Jane Austen EMMA CAPITOLUL I EMMA WOODHOUSE, FRUMOAS, DETEAPT, bogat, cu un cmin minunat i o fire vesel, prea s fac

parte dintre aleii soartei. Trecuser douzeci i unu de ani de cnd era pe lume i puine lucruri o mhniser sau i rniser mndria. Era cea mai mic dintre cele dou fiice ale unui tat iubitor, care le rsfase mult, i, ca urmare a cstoriei surorii ei, devenise stpna casei la o vrst destul de fraged. Mama i murise demult, aa c nu-i mai amintea dect vag mngierile ei. i luase locul o femeie minunat, care, fcnd slujba de guvernant, i oferea o dragoste aproape matern. Domnioara Taylor locuia la familia Woodhouse de aisprezece ani, mai degrab ca prieten dect ca guvernant, i inea mult la amndou fetele, dar mai ales la Emma. ntre ele exista acea intimitate care se nate ntre surori. Chiar nainte ca domnioara Taylor s fi demisionat oficial din slujb, blndeea firii ei o fcea s se poarte fr asprime i odat ndeprtat umbra severitii, ea i Emma deveniser prietene foarte apropiate. Emma fcea tot ce-i plcea, cci, dei respecta mult prerile domnioarei Taylor, se conducea dup propria ei judecat. Ceea ce era cu adevrat ru n caracterul Emmei, era o tendin de a-i impune prea mult voina i o prea mare ncredere n sine; acestea erau neajunsurile care ameninau s-i umbreasc bucuriile. Primejdia ns trecea neobservat deocamdat i nu putea fi socotit o nenorocire. Avu i o mhnire, uoar, care nu avea de ce s-i apese sufletul. Domnioara Taylor se cstori. Pierderea ei i aduse prima ntristare. n ziua nunii acestei iubite prietene, Emma fu pentru ntia oar cuprins de gnduri triste. Dup nunt, cnd mirii plecar, rmase singur cu tatl ei la masa pregtit pentru cin, fr s poat spera c cineva le va nveseli ceasurile lungi de sear. Dup mas, tatl ei se retrase s doarm i Emma rmase cu gn-durile ei. mprejurarea promitea s fie fericit pentru prietena ei. Domnul Weston era un brbat cu un caracter ireproabil, avere destul, vrst potrivit i purtare aleas. Emma simea chiar o satisfacie la gndul c, generoas i dezinteresat, ea nsi dorise i fcuse totul pentru realizarea acestei cstorii. Dar generozitatea i se ntorcea mpotriv. Va simi lipsa domnioarei Taylor n fiecare minut al zilei. i aminti de buntatea ei buntatea i afeciunea pe care le tia de aisprezece ani , cum o nvase i cum se jucase cu ea, de cnd avea cinci ani, cum, dedicndu-i toate puterile, fcea tot ca ea s fie fericit cnd era sntoas i-i sttea de veghe la cpti cnd era bolnav. Tributul de recunotin pentru acei ani era mare, dar intimitatea din ultimii apte ani, egalitatea care se stabilise dup cstoria Isabellei, cnd 1

CHAPTER I Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her. She was the youngest of the two daughters of a most affectionate, indulgent father; and had, in consequence of her sister's marriage, been mistress of his house from a very early period. Her mother had died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinct remembrance of her caresses; and her place had been supplied by an excellent woman as governess, who had fallen little short of a mother in affection. Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. Woodhouse's family, less as a governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma. Between them it was more the intimacy of sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to hold the nominal office of governess, the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her to impose any restraint; and the shadow of authority being now long passed away, they had been living together as friend and friend very mutually attached, and Emma doing just what she liked; highly esteeming Miss Taylor's judgment, but directed chiefly by her own. The real evils, indeed, of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her. Sorrow came--a gentle sorrow--but not at all in the shape of any disagreeable consciousness.--Miss Taylor married. It was Miss Taylor's loss which first brought grief. It was on the wedding-day of this beloved friend that Emma first sat in mournful thought of any continuance. The wedding over, and the bride-people gone, her father and herself were left to dine together, with no prospect of a third to cheer a long evening. Her father composed himself to sleep after dinner, as usual, and she had then only to sit and think of what she had lost. The event had every promise of happiness for her friend. Mr. Weston was a man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age, and pleasant manners; and there was some satisfaction in considering with what self-denying, generous friendship she had always wished and promoted the match; but it was a black morning's work for her. The want of Miss Taylor would be felt every hour of every day. She recalled her past kindness--the kindness, the affection of sixteen years--how she had taught and how she had played with her from five years old--how she had devoted all her powers to attach and amuse her in health--and how nursed her through the various illnesses of childhood. A large debt

rmseser numai ele dou, era o amintire mai scump i mai ginga. Fusese o prieten i o tovar cum rar se ntlnete: inteligent, cult, sritoare, blnd, cunoscnd toate treburile familiei, artnd interes pentru binele tuturor, dar mai ales pentru Emma; fusese prta la toate plcerile i planurile ei. Era fiina creia putea s-i spun tot ce-i trecea prin minte i care o iubea destul de mult pentru a-i trece cu vederea cusururile. Cum va suporta ea aceast schimbare ? Ce e drept, prietena ei se muta la numai o jumtate de mil deprtare de ei. Dar Emma tia ce mare va fi diferena ntre doamna Weston, de care o va despri numai o jumtate de mil, i domnioara Taylor, care locuia n aceeai cas cu ea; i cu toate avantajele caracterului i situaiei ei, Emma era acum n primejdia de a suferi din cauza izolrii spirituale. l iubea mult pe tatl ei, dar el nu-i putea fi tovar, nu putea s fie partenerul ei ntr-o conversaie fie serioas, fie pe ton de glum. Diferena de vrst (domnul Woodhouse nu se cstorise tocmai tnr) era accentuat de firea i obiceiurile lui, cci, fiind toat viaa cam bolnvicios, nu-i obosea nici mintea, nici trupul i prin purtarea sa era mult mai btrn dect anii pe care i avea. Dei era peste tot iubit pentru sufletul lui bun i firea lui blnd, nu s-ar fi putut spune c strlucea prin darurile spiritului. Sora ei, care n urma cstoriei se mutase la Londra, la o distan relativ mic, de numai aisprezece mile, era totui prea departe pentru vizite zilnice i Emma avea s petreac multe seri lungi i plictisitoare de octombrie i noiembrie pn cnd Crciunul urma s prilejuiasc o nou vizit a Isabellei, cu soul i copiii ei, care umpleau casa i i ofereau o ncnttoare tovrie. Highbury, satul acesta mare i cu o populaie aproape la fel de numeroas ca a unui ora i din care Hartfield, n ciuda gazonului, propriu boschetelor i numelui su, fcea parte, nu-i oferea pe nimeni de talia ei. Familia Woodhouse era socotit aici cea mai de frunte. Toi i priveau cu respect. Aveau multe cunotine, cci tatl ei se purta frumos cu toat lumea, dar n-ar fi acceptat pe nimeni n locul domnioarei Taylor, nici pentru o jumtate de zi. Schimbarea era trist i Emma nu avea dect s ofteze i s-i doreasc lucruri imposibile, cnd tatl ei se trezi i trebui s devin din nou voioas. Proasta lui dispoziie trebuia risipit. Era un om cu nervii slabi, care se ntrista uor; i iubea pe toi cei din jurul su i nu-i plcea s se despart de ei; l supra orice fel de schimbare. Cstoria ca motiv de schimbare a situaiei era pentru el ceva cu totul nesuferit; nu era nici acum mpcat cu faptul c fiica lui se cstorise i nu putea vorbi despre ea dect cu mult comptimire, dei fusese o cstorie din dragoste, iar acum era nevoit s se despart i de domnioara Taylor. Datorit obiceiurilor sale izvorte 2

of gratitude was owing here; but the intercourse of the last seven years, the equal footing and perfect unreserve which had soon followed Isabella's marriage, on their being left to each other, was yet a dearer, tenderer recollection. She had been a friend and companion such as few possessed: intelligent, well-informed, useful, gentle, knowing all the ways of the family, interested in all its concerns, and peculiarly interested in herself, in every pleasure, every scheme of hersone to whom she could speak every thought as it arose, and who had such an affection for her as could never find fault. How was she to bear the change?--It was true that her friend was going only half a mile from them; but Emma was aware that great must be the difference between a Mrs. Weston, only half a mile from them, and a Miss Taylor in the house; and with all her advantages, natural and domestic, she was now in great danger of suffering from intellectual solitude. She dearly loved her father, but he was no companion for her. He could not meet her in conversation, rational or playful. The evil of the actual disparity in their ages (and Mr. Woodhouse had not married early) was much increased by his constitution and habits; for having been a valetudinarian all his life, without activity of mind or body, he was a much older man in ways than in years; and though everywhere beloved for the friendliness of his heart and his amiable temper, his talents could not have recommended him at any time. Her sister, though comparatively but little removed by matrimony, being settled in London, only sixteen miles off, was much beyond her daily reach; and many a long October and November evening must be struggled through at Hartfield, before Christmas brought the next visit from Isabella and her husband, and their little children, to fill the house, and give her pleasant society again. Highbury, the large and populous village, almost amounting to a town, to which Hartfield, in spite of its separate lawn, and shrubberies, and name, did really belong, afforded her no equals. The Woodhouses were first in consequence there. All looked up to them. She had many acquaintance in the place, for her father was universally civil, but not one among them who could be accepted in lieu of Miss Taylor for even half a day. It was a melancholy change; and Emma could not but sigh over it, and wish for impossible things, till her father awoke, and made it necessary to be cheerful. His spirits required support. He was a nervous man, easily depressed; fond of every body that he was used to, and hating to part with them; hating change of every kind. Matrimony, as the origin of change, was always disagreeable; and he was by no means yet reconciled to his own daughter's marrying, nor could ever speak of her but with compassion, though it had been entirely a match of affection, when he was now obliged to part with Miss Taylor too; and from his habits of gentle

dintr-un uor egoism, i pentru c nu putea crede c ceilali pot s aib sentimente diferite de ale sale, era de prere c domnioara Taylor svrise o fapt la fel de pgubitoare pentru ea ca i pentru ei, i ar fi folosit cu mult mai bine dac ea i-ar fi petrecut tot restul zilelor la Hartfield. Emma zmbea i flecrea ct se poate de vesel pentru a-l abate de la asemenea gnduri, dar, cnd se servi ceaiul, domnul Woodhouse nu se putu abine de la a-i repeta exclamaia de la cin: Biata domnioar Taylor, tare a vrea s-o vd din nou aici. Ce pcat c domnului Weston i-a venit ideea s-o ia de nevast! Nu pot s fiu de acord cu dumneata, tat, tii prea bine! Domnul Weston e un brbat att de manierat, de vesel, de minunat, nct merit din plin o soie bun. i doar nu voiai ca domnioara Taylor s stea la noi toat viaa i s ssuporte toanele mele, cnd poate s aib casa ei ? Casa ei! Care-i, m rog, avantajul c are casa ei ? Casa asta e de trei ori mai mare i tu n-ai niciodat toane, draga mea! Dar ne vom duce foarte des pe la ei i ei vor veni pe la noi. Ne vom ntlni mereu. Noi trebuie s facem nceputul. Trebuie s le facem vizita cuvenit dup nunt ct mai repede. Draga mea, cum o s mergem pn acolo ? Randalls e aa de departe. Nu pot merge pe jos nici jumtate de drum. Nu tat, nimeni nu zice s mergi pe jos. Vom merge, bineneles, cu trsura. Trsura! Dar lui James n-o s-i convin s nhame caii pentru o distan att de mic. i unde o s in caii n timpul vizitei ? O s-i in n grajdul domnului Weston, tat. tii bine c am stabilit deja. Am discutat cu domnul Weston asear. n ce-l privete pe James, poi s fii sigur c o s-i fac plcere s mearg la Randalls iiindc fata lui e servitoare acolo. Cred chiar c va fi bucuros s ne duc numai acolo. i asta datorit dumitale tat! I-ai fcut rost Hannei de o slujb bun. Nimeni nu s-a gndit la Hannah pn nu i-ai pomenit dumneata numele i James i e foarte ndatorat. mi pare foarte bine c m-am gndit la ea. A fost un noroc. Nu vreau ca James s se cread nedreptit, sub nici un motiv. Sunt sigur c va fi o servitoare excelent; e politicoas i vorbete frumos. Am o prere minunat despre ea. De cte ori m vede mi face o reveren i m ntreab ce mai fac ntr-un fel foarte drgu, i cnd ai adus-o aici s coas, am observat c totdeauna ntorcea cheia aa cum trebuie i nu trntea ua. Sunt sigur c va fi o servitoare minunat. i pentru domnioara Taylor va fi o mingiere s aib n preajm pe cineva cunoscut. De cte ori James se va duce s-i vad fata, va primi veti de la noi. El i va spune cum o ducem. Emma fcu totul s ndrepte gndurile tatlui ei n 3

selfishness, and of being never able to suppose that other people could feel differently from himself, he was very much disposed to think Miss Taylor had done as sad a thing for herself as for them, and would have been a great deal happier if she had spent all the rest of her life at Hartfield. Emma smiled and chatted as cheerfully as she could, to keep him from such thoughts; but when tea came, it was impossible for him not to say exactly as he had said at dinner, "Poor Miss Taylor!--I wish she were here again. What a pity it is that Mr. Weston ever thought of her!" "I cannot agree with you, papa; you know I cannot. Mr. Weston is such a good-humoured, pleasant, excellent man, that he thoroughly deserves a good wife;--and you would not have had Miss Taylor live with us for ever, and bear all my odd humours, when she might have a house of her own?" "A house of her own!--But where is the advantage of a house of her own? This is three times as large.--And you have never any odd humours, my dear." "How often we shall be going to see them, and they coming to see us!--We shall be always meeting! We must begin; we must go and pay wedding visit very soon." "My dear, how am I to get so far? Randalls is such a distance. I could not walk half so far." "No, papa, nobody thought of your walking. We must go in the carriage, to be sure." "The carriage! But James will not like to put the horses to for such a little way;--and where are the poor horses to be while we are paying our visit?" "They are to be put into Mr. Weston's stable, papa. You know we have settled all that already. We talked it all over with Mr. Weston last night. And as for James, you may be very sure he will always like going to Randalls, because of his daughter's being housemaid there. I only doubt whether he will ever take us anywhere else. That was your doing, papa. You got Hannah that good place. Nobody thought of Hannah till you mentioned her--James is so obliged to you!" "I am very glad I did think of her. It was very lucky, for I would not have had poor James think himself slighted upon any account; and I am sure she will make a very good servant: she is a civil, pretty-spoken girl; I have a great opinion of her. Whenever I see her, she always curtseys and asks me how I do, in a very pretty manner; and when you have had her here to do needlework, I observe she always turns the lock of the door the right way and never bangs it. 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. Whenever James goes over to see his daughter, you know, she will be hearing of us. He will be able to tell her how we all are." Emma spared no exertions to maintain this happier flow of ideas, and hoped, by the help of backgammon, to get her father tolerably through the evening, and be

aceast mai fericit direcie i spera c, ajutat de jocul de table, va reui s-l fac s suporte seara iar ea s aib de luptat numai cu propriile ei regrete. Aezar masa pentru table, dar ndat dup aceea sosi un musafir i tablele devenir inutile. Domnul Knightley, un brbat inteligent, de vreo treizeci i apte treizeci i opt de ani, era nu numai un foarte vechi i intim prieten al familiei, dar i legat n mod special de ei, fiind fratele mai mare al soului Isiabellei. Locuia cam la o mil distan de Highbury i venea foarte des n cas, primit cu mult plcere, iar acum fu ntmpinat cu i mai mult cldur, cci venea de la rudele comune din Londra. Se ntorsese trziu, la ora cinei, dup o absen de cteva zile, i acum sosea la Hartfield s aduc vestea c n Brunswick Square toate sunt bune. Aceast mprejurare fericit l nvior un timp pe domnul Woodhouse. Domnul Knightley era un om vesel, care i plcea, i nenumratele lui ntrebri despre biata Isabella i copiii ei" primir un rspuns mulumitor. Cnd toate acestea se sfrir, domnul Woodhouse observ plin de recunotin: Foarte drgu din partea dumitale, domnule Knightley, s iei din cas la vremea asta, ca s vii la noi. Mi-e team c n-a fost o plimbare prea plcut. Da de unde, domnule. E o noapte frumoas, cu lun, i e aa de cald c nu m pot apropia de foc. Dar trebuie s fie foarte umed i mult noroi pe jos. Na vrea s rceti. Noroi, domnule ? Uitai-v la pantofii mei! Nici un strop. Cam ciudat, tii, a plouat foarte mult zilele astea. A plouat ngrozitor de tare, cam jumtate de or, cnd eram la micul dejun. Eu chiar voiam s se amne nunta. Apropo, nu v-am urat fericire. tiu foarte bine ce fel de fericire simii i nu m-am grbit cu felicitrile. Dar cred c totul a mers destul de bine. Cum a fost ? Cine-a plns mai mult ? Ah, biata domnioar Taylor, trist ntmplare! Bietul domn i biata domnioar Woodhouse, dac vrei; dar n-a zice biata domnioar Taylor". Am mult consideraie pentru dumneavoastr i pentru Emma, dar cnd vine vorba de a depinde sau nu de cineva! n orice caz, cred c e mai bine s trebuiasc s faci pe plac la unul, dect la doi. Mai ales cnd unul din cei doi e o fiin aa de nzuroas i mofturoas, zise Emma n glum. Asta voiai s spui, domnule, nu ? i ai fi spus-o, dac tata n-ar fi fost de fa. Cred c e adevrat, draga mea, ntr-adevr, zise domnul Woodhouse cu un oftat. Mi-e team c uneori sunt foarte nzuros i mofturos. Drag tat, doar nu crezi c m gndeam la 4

attacked by no regrets but her own. The backgammon-table was placed; but a visitor immediately afterwards walked in and made it unnecessary. Mr. Knightley, a sensible man about seven or eight-andthirty, was not only a very old and intimate friend of the family, but particularly connected with it, as the elder brother of Isabella's husband. He lived about a mile from Highbury, was a frequent visitor, and always welcome, and at this time more welcome than usual, as coming directly from their mutual connexions in London. He had returned to a late dinner, after some days' absence, and now walked up to Hartfield to say that all were well in Brunswick Square. It was a happy circumstance, and animated Mr. Woodhouse for some time. Mr. Knightley had a cheerful manner, which always did him good; and his many inquiries after "poor Isabella" and her children were answered most satisfactorily. When this was over, Mr. Woodhouse gratefully observed, "It is very kind of you, Mr. Knightley, to come out at this late hour to call upon us. I am afraid you must have had a shocking walk." "Not at all, sir. It is a beautiful moonlight night; and so mild that I must draw back from your great fire." "But you must have found it very damp and dirty. I wish you may not catch cold." "Dirty, sir! Look at my shoes. Not a speck on them." "Well! that is quite surprising, for we have had a vast deal of rain here. It rained dreadfully hard for half an hour while we were at breakfast. I wanted them to put off the wedding." "By the bye--I have not wished you joy. Being pretty well aware of what sort of joy you must both be feeling, I have been in no hurry with my congratulations; but I hope it all went off tolerably well. How did you all behave? Who cried most?" "Ah! poor Miss Taylor! 'Tis a sad business." "Poor Mr. and Miss Woodhouse, if you please; but I cannot possibly say `poor Miss Taylor.' I have a great regard for you and Emma; but when it comes to the question of dependence or independence!--At any rate, it must be better to have only one to please than two." "Especially when one of those two is such a fanciful, troublesome creature!" said Emma playfully. "That is what you have in your head, I know--and what you would certainly say if my father were not by." "I believe it is very true, my dear, indeed," said Mr. Woodhouse, with a sigh. "I am afraid I am sometimes very fanciful and troublesome." "My dearest papa! You do not think I could mean you, or suppose Mr. Knightley to mean you. What a horrible idea! Oh no! I meant only myself. Mr. Knightley loves to find fault with me, you know-- in a joke--it is all a joke. We always say what we like to one another." Mr. Knightley, in fact, was one of the few people who could see faults in Emma Woodhouse, and the only one who ever told her of them: and though this was not

dumneata, sau presupuneam c domnul Knightley s-ar gndi la dumneata. Ce idee ngrozitoare! Nu, eu m gndeam la mine. Domnului Knightley i place s-mi caute pricin, tii, aa n glum. E numai o glum. Totdeauna ne spunem orice unul altuia. Domnul Knightley era de fapt unul dintre puinii oameni care i puteau gsi cusururi Emmei i singurul care i le spunea. i, dei asta nu-i plcea n mod deosebit nici Emmei, i era team c tatl ei va fi i mai puin ncntat s afle c exist persoane care nu o gsesc perfect. Emma tie c nu o flatez niciodat, zise domnul Knightley, dar nu m refeream la nimeni n special. Domnioara Taylor era obinuit s fac pe plac la doi, acum nu va avea dect unul. Se pare c e spre ctigul ei. Da, zise Emma, dorind s ncheie subiectul, voiai s tii cum a fost la nunt. Am plcerea s-i spun c neam purtat cu toii minunat. Toi au fost punctuali, toi artau bine, nici o lacrim, nici o mutr plouat. tiam cu toii c ne va despri numai o jumtate de mil i c ne vom vedea cu siguran n fiecare zi. Emma, draga de ea, suport totul aa de bine, zise tatl ei, dar, domnule Knightley, zu, i pare ru c-a pierdut-o pe biata domnioar Taylor, i sunt sigur c i va fi foarte dor de ea. Emma ntoarse capul ca s-i ascund faa rvit de zmbete i lacrimi. Ar fi imposibil ca Emmei s nu-i fie dor de o asemenea tovar, zise domnul Knightley. N-am iubi-o att dac am crede aa ceva. Dar ea tie c aceast cstorie e spre binele domnioarei Taylor. tie ct de avantajos este, la vrst domnioarei Taylor, s se aeze la casa ei i ce important e pentru ea s-i asigure btrneile i deci nu se poate lsa copleit de durere cnd trebuie s se bucure. Toi prietenii trebuie s fie bucuroi c domnioara Taylor s-a mritat aa de bine. i ai uitat c mai am un motiv s fiu fericit, zise Emma, i nc unul foarte serios acela c eu am pus la cale aceast cstorie. Eu am pus-o la cale, dup cum tii, de acum patru ani. i acum, satisfacia c a avut loc i c am avut dreptate, cnd atia spuneau c domnul Weston nu se mai nsoar, m poate consola pentru orice. Domnul Knightley cltin din cap. Tatl ei rspunse drgstos: Draga mea, tare mult a vrea s nu mai pui la cale cstorii i s nu mai ghiceti viitorul, cci tot ce spui se adeverete. Te rog, nu mai pune la cale cstorii! Promit s nu pun nici una la cale pentru mine, tat, dar pentru alii, trebuie! E extrem de hazliu. i dup un asemenea succes... tii, toat lumea spunea c domnul Weston nu se mai nsoar, da, zu! Domnul Weston, care era de atta vreme vduv i prea aa de mulumit fr soie, aa de ocupat mereu cu afacerile de la ora i cu prietenii lui de aici, totdeauna bine primit oriunde se ducea, totdeauna vesel, domnul Weston n-ar fi fost nevoit s petreac nici o sear de unul singur, dac nu voia. O, 5

particularly agreeable to Emma herself, she knew it would be so much less so to her father, that she would not have him really suspect such a circumstance as her not being thought perfect by every body. "Emma knows I never flatter her," said Mr. Knightley, "but I meant no reflection on any body. Miss Taylor has been used to have two persons to please; she will now have but one. The chances are that she must be a gainer." "Well," said Emma, willing to let it pass--"you want to hear about the wedding; and I shall be happy to tell you, for we all behaved charmingly. Every body was punctual, every body in their best looks: not a tear, and hardly a long face to be seen. Oh no; we all felt that we were going to be only half a mile apart, and were sure of meeting every day." "Dear Emma bears every thing so well," said her father. "But, Mr. Knightley, she is really very sorry to lose poor Miss Taylor, and I am sure she will miss her more than she thinks for." Emma turned away her head, divided between tears and smiles. "It is impossible that Emma should not miss such a companion," said Mr. Knightley. "We should not like her so well as we do, sir, if we could suppose it; but she knows how much the marriage is to Miss Taylor's advantage; she knows how very acceptable it must be, at Miss Taylor's time of life, to be settled in a home of her own, and how important to her to be secure of a comfortable provision, and therefore cannot allow herself to feel so much pain as pleasure. Every friend of Miss Taylor must be glad to have her so happily married." "And you have forgotten one matter of joy to me," said Emma, "and a very considerable one--that I made the match myself. I made the match, you know, four years ago; and to have it take place, and be proved in the right, when so many people said Mr. Weston would never marry again, may comfort me for any thing." Mr. Knightley shook his head at her. Her father fondly replied, "Ah! my dear, I wish you would not make matches and foretell things, for whatever you say always comes to pass. Pray do not make any more matches." "I promise you to make none for myself, papa; but I must, indeed, for other people. It is the greatest amusement in the world! And after such success, you know!-Every body said that Mr. Weston would never marry again. Oh dear, no! Mr. Weston, who had been a widower so long, and who seemed so perfectly comfortable without a wife, so constantly occupied either in his business in town or among his friends here, always acceptable wherever he went, always cheerful-- Mr. Weston need not spend a single evening in the year alone if he did not like it. Oh no! Mr. Weston certainly would never marry again. Some people even talked of a promise to his wife on her deathbed, and others of the son and the uncle not letting him. All manner of solemn nonsense was talked on the subject, but I

nu, domnul Weston nu se va mai cstori. Unii vorbeau chiar de o fgduial fcut soiei pe patul de moarte, iar alii ziceau c fiul i cumnatul nu-l las. Se spuneau tot felul de tmpenii pe seama lui, pe tonul cel mai serios, dar eu n-am crezut nimic. Din ziua cnd, acum vreo patru ani, domnioara Taylor i cu mine l-am ntlnit pe Broadway Lane, i a fost att de amabil s se repead la magazinul lui Mitchell s mprumute dou umbrele pentru noi, pentru c ncepuse s burnieze, mi-am pus n gnd s-i cstoresc. Am nceput s pun la cale cstoria chiar din acel moment i acum, cnd sunt rspltit cu un asemenea succes, drag tat, cum vrei s renun la a pune la cale cstorii ? Nu neleg ce nseamn pentru tine succes, zise domnul Knightley. Succesul presupune strdanie. i-ai petrecut timpul cu destul folos dac de patru ani te strduieti s faci cstoria asta. E o ocupaie frumoas pentru mintea unei domnioare, dar dac, ceea ce cred c e mai degrab adevrat, ceea ce numeti tu a pune la cale cstoria", nseamn a-i face planuri numai, i a-i zice ntr-o doar Ce bine ar fi dac domnul Weston ar lua-o de soie pe domnioara Taylor", i a-i repeta fraza din cnd n cnd, de ce vorbeti despre succes ? Care e meritul tu, de ce eti mndr ? Ai avut norocul s ghiceti i atta tot! i dumneata, n-ai cunoscut niciodat plcerea i triumful norocului de a ghici adevrul ? mi pare ru pentru dumneata, te socoteam mai inteligent, cci, credem, norocul de a ghici nu e noroc pur i simplu, trebuie s ai har. Ct despre cuvntul succes, care nu-i place, nu neleg de ce nu a avea nici un drept la el. Ai fcut dou presupuneri interesante, dar nu crezi c se poate face i o a treia, c exist ceva ntre a face totul i a nu face nimic ? Dac n-a fi ncurajat vizitele domnului Weston aici, n-a fi fcut unele aluzii, n-a fi rezolvat micile probleme, putea s nu ias nimic. Cred c tii foarte bine casa noastr ca s nelegi despre ce vorbesc. Un brbat cinstit i cu inima deschis ca domnul Weston i o femeie neleapt i modest ca domnioara Taylor pot s-i vad i singuri de treburi. E posibil ca, pentru c te-ai amestecat, s-i fi fcut mai degrab ie un ru dect lor un bine. Emma nu se gndete niciodat la ea dac poate face un bine altora, interveni domnul Woodhouse, nelegnd numai pe jumtate. Dar, draga mea, te rog, nu mai pune la cale cstorii, astea sunt nite prostii care stric armonia familiei. Numai una tat, numai pentru domnul Elton. Bietul domn Elton! i place domnul Elton, tat, nu-i aa ? Trebuie s-i caut o nevast! Nimeni din Highbury nu-l merit i e aici aproape de un an, i i-a aranjat casa aa de frumos, ar fi o ruine s rmn burlac. i azi, cnd le-a mpreunat minile la miri, m gndeam c i-ar dori s i se oficieze i lui o asemenea slujb. l simpatizez mult pe domnul Elton i cred c e singurul mod de a-i face 6

believed none of it. "Ever since the day--about four years ago--that Miss Taylor and I met with him in Broadway Lane, when, because it began to drizzle, he darted away with so much gallantry, and borrowed two umbrellas for us from Farmer Mitchell's, I made up my mind on the subject. I planned the match from that hour; and when such success has blessed me in this instance, dear papa, you cannot think that I shall leave off match-making." "I do not understand what you mean by `success,'" said Mr. Knightley. "Success supposes endeavour. Your time has been properly and delicately spent, if you have been endeavouring for the last four years to bring about this marriage. A worthy employment for a young lady's mind! 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? Where is your merit? What are you proud of? You made a lucky guess; and that is all that can be said." "And have you never known the pleasure and triumph of a lucky guess?-- I pity you.--I thought you cleverer--for, depend upon it a lucky guess is never merely luck. There is always some talent in it. And as to my poor word `success,' which you quarrel with, I do not know that I am so entirely without any claim to it. You have drawn two pretty pictures; but I think there may be a third--a something between the do-nothing and the do-all. If I had not promoted Mr. Weston's visits here, and given many little encouragements, and smoothed many little matters, it might not have come to any thing after all. I think you must know Hartfield enough to comprehend that." "A straightforward, open-hearted man like Weston, and a rational, unaffected woman like Miss Taylor, may be safely left to manage their own concerns. You are more likely to have done harm to yourself, than good to them, by interference." "Emma never thinks of herself, if she can do good to others," rejoined Mr. Woodhouse, understanding but in part. "But, my dear, pray do not make any more matches; they are silly things, and break up one's family circle grievously." "Only one more, papa; only for Mr. Elton. Poor Mr. Elton! You like Mr. Elton, papa,--I must look about for a wife for him. There is nobody in Highbury who deserves him-and he has been here a whole year, and has fitted up his house so comfortably, that it would be a shame to have him single any longer--and I thought when he was joining their hands to-day, he looked so very much as if he would like to have the same kind office done for him! I think very well of Mr. Elton, and this is the only way I have of doing him a service." "Mr. Elton is a very pretty young man, to be sure, and a very

un serviciu. Domnul Elton e un tnr foarte drgu, desigur, i foarte bun biat, i am mult stim pentru el. Dar dac vrei s-i acorzi atenie, invit-l ntr-o zi la mas. E mult mai bine aa. i poate c domnului Knightley i va face plcere s-l cunoasc. Cu mult plcere, oricnd, zise domnul Knightley, rznd, i sunt ntru totul de acord c e mult mai bine aa. Invit-l la mas, Emma, i servete-l cu petele i puiul cel mai bun, dar las-l s-i aleag singur nevasta! Crede-m, un brbat de douzeci i ase, sau douzeci i apte de ani, poate s-i poarte singur de grij! DOMNUL WESTON SE NSCUSE LA HIGH-bury, ntr-o familie respectabil, care se ridicase n rndurile nobilimii de cteva generaii. Primise o cretere aleas, dar, cptnd de timpuriu o oarecare independen, nu gsise cu cale s urmeze ndeletnicirile practice ale frailor si i, cutnd satisfacie pentru spiritul lui vesel i firea-i sociabil, se nrola n miliia comitatului care tocmai atunci se nfiinase. Cpitanul Weston era iubit de toat lumea, i cnd, datorit mprejurrilor vieii sale militare, o cunoscu pe domnioara Churchill, dintr-o bun familie din Yorksihire, i domnioara Churchill se ndrgosti de el, nimeni nu se mir, n afar de fratele i cumnata ei, care nu-l cunoteau i, plini de mndrie i arogan, socoteau c nrudirea aceasta i njosete. Totui, domnioara Churchill fiind major i cu depline drepturi asupra averii ei care era destul de nensemnat n comparaie cu proprietile familiei , nu putu fi abtut de la gndul cstoriei. Aceasta avu loc spre marea umilin a doamnei i domnului Churchill, care o ddur afar cu toat politeea cuvenit. Era o nrudire nepotrivit i nu aducea nimnui fericire. Se pare ns c doamna Weston i gsise totui fericirea n ea, pentru c avea de acum un so, a crui inim fierbinte i fire duioas l fceau s-i ofere totul n schimbul amabilitii de a se fi ndrgostit de el; dar, dei firea ei nu era rea, nu era nici dintre cele mai bune. Fusese destul de hotrt pentru a-i impune voina mpotriva fratelui ei, dar nu i pentru a-i potoli anumite regrete nesocotite cu privire la suprarea lui nefireasc, sau dorul dup luxul casei pe care o prsise. Cheltuiau mai mult dect le permiteau veniturile, dar traiul lor era modest fa de Enscombe. Nu ncet s-i iubeasc brbatul, dar dorea s fie n acelai timp soia cpitanului Weston i domnioara Churchill de la Enscombe. Cpitanul Weston, despre care se credea, mai ales n familia Churchill, c a fcut o partid extraordinar, se dovedi a fi de fapt n pierdere, pentru c, atunci cnd soia lui muri, dup trei ani de cstorie, el era mai srac dect la nceput i avea i un copil de ntreinut. Totui, fu repede uurat de aceast din urm povar. Biatul fusese, la fel ca i boala prelungit a mamei, de natur s nduioeze rudele, un prilej de oarecare mpcare. 7

good young man, and I have a great regard for him. But if you want to shew him any attention, my dear, ask him to come and dine with us some day. That will be a much better thing. I dare say Mr. Knightley will be so kind as to meet him." "With a great deal of pleasure, sir, at any time," said Mr. Knightley, laughing, "and I agree with you entirely, that it will be a much better thing. Invite him to dinner, Emma, and help him to the best of the fish and the chicken, but leave him to chuse his own wife. Depend upon it, a man of six or seven-and-twenty can take care of himself." Mr. Weston was a native of Highbury, and born of a respectable family, which for the last two or three generations had been rising into gentility and property. He had received a good education, but, on succeeding early in life to a small independence, had become indisposed for any of the more homely pursuits in which his brothers were engaged, and had satisfied an active, cheerful mind and social temper by entering into the militia of his county, then embodied. Captain Weston was a general favourite; and when the chances of his military life had introduced him to Miss Churchill, of a great Yorkshire family, and Miss Churchill fell in love with him, nobody was surprized, except her brother and his wife, who had never seen him, and who were full of pride and importance, which the connexion would offend. Miss Churchill, however, being of age, and with the full command of her fortune--though her fortune bore no proportion to the family-estate--was not to be dissuaded from the marriage, and it took place, to the infinite mortification of Mr. and Mrs. Churchill, who threw her off with due decorum. It was an unsuitable connexion, and did not produce much happiness. Mrs. Weston ought to have found more in it, for she had a husband whose warm heart and sweet temper made him think every thing due to her in return for the great goodness of being in love with him; but though she had one sort of spirit, she had not the best. She had resolution enough to pursue her own will in spite of her brother, but not enough to refrain from unreasonable regrets at that brother's unreasonable anger, nor from missing the luxuries of her former home. They lived beyond their income, but still it was nothing in comparison of Enscombe: she did not cease to love her husband, but she wanted at once to be the wife of Captain Weston, and Miss Churchill of Enscombe. Captain Weston, who had been considered, especially by the Churchills, as making such an amazing match, was proved to have much the worst of the bargain; for when his wife died, after a three years' marriage, he was rather a poorer man than at first, and with a child to maintain. From the expense of the child, however, he was soon relieved. The boy had, with the additional softening claim of a lingering illness of his mother's, been

Doamna i domnul Churchill, nemaiavnd copii i nici nepoi, se oferir s-i poarte de grij lui Frank, dup moartea mamei sale. Tatl avea probabil unele reineri, dar ele fur nvinse de gndul c biatul era dat n grija bogatei familii Churchill, iar el putea s-i vad de treburi i s-i ndrepte mai uor situaia. Se cerea o schimbare radical. Prsi haina militar i se apuc de comer. Fraii lui erau deja bine cunoscui n lumea afacerilor la Londra i nu-i fu greu s fac nceputul. Era o preocupare care-i absorbea destul timp. Mai avea nc o csu n High-bury, unde i petrecea cele mai multe zile de odihn i, mprindu-se ntre ocupaiile folositoare i plcerile societii, se mai scurser nc optsprezece, douzeci de ani din viaa lui senin. Ajunsese, n acest rstimp, s strng ceva bani, destui ca s cumpere o mic proprietate din apropiere de Highbury, pe care i-o dorise de mult, destui ca s se nsoare cu o femeie fr zestre ca domnioara Taylor i s triasc dup dorinele i firea lui prietenoas.

De ctva vreme, domnioara Taylor ncepuse s fac parte din planurile sale, dar nefiind vorba de o pasiune tiranic, tinereasc, rmase neclintit n hotrrea de a se cstori numai dup cumprarea moiei Randalls i atept cu nerbdare ca proprietatea s fie scoas n vnzare. i urmrise cu statornicie scopurile pn la realizarea lor. Fcuse avere, cumprase casa i i ctigase soia; ncepea o nou perioad n viaa lui, care promitea sa fie mult mai fericit dect prima. Nu fusese niciodat un om nenorocit; firea sa l ferise de asta chiar n prima lui cstorie. Dar aceast a doua csnicie urma si arate ct de ncnttoare poate fi o femeie cu adevrat neleapt i plcut i de asemenea s-i dea cea mai fericit dovad c e mult mai bine s alegi dect sa fii ales, s inspiri recunotin, dect s fii dator a o arta. Nu avea s-i fac plcere dect siei prin aceast alegere; averea i aparinea n ntregime. Ct despre Frank, se tia aproape sigur c va deveni motenitorul unchiului su, adopiunea devenise declarat cnd, la majorat, Frank luase numele de Churchill. Era deci puin probabil ca el s aib nevoie de ajutorul tatlui su. Domnul Weston nu bnuia nimic de acest fel. Mtua era o femeie capricioas i i domina ntru totul soul, dar ca tat, nu-i putea nchipui c un capriciu ar putea fi att de puternic nct s loveasc n cineva att de scump, pe bun dreptate scump. n fiecare an l vedea pe fiul su la Londra i era mndru de el; l luda mereu prin Highbury i localnicii ncepur, la rndul lor, s fie mndri de el. Era considerat ca unul din partea locului i meritele i 8

the means of a sort of reconciliation; and Mr. and Mrs. Churchill, having no children of their own, nor any other young creature of equal kindred to care for, offered to take the whole charge of the little Frank soon after her decease. Some scruples and some reluctance the widower-father may be supposed to have felt; but as they were overcome by other considerations, the child was given up to the care and the wealth of the Churchills, and he had only his own comfort to seek, and his own situation to improve as he could. A complete change of life became desirable. He quitted the militia and engaged in trade, having brothers already established in a good way in London, which afforded him a favourable opening. It was a concern which brought just employment enough. He had still a small house in Highbury, where most of his leisure days were spent; and between useful occupation and the pleasures of society, the next eighteen or twenty years of his life passed cheerfully away. He had, by that time, realised an easy competence--enough to secure the purchase of a little estate adjoining Highbury, which he had always longed for--enough to marry a woman as portionless even as Miss Taylor, and to live according to the wishes of his own friendly and social disposition. It was now some time since Miss Taylor had begun to influence his schemes; but as it was not the tyrannic influence of youth on youth, it had not shaken his determination of never settling till he could purchase Randalls, and the sale of Randalls was long looked forward to; but he had gone steadily on, with these objects in view, till they were accomplished. He had made his fortune, bought his house, and obtained his wife; and was beginning a new period of existence, with every probability of greater happiness than in any yet passed through. He had never been an unhappy man; his own temper had secured him from that, even in his first marriage; but his second must shew him how delightful a well-judging and truly amiable woman could be, and must give him the pleasantest proof of its being a great deal better to choose than to be chosen, to excite gratitude than to feel it. He had only himself to please in his choice: his fortune was his own; for as to Frank, it was more than being tacitly brought up as his uncle's heir, it had become so avowed an adoption as to have him assume the name of Churchill on coming of age. It was most unlikely, therefore, that he should ever want his father's assistance. His father had no apprehension of it. The aunt was a capricious woman, and governed her husband entirely; but it was not in Mr. Weston's nature to imagine that any caprice could be strong enough to affect one so dear, and, as he believed, so deservedly dear. He saw his son every year in London, and was proud of him; and his fond report of him as a very fine young man had made Highbury feel a sort of pride in him too. He was looked

speranele sale deveniser o preocupare a tuturor. Domnul Frank Churchill era una din mndriile oraului i muli erau curioi s-l cunoasc, dei el nu rspundea acestui compliment, cci nu venise la Highbury niciodat. Se vorbise mult despre vizita pe care urma s i-o fac tatlui su, dar aceasta nu avusese nc loc. Acum, cu ocazia cstoriei, i se sugerase pe departe c ar trebui s-i viziteze n sfrit tatl, ca o datorie de bun-cuviin. Prerea fu unanim mprtit, att atunci cnd doamna Perry lu ceaiul la doamna i domnioara Bates, ct i atunci cnd doamna i domnioara Bate ntoarser vizita. Acum era momentul ca domnul Frank Churchill s soseasc la Highbury i sperana crescu atunci cnd se afl c i scrisese mamei lui adoptive cu ocazia ceremoniei. Timp de cteva zile, n orice conversaie din Highbury se meniona frumoasa scrisoare primit de doamna Weston. Cred c ai auzit de frumoasa scrisoare pe care domnul Churchill i-a scris-o doamnei Weston ? Am aflat c e o scrisoare foarte frumoas. Mi-a spus domnul Woodhouse, care a citit-o i zice c n-a mai vzut aa scrisoare frumoas de cnd e." Era n adevr a scrisoare mult ludat. Doamna Weston, desigur, avea o foarte bun prere despre tnr i aceast plcut amabilitate era o dovad gritoare de bun cretere i se aduga fericit irului de felicitri i urri de bine pe care le prilejuise cstoria ei. tia c e o femeie norocoas i avea destul experien ca s-i dea seama ce noroc a dat peste ea. Singurul regret era desprirea de cei dragi, a cror prietenie pentru ea nu se rcise niciodat i care suportau greu lipsa ei. tia c, din cnd n cnd, le va fi dor de ea i nu-i putea reine tristeea la gndul c Emma era lipsit de plcerile ei obinuite i se plictisea fr ea, dar, draga de Emma, avea destul trie de caracter. Putea s fac fa mprejurrii mult mai bine dect alte fete i avea bun sim, minte i energie, care, se putea spera, o vor ajuta s treac prin micile necazuri i privaiuni. Avea o mare mngiere c distana intre Randalls i Hartfield era mic i uor de strbtut pe jos, chiar pentru o femeie singur i anotimpul rece care venea nu putea deveni o piedic n calea vizitelor aproape zilnice, date fiind buntatea i posibilitile domnului Weston. Doamna Weston i petrecea ore n ir gndindu-se cu recunotin la situaia ei cea nou i numai n rare momente era cuprins de regrete. Mulumirea ei, mai mult dect mulumire am putea zice, era att de ndreptit i fi, nct Emma, dei i cunotea bine tatl, era uneori uimit de comptimirile lui pentru biata domnioar Taylor", fie atunci cnd plecau de la Randalls i o lsau n cldura propriului ei cmin, fie cnd ea pleca de la Hartfield, mpreun cu brbatul ei, n trsura ei 9

on as sufficiently belonging to the place to make his merits and prospects a kind of common concern. 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. His coming to visit his father had been often talked of but never achieved. Now, upon his father's marriage, it was very generally proposed, as a most proper attention, that the visit should take place. There was not a dissentient voice on the subject, either when Mrs. Perry drank tea with Mrs. and Miss Bates, or when Mrs. and Miss Bates returned the visit. 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. For a few days, every morning visit in Highbury included some mention of the handsome letter Mrs. Weston had received. "I suppose you have heard of the handsome letter Mr. Frank Churchill has written to Mrs. Weston? I understand it was a very handsome letter, indeed. Mr. Woodhouse told me of it. Mr. Woodhouse saw the letter, and he says he never saw such a handsome letter in his life." It was, indeed, a highly prized letter. Mrs. Weston had, of course, formed a very favourable idea of the young man; and such a pleasing attention was an irresistible proof of his great good sense, and a most welcome addition to every source and every expression of congratulation which her marriage had already secured. She felt herself a most fortunate woman; and she had lived long enough to know how fortunate she might well be thought, where the only regret was for a partial separation from friends whose friendship for her had never cooled, and who could ill bear to part with her. She knew that at times she must be missed; and could not think, without pain, of Emma's losing a single pleasure, or suffering an hour's ennui, from the want of her companionableness: but dear Emma was of no feeble character; she was more equal to her situation than most girls would have been, and had sense, and energy, and spirits that might be hoped would bear her well and happily through its little difficulties and privations. And then there was such comfort in the very easy distance of Randalls from Hartfield, so convenient for even solitary female walking, and in Mr. Weston's disposition and circumstances, which would make the approaching season no hindrance to their spending half the evenings in the week together. Her situation was altogether the subject of hours of gratitude to Mrs. Weston, and of moments only of regret; and her satisfaction--her more than satisfaction--her cheerful enjoyment, was so just and so apparent, that Emma, well as she knew her father, was sometimes taken by surprize at his being still able to pity `poor Miss Taylor,' when they left her at Randalls in the centre of every domestic comfort, or saw her go away in the

proprie. Cu toate acestea, nu se ntmpla niciodat s plece fr ca domnul Woodhouse s suspine uor, zicnd: Ah, biata domnioar Taylor! I-ar prea att de bine s rmn! Nu era nici o perspectiv ca domnioara Taylor s mai poat fi recuperata, dar nici ca domnul Woodhouse s nceteze s-i plng de mil. Dup cteva sptmni domnul Woodhouse se simea ns ceva mai uurat. Vecinii ncetaser s-l mai felicite; nu mai era scit de urrile de bine pentru un eveniment att de trist. i, tortul de nunt, care fusese pentru el mare prilej de suprare, se termin n fine. Stomacul su nu suporta grsimile i niciodat nu putea s-i nchipuie c ceilali pot mnca ceva gras. Ceea ce nu era bun pentru el, socotea c e nepotrivit pentru oricine altcineva i, prin urmare, ncercase n mod serios s-i abat pe toi de la ideea de a face un tort, i cnd se dovedise imposibil, ncercase, tot n mod serios, s-i mpiedice s-l mnnce. i dduse chiar osteneala s cear o consultaie domnului Perry, farmacistul, asupra acestei probleme. Domnul Perry era un om inteligent i manierat, al" crui vizite dese erau mngierea vieii domnului Woodhouse, i atunci cnd i se ceru sfatul, nu putu dect s spun tuturor( dei se pare mpotriva nclinaiilor sale) c tortul face ru la muli, ba chiar la cei mai muli oameni, n. afar de cazul c e mncat n porii mici. Avnd ca sprijin o atare prere, care coincidea cu a sa, domnul Woodhouse spera s poat influena apetitul fiecrui musafir al perechii proaspt cstorite; i totui, tortul fu mncat, iar spiritul lui generos nu avu linite pn cnd nu dispru i ultima frmitur. Umblau prin Highbury nite zvonuri ciudate, cum c toi copiii din familia Perry au fost vzui cu cte o felie mare de tort n mn, dar domnul Woodhouse refuza s cread aa ceva. DOMNUL WOODHOUSE ERA PRIETENOS I sociabil, dar ntr-un fel aparte. Era foarte bucuros ca prietenii s vin s-l vad i, din mai multe motive, ntre care faptul c locuia de atta vreme la Hartfield, c era bun din fire i c avea o asemenea avere, cas i fiic, el putea s-i impun voina n ce privete vizitele, asupra celor din micul su cerc. Nu prea se ntlnea cu familiile care nu fceau parte din acest cerc; spaima lui de ore trzii i petreceri cu mult lume l fcea s nu doreasc alte cunotine n afara celor dispui s-l viziteze aa cum voia el. Din fericire, se gseau destul de muli dintre acetia prin apropiere, cci Randalls era n aceeai parohie cu Highbury, iar Donwell Abbey, unde locuia domnul Knightley, n parohia vecin. Destul de des, mai ales din dorina Emmei, cei mai apropiai erau invitai la mas, dar el prefera s-i invite seara, dup cin; i, n afar de cazul c i nchipuia c nu se simte destul de bine pentru a primi oaspei, nu trecea sear din sptmn fr ca Emma s ntind masa pentru jocul de cri. Doamna i domnul Weston, precum i domnul Knightley erau invitai n virtutea stimei i respectului care se

evening attended by her pleasant husband to a carriage of her own. But never did she go without Mr. Woodhouse's giving a gentle sigh, and saying, "Ah, poor Miss Taylor! She would be very glad to stay." There was no recovering Miss Taylor--nor much likelihood of ceasing to pity her; but a few weeks brought some alleviation to Mr. Woodhouse. The compliments of his neighbours were over; he was no longer teased by being wished joy of so sorrowful an event; and the wedding-cake, which had been a great distress to him, was all eat up. His own stomach could bear nothing rich, and he could never believe other people to be different from himself. What was unwholesome to him he regarded as unfit for any body; and he had, therefore, earnestly tried to dissuade them from having any wedding-cake at all, and when that proved vain, as earnestly tried to prevent any body's eating it. He had been at the pains of consulting Mr. Perry, the apothecary, on the subject. Mr. Perry was an intelligent, gentlemanlike man, whose frequent visits were one of the comforts of Mr. Woodhouse's life; and upon being applied to, he could not but acknowledge (though it seemed rather against the bias of inclination) that weddingcake might certainly disagree with many--perhaps with most people, unless taken moderately. With such an opinion, in confirmation of his own, Mr. Woodhouse hoped to influence every visitor of the newly married pair; but still the cake was eaten; and there was no rest for his benevolent nerves till it was all gone. There was a strange rumour in Highbury of all the little Perrys being seen with a slice of Mrs. Weston's wedding-cake in their hands: but Mr. Woodhouse would never believe it.

Mr. Woodhouse was fond of society in his own way. He liked very much to have his friends come and see him; and from various united causes, from his long residence at Hartfield, and his good nature, from his fortune, his house, and his daughter, he could command the visits of his own little circle, in a great measure, as he liked. He had not much intercourse with any families beyond that circle; his horror of late hours, and large dinner-parties, made him unfit for any acquaintance but such as would visit him on his own terms. Fortunately for him, Highbury, including Randalls in the same parish, and Donwell Abbey in the parish adjoining, the seat of Mr. Knightley, comprehended many such. Not unfrequently, through Emma's persuasion, he had some of the chosen and the best to dine with him: but evening parties were what he preferred; and, unless he fancied himself at any time unequal to company, there was scarcely an evening in the week in which Emma could not make up a card-table for him. Real, long-standing regard brought the Westons and Mr. 10

stabilise de mult ntre ei, iar domnul Elton, un tnr care locuia singur fr ca asta s-i fie pe plac, nu era deloc n primejdie s piard favoarea de a schimba singurtatea serilor sale pentru societatea distins din salonul domnului Woodhouse i zmbetele ncnttoarei sale fiice. Dup acetia, urma o alt serie de obinuii ai casei: printre persoanele, ntotdeauna gata s rspund unei invitaii la o partid de cri, din partea celor de la Hartfield, se numrau doamna i domnioara Bates i doamna Goddard, care erau att de des aduse aici i conduse acas cu trsura, nct domnul Woodhouse nu mai socotea c asta ar fi o greutate pentru James i pentru cai. Dac le-ar fi adus i dus numai o dat pe an, ar fi fost o adevrat nenorocire. Doamna Bates, vduva rposatului vicar din Highbury, era att de btrn c nu mai era n stare dect s bea ceai i s joace cri. Locuia mpreun cu fiica ei, care nu era mritat, i triau din mijloace modeste. Se bucura de toat stima i respectul cuvenite unei doamne btrne i inofensive ntr-o situaie grea. Fiica ei avea o popularitate neobinuit pentru o femeie nici tnr nici bogat, nici frumoas i nici mritat. Domnioara Bates nu avea absolut nici o ans de a-i ctiga o poziie n societate; nici mcar nu avea acea superioritate intelectual care i atrage pe cei din jur sau inspir un respect amestecat cu team celor care ne ursc. Nu se putuse luda niciodat cu frumuseea sau inteligena ei i tinereea i trecuse pe neobservate, iar acum se dedica ngrijirii mamei ei bolnave i strdaniei de a tri ct se poate de cuviincios din micul venit pe care l avea. i, totui, era o femeie fericit, al crei nume nimeni nu-l pronuna fr simpatie. Numai bunvoina ei general i firea mulumit puteau s nfptuiasc asemenea minuni. Iubea pe toat lumea, dorea fericirea tuturor, observa imediat meritele fiecruia; se socotea fiina cea mai fericit pentru c avea o mam att de minunat i atia vecini i prieteni buni i o cas din care nu lipsea nimic. Simplitatea i voioia firii sale, mulumirea i recunotina fceau s fie iubit de toat lumea i erau o min de fericire pentru ea nsi. Vorbea foarte mult, despre orice fleac, ceea ce i plcea tare de tot domnului Woodhouse, care era ntotdeauna bucuros s flecreasc i s brfeasc fr rutate. Doamna Goddard era directoarea unei coli nu a unui liceu sau institut sau ceva de acest fel, care este recomandat n fraze lungi i pline de emfaz prosteasc, pentru mbinarea metodelor liberale cu educaia moral pe baza unor principii i sisteme noi, i unde tinerele fete, n schimbul unei sume grase, i stric sntatea i se umplu de ifose. Era o coal n toat regula, cinstit, de mod veche, cu internat, unde se oferea o cantitate modest de nvtur contra unui pre modest i unde fetele pot fi trimise pentru a cpta puin distincie i cunotine, fr s fie puse n primejdia de a se ntoarce acas geniale. coala doamnei Goddard avea o reputaie

Knightley; and by Mr. Elton, a young man living alone without liking it, the privilege of exchanging any vacant evening of his own blank solitude for the elegancies and society of Mr. Woodhouse's drawing-room, and the smiles of his lovely daughter, was in no danger of being thrown away. After these came a second set; among the most come-atable 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. Had it taken place only once a year, it would have been a grievance. Mrs. Bates, the widow of a former vicar of Highbury, was a very old lady, almost past every thing but tea and quadrille. She lived with her single daughter in a very small way, and was considered with all the regard and respect which a harmless old lady, under such untoward circumstances, can excite. Her daughter enjoyed a most uncommon degree of popularity for a woman neither young, handsome, rich, nor married. Miss Bates stood in the very worst predicament in the world for having much of the public favour; and she had no intellectual superiority to make atonement to herself, or frighten those who might hate her into outward respect. She had never boasted either beauty or cleverness. Her youth had passed without distinction, and her middle of life was devoted to the care of a failing mother, and the endeavour to make a small income go as far as possible. And yet she was a happy woman, and a woman whom no one named without good-will. It was her own universal good-will and contented temper which worked such wonders. She loved every body, was interested in every body's happiness, quicksighted to every body's merits; thought herself a most fortunate creature, and surrounded with blessings in such an excellent mother, and so many good neighbours and friends, and a home that wanted for nothing. The simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature, her contented and grateful spirit, were a recommendation to every body, and a mine of felicity to herself. She was a great talker upon little matters, which exactly suited Mr. Woodhouse, full of trivial communications and harmless gossip. Mrs. Goddard was the mistress of a School--not of a seminary, or an establishment, or any thing which professed, in long sentences of refined nonsense, to combine liberal acquirements with elegant morality, upon new principles and new systems--and where young ladies for enormous pay might be screwed out of health and into vanity--but a real, honest, old-fashioned Boardingschool, where a reasonable quantity of accomplishments were sold at a reasonable price, and where girls might be sent to be out of the way, and scramble themselves into a little education, without any danger of coming back prodigies. Mrs. Goddard's 11

bine stabilit i pe bun dreptate, pentru c se tia c Highbury e un loc foarte sntos; avea o cas mare, cu grdin, le ddea fetelor mncare bun i hrnitoare i, vara, le lsa s se joace afar ct pofteau i iarna le pansa cu mna ei degerturile. Nu era, prin urmare, nici o minune c, n drumul spre biseric, era urmat de douzeci de perechi de domnioare. Era o femeie nu prea frumoas, cu o fire de mam; muncise mult n tineree, iar acum se simea ndreptit s-i ofere plcerea unei vizite; i pentru c datora mult domnului Woodhouse, se credea n mod special obligat ca, pentru el, s-i lase salonaul ei curat i s vin, de cte ori avea ocazia, cu o broderie n mn, pentru a ctiga sau pierde civa bnui la cri, n jurul focului. Acestea erau doamnele pe care Emma putea oricnd conta i ea, fericit s le invite de dragul tatlui ei, dar, n ceea ce o Privea, tovria lor nu o putea consola deloc pentru pierderea doamnei Weston. Era ncntat cnd tatl ei se simea bine i c fcea aranjamente att de bune, dar prozaismul celor trei femei o fcea s simt cum o copleete banalitatea de care se temea. ntr-o diminea, pe cnd sttea i atepta s-i ncheie ziua n felul acesta monoton, i se aduse un bileel ,de la doamna God-dard, care i cerea n termenii cei mai respectuoi permisiunea de a o aduce i pe domnioara Smith: o cerere binevenit, pentru c domnioara Smith era o tnr de aptesprezece ani, pe care Emma o cunotea din vedere i pentru care avea oarecare interes, fiindc era frumoas. Aa c drglaa stpn a conacului trimise ca rspuns o invitaie plin de graie i scp astfel i de spaima de a petrece o sear uricioas. Harriet Smith era fiica natural a cuiva. Cineva o adusese, cu civa ani n urm, la coala doamnei Goddard i cineva o ajutase s treac de la condiia de intern la cea de chiria. Cam asta se tia despre ea. Nu prea s aib prieteni n afar de cei pe care i-i fcuse la Highbury i tocmai se ntorsese dintr-o vizit la ar, la nite domnioare care i fuseser colege de coal. Era o fat foarte drgu i genul ei de frumusee i plcea Emmei n mod deosebit. Era scund, plinu i blond, cu obrajii roii i ochii albatri, pr de culoare deschis, trsturi regulate i n general o nfiare foarte atrgtoare. nainte ca vizita s fi luat sfrit, Emma era ncntat de purtarea ei i foarte hotrt s se mprieteneasc cu ea. Nu o izbise nimic din cale afar de inteligent n conversaia domnioarei Smith, dar o gsea foarte simpatic timid, att ct trebuie i dornic s vorbeasc, fr a ncerca s se impun, artnd cuvenitul respect i recunotin pentru c fusese primit la Hartfield.

school was in high repute--and very deservedly; for Highbury was reckoned a particularly healthy spot: she had an ample house and garden, gave the children plenty of wholesome food, let them run about a great deal in the summer, and in winter dressed their chilblains with her own hands. It was no wonder that a train of twenty young couple now walked after her to church. She was a plain, motherly kind of woman, who had worked hard in her youth, and now thought herself entitled to the occasional holiday of a tea-visit; and having formerly owed much to Mr. Woodhouse's kindness, felt his particular claim on her to leave her neat parlour, hung round with fancy-work, whenever she could, and win or lose a few sixpences by his fireside. These were the ladies whom Emma found herself very frequently able to collect; and happy was she, for her father's sake, in the power; though, as far as she was herself concerned, it was no remedy for the absence of Mrs. Weston. She was delighted to see her father look comfortable, and very much pleased with herself for contriving things so well; but the quiet prosings of three such women made her feel that every evening so spent was indeed one of the long evenings she had fearfully anticipated. As she sat one morning, looking forward to exactly such a close of the present day, a note was brought from Mrs. Goddard, requesting, in most respectful terms, to be allowed to bring Miss Smith with her; a most welcome request: for Miss Smith was a girl of seventeen, whom Emma knew very well by sight, and had long felt an interest in, on account of her beauty. A very gracious invitation was returned, and the evening no longer dreaded by the fair mistress of the mansion. Harriet Smith was the natural daughter of somebody. Somebody had placed her, several years back, at Mrs. Goddard's school, and somebody had lately raised her from the condition of scholar to that of parlour-boarder. This was all that was generally known of her history. She had no visible friends but what had been acquired at Highbury, and was now just returned from a long visit in the country to some young ladies who had been at school there with her. She was a very pretty girl, and her beauty happened to be of a sort which Emma particularly admired. She was short, plump, and fair, with a fine bloom, blue eyes, light hair, regular features, and a look of great sweetness, and, before the end of the evening, Emma was as much pleased with her manners as her person, and quite determined to continue the acquaintance. She was not struck by any thing remarkably clever in Miss Smith's conversation, but she found her altogether very engaging--not inconveniently shy, not unwilling to talk-and yet so far from pushing, shewing so proper and becoming a deference, seeming so pleasantly grateful for being admitted to Hartfield, and so artlessly 12

Era att de sincer impresionat de elegana i superioritatea casei de la Hartfield fa de tot ceea ce vzuse ea pn atunci, nct era limpede c are gust i merit s fie ncurajat. Trebuie s fie ncurajat. Acei dulci ochi albatri i toate darurile ei naturale nu trebuie irosite n societatea proast din Highbury. Cunotinele pe care i le fcuse deja nu erau de talia ei. Prietenia celor de care abia se desprise, dei erau oameni cumsecade, nu putea dect s-o pgubeasc. Era vorba de cei din familia Martin, pe care Emma i cunotea, cci nchiriaser o ferm destul de mare a domnului Knightley i locuiau n parohia Donwell. tia c sunt oameni de ncredere i c domnul Knightley i laud, dar sunt cu siguran grosolani i lipsii de educaie, i intimitatea cu ei era cu totul nepotrivit pentru o fat creia nu-i lipsea dect puin nvtur i manier pentru a fi desvrit. Ea va fi aceea care o va supraveghea, o va nva, o va despri de societatea de proast calitate i o va prezenta n lumea bun, ea i va modela prerile i purtarea. Va fi o ocupaie interesant, dovedind bunele ei intenii, foarte potrivit cu situaia ei, cu posibilitile i disponibilitile ei. Fu att de ocupat s admire cei doi ochi albatri, s vorbeasc i s asculte, s-i fac toate aceste planuri n momentele de tcere, nct seara trecu neobinuit de repede, i gustrile, care se serveau de regul la sfritul unei asemenea vizite i la pregtirea crora veghease la timpul potrivit, fur servite nainte ca ea s-i fi dat seama ct e de trziu. Cu o vioiciune care depea solicitudinea ei obinuit, dei nu se poate spune c Emma ar fi fost vreodat indiferent la bunul mers al lucrurilor, cu acea bunvoin a celor ncntai de propriile lor idei, fcu onorurile mesei, servi pe toat lumea i recomand chifteluele de pui i stridiile cu sos, cu mare insisten, aa cum se cerea pentru nite oaspei excesiv de politicoi, gata s nu mnnce nimic i s plece devreme. n asemenea ocazii, n sufletul domnului Woodhouse se ddea o lupt grea. i plcea s se pun masa, pentru c aa era moda pe vremea tinereii lui, dar fiind convins c gustrile la ore trzii nu sunt sntoase, era cuprins de preri de ru, cnd vedea c s-au adus; i n timp ce, din ospitalitate, ar fi dorit ca musafirii s se nfrupte din toate, din grij pentru sntatea lor, se ntrista amarnic la gndul c ei mnnc. O farfurie cu fiertur subire de ovz putea s recomande oricui. Cu toate astea, clcndui pe inim, pe cnd doamnele fceau s dispar buntile de pe mas, le spunea: Doamn Bates, i propun s ncerci un ou fiert. Un ou fiert moale nu stric la sntate. Serie tie s fiarb oule ca nimeni altul. N-a sftui pe nimeni s mnnce ou fierte de altcineva nu v fie team, sunt foarte mici un ouor acolo n-o s v fac ru. Emma, d-i domnioarei Bates o bucic de tart, o bucic mic.

impressed by the appearance of every thing in so superior a style to what she had been used to, that she must have good sense, and deserve encouragement. Encouragement should be given. Those soft blue eyes, and all those natural graces, should not be wasted on the inferior society of Highbury and its connexions. The acquaintance she had already formed were unworthy of her. The friends from whom she had just parted, though very good sort of people, must be doing her harm. They were a family of the name of Martin, whom Emma well knew by character, as renting a large farm of Mr. Knightley, and residing in the parish of Donwell--very creditably, she believed--she knew Mr. Knightley thought highly of them--but they must be coarse and unpolished, and very unfit to be the intimates of a girl who wanted only a little more knowledge and elegance to be quite perfect. She would notice her; she would improve her; she would detach her from her bad acquaintance, and introduce her into good society; she would form her opinions and her manners. It would be an interesting, and certainly a very kind undertaking; highly becoming her own situation in life, her leisure, and powers. She was so busy in admiring those soft blue eyes, in talking and listening, and forming all these schemes in the in-betweens, that the evening flew away at a very unusual rate; and the supper-table, which always closed such parties, and for which she had been used to sit and watch the due time, was all set out and ready, and moved forwards to the fire, before she was aware. With an alacrity beyond the common impulse of a spirit which yet was never indifferent to the credit of doing every thing well and attentively, with the real good-will of a mind delighted with its own ideas, did she then do all the honours of the meal, and help and recommend the minced chicken and scalloped oysters, with an urgency which she knew would be acceptable to the early hours and civil scruples of their guests. Upon such occasions poor Mr. Woodhouses feelings were in sad warfare. He loved to have the cloth laid, because it had been the fashion of his youth, but his conviction of suppers being very unwholesome made him rather sorry to see any thing put on it; and while his hospitality would have welcomed his visitors to every thing, his care for their health made him grieve that they would eat. Such another small basin of thin gruel as his own was all that he could, with thorough self-approbation, recommend; though he might constrain himself, while the ladies were comfortably clearing the nicer things, to say: "Mrs. Bates, let me propose your venturing on one of these eggs. An egg boiled very soft is not unwholesome. Serle understands boiling an egg better than any body. I would not recommend an egg boiled by any body else; but you need not be afraid, they are very small, you see--one of our small eggs will not hurt you. Miss 13

Noi avem numai tarte cu mere, nu trebuie s v temei de fructe prost conservate. Nu v sftuiesc s mncai crem de ou. Doamn Goddard, ce-ai zice de o jumtate de phrel de vin. O jumtate de phrel i restul ap. Nu cred s v fac ru. Emma l lsa pe tatl ei s vorbeasc, dar avea grij s ofere musafirilor cantiti mai mari; i n seara asta i fcu deosebit plcere faptul c, la plecare, preau cu toii mulumii. Mulumirea pe care o simea domnioara Smith era pe msura dorinelor ei. Domnioara Woodhouse era o persoan att de important n Highbury, nct perspectiva de a face cunotin cu ea i dduse fiori de spaim i plcere; dar tnra fat, umil i recunosctoare, plec foarte mulumit, ncntat de amabilitatea cu care se purtase domnioara Woodhouse toat seara i de faptul ca la plecare chiar dduse mna cu ea! CAPITOLUL IV CURND, HARRIET SMITH DEVENI UNUL DIN oaspeii obinuii la Hartfield. Cum era iute i hotrt de fel, Emma nu ntrzie s-o invite, s-o ncurajeze, s-i spun s vin foarte des i pe msur ce se cunoteau mai bine, erau din ce n ce mai ncntate una de alta. Emma i dduse de la nceput seama ct de folositoare i va fi Harriet ca tovar de plimbare. Doamna Weston era o pierdere important i din acest punct de vedere. Tatl ei nu mergea niciodat mai departe de boschete, distana i ajungea pentru o plimbare pe care iarna o numea lung, iar vara scurt. De cnd se cstorise doamna Weston, Emma nu se plimbase mai deloc. Se avntase odat singur pn la Ran-dalls, dar nu era prea plcut. Pe Harriet Smith o putea chema oricnd avea chef de plimbare i asta devenea un avantaj important. Cu ct o vedea mai des, cu att o aprecia mai mult, n toate privinele i planurile ei binevoitoare i gseau justificarea. Desigur, Harriet nu era deteapt, dar avea o fire blnd, docil, recunosctoare, era strin de orice ngmfare i nu dorea dect s se lase condus de ctre o persoan pe care o admira. Faptul c se ataase de la nceput de ea era mbucurtor. Dorina de a se mprieteni cu oameni de lume i capacitatea de a preui ceea ce era distins i inteligent artau c nu era lipsit de gust, dei nu te puteai atepta de la ea s neleag foarte bine lucrurile. Emma devenise de acum convins c Harriet Smith era exact prietena de care avea nevoie, exact acel ceva" care lipsea din casa ei. O prieten ca doamna Weston nu mai putea gsi. Nu exista, nici o fiin asemenea ei i Emma nici n-ar fi dorit s existe. Acum era vorba de ceva cu totul diferit, de un sentiment aparte, de sinestttor. Pe doamna Weston o iubea cu recunotin i stim, pe Harriet o va ndrgi pentru a o ajuta. Doamnei Weston nu avea ce s-i ofere, Harrietei i oferea totul. Primul pas spre a-i deveni folositoare Harrietei fu

Bates, let Emma help you to a little bit of tart--a very little bit. Ours are all apple-tarts. You need not be afraid of unwholesome preserves here. I do not advise the custard. Mrs. Goddard, what say you to half a glass of wine? A small half-glass, put into a tumbler of water? I do not think it could disagree with you." Emma allowed her father to talk--but supplied her visitors in a much more satisfactory style, and on the present evening had particular pleasure in sending them away happy. The happiness of Miss Smith was quite equal to her intentions. Miss Woodhouse was so great a personage in Highbury, that the prospect of the introduction had given as much panic as pleasure; but the humble, grateful little girl went off with highly gratified feelings, delighted with the affability with which Miss Woodhouse had treated her all the evening, and actually shaken hands with her at last!

IV Harriet Smith's intimacy at Hartfield was soon a settled thing. Quick and decided in her ways, Emma lost no time in inviting, encouraging, and telling her to come very often; and as their acquaintance increased, so did their satisfaction in each other. As a walking companion, Emma had very early foreseen how useful she might find her. In that respect Mrs. Weston's loss had been important. Her father never went beyond the shrubbery, where two divisions of the ground sufficed him for his long walk, or his short, as the year varied; and since Mrs. Weston's marriage her exercise had been too much confined. She had ventured once alone to Randalls, but it was not pleasant; and a Harriet Smith, therefore, one whom she could summon at any time to a walk, would be a valuable addition to her privileges. But in every respect, as she saw more of her, she approved her, and was confirmed in all her kind designs. Harriet certainly was not clever, but she had a sweet, docile, grateful disposition, was totally free from conceit, and only desiring to be guided by any one she looked up to. Her early attachment to herself was very amiable; and her inclination for good company, and power of appreciating what was elegant and clever, shewed that there was no want of taste, though strength of understanding must not be expected. Altogether she was quite convinced of Harriet Smith's being exactly the young friend she wanted--exactly the something which her home required. Such a friend as Mrs. Weston was out of the question. Two such could never be granted. Two such she did not want. It was quite a different sort of thing, a sentiment distinct and independent. Mrs. Weston was the object of a regard which had its basis in gratitude and esteem. Harriet would be loved as one to whom she could be useful. For Mrs. Weston there was nothing to be done; for Harriet every thing. 14

ncercarea de a afla cine erau prinii ei, dar biata fat habar nu avea. Era dispus s mrturiseasc orice i sta n putin, dar asupra acestui subiect ntrebrile rmneau fr rspuns. Emma se vzu nevoit s-i nchipuie ce-i plcea, dar nu putea crede c, dac ea nsi ar fi fost ntro asemenea situaie, n-ar fi descoperit adevrul. Harriet nu era perspicace. Se mulumise s cread ce auzise de la doamna Goddard i nu cercetase mai departe. Vorbeau foarte mult despre doamna Goddard, despre profesoare i despre celelalte fete, despre coal n general i, dac n-ar fi s punem la socoteal i cunotinele din familia Martin de la ferma Abbey Mill, acestea ar fi fost singurele subiecte de conVersaie. Dar familia Martin i ocupa o mare parte din gnduri. petrecuse la ei dou luni fericite i acum era bucuroas s vorbeasc despre ct de mult i plcuse, ce bine era i ce minuni vzuse acolo. Emma i ncuraja dorina de a vorbi, amuzat de imaginea unui grup de oameni pe care nu-i cunotea bine i de simplitatea tinereasc a Harrietei, care povestea cu atta entuziasm c doamna Martin are dou saloane, dou saloane foarte elegante, unul din ele mare ct sufrageria doamnei Goddard i are i o fat n cas care st la ei de douzeci i cinci de ani, i are opt vaci, dou de rasa Alderneys i una mic, de ras vels, mic i foarte drgu, i doamna Martin zicea, fiindc inea foarte mult la ea, s fie vaca ei. i are i un chioc n grdin unde o s ia ceaiul ntr-o zi, la anul, un chioc foarte frumos, mare ct pentru dousprezece persoane."

Ctva timp, Emma se amuz pur i simplu, fr a se gndi la amnunte dar, cnd nelese mai bine despre ce fel de familie e vorba, i se trezir cu totul alte sentimente. Rmase cu ideea greit c familia cuprindea o mam, o fiic i un fiu cu soia lui, care locuiau mpreun, dar cnd deveni evident c domnul Martin, care era unul din personajele povestirii i mereu era pomenit cu simpatie pentru buntatea lui de a fi fcut un lucru sau altul, era burlac, adic nu exista nici o tnr doamn Martin, nici o soie n toat istoria, ncepu s bnuiasc primejdia care o ptea pe prietena ei din partea acestor oameni ospitalieri i cumsecade i nelese c dac nu-i va purta de grij, prietena ei putea s decad iremediabil. Sub imperiul acestei revelaii, Emma ncepu s pun ntrebri mai numeroase i cu mai mult rost; o fcu n mod special pe Harriet s vorbeasc mai mult despre domnul Martin i observ c asta i plcea fetei. Era ori cnd gata s sublinieze participarea lui la plimbrile sub clar de lun i la jocurile vesele de sear i zbovi mult asupra bunei lui dispoziii i politeii lui. ntr-o zi colindase trei mile ca s-i aduc nite nuci, pentru c ea spusese c-i plac foarte mult, i n orice mprejurare era aa de ndatoritor! ntr-o zi l-a adus pe biatul ciobanului n salon ca s-i cnte ei. Ei i plceau foarte mult cntecele.

Her first attempts at usefulness were in an endeavour to find out who were the parents, but Harriet could not tell. She was ready to tell every thing in her power, but on this subject questions were vain. Emma was obliged to fancy what she liked--but she could never believe that in the same situation she should not have discovered the truth. Harriet had no penetration. She had been satisfied to hear and believe just what Mrs. Goddard chose to tell her; and looked no farther. Mrs. Goddard, and the teachers, and the girls and the affairs of the school in general, formed naturally a great part of the conversation--and but for her acquaintance with the Martins of Abbey-Mill Farm, it must have been the whole. But the Martins occupied her thoughts a good deal; she had spent two very happy months with them, and now loved to talk of the pleasures of her visit, and describe the many comforts and wonders of the place. Emma encouraged her talkativeness--amused by such a picture of another set of beings, and enjoying the youthful simplicity which could speak with so much exultation of Mrs. Martin's having "two parlours, two very good parlours, indeed; one of them quite as large as Mrs. Goddard's drawing-room; and of her having an upper maid who had lived five-and-twenty years with her; and of their having eight cows, two of them Alderneys, and one a little Welch cow, a very pretty little Welch cow indeed; and of Mrs. Martin's saying as she was so fond of it, it should be called her cow; and of their having a very handsome summer-house in their garden, where some day next year they were all to drink tea:--a very handsome summer-house, large enough to hold a dozen people." For some time she was amused, without thinking beyond the immediate cause; but as she came to understand the family better, other feelings arose. She had taken up a wrong idea, fancying it was a mother and daughter, a son and son's wife, who all lived together; but when it appeared that the Mr. Martin, who bore a part in the narrative, and was always mentioned with approbation for his great good-nature in doing something or other, was a single man; that there was no young Mrs. Martin, no wife in the case; she did suspect danger to her poor little friend from all this hospitality and kindness, and that, if she were not taken care of, she might be required to sink herself forever. 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. Harriet was very ready to speak of the share he had had in their moonlight walks and merry evening games; and dwelt a good deal upon his being so very good-humoured and obliging. He had gone three miles round one day in order to bring her some walnuts, because she had said how fond she was of them, and in every thing else he was so very obliging. He had his shepherd's son into the parlour one night on purpose to sing

15

i el tia puin s cnte. Ea gsea c e foarte detept i nelege totul. Avea o turm foarte frumoas i chiar n timpul ederii ei acolo i s-a oferit pentru ln un pre mai mare dect oricrui fermier din vecintate. tia c toat lumea l vorbete de bine. Mama i surorile lui l iubeau foarte mult. Doamna Martin i-a spus ntr-o zi (i se nroi spunnd asta) c nimeni nu poate s aib un fiu bun i c, ea e sigur, c atunci cnd se va nsura, va fi un so foarte bun. Nu c ea ar fi vrut s-l vad nsurat curnd, nu se grbea deloc."

Bravo, doamn Martin, gndi Emma, tii foarte bine ce vrei! i cnd a plecat, doamna Martin a fost aa de bun i i-a trimis doamnei Goddard o gsc frumoas, cea mai frumoas gsc pe care a vzut-o doamna Goddard vreodat. Doamna Goddard a gtit-o ntr-o duminic i lea invitat pe toate trei profesoarele domnioara Nash, domnioara Prince i domnioara Richardson, la mas." Domnul Martin presupun, nu e un om prea cult, dincolo de meseria lui ? Nu prea citete! O, ba da, adic nu nu tiu, dar cred c a citit foarte mult dar nu cine tie ce. Citete Revista Agriculturii i nite cri care sunt puse pe pervazul ferestrei. i le citete numai pentru el, nu cu glas tare. Totui, seara, cteodat, nainte de partida de cri, ne citea i nou din Viaa monden, foarte distractiv. i tiu c a citit Vicarul din Wakefield. N-a citit ns Dragoste n pdure i nici Copiii mnstirii. Nu auzise de crile astea, pn nu le-am pomenit eu, dar e hotrt s le caute de ndat ce va putea.

ntrebarea urmtoare fu: Cum arat acest domn Martin ? O, nu e frumos, nu e frumos deloc. La nceput mi s-a prut chiar foarte urt, dar acum nu mi se mai pare. Dup un timp, nu i se mai pare urt. Nu l-ai vzut niciodat ? Vine din cnd n cnd la Highbury i oricum trece clare o dat pe sptmn cnd se duce la Kingston. Trebuie s fi trecut de multe ori pe lng dumneavoastr. Se poate. Poate l-am vzut de cincizeci de ori, fr s am idee cum l cheam. Un tnr fermier, clare sau pe jos este o persoan care nu-mi atrage ctui de puin atenia. Fermierii sunt categoria de oameni cu care nu vreau s am de-a face. Dac ar fi vorba de cineva care smi fie puin inferior, dar s arate bine, poate c m-ar interesa; a putea spera ori cnd s-i ajut cu ceva familia. Dar un fermier nu are nevoie de ajutorul meu i este deci ntr-un fel mai presus de mine, dei din alte puncte de vedere mai prejos, aa c nu merit atenia mea. Desigur, da. Nu prea cred c l-ai bgat de seam, dar el v cunoate foarte bine, din vedere, vreau s zic.

to her. She was very fond of singing. He could sing a little himself. She believed he was very clever, and understood every thing. He had a very fine flock, and, while she was with them, he had been bid more for his wool than any body in the country. She believed every body spoke well of him. His mother and sisters were very fond of him. Mrs. Martin had told her one day (and there was a blush as she said it,) that it was impossible for any body to be a better son, and therefore she was sure, whenever he married, he would make a good husband. Not that she wanted him to marry. She was in no hurry at all. "Well done, Mrs. Martin!" thought Emma. "You know what you are about." "And when she had come away, Mrs. Martin was so very kind as to send Mrs. Goddard a beautiful goose--the finest goose Mrs. Goddard had ever seen. Mrs. Goddard had dressed it on a Sunday, and asked all the three teachers, Miss Nash, and Miss Prince, and Miss Richardson, to sup with her." "Mr. Martin, I suppose, is not a man of information beyond the line of his own business? He does not read?" "Oh yes!--that is, no--I do not know--but I believe he has read a good deal--but not what you would think any thing of. He reads the Agricultural Reports, and some other books that lay in one of the window seats--but he reads all them to himself. But sometimes of an evening, before we went to cards, he would read something aloud out of the Elegant Extracts, very entertaining. And I know he has read the Vicar of Wakefield. He never read the Romance of the Forest, nor The Children of the Abbey. He had never heard of such books before I mentioned them, but he is determined to get them now as soon as ever he can." The next question was-"What sort of looking man is Mr. Martin?" "Oh! not handsome--not at all handsome. I thought him very plain at first, but I do not think him so plain now. One does not, you know, after a time. But did you never see him? He is in Highbury every now and then, and he is sure to ride through every week in his way to Kingston. He has passed you very often." "That may be, and I may have seen him fifty times, but without having any idea of his name. A young farmer, whether on horseback or on foot, is the very last sort of person to raise my curiosity. The yeomanry are precisely the order of people with whom I feel I can have nothing to do. A degree or two lower, and a creditable appearance might interest me; I might hope to be useful to their families in some way or other. But a farmer can need none of my help, and is, therefore, in one sense, as much above my notice as in every other he is below it." "To be sure. Oh yes! It is not likely you should ever have observed him; but he knows you very well indeed--I mean by sight." 16

 Nu m ndoiesc, este probabil un tnr respectabil. tiu c este i, ca atare, i doresc numai bine. Cam ci ani crezi c are ? A mplinit douzeci i patru pe opt iunie i ziua mea e pe douzeci i trei, diferen de dou sptmni i o zi, nu e ciudat ? Numai douzeci i patru! E prea tnr ca s se nsoare. Maic-sa are dreptate s nu se grbeasc. Se pare c o duce bine cum se afl i dac s-ar osteni s-l nsoare ar regreta probabil. Peste vreo ase ani, dac gsete o femeie cumsecade, de acelai rang cu el, i cu ceva bani, mai merge.

"I have no doubt of his being a very respectable young man. I know, indeed, that he is so, and, as such, wish him well. What do you imagine his age to be?" "He was four-and-twenty the 8th of last June, and my birthday is the 23rd just a fortnight and a day's difference--which is very odd." "Only four-and-twenty. That is too young to settle. His mother is perfectly right not to be in a hurry. They seem very comfortable as they are, and if she were to take any pains to marry him, she would probably repent it. Six years hence, if he could meet with a good sort of young woman in the same rank as his own, with a little money, it might be very desirable." Peste ase ani! Domnioar Woodhouse, dar va avea "Six years hence! Dear Miss Woodhouse, he would be thirty treizeci de ani! years old!" Da, i asta e cel mai devreme pentru brbaii care nu "Well, and that is as early as most men can afford to marry, s-au nscut cu avere. mi nchipui c domnul Martin who are not born to an independence. Mr. Martin, trebuie s munceasc s-i strng ceva avere nu toi au I imagine, has his fortune entirely to make--cannot be at all de la nceput. Orici bani ar moteni cnd va muri tatl beforehand with the world. Whatever money he su, orict de mare i va fi partea din averea familiei, nu might come into when his father died, whatever his share of conteaz, pentru c sunt bani necesari n afaceri, bani care the family property, it is, I dare say, all afloat, all circul i aa mai departe. Cu toate acestea, cu employed in his stock, and so forth; and though, with hrnicie i noroc, poate s se mbogeasc, cu timpul. E diligence and good luck, he may be rich in time, it is absolut imposibil s fi strns ceva pn acum. next to impossible that he should have realised any thing yet." Desigur, n-a strns nimic. Dar triesc foarte bine. N-au "To be sure, so it is. But they live very comfortably. They valet, dar n rest nu duc lips de nimic, i doamna have no indoors man, else they do not want for any Martin zicea c o s angajeze un biat pe un an. thing; and Mrs. Martin talks of taking a boy another year." Tare mult a vrea, Harriet, cnd se va nsura, orict de "I wish you may not get into a scrape, Harriet, whenever he trziu s-ar ntmpla asta, s nu caui cu tot dinadinsul does marry;--I mean, as to being acquainted with s-i cunoti soia. tii, nu exist prea multe obiecii his wife--for though his sisters, from a superior education, mpotriva surorilor lui, pentru c, oricum, au primit o are not to be altogether objected to, it does not educaie aleas, dar asta nu nseamn c el are follow that he might marry any body at all fit for you to perspective s-i gseasc o soie vrednic de atenia ta. notice. The misfortune of your birth ought to make mprejurrile nefericite n care te-ai nscut ar trebui s te you particularly careful as to your associates. There can be fac s fii foarte atent cu cine te mprieteneti. Nu no doubt of your being a gentleman's daughter, ncape nici o ndoial c eti fiica unui gentleman i trebuie and you must support your claim to that station by every s-i pstrezi dreptul la aceast poziie social prin thing within your own power, or there will be plenty tot ceea ce i st n putin. Vor fi muli aceia crora le va of people who would take pleasure in degrading you." face plcere s te umileasc. "Yes, to be sure, I suppose there are. But while I visit at Da, desigur, cred c sunt muli. Dar cnd vin n vizit la Hartfield, and you are so kind to me, Miss Hartfield, i dumneavoastr, domnioar Woodhouse, I am not afraid of what any body can do." Woodhouse, suntei aa de bun cu mine, nu-mi mai e "You understand the force of influence pretty well, Harriet; team de nimeni i nimic. but I would have you so firmly established in Vd c nelegi foarte bine puterea influenei, Harriet, good society, as to be independent even of Hartfield and dar a vrea s-i ctigi o poziie ferm n lumea Miss Woodhouse. I want to see you permanently bun, astfel nct s fii independent chiar i de Hartfield i well connected, and to that end it will be advisable to have de domnioara Woodhouse. Vreau s te vd mereu n as few odd acquaintance as may be; and, therefore, tovria unor oameni de lume i pentru asta ar fi bine s I say that if you should still be in this country when Mr. renuni la orice cunotine nepotrivite. Prin urmare zic, Martin marries, I wish you may not be drawn in by dac vei fi tot pe aici, cnd se va nsura domnul Martin, i your intimacy with the sisters, to be acquainted with the nu te lai amgit de prietenia cu surorile lui i s faci wife, who will probably be some mere farmer's cunotin cu soia lui, care va fi probabil o simpl fiic de daughter, without education." fermier, fr educaie. "To be sure. Yes. Not that I think Mr. Martin would ever Desigur, da. Dei cred c domnul Martin nu s-ar nsura marry any body but what had had some dect cu o fat cu carte i ct de ct bine crescut. education--and been very well brought up. However, I do 17

Totui, nu vreau s v contrazic, i sunt sigur c nu voi dori s fac cunotin cu soia lui. Le voi stima ntotdeauna pe domnioarele Martin, mai ales pe Elisabeth, i o s-mi par ru s renun la prietenia lor, pentru c sunt la fel de bine educate ca i mine. Dar dac e vorba s se nsoare cu o femeie proast i vulgar, cu siguran e mai bine s nu m mai duc pe la ei, dac se poate. Emma i urmri refleciile nehotrte i i ddu seama c nu e vorba de vreun simptom ngrijortor. Tnrul fusese primul ei admirator, dar nu gsea c o mai leag altceva de el i socotea c nu va ntmpina nici o opoziie din partea Harrietei dac va ncerca s pun ceva la cale n mod prietenesc. Chiar a doua zi l ntlnir pe domnul Martin, cnd se plimbau pe drumul spre Donwell. Nu era clare, i dup ce o privi respectuos, i ntoarse ochii, cu cea mai neprefcut ncntare, ctre tovara ei de drum. Emmei i pru bine c are o asemenea ocazie s-l studieze; cei doi fcur civa pai mpreun, discutnd, i ea i form deja o impresie. nfiarea lui era cuviincioas i nu prea deloc prost, dar alte caliti nu avea; i dac era s-l compari cu un gentleman, pierdea cu siguran tot ce ctigase din simpatia Harrietei. Harriet nu era insensibil la bunele maniere, remarcase din proprie iniiativ gentileea domnului Woodhouse, cu admiraie i uimire. Domnul Martin arta ca unul care nu are habar de maniere. Rmaser mpreun doar cteva minute, pentru c nu trebuia s-o fac pe domnioara Woodhouse s atepte, i Harriet se ntoarse la ea n fug, cu zmbetul pe buze i ntr-o agitaie pe care domnioara Woodhouse spera s o potoleasc. nchipuii-v, s-l ntlnim aa din ntmplare, ce ciudat. Spunea c, numai aa ntr-o doar n-a luat-o spre Randalls. Nici nu credea c ne plimbm pe aici. Credea c ne plimbm spre Randalls n toate zilele. N-a putut gsi nc Dragostea n pdure. A fost aa de ocupat data trecut cnd a fost la Kingston, c a uitat de ea, dar se duce mine, din nou. Ce ciudat, s-l ntlnim din ntmplare! Ei, ce spunei, domnioar Woodhouse, e aa cum v-ai ateptat ? Ce credei despre el ? Gsii c e chiar aa de urt ? E foarte urt, fr ndoial, remarcabil de urt; dar asta nici nu mai conteaz, pe lng lipsa lui total de manier. N-aveam nici un drept s m atept la cine tie ce i nici nu m ateptam, dar n-a fi crezut s fie aa de caraghios, fr nici o inut. Mi-l nchipuiam, drept s-i spun, cu mult mai bine. Desigur, zise Harriet, cu o voce umilit, nu e att de nobil ca un nobil adevrat. Cred, Harriet, c de cnd ne cunoti ai avut ocazia, i nu o dat, s ntlneti nite nobili adevrai i eti probabil i tu izbit de deosebirea dintre ei i domnul Martin. La Hartfield ai vzut nite brbai cu adevrat culi

not mean to set up my opinion against your's--and I am sure I shall not wish for the acquaintance of his wife. I shall always have a great regard for the Miss Martins, especially Elizabeth, and should be very sorry to give them up, for they are quite as well educated as me. But if he marries a very ignorant, vulgar woman, certainly I had better not visit her, if I can help it. " Emma watched her through the fluctuations of this speech, and saw no alarming symptoms of love. The young man had been the first admirer, but she trusted there was no other hold, and that there would be no serious difficulty, on Harriet's side, to oppose any friendly arrangement of her own. They met Mr. Martin the very next day, as they were walking on the Donwell road. He was on foot, and after looking very respectfully at her, looked with most unfeigned satisfaction at her companion. Emma was not sorry to have such an opportunity of survey; and walking a few yards forward, while they talked together, soon made her quick eye sufficiently acquainted with Mr. Robert Martin. His appearance was very neat, and he looked like a sensible young man, but his person had no other advantage; and when he came to be contrasted with gentlemen, she thought he must lose all the ground he had gained in Harriet's inclination. Harriet was not insensible of manner; she had voluntarily noticed her father's gentleness with admiration as well as wonder. Mr. Martin looked as if he did not know what manner was. They remained but a few minutes together, as Miss Woodhouse must not be kept waiting; and Harriet then came running to her with a smiling face, and in a flutter of spirits, which Miss Woodhouse hoped very soon to "Only think of our happening to meet him!--How very odd! It was quite a chance, he said, that he had not gone round by Randalls. He did not think we ever walked this road. He thought we walked towards Randalls most days. He has not been able to get the Romance of the Forest yet. He was so busy the last time he was at Kingston that he quite forgot it, but he goes again tomorrow. So very odd we should happen to meet! Well, Miss Woodhouse, is he like what you expected? What do you think of him? Do you think him so very plain?" "He is very plain, undoubtedly--remarkably plain:--but that is nothing compared with his entire want of gentility. I had no right to expect much, and I did not expect much; but I had no idea that he could be so very clownish, so totally without air. I had imagined him, I confess, a degree or two nearer gentility." "To be sure," said Harriet, in a mortified voice, "he is not so genteel as real gentlemen." "I think, Harriet, since your acquaintance with us, you have been repeatedly in the company of some such very real gentlemen, that you must yourself be struck with the difference in Mr. Martin. At Hartfield, you 18

i binecrescui. M-ar mira dac, dup ce i-ai vzut, nu i-ai da seama c domnul Martin e dintr-o spe inferioar i nu te-ar uimi faptul c l-ai gsit simpatic pn acum. Nu ai nc sentimentul sta ? N-ai fost izbit ? Sunt sigur c trebuie s fi fost izbit de stngcia lui i de bruscheea manierelor sale, i de grosolnia vocii, care nu mi s-a prut deloc a fi modulat.

Bineneles c nu e ca domnul Knightley. Nu are inut i nici nu pete ca domnul Knightley, acum vd diferena. Dar domnul Knightley e un brbat att de bine! Nu se poate compara cu cea a domnului Martin. Nu gseti nici ntr-o sut unul pe faa cruia s se citeasc att de clar cuvntul gentleman, ca la domnul Knightley. Dar el nu e singurul gentleman cu care te-ai obinuit n ultima vreme. Ce zici de domnul Weston sau de domnul Elton? ncearc s-l compari pe domnul Martin cu vreunul din ei. Compar felul n care se poart, merg, vorbesc, pstreaz tcerea! Trebuie s vezi deosebirea.

O, da, e o mare deosebire. Dar domnul Weston e aproape btrn. Domnul Weston trebuie s aib patruzeci, cincizeci de ani! Ceea ce d mai mare valoare bunelor sale maniere. Cu ct cineva mbtrnete, cu att e mai important s aib maniere; cci vorbitul tare, grosolnia i stngcia devin mai suprtoare i mai dezgusttoare cu vrsta. Ceea ce se poate trece cu vederea la tineree e detestabil la btrnee. Domnul Martin e acum stngaci i repezit, cum va fi el la vrsta domnului Weston ? Nu se poate spune, ntr-adevr, rspunse Harriet, destul de serioas. Dar se poate ghici. Va fi un fermier grosolan i vulgar, total indiferent la aspectul lui exterior i care se gndete numai la ctig. Aa va fi ? Asta e foarte ru! Afacerile lui l-au fcut deja grosolan i asta reiese foarte clar din faptul c a uitat s ntrebe de cartea pe care i-o recomandasei tu. Se gndete prea mult la bani ca s se mai poat ocupa i de altceva, i e i normal pentru un om care vrea s fac avere. Ce are el de-a face cu crile ? N-am nici o ndoial c va strnge avere, cu timpul va deveni bogat, iar faptul c e analfabet i necioplit nu trebuie s ne deranjeze pe noi. M ntreb cum de-a uitat, n legtur cu cartea, fu tot ce Harriet putu rspunde, pe un ton de grav neplcere, pe care Emma gsi de cuviin s-o lase s se dezvolte de la sine. De aceea, pentru ctva timp, nu mai zise nimic. ncepu un alt subiect astfel: ntr-o privin, poate domnul Elton este superior prin manierele sale domnului Knightley i domnului Weston. E mai delicat. Poate fi mai degrab dat de exemplu. Domnul Weston e deschis, iute, aproape nepoliticos i asta place la toat lumea, dar ii st bine

have had very good specimens of well educated, well bred men. I should be surprized if, after seeing them, you could be in company with Mr. Martin again without perceiving him to be a very inferior creature--and rather wondering at yourself for having ever thought him at all agreeable before. Do not you begin to feel that now? Were not you struck? I am sure you must have been struck by his awkward look and abrupt manner, and the uncouthness of a voice which I heard to be wholly unmodulated as I stood here." "Certainly, he is not like Mr. Knightley. He has not such a fine air and way of walking as Mr. Knightley. I see the difference plain enough. But Mr. Knightley is so very fine a man!" "Mr. Knightley's air is so remarkably good that it is not fair to compare Mr. Martin with him. You might not see one in a hundred with gentleman so plainly written as in Mr. Knightley. But he is not the only gentleman you have been lately used to. What say you to Mr. Weston and Mr. Elton? Compare Mr. Martin with either of them. Compare their manner of carrying themselves; of walking; of speaking; of being silent. You must see the difference." "Oh yes!--there is a great difference. But Mr. Weston is almost an old man. Mr. Weston must be between forty and fifty." "Which makes his good manners the more valuable. The older a person grows, Harriet, the more important it is that their manners should not be bad; the more glaring and disgusting any loudness, or coarseness, or awkwardness becomes. What is passable in youth is detestable in later age. Mr. Martin is now awkward and abrupt; what will he be at Mr. Weston's time of life?" "There is no saying, indeed," replied Harriet rather solemnly. "But there may be pretty good guessing. He will be a completely gross, vulgar farmer, totally inattentive to appearances, and thinking of nothing but profit and loss." "Will he, indeed? That will be very bad." "How much his business engrosses him already is very plain from the circumstance of his forgetting to inquire for the book you recommended. He was a great deal too full of the market to think of any thing else--which is just as it should be, for a thriving man. What has he to do with books? And I have no doubt that he will thrive, and be a very rich man in time--and his being illiterate and coarse need not disturb us." "I wonder he did not remember the book"--was all Harriet's answer, and spoken with a degree of grave displeasure which Emma thought might be safely left to itself. She, therefore, said no more for some time. Her next beginning was, "In one respect, perhaps, Mr. Elton's manners are superior to Mr. Knightley's or Mr. Weston's. They have more gentleness. They might be more safely held up as a pattern. There is an openness, a quickness, almost a bluntness in Mr. Weston, which every body likes in him, 19

numai lui, care e mereu bine dispus, dar nu e ceva care s poat fi recomandat i altora. La fel i cu maniera direct, decis, de stpn, a domnului Knightley, dei lui i se potrivete; silueta i nfiarea sa, poziia lui social i permit asta; dar dac vreun tnr ar ncerca s-l imite, ar deveni nesuferit. Dimpotriv, domnul Elton poate servi drept model oricrui tnr. Domnul Elton e bine dispus, vesel, politicos, gentil... n ultima vreme, mi se pare c a devenit foarte gentil. Nu tiu dac vrea s ctige favorurile vreuneia din noi, printr-un surplus de delicatee, dar mi se pare c este chiar mai delicat dect era nainte. Cred c, dac vrea ceva, e s-i plac ie. Nu i-am spus cea zis despre tine zilele trecute ? Apoi repet o apreciere personal pe care o scosese de la domnul Elton i pe care acum o putea pune n valoare; iar Harriet se nroi, zmbi i spuse c pe domnul Elton l-a gsit ntotdeauna simpatic. Emma decisese s se foloseasc de domnul Elton nsui pentru a-l scoate pe tnrul fermier din capul Harrietei. Socotea c ar fi o cstorie minunat i c ar avea acum o ocazie sigur s-i aroge meritul de a o fi pus la cale. i era numai team c toat lumea i va da seama i o va prevedea. Totui, nu era probabil ca cineva s i-o ia nainte, cci ideea i trecuse prin cap chiar din prima sear a sosirii Harrietei la Hartfield. Cu ct se gndea mai mult, cu att i se prea mai potrivit. Situaia domnului Elton era foarte prielnic, el nsui era un gentleman i nu avea prieteni sau rude de joas spe; n acelai timp, nu era dintr-o familie care s fac obiecii la ndoielnica origine a Harrietei. Avea o cas ndestulat pentru ea, i dup cte i nchipuia Emma, un venit destul de mare, cci, dei parohia Highbury nu era ntins, se tia c el mai are i nite proprieti. l aprecia pentru c era un tnr bine dispus, cu bune intenii i respectabil; tia i nelegea tot ce trebuia despre lume. Avusese deja o satisfacie s-l aud spunnd c Harriet e frumoas, ceea ce, credea ea, cu desele ntlniri de la Hartfield, era de ajuns ca el s se ndrgosteasc, iar n ce o privea pe Harriet, nu ncpea ndoial c numai ideea c el i acord atenie va atrna greu n balana sentimentelor ei. Era realmente un tnr foarte simpatic, care ar fi plcut oricrei femei cu bun sim. Lumea l socotea foarte frumos, se bucura de admiraia general, dei nu i de a Emmei, pentru c i lipsea acea distincie a trsturilor pe care ea o considera strict necesar. Dar fata asta, care putea s fie ncntat c un oarecare Robert Martin se duce clare dup nuci de dragul ei, va fi cu att mai uor cucerit de admiraia domnului Elton. NU TIU, DOAMNA WESTON, CE PRERE avei dumneavoastr, zise domnul Knightley, despre aceast intimitate dintre Emma i Harriet Smith, dar eu

because there is so much good-humour with it--but that would not do to be copied. Neither would Mr. Knightley's downright, decided, commanding sort of manner, though it suits him very well; his figure, and look, and situation in life seem to allow it; but if any young man were to set about copying him, he would not be sufferable. On the contrary, I think a young man might be very safely recommended to take Mr. Elton as a model. Mr. Elton is good-humoured, cheerful, obliging, and gentle. He seems to me to be grown particularly gentle of late. I do not know whether he has any design of ingratiating himself with either of us, Harriet, by additional softness, but it strikes me that his manners are softer than they used to be. If he means any thing, it must be to please you. Did not I tell you what he said of you the other day?" She then repeated some warm personal praise which she had drawn from Mr. Elton, and now did full justice to; and Harriet blushed and smiled, and said she had always thought Mr. Elton very agreeable. Mr. Elton was the very person fixed on by Emma for driving the young farmer out of Harriet's head. She thought it would be an excellent match; and only too palpably desirable, natural, and probable, for her to have much merit in planning it. She feared it was what every body else must think of and predict. It was not likely, however, that any body should have equalled her in the date of the plan, as it had entered her brain during the very first evening of Harriet's coming to Hartfield. The longer she considered it, the greater was her sense of its expediency. Mr. Elton's situation was most suitable, quite the gentleman himself, and without low connexions; at the same time, not of any family that could fairly object to the doubtful birth of Harriet. He had a comfortable home for her, and Emma imagined a very sufficient income; for though the vicarage of Highbury was not large, he was known to have some independent property; and she thought very highly of him as a good-humoured, well-meaning, respectable young man, without any deficiency of useful understanding or knowledge of the world. She had already satisfied herself that he thought Harriet a beautiful girl, which she trusted, with such frequent meetings at Hartfield, was foundation enough on his side; and on Harriet's there could be little doubt that the idea of being preferred by him would have all the usual weight and efficacy. And he was really a very pleasing young man, a young man whom any woman not fastidious might like. He was reckoned very handsome; his person much admired in general, though not by her, there being a want of elegance of feature which she could not dispense with:--but the girl who could be gratified by a Robert Martin's riding about the country to get walnuts for her might very well be conquered by Mr. Elton's admiration. "I do not know what your opinion may be, Mrs. Weston," 20

cred c nu duce la nimic bun. La nimic bun ? Chiar credei c nu duce la nimic bun ? De ce ? Cred c prietenia asta i stric att uneia, ct i celeilalte. M surprinde ce spunei, domnule! Emma n-are cu ce s-i strice Harrietei i, pentru c i ofer o nou preocupare, s-ar putea spune c nici Harriet nu-i stric Emmei. A fost o mare plcere pentru mine s observ cum s-au mprietenit. Ce preri deosebite avem! S crezi dumneata c prietenia asta le stric! Bineneles c de aici o s ncepem s ne certm, ca de obicei, cnd e vorba despre Emma, domnule Knightley. Poate credei c am venit dinadins s m cert cu dumneavoastr, tiind c Weston e plecat i c suntei singur pe cmpul de btlie. Domnul Weston ar fi fr ndoial de partea mea dac ar fi aici, pentru c are aceeai prere ca i mine asupra acestui subiect. Chiar ieri vorbeam despre asta i czusem de acord c Emma a avut noroc s gseasc la Highbury o fat cu care s se poat mprieteni. Domnule Knightley, nu v pot socoti un bun judector n acest caz. Suntei obinuit cu viaa de unul singur i nu tii ct de mult face s ai un tovar; i probabil c nici un brbat nu tie ce bine se simte o femeie n compania cuiva de acelai sex, mai ales dac aa a fost obinuit. mi nchipui ce obiecii aducei Harrietei Smith. Nu dovedete superioritatea pe care o prieten a Emmei ar trebui s o aib. Dar, pe de alt parte, cum Emma vrea s o fac s tie mai multe, va fi un imbold i pentru ea nsi s citeasc mai mult. Vor citi mpreun. Stiu c dorete asta din tot sufletul. Emma dorea din tot sufletul s citeasc mai mult de cnd avea doisprezece ani. Am vzut foarte multe liste ntocmite de ea, liste de cri foarte bune pe care voia s le citeasc n ntregime, foarte bine alese, foarte bine ordonate, dup alfabet sau dup alte criterii. Lista pe care a ntocmit-o pe cnd avea numai paisprezece ani, miaduc aminte, dovedea o maturitate de gndire remarcabil. Am i pstrat-o ctva timp i probabil c acum a ntocmit o list i mai bun. Dar mi-am pierdut sperana c Emma ar putea s citeasc n mod contiincios. Nu se va supune niciodat la ceva care cere munc i rbdare i nu va renuna la imaginaie n favoarea raiunii. Acolo unde domnioara Taylor n-a reuit s-o stimuleze Harriet Smith nu are nici o ans. N-ai fost n stare s-o convingei s citeasc nici jumtate din ct ai fi dorit, tii foarte bine. Probabil, rspunse doamna Weston, aa gndeam pe atunci dar de cnd ne-am desprit, nu-mi mai aduc aminte dac Emma fcea ceva mpotriva dorinelor mele. Desigur, nu v-ar face plcere s v amintii ceva suprtor, zise domnul Knightley, cu nelegere, i se opri pentru cteva clipe. Dar eu, adug el curnd dup aceea, care am

said Mr. Knightley, "of this great intimacy between Emma and Harriet Smith, but I think it a bad thing." "A bad thing! Do you really think it a bad thing?--why so?" "I think they will neither of them do the other any good." "You surprize me! Emma must do Harriet good: and by supplying her with a new object of interest, Harriet may be said to do Emma good. I have been seeing their intimacy with the greatest pleasure. How very differently we feel!--Not think they will do each other any good! This will certainly be the beginning of one of our quarrels about Emma, Mr. Knightley." "Perhaps you think I am come on purpose to quarrel with you, knowing Weston to be out, and that you must still fight your own battle." "Mr. Weston would undoubtedly support me, if he were here, for he thinks exactly as I do on the subject. We were speaking of it only yesterday, and agreeing how fortunate it was for Emma, that there should be such a girl in Highbury for her to associate with. Mr. Knightley, I shall not allow you to be a fair judge in this case. You are so much used to live alone, that you do not know the value of a companion; and, perhaps no man can be a good judge of the comfort a woman feels in the society of one of her own sex, after being used to it all her life. I can imagine your objection to Harriet Smith. She is not the superior young woman which Emma's friend ought to be. But on the other hand, as Emma wants to see her better informed, it will be an inducement to her to read more herself. They will read together. She means it, I know."

"Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old. I have seen a great many lists of her drawing-up at various times of books that she meant to read regularly through--and very good lists they were--very well chosen, and very neatly arranged-sometimes alphabetically, and sometimes by some other rule. The list she drew up when only fourteen--I remember thinking it did her judgment so much credit, that I preserved it some time; and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now. But I have done with expecting any course of steady reading from Emma. She will never submit to any thing requiring industry and patience, and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding. Where Miss Taylor failed to stimulate, I may safely affirm that Harriet Smith will do nothing.--You never could persuade her to read half so much as you wished.--You know you could not." "I dare say," replied Mrs. Weston, smiling, "that I thought so then;--but since we have parted, I can never remember Emma's omitting to do any thing I wished." "There is hardly any desiring to refresh such a memory as that,"--said Mr. Knightley, feelingly; and for a moment or two he had done. "But I," he soon added, "who have had no such charm 21

fericirea de a fi rmas imparial, trebuie s vd, s aud, smi amintesc. Emma e o rsfat, pentru c a fost cea mai deteapt din familie. Cnd avea zece ani, a avut nenorocul s gseasc rspunsul la ntrebri care o ncurcau pe sora ei la aptesprezece. A fost totdeauna iute i sigur de ea, Isabella era nceat i timid. i, la doisprezece ani, Emma era stpna casei i a dumneavoastr a tuturor. Mama ei, pe care a pierdut-o, era singura persoan care i putea ine piept. i motenete calitile i probabil c ei i s-ar fi supus. Domnule Knightley, cred c dac ar fi trebuit s plec de la familia Woodhouse, s-mi caut un alt post, nu dumneavoastr erai omul de la care s cer o recomandare. N-ai spus nimnui o vorb bun despre mine. Sunt sigur c m-ai socotit, dimpotriv, foarte puin capabil pentru slujba pe care o aveam. Da, zise el zmbind. Avei un loc mai bun aici, suntei foarte capabil pentru slujba de soie i nu pentru cea de guvernant. De altfel, ct ai stat la Hartfield, nu ai fcut altceva dect s v pregtii pentru a deveni o bun soie. Poate c nu i-ai dat Emmei o educaie complet, aa cum ar fi fost de ateptat din partea dumneavoastr, n schimb ai primit o foarte bun educaie de la ea, ntr-o privin legat direct de csnicie. Ai nvat s v supunei i s facei ce vi se cere. Dac Weston m-ar fi rugat s-i recomand o soie, a fi spus cu siguran: domnioara Taylor. Mulumesc, domnule, dar pentru un om ca domnul Weston nu e greu s fii o bun soie. De aceea, s spun drept, mi-e team c v irosii deprinderile de poman i c, fiind gata s ndurai, nu vei avea nimic de ndurat. Totui, s nu disperm. Weston poate s se supere, din senin, ca tot omul cruia i merge bine, sau poate fiul i va aduce cine tie ce pacoste pe cap. Sper c nu! Nu se poate. Nu, domnule Knightley, dinspre partea asta nu ne putem atepta la rele. Nici eu nu m atept, de altfel. Voiam numai s nir posibilitile care exist. Nu am pretenia, ca Emma, c am geniu la ghicit i preziceri. Sper din toat inima c tnrul are meritele unui Weston i averea unui Churchill. Dar, Harriet Smith, n-am terminat cu Harriet Smith! Cred c e cea mai proast alegere pe care putea so fac Emma. Nu tie nimic i se uit la Emma ca i cnd ea ar ti totul. E o linguitoare prin tot ce face, cu att mai pgubitoare cu ct e sincer! Ignorana ei e o permanent linguire pentru Emma. Cum poate Emma si nchipuie c mai are ceva de nvat, cnd Harriet i ofer ncnttoarea ocazie de a se arta superioar ? n ce o privete pe Harriet, a spune c nici ea nu are de ctigat din prietenia asta. Hartfield o va umple de ifose i astfel o va exclude din celelalte locuri pe care le-ar putea frecventa. Va deveni exact att de manierat ct s nu se mai simt bine printre aceia din a cror categorie face parte, prin natere i poziia ei social. Poate greesc, dar nu cred c teoriile Emmei pot da unei fete trie de caracter sau capacitatea de a se adapta n mod raional la

thrown over my senses, must still see, hear, and remember. Emma is spoiled by being the cleverest of her family. At ten years old, she had the misfortune of being able to answer questions which puzzled her sister at seventeen. She was always quick and assured: Isabella slow and diffident. And ever since she was twelve, Emma has been mistress of the house and of you all. In her mother she lost the only person able to cope with her. She inherits her mother's talents, and must have been under subjection to her." "I should have been sorry, Mr. Knightley, to be dependent on your recommendation, had I quitted Mr. Woodhouse's family and wanted another situation; I do not think you would have spoken a good word for me to any body. I am sure you always thought me unfit for the office I held." "Yes," said he, smiling. "You are better placed here; very fit for a wife, but not at all for a governess. But you were preparing yourself to be an excellent wife all the time you were at Hartfield. You might not give Emma such a complete education as your powers would seem to promise; but you were receiving a very good education from her, on the very material matrimonial point of submitting your own will, and doing as you were bid; and if Weston had asked me to recommend him a wife, I should certainly have named Miss Taylor." "Thank you. There will be very little merit in making a good wife to such a man as Mr. Weston." "Why, to own the truth, I am afraid you are rather thrown away, and that with every disposition to bear, there will be nothing to be borne. We will not despair, however. Weston may grow cross from the wantonness of comfort, or his son may plague him." "I hope not that.--It is not likely. No, Mr. Knightley, do not foretell vexation from that quarter." "Not I, indeed. I only name possibilities. I do not pretend to Emma's genius for foretelling and guessing. I hope, with all my heart, the young man may be a Weston in merit, and a Churchill in fortune.--But Harriet Smith--I have not half done about Harriet Smith. I think her the very worst sort of companion that Emma could possibly have. She knows nothing herself, and looks upon Emma as knowing every thing. She is a flatterer in all her ways; and so much the worse, because undesigned. Her ignorance is hourly flattery. How can Emma imagine she has any thing to learn herself, while Harriet is presenting such a delightful inferiority? And as for Harriet, I will venture to say that she cannot gain by the acquaintance. Hartfield will only put her out of conceit with all the other places she belongs to. She will grow just refined enough to be uncomfortable with those among whom birth and circumstances have placed her home. I am much mistaken if Emma's doctrines give any strength of mind, or tend at all to make a girl adapt herself rationally to the varieties of her 22

diferite mprejurri din via. Emma poate numai s-o cizeleze puin. , Nu tiu, poate eu am mai mult ncredere n capacitile Emmei, sau poate m intereseaz mai mult situaia -ei prezent, dar nu m-a plnge de prietenia asta. Ce bine arta seara trecut! A, dumneavoastr preferai s vorbii despre fizicul i nu despre mintea ei! Foarte bine, nu voi ncerca acum s neg c Emma e drgu. Drgu ? Dar e frumoas, domnule. V putei imagina o femeie mai aproape de perfeciune dect Emma, la chip i la trup ? Nu tiu ce mi-a putea imagina, dar mrturisesc c rar am vzut un chip care s-mi plac mai mult. Dar, ca vechi prieten, sunt probabil prtinitor. Asemenea ochi, cu adevrat cprui, i aa strlucitori, trsturile fine, inuta zvelt i obrazul ca o floare. Tocmai ct trebuie de nalt i subire, i dreapt! Respir sntate, nu numai prin bujorii obrajilor, dar i aa, cum merge, cum i ine capul, cum se uit. Se spune cteodat despre cte un copil c e icoana sntii". Emma m face ntotdeauna s m gndesc la icoana sntii unui om mare. E drglenia ntruchipat, domnule Knightley, nu-i aa? Are un fizic fr cusur, ntr-adevr, rspunse el. Sunt ntru totul de acord cu dumneavoastr. mi place s m uit la ea i a aduga la laudele dumitale pe aceea c nu e ncrezut. Avnd n vedere frumuseea ei, e de mirare ct de puin o preocup; vanitatea ei are alt surs. Doamn Weston, mie tot nu-mi place prietenia ei cu Harriet Smith, i tot cred c le stric la amndou. i eu, domnule Knightley, rmn ncredinat c nu le stric deloc. Cu toate micile ei cusururi, Emma e o fat minunat. Unde gseti o fiic mai bun, o sor mai iubitoare i o prieten mai adevrat ? Nu i nu, ea are toate nsuirile n care se poate avea ncredere, nu va face ru nimnui, nu va comite nici o greeal grav; dac greete o dat, are de o sut de ori dreptate. Foarte bine, nu v mai bat la cap. Emma va fi un nger, i eu mi pstrez veninul pn la Crciun, cnd vor veni John i Isa-bella. John o iubete pe Emma cu o dragoste raional, nu oarb, i Isabella e totdeauna de acord cu el, n afar de cazul c e vorba de copii. Sunt sigur c vor fi de prerea mea! tiu c o iubii cu toii prea mult ca s fii nedrepi sau ri cu ea;dar, iertai-m, domnule Knightley, dac mi dau libertatea, consider, tii, c am privilegiul de a vorbi n numele mamei ei, libertatea de a spune c nu cred c duce la nimic bun s se discute atta despre prietenia asta cu Harriet Smith. Iertai-m, v rog, dar chiar dac vei ajunge la concluzia c prietenia lor este duntoare, nu v putei atepta ca Emma, care n-are de dat socoteal dect tatlui ei, care e de altfel perfect de acord cu

situation in life.--They only give a little polish." "I either depend more upon Emma's good sense than you do, or am more anxious for her present comfort; for I cannot lament the acquaintance. How well she looked last night!" "Oh! you would rather talk of her person than her mind, would you? Very well; I shall not attempt to deny Emma's being pretty." "Pretty! say beautiful rather. Can you imagine any thing nearer perfect beauty than Emma altogether--face and figure?" "I do not know what I could imagine, but I confess that I have seldom seen a face or figure more pleasing to me than hers. But I am a partial old friend." "Such an eye!--the true hazle eye--and so brilliant! regular features, open countenance, with a complexion! oh! what a bloom of full health, and such a pretty height and size; such a firm and upright figure! There is health, not merely in her bloom, but in her air, her head, her glance. One hears sometimes of a child being `the picture of health;' now, Emma always gives me the idea of being the complete picture of grown-up health. She is loveliness itself. Mr. Knightley, is not she?" "I have not a fault to find with her person," he replied. "I think her all you describe. I love to look at her; and I will add this praise, that I do not think her personally vain. Considering how very handsome she is, she appears to be little occupied with it; her vanity lies another way. Mrs. Weston, I am not to be talked out of my dislike of Harriet Smith, or my dread of its doing them both harm." "And I, Mr. Knightley, am equally stout in my confidence of its not doing them any harm. With all dear Emma's little faults, she is an excellent creature. Where shall we see a better daughter, or a kinder sister, or a truer friend? No, no; she has qualities which may be trusted; she will never lead any one really wrong; she will make no lasting blunder; where Emma errs once, she is in the right a hundred times." "Very well; I will not plague you any more. Emma shall be an angel, and I will keep my spleen to myself till Christmas brings John and Isabella. John loves Emma with a reasonable and therefore not a blind affection, and Isabella always thinks as he does; except when he is not quite frightened enough about the children. I am sure of having their opinions with me." "I know that you all love her really too well to be unjust or unkind; but excuse me, Mr. Knightley, if I take the liberty (I consider myself, you know, as having somewhat of the privilege of speech that Emma's mother might have had) the liberty of hinting that I do not think any possible good can arise from Harriet Smith's intimacy being made a matter of much discussion among you. Pray excuse me; but supposing any little inconvenience may be apprehended from the intimacy, it cannot be expected that Emma, accountable to nobody but her father, who perfectly approves the

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ea, s pun capt acestei relaii, atta timp ct ei i face plcere. De atia ani, treaba mea este s dau sfaturi, aa c, domnule Knightley, s nu v mire c mi practic nc meseria. Deloc, strig el. V mulumesc foarte mult pentru sfat. E foarte bun i va avea o soart mai bun dect au avut sfaturile dumneavoastr pn acum, pentru c l voi urma. Doamna John Knightley se sperie repede i poate s se ngrijoreze de soarta surorii ei. Prea bine, doamn, mi voi pstra grijile pentru mine. Emma m intereseaz n mod sincer. Isabella, dei mi e mai apropiat, fiindu-mi cumnat, nu mi-a trezit un interes mai mare, poate nici att. E un fel de nelinite i curiozitate n ceea ce simt pentru Emma. M ntreb ce-o s se ntmple cu ea ? i eu. zise doamna Weston, m ntreb mereu. ntotdeauna spune c nu vrea s se mrite, ceea ce nu nseamn, bineneles, nimic. Dar nu am idee dac a vzut vreodat un brbat care s-i plac. N-ar fi ru s se ndrgosteasc de cineva care s-i merite iubirea. A vrea s-o vd pe Emma ndrgostit i cuprins de ndoieli, i-ar face bine. Dar nu e nimeni prin mprejurimi s-o cucereasc i iese att de rar. ntr-adevr, nu prea are motive s-i schimbe hotrrea, zise doamna Weston; i e aa de fericit la Hartfield. , N-a vrea s se nasc o dragoste care s-i creeze dificulti bietului domn Woodhouse. Deocamdat nu-i recomand Emmei s se mrite, dei nu vreau s fie lipsit de bucuria asta, te asigur. Cu aceste vorbe, doamna Weston voia s ascund nite planuri dragi ei i domnului Weston asupra acestei probleme. Cei de la Randalls aveau nite dorine cu privire la Emma, dar nu voiau s fie bnuite. Domnul Knightley trecu, repede i linitit, la un alt subiect. Ce crede Weston despre vreme ? O s plou ? i o convinse astfel c nu mai avea nimic de spus i de presupus despre Hartfield.

CAPITOLUL VI EMMA NU AVEA NICI O nDOIALA CA reuise s ndrepte imaginaia Harrietei n direcia potrivit i dduse un scop nalt vanitii ei tinereti, pentru c acum gsea c e mult mai convins de faptul c domnul Elton este un brbat remarcabil de frumos, cu purtri alese. i, cum nu se putea ndoi nici de cursul ascendent al admiraiei lui, exprimat prin diverse aluzii, se ncredina repede c simpatia care se ntea n sufletul Harrietei nu va rmne fr rspuns. Era sigur c domnul Elton e n mod clar pe cale de a se ndrgosti, dac nu gata ndrgostit. Nimic nu o nelinitea n privina lui. Vorbea despre Harriet i o luda att de clduros nct nu putea fi vorba dect de o pasiune pe care timpul o va consolida. Faptul c observase progresele n educaia Harrietei, de la venirea ei la Hartfield, era una din cele mai bune

acquaintance, should put an end to it, so long as it is a source of pleasure to herself. It has been so many years my province to give advice, that you cannot be surprized, Mr. Knightley, at this little remains of office." "Not at all," cried he; "I am much obliged to you for it. It is very good advice, and it shall have a better fate than your advice has often found; for it shall be attended to." "Mrs. John Knightley is easily alarmed, and might be made unhappy about her sister." "Be satisfied," said he, "I will not raise any outcry. I will keep my ill-humour to myself. I have a very sincere interest in Emma. Isabella does not seem more my sister; has never excited a greater interest; perhaps hardly so great. There is an anxiety, a curiosity in what one feels for Emma. I wonder what will become of her!" "So do I," said Mrs. Weston gently, "very much." "She always declares she will never marry, which, of course, means just nothing at all. But I have no idea that she has yet ever seen a man she cared for. It would not be a bad thing for her to be very much in love with a proper object. I should like to see Emma in love, and in some doubt of a return; it would do her good. But there is nobody hereabouts to attach her; and she goes so seldom from home." "There does, indeed, seem as little to tempt her to break her resolution at present," said Mrs. Weston, "as can well be; and while she is so happy at Hartfield, I cannot wish her to be forming any attachment which would be creating such difficulties on poor Mr. Woodhouse's account. I do not recommend matrimony at present to Emma, though I mean no slight to the state, I assure you." Part of her meaning was to conceal some favourite thoughts of her own and Mr. Weston's on the subject, as much as possible. There were wishes at Randalls respecting Emma's destiny, but it was not desirable to have them suspected; and the quiet transition which Mr. Knightley soon afterwards made to "What does Weston think of the weather; shall we have rain?" convinced her that he had nothing more to say or surmise about Hartfield. 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. She had no scruple with regard to him. He talked of Harriet, and praised her so warmly, that she could not suppose any thing wanting which a little time would not add. His perception of the striking improvement of Harriet's

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dovezi de afeciune crescnd. Ai nzestrat-o pe domnioara Smith cu tot ceea ce i lipsea, zicea el, ai fcut-o s fie graioas i degajat. Era numai o fat frumoas cnd a venit aici, dar, dup prerea mea, datorit dumneavoastr, la aceasta s-au adugat caliti infinit superioare darurilor ei naturale. mi pare bine c i dumneavoastr socotii c i-am fost de folos; Harriet ns nu avea nevoie dect s fie pus n lumin i s nvee nite lucruri mrunte. Avea de la natur o inim bun i o fire neafectat. N-am fcut cine tie ce! Dac ar fi admisibil s contrazici o doamn..., zise galant domnul Elton. Probabil am fcut-o s fie mai hotrt, am nvat-o s judece" nite lucruri de care nu prea se izbise pn acum. Exact aa, asta m-a frapat i pe mine! E mult mai hotrt. Se vede c a lucrat o mn priceput. i plcerea a fost mare! Niciodat n-am ntlnit pe cineva cu un caracter mai ales. Nu m ndoiesc. Spuse asta cu un fel de oftat, care arta c e vorba de un ndrgostit. Fu i mai ncntat a doua zi de felul n care el o seconda n dorina ei de a face portretul Harrietei. i s-a fcut vreodat portretul, Harriet ? zise ea. Ai pozat vreodat ? Harriet tocmai ieea din camer i se opri numai pentru a spune cu o fermectoare naivitate: O, Doamne, nu, niciodat! De ndat ce iei, Emma exclam: Ce minunat ar fi un portret al ei! Mi-a da toat averea s-l am! M bate gndul s-ncerc s-o desenez chiar eu. Dumneavoastr n-avei de unde s tii, dar acum doi sau trei ani mi plcea foarte mult s desenez. Am ncercat s fac portretul ctorva dintre prieteni i lumea zicea c am ochi bun. ns, nu tiu de ce, am renunat, mam sturat. Dar, zu c m-a apuca din nou dac Harriet ar vrea s-mi pozeze. Ce drgu ar fi s avem portretul ei! Dar v implor, va fi minunat, ntr-adevr, domnioar Woodhouse, s v folosii acest splendid talent asupra prietenei dumneavoastr. tiu despre desenele dumneavoastr, cum ai putut crede c sunt strin de ele ? Camera asta e plin de flori i peisaje fcute de dumneavoastr, i doamna Weston are nite tablouri inimitabile n salonul ei, la Randalls. Da, biete, gndi Emma, dar ce are a face asta cu portretele. Habar nu ai de desen! Nu te preface ncntat de desenele mele. Pstreaz-i ncntarea pentru chipul Harrietei." Ei bine, dac suntei aa de drgu s m ncurajai,

manner, since her introduction at Hartfield, was not one of the least agreeable proofs of his growing attachment. "You have given Miss Smith all that she required," said he; "you have made her graceful and easy. She was a beautiful creature when she came to you, but, in my opinion, the attractions you have added are infinitely superior to what she received from nature." "I am glad you think I have been useful to her; but Harriet only wanted drawing out, and receiving a few, very few hints. She had all the natural grace of sweetness of temper and artlessness in herself. I have done very little." "If it were admissible to contradict a lady," said the gallant Mr. Elton-"I have perhaps given her a little more decision of character, have taught her to think on points which had not fallen in her way before." "Exactly so; that is what principally strikes me. So much superadded decision of character! Skilful has been the hand!" "Great has been the pleasure, I am sure. I never met with a disposition more truly amiable." "I have no doubt of it." And it was spoken with a sort of sighing animation, which had a vast deal of the lover. She was not less pleased another day with the manner in which he seconded a sudden wish of hers, to have Harriet's picture. "Did you ever have your likeness taken, Harriet?" said she: "did you ever sit for your picture?" Harriet was on the point of leaving the room, and only stopt to say, with a very interesting naivete, "Oh! dear, no, never." No sooner was she out of sight, than Emma exclaimed, "What an exquisite possession a good picture of her would be! I would give any money for it. I almost long to attempt her likeness myself. You do not know it I dare say, but two or three years ago I had a great passion for taking likenesses, and attempted several of my friends, and was thought to have a tolerable eye in general. But from one cause or another, I gave it up in disgust. But really, I could almost venture, if Harriet would sit to me. It would be such a delight to have her picture!" "Let me entreat you," cried Mr. Elton; "it would indeed be a delight! Let me entreat you, Miss Woodhouse, to exercise so charming a talent in favour of your friend. I know what your drawings are. How could you suppose me ignorant? Is not this room rich in specimens of your landscapes and flowers; and has not Mrs. Weston some inimitable figure-pieces in her drawing-room, at Randalls?" Yes, good man!--thought Emma--but what has all that to do with taking likenesses? You know nothing of drawing. Don't pretend to be in raptures about mine. Keep your raptures for Harriet's face. "Well, if you give me such kind encouragement, Mr. Elton, I believe I shall try 25

domnule Elton, cred c am s ncerc. Trsturile Harrietei sunt foarte fine i va fi greu s-i fac portretul, i totui, forma ochiului e de un fel special, i liniile din jurul gurii, asta trebuie prins. Exact aa, forma ochiului i liniile din jurul gurii, nu m ndoiesc c vei reui. V rog, v rog, ncercai! Aa, fcut de dumneavoastr, va fi ntr-adevr un portret minunat. Dar mi-e team, domnule Elton, c Harriet n-o s vrea s pozeze. Se gndete att de puin la frumuseea ei! N-ai observat cum mi-a rspuns ? Era limpede c voia s spun; De ce s mi se fac portretul ?" Da, am observat, v asigur! Nu mi-a scpat. Totui, nu cred c va fi greu de convins. Harriet se ntoarse curnd dup acestea i propunerea i se fcu imediat. Nu putu s se opun mult vreme insistenelor bine intenionate ale celor doi. Emma voia s nceap imediat lucrul, drept care aduse o map ce coninea diversele ei ncercri de portrete, cci nu fusese terminat nici unul. Trebuiau s decid ce dimensiune este cea mai potrivit pentru Harriet. ntinse pe mas toate ncercrile: miniaturi, busturi, trei sferturi, creion, pastel, acuarele, toate fuseser ncepute pe rnd. ntotdeauna voia s fac totul i, att la desen, ct i la muzic, fcuse destule progrese fa de puinul efort depus. tia s cnte la pian i avea i voce i desena aproape n orice stil. Dar totdeauna i lipsise perseverena i niciodat nu ajunsese la miestria pe care i-ar fi dorit-o. i cunotea limitele priceperii, att la desen, ct i la muzic, dar nu voia s i le tie i alii i chiar era bucuroas s fie complimentat mai mult dect merita.

what I can do. Harriet's features are very delicate, which makes a likeness difficult; and yet there is a peculiarity in the shape of the eye and the lines about the mouth which one ought to catch." "Exactly so--The shape of the eye and the lines about the mouth--I have not a doubt of your success. Pray, pray attempt it. As you will do it, it will indeed, to use your own words, be an exquisite possession." "But I am afraid, Mr. Elton, Harriet will not like to sit. She thinks so little of her own beauty. Did not you observe her manner of answering me? How completely it meant, `why should my picture be drawn?'" "Oh! yes, I observed it, I assure you. It was not lost on me. But still I cannot imagine she would not be persuaded."Harriet was soon back again, and the proposal almost immediately made; and she had no scruples which could stand many minutes against the earnest pressing of both the others. Emma wished to go to work directly, and therefore produced the portfolio containing her various attempts at portraits, for not one of them had ever been finished, that they might decide together on the best size for Harriet. Her many beginnings were displayed. Miniatures, half-lengths, whole-lengths, pencil, crayon, and water-colours had been all tried in turn. She had always wanted to do every thing, and had made more progress both in drawing and music than many might have done with so little labour as she would ever submit to. She played and sang;--and drew in almost every style; but steadiness had always been wanting; and in nothing had she approached the degree of excellence which she would have been glad to command, and ought not to have failed of. She was not much deceived as to her own skill either as an artist or a musician, but she was not unwilling to have others deceived, or sorry to know her reputation for accomplishment often higher than it deserved. Desenele nu erau lipsite de merit cel care abia fusese There was merit in every drawing--in the least finished, nceput era probabil cel mai reuit. Emma avea stil, perhaps the most; her style was spirited; but had there dar, chiar dac ar fi fost cu mult mai puin reuite, sau de been much less, or had there been ten times more, the zece ori mai bune, ncntarea i admiraia celor doi delight and admiration of her two companions would prieteni ai si ar fi fost la fel de mare. Erau amndoi n have been the same. They were both in ecstasies. A likeness extaz. Un portret face plcere oricui, i realizrile pleases every body; and Miss Woodhouse's domnioarei Woodhouse erau cu totul extraordinare. performances must be capital. Nu v pot oferi prea multe chipuri. N-am avut dect "No great variety of faces for you," said Emma. "I had only familia mea la ndemn. Aici e tata, tot tata, dar ideea my own family to study from. There is my de a poza pentru un portret l enerva aa de tare c n-am father--another of my father--but the idea of sitting for his putut lucra dect pe furi, i nu seamn prea bine. picture made him so nervous, that I could only take Doamna Weston, tot doamna Weston, i iar doamna him by stealth; neither of them very like therefore. Mrs. Weston, cea mai bun prieten a mea, n orice Weston again, and again, and again, you see. Dear mprejurare. Mrs. Weston! always my kindest friend on every occasion. Poza ori de cte ori o rugam. Asta e sora mea, cu faa ei She would sit whenever I asked her. There is my fin i distins, seamn destul de bine. sister; and really quite her own little elegant figure!--and the A fi fcut un face not unlike. I should have made a good portret foarte bun, dac ar fi pozat mai mult; dar se grbea likeness of her, if she would have sat longer, but she was in aa de tare s m vad desenndu-i pe copii. Uite i such a hurry to have me draw her four children portretele lor! that she would not be quiet. Then, here come all my 26

Henry, John, Bella, pe toat coala, i seamn toi ntre ei.

