第13章

Sheknewthelimitationsofherownpowerstoowelltoattemptmorethanshecouldperformwithcredit;shewantedneithertastenorspiritinthelittlethingswhicharegenerallyacceptable,andcouldaccompanyherownvoicewell.Oneaccompanimenttohersongtookheragreeablybysurprize-asecond,slightlybutcorrectlytakenbyFrankChurchill.Herpardonwasdulybeggedatthecloseofthesong,andeverythingusualfollowed.Hewasaccusedofhavingadelightfulvoice,andaperfectknowledgeofmusic;whichwasproperlydenied;andthatheknewnothingofthematter,andhadnovoiceatall,roundlyasserted.Theysangtogetheroncemore;andEmmawouldthenresignherplacetoMissFairfax,whoseperformance,bothvocalandinstrumental,shenevercouldattempttoconcealfromherself,wasinfinitelysuperiortoherown.

Withmixedfeelings,sheseatedherselfatalittledistancefromthenumbersroundtheinstrument,tolisten.FrankChurchillsangagain.Theyhadsungtogetheronceortwice,itappeared,atWeymouth.ButthesightofMr.Knightleyamongthemostattentive,soondrewawayhalfEmma\'smind;andshefellintoatrainofthinkingonthesubjectofMrs.Weston\'ssuspicions,towhichthesweetsoundsoftheunitedvoicesgaveonlymomentaryinterruptions.HerobjectionstoMr.Knightley\'smarryingdidnotintheleastsubside.Shecouldseenothingbutevilinit.ItwouldbeagreatdisappointmenttoMr.JohnKnightley;consequentlytoIsabella.Arealinjurytothechildren-amostmortifyingchange,andmateriallosstothemall;-averygreatdeductionfromherfather\'sdailycomfort-and,astoherself,shecouldnotatallenduretheideaofJaneFairfaxatDonwellAbbey.AMrs.Knightleyforthemalltogivewayto!-No-Mr.Knightleymustnevermarry.LittleHenrymustremaintheheirofDonwell.

PresentlyMr.Knightleylookedback,andcameandsatdownbyher.Theytalkedatfirstonlyoftheperformance.Hisadmirationwascertainlyverywarm;yetshethought,butforMrs.Weston,itwouldnothavestruckher.Asasortoftouchstone,however,shebegantospeakofhiskindnessinconveyingtheauntandniece;andthoughhisanswerwasinthespiritofcuttingthemattershort,shebelievedittoindicateonlyhisdisinclinationtodwellonanykindnessofhisown.

`Ioftenfeelconcern,\'saidshe,`thatIdarenotmakeourcarriagemoreusefulonsuchoccasions.ItisnotthatIamwithoutthewish;butyouknowhowimpossiblemyfatherwoulddeemitthatJamesshouldput-toforsuchapurpose.\'

`Quiteoutofthequestion,quiteoutofthequestion,\'hereplied;-`butyoumustoftenwishit,Iamsure.\'Andhesmiledwithsuchseemingpleasureattheconviction,thatshemustproceedanotherstep.

`ThispresentfromtheCampbells,\'saidshe-`thispianoforteisverykindlygiven.\'

`Yes,\'hereplied,andwithoutthesmallestapparentembarrassment-`Buttheywouldhavedonebetterhadtheygivenhernoticeofit.Surprizesarefoolishthings.Thepleasureisnotenhanced,andtheinconvenienceisoftenconsiderable.IshouldhaveexpectedbetterjudgmentinColonelCampbell.\'

Fromthatmoment,EmmacouldhavetakenheroaththatMr.Knightleyhadhadnoconcerningivingtheinstrument.Butwhetherhewereentirelyfreefrompeculiarattachment-whethertherewerenoactualpreference-remainedalittlelongerdoubtful.TowardstheendofJane\'ssecondsong,hervoicegrewthick.

`Thatwilldo,\'saidhe,whenitwasfinished,thinkingaloud-`youhavesungquiteenoughforoneevening-nowbequiet.\'

Anothersong,however,wassoonbeggedfor.`Onemore;-theywouldnotfatigueMissFairfaxonanyaccount,andwouldonlyaskforonemore.\'AndFrankChurchillwasheardtosay,`Ithinkyoucouldmanagethiswithouteffort;thefirstpartissoverytrifling.Thestrengthofthesongfallsonthesecond.\'

Mr.Knightleygrewangry.

