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$Title{Works of Jane Austen
Emma: Chapters 26 - 39}
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$Author{Austen, Jane}
$Affiliation{Instructor Of English, Rutgers University}
$Subject{emma
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$Date{}
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Title:       Works of Jane Austen
Book:        Emma
Author:      Austen, Jane
Critic:      Fitzpatrick, William J.
Affiliation: Instructor Of English, Rutgers University

Emma: Chapters 26 - 39

Chapter XXVI

     Frank Churchill returns, and after seeing him, Emma decides that "silly
things cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent
way." Mr. Knightley is definitely wrong about him.

     When Emma arrives at the Coles' for the dinner party, she notices that
Mr. Knightley, contrary to his usual custom, has taken his carriage. Emma
remarks that she is pleased to see him assume this unwonted formality. At
dinner, Mrs. Cole breaks the news that a pianoforte from an anonymous donor
arrived for Jane Fairfax. Jane could not at first think who could have sent
it, but she finally decided that it must be from Colonel Campbell, even though
he had not said a word to her about it. Mrs. Cole remarks that it is fitting
that Jane Fairfax, who is such an accomplished musician, should have a piano
to play on. Emma then privately discusses the surprising event with Frank, and
he readily agrees with - even encourages - her when she reasons that Mr. Dixon
was the most likely donor, especially in view of what Frank had told her
previously about his having so admired Jane's playing. Emma declares that she
believes that Jane and Mr. Dixon are in love with each other and that that was
the reason for her coming to Highbury instead of accompanying the Churchills
to Ireland. Frank adds that he agrees that the piano is "an offering of love."

     After dinner, Miss Bates, Jane, and the others who were not invited to
the dinner arrive for the music and dancing. From Frank Churchill's close
attentions to Emma during the party, she concludes that everybody must be
aware that he is falling in love with her. When Harriet says that Frank bears
some resemblance to Mr. Elton, Emma turns away from her in silent indignation.
Frank confides to Emma his difficulty in getting away from his aunt and uncle.
When Emma observes that Frank is staring at Miss Fairfax, he says that he was
distracted by the outrageous way she has done her hair. He then says that he
will go across to ask her about it, and tells Emma to watch to see if she
blushes. But he so places himself while talking to Jane that Emma cannot see
her.

     Mrs. Weston then comes over to talk to Emma and informs her that Miss
Bates and Jane arrived in Mr. Knightley's carriage, which will also take them
home again. Emma replies that this is typical of Mr. Knightley's
"unostentatious" consideration. But Mrs. Weston reveals her suspicion of a
blossoming romance between Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax. Emma virtually
explodes at this conjecture. How could Mrs. Weston think such a thing! Mr.
Knightley must not marry! It would deprive her nephew, Henry, of his
inheritance of Donwell Abbey. Emma will not consent to Mr. Knightley's
marrying - especially to Jane Fairfax. The idea has never occurred to Emma.
Mrs. Weston has no business taking up matchmaking. Why, Mr. Knightley does not
want to marry! He is perfectly happy as he is. He has no love for Jane
Fairfax. Such a connection would be degrading. Emma mimics Jane's aunt, Miss
Bates, and Mrs. Weston gently rebukes her for it. Emma is adamant although
Mrs. Weston points out how solicitous Mr. Knightley has been toward Jane and
her relatives, how he had admired her performance at the piano. She argues
that the piano might be a gift from Mr. Knightley. But Emma replies that this
would be out of character, for he does nothing mysteriously.

     The time comes for Emma to entertain at the piano, and Frank Churchill
joins her in her singing. Then Miss Fairfax takes her turn and Emma does not
deny to herself that Jane's abilities in song and in playing are superior to
her own. Frank Churchill also joins Jane in a duet several times.

     When Mr. Knightley sits down by Emma during the singing, she has an
opportunity to observe his attitude to Jane. He remarks that it was a mistake
for Colonel Campbell not to have notified Jane of the gift: "Surprises are
foolish things." When Mr. Knightley notices Jane's voice beginning to strain,
he becomes angry at Mr. Churchill who urges her to go on singing, and prevails
on Miss Bates to interfere lest her niece become hoarse. When the dancing
begins, Frank chooses Emma for his first partner, and Emma notices that Mr.
Knightley does not dance with Jane. When the dancing breaks up early, Frank
Churchill remarks to Emma that it is just as well, for he would have had to
dance with Jane Fairfax and would not have found her dancing agreeable.

