Shecouldonlyresolveatlast，thatshewouldstillavoidameetingwithher，andcommunicateallthatneedbetoldbyletter；
thatitwouldbeinexpressiblydesirabletohaveherremovedjustnowforatimefromHighbury，and——indulginginoneschememore——
nearlyresolve，thatitmightbepracticabletogetaninvitationforhertoBrunswickSquare——IsabellahadbeenpleasedwithHarriet；
andafewweeksspentinLondonmustgivehersomeamusement——
ShedidnotthinkitinHarriet’snaturetoescapebeingbenefitedbynoveltyandvariety，bythestreets，theshops，andthechildren——
Atanyrate，itwouldbeaproofofattentionandkindnessinherself，fromwhomeverythingwasdue；aseparationforthepresent；anavertingoftheevilday，whentheymustallbetogetheragain。
Sheroseearly，andwroteherlettertoHarriet；anemploymentwhichlefthersoveryserious，sonearlysad，thatMr。Knightley，inwalkinguptoHartfieldtobreakfast，didnotarriveatalltoosoon；
andhalfanhourstolenafterwardstogooverthesamegroundagainwithhim，literallyandfiguratively，wasquitenecessarytoreinstateherinapropershareofthehappinessoftheeveningbefore。
Hehadnotleftherlong，bynomeanslongenoughforhertohavetheslightestinclinationforthinkingofanybodyelse，whenaletterwasbroughtherfromRandalls——averythickletter；——sheguessedwhatitmustcontain，anddeprecatedthenecessityofreadingit——
ShewasnowinperfectcharitywithFrankChurchill；shewantednoexplanations，shewantedonlytohaveherthoughtstoherself——
andasforunderstandinganythinghewrote，shewassureshewasincapableofit——Itmustbewadedthrough，however。Sheopenedthepacket；itwastoosurelyso；——anotefromMrs。Westontoherself，usheredintheletterfromFranktoMrs。Weston。
“Ihavethegreatestpleasure，mydearEmma，inforwardingtoyoutheenclosed。Iknowwhatthoroughjusticeyouwilldoit，andhavescarcelyadoubtofitshappyeffect——Ithinkweshallnevermateriallydisagreeaboutthewriteragain；
butIwillnotdelayyoubyalongpreface——Wearequitewell——
ThisletterhasbeenthecureofallthelittlenervousnessIhavebeenfeelinglately——IdidnotquitelikeyourlooksonTuesday，butitwasanungenialmorning；andthoughyouwillneverownbeingaffectedbyweather，Ithinkeverybodyfeelsanorth-eastwind——
IfeltforyourdearfatherverymuchinthestormofTuesdayafternoonandyesterdaymorning，buthadthecomfortofhearinglastnight，byMr。Perry，thatithadnotmadehimill。
“Yoursever，“A。W。”
[ToMrs。Weston。]
WINDSOR-JULY。
MYDEARMADAM，“IfImademyselfintelligibleyesterday，thisletterwillbeexpected；
butexpectedornot，Iknowitwillbereadwithcandourandindulgence——
Youareallgoodness，andIbelievetherewillbeneedofevenallyourgoodnesstoallowforsomepartsofmypastconduct——
ButIhavebeenforgivenbyonewhohadstillmoretoresent。
MycourageriseswhileIwrite。Itisverydifficultfortheprosperoustobehumble。Ihavealreadymetwithsuchsuccessintwoapplicationsforpardon，thatImaybeindangerofthinkingmyselftoosureofyours，andofthoseamongyourfriendswhohavehadanygroundofoffence——YoumustallendeavourtocomprehendtheexactnatureofmysituationwhenIfirstarrivedatRandalls；
youmustconsidermeashavingasecretwhichwastobekeptatallhazards。Thiswasthefact。Myrighttoplacemyselfinasituationrequiringsuchconcealment，isanotherquestion。
Ishallnotdiscussithere。Formytemptationtothinkitaright，Irefereverycavillertoabrickhouse，sashedwindowsbelow，andcasementsabove，inHighbury。Idarednotaddressheropenly；
mydifficultiesinthethenstateofEnscombemustbetoowellknowntorequiredefinition；andIwasfortunateenoughtoprevail，beforewepartedatWeymouth，andtoinducethemostuprightfemalemindinthecreationtostoopincharitytoasecretengagement——
Hadsherefused，Ishouldhavegonemad——Butyouwillbereadytosay，whatwasyourhopeindoingthis？——Whatdidyoulookforwardto？——
Toanything，everything——totime，chance，circumstance，sloweffects，suddenbursts，perseveranceandweariness，healthandsickness。
Everypossibilityofgoodwasbeforeme，andthefirstofblessingssecured，inobtainingherpromisesoffaithandcorrespondence。
Ifyouneedfartherexplanation，Ihavethehonour，mydearmadam，ofbeingyourhusband’sson，andtheadvantageofinheritingadispositiontohopeforgood，whichnoinheritanceofhousesorlandscaneverequalthevalueof——Seeme，then，underthesecircumstances，arrivingonmyfirstvisittoRandalls；——andhereI
amconsciousofwrong，forthatvisitmighthavebeensoonerpaid。
YouwilllookbackandseethatIdidnotcometillMissFairfaxwasinHighbury；andasyouwerethepersonslighted，youwillforgivemeinstantly；butImustworkonmyfather’scompassion，byremindinghim，thatsolongasIabsentedmyselffromhishouse，solongIlosttheblessingofknowingyou。Mybehaviour，duringtheveryhappyfortnightwhichIspentwithyou，didnot，Ihope，laymeopentoreprehension，exceptingononepoint。
AndnowIcometotheprincipal，theonlyimportantpartofmyconductwhilebelongingtoyou，whichexcitesmyownanxiety，orrequiresverysolicitousexplanation。Withthegreatestrespect，andthewarmestfriendship，doImentionMissWoodhouse；myfatherperhapswillthinkIoughttoadd，withthedeepesthumiliation——
Afewwordswhichdroppedfromhimyesterdayspokehisopinion，andsomecensureIacknowledgemyselfliableto——MybehaviourtoMissWoodhouseindicated，Ibelieve，morethanitought——
Inordertoassistaconcealmentsoessentialtome，Iwasledontomakemorethananallowableuseofthesortofintimacyintowhichwewereimmediatelythrown——IcannotdenythatMissWoodhousewasmyostensibleobject——butIamsureyouwillbelievethedeclaration，thathadInotbeenconvincedofherindifference，Iwouldnothavebeeninducedbyanyselfishviewstogoon——