`Thatfellow,\'saidhe,indignantly,`thinksofnothingbutshewingoffhisownvoice.Thismustnotbe.\'AndtouchingMissBates,whoatthatmomentpassednear-`MissBates,areyoumad,toletyourniecesingherselfhoarseinthismanner?Go,andinterfere.Theyhavenomercyonher.\'

MissBates,inherrealanxietyforJane,couldhardlystayeventobegrateful,beforeshesteptforwardandputanendtoallfarthersinging.Hereceasedtheconcertpartoftheevening,forMissWoodhouseandMissFairfaxweretheonlyyoungladyperformers;butsoon(withinfiveminutes)theproposalofdancing-originatingnobodyexactlyknewwhere-wassoeffectuallypromotedbyMr.andMrs.Cole,thateverythingwasrapidlyclearingaway,togiveproperspace.Mrs.Weston,capitalinhercountry-dances,wasseated,andbeginninganirresistiblewaltz;andFrankChurchill,comingupwithmostbecominggallantrytoEmma,hadsecuredherhand,andledheruptothetop.

Whilewaitingtilltheotheryoungpeoplecouldpairthemselvesoff,Emmafoundtime,inspiteofthecomplimentsshewasreceivingonhervoiceandhertaste,tolookabout,andseewhatbecameofMr.Knightley.Thiswouldbeatrial.Hewasnodanceringeneral.IfheweretobeveryalertinengagingJaneFairfaxnow,itmightaugursomething.Therewasnoimmediateappearance.No;hewastalkingtoMrs.Cole-hewaslookingonunconcerned;Janewasaskedbysomebodyelse,andhewasstilltalkingtoMrs.Cole.

EmmahadnolongeranalarmforHenry;hisinterestwasyetsafe;andsheledoffthedancewithgenuinespiritandenjoyment.Notmorethanfivecouplecouldbemustered;buttherarityandthesuddennessofitmadeitverydelightful,andshefoundherselfwellmatchedinapartner.Theywereacoupleworthlookingat.

Twodances,unfortunately,wereallthatcouldbeallowed.Itwasgrowinglate,andMissBatesbecameanxioustogethome,onhermother\'saccount.Aftersomeattempts,therefore,tobepermittedtobeginagain,theywereobligedtothankMrs.Weston,looksorrowful,andhavedone.

`Perhapsitisaswell,\'saidFrankChurchill,asheattendedEmmatohercarriage.`ImusthaveaskedMissFairfax,andherlanguiddancingwouldnothaveagreedwithme,afteryour\'s.\'

CHAPTERIX

EmmadidnotrepenthercondescensioningoingtotheColes.Thevisitaffordedhermanypleasantrecollectionsthenextday;andallthatshemightbesupposedtohavelostonthesideofdignifiedseclusion,mustbeamplyrepaidinthesplendourofpopularity.ShemusthavedelightedtheColes-worthypeople,whodeservedtobemadehappy!-Andleftanamebehindherthatwouldnotsoondieaway.

Perfecthappiness,eveninmemory,isnotcommon;andthereweretwopointsonwhichshewasnotquiteeasy.Shedoubtedwhethershehadnottransgressedthedutyofwomanbywoman,inbetrayinghersuspicionsofJaneFairfax\'sfeelingstoFrankChurchill.Itwashardlyright;butithadbeensostronganidea,thatitwouldescapeher,andhissubmissiontoallthatshetold,wasacomplimenttoherpenetration,whichmadeitdifficultforhertobequitecertainthatsheoughttohaveheldhertongue.

TheothercircumstanceofregretrelatedalsotoJaneFairfax;andthereshehadnodoubt.Shedidunfeignedlyandunequivocallyregrettheinferiorityofherownplayingandsinging.Shedidmostheartilygrieveovertheidlenessofherchildhood-andsatdownandpractisedvigorouslyanhourandahalf.

ShewastheninterruptedbyHarriet\'scomingin;andifHarriet\'spraisecouldhavesatisfiedher,shemightsoonhavebeencomforted.

`Oh!ifIcouldbutplayaswellasyouandMissFairfax!\'

`Don\'tclassustogether,Harriet.Myplayingisnomorelikeher\'s,thanalampislikesunshine.\'

`Oh!dear-Ithinkyouplaythebestofthetwo.Ithinkyouplayquiteaswellasshedoes.IamsureIhadmuchratherhearyou.Everybodylastnightsaidhowwellyouplayed.\'

`Thosewhoknewanythingaboutit,musthavefeltthedifference.Thetruthis,Harriet,thatmyplayingisjustgoodenoughtobepraised,butJaneFairfax\'sismuchbeyondit.\'

`Well,Ialwaysshallthinkthatyouplayquiteaswellasshedoes,orthatifthereisanydifferencenobodywouldeverfinditout.Mr.Colesaidhowmuchtasteyouhad;andMr.FrankChurchilltalkedagreatdealaboutyourtaste,andthathevaluedtastemuchmorethanexecution.\'

`Ah!butJaneFairfaxhasthemboth,Harriet.\'

`Areyousure?Isawshehadexecution,butIdidnotknowshehadanytaste.Nobodytalkedaboutit.AndIhateItaliansinging-Thereisnounderstandingawordofit.Besides,ifshedoesplaysoverywell,youknow,itisnomorethansheisobligedtodo,becauseshewillhavetoteach.TheCoxeswerewonderinglastnightwhethershewouldgetintoanygreatfamily.HowdidyouthinktheCoxeslooked?\'

`Justastheyalwaysdo-veryvulgar.\'

`Theytoldmesomething,\'saidHarrietratherhesitatingly;\'butitisnothingofanyconsequence.\'

Emmawasobligedtoaskwhattheyhadtoldher,thoughfearfulofitsproducingMr.Elton.

