XXXVIII + 

No misfortune occurred again to prevent the ball. The day approached, the day arrived; and after a morning of some anxious watching, Frank Churchill, in all the certainty of his own self, reached Randalls before dinner, and everything was safe. + 

No second meeting had there yet been between him and Emma. The room at the Crown was to witness it;вБ†вАФbut it would be better than a common meeting in a crowd. Mr.¬†Weston had been so very earnest in his entreaties for her arriving there as soon as possible after themselves, for the purpose of taking her opinion as to the propriety and comfort of the rooms before any other persons came, that she could not refuse him, and must therefore spend some quiet interval in the young manвАЩs company. She was to convey Harriet, and they drove to the Crown in good time, the Randalls party just sufficiently before them. + 

Frank Churchill seemed to have been on the watch; and though he did not say much, his eyes declared that he meant to have a delightful evening. They all walked about together, to see that everything was as it should be; and within a few minutes were joined by the contents of another carriage, which Emma could not hear the sound of at first, without great surprise. вАЬSo unreasonably early!вАЭ she was going to exclaim; but she presently found that it was a family of old friends, who were coming, like herself, by particular desire, to help Mr.¬†WestonвАЩs judgment; and they were so very closely followed by another carriage of cousins, who had been entreated to come early with the same distinguishing earnestness, on the same errand, that it seemed as if half the company might soon be collected together for the purpose of preparatory inspection. + 

Emma perceived that her taste was not the only taste on which Mr.¬†Weston depended, and felt, that to be the favourite and intimate of a man who had so many intimates and confidantes, was not the very first distinction in the scale of vanity. She liked his open manners, but a little less of open-heartedness would have made him a higher character.вБ†вАФGeneral benevolence, but not general friendship, made a man what he ought to be.вБ†вАФShe could fancy such a man. The whole party walked about, and looked, and praised again; and then, having nothing else to do, formed a sort of half-circle round the fire, to observe in their various modes, till other subjects were started, that, though May, a fire in the evening was still very pleasant. + 

Emma found that it was not Mr.¬†WestonвАЩs fault that the number of privy councillors was not yet larger. They had stopped at Mrs.¬†BatesвАЩs door to offer the use of their carriage, but the aunt and niece were to be brought by the Eltons. + 

Frank was standing by her, but not steadily; there was a restlessness, which showed a mind not at ease. He was looking about, he was going to the door, he was watching for the sound of other carriagesвБ†вАФimpatient to begin, or afraid of being always near her. + 

Mrs.¬†Elton was spoken of. вАЬI think she must be here soon,вАЭ said he. вАЬI have a great curiosity to see Mrs.¬†Elton, I have heard so much of her. It cannot be long, I think, before she comes.вАЭ + 

A carriage was heard. He was on the move immediately; but coming back, said, + 

вАЬI am forgetting that I am not acquainted with her. I have never seen either Mr.¬†or Mrs.¬†Elton. I have no business to put myself forward.вАЭ + 

Mr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Elton appeared; and all the smiles and the proprieties passed. + 

вАЬBut Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax!вАЭ said Mr.¬†Weston, looking about. вАЬWe thought you were to bring them.вАЭ + 

The mistake had been slight. The carriage was sent for them now. Emma longed to know what FrankвАЩs first opinion of Mrs.¬†Elton might be; how he was affected by the studied elegance of her dress, and her smiles of graciousness. He was immediately qualifying himself to form an opinion, by giving her very proper attention, after the introduction had passed. + 

In a few minutes the carriage returned.вБ†вАФSomebody talked of rain.вБ†вАФвАЬI will see that there are umbrellas, sir,вАЭ said Frank to his father: вАЬMiss Bates must not be forgotten:вАЭ and away he went. Mr.¬†Weston was following; but Mrs.¬†Elton detained him, to gratify him by her opinion of his son; and so briskly did she begin, that the young man himself, though by no means moving slowly, could hardly be out of hearing. + 

вАЬA very fine young man indeed, Mr.¬†Weston. You know I candidly told you I should form my own opinion; and I am happy to say that I am extremely pleased with him.вБ†вАФYou may believe me. I never compliment. I think him a very handsome young man, and his manners are precisely what I like and approveвБ†вАФso truly the gentleman, without the least conceit or puppyism. You must know I have a vast dislike to puppiesвБ†вАФquite a horror of them. They were never tolerated at Maple Grove. Neither Mr.¬†Suckling nor me had ever any patience with them; and we used sometimes to say very cutting things! Selina, who is mild almost to a fault, bore with them much better.вАЭ + 

