HehadfrightenedheralittleaboutMr。Elton；butwhensheconsideredthatMr。Knightleycouldnothaveobservedhimasshehaddone，neitherwiththeinterest，norshemustbeallowedtotellherself，inspiteofMr。Knightley’spretensionswiththeskillofsuchanobserveronsuchaquestionasherself，thathehadspokenithastilyandinanger，shewasabletobelieve，thathehadrathersaidwhathewishedresentfullytobetrue，thanwhatheknewanythingabout。HecertainlymighthaveheardMr。Eltonspeakwithmoreunreservethanshehadeverdone，andMr。Eltonmightnotbeofanimprudent，inconsideratedispositionastomoneymatters；
hemightnaturallyberatherattentivethanotherwisetothem；
butthen，Mr。Knightleydidnotmakedueallowancefortheinfluenceofastrongpassionatwarwithallinterestedmotives。Mr。Knightleysawnosuchpassion，andofcoursethoughtnothingofitseffects；
butshesawtoomuchofittofeeladoubtofitsovercominganyhesitationsthatareasonableprudencemightoriginallysuggest；
andmorethanareasonable，becomingdegreeofprudence，shewasverysuredidnotbelongtoMr。Elton。
Harriet’scheerfullookandmannerestablishedhers：shecameback，nottothinkofMr。Martin，buttotalkofMr。Elton。MissNashhadbeentellinghersomething，whichsherepeatedimmediatelywithgreatdelight。Mr。PerryhadbeentoMrs。Goddard’stoattendasickchild，andMissNashhadseenhim，andhehadtoldMissNash，thatashewascomingbackyesterdayfromClaytonPark，hehadmetMr。Elton，andfoundtohisgreatsurprize，thatMr。EltonwasactuallyonhisroadtoLondon，andnotmeaningtoreturntillthemorrow，thoughitwasthewhist-clubnight，whichhehadbeenneverknowntomissbefore；andMr。Perryhadremonstratedwithhimaboutit，andtoldhimhowshabbyitwasinhim，theirbestplayer，toabsenthimself，andtriedverymuchtopersuadehimtoputoffhisjourneyonlyoneday；butitwouldnotdo；Mr。Eltonhadbeendeterminedtogoon，andhadsaidinaveryparticularwayindeed，thathewasgoingonbusinesswhichhewouldnotputoffforanyinducementintheworld；andsomethingaboutaveryenviablecommission，andbeingthebearerofsomethingexceedinglyprecious。Mr。Perrycouldnotquiteunderstandhim，buthewasverysuretheremustbealadyinthecase，andhetoldhimso；andMr。Eltononlylookedveryconsciousandsmiling，androdeoffingreatspirits。
MissNashhadtoldherallthis，andhadtalkedagreatdealmoreaboutMr。Elton；andsaid，lookingsoverysignificantlyather，“thatshedidnotpretendtounderstandwhathisbusinessmightbe，butsheonlyknewthatanywomanwhomMr。Eltoncouldprefer，sheshouldthinktheluckiestwomanintheworld；for，beyondadoubt，Mr。Eltonhadnothisequalforbeautyoragreeableness。”
Chapter09CHAPTERIX
Mr。Knightleymightquarrelwithher，butEmmacouldnotquarrelwithherself。Hewassomuchdispleased，thatitwaslongerthanusualbeforehecametoHartfieldagain；andwhentheydidmeet，hisgravelooksshewedthatshewasnotforgiven。Shewassorry，butcouldnotrepent。Onthecontrary，herplansandproceedingsweremoreandmorejustifiedandendearedtoherbythegeneralappearancesofthenextfewdays。
ThePicture，elegantlyframed，camesafelytohandsoonafterMr。Elton’sreturn，andbeinghungoverthemantelpieceofthecommonsitting-room，hegotuptolookatit，andsighedouthishalfsentencesofadmirationjustasheought；andasforHarriet’sfeelings，theywerevisiblyformingthemselvesintoasstrongandsteadyanattachmentasheryouthandsortofmindadmitted。EmmawassoonperfectlysatisfiedofMr。Martin’sbeingnootherwiseremembered，thanashefurnishedacontrastwithMr。Elton，oftheutmostadvantagetothelatter。
Herviewsofimprovingherlittlefriend’smind，byagreatdealofusefulreadingandconversation，hadneveryetledtomorethanafewfirstchapters，andtheintentionofgoingonto-morrow。
Itwasmucheasiertochatthantostudy；muchpleasantertoletherimaginationrangeandworkatHarriet’sfortune，thantobelabouringtoenlargehercomprehensionorexerciseitonsoberfacts；
andtheonlyliterarypursuitwhichengagedHarrietatpresent，theonlymentalprovisionshewasmakingfortheeveningoflife，wasthecollectingandtranscribingalltheriddlesofeverysortthatshecouldmeetwith，intoathinquartoofhot-pressedpaper，madeupbyherfriend，andornamentedwithciphersandtrophies。
Inthisageofliterature，suchcollectionsonaverygrandscalearenotuncommon。MissNash，head-teacheratMrs。Goddard’s，hadwrittenoutatleastthreehundred；andHarriet，whohadtakenthefirsthintofitfromher，hoped，withMissWoodhouse’shelp，togetagreatmanymore。Emmaassistedwithherinvention，memoryandtaste；andasHarrietwroteaveryprettyhand，itwaslikelytobeanarrangementofthefirstorder，informaswellasquantity。
Mr。Woodhousewasalmostasmuchinterestedinthebusinessasthegirls，andtriedveryoftentorecollectsomethingworththeirputtingin。
“Somanycleverriddlesasthereusedtobewhenhewasyoung——hewonderedhecouldnotrememberthem！buthehopedheshouldintime。”
Anditalwaysendedin“Kitty，afairbutfrozenmaid。”
HisgoodfriendPerry，too，whomhehadspokentoonthesubject，didnotatpresentrecollectanythingoftheriddlekind；
buthehaddesiredPerrytobeuponthewatch，andashewentaboutsomuch，something，hethought，mightcomefromthatquarter。
Itwasbynomeanshisdaughter’swishthattheintellectsofHighburyingeneralshouldbeputunderrequisition。Mr。Eltonwastheonlyonewhoseassistancesheasked。Hewasinvitedtocontributeanyreallygoodenigmas，charades，orconundrumsthathemightrecollect；andshehadthepleasureofseeinghimmostintentlyatworkwithhisrecollections；andatthesametime，asshecouldperceive，mostearnestlycarefulthatnothingungallant，nothingthatdidnotbreatheacomplimenttothesexshouldpasshislips。Theyowedtohimtheirtwoorthreepolitestpuzzles；
andthejoyandexultationwithwhichatlastherecalled，andrathersentimentallyrecited，thatwell-knowncharade，Myfirstdothafflictiondenote，Whichmysecondisdestin’dtofeelAndmywholeisthebestantidoteThatafflictiontosoftenandheal——
madeherquitesorrytoacknowledgethattheyhadtranscribeditsomepagesagoalready。
“Whywillnotyouwriteoneyourselfforus，Mr。Elton？“saidshe；
“thatistheonlysecurityforitsfreshness；andnothingcouldbeeasiertoyou。”
“Ohno！hehadneverwritten，hardlyever，anythingofthekindinhislife。Thestupidestfellow！HewasafraidnotevenMissWoodhouse“——hestoptamoment——“orMissSmithcouldinspirehim。”