AmiableanddelightfulasMissWoodhouseis，shenevergavemetheideaofayoungwomanlikelytobeattached；andthatshewasperfectlyfreefromanytendencytobeingattachedtome，wasasmuchmyconvictionasmywish——Shereceivedmyattentionswithaneasy，friendly，goodhumouredplayfulness，whichexactlysuitedme。
Weseemedtounderstandeachother。Fromourrelativesituation，thoseattentionswereherdue，andwerefelttobeso——WhetherMissWoodhousebeganreallytounderstandmebeforetheexpirationofthatfortnight，Icannotsay；——whenIcalledtotakeleaveofher，IrememberthatIwaswithinamomentofconfessingthetruth，andIthenfanciedshewasnotwithoutsuspicion；butIhavenodoubtofherhavingsincedetectedme，atleastinsomedegree——
Shemaynothavesurmisedthewhole，butherquicknessmusthavepenetratedapart。Icannotdoubtit。Youwillfind，wheneverthesubjectbecomesfreedfromitspresentrestraints，thatitdidnottakeherwhollybysurprize。Shefrequentlygavemehintsofit。Irememberhertellingmeattheball，thatI
owedMrs。EltongratitudeforherattentionstoMissFairfax——
Ihopethishistoryofmyconducttowardsherwillbeadmittedbyyouandmyfatherasgreatextenuationofwhatyousawamiss。
WhileyouconsideredmeashavingsinnedagainstEmmaWoodhouse，Icoulddeservenothingfromeither。Acquitmehere，andprocureforme，whenitisallowable，theacquittalandgoodwishesofthatsaidEmmaWoodhouse，whomIregardwithsomuchbrotherlyaffection，astolongtohaveherasdeeplyandashappilyinloveasmyself——
WhateverstrangethingsIsaidordidduringthatfortnight，youhavenowakeyto。MyheartwasinHighbury，andmybusinesswastogetmybodythitherasoftenasmightbe，andwiththeleastsuspicion。
Ifyourememberanyqueernesses，setthemalltotherightaccount——
Ofthepianofortesomuchtalkedof，Ifeelitonlynecessarytosay，thatitsbeingorderedwasabsolutelyunknowntoMissF——，whowouldneverhaveallowedmetosendit，hadanychoicebeengivenher——
Thedelicacyofhermindthroughoutthewholeengagement，mydearmadam，ismuchbeyondmypowerofdoingjusticeto。
Youwillsoon，Iearnestlyhope，knowherthoroughlyyourself——
Nodescriptioncandescribeher。Shemusttellyouherselfwhatsheis——
yetnotbyword，forneverwasthereahumancreaturewhowouldsodesignedlysuppressherownmerit——SinceIbeganthisletter，whichwillbelongerthanIforesaw，Ihaveheardfromher——
Shegivesagoodaccountofherownhealth；butasshenevercomplains，Idarenotdepend。Iwanttohaveyouropinionofherlooks。
Iknowyouwillsooncallonher；sheislivingindreadofthevisit。
Perhapsitispaidalready。Letmehearfromyouwithoutdelay；
Iamimpatientforathousandparticulars。RememberhowfewminutesIwasatRandalls，andinhowbewildered，howmadastate：
andIamnotmuchbetteryet；stillinsaneeitherfromhappinessormisery。WhenIthinkofthekindnessandfavourIhavemetwith，ofherexcellenceandpatience，andmyuncle’sgenerosity，Iammadwithjoy：butwhenIrecollectalltheuneasinessIoccasionedher，andhowlittleIdeservetobeforgiven，Iammadwithanger。
IfIcouldbutseeheragain！——ButImustnotproposeityet。
Myunclehasbeentoogoodformetoencroach——Imuststilladdtothislongletter。Youhavenotheardallthatyououghttohear。
Icouldnotgiveanyconnecteddetailyesterday；butthesuddenness，and，inonelight，theunseasonablenesswithwhichtheaffairburstout，needsexplanation；forthoughtheeventofthe26thult。，asyouwillconclude，immediatelyopenedtomethehappiestprospects，Ishouldnothavepresumedonsuchearlymeasures，butfromtheveryparticularcircumstances，whichleftmenotanhourtolose。
Ishouldmyselfhaveshrunkfromanythingsohasty，andshewouldhavefelteveryscrupleofminewithmultipliedstrengthandrefinement——
ButIhadnochoice。Thehastyengagementshehadenteredintowiththatwoman——Here，mydearmadam，Iwasobligedtoleaveoffabruptly，torecollectandcomposemyself——Ihavebeenwalkingoverthecountry，andamnow，Ihope，rationalenoughtomaketherestofmyletterwhatitoughttobe——Itis，infact，amostmortifyingretrospectforme。Ibehavedshamefully。AndhereIcanadmit，thatmymannerstoMissW。，inbeingunpleasanttoMissF。，werehighlyblameable。
Shedisapprovedthem，whichoughttohavebeenenough——Mypleaofconcealingthetruthshedidnotthinksufficient——Shewasdispleased；
Ithoughtunreasonablyso：Ithoughther，onathousandoccasions，unnecessarilyscrupulousandcautious：Ithoughtherevencold。
Butshewasalwaysright。IfIhadfollowedherjudgment，andsubduedmyspiritstothelevelofwhatshedeemedproper，IshouldhaveescapedthegreatestunhappinessIhaveeverknown——Wequarrelled——
DoyourememberthemorningspentatDonwell？——Thereeverylittledissatisfactionthathadoccurredbeforecametoacrisis。Iwaslate；
Imetherwalkinghomebyherself，andwantedtowalkwithher，butshewouldnotsufferit。Sheabsolutelyrefusedtoallowme，whichIthenthoughtmostunreasonable。Now，however，Iseenothinginitbutaverynaturalandconsistentdegreeofdiscretion。
WhileI，toblindtheworldtoourengagement，wasbehavingonehourwithobjectionableparticularitytoanotherwoman，wasshetobeconsentingthenexttoaproposalwhichmighthavemadeeverypreviouscautionuseless？——HadwebeenmetwalkingtogetherbetweenDonwellandHighbury，thetruthmusthavebeensuspected——
Iwasmadenough，however，toresent——Idoubtedheraffection。
IdoubteditmorethenextdayonBoxHill；when，provokedbysuchconductonmyside，suchshameful，insolentneglectofher，andsuchapparentdevotiontoMissW。，asitwouldhavebeenimpossibleforanywomanofsensetoendure，shespokeherresentmentinaformofwordsperfectlyintelligibletome——
Inshort，mydearmadam，itwasaquarrelblamelessonherside，abominableonmine；andIreturnedthesameeveningtoRichmond，thoughImighthavestaidwithyoutillthenextmorning，merelybecauseIwouldbeasangrywithheraspossible。Eventhen，Iwasnotsuchafoolasnottomeantobereconciledintime；
butIwastheinjuredperson，injuredbyhercoldness，andIwentawaydeterminedthatsheshouldmakethefirstadvances——IshallalwayscongratulatemyselfthatyouwerenotoftheBoxHillparty。
