Hehadwalkeduponedayafterdinner,asheveryoftendid,tospendhiseveningatHartfield.EmmaandHarrietweregoingtowalk;hejoinedthem;and,onreturning,theyfellinwithalargerparty,who,likethemselves,judgeditwisesttotaketheirexerciseearly,astheweatherthreatenedrain;Mr.andMrs.Westonandtheirson,MissBatesandherniece,whohadaccidentallymet.Theyallunited;and,onreachingHartfieldgates,Emma,whoknewitwasexactlythesortofvisitingthatwouldbewelcometoherfather,pressedthemalltogoinanddrinkteawithhim.TheRandallspartyagreedtoitimmediately;andafteraprettylongspeechfromMissBates,whichfewpersonslistenedto,shealsofounditpossibletoacceptdearMissWoodhouse\'smostobliginginvitation.
Astheywereturningintothegrounds,Mr.Perrypassedbyonhorseback.Thegentlemenspokeofhishorse.
`Bythebye,\'saidFrankChurchilltoMrs.Westonpresently,`whatbecameofMr.Perry\'splanofsettinguphiscarriage?\'
Mrs.Westonlookedsurprized,andsaid,`Ididnotknowthatheeverhadanysuchplan.\'
`Nay,Ihaditfromyou.Youwrotemewordofitthreemonthsago.\'
`Me!impossible!\'
`Indeedyoudid.Irememberitperfectly.Youmentioneditaswhatwascertainlytobeverysoon.Mrs.Perryhadtoldsomebody,andwasextremelyhappyaboutit.Itwasowingtoherpersuasion,asshethoughthisbeingoutinbadweatherdidhimagreatdealofharm.Youmustrememberitnow?\'
`UponmywordIneverheardofittillthismoment.\'
`Never!really,never!-Blessme!howcoulditbe?-ThenImusthavedreamtit-butIwascompletelypersuaded-MissSmith,youwalkasifyouweretired.Youwillnotbesorrytofindyourselfathome.\'
`Whatisthis?-Whatisthis?\'criedMr.Weston,`aboutPerryandacarriage?IsPerrygoingtosetuphiscarriage,Frank?Iamgladhecanaffordit.Youhaditfromhimself,hadyou?\'
`No,sir,\'repliedhisson,laughing,`Iseemtohavehaditfromnobody-Veryodd!-IreallywaspersuadedofMrs.Weston\'shavingmentioneditinoneofherletterstoEnscombe,manyweeksago,withalltheseparticulars-butasshedeclaressheneverheardasyllableofitbefore,ofcourseitmusthavebeenadream.Iamagreatdreamer.IdreamofeverybodyatHighburywhenIamaway-andwhenIhavegonethroughmyparticularfriends,thenIbegindreamingofMr.andMrs.Perry.\'
`Itisoddthough,\'observedhisfather,`thatyoushouldhavehadsucharegularconnecteddreamaboutpeoplewhomitwasnotverylikelyyoushouldbethinkingofatEnscombe.Perry\'ssettinguphiscarriage!andhiswife\'spersuadinghimtoit,outofcareforhishealth-justwhatwillhappen,Ihavenodoubt,sometimeorother;onlyalittlepremature.Whatanairofprobabilitysometimesrunsthroughadream!Andatothers,whataheapofabsurditiesitis!Well,Frank,yourdreamcertainlyshewsthatHighburyisinyourthoughtswhenyouareabsent.Emma,youareagreatdreamer,Ithink?\'
Emmawasoutofhearing.Shehadhurriedonbeforehergueststoprepareherfatherfortheirappearance,andwasbeyondthereachofMr.Weston\'shint.
