Althoughinoneinstancethebearersofnotgoodtidings,Mr.andMrs.Weston\'svisitthismorningwasinanotherrespectparticularlyopportune.SomethingoccurredwhiletheywereatHartfield,tomakeEmmawanttheiradvice;and,whichwasstillmorelucky,shewantedexactlytheadvicetheygave.
Thiswastheoccurrence:-TheColeshadbeensettledsomeyearsinHighbury,andwereverygoodsortofpeople-friendly,liberal,andunpretending;but,ontheotherhand,theywereofloworigin,intrade,andonlymoderatelygenteel.Ontheirfirstcomingintothecountry,theyhadlivedinproportiontotheirincome,quietly,keepinglittlecompany,andthatlittleunexpensively;butthelastyearortwohadbroughtthemaconsiderableincreaseofmeans-thehouseintownhadyieldedgreaterprofits,andfortuneingeneralhadsmiledonthem.Withtheirwealth,theirviewsincreased;theirwantofalargerhouse,theirinclinationformorecompany.Theyaddedtotheirhouse,totheirnumberofservants,totheirexpensesofeverysort;andbythistimewere,infortuneandstyleofliving,secondonlytothefamilyatHartfield.Theirloveofsociety,andtheirnewdining-room,preparedeverybodyfortheirkeepingdinner-company;andafewparties,chieflyamongthesinglemen,hadalreadytakenplace.TheregularandbestfamiliesEmmacouldhardlysupposetheywouldpresumetoinvite-neitherDonwell,norHartfield,norRandalls.Nothingshouldtempthertogo,iftheydid;andsheregrettedthatherfather\'sknownhabitswouldbegivingherrefusallessmeaningthanshecouldwish.TheColeswereveryrespectableintheirway,buttheyoughttobetaughtthatitwasnotforthemtoarrangethetermsonwhichthesuperiorfamilieswouldvisitthem.Thislesson,sheverymuchfeared,theywouldreceiveonlyfromherself;shehadlittlehopeofMr.Knightley,noneofMr.Weston.
Butshehadmadeuphermindhowtomeetthispresumptionsomanyweeksbeforeitappeared,thatwhentheinsultcameatlast,itfoundherverydifferentlyaffected.DonwellandRandallshadreceivedtheirinvitation,andnonehadcomeforherfatherandherself;andMrs.Weston\'saccountingforitwith`Isupposetheywillnottakethelibertywithyou;theyknowyoudonotdineout,\'wasnotquitesufficient.Shefeltthatsheshouldliketohavehadthepowerofrefusal;andafterwards,astheideaofthepartytobeassembledthere,consistingpreciselyofthosewhosesocietywasdearesttoher,occurredagainandagain,shedidnotknowthatshemightnothavebeentemptedtoaccept.Harrietwastobethereintheevening,andtheBateses.TheyhadbeenspeakingofitastheywalkedaboutHighburythedaybefore,andFrankChurchillhadmostearnestlylamentedherabsence.Mightnottheeveningendinadance?hadbeenaquestionofhis.Thebarepossibilityofitactedasafartherirritationonherspirits;andherbeingleftinsolitarygrandeur,evensupposingtheomissiontobeintendedasacompliment,wasbutpoorcomfort.
ItwasthearrivalofthisveryinvitationwhiletheWestonswereatHartfield,whichmadetheirpresencesoacceptable;forthoughherfirstremark,onreadingit,wasthat`ofcourseitmustbedeclined,\'shesoverysoonproceededtoaskthemwhattheyadvisedhertodo,thattheiradviceforhergoingwasmostpromptandsuccessful.
Sheownedthat,consideringeverything,shewasnotabsolutelywithoutinclinationfortheparty.TheColesexpressedthemselvessoproperly-therewassomuchrealattentioninthemannerofit-somuchconsiderationforherfather.`Theywouldhavesolicitedthehonourearlier,buthadbeenwaitingthearrivalofafolding-screenfromLondon,whichtheyhopedmightkeepMr.Woodhousefromanydraughtofair,andthereforeinducehimthemorereadilytogivethemthehonourofhiscompany.`Uponthewhole,shewasverypersuadable;anditbeingbrieflysettledamongthemselveshowitmightbedonewithoutneglectinghiscomfort-howcertainlyMrs.Goddard,ifnotMrs.Bates,mightbedependedonforbearinghimcompany-Mr.Woodhousewastobetalkedintoanacquiescenceofhisdaughter\'sgoingouttodinneronadaynownearathand,andspendingthewholeeveningawayfromhim.Asforhisgoing,Emmadidnotwishhimtothinkitpossible,thehourswouldbetoolate,andthepartytoonumerous.Hewassoonprettywellresigned.
