item: #1 of 55 id: austen-emma_001-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_001-1815 date: None words: 3334 flesch: 80 summary: But if, which I rather imagine, your making the match, as you call it, means only your planning it, your saying to yourself one idle day, 'I think it would be a very good thing for Miss Taylor if Mr. Weston were to marry her,' and saying it again to yourself every now and then afterwards, why do you talk of success? I am sure she will be an excellent servant; and it will be a great comfort to poor Miss Taylor to have somebody about her that she is used to see. keywords: emma; miss; taylor cache: austen-emma_001-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_001-1815.txt item: #2 of 55 id: austen-emma_002-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_002-1815 date: None words: 1780 flesch: 60 summary: Mr. Frank Churchill was one of the boasts of Highbury, and a lively curiosity to see him prevailed, though the compliment was so little returned that he had never been there in his life. Now was the time for Mr. Frank Churchill to come among them; and the hope strengthened when it was understood that he had written to his new mother on the occasion. keywords: mrs; weston cache: austen-emma_002-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_002-1815.txt item: #3 of 55 id: austen-emma_003-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_003-1815 date: None words: 1888 flesch: 63 summary: CHAPTER III Mr. Woodhouse was fond of society in his own way. After these came a second set; among the most come-at-able of whom were Mrs. and Miss Bates, and Mrs. Goddard, three ladies almost always at the service of an invitation from Hartfield, and who were fetched and carried home so often, that Mr. Woodhouse thought it no hardship for either James or the horses. keywords: miss; mrs cache: austen-emma_003-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_003-1815.txt item: #4 of 55 id: austen-emma_004-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_004-1815 date: None words: 3557 flesch: 78 summary: What say you to Mr. Weston and Mr. Elton? With this inspiriting notion, her questions increased in number and meaning; and she particularly led Harriet to talk more of Mr. Martin, and there was evidently no dislike to it. keywords: harriet; martin; mrs cache: austen-emma_004-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_004-1815.txt item: #5 of 55 id: austen-emma_005-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_005-1815 date: None words: 2001 flesch: 81 summary: Emma must do Harriet good: and by supplying her with a new object of interest, Harriet may be said to do Emma good. CHAPTER V I do not know what your opinion may be, Mrs. Weston, said Mr. Knightley, of this great intimacy between Emma and Harriet Smith, but I think it a bad thing. keywords: emma cache: austen-emma_005-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_005-1815.txt item: #6 of 55 id: austen-emma_006-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_006-1815 date: None words: 2781 flesch: 79 summary: CHAPTER VI Emma could not feel a doubt of having given Harriet's fancy a proper direction and raised the gratitude of her young vanity to a very good purpose, for she found her decidedly more sensible than before of Mr. Elton's being a remarkably handsome man, with most agreeable manners; and as she had no hesitation in following up the assurance of his admiration by agreeable hints, she was soon pretty confident of creating as much liking on Harriet's side, as there could be any occasion for. She was quite convinced of Mr. Elton's being in the fairest way of falling in love, if not in love already. keywords: elton; harriet; likeness cache: austen-emma_006-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_006-1815.txt item: #7 of 55 id: austen-emma_007-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_007-1815 date: None words: 2418 flesch: 81 summary: At last, with some hesitation, Harriet said-- Miss Woodhouse, as you will not give me your opinion, I must do as well as I can by myself; and I have now quite determined, and really almost made up my mind--to refuse Mr. Martin. She had heard, as soon as she got back to Mrs. Goddard's, that Mr. Martin had been there an hour before, and finding she was not at home, nor particularly expected, had left a little parcel for her from one of his sisters, and gone away; and on opening this parcel, she had actually found, besides the two songs which she had lent Elizabeth to copy, a letter to herself; and this letter was from him, from Mr. Martin, and contained a direct proposal of marriage. keywords: emma; harriet; letter cache: austen-emma_007-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_007-1815.txt item: #8 of 55 id: austen-emma_008-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_008-1815 date: None words: 4338 flesch: 76 summary: Harriet's cheerful look and manner established hers: she came back, not to think of Mr. Martin, but to talk of Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley was a sort of general friend and adviser, and she knew Mr. Elton looked up to him. keywords: elton; emma; harriet; knightley cache: austen-emma_008-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_008-1815.txt item: #9 of 55 id: austen-emma_009-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_009-1815 date: None words: 4777 flesch: 86 summary: He was invited to contribute any really good enigmas, charades, or conundrums that he might recollect; and she had the pleasure of seeing him most intently at work with his recollections; and at the same time, as she