`Theytoldme——thatMr.MartindinedwiththemlastSaturday.\'

`Oh!\'

`Hecametotheirfatheruponsomebusiness,andheaskedhimtostaytodinner.\'

`Oh!\'

`Theytalkedagreatdealabouthim,especiallyAnneCox.Idonotknowwhatshemeant,butsheaskedmeifIthoughtIshouldgoandstaythereagainnextsummer.\'

`Shemeanttobeimpertinentlycurious,justassuchanAnneCoxshouldbe.\'

`Shesaidhewasveryagreeablethedayhedinedthere.Hesatbyheratdinner.MissNashthinkseitheroftheCoxeswouldbeverygladtomarryhim.\'

`Verylikely-Ithinktheyare,withoutexception,themostvulgargirlsinHighbury.\'

HarriethadbusinessatFord\'s-Emmathoughtitmostprudenttogowithher.AnotheraccidentalmeetingwiththeMartinswaspossible,andinherpresentstate,wouldbedangerous.

Harriet,temptedbyeverythingandswayedbyhalfaword,wasalwaysverylongatapurchase;andwhileshewasstillhangingovermuslinsandchanginghermind,Emmawenttothedoorforamusement-MuchcouldnotbehopedfromthetrafficofeventhebusiestpartofHighbury;-Mr.Perrywalkinghastilyby,Mr.WilliamCoxlettinghimselfinattheoffice-door,Mr.Cole\'scarriage-horsesreturningfromexercise,orastrayletter-boyonanobstinatemule,weretheliveliestobjectsshecouldpresumetoexpect;andwhenhereyesfellonlyonthebutcherwithhistray,atidyoldwomantravellinghomewardsfromshopwithherfullbasket,twocursquarrellingoveradirtybone,andastringofdawdlingchildrenroundthebaker\'slittlebow-windoweyeingthegingerbread,sheknewshehadnoreasontocomplain,andwasamusedenough;quiteenoughstilltostandatthedoor.Amindlivelyandatease,candowithseeingnothing,andcanseenothingthatdoesnotanswer.

ShelookeddowntheRandallsroad.Thesceneenlarged;twopersonsappeared;Mrs.Westonandherson-in-law;theywerewalkingintoHighbury;-toHartfieldofcourse.Theywerestopping,however,inthefirstplaceatMrs.Bates\'s;whosehousewasalittlenearerRandallsthanFord\'s;andhadallbutknocked,whenEmmacaughttheireye-Immediatelytheycrossedtheroadandcameforwardtoher;andtheagreeablenessofyesterday\'sengagementseemedtogivefreshpleasuretothepresentmeeting.Mrs.WestoninformedherthatshewasgoingtocallontheBateses,inordertohearthenewinstrument.

`Formycompaniontellsme,\'saidshe,`thatIabsolutelypromisedMissBateslastnight,thatIwouldcomethismorning.Iwasnotawareofitmyself.IdidnotknowthatIhadfixedaday,butashesaysIdid,Iamgoingnow.\'

`AndwhileMrs.Westonpayshervisit,Imaybeallowed,Ihope,\'saidFrankChurchill,`tojoinyourpartyandwaitforheratHartfield-ifyouaregoinghome.\'

Mrs.Westonwasdisappointed.

`Ithoughtyoumeanttogowithme.Theywouldbeverymuchpleased.\'

`Me!Ishouldbequiteintheway.But,perhaps-Imaybeequallyinthewayhere.MissWoodhouselooksasifshedidnotwantme.Myauntalwayssendsmeoffwhensheisshopping.ShesaysIfidgethertodeath;andMissWoodhouselooksasifshecouldalmostsaythesame.WhatamItodo?\'

`Iamhereonnobusinessofmyown,\'saidEmma;`Iamonlywaitingformyfriend.Shewillprobablyhavesoondone,andthenweshallgohome.ButyouhadbettergowithMrs.Westonandheartheinstrument.\'

`Well-ifyouadviseit-But(withasmile)ifColonelCampbellshouldhaveemployedacarelessfriend,andifitshouldprovetohaveanindifferenttone-whatshallIsay?IshallbenosupporttoMrs.Weston.Shemightdoverywellbyherself.Adisagreeabletruthwouldbepalatablethroughherlips,butIamthewretchedestbeingintheworldatacivilfalsehood.\'