`Iamnotfondofdinner-visiting,\'saidhe-`Ineverwas.NomoreisEmma.Latehoursdonotagreewithus.IamsorryMr.andMrs.Coleshouldhavedoneit.Ithinkitwouldbemuchbetteriftheywouldcomeinoneafternoonnextsummer,andtaketheirteawithus-takeusintheirafternoonwalk;whichtheymightdo,asourhoursaresoreasonable,andyetgethomewithoutbeingoutinthedampoftheevening.ThedewsofasummereveningarewhatIwouldnotexposeanybodyto.However,astheyaresoverydesiroustohavedearEmmadinewiththem,andasyouwillbothbethere,andMr.Knightleytoo,totakecareofher,Icannotwishtopreventit,providedtheweatherbewhatitought,neitherdamp,norcold,norwindy.\'ThenturningtoMrs.Weston,withalookofgentlereproach-`Ah!MissTaylor,ifyouhadnotmarried,youwouldhavestaidathomewithme.\'
`Well,sir,\'criedMr.Weston,`asItookMissTayloraway,itisincumbentonmetosupplyherplace,ifIcan;andIwillsteptoMrs.Goddardinamoment,ifyouwishit.\'
Buttheideaofanythingtobedoneinamoment,wasincreasing,notlessening,Mr.Woodhouse\'sagitation.Theladiesknewbetterhowtoallayit.Mr.Westonmustbequiet,andeverythingdeliberatelyarranged.
Withthistreatment,Mr.Woodhousewassooncomposedenoughfortalkingasusual.`HeshouldbehappytoseeMrs.Goddard.HehadagreatregardforMrs.Goddard;andEmmashouldwritealine,andinviteher.Jamescouldtakethenote.Butfirstofall,theremustbeananswerwrittentoMrs.Cole.\'
`Youwillmakemyexcuses,mydear,ascivillyaspossible.YouwillsaythatIamquiteaninvalid,andgonowhere,andthereforemustdeclinetheirobliginginvitation;beginningwithmycompliments,ofcourse.Butyouwilldoeverythingright.Ineednottellyouwhatistobedone.WemustremembertoletJamesknowthatthecarriagewillbewantedonTuesday.Ishallhavenofearsforyouwithhim.Wehaveneverbeenthereaboveoncesincethenewapproachwasmade;butstillIhavenodoubtthatJameswilltakeyouverysafely.Andwhenyougetthere,youmusttellhimatwhattimeyouwouldhavehimcomeforyouagain;andyouhadbetternameanearlyhour.Youwillnotlikestayinglate.Youwillgetverytiredwhenteaisover.\'
`ButyouwouldnotwishmetocomeawaybeforeIamtired,papa?\'
`Oh!no,mylove;butyouwillsoonbetired.Therewillbeagreatmanypeopletalkingatonce.Youwillnotlikethenoise.\'
`But,mydearsir,\'criedMr.Weston,`ifEmmacomesawayearly,itwillbebreakinguptheparty.\'
`Andnogreatharmifitdoes,\'saidMr.Woodhouse.`Thesoonereverypartybreaksup,thebetter.\'
`ButyoudonotconsiderhowitmayappeartotheColes.Emma\'sgoingawaydirectlyafterteamightbegivingoffence.Theyaregood-naturedpeople,andthinklittleoftheirownclaims;butstilltheymustfeelthatanybody\'shurryingawayisnogreatcompliment;andMissWoodhouse\'sdoingitwouldbemorethoughtofthananyotherperson\'sintheroom.YouwouldnotwishtodisappointandmortifytheColes,Iamsure,sir;friendly,goodsortofpeopleaseverlived,andwhohavebeenyourneighboursthesetenyears.\'
`No,uponnoaccountintheworld,Mr.Weston;Iammuchobligedtoyouforremindingme.Ishouldbeextremelysorrytobegivingthemanypain.Iknowwhatworthypeopletheyare.PerrytellsmethatMr.Colenevertouchesmaltliquor.Youwouldnotthinkittolookathim,butheisbilious-Mr.Coleisverybilious.No,Iwouldnotbethemeansofgivingthemanypain.MydearEmma,wemustconsiderthis.Iamsure,ratherthanruntheriskofhurtingMr.andMrs.Cole,youwouldstayalittlelongerthanyoumightwish.Youwillnotregardbeingtired.Youwillbeperfectlysafe,youknow,amongyourfriends.\'
`Ohyes,papa.Ihavenofearsatallformyself;andIshouldhavenoscruplesofstayingaslateasMrs.Weston,butonyouraccount.Iamonlyafraidofyoursittingupforme.IamnotafraidofyournotbeingexceedinglycomfortablewithMrs.Goddard.Shelovespiquet,youknow;butwhensheisgonehome,Iamafraidyouwillbesittingupbyyourself,insteadofgoingtobedatyourusualtime-andtheideaofthatwouldentirelydestroymycomfort.Youmustpromisemenottositup.\'
Hedid,ontheconditionofsomepromisesonherside:suchasthat,ifshecamehomecold,shewouldbesuretowarmherselfthoroughly;ifhungry,thatshewouldtakesomethingtoeat;thatherownmaidshouldsitupforher;andthatSerleandthebutlershouldseethateverythingweresafeinthehouse,asusual.
CHAPTERVIII
FrankChurchillcamebackagain;andifhekepthisfather\'sdinnerwaiting,itwasnotknownatHartfield;forMrs.WestonwastooanxiousforhisbeingafavouritewithMr.Woodhouse,tobetrayanyimperfectionwhichcouldbeconcealed.