While she talked of his son, Mr.¬†WestonвАЩs attention was chained; but when she got to Maple Grove, he could recollect that there were ladies just arriving to be attended to, and with happy smiles must hurry away. + 

Mrs.¬†Elton turned to Mrs.¬†Weston. вАЬI have no doubt of its being our carriage with Miss Bates and Jane. Our coachman and horses are so extremely expeditious!вБ†вАФI believe we drive faster than anybody.вБ†вАФWhat a pleasure it is to send oneвАЩs carriage for a friend!вБ†вАФI understand you were so kind as to offer, but another time it will be quite unnecessary. You may be very sure I shall always take care of them.вАЭ + 

Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax, escorted by the two gentlemen, walked into the room; and Mrs.¬†Elton seemed to think it as much her duty as Mrs.¬†WestonвАЩs to receive them. Her gestures and movements might be understood by anyone who looked on like Emma; but her words, everybodyвАЩs words, were soon lost under the incessant flow of Miss Bates, who came in talking, and had not finished her speech under many minutes after her being admitted into the circle at the fire. As the door opened she was heard, + 

вАЬSo very obliging of you!вБ†вАФNo rain at all. Nothing to signify. I do not care for myself. Quite thick shoes. And Jane declaresвБ†вАФWell!вБ†вАФ(as soon as she was within the door) Well! This is brilliant indeed!вБ†вАФThis is admirable!вБ†вАФExcellently contrived, upon my word. Nothing wanting. Could not have imagined it.вБ†вАФSo well lighted up!вБ†вАФJane, Jane, look!вБ†вАФdid you ever see anything? Oh! Mr.¬†Weston, you must really have had AladdinвАЩs lamp. Good Mrs.¬†Stokes would not know her own room again. I saw her as I came in; she was standing in the entrance. вАШOh! Mrs.¬†Stokes,вАЩ said IвБ†вАФbut I had not time for more.вАЭ She was now met by Mrs.¬†Weston.вБ†вАФвАЬVery well, I thank you, maвАЩam. I hope you are quite well. Very happy to hear it. So afraid you might have a headache!вБ†вАФseeing you pass by so often, and knowing how much trouble you must have. Delighted to hear it indeed. Ah! dear Mrs.¬†Elton, so obliged to you for the carriage!вБ†вАФexcellent time. Jane and I quite ready. Did not keep the horses a moment. Most comfortable carriage.вБ†вАФOh! and I am sure our thanks are due to you, Mrs.¬†Weston, on that score. Mrs.¬†Elton had most kindly sent Jane a note, or we should have been.вБ†вАФBut two such offers in one day!вБ†вАФNever were such neighbours. I said to my mother, вАШUpon my word, maвАЩamвБ†вАФ.вАЩ Thank you, my mother is remarkably well. Gone to Mr.¬†WoodhouseвАЩs. I made her take her shawlвБ†вАФfor the evenings are not warmвБ†вАФher large new shawlвБ†вАФMrs.¬†DixonвАЩs wedding-present.вБ†вАФSo kind of her to think of my mother! Bought at Weymouth, you knowвБ†вАФMr.¬†DixonвАЩs choice. There were three others, Jane says, which they hesitated about some time. Colonel Campbell rather preferred an olive. My dear Jane, are you sure you did not wet your feet?вБ†вАФIt was but a drop or two, but I am so afraid:вБ†вАФbut Mr.¬†Frank Churchill was so extremelyвБ†вАФand there was a mat to step uponвБ†вАФI shall never forget his extreme politeness.вБ†вАФOh! Mr.¬†Frank Churchill, I must tell you my motherвАЩs spectacles have never been in fault since; the rivet never came out again. My mother often talks of your good-nature. Does not she, Jane?вБ†вАФDo not we often talk of Mr.¬†Frank Churchill?вБ†вАФAh! hereвАЩs Miss Woodhouse.вБ†вАФDear Miss Woodhouse, how do you do?вБ†вАФVery well I thank you, quite well. This is meeting quite in fairyland!вБ†вАФSuch a transformation!вБ†вАФMust not compliment, I know (eyeing Emma most complacently)вБ†вАФthat would be rudeвБ†вАФbut upon my word, Miss Woodhouse, you do lookвБ†вАФhow do you like JaneвАЩs hair?вБ†вАФYou are a judge.вБ†вАФShe did it all herself. Quite wonderful how she does her hair!вБ†вАФNo hairdresser from London I think could.вБ†вАФAh! Dr.¬†Hughes I declareвБ†вАФand Mrs.¬†Hughes. Must go and speak to Dr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Hughes for a moment.вБ†вАФHow do you do? How do you do?вБ†вАФVery well, I thank you. This is delightful, is not it?вБ†вАФWhereвАЩs dear Mr.¬†Richard?вБ†вАФOh! there he is. DonвАЩt disturb him. Much better employed talking to the young ladies. How do you do, Mr.¬†Richard?вБ†вАФI saw you the other day as you rode through the townвБ†вАФMrs.¬†Otway, I protest!вБ†вАФand good Mr.¬†Otway, and Miss Otway and Miss Caroline.вБ†вАФSuch a host of friends!вБ†вАФand Mr.¬†George and Mr.¬†Arthur!вБ†вАФHow do you do? How do you all do?вБ†вАФQuite well, I am much obliged to you. Never better.вБ†вАФDonвАЩt I hear another carriage?вБ†вАФWho can this be?вБ†вАФvery likely the worthy Coles.вБ†вАФUpon my word, this is charming to be standing about among such friends! And such a noble fire!вБ†вАФI am quite roasted. No coffee, I thank you, for meвБ†вАФnever take coffee.вБ†вАФA little tea if you please, sir, by and byeвБ†вАФno hurryвБ†вАФOh! here it comes. Everything so good!вАЭ + 