`Idonotbelieveanysuchthing,\'repliedEmma-`Iampersuadedthatyoucanbeasinsincereasyourneighbours,whenitisnecessary;butthereisnoreasontosupposetheinstrumentisindifferent.Quiteotherwiseindeed,ifIunderstoodMissFairfax\'sopinionlastnight.\'

`Docomewithme,\'saidMrs.Weston,`ifitbenotverydisagreeabletoyou.Itneednotdetainuslong.WewillgotoHartfieldafterwards.WewillfollowthemtoHartfield.Ireallywishyoutocallwithme.Itwillbefeltsogreatanattention!andIalwaysthoughtyoumeantit.\'

Hecouldsaynomore;andwiththehopeofHartfieldtorewardhim,returnedwithMrs.WestontoMrs.Bates\'sdoor.Emmawatchedthemin,andthenjoinedHarrietattheinterestingcounter,-trying,withalltheforceofherownmind,toconvinceherthatifshewantedplainmuslinitwasofnousetolookatfigured;andthatablueribbon,beiteversobeautiful,wouldstillnevermatchheryellowpattern.Atlastitwasallsettled,eventothedestinationoftheparcel.

`ShouldIsendittoMrs.Goddard\'s,ma\'am?\'askedMrs.Ford-`Yes-no-yes,toMrs.Goddard\'s.OnlymypatterngownisatHartfield.No,youshallsendittoHartfield,ifyouplease.Butthen,Mrs.Goddardwillwanttoseeit-AndIcouldtakethepatterngownhomeanyday.ButIshallwanttheribbondirectly-soithadbettergotoHartfield-atleasttheribbon.Youcouldmakeitintotwoparcels,Mrs.Ford,couldnotyou?\'

`Itisnotworthwhile,Harriet,togiveMrs.Fordthetroubleoftwoparcels.\'

`Nomoreitis.\'

`Notroubleintheworld,ma\'am,\'saidtheobligingMrs.Ford.

`Oh!butindeedIwouldmuchratherhaveitonlyinone.Then,ifyouplease,youshallsenditalltoMrs.Goddard\'s-Idonotknow-No,Ithink,MissWoodhouse,ImayjustaswellhaveitsenttoHartfield,andtakeithomewithmeatnight.Whatdoyouadvise?\'

`Thatyoudonotgiveanotherhalf-secondtothesubject.ToHartfield,ifyouplease,Mrs.Ford.\'

`Aye,thatwillbemuchbest,\'saidHarriet,quitesatisfied,`IshouldnotatallliketohaveitsenttoMrs.Goddard\'s.\'

Voicesapproachedtheshop-orratheronevoiceandtwoladies:Mrs.WestonandMissBatesmetthematthedoor.

`MydearMissWoodhouse,\'saidthelatter,`Iamjustrunacrosstoentreatthefavourofyoutocomeandsitdownwithusalittlewhile,andgiveusyouropinionofournewinstrument;youandMissSmith.Howdoyoudo,MissSmith?-VerywellIthankyou-AndIbeggedMrs.Westontocomewithme,thatImightbesureofsucceeding.\'

`IhopeMrs.BatesandMissFairfaxare-\'

`Verywell,Iammuchobligedtoyou.Mymotherisdelightfullywell;andJanecaughtnocoldlastnight.HowisMr.Woodhouse?-Iamsogladtohearsuchagoodaccount.Mrs.Westontoldmeyouwerehere-Oh!then,saidI,Imustrunacross,IamsureMissWoodhousewillallowmejusttorunacrossandentreathertocomein;mymotherwillbesoveryhappytoseeher-andnowwearesuchaniceparty,shecannotrefuse-``Aye,praydo,\'\'saidMr.FrankChurchill,``MissWoodhouse\'sopinionoftheinstrumentwillbeworthhaving.\'\'-But,saidI,Ishallbemoresureofsucceedingifoneofyouwillgowithme-``Oh,\'\'saidhe,``waithalfaminute,tillIhavefinishedmyjob;\'\'-For,wouldyoubelieveit,MissWoodhouse,thereheis,inthemostobligingmannerintheworld,fasteningintherivetofmymother\'sspectacles-Therivetcameout,youknow,thismorning-Soveryobliging!-Formymotherhadnouseofherspectacles-couldnotputthemon.And,bythebye,everybodyoughttohavetwopairofspectacles;theyshouldindeed.Janesaidso.ImeanttotakethemovertoJohnSaundersthefirstthingIdid,butsomethingorotherhinderedmeallthemorning;firstonething,thenanother,thereisnosayingwhat,youknow.AtonetimePattycametosayshethoughtthekitchenchimneywantedsweeping.Oh,saidI,Pattydonotcomewithyourbadnewstome.Hereistherivetofyourmistress\'sspectaclesout.Thenthebakedapplescamehome,Mrs.Wallissentthembyherboy;theyareextremelycivilandobligingtous,theWallises,always-IhaveheardsomepeoplesaythatMrs.Walliscanbeuncivilandgiveaveryrudeanswer,butwehaveneverknownanythingbutthegreatestattentionfromthem.Anditcannotbeforthevalueofourcustomnow,forwhatisourconsumptionofbread,youknow?Onlythreeofus-besidesdearJaneatpresent-andshereallyeatsnothing-makessuchashockingbreakfast,youwouldbequitefrightenedifyousawit.Idarenotletmymotherknowhowlittlesheeats-soIsayonethingandthenIsayanother,anditpassesoff.Butaboutthemiddleofthedayshegetshungry,andthereisnothingshelikessowellasthesebakedapples,andtheyareextremelywholesome,forItooktheopportunitytheotherdayofaskingMr.Perry;Ihappenedtomeethiminthestreet.NotthatIhadanydoubtbefore-IhavesooftenheardMr.Woodhouserecommendabakedapple.IbelieveitistheonlywaythatMr.Woodhousethinksthefruitthoroughlywholesome.Wehaveapple-dumplings,however,veryoften.Pattymakesanexcellentapple-dumpling.Well,Mrs.Weston,youhaveprevailed,Ihope,andtheseladieswillobligeus.\'