Hadyouwitnessedmybehaviourthere，Icanhardlysupposeyouwouldeverhavethoughtwellofmeagain。Itseffectuponherappearsintheimmediateresolutionitproduced：assoonasshefoundI
wasreallygonefromRandalls，sheclosedwiththeofferofthatofficiousMrs。Elton；thewholesystemofwhosetreatmentofher，bythebye，haseverfilledmewithindignationandhatred。
Imustnotquarrelwithaspiritofforbearancewhichhasbeensorichlyextendedtowardsmyself；but，otherwise，Ishouldloudlyprotestagainsttheshareofitwhichthatwomanhasknown——
“Jane。”indeed！——YouwillobservethatIhavenotyetindulgedmyselfincallingherbythatname，eventoyou。Think，then，whatI
musthaveenduredinhearingitbandiedbetweentheEltonswithallthevulgarityofneedlessrepetition，andalltheinsolenceofimaginarysuperiority。Havepatiencewithme，Ishallsoonhavedone——
Sheclosedwiththisoffer，resolvingtobreakwithmeentirely，andwrotethenextdaytotellmethatweneverweretomeetagain——
Shefelttheengagementtobeasourceofrepentanceandmiserytoeach：shedissolvedit——Thisletterreachedmeontheverymorningofmypooraunt’sdeath。Ianswereditwithinanhour；
butfromtheconfusionofmymind，andthemultiplicityofbusinessfallingonmeatonce，myanswer，insteadofbeingsentwithallthemanyotherlettersofthatday，waslockedupinmywriting-desk；
andI，trustingthatIhadwrittenenough，thoughbutafewlines，tosatisfyher，remainedwithoutanyuneasiness——IwasratherdisappointedthatIdidnothearfromheragainspeedily；
butImadeexcusesforher，andwastoobusy，and——mayIadd？——
toocheerfulinmyviewstobecaptious——WeremovedtoWindsor；
andtwodaysafterwardsIreceivedaparcelfromher，myownlettersallreturned！——andafewlinesatthesametimebythepost，statingherextremesurprizeatnothavinghadthesmallestreplytoherlast；andadding，thatassilenceonsuchapointcouldnotbemisconstrued，andasitmustbeequallydesirabletobothtohaveeverysubordinatearrangementconcludedassoonaspossible，shenowsentme，byasafeconveyance，allmyletters，andrequested，thatifIcouldnotdirectlycommandhers，soastosendthemtoHighburywithinaweek，Iwouldforwardthemafterthatperiodtoherat——：inshort，thefulldirectiontoMr。Smallridge’s，nearBristol，staredmeintheface。Iknewthename，theplace，Iknewallaboutit，andinstantlysawwhatshehadbeendoing。
ItwasperfectlyaccordantwiththatresolutionofcharacterwhichIknewhertopossess；andthesecrecyshehadmaintained，astoanysuchdesigninherformerletter，wasequallydescriptiveofitsanxiousdelicacy。Fortheworldwouldnotshehaveseemedtothreatenme——Imaginetheshock；imaginehow，tillIhadactuallydetectedmyownblunder，Iravedattheblundersofthepost——
Whatwastobedone？——Onethingonly——Imustspeaktomyuncle。
WithouthissanctionIcouldnothopetobelistenedtoagain——
Ispoke；circumstanceswereinmyfavour；thelateeventhadsoftenedawayhispride，andhewas，earlierthanIcouldhaveanticipated，whollyreconciledandcomplying；andcouldsayatlast，poorman！
withadeepsigh，thathewishedImightfindasmuchhappinessinthemarriagestateashehaddone——Ifeltthatitwouldbeofadifferentsort——AreyoudisposedtopitymeforwhatImusthavesufferedinopeningthecausetohim，formysuspensewhileallwasatstake？——No；donotpitymetillIreachedHighbury，andsawhowillIhadmadeher。DonotpitymetillIsawherwan，sicklooks——IreachedHighburyatthetimeofdaywhen，frommyknowledgeoftheirlatebreakfasthour，Iwascertainofagoodchanceoffindingheralone——Iwasnotdisappointed；andatlastIwasnotdisappointedeitherintheobjectofmyjourney。Agreatdealofveryreasonable，veryjustdispleasureIhadtopersuadeaway。
Butitisdone；wearereconciled，dearer，muchdearer，thanever，andnomoment’suneasinesscaneveroccurbetweenusagain。Now，mydearmadam，Iwillreleaseyou；butIcouldnotconcludebefore。
Athousandandathousandthanksforallthekindnessyouhaveevershewnme，andtenthousandfortheattentionsyourheartwilldictatetowardsher——IfyouthinkmeinawaytobehappierthanIdeserve，Iamquiteofyouropinion——MissW。callsmethechildofgoodfortune。Ihopesheisright——Inonerespect，mygoodfortuneisundoubted，thatofbeingabletosubscribemyself，YourobligedandaffectionateSon，F。C。WESTONCHURCHILL。
Chapter15CHAPTERXV
ThislettermustmakeitswaytoEmma’sfeelings。Shewasobliged，inspiteofherpreviousdeterminationtothecontrary，todoitallthejusticethatMrs。Westonforetold。Assoonasshecametoherownname，itwasirresistible；everylinerelatingtoherselfwasinteresting，andalmosteverylineagreeable；
andwhenthischarmceased，thesubjectcouldstillmaintainitself，bythenaturalreturnofherformerregardforthewriter，andtheverystrongattractionwhichanypictureoflovemusthaveforheratthatmoment。Sheneverstopttillshehadgonethroughthewhole；
andthoughitwasimpossiblenottofeelthathehadbeenwrong，yethehadbeenlesswrongthanshehadsupposed——andhehadsuffered，andwasverysorry——andhewassogratefultoMrs。Weston，andsomuchinlovewithMissFairfax，andshewassohappyherself，thattherewasnobeingsevere；andcouldhehaveenteredtheroom，shemusthaveshakenhandswithhimasheartilyasever。
Shethoughtsowelloftheletter，thatwhenMr。Knightleycameagain，shedesiredhimtoreadit。ShewassureofMrs。Weston’swishingittobecommunicated；especiallytoone，who，likeMr。Knightley，hadseensomuchtoblameinhisconduct。
“Ishallbeverygladtolookitover。”saidhe；“butitseemslong。
Iwilltakeithomewithmeatnight。”
Butthatwouldnotdo。Mr。Westonwastocallintheevening，andshemustreturnitbyhim。
“Iwouldratherbetalkingtoyou。”hereplied；“butasitseemsamatterofjustice，itshallbedone。”
Hebegan——stopping，however，almostdirectlytosay，“HadIbeenofferedthesightofoneofthisgentleman’sletterstohismother-in-lawafewmonthsago，Emma，itwouldnothavebeentakenwithsuchindifference。”