Theverynextdayhoweverproducedsomeproofofinspiration。
Hecalledforafewmoments，justtoleaveapieceofpaperonthetablecontaining，ashesaid，acharade，whichafriendofhishadaddressedtoayounglady，theobjectofhisadmiration，butwhich，fromhismanner，Emmawasimmediatelyconvincedmustbehisown。
“IdonotofferitforMissSmith’scollection。”saidhe。
“Beingmyfriend’s，Ihavenorighttoexposeitinanydegreetothepubliceye，butperhapsyoumaynotdislikelookingatit。”
ThespeechwasmoretoEmmathantoHarriet，whichEmmacouldunderstand。Therewasdeepconsciousnessabouthim，andhefounditeasiertomeethereyethanherfriend’s。
Hewasgonethenextmoment：——afteranothermoment’spause，“Takeit。”saidEmma，smiling，andpushingthepapertowardsHarriet——“itisforyou。Takeyourown。”
ButHarrietwasinatremor，andcouldnottouchit；andEmma，neverlothtobefirst，wasobligedtoexamineitherself。
ToMiss——
CHARADE。
Myfirstdisplaysthewealthandpompofkings，Lordsoftheearth！theirluxuryandease。
Anotherviewofman，mysecondbrings，Beholdhimthere，themonarchoftheseas！
Butah！united，whatreversewehave！
Man’sboastedpowerandfreedom，allareflown；
Lordoftheearthandsea，hebendsaslave，Andwoman，lovelywoman，reignsalone。
Thyreadywitthewordwillsoonsupply，Mayitsapprovalbeaminthatsofteye！
Shecasthereyeoverit，pondered，caughtthemeaning，readitthroughagaintobequitecertain，andquitemistressofthelines，andthenpassingittoHarriet，sathappilysmiling，andsayingtoherself，whileHarrietwaspuzzlingoverthepaperinalltheconfusionofhopeanddulness，“Verywell，Mr。Elton，verywellindeed。
Ihavereadworsecharades。Courtship——averygoodhint。
Igiveyoucreditforit。Thisisfeelingyourway。Thisissayingveryplainly——`Pray，MissSmith，givemeleavetopaymyaddressestoyou。
Approvemycharadeandmyintentionsinthesameglance。’
Mayitsapprovalbeaminthatsofteye！
Harrietexactly。Softistheverywordforhereye——ofallepithets，thejustestthatcouldbegiven。
Thyreadywitthewordwillsoonsupply。
Humph——Harriet’sreadywit！Allthebetter。Amanmustbeverymuchinlove，indeed，todescribeherso。Ah！Mr。Knightley，Iwishyouhadthebenefitofthis；Ithinkthiswouldconvinceyou。
Foronceinyourlifeyouwouldbeobligedtoownyourselfmistaken。
Anexcellentcharadeindeed！andverymuchtothepurpose。
Thingsmustcometoacrisissoonnow。”
Shewasobligedtobreakofffromtheseverypleasantobservations，whichwereotherwiseofasorttorunintogreatlength，bytheeagernessofHarriet’swonderingquestions。
“Whatcanitbe，MissWoodhouse？——whatcanitbe？Ihavenotanidea——I
cannotguessitintheleast。Whatcanitpossiblybe？Dotrytofinditout，MissWoodhouse。Dohelpme。Ineversawanythingsohard。Isitkingdom？Iwonderwhothefriendwas——andwhocouldbetheyounglady。Doyouthinkitisagoodone？Canitbewoman？
Andwoman，lovelywoman，reignsalone。
CanitbeNeptune？
Beholdhimthere，themonarchoftheseas！
Oratrident？oramermaid？orashark？Oh，no！sharkisonlyonesyllable。Itmustbeveryclever，orhewouldnothavebroughtit。
Oh！MissWoodhouse，doyouthinkweshalleverfinditout？“
“Mermaidsandsharks！Nonsense！MydearHarriet，whatareyouthinkingof？Wherewouldbetheuseofhisbringingusacharademadebyafrienduponamermaidorashark？Givemethepaperandlisten。
ForMiss——，readMissSmith。
Myfirstdisplaysthewealthandpompofkings，Lordsoftheearth！theirluxuryandease。
Thatiscourt。
Anotherviewofman，mysecondbrings；
Beholdhimthere，themonarchoftheseas！
Thatisship；——plainasitcanbe——Nowforthecream。
Butah！united，courtship，youknow，whatreversewehave！
Man’sboastedpowerandfreedom，allareflown。
Lordoftheearthandsea，hebendsaslave，Andwoman，lovelywoman，reignsalone。
Averypropercompliment！——andthenfollowstheapplication，whichIthink，mydearHarriet，youcannotfindmuchdifficultyincomprehending。Readitincomforttoyourself。Therecanbenodoubtofitsbeingwrittenforyouandtoyou。”
Harrietcouldnotlongresistsodelightfulapersuasion。
Shereadtheconcludinglines，andwasallflutterandhappiness。
Shecouldnotspeak。Butshewasnotwantedtospeak。Itwasenoughforhertofeel。Emmaspokeforher。
“Thereissopointed，andsoparticularameaninginthiscompliment。”
saidshe，“thatIcannothaveadoubtastoMr。Elton’sintentions。
Youarehisobject——andyouwillsoonreceivethecompletestproofofit。Ithoughtitmustbeso。IthoughtIcouldnotbesodeceived；
butnow，itisclear；thestateofhismindisasclearanddecided，asmywishesonthesubjecthavebeeneversinceIknewyou。
Yes，Harriet，justsolonghaveIbeenwantingtheverycircumstancetohappenwhathashappened。IcouldnevertellwhetheranattachmentbetweenyouandMr。Eltonweremostdesirableormostnatural。
Itsprobabilityanditseligibilityhavereallysoequalledeachother！Iamveryhappy。Icongratulateyou，mydearHarriet，withallmyheart。Thisisanattachmentwhichawomanmaywellfeelprideincreating。Thisisaconnexionwhichoffersnothingbutgood。
Itwillgiveyoueverythingthatyouwant——consideration，independence，aproperhome——itwillfixyouinthecentreofallyourrealfriends，closetoHartfieldandtome，andconfirmourintimacyforever。
This，Harriet，isanalliancewhichcanneverraiseablushineitherofus。”
“DearMissWoodhouse！“——and“DearMissWoodhouse。”wasallthatHarriet，withmanytenderembracescouldarticulateatfirst；butwhentheydidarriveatsomethingmorelikeconversation，itwassufficientlycleartoherfriendthatshesaw，felt，anticipated，andrememberedjustassheought。Mr。Elton’ssuperiorityhadveryampleacknowledgment。
“Whateveryousayisalwaysright。”criedHarriet，“andthereforeIsuppose，andbelieve，andhopeitmustbeso；butotherwiseIcouldnothaveimaginedit。ItissomuchbeyondanythingIdeserve。
Mr。Elton，whomightmarryanybody！Therecannotbetwoopinionsabouthim。Heissoverysuperior。Onlythinkofthosesweetverses——“ToMiss。”Dearme，howclever！——Coulditreallybemeantforme？“
“Icannotmakeaquestion，orlistentoaquestionaboutthat。
Itisacertainty。Receiveitonmyjudgment。Itisasortofprologuetotheplay，amottotothechapter；andwillbesoonfollowedbymatter-of-factprose。”
“Itisasortofthingwhichnobodycouldhaveexpected。Iamsure，amonthago，Ihadnomoreideamyself！——Thestrangestthingsdotakeplace！“
“WhenMissSmithsandMr。Eltonsgetacquainted——theydoindeed——andreallyitisstrange；itisoutofthecommoncoursethatwhatissoevidently，sopalpablydesirable——whatcourtsthepre-arrangementofotherpeople，shouldsoimmediatelyshapeitselfintotheproperform。