Comment:

     What surprising thing occurred at almost the same time that someone sent
Jane a piano from London? (Answer: Frank Churchill went to London for a
haircut.)

     The reader will notice how easily Frank Churchill encourages Emma's
gratuitous invention of a romance of Mr. Dixon and Jane Fairfax. Again, the
author means for the reader to keep in mind every detail of Frank's behavior
to Jane. The reader will also notice that Emma, who so far has a poor record
in matchmaking herself, disapproves of Mrs. Weston's trying her hand at it.
There may be a more profund explanation than Emma gives for her outburst at
the suggestion that Mr. Knightley will marry Jane Fairfax.

Chapter XXVII

     The next day, Emma recalls with pleasure her success at the party at the
Coles'. She somewhat regrets her having talked about Jane to Frank, and she
sits down and practices at the piano for an hour and a half (perhaps because
she saw how much better Jane Fairfax was). Harriet then comes in for a visit
and tells Emma that she plays quite as well as Jane. Harriet remarks that Jane
has to play well because she is going to have to teach for a living. When
asked her opinion on how the Coxes looked at the party, Emma answers that they
were as vulgar as they always are. Harriet states that the Cox girls may have
their eyes on Robert Martin. Harriet and Emma then go to Ford's (the
haberdasher). While waiting for the vacillating Harriet to make up her mind on
her purchase, Emma notices Mrs. Weston and her stepson, Frank, coming down the
road. They are about to go into the Bateses' when they notice Emma and come
over to greet her. Mrs. Weston informs her that Frank has reminded her that
she promised to call on Miss Bates today to hear the piano - though Mrs.
Weston does not remember the promise. Frank now wants to leave Mrs. Weston to
go with Emma, but Mrs. Weston insists that he accompany her since he
previously indicated that intention. Frank remarks to Emma that it would be
difficult for him to compliment Jane on the piano if she were not good, since
he is a very poor liar. He and Mrs. Weston now go to the Bateses'. While
Harriet is deciding with great difficulty where to have her parcel sent, Mrs.
Weston and Miss Bates come over to ask Harriet to join them. Miss Bates
proceeds to chatter on about apples and Mr. Knightley's generosity in sending
them for Jane, and they all swim over to the Bateses' in her flood of words.

Comment:

     In this chapter, we have another example of Harriet's lack of decision
which shows itself even in the smallest things. The reader should bear in mind
Frank's remark about being a very poor liar.

Chapter XXVIII

     When they enter the apartment, Frank Churchill is still busy fixing Mrs.
Bates' glasses and Jane is busy at the piano. Frank immediately sits beside
Emma, who is thinking about the emotion Jane must be feeling while playing at
the piano sent by the man she loves. Frank proceeds to amuse Emma in spite of
herself by chattering on about Colonel Campbell's care and taste in selecting
the piano. He remarks on the Irish melodies that were sent along with the
piano, that "true affection only could have prompted it." Emma notices a
slight smile and blush on Jane Fairfax's face, and mentally rebukes her for
enjoying her unscrupulous feelings (i.e., her love for Mr. Dixon and his for
her). Emma warns Frank to speak less obviously lest Jane understand that he is
hinting that they know that the real donor is not Colonel Campbell but rather
Mr. Dixon; but Frank replies that Jane deserves to be shamed, and he tells
Emma that Jane is now playing Mr. Dixon's favorite song.

     Miss Bates notices Mr. Knightley on horseback through the window and they
shout a conversation which is heard by all. Miss Bates thanks Mr. Knightley
for the apples he sent, and Mr. Knightley asks specially after Miss Fairfax.
He has just accepted Miss Bates' invitation to join them, when she tells him
that Frank Churchill is there; whereupon Mr. Knightley says he must get on
with his business and cannot join them. The guests go away soon afterward.

Chapter XXIX

     A few days later, while the Woodhouses are visiting the Westons, Frank
tries to promote a dance at Randalls (the Weston home). But they shortly find
that there is not enough room for a party. The next day, Frank calls at
Hartfield and informs Emma that his father now plans to give a dance at the
Crown Inn, where there will be more room. After discussing in some detail the
serious problem of drafts with Mr. Woodhouse, he and Emma go off to inspect
the premises. After a detailed discussion with the Westons and Emma about the
adequacy of the Crown Inn, Frank then suggests that he go and get Miss Bates
so that she can contribute her opinion. Emma comments that they can expect no
serious opinion from Miss Bates, only gratitude. But Mr. Weston encourages
Frank to bring Miss Bates and her niece. Before he comes back with Miss Bates
and Jane Fairfax, Mrs. Weston had decided that the inn is satisfactory. Frank
then gets Emma's promise for the first two dances of the evening - much to the
delight of Mr. Weston.

