Sheknewthelimitationsofherownpowerstoowelltoattemptmorethanshecouldperformwithcredit;shewantedneithertastenorspiritinthelittlethingswhicharegenerallyacceptable,andcouldaccompanyherownvoicewell.Oneaccompanimenttohersongtookheragreeablybysurprize-asecond,slightlybutcorrectlytakenbyFrankChurchill.Herpardonwasdulybeggedatthecloseofthesong,andeverythingusualfollowed.Hewasaccusedofhavingadelightfulvoice,andaperfectknowledgeofmusic;whichwasproperlydenied;andthatheknewnothingofthematter,andhadnovoiceatall,roundlyasserted.Theysangtogetheroncemore;andEmmawouldthenresignherplacetoMissFairfax,whoseperformance,bothvocalandinstrumental,shenevercouldattempttoconcealfromherself,wasinfinitelysuperiortoherown.
Withmixedfeelings,sheseatedherselfatalittledistancefromthenumbersroundtheinstrument,tolisten.FrankChurchillsangagain.Theyhadsungtogetheronceortwice,itappeared,atWeymouth.ButthesightofMr.Knightleyamongthemostattentive,soondrewawayhalfEmma\'smind;andshefellintoatrainofthinkingonthesubjectofMrs.Weston\'ssuspicions,towhichthesweetsoundsoftheunitedvoicesgaveonlymomentaryinterruptions.HerobjectionstoMr.Knightley\'smarryingdidnotintheleastsubside.Shecouldseenothingbutevilinit.ItwouldbeagreatdisappointmenttoMr.JohnKnightley;consequentlytoIsabella.Arealinjurytothechildren-amostmortifyingchange,andmateriallosstothemall;-averygreatdeductionfromherfather\'sdailycomfort-and,astoherself,shecouldnotatallenduretheideaofJaneFairfaxatDonwellAbbey.AMrs.Knightleyforthemalltogivewayto!-No-Mr.Knightleymustnevermarry.LittleHenrymustremaintheheirofDonwell.
PresentlyMr.Knightleylookedback,andcameandsatdownbyher.Theytalkedatfirstonlyoftheperformance.Hisadmirationwascertainlyverywarm;yetshethought,butforMrs.Weston,itwouldnothavestruckher.Asasortoftouchstone,however,shebegantospeakofhiskindnessinconveyingtheauntandniece;andthoughhisanswerwasinthespiritofcuttingthemattershort,shebelievedittoindicateonlyhisdisinclinationtodwellonanykindnessofhisown.
`Ioftenfeelconcern,\'saidshe,`thatIdarenotmakeourcarriagemoreusefulonsuchoccasions.ItisnotthatIamwithoutthewish;butyouknowhowimpossiblemyfatherwoulddeemitthatJamesshouldput-toforsuchapurpose.\'
`Quiteoutofthequestion,quiteoutofthequestion,\'hereplied;-`butyoumustoftenwishit,Iamsure.\'Andhesmiledwithsuchseemingpleasureattheconviction,thatshemustproceedanotherstep.
`ThispresentfromtheCampbells,\'saidshe-`thispianoforteisverykindlygiven.\'
`Yes,\'hereplied,andwithoutthesmallestapparentembarrassment-`Buttheywouldhavedonebetterhadtheygivenhernoticeofit.Surprizesarefoolishthings.Thepleasureisnotenhanced,andtheinconvenienceisoftenconsiderable.IshouldhaveexpectedbetterjudgmentinColonelCampbell.\'
Fromthatmoment,EmmacouldhavetakenheroaththatMr.Knightleyhadhadnoconcerningivingtheinstrument.Butwhetherhewereentirelyfreefrompeculiarattachment-whethertherewerenoactualpreference-remainedalittlelongerdoubtful.TowardstheendofJane\'ssecondsong,hervoicegrewthick.
`Thatwilldo,\'saidhe,whenitwasfinished,thinkingaloud-`youhavesungquiteenoughforoneevening-nowbequiet.\'
Anothersong,however,wassoonbeggedfor.`Onemore;-theywouldnotfatigueMissFairfaxonanyaccount,andwouldonlyaskforonemore.\'AndFrankChurchillwasheardtosay,`Ithinkyoucouldmanagethiswithouteffort;thefirstpartissoverytrifling.Thestrengthofthesongfallsonthesecond.\'
Mr.Knightleygrewangry.
