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1One thing only was wanting to make the prospect of the ball completely satisfactory to Emma--its being fixed for a day
2within the granted term of Frank Churchill's stay in Surry; for, in spite of Mr. Weston's confidence, she could not
3think it so very impossible that the Churchills might not allow their nephew to remain a day beyond his fortnight. But
4this was not judged feasible. The preparations must take their time, nothing could be properly ready till the third week
5were entered on, and for a few days they must be planning, proceeding and hoping in uncertainty--at the risk--in her
6opinion, the great risk, of its being all in vain. Enscombe however was gracious, gracious in fact, if not in word. His
7wish of staying longer evidently did not please; but it was not opposed. All was safe and prosperous; and as the removal
8of one solicitude generally makes way for another, Emma, being now certain of her ball, began to adopt as the next
9vexation Mr. Knightley's provoking indifference about it. Either because he did not dance himself, or because the plan
10had been formed without his being consulted, he seemed resolved that it should not interest him, determined against its
11exciting any present curiosity, or affording him any future amusement. To her voluntary communications Emma could get no
12more approving reply, than, "Very well. If the Westons think it worth while to be at all this trouble for a few hours of
13noisy entertainment, I have nothing to say against it, but that they shall not chuse pleasures for me.--Oh! yes, I must
14be there; I could not refuse; and I will keep as much awake as I can; but I would rather be at home, looking over
15William Larkins's week's account; much rather, I confess.--Pleasure in seeing dancing!--not I, indeed--I never look at
16it--I do not know who does.--Fine dancing, I believe, like virtue, must be its own reward. Those who are standing by are
17usually thinking of something very different." This Emma felt was aimed at her; and it made her quite angry. It was not
18in compliment to Jane Fairfax however that he was so indifferent, or so indignant; he was not guided by her feelings in
19reprobating the ball, for she enjoyed the thought of it to an extraordinary degree. It made her animated--open
20hearted--she voluntarily said;-- "Oh! Miss Woodhouse, I hope nothing may happen to prevent the ball. What a
21disappointment it would be! I do look forward to it, I own, with very great pleasure." It was not to oblige Jane Fairfax
22therefore that he would have preferred the society of William Larkins. No!--she was more and more convinced that Mrs.
23Weston was quite mistaken in that surmise. There was a great deal of friendly and of compassionate attachment on his
24side--but no love. Alas! there was soon no leisure for quarrelling with Mr. Knightley. Two days of joyful security were
25immediately followed by the over-throw of every thing. A letter arrived from Mr. Churchill to urge his nephew's instant
26return. Mrs. Churchill was unwell--far too unwell to do without him; she had been in a very suffering state (so said her
27husband) when writing to her nephew two days before, though from her usual unwillingness to give pain, and constant
28habit of never thinking of herself, she had not mentioned it; but now she was too ill to trifle, and must entreat him to
29set off for Enscombe without delay. The substance of this letter was forwarded to Emma, in a note from Mrs. Weston,
30instantly. As to his going, it was inevitable. He must be gone within a few hours, though without feeling any real alarm
31for his aunt, to lessen his repugnance. He knew her illnesses; they never occurred but for her own convenience. Mrs.
32Weston added, "that he could only allow himself time to hurry to Highbury, after breakfast, and take leave of the few
33friends there whom he could suppose to feel any interest in him; and that he might be expected at Hartfield very soon."
34This wretched note was the finale of Emma's breakfast. When once it had been read, there was no doing any thing, but
35lament and exclaim. The loss of the ball--the loss of the young man--and all that the young man might be feeling!--It
36was too wretched!--Such a delightful evening as it would have been!--Every body so happy! and she and her partner the
37happiest!--"I said it would be so," was the only consolation. Her father's feelings were quite distinct. He thought
38principally of Mrs. Churchill's illness, and wanted to know how she was treated; and as for the ball, it was shocking to
39have dear Emma disappointed; but they would all be safer at home. Emma was ready for her visitor some time before he
40appeared; but if this reflected at all upon his impatience, his sorrowful look and total want of spirits when he did
41come might redeem him. He felt the going away almost too much to speak of it. His dejection was most evident. He sat
42really lost in thought for the first few minutes; and when rousing himself, it was only to say, "Of all horrid things,
43leave-taking is the worst." "But you will come again," said Emma. "This will not be your only visit to Randalls."
44"Ah!--(shaking his head)--the uncertainty of when I may be able to return!--I shall try for it with a zeal!--It will be
45the object of all my thoughts and cares!--and if my uncle and aunt go to town this spring--but I am afraid--they did not
46stir last spring--I am afraid it is a custom gone for ever." "Our poor ball must be quite given up." "Ah! that
47ball!--why did we wait for any thing?--why not seize the pleasure at once?--How often is happiness destroyed by
48preparation, foolish preparation!--You told us it would be so.--Oh! Miss Woodhouse, why are you always so right?"
49"Indeed, I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been merry than wise." "If I can come
50again, we are still to have our ball. My father depends on it. Do not forget your engagement." Emma looked graciously.
51"Such a fortnight as it has been!" he continued; "every day more precious and more delightful than the day
52before!--every day making me less fit to bear any other place. Happy those, who can remain at Highbury!" "As you do us
53such ample justice now," said Emma, laughing, "I will venture to ask, whether you did not come a little doubtfully at
54first? Do not we rather surpass your expectations? I am sure we do. I am sure you did not much expect to like us. You
55would not have been so long in coming, if you had had a pleasant idea of Highbury." He laughed rather consciously; and
56though denying the sentiment, Emma was convinced that it had been so. "And you must be off this very morning?" "Yes; my
57father is to join me here: we shall walk back together, and I must be off immediately. I am almost afraid that every
58moment will bring him." "Not five minutes to spare even for your friends Miss Fairfax and Miss Bates? How unlucky! Miss
59Bates's powerful, argumentative mind might have strengthened yours." "Yes--I have called there; passing the door, I
60thought it better. It was a right thing to do. I went in for three minutes, and was detained by Miss Bates's being
61absent. She was out; and I felt it impossible not to wait till she came in. She is a woman that one may, that one must
62laugh at; but that one would not wish to slight. It was better to pay my visit, then"-- He hesitated, got up, walked to
63a window. "In short," said he, "perhaps, Miss Woodhouse--I think you can hardly be quite without suspicion"-- He looked
64at her, as if wanting to read her thoughts. She hardly knew what to say. It seemed like the forerunner of something
65absolutely serious, which she did not wish. Forcing herself to speak, therefore, in the hope of putting it by, she
66calmly said, "You are quite in the right; it was most natural to pay your visit, then"-- He was silent. She believed he
67was looking at her; probably reflecting on what she had said, and trying to understand the manner. She heard him sigh.
68It was natural for him to feel that he had cause to sigh. He could not believe her to be encouraging him. A few awkward
69moments passed, and he sat down again; and in a more determined manner said, "It was something to feel that all the rest
70of my time might be given to Hartfield. My regard for Hartfield is most warm"--
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