Aa mult voia s-i desenez, c n-am avut ncotro, dar e greu s faci un copil de trei-patru ani s stea linitit i n nici un caz nu e treab uoar s le faci portretul. Tot ce poi s prinzi e expresia i culoarea. Uite schia celui de-al patrulea, care era sugar. L-am desenat cnd dormea pe canapea i funda seamn ntradevr foarte "bine. i cuibrise capul de minune, seamn foarte bine. Sunt foarte mndr de George. i colul canapelei e perfect. i asta e ultima, zise ea, dnd la iveal o schi mic nfind un brbat n picioare, ultima i cea mai bun, cumnatul meu, John Knightley. Nu mai aveam mult pn s-o termin, cnd, m-am nfuriat, am pus-o deoparte i am jurat s nu mai fac portrete. Din cauza lor m-am nfuriat, pentru c, dup ce m-am chinuit att i am fcut un portret foarte bun (doamna Weston i cu mine am czut de acord c seamn perfect), numai c era prea frumos, mai bine ca n realitate, dar asta era o greeal bine venit, dup toate astea, scumpa noastr Isabella s-a mulumit cu o oarecare apreciere rece: Da, seamn puin, dar el e mult mai frumos n realitate." A fost aa de greu s-l convingem s pozeze, ca i cnd mi fcea cine tie ce mare favoare, i n-am putut suporta toate astea. N-am mai vrut s termin portretul, ca s-l pun apoi n cas i s se scuze la toi cei care calc prin Brunswick Square c trebuie s le rneasc privirile cu un asemenea tablou. Cum v spuneam, am jurat s nu mai desenez pe nimeni altcineva. Dar pentru Harriet, sau mai degrab pentru plcerea mea, mi voi clca promisiunea fcut. Oricum, nu sunt n primejdie s am de-a face cu un so sau o soie, cel puin deocamdat! Domnul Elton prea, exact att ct se cuvine de surprins i de ncntat de idee i repeta mereu: Nu e vorba de nici un so sau soie, cel puin deocamdat, ntr-adevr, cum spunei. Exact aa, nu e vorba de soi i soii! artnd c a neles foarte bine la ce fcea aluzie, aa nct Emma ncepu s se ntrebe dac n-ar fi bine s-i lase imediat singuri. Dar, cum dorea s deseneze, declaraia trebuia s mai atepte. Se decise repede asupra dimensiunilor i tipului de portret. Urma s o nfieze pe Harriet n ntregime i s fie executat n acuarel, ca i cel al domnului Knightley, i era sortit, dac i se va permite plcerea, s fie aezat deasupra cminului. ncepur lucrul, i Harriet, aa cum zmbea, se nroea, se temea c nu are atitudinea potrivit, era pentru ochii ptrunztori ai artistei o ncnttoare imagine a tinereii. Dar domnul Elton nu prea avea ce face, se tot nvrtea pe lng ea i urmrea fiecare trstur de penel. Crezuse c o s se aeze undeva, unde putea s priveasc fr a o deranja; dar fu nevoit s pun capt situaiei, cerndu-i

attempts at three of those four children;--there they are, Henry and John and Bella, from one end of the sheet to the other, and any one of them might do for any one of the rest. She was so eager to have them drawn that I could not refuse; but there is no making children of three or four years old stand still you know; nor can it be very easy to take any likeness of them, beyond the air and complexion, unless they are coarser featured than any of mama's children ever were. Here is my sketch of the fourth, who was a baby. I took him as he was sleeping on the sofa, and it is as strong a likeness of his cockade as you would wish to see. He had nestled down his head most conveniently. That's very like. I am rather proud of little George. The corner of the sofa is very good. Then here is my last,"--unclosing a pretty sketch of a gentleman in small size, whole-length--"my last and my best-my brother, Mr. John Knightley.--This did not want much of being finished, when I put it away in a pet, and vowed I would never take another likeness. I could not help being provoked; for after all my pains, and when I had really made a very good likeness of it--(Mrs. Weston and I were quite agreed in thinking it very like)--only too handsome--too flattering--but that was a fault on the right side--after all this, came poor dear Isabella's cold approbation of--"Yes, it was a little like--but to be sure it did not do him justice." We had had a great deal of trouble in persuading him to sit at all. It was made a great favour of; and altogether it was more than I could bear; and so I never would finish it, to have it apologised over as an unfavourable likeness, to every morning visitor in Brunswick Square;--and, as I said, I did then forswear ever drawing any body again. But for Harriet's sake, or rather for my own, and as there are no husbands and wives in the case at present, I will break my resolution now." Mr. Elton seemed very properly struck and delighted by the idea, and was repeating, "No husbands and wives in the case at present indeed, as you observe. Exactly so. No husbands and wives," with so interesting a consciousness, that Emma began to consider whether she had not better leave them together at once. But as she wanted to be drawing, the declaration must wait a little longer. She had soon fixed on the size and sort of portrait. It was to be a whole-length in water-colours, like Mr. John Knightley's, and was destined, if she could please herself, to hold a very honourable station over the mantelpiece. The sitting began; and Harriet, smiling and blushing, and afraid of not keeping her attitude and countenance, presented a very sweet mixture of youthful expression to the steady eyes of the artist. But there was no doing any thing, with Mr. Elton fidgeting behind her and watching every touch. She gave him credit for stationing himself where he might gaze and gaze again without

27

s stea n alt parte. Apoi i veni ideea s-l pun s citeasc.

offence; but was really obliged to put an end to it, and request him to place himself elsewhere. It then occurred to her to employ him in reading. Dac va fi aa de bun s le citeasc, ar fi foarte drgu "If he would be so good as to read to them, it would be a din partea lui! I-ar face i ei lucrul mai uor i ar kindness indeed! It would amuse away the micora plictiseala domnioarei Smith." difficulties of her part, and lessen the irksomeness of Miss Domnul Elton era foarte fericit. Harriet asculta i Emma Smith's." desena n linite. Trebuia totui s-i permit s vin Mr. Elton was only too happy. Harriet listened, and Emma s se uite, i nc destul de des, dac n-ar fi cerut drew in peace. She must allow him to be still asemenea permisiune, nu s-ar fi putut numi ndrgostit. frequently coming to look; any thing less would certainly Era gata, la cea mai mic oprire a creionului, s sar pentru have been too little in a lover; and he was ready at a vedea ce progres s-a mai fcut i a se arta ncntat. Nu the smallest intermission of the pencil, to jump up and see poate s-i displac dac cineva te ncurajeaz atit de the progress, and be charmed.--There was no being mult, pentru c n marea lui admiraie domnul Elton displeased with such an encourager, for his admiration made ncepu s disting asemnarea nc nainte ca aceasta s fi him discern a likeness almost before it was existat. Nu putea conta pe ochiul lui, dar ct privete possible. She could not respect his eye, but his love and his dragostea i solicitudinea, era ireproabil. complaisance were unexceptionable. Dup prima zi de desen, totul mergea bine i schia era The sitting was altogether very satisfactory; she was quite destul de reuit ca Emma s fie dornic s continue. enough pleased with the first day's sketch to wish to Asemnarea era perfect, avusese norocul s prind go on. There was no want of likeness, she had been atitudinea. Voia numai s retueze puin silueta, s-i dea fortunate in the attitude, and as she meant to throw in a mai mult nlime i, desigur, mai mult distincie. Era little improvement to the figure, to give a little more height, ncredinat c va fi un desen frumos din toate punctele and considerably more elegance, she had great de confidence of its being in every way a pretty drawing at last, vedere i c i va ndeplini rolul de a lsa ca amintire and of its filling its destined place with credit to frumuseea uneia i priceperea celeilalte. Tabloul va sta them both--a standing memorial of the beauty of one, the mrturie pentru prietenia lor i de asemeni pentru toate skill of the other, and the friendship of both; with as acele agreabile amnunte pe care le va aduga afeciunea many other agreeable associations as Mr. Elton's very nscnd a domnului Elton. promising attachment was likely to add. Harriet urma s pozeze din nou, a doua zi, i domnul Harriet was to sit again the next day; and Mr. Elton, just as Elton, exact aa cum se cuvenea, ceru permisiunea s ia he ought, entreated for the permission of attending i el din nou parte i s le citeasc n continuare. and reading to them again. : Cu toat plcerea, vom fi fericite s fii cu noi! "By all means. We shall be most happy to consider you as A doua zi, Emma continu s deseneze cu mult spor, one of the party." ncurajat de aceleai complimente i remarci favorabile, The same civilities and courtesies, the same success and care i subliniau succesul i i ddeau satisfacie. Toi cei satisfaction, took place on the morrow, and care l vedeau, l admirau, dar domnul Elton era ntr-o accompanied the whole progress of the picture, which was ncntare continu i i lua aprarea mpotriva oricrei rapid and happy. Every body who saw it was critici. pleased, but Mr. Elton was in continual raptures, and defended it through every criticism. Domnioara Woodhouse a nfrumuseat-o pe prietena "Miss Woodhouse has given her friend the only beauty she dnsei exact att ct trebuie, observ doamna wanted,"--observed Mrs. Weston to him--not in Weston, fr a avea cea mai mic bnuial c se adreseaz the least suspecting that she was addressing a lover.--"The unui ndrgostit. Expresia ochilor e foarte corect, dar expression of the eye is most correct, but Miss domnioara Smith nu are asemenea gene i sprncene. Smith has not those eyebrows and eyelashes. It is the fault Asta e un defect al feei sale. of her face that she has them not." Credei ? zise el. Nu pot s fiu de acord. Mie mi se "Do you think so?" replied he. "I cannot agree with you. It pare c asemnarea e perfect, pentru fiecare trstur n appears to me a most perfect resemblance in every parte. N-am vzut n viaa mea un portret mai reuit. feature. I never saw such a likeness in my life. We must Trebuie s ne gndim i la efectul umbrei. allow for the effect of shade, you know." Ai fcut-o prea nalt, Emma, zise domnul Knightley. "You have made her too tall, Emma," said Mr. Knightley. Emma tia c a fcut-o ntr-adevr foarte nalt, dar Emma knew that she had, but would not own it; and Mr. nu voia s recunoasc, iar domnul Elton adug cu Elton warmly added, cldur: "Oh no! certainly not too tall; not in the least too tall. O. nu, nu e deloc prea nalt, chiar deloc. Gndii-v c Consider, she is sitting down--which naturally presents a st pe scaun, ceea ce schimb oricum... i aa cum different--which in short gives exactly the idea--and the 28

e, i d exact impresia..., i trebuie pstrate proporiile. Proporiile, tii... O, nu, d exact impresia nlimii reale a domnioarei Smith, exact aa, zu! E foarte drgu, zise domnul Woodhouse. Foarte drgu fcut. Ca toate desenele tale, draga mea. Nu cunosc pe nimeni care s deseneze aa de bine ca tine. Singurul lucru, care ntr-adevr nu-mi place, este c st afar i are numai un al subire pe umeri, te face s te gndeti la guturai. Dar, tat, se presupune c e var, o zi clduroas de var. Uit-te la copac! Dar nu e bine s ezi niciodat afar, draga mea. Dumneavoastr, domnule, putei spune orice, strig domnul Elton, dar trebuie s v mrturisesc c, dup prerea mea, ideea de a aeza pe domnioara Smith afar a fost foarte fericit. i copacul e fcut intr-un stil inimitabil! Orice alt situaie ar fi corespuns mult mai puin personajului. Naivitatea purtrilor domnioarei Smith! i totul, o, e splendid! Nu pot s-mi iau ochii de la el. N-am mai vzut un asemenea tablou. Imediat se ivi necesitatea de a nrma tabloul, i aici existau nite dificulti. Trebuia nrmat imediat, trebuia nrmat la Londra i comanda trebuia s fie fcut de o persoan inteligent, pe gustul creia se putea conta i nu trebuia s se apeleze la Isabella, care fcea n mod obinuit asemenea comisioane, pentru c era iarn i domnul Woodhouse nu putea suporta ideea ca ea s ias din cas pe ceaa din decembrie. Dar de ndat ce problema fu comunicat domnului Elton, se rezolv de la sine. Curtoazia lui era gata s rspund la cel mai mic apel. Este posibil s i se ncredineze lui comisionul, ce plcere i-ar face s-l execute! Putea oricnd s plece clare la Londra. Era imposibil s-i exprime recunotina pentru posibilitatea de a le face un asemenea serviciu." Foarte drgu din partea lui! Dar nu putea s suporte ideea, cum o s-i dea lui o misiune att de anevoioas ?" Cu aceste vorbe Emma provoc dorita repetare a cererii i a asigurrilor, i n cteva minute totul se aranjase. Domnul Elton urma s duc tabloul la Londra, s aleag rama, s dea instruciuni, i Emma era de prere c va putea mpacheta tabloul astfel nct s nu-l incomodeze. n acelai timp, lui i era team c nu se deranjeaz destul. Ce preioas povar, zise el, cu un suspin uor, lund tabloul. Omul sta e parc prea curtenitor pentru a fi ndrgostit, gndi Emma, a spune eu, dac n-ar exista o mie de feluri de a fi ndrgostit. E un tnr minunat i va fi exact ce trebuie pentru Harriet. Va fi i el exact aa, zu, dup cum zice chiar el; dar suspin i se pierde i inventeaz complimente mai mult dect a suporta dac ar fi

proportions must be preserved, you know. Proportions, fore-shortening.--Oh no! it gives one exactly the idea of such a height as Miss Smith's. Exactly so indeed!" "It is very pretty," said Mr. Woodhouse. "So prettily done! Just as your drawings always are, my dear. I do not know any body who draws so well as you do. The only thing I do not thoroughly like is, that she seems to be sitting out of doors, with only a little shawl over her shoulders--and it makes one think she must catch cold." "But, my dear papa, it is supposed to be summer; a warm day in summer. Look at the tree." "But it is never safe to sit out of doors, my dear." "You, sir, may say any thing," cried Mr. Elton, "but I must confess that I regard it as a most happy thought, the placing of Miss Smith out of doors; and the tree is touched with such inimitable spirit! Any other situation would have been much less in character. The naivete of Miss Smith's manners--and altogether--Oh, it is most admirable! I cannot keep my eyes from it. I never saw such a likeness." The next thing wanted was to get the picture framed; and here were a few difficulties. It must be done directly; it must be done in London; the order must go through the hands of some intelligent person whose taste could be depended on; and Isabella, the usual doer of all commissions, must not be applied to, because it was December, and Mr. Woodhouse could not bear the idea of her stirring out of her house in the fogs of December. But no sooner was the distress known to Mr. Elton, than it was removed. His gallantry was always on the alert. "Might he be trusted with the commission, what infinite pleasure should he have in executing it! he could ride to London at any time. It was impossible to say how much he should be gratified by being employed on such an errand." "He was too good!--she could not endure the thought!--she would not give him such a troublesome office for the world,"--brought on the desired repetition of entreaties and assurances,--and a very few minutes settled the business. Mr. Elton was to take the drawing to London, chuse the frame, and give the directions; and Emma thought she could so pack it as to ensure its safety without much incommoding him, while he seemed mostly fearful of not being incommoded enough. "What a precious deposit!" said he with a tender sigh, as he received it. "This man is almost too gallant to be in love," thought Emma. "I should say so, but that I suppose there may be a hundred different ways of being in love. He is an excellent young man, and will suit Harriet exactly; it will be an `Exactly so,' as he says himself; but he does sigh and languish, and study for compliments rather more than I could endure as a principal. I come in for a pretty good share as a second. But it is his gratitude on 29

vorba de mine. M complimenteaz destul i aa, ca prieten. Probabil mi e recunosctor pentru Harriet." CHIAR n ZIUA CND DOMNUL ELTON plec spre Londra, Emma avu din nou ocazia s-i fie de folos prietenei sale. Harriet venise, ca de obicei, la Hartfield dimineaa i, dup un timp, plecase cu intenia de a se ntoarce la ora cinei. Se ntoarse ns mult mai devreme i ntr-o grab i agitaie care artau c s-a ntmplat ceva deosebit. Se citea pe faa ei c vrea s fac mrturisiri i, n jumtate de minut, Emma era la curent cu totul. Auzise, de ndat ce ajunsese la doamna Goddard, c domnul Martin trecuse pe acolo cu o or mai devreme i, vznd c nu e acas i nu se tie cnd va veni, lsase pentru ea un pacheel din partea surorii lui i plecase. Deschiznd pacheelul, gsise, n afar de cele dou cntece pe care i le dduse Elisabetei s le copieze, o scrisoare adresat chiar ei. Scrisoarea era de la el, de la domnul Martin, i coninea n mod explicit o cerere n cstorie. Cine i-ar fi nchipuit ? Era aa de uimit, c nu tia ce s fac. Da, o cerere n cstorie n toat regula, i o scrisoare foarte bine scris, cel puin aa i se prea ei. i scria ca unul care o iubete ntr-adevr foarte mult, dar nu avea cum s tie precis, i aa c ea a venit ct de repede a putut s-o ntrebe pe domnioara Woodhouse ce s fac". Emmei i era aproape ruine c prietena ei arta atta plcere i atta ndoial. Pe cuvntul meu, strig ea, tnrul e hotrt s nu piard nimic din lips de ndrzneal. Vrea s se nsoare ct mai bine. Vrei s citii scrisoarea, v rog frumos, strig Harriet. A dori foarte mult s o citii. Emma nu se ls mult rugat. Citi i fu de-a binelea uimit. Stilul scrisorii ntrecea cu mult ateptrile ei. Nu numai c nu avea greeli de gramatic, dar, n ce privete forma, n-ar fi fcut de ruine nici pe un gentleman: limba, dei simpl, era expresiv i neafectat i sentimentele pe care le descria erau n favoarea autorului. Era scurt, dar lsa s se ntrevad bunul sim, o afeciune cald, generozitate, decen, i chiar finee a sentimentului. Zbovi puin asupra ei, n timp ce Harriet atepta nerbdtoare s-i afle prerea, zicnd din cnd n cnd: Ei, ei ?, i fiind n cele din urm obligat s adauge: E o scrisoare bun, sau e prea scurt ? Da, ntr-adevr, o scrisoare bun, rspunse Emma, pronunnd rar cuvintele. E att de bun, Harriet, nct lund n consideraie ce tim despre el, cred c l-a ajutat vreuna dintre surori. E foarte greu s-mi nchipui c tnrul cu care vorbeai tu alaltieri s-ar fi putut exprima att de bine, folosindu-se de propriile lui puteri. i, totui, nu e stilul unei femei, nu, sigur c nu, e prea expresiv i concis, nu este destul de difuz pentru o femeie. Nu ncape ndoial c e un tnr inteligent i presupun c are chiar talent n direcia asta; gndete att de expresiv i clar i cnd ia tocul n mn gndurile lui se ordoneaz firesc n cuvintele cele mai potrivite. Da,

Harriet's account." The very day of Mr. Elton's going to London produced a fresh occasion for Emma's services towards her friend. Harriet had been at Hartfield, as usual, soon after breakfast; and, after a time, had gone home to return again to dinner: she returned, and sooner than had been talked of, and with an agitated, hurried look, announcing something extraordinary to have happened which she was longing to tell. Half a minute brought it all out. 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. "Who could have thought it? She was so surprized she did not know what to do. Yes, quite a proposal of marriage; and a very good letter, at least she thought so. And he wrote as if he really loved her very much--but she did not know--and so, she was come as fast as she could to ask Miss Woodhouse what she should do.--" Emma was half-ashamed of her friend for seeming so pleased and so doubtful. "Upon my word," she cried, "the young man is determined not to lose any thing for want of asking. He will connect himself well if he can." "Will you read the letter?" cried Harriet. "Pray do. I'd rather you would." Emma was not sorry to be pressed. She read, and was surprized. The style of the letter was much above her expectation. There were not merely no grammatical errors, but as a composition it would not have disgraced a gentleman; the language, though plain, was strong and unaffected, and the sentiments it conveyed very much to the credit of the writer. It was short, but expressed good sense, warm attachment, liberality, propriety, even delicacy of feeling. She paused over it, while Harriet stood anxiously watching for her opinion, with a "Well, well," and was at last forced to add, "Is it a good letter? or is it too short?" "Yes, indeed, a very good letter," replied Emma rather slowly--"so good a letter, Harriet, that every thing considered, I think one of his sisters must have helped him. I can hardly imagine the young man whom I saw talking with you the other day could express himself so well, if left quite to his own powers, and yet it is not the style of a woman; no, certainly, it is too strong and concise; not diffuse enough for a woman. No doubt he is a sensible man, and I suppose may have a natural talent for--thinks strongly and clearly--and when he takes a pen in hand, his thoughts naturally find proper words. It is so with some men. Yes, I understand the sort of 30

acum neleg ce fel de minte are. Puternic, decis, i sentimentele, pn la un punct nu sunt lipsite de finee. E mai bine scris, Harriet, (dnd-o napoi), dect m ateptam. Ei, zise Harriet, nc n ateptare, ei, i ce s fac ? Ce s faci, n ce privin ? Vrei s spui n privina acestei scrisori ? Da! Dar nu ncape ndoial, trebuie s rspunzi, desigur, i nc repede. Da, dar ce s spun ? Drag domnioar Woodhouse, v rog, dai-mi un sfat! Nu, nu, e mai bine s scrii singur scrisoarea. Te vei exprima foarte bine, sunt sigur. Poi foarte bine s te faci neleas! Ceea ce conteaz n primul rnd e s te faci neleas. Trebuie s fie foarte clar, s nu creeze ndoial sau obiecii. Cred c te va duce mintea s-i exprimi recunotina i grija pentru durerea pe care o provoci, dup cum se cuvine. N-ai nevoie s te ndrume cineva astfel nct s dai impresia c te doare dezamgirea lui. Credei, aadar, c trebuie s-l refuz ? zise Harriet, uitndu-se n jos. C trebuie s-l refuzi ? Drag Harriet, dar ce vrei s spui ? Te ndoieti n privina asta ? Credeam, dar i cer iertare, poate c am greit... Desigur, te-am neles greit, dac te ndoieti de coninutul rspunsului. mi nchipuiam c m consuli numai n ce privete exprimarea. Harriet tcea. ntr-o manier mai rezervat, Emma continu: Vrei s trimii un rspuns favorabil dup cte vd ? Nu, adic, nu vreau, dar ce s fac ? V rog, drag domnioar Woodhouse, spunei-mi ce trebuie s fac ?

mind. Vigorous, decided, with sentiments to a certain point, not coarse. A better written letter, Harriet (returning it,) than I had expected." "Well," said the still waiting Harriet;--"well--and--and what shall I do?" "What shall you do! In what respect? Do you mean with regard to this letter?" "Yes." "But what are you in doubt of? You must answer it of course--and speedily." "Yes. But what shall I say? Dear Miss Woodhouse, do advise me." "Oh no, no! the letter had much better be all your own. You will express yourself very properly, I am sure. There is no danger of your not being intelligible, which is the first thing. Your meaning must be unequivocal; no doubts or demurs: and such expressions of gratitude and concern for the pain you are inflicting as propriety requires, will present themselves unbidden to your mind, I am persuaded. You need not be prompted to write with the appearance of sorrow for his disappointment." "You think I ought to refuse him then," said Harriet, looking down. "Ought to refuse him! My dear Harriet, what do you mean? Are you in any doubt as to that? I thought--but I beg your pardon, perhaps I have been under a mistake. I certainly have been misunderstanding you, if you feel in doubt as to the purport of your answer. I had imagined you were consulting me only as to the wording of it." Harriet was silent. With a little reserve of manner, Emma continued: "You mean to return a favourable answer, I collect." "No, I do not; that is, I do not mean--What shall I do? What would you advise me to do? Pray, dear Miss Woodhouse, tell me what I ought to do." Nu-i voi da nici un sfat, Harriet. Nu vreau s m "I shall not give you any advice, Harriet. I will have nothing amestec. Este o problem pe care trebuie s-o rezolvi n to do with it. This is a point which you must funcie de propriile tale sentimente. settle with your feelings." Nu credeam c-i plac aa de mult, zise Harriet, "I had no notion that he liked me so very much," said uitndu-se la scrisoare. Cteva clipe, Emma continu s Harriet, contemplating the letter. For a little while tac, dar nelegnd c Harriet ar putea s fie prea Emma persevered in her silence; but beginning to puternic impresionat de scrisoare, gsi c e mai bine s apprehend the bewitching flattery of that letter might be vorbeasc: too powerful, she thought it best to say, Consider, c regul general, Harriet, c, atunci cnd o "I lay it down as a general rule, Harriet, that if a woman femeie se ndoiete dac s accepte sau nu un doubts as to whether she should accept a man or not, brbat, e cel mai bine s-l refuze. Dac ezit s spun da, e she certainly ought to refuse him. If she can hesitate as to mai bine s spun nu. imediat. Nu e o situaie pe care `Yes,' she ought to say `No' directly. It is not a state s-o accepi cu sentimentul ndoielii, cu inima pe jumtate. to be safely entered into with doubtful feelings, with half a Am socotit c e de datoria mea, ca prieten mai mare heart. I thought it my duty as a friend, and older s-i spun toate aceste lucruri. Dar s nu-i nchipui c than yourself, to say thus much to you. But do not imagine vreau s te influenez. that I want to influence you." O, nu, sunt sigur c suntei mult prea bun cu mine,ca "Oh! no, I am sure you are a great deal too kind to--but if s... dar dac m-ai sftui ce e mai bine de fcut you would just advise me what I had best do--No, nu, nu vreau s spun asta cum spunei dumneavoastr, no, I do not mean that--As you say, one's mind ought to be trebuie s fiu hotrt, nu trebuie s ezit, e ceva foarte quite made up--One should not be hesitating--It is serios. Poate c e mai bine s spun nu. Credei c e mai a very serious thing.--It will be safer to say `No,' perhaps.-31

bine s spun nu ? Pentru nimic n lume, zise Emma zmbind cu graie, nu te-a sftui intr-un fel sau altul. Tu eti cel mai bun judector, cnd e vorba de fericirea ta. Dac l preferi pe domnul Martin tuturor celorlali brbai, dac-l gseti cel mai simpatic dintre toi cei pe care ii cunoti, de ce s ezii ? Te-ai nroit, Harriet! Te-ai gndit cumva la altcineva dintre cunotine ? Harriet, Harriet, nu te amgi, nu te lsa copleit de recunotin i compasiune. La cine te gndeti n momentul sta ? Simptomele erau favorabile. n loc s rspund, Harriet se ntoarse zpcit i se opri gnditoare n faa focului. i, dei inea nc n mn scrisoarea, o rsucea mecanic, fr s-i mai pese de ea. Emma atepta rezultatul cu nerbdare, dar nu i fr prea mari sperane. n cele din urm, cu oarecare ovial, Harriet zise: Domnioar Woodhouse, pentru c nu vrei s-mi spunei prerea dumneavoastr, am decis aproape, s-l refuz pe domnul Martin. Credei c e bine aa ? Perfect, perfect, draga mea Harriet. E cel mai cuminte lucru, n timp ce mai aveai ndoieli, mi-am pstrat sentimentele pentru mine dar acum c eti hotrt, nu voi ezita s te aprob. Drag Harriet, mi permit aceast bucurie. M-ar fi ntristat s pierd prietenia ta. Ar fi fost o consecin fireasc a cstoriei tale cu domnul Martin. Ct timp mai aveai ndoieli, n-am spus nimic, ca s nu te influenez. Dar ar fi nsemnat s pierd o prieten. N-a fi putut s fac vizite doamnei Robert Martin la ferma Abbey Mill. Acum sunt sigur c vom fi ntotdeauna prietene.

Harriet nu bnuise aceast primejdie, dar numai gndul c aa ceva s-ar fi putut ntmpla, o fcu s ncremeneasc: Nu m-ai fi putut vizita! strig ea nspimntat. Nu, desigur c n-ai fi putut. Nu m-am gndit deloc. Asta ar fi fost groaznic. Din ce-am scpat! Drag domnioar Woodhouse, n-a renuna pentru nimic n lume la prietenia dumneavoastr. ntr-adevr, Harriet, ar fi fost o grea lovitur s te pierd. Te-ai fi scos singur din lumea bun. Ar fi trebuit s renun la tine. . Dumnezeule! Cum a fi putut s ndur una ca asta ? A fi murit dac nu mi s-ar mai fi dat voie s viu la Hartfield. Draga i scumpa de tine, s fii tu exilat la Abbey Mill, s rmi n societatea unor oameni analfabei i vulgari toat viaa! M ntreb cum de tnrul a ndrznit s-i cear mna! Probabil are o prere foarte bun despre el nsui. Dar eu nu cred c e ncrezut, n general, zise Harriet, contiina ei opunndu-se unei asemenea sentine. Cel puin, e un om foarte bun i i voi fi totdeauna foarte

Do you think I had better say `No?'" "Not for the world," said Emma, smiling graciously, "would I advise you either way. You must be the best judge of your own happiness. If you prefer Mr. Martin to every other person; if you think him the most agreeable man you have ever been in company with, why should you hesitate? You blush, Harriet.--Does any body else occur to you at this moment under such a definition? Harriet, Harriet, do not deceive yourself; do not be run away with by gratitude and compassion. At this moment whom are you thinking of?" The symptoms were favourable.--Instead of answering, Harriet turned away confused, and stood thoughtfully by the fire; and though the letter was still in her hand, it was now mechanically twisted about without regard. Emma waited the result with impatience, but not without strong hopes. 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. Do you think I am right?" "Perfectly, perfectly right, my dearest Harriet; you are doing just what you ought. While you were at all in suspense I kept my feelings to myself, but now that you are so completely decided I have no hesitation in approving. Dear Harriet, I give myself joy of this. It would have grieved me to lose your acquaintance, which must have been the consequence of your marrying Mr. Martin. While you were in the smallest degree wavering, I said nothing about it, because I would not influence; but it would have been the loss of a friend to me. I could not have visited Mrs. Robert Martin, of AbbeyMill Farm. Now I am secure of you for ever." Harriet had not surmised her own danger, but the idea of it struck her forcibly. "You could not have visited me!" she cried, looking aghast. "No, to be sure you could not; but I never thought of that before. That would have been too dreadful!--What an escape!--Dear Miss Woodhouse, I would not give up the pleasure and honour of being intimate with you for any thing in the world." "Indeed, Harriet, it would have been a severe pang to lose you; but it must have been. You would have thrown yourself out of all good society. I must have given you up." "Dear me!--How should I ever have borne it! It would have killed me never to come to Hartfield any more!" "Dear affectionate creature!--You banished to Abbey-Mill Farm!--You confined to the society of the illiterate and vulgar all your life! I wonder how the young man could have the assurance to ask it. He must have a pretty good opinion of himself." "I do not think he is conceited either, in general," said Harriet, her conscience opposing such censure; "at least, he is very good natured, and I shall always feel much obliged to him, and have a great regard for--but 32

ndatorat i l voi stima, dar asta e cu totul altceva dect i tii i dumneavoastr, dei poate c el m iubete, asta nu nseamn c trebuie s-mi plac, i, desigur, trebuie s mrturisesc c de cnd am nceput s vin la Hartfield n vizit, am mai vzut ceva lume, i dac ar fi s-l com- parm, ca fizic i ca purtri, nici nu e de comparat cu altcineva, care e aa de frumos i simpatic. Totui, cred c domnul Martin e un tnr foarte cumsecade, am o prere foarte bun despre el, i pentru c mi-a artat afeciune, i pentru c mi-a scris o asemenea scrisoare, dar s renun la dumneavoastr asta n-a face-o pentru nimic n lume. i mulumesc, draga mea prieten. Nu ne vom despri. O femeie nu trebuie neaprat s se mrite cu un brbat numai pentru c a cerut-o sau pentru c i-a artat afeciune i a scris o scrisoare acceptabil. O, nu, i nu e dect o scrisoare scurt! Emmei nu-i scp lipsa de gust a prietenei sale, dar trecu repede la: Foarte adevrat, i slab ar fi consolarea celei care se mrit cu un caraghios, a crui purtare o jignete n fiecare moment, s tie c soul ei a putut scrie o scrisoare bun. O, da, foarte slab consolare. Nimeni nu se sinchisete de o scrisoare. Principalul este s fii totdeauna fericit n mijlocul tovarilor ti. Sunt foarte hotrt s-l refuz, dar cum s fac, ce s spun ? Emma o asigur c nu va fi greu s compun rspunsul i o sftui s-l scrie imediat. Harriet fu de acord n sperana c se va bucura de ajutorul ei i Emma continu s protesteze mpotriva ideii c ar fi nevoie de un ajutor, dar l acord de fapt generos, n formularea fiecrei fraze. Uitndu-se din nou peste scrisoarea tnrului, pentru a-i rspunde, Harriet prea s revin la sentimente mai bune fa de el i era ct se poate de necesar s o mbrbteze cu cteva expresii hotrtoare. Era att de ngrijorat s nu-l fac nefericit i se gndea aa de mult la ce-o s cread i o s spun mama i surorile lui, i i era aa de team c o vor socoti nerecunosctoare, nct Emma credea c dac tnrul i-ar fi ieit n cale n acel moment ar fi fost n cele din urm acceptat. Scrisoarea fu totui scris, sigilat i trimis. Primejdia trecuse i Harriet era n siguran. n seara aceea fu cam melancolic, iar Emma o ls s-i exprime cteva regrete uoare i ncerc s i le potoleasc fie pomenindu-i de prietenia ei, fie aducnd vorba despre domnul Elton. Nu voi mai fi niciodat invitat la Abbey Mill, zise ea cu o voce cam trist. Nici dac ai fi, nu a suporta s m despart de tine, Harriet. Eti mult prea necesar la Hartfield pentru a-i pierde timpul la Abbey Mill. i nici nu cred c o s vreau s m mai duc acolo, pentru c eu nu sunt fericit dect la Hartfield. Ctva timp dup aceea, zise: Cred c doamna Goddard s-ar mira foarte mult dac ar ti ce s-a ntmplat. i domnioara Nash, sunt

that is quite a different thing from--and you know, though he may like me, it does not follow that I should--and certainly I must confess that since my visiting here I have seen people--and if one comes to compare them, person and manners, there is no comparison at all, one is so very handsome and agreeable. However, I do really think Mr. Martin a very amiable young man, and have a great opinion of him; and his being so much attached to me--and his writing such a letter-but as to leaving you, it is what I would not do upon any consideration." "Thank you, thank you, my own sweet little friend. We will not be parted. A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter." "Oh no;--and it is but a short letter too." Emma felt the bad taste of her friend, but let it pass with a "very true; and it would be a small consolation to her, for the clownish manner which might be offending her every hour of the day, to know that her husband could write a good letter." "Oh! yes, very. Nobody cares for a letter; the thing is, to be always happy with pleasant companions. I am quite determined to refuse him. But how shall I do? What shall I say?" Emma assured her there would be no difficulty in the answer, and advised its being written directly, which was agreed to, in the hope of her assistance; and though Emma continued to protest against any assistance being wanted, it was in fact given in the formation of every sentence. The looking over his letter again, in replying to it, had such a softening tendency, that it was particularly necessary to brace her up with a few decisive expressions; and she was so very much concerned at the idea of making him unhappy, and thought so much of what his mother and sisters would think and say, and was so anxious that they should not fancy her ungrateful, that Emma believed if the young man had come in her way at that moment, he would have been accepted after all. This letter, however, was written, and sealed, and sent. The business was finished, and Harriet safe. She was rather low all the evening, but Emma could allow for her amiable regrets, and sometimes relieved them by speaking of her own affection, sometimes by bringing forward the idea of Mr. Elton. "I shall never be invited to Abbey-Mill again," was said in rather a sorrowful tone. "Nor, if you were, could I ever bear to part with you, my Harriet. You are a great deal too necessary at Hartfield to be spared to Abbey-Mill." "And I am sure I should never want to go there; for I am never happy but at Hartfield." Some time afterwards it was, "I think Mrs. Goddard would be very much surprized if she knew what had happened. I am sure Miss Nash would--for Miss Nash thinks 33

sigur, pentru c domnioara Nash socotete c sora ei e mritat foarte bine i brbatul ei nu-i dect negustor de pnzeturi. Drag Harriet, la o profesoar de coal nu te poi atepta la cine tie ce rafinamente. Probabil c domnioara Nash te-ar invidia pentru aceast ocazie de a te mrita. Chiar i aceast cucerire ar fi de valoare n ochii ei. Ct privete posibilitile tale superioare, cred c habar n-are de ele. Atenia pe care i-o acord o anumit persoan nu cred s fi ajuns nc n gura lumii la High-bury. pn acum, cred c numai tu i eu am avut plcerea s-i nelegem explicit inteniile. Harriet se nroi i zmbi i spuse ceva de genul c se mir c are atta succes. Gndul la domnul Elton era destul de nviortor, totui, dup o vreme, deveni din nou plin de compasiune pentru domnul Martin cel respins: Acum trebuie s fi primit scrisoarea aceea. M ntreb ce fac ei acum. Oare surorile lui tiu ? Dac el e nefericit, vor fi nefericite i ele. Sper c n-o s-l jigneasc prea tare. S ne gndim la alii dintre prietenii notri abseni, care au ocupaii mai plcute, zise Emma. n momentul acesta, poate, domnul Elton arat tabloul tu mamei i surorilor sale i le spune de cte ori e mai frumos originalul, i le spune n sfrit numele tu, numele tu scump. Tabloul meu ? Dar trebuie s fi lsat tabloul n Bond Street. Nu zu! Atunci nseamn c eu nu-l cunosc pe domnul Elton. Nu, draga mea Harriet, crede-m, nu va duce tabloul n Bond Street dect mine. l va nsoi toat seara, va fi consolarea i ncntarea lui. i va dezvlui familiei planurile lui, te va prezenta acolo, le va face s simt, cum e firesc pentru femei, o vie curiozitate i preocupare. Ce vesele, nflcrate, bnuitoare, harnice vor fi nchipuirile lor acum ? Harriet zmbi din nou, cu mai mult curaj de aceast dat. CAPITOLUL VIII N NOAPTEA ACEEA, HARRIET DORMI LA Hartfield. De cteva sptmni i petrecea mai mult de jumtate din timp acolo i ajunsese chiar s aib o camer de culcare aranjat special pentru ea. Emma socotea c, din toate punctele de vedere, era mai bine s-o in pe la ei ct mai mult posibil, n aceast perioad. A doua zi dimineaa trebuia s treac o or-dou pe la doamna Goddard, tocmai pentru a o anuna c va rmne cteva zile la Hartfield. Dup plecarea Harrietei, domnul Woodhouse i Emma primir vizita domnului Knightley, care sttu o vreme de vorb cu amndoi, pn n clipa cnd domnul Woodhouse se ls convins de fiica sa s ias la plimbare, aa cum hotrse mai dinainte, i se vzu nevoit, datorit insistenelor celor doi, ca n acest scop, s-l prseasc pe domnul Knightley, n ciuda scrupulelor sale de om bine crescut. Domnul Knightley, care nu era ceremonios din fire, oferea, prin rspunsurile sale scurte i hotrte, un

her own sister very well married, and it is only a linen-draper." "One should be sorry to see greater pride or refinement in the teacher of a school, Harriet. I dare say Miss Nash would envy you such an opportunity as this of being married. Even this conquest would appear valuable in her eyes. As to any thing superior for you, I suppose she is quite in the dark. The attentions of a certain person can hardly be among the tittle-tattle of Highbury yet. Hitherto I fancy you and I are the only people to whom his looks and manners have explained themselves." Harriet blushed and smiled, and said something about wondering that people should like her so much. The idea of Mr. Elton was certainly cheering; but still, after a time, she was tender-hearted again towards the rejected Mr. Martin. "Now he has got my letter," said she softly. "I wonder what they are all doing--whether his sisters know--if he is unhappy, they will be unhappy too. I hope he will not mind it so very much." "Let us think of those among our absent friends who are more cheerfully employed," cried Emma. "At this moment, perhaps, Mr. Elton is shewing your picture to his mother and sisters, telling how much more beautiful is the original, and after being asked for it five or six times, allowing them to hear your name, your own dear name." "My picture!--But he has left my picture in Bond-street." "Has he so!--Then I know nothing of Mr. Elton. No, my dear little modest Harriet, depend upon it the picture will not be in Bond-street till just before he mounts his horse to-morrow. It is his companion all this evening, his solace, his delight. It opens his designs to his family, it introduces you among them, it diffuses through the party those pleasantest feelings of our nature, eager curiosity and warm prepossession. How cheerful, how animated, how suspicious, how busy their imaginations all are!" Harriet smiled again, and her smiles grew stronger. Harriet slept at Hartfield that night. For some weeks past she had been spending more than half her time there, and gradually getting to have a bed-room appropriated to herself; and Emma judged it best in every respect, safest and kindest, to keep her with them as much as possible just at present. She was obliged to go the next morning for an hour or two to Mrs. Goddard's, but it was then to be settled that she should return to Hartfield, to make a regular visit of some days. While she was gone, Mr. Knightley called, and sat some time with Mr. Woodhouse and Emma, till Mr. Woodhouse, who had previously made up his mind to walk out, was persuaded by his daughter not to defer it, and was induced by the entreaties of both, though against the scruples of his own civility, to leave Mr. Knightley for that purpose. Mr. Knightley, who had nothing of ceremony about him, was offering by his 34

contrast amuzant scuzelor prelungite i ezitrilor politicoase ale interlocutorului su: Cred c, dac m vei scuza, domnule Knightley, dac nu considerai c fac un lucru foarte urt, voi urma sfatul Emmei i voi iei pentru un sfert de or. Acum e soare i cred c e timpul cel mai potrivit s-mi fac plimbarea. M port fr prea mult ceremonie fa de dumneavoastr, domnule Knightley. Noi, bolnavii, ne asumm acest privilegiu. Stimate domnule, v purtai de parc a fi un strin! V las n loc pe fiica mea. Emma va fi fericit s stea de vorb cu dumneavoastr. Aa c eu v cer scuze i m duc s-mi fac plimbarea mea scurt, de iarn. Foarte bine, domnule. Ar trebui s v rog s m nsoii, domnule Knightley, dar umblu foarte greu i v-a plictisi cu ncetineala mea. i, n afar de asta,, mai avei o plimbare bun de fcut pn la Donwell Abbey.

short, decided answers, an amusing contrast to the protracted apologies and civil hesitations of the other. "Well, I believe, if you will excuse me, Mr. Knightley, if you will not consider me as doing a very rude thing, I shall take Emma's advice and go out for a quarter of an hour. As the sun is out, I believe I had better take my three turns while I can. I treat you without ceremony, Mr. Knightley. We invalids think we are privileged people." "My dear sir, do not make a stranger of me." "I leave an excellent substitute in my daughter. Emma will be happy to entertain you. And therefore I think I will beg your excuse and take my three turns--my winter walk." "You cannot do better, sir." "I would ask for the pleasure of your company, Mr. Knightley, but I am a very slow walker, and my pace would be tedious to you; and, besides, you have another long walk before you, to Donwell Abbey." Mulumesc, domnule, mulumesc. Chiar acum plec i "Thank you, sir, thank you; I am going this moment myself; eu. Cred c cel mai bine e s ieii ct mai repede. S and I think the sooner you go the better. I will v aduc paltonul i s v deschid ua. fetch your greatcoat and open the garden door for you." n fine, domnul Woodhouse plec, dar domnul Knightley, Mr. Woodhouse at last was off; but Mr. Knightley, instead of n loc s plece i el imediat, se aez din nou prnd being immediately off likewise, sat down again, a dori s mai stea de vorb. ncepu s discute despre seemingly inclined for more chat. He began speaking of Harriet, i o lud, din proprie iniiativ, mai mult ca Harriet, and speaking of her with more voluntary oricnd. praise than Emma had ever heard before. Nu-i apreciez frumuseea att de mult ca tine, zise el, "I cannot rate her beauty as you do," said he; "but she is a dar e o feti drgu i cred c are o fire bun. pretty little creature, and I am inclined to think very Caracterul ei depinde de cei din jur, dar n mini bune well of her disposition. Her character depends upon those poate s ajung o femeie minunat. she is with; but in good hands she will turn out a valuable woman." mi pare bine c eti de aceast prere i sper c de "I am glad you think so; and the good hands, I hope, may not mini bune n-o s duc lips. be wanting." Aha, zise el, vd c vnezi un compliment, aa c am "Come," said he, "you are anxious for a compliment, so I will s-i spun c ai contribuit la educaia ei. Ai vindecat-o tell you that you have improved her. You have de chicotitul acela de colri. i face ntr-adevr cinste. cured her of her school-girl's giggle; she really does you credit." Mulumesc, ar fi o umilin pentru mine s aflu c nu-i "Thank you. I should be mortified indeed if I did not believe I pot fi de folos. Dar nu toat lumea se omoar s m had been of some use; but it is not every body laude. Dumneata nu m prea copleeti. who will bestow praise where they may. You do not often Spuneai c trebuie s se ntoarc n dimineaa asta ? overpower me with it." Dintr-o clip ntr-alta. A ntrziat deja mai mult dect "You are expecting her again, you say, this morning?" avea de gnd. "Almost every moment. She has been gone longer already I s-o fi ntmplat ceva. O fi avnd musafiri. than she intended." ae din Highbury, o pacoste, nu alta. "Something has happened to delay her; some visitors Poate c pentru Harriet nu sunt chiar aa o pacoste, perhaps." ca pentru tine. "Highbury gossips!--Tiresome wretches!" Emma nu putea s-l contrazic, pentru c sta era "Harriet may not consider every body tiresome that you adevrul, aa c tcu. El adug imediat, cu un zmbet: would." Nu am pretenia s pot ghici ce se petrece ntr-un 30 anume loc, la un anume moment, dar trebuie s-i spun c Emma knew this was too true for contradiction, and am toate motivele s cred c prietena ta va primi n curnd therefore said nothing. He presently added, with a smile, o veste bun. "I do not pretend to fix on times or places, but I must tell ntr-adevr, cum aa, ce fel de veste ? you that I have good reason to believe your little Ceva foarte serios, te asigur, zise el, continund s friend will soon hear of something to her advantage." 35

zmbeasc. Foarte serios ? Nu m pot gndi dect la un singur lucru cine s-a ndrgostit de ea ? Cine i-a fcut confidene ? Emma i formulase deja pe jumtate ideea c domnul Elton trebuie s fi fcut vreo aluzie. Domnul Knightley era un fel de prieten i sftuitor al tuturor i, dup cte tia, domnul Elton l stima foarte mult. Am motive s cred, rspunse el, c Harriet Smith va primi n curnd o cerere n cstorie, i nc de la un tnr ireproabil e vorba de Robert Martin. Se pare c vizita ei la Abbey Mill n vara asta a avut o mare influen asupra lui. E ndrgostit pn peste urechi i vrea s o ia de nevast. Foarte drgu din partea lui, zise Emma, dar e sigur c Harriet vrea s-l ia de brbat ? Ei bine, s zicem c vrea s o cear. Aa e bine ? A venit la Abbey cu dou seri n urm, special ca s-mi cear sfatul. tie c-l preuiesc, pe el i familia lui, i cred c m consider unul dintre cei mai buni prieteni. A venit s m ntrebe dac nu cred c e prea devreme pentru el s se nsoare, dac nu e prea tnr fata, pe scurt, dac gsesc c e bun alegerea lui. Pentru c, se pare c a neles, mai ales de cnd tu faci atta zarv n jurul ei, c lumea o consider pe ea superioar lui pe plan social. Mi-a fcut plcere s aud tot ce mi-a spus. N-am ntlnit niciodat un biat cu atta bun sim ca Robert Martin. Vorbete totdeauna fr ocoliuri, cu inima deschis i cu mult judecat. Mi-a spus tot, condiiile i planurile pe care le are i ce va face familia lui n cazul c se cstorete. E un tnr minunat i ca fiu i ca frate. L-am sftuit, fr nici o ezitare, s se nsoare. Mi-a dovedit c i-o poate permite i, aceasta fiind situaia, cred c nu e nimic mai bun de fcut. Am ludat-o i pe frumoasa domnioar i l-am trimis acas fericit. Chiar dac pn acum n-ar fi dat doi bani pe cuvntul meu, de-acum ncolo ar avea cea mai mare ncredere. i probabil c a plecat socotindu-m cel mai bun prieten i sftuitor. Asta a fost alaltieri sear. Acum, dup cum bine se poate presupune, nu va pierde mult timp pn s-i vorbeasc fetei, i cum nu i-a vorbit ieri, probabil c astzi se afl la doamna Goddard. i poate c Harriet Smith e reinut de un musafir pe care nu-l consider deloc o pacoste. Te rog, domnule - Knightley, zise Emma, care zmbise mereu n timp ce el vorbea, spune-mi i mie de unde tii c nu i-a vorbit ieri. Desigur, zise el surprins, nu tiu n mod precis, dar se poate deduce. N-a fost toat ziua la tine ? Haide, zise ea, i spun i eu ceva n schimbul a ceea ce mi-ai spus. A vorbit ieri, adic a scris, i a fost refuzat.

"Indeed! how so? of what sort?" "A very serious sort, I assure you;" still smiling. "Very serious! I can think of but one thing--Who is in love with her? Who makes you their confidant?" Emma was more than half in hopes of Mr. Elton's having dropt a hint. Mr. Knightley was a sort of general friend and adviser, and she knew Mr. Elton looked up to him. "I have reason to think," he replied, "that Harriet Smith will soon have an offer of marriage, and from a most unexceptionable quarter:--Robert Martin is the man. Her visit to Abbey-Mill, this summer, seems to have done his business. He is desperately in love and means to marry her." "He is very obliging," said Emma; "but is he sure that Harriet means to marry him?" "Well, well, means to make her an offer then. Will that do? He came to the Abbey two evenings ago, on purpose to consult me about it. He knows I have a thorough regard for him and all his family, and, I believe, considers me as one of his best friends. He came to ask me whether I thought it would be imprudent in him to settle so early; whether I thought her too young: in short, whether I approved his choice altogether; having some apprehension perhaps of her being considered (especially since your making so much of her) as in a line of society above him. I was very much pleased with all that he said. I never hear better sense from any one than Robert Martin. He always speaks to the purpose; open, straightforward, and very well judging. He told me every thing; his circumstances and plans, and what they all proposed doing in the event of his marriage. He is an excellent young man, both as son and brother. I had no hesitation in advising him to marry. He proved to me that he could afford it; and that being the case, I was convinced he could not do better. I praised the fair lady too, and altogether sent him away very happy. If he had never esteemed my opinion before, he would have thought highly of me then; and, I dare say, left the house thinking me the best friend and counsellor man ever had. This happened the night before last. Now, as we may fairly suppose, he would not allow much time to pass before he spoke to the lady, and as he does not appear to have spoken yesterday, it is not unlikely that he should be at Mrs. Goddard's to-day; and she may be detained by a visitor, without thinking him at all a tiresome wretch." "Pray, Mr. Knightley," said Emma, who had been smiling to herself through a great part of this speech, "how do you know that Mr. Martin did not speak yesterday?" "Certainly," replied he, surprized, "I do not absolutely know it; but it may be inferred. Was not she the whole day with you?" "Come," said she, "I will tell you something, in return for what you have told me. He did speak yesterday--that is, he wrote, and was refused." 36

Emma fu nevoit s repete fraza, pentru c domnului Knigh-tley nu-i venea s cread i chiar se nroise de uimire i suprare. Se ridic n picioare, indignat cu totul, i zise: Atunci e mult mai ggu dect mi-am nchipuit. Ce vrea tmpita asta de fat ? A, desigur, strig Emma, unui brbat i e imposibil s neleag c o femeie poate refuza o cerere n cstorie. Un brbat i nchipuie c o femeie e gata s ia pe oricine o cere! Prostii! Un brbat nu-i nchipuie aa ceva. Dar ce poate s nsemne asta ? Harriet Smith s-l refuze pe Robert Martin ? Ar fi o curat nebunie, dar sper c greeti, draga mea. Am vzut rspunsul ei. Era ct se poate de clar. Ai vzut rspunsul ? L-ai i scris, poate. Emma, asta e opera ta. Tu ai convins-o s-l refuze. i dac a fi fcut-o (ceea ce nu e adevrat), nu cred c a fi fcut ru. Domnul Martin e un tnr foarte respectabil, dar nu admit s fie considerat egalul Harrietei. i sunt chiar surprins c a ndrznit s-i cear mna. Dup cte spui, se pare c a avut totui unele scrupule. Pcat c a trecut peste ele. Nu e egalul Harrietei ?! exclam domnul Knightley tare i cu furie, i adug mai calm, dar tot cu asprime: ntr-adevr, nu e egalul ei, pentru c-i e mult superior, din toate punctele de vedere. Emma, afeciunea ta pentru fata asta te orbete. Ce pretenii poate s aib Harriet Smith, n privina familiei, a caracterului i culturii, la cineva mai bun ca Robert Martin ? E fiica natural a nu se tie cui, n-are probabil nici cine tie ce avere i n mod sigur nici rude respectabile. Se tie numai c e chiria la o coal oarecare. Nici nu e deteapt, nici cultivat. N-a nvat nimic folositor i e prea tmpit ca s se descurce. La vrsta ei nu are nici o experien i cu mintea ei puin nici nu va cpta. E drgu i cumsecade i asta e totul. Singurul meu scrupul, cnd l-am sftuit s se nsoare, era n privina lui, pentru c ea e mai prejos de meritele lui. Eram convins c n privina averii el poate gsi ceva mai bun, i n privina inteligenei i hrniciei, ceva cu nimic mai ru. Dar nu-i puteam aduce asemenea argumente unui ndrgostit i eram dispus s nu vd nimic ru la ea. Are o fire care n mini bune, ca ale lui, poate s fie ndreptat spre bine. S ocoteam c avantajele cstoriei erau toate de partea ei i nu aveam nici cea mai mic ndoial c toat lumea se va mira de norocul ei. Eram sigur c i tu vei fi mulumit. Imediat m-am gndit c n-o s-i par ru s-i pierzi prietena, cnd o vei ti att de bine mritat.

This was obliged to be repeated before it could be believed; and Mr. Knightley actually looked red with surprize and displeasure, as he stood up, in tall indignation, and said, "Then she is a greater simpleton than I ever believed her. What is the foolish girl about?" "Oh! to be sure," cried Emma, "it is always incomprehensible to a man that a woman should ever refuse an offer of marriage. A man always imagines a woman to be ready for any body who asks her." "Nonsense! a man does not imagine any such thing. But what is the meaning of this? Harriet Smith refuse Robert Martin? madness, if it is so; but I hope you are mistaken." "I saw her answer!--nothing could be clearer." "You saw her answer!--you wrote her answer too. Emma, this is your doing. You persuaded her to refuse him." "And if I did, (which, however, I am far from allowing) I should not feel that I had done wrong. Mr. Martin is a very respectable young man, but I cannot admit him to be Harriet's equal; and am rather surprized indeed that he should have ventured to address her. By your account, he does seem to have had some scruples. It is a pity that they were ever got over." "Not Harriet's equal!" exclaimed Mr. Knightley loudly and warmly; and with calmer asperity, added, a few moments afterwards, "No, he is not her equal indeed, for he is as much her superior in sense as in situation. Emma, your infatuation about that girl blinds you. What are Harriet Smith's claims, either of birth, nature or education, to any connexion higher than Robert Martin? She is the natural daughter of nobody knows whom, with probably no settled provision at all, and certainly no respectable relations. She is known only as parlour-boarder at a common school. She is not a sensible girl, nor a girl of any information. She has been taught nothing useful, and is too young and too simple to have acquired any thing herself. At her age she can have no experience, and with her little wit, is not very likely ever to have any that can avail her. She is pretty, and she is good tempered, and that is all. My only scruple in advising the match was on his account, as being beneath his deserts, and a bad connexion for him. I felt that, as to fortune, in all probability he might do much better; and that as to a rational companion or useful helpmate, he could not do worse. But I could not reason so to a man in love, and was willing to trust to there being no harm in her, to her having that sort of disposition, which, in good hands, like his, might be easily led aright and turn out very well. The advantage of the match I felt to be all on her side; and had not the smallest doubt (nor have I now) that there would be a general cry-out upon her extreme good luck. Even your satisfaction I made sure of. It crossed my mind immediately that you would not regret your friend's leaving Highbury, for the sake of her being settled so 37

Mi-aduc aminte c mi-am spus: Chiar Emma, care e att de prtinitoare cu Harriet, va socoti c are noroc". Nu-mi pot opri uimirea c o cunoti att de puin pe Emma, nct s spui aa ceva. Cum ? S socotesc eu c un fermier (cu toate meritele i bunul lui sim, domnul Martin nu e nimic mai mult) e o partid pentru prietena mea intim ?! S nu regret c o pierd de dragul unui brbat pe care nu-l pot admite n societatea mea ?! M ntreb cum crezi c e posibil s am asemenea sentimente. Te asigur c sunt departe de aa ceva. Sentina dumitale nu e deloc dreapt. Nu eti cinstit fa de preteniile Harrietei. Se vor bucura de o cu totul alt apreciere din partea mea i a altora. Domnul Martin e poate mai bogat, dar i e fr ndoial inferior pe scara social. Sferele n care se nvrte ea sunt mult deasupra lui. Ar fi o njosire! njosire! Pentru o fat ignorant i de origine obscur s se mrite cu un gentleman fermier! n ce privete mprejurrile n care s-a nscut, dei legea nu-i d dreptul la un nume, asta nu conteaz pentru oamenii de bun sim. Ea n-are de ce s plteasc pentru vina altora i s fie considerat mai prejos de cele n mijlocul crora a fost crescut. Nu exist nici cea mai mic ndoial c tatl ei e un gentleman i nc unul cu avere. Dispune de mijloace de existen i i s-a oferit cu generozitate orict pentru a nva i a tri din belug. Dup mine e clar c tatl ei e un gentleman. Iar c prietenele ei sunt de familie bun, nu cred c poate nega cineva. i e oricum superioar lui Robert Martin. Oricine ar fi prinii ei, zise domnul Knightley, oricine ar fi acela care i-a purtat de grij, nu mi se pare c a avut intenia s o introduc n ceea ce tu numeti lumea bun". Dup ce a beneficiat de o educaie oarecare, a fost dat n primire doamnei Goddard, s fac ce vrea, pe scurt, s fie ndrumat de doamna Goddard, n societatea doamnei Goddard. Protectorii ei au socotit c asta e destul pentru ea i chiar aa i era. Nici ea nu-i dorea mai mult. Pn cnd tu ai fcut din ea prietena ta, nu dispreuia pe cei de o seam cu ea i nu avea ambiii dincolo de ei. A fost ct se poate de fericit ast var la familia Martin. N-avea simul superioritii. Dac-l are acum, tu eti aceea care i l-a dat. Nu eti deloc prietena ei, Emma! Robert Martin n-ar fi ajuns att de departe dac n-ar fi fost ndreptit s cread c nu-i e indiferent, l cunosc bine. E prea sincer ca s fac declaraii unei fete la n-tmplare, n numele unei iubiri egoiste. E omul cel mai puin ncrezut din toi cei pe care i cunosc. Crede-m, Emma, fata l plcea. Pentru Emma era mai convenabil s nu rspund cu nimic acestei afirmaii, drept care i relu propriul punct de vedere.

well. I remember saying to myself, `Even Emma, with all her partiality for Harriet, will think this a good match.'" "I cannot help wondering at your knowing so little of Emma as to say any such thing. What! think a farmer, (and with all his sense and all his merit Mr. Martin is nothing more,) a good match for my intimate friend! Not regret her leaving Highbury for the sake of marrying a man whom I could never admit as an acquaintance of my own! I wonder you should think it possible for me to have such feelings. I assure you mine are very different. I must think your statement by no means fair. You are not just to Harriet's claims. They would be estimated very differently by others as well as myself; Mr. Martin may be the richest of the two, but he is undoubtedly her inferior as to rank in society.--The sphere in which she moves is much above his.--It would be a degradation." "A degradation to illegitimacy and ignorance, to be married to a respectable, intelligent gentleman-farmer!" "As to the circumstances of her birth, though in a legal sense she may be called Nobody, it will not hold in common sense. She is not to pay for the offence of others, by being held below the level of those with whom she is brought up.--There can scarcely be a doubt that her father is a gentleman--and a gentleman of fortune.--Her allowance is very liberal; nothing has ever been grudged for her improvement or comfort.--That she is a gentleman's daughter, is indubitable to me; that she associates with gentlemen's daughters, no one, I apprehend, will deny.--She is superior to Mr. Robert Martin." "Whoever might be her parents," said Mr. Knightley, "whoever may have had the charge of her, it does not appear to have been any part of their plan to introduce her into what you would call good society. After receiving a very indifferent education she is left in Mrs. Goddard's hands to shift as she can;--to move, in short, in Mrs. Goddard's line, to have Mrs. Goddard's acquaintance. Her friends evidently thought this good enough for her; and it was good enough. She desired nothing better herself. Till you chose to turn her into a friend, her mind had no distaste for her own set, nor any ambition beyond it. She was as happy as possible with the Martins in the summer. She had no sense of superiority then. If she has it now, you have given it. You have been no friend to Harriet Smith, Emma. Robert Martin would never have proceeded so far, if he had not felt persuaded of her not being disinclined to him. I know him well. He has too much real feeling to address any woman on the haphazard of selfish passion. And as to conceit, he is the farthest from it of any man I know. Depend upon it he had encouragement." It was most convenient to Emma not to make a direct reply to this assertion; she chose rather to take up her own line of the subject again. 38

 Te nflcreaz prietenia pentru domnul Martin, dar, cum ti-am spus, eti nedrept cu Harriet. Preteniile ei de a se mrita bine nu merit dispreul pe care l ari. Nu e deteapt, dar are mai mult bun sim dect crezi, i nu e cazul s-i dispreuieti att de mult posibilitile intelectuale. Lsnd la o parte asta, i presupunnd c este aa cum spui dumneata, doar drgu i cumsecade, am s-i spun c aceste caliti nu sunt deloc neglijabile, pentru c e de fapt socotit frumoas cam de nouzeci i nou la sut din oameni, i cum brbaii acord frumuseii, mai mult atenie dect s-ar crede, cum nu se ndrgostesc de capete cultivate, ci de fee frumuele, o fat cu drglenia Harrietei poate avea certitudinea c va fi admirat i cutat i are privilegiul de a putea alege. Un caracter blnd, de asemeni, nu e deloc de lepdat, cci prin aceasta se nelege c e bun prin firea i purtarea ei, c nu e ncrezut i e gata s-i accepte pe alii. nseamn c a grei foarte tare dac brbaii n-ar considera frumuseea i un astfel de caracter cele mai de pre caliti ale unei femei.

Pe cuvntul meu, Emma, cnd te vd btndu-i joc de inteligena ta la modul sta mi vine s subscriu la o atare opinie. Mai bine s nu ai minte deloc, dect s o foloseti att de prost. Desigur, exclam ea, n glum, tiu c aa gndii cu toii. tiu c o fat ca Harriet este exact ceea ce ncnt pe un brbat, ceea ce i vrjete simurile i i mulumete judecata. Harriet are de unde alege. i de ce, cnd are numai aptesprezece ani, i abia intr n via, cnd abia acum o vede lumea, trebuie s te miri c nu accept prima cerere ? Nu, te rog, d-i timp s se uite n jur. ntotdeauna am spus c prietenia asta nu e bun, zise imediat domnul Knightley, dei n-ar fi trebuit s mrturisesc nimnui prerea mea, dar acum vd c e o adevrat nenorocire pentru Harriet. O s-i bagi n cap attea prostii n legtur cu frumuseea ei, cu ce pretenii trebuie s aib, nct, foarte curnd, n-o s i se mai par bun nici un brbat de seama ei. Cnd vanitatea i atinge pe cei slabi de minte, te poi atepta la orice. Nu e nimic mai uor pentru o fat dect s aib pretenii prea mari. Sar putea ca domnioarei Smith s nu-i curg cererile n cstorie una dup alta, aa cum se ateapt. Brbaii inteligeni, orice-ai spune, nu vor neveste tmpite. Brbaii de familie nu se nghesuie s-i lege viaa de o persoan att de obscur, iar brbailor mai prudeni le-ar fi team de scandalul i dizgraia care ar putea urma descoperirii originii ei. Las-o s se mrite cu Robert Martin i va fi linitit, ntr-o familie respectabil i foarte fericit. Dar dac o ncurajezi s se gndeasc la o cstorie n lumea

"You are a very warm friend to Mr. Martin; but, as I said before, are unjust to Harriet. Harriet's claims to marry well are not so contemptible as you represent them. She is not a clever girl, but she has better sense than you are aware of, and does not deserve to have her understanding spoken of so slightingly. Waiving that point, however, and supposing her to be, as you describe her, only pretty and good-natured, let me tell you, that in the degree she possesses them, they are not trivial recommendations to the world in general, for she is, in fact, a beautiful girl, and must be thought so by ninetynine people out of an hundred; and till it appears that men are much more philosophic on the subject of beauty than they are generally supposed; till they do fall in love with well-informed minds instead of handsome faces, a girl, with such loveliness as Harriet, has a certainty of being admired and sought after, of having the power of chusing from among many, consequently a claim to be nice. Her good-nature, too, is not so very slight a claim, comprehending, as it does, real, thorough sweetness of temper and manner, a very humble opinion of herself, and a great readiness to be pleased with other people. I am very much mistaken if your sex in general would not think such beauty, and such temper, the highest claims a woman could possess." "Upon my word, Emma, to hear you abusing the reason you have, is almost enough to make me think so too. Better be without sense, than misapply it as you do." "To be sure!" cried she playfully. "I know that is the feeling of you all. I know that such a girl as Harriet is exactly what every man delights in--what at once bewitches his senses and satisfies his judgment. Oh! Harriet may pick and chuse. Were you, yourself, ever to marry, she is the very woman for you. And is she, at seventeen, just entering into life, just beginning to be known, to be wondered at because she does not accept the first offer she receives? No--pray let her have time to look about her." "I have always thought it a very foolish intimacy," said Mr. Knightley presently, "though I have kept my thoughts to myself; but I now perceive that it will be a very unfortunate one for Harriet. You will puff her up with such ideas of her own beauty, and of what she has a claim to, that, in a little while, nobody within her reach will be good enough for her. Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief. Nothing so easy as for a young lady to raise her expectations too high. Miss Harriet Smith may not find offers of marriage flow in so fast, though she is a very pretty girl. Men of sense, whatever you may chuse to say, do not want silly wives. Men of family would not be very fond of connecting themselves with a girl of such obscurity--and most prudent men would be afraid of the inconvenience and disgrace they might be involved in, when the mystery of her parentage came to be revealed. Let her marry Robert Martin, and she is safe, 39

bun i o nvei s nu se mulumeasc dect cu un brbat influent i bogat, s-ar putea s rmn la doamna Goddard toat viaa, sau cel puin (cci Harriet Smith nu e fata care s rmn nemritat) pn cnd va dispera i va fi bucuroas s pun mna chiar i pe prostul satului.

Avem preri foarte deosebite asupra acestui lucru, domnule Knightley, i nu are nici un rost s ni le expunem. Ne-am certa prea tare. n ce m privete, n-am cum s-o las s se mrite cu Robert Martin; l-a refuzat, i nc att de hotrt nct el nu va mai ndrzni a doua oar. Trebuie s ndure rul pe care i l-a fcut siei refuzndu-l. n ce privete refuzul, n-am s pretind c nu am influenat-o i eu puin. Dar, te asigur, nu era mare nevoie de o intervenie de-a mea sau de-a altcuiva. Fizicul lui e un mare dezavantaj, i se poart att de urt nct dac odat ar fi rspuns sentimentelor lui acum n mod sigur nu o va face. mi nchipui c nainte de a fi cunoscut alt brbat, care s-i fie superior lui, ar fi putut s-l accepte. Era fratele prietenelor ei, i-a dat osteneala s-i fie pe plac, i, oricum, tot nu vzuse pe nimeni mai bine (acesta era probabil punctul lui forte). Poate c atunci cnd era la Abbey Mill nu-l gsea antipatic. Dar lucrurile s-au schimbat i numai un gentleman, un om cu anumite cunotine i purtri, ar mai avea o ans la Harriet.

Prostii, cele mai mari prostii rostite vreodat! strig domnul Knightley. Purtarea lui Robert Martin e plin de bun sim, sinceritate i bunvoin, iar sufletul lui e n stare de mai mult noblee dect pricepe Harriet Smith! Emma nu rspunse i ncerc s arate o indiferen vesel, dar de fapt era destul de stnjenit i ar fi vrut foarte mult ca el s plece. Nu regreta ceea ce fcuse, credea c ea era cel mai bun judector n problema drepturilor femeii i a rafinamentelor feminine, totui, avea un respect nrdcinat pentru prerile lui n general, ceea ce fcea ca aceast nfruntare fi s o deranjeze, i-i era destul de neplcut s-l vad stnd n faa ei nfuriat. Trecur cteva minute de linite apstoare. Emma ncerc, numai o dat, s aduc vorba despre vreme, dar el nu rspunse. Se gndea. n cele din urm, ddu glas gndurilor sale: Robert Martin n-are cine tie ce de pierdut, dac e destul de detept, i sper c e. Ct despre Harriet, tu ai prerile tale. Dar, cum nu faci un secret din pasiunea ta de a pune la cale cstorii, nu cred c fac nimic ru dac ncerc s-i ghicesc planurile. Ca prieten, i voi spune c dac e vorba despre Elton te chinuieti degeaba. Emma rse i tgdui. El continu: Crede-m, nu merge cu Elton. E un biat foarte bun i

respectable, and happy for ever; but if you encourage her to expect to marry greatly, and teach her to be satisfied with nothing less than a man of consequence and large fortune, she may be a parlour-boarder at Mrs. Goddard's all the rest of her life--or, at least, (for Harriet Smith is a girl who will marry somebody or other,) till she grow desperate, and is glad to catch at the old writing-master's son." "We think so very differently on this point, Mr. Knightley, that there can be no use in canvassing it. We shall only be making each other more angry. But as to my letting her marry Robert Martin, it is impossible; she has refused him, and so decidedly, I think, as must prevent any second application. She must abide by the evil of having refused him, whatever it may be; and as to the refusal itself, I will not pretend to say that I might not influence her a little; but I assure you there was very little for me or for any body to do. His appearance is so much against him, and his manner so bad, that if she ever were disposed to favour him, she is not now. I can imagine, that before she had seen any body superior, she might tolerate him. He was the brother of her friends, and he took pains to please her; and altogether, having seen nobody better (that must have been his great assistant) she might not, while she was at Abbey-Mill, find him disagreeable. But the case is altered now. She knows now what gentlemen are; and nothing but a gentleman in education and manner has any chance with Harriet." "Nonsense, errant nonsense, as ever was talked!" cried Mr. Knightley.--"Robert Martin's manners have sense, sincerity, and good-humour to recommend them; and his mind has more true gentility than Harriet Smith could understand." Emma made no answer, and tried to look cheerfully unconcerned, but was really feeling uncomfortable and wanting him very much to be gone. She did not repent what she had done; she still thought herself a better judge of such a point of female right and refinement than he could be; but yet she had a sort of habitual respect for his judgment in general, which made her dislike having it so loudly against her; and to have him sitting just opposite to her in angry state, was very disagreeable. Some minutes passed in this unpleasant silence, with only one attempt on Emma's side to talk of the weather, but he made no answer. He was thinking. The result of his thoughts appeared at last in these words. "Robert Martin has no great loss--if he can but think so; and I hope it will not be long before he does. Your views for Harriet are best known to yourself; but as you make no secret of your love of match-making, it is fair to suppose that views, and plans, and projects you have;--and as a friend I shall just hint to you that if Elton is the man, I think it will be all labour in vain." Emma laughed and disclaimed. He continued, 40

un vicar respectabil n Highbury, dar nu cred s fac imprudene dac e vorba s se nsoare. tie, ca toat lumea, s preuiasc averea. Elton poate s vorbeasc la modul sentimental, dar n ce privete faptele i ine capul pe umeri. i cunoate la fel de bine interesele, cum le cunoti i tu pe ale Harrietei. tie c arat bine i c e primit cu plcere oriunde, i din felul cum vorbete, cnd e mai puin rezervat, ntre brbai, m-am convins c nu are de gnd s ia pe oricine. L-am auzit vorbind de o familie cu multe fete, pe care surorile lui le cunosc bine, i care au o zestre de cte douzeci de mii de lire fiecare.

i rmn ndatorat, zise Emma rznd din nou. Dac mi-a fi pus n gnd s-l nsor pe domnul Elton cu Harriet, ar fi fost foarte bine s-mi deschizi ochii, dar, deocamdat, vreau s-o pstrez numai pentru mine. M-am lsat de pus la cale cstorii, zu. Nu pot spera s mai reuesc ceva ca Randalls. M retrag n culmea gloriei. Bun ziua, zise el, ridicndu-se i plecnd brusc. Era foarte jignit. Bnuia dezamgirea tnrului i se simea vinovat de a o fi provocat prin sfatul pe care l dduse. Ct privete rolul Emmei n toat istoria, l nfuria peste msur.

Emma rmase i ea jignit, dar motivele ei erau mult mai puin clare dect ale lui. Ea nu se simea totdeauna absolut mulumit de sine, i convins c prerile ei erau juste, iar ale adversarului greite, aa cum era domnul Knightley. El plecase mai ncredinat c avea dreptate dect era ea acum. Totui, ea nu era att de vizibil dezamgit nct s nu-i revin peste ctva timp, cnd sosi Harriet. ncepuse s fie ngrijorat c Harriet ntrzia att de mult. Era chiar alarmat de ideea c tnrul ar fi putut veni la doamna Goddard n dimineaa aceea, s o vad pe Harriet i s-i pledeze cauza. Groaza c ar putea avea un asemenea eec devenise cauza principal a nelinitii. Cnd apru Harriet, foarte bine dispus i fr s pomeneasc nimic de acest fel, simi o-mulumire care i aduse mpcarea cu sine i o convinse c, orice ar gndi i ar spune domnul Knightley, ea nu fcuse nimic care s nu fie ndreptit n numele prieteniei i sentimentelor ei de femeie.

O cam speriase cu vorbele lui despre domnul Elton, dar cnd se gndi c domnul Knightley nu se poate s-l fi observat ca ea, nici cu interesul i nici (trebuie s o spun, n ciuda preteniilor domnului Knightley), cu priceperea n astfel de probleme a unui observator ca ea, c vorbise cu grab i mnie, cpt convingerea c el nu era deloc sigur de adevrul celor afirmate, ci ar fi dorit numai ca totul s fi fost aa, din rutate. Desigur, se

"Depend upon it, Elton will not do. Elton is a very good sort of man, and a very respectable vicar of Highbury, but not at all likely to make an imprudent match. He knows the value of a good income as well as any body. Elton may talk sentimentally, but he will act rationally. He is as well acquainted with his own claims, as you can be with Harriet's. He knows that he is a very handsome young man, and a great favourite wherever he goes; and from his general way of talking in unreserved moments, when there are only men present, I am convinced that he does not mean to throw himself away. I have heard him speak with great animation of a large family of young ladies that his sisters are intimate with, who have all twenty thousand pounds apiece." "I am very much obliged to you," said Emma, laughing again. "If I had set my heart on Mr. Elton's marrying Harriet, it would have been very kind to open my eyes; but at present I only want to keep Harriet to myself. I have done with match-making indeed. I could never hope to equal my own doings at Randalls. I shall leave off while I am well." "Good morning to you,"--said he, rising and walking off abruptly. He was very much vexed. He felt the disappointment of the young man, and was mortified to have been the means of promoting it, by the sanction he had given; and the part which he was persuaded Emma had taken in the affair, was provoking him exceedingly. Emma remained in a state of vexation too; but there was more indistinctness in the causes of her's, than in his. She did not always feel so absolutely satisfied with herself, so entirely convinced that her opinions were right and her adversary's wrong, as Mr. Knightley. He walked off in more complete self-approbation than he left for her. She was not so materially cast down, however, but that a little time and the return of Harriet were very adequate restoratives. Harriet's staying away so long was beginning to make her uneasy. The possibility of the young man's coming to Mrs. Goddard's that morning, and meeting with Harriet and pleading his own cause, gave alarming ideas. The dread of such a failure after all became the prominent uneasiness; and when Harriet appeared, and in very good spirits, and without having any such reason to give for her long absence, she felt a satisfaction which settled her with her own mind, and convinced her, that let Mr. Knightley think or say what he would, she had done nothing which woman's friendship and woman's feelings would not justify. He had frightened her a little about Mr. Elton; but when she considered that Mr. Knightley could not have observed him as she had done, neither with the interest, nor (she must be allowed to tell herself, in spite of Mr. Knightley's pretensions) with the skill of such an observer on such a question as herself, that he had spoken it hastily and in anger, she was able to believe, that he had rather said what he wished resentfully to be true, than 41

poate s-l fi auzit pe domnul Elton vorbind cu mai puin rezerv dect n prezena ei, i domnul Elton nu face parte, bineneles, dintre oamenii imprudeni i fr socoteal n ce privete banii. E posibil chiar s-l intereseze, dar domnul Knightley nu s-a gndit deloc la influena unei pasiuni puternice n lupt cu interesele materiale. Domnul Knightley n-a ntlnit niciodat o asemenea pasiune i, desigur, nu credea nimic despre efectele ei. Dar ea vzuse prea multe ca s mai aib vreo ndoial c iubirea va nvinge toate ezitrile pe care le poate provoca prudena. i, pe domnul Elton nu-l bnuia de o pruden mai mare dect e necesar.

what he knew any thing about. He certainly might have heard Mr. Elton speak with more unreserve than she had ever done, and Mr. Elton might not be of an imprudent, inconsiderate disposition as to money matters; he might naturally be rather attentive than otherwise to them; but then, Mr. Knightley did not make due allowance for the influence of a strong passion at war with all interested motives. Mr. Knightley saw no such passion, and of course thought nothing of its effects; but she saw too much of it to feel a doubt of its overcoming any hesitations that a reasonable prudence might originally suggest; and more than a reasonable, becoming degree of prudence, she was very sure did not belong to Mr. Elton. Veselia Harrietei o fcu s-i revin. Acum, la ntoarcere, Harriet's cheerful look and manner established hers: she nu se mai gndea la domnul Martin, ci dorea s came back, not to think of Mr. Martin, but to talk of vorbeasc despre domnul Elton. Domnioara Nash i Mr. Elton. Miss Nash had been telling her something, which spusese ceva ce ea se grbi imediat s-i spun Emmei, cu she repeated immediately with great delight. Mr. mare ncntare. Domnul Perry venise la doamna Goddard Perry had been to Mrs. Goddard's to attend a sick child, and s vad un copil bolnav i domnioara Nash l primise. Miss Nash had seen him, and he had told Miss i el i-a spus domnioarei Nash, c ieri, pe cnd venea de la Nash, that as he was coming back yesterday from Clayton Clayton Park, s-a ntlnit cu domnul Elton i a aflat, Park, he had met Mr. Elton, and found to his great spre uimirea lui, c domnul Elton se ducea la Londra i c surprize, that Mr. Elton was actually on his road to London, avea de gnd s se ntoarc abia a doua zi, dei era and not meaning to return till the morrow, though sear de whist i el nu lipsea niciodat, i domnul Perry s-a it was the whist-club night, which he had been never known certat cu el pentru asta i i-a spus ce urt din partea to miss before; and Mr. Perry had remonstrated lui, cel mai bun juctor s lipseasc, i a ncercat s-l with him about it, and told him how shabby it was in him, conving s-i amne cltoria mcar cu o zi, dar nu s-a their best player, to absent himself, and tried very putut: domnul Elton era hotrt s mearg mai departe i much to persuade him to put off his journey only one day; a spus, ntr-un fel cu totul special, c are o treab, pe but it would not do; Mr. Elton had been determined care n-ar amna-o pentru nimic n lume; i nc ceva to go on, and had said in a very particular way indeed, that despre un comision deosebit, despre faptul c purta cu he was going on business which he would not put sine off for any inducement in the world; and something about a ceva foarte preios. Domnul Perry nu l-a prea neles, dar i- very enviable commission, and being the bearer a spus c e sigur c trebuie s fie vorba de o of something exceedingly precious. Mr. Perry could not domnioar i domnul Elton s-a uitat numai cu subneles, quite understand him, but he was very sure there must a zmbit i a plecat mai departe plin de voioie. Dombe a lady in the case, and he told him so; and Mr. Elton only nioara Nash i-a spus toate astea i nc multe despre looked very conscious and smiling, and rode off domnul Elton i i-a zis, privind-o cu neles; ea nu are in great spirits. Miss Nash had told her all this, and had pretenie s tie ce treab avea, dar tie numai c femeia talked a great deal more about Mr. Elton; and said, pe care i-o va alege domnul Elton va fi cea mai looking so very significantly at her, "that she did not pretend norocoas din lume, pentru c, fr ndoial, domnul Elton to understand what his business might be, but n-avea pereche de frumos i simpatic ce era." she only knew that any woman whom Mr. Elton could prefer, she should think the luckiest woman in the CAPITOLUL IX world; for, beyond a doubt, Mr. Elton had not his equal for beauty or agreeableness." DOMNUL KNIGHTLEY PUTEA SA SE CERTE cu Emma, dar Mr. Knightley might quarrel with her, but Emma could not Emma nu se putea certa cu ea nsi. Fusese quarrel with herself. He was so much displeased, att de suprat, nct trecu destul vreme pn cnd s that it was longer than usual before he came to Hartfield fac o nou vizit la Hartfield. i cnd, n fine, se vzur again; and when they did meet, his grave looks din nou, privirile lui severe artau c nu o iertase nc. i shewed that she was not forgiven. She was sorry, but could prea ru, dar nu putea s se ciasc. Dimpotriv, not repent. On the contrary, her plans and planurile i aciunile ei i gseau o justificare din ce n ce proceedings were more and more justified and endeared to mai serioas i prerea ei fu confirmat de her by the general appearances of the next few ntmplrile din zilele care urmar. days. Tabloul, cu o ram elegant, sosi la Hartfield n bun The Picture, elegantly framed, came safely to hand soon 42

stare, de ndat ce domnul Elton se ntoarse de la Londra i, dup ce l atrnar deasupra cminului, el se ridic s-l priveasc i i suspin admiraia n jumti de fraz, exact aa cum se cuvine. Ct despre sentimentele Harrietei, ele se canalizau n mod vizibil ctre o afeciune puternic i statornic, n msura n care tinereea i firea ei i ngduiau aa ceva. Curnd, Emma avu marea mulumire s nu mai aud numele domnului Martin, dect n comparaiile cu domnul Elton, care erau, bineneles, mult n favoarea celui de-al doilea. Dorinele ei de a o cultiva pe Harriet, prin lectur intens i conversaie, nu duseser nc mai departe de primele capitole i intenia de a continua mine. Era mult mai uor s trncneasc dect s studieze, mult mai plcut s-i lase imaginaia s zburde gndind la soarta Harrietei dect s-i lrgeasc fetei orizontul i puterea de nelegere cu lucruri serioase. Singura preocupare literar a Harrietei, singura rezerv intelectual pe care i-o fcea pentru amurgul vieii era s colecioneze i s transcrie toate ghicitorile, de orice fel, ntr-un caiet cu scoare groase, fcut de prietena ei, i mpodobit cu monograme i simboluri. n aceast epoc de nflorire a literaturii, asemenea colecii de mari proporii se ntlnesc foarte des. Domnioara Nash, directoare de coal la doamna Goddard, scrisese cel puin trei sute, i Harriet, care auzise prima dat despre asta de la ea, spera, cu ajutorul domnioarei Woodhouse, s fac o colecie i mai mare. Emma o ajuta cu imaginaia, memoria i gustul ei, i cum Harriet scria foarte frumos, era probabil ca albumul s fie dintre cele mai reuite, att n ce privete forma, ct i cantitatea. Domnul Woodhouse era aproape la fel de preocupat de povestea asta ca i fetele i ncerca mereu s-i aminteasc ceva care s merite s fie scris n album. Cnd era el tnr erau att de multe ghicitori inteligente, se ntreba de ce nu le ine minte, dar spera c pn la urm o s i le aminteasc. i totdeauna termina cu Kitty, frumoas fat, dar de ghea". Bunul su prieten Perry, cruia i vorbise despre acest subiect, nu-i amintea pe moment nimic care s semene a ghicitoare. Dar l rugase pe Perry s ntrebe n dreapta in stnga i, cum umbla destul prin lume, putea s mai fac rost de cte ceva. Fiica sa nu avea ns nici cea mai mic dorin s fac apel la minile luminate din Highbury. Domnul Elton fu singurul cruia i se ceru ajutorul. Fu invitat s contribuie cu orice enigme, arade, ghicitori bune, i Emma avu plcerea s constate ct de preocupat era s-i reaminteasc i, dup cte i ddea ea seama, plin de grij ca nimic nepoliticos, nimic nepoliticos fa de sexul slab s nu-i scape de pe buze. i datorau dou sau trei dintre cele mai curtenitoare ghicitori, i bucuria i entuziasmul cu care i aminti i recit oarecum sentimental cunoscuta arad:

after Mr. Elton's return, and being hung over the mantelpiece of the common sitting-room, he got up to look at it, and sighed out his half sentences of admiration just as he ought; and as for Harriet's feelings, they were visibly forming themselves into as strong and steady an attachment as her youth and sort of mind admitted. Emma was soon perfectly satisfied of Mr. Martin's being no otherwise remembered, than as he furnished a contrast with Mr. Elton, of the utmost advantage to the latter. Her views of improving her little friend's mind, by a great deal of useful reading and conversation, had never yet led to more than a few first s, and the intention of going on to-morrow. It was much easier to chat than to study; much pleasanter to let her imagination range and work at Harriet's fortune, than to be labouring to enlarge her comprehension or exercise it on sober facts; and the only literary pursuit which engaged Harriet at present, the only mental provision she was making for the evening of life, was the collecting and transcribing all the riddles of every sort that she could meet with, into a thin quarto of hot-pressed paper, made up by her friend, and ornamented with ciphers and trophies. In this age of literature, such collections on a very grand scale are not uncommon. Miss Nash, head-teacher at Mrs. Goddard's, had written out at least three hundred; and Harriet, who had taken the first hint of it from her, hoped, with Miss Woodhouse's help, to get a great many more. Emma assisted with her invention, memory and taste; and as Harriet wrote a very pretty hand, it was likely to be an arrangement of the first order, in form as well as quantity. Mr. Woodhouse was almost as much interested in the business as the girls, and tried very often to recollect something worth their putting in. "So many clever riddles as there used to be when he was young--he wondered he could not remember them! but he hoped he should in time." And it always ended in "Kitty, a fair but frozen maid." His good friend Perry, too, whom he had spoken to on the subject, did not at present recollect any thing of the riddle kind; but he had desired Perry to be upon the watch, and as he went about so much, something, he thought, might come from that quarter. It was by no means his daughter's wish that the intellects of Highbury in general should be put under requisition. Mr. Elton was the only one whose assistance she asked. 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. They owed to him their two or three politest puzzles; and the joy and exultation with which at last he recalled, and rather 43

Cu prima eu vreau s exclam A doua ce viaa sfrete Ce prima i-a doua unete E-al vieii prea dulce balsam o fcu s-i par realmente ru, dar trebuia s-l informeze c o scriseser deja cu cteva pagini n urm. De ce nu compunei dumneavoastr o arad pentru noi. domnule Elton ? zise ea. Va fi cu siguran ceva original i cred c nu v vine deloc greu. O, nu, n-am scris ceva de acest fel n viaa mea! Lipsit complet de har! i era team c nici mcar domnioara Woodhouse, sau, i aici se opri o clip, domnioara Smith, nu vor putea s-l inspire!" ns, chiar a doua zi, ddu o prob de inspiraie. Fcu o vizit scurt, numai ca s le lase o hrtie care coninea, dup cum spunea el, o ghicitoare pe care un prieten al su o adresase unei domnioare, care era obiectul admiraiei sale, dar care, dup cum Emma deduse imediat din purtarea lui, trebuie s fi fost scris de el nsui. Nu pot s-o ofer pentru colecia domnioarei Smith, zise el. Aparine prietenului meu i nu am dreptul s-o fac public, dar poate c o s v fac plcere s o citii. i vorbea mai mult Emmei dect Harrietei. Vorbea cu mult subneles i i se prea mai uor s se uite n ochii ei dect n ochii prietenei sale. n clipa urmtoare plec. Dup o alt pauz de o clip: Ia-o, zise Emma, zmbind i mpingnd hrtia spre Harriet. E pentru tine. Ia ce-i al tu! Dar Harriet tremura i nu putea s o ating, iar Emma, care nu se ddea niciodat napoi de la aa ceva, fu nevoit s o cerceteze ea nsi: Ctre domnioara... GHICITOARE. Ce poate fi a regilor splendoare i-al lor alai strlucitor n soare Mrirea i puterea laolalt De nobili i de cavaleri urmat. i n virtutea aceluiai cuvnt Puternicul brbat ca frunza-n vnt Se pleac la picioarele acelei Ce-n strlucire e rivala stelei C-un spirit ascuit ghiceti cuvntul! Din dulce ochi d-i dar consimmntul! i arunc ochii pe ea, se gndi puin, nelese despre ce era vorba, i o mai citi o dat ca s fie sigur pe versuri i apoi i-o ddu Harrietei i se aez zmbind pentru sine, spunndu-i n timp ce Harriet se zgia la hrtie complet zpcit, n sperana i prostia ei: Bravo, domnule Elton, ntr-adevr, bravo! Am citit i ghicitori mai proaste. Curte foarte bun aluzie. i face cinste. Asta este ceea ce simi dumneata i o spui destul de limpede:domnioar Smith, dai-mi voie s fiu supusul

sentimentally recited, that well-known charade, My first doth affliction denote, Which my second is destin'd to feel And my whole is the best antidote That affliction to soften and heal.-made her quite sorry to acknowledge that they had transcribed it some pages ago already. "Why will not you write one yourself for us, Mr. Elton?" said she; "that is the only security for its freshness; and nothing could be easier to you." "Oh no! he had never written, hardly ever, any thing of the kind in his life. The stupidest fellow! He was afraid not even Miss Woodhouse"--he stopt a moment--"or Miss Smith could inspire him." The very next day however produced some proof of inspiration. He called for a few moments, just to leave a piece of paper on the table containing, as he said, a charade, which a friend of his had addressed to a young lady, the object of his admiration, but which, from his manner, Emma was immediately convinced must be his own. "I do not offer it for Miss Smith's collection," said he. "Being my friend's, I have no right to expose it in any degree to the public eye, but perhaps you may not dislike looking at it." The speech was more to Emma than to Harriet, which Emma could understand. There was deep consciousness about him, and he found it easier to meet her eye than her friend's. He was gone the next moment:--after another moment's pause, "Take it," said Emma, smiling, and pushing the paper towards Harriet--"it is for you. Take your own." But Harriet was in a tremor, and could not touch it; and Emma, never loth to be first, was obliged to examine it herself. To Miss-CHARADE. My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings, Lords of the earth! their luxury and ease. Another view of man, my second brings, Behold him there, the monarch of the seas! But ah! united, what reverse we have! Man's boasted power and freedom, all are flown; Lord of the earth and sea, he bends a slave, And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone. Thy ready wit the word will soon supply, May its approval beam in that soft eye! She cast her eye over it, pondered, caught the meaning, read it through again to be quite certain, and quite mistress of the lines, and then passing it to Harriet, sat happily smiling, and saying to herself, while Harriet was puzzling over the paper in all the confusion of hope and dulness, "Very well, Mr. Elton, very well indeed. I have read worse charades. Courtship--a very good hint. I give you credit for it. This is feeling your way. This is saying very plainly--`Pray, Miss Smith, give me leave to pay my addresses to you. Approve my 44

dumneavoastr iubitor. Acceptai ghicitoarea i inteniile mele cu o privire. Din dulce ochi d-i dar consimmntul! Asta-i Harriet! Dulce e cel mai bun epitet pentru ochii ei, cel mai potrivit. C-un spirit ascuit ghiceti cuvntul. Hm, Harriet, spirit ascuit! Cu att mai bine! Un brbat trebuie s fie foarte ndrgostit dac spune c Harriet are un spirit ascuit. Ah, domnule Knightley, tare-a mai vrea s auzi asta! Cred c te-ar convinge. O dat n via ar trebui s recunoti c ai greit. Minunat ghicitoare, ntr-adevr, drept la int. n curnd vom ajunge la deznodmnt." Fu nevoit s-i ntrerup irul acestor plcute gnduri, care altfel ar fi putut s continue mult i bine, din cauza ntrebrilor insistente ale Harrietei: Ce-o fi, domnioar Woodhouse, ce-o fi ? N-am idee. Nu pot s ghicesc deloc. Ce poate s fie ? ncercai s ghicii, domnioar Woodhouse! Ajutai-m! N-am vzut niciodat ceva aa de greu! nseamn coroan ? M ntreb cine o fi prietenul i cine e domnioara ? Credei c e bun ? S fie o femeie ? Se pleac la picioarele acelei Ce-n strlucire e rivala stelei. O fi aurul ? Ce poate fi a regilor splendoare ? sau noaptea, sau cerul ? Nu, cer nu are dect o silab! Trebuie s fie foarte grea, altfel n-ar fi adus-o. Oh, domnioar Woodhouse, credei c-o s putem ghici ? Noapte i cer! Ce prostie! Draga mea Harriet, unde ie capul ? Ce rost ar avea s ne aduc o ghicitoare compus de un prieten, despre noapte i cer ? D-mi hrtia i ascult: Ctre domnioara... citete domnioara Smith Ce poate fi a regilor splendoare i-al lor alai strlucitor n soare E deja clar, e vorba de curte. Mrirea i puterea laolalt De nobili i de cavaleri urmat Curte, ct se poate de clar, i acum vine miezul: i n virtutea-aceluiai cuvnt Puternicul brbat ca frunza-n vnt Se pleac la picioarele acelei Ce-n strlucire e rivala stelei. Un compliment ct se poate de potrivit, i acum urmeaz cererea, pe care, drag Harriet, cred c nu e greu s o nelegi. Citete-o n linite. Nu e nici o ndoial c a fost scris pentru tine!

Harriet nu putu rezista la un atare ndemn mbietor. Citi ultimele rnduri i se umplu de freamt i fericire. Nu putea vorbi. Dar nu era nevoie s vorbeasc. Era de ajuns ceea ce simea. Emma vorbi n locul ei: Complimentul are un neles att de limpede i merge

charade and my intentions in the same glance.' May its approval beam in that soft eye! Harriet exactly. Soft is the very word for her eye--of all epithets, the justest that could be given. Thy ready wit the word will soon supply. Humph--Harriet's ready wit! All the better. A man must be very much in love, indeed, to describe her so. Ah! Mr. Knightley, I wish you had the benefit of this; I think this would convince you. For once in your life you would be obliged to own yourself mistaken. An excellent charade indeed! and very much to the purpose. Things must come to a crisis soon now. She was obliged to break off from these very pleasant observations, which were otherwise of a sort to run into great length, by the eagerness of Harriet's wondering questions. "What can it be, Miss Woodhouse?--what can it be? I have not an idea--I cannot guess it in the least. What can it possibly be? Do try to find it out, Miss Woodhouse. Do help me. I never saw any thing so hard. Is it kingdom? I wonder who the friend was--and who could be the young lady. Do you think it is a good one? Can it be woman? And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone. Can it be Neptune? Behold him there, the monarch of the seas! Or a trident? or a mermaid? or a shark? Oh, no! shark is only one syllable. It must be very clever, or he would not have brought it. Oh! Miss Woodhouse, do you think we shall ever find it out?" "Mermaids and sharks! Nonsense! My dear Harriet, what are you thinking of? Where would be the use of his bringing us a charade made by a friend upon a mermaid or a shark? Give me the paper and listen. For Miss ----------, read Miss Smith. My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings, Lords of the earth! their luxury and ease. That is court. Another view of man, my second brings; Behold him there, the monarch of the seas! That is ship;--plain as it can be.--Now for the cream. But ah! united, (courtship, you know,) what reverse we have! Man's boasted power and freedom, all are flown. Lord of the earth and sea, he bends a slave, And woman, lovely woman, reigns alone. A very proper compliment!--and then follows the application, which I think, my dear Harriet, you cannot find much difficulty in comprehending. Read it in comfort to yourself. There can be no doubt of its being written for you and to you." Harriet could not long resist so delightful a persuasion. She read the concluding lines, and was all flutter and happiness. She could not speak. But she was not wanted to speak. It was enough for her to feel. Emma spoke for her. "There is so pointed, and so particular a meaning in this 45

drept la int, zise ea, aa c nu m mai pot ndoi de inteniile domnului Elton. Eti obiectul dragostei sale i n curnd vei avea dovada. tiam c aa are s fie. Dar acum e clar: gndete exact aa cum am dorit eu de cnd te-am cunoscut . Da, Harriet, chiar de la nceput mi-am dorit exact ceea ce s-a ntmplat acum. N-a fi putut spune niciodat dac o dragoste ntre tine i domnul Elton este lucrul cel mai de dorit, sau cel mai firesc. Era pe ct de probabil, pe att de satisfctor. Sunt foarte fericit. Te felicit, draga mea Harriet, din toat inima! Iat o pasiune de care o femeie trebuie s se simt mndr. O cstorie care ofer numai avantaje! i va da tot ce i doreti stim, independen, o cas onorabil , i va consolida poziia printre prietenii ti adevrai, aproape de Hartfield i aproape de mine, iar prietenia noastr va fi venic. Iat o partid de care nu trebuie s roim, nici tu, nici eu. Drag domnioar Woodhouse, i iar, drag domnioar Woodhouse, fu tot ce Harriet putu articula la nceput, printre mbriri clduroase; dar cnd, n fine, ajunser la ceva care aducea mai mult a conversaie, Emma cpt convingerea c prietena ei vedea, simea, anticipa, i amintea, exact ceea ce trebuie n asemenea situaii. Superioritatea domnului Elton era de acum un lucru recunoscut. Orice spunei dumneavoastr este adevrat, strig Harriet, aa c pot s cred i s sper c aa trebuie s fie, dar, altfel, nici nu mi-a fi nchipuit! Nici nu merit eu aa ceva! Domnul Elton, cu care orice fat ar fi bucuroas s se mrite! Toat lumea l vorbete de bine. E o fiin cu totul superioar. Numai versurile astea gingae... Ctre domnioara..." Doamne, ce detept! Chiar mie credei c-mi e adresat ? Asemenea ntrebri nu au nici un rost. E absolut sigur. Ai ncredere n ce-i spun! E un fel de prolog la o pies, un fel de motto la un capitol i n curnd va fi urmat de proz! Nimeni nu s-ar fi ateptat la una ca asta. Sunt sigur c acum o lun nici mie nu mi-ar fi trecut prin cap. Se ntmpl cele mai ciudate lucruri! Cnd o domnioar Smith ntlnete un domn Elton chiar se ntmpl i e ntr-adevr ciudat. E absolut ieit din comun ca un lucru care este evident i n mod concret de dorit, nct aproape i tenteaz pe unii s-l pun la cale, s se ntmple imediat, de la sine. Tu i domnul Elton suntei fcui unul pentru altul, v potrivii minunat ca familie i situaie. Cstoria ta va fi la fel de reuit ca cea de la Randalls. Se pare c plutete ceva n aerul de la Hartfield, care face ca dragostea s se ndrepte exact n direcia care trebuie i i d tocmai cursul dorit. iubirea adevrat nu are cursul lin... Dac operele complete ale lui Shakespeare ar fi editate la Hartfield, ar

compliment," said she, "that I cannot have a doubt as to Mr. Elton's intentions. You are his object--and you will soon receive the completest proof of it. I thought it must be so. I thought I could not be so deceived; but now, it is clear; the state of his mind is as clear and decided, as my wishes on the subject have been ever since I knew you. Yes, Harriet, just so long have I been wanting the very circumstance to happen what has happened. I could never tell whether an attachment between you and Mr. Elton were most desirable or most natural. Its probability and its eligibility have really so equalled each other! I am very happy. I congratulate you, my dear Harriet, with all my heart. This is an attachment which a woman may well feel pride in creating. This is a connexion which offers nothing but good. It will give you every thing that you want-consideration, independence, a proper home--it will fix you in the centre of all your real friends, close to Hartfield and to me, and confirm our intimacy for ever. This, Harriet, is an alliance which can never raise a blush in either of us." "Dear Miss Woodhouse!"--and "Dear Miss Woodhouse," was all that Harriet, with many tender embraces could articulate at first; but when they did arrive at something more like conversation, it was sufficiently clear to her friend that she saw, felt, anticipated, and remembered just as she ought. Mr. Elton's superiority had very ample acknowledgment. "Whatever you say is always right," cried Harriet, "and therefore I suppose, and believe, and hope it must be so; but otherwise I could not have imagined it. It is so much beyond any thing I deserve. Mr. Elton, who might marry any body! There cannot be two opinions about him. He is so very superior. Only think of those sweet verses--`To Miss --------.' Dear me, how clever!--Could it really be meant for me?" "I cannot make a question, or listen to a question about that. It is a certainty. Receive it on my judgment. It is a sort of prologue to the play, a motto to the ; and will be soon followed by matter-of-fact prose." "It is a sort of thing which nobody could have expected. I am sure, a month ago, I had no more idea myself!--The strangest things do take place!" "When Miss Smiths and Mr. Eltons get acquainted--they do indeed--and really it is strange; it is out of the common course that what is so evidently, so palpably desirable--what courts the pre-arrangement of other people, should so immediately shape itself into the proper form. You and Mr. Elton are by situation called together; you belong to one another by every circumstance of your respective homes. Your marrying will be equal to the match at Randalls. There does seem to be a something in the air of Hartfield which gives love exactly the right direction, and sends it into the very channel where it ought to flow. 46

conine o not foarte lung asupra acestui pasaj.

S se ndrgosteasc de mine domnul Elton, tocmai de mine, care nici nu-l cunoteam i nici n-a fi ndrznit s-i vorbesc de Sfntul Mihail. El, cel mai frumos brbat care-a existat vreodat, un om pe care l respect toat lumea, exact ca pe domnul Knightley. E att de simpatizat, c toat lumea spune c mnnc acas numai dac refuz o invitaie, i primete dou, trei n fiecare zi. i e att de minunat n biseric! Domnioara Nash i-a notat toate textele din care a predicat de cnd a venit la Highbury. Doamne! Cnd m gndesc cum lam vzut prima oar! Nu m-am gndit deloc. Surorile Abbot i cu mine am fugit n camera de la strad i ne-am uitat printre jaluzele cnd am auzit c o s treac pe acolo. i domnioara Nash a venit i ne-a certat i ne-a spus s plecm, dar ea a rmas s se uite. Totui, pe mine m-a chemat napoi i m-a lsat s m uit i eu, foarte drgu din partea ei. i ce frumos mi s-a prut! Era bra la bra cu domnul Cole. E o cstorie care va fi pe placul tuturor prietenilor ti, oricum i oricine ar fi ei, dac sunt oameni de bun sim, firete. i nu vom supune purtarea noastr judecii protilor. Cei care vor s te vad fericit n csnicie, pot s fie siguri c alturi de un brbat cu un caracter admirabil vei avea toat fericirea. Cei care vor ca tu s rmi acolo unde ai copilrit i ai nvat pot s fie mulumii c te vei stabili aici. Cei care vor dori, dup cum se spune de obicei, s fii mritat bine, vor fi cu siguran satisfcui de faptul c i se ofer avere, poziie social i posibilitatea de a crete n ochii lumii. Da, foarte adevrat. Ce frumos vorbii! mi face plcere s v ascult. Dumneavoastr nelegei totul, dumneavoastr i domnul Elton suntei unul mai detept ca altul. i ghicitoarea! S fi studiat un an de zile i n-a fi putut scrie aa ceva! Mi-am nchipuit c vrea s-i ncerce priceperea, dup felul cum a refuzat ieri. Cred c este, fr discuie, cea mai bun ghicitoare pe care am citit-o vreodat. E, fr ndoial, ghicitoarea care merge drept la int. E aproape de dou ori mai lung dect toate celelalte. Nu sunt de prere c lungimea e o calitate. Dar asemenea lucruri nu pot fi prea scurte, n general. Harriet era prea atent la ce citea ca s-o mai aud. n mintea ei se nteau cele mai favorabile comparaii: Una e, zise ea imediat, cu obrajii nvpiai, s fii foarte detept, dar nu deosebit, ci ca toat lumea, i, dac ai ceva de spus, s te aezi i s scrii o scrisoare n care s spui numai ce trebuie, pe scurt, i alta e s scrii versuri i ghicitori ca asta! Emma n-ar fi putut s-i doreasc ceva mai spiritual mpotriva domnului Martin.

The course of true love never did run smooth-A Hartfield edition of Shakespeare would have a long note on that passage." "That Mr. Elton should really be in love with me,--me, of all people, who did not know him, to speak to him, at Michaelmas! And he, the very handsomest man that ever was, and a man that every body looks up to, quite like Mr. Knightley! His company so sought after, that every body says he need not eat a single meal by himself if he does not chuse it; that he has more invitations than there are days in the week. And so excellent in the Church! Miss Nash has put down all the texts he has ever preached from since he came to Highbury. Dear me! When I look back to the first time I saw him! How little did I think!--The two Abbots and I ran into the front room and peeped through the blind when we heard he was going by, and Miss Nash came and scolded us away, and staid to look through herself; however, she called me back presently, and let me look too, which was very good-natured. And how beautiful we thought he looked! He was arm-in-arm with Mr. Cole." "This is an alliance which, whoever--whatever your friends may be, must be agreeable to them, provided at least they have common sense; and we are not to be addressing our conduct to fools. If they are anxious to see you happily married, here is a man whose amiable character gives every assurance of it;--if they wish to have you settled in the same country and circle which they have chosen to place you in, here it will be accomplished; and if their only object is that you should, in the common phrase, be well married, here is the comfortable fortune, the respectable establishment, the rise in the world which must satisfy them." "Yes, very true. How nicely you talk; I love to hear you. You understand every thing. You and Mr. Elton are one as clever as the other. This charade!--If I had studied a twelvemonth, I could never have made any thing like it." "I thought he meant to try his skill, by his manner of declining it yesterday." "I do think it is, without exception, the best charade I ever read." "I never read one more to the purpose, certainly." "It is as long again as almost all we have had before." "I do not consider its length as particularly in its favour. Such things in general cannot be too short." Harriet was too intent on the lines to hear. The most satisfactory comparisons were rising in her mind. "It is one thing," said she, presently--her cheeks in a glow-"to have very good sense in a common way, like every body else, and if there is any thing to say, to sit down and write a letter, and say just what you must, in a short way; and another, to write verses and charades like this." Emma could not have desired a more spirited rejection of 47

 Ce versuri drglae, continu Harriet, astea, ultimele dou. Dar cum s-i dau napoi hrtia i s-i spun c mi-am dat seama ? Oh, domnioar Woodhouse, ce facem ? Las' pe mine. Tu nu faci nimic. O s dea pe aici n seara asta i i-o voi napoia eu, i o s-i spun ceva, indiferent ce, i tu nu vei fi amestecat. Ochii ti dulci i vor da alt dat consimmntul. Bizuie-te pe mine! Oh, domnioar Woodhouse, ce pcat c nu pot s scriu o ghicitoare att de frumoas n album! Sunt sigur c n-am nici una mcar pe jumtate att de bun. Dac scoi ultimele dou versuri, nu vd de ce n-ai scri-o n album! Da, dar tocmai aceste dou versuri sunt... Sunt cele mai bune. Dar sunt menite numai pentru tine, aa c pstreaz-le numai pentru tine. Sunt frumoase chiar luate separat. Sunt de-sine-stttoare i au nelesul lor. Dar dac le scoi, ghicitoarea nu mai are acelai tlc, rmne o ghicitoare drgu, care poate fi scris n orice album. Crede-m, ,nu trebuie s-i nedrepteti nici ghicitoarea, nici iubirea. Un poet ndrgostit trebuie ncurajat n ambele sensuri, sau n nici unul. D-mi albumul. O scriu eu, ca s nu se bnuiasc nimic despre tine. Harriet se supuse, dei n mintea ei nu putea s deosebeasc cele dou pri ale ghicitorii i nu putea fi sigur dac prietena ei nu copia n album o declaraie de dragoste. Prea o ofrand prea scump pentru a fi vzut de oricine. N-am s mai dau la nimeni albumul, zise ea. Foarte bine, rspunse Emma, e un sentiment firesc, i cu ct dureaz mai mult, cu att mai bine, dup mine. Dar iat c vine tata! Sper c nu te superi dac i citesc i lui ghicitoarea. O s-i fac plcere. Lui i plac lucrurile astea, mai ales cnd sunt un compliment pentru o femeie. Tata e foarte galant cu noi toate. Trebuie s-mi dai voie s i-o citesc. Harriet arta bosumflat. Drag Harriet, nu trebuie s te sinchiseti att de mult de ghicitoarea asta. Dac nelegi prea mult i prea repede, i lai s se vad c i cunoti scopul, i vei trda sentimentele, ceea ce nu se cuvine. Nu te lsa copleit de acest mic tribut de admiraie. Dac el ar fi vrut s fac din asta un secret, n-ar fi adus hrtia n prezena mea. N-ai vzut c mai mult ctre mine a ntins-o dect ctre tine ? S nu exagerm cu povestea asta. A fost destul de mult ncurajat ca s poat continua. Nu e nevoie s ne secm sufletul de suspine pentru ghicitoarea asta. O, nu, sper s nu fiu ridicol. Facei cum dorii. Domnul Woodhouse intr i nu fu deloc greu pentru Emma s aduc vorba despre ghicitoare, pentru c el li se adres

Mr. Martin's prose. "Such sweet lines!" continued Harriet--"these two last!--But how shall I ever be able to return the paper, or say I have found it out?--Oh! Miss Woodhouse, what can we do about that?" "Leave it to me. You do nothing. He will be here this evening, I dare say, and then I will give it him back, and some nonsense or other will pass between us, and you shall not be committed.--Your soft eyes shall chuse their own time for beaming. Trust to me." "Oh! Miss Woodhouse, what a pity that I must not write this beautiful charade into my book! I am sure I have not got one half so good." "Leave out the two last lines, and there is no reason why you should not write it into your book." "Oh! but those two lines are"---"The best of all. Granted;--for private enjoyment; and for private enjoyment keep them. They are not at all the less written you know, because you divide them. The couplet does not cease to be, nor does its meaning change. But take it away, and all appropriation ceases, and a very pretty gallant charade remains, fit for any collection. Depend upon it, he would not like to have his charade slighted, much better than his passion. A poet in love must be encouraged in both capacities, or neither. Give me the book, I will write it down, and then there can be no possible reflection on you." Harriet submitted, though her mind could hardly separate the parts, so as to feel quite sure that her friend were not writing down a declaration of love. It seemed too precious an offering for any degree of publicity. "I shall never let that book go out of my own hands," said she. "Very well," replied Emma; "a most natural feeling; and the longer it lasts, the better I shall be pleased. But here is my father coming: you will not object to my reading the charade to him. It will be giving him so much pleasure! He loves any thing of the sort, and especially any thing that pays woman a compliment. He has the tenderest spirit of gallantry towards us all!--You must let me read it to him." Harriet looked grave. "My dear Harriet, you must not refine too much upon this charade.--You will betray your feelings improperly, if you are too conscious and too quick, and appear to affix more meaning, or even quite all the meaning which may be affixed to it. Do not be overpowered by such a little tribute of admiration. If he had been anxious for secrecy, he would not have left the paper while I was by; but he rather pushed it towards me than towards you. Do not let us be too solemn on the business. He has encouragement enough to proceed, without our sighing out our souls over this charade." "Oh! no--I hope I shall not be ridiculous about it. Do as you please." Mr. Woodhouse came in, and very soon led to the subject 48

aa cum obinuia n ultima vreme: Ei, dragele mele, cum merge treaba cu albumul ? Avei ceva nou ? Da, tat. avem ceva nou s-ti citim. Am gsit o hrtie pe mas azi-diminea, cu o ghicitoare foarte drgu. Cred c vreo zn a lsat-o s cad. Tocmai am copiat-o n album. I-o citi aa cum i plcea lui. ncet i clar. i de dou, trei ori, cu explicaii la fiecare vers i i fcu foarte mare plcere, exact cum se ateptase ea, iar complimentul din final i atrase n mod special admiraia. Ei. da, asta e foarte bine, foarte bine zis! Foarte adevrat! Strlucirea femeii... E o ghicitoare att de frumoas, draga mea, nct nu e greu de neles ce zn a adus-o. Nimeni nu poate scrie att de frumos, n afar de tine, Emma! Emma cltin din cap i zmbi. Dup ce se gndi puin i oft uor, el adug: Ah, e uor s-i dea omul seama cu cine semeni. Mama ta se pricepea aa de bine la lucrurile astea. Dac a avea mcar memoria ei! Dar eu nu-mi aduc aminte nimic. Nici mcar ghicitoarea aceea despre care i-am spus. mi aduc aminte doar de prima strof, dar sunt mai multe: Frumoas fat, dar de ghea, Kitty, Aprinse-n mine focul ce-l deplng. Copilul orb n ajutor chemai, Dei de arcul su mi-e team Cci el m-a sgetat n mai. Asta-i tot ce-mi amintesc, dar tiu c era foarte inteligent. Dar parc spuneai c ai gsit-o. Da, tat, am scris-o pe a doua pagin. Am copiat-o din Viaa monden". A fost scris de Garrick. Da, da, foarte adevrat. Tare-a vrea s mi-o aduc aminte: Frumoas fat, dar de ghea, Kitty. Numele sta m face s m gndesc la biata Isabella. Pentru c era ct pe-aci s-o botezm Ecaterina, ca pe bunica ei. Sper c vine sptmna viitoare. Te-ai gndit, draga mea, unde o s doarm i ce camer aranjm pentru copii ? Da, sigur c da. Ea o s doarm n camera ei, unde doarme de fiecare dat. i avem camera cea mare pentru copii, ca de obicei. De ce s schimbm ? Nu tiu, draga mea, dar e aa de mult de cnd n-au mai fost pe aici, de la Pate, anul trecut, i atunci au stat doar cteva zile. E foarte prost c domnul John Knightley are slujba asta de avocat. Biata Isabella, ce mare pcat c nu st cu noi i ce ru s-i par s n-o mai gseasc pe domnioara Taylor aici! Bine, tat, dar n-o s fie o surpriz! Nu tiu, draga mea, eu cel puin am fost foarte surprins cnd am auzit c se mrit. Trebuie s-i invitm pe doamna i domnul Weston la

again, by the recurrence of his very frequent inquiry of "Well, my dears, how does your book go on?--Have you got any thing fresh?" "Yes, papa; we have something to read you, something quite fresh. A piece of paper was found on the table this morning--(dropt, we suppose, by a fairy)--containing a very pretty charade, and we have just copied it in." She read it to him, just as he liked to have any thing read, slowly and distinctly, and two or three times over, with explanations of every part as she proceeded--and he was very much pleased, and, as she had foreseen, especially struck with the complimentary conclusion. "Aye, that's very just, indeed, that's very properly said. Very true. `Woman, lovely woman.' It is such a pretty charade, my dear, that I can easily guess what fairy brought it.--Nobody could have written so prettily, but you, Emma." Emma only nodded, and smiled.--After a little thinking, and a very tender sigh, he added, "Ah! it is no difficulty to see who you take after! Your dear mother was so clever at all those things! If I had but her memory! But I can remember nothing;--not even that particular riddle which you have heard me mention; I can only recollect the first stanza; and there are several. Kitty, a fair but frozen maid, Kindled a flame I yet deplore, The hood-wink'd boy I called to aid, Though of his near approach afraid, So fatal to my suit before. And that is all that I can recollect of it--but it is very clever all the way through. But I think, my dear, you said you had got it." "Yes, papa, it is written out in our second page. We copied it from the Elegant Extracts. It was Garrick's, you know." "Aye, very true.--I wish I could recollect more of it. Kitty, a fair but frozen maid. The name makes me think of poor Isabella; for she was very near being christened Catherine after her grandmama. I hope we shall have her here next week. Have you thought, my dear, where you shall put her--and what room there will be for the children?" "Oh! yes--she will have her own room, of course; the room she always has;--and there is the nursery for the children,--just as usual, you know. Why should there be any change?" "I do not know, my dear--but it is so long since she was here!--not since last Easter, and then only for a few days.--Mr. John Knightley's being a lawyer is very inconvenient.--Poor Isabella!--she is sadly taken away from us all!--and how sorry she will be when she comes, not to see Miss Taylor here!" "She will not be surprized, papa, at least." "I do not know, my dear. I am sure I was very much surprized when I first heard she was going to be married." "We must ask Mr. and Mrs. Weston to dine with us, while 49

noi n timpul cnd o s fie Isabella aici. Da, draga mea, dac o s avem timp, dar (cu o voce foarte amrt) vine numai pentru o sptmn. N-o s avem timp de nimic. Pcat c nu pot s stea mai mult, dar se pare c nu au ncotro. Domnul John Knightley trebuie s fie n ora pe ziua de douzeci i opt. i trebuie s ne bucurm, tat, c i vor petrece toat sptmn aici i nu se duc dou, trei zile la Donwell Abbey. Domnul Knightley a promis c va renuna n favoarea noastr, pentru Crciunul sta, dei tii bine c pe la el n-au mai fost de i mai mult vreme. Ar fi foarte trist, draga mea, dac ar trebui ca biata Isabella s plece de la Hartfield. Domnul Woodhouse nu era de acord cu preteniile domnului Knightley asupra fratelui su i nu admitea nici un fel de pretenii asupra Isabellei. Rmase pe gnduri cteva clipe, apoi zise: Dar nu vd de ce biata Isabella trebuie s plece odat cu el. Cred, Emma, c am s ncerc s o conving s stea mai mult pe la noi. Ea i copiii pot foarte bine s mai stea. Ah, tat, n-ai neles niciodat i nici nu vei nelege. Isabella nu poate s stea fr soul ei. Era foarte adevrat, fr ndoial. Orict de neplcut i-ar fi fost, domnul Woodhouse nu putu dect s ofteze resemnat .i cnd Emma l vzu att de trist, pentru c fiica lui i iubea brbatul, aduse vorba despre altceva, ca s-l nveseleasc: Harriet va trebui s stea ct se poate de mult pe aici, cnd vine Isabella. Sunt sigur c o s-i plac foarte mult copiii. Suntem foarte mndri de copii, nu-i aa, tat ? Nu tiu care o s i se par mai frumos, Henry, sau John ? Aha, i eu m ntreb. Scumpii de ei, ce bine o s le par s vie aici. Le place foarte mult la Hartfield, Harriet. Desigur, domnule! Nu tiu cui nu i-ar place. Henry e un biat foarte drgu, dar John seamn cu maic-sa. Henry e cel mai mare. I-au pus numele meu, nu pe al lui taic-su. John, cel de-al doilea, poart numele tatlui lor. Unii se mir de asta, dar Isabella a dorit ca primul s poarte numele meu i mie mi s-a prut foarte drgu din partea ei. i e un biat foarte detept. Toi sunt extraordinar de detepi i se poart aa de drgu. Vin la scaunul meu i mi zic: Bunicule, eti aa de bun s-mi dai o bucic de sfoar ?" i ntr-o zi Henry mi-a cerut un cuit, dar i-am spus c nu se poate, cuitele sunt numai pentru bunici. Cred c tatl lor e prea aspru cu ei. i se pare c e aspru, zise Emma, pentru c dumneata eti att de blnd. Dar dac l-ai compara cu ali tai, nu l-ai gsi deloc aspru. Vrea ca bieii lui s fie activi i nvai cu greul i dac nu se poart bine, i mai ceart din cnd n cnd, dar e un tat iubitor, cu siguran domnul John Knightley e un tat iubitor. Copiii l iubesc cu

Isabella is here." "Yes, my dear, if there is time.--But--(in a very depressed tone)--she is coming for only one week. There will not be time for any thing." "It is unfortunate that they cannot stay longer--but it seems a case of necessity. Mr. John Knightley must be in town again on the 28th, and we ought to be thankful, papa, that we are to have the whole of the time they can give to the country, that two or three days are not to be taken out for the Abbey. Mr. Knightley promises to give up his claim this Christmas--though you know it is longer since they were with him, than with us." "It would be very hard, indeed, my dear, if poor Isabella were to be anywhere but at Hartfield." Mr. Woodhouse could never allow for Mr. Knightley's claims on his brother, or any body's claims on Isabella, except his own. He sat musing a little while, and then said, "But I do not see why poor Isabella should be obliged to go back so soon, though he does. I think, Emma, I shall try and persuade her to stay longer with us. She and the children might stay very well." "Ah! papa--that is what you never have been able to accomplish, and I do not think you ever will. Isabella cannot bear to stay behind her husband." This was too true for contradiction. Unwelcome as it was, Mr. Woodhouse could only give a submissive sigh; and as Emma saw his spirits affected by the idea of his daughter's attachment to her husband, she immediately led to such a branch of the subject as must raise them. "Harriet must give us as much of her company as she can while my brother and sister are here. I am sure she will be pleased with the children. We are very proud of the children, are not we, papa? I wonder which she will think the handsomest, Henry or John?" "Aye, I wonder which she will. Poor little dears, how glad they will be to come. They are very fond of being at Hartfield, Harriet." "I dare say they are, sir. I am sure I do not know who is not." "Henry is a fine boy, but John is very like his mama. Henry is the eldest, he was named after me, not after his father. John, the second, is named after his father. Some people are surprized, I believe, that the eldest was not, but Isabella would have him called Henry, which I thought very pretty of her. And he is a very clever boy, indeed. They are all remarkably clever; and they have so many pretty ways. They will come and stand by my chair, and say, `Grandpapa, can you give me a bit of string?' and once Henry asked me for a knife, but I told him knives were only made for grandpapas. I think their father is too rough with them very often." "He appears rough to you," said Emma, "because you are so very gentle yourself; but if you could compare him with other papas, you would not think him rough. He wishes his boys to be active and hardy; and if they misbehave, can give them a sharp word now and then; but he is an affectionate father--certainly Mr. John 50

toii, foarte mult. i pe urm mai vine i unchiul lor, i-i ridic pn n tavan, de i se face fric! Dar le place, tat! Nimic nu le place mai mult. Se bucur aa de tare, nct dac unchiul lor nu ar fi stabilit regula de a-i lua pe rnd cel care ncepe primul n-ar mai ceda locul celui de-al doilea. Ei bine, eu asta nu pot s-neleg. Aa suntem cu toii, tat! Nimeni nu poate nelege plcerile altora. Mai trziu, n aceeai diminea, cnd fetele tocmai se despreau, ca s se pregteasc pentru masa de la ora patru, eroul acelei inimitabile ghicitori i fcu din nou apariia. Harriet se retrase un pas, dar Emma gsi fora de a-l ntmpina cu zmbetul ei obinuit i ochiul ei ptrunztor observ n ochii lui contiina c a fcut un pas, c a aruncat un zar i i nchipuia c acum a venit s vad ce se ntmpl. Motivul lui aparent ns era s ntrebe dac nu ar putea s lipseasc n seara aceea de la Hartfield, dac nu cumva prezena lui e neaprat necesar. Dac acesta era cazul, urma sa renune la orice altceva, dar dac nu, prietenul su, domnul Cole insistase att de mult s-l invite la cin, fcuse atta caz, nct i promisese s vin, dac era eliberat de aici, firete. Emma i mulumi i l ndemn s nu-i dezamgeasc prietenul din cauza lor. Tatl ei avea destui parteneri pentru jocul de cri. El se oferi din nou, ea refuz din nou, i tocmai cnd era gata s se ncline s plece, ea lu de pe mas hrtia i i-o napoie. Ah, iat ghicitoarea pe care ai avut buntatea s ne-o lsai. V mulumesc foarte mult. Ne-a plcut aa de mult, nct ne-am aventurat s-o scriem n albumul domnioarei Smith. Sper c prietenul dumneavoastr nu ne-o va lua n nume de ru. Desigur, nu am transcris dect primele opt versuri. Domnul Elton, n mod vizibil, nu prea tia ce s spun. Prea cam surprins, cam zpcit; spuse ceva despre onoare, arunc o privire spre Emma i Harriet i apoi, vznd albumul pe mas, l lu i l cercet atent. Pentru a risipi stnjeneala momentului, Emma zise, zmbind: Trebuie s-i prezentai scuzele noastre prietenului dumneavoastr, dar o ghicitoare att de bun nu poate fi gustat numai de cteva persoane. Poate fi sigur de bunvoina oricrei femei, dac scrie cu atta curtoazie. ndrznesc a spune, zise domnul Elton, dei nu prea ndrznea, ndrznesc a spune cel puin, dac prietenul meu are aceleai sentimente ca i mine, c nu am nici o ndoial c va fi onorat de preuirea care i se arat micului su acces de inspiraie (uitndu-se la album i punndu-l napoi pe mas). Va considera c e cea mai mare mndrie a vieii sale. Dup aceste cuvinte, se grbi s plece, i bine fcu, pentru c, n ciuda faptului c era foarte simpatic, fcea atta parad n ce spunea, nct Emma abia se inea de

Knightley is an affectionate father. The children are all fond of him." "And then their uncle comes in, and tosses them up to the ceiling in a very frightful way!" "But they like it, papa; there is nothing they like so much. It is such enjoyment to them, that if their uncle did not lay down the rule of their taking turns, whichever began would never give way to the other." "Well, I cannot understand it." "That is the case with us all, papa. One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other." Later in the morning, and just as the girls were going to separate in preparation for the regular four o'clock dinner, the hero of this inimitable charade walked in again. Harriet turned away; but Emma could receive him with the usual smile, and her quick eye soon discerned in his the consciousness of having made a push--of having thrown a die; and she imagined he was come to see how it might turn up. His ostensible reason, however, was to ask whether Mr. Woodhouse's party could be made up in the evening without him, or whether he should be in the smallest degree necessary at Hartfield. If he were, every thing else must give way; but otherwise his friend Cole had been saying so much about his dining with him--had made such a point of it, that he had promised him conditionally to come. Emma thanked him, but could not allow of his disappointing his friend on their account; her father was sure of his rubber. He re-urged--she re-declined; and he seemed then about to make his bow, when taking the paper from the table, she returned it-"Oh! here is the charade you were so obliging as to leave with us; thank you for the sight of it. We admired it so much, that I have ventured to write it into Miss Smith's collection. Your friend will not take it amiss I hope. Of course I have not transcribed beyond the first eight lines." Mr. Elton certainly did not very well know what to say. He looked rather doubtingly--rather confused; said something about "honour,"--glanced at Emma and at Harriet, and then seeing the book open on the table, took it up, and examined it very attentively. With the view of passing off an awkward moment, Emma smilingly said, "You must make my apologies to your friend; but so good a charade must not be confined to one or two. He may be sure of every woman's approbation while he writes with such gallantry." "I have no hesitation in saying," replied Mr. Elton, though hesitating a good deal while he spoke; "I have no hesitation in saying--at least if my friend feels at all as I do--I have not the smallest doubt that, could he see his little effusion honoured as I see it, (looking at the book again, and replacing it on the table), he would consider it as the proudest moment of his life." After this speech he was gone as soon as possible. Emma could not think it too soon; for with all his good and 51

rs. Aa c fugi i ea ca s poat rde n voie, lsnd-o pe Harriet s guste sublimul i gingia plcerii acelei clipe. CAPITOLUL X DEI ERA MIJLOCUL LUI DECEMBRIE, vremea nu fusese att de urt nct s le mpiedice pe tinerele domnioare s ias la plimbare n fiecare zi. n dimineaa urmtoare, Emma trebuia s fac o vizit unei familii srace, cu copii bolnavi, care locuia nu departe de Highbury. Drumul ctre aceast cas izolat trecea pe aleea casei parohiale, o alee care pornea n unghi drept din ulia principal a satului, larg, dei cam neregulat; i cum se poate presupune, aici se afla i binecuvntatul lca al domnului Elton. Trecur pe lng cteva case mici, apoi ddur cu ochii de casa parohial, cam veche i nu prea artoas i aezat mult prea aproape de drum. Nu avea o poziie prea avantajoas, dar fusese nfrumuseat de actualul proprietar; i oricum ar fi fost, cele dou prietene nu puteau s treac pe lng ea fr a ncetini pasul i fr a-i ascui privirile. Emma observ: Iat, acolo te vei muta, tu i albumul tu cu ghicitori, mine, poimine. Iar Harriet: O, ce cas drgu, ce frumos! Uite perdelele galbene care i plac att de mult domnioarei Nash! Nu prea merg pe drumul sta acum, dar atunci voi fi mereu atras ncoace i mi vor deveni foarte familiare toate gardurile, porile, blile i pomii din partea asta a satului. Harriet, dup cte se prea, nu intrase niciodat n casa parohial i era extrem de curioas s vad ce se ascundea n dosul acelor perei. Emma socotea c asta e o dovad de dragoste la fel de gritoare ca i faptul c domnul Elton gsea c Harriet are un spirit ascuit. Tare-a vrea s intrm, zise Emma, dar nu pot gsi nici un pretext, nu e nici o servitoare pe care a putea s-o ntreb despre menajera lui, nu am nici un mesaj de la tata. Se mai gndi puin, dar tot degeaba. Dup cteva minute de tcere, Harriet rencepu discuia, astfel: Vai, domnioar Woodhouse, m tot ntreb, cum, dumneavoastr, care suntei att de frumoas, nu v-ai mritat, .sau cel puin nu v-ai logodit. Emma rse i rspunse: Faptul c sunt frumoas, Harriet, nu e de ajuns s m fac s vreau s m mrit. Trebuie s gsesc frumuseea la alii, sau cel puin la nc o persoan. i nu numai c nu m voi mrita curnd, dar chiar am de gnd s nu m mrit deloc. Ah, aa spunei dumneavoastr, dar eu nu pot s cred. Ar trebui s gsesc pe cineva superior tuturor celor pe care i cunosc, pentru a m lsa ispitit. Domnul

agreeable qualities, there was a sort of parade in his speeches which was very apt to incline her to laugh. She ran away to indulge the inclination, leaving the tender and the sublime of pleasure to Harriet's share. Though now the middle of December, there had yet been no weather to prevent the young ladies from tolerably regular exercise; and on the morrow, Emma had a charitable visit to pay to a poor sick family, who lived a little way out of Highbury. Their road to this detached cottage was down Vicarage Lane, a lane leading at right angles from the broad, though irregular, main street of the place; and, as may be inferred, containing the blessed abode of Mr. Elton. A few inferior dwellings were first to be passed, and then, about a quarter of a mile down the lane rose the Vicarage, an old and not very good house, almost as close to the road as it could be. It had no advantage of situation; but had been very much smartened up by the present proprietor; and, such as it was, there could be no possibility of the two friends passing it without a slackened pace and observing eyes.--Emma's remark was-"There it is. There go you and your riddle-book one of these days."-- Harriet's was-"Oh, what a sweet house!--How very beautiful!--There are the yellow curtains that Miss Nash admires so much." "I do not often walk this way now," said Emma, as they proceeded, "but then there will be an inducement, and I shall gradually get intimately acquainted with all the hedges, gates, pools and pollards of this part of Highbury." Harriet, she found, had never in her life been within side 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. "I wish we could contrive it," said she; "but I cannot think of any tolerable pretence for going in;--no servant that I want to inquire about of his housekeeper--no message from my father." She pondered, but could think of nothing. After a mutual silence of some minutes, Harriet thus began again-"I do so wonder, Miss Woodhouse, that you should not be married, or going to be married! so charming as you are!"-Emma laughed, and replied, "My being charming, Harriet, is not quite enough to induce me to marry; I must find other people charming--one other person at least. And I am not only, not going to be married, at present, but have very little intention of ever marrying at all." "Ah!--so you say; but I cannot believe it." "I must see somebody very superior to any one I have seen yet, to be tempted; Mr. Elton, you know, (recollecting herself,) is out of the question: and I do not 52

Elton, dup cum tii (regsindu-se), nu intr n discuie; nici nu a vrea s gsesc un asemenea brbat. Prefer s nu fiu ispitit. Realmente, nu pot gsi o situaie mai bun dect a mea. Dac m-a mrita, a regreta probabil. Doamne, ce ciudat s auzi o femeie vorbind astfel! N-am nici unul din motivele care le fac pe femei s doreasc mritiul. Dac m-a ndrgosti, ei, da, ar fi altceva. Dar nu m-am ndrgostit niciodat, probabil nu e felul meu, nu-mi st n fire. i nu cred c m voi ndrgosti vreodat. i fr dragoste, ar fi o prostie s renun la o situaie ca a mea. De avere nu am nevoie, de slujb nu am nevoie, de poziie social nici att! Cred c puine femei mritate sunt att de stpne pe casa soilor lor cum sunt eu la Hartfield i nu m pot atepta c voi fi iubit i preuit mai mult n alt parte, c voi gsi un brbat care s m aprobe ntotdeauna i s m rsfee ca tata. Atunci, vrei s rmnei fat btrn ca domnioara Bates! Asta e cea mai nstrunic idee care putea s-i treac prin cap. Dac a ti c am s ajung aa de proast, mulumit, zmbitoare, plicticoas, fr discernmnt i gata s accept orice, s duc vorba de colo-colo, m-a mrita chiar mine. Dar, ntre noi fie vorba, sunt convins c nu ne vom asemna niciodat, dect prin aceea c suntem nemritate. Totui, o s fii fat btrn, i asta e groaznic! N-are importan, Harriet. N-o s fiu o fat btrn srac i s tii c numai srcia le face de dispreuit pe fetele btrne n ochii lumii. O femeie nemritat, cu bani puini, poate deveni o fat btrn ridicol, foarte antipatic, btaia de joc a copiilor; dar o femeie nemritat cu ceva avere va fi oricnd respectat i poate s fie la fel de inteligent i plcut ca oricare alta. Deosebirea o fac i oamenii cei mai nevinovai .i de bun sim, dei nu s-ar prea, la prima vedere. Un venit mic i ncrete sufletul i te face s ai o fire nesuferit. Acelea care abia au din ce tri i care triesc printre oameni care ,le sunt inferiori pot foarte bine s devin ciclitoare i afurisite. Totui, n-a putea spune asta despre domnioara Bates. Nu este pe gustul meu, pentru c are un suflet prea bun i e prea prostu, dar n general se mpac bine cu toat lumea, dei e nemritat i srac. Srcia, sunt sigur, nu i-a ngustat mintea. Cred c dac ar avea numai un shiling pe lume, ar da cu plcere jumtate din el. i nu-i e nimnui fric de ea, atrage pe toat lumea. Doamne! Dar ce o s facei ? Cum v vei petrece timpul la btrnee ? Dac m cunosc eu bine, drag Harriet, am o minte activ, plin de idei noi, i nu vd de ce la patruzeci sau cincizeci de ani nu a avea aceleai ocupaii ca la douzeci i unu. Voi avea toate perspectivele pe care le au n general femeile, de a-i ocupa ochii, minile, mintea, exact ca acum, sau cu mici deosebiri. Dac desenez mai puin, citesc mai mult, dac m ocup mai puin de muzic,

wish to see any such person. I would rather not be tempted. I cannot really change for the better. If I were to marry, I must expect to repent it." "Dear me!--it is so odd to hear a woman talk so!"-"I have none of the usual inducements of women to marry. Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing! but I never have been in love; it is not my way, or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall. And, without love, I am sure I should be a fool to change such a situation as mine. Fortune I do not want; employment I do not want; consequence I do not want: I believe few married women are half as much mistress of their husband's house as I am of Hartfield; and never, never could I expect to be so truly beloved and important; so always first and always right in any man's eyes as I am in my father's." "But then, to be an old maid at last, like Miss Bates!" "That is as formidable an image as you could present, Harriet; and if I thought I should ever be like Miss Bates! so silly--so satisfied-- so smiling--so prosing--so undistinguishing and unfastidious-- and so apt to tell every thing relative to every body about me, I would marry to-morrow. But between us, I am convinced there never can be any likeness, except in being unmarried." "But still, you will be an old maid! and that's so dreadful!" "Never mind, Harriet, I shall not be a poor old maid; and it is poverty only which makes celibacy contemptible to a generous public! A single woman, with a very narrow income, must be a ridiculous, disagreeable old maid! the proper sport of boys and girls, but a single woman, of good fortune, is always respectable, and may be as sensible and pleasant as any body else. And the distinction is not quite so much against the candour and common sense of the world as appears at first; for a very narrow income has a tendency to contract the mind, and sour the temper. Those who can barely live, and who live perforce in a very small, and generally very inferior, society, may well be illiberal and cross. This does not apply, however, to Miss Bates; she is only too good natured and too silly to suit me; but, in general, she is very much to the taste of every body, though single and though poor. Poverty certainly has not contracted her mind: I really believe, if she had only a shilling in the world, she would be very likely to give away sixpence of it; and nobody is afraid of her: that is a great charm." "Dear me! but what shall you do? how shall you employ yourself when you grow old?" "If I know myself, Harriet, mine is an active, busy mind, with a great many independent resources; and I do not perceive why I should be more in want of employment at forty or fifty than one-and-twenty. Woman's usual occupations of hand and mind will be as open to me then as they are now; or with no important variation. If I draw less, I shall read more; if I give up music, I shall take to carpet-work. And as for objects of 53

iau n mn o custur. Ct privete interesul i afeciunea, a cror lips le pune n inferioritate pe femeile nemritate i e cu adevrat cel mai mare ru, voi avea cui s le dedic, copiilor surorii mele, pe care i iubesc att de mult. Cred c-mi vor oferi toate bucuriile de care are nevoie o femeie care mbtrnete. Voi avea destule sperane i destule griji i dei nu-l voi iubi pe nici unul exact ca o mam cred c e mai bine aa, fr prea mult cldur i orbire. Nepoii i nepoatele mele! O s invit des cte o nepoat pe aici. O tii pe nepoata domnioarei Bates ? Adic, tiu c trebuie s-o fi vzut, dar v cunoatei ? O, da, suntem ntotdeauna obligate s ne cunoatem, ori de cte ori vine la Highbury. Apropo, povestea asta e de ajuns s te vindece de a te mai luda cu o nepoat! Fereasc Dumnezeu s-ajung s plictisesc oamenii vorbind despre toi nepoii mei la un loc jumtate din ct vorbete ea despre Jane Fairfax. i-e grea numai la numele de Jane Fairfax. Fiecare scrisoare a ei e citit de cel puin patruzeci de ori, complimentele pe care le transmite prietenilor fac de trei patru ori ocolul satului i dac i trimite mtui-si un tipar de burtier sau tricoteaz o pereche de jartiere pentru bunic-sa nu se mai vorbete despre nimic altceva, timp de o lun. i vreau numai binele Janei Fairfax, dar m plictisete de moarte. Se apropiau acum de casa oamenilor la care se duceau i trebuir s pun capt flecrelii. Emma era foarte miloas i necazurile sracilor gseau la ea o alinare, o vorb bun, un sfat dat cu rbdare i oricnd, bani, oferii cu generozitate. i nelegea foarte bine, nu avea idei romantice despre virtutea acelora care nu putuser beneficia de educaie, srea s-i ajute la necaz, cu mult bunvoin i cu nelepciune. n cazul de fa, boala i srcia mergeau mpreun i, dup ce zbovi destul pentru a-i uura i a le da sfaturi, plec din cas att de micat de ceea ce vzuse, nct i spuse Harrietei: E bine, Harriet, s vezi din cnd n cnd aa ceva. Toate celelalte lucruri ncep s par nite fleacuri. Acum, am impresia c nu m voi gndi dect la aceti biei oameni, toat ziua. i, totui, cine tie ct de repede mi vor pieri din minte ? Foarte adevrat. Bieii oameni! Nu te poi gndi la nimic altceva! i, zu, nu cred c-i voi uita repede, zise Emma, trecnd peste gardul scund i scria care era la captul potecii nguste i alunecoase ducnd din grdin spre uli. Nu cred c voi uita, zise, oprindu-se s se mai uite o dat la mizeria care nconjura locul i s-i aminteasc mizeria i mai mare dinuntru.

interest, objects for the affections, which is in truth the great point of inferiority, the want of which is really the great evil to be avoided in not marrying, I shall be very well off, with all the children of a sister I love so much, to care about. There will be enough of them, in all probability, to supply every sort of sensation that declining life can need. There will be enough for every hope and every fear; and though my attachment to none can equal that of a parent, it suits my ideas of comfort better than what is warmer and blinder. My nephews and nieces!--I shall often have a niece with me." "Do you know Miss Bates's niece? That is, I know you must have seen her a hundred times--but are you acquainted?" "Oh! yes; we are always forced to be acquainted whenever she comes to Highbury. By the bye, that is almost enough to put one out of conceit with a niece. Heaven forbid! at least, that I should ever bore people half so much about all the Knightleys together, as she does about Jane Fairfax. One is sick of the very name of Jane Fairfax. Every letter from her is read forty times over; her compliments to all friends go round and round again; and if she does but send her aunt the pattern of a stomacher, or knit a pair of garters for her grandmother, one hears of nothing else for a month. I wish Jane Fairfax very well; but she tires me to death." They were now approaching the cottage, and all idle topics were superseded. Emma was very compassionate; and the distresses of the poor were as sure of relief from her personal attention and kindness, her counsel and her patience, as from her purse. She understood their ways, could allow for their ignorance and their temptations, had no romantic expectations of extraordinary virtue from those for whom education had done so little; entered into their troubles with ready sympathy, and always gave her assistance with as much intelligence as good-will. In the present instance, it was sickness and poverty together which she came to visit; and after remaining there as long as she could give comfort or advice, she quitted the cottage with such an impression of the scene as made her say to Harriet, as they walked away, "These are the sights, Harriet, to do one good. How trifling they make every thing else appear!--I feel now as if I could think of nothing but these poor creatures all the rest of the day; and yet, who can say how soon it may all vanish from my mind?" "Very true," said Harriet. "Poor creatures! one can think of nothing else." "And really, I do not think the impression will soon be over," said Emma, as she crossed the low hedge, and tottering footstep which ended the narrow, slippery path through the cottage garden, and brought them into the lane again. "I do not think it will," stopping to look once more at all the outward wretchedness of the place, and recall the still greater within. 54

 O, Doamne, nu, zise tovara ei de drum. Merser mai departe. Ulia cotea puin i cnd trecur de cotitur, domnul Elton apru n faa lor i att de aproape nct Emma abia avu timp s spun: Ah, Harriet, iat ceva care o s ne pun la ncercare dorina de a ne gndi la binele altora; (zmbind) cred c, la urma urmei, dac i-a alinat pe cei n suferin, caritatea i-a fcut datoria. Dac sentimentele noastre fa de cei oropsii se manifest prin a face tot ceea ce putem pentru ei, restul e romantism curat i nu mai are rost. Harriet avu numai timpul s rspund: O, Doamne, da, i tnrul era deja lng ele. Totui, nevoile i suferinele bieilor oameni fur primul subiect de conversaie. i el dorise s-i viziteze. Dar acum i va amna vizita. Avur totui un schimb de preri cu privire la ce se putea face i ce trebuia fcut. Apoi, domnul Elton se ntoarse din drum pentru a le conduce. S se ntlneasc pe acelai drum, venind n ajutorul sracilor ? Asta va face s creasc iubirea amndorura. Nu m-a mira dac ar provoca o declaraie. Aa ar trebui, dac n-a fi eu de fa. Tare-a vrea s fiu acum n alt parte." Dornic s se ndeprteze ct mai mult de ei, o lu pe o potec urcnd ceva mai sus de drum i lsndu-i singuri pe ulia principal. Dar nu trecuser dou minute, c obinuina Harrietei de a fi dependent i de a imita o fcu s urce i ea, i n curnd cei doi erau n spatele Emmei. Asta era prea de tot; se opri imediat, prefcnduse c are ceva de fcut la iretul ghetei i aplecndu-se ocup toat poteca i-i rug s mearg mai departe. Numai un minut i va veni i ea. Fcur ce li se ceruse, i n momentul cnd i spunea c se ocupase destul timp de gheat gsi fericitul prilej s mai fie reinut de una din fetiele familiei pe care tocmai o vizitase. Fetia pornise cu ulcica ei s ia nite ciorb de la Hartfield, iar Emma era de-a dreptul ncntat: era ct se poate de firesc s mearg cu fetia i s vorbeasc, s-i pun ntrebri, sau, ar fi fost ct se poate de firesc dac ea nu ar fi avut nici un gnd ascuns, n felul acesta, cei doi puteau s nainteze fr a fi obligai s o atepte. Totui, i ajunse din urm, fr s vrea, pentru c fetia mergea repede, iar ei destul de ncet i ea fu cu att mai ngrijorat cu ct prea a-i fi ntrerupt dintr-o conversaie care-i interesa pe amndoi. Domnul Elton vorbea plin de nsufleire, iar Harriet asculta cu plcere i atenie, iar Emma, care o lsase pe feti s mearg nainte, se ntreba cum s fac s-i mai lase singuri, cnd amndoi se uitar napoi s vad ce e cu ea, i fu nevoit s li se alture. Domnul Elton mai vorbea nc, prins n nite amnunte interesante, i se simi cam dezamgit cnd vzu c i povestea frumoasei lui nsoitoare despre petrecerea de la

"Oh! dear, no," said her companion. They walked on. 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. Well, (smiling,) I hope it may be allowed that if compassion has produced exertion and relief to the sufferers, it has done all that is truly important. If we feel for the wretched, enough to do all we can for them, the rest is empty sympathy, only distressing to ourselves." Harriet could just answer, "Oh! dear, yes," before the gentleman joined them. The wants and sufferings of the poor family, however, were the first subject on meeting. He had been going to call on them. His visit he would now defer; but they had a very interesting parley about what could be done and should be done. Mr. Elton then turned back to accompany them. "To fall in with each other on such an errand as this," thought Emma; "to meet in a charitable scheme; this will bring a great increase of love on each side. I should not wonder if it were to bring on the declaration. It must, if I were not here. I wish I were anywhere else." Anxious to separate herself from them as far as she could, she soon afterwards took possession of a narrow footpath, a little raised on one side of the lane, leaving them together in the main road. But she had not been there two minutes when she found that Harriet's habits of dependence and imitation were bringing her up too, and that, in short, they would both be soon after her. This would not do; she immediately stopped, under pretence of having some alteration to make in the lacing of her half-boot, and stooping down in complete occupation of the footpath, begged them to have the goodness to walk on, and she would follow in half a minute. They did as they were desired; and by the time she judged it reasonable to have done with her boot, she had the comfort of farther delay in her power, being overtaken by a child from the cottage, setting out, according to orders, with her pitcher, to fetch broth from Hartfield. To walk by the side of this child, and talk to and question her, was the most natural thing in the world, or would have been the most natural, had she been acting just then without design; and by this means the others were still able to keep ahead, without any obligation of waiting for her. She gained on them, however, involuntarily: the child's pace was quick, and theirs rather slow; and she was the more concerned at it, from their being evidently in a conversation which interested them. Mr. Elton was speaking with animation, Harriet listening with a very pleased attention; and Emma, having sent the child on, was beginning to think how she might draw back a little more, when they both looked around, and she was obliged to join them. Mr. Elton was still talking, still engaged in some interesting detail; and Emma experienced some

55

prietenul su Cole i c nu va scpa nici ea de brnza de Stilton, untul, elina, sfecla i tot desertul care fuseser servite la sus amintita petrecere.

disappointment when she found that he was only giving his fair companion an account of the yesterday's party at his friend Cole's, and that she was come in herself for the Stilton cheese, the north Wiltshire, the butter, the Asta ar fi dus la ceva mai mult, desigur, se consol ea, cellery, the beet-root, and all the dessert. orice poate fi un punct de interes pentru doi "This would soon have led to something better, of course," ndrgostii i orice poate servi drept introducere la ceva was her consoling reflection; "any thing interests mai aproape de inim. Dac-a fi putut s-i las mai mult between those who love; and any thing will serve as singuri!" introduction to what is near the heart. If I could but have kept longer away!" Mergeau acum cu toii linitii, apropiindu-se de casa They now walked on together quietly, till within view of the parohial, cnd Emma fu cuprins brusc de hotrrea ca vicarage pales, when a sudden resolution, of at cel puin s-i dea Harrietei ocazia s intre, drept care gsi least getting Harriet into the house, made her again find din nou ceva de fcut la ghea i rmase n urm s-o something very much amiss about her boot, and fall aranjeze. Apoi rupse iretul i, dnd dovad de o mare behind to arrange it once more. She then broke the lace off pricepere, l arunc n an. i rug s se opreasc i short, and dexterously throwing it into a ditch, was anun c nu poate s fac nimic pentru a fi n stare s presently obliged to entreat them to stop, and mearg mai departe fr dificultate. acknowledged her inability to put herself to rights so as to be Mi s-a rupt iretul, zise ea, i nu tiu cum o s m able to walk home in tolerable comfort. descurc. Sunt un tovar de drum cam neplcut pentru voi "Part of my lace is gone," said she, "and I do not know how I doi, dar sper c nu voi fi totdeauna att de prost echipat. am to contrive. I really am a most troublesome Domnule Elton, m vd nevoit s v cer permisiunea companion to you both, but I hope I am not often so ills ne oprim la dumneavoastr acas i s-o rugm pe equipped. Mr. Elton, I must beg leave to stop at your menajer, poate are o bucat de panglic sau sfoar, orice, house, and ask your housekeeper for a bit of ribband or s-mi leg gheata! string, or any thing just to keep my boot on." Domnul Elton ncepu s radieze de fericire cnd auzi Mr. Elton looked all happiness at this proposition; and aceast propunere i nimeni nu l-ar fi putut ntrece n nothing could exceed his alertness and attention in atenia i solicitudinea cu care le conduse n cas, fcnd conducting them into his house and endeavouring to make totul ca ele s se simt bine. Camera n care intrar era every thing appear to advantage. The room they cea n care sttea el majoritatea timpului i avea ferestrele were taken into was the one he chiefly occupied, and spre strad; n spatele ei, mai era o camer cu care looking forwards; behind it was another with which it comunica. Ua dintre ele era deschis i Emma intr acolo immediately communicated; the door between them was cu menajera pentru a se ocupa amndou de gheat. open, and Emma passed into it with the housekeeper Trebuia s lase ua ntredeschis, aa cum o gsise, dar ar to receive her assistance in the most comfortable manner. fi vrut din toat inima ca domnul Elton s-o nchid. She was obliged to leave the door ajar as she found Dar domnul Elton n-o nchise i rmase aa. Spera ns c, it; but she fully intended that Mr. Elton should close it. It was fcnd-o pe menajer s vorbeasc mereu, s-i ofere not closed, however, it still remained ajar; but lui condiiile de a trece la subiect n camera de alturi. by engaging the housekeeper in incessant conversation, she Zece minute n ir nu se auzi dect vocea ei. Nu putea pre- hoped to make it practicable for him to chuse his lungi povestea asta la infinit i fu nevoit s termine cu own subject in the adjoining room. For ten minutes she gheata i s-i fac apariia. could hear nothing but herself. It could be protracted no longer. She was then obliged to be finished, and make ndrgostiii stteau mpreun la una din ferestre. her appearance. Aparenele erau destul de ncurajatoare i Emma simi The lovers were standing together at one of the windows. It satisfacia de a fi complotat cu succes. Dar nu fusese de had a most favourable aspect; and, for half a ajuns, nu-i fcuse declaraia. Fusese foarte drgu, minute, Emma felt the glory of having schemed successfully. ncnttor. But it would not do; he had not come to the i spusese Harrietei c le vzuse trecnd i le urmase point. He had been most agreeable, most delightful; he had dinadins; lsase s-i scape i alte aluzii, dar nu told Harriet that he had seen them go by, and had spusese nimic serios. purposely followed them; other little gallantries and E prudent, foarte prudent, gndi Emma. nainteaz pas cu allusions had been dropt, but nothing serious. pas i nu risc nimic pn nu e "Cautious, very cautious," thought Emma; "he advances inch sigur." by inch, and will hazard nothing till he believes Totui, dei nu reuise cu totul prin stratagema ei himself secure." ingenioas, nu putea dect s-i aduc laude pentru c le Still, however, though every thing had not been 56

dduse celor doi prilejul s se bucure i asta va conduce la marele eveniment.