`Thatfellow,\'saidhe,indignantly,`thinksofnothingbutshewingoffhisownvoice.Thismustnotbe.\'AndtouchingMissBates,whoatthatmomentpassednear-`MissBates,areyoumad,toletyourniecesingherselfhoarseinthismanner?Go,andinterfere.Theyhavenomercyonher.\'
MissBates,inherrealanxietyforJane,couldhardlystayeventobegrateful,beforeshesteptforwardandputanendtoallfarthersinging.Hereceasedtheconcertpartoftheevening,forMissWoodhouseandMissFairfaxweretheonlyyoungladyperformers;butsoonwithinfiveminutestheproposalofdancing-originatingnobodyexactlyknewwhere-wassoeffectuallypromotedbyMr.andMrs.Cole,thateverythingwasrapidlyclearingaway,togiveproperspace.Mrs.Weston,capitalinhercountry-dances,wasseated,andbeginninganirresistiblewaltz;andFrankChurchill,comingupwithmostbecominggallantrytoEmma,hadsecuredherhand,andledheruptothetop.
Whilewaitingtilltheotheryoungpeoplecouldpairthemselvesoff,Emmafoundtime,inspiteofthecomplimentsshewasreceivingonhervoiceandhertaste,tolookabout,andseewhatbecameofMr.Knightley.Thiswouldbeatrial.Hewasnodanceringeneral.IfheweretobeveryalertinengagingJaneFairfaxnow,itmightaugursomething.Therewasnoimmediateappearance.No;hewastalkingtoMrs.Cole-hewaslookingonunconcerned;Janewasaskedbysomebodyelse,andhewasstilltalkingtoMrs.Cole.
EmmahadnolongeranalarmforHenry;hisinterestwasyetsafe;andsheledoffthedancewithgenuinespiritandenjoyment.Notmorethanfivecouplecouldbemustered;buttherarityandthesuddennessofitmadeitverydelightful,andshefoundherselfwellmatchedinapartner.Theywereacoupleworthlookingat.
Twodances,unfortunately,wereallthatcouldbeallowed.Itwasgrowinglate,andMissBatesbecameanxioustogethome,onhermother\'saccount.Aftersomeattempts,therefore,tobepermittedtobeginagain,theywereobligedtothankMrs.Weston,looksorrowful,andhavedone.
`Perhapsitisaswell,\'saidFrankChurchill,asheattendedEmmatohercarriage.`ImusthaveaskedMissFairfax,andherlanguiddancingwouldnothaveagreedwithme,afteryour\'s.\'
CHAPTERIX
EmmadidnotrepenthercondescensioningoingtotheColes.Thevisitaffordedhermanypleasantrecollectionsthenextday;andallthatshemightbesupposedtohavelostonthesideofdignifiedseclusion,mustbeamplyrepaidinthesplendourofpopularity.ShemusthavedelightedtheColes-worthypeople,whodeservedtobemadehappy!-Andleftanamebehindherthatwouldnotsoondieaway.
Perfecthappiness,eveninmemory,isnotcommon;andthereweretwopointsonwhichshewasnotquiteeasy.Shedoubtedwhethershehadnottransgressedthedutyofwomanbywoman,inbetrayinghersuspicionsofJaneFairfax\'sfeelingstoFrankChurchill.Itwashardlyright;butithadbeensostronganidea,thatitwouldescapeher,andhissubmissiontoallthatshetold,wasacomplimenttoherpenetration,whichmadeitdifficultforhertobequitecertainthatsheoughttohaveheldhertongue.
TheothercircumstanceofregretrelatedalsotoJaneFairfax;andthereshehadnodoubt.Shedidunfeignedlyandunequivocallyregrettheinferiorityofherownplayingandsinging.Shedidmostheartilygrieveovertheidlenessofherchildhood-andsatdownandpractisedvigorouslyanhourandahalf.
ShewastheninterruptedbyHarriet\'scomingin;andifHarriet\'spraisecouldhavesatisfiedher,shemightsoonhavebeencomforted.
`Oh!ifIcouldbutplayaswellasyouandMissFairfax!\'
`Don\'tclassustogether,Harriet.Myplayingisnomorelikeher\'s,thanalampislikesunshine.\'
`Oh!dear-Ithinkyouplaythebestofthetwo.Ithinkyouplayquiteaswellasshedoes.IamsureIhadmuchratherhearyou.Everybodylastnightsaidhowwellyouplayed.\'
`Thosewhoknewanythingaboutit,musthavefeltthedifference.Thetruthis,Harriet,thatmyplayingisjustgoodenoughtobepraised,butJaneFairfax\'sismuchbeyondit.\'
`Well,Ialwaysshallthinkthatyouplayquiteaswellasshedoes,orthatifthereisanydifferencenobodywouldeverfinditout.Mr.Colesaidhowmuchtasteyouhad;andMr.FrankChurchilltalkedagreatdealaboutyourtaste,andthathevaluedtastemuchmorethanexecution.\'
`Ah!butJaneFairfaxhasthemboth,Harriet.\'
`Areyousure?Isawshehadexecution,butIdidnotknowshehadanytaste.Nobodytalkedaboutit.AndIhateItaliansinging-Thereisnounderstandingawordofit.Besides,ifshedoesplaysoverywell,youknow,itisnomorethansheisobligedtodo,becauseshewillhavetoteach.TheCoxeswerewonderinglastnightwhethershewouldgetintoanygreatfamily.HowdidyouthinktheCoxeslooked?\'
`Justastheyalwaysdo-veryvulgar.\'
`Theytoldmesomething,\'saidHarrietratherhesitatingly;\'butitisnothingofanyconsequence.\'
Emmawasobligedtoaskwhattheyhadtoldher,thoughfearfulofitsproducingMr.Elton.