YouandMr。Eltonarebysituationcalledtogether；youbelongtooneanotherbyeverycircumstanceofyourrespectivehomes。
YourmarryingwillbeequaltothematchatRandalls。TheredoesseemtobeasomethingintheairofHartfieldwhichgivesloveexactlytherightdirection，andsendsitintotheverychannelwhereitoughttoflow。
Thecourseoftrueloveneverdidrunsmooth——
AHartfieldeditionofShakespearewouldhavealongnoteonthatpassage。”
“ThatMr。Eltonshouldreallybeinlovewithme，——me，ofallpeople，whodidnotknowhim，tospeaktohim，atMichaelmas！Andhe，theveryhandsomestmanthateverwas，andamanthateverybodylooksupto，quitelikeMr。Knightley！Hiscompanysosoughtafter，thateverybodysaysheneednoteatasinglemealbyhimselfifhedoesnotchuseit；thathehasmoreinvitationsthantherearedaysintheweek。AndsoexcellentintheChurch！MissNashhasputdownallthetextshehaseverpreachedfromsincehecametoHighbury。
Dearme！WhenIlookbacktothefirsttimeIsawhim！HowlittledidIthink！——ThetwoAbbotsandIranintothefrontroomandpeepedthroughtheblindwhenweheardhewasgoingby，andMissNashcameandscoldedusaway，andstaidtolookthroughherself；
however，shecalledmebackpresently，andletmelooktoo，whichwasverygood-natured。Andhowbeautifulwethoughthelooked！
Hewasarm-in-armwithMr。Cole。”
“Thisisanalliancewhich，whoever——whateveryourfriendsmaybe，mustbeagreeabletothem，providedatleasttheyhavecommonsense；
andwearenottobeaddressingourconducttofools。Iftheyareanxioustoseeyouhappilymarried，hereisamanwhoseamiablecharactergiveseveryassuranceofit；——iftheywishtohaveyousettledinthesamecountryandcirclewhichtheyhavechosentoplaceyouin，hereitwillbeaccomplished；andiftheironlyobjectisthatyoushould，inthecommonphrase，bewellmarried，hereisthecomfortablefortune，therespectableestablishment，theriseintheworldwhichmustsatisfythem。”
“Yes，verytrue。Hownicelyyoutalk；Ilovetohearyou。
Youunderstandeverything。YouandMr。Eltonareoneascleverastheother。Thischarade！——IfIhadstudiedatwelvemonth，Icouldneverhavemadeanythinglikeit。”
“Ithoughthemeanttotryhisskill，byhismannerofdecliningityesterday。”
“Idothinkitis，withoutexception，thebestcharadeIeverread。”
“Ineverreadonemoretothepurpose，certainly。”
“Itisaslongagainasalmostallwehavehadbefore。”
“Idonotconsideritslengthasparticularlyinitsfavour。
Suchthingsingeneralcannotbetooshort。”
Harrietwastoointentonthelinestohear。Themostsatisfactorycomparisonswererisinginhermind。
“Itisonething。”saidshe，presently——hercheeksinaglow——“tohaveverygoodsenseinacommonway，likeeverybodyelse，andifthereisanythingtosay，tositdownandwritealetter，andsayjustwhatyoumust，inashortway；andanother，towriteversesandcharadeslikethis。”
EmmacouldnothavedesiredamorespiritedrejectionofMr。Martin’sprose。
“Suchsweetlines！“continuedHarriet——“thesetwolast！——ButhowshallIeverbeabletoreturnthepaper，orsayIhavefounditout？——Oh！MissWoodhouse，whatcanwedoaboutthat？“
“Leaveittome。Youdonothing。Hewillbeherethisevening，Idaresay，andthenIwillgiveithimback，andsomenonsenseorotherwillpassbetweenus，andyoushallnotbecommitted——Yoursofteyesshallchusetheirowntimeforbeaming。Trusttome。”
“Oh！MissWoodhouse，whatapitythatImustnotwritethisbeautifulcharadeintomybook！IamsureIhavenotgotonehalfsogood。”
“Leaveoutthetwolastlines，andthereisnoreasonwhyyoushouldnotwriteitintoyourbook。”
“Oh！butthosetwolinesare“——
“Thebestofall。Granted；——forprivateenjoyment；andforprivateenjoymentkeepthem。Theyarenotatallthelesswrittenyouknow，becauseyoudividethem。Thecoupletdoesnotceasetobe，nordoesitsmeaningchange。Buttakeitaway，andallappropriationceases，andaveryprettygallantcharaderemains，fitforanycollection。
Dependuponit，hewouldnotliketohavehischaradeslighted，muchbetterthanhispassion。Apoetinlovemustbeencouragedinbothcapacities，orneither。Givemethebook，Iwillwriteitdown，andthentherecanbenopossiblereflectiononyou。”
Harrietsubmitted，thoughhermindcouldhardlyseparatetheparts，soastofeelquitesurethatherfriendwerenotwritingdownadeclarationoflove。Itseemedtoopreciousanofferingforanydegreeofpublicity。
“Ishallneverletthatbookgooutofmyownhands。”saidshe。
“Verywell。”repliedEmma；“amostnaturalfeeling；andthelongeritlasts，thebetterIshallbepleased。Buthereismyfathercoming：youwillnotobjecttomyreadingthecharadetohim。
Itwillbegivinghimsomuchpleasure！Helovesanythingofthesort，andespeciallyanythingthatpayswomanacompliment。
Hehasthetenderestspiritofgallantrytowardsusall！——Youmustletmereadittohim。”
Harrietlookedgrave。
“MydearHarriet，youmustnotrefinetoomuchuponthischarade——Youwillbetrayyourfeelingsimproperly，ifyouaretooconsciousandtooquick，andappeartoaffixmoremeaning，orevenquiteallthemeaningwhichmaybeaffixedtoit。
Donotbeoverpoweredbysuchalittletributeofadmiration。
Ifhehadbeenanxiousforsecrecy，hewouldnothaveleftthepaperwhileIwasby；butheratherpushedittowardsmethantowardsyou。
Donotletusbetoosolemnonthebusiness。Hehasencouragementenoughtoproceed，withoutoursighingoutoursoulsoverthischarade。”
“Oh！no——IhopeIshallnotberidiculousaboutit。Doasyouplease。”
Mr。Woodhousecamein，andverysoonledtothesubjectagain，bytherecurrenceofhisveryfrequentinquiryof“Well，mydears，howdoesyourbookgoon？——Haveyougotanythingfresh？“
“Yes，papa；wehavesomethingtoreadyou，somethingquitefresh。
Apieceofpaperwasfoundonthetablethismorning——dropt，wesuppose，byafairy——containingaveryprettycharade，andwehavejustcopieditin。”
Shereadittohim，justashelikedtohaveanythingread，slowlyanddistinctly，andtwoorthreetimesover，withexplanationsofeverypartassheproceeded——andhewasverymuchpleased，and，asshehadforeseen，especiallystruckwiththecomplimentaryconclusion。
“Aye，that’sveryjust，indeed，that’sveryproperlysaid。
Verytrue。`Woman，lovelywoman。’Itissuchaprettycharade，mydear，thatIcaneasilyguesswhatfairybroughtit——Nobodycouldhavewrittensoprettily，butyou，Emma。”
Emmaonlynodded，andsmiled——Afteralittlethinking，andaverytendersigh，headded，“Ah！itisnodifficultytoseewhoyoutakeafter！Yourdearmotherwassocleveratallthosethings！IfIhadbuthermemory！ButI
