nothing



CHAPTER VII

Well Fanny and how do you like Miss Crawford now
said Edmund the next day after thinking some time on the
subject himself  How did you like her yesterday

Very well  very much  I like to hear her talk 
She entertains me and she is so extremely pretty that I
have great pleasure in looking at her

It is her countenance that is so attractive  She has
a wonderful play of feature  But was there nothing in her
conversation that struck you Fanny as not quite right

Oh yes she ought not to have spoken of her uncle as she did 
I was quite astonished  An uncle with whom she has been
living so many years and who whatever his faults may be
is so very fond of her brother treating him they say
quite like a son  I could not have believed it

I thought you would be struck  It was very wrong
very indecorous

And very ungrateful I think

Ungrateful is a strong word  I do not know that her uncle
has any claim to her gratitude his wife certainly had
and it is the warmth of her respect for her aunt's memory
which misleads her here  She is awkwardly circumstanced 
With such warm feelings and lively spirits it must be
difficult to do justice to her affection for Mrs Crawford
without throwing a shade on the Admiral  I do not pretend
to know which was most to blame in their disagreements
though the Admiral's present conduct might incline one
to the side of his wife but it is natural and amiable
that Miss Crawford should acquit her aunt entirely 
I do not censure her opinions but there certainly is
impropriety in making them public

Do not you think said Fanny after a little consideration
that this impropriety is a reflection itself upon
Mrs Crawford as her niece has been entirely brought
up by her  She cannot have given her right notions
of what was due to the Admiral

That is a fair remark  Yes we must suppose the faults
of the niece to have been those of the aunt and it makes
one more sensible of the disadvantages she has been under 
But I think her present home must do her good 
Mrs Grant's manners are just what they ought to be 
She speaks of her brother with a very pleasing affection

Yes except as to his writing her such short letters 
She made me almost laugh but I cannot rate so very highly
the love or good nature of a brother who will not give
himself the trouble of writing anything worth reading
to his sisters when they are separated  I am sure William
would never have used me so under any circumstances 
And what right had she to suppose that you would not write
long letters when you were absent

The right of a lively mind Fanny seizing whatever
may contribute to its own amusement or that of others
perfectly allowable when untinctured by ill humour
or roughness and there is not a shadow of either in the
countenance or manner of Miss Crawford  nothing sharp
or loud or coarse  She is perfectly feminine except m
the instances we have been speaking of  There she cannot
be justified  I am glad you saw it all as I did

Having formed her mind and gained her affections he had a
good chance of her thinking like him though at this period
and on this subject there began now to be some danger
of dissimilarity for he was in a line of admiration
of Miss Crawford which might lead him where Fanny could
not follow  Miss Crawford's attractions did not lessen 
The harp arrived and rather added to her beauty wit
and good humour for she played with the greatest obligingness
with an expression and taste which were peculiarly becoming
and there was something clever to be said at the close
of every air  Edmund was at the Parsonage every day
to be indulged with his favourite instrument 
one morning secured an invitation for the next
for the lady could not be unwilling to have a listener
and every thing was soon in a fair train

A young woman pretty lively with a harp as
elegant as herself and both placed near a window
cut down to the ground and opening on a little lawn
surrounded by shrubs in the rich foliage of summer
was enough to catch any man's heart  The season the scene
the air were all favourable to tenderness and sentiment 
Mrs Grant and her tambour frame were not without their use 
it was all in harmony and as everything will turn to account
when love is once set going even the sandwich tray
and Dr Grant doing the honours of it were worth looking at 
Without studying the business however or knowing
what he was about Edmund was beginning at the end
of a week of such intercourse to be a good deal in love
and to the credit of the lady it may be added that
without his being a man of the world or an elder brother
without any of the arts of flattery or the gaieties of
small talk he began to be agreeable to her  She felt it
to be so though she had not foreseen and could hardly
understand it for he was not pleasant by any common rule 
he talked no nonsense he paid no compliments his opinions
were unbending his attentions tranquil and simple 
There was a charm perhaps in his sincerity his steadiness
his integrity which Miss Crawford might be equal
to feel though not equal to discuss with herself 
She did not think very much about it however  he pleased
her for the present she liked to have him near her
it was enough

Fanny could not wonder that Edmund was at the Parsonage
every morning she would gladly have been there too
might she have gone in uninvited and unnoticed to hear
the harp neither could she wonder that when the evening
stroll was over and the two families parted again
he should think it right to attend Mrs Grant and her
sister to their home while Mr Crawford was devoted
to the ladies of the Park but she thought it a very
bad exchange and if Edmund were not there to mix the wine
and water for her would rather go without it than not 
She was a little surprised that he could spend so many
hours with Miss Crawford and not see more of the sort
of fault which he had already observed and of which she
was almost always reminded by a something of the same
nature whenever she was in her company but so it was 
Edmund was fond of speaking to her of Miss Crawford
but he seemed to think it enough that the Admiral had
since been spared and she scrupled to point out her own
remarks to him lest it should appear like ill nature
The first actual pain which Miss Crawford occasioned her
was the consequence of an inclination to learn to ride
which the former caught soon after her being settled
at Mansfield from the example of the young ladies at the Park
and which when Edmund's acquaintance with her increased
led to his encouraging the wish and the offer of his own
quiet mare for the purpose of her first attempts as the best
fitted for a beginner that either stable could furnish 
No pain no injury however was designed by him to his
cousin in this offer  she was not to lose a day's exercise
by it  The mare was only to be taken down to the Parsonage
half an hour before her ride were to begin and Fanny
on its being first proposed so far from feeling slighted
was almost over powered with gratitude that he should be
asking her leave for it

Miss Crawford made her first essay with great credit
to herself and no inconvenience to Fanny  Edmund
who had taken down the mare and presided at the whole
returned with it in excellent time before either Fanny
or the steady old coachman who always attended her when
she rode without her cousins were ready to set forward 
The second day's trial was not so guiltless  Miss Crawford's
enjoyment of riding was such that she did not know how to
leave off  Active and fearless and though rather small
strongly made she seemed formed for a horsewoman and to
the pure genuine pleasure of the exercise something was
probably added in Edmund's attendance and instructions
and something more in the conviction of very much surpassing
her sex in general by her early progress to make her
unwilling to dismount  Fanny was ready and waiting
and Mrs Norris was beginning to scold her for not being gone
and still no horse was announced no Edmund appeared 
To avoid her aunt and look for him she went out

The houses though scarcely half a mile apart were not
within sight of each other but by walking fifty yards
from the hall door she could look down the park
and command a view of the Parsonage and all its demesnes
gently rising beyond the village road and in Dr Grant's
meadow she immediately saw the group  Edmund and Miss
Crawford both on horse back riding side by side Dr and
Mrs Grant and Mr Crawford with two or three grooms
standing about and looking on  A happy party it appeared
to her all interested in one object  cheerful beyond
a doubt for the sound of merriment ascended even to her 
It was a sound which did not make her cheerful
she wondered that Edmund should forget her and felt
a pang  She could not turn her eyes from the meadow
she could not help watching all that passed  At first Miss
Crawford and her companion made the circuit of the field
which was not small at a foot's pace then at her
apparent suggestion they rose into a canter and to Fanny's
timid nature it was most astonishing to see how well
she sat  After a few minutes they stopped entirely 
Edmund was close to her he was speaking to her
he was evidently directing her management of the bridle
he had hold of her hand she saw it or the imagination
supplied what the eye could not reach  She

must not wonder at all this what could be more natural
than that Edmund should be making himself useful
and proving his good nature by any one  She could not
but think indeed that Mr Crawford might as well have
saved him the trouble that it would have been particularly
proper and becoming in a brother to have done it himself
but Mr Crawford with all his boasted good nature and all
his coachmanship probably knew nothing of the matter
and had no active kindness in comparison of Edmund 
She began to think it rather hard upon the mare to have
such double duty if she were forgotten the poor mare
should be remembered