`Theytoldme——thatMr.MartindinedwiththemlastSaturday.\'
`Oh!\'
`Hecametotheirfatheruponsomebusiness,andheaskedhimtostaytodinner.\'
`Oh!\'
`Theytalkedagreatdealabouthim,especiallyAnneCox.Idonotknowwhatshemeant,butsheaskedmeifIthoughtIshouldgoandstaythereagainnextsummer.\'
`Shemeanttobeimpertinentlycurious,justassuchanAnneCoxshouldbe.\'
`Shesaidhewasveryagreeablethedayhedinedthere.Hesatbyheratdinner.MissNashthinkseitheroftheCoxeswouldbeverygladtomarryhim.\'
`Verylikely-Ithinktheyare,withoutexception,themostvulgargirlsinHighbury.\'
HarriethadbusinessatFord\'s-Emmathoughtitmostprudenttogowithher.AnotheraccidentalmeetingwiththeMartinswaspossible,andinherpresentstate,wouldbedangerous.
Harriet,temptedbyeverythingandswayedbyhalfaword,wasalwaysverylongatapurchase;andwhileshewasstillhangingovermuslinsandchanginghermind,Emmawenttothedoorforamusement-MuchcouldnotbehopedfromthetrafficofeventhebusiestpartofHighbury;-Mr.Perrywalkinghastilyby,Mr.WilliamCoxlettinghimselfinattheoffice-door,Mr.Cole\'scarriage-horsesreturningfromexercise,orastrayletter-boyonanobstinatemule,weretheliveliestobjectsshecouldpresumetoexpect;andwhenhereyesfellonlyonthebutcherwithhistray,atidyoldwomantravellinghomewardsfromshopwithherfullbasket,twocursquarrellingoveradirtybone,andastringofdawdlingchildrenroundthebaker\'slittlebow-windoweyeingthegingerbread,sheknewshehadnoreasontocomplain,andwasamusedenough;quiteenoughstilltostandatthedoor.Amindlivelyandatease,candowithseeingnothing,andcanseenothingthatdoesnotanswer.
ShelookeddowntheRandallsroad.Thesceneenlarged;twopersonsappeared;Mrs.Westonandherson-in-law;theywerewalkingintoHighbury;-toHartfieldofcourse.Theywerestopping,however,inthefirstplaceatMrs.Bates\'s;whosehousewasalittlenearerRandallsthanFord\'s;andhadallbutknocked,whenEmmacaughttheireye-Immediatelytheycrossedtheroadandcameforwardtoher;andtheagreeablenessofyesterday\'sengagementseemedtogivefreshpleasuretothepresentmeeting.Mrs.WestoninformedherthatshewasgoingtocallontheBateses,inordertohearthenewinstrument.
`Formycompaniontellsme,\'saidshe,`thatIabsolutelypromisedMissBateslastnight,thatIwouldcomethismorning.Iwasnotawareofitmyself.IdidnotknowthatIhadfixedaday,butashesaysIdid,Iamgoingnow.\'
`AndwhileMrs.Westonpayshervisit,Imaybeallowed,Ihope,\'saidFrankChurchill,`tojoinyourpartyandwaitforheratHartfield-ifyouaregoinghome.\'
Mrs.Westonwasdisappointed.