canremembernothing；——noteventhatparticularriddlewhichyouhaveheardmemention；Icanonlyrecollectthefirststanza；
andthereareseveral。
Kitty，afairbutfrozenmaid，KindledaflameIyetdeplore，Thehood-wink’dboyIcalledtoaid，Thoughofhisnearapproachafraid，Sofataltomysuitbefore。
AndthatisallthatIcanrecollectofit——butitisverycleverallthewaythrough。ButIthink，mydear，yousaidyouhadgotit。”
“Yes，papa，itiswrittenoutinoursecondpage。WecopieditfromtheElegantExtracts。ItwasGarrick’s，youknow。”
“Aye，verytrue——IwishIcouldrecollectmoreofit。
Kitty，afairbutfrozenmaid。
ThenamemakesmethinkofpoorIsabella；forshewasverynearbeingchristenedCatherineafterhergrandmama。Ihopeweshallhaveherherenextweek。Haveyouthought，mydear，whereyoushallputher——andwhatroomtherewillbeforthechildren？“
“Oh！yes——shewillhaveherownroom，ofcourse；theroomshealwayshas；——andthereisthenurseryforthechildren，——justasusual，youknow。Whyshouldtherebeanychange？“
“Idonotknow，mydear——butitissolongsinceshewashere！——notsincelastEaster，andthenonlyforafewdays——Mr。JohnKnightley’sbeingalawyerisveryinconvenient——PoorIsabella！——sheissadlytakenawayfromusall！——andhowsorryshewillbewhenshecomes，nottoseeMissTaylorhere！“
“Shewillnotbesurprized，papa，atleast。”
“Idonotknow，mydear。IamsureIwasverymuchsurprizedwhenIfirstheardshewasgoingtobemarried。”
“WemustaskMr。andMrs。Westontodinewithus，whileIsabellaishere。”
“Yes，mydear，ifthereistime——But——inaverydepressedtone——sheiscomingforonlyoneweek。Therewillnotbetimeforanything。”
“Itisunfortunatethattheycannotstaylonger——butitseemsacaseofnecessity。Mr。JohnKnightleymustbeintownagainonthe28th，andweoughttobethankful，papa，thatwearetohavethewholeofthetimetheycangivetothecountry，thattwoorthreedaysarenottobetakenoutfortheAbbey。Mr。KnightleypromisestogiveuphisclaimthisChristmas——thoughyouknowitislongersincetheywerewithhim，thanwithus。”
“Itwouldbeveryhard，indeed，mydear，ifpoorIsabellaweretobeanywherebutatHartfield。”
Mr。WoodhousecouldneverallowforMr。Knightley’sclaimsonhisbrother，oranybody’sclaimsonIsabella，excepthisown。
Hesatmusingalittlewhile，andthensaid，“ButIdonotseewhypoorIsabellashouldbeobligedtogobacksosoon，thoughhedoes。Ithink，Emma，Ishalltryandpersuadehertostaylongerwithus。Sheandthechildrenmightstayverywell。”
“Ah！papa——thatiswhatyouneverhavebeenabletoaccomplish，andIdonotthinkyoueverwill。Isabellacannotbeartostaybehindherhusband。”
Thiswastootrueforcontradiction。Unwelcomeasitwas，Mr。
Woodhousecouldonlygiveasubmissivesigh；andasEmmasawhisspiritsaffectedbytheideaofhisdaughter’sattachmenttoherhusband，sheimmediatelyledtosuchabranchofthesubjectasmustraisethem。
“Harrietmustgiveusasmuchofhercompanyasshecanwhilemybrotherandsisterarehere。Iamsureshewillbepleasedwiththechildren。Weareveryproudofthechildren，arenotwe，papa？Iwonderwhichshewillthinkthehandsomest，HenryorJohn？“
“Aye，Iwonderwhichshewill。Poorlittledears，howgladtheywillbetocome。TheyareveryfondofbeingatHartfield，Harriet。”
“Idaresaytheyare，sir。IamsureIdonotknowwhoisnot。”
“Henryisafineboy，butJohnisverylikehismama。Henryistheeldest，hewasnamedafterme，notafterhisfather。John，thesecond，isnamedafterhisfather。Somepeoplearesurprized，Ibelieve，thattheeldestwasnot，butIsabellawouldhavehimcalledHenry，whichIthoughtveryprettyofher。Andheisaverycleverboy，indeed。Theyareallremarkablyclever；andtheyhavesomanyprettyways。Theywillcomeandstandbymychair，andsay，`Grandpapa，canyougivemeabitofstring？’andonceHenryaskedmeforaknife，butItoldhimkniveswereonlymadeforgrandpapas。
Ithinktheirfatheristooroughwiththemveryoften。”
“Heappearsroughtoyou。”saidEmma，“becauseyouaresoverygentleyourself；butifyoucouldcomparehimwithotherpapas，youwouldnotthinkhimrough。Hewisheshisboystobeactiveandhardy；
andiftheymisbehave，cangivethemasharpwordnowandthen；
butheisanaffectionatefather——certainlyMr。JohnKnightleyisanaffectionatefather。Thechildrenareallfondofhim。”
“Andthentheirunclecomesin，andtossesthemuptotheceilinginaveryfrightfulway！“
“Buttheylikeit，papa；thereisnothingtheylikesomuch。
Itissuchenjoymenttothem，thatiftheiruncledidnotlaydowntheruleoftheirtakingturns，whicheverbeganwouldnevergivewaytotheother。”
“Well，Icannotunderstandit。”
“Thatisthecasewithusall，papa。Onehalfoftheworldcannotunderstandthepleasuresoftheother。”
Laterinthemorning，andjustasthegirlsweregoingtoseparateinpreparationfortheregularfouro’clockdinner，theheroofthisinimitablecharadewalkedinagain。Harrietturnedaway；
butEmmacouldreceivehimwiththeusualsmile，andherquickeyesoondiscernedinhistheconsciousnessofhavingmadeapush——ofhavingthrownadie；andsheimaginedhewascometoseehowitmightturnup。Hisostensiblereason，however，wastoaskwhetherMr。Woodhouse’spartycouldbemadeupintheeveningwithouthim，orwhetherheshouldbeinthesmallestdegreenecessaryatHartfield。
Ifhewere，everythingelsemustgiveway；butotherwisehisfriendColehadbeensayingsomuchabouthisdiningwithhim——hadmadesuchapointofit，thathehadpromisedhimconditionallytocome。
Emmathankedhim，butcouldnotallowofhisdisappointinghisfriendontheiraccount；herfatherwassureofhisrubber。
Here-urged——shere-declined；andheseemedthenabouttomakehisbow，whentakingthepaperfromthetable，shereturnedit——
“Oh！hereisthecharadeyouweresoobligingastoleavewithus；
thankyouforthesightofit。Weadmireditsomuch，thatIhaveventuredtowriteitintoMissSmith’scollection。YourfriendwillnottakeitamissIhope。OfcourseIhavenottranscribedbeyondthefirsteightlines。”
Mr。Eltoncertainlydidnotverywellknowwhattosay。
Helookedratherdoubtingly——ratherconfused；saidsomethingabout“honour。”——glancedatEmmaandatHarriet，andthenseeingthebookopenonthetable，tookitup，andexamineditveryattentively。
Withtheviewofpassingoffanawkwardmoment，Emmasmilinglysaid，“Youmustmakemyapologiestoyourfriend；butsogoodacharademustnotbeconfinedtooneortwo。Hemaybesureofeverywoman’sapprobationwhilehewriteswithsuchgallantry。”