Frank Churchill returned to his station by Emma; and as soon as Miss Bates was quiet, she found herself necessarily overhearing the discourse of Mrs.¬†Elton and Miss Fairfax, who were standing a little way behind her.вБ†вАФHe was thoughtful. Whether he were overhearing too, she could not determine. After a good many compliments to Jane on her dress and look, compliments very quietly and properly taken, Mrs.¬†Elton was evidently wanting to be complimented herselfвБ†вАФand it was, вАЬHow do you like my gown?вБ†вАФHow do you like my trimming?вБ†вАФHow has Wright done my hair?вАЭвБ†вАФwith many other relative questions, all answered with patient politeness. Mrs.¬†Elton then said, вАЬNobody can think less of dress in general than I doвБ†вАФbut upon such an occasion as this, when everybodyвАЩs eyes are so much upon me, and in compliment to the WestonsвБ†вАФwho I have no doubt are giving this ball chiefly to do me honourвБ†вАФI would not wish to be inferior to others. And I see very few pearls in the room except mine.вБ†вАФSo Frank Churchill is a capital dancer, I understand.вБ†вАФWe shall see if our styles suit.вБ†вАФA fine young man certainly is Frank Churchill. I like him very well.вАЭ + 

At this moment Frank began talking so vigorously, that Emma could not but imagine he had overheard his own praises, and did not want to hear more;вБ†вАФand the voices of the ladies were drowned for a while, till another suspension brought Mrs.¬†EltonвАЩs tones again distinctly forward.вБ†вАФMr.¬†Elton had just joined them, and his wife was exclaiming, + 

вАЬOh! you have found us out at last, have you, in our seclusion?вБ†вАФI was this moment telling Jane, I thought you would begin to be impatient for tidings of us.вАЭ + 

вАЬJane!вАЭвБ†вАФrepeated Frank Churchill, with a look of surprise and displeasure.вБ†вАФвАЬThat is easyвБ†вАФbut Miss Fairfax does not disapprove it, I suppose.вАЭ + 

вАЬHow do you like Mrs.¬†Elton?вАЭ said Emma in a whisper. + 

вАЬNot at all.вАЭ + 

вАЬYou are ungrateful.вАЭ + 

вАЬUngrateful!вБ†вАФWhat do you mean?вАЭ Then changing from a frown to a smileвБ†вАФвАЬNo, do not tell meвБ†вАФI do not want to know what you mean.вБ†вАФWhere is my father?вБ†вАФWhen are we to begin dancing?вАЭ + 

Emma could hardly understand him; he seemed in an odd humour. He walked off to find his father, but was quickly back again with both Mr.¬†and Mrs.¬†Weston. He had met with them in a little perplexity, which must be laid before Emma. It had just occurred to Mrs.¬†Weston that Mrs.¬†Elton must be asked to begin the ball; that she would expect it; which interfered with all their wishes of giving Emma that distinction.вБ†вАФEmma heard the sad truth with fortitude. + 