`Ithoughtyoumeanttogowithme.Theywouldbeverymuchpleased.\'
`Me!Ishouldbequiteintheway.But,perhaps-Imaybeequallyinthewayhere.MissWoodhouselooksasifshedidnotwantme.Myauntalwayssendsmeoffwhensheisshopping.ShesaysIfidgethertodeath;andMissWoodhouselooksasifshecouldalmostsaythesame.WhatamItodo?\'
`Iamhereonnobusinessofmyown,\'saidEmma;`Iamonlywaitingformyfriend.Shewillprobablyhavesoondone,andthenweshallgohome.ButyouhadbettergowithMrs.Westonandheartheinstrument.\'
`Well-ifyouadviseit-ButwithasmileifColonelCampbellshouldhaveemployedacarelessfriend,andifitshouldprovetohaveanindifferenttone-whatshallIsay?IshallbenosupporttoMrs.Weston.Shemightdoverywellbyherself.Adisagreeabletruthwouldbepalatablethroughherlips,butIamthewretchedestbeingintheworldatacivilfalsehood.\'
`Idonotbelieveanysuchthing,\'repliedEmma-`Iampersuadedthatyoucanbeasinsincereasyourneighbours,whenitisnecessary;butthereisnoreasontosupposetheinstrumentisindifferent.Quiteotherwiseindeed,ifIunderstoodMissFairfax\'sopinionlastnight.\'
`Docomewithme,\'saidMrs.Weston,`ifitbenotverydisagreeabletoyou.Itneednotdetainuslong.WewillgotoHartfieldafterwards.WewillfollowthemtoHartfield.Ireallywishyoutocallwithme.Itwillbefeltsogreatanattention!andIalwaysthoughtyoumeantit.\'
Hecouldsaynomore;andwiththehopeofHartfieldtorewardhim,returnedwithMrs.WestontoMrs.Bates\'sdoor.Emmawatchedthemin,andthenjoinedHarrietattheinterestingcounter,-trying,withalltheforceofherownmind,toconvinceherthatifshewantedplainmuslinitwasofnousetolookatfigured;andthatablueribbon,beiteversobeautiful,wouldstillnevermatchheryellowpattern.Atlastitwasallsettled,eventothedestinationoftheparcel.
`ShouldIsendittoMrs.Goddard\'s,ma\'am?\'askedMrs.Ford-`Yes-no-yes,toMrs.Goddard\'s.OnlymypatterngownisatHartfield.No,youshallsendittoHartfield,ifyouplease.Butthen,Mrs.Goddardwillwanttoseeit-AndIcouldtakethepatterngownhomeanyday.ButIshallwanttheribbondirectly-soithadbettergotoHartfield-atleasttheribbon.Youcouldmakeitintotwoparcels,Mrs.Ford,couldnotyou?\'
`Itisnotworthwhile,Harriet,togiveMrs.Fordthetroubleoftwoparcels.\'
`Nomoreitis.\'
`Notroubleintheworld,ma\'am,\'saidtheobligingMrs.Ford.
`Oh!butindeedIwouldmuchratherhaveitonlyinone.Then,ifyouplease,youshallsenditalltoMrs.Goddard\'s-Idonotknow-No,Ithink,MissWoodhouse,ImayjustaswellhaveitsenttoHartfield,andtakeithomewithmeatnight.Whatdoyouadvise?\'
`Thatyoudonotgiveanotherhalf-secondtothesubject.ToHartfield,ifyouplease,Mrs.Ford.\'
`Aye,thatwillbemuchbest,\'saidHarriet,quitesatisfied,`IshouldnotatallliketohaveitsenttoMrs.Goddard\'s.\'
Voicesapproachedtheshop-orratheronevoiceandtwoladies:Mrs.WestonandMissBatesmetthematthedoor.
`MydearMissWoodhouse,\'saidthelatter,`Iamjustrunacrosstoentreatthefavourofyoutocomeandsitdownwithusalittlewhile,andgiveusyouropinionofournewinstrument;youandMissSmith.Howdoyoudo,MissSmith?-VerywellIthankyou-AndIbeggedMrs.Westontocomewithme,thatImightbesureofsucceeding.\'
`IhopeMrs.BatesandMissFairfaxare-\'
`Verywell,Iammuchobligedtoyou.Mymotherisdelightfullywell;andJanecaughtnocoldlastnight.HowisMr.Woodhouse?-Iamsogladtohearsuchagoodaccount.Mrs.Westontoldmeyouwerehere-Oh!then,saidI,Imustrunacross,IamsureMissWoodhousewillallowmejusttorunacrossandentreathertocomein;mymotherwillbesoveryhappytoseeher-andnowwearesuchaniceparty,shecannotrefuse-``Aye,praydo,\'\'saidMr.FrankChurchill,``MissWoodhouse\'sopinionoftheinstrumentwillbeworthhaving.\'\'-But,saidI,Ishallbemoresureofsucceedingifoneofyouwillgowithme-``Oh,\'\'saidhe,``waithalfaminute,tillIhavefinishedmyjob;\'\'-For,wouldyoubelieveit,MissWoodhouse,thereheis,inthemostobligingmannerintheworld,fasteningintherivetofmymother\'sspectacles-Therivetcameout,youknow,thismorning-Soveryobliging!