Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter XIII

 Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter XIII

There could hardly be a happier creature within the world than Mrs. John Knightley, during this short visit to Hartfield, going about every morning among her old acquaintance together with her five children, and talking over what she had done every evening together with her father and sister. She had nothing to wish otherwise, but that the times didn't pass so swiftly. it had been a pleasant 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 need to all dine at Randalls at some point — 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 an issue if he could, but as his son and daughter’s carriage and horses were actually at Hartfield, he wasn't ready to make quite an easy question thereon head; it hardly amounted to a doubt; nor did it occupy Emma long to convince him that they could in one among the carriages find room for Harriet also.

Harriet, Mr. Elton, and Mr. Knightley, their own especial set, were the sole persons invited to satisfy them — the hours were to be early, also because the numbers few; Mr. Woodhouse’s habits and inclination being consulted in every thing.

The evening before this great event (for it had been a really great event that Mr. Woodhouse should eat out , on the 24th of December) had been spent by Harriet at Hartfield, and she or he had gone home such a lot indisposed with a chilly , that, except for her own earnest wish of being nursed by Mrs. Goddard, Emma couldn't have allowed her to go away the house. Emma called on her subsequent day, and located her doom already signed with reference to Randalls. She was very feverish and had a nasty sore throat: Mrs. Goddard was filled with 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 couldn't speak of her loss without many tears.

Emma sat together with her as long as she could, to attend her in Mrs. Goddard’s unavoidable absences, and lift her spirits by representing what proportion Mr. Elton’s would be depressed when he knew her state; and left her eventually tolerably comfortable, within the sweet dependence of his having a most comfortless visit, and of their all missing her considerably . 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 getting to inquire, that he might carry some report of her to Hartfield — they were overtaken by Mr. John Knightley coming back from the daily visit to Donwell, together with his two eldest boys, whose healthy, glowing faces shewed all the advantage of a rustic run, and appeared to ensure a fast despatch of the roast mutton and rice pudding they were hastening home for. They joined company and proceeded together. Emma was just describing the character of her friend’s complaint — “a throat considerably inflamed, with an excellent deal of warmth about her, a quick, low pulse, &c. and she or he was sorry to seek out from Mrs. Goddard that Harriet was susceptible 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 ought to lookout of yourself also as of your friend. Let me entreat you to run no risks. Why doesn't Perry see her?”

Emma, who wasn't really in the least frightened herself, tranquillised this more than apprehension by assurances of Mrs. Goddard’s experience and care; but as there must still remain a degree of uneasiness which she couldn't 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 appears and feels so considerably like snow, that if it were to the other place or with the other party, I should really try to not leave to-day — and dissuade my father from venturing; but as he has made up his mind, and doesn't seem to feel the cold himself, I don't wish to interfere, as i do know it might 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 touch hoarse already, and once you consider what demand of voice and what fatigues to-morrow will bring, i feel it might be no quite common prudence to remain reception and lookout of yourself to-night.”

Mr. Elton looked as if he didn't alright know what answer to make; which was precisely the case; for though considerably gratified by the type care of such a good lady, and not liking to resist any advice of her’s, he had not really the smallest amount inclination to offer up the visit — but Emma, too eager and busy in her own previous conceptions and views to listen to him impartially, or see him with clear vision, was alright satisfied together 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 facility 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 had been a done thing; Mr. Elton was to travel , 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 checked out her.

“Well,” said she to herself, “this is most strange! — After I had got him off so well, to chuse to travel into company, and leave Harriet ill behind! — Most strange indeed! — But there's , I believe, in many men, especially single men, such an inclination — such a passion for dining out — a dinner engagement is so high within the class of their pleasures, their employments, their dignities, almost their duties, that any thing gives thanks to it — and this must be the case with Mr. Elton; a most precious , amiable, pleasing young man undoubtedly, and really much crazy with Harriet; but still, he cannot refuse a call for participation , he must eat out wherever he's asked. What a wierd thing love is! he can see ready wit in Harriet, but won't dine alone for her.”

Soon afterwards Mr. Elton quitted them, and she or he couldn't but do him the justice of feeling that there was an excellent deal of sentiment in his manner of naming Harriet at parting; within the tone of his voice while assuring her that he should out in Mrs. Goddard’s for news of her fair friend, the last item before he prepared for the happiness of meeting her again, when he hoped to be ready to provides a better report; and he sighed and smiled himself off during a way that left the balance of approbation much in his favour.

After a couple of minutes of entire silence between them, John Knightley began with —

“I never in my life saw a person more bent being agreeable than Mr. Elton. it's downright labour to him where ladies are concerned. With men he are often rational and unaffected, but when he has ladies to please, every feature works.”

“Mr. Elton’s manners aren't perfect,” replied Emma; “but where there's a wish to please, one need to overlook, and one does overlook an excellent deal. Where a person does his best with only moderate powers, he will have the advantage over negligent superiority. there's such perfect good-temper and good-will in Mr. Elton together cannot but value.”

“Yes,” said Mr. John Knightley presently, with some slyness, “he seems to possess an excellent 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'll also take it into consideration now.”

“Mr. Elton crazy with me! — What an idea!”

“I don't say it's so; but you'll had best to think about whether it's so or not, and to manage your behaviour accordingly. i feel your manners to him encouraging. I speak as a lover , Emma. You had better look about you, and ascertain what you are doing , and what you mean to try to to .”

“I thank you; but I assure you you're quite mistaken. Mr. Elton and that i are excellent friends, and zip more;” and she or he walked on, amusing herself within the consideration of the blunders which frequently arise from a partial knowledge of circumstances, of the mistakes which individuals of high pretensions to judgment are for ever falling into; and not alright pleased together 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 appeared to haven't any idea of shrinking from it, and set forward eventually most punctually together with his eldest daughter in his own carriage, with less apparent consciousness of the weather than either of the others; too filled with the wonder of his own going, and therefore the pleasure it had been to afford at Randalls to ascertain that it had been 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 couple of flakes of snow were finding their way down, and therefore the sky had the looks of being so overcharged on want only a milder air to supply a really white world during a very short time.

Emma soon saw that her companion wasn't within the happiest humour. The preparing and therefore the going abroad in such weather, with the sacrifice of his children after dinner, were evils, were disagreeables a minimum of , which Mr. John Knightley didn't by any means like; he anticipated nothing within the visit that would be in the least well worth the purchase; and therefore the whole of their drive to the vicarage was spent by him in expressing his discontent.

“A man,” said he, “must have a really good opinion of himself when he asks people to go away their own fireside, and encounter such each day as this, for the sake of coming to ascertain him. He must think himself a most agreeable fellow; I couldn't do such a thing. it's the best absurdity — Actually snowing at this moment! — The folly of not allowing people to be comfortable reception — and therefore the folly of people’s not staying comfortably reception once they can! If we were obliged to travel out such a night as this, by any call of duty or business, what a hardship we should always 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 remain reception 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 mention or to listen to that wasn't said and heard yesterday, and should not be said and heard again to-morrow. getting into dismal weather, to return probably in worse — four horses and 4 servants taken out for nothing but to convey five idle, shivering creatures into colder rooms and worse company than they could have had reception .”

Emma didn't find herself adequate to give the pleased assent, which little question he was within the habit of receiving, to emulate the “Very true, my love,” which must are usually administered by his travelling companion; but she had resolution enough to refrain from making any answer in the least . She couldn't be complying, she dreaded being quarrelsome; her heroism reached only to silence. She allowed him to speak , and arranged the glasses, and wrapped herself up, without opening her lips.

They arrived, the carriage turned, the step was disappointed , 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 special account of Harriet from what had reached her. She had sent while dressing, and therefore the answer had been, “Much an equivalent — 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'm grieved to seek out — i used to be on the purpose of telling you that once I called at Mrs. Goddard’s door, which I did the previous thing before I returned to decorate , i used to be told that Miss Smith wasn't better, by no means better, rather worse. considerably grieved and anxious — I had flattered myself that she must be better after such a cordial as I knew had been given her within the morning.”

Emma smiled and answered —”My visit was of use to the nervous a part of her complaint, I hope; but not even I can charm away a sore throat; it's a most severe cold indeed. Mr. Perry has been together with her , as you almost certainly heard.”

“Yes — I imagined — that's — I didn't —”

“He has been wont to her in these complaints, and that i hope to-morrow morning will bring us both a easier report. But it's impossible to not feel uneasiness. Such a tragic loss to our party to-day!”

“Dreadful! — Exactly so, indeed. — she is going to be missed every moment.”

This was very proper; the sigh which accompanied it had been really estimable; but it should have lasted longer. Emma was rather in dismay when only half a moment afterwards he began to talk of other things, and during a voice of the best alacrity and delight .

“What a superb device,” said he, “the use of a sheepskin for carriages. How very comfortable they create it — impossible to feel cold with such precautions. The contrivances of recent 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's a really cold afternoon — but during this carriage we all know nothing of the matter. — Ha! snows a touch I see.”

“Yes,” said John Knightley, “and i feel we shall have an honest deal of it.”

“Christmas weather,” observed Mr. Elton. “Quite seasonable; and very fortunate we might imagine ourselves that it didn't begin yesterday, and stop this day’s party, which it'd very possibly have done, for Mr. Woodhouse would hardly have ventured had there been much snow on the ground; but now it's of no consequence. this is often quite the season indeed for friendly meetings. At Christmas every one invites their friends about them, and other people think little of even the worst weather. i used to be snowed up at a friend’s house once for every week . Nothing might be pleasanter. I went for less than one night, and will not escape till that very day se’nnight.”

Mr. John Knightley looked as if he didn't comprehend the pleasure, but said only, coolly,

“I cannot wish to be snowed up every week at Randalls.”

At once more Emma may need been amused, but she was an excessive amount of astonished now at Mr. Elton’s spirits for other feelings. Harriet seemed quite forgotten within the expectation of a pleasing party.

“We are sure of fantastic fires,” continued he, “and every thing within the greatest comfort. Charming people, Mr. and Mrs. Weston — Mrs. Weston indeed is far beyond praise, and he's exactly what one values, so hospitable, then keen on society — it'll be alittle party, but where small parties are select, they're perhaps the foremost agreeable of any. Mr. Weston’s dining-room doesn't accommodate quite ten comfortably; and for my part, i might rather, under such circumstances, come short by two than exceed by two. i feel you'll accept as true with me, (turning with a soft air to Emma,) i feel I shall certainly have your approbation, though Mr. Knightley perhaps, from getting used to the massive parties of London, might not quite enter into our feelings.”