“Ihavenohesitationinsaying。”repliedMr。Elton，thoughhesitatingagooddealwhilehespoke；“Ihavenohesitationinsaying——atleastifmyfriendfeelsatallasIdo——Ihavenotthesmallestdoubtthat，couldheseehislittleeffusionhonouredasIseeit，lookingatthebookagain，andreplacingitonthetable，hewouldconsideritastheproudestmomentofhislife。”
Afterthisspeechhewasgoneassoonaspossible。Emmacouldnotthinkittoosoon；forwithallhisgoodandagreeablequalities，therewasasortofparadeinhisspeecheswhichwasveryapttoinclinehertolaugh。Sheranawaytoindulgetheinclination，leavingthetenderandthesublimeofpleasuretoHarriet’sshare。
Chapter10CHAPTERX
ThoughnowthemiddleofDecember，therehadyetbeennoweathertopreventtheyoungladiesfromtolerablyregularexercise；
andonthemorrow，Emmahadacharitablevisittopaytoapoorsickfamily，wholivedalittlewayoutofHighbury。
TheirroadtothisdetachedcottagewasdownVicarageLane，alaneleadingatrightanglesfromthebroad，thoughirregular，mainstreetoftheplace；and，asmaybeinferred，containingtheblessedabodeofMr。Elton。Afewinferiordwellingswerefirsttobepassed，andthen，aboutaquarterofamiledownthelanerosetheVicarage，anoldandnotverygoodhouse，almostasclosetotheroadasitcouldbe。Ithadnoadvantageofsituation；buthadbeenverymuchsmartenedupbythepresentproprietor；and，suchasitwas，therecouldbenopossibilityofthetwofriendspassingitwithoutaslackenedpaceandobservingeyes——Emma’sremarkwas——
“Thereitis。Theregoyouandyourriddle-bookoneofthesedays。”——
Harriet’swas——
“Oh，whatasweethouse！——Howverybeautiful！——TherearetheyellowcurtainsthatMissNashadmiressomuch。”
“Idonotoftenwalkthiswaynow。”saidEmma，astheyproceeded，“butthentherewillbeaninducement，andIshallgraduallygetintimatelyacquaintedwithallthehedges，gates，poolsandpollardsofthispartofHighbury。”
Harriet，shefound，hadneverinherlifebeenwithinsidetheVicarage，andhercuriositytoseeitwassoextreme，that，consideringexteriorsandprobabilities，Emmacouldonlyclassit，asaproofoflove，withMr。Elton’sseeingreadywitinher。
“Iwishwecouldcontriveit。”saidshe；“butIcannotthinkofanytolerablepretenceforgoingin；——noservantthatIwanttoinquireaboutofhishousekeeper——nomessagefrommyfather。”
Shepondered，butcouldthinkofnothing。Afteramutualsilenceofsomeminutes，Harrietthusbeganagain——
“Idosowonder，MissWoodhouse，thatyoushouldnotbemarried，orgoingtobemarried！socharmingasyouare！“——
Emmalaughed，andreplied，“Mybeingcharming，Harriet，isnotquiteenoughtoinducemetomarry；
Imustfindotherpeoplecharming——oneotherpersonatleast。
AndIamnotonly，notgoingtobemarried，atpresent，buthaveverylittleintentionofevermarryingatall。”
“Ah！——soyousay；butIcannotbelieveit。”
“ImustseesomebodyverysuperiortoanyoneIhaveseenyet，tobetempted；Mr。Elton，youknow，recollectingherself，
isoutofthequestion：andIdonotwishtoseeanysuchperson。
Iwouldrathernotbetempted。Icannotreallychangeforthebetter。
IfIweretomarry，Imustexpecttorepentit。”
“Dearme！——itissooddtohearawomantalkso！“——
“Ihavenoneoftheusualinducementsofwomentomarry。
WereItofallinlove，indeed，itwouldbeadifferentthing！
butIneverhavebeeninlove；itisnotmyway，ormynature；
andIdonotthinkIevershall。And，withoutlove，IamsureI
shouldbeafooltochangesuchasituationasmine。FortuneI
donotwant；employmentIdonotwant；consequenceIdonotwant：
Ibelievefewmarriedwomenarehalfasmuchmistressoftheirhusband’shouseasIamofHartfield；andnever，nevercouldIexpecttobesotrulybelovedandimportant；soalwaysfirstandalwaysrightinanyman’seyesasIaminmyfather’s。”
“Butthen，tobeanoldmaidatlast，likeMissBates！“
“Thatisasformidableanimageasyoucouldpresent，Harriet；andifI
thoughtIshouldeverbelikeMissBates！sosilly——sosatisfied——
sosmiling——soprosing——soundistinguishingandunfastidious——
andsoapttotelleverythingrelativetoeverybodyaboutme，Iwouldmarryto-morrow。Butbetweenus，Iamconvincedtherenevercanbeanylikeness，exceptinbeingunmarried。”
“Butstill，youwillbeanoldmaid！andthat’ssodreadful！“
“Nevermind，Harriet，Ishallnotbeapooroldmaid；anditispovertyonlywhichmakescelibacycontemptibletoagenerouspublic！
Asinglewoman，withaverynarrowincome，mustbearidiculous，disagreeableoldmaid！thepropersportofboysandgirls，butasinglewoman，ofgoodfortune，isalwaysrespectable，andmaybeassensibleandpleasantasanybodyelse。Andthedistinctionisnotquitesomuchagainstthecandourandcommonsenseoftheworldasappearsatfirst；foraverynarrowincomehasatendencytocontractthemind，andsourthetemper。
Thosewhocanbarelylive，andwholiveperforceinaverysmall，andgenerallyveryinferior，society，maywellbeilliberalandcross。
Thisdoesnotapply，however，toMissBates；sheisonlytoogoodnaturedandtoosillytosuitme；but，ingeneral，sheisverymuchtothetasteofeverybody，thoughsingleandthoughpoor。
Povertycertainlyhasnotcontractedhermind：Ireallybelieve，ifshehadonlyashillingintheworld，shewouldbeverylikelytogiveawaysixpenceofit；andnobodyisafraidofher：thatisagreatcharm。”
“Dearme！butwhatshallyoudo？howshallyouemployyourselfwhenyougrowold？“
“IfIknowmyself，Harriet，mineisanactive，busymind，withagreatmanyindependentresources；andIdonotperceivewhyIshouldbemoreinwantofemploymentatfortyorfiftythanone-and-twenty。
Woman’susualoccupationsofhandandmindwillbeasopentomethenastheyarenow；orwithnoimportantvariation。IfIdrawless，Ishallreadmore；ifIgiveupmusic，Ishalltaketocarpet-work。
Andasforobjectsofinterest，objectsfortheaffections，whichisintruththegreatpointofinferiority，thewantofwhichisreallythegreateviltobeavoidedinnotmarrying，Ishallbeverywelloff，withallthechildrenofasisterIlovesomuch，tocareabout。Therewillbeenoughofthem，inallprobability，tosupplyeverysortofsensationthatdeclininglifecanneed。
Therewillbeenoughforeveryhopeandeveryfear；andthoughmyattachmenttononecanequalthatofaparent，itsuitsmyideasofcomfortbetterthanwhatiswarmerandblinder。Mynephewsandnieces！——Ishalloftenhaveaniecewithme。”
“DoyouknowMissBates’sniece？Thatis，Iknowyoumusthaveseenherahundredtimes——butareyouacquainted？“