`Why,toownthetruth,\'criedMissBates,whohadbeentryinginvaintobeheardthelasttwominutes,`ifImustspeakonthissubject,thereisnodenyingthatMr.FrankChurchillmighthave-Idonotmeantosaythathedidnotdreamit-IamsureIhavesometimestheoddestdreamsintheworld-butifIamquestionedaboutit,Imustacknowledgethattherewassuchanidealastspring;forMrs.Perryherselfmentionedittomymother,andtheColesknewofitaswellasourselves-butitwasquiteasecret,knowntonobodyelse,andonlythoughtofaboutthreedays.Mrs.Perrywasveryanxiousthatheshouldhaveacarriage,andcametomymotheringreatspiritsonemorningbecauseshethoughtshehadprevailed.Jane,don\'tyouremembergrandmama\'stellingusofitwhenwegothome?Iforgetwherewehadbeenwalkingto-verylikelytoRandalls;yes,IthinkitwastoRandalls.Mrs.Perrywasalwaysparticularlyfondofmymother-indeedIdonotknowwhoisnot-andshehadmentionedittoherinconfidence;shehadnoobjectiontohertellingus,ofcourse,butitwasnottogobeyond:and,fromthatdaytothis,InevermentionedittoasoulthatIknowof.Atthesametime,Iwillnotpositivelyanswerformyhavingneverdroptahint,becauseIknowIdosometimespopoutathingbeforeIamaware.Iamatalker,youknow;Iamratheratalker;andnowandthenIhaveletathingescapemewhichIshouldnot.IamnotlikeJane;IwishIwere.Iwillanswerforitsheneverbetrayedtheleastthingintheworld.Whereisshe?-Oh!justbehind.PerfectlyrememberMrs.Perry\'scoming-Extraordinarydream,indeed!\'
Theywereenteringthehall.Mr.Knightley\'seyeshadprecededMissBates\'sinaglanceatJane.FromFrankChurchill\'sface,wherehethoughthesawconfusionsuppressedorlaughedaway,hehadinvoluntarilyturnedtohers;butshewasindeedbehind,andtoobusywithhershawl.Mr.Westonhadwalkedin.Thetwoothergentlemenwaitedatthedoortoletherpass.Mr.KnightleysuspectedinFrankChurchillthedeterminationofcatchinghereye-heseemedwatchingherintently-invain,however,ifitwereso-Janepassedbetweenthemintothehall,andlookedatneither.
Therewasnotimeforfartherremarkorexplanation.Thedreammustbebornewith,andMr.KnightleymusttakehisseatwiththerestroundthelargemoderncirculartablewhichEmmahadintroducedatHartfield,andwhichnonebutEmmacouldhavehadpowertoplacethereandpersuadeherfathertouse,insteadofthesmall-sizedPembroke,onwhichtwoofhisdailymealshad,forfortyyearsbeencrowded.Teapassedpleasantly,andnobodyseemedinahurrytomove.
`MissWoodhouse,\'saidFrankChurchill,afterexaminingatablebehindhim,whichhecouldreachashesat,`haveyournephewstakenawaytheiralphabets-theirboxofletters?Itusedtostandhere.Whereisit?Thisisasortofdull-lookingevening,thatoughttobetreatedratheraswinterthansummer.Wehadgreatamusementwiththoselettersonemorning.Iwanttopuzzleyouagain.\'
Emmawaspleasedwiththethought;andproducingthebox,thetablewasquicklyscatteredoverwithalphabets,whichnooneseemedsomuchdisposedtoemployastheirtwoselves.Theywererapidlyformingwordsforeachother,orforanybodyelsewhowouldbepuzzled.ThequietnessofthegamemadeitparticularlyeligibleforMr.Woodhouse,whohadoftenbeendistressedbythemoreanimatedsort,whichMr.Westonhadoccasionallyintroduced,andwhonowsathappilyoccupiedinlamenting,withtendermelancholy,overthedepartureofthe`poorlittleboys,\'orinfondlypointingout,ashetookupanystrayletternearhim,howbeautifullyEmmahadwrittenit.
FrankChurchillplacedawordbeforeMissFairfax.Shegaveaslightglanceroundthetable,andappliedherselftoit.FrankwasnexttoEmma,Janeoppositetothem-andMr.Knightleysoplacedastoseethemall;anditwashisobjecttoseeasmuchashecould,withaslittleapparentobservation.Thewordwasdiscovered,andwithafaintsmilepushedaway.Ifmeanttobeimmediatelymixedwiththeothers,andburiedfromsight,sheshouldhavelookedonthetableinsteadoflookingjustacross,foritwasnotmixed;andHarriet,eageraftereveryfreshword,andfindingoutnone,directlytookitup,andfelltowork.ShewassittingbyMr.Knightley,andturnedtohimforhelp.Thewordwasblunder;andasHarrietexultinglyproclaimedit,therewasablushonJane\'scheekwhichgaveitameaningnototherwiseostensible.Mr.Knightleyconnecteditwiththedream;buthowitcouldallbe,wasbeyondhiscomprehension.Howthedelicacy,thediscretionofhisfavouritecouldhavebeensolainasleep!Hefearedtheremustbesomedecidedinvolvement.Disingenuousnessanddoubledealingseemedtomeethimateveryturn.Theseletterswerebutthevehicleforgallantryandtrick.Itwasachild\'splay,chosentoconcealadeepergameonFrankChurchill\'spart.