“I ignoramus of the massive parties of London, sir — I never dine with any body.”

“Indeed! (in a tone of wonder and pity,) I had no concept the law had been so great a slavery. Well, sir, the time must come once you are going to be purchased all this, once you will have little labour and great enjoyment.”

“My first enjoyment,” replied John Knightley, as they skilled the sweep-gate, “will be to seek out myself safe at Hartfield again.”

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter XII

 Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter XII

Mr. Knightley was to dine with them — rather against the inclination of Mr. Woodhouse, who didn't like that anybody 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 thanks to each brother, she had particular pleasure, from the circumstance of the late disagreement between Mr. Knightley and herself, in procuring him the right invitation.

She hoped they could now become friends again. She thought it had been time to form up. Making-up indeed wouldn't do. She certainly had not been within the wrong, and he would never own that he had. Concession must be out of the question; but it had been time to seem to forget that that they had ever quarrelled; and she or he hoped it'd rather assist the restoration of friendship, that when he came into the space she had one among the youngsters together with her — the youngest, a pleasant female child about eight months old, who was now making her first visit to Hartfield, and really 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 speak of all of them within the usual way, and to require the kid out of her arms with all the unceremoniousness of perfect amity. Emma felt they were friends again; and therefore the conviction giving her initially great satisfaction, then a touch sauciness, she couldn't help saying, as he was admiring the baby,

“What a comfort it's , that we expect alike about our nephews and nieces. on men and ladies , our opinions are sometimes very different; but with reference to these children, I observe we never disagree.”

“If you were the maximum amount guided naturally in your estimate of men and ladies , and as little under the facility of fancy and whim in your dealings with them, as you're where these children are concerned, we'd always think alike.”

“To make certain — our discordancies should arise from my being within the wrong.”

“Yes,” said he, smiling —”and reason good. i used to be sixteen years old once you were born.”

“A material difference then,” she replied —”and little question you were much my superior in judgment at that period of our lives; but doesn't the lapse of one-and-twenty years bring our understandings an honest deal nearer?”

“Yes — an honest deal nearer.”

“But still, not near enough to offer me an opportunity of being right, if we expect differently.”

“I have still the advantage of you by sixteen years’ experience, and by not being a reasonably girl and a spoiled child. Come, my dear Emma, allow us to be friends, and say no more about it. Tell your aunt, little Emma, that she need to set you a far better example than to be renewing old grievances, which if she weren't wrong before, she is now.”

“That’s true,” she cried —”very true. Little Emma, get older a far better woman than your aunt. Be infinitely cleverer and not half so conceited. Now, Mr. Knightley, a word or two more, and that i have done. As far nearly as good intentions went, we were both right, and that i must say that no effects on my side of the argument have yet proved wrong. I only want to understand that Mr. Martin isn't very, very bitterly disappointed.”

“A man can't be more so,” was his short, full answer.

“Ah! — Indeed i'm very sorry. — Come, greet 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 within the true English style, burying under a calmness that seemed about indifference, the important attachment which might have led either of them, if requisite, to try to to every thing for the great of the opposite .

The evening was quiet and conversable, as Mr. Woodhouse declined cards entirely for the sake of comfortable talk together with his dear Isabella, and therefore the little party made two natural divisions; on one side he and his daughter; on the opposite the 2 Mr. Knightleys; their subjects totally distinct, or very rarely mixing — and Emma only occasionally joining in one or the opposite .

The brothers talked of their own concerns and pursuits, but principally of these of the elder, whose temper was by much the foremost 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 inform what every field was in touch next year, and to offer all such local information as couldn't fail of being interesting to a brother whose home it had equally been the longest a 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 therefore the destination of each acre for wheat, turnips, or spring corn, was entered into with the maximum amount 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 together with his daughter.

“My poor dear Isabella,” said he, fondly taking her hand, and interrupting, for a couple of moments, her busy labours for a few one among her five children —”How long it's , how terribly long ago you were here! and the way tired you want to plan your journey! you want to attend bed early, my dear — and that i recommend a touch gruel to you before you go. — You and that i will have a pleasant basin of gruel together. My dear Emma, suppose we all have a touch gruel.”

Emma couldn't suppose any such thing, knowing as she did, that both the Mr. Knightleys were as unpersuadable thereon article as herself — and two basins only were ordered. After a touch more discourse in praise of gruel, with some wondering at its not being taken every evening by every one , he proceeded to mention , with an air of grave reflection,

“It was a clumsy business, my dear, your spending the autumn at South End rather than coming here. I never had much opinion of the ocean air.”

“Mr. Wingfield most strenuously recommended it, sir — or we should always not have gone. He recommended it for all the youngsters , 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 ocean doing her any good; and on myself, I even have been long perfectly convinced, though perhaps I never told you so before, that the ocean is extremely rarely of use to any body. i'm sure it almost killed me once.”

“Come, come,” cried Emma, feeling this to be an unsafe subject, “I must beg you to not talk about the ocean . It makes me envious and miserable — I who haven't seen it! South End is prohibited, if you please. My dear Isabella, I even have not heard you create one inquiry about Mr. Perry yet; and he never forgets you.”

“Oh! good Mr. Perry — how is he, sir?”

“Why, pretty much ; but almost well. Poor Perry is bilious, and he has not time to require care of himself — he tells me he has not time to require care of himself — which is extremely sad — but he's always wanted all around the country. I suppose there's not a person in such practice anywhere. on the other hand there's not so clever a person any where.”

“And Mrs. Perry and therefore the children, how are they? do the youngsters grow? I even have an excellent regard for Mr. Perry. I hope he are going to be calling soon. He are going to be so pleased to ascertain my little ones.”

“I hope he are going to be here to-morrow, for I even have an issue or two to ask him about myself of some consequence. And, my dear, whenever he comes, you had better let him check out little Bella’s throat.”

“Oh! my dear sir, her throat is such a lot better that I even have hardly any uneasiness about it. Either bathing has been of the best service to her, alternatively it's to be attributed to a superb embrocation of Mr. Wingfield’s, which we've been applying sometimes ever since August.”

“It isn't very likely, my dear, that bathing should are of use to her — and if I had known you were wanting an embrocation, i might have spoken to —

“You seem to me to possess forgotten Mrs. and Miss Bates,” said Emma, “I haven't heard one inquiry after them.”

“Oh! the great Bateses — i'm quite ashamed of myself — but you mention them in most of your letters. I hope they're quite well. Good old Mrs. Bates — i will be able to call upon her to-morrow, and take my children. — they're always so pleased to ascertain my children. — which excellent Miss Bates! — such thorough worthy people! — How are they, sir?”

“Why, pretty well, my dear, upon the entire . But poor Mrs. Bates had a nasty cold a few month ago.”

“How sorry I am! But colds were never so prevalent as they need been this autumn. Mr. Wingfield told me that he has never known them more general or heavy — except when it's been quite influenza.”

“That has been an honest deal the case, my dear; but to not the degree you mention. Perry says that colds are very general, but not so heavy as he has fairly often known them in November. Perry doesn't call it altogether a sickly season.”

“No, I don't know that Mr. Wingfield considers it very sickly except —

“Ah! my poor dear child, the reality is, that in London it's always a sickly season. Nobody is healthy in London, nobody are often . it's a dreadful thing to possess you forced to measure there! thus far off! — and therefore the air so bad!”

“No, indeed — we aren't in the least during a bad air. Our a part of London is extremely superior to most others! — you want to not confound us with London generally , my dear sir. The neighbourhood of Brunswick Square is extremely different from most the remainder . We are so very airy! I should be unwilling, I own, to measure in the other a part of the town — there's hardly the other that I might be satisfied to possess my children in: but we are so remarkably airy! — Mr. Wingfield thinks the vicinity of Brunswick Square decidedly the foremost favourable on air.”

“Ah! my dear, it's not like Hartfield. you create the simplest of it — but after you've got been every week at Hartfield, you're all of you different creatures; you are doing not appear as if an equivalent . Now I cannot say, that i feel you're any of you looking well at the present .”

“I am sorry to listen to you say so, sir; but I assure you, excepting those little nervous head-aches and palpitations which i'm never entirely free from anywhere, i'm quite well myself; and if the youngsters were rather pale before they visited bed, it had been only because they were a touch more tired than usual, from their journey and therefore the happiness of coming. I hope you'll think better of their looks to-morrow; for I assure you Mr. Wingfield told me, that he didn't believe he had ever sent us off altogether, in such good case. I trust, at least, that you simply don't think Mr. Knightley looking ill,” turning her eyes with affectionate anxiety towards her husband.

“Middling, my dear; I cannot compliment you. i feel Mr. John Knightley very faraway from looking well.”

“What is that the matter, sir? — Did you speak to me?” cried Mr. John Knightley, hearing his own name.

“I am sorry to seek out , my love, that my father doesn't think you looking well — but I hope it's only from being a touch fatigued. I could have wished, however, as you recognize , that you simply had seen Mr. Wingfield before you left home.”

“My dear Isabella,”— exclaimed he hastily —”pray don't concern yourself about my looks. Be satisfied with doctoring and coddling yourself and therefore the children, and let me look as I chuse.”

“I didn't thoroughly understand what you were telling your brother,” cried Emma, “about your friend Mr. Graham’s meaning to have a bailiff from Scotland, to seem after his new estate. what is going to it answer? won't the old prejudice be too strong?”

And she talked during this way goodbye and successfully that, when forced to offer her attention again to her father and sister, she had nothing worse to listen to than Isabella’s kind inquiry after Jane Fairfax; and Jane Fairfax, though no great favourite together with her generally , she was at that moment very happy to help in praising.

“That sweet, amiable Jane Fairfax!” said Mrs. John Knightley. — “It is goodbye since I even have seen her, except now then for a flash accidentally in town! What happiness it must be to her good old grandmother and excellent aunt, when she involves visit them! I always regret excessively on dear Emma’s account that she can't be more at Highbury; but now their daughter is married, I suppose Colonel and Mrs. Campbell won't be ready to spare her in the least . She would be such a pleasant companion for Emma.”