-Formymotherhadnouseofherspectacles-couldnotputthemon.And,bythebye,everybodyoughttohavetwopairofspectacles;theyshouldindeed.Janesaidso.ImeanttotakethemovertoJohnSaundersthefirstthingIdid,butsomethingorotherhinderedmeallthemorning;firstonething,thenanother,thereisnosayingwhat,youknow.AtonetimePattycametosayshethoughtthekitchenchimneywantedsweeping.Oh,saidI,Pattydonotcomewithyourbadnewstome.Hereistherivetofyourmistress\'sspectaclesout.Thenthebakedapplescamehome,Mrs.Wallissentthembyherboy;theyareextremelycivilandobligingtous,theWallises,always-IhaveheardsomepeoplesaythatMrs.Walliscanbeuncivilandgiveaveryrudeanswer,butwehaveneverknownanythingbutthegreatestattentionfromthem.Anditcannotbeforthevalueofourcustomnow,forwhatisourconsumptionofbread,youknow?Onlythreeofus-besidesdearJaneatpresent-andshereallyeatsnothing-makessuchashockingbreakfast,youwouldbequitefrightenedifyousawit.Idarenotletmymotherknowhowlittlesheeats-soIsayonethingandthenIsayanother,anditpassesoff.Butaboutthemiddleofthedayshegetshungry,andthereisnothingshelikessowellasthesebakedapples,andtheyareextremelywholesome,forItooktheopportunitytheotherdayofaskingMr.Perry;Ihappenedtomeethiminthestreet.NotthatIhadanydoubtbefore-IhavesooftenheardMr.Woodhouserecommendabakedapple.IbelieveitistheonlywaythatMr.Woodhousethinksthefruitthoroughlywholesome.Wehaveapple-dumplings,however,veryoften.Pattymakesanexcellentapple-dumpling.Well,Mrs.Weston,youhaveprevailed,Ihope,andtheseladieswillobligeus.\'
Emmawouldbe`veryhappytowaitonMrs.Bates,&c.,\'andtheydidatlastmoveoutoftheshop,withnofartherdelayfromMissBatesthan,
`Howdoyoudo,Mrs.Ford?Ibegyourpardon.Ididnotseeyoubefore.Ihearyouhaveacharmingcollectionofnewribbonsfromtown.Janecamebackdelightedyesterday.Thankye,theglovesdoverywell-onlyalittletoolargeaboutthewrist;butJaneistakingthemin.\'
`WhatwasItalkingof?\'saidshe,beginningagainwhentheywereallinthestreet.
Emmawonderedonwhat,ofallthemedley,shewouldfix.
`IdeclareIcannotrecollectwhatIwastalkingof-Oh!mymother\'sspectacles.SoveryobligingofMr.FrankChurchill!``Oh!\'\'saidhe,``IdothinkIcanfastentherivet;Ilikeajobofthiskindexcessively.\'\'-WhichyouknowshewedhimtobesoveryIndeedImustsaythat,muchasIhadheardofhimbeforeandmuchasIhadexpected,heveryfarexceedsanythingIdocongratulateyou,Mrs.Weston,mostwarmly.Heseemseverythingthefondestparentcould``Oh!\'\'saidhe,``Icanfastentherivet.Ilikeajobofthatsortexcessively.\'\'Inevershallforgethismanner.AndwhenIbroughtoutthebakedapplesfromthecloset,andhopedourfriendswouldbesoveryobligingastotakesome,``Oh!\'\'saidhedirectly,``thereisnothinginthewayoffruithalfsogood,andthesearethefinest-lookinghome-bakedapplesIeversawinmylife.\'\'That,youknow,wassoveryAndIamsure,byhismanner,itwasnocompliment.Indeedtheyareverydelightfulapples,andMrs.Wallisdoesthemfulljustice-onlywedonothavethembakedmorethantwice,andMr.Woodhousemadeuspromisetohavethemdonethreetimes-butMissWoodhousewillbesogoodasnottomentionit.Theapplesthemselvesaretheveryfinestsortforbaking,beyondadoubt;allfromDonwell-someofMr.Knightley\'smostliberalsupply.Hesendsusasackeveryyear;andcertainlythereneverwassuchakeepingappleanywhereasoneofhistrees-Ibelievethereistwoofthem.Mymothersaystheorchardwasalwaysfamousinheryoungerdays.ButIwasreallyquiteshockedtheotherday-forMr.Knightleycalledonemorning,andJanewaseatingtheseapples,andwetalkedaboutthemandsaidhowmuchsheenjoyedthem,andheaskedwhetherwewerenotgottotheendofourstock.``Iamsureyoumustbe,\'\'saidhe,``andIwillsendyouanothersupply;forIhaveagreatmanymorethanIcaneveruse.WilliamLarkinsletmekeepalargerquantitythanusualthisyear.Iwillsendyousomemore,beforetheygetgoodfornothing.