Hecameback,hadhadhishaircut,andlaughedathimselfwithaverygoodgrace,butwithoutseemingreallyatallashamedofwhathehaddone.Hehadnoreasontowishhishairlonger,toconcealanyconfusionofface;noreasontowishthemoneyunspent,toimprovehisspirits.Hewasquiteasundauntedandaslivelyasever;and,afterseeinghim,Emmathusmoralisedtoherself:-
`Idonotknowwhetheritoughttobeso,butcertainlysillythingsdoceasetobesillyiftheyaredonebysensiblepeopleinanimpudentway.Wickednessisalwayswickedness,butfollyisnotalwaysfolly-Itdependsuponthecharacterofthosewhohandleit.Mr.Knightley,heisnotatrifling,sillyyoungman.Ifhewere,hewouldhavedonethisdifferently.Hewouldeitherhavegloriedintheachievement,orbeenashamedofit.Therewouldhavebeeneithertheostentationofacoxcomb,ortheevasionsofamindtooweaktodefenditsownvanities-No,Iamperfectlysurethatheisnottriflingorsilly.\'
WithTuesdaycametheagreeableprospectofseeinghimagain,andforalongertimethanhitherto;ofjudgingofhisgeneralmanners,andbyinference,ofthemeaningofhismannerstowardsherself;ofguessinghowsoonitmightbenecessaryforhertothrowcoldnessintoherair;andoffancyingwhattheobservationsofallthosemightbe,whowerenowseeingthemtogetherforthefirsttime.
Shemeanttobeveryhappy,inspiteofthescenebeinglaidatMr.Cole\'s;andwithoutbeingabletoforgetthatamongthefailingsofMr.Elton,eveninthedaysofhisfavour,nonehaddisturbedhermorethanhispropensitytodinewithMr.Cole.
Herfather\'scomfortwasamplysecured,Mrs.BatesaswellasMrs.Goddardbeingabletocome;andherlastpleasingduty,beforesheleftthehouse,wastopayherrespectstothemastheysattogetherafterdinner;andwhileherfatherwasfondlynoticingthebeautyofherdress,tomakethetwoladiesalltheamendsinherpower,byhelpingthemtolargeslicesofcakeandfullglassesofwine,forwhateverunwillingself-denialhiscareoftheirconstitutionmighthaveobligedthemtopractiseduringthemeal-Shehadprovidedaplentifuldinnerforthem;shewishedshecouldknowthattheyhadbeenallowedtoeatit.
ShefollowedanothercarriagetoMr.Cole\'sdoor;andwaspleasedtoseethatitwasMr.Knightley\'s;forMr.Knightleykeepingnohorses,havinglittlesparemoneyandagreatdealofhealth,activity,andindependence,wastooapt,inEmma\'sopinion,togetaboutashecould,andnotusehiscarriagesooftenasbecametheownerofDonwellAbbey.Shehadanopportunitynowofspeakingherapprobationwhilewarmfromherheart,forhestoppedtohandherout.
`Thisiscomingasyoushoulddo,\'saidshe;`likeagentleman-Iamquitegladtoseeyou.\'
Hethankedher,observing,`Howluckythatweshouldarriveatthesamemoment!for,ifwehadmetfirstinthedrawing-room,Idoubtwhetheryouwouldhavediscernedmetobemoreofagentlemanthanusual-YoumightnothavedistinguishedhowIcame,bymylookormanner.\'
`YesIshould,IamsureIshould.Thereisalwaysalookofconsciousnessorbustlewhenpeoplecomeinawaywhichtheyknowtobebeneaththem.Youthinkyoucarryitoffverywell,Idaresay,butwithyouitisasortofbravado,anairofaffectedunconcern;IalwaysobserveitwheneverImeetyouunderthosecircumstances.Nowyouhavenothingtotryfor.Youarenotafraidofbeingsupposedashamed.Youarenotstrivingtolooktallerthananybodyelse.NowIshallreallybeveryhappytowalkintothesameroomwithyou.\'
`Nonsensicalgirl!\'washisreply,butnotatallinanger.
EmmahadasmuchreasontobesatisfiedwiththerestofthepartyaswithMr.Knightley.Shewasreceivedwithacordialrespectwhichcouldnotbutplease,andgivenalltheconsequenceshecouldwishfor.WhentheWestonsarrived,thekindestlooksoflove,thestrongestofadmirationwereforher,frombothhusbandandwife;thesonapproachedherwithacheerfuleagernesswhichmarkedherashispeculiarobject,andatdinnershefoundhimseatedbyher-and,asshefirmlybelieved,notwithoutsomedexterityonhisside.
Thepartywasratherlarge,asitincludedoneotherfamily,aproperunobjectionablecountryfamily,whomtheColeshadtheadvantageofnamingamongtheiracquaintance,andthemalepartofMr.Cox\'sfamily,thelawyerofHighbury.Thelessworthyfemalesweretocomeintheevening,withMissBates,MissFairfax,andMissSmith;butalready,atdinner,theyweretoonumerousforanysubjectofconversationtobegeneral;and,whilepoliticsandMr.Eltonweretalkedover,Emmacouldfairlysurrenderallherattentiontothepleasantnessofherneighbour.Thefirstremotesoundtowhichshefeltherselfobligedtoattend,wasthenameofJaneFairfax.Mrs.Coleseemedtoberelatingsomethingofherthatwasexpectedtobeveryinteresting.Shelistened,andfounditwellworthlisteningto.ThatverydearpartofEmma,herfancy,receivedanamusingsupply.