Mr. Woodhouse agreed thereto all, but added,

“Our little friend Harriet Smith, however, is simply such another pretty quite youth . you'll like Harriet. Emma couldn't have a far better companion than Harriet.”

“I am most happy to listen to 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, et al. succeeded of comparable moment, and gave up the ghost with similar harmony; but the evening didn't close without a touch return of agitation. The gruel came and supplied an excellent deal to be said — much praise and lots of comments — undoubting decision of its wholesomeness for each constitution, and pretty severe Philippics upon the various houses where it had been never met with tolerable — but, unfortunately, among the failures which the daughter had to instance, the foremost recent, and thus most prominent, was in her own cook at South End, a girl hired for the time, who never had been ready 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 ready 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's without stopping of the sad consequences of your getting to South End. It doesn't bear talking of.” And for a touch while she hoped he wouldn't talk about it, which a silent rumination might suffice to revive 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 simply visited the ocean this autumn, rather than coming here.”

“But why do you have to be sorry, sir? — I assure you, it did the youngsters an excellent deal of excellent .”

“And, moreover, if you want to attend the ocean , it had better not are to South End. South End is an unhealthy place. Perry was surprized to listen to you had fixed upon South End.”

“I know there's such a thought with many of us , but indeed it's quite mistake, sir. — We all had our health perfectly well there, never found the smallest amount inconvenience from the mud; and Mr. Wingfield says it's entirely an error to suppose the place unhealthy; and that i am sure he could also be trusted , for he thoroughly understands the character of the air, and his own brother and family are there repeatedly.”

“You should have gone to Cromer, my dear, if you went anywhere. — Perry was every week at Cromer once, and he holds it to be the simplest of all the sea-bathing places. A fine open sea, he says, and really pure air. And, by what I understand, you would possibly have had lodgings there quite faraway from the ocean — 1 / 4 of a mile off — very comfortable. you ought to have consulted Perry.”

“But, my dear sir, the difference of the journey — only consider how great it might are . — An hundred miles, perhaps, rather than forty.”

“Ah! my dear, as Perry says, where health is at stake, nothing else should be considered; and if one is to travel, there's not much to chuse between forty miles and an hundred. — Better not move in the least , better stay in London altogether than travel forty miles to urge into a worse air. this is often just what Perry said. It appeared to him a really ill-judged measure.”

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter XI

 Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter XI

Mr. Elton must now be left to himself. it had been not in Emma’s power to superintend his happiness or quicken his measures. the approaching of her sister’s family was so very near at hand, that first in anticipation, then actually , it became henceforth her prime object of interest; and through the ten days of their occupy Hartfield it had been to not be expected — she didn't herself expect — that any thing beyond occasional, fortuitous assistance might be afforded by her to the lovers. they could advance rapidly if they might , however; they need to advance somehow or other whether or not they would or no. She hardly wished to possess more leisure for them. There are people, who the more you are doing for them, the less they're going to do for themselves.

Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley, from having been longer than usual absent from Surry, were exciting in fact rather quite the standard interest. Till this year, every long vacation since their marriage had been divided between Hartfield and Donwell Abbey; but all the vacations of this autumn had been given to sea-bathing for the youngsters , and it had been therefore many months since that they had been seen during a regular way by their Surry connexions, or seen in the least by Mr. Woodhouse, who couldn't be induced to urge thus 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 touch of the fatigues of his own horses and coachman who were to bring a number of the party the second 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 various to be talked to, welcomed, encouraged, and variously dispersed and disposed of, produced a noise and confusion which his nerves couldn't have borne under the other cause, nor have endured for much longer even for this; but the ways of Hartfield and therefore 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 his or her having instantly all the freedom and attendance, all the eating and drinking, and sleeping and playing, which they might possibly wish for, without the littlest delay, the youngsters 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 reasonably , elegant little woman, of gentle, quiet manners, and a disposition remarkably amiable and affectionate; wrapt up in her family; a faithful wife, a doating mother, then tenderly attached to her father and sister that, except for these higher ties, a hotter love may need seemed impossible. She could never see a fault in any of them. She wasn't a lady 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 lots of nerves, and was as keen on her own Mr. Wingfield in town as her father might be of Mr. Perry. They were alike too, during a general benevolence of temper, and a robust habit of regard for each old acquaintance.

Mr. John Knightley was a tall, gentleman-like, and really 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 wasn't an ill-tempered man, not so often unreasonably cross on deserve such a reproach; but his temper wasn't his great perfection; and, indeed, with such a worshipping wife, it had been hardly possible that any natural defects in it shouldn't be increased. the acute 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 wasn't an excellent favourite together with his fair sister-in-law. Nothing wrong in him escaped her. She was quick in feeling the small injuries to Isabella, which Isabella never felt herself. Perhaps she may need omitted 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 private compliment could have made her no matter that greatest fault of beat her eyes which he sometimes fell into, the want of respectful forbearance towards her father. There he had not always the patience that would are wished. Mr. Woodhouse’s peculiarities and fidgetiness were sometimes provoking him to a rational remonstrance or sharp retort equally ill-bestowed. It didn't often happen; for Mr. John Knightley had really an excellent regard for his father-in-law, and usually a robust sense of what was thanks to him; but it had been 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 start , however, of each visit displayed none but the properest feelings, and this being necessarily so short could be hoped to pass on in unsullied cordiality. that they had not been long seated and composed when Mr. Woodhouse, with a melancholy shake of the top 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's a grievous business.”

“Oh yes, sir,” cried she with ready sympathy, “how you want to miss her! And dear Emma, too! — What a dreadful loss to you both! — I even have been so grieved for you. — I couldn't imagine how you'll possibly do without her. — it's a tragic change indeed. — But I hope she is pretty much , sir.”

“Pretty well, my dear — I hope — pretty much . — I don't know but that the place agrees together with her tolerably.”

Mr. John Knightley here asked Emma quietly whether there have been any doubts of the air of Randalls.

“Oh! no — none within the least. I never saw Mrs. Weston better in my life — never looking so well. Papa is merely speaking his own regret.”

“Very much to the honour of both,” was the handsome reply.

“And does one see her, sir, tolerably often?” asked Isabella within the plaintive tone which just suited her father.

Mr. Woodhouse hesitated. —”Not near so often, my dear, as I could wish.”

“Oh! papa, we've missed seeing them but one entire day since they married. Either within the morning or evening of each day, excepting one, have we seen either Mr. Weston or Mrs. Weston, and usually both, either at Randalls or here — and as you'll suppose, Isabella, most often here. they're very, very kind in their visits. Mr. Weston is basically as kind as herself. Papa, if you speak therein melancholy way, you'll be giving Isabella a false idea folks all. every one must remember that Miss Taylor must be missed, but every one 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 that the exact truth.”

“Just because it should be,” said Mr. John Knightley, “and even as I hoped it had been from your letters. Her wish of shewing you attention couldn't be doubted, and his being a disengaged and social man makes it all easy. I even 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've got Emma’s account, I hope you'll be satisfied.”

“Why, to make certain ,” said Mr. Woodhouse —”yes, certainly — I cannot deny that Mrs. Weston, poor Mrs. Weston, does come and see us pretty often — on the other hand — she is usually obliged to travel away again.”

“It would be very hard upon Mr. Weston if she didn't , 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 require the a part of the poor husband. I, being a husband, and you not being a wife, the claims of the person may very likely strike us with equal force. As for Isabella, she has been married long enough to ascertain the convenience of putting all the Mr. Westons aside the maximum amount as she will .”

“Me, my love,” cried his wife, listening to and grasp solely in part. — “Are you speaking about me? — I am certain no person ought to be, or can be, a increased recommend for matrimony than I am; and if it had now not been for the distress of her leaving Hartfield, I ought to by no means have idea of Miss Taylor however as the most lucky girl in the world; and as to slighting Mr. Weston, that awesome Mr. Weston, I assume there is nothing he does no longer deserve. I agree with he is one of the very best-tempered men that ever existed. Excepting your self and your brother, I do no longer recognize his equal for temper. I shall by no means overlook his flying Henry’s kite for him that very windy day final Easter — and ever when you consider that his precise kindness remaining September twelvemonth in writing that note, at twelve o’clock at night, on reason to guarantee me that there was once no scarlet fever at Cobham, I have been satisfied there may want to now not be a greater feeling coronary heart nor a higher man in existence. — If any physique can deserve him, it ought to be Miss Taylor.”

“Where is the younger man?” stated John Knightley. “Has he been right here on this event — or has he not?”

“He has no longer been right here yet,” answered Emma. “There used to be a sturdy expectation of his coming quickly after the marriage, however it ended in nothing; and I have no longer heard him referred to lately.”

“But you must inform them of the letter, my dear,” stated her father. “He wrote a letter to bad Mrs. Weston, to congratulate her, and a very proper, good-looking letter it was. She shewed it to me. I concept it very properly achieved of him indeed. Whether it was once his personal concept you know, one can't tell. He is however young, and his uncle, possibly —”

“My expensive papa, he is three-and-twenty. You overlook how time passes.”

“Three-and-twenty! — is he indeed? — Well, I may want to now not have notion it — and he used to be however two years ancient when he misplaced his bad mother! Well, time does fly indeed! — and my reminiscence is very bad. However, it was once an exceeding good, highly letter, and gave Mr. and Mrs. Weston a remarkable deal of pleasure. I keep in mind it was once written from Weymouth, and dated Sept. twenty eighth — and began, ‘My pricey Madam,’ however I forget about how it went on; and it used to be signed ‘F. C. Weston Churchill.’— I have in mind that perfectly.”

“How very attractive and desirable of him!” cried the good-hearted Mrs. John Knightley. “I have no doubt of his being a most amiable younger man. But how unhappy it is that he need to now not stay at domestic with his father! There is some thing so stunning in a child’s being taken away from his mother and father and herbal home! I by no means should recognize how Mr. Weston ought to phase with him. To provide up one’s child! I without a doubt by no means should suppose properly of any physique who proposed such a issue to any physique else.”

“Nobody ever did assume nicely of the Churchills, I fancy,” determined Mr. John Knightley coolly. “But you want no longer think about Mr. Weston to have felt what you would experience in giving up Henry or John. Mr. Weston is as a substitute an easy, cheerful-tempered man, than a man of robust feelings; he takes matters as he finds them, and makes enjoyment of them one way or the other or other, depending, I suspect, plenty greater upon what is known as society for his comforts, that is, upon the electricity of ingesting and drinking, and enjoying whist with his neighbours five instances a week, than upon household affection, or any aspect that domestic affords.”