Withgreatindignationdidhecontinuetoobservehim;withgreatalarmanddistrust,toobservealsohistwoblindedcompanions.HesawashortwordpreparedforEmma,andgiventoherwithalookslyanddemure.HesawthatEmmahadsoonmadeitout,andfoundithighlyentertaining,thoughitwassomethingwhichshejudgeditpropertoappeartocensure;forshesaid,`Nonsense!forshame!\'HeheardFrankChurchillnextsay,withaglancetowardsJane,`Iwillgiveittoher-shallI?\'-andasclearlyheardEmmaopposingitwitheagerlaughingwarmth.`No,no,youmustnot;youshallnot,indeed.\'
Itwasdonehowever.Thisgallantyoungman,whoseemedtolovewithoutfeeling,andtorecommendhimselfwithoutcomplaisance,directlyhandedoverthewordtoMissFairfax,andwithaparticulardegreeofsedatecivilityentreatedhertostudyit.Mr.Knightley\'sexcessivecuriositytoknowwhatthiswordmightbe,madehimseizeeverypossiblemomentfordartinghiseyetowardsit,anditwasnotlongbeforehesawittobeDixon.JaneFairfax\'sperceptionseemedtoaccompanyhis;hercomprehensionwascertainlymoreequaltothecovertmeaning,thesuperiorintelligence,ofthosefiveletterssoarranged.Shewasevidentlydispleased;lookedup,andseeingherselfwatched,blushedmoredeeplythanhehadeverperceivedher,andsayingonly,`Ididnotknowthatpropernameswereallowed,\'pushedawaytheletterswithevenanangryspirit,andlookedresolvedtobeengagedbynootherwordthatcouldbeoffered.Herfacewasavertedfromthosewhohadmadetheattack,andturnedtowardsheraunt.
`Aye,verytrue,mydear,\'criedthelatter,thoughJanehadnotspokenaword-`Iwasjustgoingtosaythesamething.Itistimeforustobegoingindeed.Theeveningisclosingin,andgrandmamawillbelookingforus.Mydearsir,youaretooobliging.Wereallymustwishyougoodnight.\'
Jane\'salertnessinmoving,provedherasreadyasheraunthadpreconceived.Shewasimmediatelyup,andwantingtoquitthetable;butsomanywerealsomoving,thatshecouldnotgetaway;andMr.Knightleythoughthesawanothercollectionoflettersanxiouslypushedtowardsher,andresolutelysweptawaybyherunexamined.Shewasafterwardslookingforhershawl-FrankChurchillwaslookingalso-itwasgrowingdusk,andtheroomwasinconfusion;andhowtheyparted,Mr.Knightleycouldnottell.
HeremainedatHartfieldafteralltherest,histhoughtsfullofwhathehadseen;sofull,thatwhenthecandlescametoassisthisobservations,hemust-yes,hecertainlymust,asafriend-ananxiousfriend-giveEmmasomehint,askhersomequestion.Hecouldnotseeherinasituationofsuchdanger,withouttryingtopreserveher.Itwashisduty.
`Pray,Emma,\'saidhe,`mayIaskinwhatlaythegreatamusement,thepoignantstingofthelastwordgiventoyouandMissFairfax?Isawtheword,andamcurioustoknowhowitcouldbesoveryentertainingtotheone,andsoverydistressingtotheother.\'
Emmawasextremelyconfused.Shecouldnotenduretogivehimthetrueexplanation;forthoughhersuspicionswerebynomeansremoved,shewasreallyashamedofhavingeverimpartedthem.
`Oh!\'shecriedinevidentembarrassment,`itallmeantnothing;amerejokeamongourselves.\'
`Thejoke,\'herepliedgravely,`seemedconfinedtoyouandMr.Churchill.\'
Hehadhopedshewouldspeakagain,butshedidnot.Shewouldratherbusyherselfaboutanythingthanspeak.Hesatalittlewhileindoubt.Avarietyofevilscrossedhismind.Interference-fruitlessinterference.Emma\'sconfusion,andtheacknowledgedintimacy,seemedtodeclareheraffectionengaged.Yethewouldspeak.Heowedittoher,toriskanythingthatmightbeinvolvedinanunwelcomeinterference,ratherthanherwelfare;toencounteranything,ratherthantheremembranceofneglectinsuchacause.
