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.” 

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter VII

 Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter VII

The very day of Mr. Elton’s going to London produced a clean occasion for Emma’s offerings towards her friend. Harriet had been at Hartfield, as usual, quickly after breakfast; and, after a time, had gone domestic to return again to dinner: she returned, and faster than had been talked of, and with an agitated, hurried look, announcing some thing extraordinary to have took place which she was longing to tell. Half a minute delivered it all out. She had heard, as soon as she received back to Mrs. Goddard’s, that Mr. Martin had been there an hour before, and discovering she was now not at home, nor particularly expected, had left a little parcel for her from one of his sisters, and long gone away; and on opening this parcel, she had actually found, without the two songs which she had lent Elizabeth to copy, a letter to herself; and this letter was from him, from Mr. Martin, and contained a direct thought of marriage. “Who could have notion it? She was so surprized she did now not know what to do. Yes, pretty a proposal of marriage; and a very desirable letter, at least she thought so. And he wrote as if he absolutely loved her very tons — but she did now not know — and so, she used to be come as fast as she may want to to ask Miss Woodhouse what she should do. —” Emma was once half-ashamed of her friend for seeming so thrilled and so doubtful.

“Upon my word,” she cried, “the young man is decided not to lose any component for want of asking. He will join himself well if he can.”

“Will you study the letter?” cried Harriet. “Pray do. I’d rather you would.”

Emma was once not sorry to be pressed. She read, and was once surprized. The style of the letter used to be much above her expectation. There had been not basically no grammatical errors, but as a composition it would now not have disgraced a gentleman; the language, though plain, used to be strong and unaffected, and the sentiments it conveyed very an awful lot to the credit of the writer. It was once short, but expressed desirable sense, warm attachment, liberality, propriety, even delicacy of feeling. She paused over it, whilst Harriet stood anxiously watching for her opinion, with a “Well, well,” and used to be at last compelled to add, “Is it a good letter? or is it too short?”

“Yes, indeed, a very desirable letter,” replied Emma alternatively slowly —”so good a letter, Harriet, that each and every thing considered, I suppose one of his sisters must have helped him. I can rarely imagine the younger man whom I saw speaking with you the other day should express himself so well, if left pretty to his own powers, and but it is not the fashion of a woman; no, certainly, it is too strong and concise; no longer diffuse enough for a woman. No doubt he is a smart man, and I suppose might also have a natural brain for — thinks strongly and clearly — and when he takes a pen in hand, his ideas naturally find applicable words. It is so with some men. Yes, I understand the kind of mind. Vigorous, decided, with sentiments to a certain point, no longer coarse. A better written letter, Harriet (returning it,) than I had expected.”

“Well,” stated the still ready Harriet — ” well — and — and what shall I do?”

“What shall you do! In what respect? Do you suggest with regard to this letter?”

“Yes.”

“But what are you in doubt of? You must reply it of course — and speedily.”

“Yes. But what shall I say? Dear Miss Woodhouse, do endorse me.”

“Oh no, no! the letter had much higher be all your own. You will express your self very properly, I am sure. There is no danger of your no longer being intelligible, which is the first thing. Your meaning need to be unequivocal; no doubts or demurs: and such expressions of gratitude and concern for the ache you are inflicting as propriety requires, will present themselves unbidden to your mind, I am persuaded. You want not be brought about to write with the appearance of sorrow for his disappointment.”

“You assume I ought to refuse him then,” said Harriet, searching down.

“Ought to refuse him! My dear Harriet, what do you mean? Are you in any doubt as to that? I notion — but I beg your pardon, possibly I have been under a mistake. I honestly have been misunderstanding you, if you feel in doubt as to the purport of your answer. I had imagined you had been consulting me only as to the wording of it.”

Harriet used to be silent. With a little reserve of manner, Emma continued:

“You mean to return a beneficial answer, I collect.”

“No, I do not; that is, I do not suggest — What shall I do? What would you advise me to do? Pray, pricey Miss Woodhouse, tell me what I ought to do.”

“I shall no longer give you any advice, Harriet. I will have nothing to do with it. This is a factor which you must settle with your feelings.”

“I had no thought that he liked me so very much,” stated Harriet, contemplating the letter. For a little whilst Emma persevered in her silence; but starting to apprehend the bewitching flattery of that letter might be too powerful, she idea it best to say,

“I lay it down as a popular rule, Harriet, that if a woman doubts as to whether or not she should take delivery of a man or not, she certainly ought to refuse him. If she can hesitate as to ‘Yes,’ she ought to say ‘No’ directly. It is now not a state to be safely entered into with dubious feelings, with half a heart. I idea it my duty as a friend, and older than yourself, to say consequently much to you. But do now not imagine that I favor to influence you.”

“Oh! no, I am positive you are a great deal too sort to — but if you would simply advise me what I had fine do — No, no, I do not imply that — As you say, one’s mind ought to be pretty made up — One should now not be hesitating — It is a very serious thing. — It will be safer to say ‘No,’ perhaps. — Do you think I had higher say ‘No?’”

“Not for the world,” stated Emma, smiling graciously, “would I advocate you both way. You should be the quality choose of your personal happiness. If you choose Mr. Martin to each different person; if you suppose him the most agreeable man you have ever been in corporation with, why have to you hesitate? You blush, Harriet. — Does any physique else show up to you at this second beneath such a definition? Harriet, Harriet, do now not deceive yourself; do no longer be run away with by using gratitude and compassion. At this second whom are you questioning of?”

The signs and symptoms have been favourable. — Instead of answering, Harriet became away confused, and stood thoughtfully by means of the fire; and although the letter used to be nonetheless in her hand, it was once now robotically twisted about barring regard. Emma waited the end result with impatience, however no longer besides robust hopes. At last, with some hesitation, Harriet said —

“Miss Woodhouse, as you will now not supply me your opinion, I ought to do as properly as I can through myself; and I have now pretty determined, and certainly nearly made up my idea — to refuse Mr. Martin. Do you suppose I am right?”

“Perfectly, flawlessly right, my dearest Harriet; you are doing simply what you ought. While you have been at all in suspense I saved my emotions to myself, however now that you are so absolutely determined I have no hesitation in approving. Dear Harriet, I provide myself pleasure of this. It would have grieved me to lose your acquaintance, which should have been the end result of your marrying Mr. Martin. While you had been in the smallest diploma wavering, I stated nothing about it, due to the fact I would no longer influence; however it would have been the loss of a buddy to me. I ought to no longer have visited Mrs. Robert Martin, of Abbey-Mill Farm. Now I am tightly closed of you for ever.”

Harriet had now not surmised her very own danger, however the thinking of it struck her forcibly.

“You should now not have visited me!” she cried, searching aghast. “No, to be certain you may want to not; however I by no means thinking of that before. That would have been too dreadful! — What an escape! — Dear Miss Woodhouse, I would now not provide up the pleasure and honour of being intimate with you for any element in the world.”

“Indeed, Harriet, it would have been a extreme pang to lose you; however it need to have been. You would have thrown your self out of all precise society. I should have given you up.”

“Dear me! — How have to I ever have borne it! It would have killed me by no means to come to Hartfield any more!”

“Dear affectionate creature! — You banished to Abbey-Mill Farm! — You constrained to the society of the illiterate and vulgar all your life! I surprise how the younger man may want to have the assurance to ask it. He need to have a enormously exact opinion of himself.”