Emma ought to no longer like what bordered on a reflection on Mr. Weston, and had half of a thinking to take it up; however she struggled, and let it pass. She would maintain the peace if possible; and there was once something honourable and treasured in the sturdy home habits, the all-sufficiency of domestic to himself, whence resulted her brother’s disposition to seem to be down on the frequent charge of social intercourse, and these to whom it used to be important. — It had a excessive declare to forbearance. 

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter X

 Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter X

Though now the center of December, there had yet been no weather to stop 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 touch answer of Highbury.

Their road to the present detached cottage was down Vicarage Lane, a lane leading at right angles from the broad, though irregular, main street of the place; and, as could also be inferred, containing the blessed abode of Mr. Elton. a couple of inferior dwellings were first to be passed, and then, a few quarter of a mile down the lane rose the Vicarage, an old and not excellent house, almost as on the brink of the road because it might be . It had no advantage of situation; but had been considerably smartened up by this proprietor; and, like it had been , there might be no possibility of the 2 friends passing it without a slackened pace and observing eyes. — Emma’s remark was —

“There it's . There go you and your riddle-book one among lately .”— Harriet’s was —

“Oh, what a sweet house! — How very beautiful! — There are the yellow curtains that Miss Nash admires such a lot .”

“I don't often walk this manner now,” said Emma, as they proceeded, “but then there'll be an inducement, and that i shall gradually get intimately familiar with all the hedges, gates, pools and pollards of this a part of Highbury.”

Harriet, she found, had never in her life been within side the Vicarage, and her curiosity to ascertain it had been so extreme, that, considering exteriors and probabilities, Emma could only class it, as a symbol of affection , with Mr. Elton’s seeing ready wit in her.

“I wish we could contrive it,” said she; “but I cannot consider any tolerable pretence for getting into — no servant that i would like to inquire about of his housekeeper — no message from my father.”

She pondered, but could consider nothing. After a mutual silence of some minutes, Harriet thus began again —

“I do so wonder, Miss Woodhouse, that you simply shouldn't be married, or getting to be married! so charming as you are!”—

Emma laughed, and replied,

“My being charming, Harriet, isn't quite enough to induce me to marry; i need to find people charming — one other person a minimum of . and that i am not only, not getting to be married, at the present , but have little or no intention of ever marrying in the least .”

“Ah! — so you say; but I cannot believe it.”

“I must see somebody very superior to anybody I even have seen yet, to be tempted; Mr. Elton, you know, (recollecting herself,) is out of the question: and that i don't wish to ascertain any such person. i might rather not be tempted. I cannot really change for the higher . If I were to marry, i need to expect to repent it.”

“Dear me! — it's so odd to listen to a lady talk so!”—

“I have none of the standard inducements of girls to marry. Were I to fall crazy , indeed, it might be a special thing! but I never are in love; it's not my way, or my nature; and that i don't think I ever shall. And, without love, i'm sure I should be a fool to vary such a situation as mine. Fortune I don't want; employment I don't want; consequence I don't want: i think few married women are half the maximum amount mistress of their husband’s house as i'm 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'm in my father’s.”

“But then, to be an old maid eventually , like Miss Bates!”

“That is as formidable a picture as you'll present, Harriet; and if i assumed I should ever be like Miss Bates! so silly — so satisfied — so smiling — so prosing — so undistinguishing and unfastidious — then apt to inform every thing relative to each body about me, i might marry to-morrow. But between us, i'm convinced there never are often any likeness, except in being unmarried.”

“But still, you'll be an old maid! and that’s so dreadful!”

“Never mind, Harriet, I shall not be a poor old maid; and it's poverty only which makes celibacy contemptible to a generous public! one woman, with a really narrow income, must be a ridiculous, disagreeable old maid! the right sport of boys and girls, but one woman, of excellent fortune, is usually respectable, and should be as sensible and pleasant as any body else. and therefore the distinction isn't quite such a lot against the candour and customary sense of the planet as appears at first; for a really narrow income features a tendency to contract the mind, and sour the temper. those that can barely live, and who live perforce during a very small, and usually very inferior, society, could be illiberal and cross. This doesn't apply, however, to Miss Bates; she is merely too good natured and too silly to suit me; but, generally , she is extremely much to the taste of each body, though single and though poor. Poverty certainly has not contracted her mind: i actually believe, if she had only a shilling within the world, she would be very likely to offer away sixpence of it; and no-one is scared of her: that's an excellent charm.”

“Dear me! but what shall you do? how shall you use yourself once you grow old?”

“If i do know myself, Harriet, mine is a lively , busy mind, with an excellent many independent resources; and that i don't 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 are going to be as hospitable me then as they're now; or with no important variation. If I draw less, I shall read more; if I hand over music, I shall fancy carpet-work. And as for objects of interest, objects for the affections, which is in fact the good point of inferiority, the want of which is basically the good evil to be avoided in not marrying, I shall be alright off, with all the youngsters of a sister i really like such a lot , to worry about. there'll be enough of them, altogether probability, to provide every kind of sensation that declining life can need. there'll be enough for each hope and each fear; and though my attachment to none can equal that of a parent, it suits my ideas of comfort better than what's warmer and blinder. My nephews and nieces! — I shall often have a niece with me.”

“Do you recognize Miss Bates’s niece? that's , i do know you want to have seen her 100 times — but are you acquainted?”

“Oh! yes; we are always forced to be acquainted whenever she involves Highbury. By the bye, that's almost enough to place one out of conceit with a niece. Heaven forbid! a minimum of , that I should ever bore people half such a lot about all the Knightleys together, as she does about Jane Fairfax. One is disgusted the very name of Jane Fairfax. Every letter from her is read forty times over; her compliments to all or any 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 every one idle topics were superseded. Emma was very compassionate; and therefore 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 leave 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 the maximum amount intelligence as good-will. within the present instance, it had been 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 impact of the scene as made her tell Harriet, as they walked away,

“These are the sights, Harriet, to try to to one good. How trifling they create every thing else appear! — I feel now as if I could consider nothing but these poor creatures all the remainder of the day; and yet, who can say how soon it's going to all vanish from my mind?”

“Very true,” said Harriet. “Poor creatures! one can consider nothing else.”

“And really, I don't 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 don't think it'll ,” stopping to seem another time in the least 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 small bend; and when that bend was passed, Mr. Elton was immediately in sight; then near on give Emma time only to mention farther,

“Ah! Harriet, here comes a really sudden trial of our stability in good thoughts. Well, (smiling,) I hope it's going to be allowed that if compassion has produced exertion and relief to the sufferers, it's done all that's truly important. If we pity the wretched, enough to try to to all we will for them, the remainder is empty sympathy, only distressing to ourselves.”

Harriet could just answer, “Oh! dear, yes,” before the gentleman joined them. the requirements and sufferings of the poor family, however, were the primary subject on meeting. He had been getting to turn them. His visit he would now defer; but that they had a really interesting parley about what might be done and will be done. Mr. Elton then turned back to accompany them.

“To fall in with one another on such an errand as this,” thought Emma; “to meet during a charitable scheme; this may bring an excellent increase of affection on all sides . I shouldn't wonder if it were to cause the declaration. It must, if I weren't 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 touch raised on one side of the lane, leaving them together within the highway . 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 might both be soon after her. this is able to not do; she immediately stopped, under pretence of getting some alteration to form within the lacing of her half-boot, and stooping down in complete occupation of the footpath, begged them to possess the goodness to steer on, and she or he would follow in half a moment . They did as they were desired; and by the time she judged it reasonable to possess through with her boot, she had the comfort of farther delay in her power, being overtaken by a toddler from the cottage, beginning , consistent with orders, together with her pitcher, to fetch broth from Hartfield. to steer by the side of this child, and ask and question her, was the foremost natural thing within the world, or would are the foremost natural, had she been acting just then without design; and by this suggests the others were still ready to keep ahead, with none obligation of expecting her. She gained on them, however, involuntarily: the child’s pace was quick, and theirs rather slow; and she or he was the more concerned at it, from their being evidently during a conversation which interested them. Mr. Elton was speaking with animation, Harriet listening with a really pleased attention; and Emma, having sent the kid on, was starting to think how she might flinch a touch more, once they both looked around, and she or he was obliged to hitch 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, which she was are available herself for the Stilton cheese, the north Wiltshire, the butter, the cellery, the beet-root, and every one the dessert.

“This would soon have led to something better, of course,” was her consoling reflection; “any thing interests between those that love; and any thing will function introduction to what's near the guts . 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 a minimum of getting Harriet into the house, made her again find something considerably amiss about her boot, and fall behind to rearrange it another time . She then broke the lace off short, and dexterously throwing it into a ditch, was presently obliged to entreat them to prevent , and acknowledged her inability to place herself to rights so on be ready to walk range in tolerable comfort.

“Part of my lace is gone,” said she, “and I don't skills i'm to contrive. i actually am a most troublesome companion to you both, but I hope i'm rarely so ill-equipped. Mr. Elton, i need to beg leave to prevent at your house, and ask your housekeeper for a touch of ribband or string, or any thing just to stay my boot on.”

Mr. Elton looked all happiness at this proposition; and zip could exceed his alertness and a spotlight in conducting them into his house and endeavouring to form every thing appear to advantage. the space they were taken into was the one he chiefly occupied, and searching forwards; behind it had been another with which it immediately communicated; the door between them was open, and Emma passed into it with the housekeeper to receive her assistance within the most comfortable manner. She was obliged to go away the door ajar as she found it; but she fully intended that Mr. Elton should close it. it had been not closed, however, it still remained ajar; but by engaging the housekeeper in incessant conversation, she hoped to form it practicable for him to chuse his own subject within the hotel room . For ten minutes she could hear nothing but herself. It might be protracted not . She was then obliged to be finished, and make her appearance.

The lovers were standing together at one among the windows. It had a most favourable aspect; and, for half a moment , Emma felt the glory of getting schemed successfully. But it might not do; he had not come to the purpose . He had been most agreeable, most delightful; he had told Harriet that he had seen them pass , 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 can hazard nothing till he believes himself secure.”