Mrs.ColewastellingthatshehadbeencallingonMissBates,andassoonassheenteredtheroomhadbeenstruckbythesightofapianoforte-averyelegantlookinginstrument-notagrand,butalarge-sizedsquarepianoforte;andthesubstanceofthestory,theendofallthedialoguewhichensuedofsurprize,andinquiry,andcongratulationsonherside,andexplanationsonMissBates\'s,was,thatthispianofortehadarrivedfromBroadwood\'sthedaybefore,tothegreatastonishmentofbothauntandniece-entirelyunexpected;thatatfirst,byMissBates\'saccount,Janeherselfwasquiteataloss,quitebewilderedtothinkwhocouldpossiblyhaveorderedit-butnow,theywerebothperfectlysatisfiedthatitcouldbefromonlyonequarter;-ofcourseitmustbefromColonelCampbell.
`Onecansupposenothingelse,\'addedMrs.Cole,`andIwasonlysurprizedthattherecouldeverhavebeenadoubt.ButJane,itseems,hadaletterfromthemverylately,andnotawordwassaidaboutit.Sheknowstheirwaysbest;butIshouldnotconsidertheirsilenceasanyreasonfortheirnotmeaningtomakethepresent.Theymightchusetosurprizeher.\'
Mrs.Colehadmanytoagreewithher;everybodywhospokeonthesubjectwasequallyconvincedthatitmustcomefromColonelCampbell,andequallyrejoicedthatsuchapresenthadbeenmade;andtherewereenoughreadytospeaktoallowEmmatothinkherownway,andstilllistentoMrs.Cole.
`Ideclare,IdonotknowwhenIhaveheardanythingthathasgivenmemoresatisfaction!-ItalwayshasquitehurtmethatJaneFairfax,whoplayssodelightfully,shouldnothaveaninstrument.Itseemedquiteashame,especiallyconsideringhowmanyhousestherearewherefineinstrumentsareabsolutelythrownaway.Thisislikegivingourselvesaslap,tobesure!anditwasbutyesterdayIwastellingMr.Cole,Ireallywasashamedtolookatournewgrandpianoforteinthedrawing-room,whileIdonotknowonenotefromanother,andourlittlegirls,whoarebutjustbeginning,perhapsmaynevermakeanythingofit;andthereispoorJaneFairfax,whoismistressofmusic,hasnotanythingofthenatureofaninstrument,noteventhepitifullestoldspinetintheworld,toamuseherselfwith-IwassayingthistoMr.Colebutyesterday,andhequiteagreedwithme;onlyheissoparticularlyfondofmusicthathecouldnothelpindulginghimselfinthepurchase,hopingthatsomeofourgoodneighboursmightbesoobligingoccasionallytoputittoabetterusethanwecan;andthatreallyisthereasonwhytheinstrumentwasbought-orelseIamsureweoughttobeashamedofit-WeareingreathopesthatMissWoodhousemaybeprevailedwithtotryitthisevening.\'
MissWoodhousemadetheproperacquiescence;andfindingthatnothingmorewastobeentrappedfromanycommunicationofMrs.Cole\'s,turnedtoFrankChurchill.
`Whydoyousmile?\'saidshe.
`Nay,whydoyou?\'
`Me!-IsupposeIsmileforpleasureatColonelCampbell\'sbeingsorichandsoliberal-Itisahandsomepresent.\'
`Very.\'
`Iratherwonderthatitwasnevermadebefore.\'
`PerhapsMissFairfaxhasneverbeenstayingheresolongbefore.\'
`Orthathedidnotgivehertheuseoftheirowninstrument-whichmustnowbeshutupinLondon,untouchedbyanybody.\'
`Thatisagrandpianoforte,andhemightthinkittoolargeforMrs.Bates\'shouse.\'
`Youmaysaywhatyouchuse-butyourcountenancetestifiesthatyourthoughtsonthissubjectareverymuchlikemine.\'
`Idonotknow.IratherbelieveyouaregivingmemorecreditforacutenessthanIdeserve.Ismilebecauseyousmile,andshallprobablysuspectwhateverIfindyoususpect;butatpresentIdonotseewhatthereistoquestion.IfColonelCampbellisnottheperson,whocanbe?\'
`WhatdoyousaytoMrs.Dixon?\'
`Mrs.Dixon!verytrueindeed.IhadnotthoughtofMrs.Dixon.Shemustknowaswellasherfather,howacceptableaninstrumentwouldbe;andperhapsthemodeofit,themystery,thesurprize,ismorelikeayoungwoman\'sschemethananelderlyman\'s.ItisMrs.Dixon,Idaresay.Itoldyouthatyoursuspicionswouldguidemine.\'
`Ifso,youmustextendyoursuspicionsandcomprehendMr.Dixoninthem.\'
`Mr.Dixon-Verywell.Yes,IimmediatelyperceivethatitmustbethejointpresentofMr.andMrs.Dixon.Wewerespeakingtheotherday,youknow,ofhisbeingsowarmanadmirerofherperformance.\'