accomplished by her ingenious device, she could not but flatter herself that it had been the occasion of much present enjoyment to both, and must be leading them CAPITOLUL XI forward to the great event. DE ACUM, EMMA TREBUIA SA-L LASE PE domnul Elton s Mr. Elton must now be left to himself. It was no longer in se descurce singur. Nu mai sttea n puterile Emma's power to superintend his happiness or ei s aib grij de fericirea lui i s vin n ntmpinarea quicken his measures. The coming of her sister's family was aciunilor sale. Sosirea familiei surorii ei era att de so very near at hand, that first in anticipation, and apropiat, nct pregtirile i vizita propriu-zis deveniser then in reality, it became henceforth her prime object of obiectul principal al interesului ei; i n timpul celor interest; and during the ten days of their stay at zece zile ale ederii lor la Hartfield, nimeni nu s-ar fi Hartfield it was not to be expected--she did not herself ateptat dealtfel nici ea nu se atepta s-i poat expect-- that any thing beyond occasional, fortuitous permite mai mult dect s-i ncurajeze din cnd n cnd, i assistance could be afforded by her to the lovers. They might numai dac se va ivi ocazia, pe cei doi ndrgostii. advance rapidly if they would, however; they Puteau s nainteze rapid dac voiau, trebuiau s must advance somehow or other whether they would or no. nainteze ntr-un fel sau altul, fie c voiau, fie c nu. Nici She hardly wished to have more leisure for them. nu-i dorea s aib prea mult rgaz pentru ei. Sunt unii There are people, who the more you do for them, the less oameni care dac sunt prea mult ajutai nu se mai they will do for themselves. ostenesc deloc pentru propriul lor interes. Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley, from having been longer than Domnul i doamna John Knightley, pentru c lipsiser mai usual absent from Surry, were exciting of course mult din Surrey dect de obicei, o interesau n cel rather more than the usual interest. Till this year, every long mai nalt grad. Pn anul acesta, toate vacanele lungi i le vacation since their marriage had been divided mpreau ntre Hartfield i Donwell Abbey, dar n between Hartfield and Donwell Abbey; but all the holidays toamna aceasta i petrecuser toat vacana la mare, cu of this autumn had been given to sea-bathing for copiii, aa c trecuse mult timp de cnd nu-i vizitaser the children, and it was therefore many months since they rudele din Surrey i domnul Woodhouse nu-i vzuse chiar had been seen in a regular way by their Surry deloc, pentru c nimeni nu-l putea hotr s mearg connexions, or seen at all by Mr. Woodhouse, who could not pn la Londra nici mcar de dragul bietei Isabella". Din be induced to get so far as London, even for aceast cauz, el era acum cel mai fericit i mai poor Isabella's sake; and who consequently was now most emoionat n ateptarea acestei mult prea scurte vizite. nervously and apprehensively happy in forestalling Era extrem de ngrijorat de greutile cltoriei pentru this too short visit. fiica sa i cu att mai mult de oboseala propriilor si cai He thought much of the evils of the journey for her, and not i a vizitiului, care urmau s aduc pe civa dintre ei pe o a little of the fatigues of his own horses and poriune din drum. coachman who were to bring some of the party the last half Dar nu avea de ce s se team, cele of the way; but his alarms were needless; the aisprezece mile fur strbtute cu bine i doamna i sixteen miles being happily accomplished, and Mr. and Mrs. domnul John Knightley cu cei cinci copii ai lor i un numr John Knightley, their five children, and a corespunztor de doici competente sosir sntoi la competent number of nursery-maids, all reaching Hartfield Hartfield. in safety. The bustle and joy of such an arrival, the nvlmeala i bucuria care deveneau inevitabile cnd many to be talked to, welcomed, encouraged, and variously soseau att de muli oaspei, crora trebuia s li se dispersed and disposed of, produced a noise and vorbeasc, s li se ureze bun venit, s li se dea curaj i un confusion which his nerves could not have borne under any loc pentru a-i lsa bagajele, produceau atta zgomot i other cause, nor have endured much longer even zpceal c nervii si nu ar fi suportat aa ceva sub nici un for this; but the ways of Hartfield and the feelings of her alt motiv, i nici pentru acesta nu puteau rezista prea father were so respected by Mrs. John Knightley, that mult; dar rnduielile de la Hartfield i sentimentele tatlui in spite of maternal solicitude for the immediate enjoyment ei erau respectate cu atta sfinenie de doamna John of her little ones, and for their having instantly all Knightley, nct, n ciuda grijii de mam pentru micuii ei, the liberty and attendance, all the eating and drinking, and care trebuiau s se bucure de tot confortul, libertatea sleeping and playing, which they could possibly i atenia celor din jur, s mnnce, s bea, s se joace sau wish for, without the smallest delay, the children were never s doarm, dup cum i doreau, fr cea mai mic allowed to be long a disturbance to him, either in ntrziere, copiilor nu li se ddea voie s-l deranjeze prea themselves or in any restless attendance on them. mult vreme prin prezena lor sau prin atenia pe care iMrs. John Knightley was a pretty, elegant little woman, of o solicitau. gentle, quiet manners, and a disposition remarkably Doamna John Knightley era o femeie drgu i distins, amiable and affectionate; wrapt up in her family; a devoted care se purta cu blndee i calm, atrgea simpatia wife, a doating mother, and so tenderly attached to 57

tuturor i o oferea tuturor pe a sa. Era cu totul absorbit de viaa ei de familie, soie devotat i mam afectuoas. i iubea tatl i sora cu atta cldur nct numai dragostea pentru soul ei putea fi socotit mai fierbinte. Nu era o femeie deosebit de inteligent sau plin de spontaneitate i, pentru c-i semna tatlui ei, i motenise i constituia slab. Avea o sntate fragil i era din caleafar de grijulie cu copiii, ii era team s nu se mbolnveasc i l aprecia pe domnul Wingfield al ei din ora tot att de mult ct l aprecia tatl ei pe domnul Perry. Semnau i prin bunvoina general i stima pentru orice veche cunotin. Domnul John Knightley era un brbat nalt, cu alur de gentleman, i foarte detept, cu perspective n carier. Era un om respectabil i bun gospodar, dar se purta cu oarecare rezerv, ceea ce fcea s nu fie chiar pe placul tuturor i uneori putea s-i ias din fire. Nu era un om fnos i nu se supra des i din nimic pentru a merita un atare repro, dar nu avea o fire din cele mai blnde. i, cu o asemenea soie, care l adora, era imposibil ca un cusur de acest fel s nu se accentueze. Blndeea ei exagerat l scotea din fire. Dispunea de toat claritatea i repeziciunea minii care i lipseau ei i putea uneori s o jigneasc cu o vorb sau un gest pripit. Nu fcea parte dintre favoriii frumoasei sale cumnate. Ei nu-i scpa nici un defect al lui. Ea nelegea repede jignirile aduse Isabellei, pe care aceasta le trecea cu vederea. Poate c i Emma i-ar fi trecut cu vederea mai multe dac s-ar fi purtat mai curtenitor cu ea, dar el se purta numai ca un frate i un prieten amabil, fr s o laude i fr s fie orb la scderile ei. Dar, oricte complimente i-ar fi fcut, Emma tot nu i-ar fi iertat cusurul cel mai mare pe care l avea n ochii ei, acela c uneori nu ddea dovad de respect i rbdare fa de domnul Woodhouse. n aceast privin nu era deloc la nlime. Ciudeniile domnului Woodhouse, agitaia sa continu i provocau cteodat un protest sau un rspuns zeflemisitor, ambele ct se poate de prost venite. Asta nu se ntmpla totui prea des, pentru c domnul John Knightley avea mult stim pentru socrul su i tia foarte bine ce i se cuvine. Dar, dup prerea Emmei, era prea des, mai ales c ea simea i era lovit de o jignire chiar dac aceasta nu era rostit. Totui, la nceputul fiecrei vizite, lucrurile se desfurau destul de bine i, cum de data asta timpul era foarte scurt, puteau spera c totul va decurge n cea mai perfect armonie. De abia se aezaser i se linitiser puin, c domnul Woodhouse, cltinndu-i capul melancolic i oftnd, atrase atenia fiicei sale asupra tristei schimbri care survenise la Hartfield de cnd fusese ea ultima oar acolo. Ah, draga mea, zise el. Biata domnioar Taylor! Trist ntmplare! Ah, da, tat, strig ea, gata s-l comptimeasc. Probabil c-i duci lipsa! i Emma! Ce pierdere groaznic

her father and sister that, but for these higher ties, a warmer love might have seemed impossible. She could never see a fault in any of them. She was not a woman of strong understanding or any quickness; and with this resemblance of her father, she inherited also much of his constitution; was delicate in her own health, over-careful of that of her children, had many fears and many nerves, and was as fond of her own Mr. Wingfield in town as her father could be of Mr. Perry. They were alike too, in a general benevolence of temper, and a strong habit of regard for every old acquaintance. Mr. John Knightley was a tall, gentleman-like, and very clever man; rising in his profession, domestic, and respectable in his private character; but with reserved manners which prevented his being generally pleasing; and capable of being sometimes out of humour. He was not an ill-tempered man, not so often unreasonably cross as to deserve such a reproach; but his temper was not his great perfection; and, indeed, with such a worshipping wife, it was hardly possible that any natural defects in it should not be increased. The extreme sweetness of her temper must hurt his. He had all the clearness and quickness of mind which she wanted, and he could sometimes act an ungracious, or say a severe thing. He was not a great favourite with his fair sister-in-law. Nothing wrong in him escaped her. She was quick in feeling the little injuries to Isabella, which Isabella never felt herself. Perhaps she might have passed over more had his manners been flattering to Isabella's sister, but they were only those of a calmly kind brother and friend, without praise and without blindness; but hardly any degree of personal compliment could have made her regardless of that greatest fault of all in her eyes which he sometimes fell into, the want of respectful forbearance towards her father. There he had not always the patience that could have been wished. Mr. Woodhouse's peculiarities and fidgetiness were sometimes provoking him to a rational remonstrance or sharp retort equally ill-bestowed. It did not often happen; for Mr. John Knightley had really a great regard for his father-in-law, and generally a strong sense of what was due to him; but it was too often for Emma's charity, especially as there was all the pain of apprehension frequently to be endured, though the offence came not. The beginning, however, of every visit displayed none but the properest feelings, and this being of necessity so short might be hoped to pass away in unsullied cordiality. They had not been long seated and composed when Mr. Woodhouse, with a melancholy shake of the head and a sigh, called his daughter's attention to the sad change at Hartfield since she had been there last. "Ah, my dear," said he, "poor Miss Taylor--It is a grievous business." "Oh yes, sir," cried she with ready sympathy, "how you must miss her! And dear Emma, too!--What a

58

pentru amndoi. Mi-a prut aa de ru pentru voi. Nu-mi pot nchipui cum v descurcai fr ea. Trist schimbare, ntr-adevr. Dar sper c ei o duc foarte bine, tat! Foarte bine, draga mea, sper c foarte bine. Nu tiu, dar ea pare s se simt bine prin prile acelea. Aici, domnul John Knightley o ntreb ncet pe Emma dac exist vreo ndoial n ce privete aerul de la Randalls. O, nu, nici cea mai mic. N-am vzut-o pe doamna Weston niciodat artnd aa de bine. Tata vorbete de propriile lui regrete. Asta le face cinste la amndoi, rspunse el amabil. i o vedei destul de des, tat ? ntreb Isabella pe un ton plngre, care se potrivea foarte bine cu dispoziia tatlui ei. Domnul Woodhouse ovi. Nu att de des ct a dori, draga mea. Ah, tat, de cnd s-a cstorit a fost o singur zi n care nu i-am vzut. n fiecare zi, n afar de una singur, dimineaa sau dup-amiaza, i-am vzut, fie pe domnul fie pe doamna Weston, dar n general pe amndoi, Isabella, mai mult pe aici. Sunt foarte, foarte drgui i vin mereu. Domnul Weston, zu, e la fel de drgu ca i dnsa. Tat, dac vorbeti cu atta disperare, Isabella o si fac o idee fals despre noi. Toat lumea tie c ducem lipsa domnioarei Taylor, dar toat lumea trebuie s afle c domnul i doamna Weston fac totul ca s ne fac suferina mai uoar, exact aa cum ne ateptam ceea ce e adevrul adevrat. Exact aa cum se cuvine, zise domnul John Knightley, i exact aa cum speram, dup scrisorile tale. Dorina ei de a-i arta atenie nu poate fi pus la ndoial i faptul c el e un brbat amabil i prietenos uureaz mult lucrurile. ntotdeauna i-am spus, iubito, c nu cred ca la Hartfield lucrurile s se fi schimbat aa de mult n ru. Acum, c-i spune i Emma, sper c o s fii mulumit. Ei, da, desigur, zise domnul Woodhouse, da, cu siguran, nu pot s neg c doamna Weston, biata doamn Weston, vine s ne vad destul de des; dar, pe urm, e nevoit s plece din nou. Ar fi foarte greu pentru domnul Weston dac n-ar pleca. Mereu uii de bietul domn Weston. Cred, ntr-adevr, zise domnul John Knightley, amabil, c domnul Weston are unele drepturi. Tu i cu mine, Emma, ne vom lua ndrzneala s fim de partea bietului so. Eu fiind so i tu nefiind soie, drepturile brbatului ne sunt la fel de clare. Ct despre Isabella, e mritat de atta vreme, nct ar fi dispus s se dispenseze de orice domn ct mai mult timp posibil. Eu, dragostea mea ? strig soia sa auzind i nelegnd numai n parte. Vorbeti despre mine ? Sunt sigur c nimeni nu se cade i nu poate s fie mai mare aprtor al csniciei dect mine i dac n-ar fi fost vorba de

dreadful loss to you both!-- I have been so grieved for you.--I could not imagine how you could possibly do without her.--It is a sad change indeed.--But I hope she is pretty well, sir." "Pretty well, my dear--I hope--pretty well.--I do not know but that the place agrees with her tolerably." Mr. John Knightley here asked Emma quietly whether there were any doubts of the air of Randalls. "Oh! no--none in the least. I never saw Mrs. Weston better in my life-- never looking so well. Papa is only speaking his own regret." "Very much to the honour of both," was the handsome reply. "And do you see her, sir, tolerably often?" asked Isabella in the plaintive tone which just suited her father. Mr. Woodhouse hesitated.--"Not near so often, my dear, as I could wish." "Oh! papa, we have missed seeing them but one entire day since they married. Either in the morning or evening of every day, excepting one, have we seen either Mr. Weston or Mrs. Weston, and generally both, either at Randalls or here--and as you may suppose, Isabella, most frequently here. They are very, very kind in their visits. Mr. Weston is really as kind as herself. Papa, if you speak in that melancholy way, you will be giving Isabella a false idea of us all. Every body must be aware that Miss Taylor must be missed, but every body ought also to be assured that Mr. and Mrs. Weston do really prevent our missing her by any means to the extent we ourselves anticipated--which is the exact truth." "Just as it should be," said Mr. John Knightley, "and just as I hoped it was from your letters. Her wish of shewing you attention could not be doubted, and his being a disengaged and social man makes it all easy. I have been always telling you, my love, that I had no idea of the change being so very material to Hartfield as you apprehended; and now you have Emma's account, I hope you will be satisfied." "Why, to be sure," said Mr. Woodhouse--"yes, certainly--I cannot deny that Mrs. Weston, poor Mrs. Weston, does come and see us pretty often-- but then--she is always obliged to go away again." "It would be very hard upon Mr. Weston if she did not, papa.-- You quite forget poor Mr. Weston." "I think, indeed," said John Knightley pleasantly, "that Mr. Weston has some little claim. You and I, Emma, will venture to take the part of the poor husband. I, being a husband, and you not being a wife, the claims of the man may very likely strike us with equal force. As for Isabella, she has been married long enough to see the convenience of putting all the Mr. Westons aside as much as she can." "Me, my love," cried his wife, hearing and understanding only in part.-- "Are you talking about me?--I am sure nobody ought to be, or can be, a greater advocate for matrimony than I am; and if it had not been for the 59

nenorocirea de a fi plecat de la Hartfield a fi socotit-o pe domnioara Taylor cea mai norocoas femeie din lume. i nu vreau s-l nedreptesc pe domnul Weston, cred c merit toate laudele. Cred c este unul din oamenii cei mai de caracter, n afar de tine i de fratele tu, nu tiu pe nimeni s-i fie egal. N-am s uit niciodat cum a nlat zmeul pentru Henry, n fiecare zi cu soare i vnt, anul trecut, de Pate. i mai ales de cnd, n septembrie trecut, a fost aa de bun i mi-a scris special pentru a m asigura c la Cobham nu bntuie scarlatina, am rmas ncredinat c e omul cu inima cea mai bun din ci se afl. Dac l merit vreo femeie, aceea e domnioara Taylor. Dar unde este tnrul, zise domnul John Knightley, a fost de fa la ceremonie sau nu ? N-a sosit nc, rspunse Emma. Am fost aproape siguri c vine dup ceremonie, dar degeaba. i n-am mai auzit vorbindu-se de el n ultima vreme. Dar spune-le despre scrisoare, draga mea, zise tatl ei. I-a scris o scrisoare bietei doamne Weston, s-o felicite, i era o scrisoare foarte cuviincioas, foarte frumoas. Mi-a artat-o. Am gsit c a compus-o foarte bine. Nu tiu dac o fi fost ideea lui, e destul de tnr, i unchiul poate... Drag tat, are douzeci i trei de ani. Uii c timpul zboar! Douzeci i trei! Zu ? Nu mai spune! N-a fi crezut. i n-avea dect doi ani cnd a murit biata maic-sa. Da, timpul zboar, zu aa! i eu am o memorie foarte proast. Totui, era o scrisoare foarte bun, foarte bine scris i le-a fcut mare plcere doamnei i domnului Weston. mi amintesc c era scris din Weymouth, cu data 28 septembrie, i ncepea cu Stimat doamn", dar am uitat restul; i era semnat F.C. Weston Churchill. Asta mi amintesc perfect. Ce drgu i cuviincios din partea lui, strig doamna John Knightley, cu inima ei cea bun. Nu m ndoiesc c e un tnr foarte simpatic. Dar, ce trist, s nu locuiasc n casa tatlui su. E aa de groaznic ca un copil s fie luat din casa prinilor lui! N-am neles niciodat cum s-a putut domnul Weston despri de el. S-i dai copilul! Nu pot s cred c cineva care i cere aa ceva e un om bun. Nimeni nu crede c doamna i domnul Churchill sunt nite oameni buni, observ rece domnul John Knightley. Dar nu trebuie s-i nchipui c domnul Weston s-a simit cum te-ai simi tu dac l-ai da pe Henry sau pe John. Domnul Weston are un caracter mai vesel, ia lucrurile mai uor, le ia aa cum sunt, se bucur de ele ntr-un fel sau altul. i gsete mai degrab plcerile n ceea ce se numete societate, n mncare, n butur i jocul de whist cu vecinii, de cinci ori pe sptmn, dect

misery of her leaving Hartfield, I should never have thought of Miss Taylor but as the most fortunate woman in the world; and as to slighting Mr. Weston, that excellent Mr. Weston, I think there is nothing he does not deserve. I believe he is one of the very best-tempered men that ever existed. Excepting yourself and your brother, I do not know his equal for temper. I shall never forget his flying Henry's kite for him that very windy day last Easter--and ever since his particular kindness last September twelvemonth in writing that note, at twelve o'clock at night, on purpose to assure me that there was no scarlet fever at Cobham, I have been convinced there could not be a more feeling heart nor a better man in existence.--If any body can deserve him, it must be Miss Taylor." "Where is the young man?" said John Knightley. "Has he been here on this occasion--or has he not?" "He has not been here yet," replied Emma. "There was a strong expectation of his coming soon after the marriage, but it ended in nothing; and I have not heard him mentioned lately." "But you should tell them of the letter, my dear," said her father. "He wrote a letter to poor Mrs. Weston, to congratulate her, and a very proper, handsome letter it was. She shewed it to me. I thought it very well done of him indeed. Whether it was his own idea you know, one cannot tell. He is but young, and his uncle, perhaps--" "My dear papa, he is three-and-twenty. You forget how time passes." "Three-and-twenty!--is he indeed?--Well, I could not have thought it-- and he was but two years old when he lost his poor mother! Well, time does fly indeed!--and my memory is very bad. However, it was an exceeding good, pretty letter, and gave Mr. and Mrs. Weston a great deal of pleasure. I remember it was written from Weymouth, and dated Sept. 28th--and began, `My dear Madam,' but I forget how it went on; and it was signed `F. C. Weston Churchill.'-- I remember that perfectly." "How very pleasing and proper of him!" cried the goodhearted Mrs. John Knightley. "I have no doubt of his being a most amiable young man. But how sad it is that he should not live at home with his father! There is something so shocking in a child's being taken away from his parents and natural home! I never could comprehend how Mr. Weston could part with him. To give up one's child! I really never could think well of any body who proposed such a thing to any body else." "Nobody ever did think well of the Churchills, I fancy," observed Mr. John Knightley coolly. "But you need not imagine Mr. Weston to have felt what you would feel in giving up Henry or John. Mr. Weston is rather an easy, cheerful-tempered man, than a man of strong feelings; he takes things as he finds them, and makes enjoyment of them somehow or other, depending, I suspect, much more upon what is called society for his comforts, that is, upon the power of eating and drinking, and 60

n cldura cminului.

Emmei nu putea s-i plac aceast reflecie despre domnul Weston i era pe punctul de a contrazice, dar se stpni i ls totul s treac. Voia s menin pacea, pe ct posibil, i, oricum, obiceiul de a da cea mai mare importan cminului, de a socoti c omul numai acas poate fi fericit era ct se poate de ludabil i-i fcea cinste cumnatului ei. Aici i avea originea dispreul pentru relaiile mondene i pentru cei care le preuiau. Nu era greu s-i acorde iertarea. CAPITOLUL XII DOMNUL KNIGHTLEY URMA SA IA MASA mpreun cu ei, dei mpotriva voinei domnului Woodhouse cruia i plcea ca n prima zi s-o aib pe Isabella numai pentru el. Emma hotrse totui astfel, din spirit de dreptate. Pe lng faptul c se gndise la ce i se cuvine fiecruia dintre frai, mai era i plcerea de a-i procura domnului Knightley invitaia cuvenit, n semn de uitare a discuiei pe care o purtaser n contradictoriu. Spera s devin din nou prieteni, i credea c e timpul s se mpace. Nu putea fi vorba de o mpcare propriuzis. Ea, desigur, nu greise cu nimic, iar el nu-i va recunoate greeala. Nu se punea problema de a face concesii, dar era timpul s arate c a uitat cearta i sper c prietenia lor va renvia, mai ales c, la venirea lui, ea inea n brae pe fetia cea mai mic a Isabelei (care avea numai opt luni i era pentru prima oar n vizit la Hartfield) dansnd i legnnd-o prin camer. Chiar aa se i n-tmpl, cci, dei el ncepu prin a o privi sever i a-i pune ntrebri scurte, curnd ajunse s vorbeasc despre ei toi n mod firesc i lu copilul din braele Emmei, cu toat lipsa de ceremonie a unuia de-ai casei. Emma simea c sunt din nou prieteni i, cum aceast convingere i ddu mai nti satisfacie i apoi ideea de a fi puin obraznic, nu se putu opri de la a zice, n timp ce el admira fetia: Ce bine c avem aceeai prere despre nepoii i nepoatele noastre. Ct privete brbaii i femeile n general, avem cteodat preri diferite, dar n privina copiilor observ c suntem totdeauna de acord. Dac ai gndi firesc, cnd apreciezi brbaii i femeile i nu te-ai lsa trt de fantezie i de capriciu, firesc, aa cum gndeti cnd e vorba de copii, am putea s avem ntotdeauna aceleai preri. n mod sigur, nenelegerile dintre noi se nasc totdeauna din greelile mele. Da, zise el zmbind, i pe bun dreptate. Aveam aisprezece ani cnd te-ai nscut. O diferen substanial, rspunse ea, i, fr ndoial, n acea perioad a vieilor noastre mi erai mult superior, ca nelepciune. Dar, nu cumva, n cursul a

playing whist with his neighbours five times a week, than upon family affection, or any thing that home affords." Emma could not like what bordered on a reflection on Mr. Weston, and had half a mind to take it up; but she struggled, and let it pass. She would keep the peace if possible; and there was something honourable and valuable in the strong domestic habits, the all-sufficiency of home to himself, whence resulted her brother's disposition to look down on the common rate of social intercourse, and those to whom it was important.--It had a high claim to forbearance. Mr. Knightley was to dine with them--rather against the inclination of Mr. Woodhouse, who did not like that any one should share with him in Isabella's first day. Emma's sense of right however had decided it; and besides the consideration of what was due to each brother, she had particular pleasure, from the circumstance of the late disagreement between Mr. Knightley and herself, in procuring him the proper invitation. She hoped they might now become friends again. She thought it was time to make up. Making-up indeed would not do. She certainly had not been in the wrong, and he would never own that he had. Concession must be out of the question; but it was time to appear to forget that they had ever quarrelled; and she hoped it might rather assist the restoration of friendship, that when he came into the room she had one of the children with her--the youngest, a nice little girl about eight months old, who was now making her first visit to Hartfield, and very happy to be danced about in her aunt's arms. It did assist; for though he began with grave looks and short questions, he was soon led on to talk of them all in the usual way, and to take the child out of her arms with all the unceremoniousness of perfect amity. Emma felt they were friends again; and the conviction giving her at first great satisfaction, and then a little sauciness, she could not help saying, as he was admiring the baby, "What a comfort it is, that we think alike about our nephews and nieces. As to men and women, our opinions are sometimes very different; but with regard to these children, I observe we never disagree." "If you were as much guided by nature in your estimate of men and women, and as little under the power of fancy and whim in your dealings with them, as you are where these children are concerned, we might always think alike." "To be sure--our discordancies must always arise from my being in the wrong." "Yes," said he, smiling--"and reason good. I was sixteen years old when you were born." "A material difference then," she replied--"and no doubt you were much my superior in judgment at that period of our lives; but does not the lapse of one-and61

douzeci i unu de ani, minile noastre au devenit ceva mai apropiate ? Da, mult mai apropiate. Totui, nu destul pentru a-mi da mie ansa s am dreptate cnd opiniile noastre difer. Am totui asupra ta avantajul a aisprezece ani n plus de experiena i pe acela c nu sunt o tnr drgu i un copil rsfat. Haide, drag Emma, s fim din nou prieteni i s nu mai vorbim despre asta. Spune-i mtuii tale, micu Emma, s-i dea un exemplu mai bun, s nu mai rennoiasc suprrile i c, dac atunci n-a greit, greete acum. Adevrat, strig ea, foarte adevrat. Micua Emma, atunci cnd te faci mare s fii o femeie mai de treab dect mtua ta. S fii cu mult mai deteapt i cu mult mai puin ncrezut. Acum. domnule Knightley, numai un cuvnt, dou, i am terminat i trebuie s-i spun c argumentele mele nu s-au dovedit a fi nentemeiate, mi place s cred c domnul Martin nu este foarte, foarte ru dezamgit. E ct se poate de dezamgit, sun rspunsul lui scurt. Ah, ntr-adevr ? mi pare foarte ru! Hai s ne dm mna! i strnser minile cu mult cordialitate i imediat dup aceea i fcu apariia domnul John Knightley i formulele: Ce mai faci, George ? Bine, mulumesc, dar tu John ?", se succedar conform manierei britanice, ascunznd sub un calm ce prea indiferent acel real ataament care i-ar fi fcut pe fiecare din ei, dac era cazul, s fac totul pentru binele celuilalt. i petrecur seara n linite, fcnd conversaie, cci domnul Woodhouse refuzase categoric s joace cri, pentru a sta de vorb n pace cu biata lui Isabella i, n mod firesc, se formar dou grupuri: el i fiica lui, de o parte, i cei doi Knightley, de cealalt. Vorbeau de lucruri total diferite i numai rareori se amestecau, iar Emma se altura cnd unui grup, cnd celuilalt. Cei doi frai discutau despre preocuprile i afacerile lor, dar mai mult despre ale celui mai mare, a crui fire era mai comunicativ i care vorbea totdeauna mai mult. Ca magistrat, avea totdeauna cte o problem asupra creia s-l consulte pe John, sau cel puin o ntmplare de povestit, iar ca fermier, pe mna cruia se gseau ferma i casa de la Donwell, trebuia s spun ce va cultiva pe fiecare lot i s dea toate informaiile care nu puteau s nu-l intereseze pe fratele su, cci i el i petrecuse cea mai mare parte a vieii acolo i iubea foarte mult locurile. Planul unui canal de irigaie, schimbarea unui gard, tierea unui pom i cultivarea fiecrui pogon cu gru, ridichi sau porumb aprindeau imaginaia lui John, att ct e posibil pentru un om cu purtri att de rezervate, i dac binevoitorul su frate i mai lsa ceva despre care s ntrebe, ntrebrile lui dovedeau chiar o oarecare curiozitate. n timp ce ei doi erau angajai ntr-o astfel de discuie, domnul Woodhouse era liber s se bucure de o

twenty years bring our understandings a good deal nearer?" "Yes--a good deal nearer." "But still, not near enough to give me a chance of being right, if we think differently." "I have still the advantage of you by sixteen years' experience, and by not being a pretty young woman and a spoiled child. Come, my dear Emma, let us be friends, and say no more about it. Tell your aunt, little Emma, that she ought to set you a better example than to be renewing old grievances, and that if she were not wrong before, she is now." "That's true," she cried--"very true. Little Emma, grow up a better woman than your aunt. Be infinitely cleverer and not half so conceited. Now, Mr. Knightley, a word or two more, and I have done. As far as good intentions went, we were both right, and I must say that no effects on my side of the argument have yet proved wrong. I only want to know that Mr. Martin is not very, very bitterly disappointed." "A man cannot be more so," was his short, full answer. "Ah!--Indeed I am very sorry.--Come, shake hands with me." This had just taken place and with great cordiality, when John Knightley made his appearance, and "How d'ye do, George?" and "John, how are you?" succeeded in the true English style, burying under a calmness that seemed all but indifference, the real attachment which would have led either of them, if requisite, to do every thing for the good of the other. The evening was quiet and conversable, as Mr. Woodhouse declined cards entirely for the sake of comfortable talk with his dear Isabella, and the little party made two natural divisions; on one side he and his daughter; on the other the two Mr. Knightleys; their subjects totally distinct, or very rarely mixing--and Emma only occasionally joining in one or the other. The brothers talked of their own concerns and pursuits, but principally of those of the elder, whose temper was by much the most communicative, and who was always the greater talker. As a magistrate, he had generally some point of law to consult John about, or, at least, some curious anecdote to give; and as a farmer, as keeping in hand the home-farm at Donwell, he had to tell what every field was to bear next year, and to give all such local information as could not fail of being interesting to a brother whose home it had equally been the longest part of his life, and whose attachments were strong. The plan of a drain, the change of a fence, the felling of a tree, and the destination of every acre for wheat, turnips, or spring corn, was entered into with as much equality of interest by John, as his cooler manners rendered possible; and if his willing brother ever left him any thing to inquire about, his inquiries even approached a tone of eagerness. While they were thus comfortably occupied, Mr.

62

adevrat avalan de regrete fericite i afeciune plin de temeri mpreun cu fiica lui. Draga mea Isabella, biata de tine, zise el drgstos, lundu-i mna i ntrerupnd pentru o clip concentrarea ei asupra nasturelui unuia din cei cinci copii. Ce mult a trecut, groaznic de mult, de cnd n-ai mai fost pe aici. i ce obosit trebuie s fii dup cltoria asta! Trebuie s te culci devreme, draga mea, i ii recomand nite fiertur de ovz nainte de culcare. Lum amndoi cte o ulcic de fiertur. Drag Emma, ce-ar fi s servim cu toii nite fiertur de ovz ? Emmei nici nu-i trecea prin cap una ca asta, tiind foarte bine c ambii domni Knightley n-ar fi putut fi convini s mnnce felul sus amintit i dup care, de altfel, nici ea nu se prea ddea n vnt. Prin urmare, fur comandate numai dou ulcele. Dup alte cteva cuvinte de laud pentru fiertura de ovz, dup ce se mir c mai lipsete de la masa unora i c nu se servete n fiecare sear, domnul Woodhouse ncepu s spun cu un aer serios i meditativ: Cam peste mn, draga mea, s v petrecei vacana n South End n loc s venii aici. N-am avut niciodat o prere bun despre aerul de la mare. Domnul Wingfield ni l-a recomandat foarte insistent, altfel nu ne-am fi dus; la recomandat pentru toi copiii, dar mai ales pentru Bella, cu boala ei de gt. Ne-a recomandat att aerul, ct i bile. Ah, draga mea, dar Perry avea foarte multe ndoieli c marea poate s fac bine, iar n ce m privete, sunt de mult vreme convins, dei poate c nu v-am mrturisit, c marea rareori face bine cuiva. Sunt n orice caz sigur c pe mine era s m omoare odat. V rog, v rog, zise Emma, dndu-i seama c subiectul era primejdios, trebuie s v implor s nu mai vorbii despre mare. M facei s fiu invidioas i nefericit, eu, care n-am vzut-o niciodat! V interzic s vorbii despre South End! Drag Isabella, nu te-am auzit ntrebnd de donul Perry i el nu te uit niciodat! Oh, bunul domn Perry! Ce mai face el, tat ? Ei, destul de bine, dar nu prea bine. Bietul Perry sufer cu bila i nu are timp s-i poarte de grij; mi spune mie c n-are timp s-i poarte de grij ceea ce e foarte trist , dar e mereu solicitat prin sat. Cred c nimeni nu are o asemenea clientel, dar nici c se mai afl un om mai detept. i doamna Perry, i copiii, ce mai fac ei ? Au mai crescut ? Am foarte mult stim pentru domnul Perry. Sper c vine s ne vad zilele astea. O s-i fac atta plcere s-i vad pe micuii mei! Sper s vin chiar mine, pentru c vreau s-l ntreb despre un necaz al meu. i, draga mea, oricnd o veni, s-i ari neaprat gtul Bellei . Oh, drag tat, se simte foarte bine, nu mai am nici o grij n privina asta. Fie c i-au fcut bine bile, fie

Woodhouse was enjoying a full flow of happy regrets and fearful affection with his daughter. "My poor dear Isabella," said he, fondly taking her hand, and interrupting, for a few moments, her busy labours for some one of her five children--"How long it is, how terribly long since you were here! And how tired you must be after your journey! You must go to bed early, my dear--and I recommend a little gruel to you before you go.--You and I will have a nice basin of gruel together. My dear Emma, suppose we all have a little gruel." Emma could not suppose any such thing, knowing as she did, that both the Mr. Knightleys were as unpersuadable on that article as herself;--and two basins only were ordered. After a little more discourse in praise of gruel, with some wondering at its not being taken every evening by every body, he proceeded to say, with an air of grave reflection, "It was an awkward business, my dear, your spending the autumn at South End instead of coming here. I never had much opinion of the sea air." "Mr. Wingfield most strenuously recommended it, sir--or we should not have gone. He recommended it for all the children, but particularly for the weakness in little Bella's throat,-- both sea air and bathing." "Ah! my dear, but Perry had many doubts about the sea doing her any good; and as to myself, I have been long perfectly convinced, though perhaps I never told you so before, that the sea is very rarely of use to any body. I am sure it almost killed me once."

"Come, come," cried Emma, feeling this to be an unsafe subject, "I must beg you not to talk of the sea. It makes me envious and miserable;-- I who have never seen it! South End is prohibited, if you please. My dear Isabella, I have not heard you make one inquiry about Mr. Perry yet; and he never forgets you." "Oh! good Mr. Perry--how is he, sir?" "Why, pretty well; but not quite well. Poor Perry is bilious, and he has not time to take care of himself--he tells me he has not time to take care of himself--which is very sad--but he is always wanted all round the country. I suppose there is not a man in such practice anywhere. But then there is not so clever a man any where." "And Mrs. Perry and the children, how are they? do the children grow? I have a great regard for Mr. Perry. I hope he will be calling soon. He will be so pleased to see my little ones." "I hope he will be here to-morrow, for I have a question or two to ask him about myself of some consequence. And, my dear, whenever he comes, you had better let him look at little Bella's throat." "Oh! my dear sir, her throat is so much better that I have hardly any uneasiness about it. Either bathing has 63

frecia pe care ne-a dat-o domnul Wingfield i pe care am folosit-o din august ncoace. Nu e deloc probabil, draga mea, ca bile s-i fi fcut bine. i dac a fi tiut c ai nevoie de o frecie, a fi vorbit cu... Se pare c ai uitat de doamna i domnioara Bates, zise Emma, nu te-am auzit ntrebnd de ele! O, doamna i domnioara Bates, ce femei simpatice! Smi fie ruine! Dar mi-ai scris mereu despre ele. Sper c sunt bine. Buna doamn Bates! O s m duc mine n vizit cu copiii. Le place aa de mult s-mi vad copiii i minunata domnioar Bates, ce femei cumsecade! Ce mai fac ele, tat ? Eh, destul de bine n general, dar biata doamn Bates a rcit foarte ru, acum o lun.; Vai ce ru mi pare, dar parc niciodat n-a bntuit rceala ca n toamna asta. Domnul Wingfield mi-a spus c niciodat n-au fost aa de multe cazuri, i att de grave, dect atunci cnd a fost epidemie de grip. Cam aa e, draga mea, dar nu chiar aa de grav cum spui tu. Perry spune c au fost multe cazuri, dar nu aa de grave cum tia el c sunt de obicei n noiembrie. Perry zice c nu ar fi o vreme cu totul neprielnic. Nu, nu cred c domnul Wingfield consider c e o vreme cu totul neprielnic. Ah, draga mea feti, adevrul e c la Londra oricnd e o vreme neprielnic. Nimeni nu e sntos la Londra. Ce groaznic! S trebuiasc s locuieti acolo! att de departe i cu aerul acela ngrozitor! Nu, zu, noi nu avem un aer ngrozitor. Partea Londrei unde locuim noi e mai bun ca celelalte. Nu trebuie s ne confunzi cu Londra n general. Cartierul Brunswick Square e foarte deosebit de celelalte. Avem aer foarte curat. N-a vrea, cred, s locuiesc n alt parte a oraului, nu cred c mai e vreun cartier n care a accepta s-mi cresc copiii. Dar la noi e un aer foarte curat. Domnul Wingfield consider c Brunswick Square este n mod hotrt cel mai prielnic cartier din tot oraul. Ah, draga mea, dar nu e ca la Hartfield! l lauzi i tu ct poi, dar dup ce-ai stat o sptmn la Hartfield vei fi cu totul alii. Nu vei mai semna cu ce-ai fost. Acum, n-a putea s spun c vreunul din voi arat bine. mi pare ru c spui asta, dar te asigur c n afar de durerile mele de cap i de palpitaiile obinuite, de care nu scap niciodat cu totul, n rest m simt foarte bine! i dac micuii sunt ceva mai palizi ca de obicei, nainte de a merge la culcare, e probabil din cauza oboselii cltoriei i emoiei c au ajuns. Cred c mine vei gsi c arat mult mai bine. Pentru c, te asigur, domnul Wingfield mi-a spus c nu crede c vreo alt cltorie ne-a

been of the greatest service to her, or else it is to be attributed to an excellent embrocation of Mr. Wingfield's, which we have been applying at times ever since August." "It is not very likely, my dear, that bathing should have been of use to her--and if I had known you were wanting an embrocation, I would have spoken to-"You seem to me to have forgotten Mrs. and Miss Bates," said Emma, "I have not heard one inquiry after them." "Oh! the good Bateses--I am quite ashamed of myself--but you mention them in most of your letters. I hope they are quite well. Good old Mrs. Bates--I will call upon her to-morrow, and take my children.--They are always so pleased to see my children.-- And that excellent Miss Bates!--such thorough worthy people!-- How are they, sir?" "Why, pretty well, my dear, upon the whole. But poor Mrs. Bates had a bad cold about a month ago." "How sorry I am! But colds were never so prevalent as they have been this autumn. Mr. Wingfield told me that he has never known them more general or heavy-except when it has been quite an influenza." "That has been a good deal the case, my dear; but not to the degree you mention. Perry says that colds have been very general, but not so heavy as he has very often known them in November. Perry does not call it altogether a sickly season." "No, I do not know that Mr. Wingfield considers it very sickly except-"Ah! my poor dear child, the truth is, that in London it is always a sickly season. Nobody is healthy in London, nobody can be. It is a dreadful thing to have you forced to live there! so far off!-- and the air so bad!" "No, indeed--we are not at all in a bad air. Our part of London is very superior to most others!--You must not confound us with London in general, my dear sir. The neighbourhood of Brunswick Square is very different from almost all the rest. We are so very airy! I should be unwilling, I own, to live in any other part of the town;-- there is hardly any other that I could be satisfied to have my children in: but we are so remarkably airy!--Mr. Wingfield thinks the vicinity of Brunswick Square decidedly the most favourable as to air." "Ah! my dear, it is not like Hartfield. You make the best of it- but after you have been a week at Hartfield, you are all of you different creatures; you do not look like the same. Now I cannot say, that I think you are any of you looking well at present." "I am sorry to hear you say so, sir; but I assure you, excepting those little nervous head-aches and palpitations which I am never entirely free from anywhere, I am quite well myself; and if the children were rather pale before they went to bed, it was only because they were a little more tired than usual, from their journey and the happiness of coming. I hope you will think better of their looks to-morrow; for I assure you Mr. Wingfield 64

prins mai bine. Sper c cel puin domnul Knightley nu i se pare c arat ru, zise ntorcndu-i ochii cu ngrijorare drgstoas ctre soul ei. Ba da, draga mea, nu am de ce s te felicit. Cred c domnul John Knightley e departe de a arta bine. Ce s-a ntmplat, domnule ? Vorbeai cu mine ? strig domnul John Knightley, auzindu-i numele. mi pare ru, dragostea mea, s constat c tatl meu gsete c nu ari bine, dar cred c e din cauza oboselii. Ar fi trebuit, totui, dup cum tii c intenionam, s-l fi vzut pe domnul Wingfield nainte de a pleca. Drag Isabella, exclam el cu grab, te rog nu te ocupa de cum art eu. Mulumete-te s te doctoriceti i cocoleti pe tine i copiii ti i las-m pe mine s art cum vreau. N-am neles prea bine ce-i spuneai fratelui tu, interveni Emma, despre prietenul tu, domnul Graham. Intenioneaz s aduc un vechil din Scoia, s aib grij de noua lui moie ? Dar se va oferi oare vreunul ? Nu vor fi prea puternice vechile prejudeci ?! i continu aa mult vreme i cu mult succes, iar cnd fu nevoit s acorde din nou atenie tatlui i surorii ei nu mai auzi nimic ru, ci doar ntrebrile Isabellei despre Jane Fairfax; i, dei Jane Fairfax nu era unul din subiectele ei favorite, fu foarte fericit acum s contribuie cu laudele ei. Jane Fairfax, care e aa de dulce i simpatic! zise doamna John Knightley. De mult timp nu am mai vzuto, dect din ntmplare, pentru o clip, dou, n ora. Ce fericire pentru bunica ei cea bun i pentru minunata ei mtu. Regret foarte mult pentru scumpa de Emma c Jane nu st mai mult la Highbury. Acum, c li s-a mritat fata, doamna Campbell i domnul colonel n-o s se mai despart de ea. Ar putea fi o prieten aa de bun pentru Emma. Domnul Woodhouse fu ntru totul de acord, dar adug; - Totui, o avem pe micua noastr prieten Harriet Smith, care, n felul ei, e foarte drgu.

mi pare foarte bine s aud asta, numai c Jane Fairfax e cunoscut ca fiind foarte cult i distins i are exact vrst Emmei. Se discut n mod fericit despre acest subiect i se trecu la altele cu acelai efect, concluziile fiind n perfect armonie, dar seara nu se ncheie fr oarecare tulburare. Se aduse fiertura de ovz i fur multe de spus despre ea multe laude i comentarii , se decise, fr putin de tgad, c era o mncare sntoas pentru orice constituie i se proferar severe filipice la adresa familiilor n care nu era socotit acceptabil. Dar, din pcate, printre nereuitele pe care fiica sa avea a le reproa buctresei din South End, o femeie tnr angajat

told me, that he did not believe he had ever sent us off altogether, in such good case. I trust, at least, that you do not think Mr. Knightley looking ill," turning her eyes with affectionate anxiety towards her husband. "Middling, my dear; I cannot compliment you. 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. "I am sorry to find, my love, that my father does not think you looking well--but I hope it is only from being a little fatigued. I could have wished, however, as you know, that you had seen Mr. Wingfield before you left home." "My dear Isabella,"--exclaimed he hastily--"pray do not concern yourself about my looks. Be satisfied with doctoring and coddling yourself and the children, and let me look as I chuse." "I did not thoroughly understand what you were telling your brother," cried Emma, "about your friend Mr. Graham's intending to have a bailiff from Scotland, to look after his new estate. What will it answer? Will not the old prejudice be too strong?" And she talked in this way so long and successfully that, when forced to give her attention again to her father and sister, she had nothing worse to hear than Isabella's kind inquiry after Jane Fairfax; and Jane Fairfax, though no great favourite with her in general, she was at that moment very happy to assist in praising. "That sweet, amiable Jane Fairfax!" said Mrs. John Knightley.-- "It is so long since I have seen her, except now and then for a moment accidentally in town! What happiness it must be to her good old grandmother and excellent aunt, when she comes to visit them! I always regret excessively on dear Emma's account that she cannot be more at Highbury; but now their daughter is married, I suppose Colonel and Mrs. Campbell will not be able to part with her at all. She would be such a delightful companion for Emma." Mr. Woodhouse agreed to it all, but added, "Our little friend Harriet Smith, however, is just such another pretty kind of young person. You will like Harriet. Emma could not have a better companion than Harriet." "I am most happy to hear it--but only Jane Fairfax one knows to be so very accomplished and superior!--and exactly Emma's age." This topic was discussed very happily, and others succeeded of similar moment, and passed away with similar harmony; but the evening did not close without a little return of agitation. The gruel came and supplied a great deal to be said--much praise and many comments-undoubting decision of its wholesomeness for every constitution, and pretty severe Philippics upon the many houses where it was never met with tolerable;--but, unfortunately, among the failures which the daughter had to instance, the most recent, and therefore most 65

temporar, cea mai recent, i cea mai grav, era aceea c nu nelegea ce nseamn o ulcic de ovz fiert subire, dar nu prea subire. Ori de cte ori dorise i comandase fiertura, nu putuse obine nimic acceptabil. ncepea o discuie primejdioas. Ah, zise domnul Woodhouse, cltinnd din cap i uitndu-se la ea cu drgstoas ngrijorare. Exclamaia, n urechea Emmei, nsemna: Ah, alte consecine triste ale vacanei de la South End. N-are rost s mai vorbim!" i pentru o vreme, sper c el nu va mai vorbi despre asta, ci, cugetnd n tcere, va savura fiertura lui bine fcut. Totui, dup cteva minute, ncepu din nou:

N-o s v iert niciodat c anul sta v-ai dus la mare n loc s venii aici. Dar de ce, tat ? Te asigur c le-a fcut foarte bine copiilor. i mai mult dect att, dac tot trebuia s v ducei la mare, de ce tocmai la South End ? E un loc foarte nesntos. Perry a fost foarte surprins c ai ales South End. tiu c exist o asemenea prere, dar este total greit, tat. Ne-am simit cu toii foarte bine acolo, n-am avut probleme cu nmolul, domnul Wingfield zice c e complet greit ideea c locul sta ar fi nesntos. i sunt sigur c ne putem baza pe el, pentru c tie ce vorbete, iar fratele lui, cu familia, se duce mereu acolo.

Trebuia s v ducei la Cromer, draga mea. Perry a fost o dat la Cromer, pentru o sptmn, i susine c e locul cel mai bun pentru bi. Marea e deschis i aerul foarte pur. i, din cte am neles eu, acolo puteai gsi locuin mai departe de rm. cam la un sfert de mil, foarte comod. Trebuia s-l consuli pe Perry. Dar, drag tat, am fi cltorit mult mai mult. Poate o sut de mile n loc de patruzeci. Ah, draga mea, cum zice i Perry, cnd e vorba de sntate, restul nu mai conteaz. i dac tot pleci de acas, ce mi-e o sut de mile, ce mi-e patruzeci. Mai bine s nu mai pleci deloc, s rmi la Londra, dect s cltoreti patruzeci de mile ca s dai de un aer mai prost. Chiar aa zicea i Perry. I s-a prut un pas foarte prost gndit. ncercrile Emmei de a-i opri tatl fuseser inutile i cnd se ajunse la acest punct, nu era de mirare s intervin i cumnatul ei. Domnul Perry, zise el, cu un glas n care se simea neplcerea, ar face mai bine s-i pstreze prerile pn cnd i se vor cere. Ce-l privete pe el ce fac eu, dac-mi duc familia ntr-un loc sau n altul ? Sper c am voie smi folosesc puterea de judecat la fel de bine ca domnul

prominent, was in her own cook at South End, a young woman hired for the time, who never had been able to understand what she meant by a basin of nice smooth gruel, thin, but not too thin. Often as she had wished for and ordered it, she had never been able to get any thing tolerable. Here was a dangerous opening. "Ah!" said Mr. Woodhouse, shaking his head and fixing his eyes on her with tender concern.--The ejaculation in Emma's ear expressed, "Ah! there is no end of the sad consequences of your going to South End. It does not bear talking of." And for a little while she hoped he would not talk of it, and that a silent rumination might suffice to restore him to the relish of his own smooth gruel. After an interval of some minutes, however, he began with, "I shall always be very sorry that you went to the sea this autumn, instead of coming here." "But why should you be sorry, sir?--I assure you, it did the children a great deal of good." "And, moreover, if you must go to the sea, it had better not have been to South End. South End is an unhealthy place. Perry was surprized to hear you had fixed upon South End." "I know there is such an idea with many people, but indeed it is quite a mistake, sir.--We all had our health perfectly well there, never found the least inconvenience from the mud; and Mr. Wingfield says it is entirely a mistake to suppose the place unhealthy; and I am sure he may be depended on, for he thoroughly understands the nature of the air, and his own brother and family have been there repeatedly." "You should have gone to Cromer, my dear, if you went anywhere.-- Perry was a week at Cromer once, and he holds it to be the best of all the sea-bathing places. A fine open sea, he says, and very pure air. And, by what I understand, you might have had lodgings there quite away from the sea--a quarter of a mile off--very comfortable. You should have consulted Perry." "But, my dear sir, the difference of the journey;--only consider how great it would have been.--An hundred miles, perhaps, instead of forty." "Ah! my dear, as Perry says, where health is at stake, nothing else should be considered; and if one is to travel, there is not much to chuse between forty miles and an hundred.--Better not move at all, better stay in London altogether than travel forty miles to get into a worse air. This is just what Perry said. It seemed to him a very ill-judged measure." Emma's attempts to stop her father had been vain; and when he had reached such a point as this, she could not wonder at her brother-in-law's breaking out. "Mr. Perry," said he, in a voice of very strong displeasure, "would do as well to keep his opinion till it is asked for. Why does he make it any business of his, to wonder at what I do?-- at my taking my family to one part of the coast or another?--I may be allowed, I hope, the use of 66

Perry. Nu am nevoie nici de sfaturile, nici de medicamentele lui. Se opri i, linitindu-se ntr-o clip, adug numai cu o rceal sarcastic: Dac domnul Perry poate s-mi spun cum s-mi transport familia, soia i cei cinci copii pe o distan de o sut treizeci de mile fr cheltuial i oboseal mai mare dect pentru patruzeci de mile, sunt gata s prefer Cromer, aa cum a fcut el. Adevrat, adevrat, strig domnul Knightley, gata s intervin i el, foarte adevrat. sta e un motiv, ntradevr. Dar John. i spuneam despre ideea mea de a muta aleea dinspre Langham, ceva mai spre dreapta, ca s nu mai treac prin pajitea din jurul casei. Nu cred c e foarte greu. N-a vrea s ncerc, dac-i incomodeaz pe cei de la Highbury, dar dac-i aduci aminte pe unde trece aleea acum... Totui, ca s ne dm seama, ar trebui s ne uitm pe hart. Sper c vii mine la Abbey, s consultm harta i s-mi spui prerea ta.

Domnul Woodhouse er cam tulburat de exprimarea unor asemenea opinii despre prietenul su Perry, cruia, n mod incontient, i atribuise propriile sale idei i sentimente. Dar atenia cald pe care i-o acordau fiicele sale risipi necazul, iar intervenia unuia dintre frai i revenirea la sentimente mai bune a celuilalt fcuser ca subiectul s fie definitiv nchis. CAPITOLUL XIII CU GREU S-AR PUTEA IMAGINA O FIINA mai fericit dect era doamna John Knightley n cursul acestei vizite la Hartfield. Pornea n fiecare diminea s-i vad vechile cunotine, mpreun cu cei cinci copii ai si, iar seara se ntorcea s comenteze ntmplrile din timpul zilei cu tatl i sora ei. Nu-i putea dori nimic mai mult, dect ca zilele s nu treac att de repede. Era o vizit minunat, perfect prin aceea c era mult prea scurt. n general, seara se ntlneau mai puin cu prietenii dect dimineaa, dar nu putur s refuze o invitaie la cin, dei aceasta i fcea s ias din cas chiar n ziua de ajun. Domnul Weston nu admitea s fie refuzat, trebuiau s cineze cu toii la Randalls n acea zi; chiar domnul Woodhouse se ls convins, n baza argumentului c era preferabil s ias din cas dect s se despart de ceilali. Cum aveau s ajung acolo, era o ntrebare care ar fi putut s-i pun n ncurctur pe ceilali, dar trsura ginerelui su era oricum la Hartfield i nu era nici o ndoial c vor ajunge cu bine. Emma reui chiar s-l conving, relativ repede, c ntr-una din trsuri va fi loc i pentru Harriet. Harriet, domnul Elton i domnul Knightley, prietenii cei mai apropiai, erau singurii invitai din afara familiei. inuser seama de obiceiurile i preferinele domnului Woodhouse: se cina devreme i cu putin lume.

my judgment as well as Mr. Perry.-- I want his directions no more than his drugs." He paused-- and growing cooler in a moment, added, with only sarcastic dryness, "If Mr. Perry can tell me how to convey a wife and five children a distance of an hundred and thirty miles with no greater expense or inconvenience than a distance of forty, I should be as willing to prefer Cromer to South End as he could himself." "True, true," cried Mr. Knightley, with most ready interposition-- "very true. That's a consideration indeed.--But John, as to what I was telling you of my idea of moving the path to Langham, of turning it more to the right that it may not cut through the home meadows, I cannot conceive any difficulty. I should not attempt it, if it were to be the means of inconvenience to the Highbury people, but if you call to mind exactly the present line of the path. . . . The only way of proving it, however, will be to turn to our maps. I shall see you at the Abbey to-morrow morning I hope, and then we will look them over, and you shall give me your opinion." Mr. Woodhouse was rather agitated by such harsh reflections on his friend Perry, to whom he had, in fact, though unconsciously, been attributing many of his own feelings and expressions;-- but the soothing attentions of his daughters gradually removed the present evil, and the immediate alertness of one brother, and better recollections of the other, prevented any renewal of it. There could hardly be a happier creature in the world than Mrs. John Knightley, in this short visit to Hartfield, going about every morning among her old acquaintance with her five children, and talking over what she had done every evening with her father and sister. She had nothing to wish otherwise, but that the days did not pass so swiftly. It was a delightful visit;--perfect, in being much too short. In general their evenings were less engaged with friends than their mornings; but one complete dinner engagement, and out of the house too, there was no avoiding, though at Christmas. Mr. Weston would take no denial; they must all dine at Randalls one day;--even Mr. Woodhouse was persuaded to think it a possible thing in preference to a division of the party. 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

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every thing. n seara dinaintea acestui mare eveniment (pentru c era The evening before this great event (for it was a very great un mare eveniment ca domnul Woodhouse s nu event that Mr. Woodhouse should dine out, on the cineze acas n seara zilei de douzeci i patru decembrie), 24th of December) had been spent by Harriet at Hartfield, Harriet fusese la Hartfield i plecase din cauza unei and she had gone home so much indisposed with a rceli foarte suprtoare; i dac n-ar fi fost vorba de cold, that, but for her own earnest wish of being nursed by dorina ei puternic de a fi ngrijit de doamna Goddard, Mrs. Goddard, Emma could not have allowed her Emma ar fi fcut totul s o rein. O vizit a doua zi i to leave the house. Emma called on her the next day, and constat c soarta ei cu privire la petrecerea de la Randalls found her doom already signed with regard to era pecetluit. Avea febr mare i o durea ru n gt; Randalls. She was very feverish and had a bad sore throat: doamna Goddard era plin de grij i afeciune, se vorbea Mrs. Goddard was full of care and affection, Mr. de domnul Perry i Harriet nsi era att de bolnav i de Perry was talked of, and Harriet herself was too ill and low to prost dispus nct nu se putea opune forei care o resist the authority which excluded her from excludea dintre cei care urmau s ia parte la plcutul this delightful engagement, though she could not speak of eveniment, dei nu putea vorbi de aceast pierdere fr a her loss without many tears. vrsa lacrimi din belug. Emma sat with her as long as she could, to attend her in Emma rmase cu ea ct se putea de mult, s o Mrs. Goddard's unavoidable absences, and raise her ngrijeasc n timpul absenelor inevitabile ale doamnei spirits by representing how much Mr. Elton's would be Goddard i s-o nveseleasc povestindu-i ct de trist va fi depressed when he knew her state; and left her at last domnul Elton cnd va auzi despre boala ei, i plec, n cele tolerably comfortable, in the sweet dependence of his din urm, lsnd-o destul de mpcat cu ideea c pentru having a most comfortless visit, and of their all missing el vizita va fi foarte neplcut i c toi vor simi foarte her very much. She had not advanced many yards from Mrs. mult lipsa ei. Nu fcuse nici civa pai, de la ua doamnei Goddard's door, when she was met by Mr. Elton Goddard, c se pomeni cu domnul Elton nsui n faa himself, evidently coming towards it, and as they walked on ei. Era evident c se ndrepta spre aceeai u, dar se slowly together in conversation about the ntoarse, i cum mergeau mpreun ncet, i discutau invalid-- of whom he, on the rumour of considerable illness, despre bolnav, despre care el auzise c e ntr-o stare had been going to inquire, that he might carry foarte grav i venise s se intereseze pentru a aduce veti some report of her to Hartfield-- they were overtaken by Mr. despre ea la Hartfield, i ajunse din urm domnul John John Knightley returning from the daily visit to Knightley, care se ntorcea din vizita zilnic la Don-well, cu Donwell, with his two eldest boys, whose healthy, glowing bieii lui cei mari, ai cror obraji strlucind de sntate faces shewed all the benefit of a country run, and demonstrau avantajele unei cltorii la ar i preau s seemed to ensure a quick despatch of the roast mutton and dea asigurri c friptura de berbec i budinca de orez care rice pudding they were hastening home for. They i ateptau acas vor avea o existen scurt ca atare. joined company and proceeded together. Emma was just Pornir cu toii mpreun. Emma tocmai ddea amnunte describing the nature of her friend's complaint;-- "a despre suferina prietenei sale: gtul foarte inflamat, throat very much inflamed, with a great deal of heat about febr mare, puls neregulat etc. i cu regret aflase de la her, a quick, low pulse, &c. and she was sorry to doamna Goddard c Harriet era predispus spre find from Mrs. Goddard that Harriet was liable to very bad amigdalit sore-throats, and had often alarmed her with i c deseori o speriase cu durerile ei n gt." Domnul Elton them." Mr. Elton looked all alarm on the occasion, as he se art foarte nelinitit aflnd acestea i exclam: exclaimed, Dureri n gt! Sper c nu e contagios. Sper c nu e "A sore-throat!--I hope not infectious. I hope not of a putrid vorba de o inflamaie purulent contagioas. Perry a infectious sort. Has Perry seen her? Indeed you vzut-o ? Zu, ar trebui s v ngrijii i dumneavoastr nu should take care of yourself as well as of your friend. Let me numai prietena dumneavoastr. V rog s nu riscai. entreat you to run no risks. Why does not Perry De ce nu l-au chemat pe Perry ? see her?" Emma, creia nu-i era deloc fric pentru ea nsi, i liniti Emma, who was not really at all frightened herself, temerile exagerate, asigurndu-l c doamna tranquillised this excess of apprehension by assurances of Goddard are destul experien i o poate ngriji. Dar, Mrs. Goddard's experience and care; but as there must still pentru c nu voia ca el s fie cu totul linitit datorit remain a degree of uneasiness which she could not argumentelor ei, dorind chiar s-i alimenteze nelinitea wish to reason away, which she would rather feed and assist adug curnd dup aceea, ca i cnd ar fi fost vorba than not, she added soon afterwards--as if quite despre altceva: another subject, E aa de frig, foarte frig, i dup toate aparenele o s "It is so cold, so very cold--and looks and feels so very much ning. Dac ar fi s mergem n alt parte, la ali like snow, that if it were to any other place or oameni a ncerca s nu ies azi i s-l fac i pe tata s nu se with any other party, I should really try not to go out to-day68

ncumete. Dar s-a hotrt i se pare c nu simte frigul; nu vreau s m amestec, mai ales, ca s nu-i dezamgesc pe doamna i domnul Weston. Dar, pe cuvntul meu, domnule Elton, dac a fi n locul dumneavoastr, ma scuza i n-a veni. Prei deja puin cam rguit, i cnd te gndeti c mine vei avea nevoie att de mult de glasul dumneavoastr i v vei obosi att de mult, cred, e ct se poate de necesar ca n seara asta s rmnei acas i s v ngrijii. Domnul Elton arta foarte ncurcat i nu prea tia ce s rspund. Era i greu, pentru c, dei foarte mgulit de faptul c o domnioar frumoas are atta grij de el i nevoind s arate lips de supunere fa de sfaturile ei, totui, nu avea nici cea mai mic dorina s renune la vizit. Dar Emma, care era prea mult preocupat de ideile i prerile ei preconcepute pentru a-l judeca fr prtinire, sau a-i vedea clar inteniile, fu foarte mulumit s-l laude ngimnd aprobativ c foarte frig, desigur, foarte frig" i continu s mearg, bucurndu-se c l-a scpat de vizita la Randalls . i i-a dat posibilitatea s se intereseze de sntatea Harrietei, toat seara, din or n or. Foarte bine facei, zise ea, vom transmite doamnei i domnului Weston scuzele dumneavoastr. Dar de-abia i terminase fraza, c l auzi pe cumnatul ei oferindu-i politicos domnului Elton un loc n trsura lui, dac era vorba numai de vremea rea, i pe domnul Elton acceptnd oferta cu promptitudine i deplin satisfacie. Treaba era aranjat. Domnul Elton urma s vin i niciodat faa lui lat i frumoas nu exprimase mai mult bucurie ca n momentul acela, niciodat nu avusese un zmbet mai larg, ochi mai plini de entuziasm dect n momentul urmtor cnd o privi. Ei, bine, i zise ea, asta-i foarte ciudat! Dup ce i oferisem o scuz att de bun, s prefere s ias n lume i s-o lase pe Harriet bolnav i prsit! Foarte ciudat, zu! Dar am impresia c brbaii, mai ales cei nensurai, au o mare plcere, o pasiune chiar, de a fi invitai la mas. O invitaie la mas e att de preuit ntre plcerile, ocupaiile, ndatoririle lor, nct trece nainte de orice. Asta e probabil i cu domnul Elton, e un tnr nepreuit, foarte simpatic i amabil, fr ndoial, foarte ndrgostit de Har-riet, i totui, nu poate refuza o invitaie, trebuie s-i rspund cu orice pre. Ce ciudat e iubirea, e n stare s spun c Harriet are spirit ascuit, dar nu vrea s cineze singur de dragul ei!" Curnd dup aceea, domnul Elton i prsi i ea observ cu deplin convingere c era mult sentiment n tonul cu care o pomeni pe Harriet la desprire, n modulaiile vocii, n timp ce o asigura c va trece pe la doamna Goddard s ntrebe despre frumoasa ei prieten chiar nainte de a avea plcerea s-o rentlneasc. Atunci spera s-i poat da veti mai bune. Oftatul i zmbetul cu care se

-and dissuade my father from venturing; but as he has made up his mind, and does not seem to feel the cold himself, I do not like to interfere, as I know it would be so great a disappointment to Mr. and Mrs. Weston. But, upon my word, Mr. Elton, in your case, I should certainly excuse myself. You appear to me a little hoarse already, and when you consider what demand of voice and what fatigues to-morrow will bring, I think it would be no more than common prudence to stay at home and take care of yourself to-night." Mr. Elton looked as if he did not very well know what answer to make; which was exactly the case; for though very much gratified by the kind care of such a fair lady, and not liking to resist any advice of her's, he had not really the least inclination to give up the visit;-- but Emma, too eager and busy in her own previous conceptions and views to hear him impartially, or see him with clear vision, was very well satisfied with his muttering acknowledgment of its being "very cold, certainly very cold," and walked on, rejoicing in having extricated him from Randalls, and secured him the power of sending to inquire after Harriet every hour of the evening. "You do quite right," said she;--"we will make your apologies to Mr. and Mrs. Weston." But hardly had she so spoken, when she found her brother was civilly offering a seat in his carriage, if the weather were Mr. Elton's only objection, and Mr. Elton actually accepting the offer with much prompt satisfaction. It was a done thing; Mr. Elton was to go, and never had his broad handsome face expressed more pleasure than at this moment; never had his smile been stronger, nor his eyes more exulting than when he next looked at her. "Well," said she to herself, "this is most strange!--After I had got him off so well, to chuse to go into company, and leave Harriet ill behind!--Most strange indeed!--But there is, I believe, in many men, especially single men, such an inclination-- such a passion for dining out--a dinner engagement is so high in the class of their pleasures, their employments, their dignities, almost their duties, that any thing gives way to it--and this must be the case with Mr. Elton; a most valuable, amiable, pleasing young man undoubtedly, and very much in love with Harriet; but still, he cannot refuse an invitation, he must dine out wherever he is asked. What a strange thing love is! he can see ready wit in Harriet, but will not dine alone for her." Soon afterwards Mr. Elton quitted them, and she could not but do him the justice of feeling that there was a great deal of sentiment in his manner of naming Harriet at parting; in the tone of his voice while assuring her that he should call at Mrs. Goddard's for news of her fair friend, the last thing before he prepared for the happiness of meeting her again, when he hoped to be able to give a better report; and he sighed and smiled

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ndeprt l reabilitar mult n ochii Emmei. Dup o tcere de cteva minute, John Knightley ncepu astfel N-am vzut n viaa mea un brbat care s se omoare mai mult s plac dect domnul Elton. Face pe dracun patru cnd e vorba despre doamne. Cu brbaii poate s fie rezonabil i neafectat, dar cnd trebuie s-i fac plcere unei femei joac o ntreag comedie. Manierele domnului Elton nu sunt perfecte, rspunse Emma. Dar, cnd e vorba s ne ndeplineasc o dorin, trebuie s-i mai trecem cu vederea. Cnd un brbat face tot ce-i st n putin, n ciuda posibilitilor lui limitate, merit s fie preferat unuia cu nsuiri superioare, dar neglijent. Domnul Elton e bun din fire i i d silina. Da, zise domnul John Knightley repede i cu o oarecare iretenie n glas. Pare s-i dea foarte mult silin fa de tine. De mine? rspunse ea cu un zmbet uluit. Crezi c sunt obiectul ateniei domnului Elton ? Trebuie s recunosc c mi-a trecut prin cap, Emma i dac ie nu i s-a prut pn acum, ai putea s iei asta n consideraie de acum nainte Domnul Elton ndrgostit de mine ?! Ce idee! Mie aa mi se pare, dar ar fi bine ca tu s te gndeti dac e sau nu aa i s te pori n consecin. Cred c purtarea ta fa de el l ncurajeaz. Ii vorbesc ca prieten, Emma. Uit-te n jur i vezi ce faci i ce vrei s faci. Mulumesc. Dar te asigur c n-ai deloc dreptate. Domnul Elton i cu mine suntem foarte buni prieteni i att. i continu s mearg, amuzndu-se la ideea c o cunoatere parial a situaiei poate da natere la asemenea gafe i c pot s cad n asemenea greeal chiar oamenii care se pretind cu judecat. Cumnatul ei crede c ea e oarb, nu tie nimic i are nevoie de sfaturi, i asta nu i fcu Emmei mare plcere. El nu mai spuse nimic. Domnul Woodhouse era att de hotrt s mearg n vizit nct, n ciuda frigului care cretea, nu ddea semne c ar dori s o contramandeze i porni n cele din urm, foarte punctual, cu fiica cea mare, n trsura lui, la fel de indiferent la capriciile vremii ca i ceilali. Era mult prea uimit de faptul c el nsui se deplaseaz i c petrecerea de la Randalls i va face plcere, ca s observe c e frig, i mult prea nfofolit ca s-l simt. Frigul, totui, era foarte tare i cnd se porni i a doua trsur, nite fulgi uori de zpad ncepur s-i fac drum spre pmnt, iar cerul era aa de nnorat, nct prea s aib nevoie doar de puin vnt pentru a da natere, n foarte scurt timp, unei lumi cu desvrire albe. Curnd, Emma i ddu seama c tovarul ei de drum nu era n cea mai fericit dispoziie. Pregtirile i plecarea pe o vreme ca asta, sacrificiul de a nu-i mngia

himself off in a way that left the balance of approbation much in his favour. After a few minutes of entire silence between them, John Knightley began with-"I never in my life saw a man more intent on being agreeable than Mr. Elton. It is downright labour to him where ladies are concerned. With men he can be rational and unaffected, but when he has ladies to please, every feature works." "Mr. Elton's manners are not perfect," replied Emma; "but where there is a wish to please, one ought to overlook, and one does overlook a great deal. Where a man does his best with only moderate powers, he will have the advantage over negligent superiority. There is such perfect good-temper and good-will in Mr. Elton as one cannot but value." "Yes," said Mr. John Knightley presently, with some slyness, "he seems to have a great deal of good-will towards you." "Me!" she replied with a smile of astonishment, "are you imagining me to be Mr. Elton's object?" "Such an imagination has crossed me, I own, Emma; and if it never occurred to you before, you may as well take it into consideration now." "Mr. Elton in love with me!--What an idea!" "I do not say it is so; but you will do well to consider whether it is so or not, and to regulate your behaviour accordingly. I think your manners to him encouraging. I speak as a friend, Emma. You had better look about you, and ascertain what you do, and what you mean to do." "I thank you; but I assure you you are quite mistaken. Mr. Elton and I are very good friends, and nothing more;" and she walked on, amusing herself in the consideration of the blunders which often arise from a partial knowledge of circumstances, of the mistakes which people of high pretensions to judgment are for ever falling into; and not very well pleased with her brother for imagining her blind and ignorant, and in want of counsel. He said no more. Mr. Woodhouse had so completely made up his mind to the visit, that in spite of the increasing coldness, he seemed to have no idea of shrinking from it, and set forward at last most punctually with his eldest daughter in his own carriage, with less apparent consciousness of the weather than either of the others; too full of the wonder of his own going, and the pleasure it was to afford at Randalls to see that it was cold, and too well wrapt up to feel it. The cold, however, was severe; and by the time the second carriage was in motion, a few flakes of snow were finding their way down, and the sky had the appearance of being so overcharged as to want only a milder air to produce a very white world in a very short time. Emma soon saw that her companion was not in the happiest humour. The preparing and the going abroad in such weather, with the sacrifice of his children after dinner, 70

copiii dup cin erau nite llucruri deloc plcute, care nu-i conveneau ctui de puin domnului John Knightley. Nu se atepta la nimic bun de la vizita asta i nu credea c merit osteneala, i pn s ajung la casa parohial, vorbi numai despre nemulumirea lui. Trebuie s ai o prere foarte bun despre tine nsui, zise el, ca s-i pui pe oameni s plece de lng soba lor, ntr-o zi ca asta, de dragul de a veni s te vad. Se crede probabil din cale-afar de simpatic. Eu n-a face una ca asta. E cea mai mare prostie! uite c ninge! Mare nebunie s nu lai oamenii s stea frumuel acas! i mare nebunie s nu stai acas, dac poi. Dac am fi fost obligai s ieim ntr-o sear ca asta, pentru vreo afacere sau datorie oarecare, ni s-ar fi prut foarte greu i neplcut. Dar laa, plecm, mbrcai probabil mai subire dect de obicei, fr s ne oblige nimeni, fr s avem vreun motiv, sfidnd glasul naturii, care ne spune prin tot ce se vede i se simte, s stm acas, s punem la adpost totul, plecm ca s petrecem cinci ore de plictiseal, n casa altuia, unde n-o s spunem i n-o s auzim dect ce-am spus i ce-am auzit i ieri i o s spunem i o s auzim precis i mine. Pornim pe vreme rea ca s ne ntoarcem pe vreme i mai rea: patru cai i patru servitori sunt scoi n zpad pentru nimic altceva dect ca s duc cinci fiine ngheate spre nite camere mai reci dect la ei acas i cu perspectiva unei proaste tovrii. Emma nu se simea n stare s-i exprime aprobarea, cu care fr ndoial el era obinuit, s imite acel Foarte adevrat, dragostea mea!" care i se administra de obicei de ctre tovara lui de drum, dar avu destul voin pentru a se abine de la orice fel de rspuns. Nu putea s se conformeze i-i era team s nu se certe; eroismul ei nu putea avea alt rezultat dect tcerea. l ls s vorbeasc, aranja sticlele i se nveli n pturi, fr s-i dezlipeasc buzele. Ajunser, trsura ntoarse, scria fu cobort i domnul Elton, elegant, n costum negru i cu zmbetul pe buze, i lu imediat locul lng ei. Domnul Elton era numai amabilitate i veselie. Era att de vesel n galanteriile lui nct Emma ncepu s cread c el avea despre Harriet nite veti diferite de cele care ajunser la ea. Trimisese s afle cum se simte i rspunsul fusese: La fel de ru, deloc mai bine." Vetile pe care eu le-am auzit de la doamna Goddard, zise ea repede, nu erau att de bune cum speram. Deloc mai bine", a fost rspunsul primit de mine. Faa lui se ntrista imediat i glasul lui era glasul iubirii cnd rspunse: O, nu, ce ru mi pare c aud una ca asta! Tocmai voiam s v spun c atunci cnd am trecut pe la doamna Goddard, exact nainte de a m ntoarce s m mbrac, mi s-a spus c domnioara Smith nu se simte deloc mai

were evils, were disagreeables at least, which Mr. John Knightley did not by any means like; he anticipated nothing in the visit that could be at all worth the purchase; and the whole of their drive to the vicarage was spent by him in expressing his discontent. "A man," said he, "must have a very good opinion of himself when he asks people to leave their own fireside, and encounter such a day as this, for the sake of coming to see him. He must think himself a most agreeable fellow; I could not do such a thing. It is the greatest absurdity--Actually snowing at this moment!-- The folly of not allowing people to be comfortable at home--and the folly of people's not staying comfortably at home when they can! If we were obliged to go out such an evening as this, by any call of duty or business, what a hardship we should deem it;--and here are we, probably with rather thinner clothing than usual, setting forward voluntarily, without excuse, in defiance of the voice of nature, which tells man, in every thing given to his view or his feelings, to stay at home himself, and keep all under shelter that he can;-- here are we setting forward to spend five dull hours in another man's house, with nothing to say or to hear that was not said and heard yesterday, and may not be said and heard again tomorrow. Going in dismal weather, to return probably in worse;--four horses and four servants taken out for nothing but to convey five idle, shivering creatures into colder rooms and worse company than they might have had at home." Emma did not find herself equal to give the pleased assent, which no doubt he was in the habit of receiving, to emulate the "Very true, my love," which must have been usually administered by his travelling companion; but she had resolution enough to refrain from making any answer at all. She could not be complying, she dreaded being quarrelsome; her heroism reached only to silence. She allowed him to talk, and arranged the glasses, and wrapped herself up, without opening her lips. They arrived, the carriage turned, the step was let down, and Mr. Elton, spruce, black, and smiling, was with them instantly. Emma thought with pleasure of some change of subject. Mr. Elton was all obligation and cheerfulness; he was so very cheerful in his civilities indeed, that she began to think he must have received a different account of Harriet from what had reached her. She had sent while dressing, and the answer had been, "Much the same-- not better." "My report from Mrs. Goddard's," said she presently, "was not so pleasant as I had hoped--`Not better' was my answer." His face lengthened immediately; and his voice was the voice of sentiment as he answered. "Oh! no--I am grieved to find--I was on the point of telling you that when I called at Mrs. Goddard's door, which I did the very last thing before I returned to dress, I was told that Miss Smith was not better, by no

71

bine, ba chiar mai ru. mi pare foarte ru, i sunt ngrijorat. i eu care credeam c o s se simt mai bine dup ce i s-a fcut de diminea o asemenea vizit. Emma zmbi i rspunse: Vizita mea i-a fost de folos din punct de vedere spiritual, sper. Dar nici mcar eu nu a putea face vrji care s goneasc durerea de gt. E o rceal ntr-adevr foarte grav. A fost domnul Perry pe la ea, dup cum ai auzit probabil. Da, mi-am nchipuit, adic n-am... El e obinuit cu durerile ei de gt i sper c mine diminea ne va aduce la amndoi veti mai bune. Dar e imposibil s nu fii nelinitit. Ce pierdere pentru petrecerea noastr de azi! Groaznic, exact aa, zu. Ne va lipsi n fiecare clip. Asta suna foarte bine, iar oftatul de la urm era vrednic de luat n seam; ar fi trebuit numai s dureze ceva mai mult. Emma fu cam descumpnit cnd, la jumtate de minut dup aceea, el ncepu s vorbeasc despre altceva cu o voce plin de veselie: Ce idee minunat, zise el, s foloseti cojoace n trsuri. E foarte comod. Cu asemenea msuri e imposibil s-i fie frig. Inveniile din ultima vreme au fcut ca transportul s fie ntr-adevr aa cum trebuie. Suntem att de bine nvelii, protejai mpotriva frigului, nct nici cel mai mic curent nu-i poate face loc. Vremea devine ntradevr un element fr importan. E o zi foarte friguroas, dar n trsur puin ne pas de asta. Ha, vd c ninge niel! Da, i cred c va ninge destul de mult, zise John Knightley. Vreme de Crciun, observ domnul Elton. Foarte potrivit, i norocul nostru c n-a nceput de ieri, ca s pierdem petrecerea de azi. Era foarte posibil, pentru c domnul Woodhouse nu s-ar fi ncumetat s ias dac era zpad, dar acum nu mai are nici o importan. E sezonul cel mai potrivit pentru ntlniri ntre prieteni. De Crciun, toat lumea i invit prietenii i nimeni nu d atenie vremii, ct ar fi de rece. Odat, m-am nzpezit n casa unui prieten o sptmn. Nu cred c exist ceva mai plcut pe lume. M-am dus numai pentru o sear i am putut pleca numai dup exact o sptmn. Domnul John Knightley nu prea s fi neles plcerea i spuse numai cu rceal: Nu-mi doresc s m nzpezesc o sptmn la Randalls. Alt dat, Emma ar fi fost amuzat, dar acum era mult prea surprins de buna dispoziie a domnului Elton, pentru a mai simi altceva. Harriet prea a fi fost cu totul uitat n ateptarea unei petreceri plcute. Putem fi siguri c focurile vor arde bine, continu el. Vom avea tot ce trebuie. Minunai oameni, domnul i

means better, rather worse. Very much grieved and concerned-- I had flattered myself that she must be better after such a cordial as I knew had been given her in the morning." Emma smiled and answered--"My visit was of use to the nervous part of her complaint, I hope; but not even I can charm away a sore throat; it is a most severe cold indeed. Mr. Perry has been with her, as you probably heard." "Yes--I imagined--that is--I did not--" "He has been used to her in these complaints, and I hope tomorrow morning will bring us both a more comfortable report. But it is impossible not to feel uneasiness. Such a sad loss to our party to-day!" "Dreadful!--Exactly so, indeed.--She will be missed every moment." This was very proper; the sigh which accompanied it was really estimable; but it should have lasted longer. Emma was rather in dismay when only half a minute afterwards he began to speak of other things, and in a voice of the greatest alacrity and enjoyment. "What an excellent device," said he, "the use of a sheepskin for carriages. How very comfortable they make it;--impossible to feel cold with such precautions. The contrivances of modern days indeed have rendered a gentleman's carriage perfectly complete. One is so fenced and guarded from the weather, that not a breath of air can find its way unpermitted. Weather becomes absolutely of no consequence. It is a very cold afternoon--but in this carriage we know nothing of the matter.--Ha! snows a little I see." "Yes," said John Knightley, "and I think we shall have a good deal of it." "Christmas weather," observed Mr. Elton. "Quite seasonable; and extremely fortunate we may think ourselves that it did not begin yesterday, and prevent this day's party, which it might very possibly have done, for Mr. Woodhouse would hardly have ventured had there been much snow on the ground; but now it is of no consequence. This is quite the season indeed for friendly meetings. At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even the worst weather. I was snowed up at a friend's house once for a week. Nothing could be pleasanter. I went for only one night, and could not get away till that very day se'nnight." Mr. John Knightley looked as if he did not comprehend the pleasure, but said only, coolly, "I cannot wish to be snowed up a week at Randalls." At another time Emma might have been amused, but she was too much astonished now at Mr. Elton's spirits for other feelings. Harriet seemed quite forgotten in the expectation of a pleasant party. "We are sure of excellent fires," continued he, "and every thing in the greatest comfort. Charming people, Mr. and Mrs. Weston;-- Mrs. Weston indeed is much beyond 72

doamna Weston. Doamna Weston ntrece orice laud, i dnsul e pe bun dreptate preuit. E aa de ospitalier i prietenos. Vom fi puini, dar cnd cei puini sunt din cei mai alei este ct se poate de plcut. Sufrageria domnului Weston nu cuprinde mai mult de zece oameni, altfel nu ne-am simi bine. Dinspre partea mea, n asemenea mprejurri, prefer s fie doi n minus dect doi n plus. Cred c suntei de acord cu mine (ntorcnduse cu un aer fericit ctre Emma), cred c m vei aproba cu siguran, dei domnul Knightley, poate, fiind obinuit cu petrecerile cu lume mult din Londra, are sentimente diferite. Nu tiu nimic despre petrecerile cu mult lume de la Londra domnule, nu mnnc dect acas. ntr-adevr! (cu un ton de uimire i mil), nu tiam c meseria de avocat e o asemenea sclavie. Ei bine, domnule, cred c va veni o vreme cnd vei fi rspltit pentru toate astea, cnd vei munci mai puin i v vei bucura mai mult de via. Prima mea bucurie, rspunse John Knightley, pe cnd intrau pe poart, va fi s m vd din nou teafr la Hartfield. ERA NECESAR CA FIECARE DIN CEI Doi domni s-i schimbe puin atitudinea n momentul cnd intrau n salonul doamnei Weston: domnul Elton trebuia s-i potoleasc veselia exagerat, iar domnul John Knightley s-i risipeasc proasta dispoziie. Domnul Elton trebuia fcut s zmbeasc mai puin, iar domnul John Knightley, mai mult, pentru a fi n ton cu atmosfera general. Emma ns nu avea nevoie dect s asculte numai ndemnul firii i s fie exact att de fericit pe ct era. Pentru ea era n adevr o bucurie s vin la familia Weston. Domnul Weston fcea parte dintre favoriii ei, ct despre soia lui, nu exista o alt fiin creia Emma s i se poat adresa fr nici o rezerv, de care s fie att de sigur c o ascult i o nelege, pentru care micile aranjamente i planuri, nelmuriri i plceri ale tatlui ei i ale ei s fie mereu interesante i de neles. Nu putea s spun ceva despre Hartfield fr ca doamna Weston s nu arate cel mai mare interes i dac apucau s vorbeasc nentrerupt jumtate de or despre aceste lucruri mrunte care sunt esena-fericirii n viaa du toate zilele erau amndou cum nu se poate mai mulumite. Aceasta era o plcere pe care, probabil, vizita de fa nu i-o va oferi, nu acum puteau petrece o asemenea jumtate de or, dar numai faptul c o vedea pe doamna Weston zmbind, gesticulnd, vorbind era o plcere pentru Emma i se hotr s se gndeasc mai puin, ct mai puin posibil, la ciudeniile domnului Elton sau orice alt lucru neplcut, i s se bucure din plin. Nenorocirea cu durerea de gt a Harrietei fusese discutat deja la venirea ei. Domnul Woodhouse apucase s se aeze i s le spun toat povestea i, n plus, povestea despre cum au venit el i Isa-bella i cum o s vin i Emma i tocmai ajunsese la mulumirea lui c James poate

praise, and he is exactly what one values, so hospitable, and so fond of society;-- it will be a small party, but where small parties are select, they are perhaps the most agreeable of any. Mr. Weston's diningroom does not accommodate more than ten comfortably; and for my part, I would rather, under such circumstances, fall short by two than exceed by two. I think you will agree with me, (turning with a soft air to Emma,) I think I shall certainly have your approbation, though Mr. Knightley perhaps, from being used to the large parties of London, may not quite enter into our feelings." "I know nothing of the large parties of London, sir--I never dine with any body." "Indeed! (in a tone of wonder and pity,) I had no idea that the law had been so great a slavery. Well, sir, the time must come when you will be paid for all this, when you will have little labour and great enjoyment." "My first enjoyment," replied John Knightley, as they passed through the sweep-gate, "will be to find myself safe at Hartfield again."

Some change of countenance was necessary for each gentleman as they walked into Mrs. Weston's drawing-room;--Mr. Elton must compose his joyous looks, and Mr. John Knightley disperse his ill-humour. Mr. Elton must smile less, and Mr. John Knightley more, to fit them for the place.--Emma only might be as nature prompted, and shew herself just as happy as she was. To her it was real enjoyment to be with the Westons. Mr. Weston was a great favourite, and there was not a creature in the world to whom she spoke with such unreserve, as to his wife; not any one, to whom she related with such conviction of being listened to and understood, of being always interesting and always intelligible, the little affairs, arrangements, perplexities, and pleasures of her father and herself. 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. This was a pleasure which perhaps the whole day's visit might not afford, which certainly did not belong to the present half-hour; but the very sight of Mrs. Weston, her smile, her touch, her voice was grateful to Emma, and she determined to think as little as possible of Mr. Elton's oddities, or of any thing else unpleasant, and enjoy all that was enjoyable to the utmost. The misfortune of Harriet's cold had been pretty well gone through before her arrival. Mr. Woodhouse had been safely seated long enough to give the history of it, besides all the history of his own and Isabella's coming, and of Emma's being to follow, and had indeed just got to the end of his satisfaction that James 73

s vin s-i vad fata, cnd i fcur apariia ceilali i doamna Weston care fusese aproape cu totul prins de atenia pe care trebuia s i-o arate, putu s se desprind de lng el i s-o ntmpine pe scumpa ei Emma. Planul ei de a uita de domnul Elton pentru ctva vreme o fcu pe Emma s fie neplcut surprins c acesta se aezase chiar lng ea. Era foarte greu s-i scoat din cap ciudenia indiferenei lui fa de Harriet, dac el sttea chiar lng ea i i tot flutura buna dispoziie pe la nasul ei, i se adresa insistent, de cte ori avea ocazia. n loc s-l uite, datorit purtrii lui, nu-i putea opri gndul c: Poate oare s fie adevrat ce i-a nchipuit cumnatul meu ? Se poate oare ca acest brbat s nceap s-i schimbe dragostea pentru Harriet, ntr-o dragoste pentru mine ? Absurd i insuportabil" i, totui, avea atta grij ca ei s nu-i fie frig, arta atta interes fa de tatl ei, e~a aa de ncntat de doamna Weston i, n fine, ncepuse s-i admire desenele cu atta zel i lips de pricepere, nct putea foarte bine s par ndrgostit i Emma i impuse cu greu s se poarte n continuare cuviincios. Din amor propriu, nu-i permitea s fie nepoliticoas, iar din dragoste pentru Harriet, n sperana c lucrurile se vor aranja n favoarea ei, se purta chiar drgu, dar asta cerea efort, mai ales pentru c ceilali vorbeau despre ceva interesant, ceva ce ea ar fi vrut s asculte, tocmai n intervalul cnd domnul Elton o copleise cu prostiile lui. Auzi totui destul pentru a nelege c domnul Weston ddea nite informaii despre fiul su; auzi cuvintele fiul meu" i Frank" i fiul meu " repetate de mai multe ori, i, din alte cteva silabe, ncepu s bnuiasc anunul unei apropiate vizite a fiului su, dar subiectul fu epuizat nainte ca ea s-l poat potoli pe domnul Elton i orice ncercare a ei de a aduce din nou vorba despre asta ar fi fost deplasat. Se ntmpla c, n ciuda hotrrii Emmei de a nu se cstori niciodat, numele, ideea c exist un domn Frank Churchill preau s-i trezeasc ntotdeauna interesul. Se gndise foarte mult, mai ales de cnd tatl lui se cstorise cu domnioara Taylor, c, dac ar fi s se mrite, el ar fi persoana cea mai potrivit, ca vrst, character i situaie. I se prea c prin legtura care se crease ntre cele dou familii el i aparinea. i nchipuia c toat lumea care i cunoate se va gndi la o asemenea cstorie. Iar domnul i doamna Weston chiar se gndeau, de asta era foarte convins, i, dei nu voia s se lase tentat de el sau de oricine altcineva i s renune la o situaie pe care o socotea mai bun dect orice ar fi putut obine n schimb, era foarte curioas s-l vad, i inteniona, cu toat hotrrea, s-l gseasc simpatic, s-l fac i pe el s o plac, ntr-o oarecare msur, i simea un fel de satisfacie la gndul c ei doi erau sortii unul altuia n imaginaia prietenilor lor. Cu asemenea gnduri, galanteriile domnului Elton cdeau

should come and see his daughter, when the others appeared, and Mrs. Weston, who had been almost wholly engrossed by her attentions to him, was able to turn away and welcome her dear Emma. Emma's project of forgetting Mr. Elton for a while made her rather sorry to find, when they had all taken their places, that he was close to her. The difficulty was great of driving his strange insensibility towards Harriet, from her mind, while he not only sat at her elbow, but was continually obtruding his happy countenance on her notice, and solicitously addressing her upon every occasion. Instead of forgetting him, his behaviour was such that she could not avoid the internal suggestion of "Can it really be as my brother imagined? can it be possible for this man to be beginning to transfer his affections from Harriet to me?--Absurd and insufferable!"-- Yet he would be so anxious for her being perfectly warm, would be so interested about her father, and so delighted with Mrs. Weston; and at last would begin admiring her drawings with so much zeal and so little knowledge as seemed terribly like a would-be lover, and made it some effort with her to preserve her good manners. For her own sake she could not be rude; and for Harriet's, in the hope that all would yet turn out right, she was even positively civil; but it was an effort; especially as something was going on amongst the others, in the most overpowering period of Mr. Elton's nonsense, which she particularly wished to listen to. She heard enough to know that Mr. Weston was giving some information about his son; she heard the words "my son," and "Frank," and "my son," repeated several times over; and, from a few other half-syllables very much suspected that he was announcing an early visit from his son; but before she could quiet Mr. Elton, the subject was so completely past that any reviving question from her would have been awkward. Now, it so happened that in spite of Emma's resolution of never marrying, there was something in the name, in the idea of Mr. Frank Churchill, which always interested her. She had frequently thought--especially since his father's marriage with Miss Taylor--that if she were to marry, he was the very person to suit her in age, character and condition. He seemed by this connexion between the families, quite to belong to her. She could not but suppose it to be a match that every body who knew them must think of. That Mr. and Mrs. Weston did think of it, she was very strongly persuaded; and though not meaning to be induced by him, or by any body else, to give up a situation which she believed more replete with good than any she could change it for, she had a great curiosity to see him, a decided intention of finding him pleasant, of being liked by him to a certain degree, and a sort of pleasure in the idea of their being coupled in their friends' imaginations. With such sensations, Mr. Elton's civilities were dreadfully ill74

ngrozitor de prost, dar se mngia la ideea c reuete s par politicoas cnd e aa de nfuriat. Se liniti, zicndu-i c e imposibil s treac toat seara fr ca domnul Weston, cu inima lui deschis, s nu mai aduc vorba despre asta. Chiar aa se i ntmpla, cci, de ndat ce avu fericirea s scape de domnul Elton i s se aeze la mas alturi de domnul Weston, acesta folosi primul moment cnd nu era ocupat cu ndatoririle lui de gazd, care coincidea fericit cu momentul cnd ea se oprise puin din mestecatul spinrii de berbec, pentru a-i spune: Ne mai lipsesc numai doi ca s fim exact ci trebuie. Numai doi a mai vrea s vd aici: pe drglaa dumitale prieten, domnioara Smith, i pe fiul meu atunci da, am fi cu toii. Am impresia c n-ai auzit, dincolo, n salon, cnd am spus c-l ateptm be Frank. Am primit o scrisoare de la el azi-diminea. n urmtoarele dou sptmni trebuie s soseasc. Emma vorbi cu o plcere bine cntrit i fu ntru totul de acord cu el c numai domnioara Smith i domnul Churchill lipseau ca s fie exact ci trebuie. Voia s vin la noi, continu domnul Weston, nc din septembrie. Fiecare scrisoare era plin de promisiuni. Dar nu e stpn pe timpul lui. Trebuie s fac pe placul acelora pe care trebuie s-i asculte i care, ntre noi fie vorba, cer uneori cam multe sacrificii. Dar acum nu m ndoiesc c-l voi vedea aici, n a doua sptmn a lui ianuarie. Ce mare plcere o s v fac, i doamna Weston e att de curioas s-l cunoasc, nct cred c e la fel de fericit ca dumneavoastr. Da, ar trebui, dar ea se gndete c va surveni o nou amnare. Nu e aa de ncredinat de venirea lui ca mine. Ea nu-l cunoate, nici pe el, nici rudele lui, aa cum i cunosc eu. Uite cum stau lucrurile, dar rmne ntre noi; n-am suflat o vorb dincolo. Astea sunt secrete de familie, tii. Lucrurile stau aa: nite prieteni au fost invitai la Enscombe n ianuarie, i venirea lui Frank depinde de amnarea acestei vizite. Dac vizita nu se amn, Frank nu se poate mica. Dar tiu precis c se va amna, pentru c e vorba de o familie pe care o anumit doamn, cu influen la Enscombe, nu o poate suferi; i dei este considerat necesar ca invitaia s fie fcut o dat la doi-trei ani, vizita e mereu amnat. N-am nici o ndoial n privina asta. Sunt sigur c-l voi vedea pe Frank aici nainte de mijlocul lui ianuarie, aa cum sunt sigur de prezena mea aici, dar buna dumitale prieten de acolo (artnd spre captul cellalt al mesei) are att de puine capricii i a avut att de puin de-a face cu cineva de soiul sta la Hartfield, nct nu le poate calcula efectele, aa cum tiu eu, din experien. mi pare ru c exist ndoieli, zise Emma, dar sunt de prerea dumneavoastr, domnule Weston. Dac dumneavoastr credei c vine, cred i eu, pentru c dumneavoastr i cunoatei pe cei de la Enscombe. Da, pot s am pretenia c i cunosc, dei n-am fost

timed; but she had the comfort of appearing very polite, while feeling very cross--and of thinking that the rest of the visit could not possibly pass without bringing forward the same information again, or the substance of it, from the open-hearted Mr. Weston.--So it proved;-- for when happily released from Mr. Elton, and seated by Mr. Weston, at dinner, he made use of the very first interval in the cares of hospitality, the very first leisure from the saddle of mutton, to say to her, "We want only two more to be just the right number. I should like to see two more here,--your pretty little friend, Miss Smith, and my son--and then I should say we were quite complete. I believe you did not hear me telling the others in the drawing-room that we are expecting Frank. I had a letter from him this morning, and he will be with us within a fortnight." Emma spoke with a very proper degree of pleasure; and fully assented to his proposition of Mr. Frank Churchill and Miss Smith making their party quite complete. "He has been wanting to come to us," continued Mr. Weston, "ever since September: every letter has been full of it; but he cannot command his own time. He has those to please who must be pleased, and who (between ourselves) are sometimes to be pleased only by a good many sacrifices. But now I have no doubt of seeing him here about the second week in January." "What a very great pleasure it will be to you! and Mrs. Weston is so anxious to be acquainted with him, that she must be almost as happy as yourself." "Yes, she would be, but that she thinks there will be another put-off. She does not depend upon his coming so much as I do: but she does not know the parties so well as I do. The case, you see, is--(but this is quite between ourselves: I did not mention a syllable of it in the other room. There are secrets in all families, you know)--The case is, that a party of friends are invited to pay a visit at Enscombe in January; and that Frank's coming depends upon their being put off. If they are not put off, he cannot stir. But I know they will, because it is a family that a certain lady, of some consequence, at Enscombe, has a particular dislike to: and though it is thought necessary to invite them once in two or three years, they always are put off when it comes to the point. I have not the smallest doubt of the issue. I am as confident of seeing Frank here before the middle of January, as I am of being here myself: but your good friend there (nodding towards the upper end of the table) has so few vagaries herself, and has been so little used to them at Hartfield, that she cannot calculate on their effects, as I have been long in the practice of doing." "I am sorry there should be any thing like doubt in the case," replied Emma; "but am disposed to side with you, Mr. Weston. If you think he will come, I shall think so too; for you know Enscombe." "Yes--I have some right to that knowledge; though I have never been at the place in my life.--She is an odd 75

acolo niciodat. E o femeie curioas. Dar nu-mi permit s o vorbesc de ru, de dragul lui Frank, pentru c sunt ncredinat c l iubete foarte mult. nainte credeam c nu e n stare s in la cineva, n afar de ea nsi, dar cu el a fost ntotdeauna bun n felul ei, cu mofturile i capriciile ei, creznd c toi trebuie s-i fac pe plac). i, dup prerea mea, lui Frank i face cinste faptul c a reuit s provoace o asemenea afeciune. Cci, dei n-a spune-o la nimeni, are o inim de piatr fa de ceilali i o fire a dracului. Emmei i plcea att de mult subiectul nct l relu ntr-o discuie cu doamna Weston, de ndat ce se mutar n salon, dorind s id bucuria ei, dar observnd c prima ntlnire ii provoca nelinite. Doamna Weston fu de acord, dar adug c ar fi bucuroas s scape de nelinitea legat de aceast prim ntlnire la data despre care se vorbea. Pentru c nu pot s fiu sigur de venirea lui. Nu pot s fiu aa de optimist ca domnul Weston. Mi-e foarte team c nu ne vom alege cu nimic. Cred c domnul Weston i-a spus exact cum stau lucrurile. Da, se pare c nu putei fi siguri dect de proasta dispoziie a doamnei Churchill, care cred c e lucrul cel mai cert din lume. Draga mea Emma, rspunse doamna Weston, zmbind, care e certitudinea unui capriciu ? Apoi, ntorcndu-se spre Isabella, care nu participase pn atunci la discuie: Probabil c tii, drag doamn Knightley, c eu nu sunt deloc sigur c domnul Frank Churchill o s vin, spre deosebire de tatl lui. Depinde numai i numai de dispoziia i plcerea m-tuii sale, pe scurt de capriciile ei. Ctre voi, fetele mele, pot s-mi permit s spun adevrul. Doamna Churchill e stpn la Enscombe i e o femeie foarte curioas, iar venirea lui depinde de voina ei. Ah, doamna Churchill, toat lumea tie de doamna Churchill, rspunse Isabella, i ntotdeauna m gndesc la bietul tnr cu cea mai mare mil. S trieti n casa unei persoane fnoase, trebuie s fie ngrozitor. E ceva despre care noi, din fericire, n-avem habar; dar trebuie s fie o via cu totul nenorocit. Ce bine c n-a avut copii! Bieii de ei, ct de nefericii i-ar fi fcut! Emma ar fi vrut s fie singur cu doamna Weston. Ar fi auzit mai multe de la ea. Doamna Weston i-ar fi vorbit mult mai deschis dect se putea ncumeta s o fac n faa Isabellei. i era convins ntr-adevr c fa de ea nu ar ascunde nici un amnunt despre familia Churchill, n afar de planurile legate de tnrul Frank, pe care ajunsese s le cunoasc numai datorit propriei imaginaii. Dar, deocamdat, nu mai era nimic de spus. Domnul Wood-house le urm n scurt timp n salon. Nu-i plcea s rmn mult timp pe scaun dup ce termina de mncat. Nici vinul, nici conversaia nu-l interesau i era bucuros s se afle printre acelea alturi de care se simea ntotdeauna bine.

woman!--But I never allow myself to speak ill of her, on Frank's account; for I do believe her to be very fond of him. I used to think she was not capable of being fond of any body, except herself: but she has always been kind to him (in her way--allowing for little whims and caprices, and expecting every thing to be as she likes). And it is no small credit, in my opinion, to him, that he should excite such an affection; for, though I would not say it to any body else, she has no more heart than a stone to people in general; and the devil of a temper." Emma liked the subject so well, that she began upon it, to Mrs. Weston, very soon after their moving into the drawing-room: wishing her joy-- yet observing, that she knew the first meeting must be rather alarming.-Mrs. Weston agreed to it; but added, that she should be very glad to be secure of undergoing the anxiety of a first meeting at the time talked of: "for I cannot depend upon his coming. I cannot be so sanguine as Mr. Weston. I am very much afraid that it will all end in nothing. 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." "My Emma!" replied Mrs. Weston, smiling, "what is the certainty of caprice?" Then turning to Isabella, who had not been attending before--"You must know, my dear Mrs. Knightley, that we are by no means so sure of seeing Mr. Frank Churchill, in my opinion, as his father thinks. It depends entirely upon his aunt's spirits and pleasure; in short, upon her temper. To you--to my two daughters--I may venture on the truth. Mrs. Churchill rules at Enscombe, and is a very odd-tempered woman; and his coming now, depends upon her being willing to spare him." "Oh, Mrs. Churchill; every body knows Mrs. Churchill," replied Isabella: "and I am sure I never think of that poor young man without the greatest compassion. To be constantly living with an ill-tempered person, must be dreadful. It is what we happily have never known any thing of; but it must be a life of misery. What a blessing, that she never had any children! Poor little creatures, how unhappy she would have made them!" Emma wished she had been alone with Mrs. Weston. She should then have heard more: Mrs. Weston would speak to her, with a degree of unreserve which she would not hazard with Isabella; and, she really believed, would scarcely try to conceal any thing relative to the Churchills from her, excepting those views on the young man, of which her own imagination had already given her such instinctive knowledge. But at present there was nothing more to be said. Mr. Woodhouse very soon followed them into the drawing-room. To be sitting long after dinner, was a confinement that he could not endure. Neither wine nor conversation was any thing to him; and gladly did he move to those with whom he

76

n timp ce el vorbea cu Isabella, Emma gsi totui ocazia s spun: Deci, nu considerai vizita fiului dumneavoastr o certitudine, mi pare ru, va fi destul de greu momentul cnd vei face cunotin, i cu ct se petrece mai repede, cu att mai bine. Da, fiecare ntrziere m face s m gndesc la urmtoarea. Chiar dac vizita familiei aceleia, Braithwaites, va fi amnat, mi-e team c se va mai gsi o scuz ca s ne dezamgeasc. Nu-mi place s cred c el personal ar avea ceva mpotriv s vin, dar Sunt sigur c domnul i doamna Churchill nu vor s-l lase s plece de lng ei. E gelozia la mijloc. Sunt geloi chiar pentru stima pe care io poart tatlui su. Pe scurt, nu pot s contez deloc pe venirea lui i tare a vrea ca domnul Weston s nu se mai aprind aa de repede. Ar trebui s vin, zise Emma, mcar pentru dou zile i tot ar trebui s vin. Nu pot s-mi nchipui un biat cruia nu-i st n putin s fac atta lucru. O fat, dac ar cdea n minii rele ar putea fi scit i inut departe de cei din preajma crora ar vrea s stea, dar nu neleg cum un biat poate fi reinut, nct s nu fie n stare s-i petreac o sptmn cu tatl su, dac dorete. Ar trebui s fim la Enscombe, i s cunoatem obiceiurile de acolo, ca s hotrm ce ar putea el s fac, rspunse doamna Weston. Trebuie s fim prudente cnd i judecm pe alii, n orice caz; dar cei de la Enscombe, n mod sigur, nu trebuie judecai dup regula general. Ea e att de puin nelegtoare i toat lumea i cedeaz.

was always comfortable. While he talked to Isabella, however, Emma found an opportunity of saying, "And so you do not consider this visit from your son as by any means certain. I am sorry for it. The introduction must be unpleasant, whenever it takes place; and the sooner it could be over, the better." "Yes; and every delay makes one more apprehensive of other delays. Even if this family, the Braithwaites, are put off, I am still afraid that some excuse may be found for disappointing us. I cannot bear to imagine any reluctance on his side; but I am sure there is a great wish on the Churchills' to keep him to themselves. There is jealousy. They are jealous even of his regard for his father. In short, I can feel no dependence on his coming, and I wish Mr. Weston were less sanguine." "He ought to come," said Emma. "If he could stay only a couple of days, he ought to come; and one can hardly conceive a young man's not having it in his power to do as much as that. A young woman, if she fall into bad hands, may be teazed, and kept at a distance from those she wants to be with; but one cannot comprehend a young man's being under such restraint, as not to be able to spend a week with his father, if he likes it." "One ought to be at Enscombe, and know the ways of the family, before one decides upon what he can do," replied Mrs. Weston. "One ought to use the same caution, perhaps, in judging of the conduct of any one individual of any one family; but Enscombe, I believe, certainly must not be judged by general rules: she is so very unreasonable; and every thing gives way to her." Dar i iubete foarte mult nepotul, e favoritul ei! Dup "But she is so fond of the nephew: he is so very great a cte am neles, ar fi normal ca doamna Churchill, favourite. Now, according to my idea of Mrs. care nu sacrific nimic de dragul soului, cruia i datoreaz Churchill, it would be most natural, that while she makes no totul i pe care l exaspereaz cu capriciile ei, s fie sacrifice for the comfort of the husband, to whom sub influena nepotului, cruia nu-i datoreaz nimic. she owes every thing, while she exercises incessant caprice towards him, she should frequently be governed by the nephew, to whom she owes nothing at all." Drag Emma, tu, cu buntatea ta, s nu ai pretenia c "My dearest Emma, do not pretend, with your sweet nelegi rutatea altora sau c poi da sentine. temper, to understand a bad one, or to lay down rules for Trebuie s lsm lucrurile s mearg de la sine. Nu m it: you must let it go its own way. I have no doubt of his ndoiesc c, uneori, el poate s aib o mare influen, dar having, at times, considerable influence; but it may i e imposibil s prevad cnd! be perfectly impossible for him to know beforehand when it will be." Emma ascult i spuse apoi cu rceal: Emma listened, and then coolly said, "I shall not be satisfied, N-o s fiu mulumit dect dac vine. unless he comes." Poate c are o foarte mare influen numai n unele "He may have a great deal of influence on some points," privine, continu doamna Weston, i n altele deloc i e continued Mrs. Weston, "and on others, very little: foarte probabil, ca n privina venirii lui ncoace s nu o and among those, on which she is beyond his reach, it is but poat ndupleca. too likely, may be this very circumstance of his CAPITOLUL XV coming away from them to visit us." nu dupa multa vreme, domnul wood-house se art gata Mr. Woodhouse was soon ready for his tea; and when he s-i bea ceaiul, iar dup ce bu ceaiul se art gata s had drank his tea he was quite ready to go home; and plece acas i tovarele lui fcur tot ce le sttea n it was as much as his three companions could do, to putin pentru a-l amuza, ca s uite de ora trzie, cel puin entertain away his notice of the lateness of the hour, 77

pn cnd i vor face apariia n salon i ceilali domni. Domnul Weston era vorbre i vesel i nu-i plcea s se despart n grab de oaspei, sub nici un motiv; dar n cele din urm numrul celor din salon crescu. Domnul Elton, plin de bun dispoziie, fu printre primii care intrar. Doamna Weston i Emma stteau mpreun pe sofa. Li se altur imediat i, fr ca cineva s-l invite, se aez ntre ele. Emma, i ea bine dispus din cauza plcerii pe care i-o fcea gndul la venirea lui Frank Churchill, era dornic s uite necuviinele lui de mai nainte i s fie la fel de mulumit de el ca de obicei i, cnd el rencepu prin a aduce vorba despre Harriet, ea era gata s asculte cu zmbete ct se poate de ncurajatoare. Se art extrem de nelinitit de starea frumoasei ei prietene, frumoasa, drglaa, simpatica ei prieten! Primise veti, mai tia ceva de cind erau la Randalls ? era foarte ngrijorat , trebuia s mrturiseasc, natura bolii ei l nelinitea peste msur". i n stilul acesta continu s vorbeasc, timp de cteva minute, foarte cuviincios, fr s atepte vreun rspuns, dar ntru totul contient de calamitatea pe care o reprezint o durere de gt grav, i Emmei era ct pe-aci s-i fie mil de el. Dar, spre sfrit, n vorbele lui apru o schimbare perfid. Dintr-o dat, se dovedi c lui i era mai mult team pentru gtul Emmei dect pentru cel al Harrietei era mai dornic ca ea s nu se molipseasc dect ca Harriet s nu fie grav contaminat. ncepu, n mod foarte serios, s o roage s nu mai fac vizite n camera bolnavei, cel puin deocamdat, s-o roage s-i promit lui c nu i va mai risca sntatea pn cnd l va consulta pe domnul Perry i i va afla prerea; i, dei ea ncerc s ia n rs aceast grij a lui i s aduc discuia pe fgaul ei firesc, nu fu n stare s pun capt solicitudinii lui exagerate pentru persoana ei. Era jignit de-a binelea. Se prea c n mod fi el se arta ndrgostit de ea i nu de Harriet, o lips de consecven care, dac se dovedea adevrat, merita cel mai mare dispre i dezgust. i era destul de greu s rmn calm. El se ntoarse spre doamna Weston spre a-i ceri ajutorul: Nu vrea s-l sprijine ? Nu vrea s-i adauge argumentele ei la ale lui pentru a o ndupleca pe domnioara Woodhouse s nu se duc la doamna Goddard pn cnd nu va fi sigur c boala domnioarei Smith nu e contagioas ? Nu putea fi satisfcut fr o promisiune nu vrea s se foloseasc de influenta ei pentru a o obine ?" Ct e de grijulie cu alii i ct e de nepstoare cu sine. Voia ca eu s stau acas, s-mi ngrijesc gtul i totui nu vrea s promit c va evita primejdia de a se molipsi de o inflamaie n gt att de grav! E cinstit, doamn Weston ? Fii judectorul nostru! N-am dreptul s m plng ? Sunt sigur c m vei sprijini i ajuta. Emma vzu c doamna Weston era surprins i i ddu seama c era chiar foarte surprins de aceast intervenie care prin cuvinte i manier arta c el i

before the other gentlemen appeared. Mr. Weston was chatty and convivial, and no friend to early separations of any sort; but at last the drawing-room party did receive an augmentation. Mr. Elton, in very good spirits, was one of the first to walk in. Mrs. Weston and Emma were sitting together on a sofa. He joined them immediately, and, with scarcely an invitation, seated himself between them. Emma, in good spirits too, from the amusement afforded her mind by the expectation of Mr. Frank Churchill, was willing to forget his late improprieties, and be as well satisfied with him as before, and on his making Harriet his very first subject, was ready to listen with most friendly smiles. He professed himself extremely anxious about her fair friend-- her fair, lovely, amiable friend. "Did she know?--had she heard any thing about her, since their being at Randalls?-- he felt much anxiety--he must confess that the nature of her complaint alarmed him considerably." And in this style he talked on for some time very properly, not much attending to any answer, but altogether sufficiently awake to the terror of a bad sore throat; and Emma was quite in charity with him. But at last there seemed a perverse turn; it seemed all at once as if he were more afraid of its being a bad sore throat on her account, than on Harriet's--more anxious that she should escape the infection, than that there should be no infection in the complaint. He began with great earnestness to entreat her to refrain from visiting the sick-chamber again, for the present--to entreat her to promise him not to venture into such hazard till he had seen Mr. Perry and learnt his opinion; and though she tried to laugh it off and bring the subject back into its proper course, there was no putting an end to his extreme solicitude about her. She was vexed. It did appear--there was no concealing it--exactly like the pretence of being in love with her, instead of Harriet; an inconstancy, if real, the most contemptible and abominable! and she had difficulty in behaving with temper. He turned to Mrs. Weston to implore her assistance, "Would not she give him her support?--would not she add her persuasions to his, to induce Miss Woodhouse not to go to Mrs. Goddard's till it were certain that Miss Smith's disorder had no infection? He could not be satisfied without a promise-- would not she give him her influence in procuring it?" "So scrupulous for others," he continued, "and yet so careless for herself! She wanted me to nurse my cold by staying at home to-day, and yet will not promise to avoid the danger of catching an ulcerated sore throat herself. Is this fair, Mrs. Weston?--Judge between us. Have not I some right to complain? I am sure of your kind support and aid." Emma saw Mrs. Weston's surprize, and felt that it must be great, at an address which, in words and manner, was assuming to himself the right of first interest in her; and 78

asum dreptul de a fi primul care trebuie s-i poarte de grij. n ceea ce o privea, era mult prea jignit i revoltat ca s mai aib puterea de a-l pune la punct Putu numai s-i arunce o privire, o privire care, dup ea, trebuia s-l fac s-i vin n fire i apoi plec de pe sofa, mutnduse lng sora ei i acordndu-i acesteia toat atenia. N-avu timp s vad reacia domnului Elton la aceast mustrare, pentru c, foarte repede, se ivi un alt subiect: domnul John Knightley sosi n camer de afar, unde se dusese s vad cum e vremea, i le comunic tuturor c pmntul s-a acoperit de zpad c ninge puternic i bate un vnt nprasnic, va fi probabil viscol i ncheie cu aceste cuvinte ctre domnul Woodhouse: Aceasta, domnule, se va dovedi a fi un nceput vesel pentru petrecerile dumneavoastr de iarn. E ceva cu totul nou, pentru vizitiul i caii dumneavoastr s-i fac drum prin viscol. Bietul domn Woodhouse rmase mut de uimire; dar toi ceilali gsir ceva de spus. Toi erau fie foarte mirai, fie deloc mirai i aveau de ntrebat cte ceva, de dat cte un sfat. Doamna Weston i Emma ncercar din toate puterile s-l nveseleasc, s-i distrag atenia de la ginerele su, care i gusta triumful fr urm de regret: V-am admirat foarte mult hotrrea de a v ncumeta s ieii pe o asemenea vreme, pentru c ai vzut desigur c o s ning, cred c oricine i ddea seama c va ninge. V-am admirat curajul i probabil c vom ajunge acas cu bine. Dac mai ninge o or, dou, nu nseamn c pot s se nfunde drumurile, i avem oricum dou trsuri, dac una se rstoarn n cmp, e a doua la ndemn. Probabil vom ajunge teferi la Hartfield, nainte de miezul nopii. Domnul Weston, triumfnd i el n felul lui, tocmai mrturisea c tiuse c ninge, de vreun ceas, dou, dar n-a spus ca s nu-l deranjeze pe domnul Woodhouse i s nu-i dea ocazia s plece prea repede. Zpada care czuse i urma s mai cad nu-i putea mpiedica s ajung la Hartfield, asta era o glum, era sigur c nu vor avea nici o dificultate. Ar fi dorit chiar ca drumul s se nfunde, ca s-i poat opri pe toi la Randalls. i, cu cea mai mare bunvoin, era sigur c se poate gsi loc pentru fiecare, cernd aprobarea soiei sale. Cu puin pricepere, se poate aranja pentru fiecare cte un loc de dormit. Soia lui ns nu prea tia cum s-ar putea aranja cele dou camere pe care le aveau n plus, pentru atta lume.

as for herself, she was too much provoked and offended to have the power of directly saying any thing to the purpose. She could only give him a look; but it was such a look as she thought must restore him to his senses, and then left the sofa, removing to a seat by her sister, and giving her all her attention. 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. Something new for your coachman and horses to be making their way through a storm of snow." Poor Mr. Woodhouse was silent from consternation; but every body else had something to say; every body was either surprized or not surprized, and had some question to ask, or some comfort to offer. Mrs. Weston and Emma tried earnestly to cheer him and turn his attention from his son-in-law, who was pursuing his triumph rather unfeelingly. "I admired your resolution very much, sir," said he, "in venturing out in such weather, for of course you saw there would be snow very soon. Every body must have seen the snow coming on. I admired your spirit; and I dare say we shall get home very well. Another hour or two's snow can hardly make the road impassable; and we are two carriages; if one is blown over in the bleak part of the common field there will be the other at hand. I dare say we shall be all safe at Hartfield before midnight." Mr. Weston, with triumph of a different sort, was confessing that he had known it to be snowing some time, but had not said a word, lest it should make Mr. Woodhouse uncomfortable, and be an excuse for his hurrying away. As to there being any quantity of snow fallen or likely to fall to impede their return, that was a mere joke; he was afraid they would find no difficulty. He wished the road might be impassable, that he might be able to keep them all at Randalls; and with the utmost goodwill was sure that accommodation might be found for every body, calling on his wife to agree with him, that with a little contrivance, every body might be lodged, which she hardly knew how to do, from the consciousness of there being but two spare rooms in the house. "What is to be done, my dear Emma?--what is to be done?" was Mr. Woodhouse's first exclamation, and all that he could say for some time. To her he looked for comfort; and her assurances of safety, her representation of the excellence of the horses, and of James, and of their having so many friends about them, revived him a little. 79

Ce ne facem, drag Emma, ce ne facem ? exclam domnul Woodhouse de ndat ce-i recapt glasul i pentru ctva vreme repet fraza prnd a nu mai ti s spun altceva. Atepta de la ea o mngiere i asigurrile ei c vor ajunge cu bine, laudele la adresa cailor i a lui James, faptul c avea atia prieteni buni n jur l mai nviorar puin.

Nelinitea celeilalte fiice a lui era la fel de mare. Groaza de a fi nzpezit la Randalls, cnd copiii ei se aflau la Hartfield, fcea ca proporiile nenorocirii s creasc n imaginaia ei i, nchipuindu-i c drumul e de acum bun numai pentru cei foarte ndrznei i c n curnd nu se va mai putea pleca deloc, era nerbdtoare s lase pe Emma i pe tatl ei la Randalls, iar ea i soul ei s plece nentrziat prin toat zpada care le sttea n cale. Mai bine spune imediat s trag trsura la scar, dragostea mea. Cred c o s putem ajunge, dac plecm imediat. i, dac, doamne ferete, se ntmpl ceva, pot s merg i pe jos. Nu mi-e fric deloc. N-am nimic mpotriv s merg pe jos chiar jumtate de drum. Cnd ajung acas, mi schimb pantofii i gata. N-am cum s rcesc din asta. Nu zu ? rspunse el, atunci, drag Isabella, asta e cu totul extraordinar, pentru c de obicei rceti din orice. S mergi pe jos! Bune nclri trebuie s mai ai din moment ce vrei s mergi pe jos. Nu tiu dac o s se descurce caii. Isabella se ntoarse spre doamna Weston, ca s obin un con-simmnt pentru planul ei. Doamna Weston nu putea dect s consimt. Apoi, Isabella se duse la Emma; dar Emma nu renuna la sperana c vor putea pleca toi i tocmai dezbteau aceast problem, cnd i fcu apariia domnul Knightley, care plecase din camer de ndat ce fratele su adusese vestea.. Le spuse c a fost afar s vad cum st situaia i declar pe proprie rspundere c nu va fi nici o dificultate s ajung acas, acum sau peste un ceas. Mersese pn dincolo de porti, pe drumul spre Highbury i vzuse c zpada nu depea dou degete, iar n unele locuri, nici nu acoperise pmntul. Acum, de-abia dac mai cdeau civa fulgi i norii se risipeau. Ninsoarea se va opri curnd. Vorbise cu vizitiii i amn-doi erau de acord cu el, c nu au de ce s se team.