Emmawouldbe`veryhappytowaitonMrs.Bates,&c.,\'andtheydidatlastmoveoutoftheshop,withnofartherdelayfromMissBatesthan,

`Howdoyoudo,Mrs.Ford?Ibegyourpardon.Ididnotseeyoubefore.Ihearyouhaveacharmingcollectionofnewribbonsfromtown.Janecamebackdelightedyesterday.Thankye,theglovesdoverywell-onlyalittletoolargeaboutthewrist;butJaneistakingthemin.\'

`WhatwasItalkingof?\'saidshe,beginningagainwhentheywereallinthestreet.

Emmawonderedonwhat,ofallthemedley,shewouldfix.

`IdeclareIcannotrecollectwhatIwastalkingof-Oh!mymother\'sspectacles.SoveryobligingofMr.FrankChurchill!``Oh!\'\'saidhe,``IdothinkIcanfastentherivet;Ilikeajobofthiskindexcessively.\'\'-WhichyouknowshewedhimtobesoveryIndeedImustsaythat,muchasIhadheardofhimbeforeandmuchasIhadexpected,heveryfarexceedsanythingIdocongratulateyou,Mrs.Weston,mostwarmly.Heseemseverythingthefondestparentcould``Oh!\'\'saidhe,``Icanfastentherivet.Ilikeajobofthatsortexcessively.\'\'Inevershallforgethismanner.AndwhenIbroughtoutthebakedapplesfromthecloset,andhopedourfriendswouldbesoveryobligingastotakesome,``Oh!\'\'saidhedirectly,``thereisnothinginthewayoffruithalfsogood,andthesearethefinest-lookinghome-bakedapplesIeversawinmylife.\'\'That,youknow,wassoveryAndIamsure,byhismanner,itwasnocompliment.Indeedtheyareverydelightfulapples,andMrs.Wallisdoesthemfulljustice-onlywedonothavethembakedmorethantwice,andMr.Woodhousemadeuspromisetohavethemdonethreetimes-butMissWoodhousewillbesogoodasnottomentionit.Theapplesthemselvesaretheveryfinestsortforbaking,beyondadoubt;allfromDonwell-someofMr.Knightley\'smostliberalsupply.Hesendsusasackeveryyear;andcertainlythereneverwassuchakeepingappleanywhereasoneofhistrees-Ibelievethereistwoofthem.Mymothersaystheorchardwasalwaysfamousinheryoungerdays.ButIwasreallyquiteshockedtheotherday-forMr.Knightleycalledonemorning,andJanewaseatingtheseapples,andwetalkedaboutthemandsaidhowmuchsheenjoyedthem,andheaskedwhetherwewerenotgottotheendofourstock.``Iamsureyoumustbe,\'\'saidhe,``andIwillsendyouanothersupply;forIhaveagreatmanymorethanIcaneveruse.WilliamLarkinsletmekeepalargerquantitythanusualthisyear.Iwillsendyousomemore,beforetheygetgoodfornothing.\'\'SoIbeggedhewouldnot-forreallyastooursbeinggone,Icouldnotabsolutelysaythatwehadagreatmanyleft-itwasbuthalfadozenindeed;buttheyshouldbeallkeptforJane;andIcouldnotatallbearthatheshouldbesendingusmore,soliberalashehadbeenalready;andJanesaidthesame.Andwhenhewasgone,shealmostquarrelledwithme-No,Ishouldnotsayquarrelled,forweneverhadaquarrelinourlives;butshewasquitedistressedthatIhadownedtheapplesweresonearlygone;shewishedIhadmadehimbelievewehadagreatmanyleft.Oh,saidI,mydear,IdidsayasmuchasIcould.However,theverysameeveningWilliamLarkinscameoverwithalargebasketofapples,thesamesortofapples,abushelatleast,andIwasverymuchobliged,andwentdownandspoketoWilliamLarkinsandsaideverything,asyoumaysuppose.WilliamLarkinsissuchanoldacquaintance!Iamalwaysgladtoseehim.But,however,IfoundafterwardsfromPatty,thatWilliamsaiditwasalltheapplesofthatsorthismasterhad;hehadbroughtthemall-andnowhismasterhadnotonelefttobakeorboil.Williamdidnotseemtomindithimself,hewassopleasedtothinkhismasterhadsoldsomany;forWilliam,youknow,thinksmoreofhismaster\'sprofitthananything;butMrs.Hodges,hesaid,wasquitedispleasedattheirbeingallsentaway.Shecouldnotbearthathermastershouldnotbeabletohaveanotherapple-tartthisspring.HetoldPattythis,butbidhernotmindit,andbesurenottosayanythingtousaboutit,forMrs.Hodgeswouldbecrosssometimes,andaslongassomanysacksweresold,itdidnotsignifywhoatetheremainder.AndsoPattytoldme,andIwasexcessivelyshockedindeed!IwouldnothaveMr.Knightleyknowanythingaboutitfortheworld!HewouldbesoveryIwantedtokeepitfromJane\'sknowledge;but,unluckily,IhadmentioneditbeforeIwasaware.\'