could perceive, most earnestly careful that nothing ungallant, nothing that did not breathe a compliment to the sex should pass his lips. I have read worse charades. keywords: charade; dear; emma; harriet; miss cache: austen-emma_009-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_009-1815.txt item: #10 of 55 id: austen-emma_010-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_010-1815 date: None words: 2640 flesch: 73 summary: The lane made a slight bend; and when that bend was passed, Mr. Elton was immediately in sight; and so near as to give Emma time only to say farther, Ah! Harriet, here comes a very sudden trial of our stability in good thoughts. Harriet, she found, had never in her life been inside the Vicarage, and her curiosity to see it was so extreme, that, considering exteriors and probabilities, Emma could only class it, as a proof of love, with Mr. Elton's seeing ready wit in her. keywords: elton; emma; harriet cache: austen-emma_010-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_010-1815.txt item: #11 of 55 id: austen-emma_011-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_011-1815 date: None words: 2168 flesch: 70 summary: It would be very hard upon Mr. Weston if she did not, papa.--You quite forget poor Mr. Weston. Mr. Weston is really as kind as herself. keywords: john; weston cache: austen-emma_011-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_011-1815.txt item: #12 of 55 id: austen-emma_012-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_012-1815 date: None words: 3247 flesch: 77 summary: I think Mr. John Knightley very far from looking well. What is the matter, sir?--Did you speak to me? cried Mr. John Knightley, hearing his own name. keywords: dear; emma; little cache: austen-emma_012-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_012-1815.txt item: #13 of 55 id: austen-emma_013-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_013-1815 date: None words: 3017 flesch: 69 summary: She had not advanced many yards from Mrs. Goddard's door, when she was met by Mr. Elton himself, evidently coming towards it, and as they walked on slowly together in conversation about the invalid--of whom he, on the rumour of considerable illness, had been going to inquire, that he might carry some report of her to Hartfield--they were overtaken by Mr. John Knightley returning from the daily visit to Donwell, with his two eldest boys, whose healthy, glowing faces shewed all the benefit of a country run, and seemed to ensure a quick despatch of the roast mutton and rice pudding they were hastening home for. How they were all to be conveyed, he would have made a difficulty if he could, but as his son and daughter's carriage and horses were actually at Hartfield, he was not able to make more than a simple question on that head; it hardly amounted to a doubt; nor did it occupy Emma long to convince him that they might in one of the carriages find room for Harriet also. Harriet, Mr. Elton, and Mr. Knightley, their own especial set, were the only persons invited to meet them;--the hours were to be early, as well as the numbers few; Mr. Woodhouse's habits and inclination being consulted in every thing. keywords: elton; emma; mrs cache: austen-emma_013-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_013-1815.txt item: #14 of 55 id: austen-emma_014-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_014-1815 date: None words: 2458 flesch: 69 summary: Mr. Weston, I dare say, has been telling you exactly how the matter stands? Yes--it seems to depend upon nothing but the ill-humour of Mrs. Churchill, which I imagine to be the most certain thing in the world. She could tell nothing of Hartfield, in which Mrs. Weston had not a lively concern; and half an hour's uninterrupted communication of all those little matters on which the daily happiness of private life depends, was one of the first gratifications of each. keywords: mrs; weston cache: austen-emma_014-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_014-1815.txt item: #15 of 55 id: austen-emma_015-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_015-1815 date: None words: 3328 flesch: 69 summary: She had not time to know how Mr. Elton took the reproof, so rapidly did another subject succeed; for Mr. John Knightley now came into the room from examining the weather, and opened on them all with the information of the ground being covered with snow, and of its still snowing fast, with a strong drifting wind; concluding with these words to Mr. Woodhouse: This will prove a spirited beginning of your winter engagements, sir. The carriage came: and Mr. Woodhouse, always the first object on such occasions, was carefully attended to his own by Mr. Knightley and Mr. Weston; but not all that either could say could prevent some renewal of alarm at the sight of the snow which had actually fallen, and the discovery of a much darker night than he had been prepared for. keywords: emma; miss; woodhouse cache: austen-emma_015-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_015-1815.txt item: #16 of 55 id: austen-emma_016-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_016-1815 date: None words: 1885 flesch: 63 summary: She remembered what Mr. Knightley had once said to her about Mr. Elton, the caution he had given, the conviction he had professed that Mr. Elton would never marry indiscreetly; and blushed to think how much truer a knowledge of his character had been there shewn than any she had reached herself. It was dreadfully mortifying; but Mr. Elton was proving himself, in many respects, the very reverse of what she had meant and believed him; proud, assuming, conceited; very