Pentru Isabella aceste tiri erau o mare uurare, iar pentru Emma erau la fel de binevenite, din cauza tatlui lor, care se mai liniti, att ct i permitea constituia lui nervoas; dar nelinitea lui nu putea fi potolit astfel nct s rmn la Randalls. Era mulumit c nu exista primejdia imediat de a se nzpezi, dar nimic nu l-ar fi putut convinge c era mai bine s rmn i, n timp ce toi ceilali l tot ndemnau s mai stea, domnul Knightley i Emma puser capt situaiei printr-un dialog scurt: Tatl tu nu se va mai simi n largul su. De ce nu plecai ? Sunt gata, dac sunt i ceilali. S chem trsura? Te rog! Trsurile fur chemate. Peste cteva minute, Emma

His eldest daughter's alarm was equal to his own. The horror of being blocked up at Randalls, while her children were at Hartfield, was full in her imagination; and fancying the road to be now just passable for adventurous people, but in a state that admitted no delay, she was eager to have it settled, that her father and Emma should remain at Randalls, while she and her husband set forward instantly through all the possible accumulations of drifted snow that might impede them. "You had better order the carriage directly, my love," said she; "I dare say we shall be able to get along, if we set off directly; and if we do come to any thing very bad, I can get out and walk. I am not at all afraid. I should not mind walking half the way. I could change my shoes, you know, the moment I got home; and it is not the sort of thing that gives me cold." "Indeed!" replied he. "Then, my dear Isabella, it is the most extraordinary sort of thing in the world, for in general every thing does give you cold. Walk home!--you are prettily shod for walking home, I dare say. It will be bad enough for the horses." Isabella turned to Mrs. Weston for her approbation of the plan. Mrs. Weston could only approve. Isabella then went to Emma; but Emma could not so entirely give up the hope of their being all able to get away; and they were still discussing the point, when Mr. Knightley, who had left the room immediately after his brother's first report of the snow, came back again, and told them that he had been out of doors to examine, and could answer for there not being the smallest difficulty in their getting home, whenever they liked it, either now or an hour hence. He had gone beyond the sweep-- some way along the Highbury road--the snow was nowhere above half an inch deep--in many places hardly enough to whiten the ground; a very few flakes were falling at present, but the clouds were parting, and there was every appearance of its being soon over. He had seen the coachmen, and they both agreed with him in there being nothing to apprehend. To Isabella, the relief of such tidings was very great, and they were scarcely less acceptable to Emma on her father's account, who was immediately set as much at ease on the subject as his nervous constitution allowed; but the alarm that had been raised could not be appeased so as to admit of any comfort for him while he continued at Randalls. He was satisfied of there being no present danger in returning home, but no assurances could convince him that it was safe to stay; and while the others were variously urging and recommending, Mr. Knightley and Emma settled it in a few brief sentences: thus-"Your father will not be easy; why do not you go?" "I am ready, if the others are." "Shall I ring the bell?" "Yes, do." And the bell was rung, and the carriages spoken for. A few 80

spera s-L lase pe unul din cei doi nesuferii tovari de drum acas la el, s se potoleasc, i s-l vad pe cellalt din nou bine dispus i fericit c s-a terminat corvoada acestei vizite. Sosi trsura i domnul Woodhouse, cruia i se ddea ntotdeauna ntietate i n asemenea ocazii, fu condus de ctre domnul Knithtley i domnul Weston. Nici unul din ei nu gsi cuvintele potrivite s mpiedice noile neliniti pe care i le treziser domnului Woodhouse vederea zpezii czute i descoperirea c noaptea era mai ntunecoas dect crezuse. i era team c vor cltori prost, foarte prost. i era team c Isabellei nu-i va fi deloc pe plac. i Emma n alt trsur! Nu tia ce e mai bine s fac. Trebuia s se in ct se poate de aproape unul de altul!" Vorbir cu James i i spuser s mne ncet i s atepte trsura cealalt. Isabella urc dup tatl ei, i John Knightley, uitnd c el nu trebuia s mearg n trsura lor, urc n mod firesc dup soia lui, aa c Emma descoperi, dup ce fusese condus i urmat n trsur de ctre domnul Elton, c ua se nchide n urma lor i c vor cltori n tte-atte. Dac nu ar fi fost bnuielile pe care i le trezise azi, n-ar fi fost nici o clip stnjenit, i-ar fi fcut chiar plcere. I-ar fi vorbit despre Harriet i drumul ar fi prut de trei ori mai scurt. Dar acum ar fi preferat s nu i se ntmple aa ceva. Era ncredinat c el buse prea mult din vinul acela bun al domnului Weston i c e dispus s vorbeasc prostii. Pentru a-l mai potoli prin felul ei de a se purta, ncepu imediat s vorbeasc serios i calm despre vreme i despre noaptea aceea ntunecoas; dar de-abia trecur de porti, de-abia ajunser din urm cealalt trsur, c el o ntrerupse, i apuc mna, i ceri atenia i ncepu s-i fac declaraii violente: profit de mprejurarea nepreuit, s-i mrturiseasc sentimentele, care sunt probabil deja cunoscute, cu speran, cu team, cu adoraie, gata s moar, dac l refuz, dar plcndu-i s cread c devoiunea lui nflcrat i iubirea lui nemrginit i pasiunea fr egal nu se poate s nu aib ecou i, pe scurt, conta pe faptul c va fi acceptat, ct se poate de repede, n mod serios. " Chiar aa! Fr remucri, fr s se scuze, fr mult ovire, domnul Elton, curtezanul Harrietei, i declara dragoste" ei. ncerc s-l opreasc, dar degeaba, el voia s continue, s spun tot. Ct era de furioas, se gndi puin i hotr s se arate reinut n vorbe. Simea c jumtate din nebunia asta se datora beiei i spera s fie ceva trector. Prin urmare, cu un amestec de seriozitate i glum, care gsea ea c se potrivete cu starea lui, rspunse: Sunt foarte surprins, domnule Elton. Toate acestea

minutes more, and Emma hoped to see one troublesome companion deposited in his own house, to get sober and cool, and the other recover his temper and happiness when this visit of hardship were over. 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. "He was afraid they should have a very bad drive. He was afraid poor Isabella would not like it. And there would be poor Emma in the carriage behind. He did not know what they had best do. They must keep as much together as they could;" and James was talked to, and given a charge to go very slow and wait for the other carriage. Isabella stept in after her father; John Knightley, forgetting that he did not belong to their party, stept in after his wife very naturally; so that Emma found, on being escorted and followed into the second carriage by Mr. Elton, that the door was to be lawfully shut on them, and that they were to have a tete-a-tete drive. It would not have been the awkwardness of a moment, it would have been rather a pleasure, previous to the suspicions of this very day; she could have talked to him of Harriet, and the three-quarters of a mile would have seemed but one. But now, she would rather it had not happened. She believed he had been drinking too much of Mr. Weston's good wine, and felt sure that he would want to be talking nonsense. To restrain him as much as might be, by her own manners, she was immediately preparing to speak with exquisite calmness and gravity of the weather and the night; but scarcely had she begun, scarcely had they passed the sweep-gate and joined the other carriage, than she found her subject cut up--her hand seized--her attention demanded, and Mr. Elton actually making violent love to her: availing himself of the precious opportunity, declaring sentiments which must be already well known, hoping--fearing--adoring--ready to die if she refused him; but flattering himself that his ardent attachment and unequalled love and unexampled passion could not fail of having some effect, and in short, very much resolved on being seriously accepted as soon as possible. It really was so. Without scruple--without apology-- without much apparent diffidence, Mr. Elton, the lover of Harriet, was professing himself her lover. She tried to stop him; but vainly; he would go on, and say it all. Angry as she was, the thought of the moment made her resolve to restrain herself when she did speak. She felt that half this folly must be drunkenness, and therefore could hope that it might belong only to the passing hour. Accordingly, with a mixture of the serious and the playful, which she hoped would best suit his half and half state, she replied, 81

pentru mine? Uitai n faa cui v aflai, m luai drept prietena mea; voi fi foarte fericit s-i transmit mesajul domnioarei Smith, dar nu-mi mai spunei mie asemenea lucruri! Domnioara Smith, mesaj pentru domnioara Smith, ce voia s spun!" i repet cuvintele ei cu atta siguran, prefcndu-se cu atta mndrie c e uimit, nct ea nu se putu opri s-i rspund repede: Domnule Elton, m uluii, pur i simplu, cu purtarea dumneavoastr. Nu pot s mi-o explic dect ntr-un singur fel, nu suntei dumneavoastr niv, altfel nu ai vorbi la modul sta nici despre mine, nici despre Harriet. ncercai s v abinei de a mai spune ceva i voi ncerca s uit totul. Dar domnul Elton nu buse dect att ct s prind curaj, nu ct s i se ntunece mintea. tia bine ce voia s spun i protestnd cu aprindere mpotriva bnuielilor ei insulttoare i aducnd vorba pe departe despre respectul pentru domnioara Smith ca prieten a ei, dar artndu-se uimit c i se menioneaz numele, relu subiectul cu pasiunea lui i se art n mod insistent dornic s capete un rspuns afirmativ. Era din ce n ce mai puin convins c e beat i mai mult ncredinat c e necredincios i ndrzne, aa c, fr a se mai strdui s fie politicoas, rspunse: Mi-e imposibil s m mai ndoiesc. E limpede ce vrei s spunei. Domnule Elton, uimirea mea este att de mre c nu o pot exprima n cuvinte. Dup comportamentul pe care l-ai avut de o lun ncoace fa de domnioara Smith, dup ateniile pe care le-am observat n fiecare zi, s v adresai mie n felul acesta! Dovedii o uurin de caracter pe care n-a fi crezut-o posibil. Credei-m, domnule, sunt departe, foarte departe de a fi ncntat de asemenea declaraii. Doamne Dumnezeule, strig domnul Elton, ce poate s nsemne asta ? Domnioara Smith! n viaa mea nu m-am gndit la domnioara Smith. Nu i-am dat atenie dect pentru c era prietena dumneavoastr. Dac i-a nchipuit altceva, probabil nelat de propriile ei dorine, mi pare ru, mi pare extrem de ru. Dar, zu aa, domnioara Smith! O, domnioar Woodhouse, cine s-ar putea gndi la domnioara Smith cnd e de fa domnioara Woodhouse! Nu, pe cuvntul meu, nu sunt un uuratic. Nu m-am gndit dect la dumneavoastr. Protestez, n-am acordat nici un fel de atenie nimnui altcuiva. Tot ce-am zis i am fcut n ultimele sptmni a fost pentru a v arta iubirea mea pentru dumneavoastr. Serios, nu v putei ndoi! Nu (cu un ton care voia s fie insinuant), sunt sigur c ai vzut i ai neles. Era imposibil de spus ce simea Emma la auzul acestor cuvinte. Era att de copleit, nct nu putu s formuleze imediat un rspuns i cele dou clipe de linite

"I am very much astonished, Mr. Elton. This to me! you forget yourself-- you take me for my friend--any message to Miss Smith I shall be happy to deliver; but no more of this to me, if you please." "Miss Smith!--message to Miss Smith!--What could she possibly mean!"-- And he repeated her words with such assurance of accent, such boastful pretence of amazement, that she could not help replying with quickness, "Mr. Elton, this is the most extraordinary conduct! and I can account for it only in one way; you are not yourself, or you could not speak either to me, or of Harriet, in such a manner. Command yourself enough to say no more, and I will endeavour to forget it." But Mr. Elton had only drunk wine enough to elevate his spirits, not at all to confuse his intellects. He perfectly knew his own meaning; and having warmly protested against her suspicion as most injurious, and slightly touched upon his respect for Miss Smith as her friend,-- but acknowledging his wonder that Miss Smith should be mentioned at all,--he resumed the subject of his own passion, and was very urgent for a favourable answer. As she thought less of his inebriety, she thought more of his inconstancy and presumption; and with fewer struggles for politeness, replied, "It is impossible for me to doubt any longer. You have made yourself too clear. Mr. Elton, my astonishment is much beyond any thing I can express. After such behaviour, as I have witnessed during the last month, to Miss Smith--such attentions as I have been in the daily habit of observing--to be addressing me in this manner--this is an unsteadiness of character, indeed, which I had not supposed possible! Believe me, sir, I am far, very far, from gratified in being the object of such professions." "Good Heaven!" cried Mr. Elton, "what can be the meaning of this?-- Miss Smith!--I never thought of Miss Smith in the whole course of my existence--never paid her any attentions, but as your friend: never cared whether she were dead or alive, but as your friend. If she has fancied otherwise, her own wishes have misled her, and I am very sorry--extremely sorry--But, Miss Smith, indeed!--Oh! Miss Woodhouse! who can think of Miss Smith, when Miss Woodhouse is near! No, upon my honour, there is no unsteadiness of character. I have thought only of you. I protest against having paid the smallest attention to any one else. Every thing that I have said or done, for many weeks past, has been with the sole view of marking my adoration of yourself. You cannot really, seriously, doubt it. No!--(in an accent meant to be insinuating)--I am sure you have seen and understood me." It would be impossible to say what Emma felt, on hearing this-- which of all her unpleasant sensations was uppermost. She was too completely overpowered to be 82

fiind luate de domnul Elton drept o ncurajare, cci avea mintea foarte aprins, el ncerc s-i ia din nou mna, exclamnd bucuros: Drgla domnioar Woodhouse, dai-mi voie s interpretez aceast ncurajatoare tcere! Ea spune c mai neles demult. Nu, domnule, strig Emma. Nu spune nimic. V-am neles demult, dar v-am neles greit. n ce m privete, mi pare foarte ru dac v-am ncurajat fr s vreau. Am fost ct se poate de departe de asemenea intenii devoiunea dumneavoastr pentru Harriet, curtea pe care i-o fceai (pentru c se prea c i facei curte) mi fceau mare plcere i v doream din toat inima succes, dar dac a fi tiut c nu prezena ei v atrgea la Hartfield, a fi gsit c ne vizitai cam prea des. S cred c niciodat n-ai ncercat s-i ctigai simpatia domnioarei Smith, c niciodat nu v-ai gndit serios la ea ? Niciodat, domnioar, strig el, jignit la rndul su, niciodat, v asigur. S m gndesc serios la domnioara Smith ? Domnioara Smith e o fat foarte bun i a fi fericit s-o vd bine mritat, i doresc tot binele i, fr ndoial, exist brbai care s nu obiecteze la anumite lucruri. Fiecare i are rangul su, dar n ce m privete, cred c eu nu am ajuns ntr-o situaie att de disperat. Nu mi-am pierdut sperana de a m putea cstori cu cineva de talia mea. De ce s m cobor la domnioara Smith ? Nu, domnioar, vizitele mele la Hartfield erau numai pentru dumneavoastr i ncurajarea de care m-am bucurat... ncurajare! Eu, s v ncurajez ?! Domnule, ai greit dac ai crezut aa ceva. Dac nu era vorba de domnioara Smith, n-ai fi fost pentru mine dect o simpl cunotin. mi pare extrem de ru! Dar mai bine s punem capt acestei nenelegeri. Dac ai fi continuat s v purtai aa, domnioara Smith ar fi putut s cread c avei cine tie ce intenii, cci, probabil ca i mine, nu-i d seama de inegalitatea de care dumneavoastr suntei att de contient. Dar, deocamdat, dezamgirea e de partea mea i cred c nu va mai dura mult. Pn n momentul de fa nu m intereseaz cstoria. El era prea furios ca s mai spun ceva, iar felul ei de a vorbi, prea decis pentru a mai lsa loc la rugmini i n aceast stare de crescnd antipatie i profund jignire reciproc trebuia s se mai suporte ctva timp pentru c, din cauza temerilor domnului Wood-house, caii mergeau la pas. Dac n-ar fi- fost att de suprai, ar fi fost probabil foarte stnjenii, dar erau furioi de-a binelea, i furia e un sentiment direct, fr ocoliuri, i nu las loc pentru stnjeneal. Fr s-i dea seama cnd, trsura intrase pe ulia casei parohiale i se oprise. Se pomenir n faa casei lui i el cobor fr s zic o vorb. Emma simi c e neaprat necesar s-i spun, noapte

immediately able to reply: and two moments of silence being ample encouragement for Mr. Elton's sanguine state of mind, he tried to take her hand again, as he joyously exclaimed-"Charming Miss Woodhouse! allow me to interpret this interesting silence. It confesses that you have long understood me." "No, sir," cried Emma, "it confesses no such thing. So far from having long understood you, I have been in a most complete error with respect to your views, till this moment. As to myself, I am very sorry that you should have been giving way to any feelings-- Nothing could be farther from my wishes--your attachment to my friend Harriet--your pursuit of her, (pursuit, it appeared,) gave me great pleasure, and I have been very earnestly wishing you success: but had I supposed that she were not your attraction to Hartfield, I should certainly have thought you judged ill in making your visits so frequent. Am I to believe that you have never sought to recommend yourself particularly to Miss Smith?-that you have never thought seriously of her?" "Never, madam," cried he, affronted in his turn: "never, I assure you. I think seriously of Miss Smith!--Miss Smith is a very good sort of girl; and I should be happy to see her respectably settled. I wish her extremely well: and, no doubt, there are men who might not object to-Every body has their level: but as for myself, I am not, I think, quite so much at a loss. I need not so totally despair of an equal alliance, as to be addressing myself to Miss Smith!-- No, madam, my visits to Hartfield have been for yourself only; and the encouragement I received--" "Encouragement!--I give you encouragement!--Sir, you have been entirely mistaken in supposing it. I have seen you only as the admirer of my friend. In no other light could you have been more to me than a common acquaintance. I am exceedingly sorry: but it is well that the mistake ends where it does. Had the same behaviour continued, Miss Smith might have been led into a misconception of your views; not being aware, probably, any more than myself, of the very great inequality which you are so sensible of. But, as it is, the disappointment is single, and, I trust, will not be lasting. I have no thoughts of matrimony at present." He was too angry to say another word; her manner too decided to invite supplication; and in this state of swelling resentment, and mutually deep mortification, they had to continue together a few minutes longer, for the fears of Mr. Woodhouse had confined them to a footpace. If there had not been so much anger, there would have been desperate awkwardness; but their straightforward emotions left no room for the little zigzags of embarrassment. Without knowing when the carriage turned into Vicarage Lane, or when it stopped, they found themselves, all at once, at the door of his house; and he was out before another syllable passed.--Emma 83

bun!". Urarea fu ntoars cu rceal i mndrie i, ntr-o stare de nervi greu de descris, Emma fu adus n fine la Hartfield. Aici, fu ntmpinat cu mare ncntare de ctre tatl ei, care tremurase la gndul c de la casa parohial pn acas fusese singur n trsur i pe mna unui vizitiu strin un vizitiu oarecare, nu James. Dup toate aparenele, nu lipsea dect ea ca totul s fie bine, cci domnul John Knightley, ruinat de proasta lui dispoziie, era de acum plin de amabilitate i atenie i dovedea atta solicitudine fa de tatl ei, nct se art gata s cread dei nu gata i s mnnce c fiertura de ovz e foarte sntoas i ziua se ncheie n linite i pace pentru toi, n afar de Emma. Mintea ei nu fusese niciodat att de tulburat i trebuia s fac un mare efort s par atent, vesel, pn cnd se retrase s reflecteze n linite. CAPITOLUL XVI DUPA CE I ARANJA PARUL I O TRIMISE pe servitoare la culcare, Emma se aez s se gndeasc la nenorocirea ei. Era o poveste foarte ncurcat, ntr-adevr. O asemenea rsturnare a tot ceea ce i dorise ea ! o asemenea revrsare de lucruri neplcute i ce lovitur pentru Harriet asta era partea cea mai proast. Totul fusese neplcut i umilitor, dar n comparaie cu rul pe care l fcea Harrietei nimic nu mai conta. Dac efectele gafelor s-ar fi rsfrnt numai asupra ei nsi, Emma ar fi suportat mai uor constatarea c nu judecase cum trebuie, chiar dac erorile ar fi fost i mai mari. Dac n-a fi fcut-o pe Harriet s-l plac, a putea ndura orice. Poate s cread ce vrea despre mine, dar biata Harriet! Cum se putuse lsa nelat astfel ! El spusese protestnd c nu s-a gndit niciodat la Harriet, niciodat! ncerc s-i aminteasc pe ct putea, dar totul era nvlmit. Probabil c ndat ce-i venise ideea ncepuse s I se par c totul era aa cum gndea ea. "Totui, purtarea lui fusese nedecis, ovitoare, ndoielnic, altfel nu s-ar fi putut nela att de ru. Portretul ! Ce dornic fusese s fac tabloul ! i ghicitoarea ! i nc o sut de alte mprejurri, cnd el prea c i se adreseaz Harrietei. Cu siguran ghicitoarea cu acel spirit ascuit", dar pe urm ochi dulci", nu i se potrivea nici uneia, nici celeilalte, era un talme-balme de minciuni i lips de gust. Cine ar fi putut s-i dea seama despre ce e vorba n mijlocul attor prostii ? Desigur, n ultima vreme, purtarea lui fa de ea era mai curtenitoare dect s-ar fi cuvenit, dar asta putea s treac drept un cusur al lui, un fel de greeal de judecat, de cunoatere, de gust, ca o dovad c el nu trise ntotdeauna n cea mai bun societate, c, n ciuda

then felt it indispensable to wish him a good night. The compliment was just returned, coldly and proudly; and, under indescribable irritation of spirits, she was then conveyed to Hartfield. There she was welcomed, with the utmost delight, by her father, who had been trembling for the dangers of a solitary drive from Vicarage Lane--turning a corner which he could never bear to think of-- and in strange hands--a mere common coachman--no James; and there it seemed as if her return only were wanted to make every thing go well: for Mr. John Knightley, ashamed of his ill-humour, was now all kindness and attention; and so particularly solicitous for the comfort of her father, as to seem--if not quite ready to join him in a basin of gruel--perfectly sensible of its being exceedingly wholesome; and the day was concluding in peace and comfort to all their little party, except herself.--But her mind had never been in such perturbation; and it needed a very strong effort to appear attentive and cheerful till the usual hour of separating allowed her the relief of quiet reflection. The hair was curled, and the maid sent away, and Emma sat down to think and be miserable.--It was a wretched business indeed!--Such an overthrow of every thing she had been wishing for!--Such a development of every thing most unwelcome!--Such a blow for Harriet!-that was the worst of all. Every part of it brought pain and humiliation, of some sort or other; but, compared with the evil to Harriet, all was light; and she would gladly have submitted to feel yet more mistaken-more in error--more disgraced by mis-judgment, than she actually was, could the effects of her blunders have been confined to herself. "If I had not persuaded Harriet into liking the man, I could have borne any thing. He might have doubled his presumption to me-- but poor Harriet!" How she could have been so deceived!--He protested that he had never thought seriously of Harriet--never! She looked back as well as she could; but it was all confusion. She had taken up the idea, she supposed, and made every thing bend to it. His manners, however, must have been unmarked, wavering, dubious, or she could not have been so misled. The picture!--How eager he had been about the picture!-and the charade!--and an hundred other circumstances;-- how clearly they had seemed to point at Harriet. To be sure, the charade, with its "ready wit"--but then the "soft eyes"-- in fact it suited neither; it was a jumble without taste or truth. Who could have seen through such thick-headed nonsense? Certainly she had often, especially of late, thought his manners to herself unnecessarily gallant; but it had passed as his way, as a mere error of judgment, of knowledge, of taste, as one proof among others that he had not always lived in the best society, that with all the gentleness of his address, true elegance was sometimes 84

delicateei cu care i se adresa, i lipsea ceva. Dar, pn n ziua de azi, nu bnuise nici o clip c poate s nsemne altceva dect respectul cuvenit ei ca prieten a Harrietei. i datora domnului John Knightley prima bnuial c lucrul ar fi posibil. Fr ndoial c cei doi frai erau perspicace. i aminti ce i spusese domnul Knightley despre domnul Elton, cum o prevenise, convingerea pe care o artase c domnul Elton nu ar face niciodat o impruden n ce privete nsurtoarea i roi la gndul c el dovedise c-l cunotea mai bine pe domnul Elton dect se ludase ea. Era groaznic de umilitor. Dar domnul Elton se dovedea, n multe privine, a fi reversul a ceea ce ea dorise i crezuse mndru, ngmfat, plin de el ; avea attea pretenii i se gndea att de puin la sentimentele celorlali. ntr-un mod destul de ciudat, faptul c domnul Elton dorise s-i fac i chiar i fcuse curte l sczuse mult n ochii ei. Mrturisirile i propunerile pe care le avansase nui fcuser nici un serviciu. Nu ddea doi bani pe iubirea lui i se simea insultat de speranele lui. Voia s fac o partid i pentru c avusese obrznicia s-i ridice ochii pn la ea se prefcea ndrgostit, dar ea era sigur c el nu va suferi deloc, c nu va avea o dezamgire prea mare i nu e nevoie s-i duc grija. Nu era o dragoste adevrat, dup cte se vedea din cuvintele i purtarea lui. i cuta expresiile si ofta din plin, dar cu greu s-ar fi putut imagina ceva mai departe de o dragoste adevrat. Nu trebuia s-i dea osteneala s-i plng de mil. Dorea numai s se umfle n pene i dac domnioara Woodhouse de la Hartfield, motenitoarea a treizeci de mii de lire sterline, nu va fi aa de uor de cucerit, cum i nchipuia el, i va ncerca n curnd norocul cu o alt domnioar cu numai douzeci sau zece mii de lire zestre. Dar s vorbeasc despre ncurajare, s-o cread pe ea contienta de inteniile lui, gata s-i accepte propunerile, pe scurt, s vrea s se mrite cu el ! s se cread egalul iei, ca situaie i ca inteligen, s-o desconsidere pe prietena ei, nelegnd inferioritatea unora fa de el, dar orb la superioritatea altora, s-i nchipuie c nu e deloc prea ndrzne dac i se adreseaz ei, asta era prea de tot. Poate nu trebuia s se atepte de la el s simt ct de mult i era inferior n privina talentului i a distinciei intelectuale. Tocmai lipsa unei asemenea egaliti putea s-l fac s nu o simt ; dar n privina averii i situaiei, tia probabil c ea ii e mult superioar. Mai mult ca sigur tia c familia Woodhouse se stabilise la Hartfield de cteva generaii i erau o ramur mai tnr a unei familii foarte vechi, n timp ce Elton nu era deloc un nume aici. Moia de la Hartfield era desigur nensemnat, fiind numai un fel de bucic din moia Donwell Abbey, la care aparinea tot restul din Highbury, dar averea lor din alte surse era aproape la fel de mare ca Donwell Abbey i le ddea un statut egal. Familia Woodhouse se bucura

wanting; but, till this very day, she had never, for an instant, suspected it to mean any thing but grateful respect to her as Harriet's friend. To Mr. John Knightley was she indebted for her first idea on the subject, for the first start of its possibility. There was no denying that those brothers had penetration. 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. Contrary to the usual course of things, Mr. Elton's wanting to pay his addresses to her had sunk him in her opinion. His professions and his proposals did him no service. She thought nothing of his attachment, and was insulted by his hopes. He wanted to marry well, and having the arrogance to raise his eyes to her, pretended to be in love; but she was perfectly easy as to his not suffering any disappointment that need be cared for. There had been no real affection either in his language or manners. Sighs and fine words had been given in abundance; but she could hardly devise any set of expressions, or fancy any tone of voice, less allied with real love. She need not trouble herself to pity him. He only wanted to aggrandise and enrich himself; and if Miss Woodhouse of Hartfield, the heiress of thirty thousand pounds, were not quite so easily obtained as he had fancied, he would soon try for Miss Somebody else with twenty, or with ten. But--that he should talk of encouragement, should consider her as aware of his views, accepting his attentions, meaning (in short), to marry him!--should suppose himself her equal in connexion or mind!--look down upon her friend, so well understanding the gradations of rank below him, and be so blind to what rose above, as to fancy himself shewing no presumption in addressing her!-- It was most provoking. Perhaps it was not fair to expect him to feel how very much he was her inferior in talent, and all the elegancies of mind. The very want of such equality might prevent his perception of it; but he must know that in fortune and consequence she was greatly his superior. He must know that the Woodhouses had been settled for several generations at Hartfield, the younger branch of a very ancient family--and that the Eltons were nobody. The landed property of Hartfield certainly was inconsiderable, being but a sort of notch in the Donwell Abbey estate, to which all the rest of Highbury belonged; but their fortune, from other sources, was such as to make them scarcely secondary to Donwell Abbey

85

de mare stim n vecintate, n timp ce domnul Elton venise aici numai de doi ani, s-i fac loc cum o putea, cu nici un fel de relaie n afara celor profesionale i cu nimic care s-l recomande n afar de postul i comportamentul lui. Dar i nchipuise c ea s-a ndrgostit de el, probabil c pe asta se baza. i, dup ce btu puin cmpii, zicndu-i c bunele maniere nu se potrivesc cu un cap nfumurat, Emma fu obligat, n numele bunului sim, s se opreasc i s admit c nsi purtarea ei fa de el fusese att de atent, ndatoritoare, att de plin de curtoazie i grij, nct (presupunnd c motivul adevrat rmnea necunoscut, putea s-i permit unui brbat cu un spirit de observaie obinuit, ca domnul Elton, s-i nchipuie c e n mod hotrt favorizat. Dac ea fusese n stare s interpreteze sentimentele lui att de greit, de ce n-ar fi putut i el, cum propriul interes l orbea, s le interpreteze greit pe ale ei ? Prima greeal, i cea mai grav, o fcuse ea. Era o prostie i o nesocotin s te strduieti att s faci doi oameni s se plac. nsemna s te ncumei prea departe, s presupui prea mult, s iei uor ceea ce trebuie luat n serios, s complici ceea ce trebuie s se ntmple de la sine. Era foarte ngrijorat i ruinat i hotr s nu mai fac niciodat asemenea lucruri. Se pare, i zise ea, c eu am convins-o pe biata Harriet s se ndrgosteasc de acest om. Ea putea s nici nu se gndeasc la el dac nu eram eu i, desigur, nu s-ar fi gndit cu speran dac eu n-a fi asigurat-o c el e ndrgostit, pentru c ea e modest i umil, aa cum credeam c e i el. Oh, dac m-a fi mulumit numai s-o conving s-l refuze pe domnul Martin ! Atunci am avut dreptate, a fost frumos din partea mea. Dar ar fi trebuit s m opresc i s las restul pe seama timpului i a soartei. i fceam cunotin cu oameni din lumea bun i i ddeam ocazie s-i plac vreunuia care s o merite. Nu trebuia s ncerc mai mult. N-am fost dect pe jumtate prietena ei ! i dac n-ar fi att de dezamgit de asta, nam deloc idee cine i s-ar putea potrivi. William Cox o, nu, nu pot s-l sufr pe William Cox , un avocat tnr i obraznic." Se opri pentru a roi i a rde la gndul c era s cad din nou n aceeai greeal i apoi i relu firul unor gnduri mai serioase, mai puin ncurajatoare, asupra a ceea ce fusese, putea fi i trebuia s fie. Erau destule gnduri triste care s-i ocupe mintea pentru nc o bun bucat de vreme: explicaia pe care trebuia s i-o dea Harrietei i care o va duce pe aceasta la disperare, suferinele care vor urma, stnjeneala care va domni n ntlnirile lor viitoare, greutatea de a continua sau de a rupe prietenia lor, de a-i nbui sentimentele, de a-i ascunde nemulumirea sau a evita s par triumftoare, i se culc fr a fi decis nimic altceva dect c a fcut o gaf ngrozitoare.

itself, in every other kind of consequence; and the Woodhouses had long held a high place in the consideration of the neighbourhood which Mr. Elton had first entered not two years ago, to make his way as he could, without any alliances but in trade, or any thing to recommend him to notice but his situation and his civility.-But he had fancied her in love with him; that evidently must have been his dependence; and after raving a little about the seeming incongruity of gentle manners and a conceited head, Emma was obliged in common honesty to stop and admit that her own behaviour to him had been so complaisant and obliging, so full of courtesy and attention, as (supposing her real motive unperceived) might warrant a man of ordinary observation and delicacy, like Mr. Elton, in fancying himself a very decided favourite. If she had so misinterpreted his feelings, she had little right to wonder that he, with self-interest to blind him, should have mistaken hers. The first error and the worst lay at her door. It was foolish, it was wrong, to take so active a part in bringing any two people together. It was adventuring too far, assuming too much, making light of what ought to be serious, a trick of what ought to be simple. She was quite concerned and ashamed, and resolved to do such things no more. "Here have I," said she, "actually talked poor Harriet into being very much attached to this man. She might never have thought of him but for me; and certainly never would have thought of him with hope, if I had not assured her of his attachment, for she is as modest and humble as I used to think him. Oh! that I had been satisfied with persuading her not to accept young Martin. There I was quite right. That was well done of me; but there I should have stopped, and left the rest to time and chance. I was introducing her into good company, and giving her the opportunity of pleasing some one worth having; I ought not to have attempted more. But now, poor girl, her peace is cut up for some time. I have been but half a friend to her; and if she were not to feel this disappointment so very much, I am sure I have not an idea of any body else who would be at all desirable for her;--William Coxe--Oh! no, I could not endure William Coxe-- a pert young lawyer." She stopt to blush and laugh at her own relapse, and then resumed a more serious, more dispiriting cogitation upon what had been, and might be, and must be. The distressing explanation she had to make to Harriet, and all that poor Harriet would be suffering, with the awkwardness of future meetings, the difficulties of continuing or discontinuing the acquaintance, of subduing feelings, concealing resentment, and avoiding eclat, were enough to occupy her in most unmirthful reflections some time longer, and she went to bed at last with nothing settled but the conviction of her having blundered most dreadfully. 86

Unei fete tinere i vesele din fire cum era Emma, chiar dac seara a fost trist, zorii dimineii i aduc cu siguran napoi buna dispoziie. Tinereea i bucuria dimineii sunt n mod fericit la fel de puternice i au o mare influen i dac suprarea nu a fost att de mare nct s-i provoace insomnie atunci cnd se trezete durerea va fi ndulcit i sperana din nou luminoas. Emma se scul a doua zi mai ncreztoare dect atunci cnd se culcase, mai dispus s gseasc soluii pentru relele ce aveau s i se ntmple i s cread c e posibil s rezolve totul ntr-un mod acceptabil. Era foarte bine c domnul Elton nu o iubea cu adevrat i nici nu era att de simpatic, nct faptul c l dezamgete s o doar pe ea, c Harriet nu era o natur superioar pentru care sentimentele s fie dureroase i de durat i c nimeni nu trebuia s tie ce se petrecuse n afar de cei trei eroi ai ntmplrii i, mai ales, c tatl ei va fi scutit de orice stnjeneala n privina asta. Aceste gnduri o nveseleau i zpada care se aternuse afar contribui la bucuria ei, pentru c orice ntmplare care sttea n calea ntlnirii celor trei era binevenit. Vremea era ct se poate de potrivit cu inteniile ei ; dei era ziua de Crciun, nu se putea duce la biseric. Domnul Woodhouse ar fi fost foarte necjit dac fiica sa ar fi ncercat numai s fac asta i deci scpase de neplcerea de a provoca sau a primi vreo jignire. Pmntul acoperit de zpad, aerul n starea aceea incert,, ntre nghe i dezghe, care e att de neprielnic plimbrilor, cci fiecare diminea ncepea cu ploaie sau ninsoare iar seara se termina cu nghe, o ajutar s-i pstreze cteva zile poziia de prizonier onorabil. Nu putea comunica altfel cu Harriet dect prin scris, nu putea merge la biseric duminica, nici chiar n ziua de Crciun, i nu era nevoie s gseasc scuze pentru domnul Elton, care lipsea. Vremea inea pe toat lumea n cas i, dei sperana i prerea ei erau c tatl ei se simte bine ntre prieteni, era foarte satisfcut c-l vede mulumit s stea singur acas i are nelepciunea de a nu iei i c-l aude spunnd domnului Knightley, pe care nici un fel de vreme nu-l mpiedica s vin la ei: Ah, domnule Knightley, de ce nu stai i dumneata acas, ca bietul domn Elton? Aceste zile de izolare ar fi trecut, dac n-ar fi fost nelmuririle ei personale, ntr-un mod foarte plcut, pentru c singurtatea i convenea de minune cumnatului ei, ale crui sentimente contau att de mult pentru cei din jur ; i n afar de asta, el se dezbrase cu totul de proasta lui dispoziie de la Randalls i fu ct se poate de simpatic n tot restul zilelor petrecute la Hartfield. Era mereu vesel i ndatoritor i vorbea frumos cu toat lumea. Dar, cu toate c, deocamdat, era vesel i plin de sperane din

To youth and natural cheerfulness like Emma's, though under temporary gloom at night, the return of day will hardly fail to bring return of spirits. The youth and cheerfulness of morning are in happy analogy, and of powerful operation; and if the distress be not poignant enough to keep the eyes unclosed, they will be sure to open to sensations of softened pain and brighter hope. Emma got up on the morrow more disposed for comfort than she had gone to bed, more ready to see alleviations of the evil before her, and to depend on getting tolerably out of it. It was a great consolation that Mr. Elton should not be really in love with her, or so particularly amiable as to make it shocking to disappoint him--that Harriet's nature should not be of that superior sort in which the feelings are most acute and retentive-- and that there could be no necessity for any body's knowing what had passed except the three principals, and especially for her father's being given a moment's uneasiness about it. These were very cheering thoughts; and the sight of a great deal of snow on the ground did her further service, for any thing was welcome that might justify their all three being quite asunder at present. The weather was most favourable for her; though Christmas Day, she could not go to church. Mr. Woodhouse would have been miserable had his daughter attempted it, and she was therefore safe from either exciting or receiving unpleasant and most unsuitable ideas. The ground covered with snow, and the atmosphere in that unsettled state between frost and thaw, which is of all others the most unfriendly for exercise, every morning beginning in rain or snow, and every evening setting in to freeze, she was for many days a most honourable prisoner. No intercourse with Harriet possible but by note; no church for her on Sunday any more than on Christmas Day; and no need to find excuses for Mr. Elton's absenting himself. It was weather which might fairly confine every body at home; and though she hoped and believed him to be really taking comfort in some society or other, it was very pleasant to have her father so well satisfied with his being all alone in his own house, too wise to stir out; and to hear him say to Mr. Knightley, whom no weather could keep entirely from them,-"Ah! Mr. Knightley, why do not you stay at home like poor Mr. Elton?" These days of confinement would have been, but for her private perplexities, remarkably comfortable, as such seclusion exactly suited her brother, whose feelings must always be of great importance to his companions; and he had, besides, so thoroughly cleared off his ill-humour at Randalls, that his amiableness never failed him during the rest of his stay at Hartfield. He was always agreeable and obliging, and speaking pleasantly of every body. But with all the hopes of cheerfulness, and all the present comfort of delay, there was still such an 87

cauza acestei amnri, plana asupra ei neplcerea clipei cnd va trebui s aib o explicaie cu Harriet, i din aceast cauz era imposibil s se simt cu totul linitit. Domnul I doamna Jonh Knightley NU zbovir mult la Hartfield. Curnd, vremea se fcu destul de bun pentru ca cei care trebuiau s plece, s plece, i domnul Woodhouse, care, ca de obicei, ncercase s-o conving pe fiica lui s mai rmn cu copiii, fu nevoit s-i vad plecnd pe toi i s revin la lamentrile lui cu privire la soarta bietei Isabella. care biat Isabella i petrecea viaa cu cei crora li se devotase, ncredinat de meritele lor, oarb la defectele lor i fiind mereu ocupat putea fi considerat un exemplu de fericire feminin bine neleas. Chiar n seara zilei cnd plecar, sosi un bilet de la domnul Elton pentru domnul Woodhouse, un bilet lung, politicos, plin de ceremonie, n care se spunea, c domnul Elton i dorete numai bine i c se hotrse s plece din Highbury a doua zi diminea, n direcia Bathtinde, dnd curs invitaiilor insistente ale unor prieteni, promisese s stea cteva sptmni. Regreta foarte mult c, din cauza unor treburi i a vremii, se afla n imposibilitate de a-i lua personal rmas bun de la domnul Woodhouse, cruia i rmne pe veci recunosctor pentru amabilitatea pe care i-o arta ; i dac domnul Woodhouse are vreo dorin, este gata s i-o ndeplineasc. Emma fu surprins foarte plcut. Absena domnului Elton n aceast perioad era exact ce i dorea. l admir pentru c i pusese la cale o plecare, dei nu-i fcea mare cinste modul n care o anuna. Resentimentul su era exprimat ct se poate de deschis, prin politeea fa de tatl ei, din care ea era att de vdit exclus. Nu se bucura nici mcar de un compliment, la nceput. Numele ei nu era pomenit, i toat schimbarea asta brusc, toat solemnitatea prost calculat a acestui bun rmas o fcur s cread c tatl ei va bnui imediat ceva. Totui nu bnui nimic. Tatl ei fu copleit de surpriza unei cltorii, cu totul neateptat, i de temerile sale c domnul Elton ar putea s n-o scoat bine la capt, nct nu gsi nimic extraordinar n exprimarea lui. Era un bilet foarte binevenit, pentru c le oferea un subiect nou, la care s se gndeasc i despre care s vorbeasc n timpul serii. Domnul Woodhouse i exprim nelinitile sale i Emma era dispus s-l conving c nu are dreptate, cu obinuita ei promptitudine. Hotr acum s-i dezvluie totul Harrietei. Avea motive s cread c s-a vindecat de rceal i era de dorit ca ea s profite de timpul pe care-l avea la dispoziie i s-o vindece, pe ct se putea, i de cealalt boal, nainte ca tnrul s se ntoarc. Prin urmare, chiar a doua zi, merse la doamna Goddard spre a-i ispi pedeapsa ; i nu era deloc o pedeaps uoar. Trebuia s distrug toate speranele pe care le hrnise cu atta srg, s joace rolul

evil hanging over her in the hour of explanation with Harriet, as made it impossible for Emma to be ever perfectly at ease. Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley were not detained long at Hartfield. 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. 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." Emma was most agreeably surprized.--Mr. Elton's absence just at this time was the very thing to be desired. She admired him for contriving it, though not able to give him much credit for the manner in which it was announced. Resentment could not have been more plainly spoken than in a civility to her father, from which she was so pointedly excluded. She had not even a share in his opening compliments.--Her name was not mentioned;-- and there was so striking a change in all this, and such an ill-judged solemnity of leave-taking in his graceful acknowledgments, as she thought, at first, could not escape her father's suspicion. It did, however.--Her father was quite taken up with the surprize of so sudden a journey, and his fears that Mr. Elton might never get safely to the end of it, and saw nothing extraordinary in his language. It was a very useful note, for it supplied them with fresh matter for thought and conversation during the rest of their lonely evening. Mr. Woodhouse talked over his alarms, and Emma was in spirits to persuade them away with all her usual promptitude. She now resolved to keep Harriet no longer in the dark. She had reason to believe her nearly recovered from her cold, and it was desirable that she should have as much time as possible for getting the better of her other complaint before the gentleman's return. She went to Mrs. Goddard's accordingly the very next day, to undergo the necessary penance of communication; and a severe one it was.-- She had to destroy all the hopes 88

ingrat al celei preferate i s-i mrturiseasc greeala observaiilor, convingerilor i profeiilor ei din ultimele ase sptmni. Mrturisirea o readuse la starea de ruine de la nceput i vederea lacrimilor Harrietei o fcu s-i pun n gnd s nu mai aib niciodat mil de ea nsi. Harriet suport tirea foarte bine, fr s dea vina pe nimeni i dovedind prin toat atitudinea ei, o candoare a firii i o prere modest despre ea nsi, ceea ce, n acel moment, era spre marele avantaj al prietenei sale. Emma era dispus s preuiasc simplitatea i modestia n cel mai nalt grad, i toate calitile, tot ce face ca o fiin s fie vrednic de iubire, preau a aparine Harrietei i nu ei. Harriet nu considera c trebuie s se plng. Dragostea unui brbat ca domnul Elton ar fi fost o cinste prea mare. Niciodat nu l-ar fi meritat i nimeni n afar de o prieten att de prtinitoare i bun ca domnioara Woodhouse, n-ar fi crezut c e posibil. Lacrimile curgeau din belug ; i durerea ei era att de sincer i neprefcut, c nici un fel de demnitate n-ar fi fost mai respectabil n ochii Emmei. O asculta i ncerca so consoleze cu toat inima i nelegerea, i reui ntr-adevr s-o conving pe Harriet c ntre ei doi ea era superioar i c ea nsi ar fi mai bucuroas s-i semene Harrietei, dect s fie cea mai deteapt i mai distins domnioar. Era o or cam trzie pentru a hotr s devin proast i ignorant, dar plec numai dup ce se decise s fie modest i discret i s-i pun fru imaginaiei tot restul vieii sale. Datoria ei de acum, urmnd celor fa de tatl ei, era s-i aduc mngiere Harrietei, s se strduiasc a-i dovedi dragostea printr-o metod mai bun dect aceea de a pune la cale cstorii. O aduse la Hartfield i-i art cea mai mare bunvoin, ncercnd s-o amuze att cu cititul, ct i cu conversaia i s-l scoat pe domnul Elton din capul ei. Bnuia c trebuie s treac ceva timp ca vindecarea s fie deplin. Nu prea tia multe despre asemenea lucruri din proprie experien i era cu att mai puin nclinat s neleag o iubire pentru domnul Elton. I se prea ns posibil ca la vrsta ei, i datorit faptului c pierduse orice speran, Harriet s ajung la o stare de echilibru nainte de venirea domnului Elton, aa nct s poat s se ntlneasc din nou cu el, n societate, fr a fi n primejdia de a-i trda sentimentele, sau de a le face s sporeasc. Harriet credea ntr-adevr c e perfect i susinea c nu exist nimeni care s-i fie egal ca nfiare i buntate" i se dovedi de fapt a fi mai ndrgostit dect prevzuse Emma. Totui, i se prea att de firesc, de

which she had been so industriously feeding--to appear in the ungracious character of the one preferred-- and acknowledge herself grossly mistaken and mis-judging in all her ideas on one subject, all her observations, all her convictions, all her prophecies for the last six weeks. The confession completely renewed her first shame--and the sight of Harriet's tears made her think that she should never be in charity with herself again. Harriet bore the intelligence very well--blaming nobody-and in every thing testifying such an ingenuousness of disposition and lowly opinion of herself, as must appear with particular advantage at that moment to her friend. Emma was in the humour to value simplicity and modesty to the utmost; and all that was amiable, all that ought to be attaching, seemed on Harriet's side, not her own. Harriet did not consider herself as having any thing to complain of. The affection of such a man as Mr. Elton would have been too great a distinction.-- She never could have deserved him--and nobody but so partial and kind a friend as Miss Woodhouse would have thought it possible. Her tears fell abundantly--but her grief was so truly artless, that no dignity could have made it more respectable in Emma's eyes-- and she listened to her and tried to console her with all her heart and understanding--really for the time convinced that Harriet was the superior creature of the two--and that to resemble her would be more for her own welfare and happiness than all that genius or intelligence could do. It was rather too late in the day to set about being simpleminded and ignorant; but she left her with every previous resolution confirmed of being humble and discreet, and repressing imagination all the rest of her life. Her second duty now, inferior only to her father's claims, was to promote Harriet's comfort, and endeavour to prove her own affection in some better method than by match-making. She got her to Hartfield, and shewed her the most unvarying kindness, striving to occupy and amuse her, and by books and conversation, to drive Mr. Elton from her thoughts. Time, she knew, must be allowed for this being thoroughly done; and she could suppose herself but an indifferent judge of such matters in general, and very inadequate to sympathise in an attachment to Mr. Elton in particular; but it seemed to her reasonable that at Harriet's age, and with the entire extinction of all hope, such a progress might be made towards a state of composure by the time of Mr. Elton's return, as to allow them all to meet again in the common routine of acquaintance, without any danger of betraying sentiments or increasing them. Harriet did think him all perfection, and maintained the nonexistence of any body equal to him in person or goodness--and did, in truth, prove herself more resolutely in love than Emma had foreseen; but yet it appeared 89

inevitabil, s te lupi mpotriva unei afeciuni de felul acesta, nemprtit, nct nu putea s conceap c aceasta va continua mult vreme cu aceeai intensitate. Dac domnul Elton, atunci cnd se va ntoarce, se va arta indiferent fr putin de ndoial, cum probabil c va face, nu-i putea nchipui c Harriet va continua s-l viseze numai pentru c l vede sau i amintete despre el. Faptul c fceau parte, fr putin de scpare, din acelai cerc era ct se poate de ru pentru fiecare dintre ei trei. Nici unul nu putea s plece sau s-i schimbe prieteniile. Trebuia s se ntlneasc i s se descurce cum vor putea mai bine. Harriet mai avea i nefericirea s le aud mereu pe prietenele ei de la doamna Goddard vorbindu-l de bine, pentru c toate procesoarele i fetele mai mari l adorau i probabil c numai la Hartfield avea ansa s aud despre el vorbe mai puin entuziaste i adevruri mai crude. Rana trebuia vindecat, dac exista vreo ran, i Emma nu va avea linite pn cnd nu o va vedea pe Harriet pe drumul cel bun. CAPITOLUL XVIII DOMNUL FRANK CHURCHILL NU VENI. Cnd se apropie data anunat, temerile doamnei Weston fur confirmate de o nou scrisoare plin de scuze. Deocamdat, nu se puteau lipsi de el, spre regretul i marea lui durere", totui, atepta plin de speran i nerbdare s poat veni curnd la Randalls. Doamna Weston fu foarte dezamgit, mult mai dezamgit dect soul ei, de fapt, dei se ateptase mult mai puin ca tnrul s soseasc ; dar o fire aprins, dei se ateapt ntotdeauna la ceva:mai bine dect se poate, nu i pltete speranele cu o mhnire la fel de mare. Trece repede peste dezamgiri i ncepe s spere din nou. Timp de jumtate de or, domnul Weston fu surprins i suprat, dar curnd ncepu s fie de prere c e mult mai bine ca Frank s vin peste dou-trei luni, cnd vremea va fi mai buna, i c, desigur, atunci va putea s stea mai mult la ei dect dac ar fi venit acum. Aceste gnduri i aduser repede o mngiere, n timp ce doamna Weston, fire mai bnuitoare, tia c vor urma din nou alte scuze i amnri, i, pentru c era att de ngrijorat de viitoarele suferine ale tatlui, suferea ea nsi mai mult ca el. Emma nu era acum ntr-o stare de spirit n care s-i pese cu adevrat de venirea lui Frank Churchill. O mhnea numai n msura n care producea nemulumire la Randalls. N-o ncnta s fac acum cunotin cu el. Voia mai degrab s fie linitit i n afara oricrei ispite. Totui, era de dorit ca, n general, s se poarte la fel ca de obicei i avu grij s arate interes i s sufere mpreun cu domnul i doamna Weston dezamgirea, aa cum se cuvenea pentru o prieten apropiat.

to her so natural, so inevitable to strive against an inclination of that sort unrequited, that she could not comprehend its continuing very long in equal force. If Mr. Elton, on his return, made his own indifference as evident and indubitable as she could not doubt he would anxiously do, she could not imagine Harriet's persisting to place her happiness in the sight or the recollection of him. Their being fixed, so absolutely fixed, in the same place, was bad for each, for all three. Not one of them had the power of removal, or of effecting any material change of society. They must encounter each other, and make the best of it. Harriet was farther unfortunate in the tone of her companions at Mrs. Goddard's; Mr. Elton being the adoration of all the teachers and great girls in the school; and it must be at Hartfield only that she could have any chance of hearing him spoken of with cooling moderation or repellent truth. Where the wound had been given, there must the cure be found if anywhere; and Emma felt that, till she saw her in the way of cure, there could be no true peace for herself. Mr. Frank Churchill did not come. When the time proposed drew near, Mrs. Weston's fears were justified in the arrival of a letter of excuse. For the present, he could not be spared, to his "very great mortification and regret; but still he looked forward with the hope of coming to Randalls at no distant period." Mrs. Weston was exceedingly disappointed--much more disappointed, in fact, than her husband, though her dependence on seeing the young man had been so much more sober: but a sanguine temper, though for ever expecting more good than occurs, does not always pay for its hopes by any proportionate depression. It soon flies over the present failure, and begins to hope again. For half an hour Mr. Weston was surprized and sorry; but then he began to perceive that Frank's coming two or three months later would be a much better plan; better time of year; better weather; and that he would be able, without any doubt, to stay considerably longer with them than if he had come sooner. These feelings rapidly restored his comfort, while Mrs. Weston, of a more apprehensive disposition, foresaw nothing but a repetition of excuses and delays; and after all her concern for what her husband was to suffer, suffered a great deal more herself. Emma was not at this time in a state of spirits to care really about Mr. Frank Churchill's not coming, except as a disappointment at Randalls. The acquaintance at present had no charm for her. She wanted, rather, to be quiet, and out of temptation; but still, as it was desirable that she should appear, in general, like her usual self, she took care to express as much interest in the circumstance, and enter as warmly into Mr. and Mrs. Weston's disappointment, as might naturally belong to their friendship. 90

Fu prima care-i ddu aceast veste domnului Knightley i se mir exact att ct era necesar, sau, pentru c se prefcea, chiar mai mult, de purtarea familiei Churchill, care nu-l lsa pe Frank s vin. Apoi continu s spun ceva mai mult dect simea despre avantajul pe care l-ar produce apariia unui nou membru al societii restrnse din Surrey ; plcerea de a face o nou cunotin, ziua de srbtoare pe care ar tri-o ntregul Highbury la vederea lui i termin exprimnd din nou cteva preri despre familia Churchill. Cu asta se pomeni nc o dat n conflict cu domnul Knightley i, spre marele ei amuzament, observ c ea apra o prere contrar celei pe care o avea n realitate i folosea argumentele doamnei Weston mpotriva ei nsi. Familia Churchill poart probabil o mare parte din vin, zise domnul Knightley, cu rceal. Dar cred c dac el ar vrea ar putea s vin. Nu tiu de ce spui asta. Vrea foarte mult s vin, dar unchiul i mtua nu se pot lipsi de el.

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. She then proceeded to say a good deal more than she felt, of the advantage of such an addition to their confined society in Surry; the pleasure of looking at somebody new; the gala-day to Highbury entire, which the sight of him would have made; and ending with reflections on the Churchills again, found herself directly involved in a disagreement with Mr. Knightley; and, to her great amusement, perceived that she was taking the other side of the question from her real opinion, and making use of Mrs. Weston's arguments against herself. "The Churchills are very likely in fault," said Mr. Knightley, coolly; "but I dare say he might come if he would." "I do not know why you should say so. He wishes exceedingly to come; but his uncle and aunt will not spare him." Nu pot s cred c nu-i st n putin s vie, dac i-a pus "I cannot believe that he has not the power of coming, if he n gnd. E mult prea puin probabil ca s cred, fr made a point of it. It is too unlikely, for me to nici o dovad ! believe it without proof." Ce ciudat eti ! Ce i-a fcut domnul Frank Churchill, ca "How odd you are! What has Mr. Frank Churchill done, to s crezi c s-ar purta att de nefiresc ? make you suppose him such an unnatural creature?" Nu cred deloc c se poart nefiresc. Bnuiesc numai c "I am not supposing him at all an unnatural creature, in se poate s se fi obinuit s fie superior prinilor i suspecting that he may have learnt to be above his s-i pese foarte puin de orice n afar de plcerea lui, connexions, and to care very little for any thing but his own pentru c a trit printre aceia care i-au dat un exemplu n pleasure, from living with those who have always acest sens. Este mult mai firesc dect ar fi de dorit ca un set him the example of it. It is a great deal more natural than tnr crescut de oameni ncrezui, bogai i egoiti s fie one could wish, that a young man, brought up by i el ncrezut i egoist. Dac Frank Churchill ar fi dorit s-l those who are proud, luxurious, and selfish, should be vad pe tatl su, ar fi reuit, din septembrie pn n proud, luxurious, and selfish too. If Frank Churchill had ianuarie. Un biat de vrsta lui, ct are ? douzeci i trei, i wanted to see his father, he would have contrived it patru, nu poate s se fi obinuit s fie superior between September and January. A man at his age--what prinilor i s-i pese. E foarte posibil ! is he?--three or four-and-twenty--cannot be without the means of doing as much as that. It is impossible." E uor de zis i de crezut, pentru dumneata, care ai "That's easily said, and easily felt by you, who have always fost ntotdeauna independent. Nu poi deloc s-i dai been your own master. You are the worst judge in seama ce greu e s depinzi de cineva. Nu tii ce nseamn the world, Mr. Knightley, of the difficulties of dependence. s ai de-a face cu oameni mai ciudai. You do not know what it is to have tempers to manage." E de neconceput ca un tnr de douzeci i trei, i patru "It is not to be conceived that a man of three or four-andde ani s nu aib libertatea de a face mcar att. twenty should not have liberty of mind or limb to Nu-i lipsesc posibilitile. tim, dimpotriv, c are attea la that amount. He cannot want money--he cannot want dispoziie, nct poate orict cltori, te miri unde, leisure. We know, on the contrary, that he has so much prin ar. Mereu e undeva la bi. Ctva timp n urm era la of both, that he is glad to get rid of them at the idlest haunts Weymouth. in the kingdom. We hear of him for ever at some Asta dovedete c poate pleca de lng watering-place or other. A little while ago, he was at unchiul i mtua lui. Weymouth. This proves that he can leave the Churchills." Da, cteodat poate. "Yes, sometimes he can." i anume cnd crede c merit s-i piard timpul. De "And those times are whenever he thinks it worth his while; cte ori apare tentaia plcerii. whenever there is any temptation of pleasure." Nu e deloc cinstit s judeci purtarea cuiva fr s "It is very unfair to judge of any body's conduct, without an 91

cunoti bine situaia. Nimeni care n-a cunoscut familia nu poate spune ce greuti are fiecare dintre ei. Ar trebui s-i cunoatem pe cei de la Enscombe i s tim firea doamnei Churchill nainte de a avea pretenia s decidem ce poate face nepotul i ce nu. Cteodat poate mai mult, cteodat mai puin. Exist un singur lucru, Emma, pe care l poate face un om oricnd dac vrea, datoria, nu prin manevre i linguiri, ci prin for i hotrre. E de datoria lui Frank Churchill s se arate atent fa de tatl su. tie foarte bine asta, dup cum reiese din promisiunile i scrisorile lui. Dac ar vrea s-o fac, ar putea. Un om cu un cuget curat i-ar spune dintr-o dat, simplu i hotrt, doamnei Churchill: Mi-a sacrifica orice plcere ca s v fiu pe voie, dar trebuie s merg s-mi vd tatl imediat. tiu c ar fi jignit dac nu i-a acorda respectul cuvenit cu aceast ocazie. Prin urmare, mine plec !" Dac i-ar spune asta dintr-o dat, rspicat, cum se potrivete unui brbat, nu s-ar mai opune plecrii lui. Nu, zise Emma rznd, dar probabil c s-ar opune ntoarcerii lui. Un tnr att de complet ndatorat s foloseasc asemenea cuvinte ! Nimeni altcineva, n afar de dumneata, domnule Knightley, n-ar gsi c asta e posibil. N-ai idee de ce se cuvine ntr-o situaie exact pe dos dect a dumitale. S vorbeasc domnul Frank Churchill astfel n faa unchiului i mtuii, care l-au crescut i care i vor lsa motenirea, stnd n picioare n mijlocul camerei, nu ? i ipnd ct se poate de tare ! Cum poi s-i nchipui c e posibil s se poarte astfel ! Crede-m, Emma, unui om rezonabil nu i-ar veni deloc greu. Ar simi c dreptatea e de partea lui, i o astfel de atitudine, hotrt i cuviincioas n acelai timp, i-ar fi de mai mult folos pe lng aceia de care depinde dect toate schimbrile i linguelile astea. Ar fi nu numai iubit, dar i respectat. Ar simi i ei c pot s aib ncredere n el, c nepotul, care se poart cum trebuie cu tatl lui, se va purta aa cum trebuie i cu ei. Pentru c ei tiu foarte bine, ca toat lumea de altfel, c se cade s-i fac o vizit tatlui su i, cu toate c se folosesc de influena lor pentru a-l reine, n sufletul lor, nu-l apreciaz mai mult pentru c se supune toanelor lor. Oricine are respect pentru o purtare corect. Dac s-ar comporta principial n mod consecvent, mereu, minile lor slabe i s-ar supune. M cam ndoiesc. Dumitale ii place foarte mult s supui minile slabe: dar cnd minile slabe aparin unor oameni bogai i autoritari, cred c sunt la fel de greu de influenat ca i minile puternice. mi nchipui c dac dumneata, domnule Knightley, aa cum te tiu, te-ai afla acum n situaia domnului Frank Churchill, ai putea vorbi i face exact aa cum crezi c e bine s fac el. i ai

intimate knowledge of their situation. Nobody, who has not been in the interior of a family, can say what the difficulties of any individual of that family may be. We ought to be acquainted with Enscombe, and with Mrs. Churchill's temper, before we pretend to decide upon what her nephew can do. He may, at times, be able to do a great deal more than he can at others." "There is one thing, Emma, which a man can always do, if he chuses, and that is, his duty; not by manoeuvring and finessing, but by vigour and resolution. It is Frank Churchill's duty to pay this attention to his father. He knows it to be so, by his promises and messages; but if he wished to do it, it might be done. A man who felt rightly would say at once, simply and resolutely, to Mrs. Churchill-- `Every sacrifice of mere pleasure you will always find me ready to make to your convenience; but I must go and see my father immediately. I know he would be hurt by my failing in such a mark of respect to him on the present occasion. I shall, therefore, set off to-morrow.'-- If he would say so to her at once, in the tone of decision becoming a man, there would be no opposition made to his going." "No," said Emma, laughing; "but perhaps there might be some made to his coming back again. Such language for a young man entirely dependent, to use!--Nobody but you, Mr. Knightley, would imagine it possible. But you have not an idea of what is requisite in situations directly opposite to your own. Mr. Frank Churchill to be making such a speech as that to the uncle and aunt, who have brought him up, and are to provide for him!--Standing up in the middle of the room, I suppose, and speaking as loud as he could!--How can you imagine such conduct practicable?" "Depend upon it, Emma, a sensible man would find no difficulty in it. He would feel himself in the right; and the declaration--made, of course, as a man of sense would make it, in a proper manner-- would do him more good, raise him higher, fix his interest stronger with the people he depended on, than all that a line of shifts and expedients can ever do. Respect would be added to affection. They would feel that they could trust him; that the nephew who had done rightly by his father, would do rightly by them; for they know, as well as he does, as well as all the world must know, that he ought to pay this visit to his father; and while meanly exerting their power to delay it, are in their hearts not thinking the better of him for submitting to their whims. Respect for right conduct is felt by every body. If he would act in this sort of manner, on principle, consistently, regularly, their little minds would bend to his." "I rather doubt that. You are very fond of bending little minds; but where little minds belong to rich people in authority, I think they have a knack of swelling out, till they are quite as unmanageable as great ones. I can imagine, that if you, as you are, Mr. Knightley, were to be transported and placed all at once in Mr. Frank Churchill's situation, you would be able to say and do just 92

putea obine rezultate foarte bune. Cei din familia Churchill n-ar ti probabil ce s-i rspund, dar asta nseamn s nu fii obinuit a te supune i respecta nc din copilrie. Lui, care e obinuit aa, poate c nu-i e uor s devin deodat complet independent, s anuleze dintr-o dat preteniile lor la respect i recunotin. Are poate i el un sim al dreptii, la fel de dezvoltat ca al dumitale, dei nu e totdeauna n stare s i se conformeze. Atunci nu cred c e un sim prea dezvoltat. Dac nu are acelai efect, nseamn c nu izvorte din aceeai convingere. Ah, aceast diferen de situaie i obiceiuri ! A vrea s ncerci s nelegi ce ar simi probabil un tnr amabil dac s-ar ridica n mod fi mpotriva acelora pe care n copilrie a nvat numai s-i asculte. Tnrul tu amabil e un tnr plin de slbiciune, dac asta e prima ocazie cnd trebuie s-i duc la capt hotrrea de a face ceea ce trebuie mpotriva voinei altora. De acum ar trebui s fie obinuit s-i fac datoria, n loc de a cere permisiunea altora. Pot s admit c unui copil i e fric, dar nu i unui tnr. De ndat ce i-a cptat contiina de sine, trebuia s se dezbare de tot ceea ce este duntor n autoritatea pe care ei o exercit. Trebuia s se opun de la prima lor ncercare de a-l face s-i nedrepteasc tatl. Dac ar fi fcut un astfel de nceput, acum n-ar mai avea greuti. Niciodat n-o s cdem de acord n privina lui, strig Emma. Dar nu-i nimic extraordinar n asta. Nu mi se pare deloc c ar fi un tnr plin de slbiciune. Sunt sigur c nu-i aa. Domnul Weston nu poate fi att de orb, chiar dac e vorba de fiul lui. Dar, probabil, are o fire mai supus, mai asculttoare, mai blnd dect credem noi c trebuie s aib un tnr perfect. Despre asta cred c e vorba i dei poate s-i aduc unele dezavantaje l poate scuti de altele. Da, scap de dezavantajul de a pleca atunci cnd s-ar cuveni. Are avantajul de a duce o via plin de plceri i de a se crede extrem de priceput la a gsi scuze pentru asta. Poate s se aeze la mas i s scrie o scrisoare plin de nflorituri, de promisiuni i falsitate i s se conving pe el nsui c a gsit cea mai bun metod s pstreze pacea i s-i taie tatlui su orice drept de a se plnge. Scrisorile lui m dezgust ! Eti singurul om care gndete aa. Se pare c toat lumea e satisfcut de ele. Bnuiesc c nu i doamna Weston. Asemenea scrisori ar putea numai cu greu da satisfacie unei femei cu atta bun sim i delicatee. ine loc de mam, dar nu poate da dovad de orbire ca o mam adevrat. Din cauza ei, ar trebui ca tnrul s dea de dou ori mai mult atenie familiei de la Randalls, i ea simte probabil de dou ori mai tare jignirea. Dac i ea ar fi fost o persoan cu influen, ar fi venit, cred, dar asta n-ar fi avut

what you have been recommending for him; and it might have a very good effect. The Churchills might not have a word to say in return; but then, you would have no habits of early obedience and long observance to break through. To him who has, it might not be so easy to burst forth at once into perfect independence, and set all their claims on his gratitude and regard at nought. He may have as strong a sense of what would be right, as you can have, without being so equal, under particular circumstances, to act up to it." "Then it would not be so strong a sense. If it failed to produce equal exertion, it could not be an equal conviction." "Oh, the difference of situation and habit! I wish you would try to understand what an amiable young man may be likely to feel in directly opposing those, whom as child and boy he has been looking up to all his life." "Our amiable young man is a very weak young man, if this be the first occasion of his carrying through a resolution to do right against the will of others. It ought to have been a habit with him by this time, of following his duty, instead of consulting expediency. I can allow for the fears of the child, but not of the man. As he became rational, he ought to have roused himself and shaken off all that was unworthy in their authority. He ought to have opposed the first attempt on their side to make him slight his father. Had he begun as he ought, there would have been no difficulty now." "We shall never agree about him," cried Emma; "but that is nothing extraordinary. I have not the least idea of his being a weak young man: I feel sure that he is not. Mr. Weston would not be blind to folly, though in his own son; but he is very likely to have a more yielding, complying, mild disposition than would suit your notions of man's perfection. I dare say he has; and though it may cut him off from some advantages, it will secure him many others." "Yes; all the advantages of sitting still when he ought to move, and of leading a life of mere idle pleasure, and fancying himself extremely expert in finding excuses for it. He can sit down and write a fine flourishing letter, full of professions and falsehoods, and persuade himself that he has hit upon the very best method in the world of preserving peace at home and preventing his father's having any right to complain. His letters disgust me." "Your feelings are singular. They seem to satisfy every body else." "I suspect they do not satisfy Mrs. Weston. They hardly can satisfy a woman of her good sense and quick feelings: standing in a mother's place, but without a mother's affection to blind her. It is on her account that attention to Randalls is doubly due, and she must doubly feel the omission. Had she been a person of consequence herself, he would have come I dare say; and it would not have signified whether he did or no. Can you think your friend behindhand in these sort of 93

importan. Nu crezi c prietena ta are asemenea gnduri, c i spune asemenea vorbe, cnd rmne singur ? Nu, drag Emma, tnrul tu e amabil numai n francez, nu i n englez. Poate s fie aimable, s se poarte frumos i s se arate simpatic, dar nu are delicateea englezeasc fa de sentimentele altora. Nu e deloc amabil. Pari hotrt s nu spui o vorb bun despre el. Eu, deloc, rspunse domnul Knightley, cu oarecare neplcere. Am cele mai bune gnduri despre el. Sunt gata s-i recunosc meritele, ca toat lumea de altfel. Dar nu am auzit de prea multe, n afar de faptul c e bine crescut, arat bine i se poart acceptabil. Ei bine, chiar dac n-ar mai avea nici un alt merit, tot ar fi o comoar la Highbury. Nu dm toat ziua peste tineri frumoi, bine crescui i simpatici. Nu trebuie s fim din cale-afar de pretenioi i s-i cerem s aib toate calitile. Domnule Knightley, nu-i nchipui ce senzaie ar produce venirea lui ? Nu se va mai vorbi despre nimic altceva, att n parohia Donwell ct i n parohia Highbury, un singur obiect pentru interesul i curiozitatea tuturor. Frank Churchill va nsemna totul. Nu ne vom gndi i nu vom vorbi despre nimic altceva. M scuzi c sunt att de copleit. Dac o s-l gsesc simpatic, mi va face plcere s-l cunosc. Dar dac nu e dect un filfizon vorbre, n-o s-i acord prea mult din timpul i gndurile mele. Din cte cred eu, mi se pare c el poate s-i adapteze conversaia dup gustul oricui. Are calitatea i dorina de a fi pe placul tuturor. Dumitale i va vorbi despre agricultur, mie despre muzic i desen i aa mai departe, cu toat lumea. Are cunotine n toate domeniile, nct poate urmri i conduce o conversaie, att ct se cuvine, i s se descurce foarte bine n toate. Aa mi-l nchipui eu. Eu mi nchipui, zise domnul Knightley, cu aprindere, c, dac se va dovedi a fi aa, mi va fi cel mai nesuferit dintre nesuferii. Cum adic, la douzeci i trei de ani, s fie tratat ca un rege marele om care are atta rutin n societate nct poate descifra caracterul oricui i poate face ca talentele fiecruia s duc la dezvluirea superioritii lui, s-i risipeasc n jur linguelile i s-i determine pe toi s se arate nite proti n comparaie cu el ! Drag Emma, tu, cu bunul tu sim, n-ai putea suporta asemenea papioi, dac e vorba ! Nu mai vreau s spun nimic despre el, ip Emma, toate le iei n nume de ru ! Amndoi avem unele prejudeci, dumneata mpotriva lui, iar eu n favoarea lui, i nu vom putea cdea de acord pn nu vine aici. Prejudeci ! N-am nici un fel de prejudeci! Ba eu am, i nu mi-e ruine. Dragostea mea pentru domnul i doamna Weston m face s am prejudeci n favoarea lui. E o persoan la care eu nu m gndesc cu lunile, zise

considerations? Do you suppose she does not often say all this to herself? No, Emma, your amiable young man can be amiable only in French, not in English. He may be very `aimable,' have very good manners, and be very agreeable; but he can have no English delicacy towards the feelings of other people: nothing really amiable about him." "You seem determined to think ill of him." "Me!--not at all," replied Mr. Knightley, rather displeased; "I do not want to think ill of him. I should be as ready to acknowledge his merits as any other man; but I hear of none, except what are merely personal; that he is well-grown and good-looking, with smooth, plausible manners." "Well, if he have nothing else to recommend him, he will be a treasure at Highbury. We do not often look upon fine young men, well-bred and agreeable. We must not be nice and ask for all the virtues into the bargain. Cannot you imagine, Mr. Knightley, what a sensation his coming will produce? There will be but one subject throughout the parishes of Donwell and Highbury; but one interest-- one object of curiosity; it will be all Mr. Frank Churchill; we shall think and speak of nobody else." "You will excuse my being so much over-powered. If I find him conversable, I shall be glad of his acquaintance; but if he is only a chattering coxcomb, he will not occupy much of my time or thoughts." "My idea of him is, that he can adapt his conversation to the taste of every body, and has the power as well as the wish of being universally agreeable. To you, he will talk of farming; to me, of drawing or music; and so on to every body, having that general information on all subjects which will enable him to follow the lead, or take the lead, just as propriety may require, and to speak extremely well on each; that is my idea of him." "And mine," said Mr. Knightley warmly, "is, that if he turn out any thing like it, he will be the most insufferable fellow breathing! What! at three-and-twenty to be the king of his company--the great man-- the practised politician, who is to read every body's character, and make every body's talents conduce to the display of his own superiority; to be dispensing his flatteries around, that he may make all appear like fools compared with himself! My dear Emma, your own good sense could not endure such a puppy when it came to the point." "I will say no more about him," cried Emma, "you turn every thing to evil. We are both prejudiced; you against, I for him; and we have no chance of agreeing till he is really here." "Prejudiced! I am not prejudiced." "But I am very much, and without being at all ashamed of it. My love for Mr. and Mrs. Weston gives me a decided prejudice in his favour." "He is a person I never think of from one month's end to 94

domnul Knightley, foarte jignit, i Emma schimb imediat vorba, dei nu nelegea de ce se supr el.

S-i displac un tnr numai pentru c prea s aib o fire deosebit de a lui, asta nu se potrivea deloc cu vederile lui largi, pe care i le cunotea din totdeauna ; n ciuda faptului c avea o foarte bun prere despre el nsui, i Emma l acuzase deseori de asta, nu-i nchipuia c poate, din aceast cauz, s fie nedrept cu meritele altora. CAPITOLUL XIX NTR-O DIMINEAA, EMMA I HARRIET SE plimbau mpreun i, dup prerea Emmei, vorbiser destul despre domnul Elton n ziua aceea. Nu putea crede c pentru a-i oferi Harrietei o consolare i pentru a-i ispi propriile pcate ar fi fost nevoie de mai mult, aa c se strduia s scape de subiectul sta n timp ce se ntorceau, dar reveneau la el tocmai cnd credea c reuise. Dup ce vorbise ctva timp despre suferinele sracilor pe vreme de iarn i nu primise alt rspuns dect un foarte plngre: Domnul Elton e att de bun cu sracii !", hotr c trebuie s recurg la altceva. Tocmai se apropiau de casa n care locuiau doamna i domnioara Bates. Decise s le fac o vizit i s-i caute scparea n compania gazdelor. Avea destule motive s le acorde asemenea atenie: doamna i domnioara Bates erau ncntate s primeasc vizite i ea tia c aceia crora le plcea s-i gseasc defecte o credeau cam neglijent n privina asta. Nu contribuia ct s-ar fi cuvenit la micile lor plceri. Domnul Knightley fcuse deseori aluzie la asta, i chiar inima ei ii spunea c nu se comport cum trebuie, dar nimic nu putea:s-i zdruncine convingerea c era extrem de neplcut, o pierdere de vreme, nite femei plicticoase, avea oroare s fie n primejdia de a se amesteca cu cei de mna a doua i a treia din Highbury, care una, dou i fceau vizite i, prin urmare, se ducea la ele foarte rar. Dar acum se hotr brusc s nu treac pe lng ua lor fr s intre, observnd, cnd i fcu aceast propunere Harrietei, c, dup calculele ei, n acest moment nu erau deloc n primejdie de a da peste o scrisoare de la Jane Fairfax. Casa aparinea unor oameni de afaceri. Doamna i domnioara Bates ocupau spaiul destinat salonului, i acolo, n aceast locuin mic i modest, care era tot ce aveau, musafirii erau primii cu mult plcere i recunotin. Btrna, ordonat i linitit, care sttea cu mpletitura ei n colul cel mai clduros, vru s-i ofere chiar locul ei domnioarei Woodhouse, iar fiica ei, mai activ, spunnd mereu ceva, gata s le copleeasc aproape cu grija i buntatea ei, mulumiri pentru vizit, atenie pentru pantofii lor, ntrebri insistente despre sntatea domnului Woodhouse, informaii mbucurtoare despre sntatea mamei ei i prjituri dulci din bufet. Doamna Cole tocmai fusese pe acolo, tocmai

another," said Mr. Knightley, with a degree of vexation, which made Emma immediately talk of something else, though she could not comprehend why he should be angry. To take a dislike to a young man, only because he appeared to be of a different disposition from himself, was unworthy the real liberality of mind which she was always used to acknowledge in him; for with all the high opinion of himself, which she had often laid to his charge, she had never before for a moment supposed it could make him unjust to the merit of another. Emma and Harriet had been walking together one morning, and, in Emma's opinion, had been talking enough of Mr. Elton for that day. She could not think that Harriet's solace or her own sins required more; and she was therefore industriously getting rid of the subject as they returned;--but it burst out again when she thought she had succeeded, and after speaking some time of what the poor must suffer in winter, and receiving no other answer than a very plaintive-- "Mr. Elton is so good to the poor!" she found something else must be done. They were just approaching the house where lived Mrs. and Miss Bates. She determined to call upon them and seek safety in numbers. There was always sufficient reason for such an attention; Mrs. and Miss Bates loved to be called on, and she knew she was considered by the very few who presumed ever to see imperfection in her, as rather negligent in that respect, and as not contributing what she ought to the stock of their scanty comforts. She had had many a hint from Mr. Knightley and some from her own heart, as to her deficiency--but none were equal to counteract the persuasion of its being very disagreeable,--a waste of time--tiresome women-and all the horror of being in danger of falling in with the second-rate and third-rate of Highbury, who were calling on them for ever, and therefore she seldom went near them. But now she made the sudden resolution of not passing their door without going in--observing, as she proposed it to Harriet, that, as well as she could calculate, they were just now quite safe from any letter from Jane Fairfax. The house belonged to people in business. Mrs. and Miss Bates occupied the drawing-room floor; and there, in the very moderate-sized apartment, which was every thing to them, the visitors were most cordially and even gratefully welcomed; the quiet neat old lady, who with her knitting was seated in the warmest corner, wanting even to give up her place to Miss Woodhouse, and her more active, talking daughter, almost ready to overpower them with care and kindness, thanks for their visit, solicitude for their shoes, anxious inquiries after Mr. Woodhouse's health, cheerful communications about her mother's, and sweet-cake from the beaufet--"Mrs. Cole had just been there, just called in for ten 95

trecuse pentru zece minute, i fusese att de bun s stea o or pe la ele ; servise o prjitur i fusese att de amabil s spun c i-a plcut foarte mult i spera c, prin urmare, domnioara Woodhouse i domnioara Smith le vor face cinstea s se serveasc i ele. n mod sigur, dac se adusese vorba de familia Cole, urma s se vorbeasc i de domnul Elton. Erau buni prieteni i domnul Cole primise veti de la domnul Elton, de cnd acesta plecase. Emma tia ce o s urmeze, trebuia s discute din nou despre scrisoare, s stabileasc de cnd a plecat i ce ocupat era cu obligaiile lui mondene i de ct simpatie se bucura peste tot i ce mult lume a fost la balul maestrului de ceremonii, i se descurc foarte bine, artnd interes i aprobnd, dup cum se cerea i intervenind mereu, ca Harriet s nu fie nevoit s zic un cuvnt. La asta se atepta de cnd pise pragul casei, dar voia ca de ndat ce va ncheia cu bine discuia despre el s nu mai fie ncurcat de nici un subiect nesuferit i s plvrgeasc n voie despre doamnele i domnioarele din Highbury i partidele lor de cri. Nu se atepta deloc ca Jane Fairfax s-i urmeze domnului Elton. Dar domnioara Bates trecu destul de repede peste el, sri brusc la familia Cole, pentru a face legtura cu o scrisoare de la nepoata ei: O, da, domnul Elton, neleg, n ce privete dansul doamna Cole mi spunea despre saloanele de dans din Bath doamna Cole a fost aa de drgu i a stat cu noi i am vorbit despre Jane. De cum a intrat, a ntrebat de ea, o iubete foarte mult pe Jane. De cte ori vine, doamna Cole nu mai tie cum s-i arate amabilitatea. Dar, ce e drept, Jane merit asta mai mult dect oricine. Imediat ce a venit, a ntrebat de ea, zicnd: tiu c nu mai avei veti proaspete de la Jane, pentru c nu e nc timpul s scrie" i eu i-am rspuns imediat: Ba da, am primit o scrisoare chiar azi de diminea". Nu tiu dac am mai vzut vreodat pe cineva aa de mirat: Nu mai spune ?" a zis, asta-i ntr-adevr ceva neateptat. Spune-mi numaidect ce scrie !" Politeea Emmei funciona imediat i zise, zmbind cu interes: Avei veti att de proaspete de la domnioara Fairfax ? Ce bine mi pare ! Sper c o duce bine ! Mulumesc, suntei foarte drgu, rspunse mtua, lsndu-se nelat, n fericirea ei, i cutnd cu nerbdare scrisoarea. Ah, iat-o ! Eram sigur c e pe-aici pe undeva. Pusesem cutia cu ae peste ea, fr s-mi dau seama, i nu se vedea deloc. Dar tiam c trebuie s fie pe mas, doar am avut-o n mn acum cteva clipe. Tocmai i-o citeam doamnei Cole, i dup ce-a plecat, i-am mai citit-o o dat mamei, pentru c-i face atta plcere ! O scrisoare de la Jane ! Vrea s o aud mereu. tiam eu c e pe aici i uite c era sub cutia cu ae, i

minutes, and had been so good as to sit an hour with them, and she had taken a piece of cake and been so kind as to say she liked it very much; and, therefore, she hoped Miss Woodhouse and Miss Smith would do them the favour to eat a piece too." The mention of the Coles was sure to be followed by that of Mr. Elton. There was intimacy between them, and Mr. Cole had heard from Mr. Elton since his going away. Emma knew what was coming; they must have the letter over again, and settle how long he had been gone, and how much he was engaged in company, and what a favourite he was wherever he went, and how full the Master of the Ceremonies' ball had been; and she went through it very well, with all the interest and all the commendation that could be requisite, and always putting forward to prevent Harriet's being obliged to say a word. This she had been prepared for when she entered the house; but meant, having once talked him handsomely over, to be no farther incommoded by any troublesome topic, and to wander at large amongst all the Mistresses and Misses of Highbury, and their card-parties. 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. "Oh! yes--Mr. Elton, I understand--certainly as to dancing-Mrs. Cole was telling me that dancing at the rooms at Bath was-- Mrs. Cole was so kind as to sit some time with us, talking of Jane; for as soon as she came in, she began inquiring after her, Jane is so very great a favourite there. Whenever she is with us, Mrs. Cole does not know how to shew her kindness enough; and I must say that Jane deserves it as much as any body can. And so she began inquiring after her directly, saying, `I know you cannot have heard from Jane lately, because it is not her time for writing;' and when I immediately said, `But indeed we have, we had a letter this very morning,' I do not know that I ever saw any body more surprized. `Have you, upon your honour?' said she; `well, that is quite unexpected. Do let me hear what she says.'" Emma's politeness was at hand directly, to say, with smiling interest-"Have you heard from Miss Fairfax so lately? I am extremely happy. I hope she is well?" "Thank you. You are so kind!" replied the happily deceived aunt, while eagerly hunting for the letter.--"Oh! here it is. I was sure it could not be far off; but I had put my huswife upon it, you see, without being aware, and so it was quite hid, but I had it in my hand so very lately that I was almost sure it must be on the table. I was reading it to Mrs. Cole, and since she went away, I was reading it again to my mother, for it is such a pleasure to her-- a letter from Jane--that she can never hear it often enough; so I knew it could not be far off, 96

fiindc avei amabilitatea s ascultai ce scrie... dar mai nti, trebuie s o scuz pe Jane c a scris o scrisoare att de scurt, numai dou pagini, vedei, abia dac sunt dou i, n general, ea scrie i terge jumtate din ce-a scris. Mama deseori se ntreab cum reuesc eu s-o neleg aa de bine. Adesea spune cnd deschid prima dat scrisoarea: Ei, Hetty, acum cred c trebuie s ncepi s descifrezi hieroglifele alea, nu ?", i eu i spun c sunt sigur c ar reui s-o deslueasc i singur, dac n-ar avea cine, cuvnt cu cuvnt. Sunt sigur c ar sta cu ea n mn, pn ar nelege toate cuvintele. i aa i e, dei ochii mamei nu mai sunt buni cum erau odat, vede nc foarte bine, slav Domnului ! Cu ochelarii, mare lucru ! Mama are ochi foarte buni. Jane spune foarte des, cnd vine pe aici: Sunt sigur, bunico, dumneata ai avut ochi foarte buni, dac vezi aa de bine i lucrezi att de frumos. Tare-a vrea s m in i pe mine ochii la fel !" Toate acestea fur rostite extrem de repede i Emma spuse ceva foarte politicos despre scrisul minunat al domnioarei Fairfax. Suntei foarte drgu, rspunse domnioara Bates extrem de ncntat. Dumneavoastr v pricepei foarte bine i scriei att de minunat i dumneavoastr. Sunt sigur c laudele nimnui nu ne-ar face att plcere, cum ne fac ale dumneavoastr. Mama n-a auzit, e puin cam surd, tii. Mam (adresndu-se acesteia), auzi ce amabil e domnioara Woodhouse i ce spune despre scrisul Janei ? i Emma avut privilegiul s-i aud propriul compliment idiot repetat de dou ori, pn cnd buna doamn reui s-l neleag. ntre timp, se gndea la posibilitatea ca, fr s fie nepoliticoas, s ncerce a scpa de scrisoarea Janei Fairfax i se hotrse deja s plece imediat, sub un pretext oarecare, cnd domnioara Bates se ntoarse spre ea i i solicit atenia. Surzenia mamei nu e cine tie ce, vedei, mai nimic. Dac ridic puin vocea i zic de dou-trei ori ce am de zis, aude n mod sigur, dar e obinuit numai cu vocea mea. E nemaipomenit c pe Jane o nelege totui mai bine dect pe mine. Jane vorbete att de clar. Cu toate astea, cred c n-o va gsi pe bunica ei mai surd dect acum doi ani, ceea ce nseamn foarte mult, la vrsta ei. Sunt exact doi ani de cnd n-a mai fost pe aici. Niciodat n-a trecut att de mult fr s-o vedem i, cum i spuneam i doamnei Cole, nici nu mai tim ce s facem pentru venirea ei, acum. O ateptai pe domnioara Fairfax pe aici curnd ? A, da, sptmna viitoare. Zu, trebuie s fie o mare plcere ! Mulumesc, suntei foarte drgu ! Da, sptmna viitoare. E o mare surpriz pentru toat lumea i toi

and here it is, only just under my huswife--and since you are so kind as to wish to hear what she says;--but, first of all, I really must, in justice to Jane, apologise for her writing so short a letter--only two pages you see-hardly two--and in general she fills the whole paper and crosses half. My mother often wonders that I can make it out so well. She often says, when the letter is first opened, `Well, Hetty, now I think you will be put to it to make out all that checker-work'-- don't you, ma'am?-And then I tell her, I am sure she would contrive to make it out herself, if she had nobody to do it for her-- every word of it--I am sure she would pore over it till she had made out every word. And, indeed, though my mother's eyes are not so good as they were, she can see amazingly well still, thank God! with the help of spectacles. It is such a blessing! My mother's are really very good indeed. Jane often says, when she is here, `I am sure, grandmama, you must have had very strong eyes to see as you do--and so much fine work as you have done too!--I only wish my eyes may last me as well.'" All this spoken extremely fast obliged Miss Bates to stop for breath; and Emma said something very civil about the excellence of Miss Fairfax's handwriting. "You are extremely kind," replied Miss Bates, highly gratified; "you who are such a judge, and write so beautifully yourself. I am sure there is nobody's praise that could give us so much pleasure as Miss Woodhouse's. My mother does not hear; she is a little deaf you know. Ma'am," addressing her, "do you hear what Miss Woodhouse is so obliging to say about Jane's handwriting?" And Emma had the advantage of hearing her own silly compliment repeated twice over before the good old lady could comprehend it. She was pondering, in the meanwhile, upon the possibility, without seeming very rude, of making her escape from Jane Fairfax's letter, and had almost resolved on hurrying away directly under some slight excuse, when Miss Bates turned to her again and seized her attention. "My mother's deafness is very trifling you see--just nothing at all. By only raising my voice, and saying any thing two or three times over, she is sure to hear; but then she is used to my voice. But it is very remarkable that she should always hear Jane better than she does me. Jane speaks so distinct! However, she will not find her grandmama at all deafer than she was two years ago; which is saying a great deal at my mother's time of life--and it really is full two years, you know, since she was here. We never were so long without seeing her before, and as I was telling Mrs. Cole, we shall hardly know how to make enough of her now." "Are you expecting Miss Fairfax here soon?" "Oh yes; next week." "Indeed!--that must be a very great pleasure." "Thank you. You are very kind. Yes, next week. Every body is so surprized; and every body says the same 97

spun lucruri att de amabile ! Sunt sigur c o s se bucure s-i revad pe cei din Highbury, la fel de mult ca ei. Da. Vineri sau smbt, nu tie precis pentru c domnul colonel Campbell va avea i el nevoie de trsur, zilele astea. Aa de drgu din partea lor, s-i pun la dispoziie trsura ! Dar totdeauna sunt drgui ; ah, da, vinerea sau smbta viitoare, aa scrie. De aceea ne-a scris mai devreme ca de obicei. Pentru c ar fi trebuit s primim veti numai pe mari, miercuri. Da, mi-am nchipuit. Mi-era team c n-o s am ocazia s aud nimic despre domnioara Fairfax, astzi. Drgu din partea dumneavoastr ! Nu, n-am fi primit, nimic, dac nar fi fost mprejurarea asta, cu venirea ei ncoace. Mama e aa de ncntat, fiindc o s stea cel puin trei luni, zice ea, n mod sigur, dup cum o s am plcerea s v citesc. Se ntmpl c familia Campbell pleac n Irlanda. Doamna Dixon i-a convins pe tatl i mama ei s vin imediat s-o vad. Nu voiau s plece dect la var, dar ea e nerbdtoare s-i vad din nou, pentru c pn a nu se mrita, n octombrie trecut, n-a plecat niciodat de lng ei, nici mcar o sptmna. i i e probabil greu s fie, n alt regat era s zic, dar totui sunt n alt ar, aa c i-a spus repede mamei sale sau tatlui, mrturisesc c nu tiu exact cui, dar vedem imediat n scrisoare, a scris n numele soului i al ei, s-i roage s vie imediat, i le-au dat ntlnire n Dublin, i i vor lua la ei la ar, la Baly-craig, unde mi nchipui c e foarte frumos. Jane a auzit foarte multe lucruri despre frumuseea acelor locuri, de la domnul Dixon, adic nu tiu s fi auzit de la altcineva , dar era foarte firesc s vorbeasc despre locul lui de batin, cnd i fcea curte i cum Jane ieea foarte des cu ei, pentru c domnul Colonel i doamna Campbell nu prea voiau s-o lase pe fiica lor la plimbare cu domnul Dixon, singuri, i bine fceau, desigur a auzit tot ce spunea el domnioarei Campbell despre casa lui din Irlanda, i mi se pare c ne-a scris c el le-a artat nite desene pe care le-a fcut chiar el. E un tnr foarte amabil, cred. Jane chiar ar fi vrut s mearg n Irlanda, unde e aa de frumos, dup cte spunea el.

n clipa aceea, n mintea Emmei i fcu loc o bnuial perspicace i nviortoare cu privire la Jane Fairfax i acest ncnttor domn Dixon i faptul c ea nu pleca n Irlanda i zise, cu intenia perfid de a afla mai multe: Cred c suntei foarte fericite c domnioara Fairfax poate s vin acum. Avnd n vedere prietenia ei cu doamna Dixon, cu greu s-ar fi putut crede c i se va permite s nu-i nsoeasc pe domnul colonel i pe doamna Campbell.

obliging things. I am sure she will be as happy to see her friends at Highbury, as they can be to see her. Yes, Friday or Saturday; she cannot say which, because Colonel Campbell will be wanting the carriage himself one of those days. So very good of them to send her the whole way! But they always do, you know. Oh yes, Friday or Saturday next. That is what she writes about. That is the reason of her writing out of rule, as we call it; for, in the common course, we should not have heard from her before next Tuesday or Wednesday." "Yes, so I imagined. I was afraid there could be little chance of my hearing any thing of Miss Fairfax to-day." "So obliging of you! No, we should not have heard, if it had not been for this particular circumstance, of her being to come here so soon. My mother is so delighted!--for she is to be three months with us at least. Three months, she says so, positively, as I am going to have the pleasure of reading to you. The case is, you see, that the Campbells are going to Ireland. Mrs. Dixon has persuaded her father and mother to come over and see her directly. They had not intended to go over till the summer, but she is so impatient to see them again--for till she married, last October, she was never away from them so much as a week, which must make it very strange to be in different kingdoms, I was going to say, but however different countries, and so she wrote a very urgent letter to her mother--or her father, I declare I do not know which it was, but we shall see presently in Jane's letter--wrote in Mr. Dixon's name as well as her own, to press their coming over directly, and they would give them the meeting in Dublin, and take them back to their country seat, Baly-craig, a beautiful place, I fancy. Jane has heard a great deal of its beauty; from Mr. Dixon, I mean-- I do not know that she ever heard about it from any body else; but it was very natural, you know, that he should like to speak of his own place while he was paying his addresses--and as Jane used to be very often walking out with them--for Colonel and Mrs. Campbell were very particular about their daughter's not walking out often with only Mr. Dixon, for which I do not at all blame them; of course she heard every thing he might be telling Miss Campbell about his own home in Ireland; and I think she wrote us word that he had shewn them some drawings of the place, views that he had taken himself. He is a most amiable, charming young man, I believe. Jane was quite longing to go to Ireland, from his account of things." 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. Considering the very particular friendship between her and Mrs. Dixon, you could hardly have expected her to be excused from accompanying Colonel and Mrs. Campbell." 98

 Foarte adevrat, zu aa. Tocmai de asta ne era fric ; n-am fi vrut s o tim aa de departe de noi, pentru cteva luni, s nu poat veni dac se ntmpla ceva, dar, vedei, totul cade cum nu se poate mai bine. Ei (adic domnul i doamna Dixon) doresc foarte mult ca ea s vin mpreun cu domnul Colonel i doamna Campbell ; chiar conteaz pe asta. Nimic mai drgu i mai insistent dect o invitaie care i cuprinde pe toi, cum zice Jane. V citesc imediat. Domnul Dixon este foarte atent. E un tnr cu totul ncnttor. De cnd a salvat-o pe Jane la Weymouth, cnd erau la petrecerea aceea de pe vapor i Jane era s cad n ap din cauza unor pnze care se ncurcaser, i chiar putea s cad, dac el, cu mare prezen de spirit, n-ar fi apucat-o de hain nu m pot gndi la asta fr s tremur. Dar de cnd am aflat povestea asta, din ziua aceea, noi l iubim foarte mult pe domnul Dixon !

Dar, n ciuda insistenelor prietenilor ei i a dorinei de a vedea Irlanda, domnioara Fairfax prefer s-i petreac acest timp cu dumneavoastr i doamna Bates ? Da, asta e dorina ei, ea a hotrt aa, i domnul Colonel i doamna Campbell au gsit c foarte bine face, exact aa ar sftui-o i ei i chiar vor ca ea s ncerce s-i caute sntatea acolo unde s-a nscut, pentru c n ultima vreme nu prea se simte bine. Foarte interesant. Cred c au dreptate, dar doamna Dixon trebuie s fie foarte dezamgit. Doamna Dixon, din cte neleg, nu dispune de prea mult farmec personal, n nici un caz nu sufer comparaie cu domnioara Fairfax. O, nu, ce drgu din partea dumneavoastr s spunei asta, dar, desigur, nu se pot compara. Domnioara Campbell a fost ntotdeauna uric, dar foarte distins i simpatic. Da, desigur. Jane a rcit foarte tare, biata fat, cam pe la apte noiembrie, (acum v citesc) i de atunci nu se simte prea bine. Aa de mult timp s dureze o rceal ! Nu a scris nimic despre asta pn acum, ca s nu ne speriem. Aa e ea, plin de grij, dar se simte aa de ru, nct prietenii ei din familia Campbell socotesc c e mai bine s vin acas ; poate i revine datorit aerului de aici, i nu se ndoiesc c, trei sau patru luni la Highbury, o s-o vindece. i sigur c e mai bine de o mie de ori s vie aici dect s se duc n Irlanda, dac nu se simte bine. Nimeni n-ar putea-o ngriji ca noi.

Mi se pare c aa e cel mai bine. i urmeaz s soseasc vinerea sau smbta viitoare, i familia Campbell pleac la Holyhead lunea urmtoare, dup cum o s vedei din scrisoare. Ce surpriz, v putei nchipui, domnioar Woodhouse, ce agitaie pe capul meu ! Dac n-ar fi fost boala asta, dar mi-

"Very true, very true, indeed. The very thing that we have always been rather afraid of; for we should not have liked to have her at such a distance from us, for months together--not able to come if any thing was to happen. But you see, every thing turns out for the best. They want her (Mr. and Mrs. Dixon) excessively to come over with Colonel and Mrs. Campbell; quite depend upon it; nothing can be more kind or pressing than their joint invitation, Jane says, as you will hear presently; Mr. Dixon does not seem in the least backward in any attention. He is a most charming young man. Ever since the service he rendered Jane at Weymouth, when they were out in that party on the water, and she, by the sudden whirling round of something or other among the sails, would have been dashed into the sea at once, and actually was all but gone, if he had not, with the greatest presence of mind, caught hold of her habit-- (I can never think of it without trembling!)--But ever since we had the history of that day, I have been so fond of Mr. Dixon!" "But, in spite of all her friends' urgency, and her own wish of seeing Ireland, Miss Fairfax prefers devoting the time to you and Mrs. Bates?" "Yes--entirely her own doing, entirely her own choice; and Colonel and Mrs. Campbell think she does quite right, just what they should recommend; and indeed they particularly wish her to try her native air, as she has not been quite so well as usual lately." "I am concerned to hear of it. I think they judge wisely. But Mrs. Dixon must be very much disappointed. Mrs. Dixon, I understand, has no remarkable degree of personal beauty; is not, by any means, to be compared with Miss Fairfax." "Oh! no. You are very obliging to say such things--but certainly not. There is no comparison between them. Miss Campbell always was absolutely plain--but extremely elegant and amiable." "Yes, that of course." "Jane caught a bad cold, poor thing! so long ago as the 7th of November, (as I am going to read to you,) and has never been well since. A long time, is not it, for a cold to hang upon her? She never mentioned it before, because she would not alarm us. Just like her! so considerate!--But however, she is so far from well, that her kind friends the Campbells think she had better come home, and try an air that always agrees with her; and they have no doubt that three or four months at Highbury will entirely cure her-- and it is certainly a great deal better that she should come here, than go to Ireland, if she is unwell. Nobody could nurse her, as we should do." "It appears to me the most desirable arrangement in the world." "And so she is to come to us next Friday or Saturday, and the Campbells leave town in their way to Holyhead the Monday following-- as you will find from Jane's letter. So sudden!--You may guess, dear Miss 99

e team c trebuie s ne ateptm s fie foarte slab i s nu arate bine. i s v spun ce ghinion am avut, apropo de asta. ntotdeauna eu citesc scrisorile Janei, numai pentru mine i numai dup aceea le citesc tare s aud i mama, tii, pentru c mi-e team s nu fie vreo veste rea. Jane mi-a spus s fac aa, i aa fac ntotdeauna, i aa am nceput i azi, cu prudena mea obinuit. Dar nam ajuns bine s citesc acolo unde zice c e bolnav, c mam pomenit vorbind, de fric: Doamne, biata Jane, e bolnav, iar mama, fiindc era atent, a auzit clar i s-a speriat ru, srcua de ea. Totui, cnd am citit mai departe, i am vzut c nu era aa de ru, cum crezusem eu la nceput, i i-am spus i mamei c e un fleac, iar acum nici ea nu se mai gndete att de mult, dar nu neleg cum am putut s las s-mi scape. Dac Jane nu se face bine repede, l chemm pe domnul Perry. Nu ne uitm la bani, dei, cred c, aa bun cum e el, i cum o iubete pe Jane, n-o s vrea s ia nimic, dar nici noi nu-l putem lsa aa. Are nevast i copii de inut i nu se face s-i piard timpul de poman. Ei, acum, c v-am spus cte ceva din ce scrie Jane, s ne ntoarcem la scrisoare, i cred c o s v putei lmuri mult mai bine dect din ce v spun eu.

Mi-e team c trebuie s plecm, zise Emma, uitnduse la Harriet, ne ateapt tata. Nu aveam intenia, nu credeam c-mi st n putin s ntrzii mai mult de cinci minute, cnd am intrat. Am venit numai pentru c nu puteam s trec pe aici i s nu ntreb ce mai face doamna Bates. Dar mi-a fcut plcere s mai stau. Acum, totui, trebuie s v spun la amndou la revedere". i nici un fel de protest nu o mai putu reine. Se vzu din nou n strad, fericit, pentru c, dei fusese nevoit, mpotriva voinei ei, s aud totul despre scrisoarea Janei Fairfax, scpase totui de scrisoarea n sine. CAPITOLUL XX JANE FAIRFAX ERA ORFANA, COPILUL UNIC al fiicei cele mici a doamnei Bates. Cstoria locotenentului Fairfax din regimentul... de infanterie-cu domnioara Jane Bates fcuse la vremea ei destul vlv, trezise interes i sperane ; dar din toate acestea rmsese numai amintirea trist a morii lui pe front, n ar strin, i a vduvei sale, care se stinsese de tuberculoz i suprare, lsnd n urm aceast feti. Prin natere, ea era din Highbury, i cnd, la trei ani, prin moartea mamei sale, rmase n custodia i grija bunicii i mtuii ei, ca singur consolare i prilej de rsf, se prea c i va tri tot restul zilelor aici, c va nva numai ct i permiteau mijloacele modeste, c va crete fr avantajele unei poziii sociale sau ale speranei ctre mai bine i va beneficia numai de ceea ce i druise natura, devenind o persoan plcut, cu judecat,

Woodhouse, what a flurry it has thrown me in! If it was not for the drawback of her illness--but I am afraid we must expect to see her grown thin, and looking very poorly. I must tell you what an unlucky thing happened to me, as to that. I always make a point of reading Jane's letters through to myself first, before I read them aloud to my mother, you know, for fear of there being any thing in them to distress her. Jane desired me to do it, so I always do: and so I began to-day with my usual caution; but no sooner did I come to the mention of her being unwell, than I burst out, quite frightened, with `Bless me! poor Jane is ill!'-- which my mother, being on the watch, heard distinctly, and was sadly alarmed at. However, when I read on, I found it was not near so bad as I had fancied at first; and I make so light of it now to her, that she does not think much about it. But I cannot imagine how I could be so off my guard. If Jane does not get well soon, we will call in Mr. Perry. The expense shall not be thought of; and though he is so liberal, and so fond of Jane that I dare say he would not mean to charge any thing for attendance, we could not suffer it to be so, you know. He has a wife and family to maintain, and is not to be giving away his time. Well, now I have just given you a hint of what Jane writes about, we will turn to her letter, and I am sure she tells her own story a great deal better than I can tell it for her." "I am afraid we must be running away," said Emma, glancing at Harriet, and beginning to rise--"My father will be expecting us. I had no intention, I thought I had no power of staying more than five minutes, when I first entered the house. I merely called, because I would not pass the door without inquiring after Mrs. Bates; but I have been so pleasantly detained! Now, however, we must wish you and Mrs. Bates good morning." And not all that could be urged to detain her succeeded. She regained the street--happy in this, that though much had been forced on her against her will, though she had in fact heard the whole substance of Jane Fairfax's letter, she had been able to escape the letter itself. Jane Fairfax was an orphan, the only child of Mrs. Bates's youngest daughter. The marriage of Lieut. 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. By birth she belonged to Highbury: and when at three years old, on losing her mother, she became the property, the charge, the consolation, the fondling of her grandmother and aunt, there had seemed every probability of her being permanently fixed there; of her being taught only what very limited means could command, and growing up with no advantages of connexion or improvement, to be engrafted on what nature

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inim bun i prieteni bine intenionai.

had given her in a pleasing person, good understanding, and warm-hearted, well-meaning relations. Dar sentimentele de compasiune ale unui prieten al tatlui But the compassionate feelings of a friend of her father gave ei aduser o schimbare n destinul fetei. Acesta era a change to her destiny. This was Colonel colonelul Campbell, care l apreciase mult pe Fairfax, ca Campbell, who had very highly regarded Fairfax, as an excelent ofier i tnr plin de merite i cruia i era n excellent officer and most deserving young man; and mod special ndatorat, pentru c avusese grij de el n farther, had been indebted to him for such attentions, timpul unei epidemii, i, dup cum socotea el, i salvase during a severe camp-fever, as he believed had saved his viaa. Colonelul Campbell nu era omul care s piard din life. These were claims which he did not learn to overlook, vedere asemenea servicii, dei trecuser civa ani de la though some years passed away from the death of moartea bietului Fairfax, cnd el se ntoarse n Anglia i fu poor Fairfax, before his own return to England put any thing n stare s fac ceva. Cnd se ntoarse deci, cut in his power. When he did return, he sought out copilul i o cunoscu pe Jane. Era cstorit i avea o feti the child and took notice of her. He was a married man, with cam de aceeai vrst, aa c Jane deveni oaspetele lor, only one living child, a girl, about Jane's age: fcndu-le vizite lungi i ctignd dragostea tuturor i, and Jane became their guest, paying them long visits and nainte ca ea s mplineasc nou ani, colonelul hotr, growing a favourite with all; and before she was pentru c fiica lui o iubea foarte mult i pentru c voia s nine years old, his daughter's great fondness for her, and his se dovedeasc un adevrat prieten, s se ocupe de own wish of being a real friend, united to produce educaia ei. Oferta fu acceptat i de atunci Jane locuia la an offer from Colonel Campbell of undertaking the whole familia Campbell tot timpul i venea numai n vizit la charge of her education. It was accepted; and from bunica ei, din cnd n cnd. that period Jane had belonged to Colonel Campbell's family, and had lived with them entirely, only visiting her grandmother from time to time. i fcuser planul ca ea s fie instruit pentru a-i educa pe The plan was that she should be brought up for educating alii ; cele cteva sute de lire pe care le primise others; the very few hundred pounds which she motenire de la tatl ei nu erau de ajuns s-i dea inherited from her father making independence impossible. independen. Colonelul Campbell nu-i putea nici el To provide for her otherwise was out of Colonel permite s-i ofere o zestre, cci, dei venitul su din sold Campbell's power; for though his income, by pay and i misiuni era frumuel, averea pe care o poseda nu era appointments, was handsome, his fortune was moderate mare, i urma s-i aparin n ntregime fiicei sale ; dar, and must be all his daughter's; but, by giving her an dndu-i educaie, spera s-i ofere mijloacele de a tri education, he hoped to be supplying the means of onorabil dup aceea. respectable subsistence hereafter. Aceasta era povestea Janei Fairfax. Czuse pe mini Such was Jane Fairfax's history. She had fallen into good bune, se bucurase numai de buntate din partea familiei hands, known nothing but kindness from the Campbell i primise o educaie excelent. Trind mereu Campbells, and been given an excellent education. Living printre oameni coreci i cultivai, sufletul i mintea ei constantly with right-minded and well-informed people, her heart and understanding had received every beneficiau de toate avantajele disciplinei i nvturii ; i, advantage of discipline and culture; and Colonel pentru c domnul colonel Campbell locuia la Londra, Campbell's residence being in London, every lighter talent orice nclinaie, ct de mic, se bucurase de atenia celor had been done full justice to, by the attendance of mai buni profesori. Firea i calitile ei meritau pe first-rate masters. Her disposition and abilities were equally deplin prinosul acestei prietenii ; la optsprezece sau worthy of all that friendship could do; and at nousprezece ani, n msura n care se poate la o eighteen or nineteen she was, as far as such an early age can asemenea be qualified for the care of children, fully vrst, era perfect pregtit pentru a-i instrui pe alii, dar o competent to the office of instruction herself; but she was iubeau prea mult ca s se poat despri de ea. Nici too much beloved to be parted with. Neither father tatl, nici mama nu erau dispui s fac asta, iar fiica nici n- nor mother could promote, and the daughter could not ar fi putut ndura. Ziua nefast era amnat mereu. endure it. The evil day was put off. It was easy to Era uor s spui c e nc prea tnr, i Jane rmase cu ei, decide that she was still too young; and Jane remained with mprtind ca o a doua fiic plcerile bine cntrite them, sharing, as another daughter, in all the ale unei societi distinse i amestecul perfect de rational pleasures of an elegant society, and a judicious atmosfer familial i distracii. Singurul dezavantaj era mixture of home and amusement, with only the viitorul drawback of the future, the sobering suggestions of her own propriul ei bun-sim o trezea la realitate amintindu-i good understanding to remind her that all this c toate acestea se pot termina n curnd. Afeciunea might soon be over. tuturor celor din familie, iubirea cald pe care i-o purta The affection of the whole family, the warm attachment of 101

domnioara Campbell n special fceau ct se poate de mare cinste familiei, mai ales pentru c Jane era evident superioar fiicei, att ca nfiare ct i ca aptitudini. Ceea ce natura i druise ca farmec nu putea fi trecut cu vederea de cealalt fat, iar darurile ei spirituale mai nalte nu se poate s nu fi fost observate de prini. Totui, o duser bine mpreun, cu o stim reciproc neabtut, pn la cstoria domnioarei Campbell, care, prin acel capriciu al norocului ce sfideaz toate lucrurile previzibile cnd e vorba de cstorii fcnd s fie atrgtor ceea ce este mediocru mai degrab dect ceea ce este superior, ctig iubirea domnului Dixon, un tnr bogat i simpatic, aproape de ndat ce fcur cunotin i se aez fericit la casa ei, n timp ce Jane Fairfax trebuia s fac ceva pentru a-si ctiga existena. Acest eveniment avusese loc de curnd, mult prea de curnd, pentru ca prietena ei mai puin norocoas s fi ncercat ceva n sensul gsirii unei slujbe, dei ajunsese la vrsta la care, dup judecata ei, era momentul pentru a face nceputul. Demult hotrse c douzeci i unu de ani este vrsta cea mai potrivit. Cu tria unei novice credincioase, hotrse c la douzeci i unu de ani i va mplini sacrificiul i va renuna la plcerile vieii, la ntlnirile cu oameni de talia ei, la pace i speran, pentru a ispi i a se umili de-a pururi. Bunul sim al doamnei i domnului colonel Campbell nu se putea opune unei atare hotrri, dei sentimentele lor erau mpotriv. Ct triau ei, nu era nevoie de nici un efort, casa lor era i a ei i, pentru mngierea lor, le-ar fi plcut s-o in aproape, dar asta ar fi fost egoism curat, ceea ce tot trebuie s se ntmple odat e mai bine s se ntmple mai curnd. Poate c ncepeau s simt c e mai bine i mai nelept din partea lor s reziste ispitei de a amna mereu i s-o scuteasc de neplcerea de a prinde gustul unor distracii i nlesniri de care mai trziu va trebui s se lipseasc. Totui, n afeciunea lor, se bucurau de orice mic scuz ca s nu grbeasc momentul acela greu. Jane nu prea se simea bine de cnd se cstorise fiica lor, i pn i va recpta cu totul puterile trebuiau s-i interzic s se angajeze. Era foarte clar c o asemenea slujb nu era deloc potrivit cu starea ei de slbiciune i oboseal nervoas, ci, mai degrab, pentru a o ndeplini n bune condiii, se cerea chiar mai mult dect deplina sntate a minii i a trupului. n ce privete faptul c nu i ntovrea n Irlanda, ceea ce i scrisese mtuii ei, era adevrul adevrat, dei unele adevruri fuseser poate ascunse. Ea fusese aceea care dorise s-i petreac timpul la Highbury n absena lor, s triasc poate ultimele luni de libertate perfect cu acele bune rude crora le era att de scump, i doamna i domnul colonel Campbell, oricare ar fi fost motivul sau motivele lor, unul, sau dou, sau trei, i dduser repede consimmntul i spuseser c, trei, patru luni petrecute acas vor fi de mai mare folos sntii

Miss Campbell in particular, was the more honourable to each party from the circumstance of Jane's decided superiority both in beauty and acquirements. That nature had given it in feature could not be unseen by the young woman, nor could her higher powers of mind be unfelt by the parents. 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. 83 This event had very lately taken place; too lately for any thing to be yet attempted by her less fortunate friend towards entering on her path of duty; though she had now reached the age which her own judgment had fixed on for beginning. She had long resolved that one-and-twenty should be the period. With the fortitude of a devoted novitiate, she had resolved at one-and-twenty to complete the sacrifice, and retire from all the pleasures of life, of rational intercourse, equal society, peace and hope, to penance and mortification for ever. The good sense of Colonel and Mrs. Campbell could not oppose such a resolution, though their feelings did. As long as they lived, no exertions would be necessary, their home might be hers for ever; and for their own comfort they would have retained her wholly; but this would be selfishness:--what must be at last, had better be soon. Perhaps they began to feel it might have been kinder and wiser to have resisted the temptation of any delay, and spared her from a taste of such enjoyments of ease and leisure as must now be relinquished. Still, however, affection was glad to catch at any reasonable excuse for not hurrying on the wretched moment. She had never been quite well since the time of their daughter's marriage; and till she should have completely recovered her usual strength, they must forbid her engaging in duties, which, so far from being compatible with a weakened frame and varying spirits, seemed, under the most favourable circumstances, to require something more than human perfection of body and mind to be discharged with tolerable comfort. With regard to her not accompanying them to Ireland, her account to her aunt contained nothing but truth, though there might be some truths not told. It was her own choice to give the time of their absence to Highbury; to spend, perhaps, her last months of perfect liberty with those kind relations to whom she was so very dear: and the Campbells, whatever might be their motive or motives, whether single, or double, or treble, gave the arrangement their ready sanction, and said, that they depended more on a few months spent in her native air, for the recovery of her health, than on any thing

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ei dect orice altceva. n mod sigur urma s vin, i Highbury, n loc s ntmpine acea noutate perfect i demult promis pe domnul Frank Churchill , trebuia s se mulumeasc deocamdat cu Jane Fairfax, care aducea numai noutatea ctigat n doi ani de absen. Emmei i prea ru c va trebui s se arate politicoas timp de trei luni cu o persoan care nu i plcea, s fac mereu mai mult efort dect ar fi vrut, dar mai puin dect s-ar fi cuvenit. De ce nu-i plcea Jane Fairfax, era o ntrebare la care greu se gsea rspuns. Domnul Knightley i spusese odat c antipatia ei provenea din aceea c vedea n ea o tnr cu adevrat talentat i instruit, aa cum ar fi vrut s fie considerat ea, i, dei acuzaia fusese respins cu energie atunci, n anumite momente de introspecie, nu putea s nu se simt puin vinovat. Dar nu o putuse cunoate foarte bine niciodat; nu tia cum se face, dar arta atta rceal i rezerv, atta indiferen la prerea celor din jur; i apoi, mtua ei vorbea att de mult i toat lumea fcea atta zarv n jurul ei, i toi i nchipuiau c ele trebuie s fie prietene pentru c aveau aceeai vrst, toi credeau c se iubesc att de mult. Acestea erau motivele ei i altele mai ntemeiate nu avea. Era o antipatie att de puin justificat fiecare defect era mrit n nchipuirea ei , nct, de cte ori o vedea pe Jane Fairfax dup o absen considerabil, simea c a nedreptit-o ; i acum, cnd fcu vizita de rigoare dup sosirea ei, dup doi ani, fu ndeosebi izbit de nfiarea i manierele pe care, n acest rstimp, le apreciase greit. Jane Fairfax era foarte distins, deosebit de distins i ea preuia foarte mult distincia. nlimea ei era foarte potrivit, oricine putea spune c e nalt, fr a gsi c e prea nalt ; talia ei era foarte graioas, de dimensiuni medii, nici prea subire, nici prea groas, dei faptul c era bolnav o punea n primejdia de a slbi prea mult. Emma nu putea s nu simt asta ; faa, trsturile, era n ele mai mult frumusee dect inea ea minte ; nu avea trsturi regulate, dar frumuseea ei atrgea. Ochii, adnci i cenuii, cu gene i sprncene negre, fuseser ntotdeauna ludai ; iar pielea, creia i gsea ntotdeauna defecte pentru c nu avea destul culoare, era de o limpezime i o finee care nu mai aveau nevoie de nici un adaos de rou. Era un gen de frumusee marcat de distincie, i ea trebuia ca s fie cinstit i consecvent cu principiile ei, s-o admire. Distincia n nfiare sau purtare era ceva ce se gsea cu greu la Highbury. Ca s fim drepi, aici era distincie i merit. Pe scurt, n timpul primei vizite, Emma sttea i se uita la Jane Fairfax cu dubl ncntare sentimentul c-i face plcere, mpreun cu senzaia c este dreapt i hotr s n-o mai gseasc antipatic. De cte ori se

else. Certain it was that she was to come; and that Highbury, instead of welcoming that perfect novelty which had been so long promised it--Mr. Frank Churchill--must put up for the present with Jane Fairfax, who could bring only the freshness of a two years' absence. Emma was sorry;--to have to pay civilities to a person she did not like through three long months!--to be always doing more than she wished, and less than she ought! Why she did not like Jane Fairfax might be a difficult question to answer; Mr. Knightley had once told her it was because she saw in her the really accomplished young woman, which she wanted to be thought herself; and though the accusation had been eagerly refuted at the time, there were moments of selfexamination in which her conscience could not quite acquit her. But "she could never get acquainted with her: she did not know how it was, but there was such coldness and reserve-- such apparent indifference whether she pleased or not--and then, her aunt was such an eternal talker!--and she was made such a fuss with by every body!--and it had been always imagined that they were to be so intimate--because their ages were the same, every body had supposed they must be so fond of each other." These were her reasons-- she had no better. It was a dislike so little just--every imputed fault was so magnified by fancy, that she never saw Jane Fairfax the first time after any considerable absence, without feeling that she had injured her; and now, when the due visit was paid, on her arrival, after a two years' interval, she was particularly struck with the very appearance and manners, which for those two whole years she had been depreciating. Jane Fairfax was very elegant, remarkably elegant; and she had herself the highest value for elegance. Her height was pretty, just such as almost every body would think tall, and nobody could think very tall; her figure particularly graceful; her size a most becoming medium, between fat and thin, though a slight appearance of ill-health seemed to point out the likeliest evil of the two. Emma could not but feel all this; and then, her face--her features-- there was more beauty in them altogether than she had remembered; it was not regular, but it was very pleasing beauty. Her eyes, a deep grey, with dark eye-lashes and eyebrows, had never been denied their praise; but the skin, which she had been used to cavil at, as wanting colour, had a clearness and delicacy which really needed no fuller bloom. It was a style of beauty, of which elegance was the reigning character, and as such, she must, in honour, by all her principles, admire it:--elegance, which, whether of person or of mind, she saw so little in Highbury. There, not to be vulgar, was distinction, and merit. In short, she sat, during the first visit, looking at Jane Fairfax with twofold complacency; the sense of pleasure and the sense of rendering justice, and was determining that she would dislike her no longer. When she took

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gndea ce soart va avea aceast distincie, cum avea s se piard, cum va tri ea, nu putea simi dect compasiune i respect, mai ales dac la toate amnuntele despre ea, care oricum strneau interesul, se mai aduga i o foarte probabil afeciune pentru domnul Dixon, care prea aa de fireasc. n acest caz, nimic nu era mai vrednic de mil i de laud dect sacrificiile la care se hotrse. Emma era acum dispus s o absolve de vina de a-l fi sedus pe domnul Dixon n dauna soiei lui, sau de orice rutate de acest fel pe care i-o nchipuise la nceput. Dac era vorba de dragoste, poate c era ceva simplu, nemprtit, fr succes, o dragoste numai din partea ei. Singur se lsase probabil prins n aceast capcan, n timp ce ea i prietena ei stteau de vorb cu el ; i probabil acum, cu cele mai bune i pure intenii, i refuza vizita n Irlanda i hotrse s se despart complet de el i de familia lui, ncepndu-i cariera ei trudnic. n totului tot, Emma plec plin de sentimente att de bune i caritabile nct, pe cnd mergea spre cas, ncepu s se uite n jur i s se vaite c n Highbury nu e nici un tnr de valoare care s-i ofere independen, nimeni n privina cruia s poat pune la cale ceva n folosul Janei. Erau nite sentimente minunate, dar nu de lung durat. nainte de a-i declara n public prietenia ei pentru Jane Fairfax, sau a face mai mult pentru a-i dezice prejudecile i greelile de odinioar dect a-i spune domnului Knightley: E desigur drgu, chiar mai mult dect drgu", Jane, cu bunica i mtua ei, petrecur o sear la Hartfield i totul reveni la starea obinuit. Vechile frecuuri aprur din nou. Mtua era ct se poate de plictisitoare chiar dect de obicei, pentru c la admiraia pentru nsuirile Janei s adauge acum grija pentru sntatea ei, i trebuir s asculte exact ct de puin pine cu unt a mncat de diminea i ce bucic mic de berbec la cin i de asemeni s admire noile bonete i sculee de lucru fcute pentru mama ei i pentru ea. Jane deveni din nou nesuferit. Se ocupar de muzic. Emma fu nevoit s cnte i mulumirile i laudele care urmar n mod necesar i se prur o prefctorie, fiind spuse cu un aer de grandomanie, care voia numai s pun n eviden stilul ei superior, talentul ei att de rece i de prudent. Nu puteai s tii ce gndete. nvluit n politeuri, prea hotrt s nu rite nimic. Era dezgusttor de bnuitoare i rezervat. Dac era ceva, un subiect asupra cruia s fie mai rezervat dei era oricum extrem de rezervat, acela era referitor la Weymouth i la familia Dixon. Prea hotrt s nu dezvluie nimic despre caracterul domnului Dixon, nici ct l apreciaz ea. nici ce I prere are despre

in her history, indeed, her situation, as well as her beauty; when she considered what all this elegance was destined to, what she was going to sink from, how she was going to live, it seemed impossible to feel any thing but compassion and respect; especially, if to every well-known particular entitling her to interest, were added the highly probable circumstance of an attachment to Mr. Dixon, which she had so naturally started to herself. In that case, nothing could be more pitiable or more honourable than the sacrifices she had resolved on. Emma was very willing now to acquit her of having seduced Mr. Dixon's actions from his wife, or of any thing mischievous which her imagination had suggested at first. If it were love, it might be simple, single, successless love on her side alone. She might have been unconsciously sucking in the sad poison, while a sharer of his conversation with her friend; and from the best, the purest of motives, might now be denying herself this visit to Ireland, and resolving to divide herself effectually from him and his connexions by soon beginning her career of laborious duty. Upon the whole, Emma left her with such softened, charitable feelings, as made her look around in walking home, and lament that Highbury afforded no young man worthy of giving her independence; nobody that she could wish to scheme about for her. These were charming feelings--but not lasting. Before she had committed herself by any public profession of eternal friendship for Jane Fairfax, or done more towards a recantation of past prejudices and errors, than saying to Mr. Knightley, "She certainly is handsome; she is better than handsome!" Jane had spent an evening at Hartfield with her grandmother and aunt, and every thing was relapsing much into its usual state. Former provocations reappeared. The aunt was as tiresome as ever; more tiresome, because anxiety for her health was now added to admiration of her powers; and they had to listen to the description of exactly how little bread and butter she ate for breakfast, and how small a slice of mutton for dinner, as well as to see exhibitions of new caps and new workbags for her mother and herself; and Jane's offences rose again. They had music; Emma was obliged to play; and the thanks and praise which necessarily followed appeared to her an affectation of candour, an air of greatness, meaning only to shew off in higher style her own very superior performance. She was, besides, which was the worst of all, so cold, so cautious! There was no getting at her real opinion. Wrapt up in a cloak of politeness, she seemed determined to hazard nothing. She was disgustingly, was suspiciously reserved. If any thing could be more, where all was most, she was more reserved on the subject of Weymouth and the Dixons than any thing. She seemed bent on giving no real insight into Mr. Dixon's character, or her own value for his company, or opinion of the suitableness of the match.

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cstoria asta, dac e potrivit sau nu. Tot ce spunea se mrginea la aprecieri generale, aprobative, nimic deosebit, nimic distinct. Asta nu-i servea ns la nimic. i prpdea prudena de poman, Emma i nelesese falsitatea i se ntorcea la prerile ei iniiale. Era probabil ceva mai mult de ascuns dect afeciunea ei secret. Poate c domnul Dixon a fost pe punctul de a schimba o prieten cu alta i s-a decis pentru domnioara Campbell numai de dragul celor dousprezece mii de lire. Aceeai rezerv domnea i asupra altor subiecte. Ea i domnul Franck Churchill fuseser n acelai timp la Weymouth. Se tia c se cunoteau puin, dar Emma nu putu scoate de la ea nici o frntur de tire despre cum era el n realitate. Era frumos ?" Ea credea c este socotit un tnr foarte bine". Era simpatic ?" n general, aa se spune." Prea inteligent, cult ?" La bi sau la Londra e greu s decizi n asemenea probleme. Se putea judeca numai purtarea lui, i asta numai dup ce cunoteai omul mai bine dect l cunotea ea pe domnul Churchill. tia c toat lumea gsete c se poart bine." Emma nu putea s-o ierte. CAPITOLUL XXI emma nu putea s-o ierte. dar domnul Knightley, care fcuse parte dintre invitai i observase numai c se purtau frumos i i acordau atenia cuvenit una alteia, i exprim aprobarea a doua zi, cnd se afla la Hartfield pentru a rezolva nite afaceri cu domnul Woodhouse. Nu vorbea deschis, aa cum ar fi fcut dac tatl ei n-ar fi fost de fa, totui destul de explicit ca Emma s neleag. O credea nedreapt fa de Jane i acum avea marea plcere s observe o mbuntire a relaiilor. Foarte plcut sear, ncepu el, de ndat ce l convinsese pe domnul Woodhouse s accepte ceea ce era necesar, i spusese c l nelege i hrtiile fuseser date la o parte. Mai plcut ca niciodat. Tu i domnioara Fairfax ai cntat foarte frumos. Nu tiu dac e ceva mai plcut, domnule, dect s stai confortabil i s te distreze dou asemenea fete, ba cu muzica, ba cu vorba. Sunt sigur c domnioarei Fairfax i-a plcut serata, Emma. Ai fcut tot ce trebuia. Mi-a prut bine c ai fcut-o s cnte att de mult, cci neavnd pian la bunica ei, trebuie s fi fost o fericire pentru ea. mi pare bine c m aprobi, zise Emma zmbind, dar sper c nu se ntmpl prea des s nu fac ce se cuvine pentru oaspeii de la Hartfield. Nu, draga mea, zise tatl ei imediat, asta nu se ntmpl niciodat, sunt sigur. Nu gseti alta nici mcar pe jumtate att de atent pe ct eti tu. Dac ai vreun cusur, este acela c eti prea atent. Fursecurile, asear, dac se serveau numai o dat, cred c era destul. Nu, zise domnul Knightley aproape n acelai timp. Nu se ntmpl niciodat s nu faci ce se cuvine. Nu ai prea des deficiene nici n ce privete purtarea, nici n ce

It was all general approbation and smoothness; nothing delineated or distinguished. It did her no service however. Her caution was thrown away. Emma saw its artifice, and returned to her first surmises. There probably was something more to conceal than her own preference; Mr. Dixon, perhaps, had been very near changing one friend for the other, or been fixed only to Miss Campbell, for the sake of the future twelve thousand pounds. The like reserve prevailed on other topics. She and Mr. Frank Churchill had been at Weymouth at the same time. It was known that they were a little acquainted; but not a syllable of real information could Emma procure as to what he truly was. "Was he handsome?"--"She believed he was reckoned a very fine young man." "Was he agreeable?"-- "He was generally thought so." "Did he appear a sensible young man; a young man of information?"--"At a watering-place, or in a common London acquaintance, it was difficult to decide on such points. Manners were all that could be safely judged of, under a much longer knowledge than they had yet had of Mr. Churchill. She believed every body found his manners pleasing." Emma could not forgive her. 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. He had been used to think her unjust to Jane, and had now great pleasure in marking an improvement. "A very pleasant evening," he began, as soon as Mr. Woodhouse had been talked into what was necessary, told that he understood, and the papers swept away;-"particularly pleasant. You and Miss Fairfax gave us some very good music. I do not know a more luxurious state, sir, than sitting at one's ease to be entertained a whole evening by two such young women; sometimes with music and sometimes with conversation. I am sure Miss Fairfax must have found the evening pleasant, Emma. You left nothing undone. I was glad you made her play so much, for having no instrument at her grandmother's, it must have been a real indulgence." "I am happy you approved," said Emma, smiling; "but I hope I am not often deficient in what is due to guests at Hartfield." "No, my dear," said her father instantly; "that I am sure you are not. There is nobody half so attentive and civil as you are. If any thing, you are too attentive. The muffin last night--if it had been handed round once, I think it would have been enough." "No," said Mr. Knightley, nearly at the same time; "you are not often deficient; not often deficient either in

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privete puterea de nelegere. Aa c sunt ncredinat c tii ce vreau s spun. Sprncenele ridicate voiau s spun Te neleg foarte bine", dar ea spuse numai: Domnioara Fairfax e rezervat. Totdeauna i-am spus c este puin rezervat. Dar vei reui s-i nvingi rezerva, acea parte de rezerv care trebuie nvins, care provine din nesiguran. Dar rezervele care provin din discreie merit toat cinstea. Crezi c nu e sigur de sine ? Nu mi se pare. Draga mea Emma, zise el, mutndu-se de pe scaunul lui pe altul mai aproape de ea, n-ai s-mi spui, sper, c nu i-a plcut seara trecut ? Ah, nu, mi-a fcut plcere perseverena cu care eu am pus ntrebri i m-am amuzat socotind ct de puine informaii am obinut. Sunt dezolat, era tot ce putea el rspunde. Sper c toat lumea s-a distrat bine asear, zise domnul "Woodhouse n felul su linitit. Eu cel puin m-am simit foarte bine. La un moment dat mi s-a prut prea cald, dar am dat scaunul napoi, numai puin, i nu m-a mai deranjat focul. Domnioara Bates era foarte vorbrea i bine dispus, ca de obicei, dei vorbete cam repede, totui e foarte simpatic. i doamna Bates, n felul ei. mi plac prietenii vechi, i domnioara Fairfax este o tnr foarte drgu, foarte drgu i se poart foarte frumos, zu. Probabil i ei i-a plcut asear, pentru c era cu Emma. Adevrat, domnule, i Emmei, pentru c era cu domnioara Fairfax. Emma vzu nervozitatea lui i, dorind s-o potoleasc, cel puin, pentru moment, zise, cu o sinceritate pe care nimeni n-o putea pune la ndoial: E o persoan att de distins, c nu-i poi lua ochii de la ea. M uit mereu la ea ca s-o admir i mi-e mil din tot sufletul. Domnul Knightley prea s fie mai mulumit dect voia s arate i, nainte ca el s poat rspunde, domnul Woodhouse, ale crui gnduri se ndreptau spre familia Bates, zise: Mare pcat c au mijloace att de restrnse, zu, mare pcat! i-am vrut de multe ori, dar n-am putut face prea mult, aa nite mici daruri, lucruri mrunte. Acum am tiat un porc i Emma vrea s le trimit nite muchi sau un picior, e foarte mic i fraged carnea de porc de la Hartfield e cu totul deosebit dei tot carne de porc e, i, scumpa mea Emma, dac nu o tai buci i nu o frigi aa bine, cum se frige la noi, fr pic de grsime, nu la cuptor, pentru c nici un stomac nu suport carne de porc la cuptor! Cred c e mai bine s trimitem un picior, nu crezi, draga mea ? Drag tat, am trimis toat jumtatea. tiam c i dumneata ai vrea aa. Vor avea piciorul s-l pun la saramur i spatele s-l gteasc imediat aa cum le place.

manner or comprehension. I think you understand me, therefore." An arch look expressed--"I understand you well enough;" but she said only, "Miss Fairfax is reserved." "I always told you she was--a little; but you will soon overcome all that part of her reserve which ought to be overcome, all that has its foundation in diffidence. What arises from discretion must be honoured." "You think her diffident. I do not see it." "My dear Emma," said he, moving from his chair into one close by her, "you are not going to tell me, I hope, that you had not a pleasant evening." "Oh! no; I was pleased with my own perseverance in asking questions; and amused to think how little information I obtained." "I am disappointed," was his only answer. "I hope every body had a pleasant evening," said Mr. Woodhouse, in his quiet way. "I had. Once, I felt the fire rather too much; but then I moved back my chair a little, a very little, and it did not disturb me. Miss Bates was very chatty and good-humoured, as she always is, though she speaks rather too quick. However, she is very agreeable, and Mrs. Bates too, in a different way. I like old friends; and Miss Jane Fairfax is a very pretty sort of young lady, a very pretty and a very well-behaved young lady indeed. She must have found the evening agreeable, Mr. Knightley, because she had Emma." "True, sir; and Emma, because she had Miss Fairfax." Emma saw his anxiety, and wishing to appease it, at least for the present, said, and with a sincerity which no one could question-III "She is a sort of elegant creature that one cannot keep one's eyes from. I am always watching her to admire; and I do pity her from my heart." 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! a great pity indeed! and I have often wished--but it is so little one can venture to do--small, trifling presents, of any thing uncommon-- Now we have killed a porker, and Emma thinks of sending them a loin or a leg; it is very small and delicate--Hartfield pork is not like any other pork--but still it is pork--and, my dear Emma, unless one could be sure of their making it into steaks, nicely fried, as ours are fried, without the smallest grease, and not roast it, for no stomach can bear roast pork--I think we had better send the leg-- do not you think so, my dear?" "My dear papa, I sent the whole hind-quarter. I knew you would wish it. There will be the leg to be salted, you know, which is so very nice, and the loin to be dressed directly in any manner they like."

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 Asta-i bine, draga mea, foarte bine. Nu m gndisem nainte, dar aa e cel mai bine. Nu trebuie s pun prea mult sare la picior. Dac nu e prea srat, i e bine fiert, exact aa cum l fierbe Serie, i mncat cte puin, cu ridiche fiart i niel morcov, sau pstrnac, nu cred s fie nesntos. Emma, zise deodat domnul Knightley, am o noutate pentru tine. Ii plac noutile, nu ? Cnd veneam ncoace, am auzit ceva care cred c te-ar interesa. Nouti ? A, da, ador noutile! Despre ce-i vorba ? De ce zmbeti aa ? Unde ai auzit-o, la Randalls ? Avu numai timpul s spun: Nu, nu la Randalls, n-am fost la Randalls, cnd ua se deschise trntindu-se i domnioara Bates cu domnioara Fairfax intrar n ncpere. Plin de mulumiri i de veti, domnioara Bates nu tia ce s spun mai nti. Domnul Knightley vzu c a pierdut momentul i c nu va mai avea prilejul s rosteasc nici o silab. Ah, drag domnule, cum v simii n dimineaa asta ? Drag domnioar Woodhouse, am venit, sunt copleit. O jumtate de porc. i ce frumoas! Suntei prea generoas. Ai auzit noutatea ? Domnul Elton se nsoar ! Emma nu avusese timp nici mcar s se gndeasc la posibilitatea c ar fi vorba de domnul Elton i fu att de total surprins nct nu putu s evite o mic tresrire i se nroi la auzul vetii. Asta era i noutatea mea. Credeam c te intereseaz, zise domnul Knightley, cu un zmbet care arta c se gndea la ceva despre care ei mai vorbiser. Dar de unde tii dumneavoastr ? strig domnioara Bates. De unde Dumnezeu ai putut afla, domnule Knightley ? Pentru c nu sunt nici cinci minute de cnd am primit un bileel de la doamna Cole, nu se poate s fie mai mult de cinci minute, hai, zece, pentru c mi-am pus boneta i jacheta ca s ies, m-am dus numai pn jos s vorbesc cu Patty despre carnea de porc, Jane atepta n hol, nu-i aa, Jane ? Pentru c mama zicea c nu crede c avem o crati destul de mare pentru saramur. Aa c, am zis, m duc jos s vd, i Jane a zis Nu vrei s m duc eu n locul dumitale, fiindc eti cam rcit i Patty tocmai spal buctria", Ah, draga mea, am zis, bine, i tocmai atunci a venit biletul. O anume domnioar Hawkins, asta e tot ce tiu. O anume domnioar Hawkins, din Bath. Dar, domnule Knightley, cum de-ai auzit, pentru c imediat ce domnul Cole i-a spus doamnei Cole, ea s-a aezat la mas i mi-a scris. O domnioar cu numele de Hawkins... Am avut nite treburi cu domnul Cole, acum o or i jumtate. Tocmai terminase de citit scrisorile domnului Elton i -cnd am intrat mi-a artat-o imediat. Ah, asta e foarte... Cred c de mult n-au mai fost nouti care s intereseze pe toat lumea. Drag domnule, suntei, zu, prea generos! Mama transmite complimente

"That's right, my dear, very right. I had not thought of it before, but that is the best way. They must not over-salt the leg; and then, if it is not over-salted, and if it is very thoroughly boiled, just as Serle boils ours, and eaten very moderately of, with a boiled turnip, and a little carrot or parsnip, I do not consider it unwholesome." "Emma," said Mr. Knightley presently, "I have a piece of news for you. You like news--and I heard an article in my way hither that I think will interest you." "News! Oh! yes, I always like news. What is it?--why do you smile so?--where did you hear it?--at Randalls?" He had time only to say, "No, not at Randalls; I have not been near Randalls," when the door was thrown open, and Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax walked into the room. Full of thanks, and full of news, Miss Bates knew not which to give quickest. Mr. Knightley soon saw that he had lost his moment, and that not another syllable of communication could rest with him. "Oh! my dear sir, how are you this morning? My dear Miss Woodhouse-- I come quite over-powered. Such a beautiful hind-quarter of pork! You are too bountiful! Have you heard the news? Mr. Elton is going to be married." Emma had not had time even to think of Mr. Elton, and she was so completely surprized that she could not avoid a little start, and a little blush, at the sound. "There is my news:--I thought it would interest you," said Mr. Knightley, with a smile which implied a conviction of some part of what had passed between them. "But where could you hear it?" cried Miss Bates. "Where could you possibly hear it, Mr. Knightley? For it is not five minutes since I received Mrs. Cole's note--no, it cannot be more than five-- or at least ten--for I had got my bonnet and spencer on, just ready to come out--I was only gone down to speak to Patty again about the pork--Jane was standing in the passage--were not you, Jane?-- for my mother was so afraid that we had not any salting-pan large enough. So I said I would go down and see, and Jane said, `Shall I go down instead? for I think you have a little cold, and Patty has been washing the kitchen.'--`Oh! my dear,' said I--well, and just then came the note. A Miss Hawkins-- that's all I know. A Miss Hawkins of Bath. But, Mr. Knightley, how could you possibly have heard it? for the very moment Mr. Cole told Mrs. Cole of it, she sat down and wrote to me. A Miss Hawkins--" III "I was with Mr. Cole on business an hour and a half ago. He had just read Elton's letter as I was shewn in, and handed it to me directly." "Well! that is quite--I suppose there never was a piece of news more generally interesting. My dear sir, you really are too bountiful. My mother desires her very best

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i urri de bine i mii de mulumiri i zice c o copleii, zu aa. Noi gsim c la Hartfield carnea de porc e cu totul superioar celei din alte pri, zise domnul Woodhouse, i chiar aa , i Emma i cu mine nu avem plcere mai mare dect s... Ah, drag domnule, cum zice i mama, prietenii notri sunt prea buni cu noi. Dac exist oameni care, fr s fie bogai,au tot ce i doresc, sigur noi suntem aceia. Putem foarte bine spune c nu ne-a ocolit norocul. Ei bine, drag domnule Knightley, deci dumneavoastr chiar ai vzut scrisoarea... Era scurt numai ca s anune , dar plin de bucurie i entuziasm, desigur. Aici arunc o privire ireat ctre Emma. Am avut norocul s... am uitat cuvintele exact, de fapt, n-are rost s le ii minte. Vestea era, dup cum spunei i dumneavoastr, c se nsoar cu o domnioar cu numele de Hawkins. Dup felul cum scria, cred c lucrurile sunt deja aranjate. Domnul Elton se nsoar, zise Emma de ndat ce putu vorbi. Cred c toat lumea i va dori numai fericire.

compliments and regards, and a thousand thanks, and says you really quite oppress her." "We consider our Hartfield pork," replied Mr. Woodhouse-"indeed it certainly is, so very superior to all other pork, that Emma and I cannot have a greater pleasure than-" "Oh! my dear sir, as my mother says, our friends are only too good to us. If ever there were people who, without having great wealth themselves, had every thing they could wish for, I am sure it is us. We may well say that `our lot is cast in a goodly heritage.' Well, Mr. Knightley, and so you actually saw the letter; well--" "It was short--merely to announce--but cheerful, exulting, of course."-- Here was a sly glance at Emma. "He had been so fortunate as to-- I forget the precise words--one has no business to remember them. The information was, as you state, that he was going to be married to a Miss Hawkins. By his style, I should imagine it just settled." "Mr. Elton going to be married!" said Emma, as soon as she could speak. "He will have every body's wishes for his happiness." E cam tnr pentru nsurtoare, observ domnul Wood- "He is very young to settle," was Mr. Woodhouse's ouse. Mai bine nu s-ar grbi. Mi se prea c st observation. "He had better not be in a hurry. He seemed foarte bine aa. Eram bucuros s-l vd pe la Hartfield. to me very well off as he was. We were always glad to see him at Hartfield." O s avem o vecin nou, domnioar Woodhouse, zise "A new neighbour for us all, Miss Woodhouse!" said Miss domnioara Bates, plin de veselie, mama e aa Bates, joyfully; "my mother is so pleased!--she de ncntat, zice c nu putea s sufere s vad casa says she cannot bear to have the poor old Vicarage without parohial fr o stpn. O veste mare, ntr-adevr, Jane, a mistress. This is great news, indeed. Jane, you tu nu l-ai vzut niciodat pe domul Elton. Nu-i de mirare c have never seen Mr. Elton!--no wonder that you have such a eti aa de curioas s-l vezi. curiosity to see him." Curiozitatea Janei nu prea s fie att de arztoare nct Jane's curiosity did not appear of that absorbing nature as s-o reocupe pe de-a-ntregul. wholly to occupy her. Nu, nu l-am vzut niciodat pe domnul Elton, zise ea "No--I have never seen Mr. Elton," she replied, starting on tresrind puin la aceast chemare, e, e un brbat this appeal; "is he--is he a tall man?" nalt ? "Who shall answer that question?" cried Emma. "My father Cine s rspund la ntrebarea asta, strig Emma. Tata would say `yes,' Mr. Knightley `no;' and Miss ar spune da", domnul Knightley ar spune nu", iar Bates and I that he is just the happy medium. When you domnioara Bates i cu mine am spune c are statura have been here a little longer, Miss Fairfax, you will domnioarei Fairfax, vei nelege c domnul Elton este understand that Mr. Elton is the standard of perfection in considerat modelul de perfeciune n Iighbury, att ca fizic Highbury, both in person and mind." ct i ca spirit. "Very true, Miss Woodhouse, so she will. He is the very best Foarte adevrat, domnioar Woodhouse, aa e, o s young man--But, my dear Jane, if you neleag. E tnrul cel mai bine, dar, drag Jane, remember, I told you yesterday he was precisely the height dac-i aduci aminte, i-am spus ieri, e exact de nlimea of Mr. Perry. Miss Hawkins,--I dare say, an domnului Perry. Domnioara Hawkins! Cred c e o excellent young woman. His extreme attention to my tnr minunat. E aa de atent cu mama i o invit s mother-- wanting her to sit in the vicarage pew, that she stea n strana rezervat vicarului, ca s aud mai bine, might hear the better, for my mother is a little deaf, you pentru c, tii, mama e puin surd, nu foarte mult, dar nu know--it is not much, but she does not hear quite aude imediat. Jane spune c i domnul colonel quick. Jane says that Colonel Campbell is a little deaf. He Campbell e puin surd. i credea c bile pot s-i fac bine, fancied bathing might be good for it--the warm bile calde, dar se pare c nu i-au fcut cine tie ct bath-- but she says it did him no lasting benefit. Colonel de bine. Colonelul Campbell e un nger pentru noi. i Campbell, you know, is quite our angel. And Mr. domnul Dixon e un tnr minunat, aa cum merit. Ce Dixon seems a very charming young man, quite worthy of fericire c oamenii buni se adun, i se adun ntotdeauna. him. It is such a happiness when good people get 108

Acum, domnul Elton i domnioara Hawkins, i familia Cole, ce oameni cumsecade, i familia Perry, cred c nu e nici o pereche mai potrivit i mai fericit ca domnul i doamna Perry. Cred, domnule, ntorcndu-se spre domnul Woodhouse, cred c puine sunt locurile unde s se gseasc o societate ca cea din High-bury. ntotdeauna am spus: vecinii notri sunt o adevrat binecuvntare. Drag domnule, dac mamei i place ceva mai mult dect orice pe lume, apoi aceea este carnea de porc, muchi de porc la cuptor... Dar cine este i ce face aceast domnioar Hawkins, sau de cnd se cunosc ? zise Emma. Nu se tie nimic, presupun. Se vede c n-o cunoate de prea mult vreme. E plecat numai de cteva sptmni. Nimeni nu-i putea da nici o informaie i, dup ce mai fcu nite presupuneri, Emma zise: Tcei, domnioar Fairfax, dar sper c v va interesa aceast veste. Dumneavoastr ai auzit i vzut multe lucruri n privina asta, fiind att de mult antrenat de cstoria domnioarei Campbell. Nu v putem lsa s rmnei indiferent fa de domnul Elton i domnioara Hawkins. Dup ce-l voi vedea pe domnul Elton, probabil c o s m intereseze, rspunse Jane, dar nu cred c trebuie s mi se cear asta. Au trecut luni de zile de la cstoria domnioarei Campbell i impresiile de atunci s-au cam ters. Da, a plecat numai de cteva sptmni, cum ai spus, domnioar Woodhouse, zise domnioara Bates, s-au fcut ieri patru sptmni. O domnioar Hawkins! Ei, eu totdeauna m gndisem c trebuie s fie o domnioar de pe aici, nu c-a fi zis vreodat, dar doamna Cole mi-a optit ceva. dar eu am zis imediat Nu. domnul Elton e un tnr foarte bine, dar..." Pe scurt, nu prea cred c sunt deosebit de priceput n asemenea probleme. N-am nici o pretenie. Ce este limpede vd i eu. Dar n acelai timp, cred c nu s-ar fi mirat nimeni dac domnul Elton ar fi aspirat, domnioara Woodhouse m las s vorbesc, e aa de drgu. tie c n-a fi n stare s jignesc pe nimeni. Ce mai face domnioara Smith ? Cred c s-a fcut bine de acum. Ai primit ceva de la doamna John Knightley ? Ah, copilaii aceia scumpi. Jane tii, totdeauna mi-l nchipui pe domnul Dixon ca domnul John Knightley. Vreau s zic, ca fizic nalt, cu nfiarea aceea, i nu prea vorbre. N-ai dreptate deloc, mtuica, nu seamn nici un pic. Foarte ciudat, dar niciodat nu poi s tii exact cum arat cineva pe care nu l-ai vzut. i imaginezi ceva i nu te mai opreti. Domnul Dixon, nu e, dup cte spui tu, tocmai frumos ? Frumos ? Ah. nu, departe de asta, e desigur destul de urel. i-am spus c e urel. Draga mea, mi-ai spus c domnioara Campbell n-ar admite c e urt i c tu... Ah, n ceea ce m privete, judecata mea nu face dou parale. Dac stimez o persoan spun totdeauna c

together--and they always do. Now, here will be Mr. Elton and Miss Hawkins; and there are the Coles, such very good people; and the Perrys--I suppose there never was a happier or a better couple than Mr. and Mrs. Perry. I say, sir," turning to Mr. Woodhouse, "I think there are few places with such society as Highbury. I always say, we are quite blessed in our neighbours.--My dear sir, if there is one thing my mother loves better than another, it is pork-- a roast loin of pork--" "As to who, or what Miss Hawkins is, or how long he has been acquainted with her," said Emma, "nothing I suppose can be known. One feels that it cannot be a very long acquaintance. He has been gone only four weeks." Nobody had any information to give; and, after a few more wonderings, Emma said, "You are silent, Miss Fairfax--but I hope you mean to take an interest in this news. You, who have been hearing and seeing so much of late on these subjects, who must have been so deep in the business on Miss Campbell's account--we shall not excuse your being indifferent about Mr. Elton and Miss Hawkins." 88 "When I have seen Mr. Elton," replied Jane, "I dare say I shall be interested--but I believe it requires that with me. And as it is some months since Miss Campbell married, the impression may be a little worn off." "Yes, he has been gone just four weeks, as you observe, Miss Woodhouse," said Miss Bates, "four weeks yesterday.--A Miss Hawkins!--Well, I had always rather fancied it would be some young lady hereabouts; not that I ever--Mrs. Cole once whispered to me--but I immediately said, `No, Mr. Elton is a most worthy young man--but'--In short, I do not think I am particularly quick at those sort of discoveries. I do not pretend to it. What is before me, I see. At the same time, nobody could wonder if Mr. Elton should have aspired--Miss Woodhouse lets me chatter on, so good-humouredly. She knows I would not offend for the world. How does Miss Smith do? She seems quite recovered now. Have you heard from Mrs. John Knightley lately? Oh! those dear little children. Jane, do you know I always fancy Mr. Dixon like Mr. John Knightley. I mean in person--tall, and with that sort of look--and not very talkative." "Quite wrong, my dear aunt; there is no likeness at all." "Very odd! but one never does form a just idea of any body beforehand. One takes up a notion, and runs away with it. Mr. Dixon, you say, is not, strictly speaking, handsome?" "Handsome! Oh! no--far from it--certainly plain. I told you he was plain." "My dear, you said that Miss Campbell would not allow him to be plain, and that you yourself--" "Oh! as for me, my judgment is worth nothing. Where I have a regard, I always think a person well-looking. But I gave what I believed the general opinion, when I called

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arat bine. Dar i-am spus care e prerea general i l-am numit urt. Ei, draga mea Jane, cred c trebuie s plecm. Vremea nu prea pare bun i bunica o fi ngrijorat. Suntei foarte bun, domnioar Woodhouse, dar trebuie neaprat s plecm. O s trec i pe la doamna Cole, dar nu stau dect trei minute, iar tu Jane, du-te imediat acas. Nu vreau s te apuce ploaia pe drum. Deja arat mai bine de cnd e la Highbury. Mulumesc, da, ntr-adevr. N-am s ncerc s trec pe la doamna Goddard, pentru c ei nu-i place carnea de porc dect fiart. Dup ce aranjm jambonul, e altceva. La revedere, drag domnule. Ah, vine i domnul Knightley! Ei, asta-i grozav de... Sunt sigur c Jane e obosit, o s fii aa de bun s-i dai braul. Domnul Elton i domnioara Hawkins... La revedere ! nd Emma rmase singur cu tatl ei, trebui s-i acorde jumtate din atenia ei, pentru c el ncepu s se lamenteze c tinerii din ziua de azi se grbesc att de tare s se nsoare i cu fete necunoscute iar cealalt jumtate i-o pstra pentru a-i forma propria ei opinie. Pentru ea era o noutate amuzant i binevenit, dar i prea aa de ru pentru Harriet Harriet va fi lovit i tot ce putea spera era s-i poat transmite ea nsi vestea, pentru a o scuti de neplcerea de a o auzi de la alii fr menajamente. Era timpul la care ea venea deobicei la Hartfield. i dac se ntlnea cu domnioara Bates pe drum! i cnd ncepu s plou, Emma socoti c vremea o va reine la doamna Goddard i c tirea i va fi transmis, fr ca ea s fie pregtit.

him plain." "Well, my dear Jane, I believe we must be running away. The weather does not look well, and grandmama will be uneasy. You are too obliging, my dear Miss Woodhouse; but we really must take leave. This has been a most agreeable piece of news indeed. I shall just go round by Mrs. Cole's; but I shall not stop three minutes: and, Jane, you had better go home directly--I would not have you out in a shower!--We think she is the better for Highbury already. Thank you, we do indeed. I shall not attempt calling on Mrs. Goddard, for I really do not think she cares for any thing but boiled pork: when we dress the leg it will be another thing. Good morning to you, my dear sir. Oh! Mr. Knightley is coming too. Well, that is so very!--I am sure if Jane is tired, you will be so kind as to give her your arm.--Mr. Elton, and Miss Hawkins!--Good morning to you." Emma, alone with her father, had half her attention wanted by him while he lamented that young people would be in such a hurry to marry-- and to marry strangers too--and the other half she could give to her own view of the subject. It was to herself an amusing and a very welcome piece of news, as proving that Mr. Elton could not have suffered long; but she was sorry for Harriet: Harriet must feel it--and all that she could hope was, by giving the first information herself, to save her from hearing it abruptly from others. It was now about the time that she was likely to call. If she were to meet Miss Bates in her way!--and upon its beginning to rain, Emma was obliged to expect that the weather would be detaining her at Mrs. Goddard's, and that the intelligence would undoubtedly rush upon her without preparation. Ploaia fu puternic, dar scurt i nici nu trecuser cinci The shower was heavy, but short; and it had not been over minute de la sfritul ei c Harriet intr mbujorat, five minutes, when in came Harriet, with just the agitat era clar c venise ntr-acolo ntr-un suflet, i acel heated, agitated look which hurrying thither with a full Oh, domnioar Woodhouse, ce credei c s-a heart was likely to give; and the "Oh! Miss Woodhouse, ntmplat" cu care izbucni imediat, era o dovad what do you think has happened!" which instantly burst concludent c primise vestea i era n mod corespunztor forth, had all the evidence of corresponding perturbation. As tulburat. Cum lovitura i fusese dat, Emma gsi c nu the blow was given, Emma felt that she could not now shew poate s fac nimic mai bun pentru ea dect s o asculte; greater kindness than in listening; and Harriet, unchecked, i Harriet, fr control, porni cu avnt s spun tot. Plecase ran eagerly through what she had to tell. "She had set out de la doamna Goddard acum jumtate de or, i era from Mrs. Goddard's half an hour ago--she had been afraid it team c ncepe s pice n orice clip, dar crezuse c are would rain--she had been afraid it would pour down every totui timp s ajung la Hartfield. Se grbise ct putuse moment--but she thought she might get to Hartfield first-de tare, dar, cnd trecuse pe lng casa croitoresei, unde she had hurried on as fast as possible; but then, as i fcea o rochie, se gndise s intre s vad cum merge she was passing by the house where a young woman was lucrul, i dei nu sttuse dect un minut acolo, de ndat ce making up a gown for her, she thought she would a ieit, a nceput s plou i nu tia ce s fac; aa c, just step in and see how it went on; and though she did not a fugit, ct a putut de repede s se adposteasc la Ford. seem to stay half a moment there, soon after she Ford avea un magazin, cel mai mare din localitate, care came out it began to rain, and she did not know what to do; vindea stofe, pnzeturi, mercerie, cel mai mare i mai so she ran on directly, as fast as she could, and modern magazin, i se aezase, fr s se gndeasc la took shelter at Ford's."--Ford's was the principal woollennimic, sttuse cam zece minute, cnd deodat, cine draper, linen-draper, and haberdasher's shop united; credei c a intrat pe u the shop first in size and fashion in the place.--"And so, there n mod sigur era foarte ciudat! she had set, without an idea of any thing in the 110

dar ei cumprau ntotdeauna de la Ford cine credei c a intrat ? Elisabeth Martin i fratele ei. Drag domnioar Woodhouse. gndii-v numai. Credeam c lein! Nu tiam ce s fac. Stteam lng u i Elisabeth m-a vzut imediat, dar el nu putea, pentru c era ocupat cu umbrela. Sunt sigur c ea m-a vzut, dar s-a uitat imediat n alt parte i nu m-a bgat n seam i sau dus amndoi tocmai n fundul magazinului i eu am rmas lng u. O, Doamne, eram aa de nenorocit. Sunt sigur c eram alb ca varul. Nu puteam s plec, din cauza ploii, dar a fi vrut s fiu oriunde, numai acolo nu. Ah, drag domnioar Woodhouse, ei, n fine, aa cred, el s-a uitat n jur i m-a vzut, pentru c, n loc s continue s cumpere, au nceput s uoteasc ntre ei. Sunt sigur c vorbeau despre mine. Cred c atunci el a convins-o s-mi vorbeasc (ce credei, domnioar Woodhouse ?), pentru c imediat ea a venit la mine i m-a ntrebat ce mai fac. i prea dispus s dea mna, dac i-a fi dat-o i eu. i nu s-a purtat deloc ca de obicei, vedeam c era schimbat! totui ncerca s se arate prietenoas i am dat mna, i am vorbit niel. Dar nu mai tiu ce-am spus, tremuram toat! Mi-aduc aminte c ea a zis c i pare ru c nu ne mai vedem i mi s-a prut chiar mult prea drgu din partea ei. Drag domnioar Woodhouse, eram aa de nenorocit! n timpul sta mai sttuse ploaia i eram ct se poate de hotrt s plec i nimic nu-mi putea sta n cale i atunci, gndii-v numai, am vzut c vine i el spre mine, ncet, de parc nu tia ce s fac, i a venit i a vorbit i eu am rspuns i am mai stat o clip. M simeam ngrozitor, nu se poate spune, i pe urm mi-am luat inima-n dini i-am spus c nu mai plou i trebuie s plec i am pornit i nici nu m dez lipisem bine de cas, c a venit dup mine, numai s-mi spun c dac m duc la Hartfield e mai bine s-o iau prin spatele grajdurilor domnului Cole, pentru c drumul a fost probabil inundat de ploaie. O, Doamne, credeam c mor. I-am spus deci c i mulumesc foarte mult. tii bine c nu puteam s nu-i mulumesc i pe urm el s-a ntors la Elisabeth i eu am luat-o pe dup grajduri, aa cred, dar habar n-aveam unde m aflu, sau ce fac. Ah, domnioar Woodhouse, orice a fi fcut, numai s nu mi se n-tmple una ca asta i, totui, am avut o mulumire s-l vd c se poart aa de frumos i prietenete, i Elisabeth! Ah, domnioar Woodhouse, vorbii-mi, v rog, i mpcai-m cumva ! Foarte sincer, Emma nu dorea s fac asta, dar, pe moment, nu avea ncotro. Fu nevoit s se opreasc pentru a medita. Nici ea nu era prea mpcat. Purtarea tnrului i a surorii sale preau a fi izvorte dintr-un sentiment

world, full ten minutes, perhaps--when, all of a sudden, who should come in-- to be sure it was so very odd!--but they always dealt at Ford's-- who should come in, but Elizabeth Martin and her brother!-- Dear Miss Woodhouse! only think. I thought I should have fainted. I did not know what to do. I was sitting near the door--Elizabeth saw me directly; but he did not; he was busy with the umbrella. I am sure she saw me, but she looked away directly, and took no notice; and they both went to quite the farther end of the shop; and I kept sitting near the door!--Oh! dear; I was so miserable! I am sure I must have been as white as my gown. I could not go away you know, because of the rain; but I did so wish myself anywhere in the world but there.--Oh! dear, Miss Woodhouse--well, at last, I fancy, he looked round and saw me; for instead of going on with her buyings, they began whispering to one another. I am sure they were talking of me; and I could not help thinking that he was persuading her to speak to me--(do you think he was, Miss Woodhouse?)--for presently she came forward--came quite up to me, and asked me how I did, and seemed ready to shake hands, if I would. She did not do any of it in the same way that she used; I could see she was altered; but, however, she seemed to try to be very friendly, and we shook hands, and stood talking some time; but I know no more what I said--I was in such a tremble!--I remember she said she was sorry we never met now; which I thought almost too kind! Dear, Miss Woodhouse, I was absolutely miserable! By that time, it was beginning to hold up, and I was determined that nothing should stop me from getting away--and then--only think!-- I found he was coming up towards me too--slowly you know, and as if he did not quite know what to do; and so he came and spoke, and I answered--and I stood for a minute, feeling dreadfully, you know, one can't tell how; and then I took courage, and said it did not rain, and I must go; and so off I set; and I had not got three yards from the door, when he came after me, only to say, if I was going to Hartfield, he thought I had much better go round by Mr. Cole's stables, for I should find the near way quite floated by this rain. Oh! dear, I thought it would have been the death of me! So I said, I was very much obliged to him: you know I could not do less; and then he went back to Elizabeth, and I came round by the stables--I believe I did--but I hardly knew where I was, or any thing about it. Oh! Miss Woodhouse, I would rather done any thing than have it happen: and yet, you know, there was a sort of satisfaction in seeing him behave so pleasantly and so kindly. And Elizabeth, too. Oh! Miss Woodhouse, do talk to me and make me comfortable again." Very sincerely did Emma wish to do so; but it was not immediately in her power. She was obliged to stop and think. She was not thoroughly comfortable herself. The young man's conduct, and his sister's, seemed the

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curat i nu putea dect s-i fie mil de ei. Dup descrierea Harrietei, se prea c n purtarea lor se vedea amestecul unei afeciuni jignite cu o real finee, dar i nainte i considerase oameni de bun-credin i cumsecade i la urma urmei ce conta asta fa de dezavantajul unei asemenea cstorii. Era o prostie s te lai tulburat de asta. Desigur, lui i pare probabil ru c nu a ctigat-o, la toi probabil, le pare ru, ambiia i dragostea fusese probabil jignit. Probabil, toat familia spera s se ridice datorit nrudirii cu Harriet i, n afar de asta, te poi baza pe ce spunea Harriet ? E aa de uor s-i faci plcere, are aa de puin discernmnt, ce conteaz laudele ei ? Fcu tot ce-i sta n putin i ncerc s o mpace, s-o fac s considere tot ce se ntmplase un fleac care nu merit atenie deloc. Poate c te ntristeaz pe moment, zise ea, se pare ns c te-ai purtat destul de bine; dar, s-a terminat i nu se mai poate repeta, n mod sigur, niciodat. Trebuia s existe o prim ntlnire. Prin urmare nu trebuie s te mai gndeti la asta. Harriet zise: Foarte adevrat ! i ea nu se mai gndi la asta, totui, numai despre asta vorbea i despre nimic altceva. i, n cele din urm, Emma, pentru a-i scoate pe cei din familia Martin din capul ei, fu nevoit s se grbeasc s-i dea vestea pe care voise s i-o anune cu mai mult pruden. Nu prea tia nici ea ce s fac, s se bucure sau s se supere, s-i fie ruine sau numai s se amuze pe seama strii de-spirit a bietei Harriet o asemenea ncheiere a importantului episod care era n viaa ei domnul Elton. Totui, domnul Elton i relu drepturile. Dei n primul moment ea nu nregistra tirea cu intensitatea de care ar fi fost capabil cu o zi nainte, interesul ei cretea. i, nainte de a-i termina convorbirea ajunsese la senzaia de curiozitate, mirare i regret,, durerea i plcerea n privina acestei norocoase domnioare Hawkins, care senzaie urma s plaseze familia Martin pe locul doi n gndurile ei. Emma ajunse treptat s se bucure chiar de acea ntlnire. Fusese de folos pentru a amortiza primul oc, fr a lsa vreo urm ngrijortoare. Aa cum tria Harriet acum, cei din familia Martin nu puteau ajunge la ea fr s o caute acolo unde pn acum le lipsise curajul sau bunvoina s o caute; cci, de cnd l refuzase pe fratele lor, surorile nu mai veniser la doamna Goddard i poate s treac i un an pn se vor mai ntlni, fie de nevoie, fie pentru a sta de vorb. FIREA OMULUI E ntr-att APLECATA spre aceia care se afl ntr-o situaie neobinuit, nct despre o tnr persoan care se cstorete sau moare se vorbete cu siguran numai de bine. Nici nu trecuse o sptmn de cnd numele domnioarei Hawkins fusese pentru prima oar rostit la Highbury, c se i afl, prin Dumnezeu tie ce mijloace, c

result of real feeling, and she could not but pity them. As Harriet described it, there had been an interesting mixture of wounded affection and genuine delicacy in their behaviour. But she had believed them to be well-meaning, worthy people before; and what difference did this make in the evils of the connexion? It was folly to be disturbed by it. Of course, he must be sorry to lose her--they must be all sorry. Ambition, as well as love, had probably been mortified. They might all have hoped to rise by Harriet's acquaintance: and besides, what was the value of Harriet's description?--So easily pleased--so little discerning;-- what signified her praise? She exerted herself, and did try to make her comfortable, by considering all that had passed as a mere trifle, and quite unworthy of being dwelt on, "It might be distressing, for the moment," said she; "but you seem to have behaved extremely well; and it is over--and may never-- can never, as a first meeting, occur again, and therefore you need not think about it." 90 Harriet said, "very true," and she "would not think about it;" but still she talked of it--still she could talk of nothing else; and Emma, at last, in order to put the Martins out of her head, was obliged to hurry on the news, which she had meant to give with so much tender caution; hardly knowing herself whether to rejoice or be angry, ashamed or only amused, at such a state of mind in poor Harriet--such a conclusion of Mr. Elton's importance with her! Mr. Elton's rights, however, gradually revived. Though she did not feel the first intelligence as she might have done the day before, or an hour before, its interest soon increased; and before their first conversation was over, she had talked herself into all the sensations of curiosity, wonder and regret, pain and pleasure, as to this fortunate Miss Hawkins, which could conduce to place the Martins under proper subordination in her fancy. Emma learned to be rather glad that there had been such a meeting. It had been serviceable in deadening the first shock, without retaining any influence to alarm. As Harriet now lived, the Martins could not get at her, without seeking her, where hitherto they had wanted either the courage or the condescension to seek her; for since her refusal of the brother, the sisters never had been at Mrs. Goddard's; and a twelvemonth might pass without their being thrown together again, with any necessity, or even any power of speech. Human nature is so well disposed towards those who are in interesting situations, that a young person, who either marries or dies, is sure of being kindly spoken of. A week had not passed since Miss Hawkins's name was first mentioned in Highbury, before she was, by some means or other, discovered to have every recommendation

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are toate calitile e frumoas, distins, tie de toate i e extraordinar de simpatic; i cnd domnul Elton nsui sosi s-i soarb triumful minunatelor sale perspective i s comunice tuturor vestitele ei merite, nu avu prea mult de adugat. n afar de numele ei de botez i compozitorii a cror muzic o cnta n special. Domnul Elton se ntoarse un om fericit. Plecase respins i umilit, dezamgit n sperana lui aprins, dup un ir de ceea ce i se pruser a fi ncurajri serioase. Nu numai c pierduse pe cea pe care i-o dorea, dar fusese njosit, plasat la nivelul aceleia pe care nu i-o dorea deloc. Plecase purtnd n suflet o jignire profund i se ntorcea logodit cu o alta, cu o alta care era fr ndoial superioar celei dinti. Aa cum se ntmpla ntotdeauna,, ceea ce am ctigat e mai bun dect ceea ce am pierdut. Se ntoarse vesel i mulumit de sine, plin de avnt i ocupat nevoie mare, puin psndu-i de domnioara Woodhouse i sfidnd-o pe domnioara Smith. ncnttoarea Augusta Hawkins, pe lng toate avantajele obinuite de a fi de o frumusee perfect i cu merite incontestabile, poseda i o avere personal de attea mii de lire ct s poat spune prin rotunjire zece ceva care sublinia demnitatea i era i convenabil pe deasupra. Povestea suna destul de bine; nu-i irosise farmecele, ctigase o femeie de zece mii de lire, sau aproape zece mii, i o cucerise att de minunat de repede; dup ce fcuser cunotin, i se dduse imediat o deosebit atenie. Relatarea pe care el o fcuse doamnei Cole cu privire la naterea i creterea acestui amor, era att de plin de glorie; paii se fcuser att de repede, ncepnd cu ntlnirea din ntmplare la cina de la domnul Green, la petrecerea de la domnul Brown zmbetele i mbujorrile obrajilor crescnd n importan, cu subnelesuri i emoia care se rspndeau din belug. Tnra fusese att de repede impresionat, att de tandru aplecat spre el, fusese, pe scurt, ca s folosim o expresie pe nelesul tuturor, att de dispus s-l accepte, nct att vanitatea ct i prudena lui erau satisfcute. Pusese mna att pe cele cereti, ct i pe cele pmnteti, att pe avere, ct i pe dragoste i era ct se poate de fericit. Vorbea numai despre el i ale lui, se atepta s fie fericit, s se fac glume pe socoteala lui i cu zmbete prietenoase i fr team, se adresa tuturor domnioarelor din localitate, fa de care, cteva sptmni n urm, s-ar fi purtat cu o galanterie mai reinut. Cstoria urma s aib loc n curnd, cum cei doi nu ateptau altceva i numai pregtirile strict necesare fceau s mai ntrzie i, cnd plec din nou spre Bath, toat lumea se atepta, i anume priviri ale doamnei Cole nu contraziceau prerea, c atunci cnd va reveni la Highbury i va aduce i mireasa. De aceast dat, cum sttuse destul de scurt timp, Emma l vzuse foarte puin, destul ns ca s considere c a trecut peste momentul greu al primei ntlniri de dup cererea lui i s-i dea seama c nu i-a mai subiat

of person and mind; to be handsome, elegant, highly accomplished, and perfectly amiable: and when Mr. Elton himself arrived to triumph in his happy prospects, and circulate the fame of her merits, there was very little more for him to do, than to tell her Christian name, and say whose music she principally played. Mr. Elton returned, a very happy man. He had gone away rejected and mortified--disappointed in a very sanguine hope, after a series of what appeared to him strong encouragement; and not only losing the right lady, but finding himself debased to the level of a very wrong one. He had gone away deeply offended--he came back engaged to another--and to another as superior, of course, to the first, as under such circumstances what is gained always is to what is lost. He came back gay and self-satisfied, eager and busy, caring nothing for Miss Woodhouse, and defying Miss Smith. The charming Augusta Hawkins, in addition to all the usual advantages of perfect beauty and merit, was in possession of an independent fortune, of so many thousands as would always be called ten; a point of some dignity, as well as some convenience: the story told well; he had not thrown himself away--he had gained a woman of 10,000 l. or thereabouts; and he had gained her with such delightful rapidity-- the first hour of introduction had been so very soon followed by distinguishing notice; the history which he had to give Mrs. Cole of the rise and progress of the affair was so glorious-the steps so quick, from the accidental rencontre, to the dinner at Mr. Green's, and the party at Mrs. Brown's-smiles and blushes rising in importance-- with consciousness and agitation richly scattered--the lady had been so easily impressed--so sweetly disposed--had in short, to use a most intelligible phrase, been so very ready to have him, that vanity and prudence were equally contented. He had caught both substance and shadow--both fortune and affection, and was just the happy man he ought to be; talking only of himself and his own concerns-expecting to be congratulated--ready to be laughed at--and, with cordial, fearless smiles, now addressing all the young ladies of the place, to whom, a few weeks ago, he would have been more cautiously gallant. The wedding was no distant event, as the parties had only themselves to please, and nothing but the necessary preparations to wait for; and when he set out for Bath again, there was a general expectation, which a certain glance of Mrs. Cole's did not seem to contradict, that when he next entered Highbury he would bring his bride. During his present short stay, Emma had barely seen him; but just enough to feel that the first meeting was over, and to give her the impression of his not being improved by the mixture of pique and pretension, now

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purtrile, dup aerul nepat i pretenios pe care l avea. ncepea acum s se ntrebe n mod serios cum de l gsise mai nainte simpatic i de cte ori l vedea, i se trezeau nite sentimente att de profund nesuferite, nct dac n-ar fi fost dintr-un punct de vedere moral o pedeaps, o lecie, o surs de umilin folositoare pentru mintea ei, ar fi preferat s aib certitudinea c nu-l va mai vedea niciodat. i dorea numai bine, dar prezena lui o deranja i dac ar fi fost fericit, dar la o distan de douzeci de mile, asta i-ar fi produs cea mai mare satisfacie. Faptul c el continua s locuiasc la Highbury va deveni probabil mai puin scitor datorit cstoriei lui. Aceasta va mpiedica multe amabiliti fr rost, multe situaii stnjenitoare vor fi evitate. O doamn Elton era scuza cea mai bun s nu se mai vad la fel de des, intimitatea de mai nainte va disprea fr ca aceasta s se remarce. Va fi aproape ca i cnd i-ar lua de la capt relaiile sociale. Despre domnioara respectiv Emma avea o prere proast. Era fr ndoial destul de bun pentru domnul Elton, tia s fac destule, pentru ct era nevoie la Highbury, era destul de frumoas ca s arate urt alturi de Harriet. Ct privete poziia social, Emma nu avea nici o ndoial era convins c, n ciuda ludroeniei i preteniilor lui, a dispreului pentru Harriet, nu realizase nimic. Asupra acestui punct se pare c adevrul nu era greu de aflat. Ce era de capul ei nu se putea ti, dar cine era se putea auzi i lsnd la o parte cele zece mii de lire nu prea s-i fie superioar Harrietei. N-avea nume, snge sau rude nobile. Domnioara Hawkins era cea mai mic dintre cele dou fiice ale unui negustor negustor, desigur, aa se putea numi, din Bristol, dar cum totalul profiturilor sale din toat viaa sa de negustor se vdea a fi att de modest, nu era necinstit s presupui c demnitatea comerului de care se ocupa era de asemenea modest. Obinuia s-i petreac o parte din iarn la Bath, dar casa ei era la Bristol, chiar n inima oraului. Pentru c dei tatl i mama ei muriser civa ani n urm, rmsese un unchi, care era om al legii, nu se avntase nimeni s spun ceva mai onorabil dect om al legii"; iar fata locuia cu el. Emma ghici c trebuie s fie vorba de trepduul vreunui notar, prea prost ca s i se dea un post mai bun. i toat nobleea rudelor prea c se sprijin pe sora cea mare, care era foarte bine mritat, cu un gentleman de vi, n apropiere de Bristol, care avea dou trsuri. Cam aa se desfura povestea i asta era faima domnioarei Hawkins. De-ar fi putut s-i mrturiseasc Harrietei tot ce simea! O fcuse s-l iubeasc i, vai. din pcate, era greu s o fac s nu-l mai iubeasc. Farmecul aceluia care umpluse un gol mare din inima Harrietei nu putea fi distrus prin vorbe. Poate va fi nlocuit de un altul, va fi nlocuit n mod sigur, nimic mai clar; ar fi fost de ajuns i un Robert Martin, dar nimic altceva nu o putea vindeca. Harriet era una din acele femei care odat ce s-au ndrgostit

spread over his air. She was, in fact, beginning very much to wonder that she had ever thought him pleasing at all; and his sight was so inseparably connected with some very disagreeable feelings, that, except in a moral light, as a penance, a lesson, a source of profitable humiliation to her own mind, she would have been thankful to be assured of never seeing him again. She wished him very well; but he gave her pain, and his welfare twenty miles off would administer most satisfaction.