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

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter IX

 Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter IX

Mr. Knightley might quarrel together with her , but Emma couldn't quarrel with herself. He was such a lot displeased, that it had been longer than usual before he came to Hartfield again; and once they did meet, his grave looks shewed that she wasn't forgiven. She was sorry, but couldn't repent. On the contrary, her plans and proceedings were more and more justified and endeared to her by the overall appearances of subsequent few days.

The Picture, elegantly framed, came safely handy soon after Mr. Elton’s return, and being hung over the mantelpiece of the common sitting-room, he got up to seem at it, and sighed out his half sentences of admiration even 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 type 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 an excellent deal of useful reading and conversation, had never yet led to quite a couple of first chapters, and therefore the intention of happening to-morrow. it had been much easier to talk than to study; much pleasanter to let her imagination range and work on Harriet’s fortune, than to be labouring to enlarge her comprehension or exercise it on sober facts; and therefore the only literary pursuit which engaged Harriet at the present , the sole mental provision she was making for the evening of life, was the collecting and transcribing all the riddles of each sort that she could meet with, into a skinny 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 really grand scale aren't uncommon. Miss Nash, head-teacher at Mrs. Goddard’s, had written out a minimum of three hundred; and Harriet, who had taken the primary hint of it from her, hoped, with Miss Woodhouse’s help, to urge an excellent more . Emma assisted together with her invention, memory and taste; and as Harriet wrote a really pretty hand, it had been likely to be an appointment of the primary order, in form also as quantity.

Mr. Woodhouse was almost the maximum amount curious about the business because the girls, and tried fairly often to remember something worth their fixing . “So many clever riddles as there wont to be when he was young — he wondered he couldn't remember them! but he hoped he should in time.” And it always led to “Kitty, a good but frozen maid.”

His good friend Perry, too, whom he had spoken to on the topic , didn't at the present recollect any thing of the riddle kind; but he had desired Perry to be upon the watch, and as he went about such a lot , something, he thought, might come from that quarter.

It was by no means his daughter’s wish that the intellects of Highbury generally should be anesthetize requisition. Mr. Elton was the sole one whose assistance she asked. He was invited to contribute any specialized enigmas, charades, or conundrums that he might recollect; and she or he had the pleasure of seeing him most intently at work together with his recollections; and at an equivalent time, as she could perceive, most earnestly careful that nothing ungallant, nothing that didn't breathe a compliment to the sex should pass his lips. They owed to him their two or three politest puzzles; and therefore the joy and exultation with which eventually 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 that the best antidote

That affliction to melt and heal. —

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

“Why won't you write one yourself for us, Mr. Elton?” said she; “that is that the only security for its freshness; and zip might be easier to you.”

“Oh no! he had never written, rarely , any thing of the type in his life. The stupidest fellow! He was afraid not even Miss Woodhouse”— he stopt a flash — “or Miss Smith could inspire him.”

The very next day however produced some proof of inspiration. He involved a couple of moments, just to go away a bit of paper on the table containing, as he said, a charade, which a lover of his had addressed to a girl , the thing of his admiration, but which, from his manner, Emma was immediately convinced must be his own.

“I don't offer it for Miss Smith’s collection,” said he. “Being my friend’s, I even have no right to show it in any degree to the general public eye, but perhaps you'll not dislike watching 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 satisfy her eye than her friend’s. He was gone subsequent 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 during a tremor, and will not touch it; and Emma, never loth to be first, was obliged to look at 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 world and sea, he bends a slave,

And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone.

Thy ready wit the word will soon supply,

May its approval beam therein 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, then passing it to Harriet, sat happily smiling, and saying to herself, while Harriet was puzzling over the paper altogether the confusion of hope and dulness, “Very well, Mr. Elton, alright indeed. I even have read worse charades. Courtship — a really good hint. I offer you credit for it. this is often feeling your way. this is often saying very plainly — ‘Pray, Miss Smith, give me leave to pay my addresses to you. Approve my charade and my intentions within the same glance.’

May its approval beam therein soft eye!

Harriet exactly. Soft is that the very word for her eye — of all epithets, the justest that would tend .

Thy ready wit the word will soon supply.

Humph — Harriet’s ready wit! All the higher . a person must be considerably crazy , indeed, to explain her so. Ah! Mr. Knightley, I wish you had the advantage of this; i feel this is able to convince you. For once in your life you'd be obliged to have yourself mistaken. a superb charade indeed! and really much to the aim . Things must come to a crisis soon now.”

She was obliged to interrupt faraway from these very pleasant observations, which were otherwise of a kind to run into great length, by the eagerness of Harriet’s wondering questions.

“What can it's , Miss Woodhouse? — what can it be? I even have not a thought — I cannot guess it within the least. What can it possibly be? Do attempt to find it out, Miss Woodhouse. Do help me. I never saw any thing so hard. Is it kingdom? i'm wondering who the friend was — and who might be the girl . does one think it's an honest one? Can it's woman?

And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone.

Can it's Neptune?

Behold him there, the monarch of the seas!

Or a trident? or a mermaid? or a shark? Oh, no! shark is merely one syllable. It must be very clever, or he wouldn't have brought it. Oh! Miss Woodhouse, does one think we shall ever find it out?”

“Mermaids and sharks! Nonsense! My dear Harriet, what are you thinking of? Where would be the utilization of his bringing us a charade made by a lover 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 because it are often . — 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 world and sea, he bends a slave,

And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone.

A very proper compliment! — then follows the appliance , which i feel , my dear Harriet, you can't find much difficulty in comprehending. Read it in comfort to yourself. There are often little question of its being written for you and to you.”

Harriet couldn't long resist so delightful a persuasion. She read the concluding lines, and was all flutter and happiness. She couldn't speak. But she wasn't wanted to talk . it had been enough for her to feel. Emma spoke for her.

“There is so pointed, then particular a meaning during this compliment,” said she, “that I cannot have a doubt on Mr. Elton’s intentions. you're his object — and you'll soon receive the completest proof of it. i assumed it must be so. i assumed I couldn't be so deceived; but now, it's clear; the state of his mind is as clear and decided, as my wishes on the topic are ever since I knew you. Yes, Harriet, with great care long have I been wanting the very circumstance to happen what went on . 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'm very happy. I congratulate you, my dear Harriet, with all my heart. this is often an attachment which a lady could feel pride in creating. this is often a connexion which offers nothing but good. it'll offer you every thing that you simply want — consideration, independence, a correct home — it'll fix you within the centre of all of your real friends, on the brink of Hartfield and to me, and ensure our intimacy for ever. This, Harriet, is an alliance which may never raise a blush in either folks .”

“Dear Miss Woodhouse!”— and “Dear Miss Woodhouse,” used to be all that Harriet, with many gentle embraces may want to articulate at first; however when they did arrive at some thing extra like conversation, it was once sufficiently clear to her buddy that she saw, felt, anticipated, and remembered simply as she ought. Mr. Elton’s superiority had very sufficient acknowledgment.

“Whatever you say is constantly right,” cried Harriet, “and consequently I suppose, and believe, and hope it ought to be so; however in any other case I ought to no longer have imagined it. It is so an awful lot past any issue I deserve. Mr. Elton, who may marry any body! There can't be two opinions about him. He is so very superior. Only suppose of these candy verses —”To Miss ————.” Dear me, how clever! — Could it truly be intended for me?”

“I can't make a question, or hear to a query about that. It is a certainty. Receive it on my judgment. It is a type of prologue to the play, a motto to the chapter; and will be quickly accompanied by means of matter-of-fact prose.”

“It is a type of factor which no person ought to have expected. I am sure, a month ago, I had no greater thinking myself! — The strangest matters do take place!”

“When Miss Smiths and Mr. Eltons get acquainted — they do certainly — and honestly it is strange; it is out of the frequent route that what is so evidently, so palpably acceptable — what courts the pre-arrangement of different people, ought to so right away form itself into the applicable form. You and Mr. Elton are by means of state of affairs known as together; you belong to one every other with the aid of each circumstance of your respective homes. Your marrying will be equal to the fit at Randalls. There does appear to be a some thing in the air of Hartfield which offers love precisely the proper direction, and sends it into the very channel the place it ought to flow.

The path of proper love by no means did run smooth —

A Hartfield version of Shakespeare would have a lengthy word on that passage.”

“That Mr. Elton ought to actually be in love with me — me, of all people, who did now not understand him, to communicate to him, at Michaelmas! And he, the very handsomest man that ever was, and a man that each and every physique appears up to, pretty like Mr. Knightley! His business enterprise so sought after, that each and every physique says he want now not devour a single meal by using himself if he does now not chuse it; that he has greater invites than there are days in the week. And so high-quality in the Church! Miss Nash has put down all the texts he has ever preached from in view that he got here to Highbury. Dear me! When I appear returned to the first time I noticed him! How little did I think! — The two Abbots and I ran into the the front room and peeped via the blind when we heard he was once going by, and Miss Nash got here and scolded us away, and staid to seem to be thru herself; however, she referred to as me returned presently, and let me seem too, which was once very good-natured. And how lovely we idea he looked! He was once arm-in-arm with Mr. Cole.”

“This is an alliance which, whoever — anything your pals may additionally be, ought to be agreeable to them, supplied at least they have frequent sense; and we are no longer to be addressing our habits to fools. If they are anxious to see you fortunately married, right here is a man whose amiable persona offers each assurance of it — if they desire to have you settled in the identical united states and circle which they have chosen to area you in, right here it will be accomplished; and if their solely object is that you should, in the frequent phrase, be nicely married, right here is the at ease fortune, the first rate establishment, the upward shove in the world which need to fulfill them.”

“Yes, very true. How properly you talk; I love to hear you. You recognize each thing. You and Mr. Elton are one as wise as the other. This charade! — If I had studied a twelvemonth, I may want to in no way have made any element like it.”

“I thinking he intended to strive his skill, with the aid of his manner of declining it yesterday.”

“I do assume it is, barring exception, the exceptional charade I ever read.”

“I in no way examine one greater to the purpose, certainly.”

“It is as lengthy once more as nearly all we have had before.”

“I do now not think about its size as specifically in its favour. Such matters in everyday can't be too short.”

Harriet was once too intent on the strains to hear. The most quality comparisons have been rising in her mind.

“It is one thing,” stated she, at present — her cheeks in a glow —”to have very top experience in a frequent way, like each physique else, and if there is any element to say, to take a seat down and write a letter, and say simply what you must, in a quick way; and another, to write verses and charades like this.”