`MydearEmma,\'saidheatlast,withearnestkindness,`doyouthinkyouperfectlyunderstandthedegreeofacquaintancebetweenthegentlemanandladywehavebeenspeakingof?\'
`BetweenMr.FrankChurchillandMissFairfax?Oh!yes,perfectly-Whydoyoumakeadoubtofit?\'
`Haveyouneveratanytimehadreasontothinkthatheadmiredher,orthatsheadmiredhim?\'
`Never,never!\'shecriedwithamostopeneagerness-`Never,forthetwentiethpartofamoment,didsuchanideaoccurtome.Andhowcoulditpossiblycomeintoyourhead?\'
`IhavelatelyimaginedthatIsawsymptomsofattachmentbetweenthem-certainexpressivelooks,whichIdidnotbelievemeanttobepublic.\'
`Oh!youamusemeexcessively.Iamdelightedtofindthatyoucanvouchsafetoletyourimaginationwander-butitwillnotdo-verysorrytocheckyouinyourfirstessay-butindeeditwillnotdo.Thereisnoadmirationbetweenthem,Idoassureyou;andtheappearanceswhichhavecaughtyou,havearisenfromsomepeculiarcircumstances-feelingsratherofatotallydifferentnature-itisimpossibleexactlytoexplain:-thereisagooddealofnonsenseinit-butthepartwhichiscapableofbeingcommunicated,whichissense,is,thattheyareasfarfromanyattachmentoradmirationforoneanother,asanytwobeingsintheworldcanbe.Thatis,Ipresumeittobesoonherside,andIcananswerforitsbeingsoonhis.Iwillanswerforthegentleman\'sindifference.\'
Shespokewithaconfidencewhichstaggered,withasatisfactionwhichsilenced,Mr.Knightley.Shewasingayspirits,andwouldhaveprolongedtheconversation,wantingtoheartheparticularsofhissuspicions,everylookdescribed,andallthewheresandhowsofacircumstancewhichhighlyentertainedher:buthisgaietydidnotmeethers.Hefoundhecouldnotbeuseful,andhisfeelingsweretoomuchirritatedfortalking.Thathemightnotbeirritatedintoanabsolutefever,bythefirewhichMr.Woodhouse\'stenderhabitsrequiredalmosteveryeveningthroughouttheyear,hesoonafterwardstookahastyleave,andwalkedhometothecoolnessandsolitudeofDonwellAbbey.
CHAPTERVI
AfterbeinglongfedwithhopesofaspeedyvisitfromMr.andMrs.Suckling,theHighburyworldwereobligedtoendurethemortificationofhearingthattheycouldnotpossiblycometilltheautumn.Nosuchimportationofnoveltiescouldenrichtheirintellectualstoresatpresent.Inthedailyinterchangeofnews,theymustbeagainrestrictedtotheothertopicswithwhichforawhiletheSucklings\'cominghadbeenunited,suchasthelastaccountsofMrs.Churchill,whosehealthseemedeverydaytosupplyadifferentreport,andthesituationofMrs.Weston,whosehappinessitwastobehopedmighteventuallybeasmuchincreasedbythearrivalofachild,asthatofallherneighbourswasbytheapproachofit.
Mrs.Eltonwasverymuchdisappointed.Itwasthedelayofagreatdealofpleasureandparade.Herintroductionsandrecommendationsmustallwait,andeveryprojectedpartybestillonlytalkedof.Soshethoughtatfirst;-butalittleconsiderationconvincedherthateverythingneednotbeputoff.WhyshouldnottheyexploretoBoxHillthoughtheSucklingsdidnotcome?Theycouldgothereagainwiththemintheautumn.ItwassettledthattheyshouldgotoBoxHill.Thattherewastobesuchapartyhadbeenlonggenerallyknown:ithadevengiventheideaofanother.EmmahadneverbeentoBoxHill;shewishedtoseewhateverybodyfoundsowellworthseeing,andsheandMr.Westonhadagreedtochusesomefinemorninganddrivethither.Twoorthreemoreofthechosenonlyweretobeadmittedtojointhem,anditwastobedoneinaquiet,unpretending,elegantway,infinitelysuperiortothebustleandpreparation,theregulareatinganddrinking,andpicnicparadeoftheEltonsandtheSucklings.
Thiswassoverywellunderstoodbetweenthem,thatEmmacouldnotbutfeelsomesurprise,andalittledispleasure,onhearingfromMr.WestonthathehadbeenproposingtoMrs.Elton,asherbrotherandsisterhadfailedher,thatthetwopartiesshouldunite,andgotogether;andthatasMrs.Eltonhadveryreadilyaccededtoit,soitwastobe,ifshehadnoobjection.Now,asherobjectionwasnothingbutherverygreatdislikeofMrs.Elton,ofwhichMr.Westonmustalreadybeperfectlyaware,itwasnotworthbringingforwardagain:-itcouldnotbedonewithoutareprooftohim,whichwouldbegivingpaintohiswife;andshefoundherselfthereforeobligedtoconsenttoanarrangementwhichshewouldhavedoneagreatdealtoavoid;anarrangementwhichwouldprobablyexposehereventothedegradationofbeingsaidtobeofMrs.Elton\'sparty!Everyfeelingwasoffended;andtheforbearanceofheroutwardsubmissionleftaheavyarreardueofsecretseverityinherreflectionsontheunmanageablegoodwillofMr.Weston\'stemper.