The pain of his continued residence in Highbury, however, must certainly be lessened by his marriage. Many vain solicitudes would be prevented-- many awkwardnesses smoothed by it. A Mrs. Elton would be an excuse for any change of intercourse; former intimacy might sink without remark. It would be almost beginning their life of civility again. Of the lady, individually, Emma thought very little. She was good enough for Mr. Elton, no doubt; accomplished enough for Highbury-- handsome enough--to look plain, probably, by Harriet's side. As to connexion, there Emma was perfectly easy; persuaded, that after all his own vaunted claims and disdain of Harriet, he had done nothing. On that article, truth seemed attainable. What she was, must be uncertain; but who she was, might be found out; and setting aside the 10,000 l., it did not appear that she was at all Harriet's superior. She brought no name, no blood, no alliance. Miss Hawkins was the youngest of the two daughters of a Bristol-- merchant, of course, he must be called; but, as the whole of the profits of his mercantile life appeared so very moderate, it was not unfair to guess the dignity of his line of trade had been very moderate also. Part of every winter she had been used to spend in Bath; but Bristol was her home, the very heart of Bristol; for though the father and mother had died some years ago, an uncle remained-- in the law line--nothing more distinctly honourable was hazarded of him, than that he was in the law line; and with him the daughter had lived. Emma guessed him to be the drudge of some attorney, and too stupid to rise. And all the grandeur of the connexion seemed dependent on the elder sister, who was very well married, to a gentleman in a great way, near Bristol, who kept two carriages! That was the wind-up of the history; that was the glory of Miss Hawkins. Could she but have given Harriet her feelings about it all! She had talked her into love; but, alas! she was not so easily to be talked out of it. The charm of an object to occupy the many vacancies of Harriet's mind was not to be talked away. He might be superseded by another; he certainly would indeed; nothing could be clearer; even a Robert Martin would have been sufficient; but nothing else, she feared, would cure her. Harriet was

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rmn ndrgostite. i acum, biata fat se simea mult mai ru, pentru c domnul Elton apruse din nou i l vedea mereu ntr-un loc sau altul. Emma l vzu numai o dat, dar n mod sigur, de dou-trei ori pe zi, Harriet tocmai se ntlnise cu el, sau tocmai trecuse dup ce a trecut el, sau tocmai i auzise vocea, sau i vzuse un umr, tocmai apruse ceva care l fcea mereu prezent n imaginaia ei, nconjurat de toat lumina favorabil n care surpriza i fantezia ei l umpleau. i mai mult, ntruna auzea vorbindu-se despre el, pentru c n afara orelor cnd se afla la Hartfield era mereu printre acelea care nu-i gseau cusur i nu aveau nimic mai interesant de discutat dect ce-l privea pe el i, prin urmare, tot ce se afla, se ghicea, tot ce se ntmplase, tot ce se putea ntmpl n mersul treburilor sale se flutura mereu pe la urechile ei. Stima ei era ntrit de laudele care i se aduceau mereu i regretele ei nu mai mureau. Sentimentele i erau tot timpul rnite de fraze repetate fr ncetare cu privire la fericirea domnioarei Hawkins i de continua constatare c el e foarte ndrgostit. Atitudinea cu care trecea pe lng cas, nsi nclinarea plriei lui, erau toate dovezi gritoare c era extrem de ndrgostit. Dac i-ar fi permis s se distreze, dac n-ar fi existat durerea prieteniei ei i mustrrile propriei contiine, oglindite n ovielile sufletului Harrietei, Emma ar fi fost foarte amuzat de aceste variaii. Cteodat predomina domnul Elton, cteodat familia Martin, i fiecare din aceste gnduri era de folos pentru a pune capt celuilalt. Nefericirea produs de tirea c domnul Elton s-a logodit fu lsat la o parte o vreme, pentru c Elisabeth Martin veni n vizit la doamna Goddard, cteva zile dup aceea. Harriet nu era acas, dar i lsase un bileel scris ntr-un stil menit s-o nduioeze, un stil n care se amesteca puin repro cu mult blndee i, pn cnd nu apru domnul Elton nsui, fusese foarte preocupat de asta, gndindu-se mereu ce poate face n schimb i dorind s fac mai mult dect ceea ce ndrznea s mrturiseasc. Dar domnul Elton n persoan, risipi aceste griji. n timpul ederii sale, familia Martin fu uitat i chiar n dimineaa cnd el pleca din nou spre Bath, Emma, ca s potoleasc tristeea prilejuit de aceast plecare, gsi c e cel mai bine s-i aduc aminte de vizita Elisabethei Martin. Se gndise mult i avusese multe ndoieli n privina modului de a rspunde vizitei: ce ar fi fost mai necesar i ce ar fi fost mai sigur. S le neglijeze cu totul, pe mam i pe surori, cnd a fost invitat, ar fi nsemnat s se arate ingrat. Nu trebuia s fac asta i, totui, primejdia de a rennoi relaiile ! Dup mult meditaie, nu gsi nimic mai bun dect ca Harriet s ntoarc vizita, dar ntr-un fel n care, dac aveau minte s neleag, s le conving c e vorba numai de nite relaii politicoase. Inteniona s-o duc n

one of those, who, having once begun, would be always in love. And now, poor girl! she was considerably worse from this reappearance of Mr. Elton. She was always having a glimpse of him somewhere or other. Emma saw him only once; but two or three times every day Harriet was sure just to meet with him, or just to miss him, just to hear his voice, or see his shoulder, just to have something occur to preserve him in her fancy, in all the favouring warmth of surprize and conjecture. She was, moreover, perpetually hearing about him; for, excepting when at Hartfield, she was always among those who saw no fault in Mr. Elton, and found nothing so interesting as the discussion of his concerns; and every report, therefore, every guess--all that had already occurred, all that might occur in the arrangement of his affairs, comprehending income, servants, and furniture, was continually in agitation around her. Her regard was receiving strength by invariable praise of him, and her regrets kept alive, and feelings irritated by ceaseless repetitions of Miss Hawkins's happiness, and continual observation of, how much he seemed attached!-- his air as he walked by the house--the very sitting of his hat, being all in proof of how much he was in love! Had it been allowable entertainment, had there been no pain to her friend, or reproach to herself, in the waverings of Harriet's mind, Emma would have been amused by its variations. Sometimes Mr. Elton predominated, sometimes the Martins; and each was occasionally useful as a check to the other. Mr. Elton's engagement had been the cure of the agitation of meeting Mr. Martin. The unhappiness produced by the knowledge of that engagement had been a little put aside by Elizabeth Martin's calling at Mrs. Goddard's a few days afterwards. 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. But Mr. Elton, in person, had driven away all such cares. While he staid, the Martins were forgotten; and on the very morning of his setting off for Bath again, Emma, to dissipate some of the distress it occasioned, judged it best for her to return Elizabeth Martin's visit. How that visit was to be acknowledged--what would be necessary-- and what might be safest, had been a point of some doubtful consideration. Absolute neglect of the mother and sisters, when invited to come, would be ingratitude. It must not be: and yet the danger of a renewal of the acquaintance!-After much thinking, she could determine on nothing better, than Harriet's returning the visit; but in a way that, if they had understanding, should convince them that it was to be only a formal acquaintance. She meant

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trsura ei s-o lase la Abbey Mill, s-i continue drumul i s se ntoarc dup ea, repede s nu le dea timp s apeleze insinuant la amintiri primejdioase din trecut i s dea cea mai hotrt dovad c, n viitor, intimitatea se va rezuma la att i nimic mai mult. Socotea c e cel mai bun lucru, dei era ceva ce nu putea aproba din toat inima, ceva ce semna a nerecunotina abia mascat, trebuia s procedeze aa, altfel ce s-ar alege de Harriet ? CAPITOLUL XXIII nu prea avea harriet inim pentru vizite. Numai cu jumtate de or nainte ca prietena ei s-o caute la doamna Goddard, soarta ei crud o condusese tocmai ctre locul unde, n acel moment, un cufr, cu adresa Rev. Philip Elton, White Hart, Bath, putea fi vzut pe cnd era urcat n crua mcelarului, care urma s-l duc pn la diligent, i totul n aceast lume, n afar de acel cufr i acea adres, era prin urmare pentru ea un gol imens. Se duse totui. i cnd ajunser la ferm, i ea trebui s coboare la captul aleii largi, ordonate, acoperite cu pietri, mrginit de meri cu coroane rotunde, care ducea spre ua din fa, vznd tot ceea ce cu o toamn nainte i fcuse atta plcere, ncepu s-i renasc un oarecare sentiment tulburtor. Cnd se desprir, Emma observ c se uita n jur cu un fel de curiozitate nfricoat, ceea ce o fcu s hotrasc s nu permit ca vizita s dureze mai mult dect sfertul de or propus. Ea i continu drumul, pentru a acorda acest interval de timp unei foste servitoare care se mritase la Donwell. Dup un sfert de or, punctual, era din nou n faa portiei albe i domnioara Smith rspunse imediat chemrilor ei i apru fr a fi nsoit de nici un tnr primejdios. Venea singur pe aleea de pietri una din domnioarele Martin o condusese numai pn la u i se desprise de ea cu politeea cuvenit. Harriet nu putu s se concentreze foarte repede ca s povesteasc. Sentimentele o copleeau, dar, n cele din urm, Emma obinu de ajuns de multe amnunte de la ea ca s neleag ce fel de ntlnire fusese i ce dureri provocase. Vzuse numai pe doamna Martin i pe cele dou fete. O primiser cu o atitudine ndoielnic., dac nu chiar rece. i n tot cursul vizitei nu vorbiser nimic, n afar de-obinuitele banaliti, pn cnd, n fine, doamna Martin zisese deodat, c i se pare c a mai crescut i ajunseser astfel la un subiect mai plcut i la un fel de a vorbi mai clduros. Chiar n camera aceea se msuraser, ea i prietenele ei, n septembrie trecut. Fcuser semne cu creionul i scriseser data pe lambriu, lng fereastr. El le scrisese. Toate preau s-i aduc aminte ziua, ora, pe cei prezeni, ocazia, s simt tot ce nu se putea spune, s regrete la fel de mult, s fie gata s se ntoarc la aceeai bun nelegere, i tocmai deveniser din nou ele nsele (Harriet, dup cte bnuia Emma,

to take her in the carriage, leave her at the Abbey Mill, while she drove a little farther, and call for her again so soon, as to allow no time for insidious applications or dangerous recurrences to the past, and give the most decided proof of what degree of intimacy was chosen for the future. She could think of nothing better: and though there was something in it which her own heart could not approve--something of ingratitude, merely glossed over--it must be done, or what would become of Harriet? Small heart had Harriet for visiting. Only half an hour before her friend called for her at Mrs. Goddard's, her evil stars had led her to the very spot where, at that moment, a trunk, directed to The Rev. Philip Elton, White-Hart, Bath, was to be seen under the operation of being lifted into the butcher's cart, which was to convey it to where the coaches past; and every thing in this world, excepting that trunk and the direction, was consequently a blank. She went, however; and when they reached the farm, and she was to be put down, at the end of the broad, neat gravel walk, which led between espalier apple-trees to the front door, the sight of every thing which had given her so much pleasure the autumn before, was beginning to revive a little local agitation; and when they parted, Emma observed her to be looking around with a sort of fearful curiosity, which determined her not to allow the visit to exceed the proposed quarter of an hour. She went on herself, to give that portion of time to an old servant who was married, and settled in Donwell. The quarter of an hour brought her punctually to the white gate again; and Miss Smith receiving her summons, was with her without delay, and unattended by any alarming young man. She came solitarily down the gravel walk--a Miss Martin just appearing at the door, and parting with her seemingly with ceremonious civility. Harriet could not very soon give an intelligible account. She was feeling too much; but at last Emma collected from her enough to understand the sort of meeting, and the sort of pain it was creating. She had seen only Mrs. Martin and the two girls. They had received her doubtingly, if not coolly; and nothing beyond the merest commonplace had been talked almost all the time-- till just at last, when Mrs. Martin's saying, all of a sudden, that she thought Miss Smith was grown, had brought on a more interesting subject, and a warmer manner. In that very room she had been measured last September, with her two friends. There were the pencilled marks and memorandums on the wainscot by the window. He had done it. They all seemed to remember the day, the hour, the party, the occasion--to feel the same consciousness, the same regrets--to be ready to return to the same good understanding; and they were just growing again like themselves, (Harriet, as Emma must suspect, as ready as the best of them to be cordial and happy,) when

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era gata prima s se arate prietenoas i fericit), cnd trsura i fcuse din nou apariia i totul se terminase. Stilul vizitei i durata ei scurt se dovediser n acel moment decisive. S acorde numai paisprezece minute acelora cu care, nici ase luni n urm, petrecuse ase sptmni! Emma i nchipuia perfect totul i i ddea seama ct dreptate aveau s fie suprate i ct e de firesc ca Harriet s sufere. Era o mprejurare trist. Ar fi fcut orict, ar fi suferit orict, dac i-ar fi putut ajuta pe cei din familia Martin s urce pe scara social. Erau plini de merite i, dac ar fi fost numai cu puin mai sus, asta ar fi fost de ajuns, dar aa cum sttea situaia, ce putea s fac ? Imposibil! Nu putea s se ciasc. Trebuia s-i despart, dar era foarte dureros, chiar pentru ea nsi, de data asta. Aa nct simi nevoia s se consoleze puin i hotr ca, n drum spre cas, s treac pe la Randalls. Mintea ei obosise de atta domnul Elton i familia Martin. Era absolut necesar s-o nvioreze la Randalls. Ideea era bun; dar cnd traser la scar, li se spuse c nici doamna, nici domnul nu erau acas; erau plecai amndoi de ctva timp, omul credea c s-au dus la Hartfield. Asta-i foarte ru, strig Emma, cnd trsura ntorcea. i acum o s-i pierdem, foarte suprtor! Nu tiu dac am fost vreodat mai dezamgit. i se aez din nou n colul ei s-i rumege suprarea sau s-o goneasc pe baza unor argumente, sau, cel mai probabil, i una i alta, acestea fiind manifestrile unei naturi optimiste. Deodat trsura se opri. Se uit afar; se oprise lng domnul i doamna Weston, care voiau s-i vorbeasc. Bucuria o cuprinse dintr-o dat la vederea lor i crescu, de ndat ce auzi ce spuneau, pentru c domnul Weston i se adres imediat cu: Ce mai facei, ce mai facei ? Am fost pe la tatl dumitale i ne-am bucurat c se simte aa de bine. Frank sosete mine pe la ora cinci azi e la Oxford, i vine ncoace pentru dou sptmni. tiam eu c aa o s fie. Dac venea de Crciun, n-ar fi putut sta nici trei zile. Mi-a prut bine c n-a venit de Crciun; acum vremea va fi ct se poate de bun. Frumos, fr ploaie, exact cum trebuie. O s ne bucurm de vizita lui aa cum se cuvine, totul s-a aranjat exact aa cum mi doream eu. Veste era uluitoare, iar bucuria care se citea pe faa domnului Weston, de-a dreptul molipsitoare i pe deplin confirmat de vorbele doamnei Weston i de atitudinea ei. ntr-un fel mai linitit, i n cuvinte mai puine ea exprima bucurie egal. Vznd c i ea este sigur de venirea fiului, Emma ncepu s cread c e adevrat i se bucur sincer de bucuria lor. Era o veste minunat, care aproape mprospta spiritul ei obosit. Necazurile trecute erau acum date la o parte de noutatea a ceea ce avea s urmeze i cu iueala gndului, ntr-o jumtate de secund, i se aprinse sperana c nu se va mai vorbi despre domnul

the carriage reappeared, and all was over. The style of the visit, and the shortness of it, were then felt to be decisive. Fourteen minutes to be given to those with whom she had thankfully passed six weeks not six months ago!--Emma could not but picture it all, and feel how justly they might resent, how naturally Harriet must suffer. It was a bad business. She would have given a great deal, or endured a great deal, to have had the Martins in a higher rank of life. They were so deserving, that a little higher should have been enough: but as it was, how could she have done otherwise?--Impossible!--She could not repent. They must be separated; but there was a great deal of pain in the process-- so much to herself at this time, that she soon felt the necessity of a little consolation, and resolved on going home by way of Randalls to procure it. Her mind was quite sick of Mr. Elton and the Martins. The refreshment of Randalls was absolutely necessary. It was a good scheme; but on driving to the door they heard that neither "master nor mistress was at home;" they had both been out some time; the man believed they were gone to Hartfield. "This is too bad," cried Emma, as they turned away. "And now we shall just miss them; too provoking!--I do not know when I have been so disappointed." And she leaned back in the corner, to indulge her murmurs, or to reason them away; probably a little of both-- such being the commonest process of a not ill-disposed mind. Presently the carriage stopt; she looked up; it was stopt by Mr. and Mrs. Weston, who were standing to speak to her. 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. Frank comes to-morrow--I had a letter this morning--we see him tomorrow by dinner-time to a certainty-- he is at Oxford to-day, and he comes for a whole fortnight; I knew it would be so. If he had come at Christmas he could not have staid three days; I was always glad he did not come at Christmas; now we are going to have just the right weather for him, fine, dry, settled weather. We shall enjoy him completely; every thing has turned out exactly as we could wish." 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. To know that she thought his coming certain was enough to make Emma consider it so, and sincerely did she rejoice in their joy. It was a most delightful reanimation of exhausted spirits. The worn-out past was sunk in the freshness of what was coming; and in the rapidity of half a moment's thought, she hoped Mr. Elton would now be talked of no more.

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Elton. Domnul Weston i povesti toate aranjamentele de la Enscombe, n urma crora fiul su putea s-i permit s petreac dou sptmni dup voia lui, ca i amnuntele despre cltoria lui, drumul pe care l va urma, i ea ascult zmbind i felicitndu-l. Curnd, l vom aduce la Hartfield, zise el n ncheiere. Emma vzu, sau i nchipui c vede cum doamna Weston l atinse uor pe bra, la auzul acestor vorbe. Mai bine hai s mergem, domnule Weston, zise ea, le reinem pe fete. Da, da, am terminat, i ntorcndu-se spre Emma. dar probabil te atepi s vezi un tnr foarte, foarte frumos. Numai de la mine ai auzit despre el. Poate c nu e cu nimic extraordinar, dei ochii lui strlucitori vorbeau n acelai timp n numele unei atari convingeri. Emma reui s se prefac a nu ti despre ce e vorba i rspunse ntr-un fel care nu lsa s se ghiceasc nimic. Gndete-te la mine mine, drag Emma, pe la patru, o rug doamna Weston la desprire, vorbindu-i numai ei. La patru! Crede-m, o s fie aici la trei, corect domnul Weston, repede; i astfel se termin o ntlnire foarte plcut. Emma era ntr-o bun dispoziie care semna foarte bine cu fericirea. Totul se schimbase n jur. James i caii lui nu mai erau aa de greoi ca nainte. Cnd i arunc privirea la gardul viu, i veni n minte c pomiorul cel mai mare o s nmugureasc n curnd i cnd se ntoarse spre Harriet vzu i la ea ceva primvratec, un zmbet fraged. Domnul Churchill va trece numai pe la Oxford, sau i pe la Bath ? Era o ntrebare care nu prevestea nimic bun. Dar noiunile de geografie i linitea sufleteasc nu se pot cpta dintr-o dat i Emma era acum dispus s decid c toate vor veni la timpul potrivit. Dimineaa acelei zile extraordinare sosi i eleva credincioas a doamnei Weston nu uit nici la zece, nici la unsprezece, nici la dousprezece c trebuie s se gndeasc la ea la patru. Ah, draga mea prieten grijulie. i zicea ea n gnd, n timp ce cobora din camera ei, ntotdeauna ai prea mult grij fa de alii i de dumneata deloc. Parc te vd foindu-te mereu i alergnd n camera lui ca s te asiguri c totul e n ordine." Cnd trecu prin hol, ceasul sun dousprezece. E dousprezece, n-am s uit s m gndesc la dumneata peste patru ore, i mine pe la ora asta, sau poate ceva mai trziu, pot s m pregtesc pentru venirea lui aici. Sunt sigur c-l vor aduce curnd ncoace." Deschise ua salonului i vzu doi domni stnd de vorb cu tatl ei domnul Weston i fiul su. Sosiser de cteva minute, i domnul Weston abia terminase de explicat cum a ajuns Frank cu o zi nainte de cea propus, i

Mr. Weston gave her the history of the engagements at Enscombe, which allowed his son to answer for having an entire fortnight at his command, as well as the route and the method of his journey; and she listened, and smiled, and congratulated. "I shall soon bring him over to Hartfield," said he, at the conclusion. Emma could imagine she saw a touch of the arm at this speech, from his wife. "We had better move on, Mr. Weston," said she, "we are detaining the girls." "Well, well, I am ready;"--and turning again to Emma, "but you must not be expecting such a very fine young man; you have only had my account you know; I dare say he is really nothing extraordinary:"-- though his own sparkling eyes at the moment were speaking a very different conviction. Emma could look perfectly unconscious and innocent, and answer in a manner that appropriated nothing. "Think of me to-morrow, my dear Emma, about four o'clock," was Mrs. Weston's parting injunction; spoken with some anxiety, and meant only for her. "Four o'clock!--depend upon it he will be here by three," was Mr. Weston's quick amendment; and so ended a most satisfactory meeting. Emma's spirits were mounted quite up to happiness; every thing wore a different air; James and his horses seemed not half so sluggish as before. When she looked at the hedges, she thought the elder at least must soon be coming out; and when she turned round to Harriet, she saw something like a look of spring, a tender smile even there. "Will Mr. Frank Churchill pass through Bath as well as Oxford?"-- was a question, however, which did not augur much. But neither geography nor tranquillity could come all at once, and Emma was now in a humour to resolve that they should both come in time. The morning of the interesting day arrived, and Mrs. Weston's faithful pupil did not forget either at ten, or eleven, or twelve o'clock, that she was to think of her at four. "My dear, dear anxious friend,"--said she, in mental soliloquy, while walking downstairs from her own room, "always overcareful for every body's comfort but your own; I see you now in all your little fidgets, going again and again into his room, to be sure that all is right." The clock struck twelve as she passed through the hall. "'Tis twelve; I shall not forget to think of you four hours hence; and by this time to-morrow, perhaps, or a little later, I may be thinking of the possibility of their all calling here. I am sure they will bring him soon." She opened the parlour door, and saw two gentlemen sitting with her father--Mr. Weston and his son. They had been arrived only a few minutes, and Mr. Weston had scarcely finished his explanation of Frank's being a day before his time, and her father was yet in the midst of

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tatl ei tocmai le ura politicos bun venit", i l felicita pe domnul Weston, cnd apru i ea s-i guste poria de surpriz i plcerea de a face cunotin. Frank Churchill, de care se vorbise atta, care suscitase atta interes, era n faa ei n carne i oase. Era n faa ei, i vzu c laudele nu fuseser degeaba. Era un tnr foarte frumos. Statura, atitudinea, felul lui de a vorbi, toate erau ireproabile i purtarea lui era plin de spirit i voioie ca i a tatlui su. Prea iute i inteligent. Simi imediat c trebuie s-l plac. Avea un fel de degajare a omului de lume, o uurin de a vorbi care o convinser c venise s o cunoasc i c se vor cunoate bine.

Sosise la Randalls cu o sear nainte. i fcu plcere nerbdarea lui de a veni, care l fcuse s-i schimbe planurile i s plece mai devreme, s cltoreasc la ore mai trzii i mai repede, astfel nct s ctige jumtate de zi. . V-am spus de ieri, strig domnul Weston cu entuziasm. V-am spus c o s vin nainte de data fixat. Mi-aduc aminte cum fceam eu. Nu poi s te momondeti pe drum, naintezi mai repede dect i-ai propus. i ce plcere s ajungi la prietenii ti nainte ca ei s se atepte. Face, zu, toat osteneala, dac nu chiar mai mult. E o mare plcere s-i dai osteneala pentru asta, zise tnrul, dei nu spre multe locuri m-a ndrepta cu atta grab. Dar, venind acas, simeam c pot face orice. Cuvntul acas l fcu pe tatl su s se uite la el cu mai mult rennoit mulumire. Emma fu imediat sigur c el tia cum s se fac simpatizat. Convingerea i fu ntrit de ceea ce urm. i plcea foarte mult la Randalls, gsea casa foarte frumos aranjat, nu voia s accepte ideea c era prea mic, admira poziia, drumul spre Highbury, satul nsui i avea i o mare admiraie pentru Hartfield i jur c se gndise cu mare interes la satul sta, aa cum numai la satul natal te poi gndi, i dorise totdeauna s-l viziteze. Emmei i trecu prin cap o bnuial: s nu fi putut niciodat s dea curs unor sentimente att de puternice ? Dar, chiar dac nu era sincer, afirmaia era plcut i spus astfel, ca s fac plcere. Maniera lui nu prea studiat sau exagerat. Arta i vorbea exact ca cineva din cale-afar de bucuros. Vorbir despre lucrurile obinuite la nceputul unei cunotine. El punea ntrebri: tia s clreasc ? i plcea s se plimbe ? mprejurimile erau frumoase ? Poate la Highbury era destul lume bun. i vzuse nite case foarte drgue. Baluri, se ddeau baluri ? Se ocupau de muzic ?" Dar, cnd obinu suficiente informaii i ajunser s se cunoasc ceva mai bine, cut o ocazie, n timp ce taii lor erau ocupai ntr-o discuie separat, s aduc vorba de mama lui adoptiv i s o laude cu multe

his very civil welcome and congratulations, when she appeared, to have her share of surprize, introduction, and pleasure. The Frank Churchill so long talked of, so high in interest, was actually before her--he was presented to her, and she did not think too much had been said in his praise; he was a very good looking young man; height, air, address, all were unexceptionable, and his countenance had a great deal of the spirit and liveliness of his father's; he looked quick and sensible. She felt immediately that she should like him; and there was a well-bred ease of manner, and a readiness to talk, which convinced her that he came intending to be acquainted with her, and that acquainted they soon must be. He had reached Randalls the evening before. She was pleased with the eagerness to arrive which had made him alter his plan, and travel earlier, later, and quicker, that he might gain half a day. "I told you yesterday," cried Mr. Weston with exultation, "I told you all that he would be here before the time named. I remembered what I used to do myself. One cannot creep upon a journey; one cannot help getting on faster than one has planned; and the pleasure of coming in upon one's friends before the look-out begins, is worth a great deal more than any little exertion it needs." "It is a great pleasure where one can indulge in it," said the young man, "though there are not many houses that I should presume on so far; but in coming home I felt I might do any thing." The word home made his father look on him with fresh complacency. Emma was directly sure that he knew how to make himself agreeable; the conviction was strengthened by what followed. He was very much pleased with Randalls, thought it a most admirably arranged house, would hardly allow it even to be very small, admired the situation, the walk to Highbury, Highbury itself, Hartfield still more, and professed himself to have always felt the sort of interest in the country which none but one's own country gives, and the greatest curiosity to visit it. That he should never have been able to indulge so amiable a feeling before, passed suspiciously through Emma's brain; but still, if it were a falsehood, it was a pleasant one, and pleasantly handled. His manner had no air of study or exaggeration. He did really look and speak as if in a state of no common enjoyment. Their subjects in general were such as belong to an opening acquaintance. On his side were the inquiries,--"Was she a horsewoman?--Pleasant rides?-Pleasant walks?--Had they a large neighbourhood?--Highbury, perhaps, afforded society enough?--There were several very pretty houses in and about it.--Balls--had they balls?--Was it a musical society?" But when satisfied on all these points, and their acquaintance proportionably advanced, he contrived to find an opportunity, while their two fathers were engaged with

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cuvinte frumoase i cald admiraie, cu mult recunotin pentru fericirea pe care i-o aducea tatlui su i pentru primirea binevoitoare pe care i-o fcuse lui nc o dovad c tia cum s se fac iubit i el socotea desigur, c merit dragostea lui de fiu. Nu se avnt n laude pe care doamna Weston nu le-ar fi meritat, dar, fr ndoial, nu o cunotea foarte bine. tia ce e binevenit i ce nu. Cstoria tatlui su", zicea el, fusese un lucru foarte nelept, toi prietenii se bucurau probabil i familia creia i datora aceast binecuvntare, poate s fie sigur de recunotina lor."

Era gata s-i mulumeasc ei pentru meritele domnioarei Taylor, fr a prea totui s fi uitat c n firea lucrurilor era ca domnioara Taylor s fi format caracterul domnioarei Woodhouse, i nu invers. i, n cele din urm, ca i cnd ar fi vrut ca din prerile lui s nu lipseasc nimic, i ncunun laudele cu surpriza fa de tinereea i frumuseea ei fizic: Maniere distinse i plcute, da, la asta m ateptam, zise el, dar trebuie s mrturisesc c nu m ateptam la nimic mai mult dect la o femeie de o oarecare vrsta, care arat nici prea bine, nici prea ru. Nu tiam c o s gsesc o doamn Weston tnr i drgu. Dac ar fi dup mine, nici o laud nu spune destul despre doamna Weston, zise Emma; dac ai fi spus c i dai optsprezece ani, a fi fost ncntat; dar ea e gata s se certe cu oricine ar rosti asemenea cuvinte. S nu-i vorbeti astfel pe fa. Nu e bine nici mcar s-i nchipuie c ai numit-o tnr i drgu. Sper c m pricep la atta lucru, rspunse el, nu, poi fi sigur (cu o nclinare galant) c atunci cnd vorbesc cu doamna Weston voi ti pe ci-ne s laud, fr nici o team c ar putea gsi vorbele mele exagerate. Emma se ntreba dac i el bnuise ce ateptau cei doi de la cunotina lor, bnuial care era att de puternic n mintea ei, i dac aceste complimente ale lui trebuiau considerate semne ale unui consimmnt tacit, sau dovezi de sfidare. Trebuia s-l vad mai mult ca s-i dea seama ce fel de om e. Deocamdat, i se prea simpatic. N-avea nici o ndoial asupra planurilor pe care i le fcea adesea domnul Weston. Observ c, din cnd n cnd, le arunca o privire iute, plin de fericire, i chiar atunci cnd nu se uita, ea era ncredinat c trgea cu urechea. Faptul c tatl ei era cu totul departe de asemenea gnduri, deficiena lui total n a nelege i bnui asemenea lucruri erau ct se poate de binevenite. Din fericire, dei nu aproba cstoriile, era ct se poate de

each other, of introducing his mother-in-law, and speaking of her with so much handsome praise, so much warm admiration, so much gratitude for the happiness she secured to his father, and her very kind reception of himself, as was an additional proof of his knowing how to please-- and of his certainly thinking it worth while to try to please her. He did not advance a word of praise beyond what she knew to be thoroughly deserved by Mrs. Weston; but, undoubtedly he could know very little of the matter. He understood what would be welcome; he could be sure of little else. "His father's marriage," he said, "had been the wisest measure, every friend must rejoice in it; and the family from whom he had received such a blessing must be ever considered as having conferred the highest obligation on him." He got as near as he could to thanking her for Miss Taylor's merits, without seeming quite to forget that in the common course of things it was to be rather supposed that Miss Taylor had formed Miss Woodhouse's character, than Miss Woodhouse Miss Taylor's. And at last, as if resolved to qualify his opinion completely for travelling round to its object, he wound it all up with astonishment at the youth and beauty of her person. "Elegant, agreeable manners, I was prepared for," said he; "but I confess that, considering every thing, I had not expected more than a very tolerably well-looking woman of a certain age; I did not know that I was to find a pretty young woman in Mrs. Weston." "You cannot see too much perfection in Mrs. Weston for my feelings," said Emma; "were you to guess her to be eighteen, I should listen with pleasure; but she would be ready to quarrel with you for using such words. Don't let her imagine that you have spoken of her as a pretty young woman." "I hope I should know better," he replied; "no, depend upon it, (with a gallant bow,) that in addressing Mrs. Weston I should understand whom I might praise without any danger of being thought extravagant in my terms." Emma wondered whether the same suspicion of what might be expected from their knowing each other, which had taken strong possession of her mind, had ever crossed his; and whether his compliments were to be considered as marks of acquiescence, or proofs of defiance. She must see more of him to understand his ways; at present she only felt they were agreeable. She had no doubt of what Mr. Weston was often thinking about. His quick eye she detected again and again glancing towards them with a happy expression; and even, when he might have determined not to look, she was confident that he was often listening. Her own father's perfect exemption from any thought of the kind, the entire deficiency in him of all such sort of penetration or suspicion, was a most comfortable circumstance. Happily he was not farther from approving

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strin de orice suspiciune n acest sens. i dei totdeauna se ridica mpotriva oricrei cstorii deja stabilite, nu suferea niciodat dinainte pentru c ar fi prevzut-o. Se prea c nu putea avea o prere att de proast despre mintea a dou persoane nct s cread c vor s se cstoreasc fr s-i foreze nimeni. Binecuvnta aceast lips de perspicacitate a lui. Putea acum, fr a fi stnjenit de vreo presupunere neplcut, fr s prevad nici un fel de trdare din partea oaspetelui su, s-i dea drumul solicitudinii izvorte din inima sa bun i buna lui cretere, ntrebnd despre condiiile n care cltorise domnul Frank Churchill, care avusese nenorocirea de a dormi dou nopi pe drum, i s-i exprime dorina sincer i pur de a afla dac nu cumva a rcit n cursul acestora, ceea ce nu poate fi sigur dect dup ce va mai trece nc o noapte. Vizita durase suficient de mult i domnul Weston se pregti s plece. Trebuia s plece; avea ceva de aranjat n legtur cu finul su de la Crown i mai multe comisioane pentru doamna Weston la Ford; dar alii puteau s mai stea. Fiul su, prea bine crescut ca s profite de aceast aluzie, sri imediat, spunnd: Dac avei treburi n continuare, domnule, o s profit de ocazie ca s fac o vizit pe care tot trebuie s-o fac zilele astea i, prin urmare, acum e foarte bine. Am avut onoarea s cunosc o Vecin de-a dumneavoastr (ntorcndu-se spre Emma), o domnioar care locuiete la Highbury. Sper c nu va fi prea greu s gsesc casa, dei nu cred c numele e Fairfax, ci Barnes sau Bates. Cunoteai o familie cu numele sta ?

Cunosc, cum s nu, strig tatl su. Doamna Bates, am trecut pe lng casa ei, am vzut-o pe domnioara Bates la fereastr. Adevrat, adevrat, o cunoti pe domnioara Fairfax ? Mi-aduc aminte c ai cunoscut-o la Weymouth i e o fat minunat. F-i o vizit, neaprat. Nu e neaprat nevoie s m duc chiar azi de diminea, zise tnrul, pot s m duc i n alt zi. Dar la Weymouth ne-am cunoscut destul de bine ca s... A. du-te azi, du-te azi. Nu mai amna. Niciodat nu e prea devreme s-i faci datoria. i n afar de asta, Frank, trebuie s-i spun cte ceva despre situaia ei aici. Trebuie s evii s fii nepoliticos cu ea aici. Ai vzut-o mpreun cu familia Campbell, cnd era egal cu cei n societatea crora se afla, dar aici locuiete cu o bunic srac, abia au ce s mnnce. Dac nu te duci n vizit imediat, se vor simi jignite. Tnrul se ls convins. Am auzit-o spunnd c v cunoatei, zise Emma. E o fat foarte distins. El aprob, dar cu un da" att de moale nct o fcu s se ndoiasc aproape c ar fi de aceeai prere; i totui, poate c exista o alt noiune de distincie n lumea bun, dac Jane Fairfax nu ieea cu nimic din comun. Dac nu te-au frapat manierele ei niciodat, zise ea,

matrimony than from foreseeing it.-- Though always objecting to every marriage that was arranged, he never suffered beforehand from the apprehension of any; it seemed as if he could not think so ill of any two persons' understanding as to suppose they meant to marry till it were proved against them. She blessed the favouring blindness. He could now, without the drawback of a single unpleasant surmise, without a glance forward at any possible treachery in his guest, give way to all his natural kind-hearted civility in solicitous inquiries after Mr. Frank Churchill's accommodation on his journey, through the sad evils of sleeping two nights on the road, and express very genuine unmixed anxiety to know that he had certainly escaped catching cold--which, however, he could not allow him to feel quite assured of himself till after another night. A reasonable visit paid, Mr. Weston began to move.--"He must be going. He had business at the Crown about his hay, and a great many errands for Mrs. Weston at Ford's, but he need not hurry any body else." His son, too well bred to hear the hint, rose immediately also, saying, "As you are going farther on business, sir, I will take the opportunity of paying a visit, which must be paid some day or other, and therefore may as well be paid now. I have the honour of being acquainted with a neighbour of yours, (turning to Emma,) a lady residing in or near Highbury; a family of the name of Fairfax. I shall have no difficulty, I suppose, in finding the house; though Fairfax, I believe, is not the proper name--I should rather say Barnes, or Bates. Do you know any family of that name?" "To be sure we do," cried his father; "Mrs. Bates--we passed her house-- I saw Miss Bates at the window. True, true, you are acquainted with Miss Fairfax; I remember you knew her at Weymouth, and a fine girl she is. Call upon her, by all means." "There is no necessity for my calling this morning," said the young man; "another day would do as well; but there was that degree of acquaintance at Weymouth which-"Oh! go to-day, go to-day. Do not defer it. What is right to be done cannot be done too soon. And, besides, I must give you a hint, Frank; any want of attention to her here should be carefully avoided. You saw her with the Campbells, when she was the equal of every body she mixed with, but here she is with a poor old grandmother, who has barely enough to live on. If you do not call early it will be a slight." The son looked convinced. "I have heard her speak of the acquaintance," said Emma; "she is a very elegant young woman." He agreed to it, but with so quiet a "Yes," as inclined her almost to doubt his real concurrence; and yet there must be a very distinct sort of elegance for the fashionable world, if Jane Fairfax could be thought only ordinarily gifted with it. "If you were never particularly struck by her manners

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cred c te vor frapa acum. O vei vedea ntr-o lumin mai bun. O vei vedea i auzi, ah, nu, mi-e team c n-o vei auzi deloc, pentru c are o mtu care vorbete ca o moar stricat. O cunoti pe domnioara Fairfax ? domnule, zu ? zise domnul Woodhouse intrnd ca de obicei ultimul n conversaie. Atunci d-mi voie s-i spun c e o tnr foarte drgu. E n vizit la bunica i mtua ei, foarte cumsecade femei. Le cunosc de o via ntreag. Vor fi foarte bucuroase s te vad, sunt sigur. Trimit un servitor cu dumneata s-i arate drumul. Stimate domnule, dar n nici un caz, tata poate s-mi explice. Dar tatl dumitale nu merge pn acolo. Merge la Crown, la captul cellalt al strzii i e foarte mult noroi, dac nu te ii de potec; vizitiul meu i va spune pe unde s traversezi. Domnul Frank Churchill refuz n continuare ncercnd s arate ct se poate de serios. i tatl su i sri n ajutor, strignd: Dar, bunul meu prieten, nu e nevoie deloc. Frank tie ce e aia o balt, mai ales dac se vede, i de la Crown poate s ajung la doamna Bates ntr-un picior. Li se ddu voie s plece nensoii, i salutnd, unul cu o nclinare a capului, cellalt cu o plecciune, cei doi domni plecar. Emma era foarte mulumit de acest nceput i de acum se putea gndi la cei de la Randalls, la orice or din zi, ncredinat c se neleg bine. CAPITOLUL XXIV A DOUA ZI DE DIMINEAA, DOMNUL FRANK Churchill se art din nou. Veni cu doamna Weston. Se prea c se neleg destul de bine i o ndrgise la fel de mult ca pe satul Hinghbury. Dup cte spunea ea, sttuser mpreun flecrind cu mult plcere, pn cnd se fcuse ora ei de plimbare, i cnd i se ceruse s aleag locul spre care s se ndrepte spusese imediat Highbury". Nu se ndoia c i celelalte locuri sunt bune pentru plimbare, dar, dac e vorba s aleag el, va decide s se plimbe ntotdeauna nspre Highbury. Highbury, satul acesta aerisit, vesel, fericit, va fi totdeauna o atracie pentru el. Pentru doamna Weston, Highbury nsemna Hartfield i era ncredinat c i pentru el erau unul i acelai lucru. Plecaser imediat ntr-acolo. Emma nu se atepta s-i vad, pentru c domnul Weston, care abia trecuse pe acolo, pentru o jumtate de minut, numai ca s aud c fiul su e foarte frumos, nu tia nimic despre planurile lor. Era o surpriz plcut, deci, s-i vad venind spre casa ei, mpreun, bra la bra. Tocmai dorea s-l ntlneasc din nou i mai ales n compania doamnei Weston, pentru c de purtarea lui fa de dnsa urma s depind opinia ei despre el. Dac

before," said she, "I think you will to-day. You will see her to advantage; see her and hear her--no, I am afraid you will not hear her at all, for she has an aunt who never holds her tongue." "You are acquainted with Miss Jane Fairfax, sir, are you?" said Mr. Woodhouse, always the last to make his way in conversation; "then give me leave to assure you that you will find her a very agreeable young lady. She is staying here on a visit to her grandmama and aunt, very worthy people; I have known them all my life. They will be extremely glad to see you, I am sure; and one of my servants shall go with you to shew you the way." "My dear sir, upon no account in the world; my father can direct me." "But your father is not going so far; he is only going to the Crown, quite on the other side of the street, and there are a great many houses; you might be very much at a loss, and it is a very dirty walk, unless you keep on the footpath; but my coachman can tell you where you had best cross the street." Mr. Frank Churchill still declined it, looking as serious as he could, and his father gave his hearty support by calling out, "My good friend, this is quite unnecessary; Frank knows a puddle of water when he sees it, and as to Mrs. Bates's, he may get there from the Crown in a hop, step, and jump." They were permitted to go alone; and with a cordial nod from one, and a graceful bow from the other, the two gentlemen took leave. Emma remained very well pleased with this beginning of the acquaintance, and could now engage to think of them all at Randalls any hour of the day, with full confidence in their comfort. The next morning brought Mr. Frank Churchill again. He came with Mrs. Weston, to whom and to Highbury he seemed to take very cordially. He had been sitting with her, it appeared, most companionably at home, till her usual hour of exercise; and on being desired to chuse their walk, immediately fixed on Highbury.--"He did not doubt there being very pleasant walks in every direction, but if left to him, he should always chuse the same. Highbury, that airy, cheerful, happy-looking Highbury, would be his constant attraction."-- Highbury, with Mrs. Weston, stood for Hartfield; and she trusted to its bearing the same construction with him. They walked thither directly. Emma had hardly expected them: for Mr. Weston, who had called in for half a minute, in order to hear that his son was very handsome, knew nothing of their plans; and it was an agreeable surprize to her, therefore, to perceive them walking up to the house together, arm in arm. She was wanting to see him again, and especially to see him in company with Mrs. Weston, upon his behaviour to whom her opinion of him was to depend. If he were deficient there, nothing should make amends for it. But on seeing them together, she became perfectly

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greea n acest punct, nimic nu-l mai putea scuza fa de ea. Dar cnd i vzu mpreun, fu deplin mulumit. Nu-i fcea datoria numai prin cuvinte frumoase i complimente exagerate, purtarea lui fa de ea era ct se poate de cuviincioas i plcut, artnd ct se poate de convingtor, n dorina lui de a o considera prieten i de a fi sigur de dragostea ei, i Emma avut destul timp si formeze o opinie bine fondat, pentru c vizita lor dur toat dimineaa. Se plimbar toi trei o or, dou, mai nti n jurul boschetelor de la Hartfield i apoi spre Highbury. El era ncntat de toate: admir Hartfield destul pentru urechile domnului Woodhouse i cnd hotrr s mearg mai departe i mrturisi dorina de a cunoate tot satul i gsind motive de laud i interes mai multe dect i nchipuise Emma. Curiozitatea pe care o arta fa de anumite lucruri dovedea nite sentimente cu totul admirabile. Rug s i se arate casa n care locuise tatl su atta vreme i care fusese cminul lui i amintindu-i c btrna care i fusese doic era nc n via, porni n cutarea casei ei, de la un capt la altul al strzii, i, dei unele din preocuprile i observaiile lui nu dovedeau un merit deosebit, se vdea n toate o bunvoin fa de Highbury, care trebuie s fi fost mult preuit de tovarele sale. Emma l observa i decise c, judecnd dup sentimentele pe care le arta acum, se putea foarte bine presupune c nu era posibil s-i fi amnat vizita din proprie iniiativ, s fi jucat o comedie, s fi fcut parad de nesinceriti i c domnul Knightley l judecase desigur greit. Primul mic popas fu la hanul Crown, o cldire care nu prea i merita atenie, dei era singura de acest fel din mprejurimi, unde existau o pereche de cai de pot, mai mult pentru necesitile localnicilor dect pentru cltorii mai lungi. Tovarele sale nu socoteau c aici va fi ceva interesant care s-l rein, dar, trecnd prin faa hanului, i povestir despre sala cea mare, care fusese, n mod vizibil, adugat construciei mai vechi. Fusese cldit cu muli ani n urm pentru a servi ca sal de bal i, pe vremea cnd cei din partea locului erau mai numeroi i mai pui pe dans, fusese folosit ca atare. Dar zilele acelei glorii erau demult apuse i acum cel mai nobil scop n care putea fi folosit era s adposteasc un club de whist pentru brbaii cu mai mult sau mai puin educaie din mprejurimi. Imediat el se interes despre aceast sal. Calitatea ei de sal de bal l atrase i n loc s treac mai departe se opri cteva minute n faa ferestrelor glisante de sus, care erau deschise, s se uite nuntru, s vad ce posibiliti existau i s se plng c scopul originar se pierduse. Nu gsea nici un defect slii i nu voi s recunoasc nici unul din cele sugerate de ele. Nu era destul de lung, destul de larg i destul de frumoas. Ar putea cuprinde exact numrul potrivit de

satisfied. It was not merely in fine words or hyperbolical compliment that he paid his duty; nothing could be more proper or pleasing than his whole manner to her-nothing could more agreeably denote his wish of considering her as a friend and securing her affection. And there was time enough for Emma to form a reasonable judgment, as their visit included all the rest of the morning. They were all three walking about together for an hour or two-- first round the shrubberies of Hartfield, and afterwards in Highbury. He was delighted with every thing; admired Hartfield sufficiently for Mr. Woodhouse's ear; and when their going farther was resolved on, confessed his wish to be made acquainted with the whole village, and found matter of commendation and interest much oftener than Emma could have supposed. Some of the objects of his curiosity spoke very amiable feelings. He begged to be shewn the house which his father had lived in so long, and which had been the home of his father's father; and on recollecting that an old woman who had nursed him was still living, walked in quest of her cottage from one end of the street to the other; and though in some points of pursuit or observation there was no positive merit, they shewed, altogether, a good-will towards Highbury in general, which must be very like a merit to those he was with. Emma watched and decided, that with such feelings as were now shewn, it could not be fairly supposed that he had been ever voluntarily absenting himself; that he had not been acting a part, or making a parade of insincere professions; and that Mr. Knightley certainly had not done him justice. Their first pause was at the Crown Inn, an inconsiderable house, though the principal one of the sort, where a couple of pair of post-horses were kept, more for the convenience of the neighbourhood than from any run on the road; and his companions had not expected to be detained by any interest excited there; but in passing it they gave the history of the large room visibly added; it had been built many years ago for a ball-room, and while the neighbourhood had been in a particularly populous, dancing state, had been occasionally used as such;--but such brilliant days had long passed away, and now the highest purpose for which it was ever wanted was to accommodate a whist club established among the gentlemen and half-gentlemen of the place. He was immediately interested. Its character as a ball-room caught him; and instead of passing on, he stopt for several minutes at the two superior sashed windows which were open, to look in and contemplate its capabilities, and lament that its original purpose should have ceased. He saw no fault in the room, he would acknowledge none which they suggested. No, it was long enough, broad enough, handsome enough. It would hold the very number for comfort. They ought to have balls there at least every fortnight through the winter.

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persoane. Ar trebui s se organizeze baluri, cel puin la dou sptmni, n tot cursul iernii. De ce domnioara Woodhouse nu ncercase nimic pentru a renvia zilele bune de altdat ale acestei sli ? Ea putea face orice la Highbury. Se invocar dou motive: n sat nu se aflau familii destul de bune, iar cele din mprejurimi n-ar fi fost tentate s ia parte; dar el nu fu satisfcut. Nu putea nimeni s-l conving c attea case frumoase cte vzuse el nu adposteau destul lume pentru o asemenea ntlnire i chiar cnd i se ddur amnunte, i se descriser familiile, tot nu voia s recunoasc inconvenientul unui asemenea amestec sau c ar fi vreo dificultate pentru cineva s se ntoarc acas dimineaa. Avea argumentele unui tnr cruia i plcea foarte mult s danseze i Emma fu destul de surprins s constate c firea familiei Weston o lua naintea obiceiurilor familiei Churchill. Prea s fie la fel de vioi i de jovial, aplecat spre cele lumeti, ca i tatl lui, i deloc mndru i rezervat ca cei din familia de la Enscombe. Prea s fie chiar prea lipsit de mndrie: indiferena fa de amestecul unor persoane de ranguri diferite era prea aproape de o lips de distincie. Totui, el nu era n msur s-i formeze o opinie just i s evalueze corect rul posibil. Era numai o efuziune a unui suflet plin de entuziasm. n fine, se ls convins s plece din faa hanului Crown i cnd ajunser n faa casei unde locuia familia Bates, Emma i aminti c el voise s le fac o vizit cu o zi nainte i l ntreb dac o fcuse: A, da, da, rspunse el, tocmai voiam s v povestesc. O vizit foarte reuit, le-am vzut pe toate cele trei doamne i m-am simit foarte ndatorat pentru cele ce miai spus. Dac mtua cea vorbrea m-ar fi luat prin surprindere, a fi fost un om mort. Dar aa, am fost numai pclit i am fcut o vizit nesbuit de lung. Zece minute ar fi fost de ajuns, poate mai mult nici nu se cuvenea i ii spusesem tatei c voi ajunge acas naintea lui, dar nu puteam s scap, nu se oprea deloc i, spre uimirea mea, cnd tata a venit i el acolo pentru c nu m gsea nicieri, am descoperit c sttusem aproape trei sferturi de or. Buna doamn nu m lsase nici s rsuflu. Cum o gsii pe domnioara Fairfax ? Arat ru, foarte ru, adic, m rog. dac se poate spune asta despre o domnioar. Dar o asemenea expresie nu poate fi acceptat, doamn Weston, nu-i aa ? Doamnele nu arat niciodat ru i acum, serios vorbind, domnioara Fairfax are o paloare natural exagerat, carei d impresia c e mereu bolnav deplorabil de palid. Emma nu era de acord i ncepu s apere clduros culoarea domnioarei Fairfax. Desigur, nu avea strlucire, dar nu se poate spune c are o nuan bolnvicioas n general, i pielea era moale i fin, cea ce ddea o distincie special a feei ei." O ascult cu politeea cuvenit i admise c a mai auzit i pe alii care spuneau acelai lucru i, totui, el trebuia s mrturiseasc, nimic

Why had not Miss Woodhouse revived the former good old days of the room?--She who could do any thing in Highbury! The want of proper families in the place, and the conviction that none beyond the place and its immediate environs could be tempted to attend, were mentioned; but he was not satisfied. He could not be persuaded that so many good-looking houses as he saw around him, could not furnish numbers enough for such a meeting; and even when particulars were given and families described, he was still unwilling to admit that the inconvenience of such a mixture would be any thing, or that there would be the smallest difficulty in every body's returning into their proper place the next morning. He argued like a young man very much bent on dancing; and Emma was rather surprized to see the constitution of the Weston prevail so decidedly against the habits of the Churchills. He seemed to have all the life and spirit, cheerful feelings, and social inclinations of his father, and nothing of the pride or reserve of Enscombe. Of pride, indeed, there was, perhaps, scarcely enough; his indifference to a confusion of rank, bordered too much on inelegance of mind. He could be no judge, however, of the evil he was holding cheap. It was but an effusion of lively spirits. At last he was persuaded to move on from the front of the Crown; and being now almost facing the house where the Bateses lodged, Emma recollected his intended visit the day before, and asked him if he had paid it. "Yes, oh! yes"--he replied; "I was just going to mention it. A very successful visit:--I saw all the three ladies; and felt very much obliged to you for your preparatory hint. If the talking aunt had taken me quite by surprize, it must have been the death of me. As it was, I was only betrayed into paying a most unreasonable visit. Ten minutes would have been all that was necessary, perhaps all that was proper; and I had told my father I should certainly be at home before him--but there was no getting away, no pause; and, to my utter astonishment, I found, when he (finding me nowhere else) joined me there at last, that I had been actually sitting with them very nearly three-quarters of an hour. The good lady had not given me the possibility of escape before." "And how did you think Miss Fairfax looking?" "Ill, very ill--that is, if a young lady can ever be allowed to look ill. But the expression is hardly admissible, Mrs. Weston, is it? Ladies can never 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." Emma would not agree to this, and began a warm defence of Miss Fairfax's complexion. "It was certainly never brilliant, but she would not allow it to have a sickly hue in general; and there was a softness and delicacy in her skin which gave peculiar elegance to the character of her face." He listened with all due deference; acknowledged that he had heard many people

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nu se poate compara cu strlucirea sntii. Cnd trsturile sunt aa i aa, o culoare bun le face frumoase, iar cnd i acestea sunt frumoase, efectul este din fericire, nu mai era nevoie s descrie efectul. Ei, bine, zise Emma, gusturile nu se discut. Cel puin, n afar de culoare, o gsii frumoas ? El cltin din cap i rse: Nu pot s o separ pe domnioara Fairfax de culoarea ei. V vedeai des la Weymouth ? Frecventai aceeai societate ? n acest moment se apropiaser de magazinul lui Ford i el exclam, grbit: A, sta trebuie s fie magazinul unde fiecare cumpr seva n fiecare zi de la Dumnezeu, dup cum mi spunea tata. i el vine la Highbury ase din apte zile ale sptmnii i totdeauna are cte o treab la Ford. Dac nu v deranjeaz, hai s intrm, ca s m dovedesc i eu localnic un adevrat cetean din Highbury. Trebuie s cumpr ceva de la Ford ca s-mi ctig acest drept. Sper c au mnui. A, da, i mnui, i orice altceva. Admir sincer patriotismul dumitale. Vei fi adorat la Highbury. Erai destul de apreciat i nainte de a veni, pentru c eti fiul domnului Weston, dar dac lai o jumtate de coroan la Ford, vei fi apreciat pentru propriile virtui. Intrar i, n timp ce se aduceau pachetele mtsoase de Mens Beavers" i York Tan" i erau nirate pe tejghea, el zise: Iart-m, domnioar Woodhouse! mi spuneai ceva, am auzit cteva cuvinte tocmai n momentul cnd a izbucnit acest amor patriae. Te-a ruga s-mi repei, te asigur c cel mai nalt grad de popularitate nu m-ar putea consola pentru pierderea fericirii mele personale. ntrebasem, pur i simplu, dac o cunoti foarte bine pe domnioara Fairfax i societatea ei din Weymouth. Acum, pentru c i neleg ntrebarea, trebuie s-i declar c nu e cinstit. ntotdeauna doamnele decid ct de bine ne cunoatem. Probabil, domnioara Fairfax i-a spus deja. Nu m voi hazarda s am pretenia la mai mult dect permite dnsa. Pe cuvntul meu, rspunzi la fel de discret ca e. Dar ceea ce spune despre orice las s se ghiceasc attea; e att de rezervat, nu vrea s spun nimic despre nimeni, nct cred c ai putea spune orice despre cunotina dumitale cu ea. A putea, ntr-adevr ? Atunci voi spune adevrul i asta mi convine cel mai bine. Am ntlnit-o destul de des la Weymouth, cunoteam puin familia Campbell i de la Londra, iar la Weymouth eram n aceeai societate. Domnul Campbell e un om foarte simpatic, iar doamna Campbell, o femeie prietenoas, "cu inim bun. mi place de ei toi.

say the same--but yet he must confess, that to him nothing could make amends for the want of the fine glow of health. Where features were indifferent, a fine complexion gave beauty to them all; and where they were good, the effect was--fortunately he need not attempt to describe what the effect was. "Well," said Emma, "there is no disputing about taste.--At least you admire her except her complexion." He shook his head and laughed.--"I cannot separate Miss Fairfax and her complexion." "Did you see her often at Weymouth? Were you often in the same society?" At this moment they were approaching Ford's, and he hastily exclaimed, "Ha! this must be the very shop that every body attends every day of their lives, as my father informs me. He comes to Highbury himself, he says, six days out of the seven, and has always business at Ford's. If it be not inconvenient to you, pray let us go in, that I may prove myself to belong to the place, to be a true citizen of Highbury. I must buy something at Ford's. It will be taking out my freedom.-- I dare say they sell gloves." "Oh! yes, gloves and every thing. I do admire your patriotism. You will be adored in Highbury. You were very popular before you came, because you were Mr. Weston's son--but lay out half a guinea at Ford's, and your popularity will stand upon your own virtues." They went in; and while the sleek, well-tied parcels of "Men's Beavers" and "York Tan" were bringing down and displaying on the counter, he said-"But I beg your pardon, Miss Woodhouse, you were speaking to me, you were saying something at the very moment of this burst of my amor patriae. Do not let me lose it. I assure you the utmost stretch of public fame would not make me amends for the loss of any happiness in private life." "I merely asked, whether you had known much of Miss Fairfax and her party at Weymouth." "And now that I understand your question, I must pronounce it to be a very unfair one. It is always the lady's right to decide on the degree of acquaintance. Miss Fairfax must already have given her account.-- I shall not commit myself by claiming more than she may chuse to allow." "Upon my word! you answer as discreetly as she could do herself. But her account of every thing leaves so much to be guessed, she is so very reserved, so very unwilling to give the least information about any body, that I really think you may say what you like of your acquaintance with her." "May I, indeed?--Then I will speak the truth, and nothing suits me so well. I met her frequently at Weymouth. I had known the Campbells a little in town; and at Weymouth we were very much in the same set. Colonel Campbell is a very agreeable man, and Mrs. Campbell a friendly, warm-hearted woman. I like them all."

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 tii, deci, n ce situaie se afl domnioara Fairfax, dup cte mi dau seama. tii ce urmeaz s fac n via ? Da (ovind), cred c tiu. Atingi subiecte prea delicate, Emma, zise doamna Weston zmbind, amintete-i de mine. Domnul Frank Churchill nu prea tie ce s-i spun cnd vorbeti despre viitoarea meserie a domnioarei Fairfax. M duc mai ncolo. ntotdeauna uit de asta. La dnsa nu m gndesc altfel dect ca la prietena mea, cea mai scump prieten. El prea s fi neles i s respecte un asemenea sentiment. Dup ce cumprar mnuile i ieir din magazin: Ai auzit-o pe domnioara despre care vorbeam cntnd la pian ? zise Frank Churchill. S-o aud ? repet Emma, uii c ea e de fapt din Highbury. Am auzit-o n fiecare an a vieii mele, de cnd am nceput s nvm. Cnt foarte frumos. Asta-i prerea dumitale, nu ? Voiam s tiu ce spun aceia care pot s judece cu adevrat. Dup cte mi s-a prut, cnt bine, cu mult gust, dar eu nu m prea pricep. mi place muzica la nebunie, dar nu am deloc priceperea de a judeca execuia cuiva. M-am obinuit s aud numai laude la adresa ei i mi aduc aminte o ntmplare care dovedete c e considerat o bun instrumentista: un domn care cunotea bine muzica i care iubea o alt femeie, care era logodnica lui erau pe punctul de a se cstori , n-ar fi rugat-o niciodat pe logodnica lui s se aeze la pian dac domnioara de care vorbim era de fa. Niciodat nu o prefera pe aleasa lui. Prerea mea e c asta e o dovad, din partea unui om cu talent recunoscut. O dovad concludent, ntr-adevr, zise Emma, foarte amuzat. Domnul Dixon cunoate foarte mult muzic, nu ? De la dumneata pot s aflu despre ei, n jumtate de or, ceea ce domnioara Fairfax nu mi-ar fi spus nici n jumtate de an. Da, era vorba despre domnul Dixon i domnioara Campbell, i dup prerea mea e o dovad foarte bun. Da, desigur, foarte bun dovad. Ca s vorbim drept, cam prea bun. Dac eu a fi fost n locul domnioarei Campbell, nu mi-ar fi fost deloc pe plac. N-a fi putut s-i iert unui brbat c are n suflet mai mult muzic dect dragoste, c are mai mult ureche dect ochi, e mai sensibil la sunete plcute dect la ceea ce sunt eu. Ce spunea domnioara Campbell despre asta ? Dar, era prietena ei cea mai apropiat, tii. Slab consolare! zise Emma rznd. E mai puin neplcut s-i fie preferat o strin dect prietena cea mai bun; dac e vorba de o strin, nu se va mai repeta, dar e curat nenorocire s ai tot timpul lng tine pe cea mai bun prieten, care face totul mai bine dect tine. Biata doamn Dixon, m bucur pentru ea c s-a stabilit n Irlanda. Ai dreptate, nu era deloc un compliment pentru

"You know Miss Fairfax's situation in life, I conclude; what she is destined to be?" "Yes--(rather hesitatingly)--I believe I do." "You get upon delicate subjects, Emma," said Mrs. Weston smiling; "remember that I am here.--Mr. Frank Churchill hardly knows what to say when you speak of Miss Fairfax's situation in life. I will move a little farther off." "I certainly do forget to think of her," said Emma, "as having ever been any thing but my friend and my dearest friend." He looked as if he fully understood and honoured such a sentiment. When the gloves were bought, and they had quitted the shop again, "Did you ever hear the young lady we were speaking of, play?" said Frank Churchill. "Ever hear her!" repeated Emma. "You forget how much she belongs to Highbury. I have heard her every year of our lives since we both began. She plays charmingly." "You think so, do you?--I wanted the opinion of some one who could really judge. She appeared to me to play well, that is, with considerable taste, but I know nothing of the matter myself.-- I am excessively fond of music, but without the smallest skill or right of judging of any body's performance.--I have been used to hear her's admired; and I remember one proof of her being thought to play well:--a man, a very musical man, and in love with another woman--engaged to her--on the point of marriage-- would yet never ask that other woman to sit down to the instrument, if the lady in question could sit down instead--never seemed to like to hear one if he could hear the other. That, I thought, in a man of known musical talent, was some proof." "Proof indeed!" said Emma, highly amused.--"Mr. Dixon is very musical, is he? We shall know more about them all, in half an hour, from you, than Miss Fairfax would have vouchsafed in half a year." "Yes, Mr. Dixon and Miss Campbell were the persons; and I thought it a very strong proof." "Certainly--very strong it was; to own the truth, a great deal stronger than, if I had been Miss Campbell, would have been at all agreeable to me. I could not excuse a man's having more music than love--more ear than eye--a more acute sensibility to fine sounds than to my feelings. How did Miss Campbell appear to like it?" "It was her very particular friend, you know." "Poor comfort!" said Emma, laughing. "One would rather have a stranger preferred than one's very particular friend--with a stranger it might not recur again--but the misery of having a very particular friend always at hand, to do every thing better than one does oneself!-- Poor Mrs. Dixon! Well, I am glad she is gone to settle in Ireland." "You are right. It was not very flattering to Miss Campbell;

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domnioara Campbell, dar nu prea s o supere. Cu att mai bine, sau cu att mai ru. Nu tiu exact dac o fcea din buntate sau din prostie, din prietenie sau din lips de sensibilitate, dar cred c era cineva care i ddea foarte bine seama: domnioara Fairfax nsi. Ea trebuie s fi simit aceast deosebire necuviincioas i primejdioas pe care o fcea el. Despre asta, eu nu... A, s nu-i nchipui c atept de la dumneata, sau de la oricine altcineva, s-mi poat spune ceva despre ce simte domnioara Fairfax. Cred c nu tie nimeni n afar de ea nsi. Dar dac ar continua s cnte de cte ori o roag domnul Dixon, oricine poate s cread ce vrea. Preau s se neleag foarte bine, cu toii ncepu el cam repezit, dar controlndu-se, adug: Totui, mi este imposibil s spun n ce relaii se aflau, ce se petrecea n culise. Tot ce pot spune e c, aparent, totul mergea bine. Dar dumneata, care o cunoti mai bine pe domnioara Fairfax, de cnd era copil, poi judeca mai bine caracterul ei i cum se comport n situaii critice, dect pot eu. O cunosc, fr ndoial, de cnd era copil. Am copilrit i ne-am petrecut adolescena mpreun i e firesc s se cread c suntem prietene, c ne simpatizm i ne ntlnim de cte ori vine aici n vizit. Dar asta nu s-a ntmplat niciodat. Nici nu pot s-mi explic de ce: poate c sunt eu cam rea. Dar e o fat pe care bunic-sa i mtu-sa i toate prietenele lor o idolatrizeaz i o laud att, m dezgust, pur i simplu. i pe urm, rezerva ei! Nu m-am putut niciodat apropia de persoane att de rezervate. E o trstur de caracter destul de nesuferit, ntradevr, zise el. Cteodat e foarte convenabil, dar nu face niciodat plcere. D siguran, dar nu i farmec. Nu poi s iubeti o persoan rezervat. Nu, pn n momentul cnd rezerva nceteaz fa de tine, i atunci iubirea poate s fie i mai mare. Dar ar trebui s fiu mult mai lipsit de prietene i tovare simpatice dect sunt, ca s m lupt s nving rezerva cuiva pentru a-mi ctiga prietenie. In-timiditatea mea cu domnioara Fairfax este practic imposibil. Nu am motive s o vorbesc de ru, deloc, n afar de prudena aceea continu i exagerat n cuvinte i n purtare. Groaza de a spune ceva clar despre altcineva poate da natere la bnuiala c ai ceva de ascuns. Fu perfect de acord cu ea i, dup ce se plimbaser atta mpreun i dovediser a avea aceleai gnduri, Emma simea c l cunoate att de bine nct nu-i venea s cread c era numai a doua ntlnire. Nu era exact aa cum se ateptase ea, era mai puin un copil rsfat, de bani gata, deci, mai bine dect se ateptase. Ideile sale preau mai moderate, sentimentele mai calde. Fu n mod special izbit de felul n care el aprecia casa domnului

but she really did not seem to feel it." "So much the better--or so much the worse:--I do not know which. But be it sweetness or be it stupidity in her--quickness of friendship, or dulness of feeling--there was one person, I think, who must have felt it: Miss Fairfax herself. She must have felt the improper and dangerous distinction." "As to that--I do not--" "Oh! do not imagine that I expect an account of Miss Fairfax's sensations from you, or from any body else. They are known to no human being, I guess, but herself. But if she continued to play whenever she was asked by Mr. Dixon, one may guess what one chuses." "There appeared such a perfectly good understanding among them all--" he began rather quickly, but checking himself, added, "however, it is impossible for me to say on what terms they really were-- how it might all be behind the scenes. I can only say that there was smoothness outwardly. But you, who have known Miss Fairfax from a child, must be a better judge of her character, and of how she is likely to conduct herself in critical situations, than I can be." "I have known her from a child, undoubtedly; we have been children and women together; and it is natural to suppose that we should be intimate,--that we should have taken to each other whenever she visited her friends. But we never did. I hardly know how it has happened; a little, perhaps, from that wickedness on my side which was prone to take disgust towards a girl so idolized and so cried up as she always was, by her aunt and grandmother, and all their set. And then, her reserve--I never could attach myself to any one so completely reserved." "It is a most repulsive quality, indeed," said he. "Oftentimes very convenient, no doubt, but never pleasing. There is safety in reserve, but no attraction. One cannot love a reserved person." "Not till the reserve ceases towards oneself; and then the attraction may be the greater. But I must be more in want of a friend, or an agreeable companion, than I have yet been, to take the trouble of conquering any body's reserve to procure one. Intimacy between Miss Fairfax and me is quite out of the question. I have no reason to think ill of her--not the least--except that such extreme and perpetual cautiousness of word and manner, such a dread of giving a distinct idea about any body, is apt to suggest suspicions of there being something to conceal." He perfectly agreed with her: and after walking together so long, and thinking so much alike, Emma felt herself so well acquainted with him, that she could hardly believe it to be only their second meeting. He was not exactly what she had expected; less of the man of the world in some of his notions, less of the spoiled child of fortune, therefore better than she had expected. His ideas seemed more moderate-- his feelings warmer. She was

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Elton, la care se duse s se uite, ca i la biseric, i nu i gsea attea defecte cte vedeau ele. Nu, nu credea c e o cas tocmai rea, n-aveai de ce s-i fie mil de stpnul ei. Dac urma s-o mpart cu femeia pe care o iubea, nu gsea c trebuie s-i fie mil de el c o are. Trebuie s fie loc destul ca s te simi bine. Trebuie s fii prost ca s-i doreti mai mult.

-Doamna-Weston rse i i spuse c nu tie despre ce vorbete. Cum era obinuit s aib o cas mare i nu se gndise niciodat la avantajele legate de mrimea ei, nu putea s-i dea seama de privaiunile inevitabile pe care le aduce o cas mic. Dar Emma hotr n gndul ei c tia despre ce vorbete de fapt i c dovedea o minunat aplecare spre a se aeza la casa lui, de tnr, i a se cstori din motive ntemeiate. Poate c nu-i ddea seama c pacea cminului poate fi tulburat dac nu ai o camer pentru servitoare sau un loc adecvat pentru pstrarea argintriei, dar, fr ndoial, simea c Enscombe nu-l poate face fericit i cnd se va ndrgosti va renuna la bogie pentru a se nsura cu femeia iubit. CAPITOLUL XXV PREREA FOARTE BUNA A EMMEI DESPRE domnul Churchill fu puin zdruncinat a doua zi, cnd auzi c plecase la Londra numai ca s se tund. l apucase o toan la micul dejun, trimisese dup aret i plecase cu intenia de a se ntoarce la cin i fr s aib n vedere ceva mai important dect s se tund. Nu era, desigur, nimic ru c strbtea de dou ori aisprezece mile cu un asemenea scop, dar totul avea aspectul unei cochetrii masculine prosteti. Asta, Emma nu putea privi cu ochi buni. Nu se potrivea cu nelepciunea de a-i face un plan, cu spiritul cumptat i sentimentele lipsite de egoism pe care crezuse ieri c le are. Acum putea fi acuzat de vanitate, exagerri, plcere de a schimba lucrurile, neastmpr care te ndeamn s faci ceva, bun sau ru, lips de atenie fa de tatl su i de doamna Weston, indiferen fa de impresia pe care poate s o produc o asemenea purtare n general. Tatl su se mulumi s-l numeasc filfizon" i gsi c e o poveste hazoas, dar doamnei Weston nu-i plcu, era limpede, pentru c trecu foarte repede peste asta i nu mai fcu alt comentariu n afar de Toi tinerii au cte un capriciu". Cu excepia acestei mici pete, Emma gsea c vizita lui i fcuse o bun impresie prietenei sale. Doamna Weston era totdeauna gata s spun ct de atent i de simpatic este, ce multe caliti are i ct de mult i place firea lui. Prea s aib o fire deschis, desigur, foarte vesel i plin de via, nu putuse observa nimic nelalocul su n ideile lui, totul era ct se poate de bine. Vorbea cu respect clduros despre unchiul su, chiar i plcea s vorbeasc despre el, i spunea c dac ar fi dup capul lui ar fi

particularly struck by his manner of considering Mr. Elton's house, which, as well as the church, he would go and look at, and would not join them in finding much fault with. No, he could not believe it a bad house; not such a house as a man was to be pitied for having. If it were to be shared with the woman he loved, he could not think any man to be pitied for having that house. There must be ample room in it for every real comfort. The man must be a blockhead who wanted more. Mrs. Weston laughed, and said he did not know what he was talking about. Used only to a large house himself, and without ever thinking how many advantages and accommodations were attached to its size, he could be no judge of the privations inevitably belonging to a small one. But Emma, in her own mind, determined that he did know what he was talking about, and that he shewed a very amiable inclination to settle early in life, and to marry, from worthy motives. He might not be aware of the inroads on domestic peace to be occasioned by no housekeeper's room, or a bad butler's pantry, but no doubt he did perfectly feel that Enscombe could not make him happy, and that whenever he were attached, he would willingly give up much of wealth to be allowed an early establishment. Emma's very good opinion of Frank Churchill was a little shaken the following day, by hearing that he was gone off to London, merely to have his hair cut. A sudden freak seemed to have seized him at breakfast, and he had sent for a chaise and set off, intending to return to dinner, but with no more important view that appeared than having his hair cut. There was certainly no harm in his travelling sixteen miles twice over on such an errand; but there was an air of foppery and nonsense in it which she could not approve. It did not accord with the rationality of plan, the moderation in expense, or even the unselfish warmth of heart, which she had believed herself to discern in him yesterday. Vanity, extravagance, love of change, restlessness of temper, which must be doing something, good or bad; heedlessness as to the pleasure of his father and Mrs. Weston, indifferent as to how his conduct might appear in general; he became liable to all these charges. His father only called him a coxcomb, and thought it a very good story; but that Mrs. Weston did not like it, was clear enough, by her passing it over as quickly as possible, and making no other comment than that "all young people would have their little whims." With the exception of this little blot, Emma found that his visit hitherto had given her friend only good ideas of him. Mrs. Weston was very ready to say how attentive and pleasant a companion he made himself--how much she saw to like in his disposition altogether. He appeared to have a very open temper--certainly a very cheerful and lively one; she could observe nothing wrong in his notions, a great deal decidedly right; he spoke of his uncle with warm regard, was fond of talking of him--

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cel mai bun om din lume. i dei nu prea s o iubeasc prea mult pe mtu, recunotea buntatea ei fa de el i vorbea despre ea cu mult respect. Toate acestea erau promitoare i dac n-ar fi fost ideea nefericit de a se duce s se tund nimic nu l-ar fi fcut nevrednic de onoarea deosebit pe care imaginaia ei i-o fcuse, onoarea de a se gndi c dac nu e nc ndrgostit e pe cale de a se ndrgosti de ea i c era salvat numai de indiferena ei (pentru c totui, era hotrt s nu se mrite niciodat), onoarea, pe scurt, de a-l socoti prieten apropiat. Domnul Weston aduga i el o virtute la un ir, care trebuia s aib oarecare greutate. El i ddu a nelege c Frank o admir foarte mult, o gsete foarte frumoas, ncnttoare i, pentru c se spuneau attea despre el, gsi c nu trebuie s-l judece pripit. Cum spunea doamna Weston, toi tinerii au cte un capriciu". Prin noile lui cunotine din Surrey era ns o persoan care nu era plecat spre atta ngduin. n general, n tot cuprinsul parohiilor Donwell i Highbury, era judecat cu cea mai mare candoare: se fceau concesii binevoitoare pentru micile excese ale unui tnr att de frumos, care zmbea aa de des i fcea plecciuni aa de bine; dar exista un spirit a crui putere critic nu putea fi slbit de plecciuni i zmbete domnul Knightley. I se povesti i lui intmplarea la Hartfield. Pentru moment, tcu, dar imediat Emma l auzi spunnd ca pentru sine, n timp ce se uita la ziarul din mna lui: Hm, e exact felul de om pe care mi l-am nchipuit, superficial i prost. Era aproape hotrt s replice, dar, observndu-l cu atenie o clip, se convinse c spusese asta numai ca s se descarce i nu voise s jigneasc pe nimeni, aa c ls totul s treac. Dei, ntr-o privin, domnul i doamna Weston nu aduceau veti bune la Hartfield, vizita lor era foarte oportun din alte puncte de vedere. Se ntmpla ceva la Hartfield i Emma avea nevoie de sfatul lor i, ceea ce fcea ntmplarea i mai norocoas, sfatul lor se dovedi a fi bun. Iat ntmplarea: familia Cole se stabilise de civa ani la Highbury i erau oameni prietenoi, cumsecade i la locul lor; dar, pe de alt parte, erau de origin umil, naveau nici mcar distincia meseriei lor. Cnd se mutaser n sat, la nceput, triser potrivit cu veniturile lor, linitit, cu puine prietenii i ct se poate de modest. Dar de un an sau doi ncoace, se mbogiser considerabil casa de la ora le aducea mari profituri i n general le surdea norocul. Odat cu bogia, le crescur i preteniile . voiau o cas mare i mai muli prieteni. i mrir casa, numrul servitorilor, cheltuielile de tot felul i acum deveniser, potrivit averii i felului lor de via, cei

said he would be the best man in the world if he were left to himself; and though there was no being attached to the aunt, he acknowledged her kindness with gratitude, and seemed to mean always to speak of her with respect. This was all very promising; and, but for such an unfortunate fancy for having his hair cut, there was nothing to denote him unworthy of the distinguished honour which her imagination had given him; the honour, if not of being really in love with her, of being at least very near it, and saved only by her own indifference-- (for still her resolution held of never marrying)--the honour, in short, of being marked out for her by all their joint acquaintance. Mr. Weston, on his side, added a virtue to the account which must have some weight. He gave her to understand that Frank admired her extremely--thought her very beautiful and very charming; and with so much to be said for him altogether, she found she must not judge him harshly. As Mrs. Weston observed, "all young people would have their little whims." There was one person among his new acquaintance in Surry, not so leniently disposed. In general he was judged, throughout the parishes of Donwell and Highbury, with great candour; liberal allowances were made for the little excesses of such a handsome young man-- one who smiled so often and bowed so well; but there was one spirit among them not to be softened, from its power of censure, by bows or smiles--Mr. Knightley. The circumstance was told him at Hartfield; for the moment, he was silent; but Emma heard him almost immediately afterwards say to himself, over a newspaper he held in his hand, "Hum! just the trifling, silly fellow I took him for." She had half a mind to resent; but an instant's observation convinced her that it was really said only to relieve his own feelings, and not meant to provoke; and therefore she let it pass. Although in one instance the bearers of not good tidings, Mr. and Mrs. Weston's visit this morning was in another respect particularly opportune. Something occurred while they were at Hartfield, to make Emma want their advice; and, which was still more lucky, she wanted exactly the advice they gave. This was the occurrence:--The Coles had been settled some years in Highbury, and were very good sort of people--friendly, liberal, and unpretending; but, on the other hand, they were of low origin, in trade, and only moderately genteel. On their first coming into the country, they had lived in proportion to their income, quietly, keeping little company, and that little unexpensively; but the last year or two had brought them a considerable increase of means-- the house in town had yielded greater profits, and fortune in general had smiled on them. With their wealth, their views increased; their want of a larger house, their inclination for more company. They added to their house, to their number of servants, to their expenses of every sort; and by

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mai de frunte n afar de familia de la Hartfield. i fcuser o sufragerie mare i cum erau mari iubitori de oaspei era de ateptat c toat lumea va fi invitat. Avuseser deja loc cteva reuniuni, dar numai ntre brbai. Emmei nu-i venea s cread c vor ndrzni s invite cele mai bune familii, Donwell, Hartfield, Randalls. Nimic n-ar fi fcut-o s mearg acolo, chiar dac ar fi fost invitat i regreta c obiceiurile tatlui ei fceau ca refuzul s fie mult mai puin semnificativ. Familia Cole era foarte respectabil n felul ei, dar ar fi trebuit s li se dea o lecie, ca s nu mai stabileasc ei condiiile n care familiile mai bune le pot face vizite. Aceast lecie, tare i era team, o vor primi numai de la ea, nu-i punea prea mari sperane n domnul Knightley sau n domnul Weston. Dar se hotrse cu attea sptmni n urm cum s resping obrznicia, nct atunci cnd insulta fu proferat n cele din urm avu cu totul un alt aspect. Donwell i Randalls i primir invitaiile, dar nici o invitaie nu fusese trimis pentru ea i tatl ei, iar doamna Weston ddea urmtoarea explicaie: Cred c nu-i vor lua aceast libertate cu tine, tiu c voi nu cinai dect acas ! Explicaia nu era suficient. Voia s fi avut posibilitatea s refuze i, apoi, ideea c vor fi acolo exact toi cei pe care i preuia ea o obseda mereu i chiar ar fi fost tentat s accepte. Urmau s fie acolo Harriet i doamnele Bates. Vorbiser despre asta cnd se plimbau ieri, i Frank Churchill regreta sincer absena ei. Nu s-ar putea oare ca seara s se termine cu dans ?" ntrebase el. Numai faptul c aa ceva era posibil o irita i gloria ei solitar, presupunnd c omisiunea era un compliment, era o consolare prea slab. Invitaia sosi, n fine, cnd domnul i doamna Weston se aflau la Hartfield i de aceea prezena lor era folositoare. Pentru c, dei prima ei remarc dup ce o citi fu: Desigur, trebuie s refuzm! foarte curnd dup aceea ncepu s-l ntrebe ce o sftuiesc ei s fac i prerea lor c e bine s se duc fu exprimat prompt i avu succes. Gsea, lund n consideraie totul, c nu era cu totul mpotriva petrecerii. Domnul i doamna Cole se exprimaser foarte cuviincios, era foarte mult atenie n modul de adresare, i atta stim pentru tatl ei: Ar fi rugat mai demult s li se fac onoarea dar ateptaser un paravan de la Londra, care, dup cum sperau, o s-l fereasc pe domnul Woodhouse de orice curent de aer i, prin urmare, s-l fac s accepte invitaia lor. " Cu totul, suna foarte convingtor i, cum stabilir imediat ce s fac pentru ca domnul Woodhouse s se simt bine fr

this time were, in fortune and style of living, second only to the family at Hartfield. Their love of society, and their new dining-room, prepared every body for their keeping dinner-company; and a few parties, chiefly among the single men, had already taken place. The regular and best families Emma could hardly suppose they would presume to invite-- neither Donwell, nor Hartfield, nor Randalls. Nothing should tempt her to go, if they did; and she regretted that her father's known habits would be giving her refusal less meaning than she could wish. The Coles were very respectable in their way, but they ought to be taught that it was not for them to arrange the terms on which the superior families would visit them. This lesson, she very much feared, they would receive only from herself; she had little hope of Mr. Knightley, none of Mr. Weston. But she had made up her mind how to meet this presumption so many weeks before it appeared, that when the insult came at last, it found her very differently affected. Donwell and Randalls had received their invitation, and none had come for her father and herself; and Mrs. Weston's accounting for it with "I suppose they will not take the liberty with you; they know you do not dine out," was not quite sufficient. She felt that she should like to have had the power of refusal; and afterwards, as the idea of the party to be assembled there, consisting precisely of those whose society was dearest to her, occurred again and again, she did not know that she might not have been tempted to accept. Harriet was to be there in the evening, and the Bateses. They had been speaking of it as they walked about Highbury the day before, and Frank Churchill had most earnestly lamented her absence. Might not the evening end in a dance? had been a question of his. The bare possibility of it acted as a farther irritation on her spirits; and her being left in solitary grandeur, even supposing the omission to be intended as a compliment, was but poor comfort. It was the arrival of this very invitation while the Westons were at Hartfield, which made their presence so acceptable; for though her first remark, on reading it, was that "of course it must be declined," she so very soon proceeded to ask them what they advised her to do, that their advice for her going was most prompt and successful. She owned that, considering every thing, she was not absolutely without inclination for the party. The Coles expressed themselves so properly--there was so much real attention in the manner of it-- so much consideration for her father. "They would have solicited the honour earlier, but had been waiting the arrival of a folding-screen from London, which they hoped might keep Mr. Woodhouse from any draught of air, and therefore induce him the more readily to give them the honour of his company." Upon the whole, she was very persuadable; and it being briefly settled among themselves how it might be done without neglecting his

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ndoial, doamna Goddard sau doamna Bates vor veni s-i in companie acesta fu repede convins s accepte ideea c fiica sa va merge la cin la familia Cole, ntr-o zi nu prea ndeprtat, i c i va petrece toat seara fr el. Emma nu voia s-l hotrasc s mearg cu ea, era prea trziu, prea mult lume. Nu mult dup acestea era ct se poate de resemnat:

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. As for his going, Emma did not wish him to think it possible, the hours would be too late, and the party too numerous. He was soon pretty well resigned. Nu-mi place s m duc n vizit la cin, zise el. Nu mi-a "I am not fond of dinner-visiting," said he--"I never was. No plcut niciodat. Nici Emmei. Nu ne convin orele more is Emma. Late hours do not agree with us. I trzii. mi pare ru c domnul i doamna Cole ne-au invitat. am sorry Mr. and Mrs. Cole should have done it. I think it Cred c ar fi cu mult mai bine dac ar veni la var, would be much better if they would come in one ntr-o dup-amiaz, s ia ceaiul la noi, s ne plimbm afternoon next summer, and take their tea with us--take us mpreun dup-amiaz. Asta se poate, la o or rezonabil, in their afternoon walk; which they might do, as s poi ajunge acas nainte de cderea serii, cnd se face our hours are so reasonable, and yet get home without umed. Roua din serile de var e ceva de care cred c being out in the damp of the evening. The dews of a summer evening are what I would not expose any body to. trebuie s se fereasc oricine. Totui, dac vor att de mult However, as they are so very desirous to have dear s-o aib pe Emma la cin, i cum dumneavoastr Emma dine with them, and as you will both be there, and amndoi mergei, i domnul Knightley, o s avei grij de Mr. Knightley too, to take care of her, I cannot wish ea, nu vreau s m opun, dac vremea e bun, nici to prevent it, provided the weather be what it ought, neither umezeal, nici frig, nici vnt. Apoi, uitndu-se spre doamna damp, nor cold, nor windy." Then turning to Mrs. Weston cu o privire de blnd repro: Weston, with a look of gentle reproach--"Ah! Miss Taylor, if Ah, domnioar Taylor, dac nu te-ai fi mritat, ai fi you had not married, you would have staid at stat cu mine acas. home with me." Ei, bine, domnule, strig domnul Weston, cum eu sunt "Well, sir," cried Mr. Weston, "as I took Miss Taylor away, it cel care v-a furat-o pe domnioara Taylor, trebuie s is incumbent on me to supply her place, if I can; fac ceva s o nlocuiesc. M duc imediat la doamna and I will step to Mrs. Goddard in a moment, if you wish it." Goddard, dac dorii. But the idea of any thing to be done in a moment, was Dar ideea de a face ceva imediat fcea s creasc i nu s increasing, not lessening, Mr. Woodhouse's agitation. scad agitaia domnului Woodhouse. Doamnele tiau The ladies knew better how to allay it. Mr. Weston must be mai bine cum s-l liniteasc. Domnul Weston trebuia s quiet, and every thing deliberately arranged. se potoleasc i toate trebuiau aranjate la timpul With this treatment, Mr. Woodhouse was soon composed potrivit. Datorit acestui procedeu, domnul Woodhouse fu enough for talking as usual. "He should be happy to n curnd, din nou, destul de calm ca s discute n see Mrs. Goddard. He had a great regard for Mrs. Goddard; felul lui obinuit: Ar fi fericit s vin doamna Goddard, o and Emma should write a line, and invite her. stima foarte mult pe doamna Goddard, i Emma ar James could take the note. But first of all, there must be an trebui s-i scrie un bileel s-o invite. James putea s i-l answer written to Mrs. Cole." duc. Dar, mai ntii, trebuie s scrie un rspuns pentru "You will make my excuses, my dear, as civilly as possible. doamna Cole." You will say that I am quite an invalid, and go no Transmite scuzele mele, draga mea, ct se poate de where, and therefore must decline their obliging invitation; politicos, spune c sunt bolnav i nu merg nicieri i beginning with my compliments, of course. But prin urmare m vd silit s refuz invitaia lor care mi face you will do every thing right. I need not tell you what is to be o deosebit cinste. Sa ncepi cu complimentele done. We must remember to let James know mele", firete. Dar tii tu s te descurci. Nu trebuie s-i that the carriage will be wanted on Tuesday. I shall have no spun eu ce se cuvine. Trebuie s-i comunicm lui James fears for you with him. We have never been there c avem nevoie de trsur mari. Dac eti cu el, nu am above once since the new approach was made; but still I nici o team. N-am mai fost pe acolo de cnd s-a fcut have no doubt that James will take you very safely. drumul cel nou; totui, nu m ndoiesc c James te va duce And when you get there, you must tell him at what time you cu bine pn acolo, iar cnd ajungei s-i spui la ce would have him come for you again; and you had or s vin s te ia. N-o s-i plac s stai pn trziu. O s better name an early hour. You will not like staying late. You fii foarte obosit, dup ce luai ceaiul. will get very tired when tea is over." Dar nu vrei s plec dac nu m simt obosit, tat ? "But you would not wish me to come away before I am tired, papa?" O, nu, draga mea, dar o s oboseti repede. O s fie "Oh! no, my love; but you will soon be tired. There will be a atta lume, o s vorbeasc toi odat. N-o s-i plac great many people talking at once. You will not 131

zgomotul. Dar, stimate domnule, dac Emma pleac devreme, nseamn s se strice petrecerea. i ce ru vedei n asta, zise domnul Woodhouse, cu ct o petrecere se stric mai repede, cu att mai bine,. Dar nu v gndii cum poate s interpreteze familia Cole. Dac Emma pleac imediat dup ceai, asta poate s-i jigneasc. Sunt oameni cumsecade i fr pretenii, dar, oricum, dac cineva se grbete s plece, sta nu e un compliment i dac domnioara Woodhouse e cea care face asta, conteaz mai mult dect dac ar face-o oricine altcineva. Doar nu vrei s-i dezamgii i s-i umilii pe cei din familia Cole, sunt sigur, domnule, c nu. Nite oameni atit de prietenoi i care sunt vecinii dumneavoastr de zece ani! Nu, pentru nimic n lume, domnule Weston. V mulumesc pentru c mi-ai adus aminte. Mi-ar prea foarte ru s-i jignesc. tiu ce oameni de treab sunt. Perry mi spunea c domnul Cole nu se atinge de bere. Dac-l vezi, n-ai crede, dar sufer cu bila domnul Cole sufer foarte mult din cauza bilei. Nu vreau ca din pricina mea s se simt ru. Drag Emma, trebuie s ne gndim i la asta. Sunt sigur c dect s superi pe doamna i domnul Cole, preferi s stai ceva mai mult dect i-ai fi dorit. Nu lua n seam oboseala, ntre prieteni, eti oricum n siguran. O, da, tat! N-am nici o team pentru mine i nu m-a da napoi s stau att ct st i doamna Weston, dac n-ar fi vorba de dumneata. Mi-e team s nu stai i s m atepi, i mi-e team c n-o s te simi foarte bine n compania doamnei Goddard. i place s joace pichet, dar, dup ce pleac, mi-e team c vei sta singur s m atepi, n loc s te duci s te culci la ora obinuit, i la gndul sta n-o s fiu deloc linitit. Trebuie s-mi promii c n-o s m atepi. Promise, cu condiia ca i ea s fac unele promisiuni. Dac vine acas i i e frig, s se nclzeasc foarte bine, dac i e foame s mnnce, servitoarea s o atepte pe Serie i majordomul s aib grij ca toate s fie puse la punct n cas, ca de obicei. CAPITOLUL XXVI frank churchill se ntoarse. la Hartfield nu se afl ns c-l lsase pe tatl su s atepte cu masa, pentru c doamna Weston inea la prerea bun a domnului Woodhouse i nu voia s trdeze micile imperfeciuni care puteau fi ascunse. Se ntoarse, se tunsese i i rse de el nsui cu mult graie, dar fr s par deloc ruinat de ce fcuse. Nu avea motive s lase prul s-i creasc pn-i acoperea toat faa ; nu avea motive s fac economie, dac era vorba s-i menin buna dispoziie. Era la fel de ndrzne i de vioi ca de obicei i, dup ce l vzu, Emma medita astfel: Nu tiu cum ar trebui s fie, dar, n mod cert, prostiile nceteaz s fie prostii cnd sunt fcute de

like the noise." "But, my dear sir," cried Mr. Weston, "if Emma comes away early, it will be breaking up the party." "And no great harm if it does," said Mr. Woodhouse. "The sooner every party breaks up, the better." "But you do not consider how it may appear to the Coles. Emma's going away directly after tea might be giving offence. They are good-natured people, and think little of their own claims; but still they must feel that any body's hurrying away is no great compliment; and Miss Woodhouse's doing it would be more thought of than any other person's in the room. You would not wish to disappoint and mortify the Coles, I am sure, sir; friendly, good sort of people as ever lived, and who have been your neighbours these ten years." "No, upon no account in the world, Mr. Weston; I am much obliged to you for reminding me. I should be extremely sorry to be giving them any pain. I know what worthy people they are. Perry tells me that Mr. Cole never touches malt liquor. You would not think it to look at him, but he is bilious--Mr. Cole is very bilious. No, I would not be the means of giving them any pain. My dear Emma, we must consider this. I am sure, rather than run the risk of hurting Mr. and Mrs. Cole, you would stay a little longer than you might wish. You will not regard being tired. You will be perfectly safe, you know, among your friends." "Oh yes, papa. I have no fears at all for myself; and I should have no scruples of staying as late as Mrs. Weston, but on your account. I am only afraid of your sitting up for me. I am not afraid of your not being exceedingly comfortable with Mrs. Goddard. She loves piquet, you know; but when she is gone home, I am afraid you will be sitting up by yourself, instead of going to bed at your usual time--and the idea of that would entirely destroy my comfort. You must promise me not to sit up." He did, on the condition of some promises on her side: such as that, if she came home cold, she would be sure to warm herself thoroughly; if hungry, that she would take something to eat; that her own maid should sit up for her; and that Serle and the butler should see that every thing were safe in the house, as usual. Frank Churchill came back again; and if he kept his father's dinner waiting, it was not known at Hartfield; for Mrs. Weston was too anxious for his being a favourite with Mr. Woodhouse, to betray any imperfection which could be concealed. He came back, had had his hair cut, and laughed at himself with a very good grace, but without seeming really at all ashamed of what he had done. He had no reason to wish his hair longer, to conceal any confusion of face; no reason to wish the money unspent, to improve his spirits. He was quite as undaunted and as lively as ever; and, after seeing him, Emma thus moralised to herself:--

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oameni inteligeni i cu suficient obrznicie. Rutatea, oricum ar fi, e rutate, dar nebuniile nu sunt ntotdeauna nebunii. Depinde de caracterul celor care le fac. Domnul Knightley, nu e deloc superficial i prost. Dac ar fi, ar fi fcut asta cu totul altfel. Fie s-ar fi ludat cu realizarea lui, fie i-ar fi fost ruine. Ar fi fost fie ostentativ ca un filfizon, fie evaziv, ca orice spirit slab, incapabil s-i apere vanitile. Nu, sunt perfect sigur c nu e superficial, nici prost." Ziua de mari aducea perspectiva de a-l vedea din nou i pentru un timp mai ndelungat dect pn acum. Avea ocazia s-i judece purtrile i, prin deducie, s neleag ce intenii avea n legtur cu ea, s vad cnd va fi momentul s devin mai rece i s ghiceasc ce vor spune cei din jur cnd i vor vedea pentru prima oar mpreun. Voia s fie foarte fericit, n ciuda faptului c toate aveau s se petreac la doamna Cole ; ea nu putea s uite c, printre scderile domnului Elton, chiar n zilele lui bune, dorina de a lua masa la familia Cole o deranjase cel mai mult. Pentru tatl ei, totul fusese aranjat cum nu se poate mai bine, veneau i doamna Bates i doamna Goddard i ultima ei ndatorire, plcut, nainte de a pleca de acas, fu s le salute respectuos, cnd se aezar mpreun, dup cin. Tatl ei observ drgstos ce rochie frumoas are i ea ncerc s fac tot ce putea pentru cele dou doamne, oferindu-le buci mari de tort, pahare de vin pline, pentru c tia c dup plecarea ei grija tatlui ei pentru constituia lor le va impune o ascez nedorit.

Cnd ajunser la doamna Cole, n faa lor mai era o trsur i i fcu plcere s vad c era a domnului Knightley, pentru c nu inea cai i avea puini bani de aruncat i destul sntate, dinamism i independen, era mult prea dispus, dup Emma, s se deplaseze cum o fi i s nu foloseasc trsura att de des ct s-ar fi cuvenit pentru stpnul de la Donwell Abbey. Avu ocazia s-i arate aprobarea cald, din inim, pentru c el veni s-o ajute s coboare. Ai venit aa cum se cuvine, zise ea, ca un gentleman. mi pare bine c te vd aa. Ce noroc s sosim n acelai timp, pentru c, dac neam fi ntlnit n salon, m ndoiesc c ai fi observat c sunt mai gentleman ca de obicei. Nu i-ai fi dat seama cum am venit dup felul cum art sau m port.

Ba da, sunt sigur. Cei care sosesc ntr-un mod nedemn de i arat totdeauna agitai, contieni de asta.

"I do not know whether it ought to be so, but certainly silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. Wickedness is always wickedness, but folly is not always folly.--It depends upon the character of those who handle it. Mr. Knightley, he is not a trifling, silly young man. If he were, he would have done this differently. He would either have gloried in the achievement, or been ashamed of it. There would have been either the ostentation of a coxcomb, or the evasions of a mind too weak to defend its own vanities.--No, I am perfectly sure that he is not trifling or silly." With Tuesday came the agreeable prospect of seeing him again, and for a longer time than hitherto; of judging of his general manners, and by inference, of the meaning of his manners towards herself; of guessing how soon it might be necessary for her to throw coldness into her air; and of fancying what the observations of all those might be, who were now seeing them together for the first time. She meant to be very happy, in spite of the scene being laid at Mr. Cole's; and without being able to forget that among the failings of Mr. Elton, even in the days of his favour, none had disturbed her more than his propensity to dine with Mr. Cole. Her father's comfort was amply secured, Mrs. Bates as well as Mrs. Goddard being able to come; and her last pleasing duty, before she left the house, was to pay her respects to them as they sat together after dinner; and while her father was fondly noticing the beauty of her dress, to make the two ladies all the amends in her power, by helping them to large slices of cake and full glasses of wine, for whatever unwilling self-denial his care of their constitution might have obliged them to practise during the meal.--She had provided a plentiful dinner for them; she wished she could know that they had been allowed to eat it. She followed another carriage to Mr. Cole's door; and was pleased to see that it was Mr. Knightley's; for Mr. Knightley keeping no horses, having little spare money and a great deal of health, activity, and independence, was too apt, in Emma's opinion, to get about as he could, and not use his carriage so often as became the owner of Donwell Abbey. She had an opportunity now of speaking her approbation while warm from her heart, for he stopped to hand her out. "This is coming as you should do," said she; "like a gentleman.-- I am quite glad to see you." He thanked her, observing, "How lucky that we should arrive at the same moment! for, if we had met first in the drawing-room, I doubt whether you would have discerned me to be more of a gentleman than usual.-- You might not have distinguished how I came, by my look or manner." "Yes I should, I am sure I should. There is always a look of consciousness or bustle when people come in a

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Presupun c i nchipui c te descurci foarte bine, dar ai un aer de bravad, de nepsare afectat. Vd asta de cte ori te ntlnesc n asemenea mprejurri. Acum nu ai nimic de dovedit. Nu-i mai e team s se cread c i e ruine. Nu mai ncerci s fii mai nalt dect toat lumea. Acum voi fi realmente fericit s intrm mpreun.

Feti proast, fu rspunsul lui, dar fr mnie. Emma avea motive s fie la fel de mulumit de ceilali musafiri. Fu primit cu respect i cordialitate, ceea ce nu putea s-i fac dect plcere, i i se acord toat importana pe care i-o putea dori. Cnd sosi familia Weston, cele mai drgstoase priviri, cea mai mare admiraie se ndreptar spre ea, att din partea soului ct i a soiei. Fiul se apropie de ea cu o grab vesel, ceea ce dovedea c ea l intereseaz cel mai mult i la mas descoperi c se aezase lng ea i, dup cum era ncredinat, fcuse unele eforturi pentru asta. Era lume destul de mult, cci venise i o familie de oameni cumsecade de la ar, prieteni ai familiei Cole, i brbai din familia domnului Cox, avocatul din Highbury. Ct privete femeile, cele mai lipsite de rang erau domnioarele Bates, domnioara Fairfax i domnioara Smith i ele urmau s vin mai trziu. De ndat ce se aezar la mas, se dovedi c erau prea muli ca subiectul s fie general i cnd epuizar discuiile despre evenimentele politice i despre domnul Elton, Emma putu s-i dedice" n ntregime atenia galanteriilor vecinului ei. Se simi obligat s fie atent cnd auzi, de departe, numele Janei Fairfax. Se prea c doamna Cole spunea ceva despre ea i promitea s fie interesant. Ascult i i ddu seama c merita. Fantezia Emmei, de care era att de ncntat, primi o nou doz de amuzament. Doamna Cole spunea c trecuse pe la doamna Bates i de ndat ce intrase fusese uimit la vederea unui pian, un instrument foarte elegant, nu un pian cu coad, ci o pianin, dar destul de mare i esenialul n toat povestea, concluzia dialogului plin de surprize i ntrebri, de felicitri din partea ei i explicaii din partea domnioarei Bates, era c acest pian sosise cu o zi nainte de la magazinul Broadwood, spre marea surprindere att a mtuii, ct i a nepoatei, cu totul neateptat, c, la nceput, dup cte spune domnioara Bates, Jane nu tia bine ce s fac, era prea uluit ca s ghiceasc cine l comandase, dar acum erau amndou mulumite cu explicaia c nu putea veni dect dintr-un singur loc desigur, trebuie s fie de la domnul colonel Campbell. Nimeni n-ar putea s-i nchipuie altceva, adug doamna Cole, i chiar m-am mirat c s-au ndoit vreo clip de asta. Dar se pare c Jane a primit de curnd o scrisoare de la ei, n care nu se spune nimic, nici un cuvinel despre pian. Ea tie mai bine cum se poart ei, dar

way which they know to be beneath them. You think you carry it off very well, I dare say, but with you it is a sort of bravado, an air of affected unconcern; I always observe it whenever I meet you under those circumstances. Now you have nothing to try for. You are not afraid of being supposed ashamed. You are not striving to look taller than any body else. Now I shall really be very happy to walk into the same room with you." "Nonsensical girl!" was his reply, but not at all in anger. Emma had as much reason to be satisfied with the rest of the party as with Mr. Knightley. She was received with a cordial respect which could not but please, and given all the consequence she could wish for. When the Westons arrived, the kindest looks of love, the strongest of admiration were for her, from both husband and wife; the son approached her with a cheerful eagerness which marked her as his peculiar object, and at dinner she found him seated by her--and, as she firmly believed, not without some dexterity on his side. The party was rather large, as it included one other family, a proper unobjectionable country family, whom the Coles had the advantage of naming among their acquaintance, and the male part of Mr. Cox's family, the lawyer of Highbury. The less worthy females were to come in the evening, with Miss Bates, Miss Fairfax, and Miss Smith; but already, at dinner, they were too numerous for any subject of conversation to be general; and, while politics and Mr. Elton were talked over, Emma could fairly surrender all her attention to the pleasantness of her neighbour. The first remote sound to which she felt herself obliged to attend, was the name of Jane Fairfax. Mrs. Cole seemed to be relating something of her that was expected to be very interesting. She listened, and found it well worth listening to. That very dear part of Emma, her fancy, received an amusing supply. Mrs. Cole was telling that she had been calling on Miss Bates, and as soon as she entered the room had been struck by the sight of a pianoforte--a very elegant looking instrument--not a grand, but a large-sized square pianoforte; and the substance of the story, the end of all the dialogue which ensued of surprize, and inquiry, and congratulations on her side, and explanations on Miss Bates's, was, that this pianoforte had arrived from Broadwood's the day before, to the great astonishment of both aunt and niece--entirely unexpected; that at first, by Miss Bates's account, Jane herself was quite at a loss, quite bewildered to think who could possibly have ordered it-- but now, they were both perfectly satisfied that it could be from only one quarter;--of course it must be from Colonel Campbell. "One can suppose nothing else," added Mrs. Cole, "and I was only surprized that there could ever have been a doubt. But Jane, it seems, had a letter from them very lately, and not a word was said about it. She knows their ways best; but I should not consider their silence as any

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nu cred c are vreo importan dac au scris sau nu. Poate au vrut s-i fac o surpriz. Muli fur de acord cu doamna Cole, toi cei care vorbir czur de acord c trebuie s fie un cadou de la domnul colonel Campbell i se bucurar de asemenea c i se fcuse un asemenea dar. Erau destui care voiau s vorbeasc, aa c Emma putu s-i lase gndurile n voie i s asculte ce spunea doamna Cole: Drept s spun, nici nu tiu dac mi-a mai fcut ceva atta plcere. ntotdeauna mi-a prut ru c Jane Fairfax, care cnt att de bine, nu are pian. Era pcat, mai ales dac ne gndim n cte case nu stau degeaba nite piane minunate. Ne-a dat o palm, ca s zic aa, c tocmai ieri i spuneam domnului Cole c mi-e ruine s m uit la pianul nostru cel mare din salon. Eu nu tiu s deosebesc o not de alta, i fetiele noastre, care de-abia au nceput, s-ar putea s nu fac nimic din asta, i biata Jane Fairfax, care stpnete muzica att de bine, n-are nici un fel de instrument, nici mcar o prpdit de spinet, din aia veche. Chiar ieri i spuneam asta domnului Cole, i el zicea c am dreptate, numai c lui ii place aa de mult muzica, nct nu s-a putut opri s-l cumpere, n sperana c cineva dintre bunii notri vecini va avea buntatea s-l foloseasc mai bine dect noi. Tocmai de asta l-a i cumprat, altfel ar trebui s ne fie ruine. S sperm c n seara asta domnioara Woodhouse se va ndupleca s-l ncerce.

Domnioara Woodhouse i ddu consimmntul, aa cum se cuvine, i vznd c nu se mai putea afla nimic de la doamna Cole, se ntoarse spre Frank Churchill: De ce zmbeti aa ? zise ea. Ei, dar dumneata ? Eu ? Cred c zmbesc de plcere c domnul colonel Campbell e aa de bogat i de generos. Frumos cadou! Foarte. M ntreb de ce nu i l-a fcut mai demult. Poate c domnioara Fairfax nu a stat niciodat aa de mult aici. Sau de ce nu i-a mprumutat pianul lor, care e probabil la Londra i nu-l atinge nimeni? Acela e un pian de concert i poate c s-a gndit c e prea mare pentru casa doamnei Bates. Poi s spui ce vrei, dar dup cum ari, se vede c gndeti la fel ca mine. Nu tiu, cred c m socoteti mai perspicace dect sunt. Zmbesc pentru c zmbeti dumneata i voi bnui probabil ceea ce vd c bnuieti dumneata. Dar, deocamdat, nu vd ce poate fi pus la ndoial. Dac nu e

reason for their not meaning to make the present. They might chuse to surprize her." Mrs. Cole had many to agree with her; every body who spoke on the subject was equally convinced that it must come from Colonel Campbell, and equally rejoiced that such a present had been made; and there were enough ready to speak to allow Emma to think her own way, and still listen to Mrs. Cole. "I declare, I do not know when I have heard any thing that has given me more satisfaction!--It always has quite hurt me that Jane Fairfax, who plays so delightfully, should not have an instrument. It seemed quite a shame, especially considering how many houses there are where fine instruments are absolutely thrown away. This is like giving ourselves a slap, to be sure! and it was but yesterday I was telling Mr. Cole, I really was ashamed to look at our new grand pianoforte in the drawing-room, while I do not know one note from another, and our little girls, who are but just beginning, perhaps may never make any thing of it; and there is poor Jane Fairfax, who is mistress of music, has not any thing of the nature of an instrument, not even the pitifullest old spinet in the world, to amuse herself with.--I was saying this to Mr. Cole but yesterday, and he quite agreed with me; only he is so particularly fond of music that he could not help indulging himself in the purchase, hoping that some of our good neighbours might be so obliging occasionally to put it to a better use than we can; and that really is the reason why the instrument was bought-- or else I am sure we ought to be ashamed of it.--We are in great hopes that Miss Woodhouse may be prevailed with to try it this evening." Miss Woodhouse made the proper acquiescence; and finding that nothing more was to be entrapped from any communication of Mrs. Cole's, turned to Frank Churchill. "Why do you smile?" said she. "Nay, why do you?" "Me!--I suppose I smile for pleasure at Colonel Campbell's being so rich and so liberal.--It is a handsome present." "Very." "I rather wonder that it was never made before." "Perhaps Miss Fairfax has never been staying here so long before." "Or that he did not give her the use of their own instrument- which must now be shut up in London, untouched by any body." "That is a grand pianoforte, and he might think it too large for Mrs. Bates's house." "You may say what you chuse--but your countenance testifies that your thoughts on this subject are very much like mine." "I do not know. I rather believe you are giving me more credit for acuteness than I deserve. I smile because you smile, and shall probably suspect whatever I find you suspect; but at present I do not see what there is to

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colonelul Campbell, cine poate fi ? Ce-ai spune de doamna Dixon ? Doamna Dixon ! Foarte adevrat ! Zu ! Nu m gndisem la doamna Dixon. Probabil c tie, la fel de bine ca tatl ei, ce binevenit ar fi un pian i poate c felul n care a fost trimis, misterul, surpriza, seamn mai degrab cu un complot al unei femei tinere dect al unui brbat btrn. Cred c e vorba de doamna Dixon. i-am spus c bnuielile dumitale le vor cluzi pe ale mele. Dac e aa, trebuie s-i mreti bnuiala ca s cuprinzi i pe domnul Dixon. Domnul Dixon ? Foarte bine, acum mi dau seama c trebuie s fie un cadou din partea doamnei i domnului Dixon. Tocmai vorbeam alaltieri i i spuneam ce mult admir el talentul ei la muzic. Da, i ceea ce mi-ai spus mi-a confirmat o idee pe care o aveam de mai nainte. Nu vreau s judec bunele intenii ale domnului Dixon i nici pe ale domnioarei Fairfax, dar nu pot s nu bnuiesc i c, dup ce a cerut-o n cstorie pe prietena ei, a avut nefericirea s se ndrgosteasc de ea sau i-a dat seama c ea are-o oarecare afeciune pentru el. Poi s faci o mie de presupuneri fr s ghiceti adevrul, dar sunt sigur c trebuie s fi avut un motiv special s vin la Highbury, n loc s mearg cu familia Campbell n Irlanda. Aici duce, probabil, o via de privaiuni i lipsuri, acolo s-ar fi putut distra. Ct privete pretextul cu aerul din satul natal, cred c e o scuz inventat. Dac ar fi fost var mai mergea, dar ce bine poate s-i fac aerul din satul natal n ianuarie, februarie i martie ? n cazurile de sensibilitate a sntii sunt mai potrivite focurile bune i trsurile bine cptuite. Nu-i cer s adopi toate bnuielile mele, dei eti att de nobil, nct eti gata s o faci, dar i-o spun cinstit. i, pe cuvntul meu, par nite bnuieli destul de ntemeiate. Pot declara pe proprie rspundere c domnul Dixon prefera n mod decis s-o aud pe ea cntnd i nu pe logodnica lui. i apoi, i-a salvat viaa. Ai auzit despre asta ? O petrecere pe vapor i ea era s cad n ap. El a prins-o. Da, aa e, eram de fa, printre invitai. Erai, zu ? Ei, dar n-ai observat nimic, desigur, pentru c vd c ideea i se pare cu totul nou. Dac a fi fost acolo, sunt sigur c a fi descoperit ceva. Probabil c da. Dar eu, prostul de mine, n-am vzut dect ce s-a petrecut, c domnioara Fairfax a fost aproape smuls de pe vas i c domnul Dixon a prins-o. S-a petrecut totul ntr-o clip. i, dei spaima i nelinitea care au urmat au fost foarte mari i au durat mai mult da, cred c nici dup jumtate de or nu erau linitii , totui, agitaia era prea general ca s-i dai seama dac cineva este ngrijorat n mod special. Nu vreau s spun, totui, c dumneata n-ai fi fcut

question. If Colonel Campbell is not the person, who can be?" "What do you say to Mrs. Dixon?" "Mrs. Dixon! very true indeed. I had not thought of Mrs. Dixon. She must know as well as her father, how acceptable an instrument would be; and perhaps the mode of it, the mystery, the surprize, is more like a young woman's scheme than an elderly man's. It is Mrs. Dixon, I dare say. I told you that your suspicions would guide mine." "If so, you must extend your suspicions and comprehend Mr. Dixon in them." "Mr. Dixon.--Very well. Yes, I immediately perceive that it must be the joint present of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon. We were speaking the other day, you know, of his being so warm an admirer of her performance." "Yes, and what you told me on that head, confirmed an idea which I had entertained before.--I do not mean to reflect upon the good intentions of either Mr. Dixon or Miss Fairfax, but I cannot help suspecting either that, after making his proposals to her friend, he had the misfortune to fall in love with her, or that he became conscious of a little attachment on her side. One might guess twenty things without guessing exactly the right; but I am sure there must be a particular cause for her chusing to come to Highbury instead of going with the Campbells to Ireland. Here, she must be leading a life of privation and penance; there it would have been all enjoyment. As to the pretence of trying her native air, I look upon that as a mere excuse.--In the summer it might have passed; but what can any body's native air do for them in the months of January, February, and March? Good fires and carriages would be much more to the purpose in most cases of delicate health, and I dare say in her's. I do not require you to adopt all my suspicions, though you make so noble a profession of doing it, but I honestly tell you what they are." "And, upon my word, they have an air of great probability. Mr. Dixon's preference of her music to her friend's, I can answer for being very decided." "And then, he saved her life. Did you ever hear of that?-- A water party; and by some accident she was falling overboard. He caught her." "He did. I was there--one of the party." "Were you really?--Well!--But you observed nothing of course, for it seems to be a new idea to you.--If I had been there, I think I should have made some discoveries." "I dare say you would; but I, simple I, saw nothing but the fact, that Miss Fairfax was nearly dashed from the vessel and that Mr. Dixon caught her.--It was the work of a moment. And though the consequent shock and alarm was very great and much more durable--indeed I believe it was half an hour before any of us were comfortable again-- yet that was too general a sensation for any thing of peculiar anxiety to be observable. I do not mean to say, however, that you might not have made

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descoperiri. Conversaia fu ntrerupt. Erau chemai s contribuie la risipirea atmosferei de stnjeneal din pauza prea lung dintre dou feluri i s se comporte la fel de politicos i formal ca ceilali. Dar cnd masa fu din nou acoperit de bunti, cnd toate farfuriile fur aezate la locul lor i toat lumea reveni la ocupaia de a mnca n voie, Emma spuse: Dup mine, sosirea acestui pian e gritoare. Voiam s mai aflu unele amnunte i acesta e un amnunt care spune mult. Crede-m, n curnd vom afla c e un cadou de la domnul i doamna Dixon. i dac domnul i doamna Dixon neag totul, trebuie s tragem concluzia c e de la familia Campbell. Nu, sunt sigur c nu e de la familia Campbell. Domnioara Fairfax tie c nu e de la familia Campbell, altfel i-ar fi dat imediat seama. N-ar fi fost surprins dac l-ar fi putut pune pe seama lor. Poate c nu te-am convins pe dumneata, dar eu m-am convins c domnul Dixon e autorul. Zu, m jigneti, dac-i nchipui c nu sunt convins. Deduciile dumitale sunt pe deplin convingtoare. La nceput, cnd credeam c te mulumeti cu explicaia c domnul colonel Campbell l-a trimis, consideram c e vorba de buntatea lui patern i gseam c e ct se poate de firesc. Dar cnd ai pomenit de doamna Dixon, am gsit c e mai probabil s fie tributul unei calde prietenii feminine. Dar acum vd totul ntr-o alt lumin, e un dar din dragoste. Nu mai avu ocazia s duc discuia mai departe. Convingerea lui prea real, arta ca i cnd ar fi crezut ce spune. Ea nu mai zise nimic, alte subiecte venir la rnd i restul cinei trecu astfel. Urm desertul, intrar copiii, vorbir cu ei, i admirar, cum se obinuiete. Se spuser cteva lucruri inteligente, cteva tmpenii curate, dar majoritatea nu erau nici aa, nici aa, nimic deosebit de remarcile obinuite, repetiiile fr strlucire, tirile vechi i glumele fr haz. Primele doamne nu intraser de mult vreme n salon, cnd sosi o alt serie de doamne. Emma era atent s vad intrarea drglaei ei prietene i, dac nu putea fi entuziasmat de demnitatea i graia care lsau de dorit, putea fi ns fericit c firea ei att de uoar, vesel i puin sentimental, nct i permite s se bucure de plceri n durerea pe care i-o pricinuia dezamgirea din dragoste. Sttea acolo, i cine i-ar fi nchipuit cte lacrimi vrsase n ultima vreme. S ias n lume, frumos mbrcat, s arate drgu i s nu spun nimic ajungea pentru a fi deocamdat fericit. Jane Fairfax se mica i arta ntr-adevr ca o fiin superioar, dar Emma bnuia c ar fi fost bucuroas s-i schimbe sentimentele cu ale Harrietei bucuroas s cumpere umilina de a fi iubit

discoveries." The conversation was here interrupted. They were called on to share in the awkwardness of a rather long interval between the courses, and obliged to be as formal and as orderly as the others; but when the table was again safely covered, when every corner dish was placed exactly right, and occupation and ease were generally restored, Emma said, "The arrival of this pianoforte is decisive with me. I wanted to know a little more, and this tells me quite enough. Depend upon it, we shall soon hear that it is a present from Mr. and Mrs. Dixon." "And if the Dixons should absolutely deny all knowledge of it we must conclude it to come from the Campbells." "No, I am sure it is not from the Campbells. Miss Fairfax knows it is not from the Campbells, or they would have been guessed at first. She would not have been puzzled, had she dared fix on them. I may not have convinced you perhaps, but I am perfectly convinced myself that Mr. Dixon is a principal in the business." "Indeed you injure me if you suppose me unconvinced. Your reasonings carry my judgment along with them entirely. At first, while I supposed you satisfied that Colonel Campbell was the giver, I saw it only as paternal kindness, and thought it the most natural thing in the world. But when you mentioned Mrs. Dixon, I felt how much more probable that it should be the tribute of warm female friendship. And now I can see it in no other light than as an offering of love." There was no occasion to press the matter farther. The conviction seemed real; he looked as if he felt it. She said no more, other subjects took their turn; and the rest of the dinner passed away; the dessert succeeded, the children came in, and were talked to and admired amid the usual rate of conversation; a few clever things said, a few downright silly, but by much the larger proportion neither the one nor the other--nothing worse than everyday remarks, dull repetitions, old news, and heavy jokes. The ladies had not been long in the drawing-room, before the other ladies, in their different divisions, arrived. Emma watched the entree of her own particular little friend; and if she could not exult in her dignity and grace, she could not only love the blooming sweetness and the artless manner, but could most heartily rejoice in that light, cheerful, unsentimental disposition which allowed her so many alleviations of pleasure, in the midst of the pangs of disappointed affection. There she sat-and who would have guessed how many tears she had been lately shedding? To be in company, nicely dressed herself and seeing others nicely dressed, to sit and smile and look pretty, and say nothing, was enough for the happiness of the present hour. Jane Fairfax did look and move superior; but Emma suspected she might have been glad to change feelings with Harriet, very glad to have purchased the mortification of having loved--

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 da, de a-l fi iubit chiar pe domnul Elton, fr succes, n locul copleitoarei i primejdioasei plceri de a se ti iubit de soul prietenei ei. Cum era lume foarte mult, nu era nevoie ca Emma s se apropie de ea. Nu voia s vorbeasc despre pian, se tia prea contient de faptul c e un secret pentru ca interesul i curiozitatea aparent s nu i se par necinstite i, prin urmare, se inu dinadins departe. Dar celelalte ncepur imediat s vorbeasc despre acest subiect i ea observ roeaa din obrajii celei care primea felicitrile, roeaa vinovat care nsoea numele minunatului meu prieten, domnul colonel Campbell". Doamna Weston, bun la inim i mare iubitoare de muzic, era foarte curioas cum s-a ntmplat i Emma nu putea dect s se amuze vznd perseverena ei, insistena ei asupra acestui subiect. Avea attea de ntrebat i de spus despre ton, pedal, clape i nu bnuia deloc dorina de a vorbi ct se poate de puin despre asta, pe care ea o vedea att de clar n inuta eroinei. Curnd venir i brbaii, i primul dintre primii fu Frank Churchill. Intr ca cel dinti i cel mai frumos i dup ce i prezent n trecere omagiile sale domnioarei Bates i nepoatei sale, i tie drum spre cealalt parte a salonului, unde sttea domnioara Woodhouse i pn nu gsi un loc lng ea nu voi s se aeze. Emma i ddu seama ce pot s gndeasc cei de fa. Ea era obiectul interesului lui i probabil toat lumea tia. l prezent prietenei sale, domnioara Smith, i, dup aceea, la momentul potrivit, auzi impresiile fiecruia despre cellalt. El nu mai vzuse niciodat o fa att de drgla i era ncntat de inocena ei", i ea, desigur, credea c i face un compliment cam mare, dar credea, ntr-adevr, c semna puin cu domnul Elton". Emma i nbui indignarea i ntoarse numai capul, fr a spune nimic. Schimb zmbete complice cu tnrul, uitndu-se la Jane Fairfax, dar era mai prudent s evite a spune ceva. El zicea c se grbise s plece din sufragerie nu-i plcea s stea mult pe loc , era primul gata s plece dac era posibil, c tatl su, domnul Knightley, domnul Cox i domnul Cole rmseser ntr-o discuie foarte aprins despre treburile parohiei, c att ct sttuse totui fusese destul de plcut, cci gsea c sunt o mn de oameni bine crescui i inteligeni i vorbi att de frumos despre Highbury, i se prea c sunt att de multe familii simpatice, nct Emma ncepu s cread c dispreuise prea mult satul acesta. l ntreb despre societatea din Yorkshire, mprejurimile de la Enscombe i alte lucruri de acest fel i din rspunsuri nelese c, n ce privete familia de la Enscombe, nu se petrecea mare lucru. Familiile pe care le vizitau erau foarte nobile i nu locuiau prin apropiere. Chiar dac se fixa o dat i se accepta o invitaie, exista ansa ca doamna Churchill s nu se simt

yes, of having loved even Mr. Elton in vain--by the surrender of all the dangerous pleasure of knowing herself beloved by the husband of her friend. In so large a party it was not necessary that Emma should approach her. She did not wish to speak of the pianoforte, she felt too much in the secret herself, to think the appearance of curiosity or interest fair, and therefore purposely kept at a distance; but by the others, the subject was almost immediately introduced, and she saw the blush of consciousness with which congratulations were received, the blush of guilt which accompanied the name of "my excellent friend Colonel Campbell." Mrs. Weston, kind-hearted and musical, was particularly interested by the circumstance, and Emma could not help being amused at her perseverance in dwelling on the subject; and having so much to ask and to say as to tone, touch, and pedal, totally unsuspicious of that wish of saying as little about it as possible, which she plainly read in the fair heroine's countenance. They were soon joined by some of the gentlemen; and the very first of the early was Frank Churchill. In he walked, the first and the handsomest; and after paying his compliments en passant to Miss Bates and her niece, made his way directly to the opposite side of the circle, where sat Miss Woodhouse; and till he could find a seat by her, would not sit at all. Emma divined what every body present must be thinking. She was his object, and every body must perceive it. She introduced him to her friend, Miss Smith, and, at convenient moments afterwards, heard what each thought of the other. "He had never seen so lovely a face, and was delighted with her naivete." And she, "Only to be sure it was paying him too great a compliment, but she did think there were some looks a little like Mr. Elton." Emma restrained her indignation, and only turned from her in silence. Smiles of intelligence passed between her and the gentleman on first glancing towards Miss Fairfax; but it was most prudent to avoid speech. 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. She questioned him as to the society in Yorkshire-- the extent of the neighbourhood about Enscombe, and the sort; and could make out from his answers that, as far as Enscombe was concerned, there was very little going on, that their visitings were among a range of great families, none very near; and that even when days were fixed, and invitations accepted, it was an even chance that Mrs.

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bine sau s n-aib chef s mearg ; c nu acceptau s fac noi cunotine i c, dei el i avea un cerc al su, separat, era destul de greu, trebuia s insiste foarte mult pentru a i se da permisiunea s ias sau s primeasc un musafir ntr-o sear. i ddu seama c Enscombe nu putea s-l satisfac i c Highbury, cu tot ce avea mai bun, putea foarte bine s-i fac plcere unui tnr care era inut n cas mai mult dect i-ar fi putut dori. Importana lui la Enscombe era foarte evident. Nu se luda, dar n mod firesc reieea din conversaie c i convinsese mtua s fac unele lucruri, ceea ce unchiul su nu putea, i cnd ea risc i fcu aceast observaie el admise c era ncredinat c, n timp, o va putea convinge s fac orice. Apoi, el pomeni de o mprejurare n care influena lui nu-i folosise la nimic. Dorise foarte mult s mearg n strintate i insistase s i se dea voie s cltoreasc, dar ea nici nu voia s aud. Acum, spunea el, ncepea nici s nu-i mai doreasc asta. O alt mprejurare cnd el nu-i putuse exercita influena fusese atunci cnd voise s se poarte bine cu tatl su, ghici Emma, dar el nu pomeni nimic despre asta. Am fcut o descoperire ngrozitoare, zise el, dup o scurt pauz. Mine e o sptmn de cnd sunt aici. A trecut jumtate din timpul pe care-l am de stat. N-am tiut c zilele zboar aa de repede. Mine e o sptmn ! i de-abia ncepusem s m distrez. De abia m mprietenisem cu doamna Weston i cu ceilali. Nu-mi place s- mi aduc aminte c plec. Poate c acum vei ncepe s regrei c i-ai petrecut o zi ntreag din puinele pe care le ai la dispoziie ca s te tunzi. Nu, spuse el zmbind. Asta nu regret deloc. Nu simt nici o plcere s-mi vd prietenii dac nu sunt i eu plcut la vedere. Cum veniser i ceilali domni n salon, Emma se simi obligat s se ntoarc pentru cteva minute ctre domnul Cole i s asculte ce spunea. Cnd domnul Cole plec, l vzu pe Frank Churchill uitndu-se fix spre cellalt capt al salonului la domnioara Fairfax, care sttea vizavi. Ce este ? zise ea. El tresri. i mulumesc c m-ai trezit, rspunse el. Cred c am fost foarte nepoliticos, dar, zu, domnioara Fairfax sa coafat att de ciudat, att de ciudat, c nu-mi pot lua ochii de la ea. N-am vzut niciodat ceva att de outre. Buclele acelea ! Trebuie s fie vreo fantezie de-a ei. Nimeni nu mai arat aa. Trebuie s m duc s-o ntreb dac e vreo mod irlandez. S m duc ? Da, pe cuvnt c m duc i dumneata o s vezi cum reacioneaz, dac se nroete ! Plec imediat i n curnd Emma l vzu stnd n picioare lng domnioara Fairfax i vorbindu-i, dar ct privete efectul celor spuse asupra domnioarei, el se aezase din nefericire exact n faa ei i ea nu putea s

Churchill were not in health and spirits for going; that they made a point of visiting no fresh person; and that, though he had his separate engagements, it was not without difficulty, without considerable address at times, that he could get away, or introduce an acquaintance for a night. She saw that Enscombe could not satisfy, and that Highbury, taken at its best, might reasonably please a young man who had more retirement at home than he liked. His importance at Enscombe was very evident. He did not boast, but it naturally betrayed itself, that he had persuaded his aunt where his uncle could do nothing, and on her laughing and noticing it, he owned that he believed (excepting one or two points) he could with time persuade her to any thing. One of those points on which his influence failed, he then mentioned. He had wanted very much to go abroad--had been very eager indeed to be allowed to travel--but she would not hear of it. This had happened the year before. Now, he said, he was beginning to have no longer the same wish. The unpersuadable point, which he did not mention, Emma guessed to be good behaviour to his father. "I have made a most wretched discovery," said he, after a short pause.-- "I have been here a week to-morrow--half my time. I never knew days fly so fast. A week to-morrow!--And I have hardly begun to enjoy myself. But just got acquainted with Mrs. Weston, and others!-- I hate the recollection." "Perhaps you may now begin to regret that you spent one whole day, out of so few, in having your hair cut." "No," said he, smiling, "that is no subject of regret at all. I have no pleasure in seeing my friends, unless I can believe myself fit to be seen." VIII The rest of the gentlemen being now in the room, Emma found herself obliged to turn from him for a few minutes, and listen to Mr. Cole. 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. "What is the matter?" said she. He started. "Thank you for rousing me," he replied. "I believe I have been very rude; but really Miss Fairfax has done her hair in so odd a way--so very odd a way--that I cannot keep my eyes from her. I never saw any thing so outree!--Those curls!--This must be a fancy of her own. I see nobody else looking like her!-- I must go and ask her whether it is an Irish fashion. Shall I?-- Yes, I will--I declare I will--and you shall see how she takes it;-- whether she colours." He was gone immediately; and Emma soon saw him standing before Miss Fairfax, and talking to her; but as to its effect on the young lady, as he had improvidently placed himself exactly between them, exactly in front of

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vad nimic. nainte de a se ntoarce la scaunul su, i-l ocup doamna Weston. Asta e luxul pe care i-l permite o petrecere mare, zise ea. Te poi apropia de oricine i vorbi despre orice. Drag Emma, vreau foarte mult s-i spun ceva. Am fcut nite descoperiri i planuri, ntocmai ca tine, i trebuie s i le spun ct sunt proaspete. tii cum au venit aici domnioara Bates i nepoata ei ? Cum ! Au fost invitate, nu ? A, da, dar cum au ajuns aici, n ce mod au venit ? Cred c pe jos. Cum puteau s vin altfel ? Foarte adevrat. Ei, bine, acum cteva minute mi-a venit ideea c e foarte trist pentru biata Jane Fairfax s mearg pe jos, acas, noaptea trziu, pentru c tii ce frig e. i cnd m-am uitat la ea, dei arat mai bine ca niciodat, mi s-a prut c are febr i c poate s rceasc foarte uor. Biata fat ! Nu puteam s ndur gndul sta, aa c de ndat ce a venit domnul Weston n salon i m-am putut apropia de el, i-am vorbit despre trsur. Poi s-i nchipui ce repede a rspuns dorinelor mele i, avnd aprobarea lui, m-am dus direct la domnioara Bates, s-o asigur c au la dispoziie trsura nainte de a pleca noi acas, pentru c socoteam c asta o va bucura. Biata femeie, ce inim bun are, a fost foarte recunosctoare, poi fi sigur. Nimeni nu are atta noroc ca ea, dar cu multe mulumiri, nu trebuie s ne deranjm, pentru c domnul Knightley le-a adus cu trsura i le va conduce acas. A fost o mare surpriz pentru mine i m-am bucurat foarte mult, desigur, a fost o mare surpriz ns. O asemenea atenie, i att de bine gndit, e un lucru la care puini brbai s-ar gndi, pe scurt, cum i cunosc obiceiurile, sunt gata s cred c a scos trsura numai de dragul lor. Bnuiesc c n-ar fi scos o pereche de cai pentru el singur i c asta a fost numai un pretext, ca s le ajute. Foarte probabil, zise Emma, nimic mai probabil. Nu tiu dac mai e cineva n afar de domnul Knightley care s fac aa ceva, att de bun, de grijuliu i binevoitor cu alii. Nu e galant, dar e foarte omenos ; i asta, dac ne gndim c Jane Fairfax e aa bolnvicioas, e un gest omenos din partea lui. Numai domnul Knightley poate face gesturi de buntate fr ostentaie. tiam c a venit cu trsura, pentru c am venit n acelai timp i am rs de el, dar n-a suflat un cuvnt.