“I do no longer assume he is conceited either, in general,” stated Harriet, her moral sense opposing such censure; “at least, he is very precise natured, and I shall constantly experience plenty obliged to him, and have a top notch regard for — however that is pretty a exclusive issue from — and you know, even though he might also like me, it does no longer comply with that I have to — and simply I should confess that considering the fact that my travelling right here I have viewed humans — and if one comes to evaluate them, character and manners, there is no evaluation at all, one is so very good-looking and agreeable. However, I do certainly assume Mr. Martin a very amiable younger man, and have a high-quality opinion of him; and his being so an awful lot connected to me — and his writing such a letter — however as to leaving you, it is what I would now not do upon any consideration.”

“Thank you, thank you, my personal candy little friend. We will now not be parted. A female is no longer to marry a man only due to the fact she is asked, or due to the fact he is connected to her, and can write a tolerable letter.”

“Oh no — and it is however a quick letter too.”

Emma felt the terrible style of her friend, however let it pass by with a “very true; and it would be a small comfort to her, for the clownish manner which may be offending her each and every hour of the day, to recognize that her husband ought to write a suitable letter.”

“Oh! yes, very. Nobody cares for a letter; the component is, to be usually completely satisfied with fine companions. I am pretty decided to refuse him. But how shall I do? What shall I say?”

Emma certain her there would be no problem in the answer, and recommended its being written directly, which used to be agreed to, in the hope of her assistance; and even though Emma endured to protest in opposition to any help being wanted, it used to be in truth given in the formation of each sentence. The searching over his letter again, in replying to it, had such a softening tendency, that it was once especially critical to brace her up with a few decisive expressions; and she used to be so very a good deal worried at the thinking of making him unhappy, and idea so plenty of what his mom and sisters would assume and say, and used to be so anxious that they have to no longer fancy her ungrateful, that Emma believed if the younger man had come in her way at that moment, he would have been universal after all.

This letter, however, was once written, and sealed, and sent. The commercial enterprise used to be finished, and Harriet safe. She used to be as a substitute low all the evening, however Emma may want to permit for her amiable regrets, and on occasion relieved them by means of speakme of her personal affection, once in a while by using bringing ahead the thought of Mr. Elton.

“I shall in no way be invited to Abbey-Mill again,” used to be stated in as a substitute a sorrowful tone.

“Nor, if you were, may want to I ever endure to phase with you, my Harriet. You are a exceptional deal too critical at Hartfield to be spared to Abbey-Mill.”

“And I am certain I ought to by no means desire to go there; for I am in no way completely happy however at Hartfield.”

Some time afterwards it was, “I assume Mrs. Goddard would be very lots surprized if she knew what had happened. I am positive Miss Nash would — for Miss Nash thinks her personal sister very nicely married, and it is solely a linen-draper.” 

“One need to be sorry to see increased satisfaction or refinement in the trainer of a school, Harriet. I dare say Miss Nash would envy you such an possibility as this of being married. Even this conquest would show up treasured in her eyes. As to any issue most reliable for you, I feel she is pretty in the dark. The attentions of a positive character can hardly ever be amongst the tittle-tattle of Highbury yet. Hitherto I fancy you and I are the solely human beings to whom his appears and manners have defined themselves.”

Harriet blushed and smiled, and stated some thing about thinking that humans need to like her so much. The thinking of Mr. Elton used to be sincerely cheering; however still, after a time, she was once tender-hearted once more in the direction of the rejected Mr. Martin.

“Now he has acquired my letter,” stated she softly. “I surprise what they are all doing — whether or not his sisters recognize — if he is unhappy, they will be sad too. I hope he will no longer thought it so very much.”

“Let us assume of these amongst our absent pals who are extra cheerfully employed,” cried Emma. “At this moment, perhaps, Mr. Elton is shewing your image to his mom and sisters, telling how a good deal greater lovely is the original, and after being requested for it 5 or six times, permitting them to hear your name, your personal expensive name.”

“My picture! — But he has left my photograph in Bond-street.”

“Has he so! — Then I be aware of nothing of Mr. Elton. No, my pricey little modest Harriet, rely upon it the photo will now not be in Bond-street until simply earlier than he mounts his horse to-morrow. It is his associate all this evening, his solace, his delight. It opens his designs to his family, it introduces you among them, it diffuses thru the celebration these pleasantest emotions of our nature, keen curiosity and heat prepossession. How cheerful, how animated, how suspicious, how busy their imaginations all are!”

Harriet smiled again, and her smiles grew stronger. 

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter VI

Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter VI

Emma should no longer sense a doubt of having given Harriet’s fancy a desirable route and raised the gratitude of her younger arrogance to a very accurate purpose, for she located her decidedly extra smart than earlier than of Mr. Elton’s being a remarkably good-looking man, with most agreeable manners; and as she had no hesitation in following up the assurance of his admiration via agreeable hints, she was once quickly noticeably assured of growing as lots liking on Harriet’s side, as there may want to be any event for. She used to be pretty satisfied of Mr. Elton’s being in the fairest way of falling in love, if now not in love already. She had no scruple with regard to him. He talked of Harriet, and praised her so warmly, that she may want to no longer feel any issue trying which a little time would now not add. His appreciation of the putting enchancment of Harriet’s manner, when you consider that her introduction at Hartfield, was once now not one of the least agreeable proofs of his developing attachment.

“You have given Miss Smith all that she required,” stated he; “you have made her sleek and easy. She was once a lovely creature when she got here to you, but, in my opinion, the sights you have brought are infinitely highest quality to what she acquired from nature.”

“I am happy you assume I have been beneficial to her; however Harriet solely desired drawing out, and receiving a few, very few hints. She had all the herbal grace of sweetness of mood and artlessness in herself. I have carried out very little.”

“If it have been admissible to contradict a lady,” stated the gallant Mr. Elton —

“I have possibly given her a little more choice of character, have taught her to suppose on factors which had now not fallen in her way before.”

“Exactly so; that is what basically strikes me. So tons superadded choice of character! Skilful has been the hand!”

“Great has been the pleasure, I am sure. I by no means met with a disposition greater virtually amiable.”

“I have no doubt of it.” And it was once spoken with a type of sighing animation, which had a widespread deal of the lover. She used to be now not much less thrilled some other day with the manner in which he seconded a surprising desire of hers, to have Harriet’s picture.

“Did you ever have your likeness taken, Harriet?” stated she: “did you ever take a seat for your picture?”

Harriet was once on the factor of leaving the room, and solely stopt to say, with a very fascinating naivete,

“Oh! dear, no, never.”

No quicker was once she out of sight, than Emma exclaimed,

“What an super possession a exact image of her would be! I would supply any cash for it. I nearly lengthy to try her likeness myself. You do no longer recognize it I dare say, however two or three years in the past I had a first-rate ardour for taking likenesses, and tried countless of my friends, and was once concept to have a tolerable eye in general. But from one reason or another, I gave it up in disgust. But really, I may want to nearly venture, if Harriet would sit down to me. It would be such a pleasure to have her picture!”

“Let me entreat you,” cried Mr. Elton; “it would certainly be a delight! Let me entreat you, Miss Woodhouse, to workout so charming a intelligence in favour of your friend. I be aware of what your drawings are. How ought to you think me ignorant? Is no longer this room wealthy in specimens of your landscapes and flowers; and has now not Mrs. Weston some inimitable figure-pieces in her drawing-room, at Randalls?”