Her feelings for one and the other were soon a little
tranquillised by seeing the party in the meadow disperse
and Miss Crawford still on horseback but attended by Edmund
on foot pass through a gate into the lane and so into
the park and make towards the spot where she stood 
She began then to be afraid of appearing rude and impatient
and walked to meet them with a great anxiety to avoid
the suspicion

My dear Miss Price said Miss Crawford as soon as she
was at all within hearing I am come to make my own
apologies for keeping you waiting but I have nothing
in the world to say for myself  I knew it was very late
and that I was behaving extremely ill and therefore
if you please you must forgive me  Selfishness must
always be forgiven you know because there is no hope
of a cure

Fanny's answer was extremely civil and Edmund added
his conviction that she could be in no hurry  For there
is more than time enough for my cousin to ride twice
as far as she ever goes said he and you have been
promoting her comfort by preventing her from setting off
half an hour sooner  clouds are now coming up and she
will not suffer from the heat as she would have done then 
I wish you may not be fatigued by so much exercise 
I wish you had saved yourself this walk home

No part of it fatigues me but getting off this horse
I assure you said she as she sprang down with his help
I am very strong  Nothing ever fatigues me but doing
what I do not like  Miss Price I give way to you with
a very bad grace but I sincerely hope you will have
a pleasant ride and that I may have nothing but good
to hear of this dear delightful beautiful animal

The old coachman who had been waiting about with his
own horse now joining them Fanny was lifted on hers
and they set off across another part of the park
her feelings of discomfort not lightened by seeing
as she looked back that the others were walking down
the hill together to the village nor did her attendant
do her much good by his comments on Miss Crawford's great
cleverness as a horse woman which he had been watching
with an interest almost equal to her own

It is a pleasure to see a lady with such a good heart
for riding said he  I never see one sit a horse better 
She did not seem to have a thought of fear  Very different
from you miss when you first began six years ago come
next Easter  Lord bless you how you did tremble when Sir
Thomas first had you put on

In the drawing room Miss Crawford was also celebrated 
Her merit in being gifted by Nature with strength
and courage was fully appreciated by the Miss Bertrams
her delight in riding was like their own her early
excellence in it was like their own and they had great
pleasure in praising it

I was sure she would ride well said Julia she has
the make for it  Her figure is as neat as her brother's

Yes added Maria and her spirits are as good and she
has the same energy of character  I cannot but think
that good horsemanship has a great deal to do with the mind

When they parted at night Edmund asked Fanny whether she
meant to ride the next day

No I do not know  not if you want the mare was her answer

I do not want her at all for myself said he
but whenever you are next inclined to stay at home
I think Miss Crawford would be glad to have her a longer time  
for a whole morning in short  She has a great desire to get
as far as Mansfield Common  Mrs Grant has been telling
her of its fine views and I have no doubt of her being
perfectly equal to it  But any morning will do for this 
She would be extremely sorry to interfere with you 
It would be very wrong if she did  She rides only
for pleasure you for health

I shall not ride to morrow certainly said Fanny
I have been out very often lately and would rather
stay at home  You know I am strong enough now to walk
very well

Edmund looked pleased which must be Fanny's comfort
and the ride to Mansfield Common took place the next morning 
the party included all the young people but herself
and was much enjoyed at the time and doubly enjoyed
again in the evening discussion  A successful scheme
of this sort generally brings on another and the having
been to Mansfield Common disposed them all for going
somewhere else the day after  There were many other
views to be shewn and though the weather was hot
there were shady lanes wherever they wanted to go 
A young party is always provided with a shady lane 
Four fine mornings successively were spent in this manner
in shewing the Crawfords the country and doing the
honours of its finest spots  Everything answered
it was all gaiety and good humour the heat only supplying
inconvenience enough to be talked of with pleasure  
till the fourth day when the happiness of one of the party
was exceedingly clouded  Miss Bertram was the one 
Edmund and Julia were invited to dine at the Parsonage
and she was excluded  It was meant and done by Mrs Grant
with perfect good humour on Mr Rushworth's account
who was partly expected at the Park that day but it was felt
as a very grievous injury and her good manners were severely
taxed to conceal her vexation and anger till she reached home 
As Mr Rushworth did not come the injury was increased
and she had not even the relief of shewing her power over him
she could only be sullen to her mother aunt and cousin
and throw as great a gloom as possible over their dinner
and dessert

Between ten and eleven Edmund and Julia walked into the
drawing room fresh with the evening air glowing and cheerful
the very reverse of what they found in the three ladies
sitting there for Maria would scarcely raise her eyes
from her book and Lady Bertram was half asleep and even
Mrs Norris discomposed by her niece's ill humour
and having asked one or two questions about the dinner
which were not immediately attended to seemed almost
determined to say no more  For a few minutes the brother
and sister were too eager in their praise of the night
and their remarks on the stars to think beyond themselves
but when the first pause came Edmund looking around
said But where is Fanny  Is she gone to bed

No not that I know of replied Mrs Norris she was
here a moment ago

Her own gentle voice speaking from the other end
of the room which was a very long one told them
that she was on the sofa  Mrs Norris began scolding

That is a very foolish trick Fanny to be idling away all
the evening upon a sofa  Why cannot you come and sit here
and employ yourself as we do  If you have no work
of your own I can supply you from the poor basket 
There is all the new calico that was bought last week
not touched yet  I am sure I almost broke my back
by cutting it out  You should learn to think of
other people and take my word for it it is a shocking
trick for a young person to be always lolling upon a sofa

Before half this was said Fanny was returned to her
seat at the table and had taken up her work again
and Julia who was in high good humour from the pleasures
of the day did her the justice of exclaiming I must say
ma'am that Fanny is as little upon the sofa as anybody
in the house

Fanny said Edmund after looking at her attentively
I am sure you have the headache

She could not deny it but said it was not very bad

I can hardly believe you he replied I know your looks
too well  How long have you had it

Since a little before dinner  It is nothing but the heat

Did you go out in the heat

Go out to be sure she did said Mrs Norris 
would you have her stay within such a fine day as this 
Were not we all out  Even your mother was out to day
for above an hour

Yes indeed Edmund added her ladyship who had been
thoroughly awakened by Mrs Norris's sharp reprimand
to Fanny I was out above an hour  I sat three quarters
of an hour in the flower garden while Fanny cut the roses
and very pleasant it was I assure you but very hot 
It was shady enough in the alcove but I declare I quite
dreaded the coming home again

Fanny has been cutting roses has she

Yes and I am afraid they will be the last this year 
Poor thing  She found it hot enough but they were so
full blown that one could not wait

There was no help for it certainly rejoined Mrs Norris
in a rather softened voice but I question whether her
headache might not be caught then sister  There is
nothing so likely to give it as standing and stooping
in a hot sun but I dare say it will be well to morrow
Suppose you let her have your aromatic vinegar I always
forget to have mine filled

She has got it said Lady Bertram she has had it ever
since she came back from your house the second time

What cried Edmund has she been walking as well as
cutting roses walking across the hot park to your house
and doing it twice ma'am  No wonder her head aches

Mrs Norris was talking to Julia and did not hear

I was afraid it would be too much for her said Lady Bertram
but when the roses were gathered your aunt wished
to have them and then you know they must be taken home

But were there roses enough to oblige her to go twice

No but they were to be put into the spare room to dry
and unluckily Fanny forgot to lock the door of the room
and bring away the key so she was obliged to go again

Edmund got up and walked about the room saying And could
nobody be employed on such an errand but Fanny  Upon my word
ma'am it has been a very ill managed business

I am sure I do not know how it was to have been done better
cried Mrs Norris unable to be longer deaf unless I had
gone myself indeed but I cannot be in two places at once
and I was talking to Mr Green at that very time about
your mother's dairymaid by her desire and had promised
John Groom to write to Mrs Jefferies about his son
and the poor fellow was waiting for me half an hour 
I think nobody can justly accuse me of sparing myself upon
any occasion but really I cannot do everything at once 
And as for Fanny's just stepping down to my house for me  
it is not much above a quarter of a mile  I cannot think I
was unreasonable to ask it  How often do I pace it three
times a day early and late ay and in all weathers too
and say nothing about it