MissBateshadjustdoneasPattyopenedthedoor;andhervisitorswalkedupstairswithouthavinganyregularnarrationtoattendto,pursuedonlybythesoundsofherdesultorygood-will.

`Praytakecare,Mrs.Weston,thereisastepattheturning.Praytakecare,MissWoodhouse,oursisratheradarkstaircase-ratherdarkerandnarrowerthanonecouldwish.MissSmith,praytakecare.MissWoodhouse,Iamquiteconcerned,Iamsureyouhityourfoot.MissSmith,thestepattheturning.\'

CHAPTERX

Theappearanceofthelittlesitting-roomastheyentered,wastranquillityitself;Mrs.Bates,deprivedofherusualemployment,slumberingononesideofthefire,FrankChurchill,atatablenearher,mostdeedilyoccupiedaboutherspectacles,andJaneFairfax,standingwithherbacktothem,intentonherpianoforte.

Busyashewas,however,theyoungmanwasyetabletoshewamosthappycountenanceonseeingEmmaagain.

`Thisisapleasure,\'saidhe,inratheralowvoice,`comingatleasttenminutesearlierthanIhadcalculated.Youfindmetryingtobeuseful;tellmeifyouthinkIshallsucceed.\'

`What!\'saidMrs.Weston,`havenotyoufinishedityet?youwouldnotearnaverygoodlivelihoodasaworkingsilversmithatthisrate.\'

`Ihavenotbeenworkinguninterruptedly,\'hereplied,`IhavebeenassistingMissFairfaxintryingtomakeherinstrumentstandsteadily,itwasnotquitefirm;anunevennessinthefloor,Ibelieve.Youseewehavebeenwedgingonelegwithpaper.Thiswasverykindofyoutobepersuadedtocome.Iwasalmostafraidyouwouldbehurryinghome.\'

Hecontrivedthatsheshouldbeseatedbyhim;andwassufficientlyemployedinlookingoutthebestbakedappleforher,andtryingtomakeherhelporadvisehiminhiswork,tillJaneFairfaxwasquitereadytositdowntothepianoforteagain.Thatshewasnotimmediatelyready,Emmadidsuspecttoarisefromthestateofhernerves;shehadnotyetpossessedtheinstrumentlongenoughtotouchitwithoutemotion;shemustreasonherselfintothepowerofperformance;andEmmacouldnotbutpitysuchfeelings,whatevertheirorigin,andcouldnotbutresolvenevertoexposethemtoherneighbouragain.

AtlastJanebegan,andthoughthefirstbarswerefeeblygiven,thepowersoftheinstrumentweregraduallydonefulljusticeto.Mrs.Westonhadbeendelightedbefore,andwasdelightedagain;Emmajoinedherinallherpraise;andthepianoforte,witheveryproperdiscrimination,waspronouncedtobealtogetherofthehighestpromise.