Yes, suitable man! — thinking Emma — however what has all that to do with taking likenesses? You comprehend nothing of drawing. Don’t faux to be in raptures about mine. Keep your raptures for Harriet’s face. “Well, if you supply me such form encouragement, Mr. Elton, I accept as true with I shall strive what I can do. Harriet’s facets are very delicate, which makes a likeness difficult; and but there is a peculiarity in the structure of the eye and the strains about the mouth which one ought to catch.”

“Exactly so — The form of the eye and the traces about the mouth — I have now not a doubt of your success. Pray, pray strive it. As you will do it, it will indeed, to use your personal words, be an outstanding possession.”

“But I am afraid, Mr. Elton, Harriet will now not like to sit. She thinks so little of her personal beauty. Did no longer you study her manner of answering me? How totally it meant, ‘why have to my photo be drawn?’”

“Oh! yes, I determined it, I guarantee you. It was once now not misplaced on me. But nonetheless I can't think about she would now not be persuaded.”

Harriet used to be quickly returned again, and the thought nearly straight away made; and she had no scruples which may want to stand many minutes towards the earnest urgent of each the others. Emma wished to go to work directly, and consequently produced the portfolio containing her more than a few tries at portraits, for no longer one of them had ever been finished, that they may figure out collectively on the quality dimension for Harriet. Her many beginnings had been displayed. Miniatures, half-lengths, whole-lengths, pencil, crayon, and water-colours had been all tried in turn. She had constantly desired to do each and every thing, and had made extra development each in drawing and song than many would possibly have finished with so little labour as she would ever post to. She performed and sang — and drew in nearly each and every style; however steadiness had usually been wanting; and in nothing had she approached the diploma of excellence which she would have been satisfied to command, and ought no longer to have failed of. She was once no longer a whole lot deceived as to her personal talent either as an artist or a musician, however she used to be no longer unwilling to have others deceived, or sorry to recognize her popularity for accomplishment regularly greater than it deserved.

There was once benefit in each and every drawing — in the least finished, possibly the most; her fashion was once spirited; however had there been a lot less, or had there been ten instances more, the pride and admiration of her two companions would have been the same. They had been each in ecstasies. A likeness pleases each and every body; and Miss Woodhouse’s performances should be capital. 

“No magnificent range of faces for you,” stated Emma. “I had solely my personal household to learn about from. There is my father — every other of my father — however the notion of sitting for his image made him so nervous, that I may want to solely take him via stealth; neither of them very like therefore. Mrs. Weston again, and again, and again, you see. Dear Mrs. Weston! usually my kindest pal on each occasion. She would sit down on every occasion I requested her. There is my sister; and certainly pretty her very own little based figure! — and the face now not unlike. I have to have made a right likeness of her, if she would have sat longer, however she was once in such a hurry to have me draw her 4 youngsters that she would no longer be quiet. Then, right here come all my tries at three of these 4 kids — there they are, Henry and John and Bella, from one quit of the sheet to the other, and any one of them may do for any one of the rest. She was once so keen to have them drawn that I ought to no longer refuse; however there is no making young people of three or 4 years ancient stand nevertheless you know; nor can it be very effortless to take any likeness of them, past the air and complexion, until they are coarser featured than any of mama’s adolescents ever were. Here is my diagram of the fourth, who used to be a baby. I took him as he was once snoozing on the sofa, and it is as robust a likeness of his cockade as you would want to see. He had nestled down his head most conveniently. That’s very like. I am alternatively proud of little George. The nook of the couch is very good. Then right here is my last,”— unclosing a fantastically format of a gentleman in small size, whole-length — “my final and my satisfactory — my brother, Mr. John Knightley. — This did now not favor a lot of being finished, when I put it away in a pet, and vowed I would by no means take some other likeness. I should now not assist being provoked; for after all my pains, and when I had in reality made a very true likeness of it —(Mrs. Weston and I have been pretty agreed in wondering it very like)— only too good-looking — too flattering — however that used to be a fault on the proper facet — after all this, got here terrible expensive Isabella’s bloodless approbation of —”Yes, it used to be a little like — however to be certain it did no longer do him justice.” We had had a extraordinary deal of hassle in persuading him to take a seat at all. It was once made a brilliant favour of; and altogether it used to be greater than I may want to bear; and so I in no way would end it, to have it apologised over as an negative likeness, to each and every morning vacationer in Brunswick Square — and, as I said, I did then forswear ever drawing any physique again. But for Harriet’s sake, or instead for my own, and as there are no husbands and better halves in the case at present, I will ruin my decision now.”

Mr. Elton appeared very precise struck and delighted by means of the idea, and was once repeating, “No husbands and other halves in the case at existing indeed, as you observe. Exactly so. No husbands and wives,” with so fascinating a consciousness, that Emma started out to reflect onconsideration on whether or not she had now not better go away them collectively at once. But as she desired to be drawing, the announcement have to wait a little longer.

She had quickly constant on the measurement and kind of portrait. It used to be to be a whole-length in water-colours, like Mr. John Knightley’s, and used to be destined, if she ought to please herself, to maintain a very honourable station over the mantelpiece.

The sitting began; and Harriet, smiling and blushing, and afraid of now not preserving her mind-set and countenance, introduced a very candy combination of youthful expression to the consistent eyes of the artist. But there was once no doing any thing, with Mr. Elton fidgeting in the back of her and observing each and every touch. She gave him savings for stationing himself the place he may gaze and gaze once more barring offence; however was once in reality obliged to put an stop to it, and request him to location himself elsewhere. It then passed off to her to rent him in reading.

“If he would be so excellent as to study to them, it would be a kindness indeed! It would amuse away the difficulties of her part, and reduce the irksomeness of Miss Smith’s.”

Mr. Elton used to be solely too happy. Harriet listened, and Emma drew in peace. She have to enable him to be nevertheless often coming to look; any component much less would sincerely have been too little in a lover; and he was once prepared at the smallest intermission of the pencil, to bounce up and see the progress, and be charmed. — There used to be no being displeased with such an encourager, for his admiration made him parent a likeness nearly earlier than it was once possible. She ought to now not admire his eye, however his love and his complaisance have been unexceptionable.

The sitting was once altogether very satisfactory; she was once pretty adequate thrilled with the first day’s plan to desire to go on. There was once no choose of likeness, she had been lucky in the attitude, and as she supposed to throw in a little enchancment to the figure, to provide a little extra height, and notably extra elegance, she had first-rate self belief of its being in each and every way a rather drawing at last, and of its filling its destined location with credit score to them each — a standing memorial of the splendor of one, the talent of the other, and the friendship of both; with as many different agreeable associations as Mr. Elton’s very promising attachment used to be in all likelihood to add.

Harriet used to be to sit down once more the subsequent day; and Mr. Elton, simply as he ought, urged for the permission of attending and analyzing to them again.

“By all means. We shall be most blissful to think about you as one of the party.”

The identical civilities and courtesies, the identical success and satisfaction, took area on the morrow, and accompanied the complete development of the picture, which was once speedy and happy. Every physique who noticed it was once pleased, however Mr. Elton used to be in chronic raptures, and defended it thru each criticism.

“Miss Woodhouse has given her buddy the solely splendor she wanted,”— determined Mrs. Weston to him — no longer in the least suspecting that she was once addressing a lover. —”The expression of the eye is most correct, however Miss Smith has now not these eyebrows and eyelashes. It is the fault of her face that she has them not.”

“Do you assume so?” responded he. “I can't agree with you. It seems to me a most best resemblance in each and every feature. I in no way noticed such a likeness in my life. We have to permit for the impact of shade, you know.”