I wish Fanny had half your strength ma'am

If Fanny would be more regular in her exercise she would
not be knocked up so soon  She has not been out on
horseback now this long while and I am persuaded that
when she does not ride she ought to walk  If she had
been riding before I should not have asked it of her 
But I thought it would rather do her good after being
stooping among the roses for there is nothing so
refreshing as a walk after a fatigue of that kind
and though the sun was strong it was not so very hot 
Between ourselves Edmund nodding significantly at
his mother it was cutting the roses and dawdling
about in the flower garden that did the mischief

I am afraid it was indeed said the more candid
Lady Bertram who had overheard her I am very much afraid
she caught the headache there for the heat was enough
to kill anybody  It was as much as I could bear myself 
Sitting and calling to Pug and trying to keep him from
the flower beds was almost too much for me

Edmund said no more to either lady but going quietly
to another table on which the supper tray yet remained
brought a glass of Madeira to Fanny and obliged her to drink
the greater part  She wished to be able to decline it
but the tears which a variety of feelings created
made it easier to swallow than to speak

Vexed as Edmund was with his mother and aunt he was still
more angry with himself  His own forgetfulness of her was
worse than anything which they had done  Nothing of this
would have happened had she been properly considered
but she had been left four days together without any choice
of companions or exercise and without any excuse for
avoiding whatever her unreasonable aunts might require 
He was ashamed to think that for four days together she had
not had the power of riding and very seriously resolved
however unwilling he must be to check a pleasure of Miss
Crawford's that it should never happen again

Fanny went to bed with her heart as full as on the first
evening of her arrival at the Park  The state of her
spirits had probably had its share in her indisposition
for she had been feeling neglected and been struggling
against discontent and envy for some days past 
As she leant on the sofa to which she had retreated
that she might not be seen the pain of her mind
had been much beyond that in her head and the sudden
change which Edmund's kindness had then occasioned
made her hardly know how to support herself



CHAPTER VIII

Fanny's rides recommenced the very next day and as it
was a pleasant fresh feeling morning less hot than the
weather had lately been Edmund trusted that her losses
both of health and pleasure would be soon made good 
While she was gone Mr Rushworth arrived escorting his mother
who came to be civil and to shew her civility especially
in urging the execution of the plan for visiting Sotherton
which had been started a fortnight before and which
in consequence of her subsequent absence from home
had since lain dormant  Mrs Norris and her nieces were all
well pleased with its revival and an early day was named
and agreed to provided Mr Crawford should be disengaged 
the young ladies did not forget that stipulation and though
Mrs Norris would willingly have answered for his being so
they would neither authorise the liberty nor run the risk
and at last on a hint from Miss Bertram Mr Rushworth
discovered that the properest thing to be done was for
him to walk down to the Parsonage directly and call on
Mr Crawford and inquire whether Wednesday would suit him
or not

Before his return Mrs Grant and Miss Crawford came in 
Having been out some time and taken a different route
to the house they had not met him  Comfortable hopes
however were given that he would find Mr Crawford
at home  The Sotherton scheme was mentioned of course 
It was hardly possible indeed that anything else should
be talked of for Mrs Norris was in high spirits about it
and Mrs Rushworth a well meaning civil prosing
pompous woman who thought nothing of consequence but as it
related to her own and her son's concerns had not yet
given over pressing Lady Bertram to be of the party 
Lady Bertram constantly declined it but her placid manner
of refusal made Mrs Rushworth still think she wished
to come till Mrs Norris's more numerous words and louder
tone convinced her of the truth

The fatigue would be too much for my sister a great
deal too much I assure you my dear Mrs Rushworth 
Ten miles there and ten back you know  You must
excuse my sister on this occasion and accept of our
two dear girls and myself without her  Sotherton is
the only place that could give her a wish to go so far
but it cannot be indeed  She will have a companion
in Fanny Price you know so it will all do very well
and as for Edmund as he is not here to speak for himself
I will answer for his being most happy to join the party 
He can go on horseback you know

Mrs Rushworth being obliged to yield to Lady Bertram's
staying at home could only be sorry  The loss of her
ladyship's company would be a great drawback and she
should have been extremely happy to have seen the young
lady too Miss Price who had never been at Sotherton yet
and it was a pity she should not see the place

You are very kind you are all kindness my dear madam
cried Mrs Norris but as to Fanny she will have
opportunities in plenty of seeing Sotherton  She has
time enough before her and her going now is quite out
of the question  Lady Bertram could not possibly spare her

Oh no  I cannot do without Fanny

Mrs Rushworth proceeded next under the conviction that
everybody must be wanting to see Sotherton to include
Miss Crawford in the invitation and though Mrs Grant
who had not been at the trouble of visiting Mrs Rushworth
on her coming into the neighbourhood civilly declined it
on her own account she was glad to secure any pleasure
for her sister and Mary properly pressed and persuaded
was not long in accepting her share of the civility 
Mr Rushworth came back from the Parsonage successful
and Edmund made his appearance just in time to learn what
had been settled for Wednesday to attend Mrs Rushworth
to her carriage and walk half way down the park with the two
other ladies

On his return to the breakfast room he found Mrs Norris
trying to make up her mind as to whether Miss Crawford's
being of the party were desirable or not or whether
her brother's barouche would not be full without her 
The Miss Bertrams laughed at the idea assuring her
that the barouche would hold four perfectly well
independent of the box on which one might go with him

But why is it necessary said Edmund that Crawford's carriage
or his only should be employed  Why is no use to be
made of my mother's chaise  I could not when the scheme
was first mentioned the other day understand why a visit
from the family were not to be made in the carriage of the family

What cried Julia  go boxed up three in a postchaise
in this weather when we may have seats in a barouche 
No my dear Edmund that will not quite do

Besides said Maria I know that Mr Crawford depends
upon taking us  After what passed at first he would
claim it as a promise

And my dear Edmund added Mrs Norris taking out two
carriages when one will do would be trouble for nothing
and between ourselves coachman is not very fond of the
roads between this and Sotherton  he always complains
bitterly of the narrow lanes scratching his carriage
and you know one should not like to have dear Sir Thomas
when he comes home find all the varnish scratched off

That would not be a very handsome reason for using
Mr Crawford's said Maria but the truth is that Wilcox
is a stupid old fellow and does not know how to drive 
I will answer for it that we shall find no inconvenience
from narrow roads on Wednesday

There is no hardship I suppose nothing unpleasant
said Edmund in going on the barouche box

Unpleasant cried Maria  oh dear  I believe it would
be generally thought the favourite seat  There can
be no comparison as to one's view of the country 
Probably Miss Crawford will choose the barouche box herself

There can be no objection then to Fanny's going with you
there can be no doubt of your having room for her

Fanny repeated Mrs Norris my dear Edmund there is
no idea of her going with us  She stays with her aunt 
I told Mrs Rushworth so  She is not expected

You can have no reason I imagine madam said he
addressing his mother for wishing Fanny not
to be of the party but as it relates to yourself
to your own comfort  If you could do without her
you would not wish to keep her at home

To be sure not but I cannot do without her

You can if I stay at home with you as I mean to do

There was a general cry out at this  Yes he continued
there is no necessity for my going and I mean to stay
at home  Fanny has a great desire to see Sotherton 
I know she wishes it very much  She has not often a
gratification of the kind and I am sure ma'am you would
be glad to give her the pleasure now

Oh yes very glad if your aunt sees no objection

Mrs Norris was very ready with the only objection which
could remain  their having positively assured Mrs Rushworth
that Fanny could not go and the very strange appearance
there would consequently be in taking her which seemed
to her a difficulty quite impossible to be got over 
It must have the strangest appearance  It would be
something so very unceremonious so bordering on disrespect
for Mrs Rushworth whose own manners were such a pattern
of good breeding and attention that she really did not
feel equal to it  Mrs Norris had no affection for Fanny
and no wish of procuring her pleasure at any time
but her opposition to Edmund now arose more from
partiality for her own scheme because it was her own
than from anything else  She felt that she had arranged
everything extremely well and that any alteration must be
for the worse  When Edmund therefore told her in reply
as he did when she would give him the hearing that she
need not distress herself on Mrs Rushworth's account
because he had taken the opportunity as he walked with
her through the hall of mentioning Miss Price as one
who would probably be of the party and had directly
received a very sufficient invitation for his cousin
Mrs Norris was too much vexed to submit with a very
good grace and would only say Very well very well
just as you chuse settle it your own way I am sure I
do not care about it