Heproceededalittlefarther，readingtohimself；andthen，withasmile，observed，“Humph！afinecomplimentaryopening：
Butitishisway。Oneman’sstylemustnotbetheruleofanother’s。
Wewillnotbesevere。”
“Itwillbenaturalforme。”headdedshortlyafterwards，“tospeakmyopinionaloudasIread。Bydoingit，IshallfeelthatIamnearyou。
Itwillnotbesogreatalossoftime：butifyoudislikeit——“
“Notatall。Ishouldwishit。”
Mr。Knightleyreturnedtohisreadingwithgreateralacrity。
“Hetrifleshere。”saidhe，“astothetemptation。Heknowsheiswrong，andhasnothingrationaltourge——Bad——Heoughtnottohaveformedtheengagement——`Hisfather’sdisposition：’——
heisunjust，however，tohisfather。Mr。Weston’ssanguinetemperwasablessingonallhisuprightandhonourableexertions；
butMr。Westonearnedeverypresentcomfortbeforeheendeavouredtogainit——Verytrue；hedidnotcometillMissFairfaxwashere。”
“AndIhavenotforgotten。”saidEmma，“howsureyouwerethathemighthavecomesoonerifhewould。Youpassitoververyhandsomely——
butyouwereperfectlyright。”
“Iwasnotquiteimpartialinmyjudgment，Emma：——butyet，Ithink——
hadyounotbeeninthecase——Ishouldstillhavedistrustedhim。”
WhenhecametoMissWoodhouse，hewasobligedtoreadthewholeofitaloud——allthatrelatedtoher，withasmile；alook；
ashakeofthehead；awordortwoofassent，ordisapprobation；
ormerelyoflove，asthesubjectrequired；concluding，however，seriously，and，aftersteadyreflection，thus——
“Verybad——thoughitmighthavebeenworse——Playingamostdangerousgame。Toomuchindebtedtotheeventforhisacquittal——
Nojudgeofhisownmannersbyyou——Alwaysdeceivedinfactbyhisownwishes，andregardlessoflittlebesideshisownconvenience——
Fancyingyoutohavefathomedhissecret。Naturalenough！——
hisownmindfullofintrigue，thatheshouldsuspectitinothers——Mystery；Finesse——howtheyperverttheunderstanding！
MyEmma，doesnoteverythingservetoprovemoreandmorethebeautyoftruthandsincerityinallourdealingswitheachother？“
Emmaagreedtoit，andwithablushofsensibilityonHarriet’saccount，whichshecouldnotgiveanysincereexplanationof。
“Youhadbettergoon。”saidshe。
Hedidso，butverysoonstoptagaintosay，“thepianoforte！
Ah！Thatwastheactofavery，veryyoungman，onetooyoungtoconsiderwhethertheinconvenienceofitmightnotverymuchexceedthepleasure。Aboyishscheme，indeed！——Icannotcomprehendaman’swishingtogiveawomananyproofofaffectionwhichheknowsshewouldratherdispensewith；andhedidknowthatshewouldhavepreventedtheinstrument’scomingifshecould。”
Afterthis，hemadesomeprogresswithoutanypause。
FrankChurchill’sconfessionofhavingbehavedshamefullywasthefirstthingtocallformorethanawordinpassing。
“Iperfectlyagreewithyou，sir。”——wasthenhisremark。
“Youdidbehaveveryshamefully。Youneverwroteatruerline。”
Andhavinggonethroughwhatimmediatelyfollowedofthebasisoftheirdisagreement，andhispersistingtoactindirectoppositiontoJaneFairfax’ssenseofright，hemadeafullerpausetosay，“Thisisverybad——Hehadinducedhertoplaceherself，forhissake，inasituationofextremedifficultyanduneasiness，anditshouldhavebeenhisfirstobjecttopreventherfromsufferingunnecessarily——Shemusthavehadmuchmoretocontendwith，incarryingonthecorrespondence，thanhecould。Heshouldhaverespectedevenunreasonablescruples，hadtherebeensuch；butherswereallreasonable。Wemustlooktoheronefault，andrememberthatshehaddoneawrongthinginconsentingtotheengagement，tobearthatsheshouldhavebeeninsuchastateofpunishment。”
EmmaknewthathewasnowgettingtotheBoxHillparty，andgrewuncomfortable。Herownbehaviourhadbeensoveryimproper！
Shewasdeeplyashamed，andalittleafraidofhisnextlook。
Itwasallread，however，steadily，attentively，andwithoutthesmallestremark；and，exceptingonemomentaryglanceather，instantlywithdrawn，inthefearofgivingpain——noremembranceofBoxHillseemedtoexist。
“Thereisnosayingmuchforthedelicacyofourgoodfriends，theEltons。”washisnextobservation——“Hisfeelingsarenatural——
What！actuallyresolvetobreakwithhimentirely！——Shefelttheengagementtobeasourceofrepentanceandmiserytoeach——
shedissolvedit——Whataviewthisgivesofhersenseofhisbehaviour！——Well，hemustbeamostextraordinary——“
“Nay，nay，readon——Youwillfindhowverymuchhesuffers。”
“Ihopehedoes。”repliedMr。Knightleycoolly，andresumingtheletter。
“`Smallridge！’——Whatdoesthismean？Whatisallthis？“
“ShehadengagedtogoasgovernesstoMrs。Smallridge’schildren——
adearfriendofMrs。Elton’s——aneighbourofMapleGrove；and，bythebye，IwonderhowMrs。Eltonbearsthedisappointment？“
“Saynothing，mydearEmma，whileyouobligemetoread——notevenofMrs。Elton。Onlyonepagemore。Ishallsoonhavedone。
Whataletterthemanwrites！“
“Iwishyouwouldreaditwithakinderspirittowardshim。”
“Well，thereisfeelinghere——Hedoesseemtohavesufferedinfindingherill——Certainly，Icanhavenodoubtofhisbeingfondofher。
`Dearer，muchdearerthanever。’Ihopehemaylongcontinuetofeelallthevalueofsuchareconciliation——Heisaveryliberalthanker，withhisthousandsandtensofthousands——`HappierthanIdeserve。’
Come，heknowshimselfthere。`MissWoodhousecallsmethechildofgoodfortune。’——ThosewereMissWoodhouse’swords，werethey？——
Andafineending——andthereistheletter。Thechildofgoodfortune！
Thatwasyournameforhim，wasit？“
“YoudonotappearsowellsatisfiedwithhisletterasIam；
butstillyoumust，atleastIhopeyoumust，thinkthebetterofhimforit。Ihopeitdoeshimsomeservicewithyou。”
“Yes，certainlyitdoes。Hehashadgreatfaults，faultsofinconsiderationandthoughtlessness；andIamverymuchofhisopinioninthinkinghimlikelytobehappierthanhedeserves：