`WhoeverColonelCampbellmightemploy,\'saidFrankChurchill,withasmileatEmma,`thepersonhasnotchosenill.IheardagooddealofColonelCampbell\'stasteatWeymouth;andthesoftnessoftheuppernotesIamsureisexactlywhatheandallthatpartywouldparticularlyprize.Idaresay,MissFairfax,thatheeithergavehisfriendveryminutedirections,orwrotetoBroadwoodhimself.Donotyouthinkso?\'

Janedidnotlookround.Shewasnotobligedtohear.Mrs.Westonhadbeenspeakingtoheratthesamemoment.

`Itisnotfair,\'saidEmma,inawhisper;`minewasarandomguess.Donotdistressher.\'

Heshookhisheadwithasmile,andlookedasifhehadverylittledoubtandverylittlemercy.Soonafterwardshebeganagain,

`HowmuchyourfriendsinIrelandmustbeenjoyingyourpleasureonthisoccasion,MissFairfax.Idaresaytheyoftenthinkofyou,andwonderwhichwillbetheday,theprecisedayoftheinstrument\'scomingtohand.DoyouimagineColonelCampbellknowsthebusinesstobegoingforwardjustatthistime?-Doyouimagineittobetheconsequenceofanimmediatecommissionfromhim,orthathemayhavesentonlyageneraldirection,anorderindefiniteastotime,todependuponcontingenciesandconveniences?\'

Hepaused.Shecouldnotbuthear;shecouldnotavoidanswering,

`TillIhavealetterfromColonelCampbell,\'saidshe,inavoiceofforcedcalmness,`Icanimaginenothingwithanyconfidence.Itmustbeallconjecture.\'

`Conjecture-aye,sometimesoneconjecturesright,andsometimesoneconjectureswrong.IwishIcouldconjecturehowsoonIshallmakethisrivetquitefirm.Whatnonsenseonetalks,MissWoodhouse,whenhardatwork,ifonetalksatall;-yourrealworkmen,Isuppose,holdtheirtongues;butwegentlemenlabourersifwegetholdofaword-MissFairfaxsaidsomethingaboutconjecturing.There,itisdone.Ihavethepleasure,madam,(toMrs.Bates,)ofrestoringyourspectacles,healedforthepresent.\'

Hewasverywarmlythankedbothbymotheranddaughter;toescapealittlefromthelatter,hewenttothepianoforte,andbeggedMissFairfax,whowasstillsittingatit,toplaysomethingmore.

`Ifyouareverykind,\'saidhe,`itwillbeoneofthewaltzeswedancedlastnight;-letmelivethemoveragain.YoudidnotenjoythemasIdid;youappearedtiredthewholetime.Ibelieveyouweregladwedancednolonger;butIwouldhavegivenworlds-alltheworldsoneeverhastogive-foranotherhalf-hour.\'

Sheplayed.

`Whatfelicityitistohearatuneagainwhichhasmadeonehappy!-IfImistakenotthatwasdancedatWeymouth.\'

Shelookedupathimforamoment,coloureddeeply,andplayedsomethingelse.Hetooksomemusicfromachairnearthepianoforte,andturningtoEmma,said,

`Hereissomethingquitenewtome.Doyouknowit?-Cramer-AndhereareanewsetofIrishmelodies.That,fromsuchaquarter,onemightexpect.Thiswasallsentwiththeinstrument.VerythoughtfulofColonelCampbell,wasnotit?-HeknewMissFairfaxcouldhavenomusichere.Ihonourthatpartoftheattentionparticularly;itshewsittohavebeensothoroughlyfromtheheart.Nothinghastilydone;nothingincomplete.Trueaffectiononlycouldhavepromptedit.\'

Emmawishedhewouldbelesspointed,yetcouldnothelpbeingamused;andwhenonglancinghereyetowardsJaneFairfaxshecaughttheremainsofasmile,whenshesawthatwithallthedeepblushofconsciousness,therehadbeenasmileofsecretdelight,shehadlessscrupleintheamusement,andmuchlesscompunctionwithrespecttoher-Thisamiable,upright,perfectJaneFairfaxwasapparentlycherishingveryreprehensiblefeelings.

Hebroughtallthemusictoher,andtheylookeditovertogether-Emmatooktheopportunityofwhispering,

`Youspeaktooplain.Shemustunderstandyou.\'

`Ihopeshedoes.Iwouldhaveherunderstandme.Iamnotintheleastashamedofmymeaning.\'

`Butreally,Iamhalfashamed,andwishIhadnevertakenuptheidea.\'

`Iamverygladyoudid,andthatyoucommunicatedittome.Ihavenowakeytoallheroddlooksandways.Leaveshametoher.Ifshedoeswrong,sheoughttofeelit.\'

`Sheisnotentirelywithoutit,Ithink.\'

`Idonotseemuchsignofit.SheisplayingRobinAdairatthismoment-hisfavourite.\'

ShortlyafterwardsMissBates,passingnearthewindow,descriedMr.Knightleyonhorse-backnotfaroff.