Comment:

     This chapter puts Mr. Woodhouse's hypochondriacal fancies on display and
provides further comedy in the very serious discussion of trivial details as
the group at the Crown Inn plans for the party. Notice that Frank, who has
previously shown that he is entirely aware of Miss Bates' deficiencies,
nevertheless suggests that he go and fetch her to give her opinion. Why did he
do this? (Miss Bates has a niece).

Chapter XXX

     Emma is worried that since the ball will be the day after Frank's
scheduled departure, he will not be able to get the Churchills to agree to
his extending his stay in Highbury. Like everyone else, Jane Fairfax is very
excited about the dance, but Mr. Knightley, on the other hand, has no interest
in it at all. Emma takes this as another proof that Mr. Knightley is not
interested in Jane. A letter then arrives from Mr. Churchill asking his
nephew's immediate return because Mrs. Churchill is sick. Emma is very much
upset at "the loss of the ball and the loss of the young man."

     Frank calls on Emma to say good-bye. He seems dejected and lost for
words. He declares that he will miss Highbury very much. He reveal that he
called at the Bateses' before he called on Emma. Because Miss Bates was out,
he had to wait for her return. He hesitantly tells Emma that she must have
some suspicion - but he never finishes his sentence. Emma understands him to
be about to reveals his feelings for her and she quickly diverts the train of
the conversation. After some embarrassing silences, Mr. Weston arrives and
Frank says good-bye and they leave. Emma interprets his strange behavior as
resulting from his strong love for her and wonders what he would have said if
his father had not arrived when he did. Emma is extremely sorry to see him go.
She decides that she must be a little in love with him even though she had
decided not to be. When next she meets Jane Fairfax, she is annoyed at her
apparent indifference at the cancellation of the ball (though her aunt does
say that she has a terrible headache).

Comment:

     Emma's conviction that Frank is in love with her stems from: 1. her
egotism; 2. Frank's attentions to her during the past fortnight; 3. her
attraction to him. Why does the author have Jane Fairfax have a severe
headache just at this time? Does she, too, regret Frank's departure?

Chapter XXXI

     After Frank is gone, Emma thinks of their love for each other. She is
positive of his love for her, and admits to her being in love with him - at
least a little. She thinks of him a great deal and yet never wavers in her
determination not to accept an offer of marriage. This is the strongest proof
that she cannot be very much in love with him. She decides therefore that she
should not encourage him. She is thankful that she is not deeply in love. She
considers that since every person is in love once in his life, she has been
let off easy. Frank writes to Mrs. Weston, who brings the letter to Emma. The
letter includes several compliments to Miss Woodhouse. He even remembers "her
friend" Harriet. Emma takes this as an indirect, special compliment to her.
Frank cannot tell when he will be able to return to Highbury. Emma wonders if
it would be possible for Frank to become interested in Harriet. Although she
reminds herself of the danger of matchmaking, Emma takes pleasure in the
thought of Frank and Harriet having a romance.

     As Mr. Elton's wedding day approaches, Emma has to look after Harriet,
who becomes increasingly dejected. She tells Harriet that her preoccupation
with Mr. Elton's marriage is a reproach to her for having deceived herself
and misled Harriet into thinking that Mr. Elton was interested in Harriet.
Furthermore, it shows a lack of self-discipline and attention to propriety
to dwell continually on Mr. Elton. Harriet declares that she has been indeed
ungrateful to Emma and will no longer make this mistake. Emma thinks that
Harriet's openness and warmth of heart more than make up for her lack of
cultivation and intelligence. She is worth one hundred cold Jane Fairfaxes!

Comment:

     The reader will no doubt smile at the picture of a young girl of
twenty-one renouncing all thought of romance and marriage. Could this be a
reflection of her egotism as well as her naivete? Harriet's simplemindedness
and Emma's cruelty are ironically highlighted in Harriet's declaration of
gratitude. What has she to be thankful to Emma for, except her company? Emma
has apparently destroyed her one hope for a suitable match (with Mr. Martin)
and has caused her much unhappiness by giving her vain hopes for Mr. Elton.
And it now appears that Emma is about to encourage an even more naively
ambitious desire for Frank Churchill.