`IamgladyouapproveofwhatIhavedone,\'saidheverycomfortably.`ButIthoughtyouwould.Suchschemesasthesearenothingwithoutnumbers.Onecannothavetoolargeaparty.Alargepartysecuresitsownamusement.Andsheisagood-naturedwomanafterall.Onecouldnotleaveherout.\'
Emmadeniednoneofitaloud,andagreedtononeofitinprivate.
ItwasnowthemiddleofJune,andtheweatherfine;andMrs.Eltonwasgrowingimpatienttonametheday,andsettlewithMr.Westonastopigeon-piesandcoldlamb,whenalamecarriage-horsethreweverythingintosaduncertainty.Itmightbeweeks,itmightbeonlyafewdays,beforethehorsewereuseable;butnopreparationscouldbeventuredon,anditwasallmelancholystagnation.Mrs.Elton\'sresourceswereinadequatetosuchanattack.
`Isnotthismostvexations,Knightley?\'shecried-`Andsuchweatherforexploring!-Thesedelaysanddisappointmentsarequiteodious.Whatarewetodo?-Theyearwillwearawayatthisrate,andnothingdone.BeforethistimelastyearIassureyouwehadhadadelightfulexploringpartyfromMapleGrovetoKingsWeston.\'
`YouhadbetterexploretoDonwell,\'repliedMr.Knightley.`Thatmaybedonewithouthorses.Come,andeatmystrawberries.Theyareripeningfast.\'
IfMr.Knightleydidnotbeginseriously,hewasobligedtoproceedso,forhisproposalwascaughtatwithdelight;andthe`Oh!Ishouldlikeitofallthings,\'wasnotplainerinwordsthanmanner.Donwellwasfamousforitsstrawberry-beds,whichseemedapleafortheinvitation:butnopleawasnecessary;cabbage-bedswouldhavebeenenoughtotemptthelady,whoonlywantedtobegoingsomewhere.Shepromisedhimagainandagaintocome-muchoftenerthanhedoubted-andwasextremelygratifiedbysuchaproofofintimacy,suchadistinguishingcomplimentasshechosetoconsiderit.
`Youmaydependuponme,\'saidshe.`Icertainlywillcome.Nameyourday,andIwillcome.YouwillallowmetobringJaneFairfax?\'
`Icannotnameaday,\'saidhe,`tillIhavespokentosomeotherswhomIwouldwishtomeetyou.\'
`Oh!leaveallthattome.Onlygivemeacarte-blanche-IamLadyPatroness,youknow.Itismyparty.Iwillbringfriendswithme.\'
`IhopeyouwillbringElton,\'saidhe:`butIwillnottroubleyoutogiveanyotherinvitations.\'
`Oh!nowyouarelookingverysly.Butconsider-youneednotbeafraidofdelegatingpowertome.Iamnoyoungladyonherpreferment.Marriedwomen,youknow,maybesafelyauthorised.Itismyparty.Leaveitalltome.Iwillinviteyourguests.\'
`No,\'-hecalmlyreplied,-`thereisbutonemarriedwomanintheworldwhomIcaneverallowtoinvitewhatguestsshepleasestoDonwell,andthatoneis-\'
`-Mrs.Weston,Isuppose,\'interruptedMrs.Elton,rathermortified.
`No-Mrs.Knightley;-andtillsheisinbeing,Iwillmanagesuchmattersmyself.\'
`Ah!youareanoddcreature!\'shecried,satisfiedtohavenoonepreferredtoherself-`Youareahumourist,andmaysaywhatyoulike.Quiteahumourist.Well,IshallbringJanewithme-Janeandheraunt-TherestIleavetoyou.IhavenoobjectionsatalltomeetingtheHartfieldfamily.Don\'tscruple.Iknowyouareattachedtothem.\'
`YoucertainlywillmeetthemifIcanprevail;andIshallcallonMissBatesinmywayhome.\'
`That\'squiteunnecessary;IseeJaneeveryday:-butasyoulike.Itistobeamorningscheme,youknow,Knightley;quiteasimplething.Ishallwearalargebonnet,andbringoneofmylittlebasketshangingonmyarm.Here,-probablythisbasketwithpinkribbon.Nothingcanbemoresimple,yousee.AndJanewillhavesuchanother.Thereistobenoformorparade-asortofgipsyparty.Wearetowalkaboutyourgardens,andgatherthestrawberriesourselves,andsitundertrees;-andwhateverelseyoumayliketoprovide,itistobealloutofdoors-atablespreadintheshade,youknow.Everythingasnaturalandsimpleaspossible.Isnotthatyouridea?\'
`Notquite.Myideaofthesimpleandthenaturalwillbetohavethetablespreadinthedining-room.Thenatureandthesimplicityofgentlemenandladies,withtheirservantsandfurniture,Ithinkisbestobservedbymealswithindoors.Whenyouaretiredofeatingstrawberriesinthegarden,thereshallbecoldmeatinthehouse.\'