full of his own claims, and little concerned about the feelings of others. keywords: elton; harriet cache: austen-emma_016-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_016-1815.txt item: #17 of 55 id: austen-emma_017-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_017-1815 date: None words: 1185 flesch: 54 summary: The evening of the very day on which they went brought a note from Mr. Elton to Mr. Woodhouse, a long, civil, ceremonious note, to say, with Mr. Elton's best compliments, that he was proposing to leave Highbury the following morning in his way to Bath; where, in compliance with the pressing entreaties of some friends, he had engaged to spend a few weeks, and very much regretted the impossibility he was under, from various circumstances of weather and business, of taking a personal leave of Mr. Woodhouse, of whose friendly civilities he should ever retain a grateful sense--and had Mr. Woodhouse any commands, should be happy to attend to them. The weather soon improved enough for those to move who must move; and Mr. Woodhouse having, as usual, tried to persuade his daughter to stay behind with all her children, was obliged to see the whole party set off, and return to his lamentations over the destiny of poor Isabella;--which poor Isabella, passing her life with those she doated on, full of their merits, blind to their faults, and always innocently busy, might have been a model of right feminine happiness. keywords: harriet cache: austen-emma_017-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_017-1815.txt item: #18 of 55 id: austen-emma_018-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_018-1815 date: None words: 2570 flesch: 76 summary: We do not often look upon fine young men, well-bred and agreeable. She was the first to announce it to Mr. Knightley; and exclaimed quite as much as was necessary, (or, being acting a part, perhaps rather more,) at the conduct of the Churchills, in keeping him away. keywords: knightley; man cache: austen-emma_018-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_018-1815.txt item: #19 of 55 id: austen-emma_019-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_019-1815 date: None words: 3062 flesch: 78 summary: At this moment, an ingenious and animating suspicion entering Emma's brain with regard to Jane Fairfax, this charming Mr. Dixon, and the not going to Ireland, she said, with the insidious design of farther discovery, You must feel it very fortunate that Miss Fairfax should be allowed to come to you at such a time. She had not been prepared to have Jane Fairfax succeed Mr. Elton; but he was actually hurried off by Miss Bates, she jumped away from him at last abruptly to the Coles, to usher in a letter from her niece. keywords: jane; miss; mrs cache: austen-emma_019-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_019-1815.txt item: #20 of 55 id: austen-emma_020-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_020-1815 date: None words: 2399 flesch: 60 summary: They continued together with unabated regard however, till the marriage of Miss Campbell, who by that chance, that luck which so often defies anticipation in matrimonial affairs, giving attraction to what is moderate rather than to what is superior, engaged the affections of Mr. Dixon, a young man, rich and agreeable, almost as soon as they were acquainted; and was eligibly and happily settled, while Jane Fairfax had yet her bread to earn. Fairfax of the ----regiment of infantry, and Miss Jane Bates, had had its day of fame and pleasure, hope and interest; but nothing now remained of it, save the melancholy remembrance of him dying in action abroad--of his widow sinking under consumption and grief soon afterwards--and this girl. keywords: campbell; fairfax; jane cache: austen-emma_020-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_020-1815.txt item: #21 of 55 id: austen-emma_021-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_021-1815 date: None words: 3968 flesch: 84 summary: Emma could not forgive her;--but as neither provocation nor resentment were discerned by Mr. Knightley, who had been of the party, and had seen only proper attention and pleasing behaviour on each side, he was expressing the next morning, being at Hartfield again on business with Mr. Woodhouse, his approbation of the whole; not so openly as he might have done had her father been out of the room, but speaking plain enough to be very intelligible to Emma. Mr. Knightley looked as if he were more gratified than he cared to express; and before he could make any reply, Mr. Woodhouse, whose thoughts were on the Bates's, said-- It is a great pity that their circumstances should be so confined! keywords: dear; emma; miss cache: austen-emma_021-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_021-1815.txt item: #22 of 55 id: austen-emma_022-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_022-1815 date: None words: 1661 flesch: 61 summary: She was good enough for Mr. Elton, no doubt; accomplished enough for Highbury--handsome enough--to look plain, probably, by Harriet's side. Harriet had not been at home; but a note had been prepared and left for her, written in the very style to touch; a small mixture of reproach, with a great deal of kindness; and till Mr. Elton himself appeared, she had been much occupied by it, continually pondering over what could be done in return, and wishing to do more than she dared to confess. keywords: elton; harriet cache: austen-emma_022-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_022-1815.txt item: #23 of 55 id: austen-emma_023-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_023-1815 date: None words: 3340 flesch: 68 summary: There was instant pleasure in the sight of them, and still greater pleasure was conveyed in sound--for Mr. Weston immediately accosted her with, How d'ye do?