Chapter XXXII

     Mr. Elton has now come back with his bride and Emma is quick to go with
Harriet to pay their respects. Sitting in Mr. Elton's house, Emma thinks of
the last time she and Harriet were there. Mr. Elton is embarrassed; for he is
sitting at the same time with "the woman he had just married, the woman he had
wanted to marry, and the woman he had been expected to marry." Harriet is very
impressed by the new Mrs. Elton. When Mr. Elton and his bride return the
visit, Emma is able to conclude that Augusta Elton is extremely vain, with a
narrow background, and not a little vulgar. In an obvious attempt to impress
others with her "connections" and background, Mrs. Elton chatters on about her
brother-in-law's estate, Maple Grove, and about his "barouchelandau ...,"
repeating herself again and again in the most crude attempt to recommend her
own superiority. Emma is inwardly furious when Mrs. Elton offers to give her
introductions to friends in Bath so that she can be brought more into society.
Augusta suggests that she and Emma start a "musical club," but Emma is
extremely cool to the idea. Augusta then tells Emma that she was astonished to
find how lady - like Mrs. Weston is - something she had not expected in a
former governess. She refers to Mr. Knightley as "Knightley," as if he were an
old buddy. She is both vulgar and pretentious in calling her husband "Mr. E"
and "caro sposo." When she leaves, Emma thinks: "insufferable woman": to speak
of Mr. Knightley in such a familiar way; to be so condescending to Mrs.
Weston; to "decide" that Mr. Knightley is a gentleman. Emma wonders what Frank
Churchill would say to her - and she wonders at herself thinking of Frank
Churchill right away.

Comment:

     Mrs. Elton's vulgarity is, of course, a reflection on Emma, who so
self-importantly distracted Harriet from Robert Martin in favor of the far
less worthy Mr. Elton in order that she might have the pleasure of seeing
Harriet make a better "connection" So there is a real irony in this scene at
Emma's expense.

Chapter XXXIII

     Mrs. Elton makes a favorable impression elsewhere, but she grows cold to
Emma because Emma does not admit her to the intimacy she is seeking.

     Augusta and Mr. Elton are also very unpleasant to Harriet. Augusta takes
a great interest in Jane Fairfax. She says she wishes to bring her forward
in Highbury society and will try to find her a good position as governess in
her sister's neighborhood. Emma wonders how Jane Fairfax can tolerate the
society of such a woman as Mrs. Elton. Why does Jane not join the Campbells,
who are eager to have her with them in Ireland,? It can only be because she
is avoiding the Dixons.

     Emma shares her opinion about Jane and the Eltons with Mrs. Weston and
Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley suggests that since Emma does not invite Jane
and Mrs. Elton does, her choice is very limited. And Mrs. Weston points out
that a desire for a change from Miss Bates' company may be responsible for
Jane's association with the Eltons. When Mr. Knightley proceeds to praise
Jane Fairfax's "superiority both of mind and manner," Emma suggests that he
is more interested in Jane than he himself is aware. But Mr. Knightley
replies that he is not so interested in Jane Fairfax as to ask her to marry
him. Emma says that she has no ambitions for matchmaking. She does not want
him to marry; for then he would not be able to come in so informally for a
chat. Mr. Knightley says that Jane Fairfax is too reserved, not open enough,
for a wife. Emma is delighted at this news. But after Mr. Knightley leaves,
Mrs. Weston insists on the possibility that Knightley may wind up being in
love with Jane.

Comment:

     There is a parallel between Mrs. Elton's preoccupation with Jane Fairfax
and Emma's supervision of Harriet. The reader should be on guard for
similarities and differences in these two sets of relationships.

     Is it only because her nephew will then inherit his estate that Emma
is so against Mr. Knightley's marrying?

Chapter XXXIV

     Emma decides that she is obliged to give a dinner at Hartfield for the
Eltons so that no one can say she is slighting them. Harriet declines the
invitation because she is too sensitive to past experiences to be able to
spend much time in Mr. Elton's presence. Reacting to Mr. Knightley's rebuke
to her for not paying any attention to Jane Fairfax, Emma makes a point of
inviting her. Mr. Weston unfortunately has to be away on business and will
miss the dinner, but will come later. John Knightley happens to be bringing
his two boys up for a visit on the day of the party.