“You have made her too tall, Emma,” stated Mr. Knightley.

Emma knew that she had, however would now not very own it; and Mr. Elton warmly added,

“Oh no! sincerely no longer too tall; no longer in the least too tall. Consider, she is sitting down — which naturally provides a extraordinary — which in quick offers precisely the notion — and the proportions should be preserved, you know. Proportions, fore-shortening. — Oh no! it offers one precisely the concept of such a top as Miss Smith’s. Exactly so indeed!”

“It is very pretty,” stated Mr. Woodhouse. “So prettily done! Just as your drawings constantly are, my dear. I do no longer recognize any physique who attracts so properly as you do. The solely factor I do no longer entirely like is, that she appears to be sitting out of doors, with solely a little scarf over her shoulders — and it makes one suppose she have to seize cold.”

“But, my pricey papa, it is supposed to be summer; a heat day in summer. Look at the tree.”

“But it is in no way secure to take a seat out of doors, my dear.”

“You, sir, may also say any thing,” cried Mr. Elton, “but I have to confess that I regard it as a most completely happy thought, the putting of Miss Smith out of doors; and the tree is touched with such inimitable spirit! Any different state of affairs would have been lots much less in character. The naivete of Miss Smith’s manners — and altogether — Oh, it is most admirable! I can't maintain my eyes from it. I in no way noticed such a likeness.”

The subsequent factor desired was once to get the photograph framed; and right here have been a few difficulties. It need to be accomplished directly; it ought to be finished in London; the order ought to go thru the arms of some clever individual whose style may want to be depended on; and Isabella, the traditional doer of all commissions, should now not be utilized to, due to the fact it used to be December, and Mr. Woodhouse should no longer endure the thinking of her stirring out of her residence in the fogs of December. But no quicker was once the misery recognised to Mr. Elton, than it used to be removed. His gallantry used to be usually on the alert. “Might he be depended on with the commission, what countless pleasure ought to he have in executing it! he should trip to London at any time. It was once not possible to say how lots he need to be gratified with the aid of being employed on such an errand.”

“He used to be too good! — she may want to no longer suffer the thought! — she would now not supply him such a tough workplace for the world,”— introduced on the preferred repetition of entreaties and assurances — and a very few minutes settled the business.

Mr. Elton was once to take the drawing to London, chuse the frame, and provide the directions; and Emma notion she should so pack it as to make sure its security barring a lot incommoding him, whilst he appeared by and large nervous of now not being incommoded enough.

“What a valuable deposit!” stated he with a soft sigh, as he obtained it.

“This man is nearly too gallant to be in love,” thinking Emma. “I have to say so, however that I feel there may additionally be a hundred exceptional approaches of being in love. He is an extraordinary younger man, and will go well with Harriet exactly; it will be an ‘Exactly so,’ as he says himself; however he does sigh and languish, and learn about for compliments as an alternative extra than I ought to suffer as a principal. I come in for a especially desirable share as a second. But it is his gratitude on Harriet’s account.” 

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter V

 Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter V

“I do no longer understand what your opinion may additionally be, Mrs. Weston,” stated Mr. Knightley, “of this first-rate intimacy between Emma and Harriet Smith, however I suppose it a terrible thing.”

“A horrific thing! Do you absolutely assume it a horrific thing? — why so?”

“I assume they will neither of them do the different any good.”

“You surprize me! Emma ought to do Harriet good: and by means of offering her with a new object of interest, Harriet might also be stated to do Emma good. I have been seeing their intimacy with the best pleasure. How very in a different way we feel! — Not assume they will do every different any good! This will clearly be the commencing of one of our quarrels about Emma, Mr. Knightley.”

“Perhaps you assume I am come on motive to quarrel with you, understanding Weston to be out, and that you need to nonetheless battle your personal battle.”

“Mr. Weston would without doubt aid me, if he had been here, for he thinks precisely as I do on the subject. We have been talking of it solely yesterday, and agreeing how lucky it used to be for Emma, that there have to be such a female in Highbury for her to partner with. Mr. Knightley, I shall no longer permit you to be a honest choose in this case. You are so lots used to stay alone, that you do now not recognize the fee of a companion; and, possibly no man can be a properly decide of the remedy a girl feels in the society of one of her very own sex, after being used to it all her life. I can think about your objection to Harriet Smith. She is no longer the most useful younger lady which Emma’s buddy ought to be. But on the different hand, as Emma needs to see her higher informed, it will be an inducement to her to study greater herself. They will study together. She potential it, I know.”

“Emma has been which means to examine greater ever on the grounds that she used to be twelve years old. I have viewed a amazing many lists of her drawing-up at a range of instances of books that she supposed to study frequently thru — and very appropriate lists they had been — very nicely chosen, and very neatly organized — on occasion alphabetically, and from time to time through some different rule. The listing she drew up when solely fourteen — I have in mind questioning it did her judgment so plenty credit, that I preserved it some time; and I dare say she can also have made out a very precise listing now. But I have finished with waiting for any direction of regular analyzing from Emma. She will by no means publish to any aspect requiring enterprise and patience, and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding. Where Miss Taylor failed to stimulate, I may also safely verify that Harriet Smith will do nothing. — You by no means may want to persuade her to examine 1/2 so a whole lot as you wished. — You comprehend you should not.”

“I dare say,” spoke back Mrs. Weston, smiling, “that I concept so then — however considering the fact that we have parted, I can by no means take into account Emma’s omitting to do any aspect I wished.”

“There is infrequently any wanting to refresh such a reminiscence as that,”— stated Mr. Knightley, feelingly; and for a second or two he had done. “But I,” he quickly added, “who have had no such appeal thrown over my senses, have to nevertheless see, hear, and remember. Emma is spoiled through being the cleverest of her family. At ten years old, she had the misfortune of being in a position to reply questions which puzzled her sister at seventeen. She was once continually rapid and assured: Isabella sluggish and diffident. And ever on the grounds that she was once twelve, Emma has been mistress of the residence and of you all. In her mom she misplaced the solely character capable to cope with her. She inherits her mother’s talents, and need to have been beneath subjection to her.”

“I must have been sorry, Mr. Knightley, to be established on your recommendation, had I quitted Mr. Woodhouse’s household and desired any other situation; I do no longer suppose you would have spoken a suitable phrase for me to any body. I am positive you usually idea me unfit for the workplace I held.”

“Yes,” stated he, smiling. “You are higher positioned here; very match for a wife, however no longer at all for a governess. But you had been getting ready your self to be an high-quality spouse all the time you had been at Hartfield. You would possibly now not provide Emma such a whole schooling as your powers would appear to promise; however you have been receiving a very properly schooling from her, on the very fabric matrimonial factor of submitting your personal will, and doing as you have been bid; and if Weston had requested me to suggest him a wife, I must truly have named Miss Taylor.”

“Thank you. There will be very little advantage in making a proper spouse to such a man as Mr. Weston.”

“Why, to personal the truth, I am afraid you are instead thrown away, and that with each and every disposition to bear, there will be nothing to be borne. We will no longer despair, however. Weston can also develop move from the wantonness of comfort, or his son may additionally plague him.”

“I hope no longer that. — It is now not likely. No, Mr. Knightley, do no longer foretell vexation from that quarter.”