\'\'SoIbeggedhewouldnot-forreallyastooursbeinggone,Icouldnotabsolutelysaythatwehadagreatmanyleft-itwasbuthalfadozenindeed;buttheyshouldbeallkeptforJane;andIcouldnotatallbearthatheshouldbesendingusmore,soliberalashehadbeenalready;andJanesaidthesame.Andwhenhewasgone,shealmostquarrelledwithme-No,Ishouldnotsayquarrelled,forweneverhadaquarrelinourlives;butshewasquitedistressedthatIhadownedtheapplesweresonearlygone;shewishedIhadmadehimbelievewehadagreatmanyleft.Oh,saidI,mydear,IdidsayasmuchasIcould.However,theverysameeveningWilliamLarkinscameoverwithalargebasketofapples,thesamesortofapples,abushelatleast,andIwasverymuchobliged,andwentdownandspoketoWilliamLarkinsandsaideverything,asyoumaysuppose.WilliamLarkinsissuchanoldacquaintance!Iamalwaysgladtoseehim.But,however,IfoundafterwardsfromPatty,thatWilliamsaiditwasalltheapplesofthatsorthismasterhad;hehadbroughtthemall-andnowhismasterhadnotonelefttobakeorboil.Williamdidnotseemtomindithimself,hewassopleasedtothinkhismasterhadsoldsomany;forWilliam,youknow,thinksmoreofhismaster\'sprofitthananything;butMrs.Hodges,hesaid,wasquitedispleasedattheirbeingallsentaway.Shecouldnotbearthathermastershouldnotbeabletohaveanotherapple-tartthisspring.HetoldPattythis,butbidhernotmindit,andbesurenottosayanythingtousaboutit,forMrs.Hodgeswouldbecrosssometimes,andaslongassomanysacksweresold,itdidnotsignifywhoatetheremainder.AndsoPattytoldme,andIwasexcessivelyshockedindeed!IwouldnothaveMr.Knightleyknowanythingaboutitfortheworld!HewouldbesoveryIwantedtokeepitfromJane\'sknowledge;but,unluckily,IhadmentioneditbeforeIwasaware.\'
MissBateshadjustdoneasPattyopenedthedoor;andhervisitorswalkedupstairswithouthavinganyregularnarrationtoattendto,pursuedonlybythesoundsofherdesultorygood-will.
`Praytakecare,Mrs.Weston,thereisastepattheturning.Praytakecare,MissWoodhouse,oursisratheradarkstaircase-ratherdarkerandnarrowerthanonecouldwish.MissSmith,praytakecare.MissWoodhouse,Iamquiteconcerned,Iamsureyouhityourfoot.MissSmith,thestepattheturning.\'
CHAPTERX
Theappearanceofthelittlesitting-roomastheyentered,wastranquillityitself;Mrs.Bates,deprivedofherusualemployment,slumberingononesideofthefire,FrankChurchill,atatablenearher,mostdeedilyoccupiedaboutherspectacles,andJaneFairfax,standingwithherbacktothem,intentonherpianoforte.
Busyashewas,however,theyoungmanwasyetabletoshewamosthappycountenanceonseeingEmmaagain.
`Thisisapleasure,\'saidhe,inratheralowvoice,`comingatleasttenminutesearlierthanIhadcalculated.Youfindmetryingtobeuseful;tellmeifyouthinkIshallsucceed.\'
`What!\'saidMrs.Weston,`havenotyoufinishedityet?youwouldnotearnaverygoodlivelihoodasaworkingsilversmithatthisrate.\'
`Ihavenotbeenworkinguninterruptedly,\'hereplied,`IhavebeenassistingMissFairfaxintryingtomakeherinstrumentstandsteadily,itwasnotquitefirm;anunevennessinthefloor,Ibelieve.Youseewehavebeenwedgingonelegwithpaper.Thiswasverykindofyoutobepersuadedtocome.Iwasalmostafraidyouwouldbehurryinghome.\'
Hecontrivedthatsheshouldbeseatedbyhim;andwassufficientlyemployedinlookingoutthebestbakedappleforher,andtryingtomakeherhelporadvisehiminhiswork,tillJaneFairfaxwasquitereadytositdowntothepianoforteagain.Thatshewasnotimmediatelyready,Emmadidsuspecttoarisefromthestateofhernerves;shehadnotyetpossessedtheinstrumentlongenoughtotouchitwithoutemotion;shemustreasonherselfintothepowerofperformance;andEmmacouldnotbutpitysuchfeelings,whatevertheirorigin,andcouldnotbutresolvenevertoexposethemtoherneighbouragain.
AtlastJanebegan,andthoughthefirstbarswerefeeblygiven,thepowersoftheinstrumentweregraduallydonefulljusticeto.Mrs.Westonhadbeendelightedbefore,andwasdelightedagain;Emmajoinedherinallherpraise;andthepianoforte,witheveryproperdiscrimination,waspronouncedtobealtogetherofthehighestpromise.