It seems very odd said Maria that you should be
staying at home instead of Fanny

I am sure she ought to be very much obliged to you
added Julia hastily leaving the room as she spoke
from a consciousness that she ought to offer to stay at
home herself

Fanny will feel quite as grateful as the occasion requires
was Edmund's only reply and the subject dropt

Fanny's gratitude when she heard the plan was in fact
much greater than her pleasure  She felt Edmund's kindness
with all and more than all the sensibility which he
unsuspicious of her fond attachment could be aware of
but that he should forego any enjoyment on her account gave
her pain and her own satisfaction in seeing Sotherton would
be nothing without him

The next meeting of the two Mansfield families produced
another alteration in the plan and one that was admitted
with general approbation  Mrs Grant offered herself as
companion for the day to Lady Bertram in lieu of her son
and Dr Grant was to join them at dinner  Lady Bertram
was very well pleased to have it so and the young ladies
were in spirits again  Even Edmund was very thankful for an
arrangement which restored him to his share of the party
and Mrs Norris thought it an excellent plan and had it
at her tongue's end and was on the point of proposing it
when Mrs Grant spoke

Wednesday was fine and soon after breakfast the barouche
arrived Mr Crawford driving his sisters and as everybody
was ready there was nothing to be done but for Mrs Grant
to alight and the others to take their places  The place
of all places the envied seat the post of honour
was unappropriated  To whose happy lot was it to fall 
While each of the Miss Bertrams were meditating how best
and with the most appearance of obliging the others
to secure it the matter was settled by Mrs Grant's saying
as she stepped from the carriage As there are five
of you it will be better that one should sit with Henry
and as you were saying lately that you wished you
could drive Julia I think this will be a good opportunity
for you to take a lesson

Happy Julia  Unhappy Maria  The former was on the
barouche box in a moment the latter took her seat within
in gloom and mortification and the carriage drove
off amid the good wishes of the two remaining ladies
and the barking of Pug in his mistress's arms

Their road was through a pleasant country and Fanny
whose rides had never been extensive was soon beyond
her knowledge and was very happy in observing all that
was new and admiring all that was pretty  She was not
often invited to join in the conversation of the others
nor did she desire it  Her own thoughts and reflections
were habitually her best companions and in observing
the appearance of the country the bearings of the roads
the difference of soil the state of the harvest the cottages
the cattle the children she found entertainment
that could only have been heightened by having Edmund
to speak to of what she felt  That was the only point
of resemblance between her and the lady who sat by her 
in everything but a value for Edmund Miss Crawford was
very unlike her  She had none of Fanny's delicacy of taste
of mind of feeling she saw Nature inanimate Nature
with little observation her attention was all for men
and women her talents for the light and lively 
In looking back after Edmund however when there was
any stretch of road behind them or when he gained on
them in ascending a considerable hill they were united
and a there he is broke at the same moment from them both
more than once

For the first seven miles Miss Bertram had very little
real comfort  her prospect always ended in Mr Crawford
and her sister sitting side by side full of conversation
and merriment and to see only his expressive profile
as he turned with a smile to Julia or to catch the laugh
of the other was a perpetual source of irritation
which her own sense of propriety could but just smooth over 
When Julia looked back it was with a countenance of delight
and whenever she spoke to them it was in the highest spirits 
her view of the country was charming she wished they
could all see it etc but her only offer of exchange
was addressed to Miss Crawford as they gained the summit
of a long hill and was not more inviting than this 
Here is a fine burst of country  I wish you had my seat
but I dare say you will not take it let me press you ever
so much and Miss Crawford could hardly answer before they
were moving again at a good pace

When they came within the influence of Sotherton associations
it was better for Miss Bertram who might be said to have
two strings to her bow  She had Rushworth feelings
and Crawford feelings and in the vicinity of Sotherton
the former had considerable effect  Mr Rushworth's
consequence was hers  She could not tell Miss Crawford
that those woods belonged to Sotherton she could not
carelessly observe that she believed that it was now
all Mr Rushworth's property on each side of the road
without elation of heart and it was a pleasure to increase
with their approach to the capital freehold mansion
and ancient manorial residence of the family with all
its rights of court leet and court baron

Now we shall have no more rough road Miss Crawford
our difficulties are over  The rest of the way is such
as it ought to be  Mr Rushworth has made it since he
succeeded to the estate  Here begins the village 
Those cottages are really a disgrace  The church spire
is reckoned remarkably handsome  I am glad the church
is not so close to the great house as often happens in
old places  The annoyance of the bells must be terrible 
There is the parsonage  a tidy looking house and I
understand the clergyman and his wife are very decent people 
Those are almshouses built by some of the family 
To the right is the steward's house he is a very
respectable man  Now we are coming to the lodge gates
but we have nearly a mile through the park still 
It is not ugly you see at this end there is some
fine timber but the situation of the house is dreadful 
We go down hill to it for half a mile and it is a pity
for it would not be an ill looking place if it had a
better approach

Miss Crawford was not slow to admire she pretty well guessed
Miss Bertram's feelings and made it a point of honour
to promote her enjoyment to the utmost  Mrs Norris was
all delight and volubility and even Fanny had something
to say in admiration and might be heard with complacency 
Her eye was eagerly taking in everything within her reach
and after being at some pains to get a view of the house
and observing that it was a sort of building which she
could not look at but with respect she added Now where
is the avenue  The house fronts the east I perceive 
The avenue therefore must be at the back of it 
Mr Rushworth talked of the west front

Yes it is exactly behind the house begins at a little
distance and ascends for half a mile to the extremity
of the grounds  You may see something of it here  
something of the more distant trees  It is oak entirely

Miss Bertram could now speak with decided information
of what she had known nothing about when Mr Rushworth
had asked her opinion and her spirits were in as happy
a flutter as vanity and pride could furnish when they drove
up to the spacious stone steps before the principal entrance



CHAPTER IX

Mr Rushworth was at the door to receive his fair lady
and the whole party were welcomed by him with due attention 
In the drawing room they were met with equal cordiality
by the mother and Miss Bertram had all the distinction
with each that she could wish  After the business
of arriving was over it was first necessary to eat
and the doors were thrown open to admit them through one
or two intermediate rooms into the appointed dining parlour
where a collation was prepared with abundance and elegance 
Much was said and much was ate and all went well 
The particular object of the day was then considered 
How would Mr Crawford like in what manner would he chuse
to take a survey of the grounds  Mr Rushworth mentioned
his curricle  Mr Crawford suggested the greater desirableness
of some carriage which might convey more than two 
To be depriving themselves of the advantage of other eyes
and other judgments might be an evil even beyond the loss
of present pleasure

Mrs Rushworth proposed that the chaise should be taken also
but this was scarcely received as an amendment  the young
ladies neither smiled nor spoke  Her next proposition
of shewing the house to such of them as had not been
there before was more acceptable for Miss Bertram was
pleased to have its size displayed and all were glad
to be doing something

The whole party rose accordingly and under Mrs Rushworth's
guidance were shewn through a number of rooms all lofty
and many large and amply furnished in the taste of fifty
years back with shining floors solid mahogany rich damask
marble gilding and carving each handsome in its way 
Of pictures there were abundance and some few good
but the larger part were family portraits no longer
anything to anybody but Mrs Rushworth who had been at
great pains to learn all that the housekeeper could teach
and was now almost equally well qualified to shew the house 
On the present occasion she addressed herself chiefly
to Miss Crawford and Fanny but there was no comparison
in the willingness of their attention for Miss Crawford
who had seen scores of great houses and cared for none
of them had only the appearance of civilly listening
while Fanny to whom everything was almost as interesting
as it was new attended with unaffected earnestness to all
that Mrs Rushworth could relate of the family in former times
its rise and grandeur regal visits and loyal efforts
delighted to connect anything with history already known
or warm her imagination with scenes of the past