`Yes,andwhatyoutoldmeonthathead,confirmedanideawhichIhadentertainedbefore-IdonotmeantoreflectuponthegoodintentionsofeitherMr.DixonorMissFairfax,butIcannothelpsuspectingeitherthat,aftermakinghisproposalstoherfriend,hehadthemisfortunetofallinlovewithher,orthathebecameconsciousofalittleattachmentonherside.Onemightguesstwentythingswithoutguessingexactlytheright;butIamsuretheremustbeaparticularcauseforherchusingtocometoHighburyinsteadofgoingwiththeCampbellstoIreland.Here,shemustbeleadingalifeofprivationandpenance;thereitwouldhavebeenallenjoyment.Astothepretenceoftryinghernativeair,Ilookuponthatasamereexcuse-Inthesummeritmighthavepassed;butwhatcananybody\'snativeairdofortheminthemonthsofJanuary,February,andMarch?Goodfiresandcarriageswouldbemuchmoretothepurposeinmostcasesofdelicatehealth,andIdaresayinher\'s.Idonotrequireyoutoadoptallmysuspicions,thoughyoumakesonobleaprofessionofdoingit,butIhonestlytellyouwhattheyare.\'
`And,uponmyword,theyhaveanairofgreatprobability.Mr.Dixon\'spreferenceofhermusictoherfriend\'s,Icananswerforbeingverydecided.\'
`Andthen,hesavedherlife.Didyoueverhearofthat?-Awaterparty;andbysomeaccidentshewasfallingoverboard.Hecaughther.\'
`Hedid.Iwasthere-oneoftheparty.\'
`Wereyoureally?-Well!-Butyouobservednothingofcourse,foritseemstobeanewideatoyou-IfIhadbeenthere,IthinkIshouldhavemadesomediscoveries.\'
`Idaresayyouwould;butI,simpleI,sawnothingbutthefact,thatMissFairfaxwasnearlydashedfromthevesselandthatMr.Dixoncaughther-Itwastheworkofamoment.Andthoughtheconsequentshockandalarmwasverygreatandmuchmoredurable-indeedIbelieveitwashalfanhourbeforeanyofuswerecomfortableagain-yetthatwastoogeneralasensationforanythingofpeculiaranxietytobeobservable.Idonotmeantosay,however,thatyoumightnothavemadediscoveries.\'
Theconversationwashereinterrupted.Theywerecalledontoshareintheawkwardnessofaratherlongintervalbetweenthecourses,andobligedtobeasformalandasorderlyastheothers;butwhenthetablewasagainsafelycovered,wheneverycornerdishwasplacedexactlyright,andoccupationandeaseweregenerallyrestored,Emmasaid,
`Thearrivalofthispianoforteisdecisivewithme.Iwantedtoknowalittlemore,andthistellsmequiteenough.Dependuponit,weshallsoonhearthatitisapresentfromMr.andMrs.Dixon.\'
`AndiftheDixonsshouldabsolutelydenyallknowledgeofitwemustconcludeittocomefromtheCampbells.\'
`No,IamsureitisnotfromtheCampbells.MissFairfaxknowsitisnotfromtheCampbells,ortheywouldhavebeenguessedatfirst.Shewouldnothavebeenpuzzled,hadshedaredfixonthem.Imaynothaveconvincedyouperhaps,butIamperfectlyconvincedmyselfthatMr.Dixonisaprincipalinthebusiness.\'
`Indeedyouinjuremeifyousupposemeunconvinced.Yourreasoningscarrymyjudgmentalongwiththementirely.Atfirst,whileIsupposedyousatisfiedthatColonelCampbellwasthegiver,Isawitonlyaspaternalkindness,andthoughtitthemostnaturalthingintheworld.ButwhenyoumentionedMrs.Dixon,Ifelthowmuchmoreprobablethatitshouldbethetributeofwarmfemalefriendship.AndnowIcanseeitinnootherlightthanasanofferingoflove.\'
Therewasnooccasiontopressthematterfarther.Theconvictionseemedreal;helookedasifhefeltit.Shesaidnomore,othersubjectstooktheirturn;andtherestofthedinnerpassedaway;thedessertsucceeded,thechildrencamein,andweretalkedtoandadmiredamidtheusualrateofconversation;afewcleverthingssaid,afewdownrightsilly,butbymuchthelargerproportionneithertheonenortheother-nothingworsethaneverydayremarks,dullrepetitions,oldnews,andheavyjokes.
Theladieshadnotbeenlonginthedrawing-room,beforetheotherladies,intheirdifferentdivisions,arrived.Emmawatchedtheentreeofherownparticularlittlefriend;andifshecouldnotexultinherdignityandgrace,shecouldnotonlylovethebloomingsweetnessandtheartlessmanner,butcouldmostheartilyrejoiceinthatlight,cheerful,unsentimentaldispositionwhichallowedhersomanyalleviationsofpleasure,inthemidstofthepangsofdisappointedaffection.Thereshesat-andwhowouldhaveguessedhowmanytearsshehadbeenlatelyshedding?Tobeincompany,nicelydressedherselfandseeingothersnicelydressed,tositandsmileandlookpretty,andsaynothing,wasenoughforthehappinessofthepresenthour.JaneFairfaxdidlookandmovesuperior;butEmmasuspectedshemighthavebeengladtochangefeelingswithHarriet,verygladtohavepurchasedthemortificationofhavingloved-yes,ofhavinglovedevenMr.Eltoninvain-bythesurrenderofallthedangerouspleasureofknowingherselfbelovedbythehusbandofherfriend.