     Before dinner, John Knightley talks to Jane about their encounter that
morning before breakfast. He is surprised that Jane would walk out in the
rain, but she insists that she enjoys going to the post office. When Mrs.
Elton hears that Jane had to walk out in the rain to get her mail, she offers
to have one of her servants fetch Jane's letters for her. But though Mrs.
Elton most impolitely insists, Jane is very firm in refusing the offer. When
Mr. Knightley and his brother are talking about handwriting, Emma remarks
that Frank Churchill "writes one of the best gentleman's hands I ever saw."
Mr. Knightley replies that his handwriting is like a woman's. Emma and
Mrs. Weston defend him. Before they go in to dinner, Emma thinks that the
reason Jane is so firm about fetching her own mail from the post office is
that she is receiving letters from Ireland (where Mr. Dixon is).

Chapter XXXV

     After dinner, Mrs. Elton monopolizes Jane's company. She offers to help
her get a good position. She says that the Campbells can hardly be more
interested in Jane than she is. Although Jane very firmly and obviously
insists that Mrs. Elton not make any inquiries for her, Mrs. Elton goes right
on talking as if she will quickly find a position for Jane as governess. Jane
refers to her destined profession as "the governess trade," and suggests that
it may be better than slavery. Mr. Weston then joins the party. John Knightley
thinks to himself how foolish it is for a man who has spent the day in
business in London to bother going to a party that evening. Mr. Weston gives
his wife a letter that came from Frank. Although it was addressed to her, he
opened it, and he now proceeds to tell everyone that Frank's aunt is better
and he will be in Highbury next week. Emma notices that she herself is very
excited at the news.

Chapter XXXVI

     Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton then strike up a conversation. Mr. Weston can
talk only about his son. He says that he doesn't believe that Mrs. Churchill
is as ill as she pretends. And Mrs. Elton tries at every turn to change the
subject of the conversation to herself. She brings up "Maple Grove," her
sister and brother-in-law, and their four children. But Mr. Weston sticks
firmly to his own chosen subject so that we have the spectacle of two people
talking at rather than to each other.

     John Knightley tells Emma that she is much more engaged with company
than she used to be and his two boys might be in her way when he leaves them
with her now for a visit. His brother, George Knightley, replies that they can
be sent to his home, Donwell Abbey, if they are too much for Emma. Emma
replies indignantly that her life is not a continuous round of outings,
parties, and company, and that she shall certainly have time for her two
nephews.

Comment:

     The dinner party for the Eltons at Hartfield (Chapters XXXIV-XXXVI) is
significant for the following: Janes' refusal to grant the crude Mrs. Elton
the degree of intimacy she seeks; Jane's daily walks to the post office (the
reader should not assume that Emma's conjecture about the source of her
letters is correct); Mrs. Elton's impertinence in suggesting that she is as
interested in Jane as the Campbells, and her presumptions and nosy,
insensitive insistence on minding Jane's business; Emma's excitement at the
news that Frank is coming back.

     The long conversation between Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton in Chapter 36
is a fine work of drawing room comedy. The humor of two persons' failure to
communicate with each other because each is interested in forcing his own
subject on the other (Mrs. Elton's importance, Mr. Weston's son) has to
be read in the original to be perceived.

Chapter XXXVII

     Emma is convinced that her excitement at hearing of Frank Churchill's
anticipated arrival in Highbury was not due to her being in love with him,
but rather to the fear that he might still be in love with her - even after
two months. She hopes that she can keep him from declaring his love for her,
but fears she might not be able to. After the Churchills move to London,
Frank rides down to spend a couple of hours at Highbury. After calling at
Randalls to see his father, he comes to Hartfield to visit Emma. She
immediately apprehends that he is less in love with her than formerly. There
is an air of restlessness about him. He stays at Hartfield for only fifteen
minutes before leaving to call on some friends he encountered on the street
when he rode into town and whom he does not want to disappoint by not calling
on them. Emma is positive that he is less in love with her.

     The Churchills soon decide to go to Richmond so that Mrs. Churchill can
consult an important doctor there. Richmond is only nine miles away from
Highbury and so Frank can come over very easily. The ball at the Crown Inn,
which had to be put off because of Frank's hasty departure last time, can now
take place, and all arrangements are made.