вАЬAnd what are we to do for a proper partner for her?вАЭ said Mr.¬†Weston. вАЬShe will think Frank ought to ask her.вАЭ + 

Frank turned instantly to Emma, to claim her former promise; and boasted himself an engaged man, which his father looked his most perfect approbation ofвБ†вАФand it then appeared that Mrs.¬†Weston was wanting him to dance with Mrs.¬†Elton himself, and that their business was to help to persuade him into it, which was done pretty soon.вБ†вАФMr.¬†Weston and Mrs.¬†Elton led the way, Mr.¬†Frank Churchill and Miss Woodhouse followed. Emma must submit to stand second to Mrs.¬†Elton, though she had always considered the ball as peculiarly for her. It was almost enough to make her think of marrying. Mrs.¬†Elton had undoubtedly the advantage, at this time, in vanity completely gratified; for though she had intended to begin with Frank Churchill, she could not lose by the change. Mr.¬†Weston might be his sonвАЩs superior.вБ†вАФIn spite of this little rub, however, Emma was smiling with enjoyment, delighted to see the respectable length of the set as it was forming, and to feel that she had so many hours of unusual festivity before her.вБ†вАФShe was more disturbed by Mr.¬†KnightleyвАЩs not dancing than by anything else.вБ†вАФThere he was, among the standers-by, where he ought not to be; he ought to be dancingвБ†вАФnot classing himself with the husbands, and fathers, and whist-players, who were pretending to feel an interest in the dance till their rubbers were made upвБ†вАФso young as he looked!вБ†вАФHe could not have appeared to greater advantage perhaps anywhere, than where he had placed himself. His tall, firm, upright figure, among the bulky forms and stooping shoulders of the elderly men, was such as Emma felt must draw everybodyвАЩs eyes; and, excepting her own partner, there was not one among the whole row of young men who could be compared with him.вБ†вАФHe moved a few steps nearer, and those few steps were enough to prove in how gentlemanlike a manner, with what natural grace, he must have danced, would he but take the trouble.вБ†вАФWhenever she caught his eye, she forced him to smile; but in general he was looking grave. She wished he could love a ballroom better, and could like Frank Churchill better.вБ†вАФHe seemed often observing her. She must not flatter herself that he thought of her dancing, but if he were criticising her behaviour, she did not feel afraid. There was nothing like flirtation between her and her partner. They seemed more like cheerful, easy friends, than lovers. That Frank Churchill thought less of her than he had done, was indubitable. + 

The ball proceeded pleasantly. The anxious cares, the incessant attentions of Mrs.¬†Weston, were not thrown away. Everybody seemed happy; and the praise of being a delightful ball, which is seldom bestowed till after a ball has ceased to be, was repeatedly given in the very beginning of the existence of this. Of very important, very recordable events, it was not more productive than such meetings usually are. There was one, however, which Emma thought something of.вБ†вАФThe two last dances before supper were begun, and Harriet had no partner;вБ†вАФthe only young lady sitting down;вБ†вАФand so equal had been hitherto the number of dancers, that how there could be anyone disengaged was the wonder!вБ†вАФBut EmmaвАЩs wonder lessened soon afterwards, on seeing Mr.¬†Elton sauntering about. He would not ask Harriet to dance if it were possible to be avoided: she was sure he would notвБ†вАФand she was expecting him every moment to escape into the cardroom. + 

Escape, however, was not his plan. He came to the part of the room where the sitters-by were collected, spoke to some, and walked about in front of them, as if to show his liberty, and his resolution of maintaining it. He did not omit being sometimes directly before Miss Smith, or speaking to those who were close to her.вБ†вАФEmma saw it. She was not yet dancing; she was working her way up from the bottom, and had therefore leisure to look around, and by only turning her head a little she saw it all. When she was halfway up the set, the whole group were exactly behind her, and she would no longer allow her eyes to watch; but Mr.¬†Elton was so near, that she heard every syllable of a dialogue which just then took place between him and Mrs.¬†Weston; and she perceived that his wife, who was standing immediately above her, was not only listening also, but even encouraging him by significant glances.вБ†вАФThe kindhearted, gentle Mrs.¬†Weston had left her seat to join him and say, вАЬDo not you dance, Mr.¬†Elton?вАЭ to which his prompt reply was, вАЬMost readily, Mrs.¬†Weston, if you will dance with me.вАЭ + 