`Well-asyouplease;onlydon\'thaveagreatsetout.And,bythebye,canIormyhousekeeperbeofanyusetoyouwithouropinion?-Praybesincere,Knightley.IfyouwishmetotalktoMrs.Hodges,ortoinspectanything-\'
`Ihavenottheleastwishforit,Ithankyou.\'
`Well-butifanydifficultiesshouldarise,myhousekeeperisextremelyclever.\'
`Iwillanswerforit,thatminethinksherselffullasclever,andwouldspurnanybody\'sassistance.\'
`Iwishwehadadonkey.Thethingwouldbeforusalltocomeondonkeys,Jane,MissBates,andme-andmycarosposowalkingby.Ireallymusttalktohimaboutpurchasingadonkey.InacountrylifeIconceiveittobeasortofnecessary;for,letawomanhaveeversomanyresources,itisnotpossibleforhertobealwaysshutupathome;-andverylongwalks,youknow-insummerthereisdust,andinwinterthereisdirt.\'
`Youwillnotfindeither,betweenDonwellandHighbury.DonwellLaneisneverdusty,andnowitisperfectlydry.Comeonadonkey,however,ifyoupreferit.YoucanborrowMrs.Cole\'s.Iwouldwisheverythingtobeasmuchtoyourtasteaspossible.\'
`ThatIamsureyouwould.IndeedIdoyoujustice,mygoodfriend.Underthatpeculiarsortofdry,bluntmanner,Iknowyouhavethewarmestheart.AsItellMr.E.,youareathoroughhumourist-Yes,believeme,Knightley,Iamfullysensibleofyourattentiontomeinthewholeofthisscheme.Youhavehitupontheverythingtopleaseme.\'
Mr.Knightleyhadanotherreasonforavoidingatableintheshade.HewishedtopersuadeMr.Woodhouse,aswellasEmma,tojointheparty;andheknewthattohaveanyofthemsittingdownoutofdoorstoeatwouldinevitablymakehimill.Mr.Woodhousemustnot,underthespeciouspretenceofamorningdrive,andanhourortwospentatDonwell,betemptedawaytohismisery.
Hewasinvitedongoodfaith.Nolurkinghorrorsweretoupbraidhimforhiseasycredulity.Hedidconsent.HehadnotbeenatDonwellfortwoyears.`Someveryfinemorning,he,andEmma,andHarriet,couldgoverywell;andhecouldsitstillwithMrs.Weston,whilethedeargirlswalkedaboutthegardens.Hedidnotsupposetheycouldbedampnow,inthemiddleoftheday.Heshouldliketoseetheoldhouseagainexceedingly,andshouldbeveryhappytomeetMr.andMrs.Elton,andanyotherofhisneighbours-Hecouldnotseeanyobjectionatalltohis,andEmma\'s,andHarriet\'sgoingtheresomeveryfinemorning.HethoughtitverywelldoneofMr.Knightleytoinvitethem-verykindandsensible-muchclevererthandiningout-Hewasnotfondofdiningout.\'
Mr.Knightleywasfortunateineverybody\'smostreadyconcurrence.Theinvitationwaseverywheresowellreceived,thatitseemedasif,likeMrs.Elton,theywerealltakingtheschemeasaparticularcomplimenttothemselves-EmmaandHarrietprofessedveryhighexpectationsofpleasurefromit;andMr.Weston,unasked,promisedtogetFrankovertojointhem,ifpossible;aproofofapprobationandgratitudewhichcouldhavebeendispensedwith-Mr.Knightleywasthenobligedtosaythatheshouldbegladtoseehim;andMr.Westonengagedtolosenotimeinwriting,andsparenoargumentstoinducehimtocome.
Inthemeanwhilethelamehorserecoveredsofast,thatthepartytoBoxHillwasagainunderhappyconsideration;andatlastDonwellwassettledforoneday,andBoxHillforthenext,-theweatherappearingexactlyright.
Underabrightmid-daysun,atalmostMidsummer,Mr.Woodhousewassafelyconveyedinhiscarriage,withonewindowdown,topartakeofthisal-frescoparty;andinoneofthemostcomfortableroomsintheAbbey,especiallypreparedforhimbyafireallthemorning,hewashappilyplaced,quiteathisease,readytotalkwithpleasureofwhathadbeenachieved,andadviseeverybodytocomeandsitdown,andnottoheatthemselves-Mrs.Weston,whoseemedtohavewalkedthereonpurposetobetired,andsitallthetimewithhim,remained,whenalltheotherswereinvitedorpersuadedout,hispatientlistenerandsympathiser.