“Not I, indeed. I solely title possibilities. I do now not fake to Emma’s genius for foretelling and guessing. I hope, with all my heart, the younger man may additionally be a Weston in merit, and a Churchill in fortune. — But Harriet Smith — I have now not 1/2 completed about Harriet Smith. I suppose her the very worst type of partner that Emma may want to perchance have. She is aware of nothing herself, and appears upon Emma as understanding each thing. She is a flatterer in all her ways; and so plenty the worse, due to the fact undesigned. Her lack of knowledge is hourly flattery. How can Emma think about she has any element to study herself, whilst Harriet is providing such a pleasant inferiority? And as for Harriet, I will task to say that she can't acquire through the acquaintance. Hartfield will solely put her out of conceit with all the different locations she belongs to. She will develop simply sophisticated ample to be uncomfortable with these amongst whom start and instances have positioned her home. I am a good deal improper if Emma’s doctrines supply any electricity of mind, or have a tendency at all to make a female adapt herself rationally to the types of her state of affairs in life. — They solely supply a little polish.”

“I both rely extra upon Emma’s excellent feel than you do, or am extra anxious for her current comfort; for I can't lament the acquaintance. How properly she regarded remaining night!”

“Oh! you would alternatively speak of her individual than her mind, would you? Very well; I shall now not try to deny Emma’s being pretty.”

“Pretty! say stunning rather. Can you think about any component nearer best splendor than Emma altogether — face and figure?”

“I do no longer comprehend what I should imagine, however I confess that I have seldom viewed a face or parent extra fascinating to me than hers. But I am a partial historic friend.”

“Such an eye! — the proper hazle eye — and so brilliant! normal features, open countenance, with a complexion! oh! what a bloom of full health, and such a exceptionally top and size; such a association and upright figure! There is health, no longer in basic terms in her bloom, however in her air, her head, her glance. One hears occasionally of a baby being ‘the photograph of health;’ now, Emma continually offers me the notion of being the entire image of grown-up health. She is loveliness itself. Mr. Knightley, is now not she?”

“I have now not a fault to discover with her person,” he replied. “I suppose her all you describe. I love to seem at her; and I will add this praise, that I do now not suppose her in my view vain. Considering how very good-looking she is, she seems to be little occupied with it; her arrogance lies every other way. Mrs. Weston, I am no longer to be talked out of my dislike of Harriet Smith, or my dread of its doing them each harm.”

“And I, Mr. Knightley, am equally stout in my self belief of its no longer doing them any harm. With all pricey Emma’s little faults, she is an top notch creature. Where shall we see a higher daughter, or a kinder sister, or a more true friend? No, no; she has features which can also be trusted; she will in no way lead any one clearly wrong; she will make no lasting blunder; the place Emma errs once, she is in the proper a hundred times.”

“Very well; I will no longer plague you any more. Emma shall be an angel, and I will maintain my spleen to myself until Christmas brings John and Isabella. John loves Emma with a practical and consequently no longer a blind affection, and Isabella continually thinks as he does; without when he is now not pretty worried ample about the children. I am positive of having their opinions with me.”

“I comprehend that you all love her in reality too properly to be unjust or unkind; however excuse me, Mr. Knightley, if I take the liberty (I reflect onconsideration on myself, you know, as having rather of the privilege of speech that Emma’s mom may have had) the liberty of hinting that I do now not suppose any viable precise can occur from Harriet Smith’s intimacy being made a count of a great deal dialogue amongst you. Pray excuse me; however supposing any little inconvenience may additionally be apprehended from the intimacy, it can't be predicted that Emma, guilty to no one however her father, who flawlessly approves the acquaintance, have to put an give up to it, so lengthy as it is a supply of pleasure to herself. It has been so many years my province to supply advice, that you can't be surprized, Mr. Knightley, at this little stays of office.”

“Not at all,” cried he; “I am an awful lot obliged to you for it. It is very desirable advice, and it shall have a higher destiny than your recommendation has regularly found; for it shall be attended to.”

“Mrs. John Knightley is without problems alarmed, and may be made sad about her sister.”

“Be satisfied,” stated he, “I will no longer elevate any outcry. I will preserve my ill-humour to myself. I have a very honest pastime in Emma. Isabella does now not appear extra my sister; has in no way excited a larger interest; possibly infrequently so great. There is an anxiety, a curiosity in what one feels for Emma. I marvel what will emerge as of her!”

“So do I,” stated Mrs. Weston gently, “very much.”

“She constantly pronounces she will by no means marry, which, of course, capacity simply nothing at all. But I have no notion that she has but ever viewed a man she cared for. It would no longer be a terrible issue for her to be very a whole lot in love with a suitable object. I have to like to see Emma in love, and in some doubt of a return; it would do her good. But there is no person hereabouts to connect her; and she goes so seldom from home.”

“There does, indeed, appear as little to tempt her to smash her decision at present,” stated Mrs. Weston, “as can nicely be; and whilst she is so glad at Hartfield, I can't want her to be forming any attachment which would be growing such difficulties on terrible Mr. Woodhouse’s account. I do no longer advise matrimony at existing to Emma, even though I suggest no mild to the state, I guarantee you.”

Part of her which means was once to conceal some preferred ideas of her personal and Mr. Weston’s on the subject, as a good deal as possible. There had been needs at Randalls respecting Emma’s destiny, however it was once no longer suited to have them suspected; and the quiet transition which Mr. Knightley quickly afterwards made to “What does Weston suppose of the weather; shall we have rain?” satisfied her that he had nothing extra to say or surmise about Hartfield. 

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter IV

Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter IV

Harriet Smith’s intimacy at Hartfield was once quickly a settled thing. Quick and determined in her ways, Emma misplaced no time in inviting, encouraging, and telling her to come very often; and as their acquaintance increased, so did their delight in every other. As a on foot companion, Emma had very early foreseen how beneficial she would possibly discover her. In that admire Mrs. Weston’s loss had been important. Her father in no way went past the shrubbery, the place two divisions of the floor sufficed him for his lengthy walk, or his short, as the 12 months varied; and considering Mrs. Weston’s marriage her exercising had been too a lot confined. She had ventured as soon as by myself to Randalls, however it was once no longer pleasant; and a Harriet Smith, therefore, one whom she may want to summon at any time to a walk, would be a treasured addition to her privileges. But in each respect, as she noticed extra of her, she permitted her, and was once validated in all her form designs.

Harriet sincerely was once no longer clever, however she had a sweet, docile, grateful disposition, used to be absolutely free from conceit, and solely wanting to be guided by means of any one she regarded up to. Her early attachment to herself was once very amiable; and her inclination for accurate company, and energy of appreciating what was once based and clever, shewed that there was once no choose of taste, although energy of perception ought to now not be expected. Altogether she used to be pretty convinced of Harriet Smith’s being precisely the younger pal she desired — precisely the some thing which her domestic required. Such a buddy as Mrs. Weston used to be out of the question. Two such should by no means be granted. Two such she did no longer want. It was once pretty a distinct kind of thing, a sentiment wonderful and independent. Mrs. Weston used to be the object of a regard which had its foundation in gratitude and esteem. Harriet would be cherished as one to whom she should be useful. For Mrs. Weston there used to be nothing to be done; for Harriet each thing.

Her first tries at usefulness had been in an endeavour to locate out who have been the parents, however Harriet may want to no longer tell. She used to be prepared to inform each and every component in her power, however on this situation questions have been vain. Emma used to be obliged to fancy what she favored — however she may want to in no way consider that in the identical state of affairs she ought to no longer have determined the truth. Harriet had no penetration. She had been blissful to hear and consider simply what Mrs. Goddard selected to inform her; and seemed no farther.