InsolargeapartyitwasnotnecessarythatEmmashouldapproachher.Shedidnotwishtospeakofthepianoforte,shefelttoomuchinthesecretherself,tothinktheappearanceofcuriosityorinterestfair,andthereforepurposelykeptatadistance;butbytheothers,thesubjectwasalmostimmediatelyintroduced,andshesawtheblushofconsciousnesswithwhichcongratulationswerereceived,theblushofguiltwhichaccompaniedthenameof`myexcellentfriendColonelCampbell.\'
Mrs.Weston,kind-heartedandmusical,wasparticularlyinterestedbythecircumstance,andEmmacouldnothelpbeingamusedatherperseveranceindwellingonthesubject;andhavingsomuchtoaskandtosayastotone,touch,andpedal,totallyunsuspiciousofthatwishofsayingaslittleaboutitaspossible,whichsheplainlyreadinthefairheroine\'scountenance.
Theyweresoonjoinedbysomeofthegentlemen;andtheveryfirstoftheearlywasFrankChurchill.Inhewalked,thefirstandthehandsomest;andafterpayinghiscomplimentsenpassanttoMissBatesandherniece,madehiswaydirectlytotheoppositesideofthecircle,wheresatMissWoodhouse;andtillhecouldfindaseatbyher,wouldnotsitatall.Emmadivinedwhateverybodypresentmustbethinking.Shewashisobject,andeverybodymustperceiveit.Sheintroducedhimtoherfriend,MissSmith,and,atconvenientmomentsafterwards,heardwhateachthoughtoftheother.`Hehadneverseensolovelyaface,andwasdelightedwithhernaivete.\'Andshe,`Onlytobesureitwaspayinghimtoogreatacompliment,butshedidthinkthereweresomelooksalittlelikeMr.Elton.\'Emmarestrainedherindignation,andonlyturnedfromherinsilence.
SmilesofintelligencepassedbetweenherandthegentlemanonfirstglancingtowardsMissFairfax;butitwasmostprudenttoavoidspeech.Hetoldherthathehadbeenimpatienttoleavethedining-room-hatedsittinglong-wasalwaysthefirsttomovewhenhecould-thathisfather,Mr.Knightley,Mr.Cox,andMr.Cole,wereleftverybusyoverparishbusiness-thataslongashehadstaid,however,ithadbeenpleasantenough,ashehadfoundthemingeneralasetofgentlemanlike,sensiblemen;andspokesohandsomelyofHighburyaltogether-thoughtitsoabundantinagreeablefamilies-thatEmmabegantofeelshehadbeenusedtodespisetheplacerathertoomuch.ShequestionedhimastothesocietyinYorkshire-theextentoftheneighbourhoodaboutEnscombe,andthesort;andcouldmakeoutfromhisanswersthat,asfarasEnscombewasconcerned,therewasverylittlegoingon,thattheirvisitingswereamongarangeofgreatfamilies,noneverynear;andthatevenwhendayswerefixed,andinvitationsaccepted,itwasanevenchancethatMrs.Churchillwerenotinhealthandspiritsforgoing;thattheymadeapointofvisitingnofreshperson;andthat,thoughhehadhisseparateengagements,itwasnotwithoutdifficulty,withoutconsiderableaddressattimes,thathecouldgetaway,orintroduceanacquaintanceforanight.
ShesawthatEnscombecouldnotsatisfy,andthatHighbury,takenatitsbest,mightreasonablypleaseayoungmanwhohadmoreretirementathomethanheliked.HisimportanceatEnscombewasveryevident.Hedidnotboast,butitnaturallybetrayeditself,thathehadpersuadedhisauntwherehisunclecoulddonothing,andonherlaughingandnoticingit,heownedthathebelievedexceptingoneortwopointshecouldwithtimepersuadehertoanything.Oneofthosepointsonwhichhisinfluencefailed,hethenmentioned.Hehadwantedverymuchtogoabroad-hadbeenveryeagerindeedtobeallowedtotravel-butshewouldnothearofit.Thishadhappenedtheyearbefore.Now,hesaid,hewasbeginningtohavenolongerthesamewish.
Theunpersuadablepoint,whichhedidnotmention,Emmaguessedtobegoodbehaviourtohisfather.
`Ihavemadeamostwretcheddiscovery,\'saidhe,afterashortpause-`Ihavebeenhereaweekto-morrow-halfmytime.Ineverknewdaysflysofast.Aweekto-morrow!-AndIhavehardlybeguntoenjoymyself.ButjustgotacquaintedwithMrs.Weston,andothers!-Ihatetherecollection.\'
`Perhapsyoumaynowbegintoregretthatyouspentonewholeday,outofsofew,inhavingyourhaircut.\'
`No,\'saidhe,smiling,`thatisnosubjectofregretatall.Ihavenopleasureinseeingmyfriends,unlessIcanbelievemyselffittobeseen.\'
Therestofthegentlemenbeingnowintheroom,Emmafoundherselfobligedtoturnfromhimforafewminutes,andlistentoMr.Cole.WhenMr.Colehadmovedaway,andherattentioncouldberestoredasbefore,shesawFrankChurchilllookingintentlyacrosstheroomatMissFairfax,whowassittingexactlyopposite.
`Whatisthematter?\'saidshe.