`WhoeverColonelCampbellmightemploy,\'saidFrankChurchill,withasmileatEmma,`thepersonhasnotchosenill.IheardagooddealofColonelCampbell\'stasteatWeymouth;andthesoftnessoftheuppernotesIamsureisexactlywhatheandallthatpartywouldparticularlyprize.Idaresay,MissFairfax,thatheeithergavehisfriendveryminutedirections,orwrotetoBroadwoodhimself.Donotyouthinkso?\'
Janedidnotlookround.Shewasnotobligedtohear.Mrs.Westonhadbeenspeakingtoheratthesamemoment.
`Itisnotfair,\'saidEmma,inawhisper;`minewasarandomguess.Donotdistressher.\'
Heshookhisheadwithasmile,andlookedasifhehadverylittledoubtandverylittlemercy.Soonafterwardshebeganagain,
`HowmuchyourfriendsinIrelandmustbeenjoyingyourpleasureonthisoccasion,MissFairfax.Idaresaytheyoftenthinkofyou,andwonderwhichwillbetheday,theprecisedayoftheinstrument\'scomingtohand.DoyouimagineColonelCampbellknowsthebusinesstobegoingforwardjustatthistime?-Doyouimagineittobetheconsequenceofanimmediatecommissionfromhim,orthathemayhavesentonlyageneraldirection,anorderindefiniteastotime,todependuponcontingenciesandconveniences?\'
Hepaused.Shecouldnotbuthear;shecouldnotavoidanswering,
`TillIhavealetterfromColonelCampbell,\'saidshe,inavoiceofforcedcalmness,`Icanimaginenothingwithanyconfidence.Itmustbeallconjecture.\'
`Conjecture-aye,sometimesoneconjecturesright,andsometimesoneconjectureswrong.IwishIcouldconjecturehowsoonIshallmakethisrivetquitefirm.Whatnonsenseonetalks,MissWoodhouse,whenhardatwork,ifonetalksatall;-yourrealworkmen,Isuppose,holdtheirtongues;butwegentlemenlabourersifwegetholdofaword-MissFairfaxsaidsomethingaboutconjecturing.There,itisdone.Ihavethepleasure,madam,toMrs.Bates,ofrestoringyourspectacles,healedforthepresent.\'
Hewasverywarmlythankedbothbymotheranddaughter;toescapealittlefromthelatter,hewenttothepianoforte,andbeggedMissFairfax,whowasstillsittingatit,toplaysomethingmore.
`Ifyouareverykind,\'saidhe,`itwillbeoneofthewaltzeswedancedlastnight;-letmelivethemoveragain.YoudidnotenjoythemasIdid;youappearedtiredthewholetime.Ibelieveyouweregladwedancednolonger;butIwouldhavegivenworlds-alltheworldsoneeverhastogive-foranotherhalf-hour.\'
Sheplayed.
`Whatfelicityitistohearatuneagainwhichhasmadeonehappy!-IfImistakenotthatwasdancedatWeymouth.\'
Shelookedupathimforamoment,coloureddeeply,andplayedsomethingelse.Hetooksomemusicfromachairnearthepianoforte,andturningtoEmma,said,
`Hereissomethingquitenewtome.Doyouknowit?-Cramer-AndhereareanewsetofIrishmelodies.That,fromsuchaquarter,onemightexpect.Thiswasallsentwiththeinstrument.VerythoughtfulofColonelCampbell,wasnotit?-HeknewMissFairfaxcouldhavenomusichere.Ihonourthatpartoftheattentionparticularly;itshewsittohavebeensothoroughlyfromtheheart.Nothinghastilydone;nothingincomplete.Trueaffectiononlycouldhavepromptedit.\'
Emmawishedhewouldbelesspointed,yetcouldnothelpbeingamused;andwhenonglancinghereyetowardsJaneFairfaxshecaughttheremainsofasmile,whenshesawthatwithallthedeepblushofconsciousness,therehadbeenasmileofsecretdelight,shehadlessscrupleintheamusement,andmuchlesscompunctionwithrespecttoher-Thisamiable,upright,perfectJaneFairfaxwasapparentlycherishingveryreprehensiblefeelings.
Hebroughtallthemusictoher,andtheylookeditovertogether-Emmatooktheopportunityofwhispering,
`Youspeaktooplain.Shemustunderstandyou.\'
`Ihopeshedoes.Iwouldhaveherunderstandme.Iamnotintheleastashamedofmymeaning.\'
`Butreally,Iamhalfashamed,andwishIhadnevertakenuptheidea.\'
`Iamverygladyoudid,andthatyoucommunicatedittome.Ihavenowakeytoallheroddlooksandways.Leaveshametoher.Ifshedoeswrong,sheoughttofeelit.\'
`Sheisnotentirelywithoutit,Ithink.\'
`Idonotseemuchsignofit.SheisplayingRobinAdairatthismoment-hisfavourite.\'
ShortlyafterwardsMissBates,passingnearthewindow,descriedMr.Knightleyonhorse-backnotfaroff.