ItwassolongsinceEmmahadbeenattheAbbey,thatassoonasshewassatisfiedofherfather\'scomfort,shewasgladtoleavehim,andlookaroundher;eagertorefreshandcorrecthermemorywithmoreparticularobservation,moreexactunderstandingofahouseandgroundswhichmusteverbesointerestingtoherandallherfamily.
Shefeltallthehonestprideandcomplacencywhichheralliancewiththepresentandfutureproprietorcouldfairlywarrant,assheviewedtherespectablesizeandstyleofthebuilding,itssuitable,becoming,characteristicsituation,lowandsheltered-itsamplegardensstretchingdowntomeadowswashedbyastream,ofwhichtheAbbey,withalltheoldneglectofprospect,hadscarcelyasight-anditsabundanceoftimberinrowsandavenues,whichneitherfashionnorextravagancehadrootedup-ThehousewaslargerthanHartfield,andtotallyunlikeit,coveringagooddealofground,ramblingandirregular,withmanycomfortable,andoneortwohandsomerooms-Itwasjustwhatitoughttobe,anditlookedwhatitwas-andEmmafeltanincreasingrespectforit,astheresidenceofafamilyofsuchtruegentility,untaintedinbloodandunderstanding-SomefaultsoftemperJohnKnightleyhad;butIsabellahadconnectedherselfunexceptionably.Shehadgiventhemneithermen,nornames,norplaces,thatcouldraiseablush.Thesewerepleasantfeelings,andshewalkedaboutandindulgedthemtillitwasnecessarytodoastheothersdid,andcollectroundthestrawberry-beds-Thewholepartywereassembled,exceptingFrankChurchill,whowasexpectedeverymomentfromRichmond;andMrs.Elton,inallherapparatusofhappiness,herlargebonnetandherbasket,wasveryreadytoleadthewayingathering,accepting,ortalking-strawberries,andonlystrawberries,couldnowbethoughtorspokenof-`ThebestfruitinEngland-everybody\'sfavourite-alwayswholesome-Thesethefinestbedsandfinestsorts-Delightfultogatherforone\'sself-theonlywayofreallyenjoyingthem-Morningdecidedlythebesttime-nevertired-everysortgood-hautboyinfinitelysuperior-nocomparison-theothershardlyeatable-hautboysveryscarce-Chilipreferred-whitewoodfinestflavourofall-priceofstrawberriesinLondon-abundanceaboutBristol-MapleGrove-cultivation-bedswhentoberenewed-gardenersthinkingexactlydifferent-nogeneralrule-gardenersnevertobeputoutoftheirway-deliciousfruit-onlytoorichtobeeatenmuchof-inferiortocherries-currantsmorerefreshing-onlyobjectiontogatheringstrawberriesthestooping-glaringsun-tiredtodeath-couldbearitnolonger-mustgoandsitintheshade.\'
Such,forhalfanhour,wastheconversation-interruptedonlyoncebyMrs.Weston,whocameout,inhersolicitudeafterherson-in-law,toinquireifhewerecome-andshewasalittleuneasy-Shehadsomefearsofhishorse.
Seatstolerablyintheshadewerefound;andnowEmmawasobligedtooverhearwhatMrs.EltonandJaneFairfaxweretalkingof-Asituation,amostdesirablesituation,wasinquestion.Mrs.Eltonhadreceivednoticeofitthatmorning,andwasinraptures.ItwasnotwithMrs.Suckling,itwasnotwithMrs.Bragge,butinfelicityandsplendouritfellshortonlyofthem:itwaswithacousinofMrs.Bragge,anacquaintanceofMrs.Suckling,aladyknownatMapleGrove.Delightful,charming,superior,firstcircles,spheres,lines,ranks,everything-andMrs.Eltonwaswildtohavetheofferclosedwithimmediately-Onherside,allwaswarmth,energy,andtriumph-andshepositivelyrefusedtotakeherfriend\'snegative,thoughMissFairfaxcontinuedtoassureherthatshewouldnotatpresentengageinanything,repeatingthesamemotiveswhichshehadbeenheardtourgebefore-StillMrs.Eltoninsistedonbeingauthorisedtowriteanacquiescencebythemorrow\'spost-HowJanecouldbearitatall,wasastonishingtoEmma-Shedidlookvexed,shedidspeakpointedly-andatlast,withadecisionofactionunusualtoher,proposedaremoval-`Shouldnottheywalk?WouldnotMr.Knightleyshewthemthegardens-allthegardens?-Shewishedtoseethewholeextent.\'-Thepertinacityofherfriendseemedmorethanshecouldbear.