Mrs. Goddard, and the teachers, and the ladies and the affairs of the college in general, fashioned naturally a fantastic phase of the dialog — and however for her acquaintance with the Martins of Abbey-Mill Farm, it need to have been the whole. But the Martins occupied her ideas a right deal; she had spent two very joyful months with them, and now cherished to discuss of the pleasures of her visit, and describe the many comforts and wonders of the place. Emma prompted her talkativeness — amused by using such a photograph of some other set of beings, and playing the youthful simplicity which should communicate with so plenty exultation of Mrs. Martin’s having “two parlours, two very suitable parlours, indeed; one of them pretty as giant as Mrs. Goddard’s drawing-room; and of her having an higher maid who had lived five-and-twenty years with her; and of their having eight cows, two of them Alderneys, and one a little Welch cow, a very incredibly little Welch cow indeed; and of Mrs. Martin’s announcing as she used to be so fond of it, it have to be known as her cow; and of their having a very good-looking summer-house in their garden, the place some day next 12 months they had been all to drink tea:— a very good-looking summer-house, massive ample to maintain a dozen people.”

For some time she used to be amused, barring wondering past the instant cause; however as she got here to recognize the household better, different emotions arose. She had taken up a incorrect idea, fancying it used to be a mom and daughter, a son and son’s wife, who all lived together; however when it seemed that the Mr. Martin, who bore a section in the narrative, and used to be usually cited with approbation for his excellent good-nature in doing some thing or other, used to be a single man; that there was once no younger Mrs. Martin, no spouse in the case; she did suspect hazard to her terrible little pal from all this hospitality and kindness, and that, if she have been no longer taken care of, she would possibly be required to sink herself forever.

With this inspiriting notion, her questions multiplied in variety and meaning; and she specially led Harriet to speak greater of Mr. Martin, and there used to be obviously no dislike to it. Harriet was once very geared up to communicate of the share he had had in their moonlight walks and merry nighttime games; and dwelt a appropriate deal upon his being so very good-humoured and obliging. He had long past three miles spherical one day in order to convey her some walnuts, due to the fact she had stated how fond she used to be of them, and in each and every element else he used to be so very obliging. He had his shepherd’s son into the parlour one night time on cause to sing to her. She was once very fond of singing. He ought to sing a little himself. She believed he used to be very clever, and understood each thing. He had a very quality flock, and, whilst she was once with them, he had been bid extra for his wool than any physique in the country. She believed each physique spoke properly of him. His mom and sisters had been very fond of him. Mrs. Martin had instructed her one day (and there used to be a blush as she stated it,) that it was once not possible for any physique to be a higher son, and consequently she was once sure, each time he married, he would make a accurate husband. Not that she desired him to marry. She was once in no hurry at all.

“Well done, Mrs. Martin!” concept Emma. “You comprehend what you are about.”

“And when she had come away, Mrs. Martin used to be so very type as to ship Mrs. Goddard a lovely goose — the greatest goose Mrs. Goddard had ever seen. Mrs. Goddard had dressed it on a Sunday, and requested all the three teachers, Miss Nash, and Miss Prince, and Miss Richardson, to sup with her.”

“Mr. Martin, I suppose, is now not a man of facts past the line of his very own business? He does now not read?”

“Oh yes! — that is, no — I do now not understand — however I accept as true with he has study a desirable deal — however no longer what you would suppose any issue of. He reads the Agricultural Reports, and some different books that lay in one of the window seats — however he reads all them to himself. But occasionally of an evening, earlier than we went to cards, he would study some thing aloud out of the Elegant Extracts, very entertaining. And I understand he has examine the Vicar of Wakefield. He in no way study the Romance of the Forest, nor The Children of the Abbey. He had in no way heard of such books earlier than I referred to them, however he is decided to get them now as quickly as ever he can.”

The subsequent query was —

“What kind of searching man is Mr. Martin?”

“Oh! now not good-looking — now not at all handsome. I thinking him very simple at first, however I do now not assume him so undeniable now. One does not, you know, after a time. But did you in no way see him? He is in Highbury each now and then, and he is positive to trip thru each week in his way to Kingston. He has handed you very often.”

“That can also be, and I may additionally have considered him fifty times, however barring having any notion of his name. A younger farmer, whether or not on horseback or on foot, is the very remaining type of man or woman to increase my curiosity. The yeomanry are exactly the order of human beings with whom I experience I can have nothing to do. A diploma or two lower, and a creditable look would possibly hobby me; I may hope to be beneficial to their households in some way or other. But a farmer can want none of my help, and is, therefore, in one sense, as a good deal above my be aware as in each different he is under it.”

“To be sure. Oh yes! It is no longer possibly you ought to ever have found him; however he is aware of you very properly certainly — I imply with the aid of sight.”

“I have no doubt of his being a very decent younger man. I know, indeed, that he is so, and, as such, want him well. What do you think about his age to be?”

“He was once four-and-twenty the eighth of remaining June, and my birthday is the twenty third simply a fortnight and a day’s distinction — which is very odd.”

“Only four-and-twenty. That is too younger to settle. His mom is flawlessly proper now not to be in a hurry. They appear very comfy as they are, and if she had been to take any pains to marry him, she would in all likelihood repent it. Six years hence, if he may want to meet with a exact kind of younger girl in the equal rank as his own, with a little money, it may be very desirable.”

“Six years hence! Dear Miss Woodhouse, he would be thirty years old!”

“Well, and that is as early as most guys can have the funds for to marry, who are now not born to an independence. Mr. Martin, I imagine, has his fortune totally to make — can't be at all before with the world. Whatever cash he may come into when his father died, anything his share of the household property, it is, I dare say, all afloat, all employed in his stock, and so forth; and though, with diligence and accurate luck, he may additionally be prosperous in time, it is subsequent to not possible that he need to have realised any issue yet.”

“To be sure, so it is. But they live very comfortably. They have no indoors man, else they do now not prefer for any thing; and Mrs. Martin talks of taking a boy some other year.” 

“I desire you can also no longer get into a scrape, Harriet, each time he does marry — I mean, as to being acquainted with his spouse — for although his sisters, from a most efficient education, are no longer to be altogether objected to, it does no longer observe that he would possibly marry any physique at all match for you to notice. The misfortune of your beginning ought to make you especially cautious as to your associates. There can be no doubt of your being a gentleman’s daughter, and you have to guide your declare to that station via each issue inside your very own power, or there will be lots of humans who would take pleasure in degrading you.”

“Yes, to be sure, I consider there are. But while I go to at Hartfield, and you are so sort to me, Miss Woodhouse, I am now not afraid of what any physique can do.”

“You apprehend the pressure of have an impact on exceptionally well, Harriet; however I would have you so firmly mounted in correct society, as to be impartial even of Hartfield and Miss Woodhouse. I prefer to see you completely properly connected, and to that quit it will be really helpful to have as few atypical acquaintance as may additionally be; and, therefore, I say that if you need to nonetheless be in this us of a when Mr. Martin marries, I want you might also now not be drawn in through your intimacy with the sisters, to be acquainted with the wife, who will in all likelihood be some mere farmer’s daughter, except education.”

“To be sure. Yes. Not that I assume Mr. Martin would ever marry any physique however what had had some training — and been very properly added up. However, I do now not suggest to set up my opinion towards your’s — and I am positive I shall now not want for the acquaintance of his wife. I shall continually have a incredible regard for the Miss Martins, specially Elizabeth, and have to be very sorry to supply them up, for they are pretty as properly trained as me. But if he marries a very ignorant, vulgar woman, in reality I had higher no longer go to her, if I can assist it.”