Emma ought to now not have preferred a extra spirited rejection of Mr. Martin’s prose.

“Such candy lines!” endured Harriet —”these two last! — But how shall I ever be capable to return the paper, or say I have determined it out? — Oh! Miss Woodhouse, what can we do about that?”

“Leave it to me. You do nothing. He will be right here this evening, I dare say, and then I will provide it him back, and some nonsense or different will omit between us, and you shall no longer be committed. — Your tender eyes shall chuse their very own time for beaming. Trust to me.”

“Oh! Miss Woodhouse, what a pity that I need to no longer write this lovely charade into my book! I am positive I have no longer obtained one half of so good.”

“Leave out the two closing lines, and there is no cause why you have to now not write it into your book.”

“Oh! however these two strains are”—

—”The quality of all. Granted — for personal enjoyment; and for non-public enjoyment preserve them. They are now not at all the much less written you know, due to the fact you divide them. The couplet does no longer stop to be, nor does its that means change. But take it away, and all appropriation ceases, and a very fantastically gallant charade remains, in shape for any collection. Depend upon it, he would now not like to have his charade slighted, a great deal higher than his passion. A poet in love ought to be prompted in each capacities, or neither. Give me the book, I will write it down, and then there can be no feasible reflection on you.”

Harriet submitted, although her thought may want to infrequently separate the parts, so as to experience pretty certain that her buddy had been no longer writing down a assertion of love. It regarded too valuable an supplying for any diploma of publicity.

“I shall by no means let that e book go out of my personal hands,” stated she.

“Very well,” spoke back Emma; “a most herbal feeling; and the longer it lasts, the higher I shall be pleased. But right here is my father coming: you will now not object to my studying the charade to him. It will be giving him so an awful lot pleasure! He loves any aspect of the sort, and in particular any element that can pay female a compliment. He has the tenderest spirit of gallantry toward us all! — You ought to let me study it to him.”

Harriet appeared grave.

“My pricey Harriet, you ought to no longer refine too a good deal upon this charade. — You will betray your emotions improperly, if you are too aware and too quick, and show up to affix greater meaning, or even pretty all the which means which may additionally be affixed to it. Do no longer be overpowered by means of such a little tribute of admiration. If he had been anxious for secrecy, he would no longer have left the paper whilst I used to be by; however he alternatively pushed it closer to me than toward you. Do no longer let us be too solemn on the business. He has encouragement ample to proceed, barring our sighing out our souls over this charade.”

“Oh! no — I hope I shall now not be ridiculous about it. Do as you please.”

Mr. Woodhouse got here in, and very quickly led to the challenge again, via the recurrence of his very everyday inquiry of “Well, my dears, how does your e book go on? — Have you obtained any factor fresh?”

“Yes, papa; we have some thing to study you, some thing pretty fresh. A piece of paper was once observed on the desk this morning —(dropt, we suppose, with the aid of a fairy)— containing a very exceptionally charade, and we have simply copied it in.”

She study it to him, simply as he favored to have any element read, slowly and distinctly, and two or three instances over, with explanations of each section as she proceeded — and he used to be very tons pleased, and, as she had foreseen, specially struck with the complimentary conclusion.

“Aye, that’s very just, indeed, that’s very true said. Very true. ‘Woman, beautiful woman.’ It is such a exceedingly charade, my dear, that I can effortlessly wager what fairy added it. — Nobody may want to have written so prettily, however you, Emma.”

Emma solely nodded, and smiled. — After a little thinking, and a very soft sigh, he added,

“Ah! it is no problem to see who you take after! Your expensive mom used to be so sensible at all these things! If I had however her memory! But I can take note nothing — now not even that unique riddle which you have heard me mention; I can solely recollect the first stanza; and there are several.

Kitty, a honest however frozen maid,

Kindled a flame I but deplore,

The hood-wink’d boy I known as to aid,

Though of his close to strategy afraid,

So deadly to my swimsuit before.

And that is all that I can recollect of it — however it is very smart all the way through. But I think, my dear, you stated you had received it.”

“Yes, papa, it is written out in our 2d page. We copied it from the Elegant Extracts. It was once Garrick’s, you know.”

“Aye, very true. — I desire I may want to recollect extra of it.

Kitty, a truthful however frozen maid.

The title makes me suppose of terrible Isabella; for she used to be very close to being christened Catherine after her grandmama. I hope we shall have her right here subsequent week. Have you thought, my dear, the place you shall put her — and what room there will be for the children?”

“Oh! sure — she will have her personal room, of course; the room she constantly has — and there is the nursery for the adolescents — simply as usual, you know. Why have to there be any change?”

“I do no longer know, my expensive — however it is so lengthy when you consider that she was once here! — now not on account that final Easter, and then solely for a few days. — Mr. John Knightley’s being a legal professional is very inconvenient. — Poor Isabella! — she is alas taken away from us all! — and how sorry she will be when she comes, no longer to see Miss Taylor here!”

“She will now not be surprized, papa, at least.”

“I do now not know, my dear. I am certain I used to be very a great deal surprized when I first heard she was once going to be married.”

“We should ask Mr. and Mrs. Weston to dine with us, whilst Isabella is here.”

“Yes, my dear, if there is time. — But —(in a very depressed tone)— she is coming for solely one week. There will no longer be time for any thing.”

“It is unlucky that they can't continue to be longer — however it appears a case of necessity. Mr. John Knightley need to be in city once more on the 28th, and we ought to be thankful, papa, that we are to have the entire of the time they can supply to the country, that two or three days are no longer to be taken out for the Abbey. Mr. Knightley guarantees to provide up his declare this Christmas — although you be aware of it is longer seeing that they have been with him, than with us.”

“It would be very hard, indeed, my dear, if negative Isabella have been to be somewhere however at Hartfield.”

Mr. Woodhouse should in no way permit for Mr. Knightley’s claims on his brother, or any body’s claims on Isabella, barring his own. He sat musing a little while, and then said,

“But I do no longer see why negative Isabella must be obliged to go returned so soon, even though he does. I think, Emma, I shall attempt and persuade her to remain longer with us. She and the teenagers would possibly continue to be very well.”

“Ah! papa — that is what you by no means have been capable to accomplish, and I do no longer assume you ever will. Isabella can't undergo to continue to be at the back of her husband.”

This used to be too proper for contradiction. Unwelcome as it was, Mr. Woodhouse may want to solely supply a submissive sigh; and as Emma noticed his spirits affected by way of the thinking of his daughter’s attachment to her husband, she without delay led to such a department of the problem as have to elevate them.

“Harriet ought to provide us as plenty of her enterprise as she can whilst my brother and sister are here. I am certain she will be thrilled with the children. We are very proud of the children, are no longer we, papa? I marvel which she will assume the handsomest, Henry or John?”

“Aye, I marvel which she will. Poor little dears, how satisfied they will be to come. They are very fond of being at Hartfield, Harriet.”

“I dare say they are, sir. I am positive I do now not comprehend who is not.”

“Henry is a best boy, however John is very like his mama. Henry is the eldest, he used to be named after me, no longer after his father. John, the second, is named after his father. Some humans are surprized, I believe, that the eldest used to be not, however Isabella would have him referred to as Henry, which I idea very fantastically of her. And he is a very smart boy, indeed. They are all remarkably clever; and they have so many incredibly ways. They will come and stand via my chair, and say, ‘Grandpapa, can you supply me a bit of string?’ and as soon as Henry requested me for a knife, however I informed him knives have been solely made for grandpapas. I assume their father is too difficult with them very often.”

“He seems hard to you,” stated Emma, “because you are so very mild yourself; however if you may want to evaluate him with different papas, you would now not suppose him rough. He desires his boys to be lively and hardy; and if they misbehave, can supply them a sharp phrase now and then; however he is an affectionate father — honestly Mr. John Knightley is an affectionate father. The youngsters 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 no longer lay down the rule of their taking turns, whichever started would in no way supply way to the other.”

“Well, I can't recognize it.”

“That is the case with us all, papa. One 1/2 of the world can't apprehend the pleasures of the other.”

Later in the morning, and simply as the ladies have been going to separate in education for the everyday 4 o’clock dinner, the hero of this inimitable charade walked in again. Harriet became away; however Emma should acquire him with the regular smile, and her speedy eye quickly discerned in his the focus of having made a push — of having thrown a die; and she imagined he used to be come to see how it may flip up. His ostensible reason, however, used to be to ask whether or not Mr. Woodhouse’s birthday party ought to be made up in the nighttime barring him, or whether or not he ought to be in the smallest diploma critical at Hartfield. If he were, each and every component else need to supply way; however in any other case his pal Cole had been announcing so a good deal about his eating with him — had made such a factor of it, that he had promised him conditionally to come.

Emma thanked him, however may want to no longer enable of his disappointing his pal on their account; her father used to be certain of his rubber. He re-urged — she re-declined; and he appeared then about to make his bow, when taking the paper from the table, she again it —

“Oh! right here is the charade you had been so obliging as to depart 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 buddy will now not take it amiss I hope. Of path I have no longer transcribed past the first eight lines.”

Mr. Elton honestly did now not very properly recognize what to say. He regarded alternatively doubtingly — as an alternative confused; stated some thing about “honour,”— glanced at Emma and at Harriet, and then seeing the e 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 ought to make my apologies to your friend; however so excellent a charade ought to no longer be limited to one or two. He may additionally be certain of each woman’s approbation whilst he writes with such gallantry.”

“I have no hesitation in saying,” spoke back Mr. Elton, even though hesitating a right deal whilst he spoke; “I have no hesitation in pronouncing — at least if my buddy feels at all as I do — I have now not the smallest doubt that, should he see his little effusion honoured as I see it, (looking at the e book again, and changing it on the table), he would think about it as the proudest second of his life.”

After this speech he used to be long past as quickly as possible. Emma may want to no longer assume it too soon; for with all his desirable and agreeable qualities, there used to be a kind of parade in his speeches which used to be very apt to incline her to laugh. She ran away to indulge the inclination, leaving the gentle and the elegant of pleasure to Harriet’s share.