--how d'ye do?--We have been sitting with your father--glad to see him so well. There was no resisting such news, no possibility of avoiding the influence of such a happy face as Mr. Weston's, confirmed as it all was by the words and the countenance of his wife, fewer and quieter, but not less to the purpose. keywords: emma; mrs; weston cache: austen-emma_023-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_023-1815.txt item: #24 of 55 id: austen-emma_024-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_024-1815 date: None words: 3023 flesch: 74 summary: And how did you think Miss Fairfax looking? Ill, very ill--that is, if a young lady can ever be allowed to look ill. And, seriously, Miss Fairfax is naturally so pale, as almost always to give the appearance of ill health.--A most deplorable want of complexion. keywords: emma; fairfax; highbury; miss cache: austen-emma_024-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_024-1815.txt item: #25 of 55 id: austen-emma_025-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_025-1815 date: None words: 2350 flesch: 75 summary: Well, sir, cried Mr. Weston, as I took Miss Taylor away, it is incumbent on me to supply her place, if I can; and I will step to Mrs. Goddard in a moment, if you wish it. Upon the whole, she was very persuadable; and it being briefly settled among themselves how it might be done without neglecting his comfort--how certainly Mrs. Goddard, if not Mrs. Bates, might be depended on for bearing him company--Mr. Woodhouse was to be talked into an acquiescence of his daughter's going out to dinner on a day now near at hand, and spending the whole evening away from him. keywords: mrs; weston cache: austen-emma_025-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_025-1815.txt item: #26 of 55 id: austen-emma_026-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_026-1815 date: None words: 6503 flesch: 76 summary: He told her that he had been impatient to leave the dining-room--hated sitting long--was always the first to move when he could--that his father, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Cox, and Mr. Cole, were left very busy over parish business--that as long as he had staid, however, it had been pleasant enough, as he had found them in general a set of gentlemanlike, sensible men; and spoke so handsomely of Highbury altogether--thought it so abundant in agreeable families--that Emma began to feel she had been used to despise the place rather too much. When Mr. Cole had moved away, and her attention could be restored as before, she saw Frank Churchill looking intently across the room at Miss Fairfax, who was sitting exactly opposite. keywords: emma; fairfax; jane; knightley; miss; mrs cache: austen-emma_026-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_026-1815.txt item: #27 of 55 id: austen-emma_027-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_027-1815 date: None words: 3221 flesch: 84 summary: Mrs. Weston informed her that she was going to call on the Bateses, in order to hear the new instrument. And while Mrs. Weston pays her visit, I may be allowed, I hope, said Frank Churchill, to join your party and wait for her at Hartfield--if you are going home. keywords: miss; mrs; weston; woodhouse cache: austen-emma_027-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_027-1815.txt item: #28 of 55 id: austen-emma_028-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_028-1815 date: None words: 2002 flesch: 85 summary: I have not been working uninterruptedly, he replied, I have been assisting Miss Fairfax in trying to make her instrument stand steadily, it was not quite firm; an unevenness in the floor, I believe. I dare say, Miss Fairfax, that he either gave his friend very minute directions, or wrote to Broadwood himself. keywords: fairfax; miss; mrs cache: austen-emma_028-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_028-1815.txt item: #29 of 55 id: austen-emma_029-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_029-1815 date: None words: 3278 flesch: 83 summary: Mr. Weston entered into the idea with thorough enjoyment, and Mrs. Weston most willingly undertook to play as long as they could wish to dance; and the interesting employment had followed, of reckoning up exactly who there would be, and portioning out the indispensable division of space to every couple. But still she had inclination enough for shewing people again how delightfully Mr. Frank Churchill and Miss Woodhouse danced--for doing that in which she need not blush to compare herself with Jane Fairfax--and even for simple dancing itself, without any of the wicked aids of vanity--to assist him first in pacing out the room they were in to see what it could be made to hold--and then in taking the dimensions of the other parlour, in the hope of discovering, in spite of all that Mr. Weston could say of their exactly equal size, that it was a little the largest. keywords: miss; mrs; weston cache: austen-emma_029-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_029-1815.txt item: #30 of 55 id: austen-emma_030-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_030-1815 date: None words: 2151 flesch: 78 summary: He could not say that he was sorry on his own account; his very cheerful look would have contradicted him if he had; but he said, and very steadily, that he was sorry for the disappointment of the others, and with considerable kindness added, You, Emma, who