The situation of the house excluded the possibility
of much prospect from any of the rooms and while Fanny
and some of the others were attending Mrs Rushworth
Henry Crawford was looking grave and shaking his head
at the windows  Every room on the west front looked
across a lawn to the beginning of the avenue immediately
beyond tall iron palisades and gates

Having visited many more rooms than could be supposed to be
of any other use than to contribute to the window tax and
find employment for housemaids Now said Mrs Rushworth
we are coming to the chapel which properly we ought
to enter from above and look down upon but as we
are quite among friends I will take you in this way
if you will excuse me

They entered  Fanny's imagination had prepared her
for something grander than a mere spacious oblong room
fitted up for the purpose of devotion  with nothing more
striking or more solemn than the profusion of mahogany
and the crimson velvet cushions appearing over the ledge
of the family gallery above  I am disappointed
said she in a low voice to Edmund  This is not
my idea of a chapel  There is nothing awful here
nothing melancholy nothing grand  Here are no aisles
no arches no inscriptions no banners  No banners
cousin to be blown by the night wind of heaven 
No signs that a Scottish monarch sleeps below

You forget Fanny how lately all this has been built
and for how confined a purpose compared with the old
chapels of castles and monasteries  It was only for
the private use of the family  They have been buried
I suppose in the parish church  There you must look
for the banners and the achievements

It was foolish of me not to think of all that but I
am disappointed

Mrs Rushworth began her relation  This chapel was fitted up
as you see it in James the Second's time  Before that period
as I understand the pews were only wainscot and there
is some reason to think that the linings and cushions
of the pulpit and family seat were only purple cloth
but this is not quite certain  It is a handsome chapel
and was formerly in constant use both morning and evening 
Prayers were always read in it by the domestic chaplain
within the memory of many but the late Mr Rushworth left
it off

Every generation has its improvements said Miss Crawford
with a smile to Edmund

Mrs Rushworth was gone to repeat her lesson to Mr Crawford
and Edmund Fanny and Miss Crawford remained in a cluster
together

It is a pity cried Fanny that the custom should have
been discontinued  It was a valuable part of former times 
There is something in a chapel and chaplain so much
in character with a great house with one's ideas of what
such a household should be  A whole family assembling
regularly for the purpose of prayer is fine

Very fine indeed said Miss Crawford laughing  It must
do the heads of the family a great deal of good to force
all the poor housemaids and footmen to leave business
and pleasure and say their prayers here twice a day
while they are inventing excuses themselves for staying
away

That is hardly Fanny's idea of a family assembling
said Edmund  If the master and mistress do not
attend themselves there must be more harm than good
in the custom

At any rate it is safer to leave people to their own
devices on such subjects  Everybody likes to go their
own way  to chuse their own time and manner of devotion 
The obligation of attendance the formality the restraint
the length of time  altogether it is a formidable thing
and what nobody likes and if the good people who used
to kneel and gape in that gallery could have foreseen
that the time would ever come when men and women might lie
another ten minutes in bed when they woke with a headache
without danger of reprobation because chapel was missed
they would have jumped with joy and envy  Cannot you
imagine with what unwilling feelings the former belles
of the house of Rushworth did many a time repair to
this chapel  The young Mrs Eleanors and Mrs Bridgets  
starched up into seeming piety but with heads full
of something very different  especially if the poor
chaplain were not worth looking at  and in those days
I fancy parsons were very inferior even to what they
are now

For a few moments she was unanswered  Fanny coloured
and looked at Edmund but felt too angry for speech
and he needed a little recollection before he could say
Your lively mind can hardly be serious even on serious subjects 
You have given us an amusing sketch and human nature
cannot say it was not so  We must all feel at times
the difficulty of fixing our thoughts as we could wish
but if you are supposing it a frequent thing that is to say
a weakness grown into a habit from neglect what could
be expected from the private devotions of such persons 
Do you think the minds which are suffered which are
indulged in wanderings in a chapel would be more collected
in a closet

Yes very likely  They would have two chances at least
in their favour  There would be less to distract the
attention from without and it would not be tried so long

The mind which does not struggle against itself under
one circumstance would find objects to distract it
in the other I believe and the influence of the place
and of example may often rouse better feelings than are
begun with  The greater length of the service however
I admit to be sometimes too hard a stretch upon the mind 
One wishes it were not so but I have not yet left
Oxford long enough to forget what chapel prayers are

While this was passing the rest of the party being scattered
about the chapel Julia called Mr Crawford's attention to
her sister by saying Do look at Mr Rushworth and Maria
standing side by side exactly as if the ceremony were
going to be performed  Have not they completely the air of it

Mr Crawford smiled his acquiescence and stepping forward
to Maria said in a voice which she only could hear
I do not like to see Miss Bertram so near the altar

Starting the lady instinctively moved a step or two
but recovering herself in a moment affected to laugh
and asked him in a tone not much louder If he would give
her away

I am afraid I should do it very awkwardly was his reply
with a look of meaning

Julia joining them at the moment carried on the joke

Upon my word it is really a pity that it should not
take place directly if we had but a proper licence
for here we are altogether and nothing in the world
could be more snug and pleasant  And she talked and
laughed about it with so little caution as to catch the
comprehension of Mr Rushworth and his mother and expose
her sister to the whispered gallantries of her lover
while Mrs Rushworth spoke with proper smiles and dignity
of its being a most happy event to her whenever it took place

If Edmund were but in orders cried Julia and running
to where he stood with Miss Crawford and Fanny 
My dear Edmund if you were but in orders now you might
perform the ceremony directly  How unlucky that you
are not ordained Mr Rushworth and Maria are quite ready

Miss Crawford's countenance as Julia spoke might have
amused a disinterested observer  She looked almost aghast
under the new idea she was receiving  Fanny pitied her 
How distressed she will be at what she said just now
passed across her mind

Ordained said Miss Crawford what are you to be
a clergyman

Yes I shall take orders soon after my father's return  
probably at Christmas

Miss Crawford rallying her spirits and recovering
her complexion replied only If I had known this before
I would have spoken of the cloth with more respect
and turned the subject

The chapel was soon afterwards left to the silence and stillness
which reigned in it with few interruptions throughout the year 
Miss Bertram displeased with her sister led the way
and all seemed to feel that they had been there long enough

The lower part of the house had been now entirely shewn
and Mrs Rushworth never weary in the cause would have
proceeded towards the principal staircase and taken
them through all the rooms above if her son had not
interposed with a doubt of there being time enough 
For if said he with the sort of self evident proposition
which many a clearer head does not always avoid we are
too long going over the house we shall not have time
for what is to be done out of doors  It is past two
and we are to dine at five

Mrs Rushworth submitted and the question of surveying
the grounds with the who and the how was likely to be more
fully agitated and Mrs Norris was beginning to arrange
by what junction of carriages and horses most could be done
when the young people meeting with an outward door
temptingly open on a flight of steps which led immediately
to turf and shrubs and all the sweets of pleasure grounds
as by one impulse one wish for air and liberty all walked out

Suppose we turn down here for the present said Mrs Rushworth
civilly taking the hint and following them  Here are the
greatest number of our plants and here are the curious pheasants

Query said Mr Crawford looking round him
whether we may not find something to employ us here
before we go farther  I see walls of great promise 
Mr Rushworth shall we summon a council on this lawn

James said Mrs Rushworth to her son I believe
the wilderness will be new to all the party  The Miss
Bertrams have never seen the wilderness yet