`Mr.KnightleyIdeclare!-Imustspeaktohimifpossible,justtothankhim.Iwillnotopenthewindowhere;itwouldgiveyouallcold;butIcangointomymother\'sroomyouknow.Idaresayhewillcomeinwhenheknowswhoishere.Quitedelightfultohaveyouallmeetso!-Ourlittleroomsohonoured!\'

Shewasintheadjoiningchamberwhileshestillspoke,andopeningthecasementthere,immediatelycalledMr.Knightley\'sattention,andeverysyllableoftheirconversationwasasdistinctlyheardbytheothers,asifithadpassedwithinthesameapartment.

`Howd\'yedo?-howd\'yedo?-Verywell,Ithankyou.Soobligedtoyouforthecarriagelastnight.Wewerejustintime;mymotherjustreadyforus.Praycomein;docomein.Youwillfindsomefriendshere.\'

SobeganMissBates;andMr.Knightleyseemeddeterminedtobeheardinhisturn,formostresolutelyandcommandinglydidhesay,

`Howisyourniece,MissBates?-Iwanttoinquireafteryouall,butparticularlyyourniece.HowisMissFairfax?-Ihopeshecaughtnocoldlastnight.Howissheto-day?TellmehowMissFairfaxis.\'

AndMissBateswasobligedtogiveadirectanswerbeforehewouldhearherinanythingelse.Thelistenerswereamused;andMrs.WestongaveEmmaalookofparticularmeaning.ButEmmastillshookherheadinsteadyscepticism.

`Soobligedtoyou!-soverymuchobligedtoyouforthecarriage,\'resumedMissBates.

Hecuthershortwith,

`IamgoingtoKingston.CanIdoanythingforyou?\'

`Oh!dear,Kingston-areyou?-Mrs.ColewassayingtheotherdayshewantedsomethingfromKingston.\'

`Mrs.Colehasservantstosend.CanIdoanythingforyou?\'

`No,Ithankyou.Butdocomein.Whodoyouthinkishere?-MissWoodhouseandMissSmith;sokindastocalltohearthenewpianoforte.DoputupyourhorseattheCrown,andcomein.\'

`Well,\'saidhe,inadeliberatingmanner,`forfiveminutes,perhaps.\'

`AndhereisMrs.WestonandMr.FrankChurchilltoo!-Quitedelightful;somanyfriends!\'

`No,notnow,Ithankyou.Icouldnotstaytwominutes.ImustgetontoKingstonasfastasIcan.\'

`Oh!docomein.Theywillbesoveryhappytoseeyou.\'

`No,no;yourroomisfullenough.Iwillcallanotherday,andhearthepianoforte.\'

`Well,Iamsosorry!-Oh!Mr.Knightley,whatadelightfulpartylastnight;howextremelypleasant-Didyoueverseesuchdancing?-Wasnotitdelightful?-MissWoodhouseandMr.FrankChurchill;Ineversawanythingequaltoit.\'

`Oh!verydelightfulindeed;Icansaynothingless,forIsupposeMissWoodhouseandMr.FrankChurchillarehearingeverythingthatpasses.And(raisinghisvoicestillmore)IdonotseewhyMissFairfaxshouldnotbementionedtoo.IthinkMissFairfaxdancesverywell;andMrs.Westonistheverybestcountry-danceplayer,withoutexception,inEngland.Now,ifyourfriendshaveanygratitude,theywillsaysomethingprettyloudaboutyouandmeinreturn;butIcannotstaytohearit.\'

`Oh!Mr.Knightley,onemomentmore;somethingofconsequence-soshocked!-JaneandIarebothsoshockedabouttheapples!\'

`Whatisthematternow?\'

`Tothinkofyoursendingusallyourstoreapples.Yousaidyouhadagreatmany,andnowyouhavenotoneleft.Wereallyaresoshocked!Mrs.Hodgesmaywellbeangry.WilliamLarkinsmentionedithere.Youshouldnothavedoneit,indeedyoushouldnot.Ah!heisoff.Henevercanbeartobethanked.ButIthoughthewouldhavestaidnow,anditwouldhavebeenapitynottohavementionedWell,(returningtotheroom,)Ihavenotbeenabletosucceed.Mr.Knightleycannotstop.HeisgoingtoKingston.Heaskedmeifhecoulddoanything\'

`Yes,\'saidJane,`weheardhiskindoffers,weheardeverything.\'

`Oh!yes,mydear,Idaresayyoumight,becauseyouknow,thedoorwasopen,andthewindowwasopen,andMr.Knightleyspokeloud.Youmusthaveheardeverythingtobesure.``CanIdoanythingforyouatKingston?\'\'saidhe;soIjustmentionedOh!MissWoodhouse,mustyoubegoing?-Youseembutjustcome-soveryobligingofyou.\'