вАЬMe!вБ†вАФoh! noвБ†вАФI would get you a better partner than myself. I am no dancer.вАЭ + 

вАЬIf Mrs.¬†Gilbert wishes to dance,вАЭ said he, вАЬI shall have great pleasure, I am sureвБ†вАФfor, though beginning to feel myself rather an old married man, and that my dancing days are over, it would give me very great pleasure at any time to stand up with an old friend like Mrs.¬†Gilbert.вАЭ + 

вАЬMrs.¬†Gilbert does not mean to dance, but there is a young lady disengaged whom I should be very glad to see dancingвБ†вАФMiss Smith.вАЭ + 

вАЬMiss Smith!вБ†вАФoh!вБ†вАФI had not observed.вБ†вАФYou are extremely obligingвБ†вАФand if I were not an old married man.вБ†вАФBut my dancing days are over, Mrs.¬†Weston. You will excuse me. Anything else I should be most happy to do, at your commandвБ†вАФbut my dancing days are over.вАЭ + 

Mrs.¬†Weston said no more; and Emma could imagine with what surprise and mortification she must be returning to her seat. This was Mr.¬†Elton! the amiable, obliging, gentle Mr.¬†Elton.вБ†вАФShe looked round for a moment; he had joined Mr.¬†Knightley at a little distance, and was arranging himself for settled conversation, while smiles of high glee passed between him and his wife. + 

She would not look again. Her heart was in a glow, and she feared her face might be as hot. + 

In another moment a happier sight caught her;вБ†вАФMr.¬†Knightley leading Harriet to the set!вБ†вАФNever had she been more surprised, seldom more delighted, than at that instant. She was all pleasure and gratitude, both for Harriet and herself, and longed to be thanking him; and though too distant for speech, her countenance said much, as soon as she could catch his eye again. + 

His dancing proved to be just what she had believed it, extremely good; and Harriet would have seemed almost too lucky, if it had not been for the cruel state of things before, and for the very complete enjoyment and very high sense of the distinction which her happy features announced. It was not thrown away on her, she bounded higher than ever, flew farther down the middle, and was in a continual course of smiles. + 

Mr.¬†Elton had retreated into the cardroom, looking (Emma trusted) very foolish. She did not think he was quite so hardened as his wife, though growing very like her;вБ†вАФshe spoke some of her feelings, by observing audibly to her partner, + 

вАЬKnightley has taken pity on poor little Miss Smith!вБ†вАФVery good-natured, I declare.вАЭ + 

Supper was announced. The move began; and Miss Bates might be heard from that moment, without interruption, till her being seated at table and taking up her spoon. + 

вАЬJane, Jane, my dear Jane, where are you?вБ†вАФHere is your tippet. Mrs.¬†Weston begs you to put on your tippet. She says she is afraid there will be draughts in the passage, though everything has been doneвБ†вАФOne door nailed upвБ†вАФQuantities of mattingвБ†вАФMy dear Jane, indeed you must. Mr.¬†Churchill, oh! you are too obliging! How well you put it on!вБ†вАФso gratified! Excellent dancing indeed!вБ†вАФYes, my dear, I ran home, as I said I should, to help grandmama to bed, and got back again, and nobody missed me.вБ†вАФI set off without saying a word, just as I told you. Grandmama was quite well, had a charming evening with Mr.¬†Woodhouse, a vast deal of chat, and backgammon.вБ†вАФTea was made downstairs, biscuits and baked apples and wine before she came away: amazing luck in some of her throws: and she inquired a great deal about you, how you were amused, and who were your partners. вАШOh!вАЩ said I, вАШI shall not forestall Jane; I left her dancing with Mr.¬†George Otway; she will love to tell you all about it herself tomorrow: her first partner was Mr.¬†Elton, I do not know who will ask her next, perhaps Mr.¬†William Cox.вАЩ My dear sir, you are too obliging.вБ†вАФIs there nobody you would not rather?вБ†вАФI am not helpless. Sir, you are most kind. Upon my word, Jane on one arm, and me on the other!вБ†вАФStop, stop, let us stand a little back, Mrs.¬†Elton is going; dear Mrs.¬†Elton, how elegant she looks!вБ†вАФBeautiful lace!вБ†вАФNow we all follow in her train. Quite the queen of the evening!вБ†вАФWell, here we are at the passage. Two steps, Jane, take care of the two steps. Oh! no, there is but one. Well, I was persuaded there were two. How very odd! I was convinced there were two, and there is but one. I never saw anything equal to the comfort and styleвБ†вАФCandles everywhere.вБ†вАФI was telling you of your grandmama, JaneвБ†вАФThere was a little disappointment.вБ†вАФThe baked apples and biscuits, excellent in their way, you know; but there was a delicate fricassee of sweetbread and some asparagus brought in at first, and good Mr.¬†Woodhouse, not thinking the asparagus quite boiled enough, sent it all out again. Now there is nothing grandmama loves better than sweetbread and asparagusвБ†вАФso she was rather disappointed, but we agreed we would not speak of it to anybody, for fear of its getting round to dear Miss Woodhouse, who would be so very much concerned!вБ†вАФWell, this is brilliant! I am all amazement! could not have supposed anything!вБ†вАФSuch elegance and profusion!вБ†вАФI have seen nothing like it sinceвБ†вАФWell, where shall we sit? where shall we sit? Anywhere, so that Jane is not in a draught. Where I sit is of no consequence. Oh! do you recommend this side?вБ†вАФWell, I am sure, Mr.¬†ChurchillвБ†вАФonly it seems too goodвБ†вАФbut just as you please. What you direct in this house cannot be wrong. Dear Jane, how shall we ever recollect half the dishes for grandmama? Soup too! Bless me! I should not be helped so soon, but it smells most excellent, and I cannot help beginning.вАЭ + 