Emma watched her via the fluctuations of this speech, and noticed no alarming signs of love. The younger man had been the first admirer, however she relied on there used to be no different hold, and that there would be no serious difficulty, on Harriet’s side, to oppose any pleasant association of her own.

They met Mr. Martin the very subsequent day, as they have been on foot on the Donwell road. He used to be on foot, and after searching very respectfully at her, appeared with most unfeigned delight at her companion. Emma used to be now not sorry to have such an chance of survey; and strolling a few yards forward, whilst they talked together, quickly made her rapid eye sufficiently acquainted with Mr. Robert Martin. His look used to be very neat, and he regarded like a smart younger man, however his character had no different advantage; and when he got here to be contrasted with gentlemen, she thinking he ought to lose all the floor he had won in Harriet’s inclination. Harriet was once now not dispassionate of manner; she had voluntarily observed her father’s gentleness with admiration as nicely as wonder. Mr. Martin regarded as if he did no longer be aware of what manner was. 

They remained however a few minutes together, as Miss Woodhouse ought to no longer be saved waiting; and Harriet then got here walking to her with a smiling face, and in a flutter of spirits, which Miss Woodhouse hoped very quickly to compose.

“Only suppose of our going on to meet him! — How very odd! It used to be pretty a chance, he said, that he had no longer long past spherical via Randalls. He did no longer assume we ever walked this road. He notion we walked toward Randalls most days. He has now not been in a position to get the Romance of the Forest yet. He used to be so busy the remaining time he used to be at Kingston that he pretty forgot it, however he goes once more to-morrow. So very bizarre we must take place to meet! Well, Miss Woodhouse, is he like what you expected? What do you suppose of him? Do you assume him so very plain?”

“He is very plain, certainly — remarkably plain:— however that is nothing in contrast with his whole prefer of gentility. I had no proper to assume much, and I did no longer count on much; however I had no thinking that he should be so very clownish, so definitely except air. I had imagined him, I confess, a diploma or two nearer gentility.”

“To be sure,” stated Harriet, in a mortified voice, “he is now not so genteel as actual gentlemen.”

“I think, Harriet, because your acquaintance with us, you have been many times in the employer of some such very actual gentlemen, that you ought to your self be struck with the distinction in Mr. Martin. At Hartfield, you have had very desirable specimens of nicely educated, properly bred men. I ought to be surprized if, after seeing them, you may want to be in employer with Mr. Martin once more except perceiving him to be a very inferior creature — and as an alternative thinking at your self for having ever idea him at all agreeable before. Do now not you commence to experience that now? Were no longer you struck? I am positive you need to have been struck with the aid of his awkward seem and abrupt manner, and the uncouthness of a voice which I heard to be absolutely unmodulated as I stood here.”

“Certainly, he is now not like Mr. Knightley. He has no longer such a satisfactory air and way of strolling as Mr. Knightley. I see the distinction undeniable enough. But Mr. Knightley is so very fantastic a man!”

“Mr. Knightley’s air is so remarkably appropriate that it is now not honest to examine Mr. Martin with him. You may now not see one in a hundred with gentleman so it seems that written as in Mr. Knightley. But he is no longer the solely gentleman you have been currently used to. What say you to Mr. Weston and Mr. Elton? Compare Mr. Martin with both of them. Compare their manner of carrying themselves; of walking; of speaking; of being silent. You should see the difference.”

“Oh yes! — there is a superb difference. But Mr. Weston is nearly an ancient man. Mr. Weston should be between forty and fifty.”

“Which makes his proper manners the greater valuable. The older a man or woman grows, Harriet, the extra vital it is that their manners need to no longer be bad; the greater evident and disgusting any loudness, or coarseness, or awkwardness becomes. What is satisfactory in early life is detestable in later age. Mr. Martin is now awkward and abrupt; what will he be at Mr. Weston’s time of life?”

“There is no saying, indeed,” spoke back Harriet instead solemnly.

“But there may also be exceedingly accurate guessing. He will be a absolutely gross, vulgar farmer, completely inattentive to appearances, and questioning of nothing however earnings and loss.”

“Will he, indeed? That will be very bad.”

“How a great deal his enterprise engrosses him already is very undeniable from the circumstance of his forgetting to inquire for the e book you recommended. He used to be a first-rate deal too full of the market to assume of any aspect else — which is simply as it must be, for a thriving man. What has he to do with books? And I have no doubt that he will thrive, and be a very prosperous man in time — and his being illiterate and coarse want no longer disturb us.”

“I marvel he did no longer be aware the book”— used to be all Harriet’s answer, and spoken with a diploma of grave displeasure which Emma concept would possibly be safely left to itself. She, therefore, stated no greater for some time. Her subsequent commencing was,

“In one respect, perhaps, Mr. Elton’s manners are ultimate to Mr. Knightley’s or Mr. Weston’s. They have extra gentleness. They may be extra safely held up as a pattern. There is an openness, a quickness, nearly a bluntness in Mr. Weston, which each and every physique likes in him, due to the fact there is so lots good-humour with it — however that would no longer do to be copied. Neither would Mr. Knightley’s downright, decided, commanding kind of manner, although it fits him very well; his figure, and look, and scenario in lifestyles appear to enable it; however if any younger man had been to set about copying him, he would now not be sufferable. On the contrary, I suppose a younger man may be very safely endorsed to take Mr. Elton as a model. Mr. Elton is good-humoured, cheerful, obliging, and gentle. He appears to me to be grown mainly mild of late. I do now not recognize whether or not he has any diagram of ingratiating himself with both of us, Harriet, via extra softness, however it strikes me that his manners are softer than they used to be. If he ability any thing, it need to be to please you. Did no longer I inform you what he stated of you the different day?”

She then repeated some heat non-public reward which she had drawn from Mr. Elton, and now did full justice to; and Harriet blushed and smiled, and stated she had usually concept Mr. Elton very agreeable.

Mr. Elton used to be the very individual constant on by way of Emma for using the younger farmer out of Harriet’s head. She idea it would be an amazing match; and solely too palpably desirable, natural, and probable, for her to have an awful lot benefit in planning it. She feared it was once what each physique else ought to assume of and predict. It used to be now not likely, however, that any physique ought to have equalled her in the date of the plan, as it had entered her intelligence for the duration of the very first nighttime of Harriet’s coming to Hartfield. The longer she viewed it, the larger used to be her feel of its expediency. Mr. Elton’s scenario used to be most suitable, pretty the gentleman himself, and barring low connexions; at the equal time, now not of any household that may want to pretty object to the dubious beginning of Harriet. He had a blissful domestic for her, and Emma imagined a very ample income; for although the vicarage of Highbury used to be no longer large, he used to be recognized to have some unbiased property; and she thinking very pretty of him as a good-humoured, well-meaning, first rate younger man, besides any deficiency of beneficial perception or know-how of the world.

She had already relaxed herself that he thinking Harriet a stunning girl, which she trusted, with such ordinary conferences at Hartfield, used to be basis adequate on his side; and on Harriet’s there ought to be little doubt that the notion of being favored through him would have all the regular weight and efficacy. And he was once surely a very appealing younger man, a younger man whom any lady now not fastidious would possibly like. He used to be reckoned very handsome; his character a lot admired in general, even though no longer by means of her, there being a favor of magnificence of function which she ought to now not dispense with:— however the lady who may want to be gratified via a Robert Martin’s using about the u . s . to get walnuts for her would possibly very properly be conquered by using Mr. Elton’s admiration.