“Oh！yes；wearealwaysforcedtobeacquaintedwhenevershecomestoHighbury。Bythebye，thatisalmostenoughtoputoneoutofconceitwithaniece。Heavenforbid！atleast，thatIshouldeverborepeoplehalfsomuchaboutalltheKnightleystogether，asshedoesaboutJaneFairfax。OneissickoftheverynameofJaneFairfax。Everyletterfromherisreadfortytimesover；
hercomplimentstoallfriendsgoroundandroundagain；andifshedoesbutsendherauntthepatternofastomacher，orknitapairofgartersforhergrandmother，onehearsofnothingelseforamonth。
IwishJaneFairfaxverywell；butshetiresmetodeath。”
Theywerenowapproachingthecottage，andallidletopicsweresuperseded。Emmawasverycompassionate；andthedistressesofthepoorwereassureofrelieffromherpersonalattentionandkindness，hercounselandherpatience，asfromherpurse。
Sheunderstoodtheirways，couldallowfortheirignoranceandtheirtemptations，hadnoromanticexpectationsofextraordinaryvirtuefromthoseforwhomeducationhaddonesolittle；enteredintotheirtroubleswithreadysympathy，andalwaysgaveherassistancewithasmuchintelligenceasgood-will。Inthepresentinstance，itwassicknessandpovertytogetherwhichshecametovisit；
andafterremainingthereaslongasshecouldgivecomfortoradvice，shequittedthecottagewithsuchanimpressionofthesceneasmadehersaytoHarriet，astheywalkedaway，“Thesearethesights，Harriet，todoonegood。Howtriflingtheymakeeverythingelseappear！——IfeelnowasifIcouldthinkofnothingbutthesepoorcreaturesalltherestoftheday；andyet，whocansayhowsoonitmayallvanishfrommymind？“
“Verytrue。”saidHarriet。“Poorcreatures！onecanthinkofnothingelse。”
“Andreally，Idonotthinktheimpressionwillsoonbeover。”
saidEmma，asshecrossedthelowhedge，andtotteringfootstepwhichendedthenarrow，slipperypaththroughthecottagegarden，andbroughtthemintothelaneagain。“Idonotthinkitwill。”
stoppingtolookoncemoreatalltheoutwardwretchednessoftheplace，andrecallthestillgreaterwithin。
“Oh！dear，no。”saidhercompanion。
Theywalkedon。Thelanemadeaslightbend；andwhenthatbendwaspassed，Mr。Eltonwasimmediatelyinsight；andsonearastogiveEmmatimeonlytosayfarther，“Ah！Harriet，herecomesaverysuddentrialofourstabilityingoodthoughts。Well，smiling，Ihopeitmaybeallowedthatifcompassionhasproducedexertionandrelieftothesufferers，ithasdoneallthatistrulyimportant。Ifwefeelforthewretched，enoughtodoallwecanforthem，therestisemptysympathy，onlydistressingtoourselves。”
Harrietcouldjustanswer，“Oh！dear，yes。”beforethegentlemanjoinedthem。Thewantsandsufferingsofthepoorfamily，however，werethefirstsubjectonmeeting。Hehadbeengoingtocallonthem。Hisvisithewouldnowdefer；buttheyhadaveryinterestingparleyaboutwhatcouldbedoneandshouldbedone。
Mr。Eltonthenturnedbacktoaccompanythem。
“Tofallinwitheachotheronsuchanerrandasthis。”thoughtEmma；
“tomeetinacharitablescheme；thiswillbringagreatincreaseofloveoneachside。Ishouldnotwonderifitweretobringonthedeclaration。Itmust，ifIwerenothere。IwishIwereanywhereelse。”
Anxioustoseparateherselffromthemasfarasshecould，shesoonafterwardstookpossessionofanarrowfootpath，alittleraisedononesideofthelane，leavingthemtogetherinthemainroad。
ButshehadnotbeentheretwominuteswhenshefoundthatHarriet’shabitsofdependenceandimitationwerebringingheruptoo，andthat，inshort，theywouldbothbesoonafterher。Thiswouldnotdo；
sheimmediatelystopped，underpretenceofhavingsomealterationtomakeinthelacingofherhalf-boot，andstoopingdownincompleteoccupationofthefootpath，beggedthemtohavethegoodnesstowalkon，andshewouldfollowinhalfaminute。Theydidastheyweredesired；
andbythetimeshejudgeditreasonabletohavedonewithherboot，shehadthecomfortoffartherdelayinherpower，beingovertakenbyachildfromthecottage，settingout，accordingtoorders，withherpitcher，tofetchbrothfromHartfield。Towalkbythesideofthischild，andtalktoandquestionher，wasthemostnaturalthingintheworld，orwouldhavebeenthemostnatural，hadshebeenactingjustthenwithoutdesign；andbythismeanstheotherswerestillabletokeepahead，withoutanyobligationofwaitingforher。
Shegainedonthem，however，involuntarily：thechild’spacewasquick，andtheirsratherslow；andshewasthemoreconcernedatit，fromtheirbeingevidentlyinaconversationwhichinterestedthem。
Mr。Eltonwasspeakingwithanimation，Harrietlisteningwithaverypleasedattention；andEmma，havingsentthechildon，wasbeginningtothinkhowshemightdrawbackalittlemore，whentheybothlookedaround，andshewasobligedtojointhem。
Mr。Eltonwasstilltalking，stillengagedinsomeinterestingdetail；
andEmmaexperiencedsomedisappointmentwhenshefoundthathewasonlygivinghisfaircompanionanaccountoftheyesterday’spartyathisfriendCole’s，andthatshewascomeinherselffortheStiltoncheese，thenorthWiltshire，thebutter，thecellery，thebeet-root，andallthedessert。
“Thiswouldsoonhaveledtosomethingbetter，ofcourse。”washerconsolingreflection；“anythinginterestsbetweenthosewholove；
andanythingwillserveasintroductiontowhatisneartheheart。
IfIcouldbuthavekeptlongeraway！“
Theynowwalkedontogetherquietly，tillwithinviewofthevicaragepales，whenasuddenresolution，ofatleastgettingHarrietintothehouse，madeheragainfindsomethingverymuchamissaboutherboot，andfallbehindtoarrangeitoncemore。Shethenbrokethelaceoffshort，anddexterouslythrowingitintoaditch，waspresentlyobligedtoentreatthemtostop，andacknowledgedherinabilitytoputherselftorightssoastobeabletowalkhomeintolerablecomfort。
“Partofmylaceisgone。”saidshe，“andIdonotknowhowIamtocontrive。Ireallyamamosttroublesomecompaniontoyouboth，butIhopeIamnotoftensoill-equipped。Mr。Elton，Imustbegleavetostopatyourhouse，andaskyourhousekeeperforabitofribbandorstring，oranythingjusttokeepmybooton。”
Mr。Eltonlookedallhappinessatthisproposition；andnothingcouldexceedhisalertnessandattentioninconductingthemintohishouseandendeavouringtomakeeverythingappeartoadvantage。
Theroomtheyweretakenintowastheonehechieflyoccupied，andlookingforwards；behinditwasanotherwithwhichitimmediatelycommunicated；thedoorbetweenthemwasopen，andEmmapassedintoitwiththehousekeepertoreceiveherassistanceinthemostcomfortablemanner。Shewasobligedtoleavethedoorajarasshefoundit；butshefullyintendedthatMr。Eltonshouldcloseit。