No objection was made but for some time there seemed
no inclination to move in any plan or to any distance 
All were attracted at first by the plants or the pheasants
and all dispersed about in happy independence 
Mr Crawford was the first to move forward to examine
the capabilities of that end of the house  The lawn
bounded on each side by a high wall contained beyond
the first planted area a bowling green and beyond
the bowling green a long terrace walk backed by iron
palisades and commanding a view over them into the tops
of the trees of the wilderness immediately adjoining 
It was a good spot for fault finding Mr Crawford was soon
followed by Miss Bertram and Mr Rushworth and when
after a little time the others began to form into parties
these three were found in busy consultation on the terrace
by Edmund Miss Crawford and Fanny who seemed as naturally
to unite and who after a short participation of their
regrets and difficulties left them and walked on 
The remaining three Mrs Rushworth Mrs Norris
and Julia were still far behind for Julia whose happy
star no longer prevailed was obliged to keep by the side
of Mrs Rushworth and restrain her impatient feet to that
lady's slow pace while her aunt having fallen in with
the housekeeper who was come out to feed the pheasants
was lingering behind in gossip with her  Poor Julia
the only one out of the nine not tolerably satisfied
with their lot was now in a state of complete penance
and as different from the Julia of the barouche box
as could well be imagined  The politeness which she had
been brought up to practise as a duty made it impossible
for her to escape while the want of that higher species
of self command that just consideration of others
that knowledge of her own heart that principle of right
which had not formed any essential part of her education
made her miserable under it

This is insufferably hot said Miss Crawford when they
had taken one turn on the terrace and were drawing
a second time to the door in the middle which opened to
the wilderness  Shall any of us object to being comfortable 
Here is a nice little wood if one can but get into it 
What happiness if the door should not be locked but of
course it is for in these great places the gardeners
are the only people who can go where they like

The door however proved not to be locked and they were
all agreed in turning joyfully through it and leaving
the unmitigated glare of day behind  A considerable
flight of steps landed them in the wilderness which was
a planted wood of about two acres and though chiefly
of larch and laurel and beech cut down and though laid
out with too much regularity was darkness and shade
and natural beauty compared with the bowling green
and the terrace  They all felt the refreshment of it
and for some time could only walk and admire  At length
after a short pause Miss Crawford began with So you
are to be a clergyman Mr Bertram  This is rather
a surprise to me

Why should it surprise you  You must suppose me designed
for some profession and might perceive that I am neither
a lawyer nor a soldier nor a sailor

Very true but in short it had not occurred to me 
And you know there is generally an uncle or a grandfather
to leave a fortune to the second son

A very praiseworthy practice said Edmund
but not quite universal  I am one of the exceptions
and being one must do something for myself

But why are you to be a clergyman  I thought that
was always the lot of the youngest where there were
many to chuse before him

Do you think the church itself never chosen then

Never is a black word  But yes in the never
of conversation which means not very often
I do think it  For what is to be done in the church 
Men love to distinguish themselves and in either of the other
lines distinction may be gained but not in the church 
A clergyman is nothing

The nothing of conversation has its gradations I hope
as well as the never  A clergyman cannot be high in
state or fashion  He must not head mobs or set the ton
in dress  But I cannot call that situation nothing which
has the charge of all that is of the first importance
to mankind individually or collectively considered
temporally and eternally which has the guardianship
of religion and morals and consequently of the manners
which result from their influence  No one here can call
the office nothing  If the man who holds it is so
it is by the neglect of his duty by foregoing its
just importance and stepping out of his place to appear
what he ought not to appear

You assign greater consequence to the clergyman than one
has been used to hear given or than I can quite comprehend 
One does not see much of this influence and importance
in society and how can it be acquired where they are
so seldom seen themselves  How can two sermons a week
even supposing them worth hearing supposing the preacher
to have the sense to prefer Blair's to his own do all
that you speak of govern the conduct and fashion the
manners of a large congregation for the rest of the week 
One scarcely sees a clergyman out of his pulpit

You are speaking of London I am speaking of the
nation at large

The metropolis I imagine is a pretty fair sample
of the rest

Not I should hope of the proportion of virtue to vice
throughout the kingdom  We do not look in great cities
for our best morality  It is not there that respectable
people of any denomination can do most good and it
certainly is not there that the influence of the clergy can
be most felt  A fine preacher is followed and admired
but it is not in fine preaching only that a good clergyman
will be useful in his parish and his neighbourhood
where the parish and neighbourhood are of a size capable
of knowing his private character and observing his
general conduct which in London can rarely be the case 
The clergy are lost there in the crowds of their parishioners 
They are known to the largest part only as preachers 
And with regard to their influencing public manners
Miss Crawford must not misunderstand me or suppose I mean
to call them the arbiters of good breeding the regulators
of refinement and courtesy the masters of the ceremonies
of life  The manners I speak of might rather be
called conduct perhaps the result of good principles
the effect in short of those doctrines which it
is their duty to teach and recommend and it will
I believe be everywhere found that as the clergy are
or are not what they ought to be so are the rest of
the nation

Certainly said Fanny with gentle earnestness

There cried Miss Crawford you have quite convinced
Miss Price already

I wish I could convince Miss Crawford too

I do not think you ever will said she with an arch smile
I am just as much surprised now as I was at first
that you should intend to take orders  You really are
fit for something better  Come do change your mind 
It is not too late  Go into the law

Go into the law  With as much ease as I was told to go
into this wilderness

Now you are going to say something about law being
the worst wilderness of the two but I forestall you
remember I have forestalled you

You need not hurry when the object is only to prevent
my saying a bon mot for there is not the least wit in
my nature  I am a very matter of fact plain spoken being
and may blunder on the borders of a repartee for half
an hour together without striking it out

A general silence succeeded  Each was thoughtful 
Fanny made the first interruption by saying I wonder
that I should be tired with only walking in this sweet wood
but the next time we come to a seat if it is not disagreeable
to you I should be glad to sit down for a little while

My dear Fanny cried Edmund immediately drawing her arm
within his how thoughtless I have been  I hope you
are not very tired  Perhaps turning to Miss Crawford
my other companion may do me the honour of taking an arm

Thank you but I am not at all tired  She took it
however as she spoke and the gratification of having
her do so of feeling such a connexion for the first time
made him a little forgetful of Fanny  You scarcely
touch me said he  You do not make me of any use 
What a difference in the weight of a woman's arm from
that of a man  At Oxford I have been a good deal used
to have a man lean on me for the length of a street
and you are only a fly in the comparison

I am really not tired which I almost wonder at
for we must have walked at least a mile in this wood 
Do not you think we have

Not half a mile was his sturdy answer for he was not yet
so much in love as to measure distance or reckon time
with feminine lawlessness

Oh you do not consider how much we have wound about 
We have taken such a very serpentine course and the wood
itself must be half a mile long in a straight line
for we have never seen the end of it yet since we left
the first great path

But if you remember before we left that first great path
we saw directly to the end of it  We looked down the
whole vista and saw it closed by iron gates and it
could not have been more than a furlong in length

Oh  I know nothing of your furlongs but I am sure
it is a very long wood and that we have been winding
in and out ever since we came into it and therefore
when I say that we have walked a mile in it I must speak
within compass

We have been exactly a quarter of an hour here
said Edmund taking out his watch  Do you think we
are walking four miles an hour

Oh do not attack me with your watch  A watch is always
too fast or too slow  I cannot be dictated to by a watch

A few steps farther brought them out at the bottom of the
very walk they had been talking of and standing back
well shaded and sheltered and looking over a ha ha into
the park was a comfortable sized bench on which they
all sat down

I am afraid you are very tired Fanny said Edmund
observing her why would not you speak sooner  This will be
a bad day's amusement for you if you are to be knocked up 
Every sort of exercise fatigues her so soon Miss Crawford
except riding

How abominable in you then to let me engross her horse
as I did all last week  I am ashamed of you and of myself
but it shall never happen again

Your attentiveness and consideration makes me more
sensible of my own neglect  Fanny's interest seems
in safer hands with you than with me

That she should be tired now however gives me no surprise
for there is nothing in the course of one's duties
so fatiguing as what we have been doing this morning 
seeing a great house dawdling from one room to another
straining one's eyes and one's attention hearing what one
does not understand admiring what one does not care for 
It is generally allowed to be the greatest bore in the world
and Miss Price has found it so though she did not
know it