`Mr.KnightleyIdeclare!-Imustspeaktohimifpossible,justtothankhim.Iwillnotopenthewindowhere;itwouldgiveyouallcold;butIcangointomymother\'sroomyouknow.Idaresayhewillcomeinwhenheknowswhoishere.Quitedelightfultohaveyouallmeetso!-Ourlittleroomsohonoured!\'
Shewasintheadjoiningchamberwhileshestillspoke,andopeningthecasementthere,immediatelycalledMr.Knightley\'sattention,andeverysyllableoftheirconversationwasasdistinctlyheardbytheothers,asifithadpassedwithinthesameapartment.
`Howd\'yedo?-howd\'yedo?-Verywell,Ithankyou.Soobligedtoyouforthecarriagelastnight.Wewerejustintime;mymotherjustreadyforus.Praycomein;docomein.Youwillfindsomefriendshere.\'
SobeganMissBates;andMr.Knightleyseemeddeterminedtobeheardinhisturn,formostresolutelyandcommandinglydidhesay,
`Howisyourniece,MissBates?-Iwanttoinquireafteryouall,butparticularlyyourniece.HowisMissFairfax?-Ihopeshecaughtnocoldlastnight.Howissheto-day?TellmehowMissFairfaxis.\'
AndMissBateswasobligedtogiveadirectanswerbeforehewouldhearherinanythingelse.Thelistenerswereamused;andMrs.WestongaveEmmaalookofparticularmeaning.ButEmmastillshookherheadinsteadyscepticism.
`Soobligedtoyou!-soverymuchobligedtoyouforthecarriage,\'resumedMissBates.
Hecuthershortwith,
`IamgoingtoKingston.CanIdoanythingforyou?\'
`Oh!dear,Kingston-areyou?-Mrs.ColewassayingtheotherdayshewantedsomethingfromKingston.\'
`Mrs.Colehasservantstosend.CanIdoanythingforyou?\'
`No,Ithankyou.Butdocomein.Whodoyouthinkishere?-MissWoodhouseandMissSmith;sokindastocalltohearthenewpianoforte.DoputupyourhorseattheCrown,andcomein.\'
`Well,\'saidhe,inadeliberatingmanner,`forfiveminutes,perhaps.\'
`AndhereisMrs.WestonandMr.FrankChurchilltoo!-Quitedelightful;somanyfriends!\'
`No,notnow,Ithankyou.Icouldnotstaytwominutes.ImustgetontoKingstonasfastasIcan.\'
`Oh!docomein.Theywillbesoveryhappytoseeyou.\'
`No,no;yourroomisfullenough.Iwillcallanotherday,andhearthepianoforte.\'
`Well,Iamsosorry!-Oh!Mr.Knightley,whatadelightfulpartylastnight;howextremelypleasant-Didyoueverseesuchdancing?-Wasnotitdelightful?-MissWoodhouseandMr.FrankChurchill;Ineversawanythingequaltoit.\'
`Oh!verydelightfulindeed;Icansaynothingless,forIsupposeMissWoodhouseandMr.FrankChurchillarehearingeverythingthatpasses.AndraisinghisvoicestillmoreIdonotseewhyMissFairfaxshouldnotbementionedtoo.IthinkMissFairfaxdancesverywell;andMrs.Westonistheverybestcountry-danceplayer,withoutexception,inEngland.Now,ifyourfriendshaveanygratitude,theywillsaysomethingprettyloudaboutyouandmeinreturn;butIcannotstaytohearit.\'
`Oh!Mr.Knightley,onemomentmore;somethingofconsequence-soshocked!-JaneandIarebothsoshockedabouttheapples!\'
`Whatisthematternow?\'
`Tothinkofyoursendingusallyourstoreapples.Yousaidyouhadagreatmany,andnowyouhavenotoneleft.Wereallyaresoshocked!Mrs.Hodgesmaywellbeangry.WilliamLarkinsmentionedithere.Youshouldnothavedoneit,indeedyoushouldnot.Ah!heisoff.Henevercanbeartobethanked.ButIthoughthewouldhavestaidnow,anditwouldhavebeenapitynottohavementionedWell,returningtotheroom,Ihavenotbeenabletosucceed.Mr.Knightleycannotstop.HeisgoingtoKingston.Heaskedmeifhecoulddoanything\'
`Yes,\'saidJane,`weheardhiskindoffers,weheardeverything.\'
`Oh!yes,mydear,Idaresayyoumight,becauseyouknow,thedoorwasopen,andthewindowwasopen,andMr.Knightleyspokeloud.Youmusthaveheardeverythingtobesure.``CanIdoanythingforyouatKingston?\'\'saidhe;soIjustmentionedOh!MissWoodhouse,mustyoubegoing?-Youseembutjustcome-soveryobligingofyou.\'