Comment:

     Who were the friends in Highbury that Frank Churchill rushed off to
visit? Mrs. Bates? Miss Bates? Jane Fairfax?

Chapter XXXVIII

     The day of the ball arrives. Emma goes to the Crown Inn early to offer
her advice to Mr. Weston on the arrangements. She is annoyed that he also
invited several other persons to come early to give their opinion. She feels
offended at being only one of many and decides that Mr. Weston is a little
too free with his intimacy. Frank is restless and dashes off to meet the
carriages as they come. Mr. and Mrs. Elton arrive, but because they forgot to
call for Miss Bates and her niece as they had promised, their carriage has to
be sent back for them. When Jane Fairfax and her aunt arrive, Frank is there
to meet the carriage. Meanwhile, Mr. Weston enjoys listening to Mrs. Elton
say that she is pleased with his son, but he dashes away when she shifts the
conversation to "Maple Grove" and "Mr. Suckling" (her brother-in-law). Miss
Bates comes in with her usual flood of words and Frank returns to Emma. He
and Emma overhear Mrs. Elton (who pretends that Mr. Weston has given the ball
in her honor) tell Jane Fairfax that she thinks Frank is a fine young man.
Emma asks him how he likes Mrs. Elton and he says, "Not at all"; whereupon
Emma says that he is ungrateful. Mrs. Elton and Mr. Weston then lead the
procession to start the ball. Emma is annoyed that she and Frank have to be
second. While dancing, Emma notices that Mr. Knightley is on the sidelines
with the wallflowers. She admires his attractive figure. She notices also that
Harriet is the only young lady with no partner, even though Mr. Elton is also
not dancing. He seems deliberately to be snubbing Harriet - encouraged in this
by his wife's looks. When Mrs. Weston innocently tries to get him to dance
with Harriet, he openly insults Harriet by saying, "My dancing days are over."
Emma is furious at his petty, ungentlemanly behavior. The next minute, Emma
notices that Harriet is dancing with Mr. Knightley (who dances extremely
well). Mrs. Elton remarks aloud that Knightley has taken pity on poor Miss
Smith.

     The party soon goes into supper buoyed up by some more of Miss Bates'
talk and compliments about food and the arrangements and the like. After
supper, Emma gets a chance to thank Mr. Knightley for his gallantry in
rescuing Harriet from chagrin. He indicates to Emma that he knows that the
Eltons want to offend Emma; for she had planned for him to marry Harriet.
Emma admits to him that she was completely mistaken about Mr. Elton. He is
small-minded and petty. Mr. Knightley replies that Mr. Elton would have done
better with Harriet Smith than with Augusta. Emma says that they are not
really so much brother and sister as to make it improper for them to dance.
Mr. Knightley says, "Brother and sister! No, indeed." And they dance away.

Comment:

     In this chapter we see: Emma's (probably justified) criticism of Mr.
Weston's character; simultaneously, her own (this time, probably justified)
self-esteem; some slightly suspicious anxiety in Frank Churchill; the crude
meanness of mind of Mr. and Mrs. Elton; Emma and Mr. Knightley drawing closer
together.

Chapter XXXIX

     The next morning Emma recalls with pleasure Mr. Knightley's behavior at
the ball and his agreement with her on the impertinence of the Eltons. She
thinks that Harriet's infatuation must now be cured. Suddenly that morning,
Frank Churchill appears at Hartfield with Harriet leaning on his arm. After
Harriet faints and is revived, Emma learns that she and her friend, Miss
Bickerton (another boarder at Mrs. Goddard's), had taken a walk outside of
Highbury and run into some gypsies. Miss Bickerton managed to escape, but
Harriet was assailed by some gypsy children who persisted even after she
gave them a shilling. Frank Churchill's departure had luckily been delayed
by his having to return a pair of scissors to Miss Bates. He rescued Harriet
and brought her back to Hartfield to recuperate. Emma's imagination goes
quickly to work on this adventure. "A fine young man and a lovely young
woman thrown together in such a way could hardly fail to suggest certain
ideas." Emma resolves (perhaps on the basis of her past errors) not to do
anything to promote a match. But there would be no harm in thinking. The
story is quickly spread over Highbury.

[Hear Emma's Imagination Goes to Work]
A fine young man and a lovely young woman thrown together in such a way
could hardly fail to suggest certain ideas.

Comment:

     Is it not odd that Frank Churchill is always turning up at Miss Bates'?