have so few opportunities of dancing, you are really out of luck; you are very much out of luck! He thought principally of Mrs. Churchill's illness, and wanted to know how she was treated; and as for the ball, it was shocking to have dear Emma disappointed; but they would all be safer at home. keywords: ball; emma cache: austen-emma_030-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_030-1815.txt item: #31 of 55 id: austen-emma_031-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_031-1815 date: None words: 1970 flesch: 68 summary: She had had three weeks of happy exemption from Mr. Elton; and Harriet's mind, she had been willing to hope, had been lately gaining strength. Emma continued, I have not said, exert yourself Harriet for my sake; think less, talk less of Mr. Elton for my sake; because for your own sake rather, I would wish it to be done, for the sake of what is more important than my comfort, a habit of self-command in you, a consideration of what is your duty, an attention to propriety, an endeavour to avoid the suspicions of others, to save your health and credit, and restore your tranquillity. keywords: emma; harriet cache: austen-emma_031-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_031-1815.txt item: #32 of 55 id: austen-emma_032-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_032-1815 date: None words: 3829 flesch: 81 summary: From Harriet's happening not to be at Hartfield, and her father's being present to engage Mr. Elton, she had a quarter of an hour of the lady's conversation to herself, and could composedly attend to her; and the quarter of an hour quite convinced her that Mrs. Elton was a vain woman, extremely well satisfied with herself, and thinking much of her own importance; that she meant to shine and be very superior, but with manners which had been formed in a bad school, pert and familiar; that all her notions were drawn from one set of people, and one style of living; that if not foolish she was ignorant, and that her society would certainly do Mr. Elton no good. Mrs. Elton seemed most favourably impressed by the size of the room, the entrance, and all that she could see or imagine. keywords: elton; emma; miss; mrs cache: austen-emma_032-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_032-1815.txt item: #33 of 55 id: austen-emma_033-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_033-1815 date: None words: 2981 flesch: 72 summary: You are right, Mrs. Weston, said Mr. Knightley warmly, Miss Fairfax is as capable as any of us of forming a just opinion of Mrs. Elton. With a faint blush, she presently replied, Such attentions as Mrs. Elton's, I should have imagined, would rather disgust than gratify Miss Fairfax. keywords: elton; fairfax; jane; mrs cache: austen-emma_033-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_033-1815.txt item: #34 of 55 id: austen-emma_034-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_034-1815 date: None words: 3114 flesch: 79 summary: The day came, the party were punctually assembled, and Mr. John Knightley seemed early to devote himself to the business of being agreeable. No, but it did not absolutely rain when I set out. Mr. John Knightley smiled, and replied, That is to say, you chose to have your walk, for you were not six yards from your own door when I had the pleasure of meeting you; and Henry and John had seen more drops than they could count long before. keywords: jane; knightley; mrs cache: austen-emma_034-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_034-1815.txt item: #35 of 55 id: austen-emma_035-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_035-1815 date: None words: 2229 flesch: 74 summary: They were the first entitled, after Mrs. Weston and Emma, to be made happy;--from them he would have proceeded to Miss Fairfax, but she was so deep in conversation with John Knightley, that it would have been too positive an interruption; and finding himself close to Mrs. Elton, and her attention disengaged, he necessarily began on the subject with her. I not aware! said Jane, shaking her head; dear Mrs. Elton, who can have thought of it as I have done? But you have not seen so much of the world as I have. keywords: elton; jane; mrs cache: austen-emma_035-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_035-1815.txt item: #36 of 55 id: austen-emma_036-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_036-1815 date: None words: 2836 flesch: 81 summary: After tea, Mr. and Mrs. Weston, and Mr. Elton sat down with Mr. Woodhouse to cards. CHAPTER XVIII I hope I shall soon have the pleasure of introducing my son to you, said Mr. Weston. keywords: churchill; mrs; weston cache: austen-emma_036-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_036-1815.txt item: #37 of 55 id: austen-emma_037-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_037-1815 date: None words: 1286 flesch: 77 summary: CHAPTER I A very little quiet reflection was enough to satisfy Emma as to the nature of her agitation on hearing this news of Frank Churchill. This was the only visit from Frank Churchill in the course of ten days. keywords: frank; thing cache: austen-emma_037-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_037-1815.txt item: #38 of 55 id: austen-emma_038-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_038-1815 date: None words: 4399 flesch: 80 summary: Upon my word, Jane on one arm, and me on the other!--Stop, stop, let us stand a little back, Mrs. Elton is going; dear Mrs. Elton, how elegant she looks!