Ei, bine, zise doamna Weston, zmbind, de data asta tu l crezi mult mai dezinteresat i binevoitor dect mine. Pentru c, n timp ce vorbeam cu domnioara Bates, mi-a trecut prin cap o bnuial i n-am putut scpa de ea de atunci. Cu ct m gndesc mai mult, cu att mi se

Miss Fairfax, she could absolutely distinguish nothing. Before he could return to his chair, it was taken by Mrs. Weston. "This is the luxury of a large party," said she:--"one can get near every body, and say every thing. My dear Emma, I am longing to talk to you. I have been making discoveries and forming plans, just like yourself, and I must tell them while the idea is fresh. Do you know how Miss Bates and her niece came here?" "How?--They were invited, were not they?" "Oh! yes--but how they were conveyed hither?--the manner of their coming?" "They walked, I conclude. How else could they come?" "Very true.--Well, a little while ago it occurred to me how very sad it would be to have Jane Fairfax walking home again, late at night, and cold as the nights are now. And as I looked at her, though I never saw her appear to more advantage, it struck me that she was heated, and would therefore be particularly liable to take cold. Poor girl! I could not bear the idea of it; so, as soon as Mr. Weston came into the room, and I could get at him, I spoke to him about the carriage. You may guess how readily he came into my wishes; and having his approbation, I made my way directly to Miss Bates, to assure her that the carriage would be at her service before it took us home; for I thought it would be making her comfortable at once. Good soul! she was as grateful as possible, you may be sure. `Nobody was ever so fortunate as herself!'--but with many, many thanks--`there was no occasion to trouble us, for Mr. Knightley's carriage had brought, and was to take them home again.' I was quite surprized;--very glad, I am sure; but really quite surprized. Such a very kind attention--and so thoughtful an attention!-- the sort of thing that so few men would think of. And, in short, from knowing his usual ways, I am very much inclined to think that it was for their accommodation the carriage was used at all. I do suspect he would not have had a pair of horses for himself, and that it was only as an excuse for assisting them." "Very likely," said Emma--"nothing more likely. I know no man more likely than Mr. Knightley to do the sort of thing--to do any thing really good-natured, useful, considerate, or benevolent. He is not a gallant man, but he is a very humane one; and this, considering Jane Fairfax's ill-health, would appear a case of humanity to him;--and for an act of unostentatious kindness, there is nobody whom I would fix on more than on Mr. Knightley. I know he had horses to-day--for we arrived together; and I laughed at him about it, but he said not a word that could betray." "Well," said Mrs. Weston, smiling, "you give him credit for more simple, disinterested benevolence in this instance than I do; for while Miss Bates was speaking, a suspicion darted into my head, and I have never been able to get it out again. The more I think of it, the more

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pare mai probabil. Pe scurt, am hotrt c domnul Knightley i Jane Fairfax se vor cstori. Vezi ce nseamn s stea omul prea mult cu tine ! Ce zici de asta ? Domnul Knightley i Jane Fairfax ! exclam Emma, drag doamn Weston, cum de te-ai gndit la aa ceva ? Domnul Knightley ! Domnul Knightley nu trebuie s se nsoare. Doar nu vrei ca micul Henry s piard motenirea de la Donwell ? O, nu, nu, Henry trebuie s aib Donwell. Nu pot fi de acord ca domnul Knightley s se cstoreasc i sunt sigur c nu e deloc probabil. M uimete c te gndeti la aa ceva ! Drag Emma, i-am spus ce m-a fcut s gndesc aa. Nu doresc aceast cstorie, nu doresc s-i fac un ru micului Henry, dar am dedus din fapte, i dac domnul Knightley ar vrea s se cstoreasc doar n-ai vrea s se abin din cauza lui Henry, un bieel de ase ani, care habar n-are cum stau lucrurile? Ba da, nu suport ca lui Henry s i se ia dreptul. S se cstoreasc domnul Knightley ! Nu, niciodat nu mia trecut prin cap aa ceva i nu pot s aprob nici acum. i de ce tocmai cu Jane Fairfax ? Ei, doar tii foarte bine c e favorita lui ! Dar ar fi o cstorie nesocotit ! Nu vorbesc despre ct e de socotit sau nu, ci numai de faptul c e probabil. Nu vd nici o probabilitate, dac nu ai nici un argument mai bun dect cel pe care mi l-ai spus. Firea lui bun i omenoas, dup cum i spuneam, explic de ajuns povestea cu trsura. Le stimeaz foarte mult pe doamnele Bates i fr Jane Fairfax i e totdeauna bucuros s poat fi atent cu ele. Drag doamn Weston, te rog, nu te apuca s pui la cale cstorii. Te descurci foarte prost. Jane Fairfax, stpn la Abbey ? O, nu, m simt revoltat. Spre binele lui, n-a vrea s fac o asemenea nebunie. Ar fi o nesocotin, dac vrei, dar nu o nebunie. n afar de faptul c el e mai bogat i exist i o mic diferen de vrst, nu vd nimic nepotrivit. Dar domnul Knightley nu vrea s se cstoreasc. Sunt sigur c nici nu-i trece prin cap. S nu-i dai dumneata ideea. De ce s se nsoare ? E foarte fericit singur, cu ferma, cu oile i cu biblioteca lui i cu administraia ntregii parohii. i-i iubete foarte mult pe copiii fratelui su. N-are de ce s se nsoare, are ce face i de afeciune nu duce lips. Drag Emma, atta timp ct el crede aa, aa este. Dar dac o iubete ntr-adevr pe Jane Fairfax ! Prostii ! Nici nu-i pas de Jane Fairfax. n ce privete dragostea, sunt sigur c nu-i pas. Ar face orice pentru ea sau familia ei, dar... Ei, zise doamna Weston, rznd, poate cel mai bun lucru care l-ar putea face pentru Jane ar fi s-i ofere un cmin att de respectabil. Dac asta ar fi un bine pentru ea,- ar fi un ru pentru

probable it appears. In short, I have made a match between Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax. See the consequence of keeping you company!--What do you say to it?" "Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax!" exclaimed Emma. "Dear Mrs. Weston, how could you think of such a thing?--Mr. Knightley!--Mr. Knightley must not marry!--You would not have little Henry cut out from Donwell?-- Oh! no, no, Henry must have Donwell. I cannot at all consent to Mr. Knightley's marrying; and I am sure it is not at all likely. I am amazed that you should think of such a thing." "My dear Emma, I have told you what led me to think of it. I do not want the match--I do not want to injure dear little Henry-- but the idea has been given me by circumstances; and if Mr. Knightley really wished to marry, you would not have him refrain on Henry's account, a boy of six years old, who knows nothing of the matter?" "Yes, I would. I could not bear to have Henry supplanted.-Mr. Knightley marry!--No, I have never had such an idea, and I cannot adopt it now. And Jane Fairfax, too, of all women!" "Nay, she has always been a first favourite with him, as you very well know." "But the imprudence of such a match!" "I am not speaking of its prudence; merely its probability." "I see no probability in it, unless you have any better foundation than what you mention. His good-nature, his humanity, as I tell you, would be quite enough to account for the horses. He has a great regard for the Bateses, you know, independent of Jane Fairfax-- and is always glad to shew them attention. My dear Mrs. Weston, do not take to match-making. You do it very ill. Jane Fairfax mistress of the Abbey!--Oh! no, no;--every feeling revolts. For his own sake, I would not have him do so mad a thing." "Imprudent, if you please--but not mad. Excepting inequality of fortune, and perhaps a little disparity of age, I can see nothing unsuitable." "But Mr. Knightley does not want to marry. I am sure he has not the least idea of it. Do not put it into his head. Why should he marry?-- He is as happy as possible by himself; with his farm, and his sheep, and his library, and all the parish to manage; and he is extremely fond of his brother's children. He has no occasion to marry, either to fill up his time or his heart." "My dear Emma, as long as he thinks so, it is so; but if he really loves Jane Fairfax--" "Nonsense! He does not care about Jane Fairfax. In the way of love, I am sure he does not. He would do any good to her, or her family; but--" "Well," said Mrs. Weston, laughing, "perhaps the greatest good he could do them, would be to give Jane such a respectable home." "If it would be good to her, I am sure it would be evil to

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el. O nrudire ruinoas i degradant. Cum ar putea-o suporta pe domnioara Bates ca rud ? S bat toat ziua la Abbey i s-i mulumeasc mereu pentru buntatea de a se fi nsurat cu Jane ? Foarte drgu din partea lui, a fost totdeauna un vecin foarte bun, dup care trece fr nici o legtur la fusta veche a maic-si, nu c-ar fi o fust prea veche, mulumete lui Dumnezeu, fustele lor in bine, zu aa !

himself; a very shameful and degrading connexion. How would he bear to have Miss Bates belonging to him?-To have her haunting the Abbey, and thanking him all day long for his great kindness in marrying Jane?-- `So very kind and obliging!--But he always had been such a very kind neighbour!' And then fly off, through half a sentence, to her mother's old petticoat. `Not that it was such a very old petticoat either--for still it would last a great while--and, indeed, she must thankfully say that their petticoats were all very strong.'" Emma, pentru numele lui Dumnezeu, n-o mai imita. M "For shame, Emma! Do not mimic her. You divert me faci s rd i nu vreau. i, pe cuvntul meu, nu against my conscience. And, upon my word, I do not cred c domnul Knightley va fi foarte mult deranjat de think Mr. Knightley would be much disturbed by Miss Bates. domnioara Bates. Mruniurile astea l las nepstor. Little things do not irritate him. She might talk Poate s-i dea nainte cu vorba, i dac vrea s zic i el on; and if he wanted to say any thing himself, he would only ceva, o s vorbeasc mai tare ca s-o acopere. Problema talk louder, and drown her voice. But the nu e c ar fi o nrudire nedemn, ci dac el o vrea sau nu, i question is not, whether it would be a bad connexion for eu cred c da. L-am auzit de attea ori, i poate i tu him, but whether he wishes it; and I think he does. I l-ai auzit, vorbind aa de frumos despre Jane Fairfax. l have heard him speak, and so must you, so very highly of intereseaz foarte mult, e foarte ngrijorat de sntatea ei Jane Fairfax! The interest he takes in her-- his i foarte preocupat de viitorul ei. L-am auzit vorbind cu anxiety about her health--his concern that she should have atta cldur despre lucrurile astea. O admir aa mult no happier prospect! I have heard him express cum cnt la pian i cu vocea. L-am auzit spunnd c ar himself so warmly on those points!--Such an admirer of her asculta-o mereu. performance on the pianoforte, and of her voice! I Ah, draga mea, uitasem o idee care mihave heard him say that he could listen to her for ever. Oh! a venit acest pian, care a fost trimis de cineva, dei cu and I had almost forgotten one idea that occurred toii ne-am mulumit s credem c e un cadou de la to me--this pianoforte that has been sent here by colonelul Campbell, n-o fi de la domnul Knightley ? Nu pot somebody-- though we have all been so well satisfied to s nu-l bnuiesc. Cred c el e omul care ar putea s consider it a present from the Campbells, may it not be from fac aa ceva chiar dac nu e ndrgostit. Mr. Knightley? I cannot help suspecting him. I think he is just the person to do it, even without being in love." Atunci nu e un argument c e ndrgostit. Dar nu mi se "Then it can be no argument to prove that he is in love. But I pare deloc probabil. Domnul Knightley nu face do not think it is at all a likely thing for him to nimic misterios. do. Mr. Knightley does nothing mysteriously." L-am auzit exprimndu-i prerea de ru c ea nu are "I have heard him lamenting her having no instrument pian, de (mai multe ori, prea des, ca s nu fie ceva repeatedly; oftener than I should suppose such a ieit din comun. circumstance would, in the common course of things, occur to him." Foarte bine, i dac ar fi dorit s-i dea un pian, i-ar fi "Very well; and if he had intended to give her one, he would spus. have told her so." S-ar putea s aib unele scrupule, din delicatee, "There might be scruples of delicacy, my dear Emma. I have drag Emma. Am convingerea c de la el vine. Sunt sigur a very strong notion that it comes from him. I am c n-a scos o vorb cnd doamna Cole ne-a spus despre sure he was particularly silent when Mrs. Cole told us of it at asta la mas. dinner." i-a venit o idee, doamn Weston, i o duci prea "You take up an idea, Mrs. Weston, and run away with it; as departe, aa cum mi-ai reproat mie c fac. Nu vd nici un you have many a time reproached me with doing. semn de dragoste. Nu cred nimic despre pian i fr dovezi I see no sign of attachment-- I believe nothing of the gritoare refuz s cred c domnul Knightley ar avea pianoforte--and proof only shall convince me that Mr. de gnd s se nsoare cu Jane Fairfax. Knightley has any thought of marrying Jane Fairfax." Continuar s argumenteze ctva timp i Emma ctiga They combated the point some time longer in the same way; teren fa de ideea prietenei sale, pentru c, ntre ele Emma rather gaining ground over the mind of dou, doamna Weston era obinuit s cedeze, pn cnd her friend; for Mrs. Weston was the most used of the two to agitaia din salon le ddu de veste c ceaiul s-a yield; till a little bustle in the room shewed them terminat i se pregtete pianul i, n aceeai clip, domnul that tea was over, and the instrument in preparation;-- and Cole se apropie s-o invite pe domnioara Woodhouse at the same moment Mr. Cole approaching to 142

s le fac onoarea s-l ncerce. Frank Churchill, despre care uitase cu totul n conversaia aprins cu doamna Weston dup ce el se aezase lng Jane Fairfax, veni i el dup domnul Cole s adauge invitaia lui insistent i cum, n toate privinele, Emmei i plcea s fie prima, i ddu politicos consimmntul. i cunotea foarte bine limitele i nu voia s ncerce nici o bucat de care nu era sigur. Nu-i lipseau nici gustul, nici spiritul cnd era vorba de buci mici, care sunt cntate pretutindeni, i tia s-i acompanieze vocea destul de bine. Un alt acompaniament pentru vocea ei o surprinse plcut: Frank Churchill o seconda uor, dar corect. I se ceru iertare, dup cuviin, la sfritul cntecului, i urmar politeurile obinuite. Fu acuzat c are o voce ncnttoare i cunoate perfect muzica, ceea ce el neg dup cuviin i spuse c, pe scurt, habar n-avea de muzic i n-avea nici un pic de voce. Mai cntar o dat mpreun i apoi Emma ddu locul domnioarei Fairfax, care cnt mult mai bine dect ea att la pian, ct i vocal, lucru pe care Emma nu ncercase niciodat s-l ascund n faa propriei contiine. Cu inima ndoit, se aez ceva mai departe de pian, ca s asculte. Frank Churchill cnt din nou. Mai cntaser nc o dat sau de dou ori mpreun la Weymouth. Dar atenia Emmei fu atras de domnul Knightley, care asculta cu cea mai vie plcere i ncepu s depene un nou ir de gnduri legate de bnuielile doamnei Weston, pe care sunetele dulci ale celor dou voci reunite l ntrerupeau numai din cnd n cnd. Nu ncetase s aib obiecii la cstoria domnului Knightley. Nu vedea dect ru n asta. Ar fi o mare dezamgire pentru domnul John Knightley i n consecin i pentru Isabella. O adevrat nedreptate pentru copii, o schimbare umilitoare i o pierdere material pentru ei toi. Tatl ei avea s fie frustrat de una din plcerile lui zilnice i, n ce o privea, nu putea suporta deloc gndul c Jane Fairfax poate s devin stpn la Abbey. S se dea toi la o parte din calea unei doamne Knightley ? Nu. Domnul Knightley nu trebuie s se nsoare niciodat. Micul Henry trebuie s rmn motenitorul moiei Donwell. Deodat, domnul Knightley se uit n spate i veni s se aeze lng ea. Vorbir mai nti despre muzic. Admiraia lui era desigur foarte clduroas, totui, gndi ea, n-ar fi frapat-o dac nu ar fi fost discuia cu doamna Weston. Ca s-l pun la ncercare, ncepu s vorbeasc despre buntatea lui de a le fi adus pe mtu i pe nepoat cu trsura i dei rspunsul su vdea dorina de a termina repede subiectul, i se pru c dovedete numai obinuina lui de a nu zbovi prea mult asupra propriei sale bunti. Adesea mi pare ru, zise ea, c nu pot s pun la dispoziie i trsura noastr n asemenea ocazii. A vrea din toat inima, dar tii ce imposibil i s-ar prea tatei s-l oboseasc pe James pentru un atare scop.

entreat Miss Woodhouse would do them the honour of trying it. Frank Churchill, of whom, in the eagerness of her conversation with Mrs. Weston, she had been seeing nothing, except that he had found a seat by Miss Fairfax, followed Mr. Cole, to add his very pressing entreaties; and as, in every respect, it suited Emma best to lead, she gave a very proper compliance. She knew the limitations of her own powers too well to attempt more than she could perform with credit; she wanted neither taste nor spirit in the little things which are generally acceptable, and could accompany her own voice well. One accompaniment to her song took her agreeably by surprize--a second, slightly but correctly taken by Frank Churchill. Her pardon was duly begged at the close of the song, and every thing usual followed. He was accused of having a delightful voice, and a perfect knowledge of music; which was properly denied; and that he knew nothing of the matter, and had no voice at all, roundly asserted. They sang together once more; and Emma would then resign her place to Miss Fairfax, whose performance, both vocal and instrumental, she never could attempt to conceal from herself, was infinitely superior to her own. With mixed feelings, she seated herself at a little distance from the numbers round the instrument, to listen. Frank Churchill sang again. They had sung together once or twice, it appeared, at Weymouth. But the sight of Mr. Knightley among the most attentive, soon drew away half Emma's mind; and she fell into a train of thinking on the subject of Mrs. Weston's suspicions, to which the sweet sounds of the united voices gave only momentary interruptions. Her objections to Mr. Knightley's marrying did not in the least subside. She could see nothing but evil in it. It would be a great disappointment to Mr. John Knightley; consequently to Isabella. A real injury to the children--a most mortifying change, and material loss to them all;--a very great deduction from her father's daily comfort--and, as to herself, she could not at all endure the idea of Jane Fairfax at Donwell Abbey. A Mrs. Knightley for them all to give way to!--No--Mr. Knightley must never marry. Little Henry must remain the heir of Donwell. Presently Mr. Knightley looked back, and came and sat down by her. They talked at first only of the performance. His admiration was certainly very warm; yet she thought, but for Mrs. Weston, it would not have struck her. As a sort of touchstone, however, she began to speak of his kindness in conveying the aunt and niece; and though his answer was in the spirit of cutting the matter short, she believed it to indicate only his disinclination to dwell on any kindness of his own. "I often feel concern," said she, "that I dare not make our carriage more useful on such occasions. It is not that I am without the wish; but you know how impossible my father would deem it that James should put-to for such a purpose."

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 Nu ncape nici o ndoial, nu ncape nici o ndoial, rspunse el, dar te cred c simi deseori dorina de a face asta, i zmbi cu o plcere att de vizibil, izvort din aceast convingere, nct ea trebui s continue: Cadoul sta de la familia Campbell, zise ea, pianul sta, foarte drgu din partea lor. Dar, rspunse el fr s par deloc stnjenit, dar ar fi fcut mai bine s-o anune cumva. Surprizele sunt nite lucruri prosteti. Plcerea nu e mai mare i se pot ivi inconveniente foarte mari. M ateptam la mai mult nelepciune din partea colonelului Campbell.

"Quite out of the question, quite out of the question," he replied;-- "but you must often wish it, I am sure." And he smiled with such seeming pleasure at the conviction, that she must proceed another step. "This present from the Campbells," said she--"this pianoforte is very kindly given." "Yes," he replied, and without the smallest apparent embarrassment.-- "But they would have done better had they given her notice of it. Surprizes are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable. I should have expected better judgment in Colonel Campbell." Din acel moment, Emma putea s jure c domnul From that moment, Emma could have taken her oath that Knightley nu avea nici un amestec n druirea pianului. Dar Mr. Knightley had had no concern in giving the se mai ndoia totui dac era cu totul indiferent, dac nu instrument. But whether he were entirely free from peculiar cumva era ntr-adevr ndrgostit. Spre sfritul celui attachment--whether there were no actual de-al doilea cntec, vocea Janei deveni rguit: preference--remained a little longer doubtful. Towards the end of Jane's second song, her voice grew thick. Ajunge, zise el cnd terminar, gndind cu glas tare, ai "That will do," said he, when it was finished, thinking aloud-cntat destul pentru o sear, acum, potolete-te. "you have sung quite enough for one Cu toate acestea, toat lumea o rug s mai cnte unul, evening--now be quiet." unul singur, nu voiau s-o oboseasc pe domnioara Another song, however, was soon begged for. "One more;-Fairfax, sub nici un motiv, i doreau numai un singur they would not fatigue Miss Fairfax on any cntec. Se auzi vocea lui Frank Churchill: account, and would only ask for one more." And Frank Cred c pe sta poi s-l cni fr efort. Vocea nti e Churchill was heard to say, "I think you could manage un fleac, vocea a doua e mai grea. this without effort; the first part is so very trifling. The Domnul Knightley se nfurie. strength of the song falls on the second." Individul sta, zise el indignat, nu se gndete la Mr. Knightley grew angry. altceva dect s fac pe nebunul cu vocea lui. Asta nu se "That fellow," said he, indignantly, "thinks of nothing but poate. i, atin-gnd-o pe domnioara Bates, care tocmai shewing off his own voice. This must not be." And trecea pe lng el: touching Miss Bates, who at that moment passed near- Domnioar Bates, cum putei s-o lsai pe nepoata "Miss Bates, are you mad, to let your niece sing dumneavoastr s rgueasc de atta cntat? Mergei i herself hoarse in this manner? Go, and interfere. They have intervenii ! Nu au nici o mil ! no mercy on her." Domnioara Bates, n grija ei pentru Jane, de-abia dac Miss Bates, in her real anxiety for Jane, could hardly stay avu timp s mulumeasc i iei n fa pentru a pune even to be grateful, before she stept forward and put capt cntatului. Aici se termin partea concertistic a an end to all farther singing. Here ceased the concert part of serii, pentru c domnioara Woodhouse i domnioara the evening, for Miss Woodhouse and Miss Fairfax erau singurele tinere care tiau s cnte. Dar, Fairfax were the only young lady performers; but soon curnd dup aceea, nici cinci minute, propunerea de a (within five minutes) the proposal of dancing-dansa originating nobody exactly knew where--was so effectually venind nu se tie de unde fu att de eficient sprijinit promoted by Mr. and Mrs. Cole, that every thing pe domnul i doamna Cole, nct toate lucrurile fur was rapidly clearing away, to give proper space. Mrs. date la o parte, pentru a lsa spaiul necesar. Doamna Weston, capital in her country-dances, was seated, and Weston, care tia s acompanieze ca nimeni alta, se i beginning an irresistible waltz; and Frank Churchill, coming aezase la pian i ncepuse un vals irezistibil. Frank up with most becoming gallantry to Emma, had Churchill se apropie cu desvrit galanterie de Emma, i secured her hand, and led her up to the top. lu mna i o conduse n mijlocul camerei. Ateptnd s se While waiting till the other young people could pair formeze i celelalte perechi, Emma gsi timp, n themselves off, Emma found time, in spite of the ciuda complimentelor pe care le primea pentru vocea i compliments she was receiving on her voice and her taste, gustul ei, s se uite n jur i s vad ce se ntmpla cu to look about, and see what became of Mr. domnul Knightley. Aceasta ar fi o ncercare. n general, nu-i Knightley. This would be a trial. He was no dancer in general. plcea s danseze. Dac va fi dornic s-o invite pe If he were to be very alert in engaging Jane Jane Fairfax acum, asta ar putea fi o dovad. Deocamdat Fairfax now, it might augur something. There was no ns nu prea s se grbeasc. Nu, vorbea cu doamna immediate appearance. No; he was talking to Mrs. Cole, privea indiferent. Jane fu invitat de altcineva i el Cole-- he was looking on unconcerned; Jane was asked by 144

tot mai vorbea cu doamna Cole. Emma nu mai era nelinitit pentru Henry, va fi n mod sigur motenitorul, i conduse dansul cu deplin nsufleire i plcere. Nu se putur aduna mai mult de cinci perechi, dar faptul era aa de rar i neateptat i totul devenea ncnttor cnd avea un partener care i se potrivea att de bine. Erau o pereche minunat. Din nefericire, nu se putur acorda dect dou dansuri. Era trziu i domnioara Bates voia s plece acas, ngrijorat din cauza mamei sale. Dup cteva ncercri de a obine permisiunea s nceap din nou, fur nevoii s-i mulumeasc doamnei Weston, s se ntristeze i s termine. Poate e mai bine aa, zise Frank Churchill, conducndo pe Emma la trsur. Ar fi trebuit s-o invit pe domnioara Fairfax, i danseaz att de molatec, nct nu mi-ar fi fcut nici o plcere, dup ce am dansat cu dumneata. EMMA NU REGRETA CA FCUSE CONCESIA de a merge la familia Cole. Vizita i lsase multe amintiri plcute pentru a doua zi i tot ceea ce s-ar putea presupune c pierduse pentru c nu avusese demnitatea s stea acas era compensat din plin de strlucirea succesului. Probabil, domnul i doamna Cole erau ncntati de ea, ce oameni cumsecade, meritau s fie fericii, lsase n urma ei un renume care nu va muri curnd. Fericirea perfect chiar i atunci cnd e n domeniul amintirilor nu e un lucru uor de gsit: erau dou lucruri de care nu era tocmai satisfcut. Se ntreba dac nu cumva i clcase datoria ei de femeie fa de alt femeie, trdndu-i bnuielile despre Jane Fairfax n faa lui Frank Churchill. Nu era prea corect, dar ideea o obsedase att de tare nct i scpase, i faptul c el aprobase tot ce i spusese ea era un compliment la adresa perspicacitii ei, ceea ce fcea s nu fie prea sigur dac ar fi trebuit s-i in gura. Cellalt motiv de regret era legat tot de Jane Fairfax, i n aceast privin nu avea nici o ndoial. Fr echivoc sau prefctorie, i regreta inferioritatea n ce privete interpretarea muzicii. Deplngea din toat inima lenea de care dduse dovad n copilrie i se aez la pian i exersa cu for o or i jumtate. Fu ntrerupt de venirea Harrietei i, dac laudele ei ar fi putut-o mulumi, ar fi fost repede consolat. Ah, dac a putea cnta i eu ca dumneavoastr i domnioara Fairfax ! Nu ne pune pe acelai plan, Harriet. Pe lng ea, eu sunt ca o lamp pe lng soare. O, doamne, eu cred c dumneavoastr cntati mai bine. Cred c interpretai la fel de bine ca ea. Sunt sigur c mie mi face mai mult plcere s v aud pe dumneavoastr. Toat lumea, asear, spunea ce bine cntati. Acei care tiu ceva muzic trebuie s fi simit diferena. Adevrul este Harriet, c eu cnt destul de bine pentru a merita laudele, ns Jane Fairfax cnta cu mult mai bine.

somebody else, and he was still talking to Mrs. Emma had no longer an alarm for Henry; his interest was yet safe; and she led off the dance with genuine spirit and enjoyment. Not more than five couple could be mustered; but the rarity and the suddenness of it made it very delightful, and she found herself well matched in a partner. They were a couple worth looking at. Two dances, unfortunately, were all that could be allowed. It was growing late, and Miss Bates became anxious to get home, on her mother's account. After some attempts, therefore, to be permitted to begin again, they were obliged to thank Mrs. Weston, look sorrowful, and have done. "Perhaps it is as well," said Frank Churchill, as he attended Emma to her carriage. "I must have asked Miss Fairfax, and her languid dancing would not have agreed with me, after your's." Emma did not repent her condescension in going to the Coles. The visit afforded her many pleasant recollections the next day; and all that she might be supposed to have lost on the side of dignified seclusion, must be amply repaid in the splendour of popularity. She must have delighted the Coles--worthy people, who deserved to be made happy!--And left a name behind her that would not soon die away. Perfect happiness, even in memory, is not common; and there were two points on which she was not quite easy. She doubted whether she had not transgressed the duty of woman by woman, in betraying her suspicions of Jane Fairfax's feelings to Frank Churchill. It was hardly right; but it had been so strong an idea, that it would escape her, and his submission to all that she told, was a compliment to her penetration, which made it difficult for her to be quite certain that she ought to have held her tongue. The other circumstance of regret related also to Jane Fairfax; and there she had no doubt. She did unfeignedly and unequivocally regret the inferiority of her own playing and singing. She did most heartily grieve over the idleness of her childhood--and sat down and practised vigorously an hour and a half. She was then interrupted by Harriet's coming in; and if Harriet's praise could have satisfied her, she might soon have been comforted. "Oh! if I could but play as well as you and Miss Fairfax!" "Don't class us together, Harriet. My playing is no more like her's, than a lamp is like sunshine." "Oh! dear--I think you play the best of the two. I think you play quite as well as she does. I am sure I had much rather hear you. Every body last night said how well you played." "Those who knew any thing about it, must have felt the difference. The truth is, Harriet, that my playing is just good enough to be praised, but Jane Fairfax's is much beyond it."

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 Ei, eu totdeauna o s cred c dumneavoastr cntai la fel de bine ca i ea i, dac e vreo diferen, nu se observ. Domnul Cole zicea c avei atta gust, i domnul Frank Churchill a vorbit destul de mult despre gustul dumneavoastr i spunea c el preuiete mai mult gustul dect interpretarea. Dar Jane Fairfax dispune de amndou, Harriet ! Suntei sigur ? Am vzut c interpreteaz bine, dar nu tiu dac are gust. Nimeni n-a spus nimic n sensul sta i mie nu-mi place muzica italian, nu se nelege un cuvnt. n afar de asta, cnta att de bine pentru c trebuie, doar va fi guvernant. Domnioarele Cox se ntrebau asear dac va putea cpta un post la o familie mai actrii. Cum vi s-au prut domnioarele Cox ? Ca de obicei, foarte vulgare. Mi-au spus ceva, zise Harriet ovind, dar n-are nici o importan. Emma fu nevoit s ntrebe ce i-au spus, dei i era team s nu fie vorba de domnul Elton. Mi-au spus c domnul Martin a fost la ei la cin, smbta trecut. Ah ! A venit la tatl lor cu nite afaceri i el l-a invitat la cin. Ah ! Am vorbit mult despre el, mai ales cu Anne Cox. Nu tiu ce a vrut s spun, dar m-a ntrebat dac o s mai fiu invitat s stau acolo vara viitoare. Voia s spun c e impertinent i curioas, aa cum e Anne Cox de obicei. A spus c a fost foarte simpatic, n timpul cinei. A stat lng ea la mas. Domnioara Nash crede c oricare din domnioarele Cox ar fi gata s se mrite cu el. Foarte probabil. Cred c sunt, fr excepie, cele mai vulgare fete din Highbury. Harriet avea de fcut cumprturi la Ford. Emma gsi c cel mai bine ar fi s o nsoeasc. Era posibil s ntlneasc din nou, din ntmplare, pe cineva din familia Martin i n starea ei actual s fi fost foarte primejdios. Harriet, care era tentat de orice i i schimba hotrrea la cel mai mic cuvnt, avea totdeauna nevoie de foarte mult timp pentru a cumpra ceva. i, n timp ce ntrzia asupra muselinelor, fr a se poat decide, Emma se duse la u s se mai distreze. Multe nu puteai spera s vezi, nici chiar acolo, n partea cea mai circulat a satului pe domnul Perry trecnd n grab, pe William Cox intrnd la birou, caii de la trsura domnului Cole ntorcndu-se de la plimbare sau vreun biat de la pot rtcind pe catrul lui ncpnat acestea erau cele mai interesante lucruri la care se putea atepta. Atunci cnd prin faa ochilor i trecur brutarul cu tava, o btrn curic ndreptndu-se spre cas cu un co plin de cumprturi, doi cini care se bteau pentru un os murdar i un ir de copii care cscau gura la turta dulce din vitrina brutarului, nu gsi c ar avea vreun motiv s se plng i

"Well, I always shall think that you play quite as well as she does, or that if there is any difference nobody would ever find it out. Mr. Cole said how much taste you had; and Mr. Frank Churchill talked a great deal about your taste, and that he valued taste much more than execution." "Ah! but Jane Fairfax has them both, Harriet." "Are you sure? I saw she had execution, but I did not know she had any taste. Nobody talked about it. And I hate Italian singing.-- There is no understanding a word of it. Besides, if she does play so very well, you know, it is no more than she is obliged to do, because she will have to teach. The Coxes were wondering last night whether she would get into any great family. How did you think the Coxes looked?" "Just as they always do--very vulgar." "They told me something," said Harriet rather hesitatingly;" but it is nothing of any consequence." Emma was obliged to ask what they had told her, though fearful of its producing Mr. Elton. "They told me--that Mr. Martin dined with them last Saturday." "Oh!" "He came to their father upon some business, and he asked him to stay to dinner." "Oh!" "They talked a great deal about him, especially Anne Cox. I do not know what she meant, but she asked me if I thought I should go and stay there again next summer." "She meant to be impertinently curious, just as such an Anne Cox should be." "She said he was very agreeable the day he dined there. He sat by her at dinner. Miss Nash thinks either of the Coxes would be very glad to marry him." "Very likely.--I think they are, without exception, the most vulgar girls in Highbury." Harriet had business at Ford's.--Emma thought it most prudent to go with her. Another accidental meeting with the Martins was possible, and in her present state, would be dangerous. Harriet, tempted by every thing and swayed by half a word, was always very long at a purchase; and while she was still hanging over muslins and changing her mind, Emma went to the door for amusement.--Much could not be hoped from the traffic of even the busiest part of Highbury;-- Mr. Perry walking hastily by, Mr. William Cox letting himself in at the office-door, Mr. Cole's carriage-horses returning from exercise, or a stray letter-boy on an obstinate mule, were the liveliest objects she could presume to expect; and when her eyes fell only on the butcher with his tray, a tidy old woman travelling homewards from shop with her full basket, two curs quarrelling over a dirty bone, and a string of dawdling children round the baker's little bow-window eyeing the gingerbread, she knew she had no reason to complain, and was amused enough; quite

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se amuz ct se poate de mult ct se poate de mult ca s rmn lng u. O minte vioaie, care e totdeauna n largul ei, poate s fie mulumit chiar dac nu vede nimic, i nu vede nimic fr a se simi rspltit. Se uita la drumul spre Randalls. Mogldeele aprute la orizont creteau i n faa ei se ivir dou persoane, doamna Weston i fiul ei adoptiv. Intrau n Highbury, mergnd spre Hartfield, cu siguran. Se oprir totui la doamna Bates, a crei cas era mai aproape de Randalls dect magazinul lui Ford, i erau pe cale de a bate, cnd o vzur pe Emma. Traversar imediat i se ndreptar spre ea i faptul c nainte cu o sear fuseser att de mult mpreun fcea aceast nou ntlnire i mai plcut. Doamna Weston o inform c mergeau n vizit la doamna Bates ca s aud pianul cel nou. Pentru c domnul care e cu mine mi spune c seara trecut i-am promis solemn domnioarei Bates c voi veni s vd pianul n dimineaa asta. Nu tiu s fi fixat ziua, dar dac el spune aa, m duc acum. i, n timp ce doamna Weston i face vizita, sper c mi se va permite s v nsoesc, zise Frank Churchill, i s o atept la Hartfield, dac mergei acas. Doamna Weston era dezamgit. Credeam c vrei s mergi cu mine. Le-ar face mare plcere. Eu ! S se mpiedice toat lumea de mine. Dar poate i aici se mpiedic lumea de mine. Domnioara Woodhouse nu pare s m doreasc drept tovar. Mtua mea m gonete ntotdeauna cnd face cumprturi. Zice c m foiesc prea mult n jurul ei i cred c domnioara Woodhouse vrea s spun acelai lucru. Ce s fac ? Nu am venit s cumpr pentru mine, rspunse Emma, o atept numai pe prietena mea. O s termine repede probabil i dup aceea merg acas. Dar ar fi mai bine s mergi cu doamna Weston i s auzi pianul. Dac aa m sftuieti ! Dar (zmbind), dac domnul colonel Campbell a dat comisionul unui prieten neglijent i se dovedete c e un pian oarecare, ce s spun ? N-am s-i fiu de folos doamnei Weston. Poate s se descurce foarte bine singur. Un adevr dezagreabil va suna altfel n gura dnsei, dar eu m pricep att de puin s spun minciuni politicoase. Nu cred una ca asta, rspunse Emma. Sunt sigur c poi s fii la fel de nesincer ca i vecinii dumitale, cnd e necesar, dar nu avem nici un motiv s credem c pianul nu e foarte bun. Dimpotriv, dac am neles eu bine prerea domnioarei Fairfax asear... Vino, te rog, cu mine, zise doamna Weston, dac nu ie greu. Nu e nevoie s stm mult. Dup aceea mergem la Hartfield dup ele. Vreau foarte mult s mergi cu mine: vor interpreta venirea ta ca pe o atenie deosebit i, pe urm, eram sigur ca vrei s vii. Nu mai avea ce s spun i cu sperana c va fi rspltit cu o vizit la Hartfield se ntoarse mpreun cu

enough still to stand at the door. A mind lively and at ease, can do with seeing nothing, and can see nothing that does not answer. She looked down the Randalls road. The scene enlarged; two persons appeared; Mrs. Weston and her son-in-law; they were walking into Highbury;--to Hartfield of course. They were stopping, however, in the first place at Mrs. Bates's; whose house was a little nearer Randalls than Ford's; and had all but knocked, when Emma caught their eye.--Immediately they crossed the road and came forward to her; and the agreeableness of yesterday's engagement seemed to give fresh pleasure to the present meeting. Mrs. Weston informed her that she was going to call on the Bateses, in order to hear the new instrument. "For my companion tells me," said she, "that I absolutely promised Miss Bates last night, that I would come this morning. I was not aware of it myself. I did not know that I had fixed a day, but as he says I did, I am going now." "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." Mrs. Weston was disappointed. "I thought you meant to go with me. They would be very much pleased." "Me! I should be quite in the way. But, perhaps--I may be equally in the way here. Miss Woodhouse looks as if she did not want me. My aunt always sends me off when she is shopping. She says I fidget her to death; and Miss Woodhouse looks as if she could almost say the same. What am I to do?" "I am here on no business of my own," said Emma; "I am only waiting for my friend. She will probably have soon done, and then we shall go home. But you had better go with Mrs. Weston and hear the instrument." "Well--if you advise it.--But (with a smile) if Colonel Campbell should have employed a careless friend, and if it should prove to have an indifferent tone--what shall I say? I shall be no support to Mrs. Weston. She might do very well by herself. A disagreeable truth would be palatable through her lips, but I am the wretchedest being in the world at a civil falsehood." "I do not believe any such thing," replied Emma.--"I am persuaded that you can be as insincere as your neighbours, when it is necessary; but there is no reason to suppose the instrument is indifferent. Quite otherwise indeed, if I understood Miss Fairfax's opinion last night." "Do come with me," said Mrs. Weston, "if it be not very disagreeable to you. It need not detain us long. We will go to Hartfield afterwards. We will follow them to Hartfield. I really wish you to call with me. It will be felt so great an attention! and I always thought you meant it." He could say no more; and with the hope of Hartfield to reward him, returned with Mrs. Weston to Mrs.

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doamna Weston la ua doamnei Bates. Emma i privi cum intr i apoi se ntoarse la Harriet, n faa interesantului galantar, i ncerc s o conving, cu toat fora minii ei, c dac dorea s cumpere muselin uni nu avea rost s se uite la cea imprimat i c panglica albastr, orict de frumoas ar fi fost ea, nu se potrivea cu imprimeul galben. n cele din urm, totul fu decis, chiar i destinaia pachetului. S-l trimit la - doamna Goddard, domnioar ? ntreb doamna Ford. Da, nu, da, la doamna Goddard. Numai c rochia imprimat e la Hartfield. Nu, trimitei-l la Hartfield, v rog. Dar doamna Goddard o s vrea s-l vad. i pot oricnd s-mi iau rochia de la Hartfield. Dar panglica o vreau imediat, aa c e mai bine la Hartfield, cel puin panglica. Putei face dou pachete, doamn Ford, nu-I aa? N-are rost, Harriet, s-o pui pe doamna Ford s se omoare s-i fac dou pachete. Da, nu prea are rost. Nu face nimic, domnioar, zise doamna Ford ndatoritoare. Ah, dar zu aa, mai bine ar fi un singur pachet. Atunci, dac nu v suprai, l trimitei la doamna Goddard, nu tiu... Ce credei, domnioar Woodhouse, ar putea foarte bine s-l trimit la Hartfield i s-l iau desear cnd plec acas. Ce m sftuii ? S nu mai stai pe gnduri. La Hartfield, doamn Ford, dac suntei bun. Ah, asta e cel mai bine, zise Harriet, foarte mulumit. Nu voiam deloc s-l trimit la doamna Goddard De magazin se apropiau nite voci sau mai degrab o voce i dou persoane: doamna Weston i domnioara Bates le ntmpinar la u. Drag domnioar Woodhouse, zise cea de-a doua, am trecut drumul s v rog s ne facei cinstea s venii puin pe la noi, s ne spunei ce prere avei despre pianul nostru cel nou. Cu domnioara Smith: Ce mai facei, domnioara Smith ? Foarte bine, mulumim, i am rugat-o pe doamna Weston s vin cu mine s fiu sigur c reuesc s v aduc. Sper c doamna Bates i domnioara Fairfax... Foarte bine, mulumesc foarte mult. Mama se simte grozav de bine i Jane nu a rcit asear. Ce mai face domnul Woodhouse ? M bucur s-aud numai bine. Doamna Weston mi-a spus c suntei aici. Ah, atunci, am spus eu, trebuie s trec drumul, sunt sigur c domnioara Woodhouse mi permite s trec numai drumul i s o invit. Mama se bucur aa de mult cnd o vede. Ne-am adunat atia i nu ne poate refuza. Da, v rog, a zis domnul Frank Churchill, trebuie s aflm prerea domnioarei Woodhouse despre pian. Dar, am zis eu, e mai sigur c accept dac unul dintre dumneavoastr vine cu mine. Ah, a zis el, ateptai un minut pn termin aici, pentru c, ce credei, domnioar Woodhouse, c face, e

Bates's door. Emma watched them in, and then joined Harriet at the interesting counter,--trying, with all the force of her own mind, to convince her that if she wanted plain muslin it was of no use to look at figured; and that a blue ribbon, be it ever so beautiful, would still never match her yellow pattern. At last it was all settled, even to the destination of the parcel. "Should I send it to Mrs. Goddard's, ma'am?" asked Mrs. Ford.-- "Yes--no--yes, to Mrs. Goddard's. Only my pattern gown is at Hartfield. No, you shall send it to Hartfield, if you please. But then, Mrs. Goddard will want to see it.--And I could take the pattern gown home any day. But I shall want the ribbon directly-- so it had better go to Hartfield--at least the ribbon. You could make it into two parcels, Mrs. Ford, could not you?"

"It is not worth while, Harriet, to give Mrs. Ford the trouble of two parcels." "No more it is." "No trouble in the world, ma'am," said the obliging Mrs. Ford. "Oh! but indeed I would much rather have it only in one. Then, if you please, you shall send it all to Mrs. Goddard's-- I do not know--No, I think, Miss Woodhouse, I may just as well have it sent to Hartfield, and take it home with me at night. What do you advise?" "That you do not give another half-second to the subject. To Hartfield, if you please, Mrs. Ford." "Aye, that will be much best," said Harriet, quite satisfied, "I should not at all like to have it sent to Mrs. Goddard's." Voices approached the shop--or rather one voice and two ladies: Mrs. Weston and Miss Bates met them at the door. "My dear Miss Woodhouse," said the latter, "I am just run across to entreat the favour of you to come and sit down with us a little while, and give us your opinion of our new instrument; you and Miss Smith. How do you do, Miss Smith?--Very well I thank you.--And I begged Mrs. Weston to come with me, that I might be sure of succeeding." "I hope Mrs. Bates and Miss Fairfax are--" "Very well, I am much obliged to you. My mother is delightfully well; and Jane caught no cold last night. How is Mr. Woodhouse?--I am so glad to hear such a good account. Mrs. Weston told me you were here.-Oh! then, said I, I must run across, I am sure Miss Woodhouse will allow me just to run across and entreat her to come in; my mother will be so very happy to see her--and now we are such a nice party, she cannot refuse.--`Aye, pray do,' said Mr. Frank Churchill, `Miss Woodhouse's opinion of the instrument will be worth having.'-- But, said I, I shall be more sure of succeeding if one of you will go with me.--`Oh,' said he, `wait half a minute, till I have finished my job;'--For, would you

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att de drgu, strnge urubul de la ochelarii mamei. A ieit azi-diminea, e aa de drgu. Pentru c mama nu mai putea folosi ochelarii, nu mai putea s-i pun la ochi. i pentru c veni vorba, toat lumea ar trebui s poarte ochelari, zu aa. Aa spunea Jane. Voiam s-i duc imediat la John Saunders, dar n-am avut timp azidiminea, cu treburile, tii cum e, ba cu una, ba cu alta, se duce timpul. nti, a venit Patty s ne spun c n buctrie trebuie scuturat coul. Ah, am spus eu, Patty, nu-mi mai aduce veti proaste, uite a ieit i urubul de la ochelarii doamnei. Pe urm, ne-au adus merele coapte: lea trimis doamna Wallis, prin biatul ei ; sunt foarte politicoi i drgui cu noi cei din familia Wallis, totdeauna. Iam auzit pe unii zicnd c doamna Wallis e cteodat nepoliticoas i poate s rspund urt, dar noi ne-am bucurat ntotdeauna de cea mai mare atenie din partea lor. i nu pentru c am cumpra cine tie ct pine, nu mncm noi cine tie ct, suntem numai trei. i, n afar de asta, scumpa de Jane, acuma, mai nimica nu mnnc la micul dejun mnnc att de puin c i se face fric. Mi-e team s-i spun mamei ce puin mnnc, aa c zic i eu ba una, ba alta i trec peste asta. Dar pe la prnz i se face foame i nu-i place nimic dect merele coapte i sunt foarte sntoase, pentru c alaltieri, am prins ocazia s-l ntreb pe domnul Perry, neam ntlnit pe strad. Nu c m-a fi ndoit vreodat, domnul Woodhouse de attea ori ne-a recomandat mere coapte. Cred c numai asa gsete domnul Woodhouse c e bine s mnnci mrul. Totui, noi facem foarte des i mere n aluat, foarte des. Patty le face minunate. Ei, doamn Weston, cred c ai reuit s le convingei pe domnioare s vin cu noi. Emma era foarte fericit s-o vad pe doamna Bates" etc, i n cele din urm plecar din magazin, fr a mai ntrzia dect o clip, pentru ca domnioara Bates s aib timpul s zic: Ce mai facei, doamn Ford ? V rog s m iertai c nu v-am observat. Am auzit c ai primit nite panglici noi i frumoase de la ora. Jane a venit acas ncntat ieri. Mulumesc, mnuile vin foarte bine, sunt numai puin largi la ncheietur, dar le strmteaz ea. Despre ce vorbeam ? zise ea, ncepnd din nou cnd ajunser n strad. Emma se ntreba la ce anume din tot acest talmebalme se va opri. Mrturisesc c nu-mi aduc aminte despre ce vorbeam. Ah, da, ochelarii mamei. Ce drgu din partea domnului Frank Churchill. Ah, a zis el, sunt convins c pot s strng urubul. mi place grozav de mult s fac aa ceva, ceea ce arat, cum tii, c e foarte, foarte... zu aa,

believe it, Miss Woodhouse, there he is, in the most obliging manner in the world, fastening in the rivet of my mother's spectacles.--The rivet came out, you know, this morning.-- So very obliging!--For my mother had no use of her spectacles-- could not put them on. And, by the bye, every body ought to have two pair of spectacles; they should indeed. Jane said so. I meant to take them over to John Saunders the first thing I did, but something or other hindered me all the morning; first one thing, then another, there is no saying what, you know. At one time Patty came to say she thought the kitchen chimney wanted sweeping. Oh, said I, Patty do not come with your bad news to me. Here is the rivet of your mistress's spectacles out. Then the baked apples came home, Mrs. Wallis sent them by her boy; they are extremely civil and obliging to us, the Wallises, always--I have heard some people say that Mrs. Wallis can be uncivil and give a very rude answer, but we have never known any thing but the greatest attention from them. And it cannot be for the value of our custom now, for what is our consumption of bread, you know? Only three of us.-- besides dear Jane at present--and she really eats nothing--makes such a shocking breakfast, you would be quite frightened if you saw it. I dare not let my mother know how little she eats--so I say one thing and then I say another, and it passes off. But about the middle of the day she gets hungry, and there is nothing she likes so well as these baked apples, and they are extremely wholesome, for I took the opportunity the other day of asking Mr. Perry; I happened to meet him in the street. Not that I had any doubt before-- I have so often heard Mr. Woodhouse recommend a baked apple. I believe it is the only way that Mr. Woodhouse thinks the fruit thoroughly wholesome. We have apple-dumplings, however, very often. Patty makes an excellent apple-dumpling. Well, Mrs. Weston, you have prevailed, I hope, and these ladies will oblige us." Emma would be "very happy to wait on Mrs. Bates, &c.," and they did at last move out of the shop, with no farther delay from Miss Bates than, "How do you do, Mrs. Ford? I beg your pardon. I did not see you before. I hear you have a charming collection of new ribbons from town. Jane came back delighted yesterday. Thank ye, the gloves do very well--only a little too large about the wrist; but Jane is taking them in." "What was I talking of?" said she, beginning again when they were all in the street. Emma wondered on what, of all the medley, she would fix. "I declare I cannot recollect what I was talking of.--Oh! my mother's spectacles. So very obliging of Mr. Frank Churchill! `Oh!' said he, `I do think I can fasten the rivet; I like a job of this kind excessively.'--Which you know shewed him to be so very. . . . Indeed I must say that, much as I had heard of him before and much

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trebuie s spun c ntrece orice se spunea despre el i ateptrile mele. V felicit, doamn Weston, din toat inima. Se pare c e tot ce poate s-i doreasc un printe. Oh, a zis, pot s strng urubul. mi place grozav de mult s fac aa ceva, i pe urm am adus merele coapte din cmar, n sperana c prietenii notri vor fi att de buni s serveasc. Oh, a spus el imediat, dintre fructe, merele mi plac cel mai mult, i astea sunt cele mai frumoase mere coapte pe care le-am vzut n viaa mea, ceea ce, tii, e foarte, foarte... i din felul cum a spus-o sunt sigur c nu exagera deloc. Zu, sunt nite mere foarte bune i doamna Wallis le face exact cum trebuie, dei nu le coace dect de dou ori, iar domnul Woodhouse a spus c de trei ori e cel mai bine, dar domnioara Woodhouse va fi att de bun s nu-i spun. Merele sunt din cel mai bun soi pentru copt, fr ndoial, sunt de la Donwell, din acelea pe care domnul Knightley a avut buntatea s ni le druiasc. Ne trimite cte un sac n fiecare an i nu cred c mai are cineva mere ca ale lui, poate s mai fie doar unul. Mama spune c livada era vestit n tinereea ei. Dar, deunzi am fost de-a binelea speriat, pentru c domnul Knightley a trecut pe la noi, ntr-o diminea, i Jane mnca mere din astea i am vorbit despre mere i iam spus ce mult i plac, i a ntrebat dac nu le-am terminat. Sunt sigur c le-ai terminat, a zis el, i am s v mai trimit cteva, pentru c eu am prea multe i n-am ce face cu ele. William Larkins m-a fcut s pun la pstrare mai multe dect de obicei. Am s v mai trimit ct mai sunt bune. i eu l-am rugat s nu fac una ca asta, dar, oricum, ale noastre erau pe sfrite, n-aveam ce zice, nu mai erau dect vreo ase i le ineam pentru Jane i nu puteam s-l las s ne mai trimit, c doar fusese deja destul de darnic i Jane a zis la fel. i cnd a plecat, ea aproape s-a certat cu mine, adic nu pot zice c ne-am certat pentru c noi nu ne certm niciodat, dar era foarte suprat c am spus c merele noastre s-au mpuinat ; ar fi vrut s-l fac s cread c mai avem destule. Ah, am zis, draga mea, am zis i eu ce am putut. Totui, chiar n seara aceea, William Larkins a venit cu un co mare cu mere, de acelai fel, un fel de bani, i eu am mulumit foarte mult i am cobort s-l vd pe William Larkins i am spus tot ce se cade. William Larkins ne cunoate de atta vreme ! M bucur ntotdeauna cnd l vd. Totui, am aflat mai trziu de la Patty c William a zis c astea erau toate merele din soiul sta pe care le mai avea stpnul ; le adusese pe toate, i acum stpnul nu mai are nici unul s coac sau s fiarb. Lui William nu prea i psa, i fcea plcere c stpnul su a vndut aa de multe, pentru c William, cum tii, se gndete foarte mult la ctigul stpnului, dar doamna Hodges era suprat c le-a trimis pe toate. Nu-i convenea deloc s nu poat

as I had expected, he very far exceeds any thing. . . . I do congratulate you, Mrs. Weston, most warmly. He seems every thing the fondest parent could. . . . `Oh!' said he, `I can fasten the rivet. I like a job of that sort excessively.' I never shall forget his manner. And when I brought out the baked apples from the closet, and hoped our friends would be so very obliging as to take some, `Oh!' said he directly, `there is nothing in the way of fruit half so good, and these are the finest-looking home-baked apples I ever saw in my life.' That, you know, was so very. . . . And I am sure, by his manner, it was no compliment. Indeed they are very delightful apples, and Mrs. Wallis does them full justice--only we do not have them baked more than twice, and Mr. Woodhouse made us promise to have them done three times-- but Miss Woodhouse will be so good as not to mention it. The apples themselves are the very finest sort for baking, beyond a doubt; all from Donwell--some of Mr. Knightley's most liberal supply. He sends us a sack every year; and certainly there never was such a keeping apple anywhere as one of his trees--I believe there is two of them. My mother says the orchard was always famous in her younger days. But I was really quite shocked the other day-- for Mr. Knightley called one morning, and Jane was eating these apples, and we talked about them and said how much she enjoyed them, and he asked whether we were not got to the end of our stock. `I am sure you must be,' said he, `and I will send you another supply; for I have a great many more than I can ever use. William Larkins let me keep a larger quantity than usual this year. I will send you some more, before they get good for nothing.' So I begged he would not--for really as to ours being gone, I could not absolutely say that we had a great many left--it was but half a dozen indeed; but they should be all kept for Jane; and I could not at all bear that he should be sending us more, so liberal as he had been already; and Jane said the same. And when he was gone, she almost quarrelled with me--No, I should not say quarrelled, for we never had a quarrel in our lives; but she was quite distressed that I had owned the apples were so nearly gone; she wished I had made him believe we had a great many left. Oh, said I, my dear, I did say as much as I could. However, the very same evening William Larkins came over with a large basket of apples, the same sort of apples, a bushel at least, and I was very much obliged, and went down and spoke to William Larkins and said every thing, as you may suppose. William Larkins is such an old acquaintance! I am always glad to see him. But, however, I found afterwards from Patty, that William said it was all the apples of that sort his master had; he had brought them all--and now his master had not one left to bake or boil. William did not seem to mind it himself, he was so pleased to think his master had sold so many; for William, you know, thinks more of his master's profit than any thing; but Mrs.

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s-i fac o tart cu mere stpnului, la primvar. I-a spus lui Patty toate astea, dar a rugat-o s nu se supere i s nu ne mai spun i nou, pentru c doamna Hodges se supar cteodat i dac s-au vndut atia saci, n-are importan cine m-nnc restul. Aa mi-a spus Patty i zu c m-am speriat ! N-a vrea ca domnul Knightley s afle ceva, pentru nimic n lume ! Ar fi aa de... i voiam ca nici Jane s nu afle, dar, din nefericire, i-am spus fr s-mi dau seama. Domnioara Bates tocmai terminase, cnd Patty le deschise ua i musafirele urcar, fr s mai fie nevoite s asculte o alt poveste, nsoite numai de exclamaiile fr ir ale bunvoinei ei: V rog, avei grij, doamn Weston. e o treapt la cotitur. V rog, avei grij, domnioar Woodhouse, scara noastr e foarte ntunecoas, i ntunecoas, i strimt, ce s-i faci ! Domnioar Smith, te rog, fii atent. Domnioar Woodhouse, mi-e team s nu v fi lovit cumva la picior. Domnioar Smith, treapta de la cotitur ! CND INTRAR, MICUL SALON ERA IMAGINEA pcii nsi; doamna Bates, lipsit de ocupaia ei obinuit, sttea picotind lng foc, Frank Churchill, la mas, lng ea, foarte ocupat cu ochelarii, iar Jane Fairfax, cu spatele la ei, n picioare, se uita int la pian. Dei era ocupat, tnrul gsi posibilitatea s-i exprime fericirea c o vede din nou pe Emma. Ce plcere, spuse el, cu o voce nu prea ridicat, ai ajuns cu zece minute mai repede dect calculasem eu. Dup cum vezi, ncerc s m fac folositor ! Spune-mi dac reuesc sau nu ? Ce ? spuse doamna Weston, n-ai terminat ? N-ai prea ctiga cine tie ce ca bijutier, dac lucrezi n ritmul sta. N-am lucrat fr ntrerupere, rspunse el. Am ajutat-o pe domnioara Fairfax s fac pianul s stea drept, fiindc se cam mica, o ridictur n podea, cred eu. Vedei, am fixat un picior cu hrtie. Foarte drgu din partea dumneavoastr c v-ai lsat convinse s venii. Mi-era team c v grbii spre cas. Aranja n aa fel ca ea s se aeze lng el i se ocup destul de mult s-i caute cel mai frumos mr copt, pn cnd Jane Fairfax fu gata s se aeze din nou la pian. Emma observ, dup nervozitatea ei, c nu putea ncepe imediat s cnte nu avea pianul de prea mult vreme i nu putea s-l ating fr emoie. Trebuia s-i revin ca s aib puterea s nceap i Emma nu putea dect s o comptimeasc pentru asemenea sentimente, oricare ar fi fost originea lor, i hotr s nu le mai dezvluie vecinului ei.

Hodges, he said, was quite displeased at their being all sent away. She could not bear that her master should not be able to have another apple-tart this spring. He told Patty this, but bid her not mind it, and be sure not to say any thing to us about it, for Mrs. Hodges would be cross sometimes, and as long as so many sacks were sold, it did not signify who ate the remainder. And so Patty told me, and I was excessively shocked indeed! I would not have Mr. Knightley know any thing about it for the world! He would be so very. . . . I wanted to keep it from Jane's knowledge; but, unluckily, I had mentioned it before I was aware." Miss Bates had just done as Patty opened the door; and her visitors walked upstairs without having any regular narration to attend to, pursued only by the sounds of her desultory good-will. "Pray take care, Mrs. Weston, there is a step at the turning. Pray take care, Miss Woodhouse, ours is rather a dark staircase-- rather darker and narrower than one could wish. Miss Smith, pray take care. Miss Woodhouse, I am quite concerned, I am sure you hit your foot. Miss Smith, the step at the turning." The appearance of the little sitting-room as they entered, was tranquillity itself; Mrs. Bates, deprived of her usual employment, slumbering on one side of the fire, Frank Churchill, at a table near her, most deedily occupied about her spectacles, and Jane Fairfax, standing with her back to them, intent on her pianoforte. Busy as he was, however, the young man was yet able to shew a most happy countenance on seeing Emma again. "This is a pleasure," said he, in rather a low voice, "coming at least ten minutes earlier than I had calculated. You find me trying to be useful; tell me if you think I shall succeed." "What!" said Mrs. Weston, "have not you finished it yet? you would not earn a very good livelihood as a working silversmith at this rate." "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. You see we have been wedging one leg with paper. This was very kind of you to be persuaded to come. I was almost afraid you would be hurrying home." He contrived that she should be seated by him; and was sufficiently employed in looking out the best baked apple for her, and trying to make her help or advise him in his work, till Jane Fairfax was quite ready to sit down to the pianoforte again. That she was not immediately ready, Emma did suspect to arise from the state of her nerves; she had not yet possessed the instrument long enough to touch it without emotion; she must reason herself into the power of performance; and Emma could not but pity such feelings, whatever their origin, and could not but resolve never to expose them to

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In fine, Jane ncepu i, dei primele msuri fur timide, treptat, calitile instrumentului fur puse n valoare. Doamna Weston fusese ncntat dinainte i acum fu din nou ncntat ; Emma se altur laudelor ei, iar pianul, fcndu-se diferenierile de rigoare, fu declarat cu desvrire ca foarte promitor. Oricine ar fi acela care a fcut comisionul domnului colonel Campbell, zise Frank Churchill zmbind ctre Emma, n-a ales prost. Am auzit multe despre gustul colonelului Campbell la Weymouth, i dulceaa sunetelor este exact ceea ce i plcea lui i celorlali din familie. Probabil, domnioar Fairfax, fie c i-a dat foarte amnunite instruciuni prietenului, fie c a scris el nsui la Broadwood. Nu credei ? Jane nu-i ntoarse privirea. Putea s nu fi auzit, pentru c doamna Weston i vorbise n acelai timp. Nu-i cinstit, zise Emma. Am fcut i eu o presupunere la ntmplare. N-o ntrista ! i cltin capul zmbind i n privire i Se citea prea puin ndoial i prea puin mil. Imediat dup aceea ncepu din nou: Ce mult se bucur acum prietenii dumitale din Irlanda de plcerea pe care i-au fcut-o. Cred c se gndesc foarte mult la dumneata i se ntreab n ce zi exact vei primi instrumentul. Credei c domnul colonel Campbell tie exact ce se ntmpl acum ? Crezi c a trimis un comisionar direct sau a dat numai nite instruciuni vagi, fr s precizeze momentul, lsnd s depind totul de mprejurri convenabile ?

Se opri ; ea auzise n mod sigur i nu putea evita un rspuns: Pn nu primesc o scrisoare de la domnul colonel Campbell, zise ea cu un glas de un calm forat, nu pot s cred nimic cu certitudine. Fac numai presupuneri. Presupuneri, da, presupunerile sunt cteodat adevrate, cteodat nu. A vrea s pot presupune cnd am s termin cu urubul sta. Ce zici, domnioar Woodhouse, ce prostii poate s spun omul dac se apuc s vorbeasc atunci cnd lucreaz. Lucrtorii adevrai, mi nchipui, i in gura. Dar noi, lucrtorii gentlemeni, dac auzim un cuvnt... Domnioara Fairfax zicea ceva despre presupuneri. Am terminat, n fine. Doamn, am plcerea (ctre doamna Bates) s v napoiez ochelarii vindecai, deocamdat. i mulumir foarte clduros, att mama ct i fiica ; pentru a scpa puin de cea de-a doua, se duse la pian i o rug pe domnioara Fairfax, care mai era nc pe scaun, s mai cnte ceva. Dac suntei aa de drgu, un vals din cele pe care le-am dansat asear ; a vrea s le retriesc. Dumitale nu i-au plcut att de mult, tot timpul artai obosit. Cred

her neighbour again. At last Jane began, and though the first bars were feebly given, the powers of the instrument were gradually done full justice to. Mrs. Weston had been delighted before, and was delighted again; Emma joined her in all her praise; and the pianoforte, with every proper discrimination, was pronounced to be altogether of the highest promise. "Whoever Colonel Campbell might employ," said Frank Churchill, with a smile at Emma, "the person has not chosen ill. I heard a good deal of Colonel Campbell's taste at Weymouth; and the softness of the upper notes I am sure is exactly what he and all that party would particularly prize. I dare say, Miss Fairfax, that he either gave his friend very minute directions, or wrote to Broadwood himself. Do not you think so?" Jane did not look round. She was not obliged to hear. Mrs. Weston had been speaking to her at the same moment. "It is not fair," said Emma, in a whisper; "mine was a random guess. Do not distress her." He shook his head with a smile, and looked as if he had very little doubt and very little mercy. Soon afterwards he began again, "How much your friends in Ireland must be enjoying your pleasure on this occasion, Miss Fairfax. I dare say they often think of you, and wonder which will be the day, the precise day of the instrument's coming to hand. Do you imagine Colonel Campbell knows the business to be going forward just at this time?--Do you imagine it to be the consequence of an immediate commission from him, or that he may have sent only a general direction, an order indefinite as to time, to depend upon contingencies and conveniences?" He paused. She could not but hear; she could not avoid answering, "Till I have a letter from Colonel Campbell," said she, in a voice of forced calmness, "I can imagine nothing with any confidence. It must be all conjecture." "Conjecture--aye, sometimes one conjectures right, and sometimes one conjectures wrong. I wish I could conjecture how soon I shall make this rivet quite firm. What nonsense one talks, Miss Woodhouse, when hard at work, if one talks at all;--your real workmen, I suppose, hold their tongues; but we gentlemen labourers if we get hold of a word--Miss Fairfax said something about conjecturing. There, it is done. I have the pleasure, madam, (to Mrs. Bates,) of restoring your spectacles, healed for the present." He was very warmly thanked both by mother and daughter; to escape a little from the latter, he went to the pianoforte, and begged Miss Fairfax, who was still sitting at it, to play something more. "If you are very kind," said he, "it will be one of the waltzes we danced last night;--let me live them over again. You did not enjoy them as I did; you appeared tired

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c ai fost bucuroas c nu mai dansm, dar eu a fi dat totul de pe lume pentru nc o jumtate de or.

the whole time. I believe you were glad we danced no longer; but I would have given worlds-- all the worlds one ever has to give--for another half-hour." Ea cnta. She played. Ce fericire s auzi din nou o melodie care te-a fcut o "What felicity it is to hear a tune again which has made one dat fericit. Dac nu greesc, asta s-a dansat la happy!-- If I mistake not that was danced at Weymouth. Weymouth." Se uit la el o clip, se nroi tare i ncepu s cnte She looked up at him for a moment, coloured deeply, and altceva. El lu nite note de pe un scaun de lng pian i, played something else. He took some music from a ntorcndu-se spre Emma, zise: chair near the pianoforte, and turning to Emma, said, Iat ceva cu totul nou pentru mine. l tii ? Cramer ! i "Here is something quite new to me. Do you know it?-iat un set de noi melodii irlandeze. La asta te poi Cramer.-- And here are a new set of Irish melodies. atepta de la ei. Foarte bine a gndit domnul colonel That, from such a quarter, one might expect. This was all Campbell, nu ? tia c domnioara Fairfax nu are partituri sent with the instrument. Very thoughtful of Colonel aici. Mi se pare vrednic de cinste aceast atenie, arat c Campbell, was not it?--He knew Miss Fairfax could have no totul e pornit din inim. Nimic fcut n grab, nimic music here. I honour that part of the attention fcut pe jumtate. Numai o dragoste adevrat putea s-l particularly; it shews it to have been so thoroughly from the ndemne. heart. Nothing hastily done; nothing incomplete. True affection only could have prompted it." Emma ar fi vrut s nu fac aluzii att de directe i totui nu Emma wished he would be less pointed, yet could not help putea s nu fie amuzat i, cnd ntorcndu-i being amused; and when on glancing her eye privirea spre Jane Fairfax vzu urma unui zmbet, cnd towards Jane Fairfax she caught the remains of a smile, vzu c n ciuda roeii vinovate zmbetul ascundea when she saw that with all the deep blush of plcere, avu mai puine remucri i se distra cu mai consciousness, there had been a smile of secret delight, she puine scrupule. Aceast amabil, perfect i fr repro had less scruple in the amusement, and much less Jane Fairfax nutrea, se pare, sentimente vrednice de compunction with respect to her.--This amiable, upright, dispre. perfect Jane Fairfax was apparently cherishing very reprehensible feelings. Frank i aduse toate partiturile i se uitar mpreun la ele. He brought all the music to her, and they looked it over Emma profit de ocazie ca s-i opteasc: together.-- Emma took the opportunity of whispering, Vorbeti prea direct. Probabil c nelege. "You speak too plain. She must understand you." Sper c nelege. A vrea s m neleag. Nu mi-e "I hope she does. I would have her understand me. I am not deloc ruine de ce vreau s spun. in the least ashamed of my meaning." Dar, zu, mie mi-e pe jumtate ruine i tare-a vrea s "But really, I am half ashamed, and wish I had never taken nu-mi fi venit ideea asta niciodat. up the idea." Eu sunt fericit c i-a venit i c mi-ai spus-o i mie. "I am very glad you did, and that you communicated it to Acum am cheia tuturor purtrilor ei ciudate. Las me. I have now a key to all her odd looks and ways. ruinea pe seama ei. Dac face ceva nepermis, trebuie s-i Leave shame to her. If she does wrong, she ought to feel it." fie ruine. "She is not entirely without it, I think." Nu cred c e cu totul lipsit de ruine. "I do not see much sign of it. She is playing Robin Adair at N-o prea vd dnd semne. Acum cnt Robin Adair", this moment--his favourite." bucata lui favorit. Shortly afterwards Miss Bates, passing near the window, Puin dup aceea, domnioara Bates, trecnd pe lng descried Mr. Knightley on horse-back not far off. fereastr, l vzu pe domnul Knightley, clare, nu departe de casa lor. "Mr. Knightley I declare!--I must speak to him if possible, just Domnul Knightley, ia te uit ! Trebuie s-i vorbesc, to thank him. I will not open the window here; dac e posibil s-i mulumesc. Dar nu vreau s deschid it would give you all cold; but I can go into my mother's fereastra aici s nu rcii. Pot s m duc la mama n room you know. I dare say he will come in when he camer. Cred c o s intre dac o s afle cine e nuntru. knows who is here. Quite delightful to have you all meet so!Ce bine c ai venit cu toii. Ce onoare pentru cmrua -Our little room so honoured!" noastr ! She was in the adjoining chamber while she still spoke, and Trecu n camera de alturi fr s nceteze s vorbeasc, opening the casement there, immediately called deschise fereastra i-i atrase imediat atenia domnului Mr. Knightley's attention, and every syllable of their Knightley. Fiecare silab din conversaia lor se auzea conversation was as distinctly heard by the others, as if it perfect, de parc ar fi fost n aceeai camer. had passed within the same apartment. Ce facei, ce mai facei ? Foarte bine, mulumesc. "How d' ye do?--how d'ye do?--Very well, I thank you. So 153

Mulumim pentru trsur. Am sosit la timp, mama tocmai ne atepta. Dar, v rog, intrai, v rog. Sunt aici prieteni de-ai dumneavoastr. Aa ncepu domnioara Bates i domnul Knightley prea hotrt s se fac auzit la rndu-i, pentru c zise pe un ton ferm i poruncitor: Ce mai face nepoata dumneavoastr, domnioar Bates ? Vreau s tiu dac suntei bine cu toate, dar mi ales nepoata dumneavoastr. Ce face domnioara Fairfax, sper c n-a rcit asear. Azi cum se simte ? Spunei-mi ce face domnioara Fairfax ? i domnioara Bates fu nevoit s rspund direct pentru c el nu voia s asculte nimic altceva. Cei care i auzeau erau amuzai i doamna Weston i arunc Emmei o privire plin de subneles. Dar Emma tot mai cltina din cap, sceptic. Mulumesc foarte mult ! Mulumesc foarte, foarte mult pentru trsur, relu domnioara Bates. El i-o tie cu: M duc la Kingston. Avei nevoie de ceva ? O, Doamne, la Kingston ? Doamna Cole spunea deunzi c are nevoie de ceva de la Kingston. Doamna Cole poate s-i trimit servitorii ; ce-a putea s fac pentru dumneavoastr ? Nu, mulumesc, dar v rog, intrai ! Cine credei c e aici ? Domnioara Woodhouse i domnioara Smith au fost aa drgue s vin s aud pianul. V rog, lsai calul la Crown i venii ! Ei, zise el nehotrt, poate doar cinci minute. Sunt i doamna Weston i domnul Frank Churchill. Ce minunat, atia prieteni ! Nu, nu acum, mulumesc. Nu pot s pierd nici un minut, trebuie s ajung la Kingston ct se poate de repede. Ah, dar v rog, intrai un pic ! Toi vor fi att de fericii s v vad. Nu, nu, e prea mult lume. Vin alt dat s ascult pianul Ei, bine, dar mi pare foarte ru. Ah, domnule Knightley ce petrecere minunat asear ! Ce plcere ! Ai mai vzut vreodat asemenea dans ? Nu era minunat ? Domnioara Woodhouse i domnul Frank Churchill, n-am mai vzut niciodat aa frumusee de pereche ! A, minunat ntr-adevr ! Sunt de aceeai prere, n-am ncotro, pentru c am impresia c domnioara Woodhouse i domnul Frank Churchill aud tot ce vorbim i (ridicnd mai mult vocea) nu vd de ce n-am pomeni-o i pe domnioara Fairfax. Cred c domnioara Fairfax danseaz foarte bine i doamna Weston tie att de bine s acompanieze, a zice, fr exagerare, cel mai bine din toat Anglia. Acum, dac prietenii notri ar fi nite oameni recunosctori, ar zice ceva de bine despre dumneavoastr i despre mine, ct se poate de tare. Dar n-am timp s stau i s ascult. Ah, domnule Knightley, numai un moment. Am ceva important. Am fost aa de uimit. Jane i cu mine suntem aa de uimite din cauza merelor ! Ce s-a ntmplat ?

obliged to you for the carriage last night. We were just in time; my mother just ready for us. Pray come in; do come in. You will find some friends here." So began Miss Bates; and Mr. Knightley seemed determined to be heard in his turn, for most resolutely and commandingly did he say, "How is your niece, Miss Bates?--I want to inquire after you all, but particularly your niece. How is Miss Fairfax?--I hope she caught no cold last night. How is she today? Tell me how Miss Fairfax is." And Miss Bates was obliged to give a direct answer before he would hear her in any thing else. The listeners were amused; and Mrs. Weston gave Emma a look of particular meaning. But Emma still shook her head in steady scepticism. "So obliged to you!--so very much obliged to you for the carriage," resumed Miss Bates. He cut her short with, "I am going to Kingston. Can I do any thing for you?" "Oh! dear, Kingston--are you?--Mrs. Cole was saying the other day she wanted something from Kingston." "Mrs. Cole has servants to send. Can I do any thing for you?" "No, I thank you. But do come in. Who do you think is here?- Miss Woodhouse and Miss Smith; so kind as to call to hear the new pianoforte. Do put up your horse at the Crown, and come in." "Well," said he, in a deliberating manner, "for five minutes, perhaps." "And here is Mrs. Weston and Mr. Frank Churchill too!-Quite delightful; so many friends!" "No, not now, I thank you. I could not stay two minutes. I must get on to Kingston as fast as I can." "Oh! do come in. They will be so very happy to see you." "No, no; your room is full enough. I will call another day, and hear the pianoforte." "Well, I am so sorry!--Oh! Mr. Knightley, what a delightful party last night; how extremely pleasant.--Did you ever see such dancing?-- Was not it delightful?--Miss Woodhouse and Mr. Frank Churchill; I never saw any thing equal to it." "Oh! very delightful indeed; I can say nothing less, for I suppose Miss Woodhouse and Mr. Frank Churchill are hearing every thing that passes. And (raising his voice still more) I do not see why Miss Fairfax should not be mentioned too. I think Miss Fairfax dances very well; and Mrs. Weston is the very best country-dance player, without exception, in England. Now, if your friends have any gratitude, they will say something pretty loud about you and me in return; but I cannot stay to hear it." "Oh! Mr. Knightley, one moment more; something of consequence-- so shocked!--Jane and I are both so shocked about the apples!" "What is the matter now?" "To think of your sending us all your store apples. You said

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 Cnd te gndeti c ne-ai trimis toate merele dumneavoastr de iarn. Ziceai c avei prea multe i acum nu v-a rmas nimic. Am fost aa de surprinse. Doamna Hodges are dreptate s se supere. Ne-a spus William Larkins. N-ar fi trebuit s facei asta, zu aa. Ah, a plecat, nu suport s primeasc mulumiri. Dar credeam c o s stea, ar fi fost pcat s nu zic nimic despre mere (ntorcndu-se n camer): N-am reuit. Domnul Knightley nu are timp s se opreasc. Merge la Kingston. M-a ntrebat dac poate s fac ceva. Da, zise Jane, am auzit ce amabil a fost s se ofere. Am auzit tot. A, da, draga mea, cred c s-a auzit, pentru c, tii, ua era deschis, i fereastra, i domnul Knightley vorbea tare. Ai auzit tot, desigur. Pot s fac ceva pentru dumneavoastr la Kingston ?" a zis el, i eu am pomenit numai... Vai, domnioar Woodhouse, trebuie s plecai ? Dar abia ai venit, ce drgu din partea dumneavoastr !" Emma credea ntr-adevr c trebuie s plece acas, vizita durase deja prea mult i cnd se uitar la ceas vzur c cea mai mare parte a dimineii se dusese i doamna Weston cu nsoitorul ei puteau numai s le conduc pn la Hartfield i s porneasc napoi spre Randalls. CAPITOLUL XXIX ESTE CTEODAT POSIBIL SA TE LIPSETI cu totul de dans. Se cunosc cazuri de tineri care au trit multe luni la rnd fr s mearg la nici un fel de bal i asta nu a produs nici o pagub material pentru mintea sau trupul lor. Dar, cnd ai fcut un nceput, cnd ai simit fericirea de a te mica, devine foarte greu s nu i-o doreti din nou. Frank Churchill dansase numai o dat la Highbury i mai voia nc, astfel nct ultima jumtate de or a vizitei pe care domnul Woodhouse se lsase convins s-o fac mpreun cu fiica sa la Randalls fu petrecut de cei doi tineri fcnd planuri asupra acestui subiect. Frank fu primul cu ideea i cel mai plin de zel pentru a o nfptui, cci domnioara cunotea foarte bine dificultile i era cea mai ngrijorat de condiii i de aspect. Totui, avea destul dorin s le arate oamenilor ce frumos danseaz domnul Frank Churchill i domnioara Woodhouse n privina asta nu avea de ce s roeasc n comparaie cu Jane Fairfax i chiar pur i simplu s danseze, fr s fie vorba de vreo vanitate rutcioas. l ajut s msoare camera cu pasul i s vad cam ci putea s cuprind, i s msoare i cealalt camer, n sperana de a descoperi, n ciuda domnului Weston care le spunea c sunt egale, c aceea e puin mai mare. Prima lui propunere i dorin ca dansul care ncepuse la doamna Cole sa se termine la ei, s fie adunai aceiai invitai i angajat aceeai muzicant, gsi un ecou favorabil. Domnul Weston primi ideea cu mare bucurie i

you had a great many, and now you have not one left. We really are so shocked! Mrs. Hodges may well be angry. William Larkins mentioned it here. You should not have done it, indeed you should not. Ah! he is off. He never can bear to be thanked. But I thought he would have staid now, and it would have been a pity not to have mentioned. . . . Well, (returning to the room,) I have not been able to succeed. Mr. Knightley cannot stop. He is going to Kingston. He asked me if he could do any thing. . . ." "Yes," said Jane, "we heard his kind offers, we heard every thing." "Oh! yes, my dear, I dare say you might, because you know, the door was open, and the window was open, and Mr. Knightley spoke loud. You must have heard every thing to be sure. `Can I do any thing for you at Kingston?' said he; so I just mentioned. . . . Oh! Miss Woodhouse, must you be going?--You seem but just come--so very obliging of you." Emma found it really time to be at home; the visit had already lasted long; and on examining watches, so much of the morning was perceived to be gone, that Mrs. Weston and her companion taking leave also, could allow themselves only to walk with the two young ladies to Hartfield gates, before they set off for Randalls. It may be possible to do without dancing entirely. Instances have been known of young people passing many, many months successively, without being at any ball of any description, and no material injury accrue either to body or mind;--but when a beginning is made-- when the felicities of rapid motion have once been, though slightly, felt--it must be a very heavy set that does not ask for more. Frank Churchill had danced once at Highbury, and longed to dance again; and the last half-hour of an evening which Mr. Woodhouse was persuaded to spend with his daughter at Randalls, was passed by the two young people in schemes on the subject. Frank's was the first idea; and his the greatest zeal in pursuing it; for the lady was the best judge of the difficulties, and the most solicitous for accommodation and appearance. 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. His first proposition and request, that the dance begun at Mr. Cole's should be finished there--that the same party should be collected, and the same musician engaged, met with the readiest acquiescence. Mr. Weston

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doamna Weston accept s cnte ct vor dori ei s danseze i dup asta urmase interesanta ocupaie de a stabili cine exact s vin i exact de ct suprafa aveau nevoie pentru fiecare pereche. Dumneata i domnioara Smith i domnioara Fairfax fac trei i cu cele dou domnioara Cox fac cinci, (asta se repet de cteva ori). i vor fi cei doi domni Gilbert, tnrul Cox, tata i cu mine, plus domnul Knightley. Da, asta e destul ca s ne fac plcere. Dumneata i domnioara Smith i domnioara Fairfax fac trei, plus cele dou domnioare Cox, fac cinci, i pentru cinci perechi e destul loc. Dar de ndat se ivir dificulti, pe de o parte: O s fie destul loc pentru cinci perechi ? Nu prea cred s fie. Pe de alta: i la urma urmei, cinci perechi nici nu nseamn destul ca s merite osteneala de-a sta n picioare. Nu face s invii cinci perechi, se poate numai dac e ceva improvizat. Cineva spunea c o domnioar Gilbert este ateptat la fratele ei i trebuie invitat mpreun cu ceilali. Cineva credea c doamna Gilbert ar fi dansat seara trecut, dac ar fi fost invitat. Se mai puse o vorb bun pentru cellalt domn Cox i, n fine, cum domnul Weston pomeni de unul din veriorii din familie, care trebuia i el invitat, i de o alt foarte veche cunotin, care nu putea fi omis, deveni cert c vor fi cel puin zece perechi i se oferir soluii foarte interesante pentru amplasarea lor. Uile celor dou camere erau fa n fa. Nu s-ar putea folosi ambele camere i s se danseze i n spaiul dintre ele ?" Prea cea mai bun idee, i fiind att de bun, muli dintre ei se declarar pentru una i mai bun. Emma spuse c va fi incomod ; doamna Weston era disperat n privina gustrilor i domnul Woodhouse se opunea serios, din motive de sntate. Ideea asta l fcea att de nenorocit nct nu trebuia s se mearg mai departe. A, nu, zise el. Ar fi extrem de imprudent. N-a putea s suport din cauza Emmei, nu are o sntate de fier. Ar rci ngrozitor. i biata Harriet, la fel, i toi ceilali. Doamn Weston, ar fi mare deranj pentru dumneata, nu-i mai lsa s vorbeasc despre o asemenea nebunie. Te rog, nu-i mai lsa. Tnrul (coborndu-i vocea) e foarte nesocotit. Nu-i spune tatlui su, dar tnrul sta nu mi se pare aa de desvrit. n seara asta a deschis mereu uile i le-a lsat deschise fr nici o socoteal. Nu se gndete c se face curent. Nu vreau s te strnesc mpotriva lui, dar nu-i tocmai ce-ar trebui s fie. Doamnei Weston nu-i czu bine s aud o asemenea acuzaie. tia ct e de important i spuse tot ce-i sttea n putin ca s o contrazic. Acum, uile fuseser nchise, se

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. "You and Miss Smith, and Miss Fairfax, will be three, and the two Miss Coxes five," had been repeated many times over. "And there will be the two Gilberts, young Cox, my father, and myself, besides Mr. Knightley. Yes, that will be quite enough for pleasure. You and Miss Smith, and Miss Fairfax, will be three, and the two Miss Coxes five; and for five couple there will be plenty of room." But soon it came to be on one side, "But will there be good room for five couple?--I really do not think there will." On another, "And after all, five couple are not enough to make it worth while to stand up. Five couple are nothing, when one thinks seriously about it. It will not do to invite five couple. It can be allowable only as the thought of the moment." Somebody said that Miss Gilbert was expected at her brother's, and must be invited with the rest. Somebody else believed Mrs. Gilbert would have danced the other evening, if she had been asked. A word was put in for a second young Cox; and at last, Mr. Weston naming one family of cousins who must be included, and another of very old acquaintance who could not be left out, it became a certainty that the five couple would be at least ten, and a very interesting speculation in what possible manner they could be disposed of. The doors of the two rooms were just opposite each other. "Might not they use both rooms, and dance across the passage?" It seemed the best scheme; and yet it was not so good but that many of them wanted a better. Emma said it would be awkward; Mrs. Weston was in distress about the supper; and Mr. Woodhouse opposed it earnestly, on the score of health. It made him so very unhappy, indeed, that it could not be persevered in. "Oh! no," said he; "it would be the extreme of imprudence. I could not bear it for Emma!--Emma is not strong. She would catch a dreadful cold. So would poor little Harriet. So you would all. Mrs. Weston, you would be quite laid up; do not let them talk of such a wild thing. Pray do not let them talk of it. That young man (speaking lower) is very thoughtless. Do not tell his father, but that young man is not quite the thing. He has been opening the doors very often this evening, and keeping them open very inconsiderately. He does not think of the draught. I do not mean to set you against him, but indeed he is not quite the thing!" Mrs. Weston was sorry for such a charge. She knew the importance of it, and said every thing in her power to do it away. Every door was now closed, the passage plan

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renunase la planul de a folosi spaiul dintre camere i se revenise la ideea de a dansa numai n camera n care de sflau acum i, prin marea bunvoin a lui Frank Churchill, spaiul care nainte cu un sfert de or fusese apreciat ca prea mic pentru cinci perechi deveni acum satisfctor pentru zece. Am fost prea generoi, spuse el, am lsat prea mult loc. Zece perechi n picioare ncap foarte bine aici. Emma ovia: Ar fi o gloat, o gloat trist, i ce e mai ru dect s dansezi undeva unde nu ai loc s te nvrteti? Foarte adevrat, rspunse el grav. E foarte prost. Dar continu s msoare i termin cu: Cred c e suficient spaiu pentru zece perechi. Nu, nu, spuse ea. Ceri prea mult. Ar fi ngrozitor s stm prea nghesuii. Nimic nu e mai neplcut dect s dansezi ntr-o mulime i nc o mulime adunat ntr-o camer mic. Nu se poate nega, ntr-adevr, rspunse el. Sunt perfect de acord cu dumneata. O mulime ntr-o camer mic, domnioar Woodhouse, dumneata ai darul de a spune totul n trei cuvinte. Excelent zis, ntr-adevr, excelent ! Totui, dac am ajuns pn aici, nu putem renuna aa. Tata ar fi dezamgit i noi toi de altfel, dar eu sunt de prere c zece perechi ncap foarte bine aici. Emma observ c originea galanteriilor lui era puin cam egoist. Prefera s-o contrazic dect s piard plcerea de a dansa cu ea primi complimentul i l iert pentru rest. Dac s-ar fi pus vreodat problema s-l ia de brbat, poate c ar fi fost bine s stea s se gndeasc la valoarea preferinei lui, la caracterul pe care-l dovedea ; dar, pentru scopurile imediate ale prieteniei lor, era destul de simpatic. A doua zi, nainte de amiaz, era la Hartfield. Intr cu un zmbet cuceritor, vestind intenia de a continua planurile. Se dovedi repede c venea s anune o mbuntire. Ei, bine, domnioar Woodhouse, ncepu el, sper c dorina dumitale de a dansa n-a fost spulberat de teama c nu avem destul loc pentru un bal n casa tatei. Am o nou propunere, n acelai sens. O idee a tatlui meu, care nu ateapt dect aprobarea dumitale pentru a fi pus n aplicare. mi dai voie s sper c mi vei acorda primele dansuri la micul bal pe care l plnuim, nu la Randalls, ci la Crown. La Crown? Da, dac dumneata i domnul Woodhouse nu avei obiecii, i cred c nu putei avea, tatl meu sper c prietenii si vor fi bucuroi s-l viziteze acolo. Le poate oferi mai mult spaiu i un nu mai puin clduros bun venit. Asta a fost ideea lui. Doamna Weston nu are nici o obiecie, dac dumneata eti mulumit. Astea sunt dorinele noastre. Ai perfect dreptate, zece perechi, n

given up, and the first scheme of dancing only in the room they were in resorted to again; and with such goodwill on Frank Churchill's part, that the space which a quarter of an hour before had been deemed barely sufficient for five couple, was now endeavoured to be made out quite enough for ten. "We were too magnificent," said he. "We allowed unnecessary room. Ten couple may stand here very well." Emma demurred. "It would be a crowd--a sad crowd; and what could be worse than dancing without space to turn in?" "Very true," he gravely replied; "it was very bad." But still he went on measuring, and still he ended with, "I think there will be very tolerable room for ten couple." "No, no," said she, "you are quite unreasonable. It would be dreadful to be standing so close! Nothing can be farther from pleasure than to be dancing in a crowd--and a crowd in a little room!" "There is no denying it," he replied. "I agree with you exactly. A crowd in a little room--Miss Woodhouse, you have the art of giving pictures in a few words. Exquisite, quite exquisite!--Still, however, having proceeded so far, one is unwilling to give the matter up. It would be a disappointment to my father--and altogether--I do not know that--I am rather of opinion that ten couple might stand here very well." Emma perceived that the nature of his gallantry was a little self-willed, and that he would rather oppose than lose the pleasure of dancing with her; but she took the compliment, and forgave the rest. Had she intended ever to marry him, it might have been worth while to pause and consider, and try to understand the value of his preference, and the character of his temper; but for all the purposes of their acquaintance, he was quite amiable enough. Before the middle of the next day, he was at Hartfield; and he entered the room with such an agreeable smile as certified the continuance of the scheme. It soon appeared that he came to announce an improvement. "Well, Miss Woodhouse," he almost immediately began, "your inclination for dancing has not been quite frightened away, I hope, by the terrors of my father's little rooms. I bring a new proposal on the subject:--a thought of my father's, which waits only your approbation to be acted upon. May I hope for the honour of your hand for the two first dances of this little projected ball, to be given, not at Randalls, but at the Crown Inn?" "The Crown!" "Yes; if you and Mr. Woodhouse see no objection, and I trust you cannot, my father hopes his friends will be so kind as to visit him there. Better accommodations, he can promise them, and not a less grateful welcome than at Randalls. It is his own idea. Mrs. Weston sees no objection to it, provided you are satisfied. This is what we all feel. Oh! you were perfectly right! Ten couple, in

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oricare din camerele de la Randalls, ar fi ceva nesuferit ngrozitor. Tot timpul am simit c aveai dreptate, dar nu voiam s cedez, pentru a putea face ceva care s-i fie pe plac. Nu e o schimbare bun ? Eti de acord, sper. Mi se pare un plan la care nimeni nu poate obiecta, dac nu obiecteaz domnul i doamna Weston. Cred c e minunat i, n ce m privete, voi fi foarte fericit cred c e singura soluie posibil. Tat, nu crezi c e o idee excelent ? Fu nevoit s repete totul i s explice pentru a se face neleas pe deplin i apoi, fiind ceva cu totul nou, trebuia s adauge mii de amnunte, ca s obin aprobarea. Nu, nu gsea deloc c e o idee bun, e un plan foarte prost, mult mai prost dect cellalt. O sal de la han e ntotdeauna umed i primejdioas, niciodat bine aerisit. Nu se poate sta n ea. Dac trebuie neaprat s danseze, e mai bine la Randalls. Nu vzuse niciodat sala de la Crown, nu-i cunotea nici mcar din vedere pe proprietari. O, nu, e un plan foarte prost. Vor rci mai ru dect oriunde, la Crown." Tocmai voiam s remarc, domnule, zise Frank Churchill, c unul din motivele pentru care aceast schimbare este de dorit este lipsa oricrei primejdii ca cineva s rceasc e mult mai puin primejdios la Crown dect la Randalls. Singur domnul Perry poate s aib motive s regrete schimbarea, altfel nimeni nu are nimic mpotriv. Domnule, zise domnul Woodhouse, cu aprindere, greeti foarte tare dac i nchipui c domnul Perry e un om de felul sta. Domnul Perry e foarte ngrijorat cnd vreunul din noi e bolnav. Dar nu neleg cum o sal de la han poate s fie mai sigur pentru dumneata dect casa tatlui dumitale. Pentru simplul motiv c e mai mare, domnule. Nu va fi nevoie s deschidem deloc ferestrele, nici mcar o dat n tot cursul serii. i, tii foarte bine, domnule, c tocmai obiceiul acesta groaznic de a deschide ferestrele i a lsa s intre aerul rece peste trupurile nclzite aduce toat nenorocirea. S deschidei ferestrele ! Dar, sigur, domnule Churchill, nimeni nu s-a gndit s deschid ferestrele la Randalls. Nimeni n-ar fi putut s fie att de imprudent. Nam mai auzit aa ceva. S dansezi cu ferestrele deschise ! Sunt sigur c nici tatl dumitale, nici doamna Weston (adic, biata domnioar Taylor) n-ar suporta asta. Ah, domnule, dar cte un tnr nesocotit s-ar strecura pe dup perdea i ar mai da drumul la cte un geam, fr s bnuiasc nimeni nimic. Am vzut lucruri din astea cu ochii mei. Nu mai spune, domnule ! Doamne ajut ! N-a fi crezut una ca asta. Dar eu triesc departe de lume i sunt foarte adesea uimit de cele ce aud. Totui, asta nu nseamn nimic i, poate, cnd vom mai discuta... Dar trebuie s ne gndim mult asupra acestor lucruri. Nu pod s te hotrti n prip. Dac domnul i doamna Weston

either of the Randalls rooms, would have been insufferable!--Dreadful!--I felt how right you were the whole time, but was too anxious for securing any thing to like to yield. Is not it a good exchange?--You consent-- I hope you consent?" "It appears to me a plan that nobody can object to, if Mr. and Mrs. Weston do not. I think it admirable; and, as far as I can answer for myself, shall be most happy--It seems the only improvement that could be. Papa, do you not think it an excellent improvement?" She was obliged to repeat and explain it, before it was fully comprehended; and then, being quite new, farther representations were necessary to make it acceptable. "No; he thought it very far from an improvement--a very bad plan-- much worse than the other. A room at an inn was always damp and dangerous; never properly aired, or fit to be inhabited. If they must dance, they had better dance at Randalls. He had never been in the room at the Crown in his life--did not know the people who kept it by sight.--Oh! no--a very bad plan. They would catch worse colds at the Crown than anywhere." "I was going to observe, sir," said Frank Churchill, "that one of the great recommendations of this change would be the very little danger of any body's catching cold-so much less danger at the Crown than at Randalls! Mr. Perry might have reason to regret the alteration, but nobody else could." "Sir," said Mr. Woodhouse, rather warmly, "you are very much mistaken if you suppose Mr. Perry to be that sort of character. Mr. Perry is extremely concerned when any of us are ill. But I do not understand how the room at the Crown can be safer for you than your father's house." "From the very circumstance of its being larger, sir. We shall have no occasion to open the windows at all--not once the whole evening; and it is that dreadful habit of opening the windows, letting in cold air upon heated bodies, which (as you well know, sir) does the mischief." "Open the windows!--but surely, Mr. Churchill, nobody would think of opening the windows at Randalls. Nobody could be so imprudent! I never heard of such a thing. Dancing with open windows!--I am sure, neither your father nor Mrs. Weston (poor Miss Taylor that was) would suffer it." "Ah! sir--but a thoughtless young person will sometimes step behind a window-curtain, and throw up a sash, without its being suspected. I have often known it done myself." "Have you indeed, sir?--Bless me! I never could have supposed it. But I live out of the world, and am often astonished at what I hear. However, this does make a difference; and, perhaps, when we come to talk it over--but these sort of things require a good deal of consideration. One cannot resolve upon them in a hurry. If Mr. and Mrs. Weston will be so obliging as to call here one

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vor fi att de buni s treac pe aici ntr-o diminea, putem sta de vorb i vedem ce se poate face. Dar, din pcate, domnule, eu nu dispun de prea mult timp. Oh, interveni Emma, e timp destul ca s discutm totul n linite. N-avem de ce s ne grbim. Dac se poate aranja la Crown, tat, e foarte convenabil pentru cai. Avem grajdurile la dispoziie. Da, draga mea, e un lucru foarte important. Nu c s-ar plnge James, dar e mai bine s ferim caii atunci cnd se poate. Dac a fi sigur c sala va fi bine aerisit ! Dar putem oare avea ncredere n doamna Stokes ? M ndoiesc, nici din vedere nu o cunosc. Pot s garantez eu n privina asta, domnule, pentru c va avea grij doamna Weston. Doamna Weston a spus c va avea grij de toate. Vezi, tat ? Acum trebuie s fii satisfcut, scumpa noastr doamn Weston va avea grij de toate. Nu-i aduci aminte cum spunea domnul Perry cnd eram mic i aveam pojar ? Dac domnioara Taylor se ngrijete s-o nveseleasc pe domnioara Emma, nu avei de ce v teme". De cte ori nu te-am auzit spunnd c asta e un compliment pentru dnsa. Ah, da, foarte adevrat, aa zicea domnul Perry. N-am s uit niciodat. Biata Emma ! Ai suferit mult cnd ai avut pojar, adic ai fi suferit, dac domnul Perry nu i-ar fi dat atta atenie. A venit de patru ori pe zi, o sptmn ntreag. De la nceput a zis c e o form uoar, i asta ne-a mai mpcat. Dar pojarul e o boal ngrozitoare. Sper c atunci cnd copiii Isabellei o s aib pojar o s trimit dup Perry. Tata i doamna Weston sunt la Crown n momentul acesta, zise Frank Churchill, i cerceteaz sala. I-am lsat acolo i am venit la Hartfield nerbdtor s aflu opinia dumitale i sper c nu-mi va fi greu s te conving s mergi pn acolo i s-i spui prerea la faa locului. Amndoi m-au rugat s-i spun. Le va face foarte mult plcere dac-mi vei da voie s te conduc la ei. Nu pot s hotrasc nimic fr dumneata. Emma era foarte fericit s fie chemat la un asemenea sfat i, pentru c tatl ei i promisese s se gndeasc n linite la toate n timp ce ea era plecat, cei doi tineri pornir, fr ntrziere, ctre Crown. Domnul i doamna Weston i ateptau i erau ncntai s-o vad i s primeasc aprobarea ei, foarte ocupai i foarte fericii, fiecare n felul su: ea puin cam dezamgit, el gsind c totul e perfect. Emma, zise ea, tapetul sta e mai prost dect mi nchipuiam. Uite, n multe locuri e groaznic de murdar i lambriul e mai nglbenit i mai cojit dect a fi crezut. Draga mea, eti prea meticuloas, zise soul ei, ce importan are ? La lumina lumnrilor nici nu se observ. N-am bgat nimic de seam n serile noastre de club !

morning, we may talk it over, and see what can be done." "But, unfortunately, sir, my time is so limited--" "Oh!" interrupted Emma, "there will be plenty of time for talking every thing over. There is no hurry at all. If it can be contrived to be at the Crown, papa, it will be very convenient for the horses. They will be so near their own stable." "So they will, my dear. That is a great thing. Not that James ever complains; but it is right to spare our horses when we can. If I could be sure of the rooms being thoroughly aired--but is Mrs. Stokes to be trusted? I doubt it. I do not know her, even by sight." "I can answer for every thing of that nature, sir, because it will be under Mrs. Weston's care. Mrs. Weston undertakes to direct the whole." "There, papa!--Now you must be satisfied--Our own dear Mrs. Weston, who is carefulness itself. Do not you remember what Mr. Perry said, so many years ago, when I had the measles? `If Miss Taylor undertakes to wrap Miss Emma up, you need not have any fears, sir.' How often have I heard you speak of it as such a compliment to her!" "Aye, very true. Mr. Perry did say so. I shall never forget it. Poor little Emma! You were very bad with the measles; that is, you would have been very bad, but for Perry's great attention. He came four times a day for a week. He said, from the first, it was a very good sort--which was our great comfort; but the measles are a dreadful complaint. I hope whenever poor Isabella's little ones have the measles, she will send for Perry." "My father and Mrs. Weston are at the Crown at this moment," said Frank Churchill, "examining the capabilities of the house. I left them there and came on to Hartfield, impatient for your opinion, and hoping you might be persuaded to join them and give your advice on the spot. I was desired to say so from both. It would be the greatest pleasure to them, if you could allow me to attend you there. They can do nothing satisfactorily without you." Emma was most happy to be called to such a council; and her father, engaging to think it all over while she was gone, the two young people set off together without delay for the Crown. There were Mr. and Mrs. Weston; delighted to see her and receive her approbation, very busy and very happy in their different way; she, in some little distress; and he, finding every thing perfect. "Emma," said she, "this paper is worse than I expected. Look! in places you see it is dreadfully dirty; and the wainscot is more yellow and forlorn than any thing I could have imagined." "My dear, you are too particular," said her husband. "What does all that signify? You will see nothing of it by candlelight. It will be as clean as Randalls by candlelight. We never see any thing of it on our club-nights."

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Doamnele schimbar nite priviri care voiau s spun: Brbaii nu-i dau niciodat seama dac lucrurile sunt murdare sau nu", iar brbaii i spuser, probabil, n gnd: Aa sunt femeile, i fac griji din nimic." Se ivi ns o" ncurctur pe care brbaii nu o puteau desconsidera n privina slii pentru gustri. La vremea cnd se construise aceast, sal de bal nu fusese deloc vorba de gustri. Singura anex era o camer mic pentru jucat cri. Ce era de fcut ? Aceast cmru pentru cri trebuia folosit ca atare i chiar dac ei patru ar fi gsit c nu e necesar s se joace cri, era totui prea mic pentru a servi gustrile. Trebuia s-i asigure o sal mai mare, dar din pcate aa ceva se afla tocmai la cellalt capt al cldirii i trebuia s treac printr-un coridor mult prea lung pentru a ajunge acolo. Aceasta era una din dificulti. Doamnei Weston i era team c va fi curent pentru tinerii care urmau s treac prin acest coridor, i nici Emma, nici cei doi domni nu puteau admite s se nghesuie n jurul gustrilor n cmrua de cri. Doamna Weston propuse s nu se serveasc nite gustri n toat regula, ci numai nite sandviuri, aezate n sala cea mic, dar propunerea ei fu respins cu dispre. O petrecere dansant fr gustri fu declarat o nclcare mrav a drepturilor brbailor i femeilor deopotriv i doamna Weston trebui s nu mai pomeneasc despre asta. Atunci, ea ncerc s se orienteze spre o alt soluie i, uitndu-se la camera cu probabiliti ndoielnice, observ: Nu cred c e chiar aa de mic. N-o s fim prea muli. i domnul Weston, n acelai timp, mergnd cu pai mari i viguroi prin coridor, strig: Ce tot vorbeti de lungimea coridorului, draga mea ? Mai nimic, i nu vine nici un curent de pe scar. A vrea, zise doamna Weston, s tiu ce le-ar conveni mai degrab oaspeilor notri. Ar trebui s ne gndim cum e mai bine pentru toat lumea, dac am putea ti ! Da, foarte adevrat, strig Frank, foarte adevrat. Dorii prerea vecinilor dumneavoastr. Nici nu-i de mirare. Dac am ti ce prere au cei mai importani, familia Cole, de pild, nu st prea departe. S m duc s-i chem ? Sau pe domnioara Bates? St i mai aproape. i mi se pare c domnioara Bates e n stare s aprecieze preferinele tuturor. Cred c avem nevoie de mai mult lume la sfat. Ce-ar fi s m duc s-o chem pe domnioara Bates ncoace ? Ei, dac vrei, zise doamna Weston cu oarecare ovial. Dac i nchipui c ne poate fi de vreun folos. Dar domnioara Bates nu e n stare s dea un sfat, zise Emma, va fi plin de recunotin i ncntare, dar nu v va spune nimic. Nici n-o s asculte ntrebrile dumneavoastr. Nu vd ce rost are s-o consultm pe domnioara Bates. Dar e att de amuzant, extraordinar de amuzant. mi place foarte mult s-o aud vorbind pe domnioara

The ladies here probably exchanged looks which meant, "Men never know when things are dirty or not;" and the gentlemen perhaps thought each to himself, "Women will have their little nonsenses and needless cares." One perplexity, however, arose, which the gentlemen did not disdain. It regarded a supper-room. At the time of the ballroom's being built, suppers had not been in question; and a small card-room adjoining, was the only addition. What was to be done? This card-room would be wanted as a card-room now; or, if cards were conveniently voted unnecessary by their four selves, still was it not too small for any comfortable supper? Another room of much better size might be secured for the purpose; but it was at the other end of the house, and a long awkward passage must be gone through to get at it. This made a difficulty. Mrs. Weston was afraid of draughts for the young people in that passage; and neither Emma nor the gentlemen could tolerate the prospect of being miserably crowded at supper. Mrs. Weston proposed having no regular supper; merely sandwiches, &c., set out in the little room; but that was scouted as a wretched suggestion. A private dance, without sitting down to supper, was pronounced an infamous fraud upon the rights of men and women; and Mrs. Weston must not speak of it again. She then took another line of expediency, and looking into the doubtful room, observed, "I do not think it is so very small. We shall not be many, you know." And Mr. Weston at the same time, walking briskly with long steps through the passage, was calling out, "You talk a great deal of the length of this passage, my dear. It is a mere nothing after all; and not the least draught from the stairs." "I wish," said Mrs. Weston, "one could know which arrangement our guests in general would like best. To do what would be most generally pleasing must be our object-if one could but tell what that would be." "Yes, very true," cried Frank, "very true. You want your neighbours' opinions. I do not wonder at you. If one could ascertain what the chief of them--the Coles, for instance. They are not far off. Shall I call upon them? Or Miss Bates? She is still nearer.-- And I do not know whether Miss Bates is not as likely to understand the inclinations of the rest of the people as any body. I think we do want a larger council. Suppose I go and invite Miss Bates to join us?" "Well--if you please," said Mrs. Weston rather hesitating, "if you think she will be of any use." "You will get nothing to the purpose from Miss Bates," said Emma. "She will be all delight and gratitude, but she will tell you nothing. She will not even listen to your questions. I see no advantage in consulting Miss Bates." "But she is so amusing, so extremely amusing! I am very fond of hearing Miss Bates talk. And I need not

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Bates. i, oricum, nu e nevoie s aduc toat familia. Aici, domnul Weston se apropie de ei i auzind ce se propunea i ddu hotrt consimmntul. Da, da Frank, du-te i adu-o pe domnioara Bates, ca s terminm odat. O s-i plac, sunt sigur i nu tiu dac nu e exact persoana care s ne arate cum s scpm de dificulti. Adu-o pe domnioara Bates. Am devenit cam prea pretenioi. Domnioara Bates poate s ne dea lecii de cum s fim fericii. Dar, adu-le pe amndou, invit-le pe amndou. Amndou, tat ? Crezi c btrna poate... Btrna ! Nu, tnr, dragul meu. Frank, am s ncep s cred c eti un prost dac o aduci pe mtu fr nepoat. Ah, iart-m, tat ! Nu mi-a venit imediat n minte. Fr ndoial, dac vrei, am s ncerc s le aduc pe amndou, i plec n fug. nainte ca Frank s se ntoarc nsoit de mtua cea scund, curic i sprinten i de distinsa ei nepoat,doamna Weston, ca o femeie cu firea blnd i bun soie ce era, cercetase din nou coridorul i gsise c e cu mult mai puin nepotrivit dect crezuse la nceput. Inconvenientele erau nite fleacuri i nimic mai mult i aici se sfrir toate dificultile. Totul, n rest, era, cel puin dup prerea celor de fa, ct se poate de bine. Toate aranjamentele mai puin importante, cum s aeze masa, luminile, muzica, ceaiul, gustrile, se rezolvar de la sine sau fur lsate pentru a fi hotrte mai trziu de doamna Weston i de doamna Stokes. Toi cei invitai aveau desigur s vin. Frank scrisese deja la Enscombe s propun unchiului i mtuii s-i prelungeasc ederea la Randalls cu dou, trei zile, ceea ce i se va permite n mod sigur. i balul va fi minunat. Cnd sosi, domnioara Bates fu din toat inima de acord c trebuie s fie un bal minunat. Ca sftuitor, nu mai era nevoie de ea, dar, ca s fie de acord (ceea ce se potrivea mai bine caracterului ei), era ntr-adevr bine venit. Acordul ei, global i amnunit n acelai timp, clduros i nentrerupt, nu putea dect s le fac plcere i, nc o jumtate de or, umblar de colo-colo prin sli, unii fcnd propuneri, alii dnd ajutor i toi fericii la gndul plcerilor viitoare. Se desprir, dar nu nainte ca eroul zilei s-i asigure n mod precis primele dou dansuri ale Emmei, i nu nainte ca Emma s-l aud pe domnul Weston optindu-i soiei sale: A invitat-o, draga mea. Foarte bine ! tiam eu c o s-o invite. mai era nevoie de un singur lucru ca perspectiva balului s fie ntru totul satisfctoare pentru Emma ar fi trebuit fixat nainte de sfritul ederii lui Frank Churchill, aa cum fusese el stabilit iniial. Pentru c, n ciuda optimismului domnului Weston, ea nu credea c ar fi cu totul imposibil ca familia Churchill s-i interzic nepotului s mai rmn nc o zi peste cele dou sptmni. Dar, prerea general era c aa ceva nu e posibil.Pregtirile trebuiau fcute n linite, nimic nu putea fi gata nainte de nceputul celei de-a treia sptmni i,

bring the whole family, you know." Here Mr. Weston joined them, and on hearing what was proposed, gave it his decided approbation. "Aye, do, Frank.--Go and fetch Miss Bates, and let us end the matter at once. She will enjoy the scheme, I am sure; and I do not know a properer person for shewing us how to do away difficulties. Fetch Miss Bates. We are growing a little too nice. She is a standing lesson of how to be happy. But fetch them both. Invite them both." "Both sir! Can the old lady?" . . . "The old lady! No, the young lady, to be sure. I shall think you a great blockhead, Frank, if you bring the aunt without the niece." "Oh! I beg your pardon, sir. I did not immediately recollect. Undoubtedly if you wish it, I will endeavour to persuade them both." And away he ran. Long before he reappeared, attending the short, neat, briskmoving aunt, and her elegant niece,--Mrs. Weston, like a sweet-tempered woman and a good wife, had examined the passage again, and found the evils of it much less than she had supposed before-- indeed very trifling; and here ended the difficulties of decision. All the rest, in speculation at least, was perfectly smooth. All the minor arrangements of table and chair, lights and music, tea and supper, made themselves; or were left as mere trifles to be settled at any time between Mrs. Weston and Mrs. Stokes.-- Every body invited, was certainly to come; Frank had already written to Enscombe to propose staying a few days beyond his fortnight, which could not possibly be refused. And a delightful dance it was to be. Most cordially, when Miss Bates arrived, did she agree that it must. As a counsellor she was not wanted; but as an approver, (a much safer character,) she was truly welcome. Her approbation, at once general and minute, warm and incessant, could not but please; and for another half-hour they were all walking to and fro, between the different rooms, some suggesting, some attending, and all in happy enjoyment of the future. The party did not break up without Emma's being positively secured for the two first dances by the hero of the evening, nor without her overhearing Mr. Weston whisper to his wife, "He has asked her, my dear. That's right. I knew he would!" One thing only was wanting to make the prospect of the ball completely satisfactory to Emma--its being fixed for a day within the granted term of Frank Churchill's stay in Surry; for, in spite of Mr. Weston's confidence, she could not think it so very impossible that the Churchills might not allow their nephew to remain a day beyond his fortnight. But this was not judged feasible. The preparations must take their time, nothing could be properly ready till the third week were entered on, and for a few days they must be planning, proceeding and

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cteva zile, aveau s fac planuri, s spere fr certitudine, cu riscul dup prerea ei foarte mare ca totul s fie degeaba. Cei de la Enscombe, totui, se artar generoi, dac nu cu vorba, cel puin cu fapta. Dorina lui de a sta mai mult n mod evident nu le fcea plcere, dar nu se opuneau. Acum, totul era sigur i mergea bine, dar cum ndeprtarea unei griji face n general loc alteia, Emma, dup ce scp de incertitudinea cu privire la bal, ncepu s simt o nou suprare: domnul Knightley era ostentativ indiferent la tot ce se petrecea. Fie pentru c el nsui nu dansa, fie pentru c planul fusese conceput fr s i se cear sfatul, prea hotrt s nu se intereseze de nimic ; nu gsea c trebuie s se agite plin de curiozitate n prezent i nici c va trebui s se distreze n viitor. La comunicrile ei energice, Emma nu putu s capete ca rspuns mai mult dect: Foarte bine, dac domnul i doamna Weston gsesc c e mai bine s se dea peste cap pentru cteva ore de distracie zgomotoas, n-am nimic mpotriv, dect c mie nu o s-mi fac plcere. Oh, da, va trebui s fiu acolo. N-a putea s refuz. O s ncerc s nu adorm, att ct mi va sta n putin. Dar a prefera s stau acas, s verific socotelile lui William Larkins, mrturisesc, asta mi-ar face mult mai mare plcere. Plcerea de a-i vedea pe toi dansnd, nu, zu, nu m uit deloc la aa ceva, nici nu tiu dac se uit cineva. Talentul de a dansa frumos este, cred eu, ca virtutea, propria-i rsplat. Cei care stau pe margine se gndesc la cu totul altceva. Emma simi c aceast remarc se referea la ea i se nfurie. Totui, nu de dragul Janei Fairfax era el att de indiferent sau de indignat ; nu era condus de sentimentele ei cnd dezaproba acest bal, pentru c ei i plcea ideea chiar foarte mult. O nsufleea, o fcea mai deschis i, din proprie iniiativ, zisese: Oh, domnioar Woodhouse, sper c nu se va ntmpl nimic s nu se mai dea balul. Ar fi o mare dezamgire. l atept cu atta nerbdare, a spune chiar, cu mare plcere. Deci, nu pentru a-i face un compliment Janei Fairfax prefera el societatea lui William Larkins. Nu. Era din ce n ce mai convins c doamna Weston greise n presupunerile ei. Din partea lui, exista mult simpatie, dar nu dragoste. Dar, vai, nu putu avea linite s se certe cu domnul Knightley. Dou zile pline de bucuria siguranei fur urmate de rsturnarea tuturor planurilor. Sosi o scrisoare de la domnul Churchill prin care nepotul era chemat imediat napoi. Doamna Churchill se simea ru, mult prea ru ca s se poat descurca fr el ; era ntr-o stare destul de grav (dup cum scria soul ei) i cnd i scrisese nepotului cu dou zile n urm, dei, din dorina ei obinuit de a nu supra pe alii, de a nu se gndi niciodat la ea nsi, nu pomenise de asta, dar acum era mult prea bolnav, nu era de glumit i trebuia s-l invite s porneasc imediat spre Enscombe.

hoping in uncertainty--at the risk-- in her opinion, the great risk, of its being all in vain. Enscombe however was gracious, gracious in fact, if not in word. His wish of staying longer evidently did not please; but it was not opposed. All was safe and prosperous; and as the removal of one solicitude generally makes way for another, Emma, being now certain of her ball, began to adopt as the next vexation Mr. Knightley's provoking indifference about it. Either because he did not dance himself, or because the plan had been formed without his being consulted, he seemed resolved that it should not interest him, determined against its exciting any present curiosity, or affording him any future amusement. To her voluntary communications Emma could get no more approving reply, than, "Very well. If the Westons think it worth while to be at all this trouble for a few hours of noisy entertainment, I have nothing to say against it, but that they shall not chuse pleasures for me.-- Oh! yes, I must be there; I could not refuse; and I will keep as much awake as I can; but I would rather be at home, looking over William Larkins's week's account; much rather, I confess.-- Pleasure in seeing dancing!--not I, indeed--I never look at it-- I do not know who does.--Fine dancing, I believe, like virtue, must be its own reward. Those who are standing by are usually thinking of something very different." This Emma felt was aimed at her; and it made her quite angry. It was not in compliment to Jane Fairfax however that he was so indifferent, or so indignant; he was not guided by her feelings in reprobating the ball, for she enjoyed the thought of it to an extraordinary degree. It made her animated--open hearted-- she voluntarily said;-"Oh! Miss Woodhouse, I hope nothing may happen to prevent the ball. What a disappointment it would be! I do look forward to it, I own, with very great pleasure." It was not to oblige Jane Fairfax therefore that he would have preferred the society of William Larkins. No!--she was more and more convinced that Mrs. Weston was quite mistaken in that surmise. There was a great deal of friendly and of compassionate attachment on his side--but no love. Alas! there was soon no leisure for quarrelling with Mr. Knightley. Two days of joyful security were immediately followed by the over-throw of every thing. A letter arrived from Mr. Churchill to urge his nephew's instant return. Mrs. Churchill was unwell-- far too unwell to do without him; she had been in a very suffering state (so said her husband) when writing to her nephew two days before, though from her usual unwillingness to give pain, and constant habit of never thinking of herself, she had not mentioned it; but now she was too ill to trifle, and must entreat him to set off for Enscombe without delay.

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Coninutul scrisorii i fu comunicat Emmei imediat, printr-un bileel de la doamna Weston. n ce privete plecarea, era inevitabil. Trebuia s plece peste cteva ore, dei nu era deloc ngrijorat de soarta mtuii i nu-i putea nfrnge resentimentul. Cunotea bolile ei, nu se iveau dect atunci cnd era convenabil pentru ea. Doamna Weston aduga c nu va avea timp dect s treac pe la Highbury, dup micul dejun i s-i ia rmas bun de la prietenii pe care si-i fcuse acolo i c e posibil s treac foarte curnd i pe la Hartfield". Acest bilet nenorocit fu finalul pentru micul dejun al Emmei. Dup ce-l citi, nu mai avea altceva de fcut dect s se vaite i s exclame. Pierderea balului, pierderea tnrului i ce-o fi n sufletul tnrului ! Era o nenorocire ! O sear att de plcut ! Toat lumea fericit ! i ea i partenerul ei ar fi fost cei mai fericii ! Am spus eu c aa o s fie, era singura ei consolare. Sentimentele tatlui ei erau cu totul deosebite. El se gndea la boala doamnei Churchill i dori s tie cum se trateaz ; n ce privete balul, era o lovitur, scumpa de Emma o s fie att de dezamgit, dar e mai sigur s stea acas. Emma l atept ctva timp pe musafirul ei, ceea ce arta c nu e prea nerbdtor, dar faa lui jalnic i lipsa total de bun dispoziie, cnd apru n cele din urm, compensau aceast lips. Simea att de mult tristeea plecrii, nct nici nu putea vorbi despre ea. Amrciunea lui era foarte evident. Primele cteva minute sttu pierdut pe gnduri i, cnd i reveni, zise numai: Dintre toate lucrurile ngrozitoare, cel mai ru e s-i iei rmas bun. Dar o s mai vii, zise Emma, nu e singura vizit la Randalls. Ah! (cltinndu-i capul), nu se tie deloc sigur cnd am s mai pot veni ! O s-mi dau toat osteneala. Va fi primul lucru la care m voi gndi, i prima mea grij ! i, dac mtua i unchiul pleac la ora la primvar... Dar mi-e team primvara trecut nici nu s-au micat , mi-e team c au pierdut obiceiul. Bietul nostru bal, trebuie s renunm ! Ah, balul sta ! De ce am ateptat atta ? De ce n-am trit imediat plcerea ? Toate plcerile se stric din cauza pregtirilor, ce prostie i pregtirile. Ai spus dumneata c aa o s se ntmple ! Ah, domnioar Woodhouse, de ce ai ntotdeauna dreptate ? ntr-adevr, mi pare foarte ru c am avut dreptate, de data asta. A fi preferat s ne bucurm i s lsm nelepciunea pe seama altora. Dac mai vin, tot vom da balul acesta. Tata conteaz pe asta. i nu uita ce ai promis. Emma l privi cu graie. Dou sptmni minunate ! continu el. Fiecare zi mai minunat i mai ncnttoare ca cea dinaintea ei, fiecare zi m lega tot mai mult de locul sta. Fericii cei

The substance of this letter was forwarded to Emma, in a note from Mrs. Weston, instantly. As to his going, it was inevitable. He must be gone within a few hours, though without feeling any real alarm for his aunt, to lessen his repugnance. He knew her illnesses; they never occurred but for her own convenience. Mrs. Weston added, "that he could only allow himself time to hurry to Highbury, after breakfast, and take leave of the few friends there whom he could suppose to feel any interest in him; and that he might be expected at Hartfield very soon." This wretched note was the finale of Emma's breakfast. When once it had been read, there was no doing any thing, but lament and exclaim. The loss of the ball--the loss of the young man-- and all that the young man might be feeling!--It was too wretched!-- Such a delightful evening as it would have been!--Every body so happy! and she and her partner the happiest!--"I said it would be so," was the only consolation. Her father's feelings were quite distinct. 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. Emma was ready for her visitor some time before he appeared; but if this reflected at all upon his impatience, his sorrowful look and total want of spirits when he did come might redeem him. He felt the going away almost too much to speak of it. His dejection was most evident. He sat really lost in thought for the first few minutes; and when rousing himself, it was only to say, "Of all horrid things, leave-taking is the worst." "But you will come again," said Emma. "This will not be your only visit to Randalls." "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 the 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 stir last spring-- I am afraid it is a custom gone for ever." "Our poor ball must be quite given up." "Ah! that ball!--why did we wait for any thing?--why not seize the pleasure at once?--How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!--You told us it would be so.--Oh! Miss Woodhouse, why are you always so right?" "Indeed, I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been merry than wise." "If I can come again, we are still to have our ball. My father depends on it. Do not forget your engagement." Emma looked graciously. "Such a fortnight as it has been!" he continued; "every day more precious and more delightful than the day before!--every day making me less fit to bear any other

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care pot s rmn la Highbury. Pentru c ne lauzi atta, i pe bun dreptate, zise Emma rznd, voi ndrzni s te ntreb dac n-ai avut anumite ndoieli la nceput ? i-am depit ateptrile. N-ai fi ntrziat s vii atta vreme dac tiai c o s-i plac la Highbury? El rse cu oarecare subneles i dei neg, Emma simea c sta e adevrul. i, trebuie s pleci chiar n dimineaa asta ? Da, vine i tata ncoace ; ne ducem acas i pornesc imediat. Mi-e team c trebuie s soseasc dintr-o clip n alta. N-ai nici cinci minute pentru prietenele dumitale, domnioara Fairfax i domnioara Bates ? Ce pcat ! Mintea domnioarei Bates, care e plin de for i argumente, ar fi putut s te ncurajeze. Da, de fapt, am trecut pe acolo. Cnd am ajuns la ua lor, mi-am zis c s-ar cuveni s intru. Trebuia s-o fac. Am intrat pentru trei minute, dar am fost reinut de faptul c domnioara Bates nu era acas. Era prin sat. i mi sa prut imposibil s nu o atept. E o femeie de care poi, de care trebuie s rzi, dar creia nu-i poi dori rul. Era cel mai potrivit moment s-mi fac vizita i... ovi, se ridic i se duse la fereastr: Pe scurt, zise el, poate, domnioar Woodhouse... Cred c dumneata bnuieti ceva... Se uit la ea, ca i cnd ar fi vrut s-i citeasc gndurile. Ea nu tia ce s spun. Prea c avea de spus ceva foarte serios, ceea ce ea n-ar fi dorit. Se for deci s vorbeasc n sperana de a nltura primejdia unei declaraii i spuse calm: Ai dreptate, era foarte firesc s faci vizita, i... El tcea. Ei i se prea c o privete, reflectnd probabil asupra a ceea ce spusese ea i ncercnd s neleag sensul purtrii ei. l auzi oftnd. Era firesc s cread c are motive s ofteze. Nu avea cum s cread c ea l ncurajeaz. Trecur cteva clipe de stnjeneal i apoi el se aez din nou; i, pe un ton mai hotrt, spuse: Am simit nevoia ca restul timpului s mi-l petrec la Hartfield. mi place foarte mult la Hartfield... Se opri, se ridic i pru destul de ncurcat. Era mai ndrgostit dect i nchipuise Emma i cine tie cum s-ar fi sfrit dac nu aprea tatl lui. Curnd apru i domnul Woodhouse, i el trebui s-i vin cu totul n fire.

Cteva minute numai, i greaua ncercare se sfrise. Domnul Weston, care era totdeauna grbit, cnd era vorba de afaceri i tot att de incapabil s amne un ru inevitabil pe ct era de neputincios s prevad un ru de care se putea ndoi, zise: : E timpul s plecm, i tnrul, dei putea s ofteze i chiar oft, nu avu ce face,

place. Happy those, who can remain at Highbury!" "As you do us such ample justice now," said Emma, laughing, "I will venture to ask, whether you did not come a little doubtfully at first? Do not we rather surpass your expectations? I am sure we do. I am sure you did not much expect to like us. You would not have been so long in coming, if you had had a pleasant idea of Highbury." He laughed rather consciously; and though denying the sentiment, Emma was convinced that it had been so. "And you must be off this very morning?" "Yes; my father is to join me here: we shall walk back together, and I must be off immediately. I am almost afraid that every moment will bring him." "Not five minutes to spare even for your friends Miss Fairfax and Miss Bates? How unlucky! Miss Bates's powerful, argumentative mind might have strengthened yours." "Yes--I have called there; passing the door, I thought it better. It was a right thing to do. I went in for three minutes, and was detained by Miss Bates's being absent. 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 laugh at; but that one would not wish to slight. It was better to pay my visit, then"-He hesitated, got up, walked to a window. "In short," said he, "perhaps, Miss Woodhouse--I think you can hardly be quite without suspicion"-He looked at her, as if wanting to read her thoughts. She hardly knew what to say. It seemed like the forerunner of something absolutely serious, which she did not wish. Forcing herself to speak, therefore, in the hope of putting it by, she calmly said, "You are quite in the right; it was most natural to pay your visit, then"-He was silent. She believed he was looking at her; probably reflecting on what she had said, and trying to understand the manner. She heard him sigh. It was natural for him to feel that he had cause to sigh. He could not believe her to be encouraging him. A few awkward moments passed, and he sat down again; and in a more determined manner said, "It was something to feel that all the rest of my time might be given to Hartfield. My regard for Hartfield is most warm"-He stopt again, rose again, and seemed quite embarrassed.-He was more in love with her than Emma had supposed; and who can say how it might have ended, if his father had not made his appearance? Mr. Woodhouse soon followed; and the necessity of exertion made him composed. A very few minutes more, however, completed the present trial. Mr. Weston, always alert when business was to be done, and as incapable of procrastinating any evil that was inevitable, as of foreseeing any that was doubtful, said, "It was time to go;" and the young man, though he might and did sigh, could not but agree, to

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se ridic s-i ia rmas bun. Voi avea veti despre dumneavoastr toi, zise el, e singura mea consolare. O s tiu tot ce se petrece pe aici. Am rugat-o pe doamna Weston s-mi scrie i a fost att de bun s-mi promit. Ah, o femeie care i scrie e o binecuvntare, cnd te intereseaz cu adevrat cei de departe. mi va spune totul. Datorit scrisorilor ei m voi simi din nou la Highbury al meu cel drag. O strngere de mn foarte prieteneasc, un la revedere" spus pe un ton serios ncheiar discuia i ua se nchise n urma lui Frank Churchill. ntrevederea fusese scurt. Iat-l plecat. i Emmei i prea att de ru c se despriser, vedea n asta o att de mare pierdere pentru mica lor societate, nct ncepu s-i fie team c i pare prea ru, c i simte lipsa prea mult. Schimbarea era trist. Se ntlniser aproape n fiecare zi de la venirea lui. Desigur, prezena lui la Randalls crease bun-dispoziie n ultimele dou sptmni, o bun-dispoziie de nedescris, gndul, sperana c-l va revedea, care renviau n fiecare diminea. Fuseser dou sptmni de fericire, i pierderea ei trebuia uitat n rutina zilelor obinuite de la Hartfield. i pentru a ncununa tot restul, i mrturisise aproape c o iubete. Rmnea de vzut dac iubirea aceasta era puternic i neabtut, dar deocamdat nu se putea ndoi c o admira profund i o prefera n mod contient tuturor, i aceast convingere, adunat cu tot restul sentimentelor, o fcu s cread c trebuie s fi fost puin ndrgostit de el, n ciuda hotrrii iniiale de a nu se ndrgosti.

Cu siguran c sunt, i zise ea, senzaia asta de neastmpr, plictiseal, prostie ! Nu pot s stau locului, s m apuc de ceva Sentimentul sta c totul e cenuiu i insipid n cas ! Probabil c sunt ndrgostit. Ar trebui s fiu cea mai ciudat fiin, dac nu a fi, cel puin cteva sptmni. Ei bine, ceea ce pentru unii e ru, pentru alii e bun. Vor fi muli care vor deplnge mpreun cu mine pierderea balului, dac nu i a" lui Frank Churchill, dar domnul Knightley va fi fericit. Acum poate s-i petreac seara cu scumpul su William Larkins, dac i place. Domnul Knightley, totui, nu se art prea fericit. Nu putea spune c i pare ru pentru el nsui ; veselia lui ar fi contrazis o atare afirmaie, dar spuse, foarte ferm, c i pare ru pentru ceilali, care erau dezamgii i, cu o blndee vrednic de luat n seam, adug: Tu, Emma, care ai att de puine ocazii s dansezi, chiar ai ghinion, foarte mare ghinion. Trecur cteva zile nainte de a o vedea pe Jane Fairfax i a-i face o impresie despre regretul ei fa de aceast schimbare potrivnic, dar cnd se ntlnir calmul ei i se pru odios. Fusese foarte bolnav, suferise de migren att de tare, nct mtua ei putea spune cu mna pe inim c dac balul ar fi avut loc nu credea c Jane ar fi putut lua parte i, din caritate, puteai s atribui indiferena

take leave. "I shall hear about you all," said he; "that is my chief consolation. I shall hear of every thing that is going on among you. I have engaged Mrs. Weston to correspond with me. She has been so kind as to promise it. Oh! the blessing of a female correspondent, when one is really interested in the absent!--she will tell me every thing. In her letters I shall be at dear Highbury again." A very friendly shake of the hand, a very earnest "Goodbye," closed the speech, and the door had soon shut out Frank Churchill. Short had been the notice--short their meeting; he was gone; and Emma felt so sorry to part, and foresaw so great a loss to their little society from his absence as to begin to be afraid of being too sorry, and feeling it too much. It was a sad change. They had been meeting almost every day since his arrival. Certainly his being at Randalls had given great spirit to the last two weeks--indescribable spirit; the idea, the expectation of seeing him which every morning had brought, the assurance of his attentions, his liveliness, his manners! It had been a very happy fortnight, and forlorn must be the sinking from it into the common course of Hartfield days. To complete every other recommendation, he had almost told her that he loved her. What strength, or what constancy of affection he might be subject to, was another point; but at present she could not doubt his having a decidedly warm admiration, a conscious preference of herself; and this persuasion, joined to all the rest, made her think that she must be a little in love with him, in spite of every previous determination against it. "I certainly must," said she. "This sensation of listlessness, weariness, stupidity, this disinclination to sit down and employ myself, this feeling of every thing's being dull and insipid about the house!-- I must be in love; I should be the oddest creature in the world if I were not--for a few weeks at least. Well! evil to some is always good to others. I shall have many fellow-mourners for the ball, if not for Frank Churchill; but Mr. Knightley will be happy. He may spend the evening with his dear William Larkins now if he likes." Mr. Knightley, however, shewed no triumphant happiness. 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!" It was some days before she saw Jane Fairfax, to judge of her honest regret in this woeful change; but when they did meet, her composure was odious. She had been particularly unwell, however, suffering from headache to a degree, which made her aunt declare, that had the ball taken place, she did not think Jane could

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ei nefireasc strii de boal. CAPITOLUL XXXI EMMA CONTINUA SA SE LEGENE n ILUZIA c era fr ndoial ndrgostit. Impresiile ei variau numai cu privire la ct de mult. La nceput, crezu c foarte mult, dar mai apoi gsi c numai puin. i plcea s aud vorbindu-se despre Frank Churchill i de dragul lui simea o i mai mare ncntare s vad pe domnul i doamna Weston, se gndea des la el i atepta cu nerbdare s soseasc vreo scrisoare, s tie ce mai face, n ce dispoziie se afl, ce face mtua i dac erau anse s se ntoarc din nou la Randalls n primvara asta. Dar, pe de alt parte, nu putea admite c ar fi nefericit, nici c, dup ce trecuse prima diminea, nu s-ar putea apuca de nimic; era la fel de ocupat i vesel ca de obicei ti, dei era un tnr foarte plcut, nu-l gsea fr cusur i, mai mult, dei se gndea att de tare la el, pe cnd desena sau lucra, fcnd o mie de planuri nstrunice despre cum o s decurg i cum o s se ncheie dragostea lor, nchipuindui dialoguri interesante i inventnd scrisori galante, toate acestea se ncheiau cu declaraia lui urmat de refuzul ei hotrt. Totdeauna decidea c iubirea urma s se transforme n prietenie. Desprirea urma s fie frumoas i ginga, dar, oricum, se vor despri. Cnd devein contient de asta, i ddu seama c nu e prea ndrgostit, pentru c, n ciuda hotrrii ei de a nu-i prsi niciodat tatl, de a nu se cstori niciodat, o iubire puternic ar fi trebuit s-i produc mai mult tulburare dect simea ea acum. Vd c nu folosesc deloc cuvntul sacrificiu, i zise ea; n nici unul din rspunsurile inteligente, refuzurile mele pline de finee, nu e vreo aluzie la faptul c a face un sacrificiu. Am impresia c nu-mi e foarte necesar ca s fiu fericit. Cu att mai bine. N-am de ce s m conving s simt mai mult dect simt. Ajunge ct sunt de ndrgostit, nu e nevoie de mai mult." n general, era la fel de satisfcut de concepia ei despre sentimentele lui. El e, fr ndoial, foarte ndrgostit ! i, cnd se ntoarce, dac va continua astfel, trebuie s fiu atent s nu-l mai ncurajez. N-a avea nici o scuz dac m-a purta altfel, din moment ce m-am hotrt. Nu c mi-a nchipui c el a avut impresia c l-am ncurajat pn acum ! Nu i Dac ar fi crezut c i mprtesc sentimentele, ct de puin, n-ar fi fost att de nenorocit. Dac s-ar fi crezut ncurajat, ar fi artat i ar fi vorbit cu totul altfel la desprire. Totui, trebuie s fiu atent ! Asta n cazul c pasiunea lui continu n acelai fel, dar nu tiu la ce s m atept; nu mi se pare a fi exact felul de brbat care nu m pot baza pe statornicia lui, sentimentele lui sunt att de fierbini nct pot s-mi nchipui c e-destul de schimbtor. De cte ori m gndesc la lucrul sta, pe scurt, sunt mulumit c fericirea mea nu depinde prea mult de asta. M voi simi mai bine dup ctva timp i apoi totul

have attended it; and it was charity to impute some of her unbecoming indifference to the languor of ill-health. Emma continued to entertain no doubt of her being in love. Her ideas only varied as to the how much. At first, she thought it was a good deal; and afterwards, but little. She had great pleasure in hearing Frank Churchill talked of; and, for his sake, greater pleasure than ever in seeing Mr. and Mrs. Weston; she was very often thinking of him, and quite impatient for a letter, that she might know how he was, how were his spirits, how was his aunt, and what was the chance of his coming to Randalls again this spring. But, on the other hand, she could not admit herself to be unhappy, nor, after the first morning, to be less disposed for employment than usual; she was still busy and cheerful; and, pleasing as he was, she could yet imagine him to have faults; and farther, though thinking of him so much, and, as she sat drawing or working, forming a thousand amusing schemes for the progress and close of their attachment, fancying interesting dialogues, and inventing elegant letters; the conclusion of every imaginary declaration on his side was that she refused him. Their affection was always to subside into friendship. Every thing tender and charming was to mark their parting; but still they were to part. When she became sensible of this, it struck her that she could not be very much in love; for in spite of her previous and fixed determination never to quit her father, never to marry, a strong attachment certainly must produce more of a struggle than she could foresee in her own feelings. "I do not find myself making any use of the word sacrifice," said she.-- "In not one of all my clever replies, my delicate negatives, is there any allusion to making a sacrifice. I do suspect that he is not really necessary to my happiness. So much the better. I certainly will not persuade myself to feel more than I do. I am quite enough in love. I should be sorry to be more." Upon the whole, she was equally contented with her view of his feelings. "He is undoubtedly very much in love--every thing denotes it--very much in love indeed!--and when he comes again, if his affection continue, I must be on my guard not to encourage it.--It would be most inexcusable to do otherwise, as my own mind is quite made up. Not that I imagine he can think I have been encouraging him hitherto. No, if he had believed me at all to share his feelings, he would not have been so wretched. Could he have thought himself encouraged, his looks and language at parting would have been different.-- Still, however, I must be on my guard. This is in the supposition of his attachment continuing what it now is; but I do not know that I expect it will; I do not look upon him to be quite the sort of man-- I do not altogether build upon his steadiness or constancy.-- His feelings are warm, but I can imagine them rather changeable.-- Every consideration of the subject, in short, makes me thankful

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se va sfri, pentru c se spune c oricine iubete o dat n via, i n felul sta scap destul de uor."