butstillasheis，beyondadoubt，reallyattachedtoMissFairfax，andwillsoon，itmaybehoped，havetheadvantageofbeingconstantlywithher，Iamveryreadytobelievehischaracterwillimprove，andacquirefromhersthesteadinessanddelicacyofprinciplethatitwants。Andnow，letmetalktoyouofsomethingelse。
Ihaveanotherperson’sinterestatpresentsomuchatheart，thatIcannotthinkanylongeraboutFrankChurchill。EversinceI
leftyouthismorning，Emma，mymindhasbeenhardatworkononesubject。”
Thesubjectfollowed；itwasinplain，unaffected，gentlemanlikeEnglish，suchasMr。Knightleyusedeventothewomanhewasinlovewith，howtobeabletoaskhertomarryhim，withoutattackingthehappinessofherfather。Emma’sanswerwasreadyatthefirstword。
“Whileherdearfatherlived，anychangeofconditionmustbeimpossibleforher。Shecouldneverquithim。”Partonlyofthisanswer，however，wasadmitted。Theimpossibilityofherquittingherfather，Mr。Knightleyfeltasstronglyasherself；buttheinadmissibilityofanyotherchange，hecouldnotagreeto。Hehadbeenthinkingitovermostdeeply，mostintently；hehadatfirsthopedtoinduceMr。WoodhousetoremovewithhertoDonwell；hehadwantedtobelieveitfeasible，buthisknowledgeofMr。Woodhousewouldnotsufferhimtodeceivehimselflong；andnowheconfessedhispersuasion，thatsuchatransplantationwouldbeariskofherfather’scomfort，perhapsevenofhislife，whichmustnotbehazarded。Mr。WoodhousetakenfromHartfield！——No，hefeltthatitoughtnottobeattempted。
Buttheplanwhichhadarisenonthesacrificeofthis，hetrustedhisdearestEmmawouldnotfindinanyrespectobjectionable；
itwas，thatheshouldbereceivedatHartfield；thatsolongasherfather’shappinessinotherwordshislife——requiredHartfieldtocontinueherhome，itshouldbehislikewise。
OftheirallremovingtoDonwell，Emmahadalreadyhadherownpassingthoughts。Likehim，shehadtriedtheschemeandrejectedit；
butsuchanalternativeasthishadnotoccurredtoher。
Shewassensibleofalltheaffectionitevinced。Shefeltthat，inquittingDonwell，hemustbesacrificingagreatdealofindependenceofhoursandhabits；thatinlivingconstantlywithherfather，andinnohouseofhisown，therewouldbemuch，verymuch，tobebornewith。Shepromisedtothinkofit，andadvisedhimtothinkofitmore；buthewasfullyconvinced，thatnoreflectioncouldalterhiswishesorhisopiniononthesubject。Hehadgivenit，hecouldassureher，verylongandcalmconsideration；
hehadbeenwalkingawayfromWilliamLarkinsthewholemorning，tohavehisthoughtstohimself。
“Ah！thereisonedifficultyunprovidedfor。”criedEmma。“IamsureWilliamLarkinswillnotlikeit。Youmustgethisconsentbeforeyouaskmine。”
Shepromised，however，tothinkofit；andprettynearlypromised，moreover，tothinkofit，withtheintentionoffindingitaverygoodscheme。
Itisremarkable，thatEmma，inthemany，verymany，pointsofviewinwhichshewasnowbeginningtoconsiderDonwellAbbey，wasneverstruckwithanysenseofinjurytohernephewHenry，whoserightsasheir-expectanthadformerlybeensotenaciouslyregarded。
Thinkshemustofthepossibledifferencetothepoorlittleboy；
andyetsheonlygaveherselfasaucyconscioussmileaboutit，andfoundamusementindetectingtherealcauseofthatviolentdislikeofMr。Knightley’smarryingJaneFairfax，oranybodyelse，whichatthetimeshehadwhollyimputedtotheamiablesolicitudeofthesisterandtheaunt。
Thisproposalofhis，thisplanofmarryingandcontinuingatHartfield——
themoreshecontemplatedit，themorepleasingitbecame。
Hisevilsseemedtolessen，herownadvantagestoincrease，theirmutualgoodtooutweigheverydrawback。Suchacompanionforherselfintheperiodsofanxietyandcheerlessnessbeforeher！——
Suchapartnerinallthosedutiesandcarestowhichtimemustbegivingincreaseofmelancholy！
ShewouldhavebeentoohappybutforpoorHarriet；buteveryblessingofherownseemedtoinvolveandadvancethesufferingsofherfriend，whomustnowbeevenexcludedfromHartfield。
ThedelightfulfamilypartywhichEmmawassecuringforherself，poorHarrietmust，inmerecharitablecaution，bekeptatadistancefrom。Shewouldbealoserineveryway。Emmacouldnotdeploreherfutureabsenceasanydeductionfromherownenjoyment。
Insuchaparty，Harrietwouldberatheradeadweightthanotherwise；
butforthepoorgirlherself，itseemedapeculiarlycruelnecessitythatwastobeplacingherinsuchastateofunmeritedpunishment。
Intime，ofcourse，Mr。Knightleywouldbeforgotten，thatis，supplanted；butthiscouldnotbeexpectedtohappenveryearly。
Mr。Knightleyhimselfwouldbedoingnothingtoassistthecure；——
notlikeMr。Elton。Mr。Knightley，alwayssokind，sofeeling，sotrulyconsiderateforeverybody，wouldneverdeservetobelessworshippedthannow；anditreallywastoomuchtohopeevenofHarriet，thatshecouldbeinlovewithmorethanthreemeninoneyear。
Chapter16CHAPTERXVI
ItwasaverygreatrelieftoEmmatofindHarrietasdesirousasherselftoavoidameeting。Theirintercoursewaspainfulenoughbyletter。Howmuchworse，hadtheybeenobligedtomeet！
Harrietexpressedherselfverymuchasmightbesupposed，withoutreproaches，orapparentsenseofill-usage；andyetEmmafanciedtherewasasomethingofresentment，asomethingborderingonitinherstyle，whichincreasedthedesirablenessoftheirbeingseparate——
Itmightbeonlyherownconsciousness；butitseemedasifanangelonlycouldhavebeenquitewithoutresentmentundersuchastroke。
ShehadnodifficultyinprocuringIsabella’sinvitation；
andshewasfortunateinhavingasufficientreasonforaskingit，withoutresortingtoinvention——Therewasatoothamiss。
Harrietreallywished，andhadwishedsometime，toconsultadentist。
Mrs。JohnKnightleywasdelightedtobeofuse；anythingofillhealthwasarecommendationtoher——andthoughnotsofondofadentistasofaMr。Wingfield，shewasquiteeagertohaveHarrietunderhercare——Whenitwasthussettledonhersister’sside，Emmaproposedittoherfriend，andfoundherverypersuadable——