--Beautiful Mrs. Elton turned to Mrs. Weston. keywords: elton; emma; frank; miss; mrs; weston cache: austen-emma_038-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_038-1815.txt item: #39 of 55 id: austen-emma_039-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_039-1815 date: None words: 1706 flesch: 62 summary: But poor Harriet could not follow. A child on the watch, came towards them to beg; and Miss Bickerton, excessively frightened, gave a great scream, and calling on Harriet to follow her, ran up a steep bank, cleared a slight hedge at the top, and made the best of her way by a short cut back to Highbury. keywords: emma; harriet; miss cache: austen-emma_039-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_039-1815.txt item: #40 of 55 id: austen-emma_040-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_040-1815 date: None words: 2091 flesch: 80 summary: CHAPTER IV A very few days had passed after this adventure, when Harriet came one morning to Emma with a small parcel in her hand, and after sitting down and hesitating, thus began: Miss Woodhouse--if you are at leisure--I have something that I should like to tell you--a sort of confession to make--and then, you know, it will be over. There was a seriousness in Harriet's manner which prepared her, quite as much as her words, for something more than ordinary. keywords: emma; harriet cache: austen-emma_040-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_040-1815.txt item: #41 of 55 id: austen-emma_041-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_041-1815 date: None words: 2991 flesch: 77 summary: Why, to own the truth, cried Miss Bates, who had been trying in vain to be heard the last two minutes, if I must speak on this subject, there is no denying that Mr. Frank Churchill might have--I do not mean to say that he did not dream it--I am sure I have sometimes the oddest dreams in the world--but if I am questioned about it, I must acknowledge that there was such an idea last spring; for Mrs. Perry herself mentioned it to my mother, and the Coles knew of it as well as ourselves--but it was quite a secret, known to nobody else, and only thought of about three days. My dear Emma, said he at last, with earnest kindness, do you think you perfectly understand the degree of acquaintance between the gentleman and lady we have been speaking of? Between Mr. Frank Churchill and Miss Fairfax? keywords: emma; frank; jane cache: austen-emma_041-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_041-1815.txt item: #42 of 55 id: austen-emma_042-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_042-1815 date: None words: 5144 flesch: 77 summary: In the daily interchange of news, they must be again restricted to the other topics with which for a while the Sucklings' coming had been united, such as the last accounts of Mrs. Churchill, whose health seemed every day to supply a different report, and the situation of Mrs. Weston, whose happiness it was to be hoped might eventually be as much increased by the arrival of a child, as that of all her neighbours was by the approach of it. Churchill's state, however, as many were ready to remind her, was liable to such sudden variation as might disappoint her nephew in the most reasonable dependence--and Mrs. Weston was at last persuaded to believe, or to say, that it must be by some attack of Mrs. Churchill that he was prevented coming.--Emma looked at Harriet while the point was under consideration; she behaved very well, and betrayed no emotion. keywords: elton; emma; knightley; mrs; party; thing; weston cache: austen-emma_042-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_042-1815.txt item: #43 of 55 id: austen-emma_043-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_043-1815 date: None words: 3330 flesch: 83 summary: It might be a very indifferent piece of wit, but Emma found a great deal to laugh at and enjoy in it--and so did Frank and Harriet.--It did not seem to touch the rest of the party equally; some looked very stupid about it, and Mr. Knightley gravely said, This explains the sort of clever thing that is wanted, and Mr. Weston has done very well for himself; but he must have knocked up every body else. The Eltons walked together; Mr. Knightley took charge of Miss Bates and Jane; and Emma and Harriet belonged to Frank Churchill. keywords: emma; miss; weston cache: austen-emma_043-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_043-1815.txt item: #44 of 55 id: austen-emma_044-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_044-1815 date: None words: 2800 flesch: 78 summary: She would not let Jane say, 'No;' for when Jane first heard of it, (it was the day before yesterday, the very morning we were at Donwell,) when Jane first heard of it, she was quite decided against accepting the offer, and for the reasons you mention; exactly as you say, she had made up her mind to close with nothing till Colonel Campbell's return, and nothing should induce her to enter into any engagement at present--and so she told Mrs. Elton over and over again--and I am sure I had no more idea that she would change her mind!--but that good Mrs. Elton, whose judgment never fails her, saw farther than I did. I had not the least idea!--Jane took Mrs. Elton aside, and told her at once, that upon thinking over the advantages of Mrs. Smallridge's situation, she had come to the resolution of accepting it.