Cnd sosi scrisoarea lui ctre doamna Weston, Emma o citi rnd cu rnd. O citi cu atta plcere i admiraie, nct ncepu s dea din cap, ndoindu-se de sentimentele ei i gsind c le-a subapreciat. Era o scrisoare lung, bine scris, dnd amnunte despre cum cltorise i ce simea, exprimnd toat afeciunea, recunotina i respectul cuvenit, n mod firesc, i descriind tot ce ar fi putut s par atrgtor, cu mult spirit i precizie. Acum, nu mai abundau nfloriturile ndoielnice, exprimnd scuze sau ngrijorare, ci era limpede c exprima sentimente adevrate fa de doamna Weston, i trecerea de la Highbury la Ens-combe, contrastul ntre aceste dou locuri n privina vieii sociale era pomenit exact att ct trebuie ca s dea msura sentimentelor lui lsnd s se ntrevad c ar exista mult mai multe, ce nu pot fi spuse din bun-cuviin. Nu lipsea nici farmecul numelui ei. Domnioara Woodhouse aprea nu numai o dat i totdeauna legat de ceva plcut, fie un compliment pentru gustul ei, fie amintirea a ceva ce ea zisese. n ultima fraz n care era menionat, Emma avu prilejul s constate c tnrul ddea dovad de simplitate, nu mai recurgea la nflorituri galante i acesta era n mod sigur efectul influenei ei cel mai mare compliment pe care i-l putea face. nghesuite pe ultimul colior de hrtie erau urmtoarele cuvinte: Mari n-am gsit nici un minut liber ca s-mi iau rmas bun de la frumoasa i micua prieten a domnioarei Woodhouse. V rog s-i transmitei scuzele i complimentele mele". Acestea, Emma nu avea nici o ndoial, erau de fapt numai pentru ea. Harriet era amintit numai ca prietena ei. Informaiile despre Enscombe, ca i perspectivele pe care le avea, nu erau nici mai bune, nici mai rele dect se ateptaser. Doamna Churchill mergea spre vindecare i el nu ndrznea nc s fixeze o dat la care s-ar putea ntoarce la Randalls, nici mcar n propria lui imaginaie. Dei scrisoarea era satisfctoare i stimulatoare prin coninutul ei concret, prin sentimentele exprimate, i ddu seama, dup ce o mpturi i o napoie doamnei Weston, c nu adugase nici un fel de flacr de durat, c putea tri foarte bine fr autorul ei - i c el nva probabil s poat tri fr ea. Inteniile ei rmneau neschimbate. Hotrrea ei de a-l refuza deveni i mai atrgtoare pentru c i se adug un plan de a-l consola i a-l face fericit. Felul n care i amintise de Harriet i cuvintele care spuneau asta frumoasa i micua prieten" i dduser ideea c Harriet ar putea s-i urmeze ei n simpatia lui. Era imposibil ? Nu. Harriet, fr ndoial, ii era mult inferioar ca inteligen, dar fusese foarte impresionat de drglenia feei ei i simplitatea cald a purtrii ei i, dup toate probabilitile, mprejurrile i nrudirea erau

that my happiness is not more deeply involved.--I shall do very well again after a little while--and then, it will be a good thing over; for they say every body is in love once in their lives, and I shall have been let off easily." When his letter to Mrs. Weston arrived, Emma had the perusal of it; and she read it with a degree of pleasure and admiration which made her at first shake her head over her own sensations, and think she had undervalued their strength. It was a long, well-written letter, giving the particulars of his journey and of his feelings, expressing all the affection, gratitude, and respect which was natural and honourable, and describing every thing exterior and local that could be supposed attractive, with spirit and precision. No suspicious flourishes now of apology or concern; it was the language of real feeling towards Mrs. Weston; and the transition from Highbury to Enscombe, the contrast between the places in some of the first blessings of social life was just enough touched on to shew how keenly it was felt, and how much more might have been said but for the restraints of propriety.--The charm of her own name was not wanting. Miss Woodhouse appeared more than once, and never without a something of pleasing connexion, either a compliment to her taste, or a remembrance of what she had said; and in the very last time of its meeting her eye, unadorned as it was by any such broad wreath of gallantry, she yet could discern the effect of her influence and acknowledge the greatest compliment perhaps of all conveyed. Compressed into the very lowest vacant corner were these words--"I had not a spare moment on Tuesday, as you know, for Miss Woodhouse's beautiful little friend. Pray make my excuses and adieus to her." This, Emma could not doubt, was all for herself. Harriet was remembered only from being her friend. His information and prospects as to Enscombe were neither worse nor better than had been anticipated; Mrs. Churchill was recovering, and he dared not yet, even in his own imagination, fix a time for coming to Randalls again. 136 Gratifying, however, and stimulative as was the letter in the material part, its sentiments, she yet found, when it was folded up and returned to Mrs. Weston, that it had not added any lasting warmth, that she could still do without the writer, and that he must learn to do without her. Her intentions were unchanged. Her resolution of refusal only grew more interesting by the addition of a scheme for his subsequent consolation and happiness. His recollection of Harriet, and the words which clothed it, the "beautiful little friend," suggested to her the idea of Harriet's succeeding her in his affections. Was it impossible?--No.--Harriet undoubtedly was greatly his inferior in understanding; but he had been very much struck with the loveliness of her face and the warm simplicity of her manner; and all the probabilities of

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n favoarea ei. Pentru Harriet va fi avantajos i ntradevr minunat. Nu trebuie s dau prea mult atenie" i zise ea. Nu trebuie s m gndesc prea mult la asta. Cunosc primejdia de a te lsa n voia unor asemenea gnduri. Dar s-au ntmplat i lucruri mai ciudate i, cnd vom nceta s mai inem unul la altul ca acum, acesta "va fi mijlocul prin care se va realiza o prietenie dezinteresat pe care o atept deja cu nerbdare i plcere." Era bine s-i rezerve i Harrietei o mngiere, dei ar fi fost mai nelept s nu-i lase imaginaia fr fru, pentru c de aici se puteau trage multe rele. Aa cum sosirea lui Frank Churchill urmase logodnei domnului Elton n conversaiile din Highbury, aa cum atrsese tot interesul i fcuse acest subiect s fie neglijat, acum, odat cu dispariia lui Frank Churchill, domnul Elton deveni, n toate privinele, irezistibil. Se anun ziua cstoriei. n curnd va fi din nou printre ei domnul Elton i mireasa lui. De-abia avur timp s dezbat prima scrisoare de la Enscombe, c Domnul Elton i mireasa lui" erau pe buzele tuturor, iar Frank Churchill uitat cu totul. Pe Emma o apuca greaa numai la auzul numelui. Petrecuse trei sptmni fericite, ct fusese scutit de domnul Elton", i dispoziia Harrietei, dup cum i plcea s spere, se mai mbuntise. Cel puin cnd se anunase balul domnului Weston devenise insensibil la orice altceva, dar acum era mult prea evident c nu ajunsese la starea aceea de calm care ar fi putut s nfrunte sosirea celor doi trsura aceea cu clopoei i toate celelalte. Biata Harriet era ntr-o stare de agitaie care cerea din partea Emmei efortul imens de a-i argumenta, a o calma i a-i oferi toat atenia ei. Emma simea c nu putea face prea multe pentru ea, c Harriet avea dreptul la toat ingeniozitatea i rbdarea ei, dar era o munc foarte grea s caui s convingi pe cineva, fr nici un efect, s fii mereu aprobat, fr ns a o face s aib aceeai prere cu tine. Harriet asculta supus i zicea c E foarte adevrat, eXact aa cum spune domnioara Woodhouse, n-avea rost s se gndeasc la el i nu se va mai gndi." Dar schimbarea subiectului nu slujea la nimic i n urmtoarea jumtate de or era la fel de nelinitit i dornic s vorbeasc despre familia Elton ca i nainte. n cele din urm, Emma o atac pe alt teren: Faptul c te complaci n a fi att de preocupat i de nefericit din cauza domnului Elton i a cstoriei lui, Harriet, e cel mai mare repro pe care mi l-ai putea face. Nimic nu m-ar putea pedepsi mai mult pentru greeala n care am czut. N-am uitat c e numai vina mea. Te asigur. M-am nelat pe mine, i n mod nesocotit i pe tine. i asta va fi totdeauna pentru mine o amintire dureroas. S nu-i nchipui c sunt n primejdia de a uita. Harriet fu prea atins de asta pentru a putea articula mai mult dect cteva cuvinte exclamative. Emma continu: N-am spus, strduiete-te, Harriet, de dragul meu, nu

circumstance and connexion were in her favour.--For Harriet, it would be advantageous and delightful indeed. "I must not dwell upon it," said she.--"I must not think of it. I know the danger of indulging such speculations. But stranger things have happened; and when we cease to care for each other as we do now, it will be the means of confirming us in that sort of true disinterested friendship which I can already look forward to with pleasure." It was well to have a comfort in store on Harriet's behalf, though it might be wise to let the fancy touch it seldom; for evil in that quarter was at hand. As Frank Churchill's arrival had succeeded Mr. Elton's engagement in the conversation of Highbury, as the latest interest had entirely borne down the first, so now upon Frank Churchill's disappearance, Mr. Elton's concerns were assuming the most irresistible form.--His wedding-day was named. He would soon be among them again; Mr. Elton and his bride. There was hardly time to talk over the first letter from Enscombe before "Mr. Elton and his bride" was in every body's mouth, and Frank Churchill was forgotten. Emma grew sick at the sound. 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. With Mr. Weston's ball in view at least, there had been a great deal of insensibility to other things; but it was now too evident that she had not attained such a state of composure as could stand against the actual approach--new carriage, bell-ringing, and all. Poor Harriet was in a flutter of spirits which required all the reasonings and soothings and attentions of every kind that Emma could give. Emma felt that she could not do too much for her, that Harriet had a right to all her ingenuity and all her patience; but it was heavy work to be for ever convincing without producing any effect, for ever agreed to, without being able to make their opinions the same. Harriet listened submissively, and said "it was very true-- it was just as Miss Woodhouse described--it was not worth while to think about them--and she would not think about them any longer" but no change of subject could avail, and the next half-hour saw her as anxious and restless about the Eltons as before. At last Emma attacked her on another ground. "Your allowing yourself to be so occupied and so unhappy about Mr. Elton's marrying, Harriet, is the strongest reproach you can make me. You could not give me a greater reproof for the mistake I fell into. It was all my doing, I know. I have not forgotten it, I assure you.--Deceived myself, I did very miserably deceive you-- and it will be a painful reflection to me for ever. Do not imagine me in danger of forgetting it." Harriet felt this too much to utter more than a few words of eager exclamation. Emma continued, "I have not said, exert yourself Harriet for my sake; think

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te mai gndi i nu mai vorbi de domnul Elton, de dragul meu, fiindc eu vreau asta mai ales de dragul tu, de dragul a ceea ce e mai important dect linitea mea obinuina de a te stpni, de a-i cunoate datoria, o strdanie de a evita suspiciunile celorlali, pentru a-i salva sntatea proprie i stima oamenilor i a-i recpta linitea. Acestea sunt motivele pentru care am insistat. Sunt foarte importante i mi pare ru c nu-i dai seama de asta i nu te pori ca atare. Linitea mea conteaz foarte puin. Vreau s te salvezi de dureri mai mari. Cteodat, poate, am simit c Harriet nu va uita ce se cuvine sau, mai degrab, ce ar fi drgu din partea ei s fac pentru mine. Acest apel la dragostea ei fu mai puternic dect toate argumentele. Ideea c nu artase destul recunotin i respect pentru domnioara Woodhouse, pe care o iubea ntr-adevr foarte mult, o fcu s se simt nenorocit pentru ctva vreme i, cnd violena durerii se potoli, rmase din ea destul ca s-o fac s se poarte cum trebuie i s-o sprijine. Dumneavoastr, care ai fost cea mai bun prieten din viaa mea ! S fiu eu lipsit de recunotin ! Nimeni nu e ca dumneavoastr. Nu-mi pas de nimeni, dect de dumneavoastr. O, domnioar Woodhouse, ce nerecunosctoare am fost ! Asemenea cuvinte, nsoite de gesturile corespunztoare, o fcur pe Emma s simt c n-o iubise niciodat mai mult pe Harriet i nu-i preuise niciodat mai mult iubirea. Nici un farmec nu e mai mare dect delicateea sufleteasc, i zise ea mai trziu. Nimeni nu se poate compara cu ea ! Cldura i delicateea sufleteasc, mpreun cu o purtare deschis i afectuoas, ctig fa de limpezimea minii, cnd e vorba ca o persoan s fie atrgtoare. Sunt sigur de asta. Delicateea sufleteasc face ca tata s fie iubit de toat lumea i Isabella are att de mult succes. Eu nu posed aa ceva, dar tiu s preuiesc i s respect. Harriet mi e superioar prin farmecul i fericirea pe care le rspndete n jur. Drag Harriet, nu te-a schimba nici pentru cea mai deteapt, prevztoare i neleapt femeie din lume ! Ah, rceala Janei Fairfax ! Harriet face ct o sut ca ea i, ca soie, ca soia unui om detept, este nepreuit. Nu voi spune nici un nume, dar fericit va fi acela care o va schimba pe Emma pentru Harriet. DOAMNA ELTON FU PENTRU PRIMA OARA zrit la biseric, dar, dei devoiunea credincioilor poate fi ntrerupt, curiozitatea nu putea fi satisfcut numai cu imaginea unei mirese n stran i rmnea ca numai dup ce se vor face vizitele de rigoare s se stabileasc dac era frumoas, foarte frumoas, frumuic, sau deloc frumoas. Emma avea unele sentimente, nu att de curiozitate ct de mndrie i bun-credin, care o fcur s nu fie ultima care s-i prezinte omagiile i dori foarte mult ca Harriet s mearg mpreun cu ea pentru ca momentul

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. These are the motives which I have been pressing on you. They are very important--and sorry I am that you cannot feel them sufficiently to act upon them. My being saved from pain is a very secondary consideration. I want you to save yourself from greater pain. Perhaps I may sometimes have felt that Harriet would not forget what was due--or rather what would be kind by me." This appeal to her affections did more than all the rest. The idea of wanting gratitude and consideration for Miss Woodhouse, whom she really loved extremely, made her wretched for a while, and when the violence of grief was comforted away, still remained powerful enough to prompt to what was right and support her in it very tolerably. "You, who have been the best friend I ever had in my life-Want gratitude to you!--Nobody is equal to you!--I care for nobody as I do for you!--Oh! Miss Woodhouse, how ungrateful I have been!" Such expressions, assisted as they were by every thing that look and manner could do, made Emma feel that she had never loved Harriet so well, nor valued her affection so highly before. "There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart," said she afterwards to herself. "There is nothing to be compared to it. Warmth and tenderness of heart, with an affectionate, open manner, will beat all the clearness of head in the world, for attraction, I am sure it will. It is tenderness of heart which makes my dear father so generally beloved--which gives Isabella all her popularity.-- I have it not--but I know how to prize and respect it.--Harriet is my superior in all the charm and all the felicity it gives. Dear Harriet!--I would not change you for the clearest-headed, longest-sighted, best-judging female breathing. Oh! the coldness of a Jane Fairfax!--Harriet is worth a hundred such--And for a wife-- a sensible man's wife--it is invaluable. I mention no names; but happy the man who changes Emma for Harriet!" Mrs. Elton was first seen at church: but though devotion might be interrupted, curiosity could not be satisfied by a bride in a pew, and it must be left for the visits in form which were then to be paid, to settle whether she were very pretty indeed, or only rather pretty, or not pretty at all. Emma had feelings, less of curiosity than of pride or propriety, to make her resolve on not being the last to pay her respects; and she made a point of Harriet's going with her, that the worst of the business might be gone through as soon as possible.

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cel mai greu s fie depit de la nceput. Nu putu s intre n cas, s peasc n aceeai camer n care se retrsese cndva prin acel artificiu fr de folos, ca s-i lege gheata, fr s-i aminteasc. O mie de gnduri i treceau prin minte renviind jignirile de altdat: complimentele, aradele i gafele ngrozitoare, i nu putea crede c biata Harriet n-o s-i aminteasc aceleai lucruri. Dar ea se purt foarte bine, era numai puin cam palid i tcut. Vizita fu desigur scurt i, cu atta stnjeneal I i preocupare de a o scurta ct mai mult, Emma nu avu timpul s-i formeze o prere despre tnra doamn i, n nici un caz, s-o formuleze, aa c spuse ceva fr nsemntate, c era bine mbrcat;--i foarte plcut." De fapt, nu-i plcea. Nu se grbea s-i gseasc defecte, dar bnuia o oarecare lips de distincie era degajat, dar nu distins. Era chiar sigur c, pentru o femeie tnr, abia cstorit, arta cam mult degajare. nfiarea ei era plcut, fata nu era lipsit de frumusee, dar nici trsturile, nici inuta, nici vocea, nici purtarea nu erau distinse. Emma credea c, cel- puin, aa se va dovedi mai trziu. n ce-l privete pe domnul Elton, purtarea lui nu prea... dar nu-i va permite s judece cu un cuvnt pripit sau cu o glum rutcioas purtarea lui. A primi vizite dup nunt e oricum o ceremonie stnjenitoare i brbatul trebuie s fie extrem de amabil ca s se descurce. Femeia e mai avantajat, ajutat de haine frumoase i de privilegiul de a fi sfioas, dar brbatul se bazeaz numai pe propriul su bun sim, i cnd se gndea ct de mult ghinion avea domnul Elton s se afle n aceeai ncpere cu femeia pe care abia o luase de soie, cu femeia pe care voise s o ia de soie i cu cea pe care se presupusese c o va lua de soie, trebuia s-i permit s arate ct se putea de stupid, prefcndu-se degajat i nefiind deloc n realitate. Ei, bine, domnioar Woodhouse, zise Harriet dup ce prsiser casa parohial i ateptase n zadar ca prietena ei s nceap, ei, domnioar Woodhouse (cu un uor oftat), ce credei despre ea ? Nu e ncnttoare ? Rspunsul Emmei vdea o oarecare ovial: O, da, foarte plcut femeie. Dup mine, e frumoas, foarte frumoas. Bine mbrcat, ntr-adevr, foarte distins rochia. Nu m mir c s-a ndrgostit de ea. O, nu, nu e deloc surprinztor, o avere frumuic, i ia ieit aa n cale. Probabil, zise Harriet oftnd din nou, probabil c-l iubete foarte mult. Tot ce se poate, dar nu toi brbaii au norocul s se nsoare cu femeia care i iubete cel mai mult. Domnioara Hawkins poate avea nevoie de un cmin i a gsit c aceasta era cea mai bun ofert. Da, zise Harriet, lund-o n serios i, chiar aa i e.

She could not enter the house again, could not be in the same room to which she had with such vain artifice retreated three months ago, to lace up her boot, without recollecting. A thousand vexatious thoughts would recur. Compliments, charades, and horrible blunders; and it was not to be supposed that poor Harriet should not be recollecting too; but she behaved very well, and was only rather pale and silent. The visit was of course short; and there was so much embarrassment and occupation of mind to shorten it, that Emma would not allow herself entirely to form an opinion of the lady, and on no account to give one, beyond the nothing-meaning terms of being "elegantly dressed, and very pleasing." She did not really like her. She would not be in a hurry to find fault, but she suspected that there was no elegance;--ease, but not elegance.-- She was almost sure that for a young woman, a stranger, a bride, there was too much ease. Her person was rather good; her face not unpretty; but neither feature, nor air, nor voice, nor manner, were elegant. Emma thought at least it would turn out so. As for Mr. Elton, his manners did not appear--but no, she would not permit a hasty or a witty word from herself about his manners. It was an awkward ceremony at any time to be receiving wedding visits, and a man had need be all grace to acquit himself well through it. The woman was better off; she might have the assistance of fine clothes, and the privilege of bashfulness, but the man had only his own good sense to depend on; and when she considered how peculiarly unlucky poor Mr. Elton was in being in the same room at once with the woman he had just married, the woman he had wanted to marry, and the woman whom he had been expected to marry, she must allow him to have the right to look as little wise, and to be as much affectedly, and as little really easy as could be. "Well, Miss Woodhouse," said Harriet, when they had quitted the house, and after waiting in vain for her friend to begin; "Well, Miss Woodhouse, (with a gentle sigh,) what do you think of her?-- Is not she very charming?" There was a little hesitation in Emma's answer. "Oh! yes--very--a very pleasing young woman." "I think her beautiful, quite beautiful." "Very nicely dressed, indeed; a remarkably elegant gown." "I am not at all surprized that he should have fallen in love." "Oh! no--there is nothing to surprize one at all.--A pretty fortune; and she came in his way." "I dare say," returned Harriet, sighing again, "I dare say she was very much attached to him." "Perhaps she might; but it is not every man's fate to marry the woman who loves him best. Miss Hawkins perhaps wanted a home, and thought this the best offer she was likely to have." "Yes," said Harriet earnestly, "and well she might, nobody

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Nimnui nu i se poate oferi ceva mai bun. Le doresc din toat inima s fie fericii. i, de-acuma, domnioar Woodhouse, nu cred c o s-mi displac s-i vd din nou. E la fel de distins ca ntotdeauna, dar faptul c e nsurat schimb lucrurile. Nu, zu, domnioar Woodhouse, nu trebuie s v fie team, acum pot s stau i s-l admir fr s m mai simt nenorocit. E aa de bine s tiu c nu s-a nsurat cu cine tie cine ! Pare o femeie minunat, aa cum merit el. Fericita de ea ! i spunea Augusta", ce minunat ! Cnd vizita fu ntoars, Emma i form prerea. Putu s vad mai mult i s judece mai bine. Din ntmplare, Harriet nu era la Hartfield i tatl ei l angajase ntr-o discuie pe domnul Elton i, astfel, avu prilejul s stea de vorb numai cu ea un sfert de or ncheiat i s-i acorde toat atenia. Acest sfert de or o convinse pe deplin c doamna Elton era o femeie vanitoas, extrem de mulumit de ea nsi i care i ddea mult importan; c voia s strluceasc i s se arate superioar, dar avea nite purtri nvate la o coal proast, era obraznic i prea familiar; c tot ce tia, tia numai de la un grup de oameni cu un anume stil de via; c dac nu era cu totul proast, era ignorant i tovria ei nu-i va aduce nici o schimbare n bine domnului Elton. Harriet ar fi fost o partid mai bun. Dac nu era inteligent i rafinat ea nsi, cel puin l punea n legtur cu aceia care erau, dar, domnioara Hawkins, se poate foarte bine presupune, din ct era de ncrezut, fusese cea mai reuit din grupul ei. Cumnatul ei bogat din Bristol era mndria rudelor, .i mndria lui erau casa i trsurile. Primul subiect dup ce se aezar fu Maple Grove. Reedina cumnatului meu, domnul Suckling. O comparaie ntre Hartfield i Maple Grove. Terenurile de la Hartfield erau mici, dar curate i ngrijite i casa era modern i bine construit. Doamna Elton fu foarte plcut impresionat de dimensiunea holului de la intrare i de tot ce putea vedea sau i putea imagina. La fel ca la Maple Grove, era uimit de atta asemnare ! Camera asta era exact de forma i mrimea camerei de primire de la Maple Grove camera favorit a surorii ei. Apel i la domnul Elton: Nu semna surprinztor de mult ? Zu, i putea nchipui c e la Maple Grove." i scara, tii, cnd am intrat, am observat imediat ce mult seamn scara, aezat exact n acelai loc. N-am putut s-mi opresc un strigt. V asigur, domnioar Woodhouse, e ncnttor pentru mine s-mi aduc aminte de un loc de care sunt att de mult legat, cum e Maple Grove. Am petrecut attea luni fericite acolo ! (cu un oftat plin de sentiment) Minunat loc, fr ndoial ! Toi cei care l vd sunt uluii de atta frumusee, dar pentru mine era ca un cmin. Cnd cineva a transplantat ca mine, domnioar Woodhouse, nelegei ce minunat e s regsesc

could ever have a better. Well, I wish them happy with all my heart. And now, Miss Woodhouse, I do not think I shall mind seeing them again. He is just as superior as ever;--but being married, you know, it is quite a different thing. No, indeed, Miss Woodhouse, you need not be afraid; I can sit and admire him now without any great misery. To know that he has not thrown himself away, is such a comfort!-- She does seem a charming young woman, just what he deserves. Happy creature! He called her `Augusta.' How delightful!" When the visit was returned, Emma made up her mind. She could then see more and judge better. 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. Harriet would have been a better match. If not wise or refined herself, she would have connected him with those who were; but Miss Hawkins, it might be fairly supposed from her easy conceit, had been the best of her own set. The rich brother-in-law near Bristol was the pride of the alliance, and his place and his carriages were the pride of him. The very first subject after being seated was Maple Grove, "My brother Mr. Suckling's seat;"--a comparison of Hartfield to Maple Grove. The grounds of Hartfield were small, but neat and pretty; and the house was modern and well-built. Mrs. Elton seemed most favourably impressed by the size of the room, the entrance, and all that she could see or imagine. "Very like Maple Grove indeed!--She was quite struck by the likeness!--That room was the very shape and size of the morning-room at Maple Grove; her sister's favourite room."-- Mr. Elton was appealed to.--"Was not it astonishingly like?-- She could really almost fancy herself at Maple Grove." "And the staircase--You know, as I came in, I observed how very like the staircase was; placed exactly in the same part of the house. I really could not help exclaiming! I assure you, Miss Woodhouse, it is very delightful to me, to be reminded of a place I am so extremely partial to as Maple Grove. I have spent so many happy months there! (with a little sigh of sentiment). A charming place, undoubtedly. Every body who sees it is struck by its beauty; but to me, it has been quite a home. Whenever you are transplanted, like me, Miss Woodhouse, you will understand how very delightful it is to meet with any thing at all like what one has left

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imagini legate de trecut. Totdeauna am spus c sta e unul din relele csniciei. Emma rspunse ct putea de ocolit, dar ajungea pentru doamna Elton care voia s vorbeasc numai ea. Extraordinar asemnare cu Maple Grove. i nu numai casa, terenurile, v asigur, seamn foarte bine, din cte am putut observa. Dafinii de la Maple Grove sunt la fel de dei ca aici i dispui la fel, de-a curmeziul pajitii, i am zrit un copac mare, cu o banc sub el, care m-a fcut s m cred acolo. Cumnatul i sora mea ar fi ncntai de locul acesta. Celor care au o proprietate mare le place foarte mult s vad c exist ceva asemntor. Emma se ndoia de adevrul unui asemenea sentiment. Dup prerea ei, celor care aveau o proprietate mare puin le psa de proprietile altora, dar n-avea rost s atace o eroare att de grosolan i deci rspunse numai: Cnd vei vedea mai multe locuri din inutul nostru, vei gndi c ai supraapreciat Hartfield. Surrey are multe frumusei. O, da, tiu foarte bine asta. E grdina Angliei, tii, Surrey e grdina Angliei. Da, dar nu cred c trebuie s ne bazm pe aceast fraz. Multe inuturi sunt numite grdina Angliei", nu numai Surrey. Nu, nu cred, rspunse doamna Elton, cu un zmbet foarte satisfcut. N-am auzit s fie numit astfel un alt inut n afar de Surrey. Emma fu redus la tcere. Cumnatul i sora mea mi-au promis s vin n vizit, cel trziu n var, dac nu n primvar, continu doamna Elton, i atunci vom porni s vedem inutul. Probabil, cnd vor fi aici, ne vom plimba foarte mult. Vor veni cu landoul lor, cred, n care ncap perfect patru persoane i, deci, fr s mai punem la socoteal trsura noastr, ne vom putea plimba peste tot. Nu cred s vin cu areta, la vremea aceea. Zu aa, cnd se va apropia timpul, am s le scriu s vie cu landoul e mult mai bine cnd cineva sosete ntr-un inut att de frumos, e firesc s vrei s le ari tot ce se poate. i domnului Suckling i place extrem de mult s fac ex cursii. Am fcut dou excursii la King's-Weston, vara trecut, tot aa, minunat, chiar dup ce i-au cumprat landoul. Presupun c petrecei de multe ori n felul sta pe aici, nu, domnioar Wood-house, vara ?

behind. I always say this is quite one of the evils of matrimony." Emma made as slight a reply as she could; but it was fully sufficient for Mrs. Elton, who only wanted to be talking herself. "So extremely like Maple Grove! And it is not merely the house-- the grounds, I assure you, as far as I could observe, are strikingly like. The laurels at Maple Grove are in the same profusion as here, and stand very much in the same way--just across the lawn; and I had a glimpse of a fine large tree, with a bench round it, which put me so exactly in mind! My brother and sister will be enchanted with this place. People who have extensive grounds themselves are always pleased with any thing in the same style." Emma doubted the truth of this sentiment. She had a great idea that people who had extensive grounds themselves cared very little for the extensive grounds of any body else; but it was not worth while to attack an error so double-dyed, and therefore only said in reply, "When you have seen more of this country, I am afraid you will think you have overrated Hartfield. Surry is full of beauties." "Oh! yes, I am quite aware of that. It is the garden of England, you know. Surry is the garden of England." "Yes; but we must not rest our claims on that distinction. Many counties, I believe, are called the garden of England, as well as Surry." "No, I fancy not," replied Mrs. Elton, with a most satisfied smile." I never heard any county but Surry called so." Emma was silenced. "My brother and sister have promised us a visit in the spring, or summer at farthest," continued Mrs. Elton; "and that will be our time for exploring. While they are with us, we shall explore a great deal, I dare say. They will have their barouche-landau, of course, which holds four perfectly; and therefore, without saying any thing of our carriage, we should be able to explore the different beauties extremely well. They would hardly come in their chaise, I think, at that season of the year. Indeed, when the time draws on, I shall decidedly recommend their bringing the barouche-landau; it will be so very much preferable. When people come into a beautiful country of this sort, you know, Miss Woodhouse, one naturally wishes them to see as much as possible; and Mr. Suckling is extremely fond of exploring. We explored to King's-Weston twice last summer, in that way, most delightfully, just after their first having the barouche-landau. You have many parties of that kind here, I suppose, Miss Woodhouse, every summer?" "No; not immediately here. We are rather out of distance of the very striking beauties which attract the sort of parties you speak of; and we are a very quiet set of people, I believe; more disposed to stay at home than

Nu, nu pe-aici pe aproape. Suntem cam departe de frumuseile care atrag pe cei dornici de excursii i suntem linitii din fire, cred, mai mult aplecai spre a sta acas dect a ne deda la plceri de soiul acesta.

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 Ah, nimic nu e mai comod dect s stai acas. Nimeni nu e mai devotat cminului ca mine. La Maple Grove se crease o zictoare despre asta. Selina spunea foarte des, cnd se ducea la Bristol: Zu, nu pot s-o scot din cas pe fata asta, trebuie neaprat s plec singur, dei nu-mi place s m nfund n landou fr ca nimeni smi in tovrie. Dar Augusta, cred, dac ar fi dup ea, nu s-ar mica dincolo de gardul parcului." Foarte des spunea ea asta i, totui, nu sunt pentru o via cu totul retras. Cred, dimpotriv, c atunci cnd oamenii se izoleaz complet de societate e foarte ru i e mult mai recomandabil s iei n lume, att ct se cuvine, nici prea mult, dar nici aa, deloc. Totui, v neleg perfect situaia, domnioar Woodhouse (uitndu-se la domnul Woodhouse), sntatea tatlui dumneavoastr este probabil o mare piedic. De ce nu ncearc s mearg la Bath ? Zu, ar trebui. V recomand Bath. V asigur c n-am nici o ndoial c i-ar face bine domnului Woodhouse. Tata a ncercat de mai multe ori, mai demult, dar fr nici un folos, i domnul Perry, al crui nume v este probabil cunoscut, nu concepe c ar putea s-i fie de vreun folos acum. Ah, mare pcat, pentru c, v asigur, domnioar Woodhouse, atunci cnd apele sunt potrivite, dau o mare uurare. Ct am stat la Bath am vzut att de multe cazuri ! i e un loc att de vesel, nct, cred, ar fi de folos i pentru dispoziia domnului Woodhouse, care e, din cte neleg, cam deprimat cteodat. n ce v privete, cred c nu trebuie s v spun ce avantaje ai avea. Se nelege de la sine ce pot s gseasc cei tineri i frumoi. Ai face foarte multe cunotine minunate, dumneavoastr, care ducei o via att de retras, i eu a putea s v fac imediat cunotin cu lumea bun din partea locului. Dac scriu un bileel, v vei pomeni dintr-o dat cu o mulime de prieteni i prietena mea foarte bun, doamna Partridge, doamna la care am locuit de cte ori m duceam la Bath, va fi foarte fericit s v asigure condiii i v va nsoi oriunde. Era mai mult dect putea suporta Emma, fr s devin nepoliticoas. Ideea de a-i fi ndatorat doamnei Elton pentru ceea ce numea ea cunotine" n lumea bun, de a iei n lume nsoit de prietena doamnei Elton, probabil vreo vduv vulgar i nepat, care, cu ajutorul chiriailor, abia i putea ctiga existena. Demnitatea domnioarei Woodhouse de la Hartfield suferea ntradevr mult. Se abinu totui de la orice repro pe care l-ar fi putut face i i mulumi cu rceal doamnei Elton, dar era cu totul imposibil s mearg la Bath i nu era deloc convins c locul i-ar putea face bine ei sau tatlui ei. i apoi, pentru a prentmpina orice jignire i suprare, schimb imediat subiectul:

engage in schemes of pleasure." "Ah! there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. Nobody can be more devoted to home than I am. I was quite a proverb for it at Maple Grove. Many a time has Selina said, when she has been going to Bristol, `I really cannot get this girl to move from the house. I absolutely must go in by myself, though I hate being stuck up in the barouche-landau without a companion; but Augusta, I believe, with her own good-will, would never stir beyond the park paling.' Many a time has she said so; and yet I am no advocate for entire seclusion. I think, on the contrary, when people shut themselves up entirely from society, it is a very bad thing; and that it is much more advisable to mix in the world in a proper degree, without living in it either too much or too little. I perfectly understand your situation, however, Miss Woodhouse-- (looking towards Mr. Woodhouse), Your father's state of health must be a great drawback. Why does not he try Bath?--Indeed he should. Let me recommend Bath to you. I assure you I have no doubt of its doing Mr. Woodhouse good." "My father tried it more than once, formerly; but without receiving any benefit; and Mr. Perry, whose name, I dare say, is not unknown to you, does not conceive it would be at all more likely to be useful now." "Ah! that's a great pity; for I assure you, Miss Woodhouse, where the waters do agree, it is quite wonderful the relief they give. In my Bath life, I have seen such instances of it! And it is so cheerful a place, that it could not fail of being of use to Mr. Woodhouse's spirits, which, I understand, are sometimes much depressed. And as to its recommendations to you, I fancy I need not take much pains to dwell on them. The advantages of Bath to the young are pretty generally understood. It would be a charming introduction for you, who have lived so secluded a life; and I could immediately secure you some of the best society in the place. A line from me would bring you a little host of acquaintance; and my particular friend, Mrs. Partridge, the lady I have always resided with when in Bath, would be most happy to shew you any attentions, and would be the very person for you to go into public with." It was as much as Emma could bear, without being impolite. The idea of her being indebted to Mrs. Elton for what was called an introduction--of her going into public under the auspices of a friend of Mrs. Elton's--probably some vulgar, dashing widow, who, with the help of a boarder, just made a shift to live!-The dignity of Miss Woodhouse, of Hartfield, was sunk indeed! She restrained herself, however, from any of the reproofs she could have given, and only thanked Mrs. Elton coolly; "but their going to Bath was quite out of the question; and she was not perfectly convinced that the place might suit her better than her father." And then, to prevent farther outrage and indignation, changed the

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 Nu v-am ntrebat dac v ocupai de muzic, doamn Elton. n asemenea ocazii se afl multe despre o doamn, nainte ca ea s-i fac apariia, i Highbury tie demult c suntei o foarte bun instrumentist. O, nu, zu aa, trebuie s protestez. O foarte bun instrumentist ! Sunt foarte departe de a fi aa ceva, v asigur, gndii-v din ce surs subiectiv deinei informaia. mi place nespus de mult muzica, o iubesc cu pasiune i prietenii mei spun c am gust, dar n rest, pe cuvntul meu, interpretez mediocru, n ultimul grad. Dumneavoastr, domnioar Woodhouse, tiu foarte bine, cntai Minunat. V asigur c am avut cea mai mare satisfacie i plcere cnd am auzit c voi tri ntr-o societatea att de muzical. Nu pot tri fr muzic, mi-e necesar ca apa i, cum am fost mereu ntr-o societate foarte iubitoare de muzic, att la Maple Grove ct i la Bath, ar fi fost un sacrificiu foarte mare. I-am spus cinstit domnului Elton, cnd mi vorbea despre viitorul meu cmin i i exprima teama ca nu cumva faptul c e aa de retras s-mi displac; i mai e i casa, att de urt pe lng aceea cu care eram obinuit, desigur, i-a dat seama de unele lucruri ! Cnd vorbea astfel, i-am spus sincer c pot s renun la lume, petreceri, baluri, teatru, pentru c nu mi-e team s duc o via retras. Cum m-a binecuvntat Dumnezeu cu attea resurse sufleteti, lumea nu e absolut necesar pentru mine. Pot s triesc i fr ea. Pentru cei fr resurse, e altceva, dar resursele mele mi dau independen. Iar, n ce privete camerele mai mici dect acelea cu care am fost obinuit, nu m deranjeaz deloc. Cred c pot face un sacrificiu de acest fel. Desigur, la Maple Grove am fost obinuit cu luxul, dar i-am asigurat c fericirea mea nu atrn de cele dou trsuri i de apartamentele spaioase. Dar, ca s fiu sincer, am zis, nu cred c a putea tri ntr-o societatea unde nu se face muzic. Nu pun nici un fel de alt condiie, dar fr muzic viaa mi s-ar prea cenuie." Nu putem presupune, zise Emma zmbind, c domnul Elton ar fi avut vreo ezitare n a v asigura c la Highbury este o societate foarte iubitoare de muzic i sper c nu vei gsi c a ocolit adevrul mai mult dect este scuzabil, dat fiind motivul. Nu, ntr-adevr, asupra acestui punct nu am nici o ndoial, sunt ncntat c m aflu ntr-un asemenea cerc. Sper c vom avea multe mici concerte drgue mpreun. Cred, domnioar Woodhouse, c dumneavoastr i cu mine trebuie s nfiinm un club muzical i s ne ntlnim regulat, o dat pe sptmn, fie la dumneavoastr, fie la noi. Nu e o idee bun ? Dac noi ne strduim, cred c n curnd vom avea destui adepi. Ceva de genul sta ar fi de dorit, mai ales pentru mine, ca stimulent, s exersez mereu, pentru c tii ce trist e cu femeile mritate, n

subject directly. "I do not ask whether you are musical, Mrs. Elton. Upon these occasions, a lady's character generally precedes her; and Highbury has long known that you are a superior performer." "Oh! no, indeed; I must protest against any such idea. A superior performer!--very far from it, I assure you. Consider from how partial a quarter your information came. I am doatingly fond of music--passionately fond;--and my friends say I am not entirely devoid of taste; but as to any thing else, upon my honour my performance is mediocre to the last degree. You, Miss Woodhouse, I well know, play delightfully. I assure you it has been the greatest satisfaction, comfort, and delight to me, to hear what a musical society I am got into. I absolutely cannot do without music. It is a necessary of life to me; and having always been used to a very musical society, both at Maple Grove and in Bath, it would have been a most serious sacrifice. I honestly said as much to Mr. E. when he was speaking of my future home, and expressing his fears lest the retirement of it should be disagreeable; and the inferiority of the house too--knowing what I had been accustomed to--of course he was not wholly without apprehension. When he was speaking of it in that way, I honestly said that the world I could give up--parties, balls, plays--for I had no fear of retirement. Blessed with so many resources within myself, the world was not necessary to me. I could do very well without it. To those who had no resources it was a different thing; but my resources made me quite independent. And as to smaller-sized rooms than I had been used to, I really could not give it a thought. I hoped I was perfectly equal to any sacrifice of that description. Certainly I had been accustomed to every luxury at Maple Grove; but I did assure him that two carriages were not necessary to my happiness, nor were spacious apartments. `But,' said I, `to be quite honest, I do not think I can live without something of a musical society. I condition for nothing else; but without music, life would be a blank to me.'" "We cannot suppose," said Emma, smiling, "that Mr. Elton would hesitate to assure you of there being a very musical society in Highbury; and I hope you will not find he has outstepped the truth more than may be pardoned, in consideration of the motive." "No, indeed, I have no doubts at all on that head. I am delighted to find myself in such a circle. I hope we shall have many sweet little concerts together. I think, Miss Woodhouse, you and I must establish a musical club, and have regular weekly meetings at your house, or ours. Will not it be a good plan? If we exert ourselves, I think we shall not be long in want of allies. Something of that nature would be particularly desirable for me, as an inducement to keep me in practice; for married women, you know-- there is a sad story against them, in general. They are but too apt to give up

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general. Sunt gata s renune la muzic. Dar dumneavoastr, care o iubii att de mult, nu cred c suntei n primejdie, desigur ! Sper c nu, dar, zu, cnd m uit n jur la cunoscutele mele, m cutremur. Selina a renunat cu totul, nici nu se mai atinge de pian, i ea cnta drgu. Acelai lucru cu doamna Jeffereys, adic domnioara Clara Partridge, i cele dou domnioare Milman, acum doamna Bird i doamna James Cooper, i multe altele de care nu-mi aduc aminte. Pe cuvntul meu, asta e destul ca s i se fac fric. Pe Selina eram chiar nfuriat, dar, zu, acum mi dau seama cte are de fcut o femeie mritat. Cred c azi diminea am stat jumtate de or de vorb cu menajera noastr. Dar lucrurile de felul acesta vor intra n programul obinuit... Ei, bine, zise doamna Elton rznd, vom vedea. Emma, vznd c e hotrt s neglijeze muzica, nu mai avu nimic de spus. i, dup o pauz de o clip, doamna Elton alese alt subiect. Am fcut o vizit la Randalls i i-am gsit pe amndoi acas; par nite oameni foarte drgui. mi plac extrem de mult. Domnul Weston pare o fiin minunat e deja favoritul meu numrul unu, v asigur. i ea pare att de bun are ceva matern i blnd i te cucerete imediat. Mi se pare c a fost guvernanta dumneavoastr ? Emma era aproape prea surprins ca s rspund, dar doamna Elton nu mai atept confirmarea, ci merse nainte: tiam asta i am fost surprins s constat c e o adevrat doamn. Dar e ntr-adevr o doamn. Manierele doamnei Weston, zise Emma, au fost ntotdeauna foarte bune. Buna-cuviin, simplitatea i distincia fac din dnsa un model pentru orice tnr. i cine credei c-a venit cnd eram acolo ? Emma nu tia ce s zic. Tonul arta c e vorba de o veche cunotin i cum ar fi putut ea s ghiceasc ? Knightley, continu doamna Elton, Knightley n carne i oase. Ce noroc, nu-i aa ? Pentru c n-am fost acas cnd a venit el n vizit i nu fcusem cunotin cu el i, desigur, fiind prieten aa de bun cu domnul E., eram foarte curioas. Prietenul meu Knightley" fusese pomenit de attea ori, nct eram chiar nerbdtoare s-l vd i, trebuie s recunosc, despre caro sposo al meu, c n-are de ce s-i fie ruine cu prietenul su. Knightley e un adevrat gentleman. mi place foarte mult. Hotrt, cred c e un gentleman. Din fericire, se fcuse timpul s plece. Ieir i Emma putu s respire. Nesuferit femeie, exclam ea imediat. Mai ru dect mi-am nchipuit. Absolut nesuferit. Knightley ! N-a

music." "But you, who are so extremely fond of it--there can be no danger, surely?" "I should hope not; but really when I look around among my acquaintance, I tremble. Selina has entirely given up music--never touches the instrument--though she played sweetly. And the same may be said of Mrs. Jeffereys--Clara Partridge, that was--and of the two Milmans, now Mrs. Bird and Mrs. James Cooper; and of more than I can enumerate. Upon my word it is enough to put one in a fright. I used to be quite angry with Selina; but really I begin now to comprehend that a married woman has many things to call her attention. I believe I was half an hour this morning shut up with my housekeeper." "But every thing of that kind," said Emma, "will soon be in so regular a train--" "Well," said Mrs. Elton, laughing, "we shall see." Emma, finding her so determined upon neglecting her music, had nothing more to say; and, after a moment's pause, Mrs. Elton chose another subject. "We have been calling at Randalls," said she, "and found them both at home; and very pleasant people they seem to be. I like them extremely. Mr. Weston seems an excellent creature-- quite a first-rate favourite with me already, I assure you. And she appears so truly good-there is something so motherly and kind-hearted about her, that it wins upon one directly. She was your governess, I think?" Emma was almost too much astonished to answer; but Mrs. Elton hardly waited for the affirmative before she went on. "Having understood as much, I was rather astonished to find her so very lady-like! But she is really quite the gentlewoman." "Mrs. Weston's manners," said Emma, "were always particularly good. Their propriety, simplicity, and elegance, would make them the safest model for any young woman." "And who do you think came in while we were there?" Emma was quite at a loss. The tone implied some old acquaintance-- and how could she possibly guess? "Knightley!" continued Mrs. Elton; "Knightley himself!--Was not it lucky?--for, not being within when he called the other day, I had never seen him before; and of course, as so particular a friend of Mr. E.'s, I had a great curiosity. `My friend Knightley' had been so often mentioned, that I was really impatient to see him; and I must do my caro sposo the justice to say that he need not be ashamed of his friend. Knightley is quite the gentleman. I like him very much. Decidedly, I think, a very gentleman-like man." Happily, it was now time to be gone. They were off; and Emma could breathe. "Insufferable woman!" was her immediate exclamation. "Worse than I had supposed. Absolutely insufferable!

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fi crezut una ca asta. Knightley ! nu l-a vzut niciodat n viaa ei i i zice Knightley ! i mai i descoper c e un gentleman ! Fiin vulgar i parvenit cu domnul E. i caro sposo al ei i resursele ei sufleteti i rafinamente de prost-crescut ! A descoperit ntr-adevr c domnul Knightley e un gentleman. M ndoiesc dac i va ntoarce complimentul i va descoperi c e o doamn. N-a fi crezut una ca asta. i s-mi propun s ne unim i s formm un club muzical. Ai crede c suntem prietene la cataram ! i doamna Weston ! S-o surprind c aceea care m-a crescut pe mine e o doamn cu adevrat ! Din ce n ce mai ru. N-am mai vzut una ca asta. Mi-a ntrecut speranele. Harriet poate fi jignit de orice comparaie. Oh, ce-ar spune Frank Churchill dac ar fi aici ? Ce nfuriat i amuzat ar fi ! Ah, uite c m gndesc imediat la el. E totdeauna primul om la care m gndesc. Mam prins asupra faptului. Frank Churchill mi vine att de des n minte... Toate acestea i trecur att de repede prin gnd, nct, n momentul cnd tatl ei reui s se aeze la locul su, dup toat tevatura strnit de plecarea familiei Elton, i era gata s vorbeasc, era i ea gata s l asculte. Ei, draga mea, ncepu el dinadins, dac ne gndim c n-am mai vzut-o niciodat, pare o tnr destul de drgu i probabil c i-a plcut foarte mult de tine. Vorbete niel cam repede. Repezeala asta n vorbire zgrie la ureche. Dar cred c sunt prea pretenios; nu-mi plac vocile strine i nimeni nu vorbete ca tine i ca biata domnioar Taylor. Totui, pare o tnr ndatoritoare, cu purtri frumoase i, fr ndoial, o s fie o soie bun. Totui, cred c era mai bine s nu se nsoare. M-am scuzat cum am putut c nu le-am fcut o vizit cu aceast fericit ocazie; am spus c am s-o pot face n cursul verii. Dar ar fi trebuit s m duc. S nu-i faci o vizit miresei denot o mare neglijen. Ah, asta arat ce bolnav i amrt sunt. Dar nici nu-mi place colul acela de la aleea casei parohiale. Probabil c scuzele au fost acceptate, tat, domnul Elton te cunoate. .Da, dar tnr doamn? mireasa ar fi trebuit s-i prezint omagiile mele, dac era posibil. Foarte puin politicos din partea mea. Dar, drag tat, dumneata nu eti partizanul cstoriilor, de ce eti att de ngrijorat c nu i-ai prezentat omagiile unei mirese? Calitatea aceasta nu i-o recomand dumitale. Dac le dai atta atenie, nseamn s ncurajezi cstoriile. Nu, draga mea, n-am ncurajat niciodat pe nimeni s se cstoreasc, dar totdeauna vreau s-i art atenia cuvenit unei doamne, i mai ales o mireas, nu trebuie neglijat niciodat. O mireas, draga mea, se bucur de cea mai mare atenie n societate, ceilali nu conteaz.

Knightley!--I could not have believed it. Knightley!--never seen him in her life before, and call him Knightley!--and discover that he is a gentleman! A little upstart, vulgar being, with her Mr. E., and her caro sposo, and her resources, and all her airs of pert pretension and underbred finery. Actually to discover that Mr. Knightley is a gentleman! I doubt whether he will return the compliment, and discover her to be a lady. I could not have believed it! And to propose that she and I should unite to form a musical club! One would fancy we were bosom friends! And Mrs. Weston!-Astonished that the person who had brought me up should be a gentlewoman! Worse and worse. I never met with her equal. Much beyond my hopes. Harriet is disgraced by any comparison. Oh! what would Frank Churchill say to her, if he were here? How angry and how diverted he would be! Ah! there I am-- thinking of him directly. Always the first person to be thought of! How I catch myself out! Frank Churchill comes as regularly into my mind!"-All this ran so glibly through her thoughts, that by the time her father had arranged himself, after the bustle of the Eltons' departure, and was ready to speak, she was very tolerably capable of attending. "Well, my dear," he deliberately began, "considering we never saw her before, she seems a very pretty sort of young lady; and I dare say she was very much pleased with you. She speaks a little too quick. A little quickness of voice there is which rather hurts the ear. But I believe I am nice; I do not like strange voices; and nobody speaks like you and poor Miss Taylor. However, she seems a very obliging, pretty-behaved young lady, and no doubt will make him a very good wife. Though I think he had better not have married. I made the best excuses I could for not having been able to wait on him and Mrs. Elton on this happy occasion; I said that I hoped I should in the course of the summer. But I ought to have gone before. Not to wait upon a bride is very remiss. Ah! it shews what a sad invalid I am! But I do not like the corner into Vicarage Lane." "I dare say your apologies were accepted, sir. Mr. Elton knows you." "Yes: but a young lady--a bride--I ought to have paid my respects to her if possible. It was being very deficient." "But, my dear papa, you are no friend to matrimony; and therefore why should you be so anxious to pay your respects to a bride? It ought to be no recommendation to you. It is encouraging people to marry if you make so much of them." "No, my dear, I never encouraged any body to marry, but I would always wish to pay every proper attention to a lady--and a bride, especially, is never to be neglected. More is avowedly due to her. A bride, you know, my dear, is always the first in company, let the others be who they may."

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 Ei, bine, tat, dac asta nu nseamn s ncurajezi cstoriile, nu tiu ce mai nseamn. Nu m-a fi ateptat din partea dumitale s-i pui autoritatea n slujba unor momeli pentru vanitatea bietelor domnioare. Draga mea, nu m nelegi. E o problem de politee, de bun-cretere i n-are nimic de-a face cu a ncuraja oamenii s se cstoreasc. Emma terminase. Tatl ei devenea nervos i nu putea s n-o neleag pe ea. Gndurile ei se ntoarser la cuvintele jignitoare ale doamnei Elton i acestea o preocupar foarte, foarte mult vreme. NICI UNA DIN CONSTATRILE ULTERIOARE nu-i ddu Emmei motive s-i schimbe prerea proast pe care i-o fcuse despre doamna Elton. Observaiile ei fuseser destul de corecte. Doamna Elton i se pru, de cte ori o ntlni din nou, la fel cum i se pruse la cea de-a doua ntlnire a lor: i ddea importan, i permitea prea multe, se purta cu prea mare familiaritate, era ignorant i prost-crescut. Nu era urt i avea unele cunotine, dar avea att de puin minte nct credea c vine cu o tiin superioar despre lume, s dea via i rafinament unei comuniti de ar, i nu concepea c poziia social a domnioarei Hawkins ar fi putut fi depit de altcineva n afar de doamna Elton. Nu avea nici un motiv s cread c domnul Elton avea idei deosebite de cele ale soiei sale. Prea nu numai fericit, dar i mndru de ea. Avea aerul c se felicit pentru c a adus la Highbury o femeie pe care nici mcar domnioara Woodhouse nu putea spera s o ntreac, i cea mai mare parte a noilor ei cunotine fiind nclinate s acorde concesii i neavnd obiceiul s stea s judece, fie se conduceau toate dup principiul bunvoinei generale a domnioarei Bates, fie luau drept bune laudele miresei despre propria-i inteligen i frumusee i erau ct se poate de satisfcute. Aa c laudele la adresa doamnei Elton treceau din gur n gur, dup cuviin, fr ca domnioara Woodhouse s le mpiedice cu ceva; ea nu fcea dect s continue cu srguin n spiritul contribuiei pe care o adusese iniial i vorbea, cu foarte mult graie, despre ct de plcut i bine mbrcat" era doamna Elton. ntr-o privin, doamna Elton fcu o impresie i mai proast dect la nceput. Sentimentele ei fa de Emma se schimbar. Jignit probabil de lipsa de ncurajare de care se loviser propunerile ei de a deveni intime, se retrase la rndul ei i, treptat, deveni mai rece i mai distant; i, dei efectul era binevenit, reaua voin care l producea fcea s creasc n mod necesar i antipatia Emmei. Purtrile ei i ale domnului Elton, de asemenea erau foarte neplcute fa de Harriet. Erau dispreuitori i n-o bgau n seam. Emma spera c acest lucru o va vindeca repede pe Harriet, dar sentimentele care determinau purtarea lor i fcur s scad n ochii ei. Nu ncpea ndoial c iubirea bietei Harriet fusese sacrificat de dragul sinceritii conjugale, i rolul Emmei n toat povestea, prezentat n culorile cele mai puin favorabile

"Well, papa, if this is not encouragement to marry, I do not know what is. And I should never have expected you to be lending your sanction to such vanity-baits for poor young ladies." "My dear, you do not understand me. This is a matter of mere common politeness and good-breeding, and has nothing to do with any encouragement to people to marry." Emma had done. Her father was growing nervous, and could not understand her. Her mind returned to Mrs. Elton's offences, and long, very long, did they occupy her. Emma was not required, by any subsequent discovery, to retract her ill opinion of Mrs. Elton. Her observation had been pretty correct. Such as Mrs. Elton appeared to her on this second interview, such she appeared whenever they met again,--self-important, presuming, familiar, ignorant, and ill-bred. She had a little beauty and a little accomplishment, but so little judgment that she thought herself coming with superior knowledge of the world, to enliven and improve a country neighbourhood; and conceived Miss Hawkins to have held such a place in society as Mrs. Elton's consequence only could surpass. There was no reason to suppose Mr. Elton thought at all differently from his wife. He seemed not merely happy with her, but proud. He had the air of congratulating himself on having brought such a woman to Highbury, as not even Miss Woodhouse could equal; and the greater part of her new acquaintance, disposed to commend, or not in the habit of judging, following the lead of Miss Bates's good-will, or taking it for granted that the bride must be as clever and as agreeable as she professed herself, were very well satisfied; so that Mrs. Elton's praise passed from one mouth to another as it ought to do, unimpeded by Miss Woodhouse, who readily continued her first contribution and talked with a good grace of her being "very pleasant and very elegantly dressed."

In one respect Mrs. Elton grew even worse than she had appeared at first. Her feelings altered towards Emma.--Offended, probably, by the little encouragement which her proposals of intimacy met with, she drew back in her turn and gradually became much more cold and distant; and though the effect was agreeable, the ill-will which produced it was necessarily increasing Emma's dislike. Her manners, too--and Mr. Elton's, were unpleasant towards Harriet. They were sneering and negligent. Emma hoped it must rapidly work Harriet's cure; but the sensations which could prompt such behaviour sunk them both very much.--It was not to be doubted that poor Harriet's attachment had been an offering to conjugal unreserve, and her own share in the story, under a colouring the least favourable to her and the

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pentru ea i mai scuzabile pentru el, fusese, dup toate probabilitile, divulgat. Era desigur obiectul antipatiei lor comune. Cnd nu aveau nimic altceva s-i spun unul altuia, le venea probabil uor s nceap prin a o brfi pe domnioara Woodhouse, i dumnia, pe care nu ndrzneau s i-o arate printr-o lipsa de respect deschis fa de ea, gsea un cmp mai larg de aciune fa de Harriet, creia i artau tot dispreul. Doamna Elton o plcu foarte mult pe Jane Fairfax, i nc de la nceput. Nu atunci cnd, declarnd rzboi unei domnioare, ar fi fost firesc s se apropie de cea de-a doua, ci de la nceput. i nu se mulumi s-i exprime o admiraie normal i ponderat, ci, fr ca cineva s-i fi cerut, s fi insistat, s-i fi acordat privilegiul, dori s-o ajute i s devin prietena ei. nainte ca Emma s-i fi pierdut ncrederea, cnd se ntlneau cam a treia oar, avu prilejul s aud toat generozitatea doamnei Elton n aceast privin exprimat astfel: Jane Fairfax este absolut ncnttoare, domnioar Woodhouse. M omor dup ea. O fiin att de dulce i interesant, att de blnda i nobil i ce talente are ! V asigur, cred c are nite talente extraordinare. N-am nici cea mai mic ndoial c interpreteaz la pian extrem de bine. tiu destul muzic s pot da sentina n privina asta ! Oh, e absolut ncnttoare. V fac s rdei cu entuziasmul meu, dar, pe cuvnt, vorbesc toat ziua numai despre Jane Fairfax i situaia ei, impresioneaz pe oricine; domnioar Woodhouse, trebuie s ne strduim, s ne cznim, s facem ceva pentru ea. Trebuie s-o scoatem la lumin. Un talent ca al ei nu poate s rmn necunoscut. Presupun c tii cum spune poetul: Attea flori se nasc s moar-n umbr i frgezimea lor s se topeasc. Nu trebuie s lsm s se adevereasc asta pentru scumpa de Jane Fairfax. Nu cred c o pate vreo primejdie de felul sta, rspunse Emma calm, i cnd vei afla mai multe despre situaia ei i vei nelege cum a fost crescut de domnul colonel i doamna Campbell, nu cred c vei mai spune c talentele ei nu sunt cunoscute. Oh, dar, drag domnioar Woodhouse, acum e att de retras, triete n asemenea obscuritate, la captul lumii. Oricare ar fi fost avantajele ei n casa Campbell, e evident c s-au sfrit. Cred c i ea simte asta. Sunt sigur. E foarte timid i tcut. Se vede ca are nevoie de ncurajare. mi place i mai mult, din cauza asta. Trebuie s mrturisesc, apreciez timiditatea, pledez totdeauna pentru aa ceva i sunt sigur c e un lucru rar. Dar la cei nedreptii de soart e cu totul cuceritoare. Ah, v asigur c Jane Fairfax e o fiin ncnttoare i m intereseaz n cel mai nalt grad. Prei a avea mult sentiment, dar nu-mi dau seama cum dumneavoastr sau orice alt cunotin de pe aici a domnioarei Fairfax, oricare dintre cei care o cunosc mai

most soothing to him, had in all likelihood been given also. She was, of course, the object of their joint dislike.-- When they had nothing else to say, it must be always easy to begin abusing Miss Woodhouse; and the enmity which they dared not shew in open disrespect to her, found a broader vent in contemptuous treatment of Harriet.

Mrs. Elton took a great fancy to Jane Fairfax; and from the first. Not merely when a state of warfare with one young lady might be supposed to recommend the other, but from the very first; and she was not satisfied with expressing a natural and reasonable admiration-- but without solicitation, or plea, or privilege, she must be wanting to assist and befriend her.--Before Emma had forfeited her confidence, and about the third time of their meeting, she heard all Mrs. Elton's knight-errantry on the subject.-"Jane Fairfax is absolutely charming, Miss Woodhouse.--I quite rave about Jane Fairfax.--A sweet, interesting creature. So mild and ladylike--and with such talents!--I assure you I think she has very extraordinary talents. I do not scruple to say that she plays extremely well. I know enough of music to speak decidedly on that point. Oh! she is absolutely charming! You will laugh at my warmth--but, upon my word, I talk of nothing but Jane Fairfax.-- And her situation is so calculated to affect one!-Miss Woodhouse, we must exert ourselves and endeavour to do something for her. We must bring her forward. Such talent as hers must not be suffered to remain unknown.--I dare say you have heard those charming lines of the poet, `Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, `And waste its fragrance on the desert air.' We must not allow them to be verified in sweet Jane Fairfax." "I cannot think there is any danger of it," was Emma's calm answer-- "and when you are better acquainted with Miss Fairfax's situation and understand what her home has been, with Colonel and Mrs. Campbell, I have no idea that you will suppose her talents can be unknown." "Oh! but dear Miss Woodhouse, she is now in such retirement, such obscurity, so thrown away.--Whatever advantages she may have enjoyed with the Campbells are so palpably at an end! And I think she feels it. I am sure she does. She is very timid and silent. One can see that she feels the want of encouragement. I like her the better for it. I must confess it is a recommendation to me. I am a great advocate for timidity--and I am sure one does not often meet with it.--But in those who are at all inferior, it is extremely prepossessing. Oh! I assure you, Jane Fairfax is a very delightful character, and interests me more than I can express." "You appear to feel a great deal--but I am not aware how you or any of Miss Fairfax's acquaintance here, any

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de mult dect dumneavoastr, poate s-i arate mai mult atenie dect... Drag domnioar Woodhouse, se poate face infinit de mult. Trebuie numai s ndrznim s acionm. Dumneavoastr i cu mine nu trebuie s avem team. Dac noi vom da un exemplu, muli l vor urma, dup puterile lor, dei nu toi au situaia noastr. Noi avem trsur ca s-o ducem i s-o aducem acas, i cu viaa pe care o ducem noi o invitat ca Jane Fairfax nu e niciodat n plus. A fi teribil de suprat dac Wright ne-ar servi un prnz din care s nu pot oferi cte ceva mai multora, nu numai Janei Fairfax. Nu cred c aa ceva e posibil. Nu e deloc probabil dac ne gndim ce via am dus eu pn acum. Primejdia cea mare care m pate pe mine e, din contr, s fiu prea generoas, s cheltuiesc prea mult. Maple Grove va fi modelul meu poate mai mult dect trebuie, pentru c nu avem deloc pretenia la un venit att de mare ct al domnului Suckling. Totui, sunt ferm hotrt n ce privete pe Jane Fairfax. Am s-o invit ct se poate de des, am s-o prezint oriunde voi putea, voi da petreceri muzicale, ca s-i poat arta talentul, i m voi ocupa personal s-i gsesc un post convenabil. Am att de multe cunotine, nct, fr ndoial, voi gsi repede ceva potrivit. O voi prezenta, desigur, n mod special cumnatului i surorii mele, cnd vor veni la noi. Sunt sigur c o s le plac extrem de mult i, cnd se va obinui puin cu ei, o s-i dispar i temerile, pentru c ei amndoi se poart att de blnd. O s-o invit foarte des cnd vor veni ei i probabil o s-i facem loc i n landou, cnd vom face excursii.

Biat Jane Fairfax, gndi Emma, nu meritai una ca asta. Poate ai greit n privina domnului Dixon, dar e o pedeaps prea mare. Bunvoina i protecia doamnei Elton Jane Fairfax i iar Jane Fairfax- ! Dumnezeule, las-m s sper c pe mine nu m numete Emma Woodhouse, atunci cnd m brfete prin mprejurimi ! Dar, pe cuvntul meu, femeia asta nu are nici o limit n neruinarea ei !" Emma nu mai avu ocazia s asculte asemenea fanfaronade adresate direct ei i decorate att de dezgusttor cu cte un drag domnioar Woodhouse". Schimbarea de atitudine a doamnei Elton se fcu n curnd simit i Emma fu lsat n pace, nefiind nevoit s devin nici prietena intim a doamnei Elton i nici, sub ndrumarea acesteia, patroana foarte activ a Janei Fairfax, ci rmase numai s mprteasc ceea ce tiau, simeau, gndeau i fceau ceilali. Rmnea spectator i era amuzat. Recunotina domnioarei Bates pentru atenia pe care doamna Elton o acorda Janei Fairfax era n cel mai bun stil al simplitii neprefcute i cldurii ei obinuite. Era una dintre cele

of those who have known her longer than yourself, can shew her any other attention than"-"My dear Miss Woodhouse, a vast deal may be done by those who dare to act. You and I need not be afraid. If we set the example, many will follow it as far as they can; though all have not our situations. We have carriages to fetch and convey her home, and we live in a style which could not make the addition of Jane Fairfax, at any time, the least inconvenient.--I should be extremely displeased if Wright were to send us up such a dinner, as could make me regret having asked more than Jane Fairfax to partake of it. I have no idea of that sort of thing. It is not likely that I should, considering what I have been used to. My greatest danger, perhaps, in housekeeping, may be quite the other way, in doing too much, and being too careless of expense. Maple Grove will probably be my model more than it ought to be-- for we do not at all affect to equal my brother, Mr. Suckling, in income.--However, my resolution is taken as to noticing Jane Fairfax.-- I shall certainly have her very often at my house, shall introduce her wherever I can, shall have musical parties to draw out her talents, and shall be constantly on the watch for an eligible situation. My acquaintance is so very extensive, that I have little doubt of hearing of something to suit her shortly.--I shall introduce her, of course, very particularly to my brother and sister when they come to us. I am sure they will like her extremely; and when she gets a little acquainted with them, her fears will completely wear off, for there really is nothing in the manners of either but what is highly conciliating.--I shall have her very often indeed while they are with me, and I dare say we shall sometimes find a seat for her in the barouche-landau in some of our exploring parties." "Poor Jane Fairfax!"--thought Emma.--"You have not deserved this. You may have done wrong with regard to Mr. Dixon, but this is a punishment beyond what you can have merited!--The kindness and protection of Mrs. Elton!--`Jane Fairfax and Jane Fairfax.' Heavens! Let me not suppose that she dares go about, Emma Woodhouse-ing me!-- But upon my honour, there seems no limits to the licentiousness of that woman's tongue!" Emma had not to listen to such paradings again--to any so exclusively addressed to herself--so disgustingly decorated with a "dear Miss Woodhouse." The change on Mrs. Elton's side soon afterwards appeared, and she was left in peace--neither forced to be the very particular friend of Mrs. Elton, nor, under Mrs. Elton's guidance, the very active patroness of Jane Fairfax, and only sharing with others in a general way, in knowing what was felt, what was meditated, what was done. She looked on with some amusement.--Miss Bates's gratitude for Mrs. Elton's attentions to Jane was in the first style of guileless simplicity and warmth. She was quite

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pe care le aprecia cel mai mult, cea mai amabil, bun i ncnttoare femeie exact att de desvrit i de suspus cum doamna Elton nsi se credea. Singura surpriz a Emmei fu c Jane Fairfax accepta ateniile acestea i, dup toate aparenele, o tolera pe doamna Elton. Auzea c s-a plimbat cu familia Elton, a stat de vorb cu familia Elton i a petrecut o zi la familia Elton ! Asta era culmea ! N-ar fi crezut c bunul gust i mndria domnioarei Fairfax ar putea suporta compania i prietenia pe care i-o oferea casa parohial. Eun mister, e un adevrat mister, zise ea. S-i plac s rmn aici luni de zile, s ndure tot felul de privaiuni i acum s se complac n situaia umilitoare de a fi bgat n seam de doamna Elton i a mprti srcia conversaiei ei, n loc s se ntoarc la tovarele ei de natur superioar, care o iubiser totdeauna cu o dragoste real i generoas. Jane venise la Highbury, dup cte declarase, pentru trei luni. Familia Campbell plecase n Irlanda pentru trei luni, dar acum domnul i doamna Campbell promiseser fiicei lor s stea cel puin pn la mijlocul verii i primise i ea noi invitaii s vin acolo. Dup cte spunea domnioara Bates cci numai ea spunea , doamna Dixon scrisese foarte insistent. Dac Jane ar vrea numai s mearg, se vor gsi mijloace, se vor trimite servitori, se va vorbi cu un prieten, nu va fi nici o dificultate n privina drumului, dar ea refuz. Trebuie s aib vreun motiv mai puternic s refuze aceast invitaie, fu concluzia Emmei. Trebuie s fie vorba de vreo pedeaps pe care fie i-a impus-o familia Campbell, fie i-a impus-o ea nsi. Pe undeva e vorba de mult team, pruden i hotrre. Nu trebuie s ajung la familia Dixon. Cineva a decretat asta. Dar de ce trebuie s accepte compania familiei Elton ! Asta e o pricin de uimire cu totul diferit. Cnd ddu glas mirrii ei asupra acestui subiect, n faa celor civa care cunoteau adevrata ei prere despre doamna Elton, doamna Weston ncerc s-o scuze pe Jane astfel: Nu putem presupune c i place foarte mult la casa parohial, drag Emma, dar, oricum, e mai bine dect s stea toat ziua n cas. Mtua ei e o femeie bun, dar trebuie s fie foarte obositor s stai tot timpul cu ea. Trebuie s ne gndim ce las acas, nainte de a-i condamna gustul pentru cei pe care i viziteaz. Avei dreptate, doamn Weston, zise domnul Knightley, cu cldur. Domnioara Fairfax este la fel de capabil ca oricare din noi s-i formeze o prere just despre doamna Elton. Dac ar fi putut s-i aleag prietena, nu ar fi ales-o pe ea. Dar (cu un zmbet plin de repro ctre Emma) de la doamna Elton se bucur de o atenie pe care nu i-o acord nimeni altcineva. Emma simi c doamna Weston i aruncase o privire iute i fu i ea izbit de aprinderea din vorbele lui. Roind uor, rspunse imediat: Ateniile doamnei Elton, dup cte mi nchipuiam eu,

one of her worthies-- the most amiable, affable, delightful woman--just as accomplished and condescending as Mrs. Elton meant to be considered. Emma's only surprize was that Jane Fairfax should accept those attentions and tolerate Mrs. Elton as she seemed to do. She heard of her walking with the Eltons, sitting with the Eltons, spending a day with the Eltons! This was astonishing!--She could not have believed it possible that the taste or the pride of Miss Fairfax could endure such society and friendship as the Vicarage had to offer. "She is a riddle, quite a riddle!" said she.--"To chuse to remain here month after month, under privations of every sort! And now to chuse the mortification of Mrs. Elton's notice and the penury of her conversation, rather than return to the superior companions who have always loved her with such real, generous affection." Jane had come to Highbury professedly for three months; the Campbells were gone to Ireland for three months; but now the Campbells had promised their daughter to stay at least till Midsummer, and fresh invitations had arrived for her to join them there. According to Miss Bates--it all came from her--Mrs. Dixon had written most pressingly. Would Jane but go, means were to be found, servants sent, friends contrived--no travelling difficulty allowed to exist; but still she had declined it! "She must have some motive, more powerful than appears, for refusing this invitation," was Emma's conclusion. "She must be under some sort of penance, inflicted either by the Campbells or herself. There is great fear, great caution, great resolution somewhere.-- She is not to be with the Dixons. The decree is issued by somebody. But why must she consent to be with the Eltons?--Here is quite a separate puzzle." Upon her speaking her wonder aloud on that part of the subject, before the few who knew her opinion of Mrs. Elton, Mrs. Weston ventured this apology for Jane. "We cannot suppose that she has any great enjoyment at the Vicarage, my dear Emma--but it is better than being always at home. Her aunt is a good creature, but, as a constant companion, must be very tiresome. We must consider what Miss Fairfax quits, before we condemn her taste for what she goes to." "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. Could she have chosen with whom to associate, she would not have chosen her. But (with a reproachful smile at Emma) she receives attentions from Mrs. Elton, which nobody else pays her." Emma felt that Mrs. Weston was giving her a momentary glance; and she was herself struck by his warmth. With a faint blush, she presently replied, "Such attentions as Mrs. Elton's, I should have imagined,

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puteau s-o dezguste i nu s-o ncnte pe domnioara Fairfax. N-am crezut c invitaiile doamnei Elton pot s fie att de mbietoare. Nu m-a mira, zise doamna Weston, dac domnioara Fairfax ar fi fost trt, mpotriva voinei sale, de dorina aprig a mtuii, s accepte ateniile doamnei Elton. Biata domnioar Bates, putea foarte bine s-i angajeze nepoata ntr-o intimitate cu doamna Elton mai mare dect ar fi dictat bunul sim al Janei, n ciuda dorinei de a mai schimba puin monotonia. Amndou erau nerbdtoare s-l aud vorbind din nou pe domnul Knightley i, dup cteva minute de tcere, el zise: Trebuie s ne mai gndim la un lucru. Doamna Elton nu i se adreseaz domnioarei Fairfax n maniera n care vorbete despre ea. Noi toi cunoatem diferena ntre pronumele el sau ea i tu, cel mai direct. Simim cu toii influena a ceva mai presus de politeea obinuit, n relaiile personale dintre noi, ceva nnscut, mai vechi dect cele nvate. Nu putem spune nimnui pe fa ceva neplcut, chiar dac am gndit-o din plin cu o or nainte. Suntem altfel. i, lsnd la o parte acest principiu general, putei fi sigure c domnioara Fairfax o intimideaz pe doamna Elton prin superioritatea minii i purtrii ei i c, atunci cnd se afl fa n fa doamna Elton o trateaz cu tot respectul care i se cuvine. Probabil c doamna Elton n-a avut niciodat de-a face cu o femeie ca Jane Fairfax; orict ar fi de vanitoas, nimic n-o mpiedic s-i recunoasc inferioritatea prin ceea ce face, dac nu i prin ceea ce gndete. tiu ce mult o apreciezi pe Jane Fairfax, zise Emma. Se gndea la micul Henry i un sentiment amestecat de nelinite i delicatee o fcea s fie nehotrt asupra a ceea ce urma s spun. Da, spuse el. Poate s tie toat lumea ct de mult o apreciez. i totui, zise Emma, cu oarecare grab i cu sprncenele ncruntate, dar se opri imediat poate era mai bine s afle dintr-o dat rul , continu cu aceeai grab: i totui poate nici dumneata nu-i dai seama ct de mult Aceast admiraie ar putea s te ia prin surprindere, ntr-o zi. Domnul knightley era foarte ocupat cu unul din nasturii de la ghetele lui groase de piele i, fie din cauza efortului de a-l nchide, fie din alte motive, se nroi la fa i rspunse: Oh, aa va s zic ! Dar nu prea eti la curent. Domnul Cole mi-a spus ceva asemntor acum cteva sptmni. Se opri. Emma simi c doamna Weston o calc pe picior i nici nu tia ce s cread. Peste o clip, el continu: Asta nu se va ntmpla niciodat, te asigur. Domnioara Fairfax presupun, nu m-ar accepta, dac ar fi s-o cer, i sunt foarte sigur c n-am s-o cer niciodat. Emma rspunse semnului prietenei sale, plin de interes

would rather disgust than gratify Miss Fairfax. Mrs. Elton's invitations I should have imagined any thing but inviting." "I should not wonder," said Mrs. Weston, "if Miss Fairfax were to have been drawn on beyond her own inclination, by her aunt's eagerness in accepting Mrs. Elton's civilities for her. Poor Miss Bates may very likely have committed her niece and hurried her into a greater appearance of intimacy than her own good sense would have dictated, in spite of the very natural wish of a little change." Both felt rather anxious to hear him speak again; and after a few minutes silence, he said, "Another thing must be taken into consideration too--Mrs. Elton does not talk to Miss Fairfax as she speaks of her. We all know the difference between the pronouns he or she and thou, the plainest spoken amongst us; we all feel the influence of a something beyond common civility in our personal intercourse with each other-- a something more early implanted. We cannot give any body the disagreeable hints that we may have been very full of the hour before. We feel things differently. And besides the operation of this, as a general principle, you may be sure that Miss Fairfax awes Mrs. Elton by her superiority both of mind and manner; and that, face to face, Mrs. Elton treats her with all the respect which she has a claim to. Such a woman as Jane Fairfax probably never fell in Mrs. Elton's way before--and no degree of vanity can prevent her acknowledging her own comparative littleness in action, if not in consciousness." "I know how highly you think of Jane Fairfax," said Emma. Little Henry was in her thoughts, and a mixture of alarm and delicacy made her irresolute what else to say. "Yes," he replied, "any body may know how highly I think of her." "And yet," said Emma, beginning hastily and with an arch look, but soon stopping--it was better, however, to know the worst at once-- she hurried on-"And yet, perhaps, you may hardly be aware yourself how highly it is. The extent of your admiration may take you by surprize some day or other." Mr. Knightley was hard at work upon the lower buttons of his thick leather gaiters, and either the exertion of getting them together, or some other cause, brought the colour into his face, as he answered, "Oh! are you there?--But you are miserably behindhand. Mr. Cole gave me a hint of it six weeks ago." He stopped.--Emma felt her foot pressed by Mrs. Weston, and did not herself know what to think. In a moment he went on-"That will never be, however, I can assure you. Miss Fairfax, I dare say, would not have me if I were to ask her--and I am very sure I shall never ask her." Emma returned her friend's pressure with interest; and was 181

i fu destul de satisfcut ca s exclame: Nu eti vanitos, domnule Knigthley. Pot spune asta spre lauda dumitale. Prea c n-o auzise, era ngndurat i, ntr-un fel care arta c nu-i fcuse plcere, zise curnd dup aceea: Deci plnuiai s m nsor cu domnioara Fairfax ? Nu, Doamne ferete ! M-ai certat destul c pun la cale cstorii. Nu puteam s-mi permit tocmai cu dumneata. Ceea ce am spus nu nseamn nimic. Mai spune omul cte o vorb, fr nici o intenie. O, nu, pe cuvntul meu, nu am nici cea mai mic dorin s te nsori cu Jane Fairfax i cu nici o alt Jane. Dac ai fi cstorit, n-ai mai veni pe la noi s stm de vorb, aa linitii ca acum. Domnul Knightley czu din nou pe gnduri. Rezultatul visrii lui fu: Nu, Emma, nu cred c marea mea admiraie pentru ea m-ar putea lua prin surprindere. Nu m-am gndit niciodat la ea n felul sta, te asigur. i curnd dup aceea: Jane Fairfax e o tnr minunat, dar nici Jane Fairfax nu e perfect. Are un cusur. Nu are firea deschis pe care un brbat o dorete la soia sa. Emma nu putea dect s se bucure auzind c are i ea un cusur. Ei bine, zise ea, i presupun c l-ai fcut imediat s tac pe domnul Cole. Da, chiar imediat. A fcut o aluzie destul de strvezie. I-am spus c greete, m-a rugat s-l iert i n-a mai zis nimic. Cole nu vrea s par mai spiritual i mai nelept dect vecinii si. Ce deosebire fa de doamna Elton, care vrea s par mai neleapt i mai spiritual dect toat lumea. M ntreb n ce fel vorbete despre domnul i doamna Cole, cum le spune ? Ce denumire o fi gsit pentru ei ca s fie suficient de familiar i vulgar. Dumitale i spune Knightley. Cum i-o fi zicnd domnului Cole ? i mai vrei s nu fiu surprins c Jane Fairfax i accept ateniile i tovria. Doamn Weston, argumentul dumitale mi se pare mai solid. Mai de grab pot s cred c vrea s mai scape de domnioara Bates, dect c reuete s triumfe cu inteligena ei asupra doamnei I Elton. Nu cred c doamna Elton poate s-i admit n vreun fel inferioritatea sau c poate s-i impun ceva n afar de regulile ei destul de vagi de bun purtare. Nu pot s mi-o imaginez dect insultndu-i mereu prietena cu laudele ei, cu ncurajrile ei, cu ofertele ei, dect dnd mereu amnunte despre minunatele ei bune intenii de a-i gsi un post i a o include n acele ncnttoare excursii, care Vor avea loc, cu landoul. Jane Fairfax e sensibil. N-o acuz de lips de sensibilitate, zise domnul Knightley. Presupun c are sentimente puternice i tria de a i le nfrnge prin rbdare i autocontrol. i lipsete deschiderea. E rezervat,

pleased enough to exclaim, "You are not vain, Mr. Knightley. I will say that for you." He seemed hardly to hear her; he was thoughtful--and in a manner which shewed him not pleased, soon afterwards said, "So you have been settling that I should marry Jane Fairfax?" "No indeed I have not. You have scolded me too much for match-making, for me to presume to take such a liberty with you. What I said just now, meant nothing. One says those sort of things, of course, without any idea of a serious meaning. Oh! no, upon my word I have not the smallest wish for your marrying Jane Fairfax or Jane any body. You would not come in and sit with us in this comfortable way, if you were married." Mr. Knightley was thoughtful again. The result of his reverie was, "No, Emma, I do not think the extent of my admiration for her will ever take me by surprize.--I never had a thought of her in that way, I assure you." And soon afterwards, "Jane Fairfax is a very charming young woman--but not even Jane Fairfax is perfect. She has a fault. She has not the open temper which a man would wish for in a wife." Emma could not but rejoice to hear that she had a fault. "Well," said she, "and you soon silenced Mr. Cole, I suppose?" "Yes, very soon. He gave me a quiet hint; I told him he was mistaken; he asked my pardon and said no more. Cole does not want to be wiser or wittier than his neighbours." "In that respect how unlike dear Mrs. Elton, who wants to be wiser and wittier than all the world! I wonder how she speaks of the Coles-- what she calls them! How can she find any appellation for them, deep enough in familiar vulgarity? She calls you, Knightley--what can she do for Mr. Cole? And so I am not to be surprized that Jane Fairfax accepts her civilities and consents to be with her. Mrs. Weston, your argument weighs most with me. I can much more readily enter into the temptation of getting away from Miss Bates, than I can believe in the triumph of Miss Fairfax's mind over Mrs. Elton. I have no faith in Mrs. Elton's acknowledging herself the inferior in thought, word, or deed; or in her being under any restraint beyond her own scanty rule of good-breeding. I cannot imagine that she will not be continually insulting her visitor with praise, encouragement, and offers of service; that she will not be continually detailing her magnificent intentions, from the procuring her a permanent situation to the including her in those delightful exploring parties which are to take place in the barouche-landau." "Jane Fairfax has feeling," said Mr. Knightley--"I do not accuse her of want of feeling. Her sensibilities, I suspect, are strong--and her temper excellent in its power of forbearance, patience, self-controul; but it wants

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mai rezervat, a spune, dect era, i mie mi plac firile deschise. Nu, nainte ca domnul Cole s fac aluzie la presupusa mea dragoste, nici nu-mi trecuse prin cap. O vedeam pe Jane Fairfax i stteam de vorb cu ea ntotdeauna cu plcere i admiraie, dar fr alte gnduri. Ei, bine, doamn Weston, zise Emma triumftoare cnd el plec. Ce spunei acum de cstoria domnului Knightley cu Jane Fairfax? Ei bine, drag Emma, eu zic c e aa de preocupat de ideea de a nu fi ndrgostit de ea, c nu m-a mira ca pn la urm s fie. Nu-m dau btut. CAPITOLUL XXXIV ORICINE DIN HIGHBURY SAU DIN MPREJURIMI i fcuse vreodat vreo vizit domnul Elton era dispus s-i prezinte toate onorurile cu ocazia cstoriei. Se ddeau mese i serate n cinstea lui, i a doamnei sale, invitaiile curgeau una dup alta, iar ea i ddu seama n curnd c nu vor mai avea nici o zi liber. Vd cum merge, zise ea. Vd ce fel de via voi duce printre voi. Pe cuvntul meu, o s ne nvm destrblai. Se pare c, realmente, suntem la mod. Dac asta nseamn ,s trieti la ar, nu gsesc c ar fi ceva extraordinar. De luni pn smbt, v asigur, nu avem nici o zi liber. Chiar o femeie fr resursele mele sufleteti s-ar fi putut descurca foarte bine. Nici o invitaie nu-i cdea prost. Obiceiurile ei de la Bath fceau s gseasc seratele ct se poate de fireti i Maple Grove i dduse gustul pentru mese ntinse. Fu puin ocat de lipsa a dou saloane, de calitatea proast a torturilor i de faptul c nu exista ghea pentru partidele de cri din Highbury. Doamna Bates, doamna Perry, doamna Goddard i celelalte nu prea aveau habar de lumea bun, dar ea le va arta n scurt vreme cum trebuie s aranjeze totul. n cursul primverii urma s invite pe toat lumea la o petrecere cu totul superioar, unde mesele de joc vor fi aranjate, fiecare cu luminrile ei i cu pachete ntregi aa cum se face n lumea bun i se vor angaja mai muli osptari dect gseai prin mprejurimi, care s serveasc gustrile exact la timpul potrivit i n ordinea cuvenit. Emma, ntre timp, nu se ls mai prejos i ddu la Hartfield o mas pentru familia Elton. Nu trebuiau s se arate mai puin ateni dect ceilali. S-ar fi putut bnui cine tie ce, c ea ar fi capabil de resentimente i meschinrie. Trebuia s dea o mas. Dup ce Emma i vorbi despre asta timp de zece minute, domnul Woodhouse nu mai avea nimic mpotriv i puse numai o condiie, pe care o punea de obicei, s nu stea el n capul mesei, i tot ca de obicei se punea problema de a hotr cine s fac asta n locul su. Alegerea celorlali invitai nu cerea prea mult chibzuin. n afar de familia Elton, trebuia s invite i familia Weston i pe domnul Knightley, pn aici era bine, dar o invitaie pentru Harriet era inevitabil. Nu putu ns s

openness. She is reserved, more reserved, I think, than she used to be--And I love an open temper. No--till Cole alluded to my supposed attachment, it had never entered my head. I saw Jane Fairfax and conversed with her, with admiration and pleasure always--but with no thought beyond." "Well, Mrs. Weston," said Emma triumphantly when he left them, "what do you say now to Mr. Knightley's marrying Jane Fairfax?" "Why, really, dear Emma, I say that he is so very much occupied by the idea of not being in love with her, that I should not wonder if it were to end in his being so at last. Do not beat me." Every body in and about Highbury who had ever visited Mr. Elton, was disposed to pay him attention on his marriage. Dinner-parties and evening-parties were made for him and his lady; and invitations flowed in so fast that she had soon the pleasure of apprehending they were never to have a disengaged day. "I see how it is," said she. "I see what a life I am to lead among you. Upon my word we shall be absolutely dissipated. We really seem quite the fashion. If this is living in the country, it is nothing very formidable. From Monday next to Saturday, I assure you we have not a disengaged day!--A woman with fewer resources than I have, need not have been at a loss." No invitation came amiss to her. Her Bath habits made evening-parties perfectly natural to her, and Maple Grove had given her a taste for dinners. She was a little shocked at the want of two drawing rooms, at the poor attempt at rout-cakes, and there being no ice in the Highbury card-parties. Mrs. Bates, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Goddard and others, were a good deal behind-hand in knowledge of the world, but she would soon shew them how every thing ought to be arranged. In the course of the spring she must return their civilities by one very superior party--in which her card-tables should be set out with their separate candles and unbroken packs in the true style--and more waiters engaged for the evening than their own establishment could furnish, to carry round the refreshments at exactly the proper hour, and in the proper order. Emma, in the meanwhile, could not be satisfied without a dinner at Hartfield for the Eltons. They must not do less than others, or she should be exposed to odious suspicions, and imagined capable of pitiful resentment. A dinner there must be. After Emma had talked about it for ten minutes, Mr. Woodhouse felt no unwillingness, and only made the usual stipulation of not sitting at the bottom of the table himself, with the usual regular difficulty of deciding who should do it for him. The persons to be invited, required little thought. Besides the Eltons, it must be the Westons and Mr. Knightley; so far it was all of course-- and it was hardly less inevitable that poor little Harriet must be asked to make the eighth:--but this invitation was not given with

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o transmit cu deplin satisfacie i, din mai multe motive, Emmei i fcu plcere chiar c Harriet ndrzni s o refuze. Prefera s nu fie n acelai loc cu el dac nu era neaprat necesar. Nu ajunsese nc la starea de a-l vedea pe el i pe fericita i ncnttoarea lui soie mpreun fr un sentiment de jen. Dac domnioara Woodhouse nu se supr, prefer s stea acas." Era exact ce i-ar fi dorit Emma, dac ar fi crezut c e posibil s-i doreasc ceva. Era ncntat de tria prietenei ei pentru c Harriet avea nevoie de trie ca s renune la o invitaie i s stea acas. Acum, putea s invite persoana pe care de fapt o dorea i anume pe Jane Fairfax. De la ultima ei convorbire cu doamna Weston i domnul Knightley, se gndea mai mult la Jane dect nainte. i rmseser n minte cuvintele domnului Knightley, care spusese c Jane Fairfax se bucur din partea doamnei Elton de o atenie pe care nu i-o acord nimeni altcineva. E foarte adevrat, zise ea, cel puin n ce m privete pe mine, ceea ce de fapt voia s spun el, i e foarte ruinos. Avem aceeai vrst i ne cunoatem de atta vreme, ar fi trebuit s fiu mai prietenoas cu ea. Acum n-o s-i mai plac de mine. Am neglijat-o prea mult vreme. Dar de acum i voi arta mai mult atenie. Toate invitaiile avur succes. Toi erau liberi i toi fericii. Pregtirile ns nu se oprir aici. Se ivi o ntmplare cam nefericit. Cei doi biei mai mari ai familiei Knightley urmau s fac o vizit de cteva sptmni bunicului i mtuii lor i tatl propusese s-i aduc tocmai acum i s stea i el o zi la Hartfield chiar n ziua petrecerii. ndatoririle slujbei sale nu-i permiteau amnarea, dar att tatl, ct i fiica fur destul de stnjenii c se ntmpla aa. Domnul Woodhouse considera numrul de opt persoane la mas ca cel mai mare pe care nervii si l puteau suporta i iat c vor fi nou i Emma i ddu seama c cel de-al noulea va fi foarte prost dispus c nu poate s vin pentru patruzeci i opt de ore la Hartfield fr s nimereasc ntr-o petrecere. l consol pe tatl ei mai bine dect se putea consola pe ea nsi, artndu-i c dei vor fi nou, el spunea att de puine lucruri nct zgomotul nu va fi mrit prea mult. De fapt, i se prea i ei foarte trist s-l vad pe el, cu privirile lui grave i vorbele scoase cu cletele din gur, n faa ei, n locul fratelui su. ntmplarea fu mai mult de partea domnului Woodhouse dect a Emmei. John Knightley sosi, dar domnul Weston fu chemat pe neateptate la ora i trebuia s lipseasc tocmai n acea zi. S-ar putea s vin i el, seara, trziu, dar n mod sigur nu la mas. Domnul Woodhouse era perfect uurat i, vzndu-l astfel, cnd sosir i copiii i cnd cumnatul ei pru a se resemna filozofic auzind care i era soarta,

equal satisfaction, and on many accounts Emma was particularly pleased by Harriet's begging to be allowed to decline it. "She would rather not be in his company more than she could help. She was not yet quite able to see him and his charming happy wife together, without feeling uncomfortable. If Miss Woodhouse would not be displeased, she would rather stay at home." It was precisely what Emma would have wished, had she deemed it possible enough for wishing. She was delighted with the fortitude of her little friend--for fortitude she knew it was in her to give up being in company and stay at home; and she could now invite the very person whom she really wanted to make the eighth, Jane Fairfax.-- Since her last conversation with Mrs. Weston and Mr. Knightley, she was more conscience-stricken about Jane Fairfax than she had often been.--Mr. Knightley's words dwelt with her. He had said that Jane Fairfax received attentions from Mrs. Elton which nobody else paid her. "This is very true," said she, "at least as far as relates to me, which was all that was meant--and it is very shameful.--Of the same age-- and always knowing her--I ought to have been more her friend.-- She will never like me now. I have neglected her too long. But I will shew her greater attention than I have done." Every invitation was successful. They were all disengaged and all happy.-- The preparatory interest of this dinner, however, was not yet over. A circumstance rather unlucky occurred. The two eldest little Knightleys were engaged to pay their grandpapa and aunt a visit of some weeks in the spring, and their papa now proposed bringing them, and staying one whole day at Hartfield--which one day would be the very day of this party.--His professional engagements did not allow of his being put off, but both father and daughter were disturbed by its happening so. Mr. Woodhouse considered eight persons at dinner together as the utmost that his nerves could bear-- and here would be a ninth--and Emma apprehended that it would be a ninth very much out of humour at not being able to come even to Hartfield for forty-eight hours without falling in with a dinner-party. She comforted her father better than she could comfort herself, by representing that though he certainly would make them nine, yet he always said so little, that the increase of noise would be very immaterial. She thought it in reality a sad exchange for herself, to have him with his grave looks and reluctant conversation opposed to her instead of his brother. The event was more favourable to Mr. Woodhouse than to Emma. John Knightley came; but Mr. Weston was unexpectedly summoned to town and must be absent on the very day. He might be able to join them in the evening, but certainly not to dinner. Mr. Woodhouse was quite at ease; and the seeing him so, with the arrival of the little boys and the philosophic composure of her

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suprarea Emmei se risipi i ea. Ziua sosi, invitaii se adunar punctual i domnul John Knightley pru, nc de la nceput, s se dedice strdaniei de a fi simpatic. n loc s-l trag pe fratele su deoparte, lng o fereastr, n timp ce ateptau s se pun masa, el sttea de vorb cu domnioara Fairfax. La doamna Elton, care arta ct de bine o puteau ajuta dantelele i perlele, se uit n linite, dorind numai s observe destul pentru a-i da informaii Isabellei, dar domnioara Fairfax era o cunotin veche i o fat linitit i cu ea se putea sta de vorb. O ntlnise nainte de micul dejun, cnd se ntorcea de la plimbare cu bieii lui i cnd tocmai ncepuse s plou. Era firesc s spere c vor avea un subiect de conversaie i spuse Sper c n-ai mers prea departe, domnioar Fairfax, azi-diminea, altfel sunt sigur c v-ai udat. Noi deabia dac am ajuns la timp acas. Sper c v-ai ntors imediat. Am mers numai pn la pot, zise ea, i am ajuns acas, nainte de a ncepe s plou tare. M duc n fiecare zi la pot, cnd sunt aici. Simplific lucrurile i mi d un pretext s ies din cas. mi face bine o mic plimbare nainte de micul dejun. Dar nu pe ploaie, mi nchipui. Nu, dar cnd am plecat nu ploua deloc. Domnul John Knightley zmbi i rspunse: Adic atunci cnd v-ai hotrt s plecai, pentru c atunci cnd am avut plcerea s v ntlnesc nu erai departe de cas i Henry i John nu mai pridideau s numere stropii de ploaie. Pota e un "loc foarte atrgtor la o anumit vrst. Cnd vei fi de vrsta mea, vei vedea c nu face s iei prin ploaie pentru nite scrisori. Jane roi puin i rspunse astfel: -- Nu am de ce s sper c voi fi vreodat cu dumneavoastr, nconjurat de cei dragi i deci nu pot s m atept c vrsta pur i simplu m va face indiferent la scrisori. Indiferent ? O, nu, nu cred c dumneavoastr putei deveni indiferent. Scrisorile nu pot lsa pe nimeni indiferent. Sunt, n general, o pacoste pe capul omului ! Vorbii despre scrisorile de afaceri. Ale mele sunt scrisori de la prieteni. Deseori m-am gndit c astea sunt cele mai rele, zise el cu rceal. Afacerile, tii, pot aduce bani, dar prietenia nu aduce nimic. Ah, acum nu vorbii serios. l cunosc prea bine pe domnul John Knightley, sunt sigur c nelege valoarea prieteniei la fel de bine ca toat lumea. Pot foarte bine s cred c aceste scrisori reprezint puin pentru dumneavoastr, mult mai puin dect pentru mine, dar nu pentru c avei cu zece ani mai mult, nu e vorba de vrst, ci de situaie. i avei pe cei dragi aproape. Eu probabil c nu-i voi mai avea niciodat i, deci, pn nu-mi voi fi epuizat toat afeciunea, pota va avea, cred,

brother on hearing his fate, removed the chief of even Emma's vexation. The day came, the party were punctually assembled, and Mr. John Knightley seemed early to devote himself to the business of being agreeable. Instead of drawing his brother off to a window while they waited for dinner, he was talking to Miss Fairfax. Mrs. Elton, as elegant as lace and pearls could make her, he looked at in silence-- wanting only to observe enough for Isabella's information--but Miss Fairfax was an old acquaintance and a quiet girl, and he could talk to her. He had met her before breakfast as he was returning from a walk with his little boys, when it had been just beginning to rain. It was natural to have some civil hopes on the subject, and he said, "I hope you did not venture far, Miss Fairfax, this morning, or I am sure you must have been wet.--We scarcely got home in time. I hope you turned directly." "I went only to the post-office," said she, "and reached home before the rain was much. It is my daily errand. I always fetch the letters when I am here. It saves trouble, and is a something to get me out. A walk before breakfast does me good." "Not a walk in the rain, I should imagine." "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. The post-office has a great charm at one period of our lives. When you have lived to my age, you will begin to think letters are never worth going through the rain for." There was a little blush, and then this answer, "I must not hope to be ever situated as you are, in the midst of every dearest connexion, and therefore I cannot expect that simply growing older should make me indifferent about letters." "Indifferent! Oh! no--I never conceived you could become indifferent. Letters are no matter of indifference; they are generally a very positive curse." "You are speaking of letters of business; mine are letters of friendship." "I have often thought them the worst of the two," replied he coolly. "Business, you know, may bring money, but friendship hardly ever does." "Ah! you are not serious now. I know Mr. John Knightley too well-- I am very sure he understands the value of friendship as well as any body. I can easily believe that letters are very little to you, much less than to me, but it is not your being ten years older than myself which makes the difference, it is not age, but situation. You have every body dearest to you always at hand, I, probably, never shall again; and therefore till I have outlived all my affections, a post-office, I think, must always

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totdeauna, puterea s m scoat din cas, chiar pe vreme mai rea dect azi. Cnd vorbeam de posibilitatea de a v schimba cu trecerea anilor, cu timpul, zise John Knightley, era vorba implicit i de schimbarea de situaie pe care acesta o va aduce. Consider c nu se poate una fr cealalt. Timpul va face s scad interesul pentru cei care nu sunt n jurul nostru zilnic, dar nu la schimbarea asta m gndeam n legtur cu dumneavoastr. Ca vechi prieten, domnioar Fairfax, dai-mi voie s sper c peste zece ani vei avea tot attea fiine dragi n jur cte am eu acum. O spusese att de blnd, fr nici cea mai mic umbr de jignire. Un mulumesc" drgu zis prea menit s pun capt discuiei cu un zmbet, dar roul din obraji, tremurul buzei, lacrima din ochi, artau c nu era nimic de rs. Acum, i solicit atenia domnul Woodhouse, care, dup obiceiul su la asemenea ocazii, i saluta pe rnd musafirii i le complimenta n mod special pe doamne. Ajunsese la ea, care era ultima, i, cu politeea lui blnd, i spuse: mi pare foarte ru, domnioar Fairfax, s aud c ai ieit azi diminea n ploaie. Domnioarele ar trebui s se ngrijeasc. Domnioarele sunt ca nite plante delicate. Trebuie s-i ngrijeasc sntatea i frumuseea. Draga mea, i-ai schimbat ciorapii cnd i-ai ntors ? Da, domnule, sigur c mi i-am schimbat. V mulumesc foarte mult pentru grija i buntatea dumneavoastr fa de mine. Dar, drag domnioar Fairfax, tinerele domnioare se bucur totdeauna de atenie. Sper c bunica i mtua dumitale sunt bine. Ele sunt bunele mele prietene. Regret c sntatea nu m las s fiu un vecin mai bun. Ne-ai fcut o mare onoare astzi. Fiica mea i cu mine suntem micai de buntatea dumitale i ne pare foarte bine c ai venit la Hartfield. Btrnul, politicos i cu inim bun, putea acum s se aeze i s se bucure c i-a fcut datoria i fiecare tnr doamn se simte bine i n largul ei. n acel moment, povestea cu ieitul n ploaie ajunsese la "doamna Elton i mustrrile ei se revrsau asupra Janei. Draga mea Jane, ce mi-e dat s aud ? S mergi la pot prin ploaie ! Nu trebuie s faci asta, zu. Nenorocita de tine ! Ce te-a apucat s faci una ca asta ? nseamn c n-am fost pe aproape s am grij de tine. Jane, cu mult rbdare, o asigur c nu a rcit deloc. Ah, nu-mi spune mie asta. Eti o biat fat i nu tii s ai grij de tine. La pot, auzi ! Doamn Weston, ai mai auzit aa ceva ? Dumneavoastr i cu mine trebuie s ne exercitm autoritatea. Sfatul meu, zise doamna Weston desigur, m simt tentat s-i dau un sfat , este, domnioar Fairfax, c nu trebuie s riti astfel. Cum eti predispus la rceal, zu, ar trebui s ai foarte mare grij, mai ales la vremea asta. Primvara, cred eu, trebuie s avem cea mai

have power to draw me out, in worse weather than to-day." "When I talked of your being altered by time, by the progress of years," said John Knightley, "I meant to imply the change of situation which time usually brings. I consider one as including the other. Time will generally lessen the interest of every attachment not within the daily circle--but that is not the change I had in view for you. As an old friend, you will allow me to hope, Miss Fairfax, that ten years hence you may have as many concentrated objects as I have." It was kindly said, and very far from giving offence. A pleasant "thank you" seemed meant to laugh it off, but a blush, a quivering lip, a tear in the eye, shewed that it was felt beyond a laugh. Her attention was now claimed by Mr. Woodhouse, who being, according to his custom on such occasions, making the circle of his guests, and paying his particular compliments to the ladies, was ending with her--and with all his mildest urbanity, said, "I am very sorry to hear, Miss Fairfax, of your being out this morning in the rain. Young ladies should take care of themselves.-- Young ladies are delicate plants. They should take care of their health and their complexion. My dear, did you change your stockings?" "Yes, sir, I did indeed; and I am very much obliged by your kind solicitude about me." "My dear Miss Fairfax, young ladies are very sure to be cared for.-- I hope your good grand-mama and aunt are well. They are some of my very old friends. I wish my health allowed me to be a better neighbour. You do us a great deal of honour to-day, I am sure. My daughter and I are both highly sensible of your goodness, and have the greatest satisfaction in seeing you at Hartfield." The kind-hearted, polite old man might then sit down and feel that he had done his duty, and made every fair lady welcome and easy. By this time, the walk in the rain had reached Mrs. Elton, and her remonstrances now opened upon Jane. "My dear Jane, what is this I hear?--Going to the post-office in the rain!--This must not be, I assure you.--You sad girl, how could you do such a thing?--It is a sign I was not there to take care of you." Jane very patiently assured her that she had not caught any cold. "Oh! do not tell me. You really are a very sad girl, and do not know how to take care of yourself.--To the post-office indeed! Mrs. Weston, did you ever hear the like? You and I must positively exert our authority." "My advice," said Mrs. Weston kindly and persuasively, "I certainly do feel tempted to give. Miss Fairfax, you must not run such risks.-- Liable as you have been to severe colds, indeed you ought to be particularly careful, especially at this time of year. The spring I always

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mare grij. Mai bine s atepi o or, dou sau chiar jumtate de zi scrisorile, dect s riti s ncepi s tueti din nou.. Nu crezi c e mai bine aa ? Da, sunt sigur c eti destul de rezonabil s nelegi. N-o s mai faci asta niciodat. Ah, nu, niciodat, interveni foarte energic doamna Elton. Nu-i dm voie s mai fac una ca asta i dnd semnificativ din cap trebuie s aranjm ceva, trebuie, zu. Vorbesc eu cu domnul E. Omul care aduce scrisorile noastre n fiecare diminea (unul din oamenii notri, nu tiu cum l cheam) va ntreba i de ale tale i i le va aduce. Asta va nltura toate dificultile i, din partea noastr, drag Jane, cred c nu-i vine greu s accepi un asemenea serviciu. Suntei foarte bun, zise Jane, dar nu pot s renun la plimbarea de diminea. Mi s-a spus s ies ct se poate de mult, trebuie s fac o plimbare i pota mi ofer un pretext i, pe cuvnt, niciodat, n afar de ieri, nu s-a ntmplat s fie vreme rea. Drag Jane, nu mai spune nimic despre asta. Am hotrt, adic (rznd cu afectare) att ct pot s hotrsc fr acordul domnului i stpnului meu. tii, doamn Weston, noi dou trebuie s fim foarte atente cum ne exprimm. Dar mi place s cred, drag Jane, c mai am ceva influen. Dac nu voi avea de ntmpinat dificulti prea mari, poi s consideri totul stabilit. Iertai-m, spuse Jane serios, nu pot, sub nici un motiv, s consimt la acest aranjament, care s dea atta osteneal, degeaba, servitorului dumneavoastr. Dac nu mi-ar face plcere asta, scrisorile ar fi aduse, ca de obicei, de servitoarea bunicii. Oh, draga mea, dar Patty are attea de fcut ! i ne face plcere s folosim oamenii notri. Jane nu prea a dori s se lase nvins i, n loc s rspund, i se adres din nou domnului John Knightley: Pota e o instituie minunat, zise ea. Ct regularitate i promptitudine ! Dac te gndeti la cte au de fcut, i totul merge att de bine. E formidabil, nu ? Da, un mecanism foarte bine pus la punct. Foarte rar se ntmpl s fie vreo greeal sau ntrziere. Foarte rar cte o scrisoare, dintre miile care circul mereu prin regat, se rtcete i nici mcar una la un milion nu se pierde. i cnd te gndeti cte scrisuri, unele foarte urte, trebuie descifrate, o adevrat minune ! Funcionarii devin experi prin obinuin. Au probabil, de la nceput, iueal de ochi i de mn, dar exerciiul o face s creasc. Dac mai dorii vreo explicaie, continu el zmbind, sunt pltii pentru asta. Asta e cheia competenei lor ! Publicul pltete i trebuie s fie

think requires more than common care. Better wait an hour or two, or even half a day for your letters, than run the risk of bringing on your cough again. Now do not you feel that you had? Yes, I am sure you are much too reasonable. You look as if you would not do such a thing again." "Oh! she shall not do such a thing again," eagerly rejoined Mrs. Elton. "We will not allow her to do such a thing again:"-- and nodding significantly--"there must be some arrangement made, there must indeed. I shall speak to Mr. E. The man who fetches our letters every morning (one of our men, I forget his name) shall inquire for yours too and bring them to you. That will obviate all difficulties you know; and from us I really think, my dear Jane, you can have no scruple to accept such an accommodation." "You are extremely kind," said Jane; "but I cannot give up my early walk. I am advised to be out of doors as much as I can, I must walk somewhere, and the post-office is an object; and upon my word, I have scarcely ever had a bad morning before." "My dear Jane, say no more about it. The thing is determined, that is (laughing affectedly) as far as I can presume to determine any thing without the concurrence of my lord and master. You know, Mrs. Weston, you and I must be cautious how we express ourselves. But I do flatter myself, my dear Jane, that my influence is not entirely worn out. If I meet with no insuperable difficulties therefore, consider that point as settled." "Excuse me," said Jane earnestly, "I cannot by any means consent to such an arrangement, so needlessly troublesome to your servant. If the errand were not a pleasure to me, it could be done, as it always is when I am not here, by my grandmama's." "Oh! my dear; but so much as Patty has to do!--And it is a kindness to employ our men." Jane looked as if she did not mean to be conquered; but instead of answering, she began speaking again to Mr. John Knightley. "The post-office is a wonderful establishment!" said she.-"The regularity and despatch of it! If one thinks of all that it has to do, and all that it does so well, it is really astonishing!" "It is certainly very well regulated." "So seldom that any negligence or blunder appears! So seldom that a letter, among the thousands that are constantly passing about the kingdom, is even carried wrong--and not one in a million, I suppose, actually lost! And when one considers the variety of hands, and of bad hands too, that are to be deciphered, it increases the wonder." "The clerks grow expert from habit.--They must begin with some quickness of sight and hand, and exercise improves them. If you want any farther explanation," continued he, smiling, "they are paid for it. That is the key to a great deal of capacity. The public pays and must be

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bine servit. Se mai discut ctva timp despre diversitatea scrisurilor de mn i se fcur observaiile obinuite. Am auzit spunndu-se, zise John Knightley, c, adesea, membrii aceleiai familii scriu la fel, i unde e vorba de acelai nvtor ar fi destul de firesc. Dar cred c asemnarea e valabil numai pentru femei, pentru c bieii, cnd cresc, nu mai nva de la alii, ci ncep s mzgleasc aa cum se pricep. Isabella i Emma, cred, au un scris foarte asemntor, eu nu le pot deosebi niciodat. Da, zise fratele lui, ovind. Seamn destul de bine. tiu ce vrei s spui, dar scrisul Emmei are mai mult for. Isabella i Emma amndou scriu frumos, zise domnul Woodhouse, dintotdeauna. i biata doamn Weston scrie frumos, cu un oftat care se sfri ntr-un zmbet ctre ea. N-am vzut nici un scris de brbat, ncepu Emma uitndu-se tot spre doamna Weston. Dar, se opri, vznd c dnsa e atent la altcineva i pauza i ddu timpul s reflecteze: Cum o s aduc vorba despre el ? Sunt oare incapabil s-i pronun numele n faa tuturor ? Va fi oare necesar s folosesc vorbe ocolite ? Prietenul dumitale din Yorkshire Cel care i scrie din Yorkshire probabil aa ceva a spune, dac a fi ntr-o stare foarte grav. Dar nu, pot s-i pronun numele fr s fiu deloc impresionat. n mod sigur, merg spre vindecare. S-i dau drumul !" Doamna Weston era liber acum i Emma ncepu din nou: Domnul Frank Churchill are cel mai frumos scris masculin din cte am vzut eu. Nu-l admir, zise domnul Knightley. E prea mrunt, i lipsete fora. E ca un scris de femeie. Nici una din doamne nu fu de acord. l aprar mpotriva acestei ponegriri njositoare. Nu, sub nici un motiv nu-i lipsea fora. Nu era un scris mare, dar avea destul for. Nu cumva doamna Weston avea la ea o scrisoare s le arate ? Nu, primise de curnd o scrisoare, dar rspunsese i o pusese bine." Dac am fi n camera cealalt, zise Emma, dac m-a putea duce pn la biroul meu, cred c a putea s v art o mostr. Am un bileel de la el. i aminteti, doamn Weston ? L-ai rugat ntr-o zi s-mi scrie n locul dumitale. El a zis c l-am rugat. Da, da, am bileelul acela i a putea s-i art domnului Knightley s-l conving. Ah, cnd un tnr galant ca domnul Frank Churchill, spuse domnul Knightley cu rceal, i scrie unei frumoase domnioare ca domnioara Woodhouse, va face totul ca s scrie ct mai frumos. Masa era servit. Doamna Elton, nainte ca cineva s apuce s vorbeasc, era gata, i nainte ca domnul Woodhouse s ajung la ea i s-i cear ngduina de a o

served well." The varieties of handwriting were farther talked of, and the usual observations made. "I have heard it asserted," said John Knightley, "that the same sort of handwriting often prevails in a family; and where the same master teaches, it is natural enough. But for that reason, I should imagine the likeness must be chiefly confined to the females, for boys have very little teaching after an early age, and scramble into any hand they can get. Isabella and Emma, I think, do write very much alike. I have not always known their writing apart." "Yes," said his brother hesitatingly, "there is a likeness. I know what you mean--but Emma's hand is the strongest." "Isabella and Emma both write beautifully," said Mr. Woodhouse; "and always did. And so does poor Mrs. Weston"--with half a sigh and half a smile at her. "I never saw any gentleman's handwriting"--Emma began, looking also at Mrs. Weston; but stopped, on perceiving that Mrs. Weston was attending to some one else--and the pause gave her time to reflect, "Now, how am I going to introduce him?--Am I unequal to speaking his name at once before all these people? Is it necessary for me to use any roundabout phrase?--Your Yorkshire friend-- your correspondent in Yorkshire; --that would be the way, I suppose, if I were very bad.--No, I can pronounce his name without the smallest distress. I certainly get better and better.--Now for it." Mrs. Weston was disengaged and Emma began again-"Mr. Frank Churchill writes one of the best gentleman's hands I ever saw." "I do not admire it," said Mr. Knightley. "It is too small-wants strength. It is like a woman's writing." This was not submitted to by either lady. They vindicated him against the base aspersion. "No, it by no means wanted strength-- it was not a large hand, but very clear and certainly strong. Had not Mrs. Weston any letter about her to produce?" No, she had heard from him very lately, but having answered the letter, had put it away. "If we were in the other room," said Emma, "if I had my writing-desk, I am sure I could produce a specimen. I have a note of his.-- Do not you remember, Mrs. Weston, employing him to write for you one day?" "He chose to say he was employed"-"Well, well, I have that note; and can shew it after dinner to convince Mr. Knightley." "Oh! when a gallant young man, like Mr. Frank Churchill," said Mr. Knightley dryly, "writes to a fair lady like Miss Woodhouse, he will, of course, put forth his best." Dinner was on table.--Mrs. Elton, before she could be spoken to, was ready; and before Mr. Woodhouse had reached her with his request to be allowed to hand her into the dining-parlour, was saying--

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conduce n sufragerie, zise: Trebuie s intru prima ? Zu c mi-e ruine, totdeauna s deschid eu drumul. Grija Janei de a-i ridica singur scrisorile nu-i scpase Emmei. Auzise i vzuse totul i era chiar curioas dac dup ce mersese prin ap azi-diminea primise vreuna. Bnuia c da, altfel nu s-ar fi avntat prin ploaie cu atta hotrre. Atepta probabil veti de la cineva foarte drag i nu ateptase degeaba. Gsea c arat mai fericit ca de obicei, avea o strlucire neobinuit a feei i a ochilor. Ar fi putut s ntrebe ceva despre costul timbrelor pn n Irlanda, dar se abinu. Era hotrt s nu zic vreo vorb care i-ar putea rni sentimentele Janei Fairfax, i intrar bra la bra n sufragerie, bunvoina potrivindu-se foarte bine cu frumuseea fiecreia. CAPITOLUL XXXV CND DOAMNELE SE NTOARSER N SALON dup mas, Emma i ddu seama c era aproape imposibil s mpiedice formarea a dou grupuri deosebite. Doamna Elton ddea dovad de foarte mare perseveren n a se purta ru i a judeca greit, copleindo pe Jane Fairfax i neglijnd-o pe ea. Ea i doamna Weston erau nevoite fie s discute ntre ele, fie s tac mpreun. Doamna Elton nu le lsa s aleag. Dac Jane reuea s-o fac s tac dou minute, ncepea din nou i dei ceea ce discutau era mai mult n oapt, n special din partea doamnei Elton, n mod inevitabil auzir care erau subiectele principale pota, rceala, adusul scrisorilor i prietenia, fur ndelung comentate i urmate de un alt subiect, care era probabil la fel de neplcut pentru Jane ntrebri dac a gsit vreun post care s-i convin i fgduine mari din partea doamnei Elton. Suntem deja n aprilie, zicea ea. M-a apucat grija pentru tine. Peste puin timp suntem n iunie. Dar nu m-am hotrt pentru iunie i nici pentru alt lun anume, ateptam numai vara. Dar chiar n-ai gsit nimic ? Nici nu m-am interesat i nici nu vreau s m interesez .deocamdat. Oh, draga mea, dar nu e deloc devreme, nu-i dai seama ce greu este s gseti exact ceea ce trebuie. Eu s nu-mi dau seama ? zise Jane Fairfax, cltinnd din cap. Drag doamn Elton, cine s-ar fi putut gndi mai bine ca mine ? Dar nu cunoti lumea aa cum o cunosc eu. Habar nu ai ci amatori exist pentru cele mai bune posturi. Am vzut foarte multe lucruri din astea n mprejurimi, la Maple Grove. O verioar a domnului Suckling, doamna Bragge, a primit attea cereri, toat lumea dorea s intre n familia ei, pentru c face parte din lumea bun. Cu lumnri de cear n clas ! i poi nchipui ce post! Din toate casele din regat, cea a doamnei Bragge e locul unde a vrea s te vd.

"Must I go first? I really am ashamed of always leading the way." Jane's solicitude about fetching her own letters had not escaped Emma. She had heard and seen it all; and felt some curiosity to know whether the wet walk of this morning had produced any. She suspected that it had; that it would not have been so resolutely encountered but in full expectation of hearing from some one very dear, and that it had not been in vain. She thought there was an air of greater happiness than usual--a glow both of complexion and spirits. She could have made an inquiry or two, as to the expedition and the expense of the Irish mails;--it was at her tongue's end-- but she abstained. She was quite determined not to utter a word that should hurt Jane Fairfax's feelings; and they followed the other ladies out of the room, arm in arm, with an appearance of good-will highly becoming to the beauty and grace of each. When the ladies returned to the drawing-room after dinner, Emma found it hardly possible to prevent their making two distinct parties;-- with so much perseverance in judging and behaving ill did Mrs. Elton engross Jane Fairfax and slight herself. She and Mrs. Weston were obliged to be almost always either talking together or silent together. Mrs. Elton left them no choice. If Jane repressed her for a little time, she soon began again; and though much that passed between them was in a halfwhisper, especially on Mrs. Elton's side, there was no avoiding a knowledge of their principal subjects: The post-office--catching cold--fetching letters--and friendship, were long under discussion; and to them succeeded one, which must be at least equally unpleasant to Jane--inquiries whether she had yet heard of any situation likely to suit her, and professions of Mrs. Elton's meditated activity. "Here is April come!" said she, "I get quite anxious about you. June will soon be here." "But I have never fixed on June or any other month--merely looked forward to the summer in general." "But have you really heard of nothing?" "I have not even made any inquiry; I do not wish to make any yet." "Oh! my dear, we cannot begin too early; you are not aware of the difficulty of procuring exactly the desirable thing." "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. You do not know how many candidates there always are for the first situations. I saw a vast deal of that in the neighbourhood round Maple Grove. A cousin of Mr. Suckling, Mrs. Bragge, had such an infinity of applications; every body was anxious to be in her family, for she moves in the first circle. Wax-candles in the schoolroom! You may imagine how desirable! Of all houses in the kingdom Mrs. Bragge's is the one I would most wish to

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 Domnul colonel i doamna Campbell urmeaz s se ntoarc n ora pe la mijlocul verii, zise Jane. Trebuie s mai stau i pe la ei. Sunt sigur c o s vrea asta. Dup aceea, voi putea probabil s ncerc s m descurc. Dar n-a vrea ca dumneavoastr s v deranjai s ntrebai, deocamdat. A, deranj, tiu c i-e jen. i-e team c m deranjezi, dar te asigur, drag Jane, c domnul i doamna Campbell nu se intereseaz de tine mai mult dect m interesez eu. Peste o zi, dou i scriu doamnei Partridge i i voi da sarcina expres s caute ceva potrivit. Mulumesc, dar a prefera s nu-i pomenii despre asta, pn cnd nu se apropie timpul, nu vreau s deranjez pe nimeni. Dar, feti drag, timpul s-a apropiat deja. Suntem n aprilie i nu mai e mult pn n iunie sau chiar iulie i avem de fcut o treab grea. Lipsa ta de experien m amuz. O situaie aa cum merii tu, i cum i doresc prietenii ti, nu se ivete n fiecare zi i nu se obine dintr-o dat, zu aa, trebuie s ncepem s ne interesm imediat. Scuzai-m, doamn, dar asta nu e deloc intenia mea, eu nu m interesez deloc i mi-ar prea ru ca prietenii mei s se intereseze. Cnd voi fi hotrt asupra momentului, nu-mi e team c voi rmne fr slujb. n ora sunt unele birouri speciale, unde te poi interesa i afli imediat ceva birouri unde se vinde nu chiar trupul, ci doar mintea omeneasc. Oh, draga mea, comer cu trupul omenesc ! M uluieti. Dac faci aluzie la comerul cu sclavi, te asigur c domnul Suckling este aboliionist. N-am vrut s spun, nu m gndeam la comerul de sclavi, Rspunse Jane, comerul de guvernante era, v asigur, tot ce aveam n vedere. E total deosebit, desigur, n ce privete vina celor care l practic. Dar n ce privete nenorocirea victimelor, nu tiu dac e vreo diferen. Voiam s spun numai c exist birouri de plasare i dac m adresez lor voi cpta repede o slujb potrivit, nu am nici o ndoial. O slujb potrivit ! repet doamna Elton. A, poate potrivit cu ideea ta umil despre tine. tiu ce fiin modest eti. Dar prietenii ti nu vor fi mulumii s accepi prima ofert, orice situaie oarecare, inferioar, ntro familie n afara lumii bune, sau care s poat aprecia viaa elegant. Suntei foarte bun, dar n privina asta nu am nici o preferin. Nu e dorina mea s m angajez ntr-o cas bogat; umilina, cred, ar fi cu att mai mare. A suferi mai mult fcnd comparaii. S fie o cas de oameni bine crescui, asta e tot ce vreau. Te cunosc, te cunosc eu ! Ai accepta orice, dar eu voi fi mai pretenioas i cred c familia Campbell va fi de acord cu mine. Cu talentele tale excepionale ai dreptul

see you in." "Colonel and Mrs. Campbell are to be in town again by midsummer," said Jane. "I must spend some time with them; I am sure they will want it;--afterwards I may probably be glad to dispose of myself. But I would not wish you to take the trouble of making any inquiries at present." "Trouble! aye, I know your scruples. You are afraid of giving me trouble; but I assure you, my dear Jane, the Campbells can hardly be more interested about you than I am. I shall write to Mrs. Partridge in a day or two, and shall give her a strict charge to be on the look-out for any thing eligible." "Thank you, but I would rather you did not mention the subject to her; till the time draws nearer, I do not wish to be giving any body trouble." "But, my dear child, the time is drawing near; here is April, and June, or say even July, is very near, with such business to accomplish before us. Your inexperience really amuses me! A situation such as you deserve, and your friends would require for you, is no everyday occurrence, is not obtained at a moment's notice; indeed, indeed, we must begin inquiring directly." "Excuse me, ma'am, but this is by no means my intention; I make no inquiry myself, and should be sorry to have any made by my friends. When I am quite determined as to the time, I am not at all afraid of being long unemployed. There are places in town, offices, where inquiry would soon produce something--Offices for the sale-- not quite of human flesh--but of human intellect." "Oh! my dear, human flesh! You quite shock me; if you mean a fling at the slave-trade, I assure you Mr. Suckling was always rather a friend to the abolition." "I did not mean, I was not thinking of the slave-trade," replied Jane; "governess-trade, I assure you, was all that I had in view; widely different certainly as to the guilt of those who carry it on; but as to the greater misery of the victims, I do not know where it lies. But I only mean to say that there are advertising offices, and that by applying to them I should have no doubt of very soon meeting with something that would do." "Something that would do!" repeated Mrs. Elton. "Aye, that may suit your humble ideas of yourself;--I know what a modest creature you are; but it will not satisfy your friends to have you taking up with any thing that may offer, any inferior, commonplace situation, in a family not moving in a certain circle, or able to command the elegancies of life." "You are very obliging; but as to all that, I am very indifferent; it would be no object to me to be with the rich; my mortifications, I think, would only be the greater; I should suffer more from comparison. A gentleman's family is all that I should condition for." "I know you, I know you; you would take up with any thing; but I shall be a little more nice, and I am sure the good Campbells will be quite on my side; with your superior

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la lumea bun. Numai cunotinele de muzic i-ar da dreptul s-i impui condiiile, s ai cte camere vrei i s te amesteci n familie ct de mult doreti, adic, nu tiu, dac ai ti s cni la harp, ai putea face toate astea; dar ai i voce i cni i la pian, da, cred c i fr harp ai putea pune condiii. i, trebuie s te aranjezi bine i onorabil, altfel familia Campbell i cu mine nu vom mai avea linite.

Bine, onorabil, confortabil, e unul i acelai lucru, zise Jane, tot ce e de dorit. Totui, n mod foarte serios, nu vreau s ncerce nimeni nimic pentru mine deocamdat. V sunt foarte ndatorat, doamn Elton. Sunt ndatorat oricui se ocup de mine, dar, foarte serios, nu vreau s se fac nimic pn n var. nc dou-trei luni, vreau s rmn unde sunt i aa cum sunt. i eu vorbesc foarte serios, te asigur, rspunse doamna Elton, vesel, m-am hotrt s caut i s-i rog i pe prietenii mei s caute: s nu se iveasc ceva ireproabil i s ne scape. i continu n felul acesta, fr a putea fi oprit pn cnd domnul Woodhouse intr n camer. Vanitatea ei i schimb atunci direcia i Emma o auzi spunnd tot n oapt Janei: Iat-l i pe scumpul meu curtezan btrn ! Protestez ! nchipuie-i c le-o ia nainte la toi ceilali brbai cu galanteriile ce fiin drgu ! Te asigur, mi place foarte mult. Admir politeea asta ciudat de mod veche; e mai pe gustul meu dect degajarea modern. Degajarea omului modern m dezgust uneori. Bunul i btrnul domn Woodhouse, pcat c n-ai auzit ce complimente mi fcea la mas, ah, te asigur, ncepusem s cred c al meu caro sposo o s fie de-a binelea gelos. Am impresia c m place foarte mult. Mi-a admirat rochia. ie cum i place ? Selina a ales-o e frumoas, cred, dar nu tiu dac nu e prea ncrcat. mi displace grozav ideea de a purta o rochie prea ncrcat am oroare de gteli. Acum, trebuie s-mi mai pun cte o podoab, o tnr soie trebuie s se mbrace ca o tnr soie, dar gusturile mele sunt mai simple o rochie simpl e infinit mai reuit dect orice gteal. Dar cred c sunt n minoritate, foarte puin lume preuiete simplitatea unei rochii spectacolul i podoabele conteaz. mi venise ideea s-i pun nite dantel ca asta la rochia mea de poplin argintiul cu alb. Crezi c o s mearg ? Toat lumea se adunase din nou n salon, cnd i fcu apariia i domnul Weston. Se ntorsese destul de trziu i pornise spre Hartfield de ndat ce mncase. Cum doamnele i nchipuiau c va veni i l ateptau, venirea lui nu fu o surpriz, dar le fcu o mare bucurie. Domnul Woodhouse fu pe att de bucuros s-l vad acum, pe ct

talents, you have a right to move in the first circle. Your musical knowledge alone would entitle you to name your own terms, have as many rooms as you like, and mix in the family as much as you chose;--that is--I do not know-- if you knew the harp, you might do all that, I am very sure; but you sing as well as play;--yes, I really believe you might, even without the harp, stipulate for what you chose;--and you must and shall be delightfully, honourably and comfortably settled before the Campbells or I have any rest." "You may well class the delight, the honour, and the comfort of such a situation together," said Jane, "they are pretty sure to be equal; however, I am very serious in not wishing any thing to be attempted at present for me. I am exceedingly obliged to you, Mrs. Elton, I am obliged to any body who feels for me, but I am quite serious in wishing nothing to be done till the summer. For two or three months longer I shall remain where I am, and as I am." "And I am quite serious too, I assure you," replied Mrs. Elton gaily, "in resolving to be always on the watch, and employing my friends to watch also, that nothing really unexceptionable may pass us." In this style she ran on; never thoroughly stopped by any thing till Mr. Woodhouse came into the room; her vanity had then a change of object, and Emma heard her saying in the same half-whisper to Jane, "Here comes this dear old beau of mine, I protest!--Only think of his gallantry in coming away before the other men!--what a dear creature he is;--I assure you I like him excessively. I admire all that quaint, old-fashioned politeness; it is much more to my taste than modern ease; modern ease often disgusts me. But this good old Mr. Woodhouse, I wish you had heard his gallant speeches to me at dinner. Oh! I assure you I began to think my caro sposo would be absolutely jealous. I fancy I am rather a favourite; he took notice of my gown. How do you like it?--Selina's choice--handsome, I think, but I do not know whether it is not over-trimmed; I have the greatest dislike to the idea of being over-trimmed--quite a horror of finery. I must put on a few ornaments now, because it is expected of me. A bride, you know, must appear like a bride, but my natural taste is all for simplicity; a simple style of dress is so infinitely preferable to finery. But I am quite in the minority, I believe; few people seem to value simplicity of dress,--show and finery are every thing. I have some notion of putting such a trimming as this to my white and silver poplin. Do you think it will look well?" The whole party were but just reassembled in the drawingroom when Mr. Weston made his appearance among them. He had returned to a late dinner, and walked to Hartfield as soon as it was over. He had been too much expected by the best judges, for surprize-- but there was great joy. Mr. Woodhouse was almost as glad

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ar fi fost de suprat s-l vad mai nainte. Numai John Knightley rmase mut de uimire. C un om care i-ar fi putut petrece linitit seara, acas, dup o zi de munc la Londra, pleac i merge jumtate de mil s ajung la casa altuia, de dragul de a sta de vorb cu alii pn la ora de culcare, i sfrete ziua fcnd efortul de a fi politicos i de a suporta zgomotul celorlali, asta l uimea peste msur. Un om care fusese n micare de la ora opt dimineaa i acum ar fi putut s se opreasc, vorbise multe i acum ar fi putut s tac, fusese nu numai ntr-un singur loc cu mult lume i acum ar fi putut fi singur, un asemenea om s-i lase linitea i libertatea propriului cmin i, ntr-o sear rece i cu burni de aprilie, s-o porneasc din nou la drum ? Dac ar fi venit numai s-i ia soia, cu un semn discret, ar mai fi fost un motiv. Dar venirea lui va prelungi probabil n loc s ntrerup petrecerea, John Knightley se uit la el nmrmurit, apoi ddu din umeri i zise: Nu m-a fi ateptat la una ca asta, nici chiar din partea lui. Domnul Weston, ntre timp, fr s bnuiasc indignarea pe care o strnea, vesel i fericit ca de obicei i avnd tot dreptul s fie centrul ateniei, drept conferit de faptul c-i petrecuse ziua n alt parte, era ct se poate de simpatic tuturor celorlali i, dup ce rspunse ntrebrilor soiei sale despre ce mncase, convingnd-o c servitorii i urmaser ntocmai ordinele date cu atta grij, i mprti celorlali toate tirile politice pe care le aflase, trecu la o peste de familie, care, dei era adresat mai ales doamnei Weston, urma fr ndoial s strneasc interesul tuturor celor prezeni. i nmn o scrisoare care venea de la Frank, i i era adresat ei; se ntlnise pe drum cu potaul, care i-o dduse, i i permisese s o deschid. Citete-o, citete-o, zise el, o s-i fac plcere, numai cteva rnduri, n-o s-i ia mult, citete-o Emmei. Cele dou doamne ncepur s citeasc mpreun i el se aez zmbind i vorbind tot timpul cu ele, cu o voce puin cobort, dar care putea fi auzit de toat lumea. Ei, vedei, o s vin, e o veste bun, cred. Ei, ce zicei ? V-am spus eu c o s se ntoarc repede, nu-i aa ? Vezi, draga mea, nu i-am spus eu ntotdeauna, i tu nu mai crezut ? Va sosi cel trziu sptmn viitoare, probabil. Pentru c, femeia asta e teribil de nerbdtoare, cnd e vorba s fac ceva; e foarte probabil s ajung mine sau smbt. Ct privete boala ei, o nimica toat ! Dar e minunat s-l putem avea pe Frank printre noi, la Londra, att de aproape. Dac tot s-au hotrt s vin, o s stea mai mult, i el o s poat veni oricnd s ne vad. Asta-i tocmai ce voiam eu. Ei, o veste grozav, nu ? Ai citit ? Emma a terminat ? Pune-o deoparte, mai vorbim noi despre asta alt dat, acum nu se face. Le spunem i celorlali, aa n treact.

to see him now, as he would have been sorry to see him before. John Knightley only was in mute astonishment.--That a man who might have spent his evening quietly at home after a day of business in London, should set off again, and walk half a mile to another man's house, for the sake of being in mixed company till bed-time, of finishing his day in the efforts of civility and the noise of numbers, was a circumstance to strike him deeply. A man who had been in motion since eight o'clock in the morning, and might now have been still, who had been long talking, and might have been silent, who had been in more than one crowd, and might have been alone!--Such a man, to quit the tranquillity and independence of his own fireside, and on the evening of a cold sleety April day rush out again into the world!--Could he by a touch of his finger have instantly taken back his wife, there would have been a motive; but his coming would probably prolong rather than break up the party. John Knightley looked at him with amazement, then shrugged his shoulders and said, "I could not have believed it even of him." Mr. Weston meanwhile, perfectly unsuspicious of the indignation he was exciting, happy and cheerful as usual, and with all the right of being principal talker, which a day spent anywhere from home confers, was making himself agreeable among the rest; and having satisfied the inquiries of his wife as to his dinner, convincing her that none of all her careful directions to the servants had been forgotten, and spread abroad what public news he had heard, was proceeding to a family communication, which, though principally addressed to Mrs. Weston, he had not the smallest doubt of being highly interesting to every body in the room. He gave her a letter, it was from Frank, and to herself; he had met with it in his way, and had taken the liberty of opening it. "Read it, read it," said he, "it will give you pleasure; only a few lines--will not take you long; read it to Emma." The two ladies looked over it together; and he sat smiling and talking to them the whole time, in a voice a little subdued, but very audible to every body. "Well, he is coming, you see; good news, I think. Well, what do you say to it?--I always told you he would be here again soon, did not I?--Anne, my dear, did not I always tell you so, and you would not believe me?--In town next week, you see--at the latest, I dare say; for she is as impatient as the black gentleman when any thing is to be done; most likely they will be there to-morrow or Saturday. As to her illness, all nothing of course. But it is an excellent thing to have Frank among us again, so near as town. They will stay a good while when they do come, and he will be half his time with us. This is precisely what I wanted. Well, pretty good news, is not it? Have you finished it? Has Emma read it all? Put it up, put it up; we will have a good talk about it some other time, but it will not do now. I shall only just

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mention the circumstance to the others in a common way." Doamnei Weston i fcu mare plcere aceast Mrs. Weston was most comfortably pleased on the occasion. ntmplare. Bucuria ei fr margini era vizibil. Era fericit Her looks and words had nothing to restrain i tia c este i c are tot dreptul s fie. Se felicita cu inima them. She was happy, she knew she was happy, and knew deschis i plin de cldur. Dar Emma nu putea s she ought to be happy. Her congratulations were vorbeasc la fel de limpede. Trebuia s-i cntreasc warm and open; but Emma could not speak so fluently. She sentimentele i s ncerce s neleag n ce msur e was a little occupied in weighing her own tulburat, tulburare care, gsea ea, era destul de mare. feelings, and trying to understand the degree of her Domnul Weston, cu toate astea, mult prea dornic s agitation, which she rather thought was considerable. vorbeasc pentru a mai vedea ce se ntmpl cu ceilali, Mr. Weston, however, too eager to be very observant, too mult prea comunicativ ca s-i mai lase i pe alii s zic communicative to want others to talk, was very well ceva, fu foarte satisfcut cu cele cteva cuvinte ale ei i satisfied with what she did say, and soon moved away to se duse s-i fac fericii i pe ceilali prieteni, make the rest of his friends happy by a partial comunicndu-le i lor o parte din ceea ce probabil auziser communication of what the whole room must have deja. overheard already. Spre norocul lui, i se pru c toat lumea se bucur, altfel It was well that he took every body's joy for granted, or he ar fi observat c nici domnul Woodhouse, nici might not have thought either Mr. Woodhouse or domnul Knightley nu erau foarte ncntai. Erau primii care Mr. Knightley particularly delighted. They were the first aveau dreptul la fericirea de a afla vestea, dup entitled, after Mrs. Weston and Emma, to be made doamna Weston i Emma. Apoi, ar fi vrut s-i spun happy;--from them he would have proceeded to Miss domnioarei Fairfax, dar ea era prea adncit n Fairfax, but she was so deep in conversation with John conversaie cu domnul John Knightley i ntreruperea ar fi Knightley, that it would have been too positive an fost nelalocul ei i, cum se gsea lng doamna Elton i ea interruption; and finding himself close to Mrs. Elton, and nu era ocupat cu nimeni, trebui s nceap a-i povesti i ei her attention disengaged, he necessarily began on the totul. subject with her. SPER CA N CURND VOI AVEA PLCEREA s vi-l "I hope I shall soon have the pleasure of introducing my son prezint pe fiul meu, zise domnul Weston. to you," said Mr. Weston. Doamna Elton, care era gata s presupun c o atare Mrs. Elton, very willing to suppose a particular compliment speran este un compliment adresat ei, zmbi cu graie. intended her by such a hope, smiled most graciously. Ai auzit despre un oarecare Frank Churchill, presupun, "You have heard of a certain Frank Churchill, I presume," he continu el, i tii c e fiul meu, dei nu-mi continued-- "and know him to be my son, poart numele. though he does not bear my name." O, da, i voi fi foarte fericit s-l cunosc. Sunt sigur c "Oh! yes, and I shall be very happy in his acquaintance. I am domnul Elton nu va ntrzia s-i fac o vizit i sure Mr. Elton will lose no time in calling on apoi vom fi foarte fericii s-l vedem la casa parohial. him; and we shall both have great pleasure in seeing him at the Vicarage." Suntei foarte bun, Frank va fi foarte fericit, sunt sigur. "You are very obliging.--Frank will be extremely happy, I am Vine la Londra, sptmna viitoare, dac nu mai sure.-- He is to be in town next week, if not devreme. Am primit azi o scrisoare. M-am ntlnit cu sooner. We have notice of it in a letter to-day. I met the potaul azi-diminea i, observnd scrisul fiului meu, am letters in my way this morning, and seeing my son's luat scrisoarea i am deschis-o, dei nu-mi era adresat hand, presumed to open it--though it was not directed to mie, ci doamnei Weston, ea e corespondentul principal, me--it was to Mrs. Weston. She is his principal credei-m, eu abia dac primesc cte o scrisoare. correspondent, I assure you. I hardly ever get a letter." Zu ? i ai deschis o scrisoare care era adresat dnsei "And so you absolutely opened what was directed to her! ? Ah, domnule Weston (rznd afectat), trebuie s Oh! Mr. Weston-- (laughing affectedly) I must protestez. Ai creat un precedent foarte primejdios, zu, protest against that.--A most dangerous precedent indeed!-aa. V rog s nu-i lsai pe vecinii dumneavoastr s v I beg you will not let your neighbours follow your urmeze exemplul ! Pe cuvntul meu, dac nu putem example.--Upon my word, if this is what I am to expect, we atepta la aa ceva, noi, femeile mritate, ar trebui s married women must begin to exert ncepem s lum msuri. Ah, domnule Weston, n-a fi ourselves!--Oh! Mr. Weston, I could not have believed it of crezut una ca asta din partea dumneavoastr. you!" Ei, noi brbaii suntem nite ticloi ! Trebuie s v "Aye, we men are sad fellows. You must take care of ferii, doamn Elton ! n scrisoare ne spune e o yourself, Mrs. Elton.--This letter tells us--it is a short scrisoare scurt, scris n grab, numai ca s ne anune , letter--written in a hurry, merely to give us notice--it tells us 193

ne spune c vin cu toii la ora, imediat, din cauza doamnei Churchill ! Toat iarna nu s-a simit bine i crede c la Enscombe e prea frig pentru ea, aa c pleac spre sud, fr a mai pierde timpul. Zu ? Din Yorkshire, mi se pare, Enscombe e n Yorkshire, nu ? Da, cam o sut nouzeci de mile deprtare de Londra, o Cltorie destul de lung. Da, pe cuvntul meu, destul de lung, cam aizeci i cinci de mile mai departe de Londra dect Maple Grove. Dar ce conteaz distana, domnule Weston, pentru oamenii bogai ? Ai rmne uluit dac ai ti ct de mult umbl cumnatul meu, domnul Suckling. Poate nu m credei, dar, n decurs de o sptmn, s-a dus i s-a ntors de la Londra, mpreun cu doamna Bragge, cu patru cai. Partea proast cu deprtarea de Enscombe, zise domnul Weston, este c doamna Churchill, din cte tim noi, n-a putut s se ridice din pat o sptmna ncheiat. n ultima scrisoare, Frank zicea c se plnge c e prea slbit s ajung pn la ser, fr a fi sprijinit de brae de el i de unchiul lui. Asta, tii, arat c e foarte slbit, dar acum e nerbdtoare s ajung la ora i vrea s nu doarm mai mult de dou nopi pe drum, aa scrie Frank. Trebuie s fii de acord cu mine, doamn Elton, c doamnele astea delicate dau dovad de o for extraordinar ! Nu, zu, nu sunt deloc de acord ! ntotdeauna sunt de partea sexului meu, zu aa. V anun c vei gsi n mine un mare adversar, n privina asta. Totdeauna iau aprarea femeilor, v asigur ! Dac-ai ti ce zice Selina despre dormitul la han, nu v-ai mira c doamna Churchill face asemenea eforturi extraordinare ca s-l evite. Selina zice c e oribil i cred c am nceput i eu s am aceleai pretenii ca ea. ntotdeauna i ia cearafuri de acas, foarte bun msur. Doamna Churchill, tot aa ? Credei-m, doamna Churchill face orice trebuie s fac o doamn fin. Nu se las mai prejos de nici o doamn din regat n privina asta. Doamna Elton interveni grbit, cu: Ah, domnule Weston, s nu m nelegei greit. Selina nu e o doamn fin. Nu vreau s rmnei cu o asemenea impresie ! Nu e ? Atunci nu se compar cu doamna Churchill, care e o adevrat doamn fin, cea mai fin din cte au fost vreodat. Doamna Elton ncepu s cread c greise negnd cu atta aprindere. Nu intra deloc n inteniile ei ca sora ei s nu fie considerat o doamn fin; poate c nu artase destul spirit pretinznd c nu i se gndea cum s fac si retrag cuvintele, cnd domnul Weston continu: Doamna Churchill nu e tocmai favorita mea, dar asta s rmn intre noi. l iubete foarte mult pe Frank i, deci, nu vrea s-o vorbesc de ru. i, n afar de asta, acum e bolnav, dar, dac ar fi s-o credem pe ea, a fost totdeauna bolnav. N-a spune asta la toat lumea,

that they are all coming up to town directly, on Mrs. Churchill's account--she has not been well the whole winter, and thinks Enscombe too cold for her-- so they are all to move southward without loss of time." "Indeed!--from Yorkshire, I think. Enscombe is in Yorkshire?" "Yes, they are about one hundred and ninety miles from London. a considerable journey." "Yes, upon my word, very considerable. Sixty-five miles farther than from Maple Grove to London. But what is distance, Mr. Weston, to people of large fortune?--You would be amazed to hear how my brother, Mr. Suckling, sometimes flies about. You will hardly believe me-but twice in one week he and Mr. Bragge went to London and back again with four horses." "The evil of the distance from Enscombe," said Mr. Weston, "is, that Mrs. Churchill, as we understand, has not been able to leave the sofa for a week together. In Frank's last letter she complained, he said, of being too weak to get into her conservatory without having both his arm and his uncle's! This, you know, speaks a great degree of weakness--but now she is so impatient to be in town, that she means to sleep only two nights on the road.--So Frank writes word. Certainly, delicate ladies have very extraordinary constitutions, Mrs. Elton. You must grant me that." "No, indeed, I shall grant you nothing. I Always take the part of my own sex. I do indeed. I give you notice--You will find me a formidable antagonist on that point. I always stand up for women-- and I assure you, if you knew how Selina feels with respect to sleeping at an inn, you would not wonder at Mrs. Churchill's making incredible exertions to avoid it. Selina says it is quite horror to her--and I believe I have caught a little of her nicety. She always travels with her own sheets; an excellent precaution. Does Mrs. Churchill do the same?" "Depend upon it, Mrs. Churchill does every thing that any other fine lady ever did. Mrs. Churchill will not be second to any lady in the land for"-Mrs. Elton eagerly interposed with, "Oh! Mr. Weston, do not mistake me. Selina is no fine lady, I assure you. Do not run away with such an idea." "Is not she? Then she is no rule for Mrs. Churchill, who is as thorough a fine lady as any body ever beheld." Mrs. Elton began to think she had been wrong in disclaiming so warmly. It was by no means her object to have it believed that her sister was not a fine lady; perhaps there was want of spirit in the pretence of it;--and she was considering in what way she had best retract, when Mr. Weston went on. "Mrs. Churchill is not much in my good graces, as you may suspect-- but this is quite between ourselves. She is very fond of Frank, and therefore I would not speak ill of her. Besides, she is out of health now; but that indeed, by her own account, she has always been. I would

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doamn Elton, dar nu prea cred n boala doamnei Churchill. Dac e ntr-adevr bolnav, de ce nu se duce la Bath, domnule Weston ? La Bath sau la Clifton... I-a intrat n cap c la Enscombe e prea frig pentru ea. De data asta a stat acolo mai mult ca niciodat i vrea s mai schimbe. E un loc retras. Foarte frumos, dar retras. Ah, ca Maple Grove, probabil. Nici un loc nu poate, zu, s fie mai retras dect Maple Grove. Cu o plantaie imens n jur. i se pare c eti izolat de tot, complet retras. i doamna Churchill nu dispune, probabil, de spiritul i sntatea Selinei, ca s-i plac o asemenea izolare. Sau, poate, nu are attea resurse sufleteti ca s poat tri la ar. Eu am spus ntotdeauna c femeile n general nu au destule resurse sufleteti i sunt foarte fericit c eu am attea nct pot s fiu independent de societate. Frank a stat aici dou sptmni, n februarie. Mi-aduc aminte c am auzit. Va gsi un supliment la societatea din Highbury cnd va veni din nou. Asta, dac eu m pot numi un supliment. Dar poate c habar nare de existena mea. Era o invitaie foarte evident s i se fac un compliment i nu putea fi trecut cu vederea. Domnul Weston, foarte politicos, exclam imediat: Stimat doamn, nimeni n afar de dumneavoastr nu i-ar nchipui c e posibil aa ceva. Cum s nu aud de dumneavoastr ? Cred c scrisorile doamnei Weston, n ultima vreme, sunt pline numai de doamna Elton"... i fcu astfel datoria i putea s se ntoarc la fiul su. Cnd Frank a plecat, continu el, nu era deloc sigur c l vom mai vedea, aa c vestea de azi e de dou ori binevenit. E ceva la care nu ne ateptam deloc. Adic, eu personal eram perfect convins c va veni din nou, n curnd. Eram sigur c se va ivi o ntmplare favorabil, dar nimeni nu m-a crezut. El i doamna Weston erau foarte sceptici. Cum s fac s mai poat veni ? i cum sar putea presupune c unchiul i mtua se vor putea lipsi de el ?" i aa mai departe. Am simit ntotdeauna c trebuie s se ntmple ceva n avantajul nostru i uite c aa i e. Am observat, doamn Elton, n tot cursul vieii mele, c dac lucrurile sunt potrivnice o lun n luna urmtoare merg mai bine. Foarte adevrat, domnule Weston, perfect adevrat. Aa i spuneam i eu unui anume domn de pe aici, cnd mi fcea curte i, cnd, pentru c lucrurile nu mergeau prea bine nu se desfurau cu toat rapiditatea pe care ar fi dorit-o sentimentele sale , era gata s dispere i s spun c e sigur c n ritmul sta va veni luna mai pn ca Hymen s-i pun haina galben de ofran pentru noi ! Ah, ce greu a fost s-i risipesc gndurile astea

not say so to every body, Mrs. Elton, but I have not much faith in Mrs. Churchill's illness." "If she is really ill, why not go to Bath, Mr. Weston?--To Bath, or to Clifton?" "She has taken it into her head that Enscombe is too cold for her. The fact is, I suppose, that she is tired of Enscombe. She has now been a longer time stationary there, than she ever was before, and she begins to want change. It is a retired place. A fine place, but very retired." "Aye--like Maple Grove, I dare say. Nothing can stand more retired from the road than Maple Grove. Such an immense plantation all round it! You seem shut out from every thing--in the most complete retirement.-- And Mrs. Churchill probably has not health or spirits like Selina to enjoy that sort of seclusion. Or, perhaps she may not have resources enough in herself to be qualified for a country life. I always say a woman cannot have too many resources--and I feel very thankful that I have so many myself as to be quite independent of society." "Frank was here in February for a fortnight." "So I remember to have heard. He will find an addition to the society of Highbury when he comes again; that is, if I may presume to call myself an addition. But perhaps he may never have heard of there being such a creature in the world." This was too loud a call for a compliment to be passed by, and Mr. Weston, with a very good grace, immediately exclaimed, "My dear madam! Nobody but yourself could imagine such a thing possible. Not heard of you!--I believe Mrs. Weston's letters lately have been full of very little else than Mrs. Elton." He had done his duty and could return to his son. "When Frank left us," continued he, "it was quite uncertain when we might see him again, which makes this day's news doubly welcome. It has been completely unexpected. That is, I always had a strong persuasion he would be here again soon, I was sure something favourable would turn up--but nobody believed me. He and Mrs. Weston were both dreadfully desponding. `How could he contrive to come? And how could it be supposed that his uncle and aunt would spare him again?' and so forth--I always felt that something would happen in our favour; and so it has, you see. I have observed, Mrs. Elton, in the course of my life, that if things are going untowardly one month, they are sure to mend the next." "Very true, Mr. Weston, perfectly true. It is just what I used to say to a certain gentleman in company in the days of courtship, when, because things did not go quite right, did not proceed with all the rapidity which suited his feelings, he was apt to be in despair, and exclaim that he was sure at this rate it would be May before Hymen's saffron robe would be put on for us. Oh! the pains I have been at to dispel those gloomy ideas

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mohorte i s-l fac s fie mai optimist. i cu trsura am avut nite necazuri, ntr-o diminea, mi aduc aminte, a venit la mine disperat de-a binelea. Se opri, fiind cuprins de un mic atac de tuse, i domnul Weston prinse imediat ocazia ca s continue: Vorbeai de luna mai. Mai e chiar luna cnd doamnei Churchill i s-a recomandat, sau mai degrab ea i-a recomandat, s plece undeva unde e mai cald dect la Enscombe, pe scurt, la Londra, aa c avem minunata perspectiv ca Frank s vin foarte des, toat primvara, anotimpul cel mai potrivit, cu zilele cele mai lungi, vremea blnd i plcut, care te cheam mereu la plimbare i nu e niciodat prea cald. Cnd a fost pe aici, data trecut, am fcut tot ce-am putut, dar a fost destul vreme urt, umed, cu ploaie. Aa e n februarie, tii, i nam putut s ne realizm inteniile, dect pe jumtate. Acum e timpul potrivit. Vom petrece minunat i nu tiu, zu, doamn Elton, dac nu e mai bine aa. Nu tim sigur cnd vine, ne putem pomeni cu el n orice zi, la orice or. Cred c vom fi mai fericii aa chiar dect dac l-am avea tot timpul cu noi. Aa cred eu. Sper c o s v plac fiul meu, dar s nu v ateptai la un geniu. Doamna Weston e foarte prtinitoare cu el. i, v putei nchipui, asta mi face mare cinste. Crede c nimeni nu mai e ca el.

i v asigur, domnule Weston, nu am nici o ndoial c prerea mea va fi foarte bun. Am auzit attea laude despre domnul Churchill ! i trebuie s remarc, n acelai timp, c eu fac parte dintre oamenii care i formeaz singuri prerea i nu se las n nici un fel influenai de alii. V aduc la cunotin c mi voi spune sincer prerea despre fiul dumneavoastr. Nu-mi place s linguesc. Domnul Weston czuse pe gnduri. Sper, zise el deodat, c n-am judecat-o prea aspru pe doamna Churchill, sraca. Dac e bolnav, mi-ar prea ru s o nedreptesc, dar are unele trsturi de caracter care nu-mi permit s vorbesc despre ea cu ngduina pe care a dori-o. Probabil c tii, doamn Elton, n ce fel m nrudesc eu cu aceast familie i cum am fost tratat de ei i, ntre noi fie vorba, numai ea e vinovat. De la ea a pornit totul. Mama lui Frank n-ar fi fost astfel nedreptit dac n-ar fi fost ea. Domnul Churchill e ngmfat, dar ngmfarea lui nu e nimic pe lng cea a soiei lui. El e linitit i politicos, i grandomania lui nu deranjeaz pe nimeni. E numai puin neajutorat i obositor. Dar ea e plin de arogan i insolen. i ceea ce face ca asta s fie i mai greu de nghiit e faptul c nici nu e de familie bun sau de vi nobil. Nu era nimeni cnd a luat-o el de nevast, numai fiica unui gentleman i att, dar de cnd a devenit doamna Churchill

and give him cheerfuller views! The carriage--we had disappointments about the carriage;--one morning, I remember, he came to me quite in despair." She was stopped by a slight fit of coughing, and Mr. Weston instantly seized the opportunity of going on. "You were mentioning May. May is the very month which Mrs. Churchill is ordered, or has ordered herself, to spend in some warmer place than Enscombe--in short, to spend in London; so that we have the agreeable prospect of frequent visits from Frank the whole spring-precisely the season of the year which one should have chosen for it: days almost at the longest; weather genial and pleasant, always inviting one out, and never too hot for exercise. When he was here before, we made the best of it; but there was a good deal of wet, damp, cheerless weather; there always is in February, you know, and we could not do half that we intended. Now will be the time. This will be complete enjoyment; and I do not know, Mrs. Elton, whether the uncertainty of our meetings, the sort of constant expectation there will be of his coming in to-day or to-morrow, and at any hour, may not be more friendly to happiness than having him actually in the house. I think it is so. I think it is the state of mind which gives most spirit and delight. I hope you will be pleased with my son; but you must not expect a prodigy. He is generally thought a fine young man, but do not expect a prodigy. Mrs. Weston's partiality for him is very great, and, as you may suppose, most gratifying to me. She thinks nobody equal to him." "And I assure you, Mr. Weston, I have very little doubt that my opinion will be decidedly in his favour. I have heard so much in praise of Mr. Frank Churchill.--At the same time it is fair to observe, that I am one of those who always judge for themselves, and are by no means implicitly guided by others. I give you notice that as I find your son, so I shall judge of him.--I am no flatterer." Mr. Weston was musing. "I hope," said he presently, "I have not been severe upon poor Mrs. Churchill. If she is ill I should be sorry to do her injustice; but there are some traits in her character which make it difficult for me to speak of her with the forbearance I could wish. You cannot be ignorant, Mrs. Elton, of my connexion with the family, nor of the treatment I have met with; and, between ourselves, the whole blame of it is to be laid to her. She was the instigator. Frank's mother would never have been slighted as she was but for her. Mr. Churchill has pride; but his pride is nothing to his wife's: his is a quiet, indolent, gentlemanlike sort of pride that would harm nobody, and only make himself a little helpless and tiresome; but her pride is arrogance and insolence! And what inclines one less to bear, she has no fair pretence of family or blood. She was nobody when he married her, barely the daughter of a gentleman; but ever since her being turned into a Churchill she has out-Churchill'd

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e cea mai Churchill din familie, cu preteniile ei, dar de felul ei, v asigur, e o parvenit. O, mi nchipui, trebuie s fie foarte nesuferit. Parveniii m ngrozesc. La Maple Grove am cptat un dezgust profund pentru oamenii de felul sta, pentru c, tii, e n vecintate o familie care enerveaz pe fratele i sora mea cu aerele pe care i le dau. Felul n care ai descris-o pe doamna Churchill m-a fcut s m gndesc imediat la ei. Unii cu numele de Tupman, stabilii acolo de curnd i mpovrai cu o mulime de rude srace, i i dau nite aere nemaipomenite i se ateapt s fie considerai la acelai nivel, cu familiile care au tradiie. Sunt numai de un an i jumtate la West Hali i Dumnezeu tie cum i-au agonisit averea. Au venit de la Birmingham, ceea ce nu-i prea recomand, nu, domnule Weston ? "Nu te poi atepta prea mult de la Birmingham. Eu am spus ntotdeauna c e ceva ngrozitor n numele sta. i nu se tie nimic altceva despre familia Tupman, dei se bnuiesc destul de multe lucruri; i totui, dup cum se poart, se vede c se cred deopotriv chiar i cumnatului meu, domnul Suckling, care st, din ntmplare, foarte aproape de ei. E o adevrat nenorocire. Domnul Suckling, care locuiete de unsprezece ani la Maple Grove i al crui tat a fost stpn acolo cred, sunt aproape sigur domnul Suckling cel btrn terminase de pltit ratele nainte de a muri. Fur ntrerupi. Se servi ceaiul i domnul Weston, dup ce spusese tot ce dorea, profit de ocazie ca s se ndeprteze. Dup ceai, domnul i doamna Weston, ,i domnul Elton, se aezar cu domnul Woodhouse n jurul mesei de cri. Ceilali cinci au fost lsai s se descurce cum puteau, i Emma se ndoia c s-ar fi descurcat foarte bine, pentru c domnul Knightley prea s nu prea aib chef de vorb, doamna Elton dorea s fie admirat i nimeni nu se ostenea n direcia asta, iar ea nsi era ntr-o agitaie sufleteasc teribil, ceea ce o fcea s prefere tcerea. Domnul John Knightley se dovedi mai vorbre dect fratele lui. Urma s plece devreme a doua zi de diminea i curnd ncepu s-i spun: Ei, Emma, cred c nu mai trebuie s-i spun nimic n legtur cu bieii. Ai primit scrisoarea surorii tale i, cu siguran, ai acolo toate amnuntele. Ceea ce te rog eu se poate spune n mai puine cuvinte i probabil, nu e n acelai spirit: tot ce am s-i recomand e s nu-i rsfei i s nu-i ndopi cu doctorii. Sper s v pot mulumi pe amndoi, zise Emma, pentru c voi face totul ca s se simt bine, ceea ce e de ajuns pentru Isabella, a se simi bine nu nseamn s fie rsfai i ndopai cu medicamente. i, dac te deranjeaz, trebuie s-i trimii imediat acas. Asta e foarte probabil. M crezi, nu-i aa ?

them all in high and mighty claims: but in herself, I assure you, she is an upstart." "Only think! well, that must be infinitely provoking! I have quite a horror of upstarts. Maple Grove has given me a thorough disgust to people of that sort; for there is a family in that neighbourhood who are such an annoyance to my brother and sister from the airs they give themselves! Your description of Mrs. Churchill made me think of them directly. People of the name of Tupman, very lately settled there, and encumbered with many low connexions, but giving themselves immense airs, and expecting to be on a footing with the old established families. A year and a half is the very utmost that they can have lived at West Hall; and how they got their fortune nobody knows. They came from Birmingham, which is not a place to promise much, you know, Mr. Weston. One has not great hopes from Birmingham. I always say there is something direful in the sound: but nothing more is positively known of the Tupmans, though a good many things I assure you are suspected; and yet by their manners they evidently think themselves equal even to my brother, Mr. Suckling, who happens to be one of their nearest neighbours. It is infinitely too bad. Mr. Suckling, who has been eleven years a resident at Maple Grove, and whose father had it before him--I believe, at least--I am almost sure that old Mr. Suckling had completed the purchase before his death." They were interrupted. Tea was carrying round, and Mr. Weston, having said all that he wanted, soon took the opportunity of walking away. After tea, Mr. and Mrs. Weston, and Mr. Elton sat down with Mr. Woodhouse to cards. The remaining five were left to their own powers, and Emma doubted their getting on very well; for Mr. Knightley seemed little disposed for conversation; Mrs. Elton was wanting notice, which nobody had inclination to pay, and she was herself in a worry of spirits which would have made her prefer being silent. Mr. John Knightley proved more talkative than his brother. He was to leave them early the next day; and he soon began with-"Well, Emma, I do not believe I have any thing more to say about the boys; but you have your sister's letter, and every thing is down at full length there we may be sure. My charge would be much more concise than her's, and probably not much in the same spirit; all that I have to recommend being comprised in, do not spoil them, and do not physic them." "I rather hope to satisfy you both," said Emma, "for I shall do all in my power to make them happy, which will be enough for Isabella; and happiness must preclude false indulgence and physic." "And if you find them troublesome, you must send them home again." "That is very likely. You think so, do not you?"