Harrietwastogo；shewasinvitedforatleastafortnight；shewastobeconveyedinMr。Woodhouse’scarriage——Itwasallarranged，itwasallcompleted，andHarrietwassafeinBrunswickSquare。
NowEmmacould，indeed，enjoyMr。Knightley’svisits；nowshecouldtalk，andshecouldlistenwithtruehappiness，uncheckedbythatsenseofinjustice，ofguilt，ofsomethingmostpainful，whichhadhauntedherwhenrememberinghowdisappointedaheartwasnearher，howmuchmightatthatmoment，andatalittledistance，beenduringbythefeelingswhichshehadledastrayherself。
ThedifferenceofHarrietatMrs。Goddard’s，orinLondon，madeperhapsanunreasonabledifferenceinEmma’ssensations；butshecouldnotthinkofherinLondonwithoutobjectsofcuriosityandemployment，whichmustbeavertingthepast，andcarryingheroutofherself。
ShewouldnotallowanyotheranxietytosucceeddirectlytotheplaceinhermindwhichHarriethadoccupied。Therewasacommunicationbeforeher，onewhichsheonlycouldbecompetenttomake——
theconfessionofherengagementtoherfather；butshewouldhavenothingtodowithitatpresent——ShehadresolvedtodeferthedisclosuretillMrs。Westonweresafeandwell。Noadditionalagitationshouldbethrownatthisperiodamongthosesheloved——
andtheevilshouldnotactonherselfbyanticipationbeforetheappointedtime——Afortnight，atleast，ofleisureandpeaceofmind，tocrowneverywarmer，butmoreagitating，delight，shouldbehers。
Shesoonresolved，equallyasadutyandapleasure，toemployhalfanhourofthisholidayofspiritsincallingonMissFairfax——
Sheoughttogo——andshewaslongingtoseeher；theresemblanceoftheirpresentsituationsincreasingeveryothermotiveofgoodwill。
Itwouldbeasecretsatisfaction；buttheconsciousnessofasimilarityofprospectwouldcertainlyaddtotheinterestwithwhichsheshouldattendtoanythingJanemightcommunicate。
Shewent——shehaddrivenonceunsuccessfullytothedoor，buthadnotbeenintothehousesincethemorningafterBoxHill，whenpoorJanehadbeeninsuchdistressashadfilledherwithcompassion，thoughalltheworstofhersufferingshadbeenunsuspected——
Thefearofbeingstillunwelcome，determinedher，thoughassuredoftheirbeingathome，towaitinthepassage，andsenduphername——
SheheardPattyannouncingit；butnosuchbustlesucceededaspoorMissBateshadbeforemadesohappilyintelligible——No；sheheardnothingbuttheinstantreplyof，“Beghertowalkup；“——andamomentafterwardsshewasmetonthestairsbyJaneherself，comingeagerlyforward，asifnootherreceptionofherwerefeltsufficient——
Emmahadneverseenherlooksowell，solovely，soengaging。
Therewasconsciousness，animation，andwarmth；therewaseverythingwhichhercountenanceormannercouldeverhavewanted——
Shecameforwardwithanofferedhand；andsaid，inalow，butveryfeelingtone，“Thisismostkind，indeed！——MissWoodhouse，itisimpossibleformetoexpress——Ihopeyouwillbelieve——Excusemeforbeingsoentirelywithoutwords。”
Emmawasgratified，andwouldsoonhaveshewnnowantofwords，ifthesoundofMrs。Elton’svoicefromthesitting-roomhadnotcheckedher，andmadeitexpedienttocompressallherfriendlyandallhercongratulatorysensationsintoavery，veryearnestshakeofthehand。
Mrs。BatesandMrs。Eltonweretogether。MissBateswasout，whichaccountedfortheprevioustranquillity。EmmacouldhavewishedMrs。Eltonelsewhere；butshewasinahumourtohavepatiencewitheverybody；andasMrs。Eltonmetherwithunusualgraciousness，shehopedtherencontrewoulddothemnoharm。
ShesoonbelievedherselftopenetrateMrs。Elton’sthoughts，andunderstandwhyshewas，likeherself，inhappyspirits；
itwasbeinginMissFairfax’sconfidence，andfancyingherselfacquaintedwithwhatwasstillasecrettootherpeople。
Emmasawsymptomsofitimmediatelyintheexpressionofherface；
andwhilepayingherowncomplimentstoMrs。Bates，andappearingtoattendtothegoodoldlady’sreplies，shesawherwithasortofanxiousparadeofmysteryfoldupaletterwhichshehadapparentlybeenreadingaloudtoMissFairfax，andreturnitintothepurpleandgoldreticulebyherside，saying，withsignificantnods，“Wecanfinishthissomeothertime，youknow。YouandIshallnotwantopportunities。And，infact，youhaveheardalltheessentialalready。IonlywantedtoprovetoyouthatMrs。S。
admitsourapology，andisnotoffended。Youseehowdelightfullyshewrites。Oh！sheisasweetcreature！Youwouldhavedoatedonher，hadyougone——Butnotawordmore。Letusbediscreet——
quiteonourgoodbehaviour——Hush！——Yourememberthoselines——
Iforgetthepoematthismoment：
“Forwhenalady’sinthecase，“Youknowallotherthingsgiveplace。”
NowIsay，mydear，inourcase，forlady，read——mum！awordtothewise——Iaminafineflowofspirits，an’tI？ButIwanttosetyourheartateaseastoMrs。S——Myrepresentation，yousee，hasquiteappeasedher。”
Andagain，onEmma’smerelyturningherheadtolookatMrs。Bates’sknitting，sheadded，inahalfwhisper，“Imentionednonames，youwillobserve——Oh！no；cautiousasaministerofstate。Imanageditextremelywell。”
Emmacouldnotdoubt。Itwasapalpabledisplay，repeatedoneverypossibleoccasion。WhentheyhadalltalkedalittlewhileinharmonyoftheweatherandMrs。Weston，shefoundherselfabruptlyaddressedwith，“Donotyouthink，MissWoodhouse，oursaucylittlefriendhereischarminglyrecovered？——DonotyouthinkhercuredoesPerrythehighestcredit？——herewasaside-glanceofgreatmeaningatJane。
Uponmyword，Perryhasrestoredherinawonderfulshorttime！——
Oh！ifyouhadseenher，asIdid，whenshewasattheworst！“——
AndwhenMrs。BateswassayingsomethingtoEmma，whisperedfarther，“WedonotsayawordofanyassistancethatPerrymighthave；
notawordofacertainyoungphysicianfromWindsor——Oh！no；
Perryshallhaveallthecredit。”
“Ihavescarcehadthepleasureofseeingyou，MissWoodhouse。”
sheshortlyafterwardsbegan，“sincethepartytoBoxHill。
Verypleasantparty。ButyetIthinktherewassomethingwanting。