I shall soon be rested said Fanny to sit
in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure
is the most perfect refreshment

After sitting a little while Miss Crawford was up again 
I must move said she resting fatigues me 
I have looked across the ha ha till I am weary  I must
go and look through that iron gate at the same view
without being able to see it so well

Edmund left the seat likewise  Now Miss Crawford
if you will look up the walk you will convince yourself
that it cannot be half a mile long or half half a mile

It is an immense distance said she I see that
with a glance

He still reasoned with her but in vain  She would
not calculate she would not compare  She would only
smile and assert  The greatest degree of rational
consistency could not have been more engaging and they
talked with mutual satisfaction  At last it was agreed
that they should endeavour to determine the dimensions
of the wood by walking a little more about it  They would
go to one end of it in the line they were then in  
for there was a straight green walk along the bottom
by the side of the ha ha  and perhaps turn a little way
in some other direction if it seemed likely to assist them
and be back in a few minutes  Fanny said she was rested
and would have moved too but this was not suffered 
Edmund urged her remaining where she was with an
earnestness which she could not resist and she was left
on the bench to think with pleasure of her cousin's care
but with great regret that she was not stronger 
She watched them till they had turned the corner
and listened till all sound of them had ceased



CHAPTER X

A quarter of an hour twenty minutes passed away
and Fanny was still thinking of Edmund Miss Crawford
and herself without interruption from any one  She began
to be surprised at being left so long and to listen
with an anxious desire of hearing their steps and their
voices again  She listened and at length she heard
she heard voices and feet approaching but she had just
satisfied herself that it was not those she wanted
when Miss Bertram Mr Rushworth and Mr Crawford issued
from the same path which she had trod herself and were
before her

Miss Price all alone and My dear Fanny how comes this
were the first salutations  She told her story 
Poor dear Fanny cried her cousin how ill you have been
used by them  You had better have staid with us

Then seating herself with a gentleman on each side
she resumed the conversation which had engaged them before
and discussed the possibility of improvements with
much animation  Nothing was fixed on but Henry Crawford
was full of ideas and projects and generally speaking
whatever he proposed was immediately approved first by her
and then by Mr Rushworth whose principal business
seemed to be to hear the others and who scarcely risked
an original thought of his own beyond a wish that they
had seen his friend Smith's place

After some minutes spent in this way Miss Bertram
observing the iron gate expressed a wish of passing
through it into the park that their views and their
plans might be more comprehensive  It was the very thing
of all others to be wished it was the best it was
the only way of proceeding with any advantage in Henry
Crawford's opinion and he directly saw a knoll not half
a mile off which would give them exactly the requisite
command of the house  Go therefore they must to that knoll
and through that gate but the gate was locked 
Mr Rushworth wished he had brought the key he had been
very near thinking whether he should not bring the key
he was determined he would never come without the key again
but still this did not remove the present evil  They could
not get through and as Miss Bertram's inclination for so
doing did by no means lessen it ended in Mr Rushworth's
declaring outright that he would go and fetch the key 
He set off accordingly

It is undoubtedly the best thing we can do now as we
are so far from the house already said Mr Crawford
when he was gone

Yes there is nothing else to be done  But now sincerely
do not you find the place altogether worse than you expected

No indeed far otherwise  I find it better grander more
complete in its style though that style may not be the best 
And to tell you the truth speaking rather lower I do not
think that I shall ever see Sotherton again with so much
pleasure as I do now  Another summer will hardly improve it to
me

After a moment's embarrassment the lady replied You are
too much a man of the world not to see with the eyes
of the world  If other people think Sotherton improved
I have no doubt that you will

I am afraid I am not quite so much the man of the world
as might be good for me in some points  My feelings
are not quite so evanescent nor my memory of the past
under such easy dominion as one finds to be the case
with men of the world

This was followed by a short silence  Miss Bertram
began again  You seemed to enjoy your drive here very much
this morning  I was glad to see you so well entertained 
You and Julia were laughing the whole way

Were we  Yes I believe we were but I have not
the least recollection at what  Oh  I believe
I was relating to her some ridiculous stories
of an old Irish groom of my uncle's Your sister loves to laugh

You think her more light hearted than I am

More easily amused he replied consequently you know
smiling better company  I could not have hoped
to entertain you with Irish anecdotes during a ten miles drive

Naturally I believe I am as lively as Julia but I
have more to think of now

You have undoubtedly and there are situations in
which very high spirits would denote insensibility 
Your prospects however are too fair to justify want
of spirits  You have a very smiling scene before you

Do you mean literally or figuratively  Literally
I conclude  Yes certainly the sun shines and the park
looks very cheerful  But unluckily that iron gate
that ha ha give me a feeling of restraint and hardship 
I cannot get out as the starling said  As she spoke
and it was with expression she walked to the gate 
he followed her  Mr Rushworth is so long fetching
this key

And for the world you would not get out without the key
and without Mr Rushworth's authority and protection
or I think you might with little difficulty pass round
the edge of the gate here with my assistance I think it
might be done if you really wished to be more at large
and could allow yourself to think it not prohibited

Prohibited nonsense  I certainly can get out that way
and I will  Mr Rushworth will be here in a moment
you know we shall not be out of sight

Or if we are Miss Price will be so good as to tell him
that he will find us near that knoll  the grove of oak
on the knoll

Fanny feeling all this to be wrong could not help
making an effort to prevent it  You will hurt yourself
Miss Bertram she cried you will certainly hurt
yourself against those spikes you will tear your gown
you will be in danger of slipping into the ha ha You had
better not go

Her cousin was safe on the other side while these words
were spoken and smiling with all the good humour
of success she said Thank you my dear Fanny
but I and my gown are alive and well and so good bye

Fanny was again left to her solitude and with no increase
of pleasant feelings for she was sorry for almost all
that she had seen and heard astonished at Miss Bertram
and angry with Mr Crawford  By taking a circuitous
route and as it appeared to her very unreasonable
direction to the knoll they were soon beyond her eye
and for some minutes longer she remained without sight
or sound of any companion  She seemed to have the little
wood all to herself  She could almost have thought
that Edmund and Miss Crawford had left it but that
it was impossible for Edmund to forget her so entirely

She was again roused from disagreeable musings by sudden footsteps

somebody was coming at a quick pace down the principal walk 
She expected Mr Rushworth but it was Julia who
hot and out of breath and with a look of disappointment
cried out on seeing her Heyday  Where are the others 
I thought Maria and Mr Crawford were with you

Fanny explained

A pretty trick upon my word  I cannot see them anywhere
looking eagerly into the park  But they cannot be very
far off and I think I am equal to as much as Maria
even without help

But Julia Mr Rushworth will be here in a moment
with the key  Do wait for Mr Rushworth

Not I indeed  I have had enough of the family for
one morning  Why child I have but this moment escaped from
his horrible mother  Such a penance as I have been enduring
while you were sitting here so composed and so happy 
It might have been as well perhaps if you had been in
my place but you always contrive to keep out of these scrapes

This was a most unjust reflection but Fanny could allow
for it and let it pass  Julia was vexed and her
temper was hasty but she felt that it would not last
and therefore taking no notice only asked her if she
had not seen Mr Rushworth

Yes yes we saw him  He was posting away as if upon
life and death and could but just spare time to tell us
his errand and where you all were

It is a pity he should have so much trouble for nothing

That is Miss Maria's concern  I am not obliged
to punish myself for her sins  The mother I could
not avoid as long as my tiresome aunt was dancing about
with the housekeeper but the son I can get away from

And she immediately scrambled across the fence
and walked away not attending to Fanny's last question of
whether she had seen anything of Miss Crawford and Edmund 
The sort of dread in which Fanny now sat of seeing
Mr Rushworth prevented her thinking so much of their
continued absence however as she might have done 
She felt that he had been very ill used and was quite
unhappy in having to communicate what had passed 
He joined her within five minutes after Julia's exit
and though she made the best of the story he was evidently
mortified and displeased in no common degree  At first
he scarcely said anything his looks only expressed his
extreme surprise and vexation and he walked to the gate
and stood there without seeming to know what to do