Emma, by Jane Austen Chapter III

Emma, by Jane Austen

Chapter III

Mr. Woodhouse was once fond of society in his very own way. He preferred very an awful lot to have his buddies come and see him; and from more than a few united causes, from his lengthy house at Hartfield, and his properly nature, from his fortune, his house, and his daughter, he may want to command the visits of his very own little circle, in a exceptional measure, as he liked. He had now not plenty intercourse with any households past that circle; his horror of late hours, and giant dinner-parties, made him unfit for any acquaintance however such as would go to him on his personal terms. Fortunately for him, Highbury, along with Randalls in the equal parish, and Donwell Abbey in the parish adjoining, the seat of Mr. Knightley, comprehended many such. Not unfrequently, thru Emma’s persuasion, he had some of the chosen and the fantastic to dine with him: however night events have been what he preferred; and, until he fancied himself at any time unequal to company, there was once scarcely an night in the week in which Emma should now not make up a card-table for him.

Real, long-standing regard delivered the Westons and Mr. Knightley; and by using Mr. Elton, a younger man dwelling on my own besides liking it, the privilege of changing any vacant nighttime of his personal clean solitude for the elegancies and society of Mr. Woodhouse’s drawing-room, and the smiles of his beautiful daughter, used to be in no chance of being thrown away.

After these got here a 2nd set; amongst the most come-at-able of whom have been Mrs. and Miss Bates, and Mrs. Goddard, three girls nearly constantly at the provider of an invitation from Hartfield, and who had been fetched and carried domestic so often, that Mr. Woodhouse notion it no difficulty for both James or the horses. Had it taken vicinity solely as soon as a year, it would have been a grievance.

Mrs. Bates, the widow of a former vicar of Highbury, used to be a very historical lady, nearly previous each and every element however tea and quadrille. She lived with her single daughter in a very small way, and used to be regarded with all the regard and admire which a innocent ancient lady, underneath such untoward circumstances, can excite. Her daughter loved a most individual diploma of reputation for a female neither young, handsome, rich, nor married. Miss Bates stood in the very worst limitation in the world for having an awful lot of the public favour; and she had no mental superiority to make atonement to herself, or frighten these who may hate her into outward respect. She had by no means boasted both splendor or cleverness. Her childhood had surpassed except distinction, and her center of existence was once committed to the care of a failing mother, and the endeavour to make a small profits go as a long way as possible. And but she used to be a pleased woman, and a female whom no one named except good-will. It used to be her personal everyday good-will and contented mood which labored such wonders. She cherished each and every body, was once involved in each and every body’s happiness, quicksighted to each body’s merits; notion herself a most lucky creature, and surrounded with benefits in such an brilliant mother, and so many exact neighbours and friends, and a domestic that desired for nothing. The simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature, her contented and grateful spirit, have been a advice to each body, and a mine of felicity to herself. She used to be a superb talker upon little matters, which precisely applicable Mr. Woodhouse, full of trivial communications and innocent gossip.

Mrs. Goddard used to be the mistress of a School — now not of a seminary, or an establishment, or any component which professed, in lengthy sentences of subtle nonsense, to mix liberal acquirements with stylish morality, upon new standards and new structures — and the place younger female for widespread pay may be screwed out of fitness and into conceitedness — however a real, honest, old school Boarding-school, the place a realistic volume of accomplishments had been bought at a practical price, and the place ladies would possibly be despatched to be out of the way, and scramble themselves into a little education, except any risk of coming again prodigies. Mrs. Goddard’s faculty used to be in excessive reputation — and very deservedly; for Highbury used to be reckoned a specifically wholesome spot: she had an enough residence and garden, gave the adolescents masses of healthful food, let them run about a brilliant deal in the summer, and in wintry weather dressed their chilblains with her very own hands. It was once no marvel that a instruct of twenty younger couple now walked after her to church. She was once a plain, motherly form of woman, who had labored challenging in her youth, and now concept herself entitled to the occasional excursion of a tea-visit; and having previously owed tons to Mr. Woodhouse’s kindness, felt his unique declare on her to go away her neat parlour, hung spherical with fancy-work, each time she could, and win or lose a few sixpences with the aid of his fireside. 

These had been the ladies whom Emma found herself very regularly able to collect; and happy used to be she, for her father’s sake, in the power; though, as far as she was herself concerned, it used to be no remedy for the absence of Mrs. Weston. She was delighted to see her father seem comfortable, and very much pleased with herself for contriving matters so well; but the quiet prosings of three such women made her sense that every evening so spent was once indeed one of the long evenings she had fearfully anticipated.

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

Harriet Smith was the natural daughter of somebody. Somebody had positioned her, several years back, at Mrs. Goddard’s school, and somebody had these days raised her from the condition of scholar to that of parlour-boarder. This was once all that was generally regarded of her history. She had no visible friends but what had been acquired at Highbury, and was now simply returned from a long go to in the country to some young women who had been at school there with her.

She was a very extraordinarily girl, and her beauty happened to be of a type which Emma particularly admired. She was short, plump, and fair, with a quality bloom, blue eyes, light hair, regular features, and a appear of great sweetness, and, before the stop of the evening, Emma was as much thrilled with her manners as her person, and quite determined to proceed the acquaintance.

She was not struck through any thing remarkably clever in Miss Smith’s conversation, however she found her altogether very engaging — no longer inconveniently shy, not unwilling to talk — and but so far from pushing, shewing so proper and turning into a deference, seeming so pleasantly grateful for being admitted to Hartfield, and so artlessly impressed by the appearance of each thing in so superior a fashion to what she had been used to, that she must have good sense, and deserve encouragement. Encouragement ought to be given. Those soft blue eyes, and all those herbal graces, should not be wasted on the inferior society of Highbury and its connexions. The acquaintance she had already fashioned were unworthy of her. The friends from whom she had simply parted, though very good kind of people, must be doing her harm. They were a household of the name of Martin, whom Emma well knew via character, as renting a large farm of Mr. Knightley, and residing in the parish of Donwell — very creditably, she believed — she knew Mr. Knightley thinking highly of them — but they have to be coarse and unpolished, and very unfit to be the intimates of a girl who wanted solely a little more knowledge and class to be quite perfect. She would notice her; she would enhance her; she would detach her from her bad acquaintance, and introduce her into good society; she would shape her opinions and her manners. It would be an interesting, and certainly a very kind undertaking; surprisingly becoming her own scenario in life, her leisure, and powers.

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

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

Such some other small basin of thin gruel as his own was all that he could, with thorough self-approbation, recommend; although he might constrain himself, while the ladies had been comfortably clearing the nicer things, to say:

“Mrs. Bates, let me propose your venturing on one of these eggs. An egg boiled very soft is no longer unwholesome. Serle understands boiling an egg better than any body. I would not endorse an egg boiled by any body else; but you want not be afraid, they are very small, you see — one of our small eggs will not hurt you. Miss Bates, let Emma assist you to a little bit of tart — a very little bit. Ours are all apple-tarts. You need not be afraid of unwholesome preserves here. I do not recommend the custard. Mrs. Goddard, what say you to half a glass of wine? A small half-glass, put into a tumbler of water? I do not think it may want to disagree with you.”

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