--I did not know a word of it till it was all settled. keywords: jane; miss; mrs cache: austen-emma_044-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_044-1815.txt item: #45 of 55 id: austen-emma_045-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_045-1815 date: None words: 2493 flesch: 68 summary: On that subject poor Miss Bates was very unhappy, and very communicative; Jane would hardly eat any thing:--Mr. In the hope of diverting her father's thoughts from the disagreeableness of Mr. Knightley's going to London; and going so suddenly; and going on horseback, which she knew would be all very bad; Emma communicated her news of Jane Fairfax, and her dependence on the effect was justified; it supplied a very useful check,--interested, without disturbing him. keywords: emma; miss; mrs cache: austen-emma_045-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_045-1815.txt item: #46 of 55 id: austen-emma_046-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_046-1815 date: None words: 3128 flesch: 79 summary: Now,--said Emma, when they were fairly beyond the sweep gates,--now Mr. Weston, do let me know what has happened. Nay, dear Emma, now I must take his part; for though he has been wrong in this instance, I have known him long enough to answer for his having many, very many, good qualities; and-- Good God! keywords: emma; mrs; time; weston cache: austen-emma_046-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_046-1815.txt item: #47 of 55 id: austen-emma_047-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_047-1815 date: None words: 4219 flesch: 67 summary: Can you seriously ask me, Harriet, whether I imagined him attached to another woman at the very time that I was--tacitly, if not openly--encouraging you to give way to your own feelings?--I never had the slightest suspicion, till within the last hour, of Mr. Frank Churchill's having the least regard for Jane Fairfax. But poor Harriet was such an engrossing charge! keywords: churchill; emma; frank; harriet cache: austen-emma_047-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_047-1815.txt item: #48 of 55 id: austen-emma_048-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_048-1815 date: None words: 2988 flesch: 62 summary: Mrs. Weston had set off to pay the visit in a good deal of agitation herself; and in the first place had wished not to go at all at present, to be allowed merely to write to Miss Fairfax instead, and to defer this ceremonious call till a little time had passed, and Mr. Churchill could be reconciled to the engagement's becoming known; as, considering every thing, she thought such a visit could not be paid without leading to reports:--but Mr. Weston had thought differently; he was extremely anxious to shew his approbation to Miss Fairfax and her family, and did not conceive that any suspicion could be excited by it; or if it were, that it would be of any consequence; for such things, he observed, always got about. Mr. Weston had accompanied her to Mrs. Bates's, and gone through his share of this essential attention most handsomely; but she having then induced Miss Fairfax to join her in an airing, was now returned with much more to say, and much more to say with satisfaction, than a quarter of an hour spent in Mrs. Bates's parlour, with all the encumbrance of awkward feelings, could have afforded. keywords: emma; miss; mrs; weston cache: austen-emma_048-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_048-1815.txt item: #49 of 55 id: austen-emma_049-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_049-1815 date: None words: 3364 flesch: 67 summary: Her change was equal.--This one half-hour had given to each the same precious certainty of being beloved, had cleared from each the same degree of ignorance, jealousy, or distrust.--On his side, there had been a long-standing jealousy, old as the arrival, or even the expectation, of Frank Churchill.--He had been in love with Emma, and jealous of Frank Churchill, from about the same period, one sentiment having probably enlightened him as to the other. There was too much domestic happiness in his brother's house; woman wore too amiable a form in it; Isabella was too much like Emma--differing only in those striking inferiorities, which always brought the other in brilliancy before him, for much to have been done, even had his time been longer.--He had stayed on, however, vigorously, day after day--till this very morning's post had conveyed the history of Jane Fairfax.--Then, with the gladness which must be felt, nay, which he did not scruple to feel, having never believed Frank Churchill to be at all deserving Emma, was there so much fond solicitude, so much keen anxiety for her, that he could stay no longer. keywords: churchill; emma; time cache: austen-emma_049-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_049-1815.txt item: #50 of 55 id: austen-emma_050-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_050-1815 date: None words: 3601 flesch: 52 summary: While he lived, it must be only an engagement; but she flattered herself, that if divested of the danger of drawing her away, it might become an increase of comfort to him.--How to do her best by Harriet, was of more difficult decision;--how to spare her from any unnecessary pain; how to make her any possible atonement; how to appear least her enemy?--On these subjects, her perplexity and distress were very great--and her mind had to pass again and again through every bitter reproach and sorrowful regret that had ever surrounded it.--She could only resolve at last, that she would still avoid a meeting with her, and communicate all that need be told by letter; that it would be inexpressibly desirable to have her removed just now for a time from Highbury, and--indulging in one scheme more--nearly resolve, that it might be practicable to get an invitation for her to Brunswick Square.--Isabella had been pleased with Harriet; and a few weeks spent in London must give her some amusement.