Emma had no opportunity of speaking to Mr.¬†Knightley till after supper; but, when they were all in the ballroom again, her eyes invited him irresistibly to come to her and be thanked. He was warm in his reprobation of Mr.¬†EltonвАЩs conduct; it had been unpardonable rudeness; and Mrs.¬†EltonвАЩs looks also received the due share of censure. + 

вАЬThey aimed at wounding more than Harriet,вАЭ said he. вАЬEmma, why is it that they are your enemies?вАЭ + 

He looked with smiling penetration; and, on receiving no answer, added, вАЬShe ought not to be angry with you, I suspect, whatever he may be.вБ†вАФTo that surmise, you say nothing, of course; but confess, Emma, that you did want him to marry Harriet.вАЭ + 

вАЬI did,вАЭ replied Emma, вАЬand they cannot forgive me.вАЭ + 

He shook his head; but there was a smile of indulgence with it, and he only said, + 

вАЬI shall not scold you. I leave you to your own reflections.вАЭ + 

вАЬCan you trust me with such flatterers?вБ†вАФDoes my vain spirit ever tell me I am wrong?вАЭ + 

вАЬNot your vain spirit, but your serious spirit.вБ†вАФIf one leads you wrong, I am sure the other tells you of it.вАЭ + 

вАЬI do own myself to have been completely mistaken in Mr.¬†Elton. There is a littleness about him which you discovered, and which I did not: and I was fully convinced of his being in love with Harriet. It was through a series of strange blunders!вАЭ + 

вАЬAnd, in return for your acknowledging so much, I will do you the justice to say, that you would have chosen for him better than he has chosen for himself.вБ†вАФHarriet Smith has some first-rate qualities, which Mrs.¬†Elton is totally without. An unpretending, single-minded, artless girlвБ†вАФinfinitely to be preferred by any man of sense and taste to such a woman as Mrs.¬†Elton. I found Harriet more conversable than I expected.вАЭ + 

Emma was extremely gratified.вБ†вАФThey were interrupted by the bustle of Mr.¬†Weston calling on everybody to begin dancing again. + 

вАЬCome Miss Woodhouse, Miss Otway, Miss Fairfax, what are you all doing?вБ†вАФCome Emma, set your companions the example. Everybody is lazy! Everybody is asleep!вАЭ + 

вАЬI am ready,вАЭ said Emma, вАЬwhenever I am wanted.вАЭ + 

вАЬWhom are you going to dance with?вАЭ asked Mr.¬†Knightley. + 

She hesitated a moment, and then replied, вАЬWith you, if you will ask me.вАЭ + 

вАЬWill you?вАЭ said he, offering his hand. + 

вАЬIndeed I will. You have shown that you can dance, and you know we are not really so much brother and sister as to make it at all improper.вАЭ + 

вАЬBrother and sister! no, indeed.вАЭ + 