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter VIII

 Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter VIII

Harriet slept at Hartfield that night. For some weeks previous she had been spending extra than 1/2 her time there, and regularly getting to have a bed-room appropriated to herself; and Emma judged it great in each and every respect, most secure and kindest, to preserve her with them as lots as viable simply at present. She used to be obliged to go the next morning for an hour or two to Mrs. Goddard’s, however it used to be then to be settled that she ought to return to Hartfield, to make a normal go to of some days.

While she used to be gone, Mr. Knightley called, and sat some time with Mr. Woodhouse and Emma, until Mr. Woodhouse, who had before made up his idea to stroll out, was once persuaded by using his daughter no longer to defer it, and was once brought about through the entreaties of both, although towards the scruples of his very own civility, to go away Mr. Knightley for that purpose. Mr. Knightley, who had nothing of ceremony about him, was once supplying through his short, determined answers, an fun distinction to the protracted apologies and civil hesitations of the other.

“Well, I believe, if you will excuse me, Mr. Knightley, if you will no longer reflect onconsideration on me as doing a very impolite thing, I shall take Emma’s recommendation and go out for a quarter of an hour. As the solar is out, I accept as true with I had higher take my three turns whilst I can. I deal with you except ceremony, Mr. Knightley. We invalids suppose we are privileged people.”

“My pricey sir, do now not make a stranger of me.”

“I go away an outstanding replacement in my daughter. Emma will be glad to entertain you. And consequently I assume I will beg your excuse and take my three turns — my wintry weather walk.”

“You can't do better, sir.”

“I would ask for the pleasure of your company, Mr. Knightley, however I am a very gradual walker, and my tempo would be tedious to you; and, besides, you have any other lengthy stroll earlier than you, to Donwell Abbey.”

“Thank you, sir, thank you; I am going this second myself; and I suppose the quicker you go the better. I will fetch your greatcoat and open the backyard door for you.”

Mr. Woodhouse at remaining used to be off; however Mr. Knightley, as an alternative of being without delay off likewise, sat down again, apparently inclined for greater chat. He commenced talking of Harriet, and talking of her with greater voluntary reward than Emma had ever heard before.

“I can't fee her splendor as you do,” stated he; “but she is a relatively little creature, and I am inclined to suppose very properly of her disposition. Her personality depends upon these she is with; however in accurate fingers she will flip out a treasured woman.”

“I am happy you assume so; and the right hands, I hope, may also now not be wanting.”

“Come,” stated he, “you are anxious for a compliment, so I will inform you that you have multiplied her. You have cured her of her school-girl’s giggle; she certainly does you credit.”

“Thank you. I need to be mortified certainly if I did no longer consider I had been of some use; however it is now not each and every physique who will bestow reward the place they may. You do now not frequently overpower me with it.”

“You are anticipating her again, you say, this morning?”

“Almost each and every moment. She has been long past longer already than she intended.”

“Something has came about to extend her; some traffic perhaps.”

“Highbury gossips! — Tiresome wretches!”

“Harriet might also now not think about each and every physique tiresome that you would.”

Emma knew this was once too real for contradiction, and consequently stated nothing. He currently added, with a smile,

“I do now not fake to restoration on instances or places, however I have to inform you that I have proper motive to trust your little buddy will quickly hear of some thing to her advantage.”

“Indeed! how so? of what sort?”

“A very serious sort, I guarantee you;” nonetheless smiling.

“Very serious! I can suppose of however one issue — Who is in love with her? Who makes you their confidant?”

Emma used to be extra than 1/2 in hopes of Mr. Elton’s having dropt a hint. Mr. Knightley was once a type of regularly occurring buddy and adviser, and she knew Mr. Elton regarded up to him.

“I have purpose to think,” he replied, “that Harriet Smith will quickly have an provide of marriage, and from a most unexceptionable quarter:— Robert Martin is the man. Her go to to Abbey-Mill, this summer, looks to have executed his business. He is desperately in love and capacity to marry her.”

“He is very obliging,” stated Emma; “but is he certain that Harriet potential to marry him?”

“Well, well, potential to make her an provide then. Will that do? He got here to the Abbey two evenings ago, on reason to seek advice from 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 first-class friends. He got here to ask me whether or not I idea it would be imprudent in him to settle so early; whether or not I concept her too young: in short, whether or not I accepted his desire altogether; having some apprehension possibly of her being viewed (especially given that your making so a lot of her) as in a line of society above him. I used to be very lots thrilled with all that he said. I in no way hear higher feel from any one than Robert Martin. He usually speaks to the purpose; open, straightforward, and very properly judging. He instructed me each and every thing; his instances and plans, and what they all proposed doing in the tournament of his marriage. He is an super younger man, each as son and brother. I had no hesitation in advising him to marry. He proved to me that he ought to have the funds for it; and that being the case, I used to be satisfied he may want to no longer do better. I praised the truthful girl too, and altogether despatched him away very happy. If he had in no way esteemed my opinion before, he would have idea extraordinarily of me then; and, I dare say, left the residence questioning me the high-quality buddy and counsellor man ever had. This occurred the night time earlier than last. Now, as we may also pretty suppose, he would no longer permit a great deal time to bypass earlier than he spoke to the lady, and as he does no longer show up to have spoken yesterday, it is no longer not going that he have to be at Mrs. Goddard’s to-day; and she may also be detained through a visitor, besides questioning him at all a tiresome wretch.”

“Pray, Mr. Knightley,” stated Emma, who had been smiling to herself thru a high-quality phase of this speech, “how do you be aware of that Mr. Martin did now not communicate yesterday?”

“Certainly,” answered he, surprized, “I do no longer truely comprehend it; however it may also be inferred. Was now not she the entire day with you?”

“Come,” stated she, “I will inform you something, in return for what you have advised me. He did communicate the day prior to this — that is, he wrote, and used to be refused.”

This was once obliged to be repeated earlier than it may want to be believed; and Mr. Knightley truly seemed pink with surprize and displeasure, as he stood up, in tall indignation, and said,

“Then she is a larger simpleton than I ever believed her. What is the silly woman about?”

“Oh! to be sure,” cried Emma, “it is constantly incomprehensible to a man that a female have to ever refuse an provide of marriage. A man continually imagines a lady to be prepared for any physique who asks her.”

“Nonsense! a man does no longer think about any such thing. But what is the that means of this? Harriet Smith refuse Robert Martin? madness, if it is so; however I hope you are mistaken.”

“I noticed her answer! — nothing may want to be clearer.”

“You noticed her answer! — you wrote her reply too. Emma, this is your doing. You persuaded her to refuse him.”

“And if I did, (which, however, I am a ways from allowing) I ought to no longer experience that I had executed wrong. Mr. Martin is a very decent younger man, however I can't admit him to be Harriet’s equal; and am as a substitute surprized certainly that he must have ventured to tackle her. By your account, he does appear to have had some scruples. It is a pity that they have been ever received over.”

“Not Harriet’s equal!” exclaimed Mr. Knightley loudly and warmly; and with calmer asperity, added, a few moments afterwards, “No, he is now not her equal indeed, for he is as a good deal her optimum in feel as in situation. Emma, your infatuation about that woman blinds you. What are Harriet Smith’s claims, both of birth, nature or education, to any connexion greater than Robert Martin? She is the herbal daughter of no person is aware of whom, with in all likelihood no settled provision at all, and clearly no decent relations. She is recognised only as parlour-boarder at a frequent school. She is now not a smart girl, nor a female of any information. She has been taught nothing useful, and is too younger and too easy to have obtained any aspect herself. At her age she can have no experience, and with her little wit, is now not very possibly ever to have any that can avail her. She is pretty, and she is proper tempered, and that is all. My solely scruple in advising the healthy was once on his account, as being under his deserts, and a horrific connexion for him. I felt that, as to fortune, in all likelihood he may do tons better; and that as to a rational associate or beneficial helpmate, he may want to no longer do worse. But I ought to now not cause so to a man in love, and used to be inclined to have faith to there being no damage in her, to her having that type of disposition, which, in correct hands, like his, may be without problems led aright and flip out very well. The benefit of the healthy I felt to be all on her side; and had now not the smallest doubt (nor have I now) that there would be a accepted cry-out upon her intense properly luck. Even your delight I made positive of. It crossed my thought without delay that you would no longer be apologetic about your friend’s leaving Highbury, for the sake of her being settled so well. I consider saying to myself, ‘Even Emma, with all her partiality for Harriet, will assume this a precise match.’”

“I can't assist thinking at your understanding so little of Emma as to say any such thing. What! assume a farmer, (and with all his feel and all his benefit Mr. Martin is nothing more,) a excellent fit for my intimate friend! Not be apologetic about her leaving Highbury for the sake of marrying a man whom I may want to in no way admit as an acquaintance of my own! I marvel you ought to suppose it viable for me to have such feelings. I guarantee you mine are very different. I need to assume your assertion by means of no capacity fair. You are no longer simply to Harriet’s claims. They would be estimated very in a different way with the aid of others as properly as myself; Mr. Martin may additionally be the richest of the two, however he is without doubt her inferior as to rank in society. — The sphere in which she strikes is an awful lot above his. — It would be a degradation.”

“A degradation to illegitimacy and ignorance, to be married to a respectable, shrewd gentleman-farmer!”

“As to the situations of her birth, although in a criminal feel she may additionally be referred to as Nobody, it will no longer keep in frequent sense. She is no longer to pay for the offence of others, through being held under the stage of these with whom she is introduced 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 enchancment or comfort. — That she is a gentleman’s daughter, is indubitable to me; that she friends with gentlemen’s daughters, no one, I apprehend, will deny. — She is top-quality to Mr. Robert Martin.”

“Whoever would possibly be her parents,” stated Mr. Knightley, “whoever might also have had the cost of her, it does now not show up to have been any phase of their format to introduce her into what you would name exact society. After receiving a very detached training she is left in Mrs. Goddard’s palms to shift as she can — to move, in short, in Mrs. Goddard’s line, to have Mrs. Goddard’s acquaintance. Her buddies certainly concept this properly sufficient for her; and it was once right enough. She favored nothing higher herself. Till you selected to flip her into a friend, her thought had no distaste for her very own set, nor any ambition past it. She was once as pleased as feasible with the Martins in the summer. She had no experience of superiority then. If she has it now, you have given it. You have been no pal to Harriet Smith, Emma. Robert Martin would in no way have proceeded so far, if he had no longer felt persuaded of her no longer being disinclined to him. I comprehend him well. He has too a whole lot actual feeling to tackle any girl on the haphazard of egocentric passion. And as to conceit, he is the farthest from it of any man I know. Depend upon it he had encouragement.”