--She did not think it in Harriet's nature to escape being benefited by novelty and variety, by the streets, the shops, and the children.--At any rate, it would be a proof of attention and kindness in herself, from whom every thing was due; a separation for the present; an averting of the evil day, when they must all be together again. With the greatest respect, and the warmest friendship, do I mention Miss Woodhouse; my father perhaps will think I ought to add, with the deepest humiliation.--A few words which dropped from him yesterday spoke his opinion, and some censure I acknowledge myself liable to.--My behaviour to Miss Woodhouse indicated, I believe, more than it ought.--In order to assist a concealment so essential to me, I was led on to make more than an allowable use of the sort of intimacy into which we were immediately thrown.--I cannot deny that Miss Woodhouse was my ostensible object--but I am sure you will believe the declaration, that had I not been convinced of her indifference, I would not have been induced by any selfish views to go on.--Amiable and delightful as Miss Woodhouse is, she never gave me the idea of a young woman likely to be attached; and that she was perfectly free from any tendency to being attached to me, was as much my conviction as my wish.--She received my attentions with an easy, friendly, goodhumoured playfulness, which exactly suited me. keywords: hope; letter; miss; thing; woodhouse cache: austen-emma_050-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_050-1815.txt item: #51 of 55 id: austen-emma_051-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_051-1815 date: None words: 2361 flesch: 74 summary: Mr. Knightley himself would be doing nothing to assist the cure;--not like Mr. Elton. She thought so well of the letter, that when Mr. Knightley came again, she desired him to read it. keywords: emma; knightley cache: austen-emma_051-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_051-1815.txt item: #52 of 55 id: austen-emma_052-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_052-1815 date: None words: 3253 flesch: 72 summary: In all probability she was at this very time waited for there; and Mr. Knightley might be preserved from sinking deeper in aggression towards Mr. Elton, if not towards William Larkins. Mrs. Bates and Mrs. Elton were together. keywords: elton; emma; knightley; miss; mrs cache: austen-emma_052-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_052-1815.txt item: #53 of 55 id: austen-emma_053-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_053-1815 date: None words: 3117 flesch: 71 summary: Mr. Woodhouse could not be soon reconciled; but the worst was overcome, the idea was given; time and continual repetition must do the rest.--To Emma's entreaties and assurances succeeded Mr. Knightley's, whose fond praise of her gave the subject even a kind of welcome; and he was soon used to be talked to by each, on every fair occasion.--They had all the assistance which Isabella could give, by letters of the strongest approbation; and Mrs. Weston was ready, on the first meeting, to consider the subject in the most serviceable light--first, as a settled, and, secondly, as a good one--well aware of the nearly equal importance of the two recommendations to Mr. Woodhouse's mind.--It was agreed upon, as what was to be; and every body by whom he was used to be guided assuring him that it would be for his happiness; and And who but Mr. Knightley could know and bear with Mr. Woodhouse, so as to make such an arrangement desirable!--The difficulty of disposing of poor Mr. Woodhouse had been always felt in her husband's plans and her own, for a marriage between Frank and Emma. keywords: emma; knightley; mrs cache: austen-emma_053-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_053-1815.txt item: #54 of 55 id: austen-emma_054-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_054-1815 date: None words: 3677 flesch: 79 summary: It is so, indeed, continued Mr. Knightley; I have it from Robert Martin himself. The contrast between the countenance and air of Mr. Knightley and Robert Martin was, at this moment, so strong to Emma's feelings, and so strong was the recollection of all that had so recently passed on Harriet's side, so fresh the sound of those words, spoken with such emphasis, No, I hope I know better than to think of Robert Martin, that she was really expecting the intelligence to prove, in some measure, premature. keywords: emma; harriet; martin cache: austen-emma_054-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_054-1815.txt item: #55 of 55 id: austen-emma_055-1815 author: None title: austen-emma_055-1815 date: None words: 1205 flesch: 51 summary: She proved to be the daughter of a tradesman, rich enough to afford her the comfortable maintenance which had ever been hers, and decent enough to have always wished for concealment.--Such was the blood of gentility which Emma had formerly been so ready to vouch for!--It was likely to be as untainted, perhaps, as the blood of many a gentleman: but what a connexion had she been preparing for Mr. Knightley--or for the Churchills--or even for Mr. Elton!--The stain of illegitimacy, unbleached by nobility or wealth, would have been a stain indeed. The result of this distress was, that, with a much more voluntary, cheerful consent than his daughter had ever presumed to hope for at the moment, she was able to fix her wedding-day--and Mr. Elton was called on, within a month from the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin, to join the hands of Mr. Knightley and Miss Woodhouse. keywords: emma cache: austen-emma_055-1815.txt plain text: austen-emma_055-1815.txt