Itwasnotclosed，however，itstillremainedajar；butbyengagingthehousekeeperinincessantconversation，shehopedtomakeitpracticableforhimtochusehisownsubjectintheadjoiningroom。
Fortenminutesshecouldhearnothingbutherself。Itcouldbeprotractednolonger。Shewasthenobligedtobefinished，andmakeherappearance。
Theloverswerestandingtogetheratoneofthewindows。Ithadamostfavourableaspect；and，forhalfaminute，Emmafeltthegloryofhavingschemedsuccessfully。Butitwouldnotdo；hehadnotcometothepoint。Hehadbeenmostagreeable，mostdelightful；
hehadtoldHarrietthathehadseenthemgoby，andhadpurposelyfollowedthem；otherlittlegallantriesandallusionshadbeendropt，butnothingserious。
“Cautious，verycautious。”thoughtEmma；“headvancesinchbyinch，andwillhazardnothingtillhebelieveshimselfsecure。”
Still，however，thougheverythinghadnotbeenaccomplishedbyheringeniousdevice，shecouldnotbutflatterherselfthatithadbeentheoccasionofmuchpresentenjoymenttoboth，andmustbeleadingthemforwardtothegreatevent。
Chapter11CHAPTERXI
Mr。Eltonmustnowbelefttohimself。ItwasnolongerinEmma’spowertosuperintendhishappinessorquickenhismeasures。
Thecomingofhersister’sfamilywassoverynearathand，thatfirstinanticipation，andtheninreality，itbecamehenceforthherprimeobjectofinterest；andduringthetendaysoftheirstayatHartfielditwasnottobeexpected——shedidnotherselfexpect——
thatanythingbeyondoccasional，fortuitousassistancecouldbeaffordedbyhertothelovers。Theymightadvancerapidlyiftheywould，however；theymustadvancesomehoworotherwhethertheywouldorno。Shehardlywishedtohavemoreleisureforthem。
Therearepeople，whothemoreyoudoforthem，thelesstheywilldoforthemselves。
Mr。andMrs。JohnKnightley，fromhavingbeenlongerthanusualabsentfromSurry，wereexcitingofcourserathermorethantheusualinterest。Tillthisyear，everylongvacationsincetheirmarriagehadbeendividedbetweenHartfieldandDonwellAbbey；
butalltheholidaysofthisautumnhadbeengiventosea-bathingforthechildren，anditwasthereforemanymonthssincetheyhadbeenseeninaregularwaybytheirSurryconnexions，orseenatallbyMr。Woodhouse，whocouldnotbeinducedtogetsofarasLondon，evenforpoorIsabella’ssake；andwhoconsequentlywasnowmostnervouslyandapprehensivelyhappyinforestallingthistooshortvisit。
Hethoughtmuchoftheevilsofthejourneyforher，andnotalittleofthefatiguesofhisownhorsesandcoachmanwhoweretobringsomeofthepartythelasthalfoftheway；buthisalarmswereneedless；thesixteenmilesbeinghappilyaccomplished，andMr。andMrs。JohnKnightley，theirfivechildren，andacompetentnumberofnursery-maids，allreachingHartfieldinsafety。
Thebustleandjoyofsuchanarrival，themanytobetalkedto，welcomed，encouraged，andvariouslydispersedanddisposedof，producedanoiseandconfusionwhichhisnervescouldnothaveborneunderanyothercause，norhaveenduredmuchlongerevenforthis；
butthewaysofHartfieldandthefeelingsofherfatherweresorespectedbyMrs。JohnKnightley，thatinspiteofmaternalsolicitudefortheimmediateenjoymentofherlittleones，andfortheirhavinginstantlyallthelibertyandattendance，alltheeatinganddrinking，andsleepingandplaying，whichtheycouldpossiblywishfor，withoutthesmallestdelay，thechildrenwereneverallowedtobelongadisturbancetohim，eitherinthemselvesorinanyrestlessattendanceonthem。
Mrs。JohnKnightleywasapretty，elegantlittlewoman，ofgentle，quietmanners，andadispositionremarkablyamiableandaffectionate；
wraptupinherfamily；adevotedwife，adoatingmother，andsotenderlyattachedtoherfatherandsisterthat，butforthesehigherties，awarmerlovemighthaveseemedimpossible。
Shecouldneverseeafaultinanyofthem。Shewasnotawomanofstrongunderstandingoranyquickness；andwiththisresemblanceofherfather，sheinheritedalsomuchofhisconstitution；
wasdelicateinherownhealth，over-carefulofthatofherchildren，hadmanyfearsandmanynerves，andwasasfondofherownMr。WingfieldintownasherfathercouldbeofMr。Perry。Theywerealiketoo，inageneralbenevolenceoftemper，andastronghabitofregardforeveryoldacquaintance。
Mr。JohnKnightleywasatall，gentleman-like，andverycleverman；
risinginhisprofession，domestic，andrespectableinhisprivatecharacter；butwithreservedmannerswhichpreventedhisbeinggenerallypleasing；andcapableofbeingsometimesoutofhumour。
Hewasnotanill-temperedman，notsooftenunreasonablycrossastodeservesuchareproach；buthistemperwasnothisgreatperfection；and，indeed，withsuchaworshippingwife，itwashardlypossiblethatanynaturaldefectsinitshouldnotbeincreased。Theextremesweetnessofhertempermusthurthis。
Hehadalltheclearnessandquicknessofmindwhichshewanted，andhecouldsometimesactanungracious，orsayaseverething。
Hewasnotagreatfavouritewithhisfairsister-in-law。Nothingwronginhimescapedher。ShewasquickinfeelingthelittleinjuriestoIsabella，whichIsabellaneverfeltherself。
PerhapsshemighthavepassedovermorehadhismannersbeenflatteringtoIsabella’ssister，buttheywereonlythoseofacalmlykindbrotherandfriend，withoutpraiseandwithoutblindness；
buthardlyanydegreeofpersonalcomplimentcouldhavemadeherregardlessofthatgreatestfaultofallinhereyeswhichhesometimesfellinto，thewantofrespectfulforbearancetowardsherfather。
Therehehadnotalwaysthepatiencethatcouldhavebeenwished。
Mr。Woodhouse’speculiaritiesandfidgetinessweresometimesprovokinghimtoarationalremonstranceorsharpretortequallyill-bestowed。
Itdidnotoftenhappen；forMr。JohnKnightleyhadreallyagreatregardforhisfather-in-law，andgenerallyastrongsenseofwhatwasduetohim；butitwastoooftenforEmma’scharity，especiallyastherewasallthepainofapprehensionfrequentlytobeendured，thoughtheoffencecamenot。Thebeginning，however，ofeveryvisitdisplayednonebuttheproperestfeelings，andthisbeingofnecessitysoshortmightbehopedtopassawayinunsulliedcordiality。
TheyhadnotbeenlongseatedandcomposedwhenMr。Woodhouse，withamelancholyshakeoftheheadandasigh，calledhisdaughter’sattentiontothesadchangeatHartfieldsinceshehadbeentherelast。
“Ah，mydear。”saidhe，“poorMissTaylor——Itisagrievousbusiness。”
“Ohyes，sir。”criedshewithreadysympathy，“howyoumustmissher！AnddearEmma，too！——Whatadreadfullosstoyouboth！——