Hestarted.`Thankyouforrousingme,\'hereplied.`IbelieveIhavebeenveryrude;butreallyMissFairfaxhasdoneherhairinsooddaway-soveryoddaway-thatIcannotkeepmyeyesfromher.Ineversawanythingsooutree!-Thosecurls!-Thismustbeafancyofherown.Iseenobodyelselookinglikeher!-ImustgoandaskherwhetheritisanIrishfashion.ShallI?-Yes,Iwill-IdeclareIwill-andyoushallseehowshetakesit;-whethershecolours.\'
Hewasgoneimmediately;andEmmasoonsawhimstandingbeforeMissFairfax,andtalkingtoher;butastoitseffectontheyounglady,ashehadimprovidentlyplacedhimselfexactlybetweenthem,exactlyinfrontofMissFairfax,shecouldabsolutelydistinguishnothing.
Beforehecouldreturntohischair,itwastakenbyMrs.Weston.
`Thisistheluxuryofalargeparty,\'saidshe:-`onecangetneareverybody,andsayeverything.MydearEmma,Iamlongingtotalktoyou.Ihavebeenmakingdiscoveriesandformingplans,justlikeyourself,andImusttellthemwhiletheideaisfresh.DoyouknowhowMissBatesandherniececamehere?\'
`How?-Theywereinvited,werenotthey?\'
`Oh!yes-buthowtheywereconveyedhither?-themanneroftheircoming?\'
`Theywalked,Iconclude.Howelsecouldtheycome?\'
`Verytrue-Well,alittlewhileagoitoccurredtomehowverysaditwouldbetohaveJaneFairfaxwalkinghomeagain,lateatnight,andcoldasthenightsarenow.AndasIlookedather,thoughIneversawherappeartomoreadvantage,itstruckmethatshewasheated,andwouldthereforebeparticularlyliabletotakecold.Poorgirl!Icouldnotbeartheideaofit;so,assoonasMr.Westoncameintotheroom,andIcouldgetathim,Ispoketohimaboutthecarriage.Youmayguesshowreadilyhecameintomywishes;andhavinghisapprobation,ImademywaydirectlytoMissBates,toassureherthatthecarriagewouldbeatherservicebeforeittookushome;forIthoughtitwouldbemakinghercomfortableatonce.Goodsoul!shewasasgratefulaspossible,youmaybesure.``Nobodywaseversofortunateasherself!\'\'-butwithmany,manythanks-``therewasnooccasiontotroubleus,forMr.Knightley\'scarriagehadbrought,andwastotakethemhomeagain.\'\'Iwasquitesurprized;-veryglad,Iamsure;butreallyquitesurprized.Suchaverykindattention-andsothoughtfulanattention!-thesortofthingthatsofewmenwouldthinkof.And,inshort,fromknowinghisusualways,Iamverymuchinclinedtothinkthatitwasfortheiraccommodationthecarriagewasusedatall.Idosuspecthewouldnothavehadapairofhorsesforhimself,andthatitwasonlyasanexcuseforassistingthem.\'
`Verylikely,\'saidEmma-`nothingmorelikely.IknownomanmorelikelythanMr.Knightleytodothesortofthing-todoanythingreallygood-natured,useful,considerate,orbenevolent.Heisnotagallantman,butheisaveryhumaneone;andthis,consideringJaneFairfax\'sill-health,wouldappearacaseofhumanitytohim;-andforanactofunostentatiouskindness,thereisnobodywhomIwouldfixonmorethanonMr.Knightley.Iknowhehadhorsesto-day-forwearrivedtogether;andIlaughedathimaboutit,buthesaidnotawordthatcouldbetray.\'
`Well,\'saidMrs.Weston,smiling,`yougivehimcreditformoresimple,disinterestedbenevolenceinthisinstancethanIdo;forwhileMissBateswasspeaking,asuspiciondartedintomyhead,andIhaveneverbeenabletogetitoutagain.ThemoreIthinkofit,themoreprobableitappears.Inshort,IhavemadeamatchbetweenMr.KnightleyandJaneFairfax.Seetheconsequenceofkeepingyoucompany!-Whatdoyousaytoit?\'
`Mr.KnightleyandJaneFairfax!\'exclaimedEmma.`DearMrs.Weston,howcouldyouthinkofsuchathing?-Mr.Knightley!-Mr.Knightleymustnotmarry!-YouwouldnothavelittleHenrycutoutfromDonwell?-Oh!no,no,HenrymusthaveDonwell.IcannotatallconsenttoMr.Knightley\'smarrying;andIamsureitisnotatalllikely.Iamamazedthatyoushouldthinkofsuchathing.\'
`MydearEmma,Ihavetoldyouwhatledmetothinkofit.Idonotwantthematch-IdonotwanttoinjuredearlittleHenry-buttheideahasbeengivenmebycircumstances;andifMr.Knightleyreallywishedtomarry,youwouldnothavehimrefrainonHenry\'saccount,aboyofsixyearsold,whoknowsnothingofthematter?\'
`Yes,Iwould.IcouldnotbeartohaveHenrysupplanted-Mr.Knightleymarry!-No,Ihaveneverhadsuchanidea,andIcannotadoptitnow.AndJaneFairfax,too,ofallwomen!\'
`Nay,shehasalwaysbeenafirstfavouritewithhim,asyouverywellknow.\'
`Buttheimprudenceofsuchamatch!\'