Thingsdidnotseem——thatis，thereseemedalittleclouduponthespiritsofsome——Soitappearedtomeatleast，butImightbemistaken。However，Ithinkitansweredsofarastotemptonetogoagain。Whatsayyoubothtoourcollectingthesameparty，andexploringtoBoxHillagain，whilethefineweatherlasts？——
Itmustbethesameparty，youknow，quitethesameparty，notoneexception。”
SoonafterthisMissBatescamein，andEmmacouldnothelpbeingdivertedbytheperplexityofherfirstanswertoherself，resulting，shesupposed，fromdoubtofwhatmightbesaid，andimpatiencetosayeverything。
“Thankyou，dearMissWoodhouse，youareallkindness——Itisimpossibletosay——Yes，indeed，Iquiteunderstand——dearestJane’sprospects——
thatis，Idonotmean——Butsheischarminglyrecovered——
HowisMr。Woodhouse？——Iamsoglad——Quiteoutofmypower——
Suchahappylittlecircleasyoufindushere——Yes，indeed——
Charmingyoungman！——thatis——soveryfriendly；ImeangoodMr。Perry！——
suchattentiontoJane！“——Andfromhergreat，hermorethancommonlythankfuldelighttowardsMrs。Eltonforbeingthere，EmmaguessedthattherehadbeenalittleshowofresentmenttowardsJane，fromthevicaragequarter，whichwasnowgraciouslyovercome——
Afterafewwhispers，indeed，whichplaceditbeyondaguess，Mrs。Elton，speakinglouder，said，“Yes，hereIam，mygoodfriend；andhereIhavebeensolong，thatanywhereelseIshouldthinkitnecessarytoapologise；
but，thetruthis，thatIamwaitingformylordandmaster。
Hepromisedtojoinmehere，andpayhisrespectstoyou。”
“What！arewetohavethepleasureofacallfromMr。Elton？——
Thatwillbeafavourindeed！forIknowgentlemendonotlikemorningvisits，andMr。Elton’stimeissoengaged。”
“Uponmyworditis，MissBates——Hereallyisengagedfrommorningtonight——Thereisnoendofpeople’scomingtohim，onsomepretenceorother——Themagistrates，andoverseers，andchurchwardens，arealwayswantinghisopinion。Theyseemnotabletodoanythingwithouthim——`Uponmyword，Mr。E。，’Ioftensay，`ratheryouthanI——
Idonotknowwhatwouldbecomeofmycrayonsandmyinstrument，ifIhadhalfsomanyapplicants。’——Badenoughasitis，forI
absolutelyneglectthembothtoanunpardonabledegree——IbelieveIhavenotplayedabarthisfortnight——However，heiscoming，Iassureyou：yes，indeed，onpurposetowaitonyouall。”
AndputtingupherhandtoscreenherwordsfromEmma——“Acongratulatoryvisit，youknow——Oh！yes，quiteindispensable。”
MissBateslookedabouther，sohappily！——
“HepromisedtocometomeassoonashecoulddisengagehimselffromKnightley；butheandKnightleyareshutuptogetherindeepconsultation——Mr。E。isKnightley’srighthand。”
Emmawouldnothavesmiledfortheworld，andonlysaid，“IsMr。EltongoneonfoottoDonwell？——Hewillhaveahotwalk。”
“Oh！no，itisameetingattheCrown，aregularmeeting。
WestonandColewillbetheretoo；butoneisapttospeakonlyofthosewholead——IfancyMr。E。andKnightleyhaveeverythingtheirownway。”
“Havenotyoumistakentheday？“saidEmma。“IamalmostcertainthatthemeetingattheCrownisnottillto-morrow——Mr。KnightleywasatHartfieldyesterday，andspokeofitasforSaturday。”
“Oh！no，themeetingiscertainlyto-day。”wastheabruptanswer，whichdenotedtheimpossibilityofanyblunderonMrs。Elton’sside——
“Idobelieve。”shecontinued，“thisisthemosttroublesomeparishthateverwas。WeneverheardofsuchthingsatMapleGrove。”
“Yourparishtherewassmall。”saidJane。
“Uponmyword，mydear，Idonotknow，forIneverheardthesubjecttalkedof。”
“Butitisprovedbythesmallnessoftheschool，whichIhaveheardyouspeakof，asunderthepatronageofyoursisterandMrs。Bragge；
theonlyschool，andnotmorethanfive-and-twentychildren。”
“Ah！youclevercreature，that’sverytrue。Whatathinkingbrainyouhave！Isay，Jane，whataperfectcharacteryouandIshouldmake，ifwecouldbeshakentogether。Mylivelinessandyoursoliditywouldproduceperfection——NotthatIpresumetoinsinuate，however，thatsomepeoplemaynotthinkyouperfectionalready——Buthush！——
notaword，ifyouplease。”
Itseemedanunnecessarycaution；Janewaswantingtogiveherwords，nottoMrs。Elton，buttoMissWoodhouse，asthelatterplainlysaw。
Thewishofdistinguishingher，asfarascivilitypermitted，wasveryevident，thoughitcouldnotoftenproceedbeyondalook。
Mr。Eltonmadehisappearance。Hisladygreetedhimwithsomeofhersparklingvivacity。
“Verypretty，sir，uponmyword；tosendmeonhere，tobeanencumbrancetomyfriends，solongbeforeyouvouchsafetocome！——
Butyouknewwhatadutifulcreatureyouhadtodealwith。
YouknewIshouldnotstirtillmylordandmasterappeared——
HerehaveIbeensittingthishour，givingtheseyoungladiesasampleoftrueconjugalobedience——forwhocansay，youknow，howsoonitmaybewanted？“
Mr。Eltonwassohotandtired，thatallthiswitseemedthrownaway。
Hiscivilitiestotheotherladiesmustbepaid；buthissubsequentobjectwastolamentoverhimselffortheheathewassuffering，andthewalkhehadhadfornothing。
“WhenIgottoDonwell。”saidhe，“Knightleycouldnotbefound。
Veryodd！veryunaccountable！afterthenoteIsenthimthismorning，andthemessagehereturned，thatheshouldcertainlybeathometillone。”
“Donwell！“criedhiswife——“MydearMr。E。，youhavenotbeentoDonwell！——YoumeantheCrown；youcomefromthemeetingattheCrown。”
“No，no，that’sto-morrow；andIparticularlywantedtoseeKnightleyto-dayonthatveryaccount——Suchadreadfulbroilingmorning！——
Iwentoverthefieldstoo——speakinginatoneofgreatill-usage，
whichmadeitsomuchtheworse。Andthennottofindhimathome！
IassureyouIamnotatallpleased。Andnoapologyleft，nomessageforme。Thehousekeeperdeclaredsheknewnothingofmybeingexpected——
Veryextraordinary！——Andnobodyknewatallwhichwayhewasgone。
PerhapstoHartfield，perhapstotheAbbeyMill，perhapsintohiswoods——
MissWoodhouse，thisisnotlikeourfriendKnightley！——Canyouexplainit？“
Emmaamusedherselfbyprotestingthatitwasveryextraordinary，indeed，andthatshehadnotasyllabletosayforhim。