It used to be most handy to Emma no longer to make a direct reply to this assertion; she selected alternatively to take up her personal line of the concern again.

“You are a very heat buddy to Mr. Martin; but, as I stated before, are unjust to Harriet. Harriet’s claims to marry properly are no longer so contemptible as you symbolize them. She is no longer a sensible girl, however she has higher feel than you are conscious of, and does no longer deserve to have her grasp spoken of so slightingly. Waiving that point, however, and supposing her to be, as you describe her, solely tremendously and good-natured, let me inform you, that in the diploma she possesses them, they are no longer trivial suggestions to the world in general, for she is, in fact, a lovely girl, and have to be idea so by using ninety-nine human beings out of an hundred; and until it seems that guys are a whole lot extra philosophic on the problem of splendor than they are usually supposed; until they do fall in love with well-informed minds rather of good-looking faces, a girl, with such loveliness as Harriet, has a simple task of being admired and sought after, of having the electricity of chusing from amongst many, for this reason a declare to be nice. Her good-nature, too, is now not so very mild a claim, comprehending, as it does, real, thorough sweetness of mood and manner, a very humble opinion of herself, and a excellent readiness to be thrilled with different people. I am very a good deal improper if your intercourse in standard would now not suppose such beauty, and such temper, the best possible claims a lady ought to possess.”

“Upon my word, Emma, to hear you abusing the cause you have, is nearly ample to make me assume so too. Better be barring sense, than misapply it as you do.”

“To be sure!” cried she playfully. “I be aware of that is the feeling of you all. I understand that such a female as Harriet is precisely what each man delights in — what at as soon as bewitches his senses and satisfies his judgment. Oh! Harriet may additionally select and chuse. Were you, yourself, ever to marry, she is the very girl for you. And is she, at seventeen, simply coming into into life, simply establishing to be known, to be puzzled at due to the fact she does no longer be given the first provide she receives? No — pray let her have time to seem to be about her.”

“I have constantly notion it a very silly intimacy,” stated Mr. Knightley presently, “though I have saved my ideas to myself; however I now become aware of that it will be a very unlucky one for Harriet. You will puff her up with such thoughts of her personal beauty, and of what she has a declare to, that, in a little while, no one inside her attain will be desirable sufficient for her. Vanity working on a vulnerable head, produces each kind of mischief. Nothing so effortless as for a younger female to increase her expectations too high. Miss Harriet Smith may additionally now not locate affords of marriage float in so fast, even though she is a very especially girl. Men of sense, anything you may also chuse to say, do no longer desire stupid wives. Men of household would no longer be very fond of connecting themselves with a female of such obscurity — and most prudent guys would be afraid of the inconvenience and shame they may be concerned in, when the thriller of her parentage got here to be revealed. Let her marry Robert Martin, and she is safe, respectable, and blissful for ever; however if you motivate her to count on to marry greatly, and instruct her to be cozy with nothing much less than a man of end result and massive fortune, she may additionally be a parlour-boarder at Mrs. Goddard’s all the relaxation of her lifestyles — or, at least, (for Harriet Smith is a female who will marry any individual or other,) until she develop desperate, and is satisfied to capture at the historic writing-master’s son.”

“We suppose so very otherwise on this point, Mr. Knightley, that there can be no use in canvassing it. We shall solely be making every different extra angry. But as to my letting her marry Robert Martin, it is impossible; she has refused him, and so decidedly, I think, as have to forestall any 2nd application. She ought to abide by way of the evil of having refused him, anything it might also be; and as to the refusal itself, I will no longer faux to say that I may now not have an impact on her a little; however I guarantee you there was once very little for me or for any physique to do. His look is so a good deal in opposition to him, and his manner so bad, that if she ever have been disposed to favour him, she is no longer now. I can imagine, that earlier than she had viewed any physique superior, she may tolerate him. He was once the brother of her friends, and he took pains to please her; and altogether, having considered no person higher (that should have been his remarkable assistant) she would possibly not, whilst she was once at Abbey-Mill, discover him disagreeable. But the case is altered now. She is aware of now what gents are; and nothing however a gentleman in training and manner has any hazard with Harriet.”

“Nonsense, errant nonsense, as ever was once talked!” cried Mr. Knightley. —”Robert Martin’s manners have sense, sincerity, and good-humour to propose them; and his thought has greater authentic gentility than Harriet Smith ought to understand.”

Emma made no answer, and tried to appear cheerfully unconcerned, however used to be genuinely feeling uncomfortable and looking him very a lot to be gone. She did now not repent what she had done; she nonetheless idea herself a higher decide of such a factor of woman proper and refinement than he should be; however but she had a type of recurring appreciate for his judgment in general, which made her dislike having it so loudly in opposition to her; and to have him sitting simply contrary to her in irritated state, used to be very disagreeable. Some minutes handed in this disagreeable silence, with solely one strive on Emma’s aspect to discuss of the weather, however he made no answer. He used to be thinking. The end result of his ideas regarded at closing in these words.

“Robert Martin has no amazing loss — if he can however suppose so; and I hope it will no longer be lengthy earlier than he does. Your views for Harriet are quality acknowledged to yourself; however as you make no secret of your love of match-making, it is honest to consider that views, and plans, and initiatives you have — and as a buddy I shall just trace to you that if Elton is the man, I assume it will be all labour in vain.”

Emma laughed and disclaimed. He continued,

“Depend upon it, Elton will now not do. Elton is a very proper kind of man, and a very first rate vicar of Highbury, however now not at all possibly to make an imprudent match. He is aware of the fee of a true earnings as nicely as any body. Elton may additionally speak sentimentally, however he will act rationally. He is as properly acquainted with his very own claims, as you can be with Harriet’s. He is aware of that he is a very good-looking younger man, and a magnificent favorite anywhere he goes; and from his universal way of speakme in unreserved moments, when there are solely guys present, I am satisfied that he does now not suggest to throw himself away. I have heard him talk with wonderful animation of a massive household of younger female that his sisters are intimate with, who have all twenty thousand kilos apiece.”

“I am very a whole lot obliged to you,” stated Emma, laughing again. “If I had set my coronary heart on Mr. Elton’s marrying Harriet, it would have been very form to open my eyes; however at existing I solely prefer to maintain Harriet to myself. I have performed with match-making indeed. I ought to in no way hope to equal my personal doings at Randalls. I shall depart off whilst I am well.”

“Good morning to you,”— stated he, rising and on foot off abruptly. He was once very a whole lot vexed. He felt the disappointment of the younger man, and was once mortified to have been the ability of merchandising it, via the sanction he had given; and the section which he used to be persuaded Emma had taken in the affair, was once scary him exceedingly.

Emma remained in a kingdom of vexation too; however there used to be greater indistinctness in the reasons of her’s, than in his. She did no longer continually sense so genuinely at ease with herself, so absolutely satisfied that her opinions had been proper and her adversary’s wrong, as Mr. Knightley. He walked off in extra whole self-approbation than he left for her. She used to be no longer so materially solid down, however, however that a little time and the return of Harriet have been very sufficient restoratives. Harriet’s staying away so lengthy used to be starting to make her uneasy. The opportunity of the younger man’s coming to Mrs. Goddard’s that morning, and assembly with Harriet and pleading his very own cause, gave alarming ideas. The dread of such a failure after all grew to become the outstanding uneasiness; and when Harriet appeared, and in very top spirits, and besides having any such purpose to supply for her lengthy absence, she felt a pride which settled her with her very own mind, and satisfied her, that let Mr. Knightley suppose or say what he would, she had finished nothing which woman’s friendship and woman’s emotions would no longer justify.

He had worried her a little about Mr. Elton; however when she viewed that Mr. Knightley ought to now not have found him as she had done, neither with the interest, nor (she need to be allowed to inform herself, in spite of Mr. Knightley’s pretensions) with the talent of such an observer on such a query as herself, that he had spoken it unexpectedly and in anger, she used to be in a position to believe, that he had instead stated what he wished resentfully to be true, than what he knew any factor about. He without a doubt may have heard Mr. Elton communicate with extra unreserve than she had ever done, and Mr. Elton would possibly now not be of an imprudent, thoughtless disposition as to cash matters; he would possibly naturally be alternatively attentive than in any other case to them; however then, Mr. Knightley did no longer make due allowance for the impact of a sturdy ardour at conflict with all fascinated motives. Mr. Knightley noticed no such passion, and of route concept nothing of its effects; however she noticed too tons of it to experience a doubt of its overcoming any hesitations that a lifelike prudence would possibly at the beginning suggest; and extra than a reasonable, turning into diploma of prudence, she was once very positive did now not belong to Mr. Elton.

Harriet’s cheerful seem and manner installed hers: she got here back, now not to assume of Mr. Martin, however to discuss of Mr. Elton. Miss Nash had been telling her something, which she repeated right away with gorgeous delight. Mr. Perry had been to Mrs. Goddard’s to attend a ill child, and Miss Nash had considered him, and he had informed Miss Nash, that as he was once coming returned the day prior to this from Clayton Park, he had met Mr. Elton, and determined to his magnificent surprize, that Mr. Elton was once virtually on his street to London, and no longer which means to return until the morrow, even though it used to be the whist-club night, which he had been in no way recognised to leave out before; and Mr. Perry had remonstrated with him about it, and advised him how shabby it was once in him, their nice player, to absent himself, and tried very an awful lot to persuade him to put off his experience solely one day; however it would now not do; Mr. Elton had been decided to go on, and had stated in a very precise way indeed, that he was once going on commercial enterprise which he would no longer put off for any inducement in the world; and some thing about a very enviable commission, and being the bearer of some thing particularly precious. Mr. Perry may want to now not pretty apprehend him, however he was once very certain there should be a female in the case, and he advised him so; and Mr. Elton solely regarded very aware and smiling, and rode off in incredible spirits. Miss Nash had informed her all this, and had talked a top notch deal extra about Mr. Elton; and said, searching so very considerably at her, “that she did now not faux to recognize what his enterprise would possibly be, however she solely knew that any girl whom Mr. Elton ought to prefer, she have to suppose the luckiest lady in the world; for, past a doubt, Mr. Elton had now not his equal for splendor or agreeableness.”