Itwashot;andafterwalkingsometimeoverthegardensinascattered,dispersedway,scarcelyanythreetogether,theyinsensiblyfollowedoneanothertothedeliciousshadeofabroadshortavenueoflimes,whichstretchingbeyondthegardenatanequaldistancefromtheriver,seemedthefinishofthepleasuregrounds-Itledtonothing;nothingbutaviewattheendoveralowstonewallwithhighpillars,whichseemedintended,intheirerection,togivetheappearanceofanapproachtothehouse,whichneverhadbeenthere.Disputable,however,asmightbethetasteofsuchatermination,itwasinitselfacharmingwalk,andtheviewwhichcloseditextremelypretty-Theconsiderableslope,atnearlythefootofwhichtheAbbeystood,graduallyacquiredasteeperformbeyonditsgrounds;andathalfamiledistantwasabankofconsiderableabruptnessandgrandeur,wellclothedwithwood;-andatthebottomofthisbank,favourablyplacedandsheltered,rosetheAbbeyMillFarm,withmeadowsinfront,andtherivermakingacloseandhandsomecurvearoundit.
Itwasasweetview-sweettotheeyeandthemind.Englishverdure,Englishculture,Englishcomfort,seenunderasunbright,withoutbeingoppressive.
InthiswalkEmmaandMr.Westonfoundalltheothersassembled;andtowardsthisviewsheimmediatelyperceivedMr.KnightleyandHarrietdistinctfromtherest,quietlyleadingtheway.Mr.KnightleyandHarriet!-Itwasanoddtete-a-tete;butshewasgladtoseeit-Therehadbeenatimewhenhewouldhavescornedherasacompanion,andturnedfromherwithlittleceremony.Nowtheyseemedinpleasantconversation.TherehadbeenatimealsowhenEmmawouldhavebeensorrytoseeHarrietinaspotsofavourablefortheAbbeyMillFarm;butnowshefeareditnot.Itmightbesafelyviewedwithallitsappendagesofprosperityandbeauty,itsrichpastures,spreadingflocks,orchardinblossom,andlightcolumnofsmokeascending-Shejoinedthematthewall,andfoundthemmoreengagedintalkingthaninlookingaround.HewasgivingHarrietinformationastomodesofagriculture,etc.andEmmareceivedasmilewhichseemedtosay,`Thesearemyownconcerns.Ihavearighttotalkonsuchsubjects,withoutbeingsuspectedofintroducingRobertMartin.\'-Shedidnotsuspecthim.Itwastoooldastory-RobertMartinhadprobablyceasedtothinkofHarriet-Theytookafewturnstogetheralongthewalk-Theshadewasmostrefreshing,andEmmafounditthepleasantestpartoftheday.
Thenextremovewastothehouse;theymustallgoinandeat;-andtheywereallseatedandbusy,andstillFrankChurchilldidnotcome.Mrs.Westonlooked,andlookedinvain.Hisfatherwouldnotownhimselfuneasy,andlaughedatherfears;butshecouldnotbecuredofwishingthathewouldpartwithhisblackmare.Hehadexpressedhimselfastocoming,withmorethancommoncertainty.`Hisauntwassomuchbetter,thathehadnotadoubtofgettingovertothem.\'-Mrs.Churchill\'sstate,however,asmanywerereadytoremindher,wasliabletosuchsuddenvariationasmightdisappointhernephewinthemostreasonabledependence-andMrs.Westonwasatlastpersuadedtobelieve,ortosay,thatitmustbebysomeattackofMrs.Churchillthathewaspreventedcoming-EmmalookedatHarrietwhilethepointwasunderconsideration;shebehavedverywell,andbetrayednoemotion.
Thecoldrepastwasover,andthepartyweretogooutoncemoretoseewhathadnotyetbeenseen,theoldAbbeyfish-ponds;perhapsgetasfarastheclover,whichwastobebeguncuttingonthemorrow,or,atanyrate,havethepleasureofbeinghot,andgrowingcoolagain-Mr.Woodhouse,whohadalreadytakenhislittleroundinthehighestpartofthegardens,wherenodampsfromtheriverwereimaginedevenbyhim,stirrednomore;andhisdaughterresolvedtoremainwithhim,thatMrs.Westonmightbepersuadedawaybyherhusbandtotheexerciseandvarietywhichherspiritsseemedtoneed.
Mr.KnightleyhaddoneallinhispowerforMr.Woodhouse\'sentertainment.Booksofengravings,drawersofmedals,cameos,corals,shells,andeveryotherfamilycollectionwithinhiscabinets,hadbeenpreparedforhisoldfriend,towhileawaythemorning;andthekindnesshadperfectlyanswered.