“Icannotimagine。”saidMrs。Elton，feelingtheindignityasawifeoughttodo，“Icannotimaginehowhecoulddosuchathingbyyou，ofallpeopleintheworld！Theverylastpersonwhomoneshouldexpecttobeforgotten！——MydearMr。E。，hemusthaveleftamessageforyou，Iamsurehemust——NotevenKnightleycouldbesoveryeccentric；——
andhisservantsforgotit。Dependuponit，thatwasthecase：
andverylikelytohappenwiththeDonwellservants，whoareall，Ihaveoftenobserved，extremelyawkwardandremiss——IamsureI
wouldnothavesuchacreatureashisHarrystandatoursideboardforanyconsideration。AndasforMrs。Hodges，Wrightholdsherverycheapindeed——ShepromisedWrightareceipt，andneversentit。”
“ImetWilliamLarkins。”continuedMr。Elton，“asIgotnearthehouse，andhetoldmeIshouldnotfindhismasterathome，butIdidnotbelievehim——Williamseemedratheroutofhumour。
Hedidnotknowwhatwascometohismasterlately，hesaid，buthecouldhardlyevergetthespeechofhim。IhavenothingtodowithWilliam’swants，butitreallyisofverygreatimportancethatI
shouldseeKnightleyto-day；anditbecomesamatter，therefore，ofveryseriousinconveniencethatIshouldhavehadthishotwalktonopurpose。”
Emmafeltthatshecouldnotdobetterthangohomedirectly。
Inallprobabilityshewasatthisverytimewaitedforthere；
andMr。KnightleymightbepreservedfromsinkingdeeperinaggressiontowardsMr。Elton，ifnottowardsWilliamLarkins。
Shewaspleased，ontakingleave，tofindMissFairfaxdeterminedtoattendheroutoftheroom，togowithherevendownstairs；
itgaveheranopportunitywhichsheimmediatelymadeuseof，tosay，“Itisaswell，perhaps，thatIhavenothadthepossibility。
Hadyounotbeensurroundedbyotherfriends，Imighthavebeentemptedtointroduceasubject，toaskquestions，tospeakmoreopenlythanmighthavebeenstrictlycorrect——IfeelthatIshouldcertainlyhavebeenimpertinent。”
“Oh！“criedJane，withablushandanhesitationwhichEmmathoughtinfinitelymorebecomingtoherthanalltheeleganceofallherusualcomposure——“therewouldhavebeennodanger。Thedangerwouldhavebeenofmywearyingyou。Youcouldnothavegratifiedmemorethanbyexpressinganinterest。Indeed，MissWoodhouse，speakingmorecollectedly，withtheconsciousnesswhichI
haveofmisconduct，verygreatmisconduct，itisparticularlyconsolingtometoknowthatthoseofmyfriends，whosegoodopinionismostworthpreserving，arenotdisgustedtosuchadegreeasto——IhavenottimeforhalfthatIcouldwishtosay。
Ilongtomakeapologies，excuses，tourgesomethingformyself。
Ifeelitsoverydue。But，unfortunately——inshort，ifyourcompassiondoesnotstandmyfriend——“
“Oh！youaretooscrupulous，indeedyouare。”criedEmmawarmly，andtakingherhand。“Youowemenoapologies；andeverybodytowhomyoumightbesupposedtoowethem，issoperfectlysatisfied，sodelightedeven——“
“Youareverykind，butIknowwhatmymannersweretoyou——
Socoldandartificial！——Ihadalwaysaparttoact——Itwasalifeofdeceit！——IknowthatImusthavedisgustedyou。”
“Praysaynomore。Ifeelthatalltheapologiesshouldbeonmyside。
Letusforgiveeachotheratonce。Wemustdowhateveristobedonequickest，andIthinkourfeelingswilllosenotimethere。
IhopeyouhavepleasantaccountsfromWindsor？“
“Very。”
“Andthenextnews，Isuppose，willbe，thatwearetoloseyou——
justasIbegintoknowyou。”
“Oh！astoallthat，ofcoursenothingcanbethoughtofyet。
IamheretillclaimedbyColonelandMrs。Campbell。”
“Nothingcanbeactuallysettledyet，perhaps。”repliedEmma，smiling——“but，excuseme，itmustbethoughtof。”
ThesmilewasreturnedasJaneanswered，“Youareveryright；ithasbeenthoughtof。AndIwillowntoyou，Iamsureitwillbesafe，thatsofarasourlivingwithMr。ChurchillatEnscombe，itissettled。Theremustbethreemonths，atleast，ofdeepmourning；butwhentheyareover，Iimaginetherewillbenothingmoretowaitfor。”
“Thankyou，thankyou——ThisisjustwhatIwantedtobeassuredof——
Oh！ifyouknewhowmuchIloveeverythingthatisdecidedandopen！——
Good-bye，good-bye。”
Chapter17CHAPTERXVII
Mrs。Weston’sfriendswereallmadehappybyhersafety；
andifthesatisfactionofherwell-doingcouldbeincreasedtoEmma，itwasbyknowinghertobethemotherofalittlegirl。
ShehadbeendecidedinwishingforaMissWeston。Shewouldnotacknowledgethatitwaswithanyviewofmakingamatchforher，hereafter，witheitherofIsabella’ssons；butshewasconvincedthatadaughterwouldsuitbothfatherandmotherbest。
ItwouldbeagreatcomforttoMr。Weston，ashegrewolder——
andevenMr。Westonmightbegrowingoldertenyearshence——tohavehisfiresideenlivenedbythesportsandthenonsense，thefreaksandthefanciesofachildneverbanishedfromhome；andMrs。Weston——
noonecoulddoubtthatadaughterwouldbemosttoher；anditwouldbequiteapitythatanyonewhosowellknewhowtoteach，shouldnothavetheirpowersinexerciseagain。
“Shehashadtheadvantage，youknow，ofpractisingonme。”
shecontinued——“likeLaBaronned’AlmaneonLaComtessed’Ostalis，inMadamedeGenlis’AdelaideandTheodore，andweshallnowseeherownlittleAdelaideeducatedonamoreperfectplan。”
“Thatis。”repliedMr。Knightley，“shewillindulgeherevenmorethanshedidyou，andbelievethatshedoesnotindulgeheratall。
Itwillbetheonlydifference。”
“Poorchild！“criedEmma；“atthatrate，whatwillbecomeofher？“
“Nothingverybad——Thefateofthousands。Shewillbedisagreeableininfancy，andcorrectherselfasshegrowsolder。Iamlosingallmybitternessagainstspoiltchildren，mydearestEmma。
I，whoamowingallmyhappinesstoyou，wouldnotitbehorribleingratitudeinmetobesevereonthem？“
Emmalaughed，andreplied：“ButIhadtheassistanceofallyourendeavourstocounteracttheindulgenceofotherpeople。
Idoubtwhethermyownsensewouldhavecorrectedmewithoutit。”
“Doyou？——Ihavenodoubt。Naturegaveyouunderstanding：——
MissTaylorgaveyouprinciples。Youmusthavedonewell。