They desired me to stay  my cousin Maria charged me to say
that you would find them at that knoll or thereabouts

I do not believe I shall go any farther said he sullenly
I see nothing of them  By the time I get to the knoll they
may be gone somewhere else  I have had walking enough

And he sat down with a most gloomy countenance by Fanny

I am very sorry said she it is very unlucky  And she
longed to be able to say something more to the purpose

After an interval of silence I think they might as well
have staid for me said he

Miss Bertram thought you would follow her

I should not have had to follow her if she had staid

This could not be denied and Fanny was silenced 
After another pause he went on  Pray Miss Price
are you such a great admirer of this Mr Crawford as some
people are  For my part I can see nothing in him

I do not think him at all handsome

Handsome  Nobody can call such an undersized man handsome 
He is not five foot nine  I should not wonder if he is not more
than five foot eight  I think he is an ill looking fellow 
In my opinion these Crawfords are no addition at all 
We did very well without them

A small sigh escaped Fanny here and she did not know
how to contradict him

If I had made any difficulty about fetching the key
there might have been some excuse but I went the very
moment she said she wanted it

Nothing could be more obliging than your manner I am sure
and I dare say you walked as fast as you could but still
it is some distance you know from this spot to the house
quite into the house and when people are waiting
they are bad judges of time and every half minute seems
like five

He got up and walked to the gate again and wished he
had had the key about him at the time  Fanny thought she
discerned in his standing there an indication of relenting
which encouraged her to another attempt and she said
therefore It is a pity you should not join them 
They expected to have a better view of the house from
that part of the park and will be thinking how it
may be improved and nothing of that sort you know
can be settled without you

She found herself more successful in sending away than
in retaining a companion  Mr Rushworth was worked on 
Well said he if you really think I had better go 
it would be foolish to bring the key for nothing 
And letting himself out he walked off without farther
ceremony

Fanny's thoughts were now all engrossed by the two who
had left her so long ago and getting quite impatient
she resolved to go in search of them  She followed
their steps along the bottom walk and had just turned
up into another when the voice and the laugh of Miss
Crawford once more caught her ear the sound approached
and a few more windings brought them before her 
They were just returned into the wilderness from the park
to which a sidegate not fastened had tempted them very
soon after their leaving her and they had been across
a portion of the park into the very avenue which Fanny
had been hoping the whole morning to reach at last
and had been sitting down under one of the trees 
This was their history  It was evident that they had been
spending their time pleasantly and were not aware of the
length of their absence  Fanny's best consolation was
in being assured that Edmund had wished for her very much
and that he should certainly have come back for her
had she not been tired already but this was not quite
sufficient to do away with the pain of having been left
a whole hour when he had talked of only a few minutes
nor to banish the sort of curiosity she felt to know
what they had been conversing about all that time
and the result of the whole was to her disappointment
and depression as they prepared by general agreement to
return to the house

On reaching the bottom of the steps to the terrace
Mrs Rushworth and Mrs Norris presented themselves
at the top just ready for the wilderness at the end
of an hour and a half from their leaving the house 
Mrs Norris had been too well employed to move faster 
Whatever cross accidents had occurred to intercept the pleasures
of her nieces she had found a morning of complete enjoyment
for the housekeeper after a great many courtesies on
the subject of pheasants had taken her to the dairy
told her all about their cows and given her the receipt
for a famous cream cheese and since Julia's leaving them
they had been met by the gardener with whom she had made
a most satisfactory acquaintance for she had set him
right as to his grandson's illness convinced him that it
was an ague and promised him a charm for it and he
in return had shewn her all his choicest nursery of plants
and actually presented her with a very curious specimen
of heath

On this  rencontre they all returned to the house together
there to lounge away the time as they could with sofas
and chit chat and Quarterly Reviews till the return
of the others and the arrival of dinner  It was late
before the Miss Bertrams and the two gentlemen came in
and their ramble did not appear to have been more than
partially agreeable or at all productive of anything
useful with regard to the object of the day  By their
own accounts they had been all walking after each other
and the junction which had taken place at last seemed
to Fanny's observation to have been as much too late
for re establishing harmony as it confessedly had
been for determining on any alteration  She felt
as she looked at Julia and Mr Rushworth that hers
was not the only dissatisfied bosom amongst them 
there was gloom on the face of each  Mr Crawford
and Miss Bertram were much more gay and she thought
that he was taking particular pains during dinner
to do away any little resentment of the other two
and restore general good humour

Dinner was soon followed by tea and coffee a ten miles
drive home allowed no waste of hours and from the time
of their sitting down to table it was a quick succession
of busy nothings till the carriage came to the door
and Mrs Norris having fidgeted about and obtained a
few pheasants eggs and a cream cheese from the housekeeper
and made abundance of civil speeches to Mrs Rushworth
was ready to lead the way  At the same moment Mr Crawford
approaching Julia said I hope I am not to lose
my companion unless she is afraid of the evening air
in so exposed a seat  The request had not been foreseen
but was very graciously received and Julia's day was
likely to end almost as well as it began  Miss Bertram
had made up her mind to something different and was a
little disappointed but her conviction of being really
the one preferred comforted her under it and enabled her
to receive Mr Rushworth's parting attentions as she ought 
He was certainly better pleased to hand her into
the barouche than to assist her in ascending the box
and his complacency seemed confirmed by the arrangement

Well Fanny this has been a fine day for you upon my word
said Mrs Norris as they drove through the park 
Nothing but pleasure from beginning to end  I am sure
you ought to be very much obliged to your aunt Bertram
and me for contriving to let you go  A pretty good day's
amusement you have had

Maria was just discontented enough to say directly I think
you have done pretty well yourself ma'am Your lap seems
full of good things and here is a basket of something
between us which has been knocking my elbow unmercifully

My dear it is only a beautiful little heath
which that nice old gardener would make me take but if
it is in your way I will have it in my lap directly 
There Fanny you shall carry that parcel for me
take great care of it  do not let it fall it is a
cream cheese just like the excellent one we had at dinner 
Nothing would satisfy that good old Mrs Whitaker
but my taking one of the cheeses  I stood out as long
as I could till the tears almost came into her eyes
and I knew it was just the sort that my sister would
be delighted with  That Mrs Whitaker is a treasure 
She was quite shocked when I asked her whether wine was allowed
at the second table and she has turned away two housemaids
for wearing white gowns  Take care of the cheese Fanny 
Now I can manage the other parcel and the basket very well

What else have you been spunging said Maria
half pleased that Sotherton should be so complimented

Spunging my dear  It is nothing but four of those
beautiful pheasants eggs which Mrs Whitaker would
quite force upon me  she would not take a denial 
She said it must be such an amusement to me as she
understood I lived quite alone to have a few living
creatures of that sort and so to be sure it will 
I shall get the dairymaid to set them under the first
spare hen and if they come to good I can have them moved
to my own house and borrow a coop and it will be a great
delight to me in my lonely hours to attend to them 
And if I have good luck your mother shall have some

It was a beautiful evening mild and still and the
drive was as pleasant as the serenity of Nature
could make it but when Mrs Norris ceased speaking
it was altogether a silent drive to those within 
Their spirits were in general exhausted and to determine
whether the day had afforded most pleasure or pain
might occupy the meditations of almost all



CHAPTER XI

The day at Sotherton with all its imperfections
afforded the Miss Bertrams much more agreeable feelings
than were derived from the letters from Antigua
which soon afterwards reached Mansfield  It was much
pleasanter to think of Henry Crawford than of their father
and to think of their father in England again within
a certain period which these letters obliged them to do
was a most unwelcome exercise

November was the black month fixed for his return 
Sir Thomas wrote of it with as much decision as experience
and anxiety could authorise  His business was so nearly
concluded as to justify him in proposing to take his
passage in the September packet and he consequently
looked forward with the hope of being with his beloved
family again early in November

Maria was more to be pitied than Julia for to her the
fat