`Iamnotspeakingofitsprudence;merelyitsprobability.\'
`Iseenoprobabilityinit,unlessyouhaveanybetterfoundationthanwhatyoumention.Hisgood-nature,hishumanity,asItellyou,wouldbequiteenoughtoaccountforthehorses.HehasagreatregardfortheBateses,youknow,independentofJaneFairfax-andisalwaysgladtoshewthemattention.MydearMrs.Weston,donottaketomatch-making.Youdoitveryill.JaneFairfaxmistressoftheAbbey!-Oh!no,no;-everyfeelingrevolts.Forhisownsake,Iwouldnothavehimdosomadathing.\'
`Imprudent,ifyouplease-butnotmad.Exceptinginequalityoffortune,andperhapsalittledisparityofage,Icanseenothingunsuitable.\'
`ButMr.Knightleydoesnotwanttomarry.Iamsurehehasnottheleastideaofit.Donotputitintohishead.Whyshouldhemarry?-Heisashappyaspossiblebyhimself;withhisfarm,andhissheep,andhislibrary,andalltheparishtomanage;andheisextremelyfondofhisbrother\'schildren.Hehasnooccasiontomarry,eithertofilluphistimeorhisheart.\'
`MydearEmma,aslongashethinksso,itisso;butifhereallylovesJaneFairfax-\'
`Nonsense!HedoesnotcareaboutJaneFairfax.Inthewayoflove,Iamsurehedoesnot.Hewoulddoanygoodtoher,orherfamily;but-\'
`Well,\'saidMrs.Weston,laughing,`perhapsthegreatestgoodhecoulddothem,wouldbetogiveJanesucharespectablehome.\'
`Ifitwouldbegoodtoher,Iamsureitwouldbeeviltohimself;averyshamefulanddegradingconnexion.HowwouldhebeartohaveMissBatesbelongingtohim?-TohaveherhauntingtheAbbey,andthankinghimalldaylongforhisgreatkindnessinmarryingJane?-``Soverykindandobliging!-Buthealwayshadbeensuchaverykindneighbour!\'\'Andthenflyoff,throughhalfasentence,tohermother\'soldpetticoat.``Notthatitwassuchaveryoldpetticoateither-forstillitwouldlastagreatwhile-and,indeed,shemustthankfullysaythattheirpetticoatswereallverystrong.\'\'\'
`Forshame,Emma!Donotmimicher.Youdivertmeagainstmyconscience.And,uponmyword,IdonotthinkMr.KnightleywouldbemuchdisturbedbyMissBates.Littlethingsdonotirritatehim.Shemighttalkon;andifhewantedtosayanythinghimself,hewouldonlytalklouder,anddrownhervoice.Butthequestionisnot,whetheritwouldbeabadconnexionforhim,butwhetherhewishesit;andIthinkhedoes.Ihaveheardhimspeak,andsomustyou,soveryhighlyofJaneFairfax!Theinteresthetakesinher-hisanxietyaboutherhealth-hisconcernthatsheshouldhavenohappierprospect!Ihaveheardhimexpresshimselfsowarmlyonthosepoints!-Suchanadmirerofherperformanceonthepianoforte,andofhervoice!Ihaveheardhimsaythathecouldlistentoherforever.Oh!andIhadalmostforgottenoneideathatoccurredtome-thispianofortethathasbeensentherebysomebody-thoughwehaveallbeensowellsatisfiedtoconsideritapresentfromtheCampbells,mayitnotbefromMr.Knightley?Icannothelpsuspectinghim.Ithinkheisjustthepersontodoit,evenwithoutbeinginlove.\'
`Thenitcanbenoargumenttoprovethatheisinlove.ButIdonotthinkitisatallalikelythingforhimtodo.Mr.Knightleydoesnothingmysteriously.\'
`Ihaveheardhimlamentingherhavingnoinstrumentrepeatedly;oftenerthanIshouldsupposesuchacircumstancewould,inthecommoncourseofthings,occurtohim.\'
`Verywell;andifhehadintendedtogiveherone,hewouldhavetoldherso.\'
`Theremightbescruplesofdelicacy,mydearEmma.Ihaveaverystrongnotionthatitcomesfromhim.IamsurehewasparticularlysilentwhenMrs.Coletoldusofitatdinner.\'
`Youtakeupanidea,Mrs.Weston,andrunawaywithit;asyouhavemanyatimereproachedmewithdoing.Iseenosignofattachment-Ibelievenothingofthepianoforte-andproofonlyshallconvincemethatMr.KnightleyhasanythoughtofmarryingJaneFairfax.\'
Theycombatedthepointsometimelongerinthesameway;Emmarathergaininggroundoverthemindofherfriend;forMrs.Westonwasthemostusedofthetwotoyield;tillalittlebustleintheroomshewedthemthatteawasover,andtheinstrumentinpreparation;-andatthesamemomentMr.ColeapproachingtoentreatMissWoodhousewoulddothemthehonouroftryingit.FrankChurchill,ofwhom,intheeagernessofherconversationwithMrs.Weston,shehadbeenseeingnothing,exceptthathehadfoundaseatbyMissFairfax,followedMr.Cole,toaddhisverypressingentreaties;andas,ineveryrespect,itsuitedEmmabesttolead,shegaveaverypropercompliance.