Ihavebeensogrievedforyou——Icouldnotimaginehowyoucouldpossiblydowithouther——Itisasadchangeindeed——ButIhopesheisprettywell，sir。”
“Prettywell，mydear——Ihope——prettywell——Idonotknowbutthattheplaceagreeswithhertolerably。”
Mr。JohnKnightleyhereaskedEmmaquietlywhethertherewereanydoubtsoftheairofRandalls。
“Oh！no——noneintheleast。IneversawMrs。Westonbetterinmylife——
neverlookingsowell。Papaisonlyspeakinghisownregret。”
“Verymuchtothehonourofboth。”wasthehandsomereply。
“Anddoyouseeher，sir，tolerablyoften？“askedIsabellaintheplaintivetonewhichjustsuitedherfather。
Mr。Woodhousehesitated——“Notnearsooften，mydear，asIcouldwish。”
“Oh！papa，wehavemissedseeingthembutoneentiredaysincetheymarried。Eitherinthemorningoreveningofeveryday，exceptingone，haveweseeneitherMr。WestonorMrs。Weston，andgenerallyboth，eitheratRandallsorhere——andasyoumaysuppose，Isabella，mostfrequentlyhere。Theyarevery，verykindintheirvisits。Mr。Westonisreallyaskindasherself。
Papa，ifyouspeakinthatmelancholyway，youwillbegivingIsabellaafalseideaofusall。EverybodymustbeawarethatMissTaylormustbemissed，buteverybodyoughtalsotobeassuredthatMr。andMrs。Westondoreallypreventourmissingherbyanymeanstotheextentweourselvesanticipated——whichistheexacttruth。”
“Justasitshouldbe。”saidMr。JohnKnightley，“andjustasIhopeditwasfromyourletters。Herwishofshewingyouattentioncouldnotbedoubted，andhisbeingadisengagedandsocialmanmakesitalleasy。Ihavebeenalwaystellingyou，mylove，thatIhadnoideaofthechangebeingsoverymaterialtoHartfieldasyouapprehended；
andnowyouhaveEmma’saccount，Ihopeyouwillbesatisfied。”
“Why，tobesure。”saidMr。Woodhouse——“yes，certainly——IcannotdenythatMrs。Weston，poorMrs。Weston，doescomeandseeusprettyoften——
butthen——sheisalwaysobligedtogoawayagain。”
“ItwouldbeveryharduponMr。Westonifshedidnot，papa——
YouquiteforgetpoorMr。Weston。”
“Ithink，indeed。”saidJohnKnightleypleasantly，“thatMr。Westonhassomelittleclaim。YouandI，Emma，willventuretotakethepartofthepoorhusband。I，beingahusband，andyounotbeingawife，theclaimsofthemanmayverylikelystrikeuswithequalforce。
AsforIsabella，shehasbeenmarriedlongenoughtoseetheconvenienceofputtingalltheMr。Westonsasideasmuchasshecan。”
“Me，mylove。”criedhiswife，hearingandunderstandingonlyinpart——
“Areyoutalkingaboutme？——Iamsurenobodyoughttobe，orcanbe，agreateradvocateformatrimonythanIam；andifithadnotbeenforthemiseryofherleavingHartfield，IshouldneverhavethoughtofMissTaylorbutasthemostfortunatewomanintheworld；
andastoslightingMr。Weston，thatexcellentMr。Weston，Ithinkthereisnothinghedoesnotdeserve。Ibelieveheisoneoftheverybest-temperedmenthateverexisted。Exceptingyourselfandyourbrother，Idonotknowhisequalfortemper。IshallneverforgethisflyingHenry’skiteforhimthatverywindydaylastEaster——andeversincehisparticularkindnesslastSeptembertwelvemonthinwritingthatnote，attwelveo’clockatnight，onpurposetoassuremethattherewasnoscarletfeveratCobham，Ihavebeenconvincedtherecouldnotbeamorefeelingheartnorabettermaninexistence——Ifanybodycandeservehim，itmustbeMissTaylor。”
“Whereistheyoungman？“saidJohnKnightley。“Hashebeenhereonthisoccasion——orhashenot？“
“Hehasnotbeenhereyet。”repliedEmma。“Therewasastrongexpectationofhiscomingsoonafterthemarriage，butitendedinnothing；andIhavenotheardhimmentionedlately。”
“Butyoushouldtellthemoftheletter，mydear。”saidherfather。
“HewrotealettertopoorMrs。Weston，tocongratulateher，andaveryproper，handsomeletteritwas。Sheshewedittome。
Ithoughtitverywelldoneofhimindeed。Whetheritwashisownideayouknow，onecannottell。Heisbutyoung，andhisuncle，perhaps——“
“Mydearpapa，heisthree-and-twenty。Youforgethowtimepasses。”
“Three-and-twenty！——isheindeed？——Well，Icouldnothavethoughtit——
andhewasbuttwoyearsoldwhenhelosthispoormother！Well，timedoesflyindeed！——andmymemoryisverybad。However，itwasanexceedinggood，prettyletter，andgaveMr。andMrs。Westonagreatdealofpleasure。IrememberitwaswrittenfromWeymouth，anddatedSept。28th——andbegan，`MydearMadam，’butIforgethowitwenton；anditwassigned`F。C。WestonChurchill。’——
Irememberthatperfectly。”
“Howverypleasingandproperofhim！“criedthegood-heartedMrs。JohnKnightley。“Ihavenodoubtofhisbeingamostamiableyoungman。
Buthowsaditisthatheshouldnotliveathomewithhisfather！
Thereissomethingsoshockinginachild’sbeingtakenawayfromhisparentsandnaturalhome！InevercouldcomprehendhowMr。Westoncouldpartwithhim。Togiveupone’schild！Ireallynevercouldthinkwellofanybodywhoproposedsuchathingtoanybodyelse。”
“NobodyeverdidthinkwelloftheChurchills，Ifancy。”
observedMr。JohnKnightleycoolly。“ButyouneednotimagineMr。WestontohavefeltwhatyouwouldfeelingivingupHenryorJohn。Mr。Westonisratheraneasy，cheerful-temperedman，thanamanofstrongfeelings；hetakesthingsashefindsthem，andmakesenjoymentofthemsomehoworother，depending，Isuspect，muchmoreuponwhatiscalledsocietyforhiscomforts，thatis，uponthepowerofeatinganddrinking，andplayingwhistwithhisneighboursfivetimesaweek，thanuponfamilyaffection，oranythingthathomeaffords。”
EmmacouldnotlikewhatborderedonareflectiononMr。Weston，andhadhalfamindtotakeitup；butshestruggled，andletitpass。Shewouldkeepthepeaceifpossible；andtherewassomethinghonourableandvaluableinthestrongdomestichabits，theall-sufficiencyofhometohimself，whenceresultedherbrother’sdispositiontolookdownonthecommonrateofsocialintercourse，andthosetowhomitwasimportant——Ithadahighclaimtoforbearance。
Chapter12CHAPTERXII
Mr。Knightleywastodinewiththem——ratheragainsttheinclinationofMr。Woodhouse，whodidnotlikethatanyoneshouldsharewithhiminIsabella’sfirstday。Emma’ssenseofrighthoweverhaddecidedit；
andbesidestheconsiderationofwhatwasduetoeachbrother，shehadparticularpleasure，fromthecircumstanceofthelatedisagreementbetweenMr。Knightleyandherself，inprocuringhimtheproperinvitation。
Shehopedtheymightnowbecomefriendsagain。Shethoughtitwastimetomakeup。Making-upindeedwouldnotdo。Shecertainlyhadnotbeeninthewrong，andhewouldneverownthathehad。