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 mi dau perfect de bine seama c pot s fac prea mult glgie pentru tatl tu sau chiar pot s devin o piedic pentru tine dac programul tu monden continu s fie la fel de ncrcat ca pn acum. ncrcat ? Desigur, probabil c-i dai seama c n ultima jumtate de an, lucrurile s-au mai schimbat n felul tu de via. S-au schimbat ? Nu, deloc ! Nu ncape ndoial c iei mai mult dect nainte. Uite, chiar acum ! Vin i eu numai pentru o zi, i tu dai o mas. Cnd se ntmpla aa ceva nainte, sau ceva asemntor ? Societatea din Highbury se mrete i tu vii din ce n ce mai mult n contact cu lumea. n ultima vreme, n fiecare scrisoare pe care o primete Isabella e vorba de cte o petrecere mas la doamna Cole, bal la Crown. Datorit celor de la Randalls s-au schimbat multe n viaa ta. Da, interveni repede fratele su, cei de la Randalls sunt de vin. Da, i cum Randalls, presupun, va continua s aib o influen tot att de mare ca pn acum, dup toate probabilitile, Emma, cred c e posibil ca Henry i John s te stnjeneasc din cnd n cnd. Dac se ntmpla asta, te rog, trimite-i imediat acas. Nu, strig domnul Knightley, nu e nevoie s recurgem la asta, mai bine s-i trimit la Donwell. Eu, cu siguran, n-o s fiu deranjat. Pe cuvntul meu, exclam Emma, eti amuzant ! Tarea vrea s tiu care din multele petreceri la care merg eu au loc fr ca dumneata s fii invitat i de ce se crede c eu nu a avea timp s m ocup de biei. Aceste uluitoare petreceri ale mele care au fost, m rog ? Am fost la mas la doamna Cole, o dat, i am plnuit un bal care n-a mai avut loc. Pe dumneata pot s te neleg (artnd spre domnul John Knightley), norocul pe care l-ai avut s ntlneti atia prieteni dintr-o dat te nainta n aa msur, nct nu-l poi trece cu vederea. Dar dumneata (ntorcndu-se spre domnul Knightley), care tii ct de rar ies, pentru cel mult dou ore, de la Hartfield, de ce prevezi un ir ntreg de desftri pentru mine, nu pot s-neleg. Iar n ce-i privete pe biei, trebuie s spun c dac mtuica Emma nu are destul timp pentru ei, nici cu unchiul Knightley n-ar duce-o mai bine, cci lipsete de acas cte cinci ceasuri i atunci cnd e acas citete sau i face socotelile. Domnul Knightley prea c ncearc s-i ascund un zmbet i reui fr dificultate, pentru c doamna Elton se apropie s-i vorbeasc. DUPA CE AVU PUIN TIMP SA MEDITEZE n linite asupra naturii tulburrii ei, provocat de vestea venirii lui Frank Churchill, Emma fu pe deplin mulumit. Se convinse repede c nu n privina ei nsi avea presimiri rele i simea stnjeneal, ci n privina lui. Dragostea ei ajunsese s nu mai nsemne nimic, nici nu

"I hope I am aware that they may be too noisy for your father-- or even may be some encumbrance to you, if your visiting engagements continue to increase as much as they have done lately." "Increase!" "Certainly; you must be sensible that the last half-year has made a great difference in your way of life." "Difference! No indeed I am not." "There can be no doubt of your being much more engaged with company than you used to be. Witness this very time. Here am I come down for only one day, and you are engaged with a dinner-party!-- When did it happen before, or any thing like it? Your neighbourhood is increasing, and you mix more with it. A little while ago, every letter to Isabella brought an account of fresh gaieties; dinners at Mr. Cole's, or balls at the Crown. The difference which Randalls, Randalls alone makes in your goings-on, is very great." "Yes," said his brother quickly, "it is Randalls that does it all." "Very well--and as Randalls, I suppose, is not likely to have less influence than heretofore, it strikes me as a possible thing, Emma, that Henry and John may be sometimes in the way. And if they are, I only beg you to send them home." "No," cried Mr. Knightley, "that need not be the consequence. Let them be sent to Donwell. I shall certainly be at leisure." "Upon my word," exclaimed Emma, "you amuse me! I should like to know how many of all my numerous engagements take place without your being of the party; and why I am to be supposed in danger of wanting leisure to attend to the little boys. These amazing engagements of mine-- what have they been? Dining once with the Coles--and having a ball talked of, which never took place. I can understand you--(nodding at Mr. John Knightley)--your good fortune in meeting with so many of your friends at once here, delights you too much to pass unnoticed. But you, (turning to Mr. Knightley,) who know how very, very seldom I am ever two hours from Hartfield, why you should foresee such a series of dissipation for me, I cannot imagine. And as to my dear little boys, I must say, that if Aunt Emma has not time for them, I do not think they would fare much better with Uncle Knightley, who is absent from home about five hours where she is absent one-- and who, when he is at home, is either reading to himself or settling his accounts." Mr. Knightley seemed to be trying not to smile; and succeeded without difficulty, upon Mrs. Elton's beginning to talk to him. A very little quiet reflection was enough to satisfy Emma as to the nature of her agitation on hearing this news of Frank Churchill. She was soon convinced that it was not for herself she was feeling at all apprehensive or embarrassed; it was for him. Her own attachment had really subsided into a mere nothing; it was not worth

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merita s te gndeti la ea; dar dac el, care totdeauna fusese, fr ndoial, cel mai ndrgostit dintre ei doi, se va ntoarce cu aceleai intense sentimente pe care le avea la plecare, va fi foarte trist. Dac o desprire de dou luni nu l-a fcut s-i revin, o ateptau multe primejdii i rele; va fi necesar s fie prudeni amndoi. Nu voia s se complice din nou cu dragostea i ei i revenea sarcina de a evita s-l ncurajeze n aceast direcie. Ar fi vrut s-l poat ine la distan ca s nu-i fac declaraia. Altfel, ar trebui s pun capt prieteniei lor prezente, ceea ce ar fi dureros i, totui, nu-i putea reine sentimentul c se va ntmpla ceva decisiv. Simea c primvara n-o s treac fr un moment de criz, un eveniment care s-o scoat din starea de limpezime i linite de acum. Nu trecu mult vreme, dei ceva mai mult dect i nchipuise domnul Weston, i avu ocazia s-i formeze o prere despre sentimentele lui Frank Churchill. Familia de la Enscombe nu ajunse la Londra att de repede ct se crezuse, dar el sosi imediat dup aceea la Highbury. Veni clare, numai pentru cteva ore, deocamdat nu-i putea permite mai mult. Dar cum de la Randalls veni imediat la Hartfield, putu s-i foloseasc simul ei iute de observaie i s determine ct se poate de repede gradul n care el era afectat i cum trebuie s se poarte ea. Se ntlnir cu cea mai mare cordialitate. Nu era nici o ndoial, i fcea foarte mare plcere s o revad. Dar aproape imediat ea se ndoi dac o mai iubea (la fel de mult ca nainte, dac mai simea pentru ea aceeai duioie. l observ cu atenie. Era clar, era mai puin ndrgostit acum. Absena, i probabil convingerea c ea e indiferent, produseser acest efect dorit i firesc. Era bine dispus, gata ca ntotdeauna s vorbeasc i s rd; prea ncntat s discute despre vizita lui anterioar i s-i aminteasc vechile ntmplri. Era oarecum tulburat. Nu calmului i se datora aceast relativ schimbare. Nu era deloc calm; spiritul su era frmntat i vdea un anume neastmpr. Orict ar fi fost de vioi, prea c nu e mulumit de aceast vioiciune; dar ceea ce o ncredina c nu mai e ndrgostit fu faptul c nu rmase mai mult de un sfert de or, ci se grbi s-i fac i celelalte vizite la Highbury. Vzuse nite vechi cunotine n strad cnd trecea i mu se oprise, nu voise s se opreasc mai mult dect pentru un cuvnt, dou, dar avea vanitatea s cread c vor fi dezamgite dac nu le face o vizit i orict ar fi dorit s stea mai mult la Hartfield, trebuia s se grbeasc s plece. Nu avea nici o ndoial c e mai puin ndrgostit, dar nici tulburarea lui, nici faptul c se grbise s plece nu artau c era vorba de o vindecare complet, ci, dup cte credea ea, de o team ca puterea ei asupra lui s nu renasc i de o hotrre secret de a nu rmne prea mult timp n preajma ei. Aceasta fu singura vizit a lui Frank Churchill n timp de

thinking of;-- but if he, who had undoubtedly been always so much the most in love of the two, were to be returning with the same warmth of sentiment which he had taken away, it would be very distressing. If a separation of two months should not have cooled him, there were dangers and evils before her:--caution for him and for herself would be necessary. She did not mean to have her own affections entangled again, and it would be incumbent on her to avoid any encouragement of his. She wished she might be able to keep him from an absolute declaration. That would be so very painful a conclusion of their present acquaintance! and yet, she could not help rather anticipating something decisive. She felt as if the spring would not pass without bringing a crisis, an event, a something to alter her present composed and tranquil state. It was not very long, though rather longer than Mr. Weston had foreseen, before she had the power of forming some opinion of Frank Churchill's feelings. The Enscombe family were not in town quite so soon as had been imagined, but he was at Highbury very soon afterwards. He rode down for a couple of hours; he could not yet do more; but as he came from Randalls immediately to Hartfield, she could then exercise all her quick observation, and speedily determine how he was influenced, and how she must act. They met with the utmost friendliness. There could be no doubt of his great pleasure in seeing her. But she had an almost instant doubt of his caring for her as he had done, of his feeling the same tenderness in the same degree. She watched him well. It was a clear thing he was less in love than he had been. Absence, with the conviction probably of her indifference, had produced this very natural and very desirable effect. He was in high spirits; as ready to talk and laugh as ever, and seemed delighted to speak of his former visit, and recur to old stories: and he was not without agitation. It was not in his calmness that she read his comparative difference. He was not calm; his spirits were evidently fluttered; there was restlessness about him. Lively as he was, it seemed a liveliness that did not satisfy himself; but what decided her belief on the subject, was his staying only a quarter of an hour, and hurrying away to make other calls in Highbury. "He had seen a group of old acquaintance in the street as he passed-- he had not stopped, he would not stop for more than a word--but he had the vanity to think they would be disappointed if he did not call, and much as he wished to stay longer at Hartfield, he must hurry off." She had no doubt as to his being less in love--but neither his agitated spirits, nor his hurrying away, seemed like a perfect cure; and she was rather inclined to think it implied a dread of her returning power, and a discreet resolution of not trusting himself with her long. This was the only visit from Frank Churchill in the course of ten days. He was often hoping, intending to

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zece zile. Deseori spera, inteniona s vin, dar totdeauna ceva i sttea mpotriv. Mtua lui nu suporta ca el s-o prseasc. Dac el era sincer, dac ntr-adevr voia s vin, se putea deduce c venirea la Londra nu adusese nici o ameliorare voinei i nervozitii doamnei Churchill. Era ct se poate de sigur c e bolnav, se declarase convins de asta la Randalls. Dei o bun parte putea fi numai nchipuire, cnd se gndea cum fusese nainte, nu se ndoia c era cu mult mai slbit dect acum un an i jumtate. Nu credea c i se trage dintr-o boal asupra creia medicina i ngrijirile s nu aib nici o putere sau, cel puin, c nu mai are muli ani de trit, dar nu se lsa convins de ndoielile tatlui su, s spun c boala ei era cu totul nchipuit, sau c era la fel de zdravn ca totdeauna. n curnd, se dovedi c Londra nu era locul potrivit pentru ea. Nu putea s suporte zgomotul. Nervii ei erau mereu iritai i slbii. i, la sfritul celei de-a zecea zile, scrisoarea pe care nepotul ei o trimise la Randalls vestea o schimbare a planurilor. Urmau s plece imediat la Richmond. Doamnei Churchill i se recomandase de ctre un medic eminent s mearg acolo i, de altfel, i ei i plcea locul. nchiriar o cas mobilat, ntr-un loc care le plcea mai mult i se ateptau c totul va merge bine de acum. Emma afl c Frank scria cu mare bucurie despre acest aranjament i prea c e foarte mulumit s se mute, pentru dou luni, att de aproape de atia prieteni dragi. Casa fusese nchiriat pentru mai i iunie. I se spuse c acum scria plin de ncredere c va putea veni mai des, aproape att de des ct i dorea. Emma i ddu seama n ce fel interpreta domnul Weston aceste minunate perspective. O considera pe ea drept sursa fericirii care li se oferea. Ea spera c nu e adevrat. Urma s se dovedeasc n urmtoarele dou luni. Fericirea domnului Weston personal era indiscutabil. Era ct se poate de ncntat. Era exact aa cum i dorise el. Acum, da. Frank va fi prin apropiere. Ce nseamn nou mile pentru un tnr ? O or, clare. O s vin toat ziua. n privina asta, diferena ntre Richmond i Londra era c acum puteai s-l vezi oricnd, pe cnd atunci nul puteai vedea deloc. aisprezece mile, nu, chiar optsprezece, sunt probabil optsprezece mile ncheiate pn n Manchester Street, erau o piedic serioas. Dac ar fi putut scpa vreodat, i-ar fi pierdut ziua pe drum. Nu era nici un avantaj s stea la Londra, era acelai lucru ca la Enscombe, dar la Richmond era ntr-adevr o distan potrivit. Chiar mai potrivit dect o distan mai mic ! Un lucru minunat, care deveni imediat cert datorit acestei mutri, era balul de la Crown. Nu fusese nici o clip uitat, dar crezuser c e n zadar s fixeze o zi. Dar acum urma s aib loc n mod sigur. Se reluar toate pregtirile. i, foarte curnd dup ce familia Churchill se

come--but was always prevented. His aunt could not bear to have him leave her. Such was his own account at Randall's. If he were quite sincere, if he really tried to come, it was to be inferred that Mrs. Churchill's removal to London had been of no service to the wilful or nervous part of her disorder. That she was really ill was very certain; he had declared himself convinced of it, at Randalls. Though much might be fancy, he could not doubt, when he looked back, that she was in a weaker state of health than she had been half a year ago. He did not believe it to proceed from any thing that care and medicine might not remove, or at least that she might not have many years of existence before her; but he could not be prevailed on, by all his father's doubts, to say that her complaints were merely imaginary, or that she was as strong as ever. It soon appeared that London was not the place for her. She could not endure its noise. Her nerves were under continual irritation and suffering; and by the ten days' end, her nephew's letter to Randalls communicated a change of plan. They were going to remove immediately to Richmond. Mrs. Churchill had been recommended to the medical skill of an eminent person there, and had otherwise a fancy for the place. A ready-furnished house in a favourite spot was engaged, and much benefit expected from the change. Emma heard that Frank wrote in the highest spirits of this arrangement, and seemed most fully to appreciate the blessing of having two months before him of such near neighbourhood to many dear friends-- for the house was taken for May and June. She was told that now he wrote with the greatest confidence of being often with them, almost as often as he could even wish. Emma saw how Mr. Weston understood these joyous prospects. He was considering her as the source of all the happiness they offered. She hoped it was not so. Two months must bring it to the proof. Mr. Weston's own happiness was indisputable. He was quite delighted. It was the very circumstance he could have wished for. Now, it would be really having Frank in their neighbourhood. What were nine miles to a young man?--An hour's ride. He would be always coming over. The difference in that respect of Richmond and London was enough to make the whole difference of seeing him always and seeing him never. Sixteen miles--nay, eighteen--it must be full eighteen to Manchesterstreet--was a serious obstacle. Were he ever able to get away, the day would be spent in coming and returning. There was no comfort in having him in London; he might as well be at Enscombe; but Richmond was the very distance for easy intercourse. Better than nearer! One good thing was immediately brought to a certainty by this removal,-- the ball at the Crown. It had not been forgotten before, but it had been soon acknowledged vain to attempt to fix a day. Now, however, it was

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mutase la Richmond, cteva rnduri de la Frank, care spunea c mtua se simte deja mai bine n urma schimbrii i nu avea nici o ndoial c va putea veni pentru douzeci i patru de ore, oricnd va dori, i fcur s hotrasc o zi ct mai curnd posibil. Balul domnului Weston devenea o realitate. Cteva zile i mai despreau pe tinerii din Highbury de fericire. Domnul Woodhouse era resemnat. Anotimpul fcea rul mai mic. n mai era oricum mai bine dect n februarie. Doamna Bates fu rugat s-i petreac o sear la Hartfield, James fu ntiinat din vreme i se spera cu nflcrare c nici drguul de Henry, nici scumpul de John nu vor avea nici o nemulumire atta timp cit scumpa de Emma era plecat. CAPITOLUL XXXVIII NU SE MAI NTMPLA NICI O NENOROCIRE care s stea n calea organizrii balului. Ziua se apropia i, n fine, sosi i, dup o diminea n care toat lumea atept cu nerbdare i team, Frank Churchill, aducnd certitudinea prin prezena sa fizic, sosi la Randalls nainte de cin i totul deveni absolut sigur. El i Emma nu se mai vzuser de la vizita lui precedent. Urmau s se ntlneasc din nou n sala de la Crown, dar, oricum, asta era mai bine dect din ntmplare, undeva n strad. Domnul Weston insistase cu atta seriozitate ca ea s vin mai devreme, s soseasc imediat ce vor ajunge i ei, cu scopul de a-i da prerea asupra aranjamentului slilor, nainte de sosirea celorlali, nct ea nu putuse s-l refuze i, deci, avea s se bucure de cteva minute de linite n compania tnrului. Urma s-o aduc i pe Harriet, i ajunser la Crown la timp, lsnd s treac exact ct se cuvenea dup sosirea celor de la Randalls. Frank Churchill prea a fi stat la pnd i, dei nu spunea multe, n ochii lui se citea dorina de a petrece o sear minunat. Merser prin toate colurile s vad dac totul era n ordine i peste cteva minute li se alturar pasagerii nc unei trsuri. Emma fu surprins n primul moment: Att de devreme ! Ce groaznic ! voia s exclame, dar descoperi imediat c era vorba de o familie de vechi prieteni care soseau, ca i ea, la dorina expres a domnului Weston de a le afla prerea. Fur urmai foarte curnd de o alt trsur, plin de veriori, care fuseser rugai s vin devreme, cu aceeai deosebit seriozitate, n acelai scop. Se prea c n curnd se vor aduna jumtate dintre invitai, cu intenia unic de a face o inspecie pregtitoare. Emma observ c gustul ei nu era unicul gust pe care se baza domnul Weston i i ddu seama c a fi favorita i prietena intim a unui om care avea att de muli prieteni intimi i confideni nu era mare lucru n ierarhia vanitilor. i plcea purtarea lui deschis, dar dac ar fi avut o inim ceva mai puin larg, i-ar fi preuit i mai

absolutely to be; every preparation was resumed, and very soon after the Churchills had removed to Richmond, a few lines from Frank, to say that his aunt felt already much better for the change, and that he had no doubt of being able to join them for twenty-four hours at any given time, induced them to name as early a day as possible. Mr. Weston's ball was to be a real thing. A very few tomorrows stood between the young people of Highbury and happiness. Mr. Woodhouse was resigned. The time of year lightened the evil to him. May was better for every thing than February. Mrs. Bates was engaged to spend the evening at Hartfield, James had due notice, and he sanguinely hoped that neither dear little Henry nor dear little John would have any thing the matter with them, while dear Emma were gone. 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 every thing was safe. No second meeting had there yet been between him and Emma. The room at the Crown was to witness it;--but 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 man's 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 every thing 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 surprize. "So unreasonably early!" 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. Weston's 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

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mult caracterul. A fi binevoitor cu toat lumea, dar nu a fi prieten cu toat lumea, asta crete valoarea unui om. Un asemenea om i-ar fi plcut. Toi invitaii inspectar, se uitar, ludar totul din nou, apoi, neavnd-nimic mai bun de fcut, se aezar ntrun soi de semicerc n jurul focului, pentru a comenta n diverse feluri, pn cnd se gseau nite subiecte mai bune, plcerea de a sta n jurul focului chiar i n luna mai. Emma descoperi c dac numrul consultanilor speciali nu crescuse cu nc doi, asta nu era din vina domnului Weston. Se opriser n drum la domnioara Bates, ca s ofere trsura, dar mtua i nepoata urmau s fie aduse de familia Elton. Frank sttea lng ea, dar nu era linitit, vdea un neastmpr care arta c nu se simte n largul lui. Se uita mereu n jur, se ducea pn la u, asculta zgomotul trsurilor, nerbdtor s nceap sau poate temndu-se s stea tot timpul lng ea. Se vorbea despre doamna Elton. Cred c trebuie s apar, zise el. Sunt foarte curios s-o vd pe doamna Elton, am auzit attea despre dnsa. Nu cred c mai ntrzie mult. Se auzi o trsur. Se repezi imediat, dar se ntoarse i zise: Am uitat c nu i-am fost prezentat, n-am vzut niciodat nici pe domnul, nici pe doamna Elton. N-am de ce s m nghesui n fa. Domnul i doamna Elton i fcur apariia i urm tot irul de zmbete i saluturi. Dar domnioara Bates i domnioara Fairfax, zise domnul Weston, uitndu-se n jur. Credeam c vin cu dumneavoastr ! Se fcuse o mic greeal, trsura plecase chiar acum s le ia. Emma dorea foarte mult s tie care era prima impresie a lui Frank despre doamna Elton, ct era de ptruns de elegana studiat a rochiei ei i de zmbetele ei pline de graie. El prea c se strduiete s-i formeze o prere, cci i art toat atenia cuvenit de ndat ce se termin prezentrile. Peste cteva minute trsura se ntoarse. Cineva vorbea despre ploaie. M ocup eu de umbrele, tat, zise Frank. Nu trebuie s uitm de domnioara Bates. i plec. Domnul Weston voi s plece dup el, dar doamna Elton l reinu, spre a-i face cinstea s-i mrturiseasc prerea ei despre fiul lui i ncepu cu atta verv nct tnrul nsui, dei nu se deplasa deloc ncet, putea s aud foarte bine ce spunea. Un tnr minunat, ntr-adevr, domnule Weston, tii doar:cu ct inocen v-am mrturisit c o s-mi formez singur o prere. Am fericirea s v spun c mi place foarte mult. Credei-m, zu, eu nu fac niciodat complimente. Mi se pare un tnr foarte chipe i se poart exact cum mi place mie un adevrat gentleman, deloc ngmfat i deloc papioi. Trebuie s tii c nu-mi plac deloc papioii am oroare de aa ceva. La Maple Grove nu erau admii deloc. Nici domnul Suckling i nici eu

higher character.--General benevolence, but not general friendship, made a man what he ought to be.-- She 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. Weston's fault that the number of privy councillors was not yet larger. They had stopped at Mrs. Bates's 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 shewed a mind not at ease. He was looking about, he was going to the door, he was watching for the sound of other carriages,-- impatient to begin, or afraid of being always near her. Mrs. Elton was spoken of. "I think she must be here soon," said he. "I have a great curiosity to see Mrs. Elton, I have heard so much of her. It cannot be long, I think, before she comes." A carriage was heard. He was on the move immediately; but coming back, said, "I 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." Mr. and Mrs. Elton appeared; and all the smiles and the proprieties passed. "But Miss Bates and Miss Fairfax!" said Mr. Weston, looking about. "We thought you were to bring them." The mistake had been slight. The carriage was sent for them now. Emma longed to know what Frank's 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.--Somebody talked of rain.-- "I will see that there are umbrellas, sir," said Frank to his father: "Miss Bates must not be forgotten:" 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. "A 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.--You may believe me. I never compliment. I think him a very handsome young man, and his manners are precisely what I like and approve--so truly the gentleman, without the least conceit or puppyism. You must know I have a vast dislike to puppies-- quite a horror of them. They were never tolerated at Maple Grove. Neither Mr. Suckling nor me had ever any

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n-am fi avut rbdare cu ei i, cteodat le vorbeam pe un ton foarte tios. Selina, a crei blndee e aproape un defect, se mpca mai bine cu ei. Atta timp ct i vorbi de fiul lui, domnul Weston i concentra toat atenia, dar cnd trecu la Maple Grove, i aminti c sosiser nite doamne i trebuia s le primeasc i, zmbind fericit, se grbi s plece. Doamna Elton se ntoarse atunci spre doamna Weston: n mod sigur e trsura noastr, cu domnioara Bates i cu Jane. Vizitiul i caii notri dau dovad de mare promptitudine. Cred c mergem mai repede dect oricine. Ce plcere, s-i trimii trsura dup o prieten ! Am neles c ai avut buntatea s v oferii i Dumneavoastr, dar alt dat s tii c nu e necesar.;Putei fi sigur c de ele am eu grij. Domnioara Bates i domnioara Fairfax, escortate de cei doi domni, pir n sal i doamna Elton pru a gsi c are datoria, deopotriv cu doamna Weston, s le ias n ntmpinare. Gesturile i micrile ei puteau fi nelese de oricine privea scena, aa cum o fcea Emma; dar cuvintele ei, i cuvintele oricui se pierdur repede n fluxul nentrerupt al vorbirii domnioarei Bates, care venea spunnd ceva i nu terminase nc nici cnd ajunsese la cercul din jurul focului. De cum se deschise ua, se putu auzi: Foarte drgu din partea dumneavoastr ! Nu plou deloc ! O pictur, dou ce conteaz. De mine nu-mi pas, am pantofi destul de groi. i Jane zice... Ei (de ndat ce intr), ei, dar e minunat, zu ! Admirabil, excelent aranjat, pe cuvntul meu. Nu lipsete nimic, nu mi-a fi nchipuit. Ce lumin ! Jane, Jane, ia uite ! Ai mai vzut aa ceva ? Ah, domnule Weston, probabil c ai avut lampa lui Aladin. Buna doamn Stokes, nici n-o s-i recunoasc sala. Am vzut-o cnd am intrat. Era la intrare n picioare, Ah, doamn Stokes", am zis, i nam avut timp de mai mult. Acum era ntmpinat de doamna Weston: Foarte bine, mulumesc, doamn, sper c suntei bine ! mi pare foarte bine, mi pare foarte bine. Mi-era team s nu v doar capul, v-am vzut umblnd atta i tiam ct treab avei. Sunt ncntat, zu aa. Ah, drag doamn Elton, mulumesc din suflet pentru trsur, a sosit la anc, Jane i cu mine tocmai eram gata. N-am lsat deloc caii s atepte. Foarte comod trsur. Ah, i desigur, trebuie s v mulumim i dumneavoastr, doamn Weston, pentru trsur, dar doamna Elton a fost foarte drgu i a trimis un bileel Janei, altfel veneam cu a dumneavoastr. Grozav s avem dou asemenea oferte i n aceeai zi. Aa vecini, mai rar. Tocmai i spuneam mamei pe cuvntul meu, mam..." mulumesc, mama e foarte bine. S-a dus la domnul Woodhouse. Iam spus s-i ia alul, seara e rece are un al mare, nou, de la doamna Dixon. Cnd s-a mritat, l-a trimis cadou. Ce drgu s se gndeasc la mama. L-a cumprat la Weymouth, tii, domnul Dixon l-a ales. Mai erau trei modele, zice Jane, i nu tiau ce s-aleag. Domnul

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." While she talked of his son, Mr. Weston's 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. "I have no doubt of its being our carriage with Miss Bates and Jane. Our coachman and horses are so extremely expeditious!--I believe we drive faster than any body.-- What a pleasure it is to send one's carriage for a friend!-- I 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." 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. Weston's to receive them. Her gestures and movements might be understood by any one who looked on like Emma; but her words, every body's 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, "So very obliging of you!--No rain at all. Nothing to signify. I do not care for myself. Quite thick shoes. And Jane declares-- Well!--(as soon as she was within the door) Well! This is brilliant indeed!--This is admirable!--Excellently contrived, upon my word. Nothing wanting. Could not have imagined it.--So well lighted up!-- Jane, Jane, look!--did you ever see any thing? Oh! Mr. Weston, you must really have had Aladdin's lamp. Good Mrs. Stokes would not know her own room again. I saw her as I came in; she was standing in the entrance. `Oh! Mrs. Stokes,' said I-- but I had not time for more." She was now met by Mrs. Weston.-- "Very well, I thank you, ma'am. I hope you are quite well. Very happy to hear it. So afraid you might have a headache!-- seeing 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!--excellent time. Jane and I quite ready. Did not keep the horses a moment. Most comfortable carriage.-- Oh! 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.-- But two such offers in one day!--Never were such neighbours. I said to my mother, `Upon my word, ma'am--.' Thank you, my mother is remarkably well. Gone to Mr. Woodhouse's. I made her take her shawl--for the evenings are not warm--her large new shawl-Mrs. Dixon's wedding-present.--So kind of her to think of my mother! Bought at Weymouth, you know--Mr. Dixon's choice. There were three others, Jane says, which they hesitated about some time. Colonel

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colonel Campbell ar fi vrut mai degrab oliv. Drag Jane, eti sigur c nu te-ai udat la picioare ? N-a czut dect un strop, doi, acolo, dar mi-e aa de team cu tine ! Dar domnul Frank Churchill a fost att de i a pus i un covora s ne tergem, n-am s uit niciodat ct a fost de politicos. Ah, domnule Frank Churchill, trebuie s v spunem c ochelarii mamei nu s-au mai stricat deloc de atunci, nitul n-a mai ieit. Mama vorbete foarte des de buntatea dumitale, nu-i aa, Jane ? Nu vorbim noi adesea despre domnul Frank Churchill ? Ah, iat-o pe domnioara Woodhouse. Ce mai facei, drag domnioar Woodhouse ? Foarte bine, mulumesc, foarte bine. Parcam fi n basme. Ce schimbare ! Nu trebuie s v fac complimente, tiu (uitndu-se la Emma, cu mult mulumire), n-ar fi politicos, dar, pe cuvntul meu, domnioar Woodhouse, artai... Cum v place coafura Janei ? Dumneavoastr tii mai bine. i-a fcut-o singur; Minunat i aranjeaz prul. Nici un coafor din Londr nu cred c-ar putea... Ah, domnul doctor Hughes, ei ce zic, i doamna Hughes ! Trebuie s m duc s vorbesc cu doamna i domnul Hughes o clip. Ce mai facei, ce mai facei ? Mulumesc, eu sunt bine. E ncnttor, nu-i aa ? Unde e scumpul domn Richard, ah, iat-l ! Nu-l deranjai. Mai bine pentru dnsul s stea de vorb cu domnioarele. Ce mai facei, domnule Richard ! V-am vzut ieri, clare, mergeai spre ora. Doamna Otway, nemaipomenit, bunul domn Otway i domnioara Otway i domnioara Caroline ! Ce muli prieteni ! i domnul George, i domnul Arthur ! Ce mai facei ? Ce mai facei cu toii ? Foarte bine, v mulumesc foarte mult ! Mai bine ca niciodat. Parc se mai aude o trsur ! Cine poate fi ? Probabil domnul i doamna Cole. Pe cu-vnt, ce minunat s te afli ntre atia prieteni i ce foc extraordinar M-am prjit, nu alta. Nu vreau cafea, mulumesc, eu nu beau niciodat. Nite ceai, dac se poate, domnule, dar mai trziu, nu e nici o grab. Ah, iat c a i venit ! Totul e aa de bine pus la punct ! Frank Churchill se ntoarse la locul su de lng Emma i de ndat ce domnioara Bates tcu, se pomeni ascultnd convorbirea dintre doamna Elton i domnioara Fairfax, care erau puin mai departe, n spatele ei. El czuse pe gnduri. Nu-i putea da seama dac i el auzea convorbirea celor dou. Dup ce o compliment mult pe Jane pentru rochie i pentru cum arta n general, complimente primite cu mult calm i politee, doamna Elton dorea n mod evident s fie la rndul ei complimentat i urm astfel: Cum i place rochia mea ? Cum i place dantela ? Ce zici de coafura pe care mi-a fcut-o Wright ? i multe alte ntrebri de felul sta, la care i se rspunse cu rbdare i politee. Doamna Elton zise apoi: Nimeni nu se gndete la mbrcminte mai puin dect mine, dar la o ocazie ca asta, cnd stau toi cu ochii pe mine i, oricum, s le fac un compliment domnului i doamnei Weston, care, n-am nici o ndoial, au dat balul

Campbell rather preferred an olive. My dear Jane, are you sure you did not wet your feet?--It was but a drop or two, but I am so afraid:--but Mr. Frank Churchill was so extremely-- and there was a mat to step upon--I shall never forget his extreme politeness.--Oh! Mr. Frank Churchill, I must tell you my mother's 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?--Do not we often talk of Mr. Frank Churchill?-- Ah! here's Miss Woodhouse.--Dear Miss Woodhouse, how do you do?-- Very well I thank you, quite well. This is meeting quite in fairy-land!-- Such a transformation!--Must not compliment, I know (eyeing Emma most complacently)--that would be rude--but upon my word, Miss Woodhouse, you do look--how do you like Jane's hair?--You are a judge.-- She did it all herself. Quite wonderful how she does her hair!-- No hairdresser from London I think could.--Ah! Dr. Hughes I declare-- and Mrs. Hughes. Must go and speak to Dr. and Mrs. Hughes for a moment.--How do you do? How do you do?--Very well, I thank you. This is delightful, is not it?--Where's dear Mr. Richard?-- Oh! there he is. Don't disturb him. Much better employed talking to the young ladies. How do you do, Mr. Richard?--I saw you the other day as you rode through the town--Mrs. Otway, I protest!-- and good Mr. Otway, and Miss Otway and Miss Caroline.--Such a host of friends!--and Mr. George and Mr. Arthur!--How do you do? How do you all do?--Quite well, I am much obliged to you. Never better.-- Don't I hear another carriage?--Who can this be?--very likely the worthy Coles.--Upon my word, this is charming to be standing about among such friends! And such a noble fire!--I am quite roasted. No coffee, I thank you, for me--never take coffee.--A little tea if you please, sir, by and bye,--no hurry--Oh! here it comes. Every thing so good!" 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.--He 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 herself-- and it was, "How do you like my gown?--How do you like my trimming?-- How has Wright done my hair?"--with many other relative questions, all answered with patient politeness. Mrs. Elton then said, "Nobody can think less of dress in general than I do--but upon such an occasion as this, when every body's eyes are so much upon me, and in compliment to the Westons--who I have no doubt are giving this ball chiefly to do me honour--I would not wish to be inferior to others. And I see very few pearls in the room except mine.-- So Frank Churchill

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sta numai n cinstea mea. i n-a vrea s fiu mai prejos dect altele i vd c nu mai are nimeni perle, n afar de mine. Deci, dac am neles eu bine, Frank Churchill e un dansator de prima clas. O s vedem dac avem acelai stil. Foarte drgu biat, Frank Churchill, mi place foarte mult ! n acest moment Frank ncepu s vorbeasc plin de atta volubilitate nct Emma i ddu seama c auzise laudele adresate lui i nu dorea s aud mai mult. Astfel, glasurile celor dou doamne fur acoperite pentru o vreme, dar ntr-un moment cnd conversaia lor se opri clopoeii din glasul doamnei Elton i recptar ntietatea. Domnul Elton tocmai se apropiase, i soia lui exclam: Ah, n fine, ne-ai descoperit, zu, n ascunztoarea noastr. Tocmai i spuneam Janei, credeam c o s devii nerbdtor s afli ce e cu noi. Janei ! repet Frank Churchill, cu o privire n care se citea surprinderea i neplcerea. Foarte familiar, dar mi se pare c domnioara Fairfax accept. Cum i place doamna Elton ? zise Emma n oapt. Deloc ! Eti nerecunosctor ! Nerecunosctor ! Ce vrei s spui ? Apoi, schimbndui ncruntarea ntr-un zmbet: Nu, mai bine nu-mi spune. Nu vreau s tiu ce ai vrut s-mi spui. Unde e tata ? Cnd ncepem s dansm ? Emma nu prea nelegea ce e cu el. Prea ntr-o dispoziie curioas. Plec s-i caute tatl, dar se ntoarse destul de repede, mpreun cu domnul i doamna Weston. Se ivise o mic ncurctur, pe care Emma trebuia s o descurce. Doamnei Weston tocmai i venise ideea c doamna Elton trebuie s deschid balul, c ea se atepta la asta, ceea ce era mpotriva dorinei lor de a-i face Emmei aceast cinste. Emma primi adevrul trist cu curaj. i de unde s-i gsim un partener potrivit ? zise doamna Weston. Precis socotete c Frank ar trebui s o invite. Frank se ntoarse spre Emma, aducndu-i aminte de promisiunea ei i se lud c e deja angajat, ceea ce tatl su aprob din toat inima. Atunci se dovedi, c doamna Weston dorea de fapt ca domnul Weston nsui s danseze cu doamna Elton i problema era s-l conving, ceea ce i fcur fr prea mult ntrziere. Domnul ".Veston i doamna Elton deschideau drumul, urmai de domnul Frank Churchill i domnioara Woodhouse. Emma trebuia s accepte locul doi, dup doamna Elton, dei considerase ntotdeauna c balul era special pentru ea. Era aproape gata s hotrasc s se mrite. Doamna Elton avea avantajul nendoielnic de data asta i vanitatea ei era perfect satisfcut, pentru c, dei dorise s nceap balul cu Frank Churchill, nu se putea considera n pierdere. Domnul Weston nsemna mai mult dect fiul su. n ciuda acestor mici frecuuri, Emma zmbea plin de veselie, ncntat s vad lungimea considerabil a irului de perechi care se forma n spatele ei i s simt c mai are n fa attea ore de petrecere.

is a capital dancer, I understand.--We shall see if our styles suit.--A fine young man certainly is Frank Churchill. I like him very well."

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;--and the voices of the ladies were drowned for a while, till another suspension brought Mrs. Elton's tones again distinctly forward.--Mr. Elton had just joined them, and his wife was exclaiming, "Oh! you have found us out at last, have you, in our seclusion?-- I was this moment telling Jane, I thought you would begin to be impatient for tidings of us." "Jane!"--repeated Frank Churchill, with a look of surprize and displeasure.-- "That is easy--but Miss Fairfax does not disapprove it, I suppose." "How do you like Mrs. Elton?" said Emma in a whisper. "Not at all." "You are ungrateful." "Ungrateful!--What do you mean?" Then changing from a frown to a smile--"No, do not tell me--I do not want to know what you mean.-- Where is my father?--When are we to begin dancing?" 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.--Emma heard the sad truth with fortitude. "And what are we to do for a proper partner for her?" said Mr. Weston. "She will think Frank ought to ask her." Frank turned instantly to Emma, to claim her former promise; and boasted himself an engaged man, which his father looked his most perfect approbation of--and 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.-- Mr. 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 son's superior.- In 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.-- She

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Era revoltat numai de un singur lucru, domnul Knightley nu dansa. Se amestecase cu cei care stteau pe margine, cnd ar fi trebuit s danseze. Da, ar fi trebuit s danseze, nu s intre n categoria soilor i tailor i juctorilor de whist, care pretindeau c-i intereseaz dansul numai dac nu-i gseau parteneri de joc el arta att de tnr. Poate nicieri n-ar fi aprut ntr-o lumin mai avantajoas dect acolo unde singur i alesese locul. Emma simea c ochii tuturor vor fi atrai de silueta lui nalt i dreapt care rsrea dintre trupurile rotunjite i umerii czui ai oamenilor trecui de prima tineree, i, n afar de partenerul ei, n tot irul acela de tineri, nu se gsea nici unul care s se compare cu el. Se apropie civa pai i asta fu de ajuns ca s se vad ce manier distins i ce graie natural ar fi avut la dans, dac i-ar fi dat osteneala s danseze. De cte ori putea s-i prind privirile, l fcea s zmbeasc, dar, n general, arta foarte serios. Ar fi vrut s-i plac mai mult sala de bal i ar fi vrut s-i plac de Frank Churchill. Prea c o observ. Refuz s-i nchipuie c el se gndete la cum danseaz ea, ar fi fost o auto-linguire. Dar dac scopul lui era s-i critice purtarea, nu avea de ce s-i fie team. ntre ea i partenerul ei nu era vorba de un flirt. Preau mai degrab doi prieteni, veseli i n largul lor, dect doi ndrgostii. Nu era nici o ndoial c Frank Churchill se gndea la ea mai puin dect nainte. Balul ncepea n mod plcut. Grija, atenia, solicitudinea doamnei Weston nu fuseser n zadar. Toat lumea prea fericit i nc de la nceput, ceea ce nu se ntmpl de obicei, i se aduse complimentul c balul este ncnttor, n mod obinuit asemenea laude se primesc numai la sfrit. Cu toate astea, nu se petrecuse nimic important, memorabil, care s ias din comun. Se petrecu totui un eveniment la care Emma avea s se gndeasc. ncepur ultimele dou dansuri nainte de gustri i Harriet nu avea nici un partener era singura domnioar care sttea pe scaun. Pn acum, numrul dansatorilor fusese egal i era absolut inexplicabil cum cineva putuse rmne fr invitaie. Emma ncet s se mire cnd l vzu pe domnul Elton umblnd de colo, colo. Nu voia s o invite pe Harriet i fcea totul ca s o evite. Era sigur c nu o va invita i se atepta ca n orice moment s fug n camera de joc. Totui, fuga nu intra n planurile lui. Se ndrept spre partea slii unde erau scaunele, vorbi cu unii dintre cei aezai, ca i cnd ar fi vrut s arate c este liber i dorete s rmn aa. Nu se ddu n lturi s vin chiar n faa domnioarei Smith i s discute cu cei din jurul ei. Emma vedea tot. Nu ncepuse nc s danseze, se ndrepta spre mijlocul slii i deci avea rgazul s se uite n jur i, ntorcndu-i puin capul, vzu tot. Cnd ajunse la jumtatea drumului, tot grupul se nirase n spatele ei i nu se mai putea uita, dar, domnul Elton era aa

was more disturbed by Mr. Knightley's not dancing than by any thing else.--There he was, among the standers-by, where he ought not to be; he ought to be dancing,--not 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 up,--so young as he looked!-- He 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 every body's eyes; and, excepting her own partner, there was not one among the whole row of young men who could be compared with him.--He 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.--Whenever 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.-- He 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. Every body 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.--The two last dances before supper were begun, and Harriet had no partner;--the only young lady sitting down;-- and so equal had been hitherto the number of dancers, that how there could be any one disengaged was the wonder!--But Emma's 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 not--and she was expecting him every moment to escape into the card-room. 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 shew 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.-- Emma 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 half-way up the set, the whole group were exactly behind her, and she would no longer

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de aproape c auzi fiecare silab a dialogului care tocmai se desfura ntre el i doamna Weston i observ c soia lui, care sttea imediat n faa ei, nu numai c asculta i ea, dar chiar l ncuraja cu priviri semnificative. Doamna Weston, bun la inim i sritoare, se ridicase de la locul ei i venise la el s-i zic: Nu dansai, domnule Elton ? La care el rspunse prompt: Foarte bucuros, doamn Weston, dac vrei s dansai cu mine. Eu nu, vei gsi o partener mai bun ca mine, eu nu dansez. Dac doamna Gilbent dorete s danseze, zise el, mi va face mare plcere, desigur, pentru c, dei ncep s m simt om btrn, la casa mea, i mi-a trecut vremea dansului, oricnd mi-ar face plcere s dansez cu o veche prieten ca doamna Gilbert. Doamna Gilbert nu dorete s danseze, dar e o tnr care nu a fost invitat i a fi bucuroas s-o vd dansnd, domnioara Smith ! Domnioara Smith, ah, nu observasem. Suntei foarte drgu, i dac n-a fi un om de acum aezat... dar mie mi-a trecut vremea, doamn Weston. M scuzai, v rog. A face orice cu plcere pentru dumneavoastr, dar mi-a trecut vremea dansului. Doamna Weston nu mai spuse nimic i Emma i putea nchipui ct de surprins i umilit se ntorsese la locul ei. Va s zic, acesta era domnul Elton, domnul Elton cel amabil, bun i sritor. Emma se uit o clip n jur. Se apropiase de domnul Knightley i se pregtea s nceap o discuie, n timp ce i zmbea plin de triumf soiei sale. Nu voi s se mai uite. Simea c arde pe dinuntru i i era team c flacra i va izbucni pe fa. Dar, peste o clip, rmase cu ochii aintii la o privelite mult mai fericit: domnul Knightley o conducea pe Harriet spre locul unde se dansa. Nu fusese niciodat att de surprins i rareori att de ncntat ca n clipa aceea. Simea o mare plcere i recunotin, att din partea ei, ct i din partea Harrietei i abia atepta s-i mulumeasc i, dei era prea departe pentru a-i vorbi, pe faa ei se putea citit totul atunci cnd el i ntoarse privirea spre ea. Dansa, exact cum i nchipuise ea, extrem de bine, i Harriet ar fi putut s treac drept cea mai norocoas, dac n-ar fi fost cruzimea a crei victim fusese mai nainte, i bucuria ei nestvilit i contiina c i s-a fcut o mare cinste se puteau citi n ochii ei. Se arta vrednic de aceast cinste, se apleca, slta i zmbea ntruna. Domnul Elton se retrsese n sala de joc, artnd, dup credina Emmei, foarte caraghios. Nu credea c poate fi la fel de insensibil ca soia lui, dei urma s devin astfel n curnd. Aceasta ddu glas propriilor sentimente, spunndu-i partenerului ei: Lui Knightley i s-a fcut mil de biata domnioar Smith. Foarte bun la suflet, zu !

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.--The kind-hearted, gentle Mrs. Weston had left her seat to join him and say, "Do not you dance, Mr. Elton?" to which his prompt reply was, "Most readily, Mrs. Weston, if you will dance with me." "Me!--oh! no--I would get you a better partner than myself. I am no dancer." "If Mrs. Gilbert wishes to dance," said he, "I shall have great pleasure, I am sure--for, 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." "Mrs. Gilbert does not mean to dance, but there is a young lady disengaged whom I should be very glad to see dancing--Miss Smith." "Miss Smith!--oh!--I had not observed.--You are extremely obliging-- and if I were not an old married man.--But my dancing days are over, Mrs. Weston. You will excuse me. Any thing else I should be most happy to do, at your command--but my dancing days are over." Mrs. Weston said no more; and Emma could imagine with what surprize and mortification she must be returning to her seat. This was Mr. Elton! the amiable, obliging, gentle Mr. Elton.-- She 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;--Mr. Knightley leading Harriet to the set!--Never had she been more surprized, 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 card-room, looking (Emma trusted) very foolish. She did not think he was quite so hardened as his wife, though growing very like her;-she spoke some of her feelings, by observing audibly to her partner, "Knightley has taken pity on poor little Miss Smith!--Very goodnatured, I declare."

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Se anunar gustrile. Toat lumea se puse n micare i, din acel moment, se auzi numai vocea domnioarei Bates, fr ntrerupere, pn n momentul cnd se aezar la mas i dnsa puse mna pe furculi. Jane, Jane, draga mea, unde eti ? Uite alul ! Doamna Weston te roag s-i pui alul. Zice c-i e team s nu fie curent pe coridor, dei totul e pregtit, au btut o u n cuie, au cptuit, dar, drag Jane, zu, trebuie ! Domnul Churchill, ah, suntei foarte drgu ! Ce bine v-ai aranjat, v sunt recunosctoare. Minunat dans, ntradevr. Da, drag, am fost acas, tii, trebuia s-o ajut pe bunica la culcare, i m-am ntors i nimeni nu mi-a observat lipsa. Am plecat fr un cuvnt, cum i-am spus. Bunica e bine. A petrecut o sear minunat cu domnul Woodhouse, au stat de vorb i au jucat table. A servit-o cu ceai cu biscuii i cu mere coapte i cu vin, nainte de plecare. A avut i noroc la table, i a ntrebat despre tine, cum te distrezi i cu cine ai dansat. Ah, am zis eu, n-o mai deranjez pe Jane, am lsat-o dansnd cu domnul George Otway, o s fie ncntat mine s-i povesteasc ea tot, primul partener a fost domnul Elton, nu tiu cine o s-o invite dup asta, poate domnul William Cox. Domnule, zu, suntei prea bun, nu e nimeni altcineva care s aib nevoie de ajutor ? Eu m descurc. Domnule, suntei prea bun ! Pe cuvntul meu ! Jane de un bra i eu de altul. Stai, stai, s ne dm la o parte, trece doamna Elton, ce elegant e, ce frumoas dantel ! Acum mergem cu toii, n urma ei. Ah, iat-ne n coridor. Sunt dou trepte, Jane, ai grij, dou ! Ah, nu e dect una. Eram convins c sunt dou, ce ciudat. Eram sigur c sunt dou i e numai una. N-am vzut niciodat ceva att de bine i frumos aranjat, cu luminri peste tot ! i spuneam de bunica, Jane, era puin dezamgit. Merele coapte i cu biscuiii au fost minunai, dar a fost la nceput nite sparanghel, i domnul Woodhouse a gsit c nu e destul de bine fiert i l-a trimis napoi. Ei, i tu tii bine ce mult i place bunicii sparanghelul, i a fost cam dezamgit, dar am hotrt s nu spunem la nimeni despre asta, s nu ajung la urechile domnioarei Woodhouse, pentru c s-ar supra. Ah, ce luminie ! Sunt copleit, nici nu mia fi nchipuit, ce distincie, ce belug! N-am mai vzut aa ceva de cnd... Unde ne aezm? Oriunde, numai s nu stea Jane n curent. Eu pot sta oriunde. Ah, spunei c pe partea asta ! Ei, da, domnule Churchill, sunt sigur, numai c, e prea mare cinstea, dar fie cum voii. Ce hotri dumneavoastr n casa asta nu poate fi ru. Drag Jane, n-o-s inem minte nici jumtate din feluri ca s le spunem mamei. i sup ! Doamne, nu trebuie s m servii pe mine nti, dar ce frumos miroase, trebuie s ncep !

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. "Jane, Jane, my dear Jane, where are you?--Here 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 every thing has been done--One door nailed up--Quantities of matting--My dear Jane, indeed you must. Mr. Churchill, oh! you are too obliging! How well you put it on!--so gratified! Excellent dancing indeed!-- Yes, my dear, I ran home, as I said I should, to help grandmama to bed, and got back again, and nobody missed me.--I 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.--Tea 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. `Oh!' said I, `I shall not forestall Jane; I left her dancing with Mr. George Otway; she will love to tell you all about it herself to-morrow: her first partner was Mr. Elton, I do not know who will ask her next, perhaps Mr. William Cox.' My dear sir, you are too obliging.--Is there nobody you would not rather?--I am not helpless. Sir, you are most kind. 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 lace!--Now we all follow in her train. Quite the queen of the evening!--Well, 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 any thing equal to the comfort and style--Candles everywhere.--I was telling you of your grandmama, Jane,--There was a little disappointment.-- The 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 asparagus-- so she was rather disappointed, but we agreed we would not speak of it to any body, for fear of its getting round to dear Miss Woodhouse, who would be so very much concerned!--Well, this is brilliant! I am all amazement! could not have supposed any thing!--Such elegance and profusion!--I have seen nothing like it since-- Well, 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?--Well, I am sure, Mr. Churchill-- only it seems too good--but just as you please. What you direct in this house cannot be wrong.

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Emma nu avu prilejul s vorbeasc domnului Knightley dect dup mas, dar, cnd fur din nou n sala de bal, ochii ei trimiser o invitaie irezistibil ctre el s vin i s primeasc mulumiri. l dezaproba cu mult aprindere pe domnul Elton fusese o impolitee de neiertat, i felul n care se purtase doamna Elton era, de asemenea, de condamnat. Voiau s-o jigneasc nu numai pe Harriet, zise el. Emma, ce au oamenii tia cu tine ? El se uita la ea, zmbind, cu priviri ptrunztoare, i cum nu primi nici un rspuns, adug: Ea n-are de ce s fie suprat pe tine, bnuiesc, chiar dac el ar avea motive. Nu zici nimic de presupunerea asta, dar trebuie s recunoti, Emma, c ai vrut s-l nsori cu Harriet. Am vrut, zise Emma, i ei nu mi-o pot ierta. El cltin din cap, dar n acelai timp zmbi cu indulgen i zise numai: Nu te cert, te las s reflectezi singur. M lai n ghearele vanitii ? Crezi c refleciile mele mi arat cnd greesc ? Nu n ghearele vanitii, ci pe mna seriozitii tale. Dac una te ndeamn la ru, sunt sigur c cealalt i atrage atenia. mi recunosc greeala. Am greit cu totul n privina domnului Elton. E capabil de o meschinrie pe care dumneata ai sesizat-o, dar eu nu. i eram perfect convins c e ndrgostit de Harriet. Din cauza unui ir de gafe. i acum, pentru c ai recunoscut att de mult, i voi da i eu dreptate, spunndu-i c tu alesesei mai bine pentru el dect a ales el nsui. Harriet Smith are nite caliti de care doamna Elton e complet strin. O fat simpl, fr pretenii i afectare, e de o sut de ori de preferat unei femei ca doamna Elton, dac brbatul are bun-sim i gust. Am descoperit c se poate sta de vorb cu Harriet, ceea ce nu m ateptam. Emma fu extrem de mulumit. Fur ntrerupi de agitaia doamnei Weston, care chema pe toat lumea din nou la dans: Hai, domnioar Woodhouse, domnioar Otway, domnioar Fairfax, ce facei ? Hai, Emma, d un exemplu fetelor ! Toi v-ai lenevit, a adormit toat lumea ? Sunt gata, zise Emma. M invit cineva ? Cu cine ai de gnd s dansezi ? ntreb domnul Knightley. Ea ovi un moment i apoi rspunse: Cu dumneata, dac m invii. Ai vrea ? zise el, oferindu-i mna. Desigur, ai dovedit c tii s dansezi i tii foarte bin c nu suntem chiar frate i sor, ca s nu ne putem permite. Frate i sor, nu, n nici un caz ! ACEASTA MICA EXPLICAIE CU DOMNUL Knightley i fcu

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." 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. Elton's conduct; it had been unpardonable rudeness; and Mrs. Elton's looks also received the due share of censure. "They aimed at wounding more than Harriet," said he. "Emma, why is it that they are your enemies?" He looked with smiling penetration; and, on receiving no answer, added, "She ought not to be angry with you, I suspect, whatever he may be.--To that surmise, you say nothing, of course; but confess, Emma, that you did want him to marry Harriet." "I did," replied Emma, "and they cannot forgive me." He shook his head; but there was a smile of indulgence with it, and he only said, "I shall not scold you. I leave you to your own reflections." "Can you trust me with such flatterers?--Does my vain spirit ever tell me I am wrong?" "Not your vain spirit, but your serious spirit.--If one leads you wrong, I am sure the other tells you of it." "I 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!" "And, 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.--Harriet Smith has some first-rate qualities, which Mrs. Elton is totally without. An unpretending, single-minded, artless girl- infinitely 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." Emma was extremely gratified.--They were interrupted by the bustle of Mr. Weston calling on every body to begin dancing again. "Come Miss Woodhouse, Miss Otway, Miss Fairfax, what are you all doing?-- Come Emma, set your companions the example. Every body is lazy! Every body is asleep!" "I am ready," said Emma, "whenever I am wanted." "Whom are you going to dance with?" asked Mr. Knightley. She hesitated a moment, and then replied, "With you, if you will ask me." "Will you?" said he, offering his hand. "Indeed I will. You have shewn that you can dance, and you know we are not really so much brother and sister as to make it at all improper." "Brother and sister! no, indeed." This little explanation with Mr. Knightley gave Emma

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mare plcere Emmei. Era una din amintirile plcute de la bal la care se gndea n plimbarea ei de diminea. Era foarte bucuroas c ajunseser la o prere comun despre familia Elton i c se nelegeau bine, iar faptul c o ludase pe Harriet, c fcuse de dragul ei o concesie, era ct se poate de mulumitor. Impertinena domnului i doamnei Elton, care ameninase o clip s-i strice restul serii, i dduse prilejul unor minunate satisfacii i acum atepta cu nerbdare urmtorul efect satisfctor vindecarea Harrietei. Avea mari sperane n privina asta, judecnd dup felul n care Harriet vorbise despre ntmplare nainte de a pleca din sala de bal. Prea c i se deschiseser deodat ochii, c putea acum s vad c domnul Elton nu era o fiin superioar, aa cum crezuse ea. Febra trecuse i Emma nu avea nici o team de vreo revenire, dup comportamentul acesta insulttor. Sentimentele rele ale domnului i doamnei Elton erau o garanie c Harriet i va impune disciplina uitrii, care era necesar. Vara se anuna foarte fericit, Harriet i revenea, Frank Churchill nu era prea ndrgostit i domnul Knightley nu-i mai cuta ceart. Nu avea s-l vad pe Frank Churchill n dimineaa asta. i spusese c nu-i putea oferi plcerea de a trece pe la Hartfield, pentru c trebuia s ajung acas la prnz. Nu regreta. Dup ce aranja toate aceste probleme, le clas, le ordon, se ntoarse spre cas gata s rspund dorinelor celor doi nepoei, ct i ale bunicului lor, cnd, deodat, poarta mare de fier se deschise i intrar dou persoane pe care se atepta foarte puin s le vad mpreun Frank Churchill cu Harriet, sprijinindu-se de braul lui. Harriet n carne i oase. Ajunse o clip pentru a se convinge c s-a ntmplat ceva extraordinar. Harriet era alb i nfricoat i el ncerca s-o fac s-i revin. Poarta de fier nu era prea departe de trepte i n curnd se aflau cu toii n salon, iar Harriet se cufund imediat ntr-un scaun i lein. O domnioar care lein trebuie s fie trezit; trebuie s se rspund la ntrebri, s se explice lucrurile. Asemenea evenimente sunt foarte interesante, dar tensiunea nu poate dura mult. n cteva minute, Emma tia totul. Domnioara Smith i domnioara Bickerton, o alt chiria a doamnei Goddard, care fusese de asemenea la bal, plecaser mpreun la plimbare i o luaser pe drumul spre Richmond care, dei prea destul de sigur, fiind btut de toat lumea, le dduse prilejul s se sperie zdravn; cam la jumtate de mil de Highbury, drumul o cotea brusc i se ntindea n faa lor, sub umbra deas a ulmilor care l strjuiau de ambele pri, foarte singuratic. i, cnd domnioarele naintar puin, observar, nu

considerable pleasure. It was one of the agreeable recollections of the ball, which she walked about the lawn the next morning to enjoy.--She was extremely glad that they had come to so good an understanding respecting the Eltons, and that their opinions of both husband and wife were so much alike; and his praise of Harriet, his concession in her favour, was peculiarly gratifying. The impertinence of the Eltons, which for a few minutes had threatened to ruin the rest of her evening, had been the occasion of some of its highest satisfactions; and she looked forward to another happy result--the cure of Harriet's infatuation.-- From Harriet's manner of speaking of the circumstance before they quitted the ballroom, she had strong hopes. It seemed as if her eyes were suddenly opened, and she were enabled to see that Mr. Elton was not the superior creature she had believed him. The fever was over, and Emma could harbour little fear of the pulse being quickened again by injurious courtesy. She depended on the evil feelings of the Eltons for supplying all the discipline of pointed neglect that could be farther requisite.--Harriet rational, Frank Churchill not too much in love, and Mr. Knightley not wanting to quarrel with her, how very happy a summer must be before her! She was not to see Frank Churchill this morning. He had told her that he could not allow himself the pleasure of stopping at Hartfield, as he was to be at home by the middle of the day. She did not regret it. Having arranged all these matters, looked them through, and put them all to rights, she was just turning to the house with spirits freshened up for the demands of the two little boys, as well as of their grandpapa, when the great iron sweep-gate opened, and two persons entered whom she had never less expected to see together--Frank Churchill, with Harriet leaning on his arm-actually Harriet!--A moment sufficed to convince her that something extraordinary had happened. Harriet looked white and frightened, and he was trying to cheer her.-- The iron gates and the front-door were not twenty yards asunder;-- they were all three soon in the hall, and Harriet immediately sinking into a chair fainted away. A young lady who faints, must be recovered; questions must be answered, and surprizes be explained. Such events are very interesting, but the suspense of them cannot last long. A few minutes made Emma acquainted with the whole. Miss Smith, and Miss Bickerton, another parlour boarder at Mrs. Goddard's, who had been also at the ball, had walked out together, and taken a road, the Richmond road, which, though apparently public enough for safety, had led them into alarm.--About half a mile beyond Highbury, making a sudden turn, and deeply shaded by elms on each side, it became for a considerable stretch very retired; and when the young ladies had advanced some way into it, they had suddenly perceived at a

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departe n faa lor, pe un petic mai mare de iarb, un grup de igani. Un copil, care sttea la pnd, veni spre ele s cereasc i domnioara Bickerton, nfricoat peste msur, scoase un ipt i strigndu-i Harrietei s-o urmeze, fugi pe un mal abrupt de pmnt, trecu prin boschetul din vrf i reui s ajung pe scurttur napoi la Highbury. Dar biata Harriet nu putu s-o urmeze. Avea febr muscular dup atta dans i de ndat ce ncerc s urce pe mal fu cuprins din nou de dureri i puterile o prsir. i, ntr-o asemenea stare i cuprins de team, fu nevoit s rmn pe loc. Cum s-ar fi purtat vagabonzii dac domnioarele ar fi fost mai curajoase, nu se poate ti, dar o asemenea invitaie la atac era irezistibil i Harriet era n curnd asaltat de cinci, ase copii, cu o femeie gras i cu un bieoi n frunte, glgioi i obraznici prin aspectul, dac nu prin cuvntul lor. Din ce n ce mai nfricoat, le promise imediat bani i scotocind n pung le dete un siling i i rug s nu-i cear mai mult i s nu-i fac nici un ru. Atunci fu n stare s mearg, dei destul de ncet, i se ndeprt, dar teama i punga ei erau prea ispititoare i fu urmat, sau mai degrab, nconjurat de ntreaga ceat, care cerea mai mult. n aceast stare o gsise Frank Churchill, tremurnd i fcnd promisiuni cu condiia ca... iar ei ipnd cu obrznicie... Printr-o fericit ntmplare, plecarea lui din Highbury fusese ntrziat i sosise tocmai la timp s o ajute n momentul critic. Dimineaa plcut l fcuse s mearg pe jos o bucat de drum, trimind caii nainte, prin alt parte, s-l atepte la o mil, dou de Highbury i, fiindc se ntmplase s mprumute o pereche de foarfeci de la domnioara Bates i uitase s le napoieze, fusese nevoit s se opreasc la ua ei i s intre pentru cteva minute. ntrziase aadar mai mult dect dorise i fiind pe jos, nimeni din grup nu-l vzuse dect dup ce se apropiase foarte mult. Teama pe care femeia i bieoiul i-o provocaser Harrietei trecu acum de partea lor. i lsase complet ngrozii i Harriet se agase cu disperare de braul lui. Nici nu mai putea vorbi i abia avusese fora s fug pn la Hartfield i i pierduse cunotina. Lui i venise ideea s-o aduc la Hartfield, nu tia unde ar fi fost mai bine n alt parte. Cam asta era toat povestea, din cte i spuseser el i Harriet, dup ce-i venise n fire i i recptase glasul. El nu ndrzni s stea mai mult dect ct s-o vad revenindu-i aceste ntrzieri nu-i permiteau s mai stea nici un minut i cum Emma se angaja s- o anune pe doamna Goddard c Harriet e n siguran i pe domnul Knightley c exist asemenea vagabonzi prin vecintate, el putu pleca urmat de mulumirile ei i ale prietenei ei. O aventur ca asta un tnr chipe i o domnioar drgu prini ntr-o asemenea ntmplare, nu putea s

small distance before them, on a broader patch of greensward by the side, a party of gipsies. 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. But poor Harriet could not follow. She had suffered very much from cramp after dancing, and her first attempt to mount the bank brought on such a return of it as made her absolutely powerless-- and in this state, and exceedingly terrified, she had been obliged to remain. How the trampers might have behaved, had the young ladies been more courageous, must be doubtful; but such an invitation for attack could not be resisted; and Harriet was soon assailed by half a dozen children, headed by a stout woman and a great boy, all clamorous, and impertinent in look, though not absolutely in word.--More and more frightened, she immediately promised them money, and taking out her purse, gave them a shilling, and begged them not to want more, or to use her ill.--She was then able to walk, though but slowly, and was moving away--but her terror and her purse were too tempting, and she was followed, or rather surrounded, by the whole gang, demanding more. In this state Frank Churchill had found her, she trembling and conditioning, they loud and insolent. By a most fortunate chance his leaving Highbury had been delayed so as to bring him to her assistance at this critical moment. The pleasantness of the morning had induced him to walk forward, and leave his horses to meet him by another road, a mile or two beyond Highbury-- and happening to have borrowed a pair of scissors the night before of Miss Bates, and to have forgotten to restore them, he had been obliged to stop at her door, and go in for a few minutes: he was therefore later than he had intended; and being on foot, was unseen by the whole party till almost close to them. The terror which the woman and boy had been creating in Harriet was then their own portion. He had left them completely frightened; and Harriet eagerly clinging to him, and hardly able to speak, had just strength enough to reach Hartfield, before her spirits were quite overcome. It was his idea to bring her to Hartfield: he had thought of no other place. This was the amount of the whole story,--of his communication and of Harriet's as soon as she had recovered her senses and speech.-- He dared not stay longer than to see her well; these several delays left him not another minute to lose; and Emma engaging to give assurance of her safety to Mrs. Goddard, and notice of there being such a set of people in the neighbourhood to Mr. Knightley, he set off, with all the grateful blessings that she could utter for her friend and herself. Such an adventure as this,--a fine young man and a lovely

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nu sugereze idei chiar inimii celei mai reci i creierului celui mai ferm. Aa credea Emma, cel puin. Putea oare un lingvist, un logician sau chiar un matematician s fie martorul apariiei lor mpreun i s aud povestea lor, fr s-i dea seama c mprejurrile erau de aa natur nct cei doi s-i plac unul altuia ? Cu att mai mult o persoan cu mult imaginaie ca ea trebuia s fie cuprins de flacra bnuielilor i speranelor, mai ales pe fundalul speculaiilor pe care mintea ei le fcuse deja. Era ceva cu totul extraordinar. Nimic de acest fel nu se mai ntmplase vreunei domnioare din vecintate, din cte i aducea ea aminte nici o ntlnire, nici o sperietur de felul acesta. i acum i se ntmplase chiar persoanei indicate i exact la ceasul cnd cealalt persoan trecea pe acolo ca s-o salveze. Desigur, era ceva extraordinar. i, cunoscnd bine starea de spirit foarte favorabil a amndorura n aceast perioad, era i mai uimit. El tocmai voia s-i schimbe dragostea pentru Emma ntr-o prietenie, ea tocmai se vindeca de mania ei pentru domnul Elton. Prea c toate forele se unesc spre cel mai fericit viitor. Era imposibil ca ntmplarea s nu-i arunce unul n braele altuia. n conversaia de cteva minute pe care o avusese cu el n timp ce Harriet nu-i revenise nc n simiri, el vorbise de teama ei, de naivitatea ei, fervoarea cu care l apucase de bra, cu o senzaie de amuzament i ncntare i, tocmai la sfrit, cnd i Harriet i povestise totul, el i exprimase indignarea fa de purtarea condamnabil a domnioarei Bickerton cu cea mai mare aprindere. Totul avea s-i urmeze cursul firesc, ns fr intervenii i ajutoare. Nu va mica un deget i nu va face nici o aluzie. Nu ! S-a amestecat destul. O idee nu fcea ru nimnui, dar o idee aa, pasiv. Era de fapt numai o dorin. Mai mult de-att, Doamne ferete ! Prima hotrre a Emmei fu s-i ascund tatlui ei ce se ntmplase, dndu-i seama de nelinitea i teama pe care i le-ar provoca, dar curnd vzu c va fi imposibil. n jumtate de or se tia n tot satul. Era o ntmplare numai bun pentru aceia crora le place mai mult s vorbeasc tinerii i oamenii de jos. Deci toi tinerii i servitorii din partea locului avur repede fericirea s aud tulburtoarea ntmplare. Balul din ajun i pierdu tot interesul n favoarea iganilor. Bietul domn Woodhouse se aez tremurnd i, aa cum prevzuse Emma, nu se ls pn nu promiser amndou s nu mai treac dincolo de boschete. Mngierea lui era c ntreba atta lume despre el i domnioara Woodhouse (cci vecinii tiau c asta i face plcere), ca i despre domnioara Smith. Avea bucuria s rspund c toi fceau nici prea bine, nici prea ru i, dei nu era cu totul adevrat, pentru c ea se simea foarte bine i Harriet la fel, Emma nu se

young woman thrown together in such a way, could hardly fail of suggesting certain ideas to the coldest heart and the steadiest brain. So Emma thought, at least. Could a linguist, could a grammarian, could even a mathematician have seen what she did, have witnessed their appearance together, and heard their history of it, without feeling that circumstances had been at work to make them peculiarly interesting to each other?--How much more must an imaginist, like herself, be on fire with speculation and foresight!--especially with such a groundwork of anticipation as her mind had already made. It was a very extraordinary thing! Nothing of the sort had ever occurred before to any young ladies in the place, within her memory; no rencontre, no alarm of the kind;--and now it had happened to the very person, and at the very hour, when the other very person was chancing to pass by to rescue her!--It certainly was very extraordinary!--And knowing, as she did, the favourable state of mind of each at this period, it struck her the more. He was wishing to get the better of his attachment to herself, she just recovering from her mania for Mr. Elton. It seemed as if every thing united to promise the most interesting consequences. It was not possible that the occurrence should not be strongly recommending each to the other. In the few minutes' conversation which she had yet had with him, while Harriet had been partially insensible, he had spoken of her terror, her naivete, her fervour as she seized and clung to his arm, with a sensibility amused and delighted; and just at last, after Harriet's own account had been given, he had expressed his indignation at the abominable folly of Miss Bickerton in the warmest terms. Every thing was to take its natural course, however, neither impelled nor assisted. She would not stir a step, nor drop a hint. No, she had had enough of interference. There could be no harm in a scheme, a mere passive scheme. It was no more than a wish. Beyond it she would on no account proceed. Emma's first resolution was to keep her father from the knowledge of what had passed,--aware of the anxiety and alarm it would occasion: but she soon felt that concealment must be impossible. Within half an hour it was known all over Highbury. It was the very event to engage those who talk most, the young and the low; and all the youth and servants in the place were soon in the happiness of frightful news. The last night's ball seemed lost in the gipsies. Poor Mr. Woodhouse trembled as he sat, and, as Emma had foreseen, would scarcely be satisfied without their promising never to go beyond the shrubbery again. It was some comfort to him that many inquiries after himself and Miss Woodhouse (for his neighbours knew that he loved to be inquired after), as well as Miss Smith, were coming in during the rest of the day; and he had the pleasure of returning for answer, that they were all very indifferent--

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amesteca. Fusese totdeauna nefericit de sntoas, pentru fiica unui asemenea om, cci nu avea habar ce e o durere de cap i, dac nu i-ar fi inventat el cte o boal ar fi putut s-l fac de rs. iganii nu ateptar s se fac dreptate, i luar n mare grab tlpia. Domnioarele erau libere s se plimbe din nou n siguran, chiar nainte de a fi intrat cu toate n panic, i toat povestea deveni ceva cu totul fr importan, dar nu i pentru Emma i nepoii ei. n nchipuirea ei continua s fie prezent, iar Henry i John o rugau n fiecare zi s le spun povestea cu Harriet i iganii i, cu tenacitate, o corectau dac se abtea cu vreun amnunt de la istorisirea iniial. CAPITOLUL XL TRECUSER CTEVA ZILE DE LA ACEASTA aventur, cnd, ntr-o diminea, Harriet veni la Emma cu un pacheel n mn i, dup ce se aez i ovi puin, ncepu astfel. Domnioar Woodhouse, dac avei timp, am s v spun ceva, vreau s fac un fel de mrturisire i pe urm, tii, totul s a terminat. Emma fu destul de surprins, dar o rug s vorbeasc. Seriozitatea cu care se purta Harriet o pregtea, la fel ca i cuvintele ei de altfel, pentru ceva cu totul neobinuit. E de datoria mea i, sunt sigur, e i dorina mea, continu ea, s nu v ascund nimic n legtur cu asta. Cum, din fericire, sunt acum o cu totul alt fiin, dintr-un anume punct de vedere, e foarte firesc ca dumneavoastr s avei satisfacia de a afla. Nu vreau s spun mai mult dect e necesar. Mi-e foarte ruine c mam lsat copleit aa i cred ca m nelegei. Da, zise Emma, sper s te neleg. Cum am putut s fiu att de oarb, strig Harriet, cu aprindere. Pare o nebunie. Acum nu mai vd nimic extraordinar la el. Nu-mi mai pas dac-l ntlnesc sau nu, numai c, dintre noi doi, eu sunt cea care ar prefera s nu-l vd i, zu, a ocoli orict, numai s nu-l vd. N-o invidiez ctui de puin pe soia lui, nici n-o admir, nici no invidiez, ca nainte. Poate s fie frumoas i aa mai departe, dar mi se pare foarte fnoas i antipatic. N-am s uit niciodat cum m privea seara trecut. Totui, v asigur, domnioar Woodhouse, nu-i doresc rul. Nu, s fie fericii mpreun, asta n-o s m ntristeze niciodat i, ca s v conving c spun adevrul, acum voi distruge ceea ce trebuia s distrug demult, ceea ce n-ar fi trebuit s pstrez, tiu bine. tiu asta foarte bine (roind n timp ce vorbea), totui, acum voi distruge totul i doresc foarte mult s-o fac n prezena dumneavoastr, ca s vedei c mi-am venit n fire. Nu ghicii ce e n pachetul acesta ? zise ea cu o privire plin de neles.

Nici pe departe ! i-a dat vreodat ceva ?

which, though not exactly true, for she was perfectly well, and Harriet not much otherwise, Emma would not interfere with. She had an unhappy state of health in general for the child of such a man, for she hardly knew what indisposition was; and if he did not invent illnesses for her, she could make no figure in a message. The gipsies did not wait for the operations of justice; they took themselves off in a hurry. The young ladies of Highbury might have walked again in safety before their panic began, and the whole history dwindled soon into a matter of little importance but to Emma and her nephews:--in her imagination it maintained its ground, and Henry and John were still asking every day for the story of Harriet and the gipsies, and still tenaciously setting her right if she varied in the slightest particular from the original recital. 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." Emma was a good deal surprized; but begged her to speak. There was a seriousness in Harriet's manner which prepared her, quite as much as her words, for something more than ordinary. "It is my duty, and I am sure it is my wish," she continued, "to have no reserves with you on this subject. As I am happily quite an altered creature in one respect, it is very fit that you should have the satisfaction of knowing it. I do not want to say more than is necessary--I am too much ashamed of having given way as I have done, and I dare say you understand me." "Yes," said Emma, "I hope I do." "How I could so long a time be fancying myself! . . ." cried Harriet, warmly. "It seems like madness! I can see nothing at all extraordinary in him now.--I do not care whether I meet him or not--except that of the two I had rather not see him-- and indeed I would go any distance round to avoid him--but I do not envy his wife in the least; I neither admire her nor envy her, as I have done: she is very charming, I dare say, and all that, but I think her very ill-tempered and disagreeable--I shall never forget her look the other night!--However, I assure you, Miss Woodhouse, I wish her no evil.--No, let them be ever so happy together, it will not give me another moment's pang: and to convince you that I have been speaking truth, I am now going to destroy--what I ought to have destroyed long ago--what I ought never to have kept-- I know that very well (blushing as she spoke).--However, now I will destroy it all--and it is my particular wish to do it in your presence, that you may see how rational I am grown. Cannot you guess what this parcel holds?" said she, with a conscious look. "Not the least in the world.--Did he ever give you any thing?"

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 Nu. N-a putea s le numesc daruri, dar sunt nite lucruri pe care le-am preuit foarte mult. ntinse pachetul spre ea i Emma citi cuvintele Comori foarte preioase" pe capacul cutiei. Curiozitatea ei nu avea margini. Harriet despturi pachetul i ea se uit cu nerbdare. ntr-un morman de staniol se gsea o cutiu ca cele pentru bijuterii sau porelan, pe care Harriet o deschise. nuntru era cptuit cu mtasea cea mai fin, dar n afar de cptueal Emma nu mai vzu dect o bucic de leucoplast. Ei, zise Harriet. V amintii, nu ? Nu, zu nu-mi aduc aminte. Doamne ! N-a fi crezut c putei s uitai ce s-a petrecut chiar aici, n camera asta, chiar una din ultimele dai cnd ne-am ntlnit. Era la cteva zile, nainte s m apuce durerea de gt, tocmai nainte de a veni domnul i doamna John Knightley, poate chiar n seara aceea. Nu v amintii cum s-a tiat la deget cu un coupe-papier nou al dumneavoastr i i-ai recomandat leucoplast ? Dar dumneavoastr nu aveai la ndemn i tiai c am eu i m-ai rugat s-i dau o bucic. i eu am scos leucoplastul i i-am tiat o bucat, dar era prea mare i el a mai tiat-o i s-a jucat o vreme cu ce-a rmas, nainte de a mi-l napoia i, atunci, n prostia mea, l-am pus deoparte, s nu-l mai folosesc niciodat, i m uitam la el, din cnd n cnd, ca s fiu fericit. Scumpa mea Harriet, strig Emma, punndu-i minile pe fa i srind n sus, m faci s-mi fie groaznic de ruine. S-mi amintesc, da, acum mi amintesc, totul, n afar de faptul c tu ai pstrat asemenea relicv. N-am tiut nimic despre asta pn acum, dect cum s-a tiat la deget i cum i-am recomandat leucoplast i cum am spus c eu nu am... Ah, pcatele, mele cele grele ! i aveam destul n buzunare ! Unul din trucurile mele fr rost ! Merit s roesc toat viaa pentru una ca asta. Ei, aezndu-se din nou, continu, ce mai e ? i chiar aveai i dumneavoastr la ndemn ? Niciodat nu mi-a fi nchipuit ! Ai spus-o aa de firesc. i chiar ai pus deoparte bucata de leucoplast de dragul lui ? zise Emma, revenindu-i din starea de ruine i simindu-se n acelai timp gata s se mire i s rd. Adug pentru sine: Dumnezeu s m fereasc ! A fi fost eu n stare s pstrez vreo bucic de bumbac sau de leucoplast numai pentru c s-a jucat Frank Churchill cu ea ? N-a fi fost niciodat n stare de aa ceva." Uite, zise Harriet, ntorcndu-se din nou la cutia ei, uite ceva care are i mai mult pre, adic avea mai mult pre, pentru c asta i-a aparinut lui, iar leucoplastul era al meu. Emma era foarte dornic s vad aceast nou i mai preioas comoar. Era un cpel de creion, partea cu care nu se mai poate scrie. Acesta a fost de-adevrat al lui, zise Harriet. Nu v amintii ? ntr-o diminea, nu, probabil c nu v

"No--I cannot call them gifts; but they are things that I have valued very much." She held the parcel towards her, and Emma read the words Most precious treasures on the top. Her curiosity was greatly excited. Harriet unfolded the parcel, and she looked on with impatience. Within abundance of silver paper was a pretty little Tunbridge-ware box, which Harriet opened: it was well lined with the softest cotton; but, excepting the cotton, Emma saw only a small piece of court-plaister. "Now," said Harriet, "you must recollect." "No, indeed I do not." "Dear me! I should not have thought it possible you could forget what passed in this very room about court-plaister, one of the very last times we ever met in it!-It was but a very few days before I had my sore throat--just before Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley came-- I think the very evening.--Do not you remember his cutting his finger with your new penknife, and your recommending court-plaister?-- But, as you had none about you, and knew I had, you desired me to supply him; and so I took mine out and cut him a piece; but it was a great deal too large, and he cut it smaller, and kept playing some time with what was left, before he gave it back to me. And so then, in my nonsense, I could not help making a treasure of it-- so I put it by never to be used, and looked at it now and then as a great treat." "My dearest Harriet!" cried Emma, putting her hand before her face, and jumping up, "you make me more ashamed of myself than I can bear. Remember it? Aye, I remember it all now; all, except your saving this relic--I knew nothing of that till this moment--but the cutting the finger, and my recommending court-plaister, and saying I had none about me!--Oh! my sins, my sins!--And I had plenty all the while in my pocket!--One of my senseless tricks!--I deserve to be under a continual blush all the rest of my life.--Well--(sitting down again)-- go on--what else?" "And had you really some at hand yourself? I am sure I never suspected it, you did it so naturally." "And so you actually put this piece of court-plaister by for his sake!" said Emma, recovering from her state of shame and feeling divided between wonder and amusement. And secretly she added to herself, "Lord bless me! when should I ever have thought of putting by in cotton a piece of court-plaister that Frank Churchill had been pulling about! I never was equal to this." "Here," resumed Harriet, turning to her box again, "here is something still more valuable, I mean that has been more valuable, because this is what did really once belong to him, which the court-plaister never did." Emma was quite eager to see this superior treasure. It was the end of an old pencil,--the part without any lead. "This was really his," said Harriet.--"Do not you remember one morning?--no, I dare say you do not. But one morning--I forget exactly the day--but perhaps it was the

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amintii. Dar, ntr-o diminea nu-mi aduc aminte exact ziua, dar poate s fi fost mari sau miercuri, nainte de seara aceea, voia s-i noteze ceva n agend despre berea de molid. Domnul Knightley i spunea cum se face berea de molid i voia s-i noteze, dar cnd i-a scos creionul, a vzut c era aa de mic, nct atunci cnd l-a ascuit n-a mai rmas nimic i nu putea s scrie. Dumneavoastr i-ai dat alt creion i sta a rmas pe mas, fiindc nu era bun de nimic. Dar eu nu l-am scpat din ochi i, de ndat ce am putut l-am luat i nu m-am mai desprit de el de atunci. Mi-amintesc, cum s nu-mi amintesc. Mi-aduc perfect de bine aminte. Vorbeam despre berea de molid. Ah, da, i domnul Knightley i cu mine am spus amndoi c ne place i domnul Elton s-a hotrt s-i plac i lui. Miaduc aminte perfect. Stai, domnul Knightley sttea chiar aici, nu ? Mi se pare c sttea chiar aici. Ah, nu tiu, nu-mi aduc aminte. E foarte ciudat, dar nu-mi mai aduc aminte. Domnul Elton sttea aici, asta tiu, foarte aproape de unde stau eu acum. Ei, continu ! Ah, asta e tot. Nu mai am nimic s v art, sau s v spun, numai c acum le arunc pe amndou pe foc i vreau s fii martor. Biata mea Harriet, i chiar ai fost fericit s pstrezi lucrurile astea ca pe nite comori ? Da, proasta de mine ! Dar mi-e foarte ruine acum, i a vrea s uit tot de ndat ce vor arde. Foarte ru din partea mea c am pstrat aceste suveniruri i dup ce s-a cstorit. tiam c e ru, dar nu m puteam hotr s m despart de ele. Dar, Harriet, e nevoie s ardem leucoplastul ? N-am nimic mpotriv s ardem captul de creion, dar leucoplastul ne mai poate folosi. Voi fi mai fericit s-l ard, rspunse Harriet. Nu-mi place s-l mai vd n ochi. Trebuie s m scap de toate. Il arunc n foc i scap, Doamne ajut, de domnul Elton ! Si cnd, gndi Emma, ai s ncepi s te gndeti la domnul Churchill ? Curnd dup aceea, avu motive s cread c nceputul fusese deja fcut i nu putea dect s spere c iganca aceea, dei nu-i ghicise n palm, contribuise totui la soarta Harrietei. La dou sptmni dup sperietur, lucrurile se lmurir ns complet, n modul cel mai neateptat. Emma nici nu se mai gndea la asta acum, ceea ce fcea ca tirea pe care o afla s fie cu att mai preioas. Spuse n cursul unei discuii oarecare: Ei bine, Harriet, cnd te vei mrita, te sftuiesc s faci aa i aa... i nu se mai gndi la asta pn cnd. dup ce tcuse cteva clipe, Harriet zise, pe un ton foarte serios: Nu m mrit niciodat ! Emma se uit la ea i vzu imediat despre ce era vorba i, dup ce se gndi un minut dac s treac totul cu vederea sau nu,, rspunse: S nu te mrii niciodat ? Asta e o hotrre nou !

Tuesday or Wednesday before that evening, he wanted to make a memorandum in his pocket-book; it was about spruce-beer. Mr. Knightley had been telling him something about brewing spruce-beer, and he wanted to put it down; but when he took out his pencil, there was so little lead that he soon cut it all away, and it would not do, so you lent him another, and this was left upon the table as good for nothing. But I kept my eye on it; and, as soon as I dared, caught it up, and never parted with it again from that moment." "I do remember it," cried Emma; "I perfectly remember it.-Talking about spruce-beer.--Oh! yes--Mr. Knightley and I both saying we liked it, and Mr. Elton's seeming resolved to learn to like it too. I perfectly remember it.--Stop; Mr. Knightley was standing just here, was not he? I have an idea he was standing just here." "Ah! I do not know. I cannot recollect.--It is very odd, but I cannot recollect.--Mr. Elton was sitting here, I remember, much about where I am now."-"Well, go on." "Oh! that's all. I have nothing more to shew you, or to say-except that I am now going to throw them both behind the fire, and I wish you to see me do it." "My poor dear Harriet! and have you actually found happiness in treasuring up these things?" "Yes, simpleton as I was!--but I am quite ashamed of it now, and wish I could forget as easily as I can burn them. It was very wrong of me, you know, to keep any remembrances, after he was married. I knew it was--but had not resolution enough to part with them." "But, Harriet, is it necessary to burn the court-plaister?--I have not a word to say for the bit of old pencil, but the court-plaister might be useful." "I shall be happier to burn it," replied Harriet. "It has a disagreeable look to me. I must get rid of every thing.-There it goes, and there is an end, thank Heaven! of Mr. Elton." "And when," thought Emma, "will there be a beginning of Mr. Churchill?" She had soon afterwards reason to believe that the beginning was already made, and could not but hope that the gipsy, though she had told no fortune, might be proved to have made Harriet's.--About a fortnight after the alarm, they came to a sufficient explanation, and quite undesignedly. Emma was not thinking of it at the moment, which made the information she received more valuable. She merely said, in the course of some trivial chat, "Well, Harriet, whenever you marry I would advise you to do so and so"--and thought no more of it, till after a minute's silence she heard Harriet say in a very serious tone, "I shall never marry." Emma then looked up, and immediately saw how it was; and after a moment's debate, as to whether it should pass unnoticed or not, replied, "Never marry!--This is a new resolution."

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 Totui, nu mi-o voi schimba niciodat. i dup o scurt ovire: Sper c nu pentru a-i face un compliment domnului Elton ! Domnul Elton, asta-i bun, strig Harriet indignat. Alt nu... i Emma abia putu s prind cuvintele: Att de superior domnului Elton". Apoi se gndi ceva mai mult vreme. S mearg mai departe ? S lase totul s treac i s se prefac a nu fi neles nimic ? Poate Harriet o s cread c e rece sau suprat sau, poate, dac nu zice nimic, o va face pe Harriet s-i spun mai multe dect voia s aud i ea era ferm hotrt s nu mai tolereze o intimitate aa de mare, s nu mai ntreasc toate speranele i ateptrile. Gsea c e mai bine pentru ea s spun i s afle imediat ceea ce voia s spun i s afle. Cel mai bine era fr complicaii. Hotrse dinainte pn unde s mearg ntr-o asemenea problem. i, spre binele amndurora, era de dorit ca ea s-i impun punctul de vedere superior. Era hotrt i vorbi astfel: Harriet, n-o s m prefac acum c nu tiu ce vrei s spui. Hotrrea, sau mai degrab, ideea ta c nu te vei mrita niciodat rezult din prerea c omul pe care l preferi este superior ie ca situaie pentru a se gndi la tine. Nu e aa ? Oh, drag domnioar Woodhouse, n-a avea ndrzneala s cred aa ceva. Dar e o plcere s-l admir de la distan i s m gndesc la superioritatea lui infinit fa de tot restul lumii, cu recunotina, ncntarea i veneraia care i se cuvin, din partea mea mai ales. Nu m surprinde deloc, drag Harriet, serviciul pe care i l-a fcut e de-ajuns s-i aprind inima ! Serviciul, ah, da, a fost ceva care m face s-i fiu nespus de ndatorat. Numai cnd mi amintesc, i tot ce am simit atunci, cnd l-am vzut venind, ce nobil arta i ce nenorocit fusesem ! O asemenea schimbare ntr-o singur clip ! De la nenorocire, la cea mai nalt fericire. E foarte firesc, e firesc i deloc ruinos. Da, deloc nu e ruinos, cred, s alegi att de bine din recunotin. Dar mai mult dect faptul c e o alegere bun, nu pot s-i garantez. Nu te sftuiesc s te lai copleit, Harriet. Nu pot deloc s jur c i se va rspunde. Poate c cel mai bine e s-i controlezi sentimentele, ct timp este posibil. n orice caz, nu te lsa trt de ele, dac nu eti convins c te place i el. Observ-l cu atenie. F ca purtarea lui s ndrume sentimentele tale. Te previn acum, pentru c nu vom mai vorbi despre asta. Sunt hotrt s nu m amestec deloc. De acum nainte nu mai tiu nimic despre problema asta. S nu pronunm nici un nume. Am greit foarte ru, acum s fim prudente, i este superior, fr ndoial, i exist multe obieciuni i piedici serioase, totui, Harriet, s-au ntmplat lucruri i mai uimitoare, cstorii i mai puin potrivite. Dar ai grij de tine ! Nu vreau s te nfierbni prea tare, fii sigur

"It is one that I shall never change, however." After another short hesitation, "I hope it does not proceed from-- I hope it is not in compliment to Mr. Elton?" "Mr. Elton indeed!" cried Harriet indignantly.--"Oh! no"--and Emma could just catch the words, "so superior to Mr. Elton!" She then took a longer time for consideration. Should she proceed no farther?--should she let it pass, and seem to suspect nothing?-- Perhaps Harriet might think her cold or angry if she did; or perhaps if she were totally silent, it might only drive Harriet into asking her to hear too much; and against any thing like such an unreserve as had been, such an open and frequent discussion of hopes and chances, she was perfectly resolved.-- She believed it would be wiser for her to say and know at once, all that she meant to say and know. Plain dealing was always best. She had previously determined how far she would proceed, on any application of the sort; and it would be safer for both, to have the judicious law of her own brain laid down with speed.-She was decided, and thus spoke-"Harriet, I will not affect to be in doubt of your meaning. Your resolution, or rather your expectation of never marrying, results from an idea that the person whom you might prefer, would be too greatly your superior in situation to think of you. Is not it so?" "Oh! Miss Woodhouse, believe me I have not the presumption to suppose-- Indeed I am not so mad.--But it is a pleasure to me to admire him at a distance--and to think of his infinite superiority to all the rest of the world, with the gratitude, wonder, and veneration, which are so proper, in me especially." "I am not at all surprized at you, Harriet. The service he rendered you was enough to warm your heart." "Service! oh! it was such an inexpressible obligation!-- The very recollection of it, and all that I felt at the time-- when I saw him coming--his noble look--and my wretchedness before. Such a change! In one moment such a change! From perfect misery to perfect happiness!" "It is very natural. It is natural, and it is honourable.-- Yes, honourable, I think, to chuse so well and so gratefully.-- But that it will be a fortunate preference is more that I can promise. I do not advise you to give way to it, Harriet. I do not by any means engage for its being returned. Consider what you are about. Perhaps it will be wisest in you to check your feelings while you can: at any rate do not let them carry you far, unless you are persuaded of his liking you. Be observant of him. Let his behaviour be the guide of your sensations. I give you this caution now, because I shall never speak to you again on the subject. I am determined against all interference. Henceforward I know nothing of the matter. Let no name ever pass our lips. We were very wrong before; we will be cautious now.--He is your superior, no doubt, and there do seem objections and obstacles of a very serious nature; but yet, Harriet, more

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c dac i-ai ridicat ochii spre el e o dovad c ai gust, ceea ce eu voi preui ntotdeauna.

Harriet i srut mna cu recunotin, mut i supus. Emma era foarte hotrt s gseasc o asemenea dragoste foarte potrivit pentru prietena ei. Tendina va fi spre nlime i rafinament i o va salva de primejdia de a se njosi. n aceasta stare febrila, cnd se fceau planuri, se nteau sperane i se puneau la cale diverse lucruri, luna iunie sosi la Hartfield. La Highbury nu se petrecu nici o schimbare substanial. n familia Elton se mai vorbea nc despre vizita familiei Sucking i de modul n care landoul va fi folosit i Jane Fairfax era tot la bunica ei. i, cum ntoarcerea familiei Campbell din Irlanda fusese amnat din nou, pentru august, n loc de iulie cum se fixase nainte, era probabil c ea va rmne aici nc dou luni ncheiate, dac, desigur, va fi n stare s triumfe asupra bunvoinei doamnei Elton i s se salveze de la a cpta prea repede un post extraordinar pe care nu i-l dorea. Domnul Knightley, cruia, din motive numai de el cunoscute, nu-i plcuse dintru nceput Frank Churchill, ajunsese s-l dezagreeze i mai mult. ncepu s bnuiasc o neltorie n curtea pe care acesta i-o fcea Emmei. Prea, fr putin de ndoial, c scopul lui era s-o cucereasc pe Emma. Totul dovedea asta: atenia pe care i-o acorda, aluziile pe care le fcea tatl su, tcerea prudent pe care o pstra mama lui adoptiv, totul era la unison, vorbele, purtarea, discreia i indiscreia, toate spuneau acelai lucru. Dar, n timp ce atia l dedicau Emmei i Emma l dona cu generozitate Harrietei, domnul Knightley ncepu S-l bnuiasc de o pornire cam jucu ctre Jane Fairfax. Nu putea pricepe, dar ntre ei prea s existe o nelegere aa i se prea lui cel puin , prea c o admir foarte mult. De cnd observase asta, l urmrea gndul c toate trebuie s aib o legtur, dei ar fi dorit s nu cad n pcatul imaginaiei fr limite a Emmei. Ea nu era de fa cnd i se trezi bnuiala. Cina mpreun cu familia de la Randalls i cu Jane la familia Elton i observase o privire, i nu numai una, ctre domnioara Fairfax, care, din partea unui admirator al domnioarei Woodhouse, era cu totul deplasat. Cnd se afla din nou n tovria lor, nu putu s nu-i aminteasc ceea ce vzuse. De asemenea, nu putea evita nite observaii care, dac lucrurile nu se petreceau ca n versul lui Cowper despre focul din pragul serii: Cnd ochiul meu crease ce vedeam, i ntreau bnuiala c e vorba de o simpatie reciproc, chiar de o nelegere ntre Frank Churchill i Jane. Intr-o sear, dup cin, venise la Hartfield, ca de obicei. Emma i Harriet plecau la plimbare i se oferi s le

wonderful things have taken place, there have been matches of greater disparity. But take care of yourself. I would not have you too sanguine; though, however it may end, be assured your raising your thoughts to him, is a mark of good taste which I shall always know how to value." Harriet kissed her hand in silent and submissive gratitude. Emma was very decided in thinking such an attachment no bad thing for her friend. Its tendency would be to raise and refine her mind-- and it must be saving her from the danger of degradation. In this state of schemes, and hopes, and connivance, June opened upon Hartfield. To Highbury in general it brought no material change. The Eltons were still talking of a visit from the Sucklings, and of the use to be made of their barouche-landau; and Jane Fairfax was still at her grandmother's; and as the return of the Campbells from Ireland was again delayed, and August, instead of Midsummer, fixed for it, she was likely to remain there full two months longer, provided at least she were able to defeat Mrs. Elton's activity in her service, and save herself from being hurried into a delightful situation against her will. Mr. Knightley, who, for some reason best known to himself, had certainly taken an early dislike to Frank Churchill, was only growing to dislike him more. He began to suspect him of some double dealing in his pursuit of Emma. That Emma was his object appeared indisputable. Every thing declared it; his own attentions, his father's hints, his mother-in-law's guarded silence; it was all in unison; words, conduct, discretion, and indiscretion, told the same story. But while so many were devoting him to Emma, and Emma herself making him over to Harriet, Mr. Knightley began to suspect him of some inclination to trifle with Jane Fairfax. He could not understand it; but there were symptoms of intelligence between them--he thought so at least-- symptoms of admiration on his side, which, having once observed, he could not persuade himself to think entirely void of meaning, however he might wish to escape any of Emma's errors of imagination. She was not present when the suspicion first arose. He was dining with the Randalls family, and Jane, at the Eltons'; and he had seen a look, more than a single look, at Miss Fairfax, which, from the admirer of Miss Woodhouse, seemed somewhat out of place. When he was again in their company, he could not help remembering what he had seen; nor could he avoid observations which, unless it were like Cowper and his fire at twilight, "Myself creating what I saw," brought him yet stronger suspicion of there being a something of private liking, of private understanding even, between Frank Churchill and Jane. He had walked up one day after dinner, as he very often did, to spend his evening at Hartfield. Emma and

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nsoeasc. La ntoarcere se ntlnir cu un alt grup, care, ca i ei, gsise c e mai bine s fac plimbarea mai devreme, cci sttea s plou. Erau doamna i domnul Weston, cu fiul lor, i domnioara Bates cu nepoata ei, care se ntlniser din ntmplare. Pornir cu toii mpreun i, cnd ajunser n faa porii de la Harfield, Emma, care tia c acesta era exact felul de vizit care i-ar fi fcut plcere tatlui ei, insist ca toat lumea s intre i s ia ceaiul cu ei. Cei de la Randalls acceptar imediat i, dup un discurs foarte lung al domnioarei Bates, pe care puini l ascultar, gsi i ea c putea s accepte foarte generoasa invitaie a scumpei domnioare Woodhouse. Pe cnd intrau n curte, trecu domnul Perry, clare. Brbaii vorbir despre calul su. Apropo, zise Frank Churchill deodat, ctre doamna eston, ce-a fcut domnul Perry, i-a reparat trsura ? Doamna Weston arta foarte surprins i zise: Nu tiam c vrea s-i repare trsura ! Cum s nu, de la dumneavoastr tiu. Mi-ai scris despre asta acum trei luni. Eu ? Imposibil ! Zu mi-ai scris, mi-aduc perfect de bine aminte. Spuneai c va fi gata foarte curnd. Doamna Perry spusese asta nu tiu cui i era extrem de fericit. Ea era cea care l-a convins pentru c tia c-i face ru s ias pe vreme rea. Acum v amintii, nu ? Pe cuvntul meu, e prima dat cnd aud asta. Niciodat, chiar niciodat ? Doamne ! Cum se poate ! Atunci am visat probabil, dar eram perfect convins. Domnioar Smith, prei obosit, vei fi fericit c am ajuns. Ce mai e asta ? Despre ce-i vorba ? strig domnul Weston. ce-i cu Perry i cu trsura ? i repar Perry trsura, Frank ? Bine poate s-i permit ! El i-a spus, nu-i aa ? Nu, tat, rspunse fiul rznd. Se pare c nu mi-a spus nimeni. Foarte ciudat, eram convins c doamna Weston a menionat asta n una din scrisorile sale ctre Enscombe, cu multe sptmni n urm, cu toate amnuntele, dar dnsa spune c n-a auzit nimic despre asta, desigur, a fost un vis, sunt un mare vistor. Visez despre toat lumea din Highbury cnd sunt plecat i cnd termin cu prietenii mai apropiai trec la domnul i doamna Perry. E totui ciudat, zise tatl su, s visezi un vis att de coerent despre nite oameni la care probabil nu te gndeti foarte mult, cnd eti la Enscombe. Perry s-i repare trsura ! i nc, dup ce l-a convins soia, din grij pentru sntatea lui, exact cum se va ntmpla n realitate, fr ndoial, peste ctva timp. Ai visat numai ceva mai devreme. Ce adevrate sunt uneori visele i alteori sunt pline de absurditi. Ei, Frank, visul sta arat

Harriet were going to walk; he joined them; and, on returning, they fell in with a larger party, who, like themselves, judged it wisest to take their exercise early, as the weather threatened rain; Mr. and Mrs. Weston and their son, Miss Bates and her niece, who had accidentally met. They all united; and, on reaching Hartfield gates, Emma, who knew it was exactly the sort of visiting that would be welcome to her father, pressed them all to go in and drink tea with him. The Randalls party agreed to it immediately; and after a pretty long speech from Miss Bates, which few persons listened to, she also found it possible to accept dear Miss Woodhouse's most obliging invitation. As they were turning into the grounds, Mr. Perry passed by on horseback. The gentlemen spoke of his horse. "By the bye," said Frank Churchill to Mrs. Weston presently, "what became of Mr. Perry's plan of setting up his carriage?" Mrs. Weston looked surprized, and said, "I did not know that he ever had any such plan." "Nay, I had it from you. You wrote me word of it three months ago." "Me! impossible!" "Indeed you did. I remember it perfectly. You mentioned it as what was certainly to be very soon. Mrs. Perry had told somebody, and was extremely happy about it. It was owing to her persuasion, as she thought his being out in bad weather did him a great deal of harm. You must remember it now?" "Upon my word I never heard of it till this moment." "Never! really, never!--Bless me! how could it be?--Then I must have dreamt it--but I was completely persuaded--Miss Smith, you walk as if you were tired. You will not be sorry to find yourself at home." "What is this?--What is this?" cried Mr. Weston, "about Perry and a carriage? Is Perry going to set up his carriage, Frank? I am glad he can afford it. You had it from himself, had you?" "No, sir," replied his son, laughing, "I seem to have had it from nobody.--Very odd!--I really was persuaded of Mrs. Weston's having mentioned it in one of her letters to Enscombe, many weeks ago, with all these particulars--but as she declares she never heard a syllable of it before, of course it must have been a dream. I am a great dreamer. I dream of every body at Highbury when I am away-- and when I have gone through my particular friends, then I begin dreaming of Mr. and Mrs. Perry." "It is odd though," observed his father, "that you should have had such a regular connected dream about people whom it was not very likely you should be thinking of at Enscombe. Perry's setting up his carriage! and his wife's persuading him to it, out of care for his health- just what will happen, I have no doubt, some time or other; only a little premature. What an air of probability sometimes runs through a dream! And at

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c te gndeti mult la Highbury cnd eti plecat ! Emma, i tu visezi mult, cred.

Emma nu auzea. Se grbise s ajung naintea musafirilor ca s-i anune tatlui ei venirea lor i nu putea fi ajuns din urm de aluziile domnului Weston. Ei, dar e adevrat, strig domnioara Bates, care ncerca n zadar s se fac auzit de dou minute, dac ar fi s vorbim de asta nu se poate nega c domnul Frank Churchill ar fi putut nu vreau s spun c n-a visat sunt sigur c uneori i eu visez lucrurile cele mai ciudate din lume, dar, dac e s spun, trebuie s v aduc la cunotin c domnul Perry a avut de gnd ast primvar, pentru c doamna Perry i-a pomenit despre asta mamei i tia i familia Cole, dar era secret, nimeni nu mai tia, i n-a inut dect trei zile. Doamna Perry voia foarte mult s aib i el trsur i a venit foarte bine dispus la mama ntr-o diminea, pentru c credea c a reuit s-l conving. Jane, nu-i aduci aminte cum mi-a spus bunica, de ndat ce am ajuns acas ? Nu mai tiu unde fusesem, ah, mi se pare c la Randalls. Doamna Perry a inut ntotdeauna foarte mult la mama i, zu, nu tiu cine nu ine la dnsa, i i-a spus aa, n secret, desigur, n-avea nimic mpotriv s ne spun i nou, dar s nu ajung mai departe, i de-atunci pn azi n-am pomenit nimnui, din cte tiu. Dar, Dumnezeu tie, nu pot s bag mna n foc c n-am fcut vreo aluzie, pentru c pe mine m cam ia gura pe dinainte. Vorbesc cam mult, de felul meu, cam mult, zu aa, i, din cnd n cnd, mi mai scap cte un lucru care n-ar trebui. Eu nu sunt ca Jane, a vrea s pot fi i eu aa. Sunt sigur c ea n-ar spune nimnui un lucru, orict de mrunt, dar unde e ? Oh, n spate. Mi-aduc aminte perfect cum a venit doamna Perry, extraordinar vis, zu. Tocmai intrau n hol. Ochii domnului Knightley o luaser naintea domnioarei Bates, n direcia Janei. De la faa lui Frank Churchill, pe care se citea o ncurctur mascat de un rs nbuit, i ntorsese involuntar spre ea, dar ea rmsese ntr-adevr mult n urm i era ocupat cu alul. Domnul Weston intrase. Ceilali doi domni ateptau n cadrul uii, s-o lase s treac. Domnul Knightley simea c Frank Churchill era hotrt s-i prind privirea Janei, se uita fix la ea, dar n zadar. Jane trecu printre ei i intr n hol fr a le arunca nici o privire. Nu mai era timp pentru o alt remarc sau explicaie. Visul trebuia luat drept bun i domnul Knightley trebuia s-i ia locul mpreun cu ceilali n jurul mesei mari, rotunde, dup ultima mod, pe care Emma o introdusese la Hartfield i pe care nimeni, n afar de Emma, n-ar fi avut fora s-o aeze acolo i s-l conving pe tatl ei s-o foloseasc n locul micii mese Pembroke, pe care timp de

others, what a heap of absurdities it is! Well, Frank, your dream certainly shews that Highbury is in your thoughts when you are absent. Emma, you are a great dreamer, I think?" Emma was out of hearing. She had hurried on before her guests to prepare her father for their appearance, and was beyond the reach of Mr. Weston's hint. "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. Mrs. Perry was very anxious that he should have a carriage, and came to my mother in great spirits one morning because she thought she had prevailed. Jane, don't you remember grandmama's telling us of it when we got home? I forget where we had been walking to-- very likely to Randalls; yes, I think it was to Randalls. Mrs. Perry was always particularly fond of my mother--indeed I do not know who is not--and she had mentioned it to her in confidence; she had no objection to her telling us, of course, but it was not to go beyond: and, from that day to this, I never mentioned it to a soul that I know of. At the same time, I will not positively answer for my having never dropt a hint, because I know I do sometimes pop out a thing before I am aware. I am a talker, you know; I am rather a talker; and now and then I have let a thing escape me which I should not. I am not like Jane; I wish I were. I will answer for it she never betrayed the least thing in the world. Where is she?--Oh! just behind. Perfectly remember Mrs. Perry's coming.-Extraordinary dream, indeed!" They were entering the hall. Mr. Knightley's eyes had preceded Miss Bates's in a glance at Jane. From Frank Churchill's face, where he thought he saw confusion suppressed or laughed away, he had involuntarily turned to hers; but she was indeed behind, and too busy with her shawl. Mr. Weston had walked in. The two other gentlemen waited at the door to let her pass. Mr. Knightley suspected in Frank Churchill the determination of catching her eye-- he seemed watching her intently--in vain, however, if it were so-- Jane passed between them into the hall, and looked at neither. There was no time for farther remark or explanation. The dream must be borne with, and Mr. Knightley must take his seat with the rest round the large modern circular table which Emma had introduced at Hartfield, and which none but Emma could have had power to place there and persuade her father to use, instead of the small-sized Pembroke, on which two of his daily meals had,

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patruzeci de ani se nghesuise zilnic la dejun. Se servi ceaiul, spre plcerea tuturor. Nimeni nu prea grbit s plece. Domnioar Woodhouse, zise Frank Churchill, dup ce cercetase o msu din spatele lui, pe care o putea atinge cu mna, nepoeii dumitale i-au strns alfabetele, cutia cu litere ? Parc acolo era de obicei ? Unde e ? Seara asta e aa de plicticoas, parc ar fi iarn, nu var. Ne-am distrat foarte bine cu literele ntr-o diminea. A vrea s ne mai jucm. Emmei i fcu plcere ideea i dup ce aduse cutia cu litere, umplur masa cu ele, dei nimeni nu prea dispus s le foloseasc, n afar de ei doi. Formau cuvinte cu o mare repeziciune pentru ei i pentru oricine dorea o ghicitoare. Jocul era deosebit de plcut pentru domnul Woodhouse, fiind foarte linitit. Deseori avusese prilejul s fie foarte nenorocit cnd domnul Weston introducea jocuri mai zgomotoase, dar acum era ocupat s se lamenteze cu melancolie de plecarea celor doi biei bieei" sau s sublinieze drgstos, lund cte o liter la ntmplare n mn, ce frumos a desenat-o Emma.

Frank Churchill puse un cuvnt n faa domnioarei Fairfax. Ea se uit puin n jur i ncepu s se ocupe de el. Frank era lng Emma, Jane n partea opus, i domnul Knightley aezat astfel nct putea s-i vad pe toi. Scopul lui era s vad ct mai mult cu putin, fr s aib aerul c st la pnd. Cuvntul fu descifrat i. cu un zmbet abia zrit, dat la o parte. Dac dorea s-l amestece imediat cu celelalte i s-l ascund privirilor, ar fi trebuit s se uite pe mas i nu n faa ei, pentru c l lsase aa cum era, i Harriet, dornic s prind orice cuvnt nou i negsind unul, l lu imediat i se puse pe lucru. Sttea lng domnul Knightley i se ntoarse spre el dup ajutor. Cuvntul era gaf i cnd Harriet l strig triumftoare, obrazul Janei se roi, ceea ce ddea semnificaie cuvntului, astfel complet inocent. Domnul Knightley fcu legtura cu visul, dar cum se putea una ca asta, el nu nelegea i pace. Cum de delicateea i discreia favoritei sale fuseser att de adormite ! i era team c e vorba de o relaie deja stabilit. Viclenia i jocul dublu i se preau tot mai evidente. Literele nu erau dect purttorii curtoaziei i minciunii. Era un joc de copii special ales pentru a putea ascunde jocul mai serios al lui Frank Churchill. Plin de indignare, continu s-l observe. Alarmat i bnuitor, le observa i pe cele dou fete orbite. Vzu un cuvnt scurt pregtit pentru Emma i oferit cu o privire ascuns i grav. Vzu c Emma l descifreaz repede i l gsete foarte distractiv, dei era ceva pe care ea socoti c trebuie s-l dezaprobe, pentru c zise: Prostii, s-i fie ruine! Apoi l auzi pe Frank Churchill spunnd, cu ochii spre

for forty years been crowded. Tea passed pleasantly, and nobody seemed in a hurry to move. 180 "Miss Woodhouse," said Frank Churchill, after examining a table behind him, which he could reach as he sat, "have your nephews taken away their alphabets--their box of letters? It used to stand here. Where is it? This is a sort of dull-looking evening, that ought to be treated rather as winter than summer. We had great amusement with those letters one morning. I want to puzzle you again." Emma was pleased with the thought; and producing the box, the table was quickly scattered over with alphabets, which no one seemed so much disposed to employ as their two selves. They were rapidly forming words for each other, or for any body else who would be puzzled. The quietness of the game made it particularly eligible for Mr. Woodhouse, who had often been distressed by the more animated sort, which Mr. Weston had occasionally introduced, and who now sat happily occupied in lamenting, with tender melancholy, over the departure of the "poor little boys," or in fondly pointing out, as he took up any stray letter near him, how beautifully Emma had written it. Frank Churchill placed a word before Miss Fairfax. She gave a slight glance round the table, and applied herself to it. Frank was next to Emma, Jane opposite to them--and Mr. Knightley so placed as to see them all; and it was his object to see as much as he could, with as little apparent observation. The word was discovered, and with a faint smile pushed away. If meant to be immediately mixed with the others, and buried from sight, she should have looked on the table instead of looking just across, for it was not mixed; and Harriet, eager after every fresh word, and finding out none, directly took it up, and fell to work. She was sitting by Mr. Knightley, and turned to him for help. The word was blunder; and as Harriet exultingly proclaimed it, there was a blush on Jane's cheek which gave it a meaning not otherwise ostensible. Mr. Knightley connected it with the dream; but how it could all be, was beyond his comprehension. How the delicacy, the discretion of his favourite could have been so lain asleep! He feared there must be some decided involvement. Disingenuousness and double dealing seemed to meet him at every turn. These letters were but the vehicle for gallantry and trick. It was a child's play, chosen to conceal a deeper game on Frank Churchill's part. With great indignation did he continue to observe him; with great alarm and distrust, to observe also his two blinded companions. He saw a short word prepared for Emma, and given to her with a look sly and demure. He saw that Emma had soon made it out, and found it highly entertaining, though it was something which she judged it proper to appear to censure; for she said, "Nonsense! for shame!" He heard Frank Churchill next say, with a glance towards Jane, "I will give it to her--shall I?"--

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Jane. I-l dau ei, s i-l dau ? i, la fel de clar, o auzi pe Emma mpotrivindu-se cu aprindere i rznd: Nu, nu, nu trebuie zu, nu face asta ! O fcu totui. Acest tnr elegant, care prea s iubeasc fr sentiment i s se recomande celorlali fr umbr de ruine, nmn imediat cuvntul domnioarei Fairfax i cu o politee deosebit de calm o invit imediat s-l studieze. Din curiozitate excesiv s tie ce cuvnt poate fi acela, domnul Knightley cuta s prind orice moment s-i arunce ochii ntr-acolo i, n curnd, reui s descifreze cuvntul Dixon. Jane Fairfax pru s-l descifreze n acelai timp i era evident c ea nelegea mai bine sensul ascuns, nedeclarat al celor cinci litere astfel aranjate. Era evident c nu-i fcea plcere, se uit n sus i, vznd c e urmrit, roi mai tare dect o vzuse el vreodat roind i zise numai: Nu tiam c sunt permise i numele proprii. Apoi, mpinse literele la o parte, artnd furioas chiar i decis s nu mai studieze nici un cuvnt care i se oferea. i ntoarse faa de la cei care o atacaser i se uit spre mtua ei. A, foarte adevrat, draga mea, strig aceasta, dei Jane nu spusese nimic. Tocmai asta voiam s spun i eu. E timpul s plecm, zu. S-a nserat de tot i probabil c bunica ne caut. Domnule, suntei prea bun, dar trebuie, zu, s v spunem noapte bun ! Vioiciunea Janei cnd porni arta c era gata de plecare aa cum i nchipuise mtua ei. Se scul imediat i vru s plece de la mas, dar se micar n acelai timp mai multe persoane i nu putu iei imediat; i domnul Knightley avu impresia c vede nc un grup de litere mpinse cu repeziciune ctre ea i pe ea mpingndu-le decis napoi fr s le cerceteze. Apoi ncepu s-i caute alul i Frank Churchill l cuta i el. Se ntuneca i n camer era uit lume i ncurctur i domnul Knightley nu-i putea da seama n ce fel s-au desprit. Rmase la Hartfield dup ce plec toat lumea, gndindu-se mereu la ceea ce vzuse. Era att de preocupat, nct, atunci cnd lumnrile se aprinser i putea s vad mai bine, decise c trebuie, neaprat, ca prieten, ca prieten ngrijorat de soarta ei, s-i atrag atenia Emmei, s-o ntrebe ceva. Nu putea s-o vad astfel primejduit fr s ncerce s o salveze. Era de datoria lui. mi dai voie, Emma, pot s te ntreb zise el, ce era att de amuzant, ce neptur coninea ultimul cuvnt pe care l-ai descifrat tu i domnioara Fairfax ? Am vzut cuvntul i sunt extrem de curios s aflu ce poate s o distreze aa de mult pe una i s-o amrasc pe cealalt. Emma era teribil de ncurcat. Nu putea s-i dea explicaia cea adevrat, pentru c, dei bnuielile ei nu fuseser deloc risipite, i era ruine c le mprtise cuiva. Ah, strig ea, vdit stnjenit, nu nseamn nimic, e aa o glum ntre noi.

and as clearly heard Emma opposing it with eager laughing warmth. "No, no, you must not; you shall not, indeed." It was done however. This gallant young man, who seemed to love without feeling, and to recommend himself without complaisance, directly handed over the word to Miss Fairfax, and with a particular degree of sedate civility entreated her to study it. Mr. Knightley's excessive curiosity to know what this word might be, made him seize every possible moment for darting his eye towards it, and it was not long before he saw it to be Dixon. Jane Fairfax's perception seemed to accompany his; her comprehension was certainly more equal to the covert meaning, the superior intelligence, of those five letters so arranged. She was evidently displeased; looked up, and seeing herself watched, blushed more deeply than he had ever perceived her, and saying only, "I did not know that proper names were allowed," pushed away the letters with even an angry spirit, and looked resolved to be engaged by no other word that could be offered. Her face was averted from those who had made the attack, and turned towards her aunt. "Aye, very true, my dear," cried the latter, though Jane had not spoken a word--"I was just going to say the same thing. It is time for us to be going indeed. The evening is closing in, and grandmama will be looking for us. My dear sir, you are too obliging. We really must wish you good night." Jane's alertness in moving, proved her as ready as her aunt had preconceived. She was immediately up, and wanting to quit the table; but so many were also moving, that she could not get away; and Mr. Knightley thought he saw another collection of letters anxiously pushed towards her, and resolutely swept away by her unexamined. She was afterwards looking for her shawl-Frank Churchill was looking also--it was growing dusk, and the room was in confusion; and how they parted, Mr. Knightley could not tell. He remained at Hartfield after all the rest, his thoughts full of what he had seen; so full, that when the candles came to assist his observations, he must--yes, he certainly must, as a friend-- an anxious friend--give Emma some hint, ask her some question. He could not see her in a situation of such danger, without trying to preserve her. It was his duty. "Pray, Emma," said he, "may I ask in what lay the great amusement, the poignant sting of the last word given to you and Miss Fairfax? I saw the word, and am curious to know how it could be so very entertaining to the one, and so very distressing to the other." Emma was extremely confused. She could not endure to give him the true explanation; for though her suspicions were by no means removed, she was really ashamed of having ever imparted them. "Oh!" she cried in evident embarrassment, "it all meant nothing; a mere joke among ourselves."

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 Glum mi se pare c e numai pentru tine i domnul Churchill. Sperase c ea va mai vorbi. Dar nu. Tcea. Gsi repede ceva de fcut ca s nu fie nevoit s mai zic ceva. El ncepu s se ndoiasc. O mulime de lucruri rele i treceau prin minte. Se amestecase fr nici un rost. ncurctura Emmei i recunoaterea infidelitii prea s fie dovada c e vorba de o afeciune. Totui, va vorbi. i datora riscul de a se amesteca nepoftit, inea mai mult la binele ei. Era mai bine s nfrunte orice dect s-i aminteasc mai trziu c a fost nepstor ntr-o asemenea situaie. Draga mea Emma, zise el n cele din urm, cu cea mai sincer blndee, ai impresia c ai neles perfect n msura n care domnul i domnioara despre care vorbesc se cunosc ? Domnul Frank Churchill i domnioara Fairfax ? O, da, perfect, de ce te ndoieti ? Nu i s-a prut niciodat c el o admir pe ea sau c ea l admir pe el ? Niciodat, niciodat, ip ea cu aprindere. Niciodat, nici o clip nu mi-a venit o asemenea idee. Dar cum de-i trece prin cap dumitale aa ceva ? n ultima vreme mi s-a prut c vd semnele unei iubiri intre ei, priviri care spun multe i care nu-s pentru alii. Ah, m amuzi foarte mult. Sunt ncntat c ai hotrt s-i lai imaginaia s colinde n voie, dar nu prea merge. mi pare ru c trebuie s-i frnez primul avnt, dar, zu, nu merge ! Nu se admir deloc i, te asigur, aparenele care te-au nelat pe dumneata s-au produs din cauza unor mprejurri speciale, din nite sentimente de cu totul alt natur, e imposibil de explicat exact, e vorba de mai multe prostii, dar ceea ce pot s-i spun, ceea ce nu e o prostie, e c sunt ct se poate de departe de a se plcea sau iubi unul pe cellalt. Adic, din partea ei presupun, dar din partea lui sunt sigur. Rspund de indiferena lui.

Vorbea cu atta ncredere nct zdruncin convingerea domnului Knightley i cu atta satisfacie nct l fcu s tac. Era foarte vesel i ar fi prelungit conversaia dorind s afle amnuntele bnuielilor lui, s aud descrierea fiecrei priviri i unde i cum se petrecuser toate, ceea ce o distra enorm. Dar el nu era la fel de vesel. i ddea seama c nu-i poate fi de folos.i sentimentele lui erau profund rnite, ca s mai vorbeasc. i, ca s nu se nfurie i mai tare, din cauza focului, care, datorit obiceiurilor prudente ale domnului Woodhouse, ardea n fiecare sear indiferent de anotimp, plec n grab i se duse acas, n rcoarea i singurtatea de la Donwell Abbey. CAPITOLUL XLII

"The joke," he replied gravely, "seemed confined to you and Mr. Churchill." He had hoped she would speak again, but she did not. She would rather busy herself about any thing than speak. He sat a little while in doubt. A variety of evils crossed his mind. Interference-- fruitless interference. Emma's confusion, and the acknowledged intimacy, seemed to declare her affection engaged. Yet he would speak. He owed it to her, to risk any thing that might be involved in an unwelcome interference, rather than her welfare; to encounter any thing, rather than the remembrance of neglect in such a cause. "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? Oh! yes, perfectly.-- Why do you make a doubt of it?" "Have you never at any time had reason to think that he admired her, or that she admired him?" "Never, never!" she cried with a most open eagerness-"Never, for the twentieth part of a moment, did such an idea occur to me. And how could it possibly come into your head?" "I have lately imagined that I saw symptoms of attachment between them-- certain expressive looks, which I did not believe meant to be public." "Oh! you amuse me excessively. I am delighted to find that you can vouchsafe to let your imagination wander--but it will not do-- very sorry to check you in your first essay--but indeed it will not do. There is no admiration between them, I do assure you; and the appearances which have caught you, have arisen from some peculiar circumstances--feelings rather of a totally different nature-- it is impossible exactly to explain:--there is a good deal of nonsense in it--but the part which is capable of being communicated, which is sense, is, that they are as far from any attachment or admiration for one another, as any two beings in the world can be. That is, I presume it to be so on her side, and I can answer for its being so on his. I will answer for the gentleman's indifference." She spoke with a confidence which staggered, with a satisfaction which silenced, Mr. Knightley. She was in gay spirits, and would have prolonged the conversation, wanting to hear the particulars of his suspicions, every look described, and all the wheres and hows of a circumstance which highly entertained her: but his gaiety did not meet hers. He found he could not be useful, and his feelings were too much irritated for talking. That he might not be irritated into an absolute fever, by the fire which Mr. Woodhouse's tender habits required almost every evening throughout the year, he soon afterwards took a hasty leave, and walked home to the coolness and solitude of Donwell Abbey.

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dup ce se hrnise cu sperana c domnul i doamna Suckling vor veni n curnd n vizit, lumea din Highbury fu nevoit s ndure chinul de a afla c acetia nu puteau s vin n toamn. Deocamdat nici un atare transport de nouti nu venea s le sporeasc rezervele intelectuale. Schimbul zilnic de veti trebuia s se rezume la celelalte subiecte, care pentru un timp coexistaser cu venirea familei Suckling, cum erau: ultimele tiri despre doamna Churchill, a crei sntate prea s varieze de la o zi la alta, i situaia doamnei Weston, a crei fericire, se spera, va fi n curnd sporit de venirea pe lume a unui copil, ceea ce va produce o bucurie egal i vecinilor ei.

After being long fed with hopes of a speedy visit from Mr. and Mrs. Suckling, the Highbury world were obliged to endure the mortification of hearing that they could not possibly come till the autumn. No such importation of novelties could enrich their intellectual stores at present. 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. Doamna Elton era foarte dezamgit. Urma s amne Mrs. Elton was very much disappointed. It was the delay of a toat plcerea i toat parada. Prezentrile i great deal of pleasure and parade. Her recomandrile aveau s mai atepte i toate petrecerile introductions and recommendations must all wait, and every proiectate vor rmne doar n vorbe. Aa credea la projected party be still only talked of. So she nceput, dar, dup puin meditaie, cpt convingerea c thought at first;--but a little consideration convinced her nu avea de ce s amne chiar totul. De ce n-ar face o that every thing need not be put off. Why should not excursie la Box Hill, chiar dac n-au venit domnul i they explore to Box Hill though the Sucklings did not come? doamna Suckling? Puteau s-i duc i pe ei acolo n They could go there again with them in the toamn. Se stabili deci c vor merge la Box Hill. Toat autumn. It was settled that they should go to Box Hill. That lumea afl c va avea loc o asemenea excursie i unii there was to be such a party had been long chiar plnuir o alta asemntoare. Emma nu fusese generally known: it had even given the idea of another. niciodat la Box Hill, i ar fi vrut s vad ce gsea lumea Emma had never been to Box Hill; she wished to see att de atrgtor acolo. Czuse de acord cu domnul what every body found so well worth seeing, and she and Weston s porneasc ntr-o diminea devreme, cnd Mr. Weston had agreed to chuse some fine morning timpul va fi frumos, cu trsura, ntr-acolo. Urmau s fie and drive thither. Two or three more of the chosen only nsoii numai de civa dintre cei mai apropiai prieteni i were to be admitted to join them, and it was to be totul urma s se desfoare n linite, discret i distins, done in a quiet, unpretending, elegant way, infinitely ceea ce era infinit superior agitaiei i pregtirilor, parzii superior to the bustle and preparation, the regular eating pe care familia Elton sau Suckling ar fi fcut-o cu mncatul and drinking, and picnic parade of the Eltons and the i butura la iarb verde. Sucklings. Se neleseser foarte bine asupra acestui punct i nu This was so very well understood between them, that Emma mic fu mirarea Emmei, ca i neplcerea de altfel, s afle could not but feel some surprise, and a little de la domnul Weston c i propusese doamnei Elton ca, displeasure, on hearing from Mr. Weston that he had been deoarece cumnatul i sora ei nu puteau s vin, s proposing to Mrs. Elton, as her brother and sister uneasc cele dou grupuri i s mearg mpreun i, cum had failed her, that the two parties should unite, and go doamna Elton acceptase cu mult-bucurie, totul urma together; and that as Mrs. Elton had very readily s se petreac astfel, dac ea n-ar avea nimic de obiectat. acceded to it, so it was to be, if she had no objection. Now, i, cum obieciunea ei se rezuma la o foarte profund as her objection was nothing but her very great antipatie pentru doamna Elton, de care, probabil, domnul dislike of Mrs. Elton, of which Mr. Weston must already be Weston nu era strin, nu avea rost s o mai aduc n perfectly aware, it was not worth bringing discuie, nu ar fi putut-o face fr s aib aerul c-i forward again:--it could not be done without a reproof to reproeaz, ceea ce ar fi fcuto s sufere pe soia lui. i, him, which would be giving pain to his wife; and she astfel, se vzu nevoit s consimt la un aranjament pe found herself therefore obliged to consent to an care ar fi fcut totul s-l evite, un aranjament care o va arrangement which she would have done a great deal to expune, probabil, chiar la njosirea de a fi socotit din avoid; grupul doamnei Elton. Era rnit n toate sentimentele ei i an arrangement which would probably expose her even to the degradation of being said to be of Mrs. Elton's bunvoina supunerii ei aparente lsa n urm povara grea party! Every feeling was offended; and the forbearance of a mustrrilor ei secrete pentru amabilitatea greu de her outward submission left a heavy arrear due of controlat a firii domnului Weston. secret severity in her reflections on the unmanageable goodwill of Mr. Weston's temper. mi pare bine c aprobi ceea ce am fcut, zise el "I am glad you approve of what I have done," said he very 223

ncntat. tiam eu c o s-i plac. ntr-o asemenea excursie nu poi s mergi cu unul, doi tovari. Oricum, nu suntem prea muli, i dac suntem mai muli, se distreaz fiecare cum poate. i, la urma urmei, e o femeie cumsecade, n-o putem lsa deoparte. Emma nu obiecta cu glas tare, dar n sinea ei nu era de acord cu nimic. Era pe la mijlocul lui iunie i vreme frumoas, iar doamna Elton devenise nerbdtoare s fixeze ziua i s stabileasc mpreun cu domnul Weston amnuntele privind plcinta de porumbel i friptura rece de miel, cnd piciorul chiop al unui cal arunc totul n braele incertitudinii. Calul putea fi din nou folosit peste cteva sptmni sau numai peste cteva zile, dar, oricum, nu se puteau ncumeta s continue pregtirile i aceast nedorit stagnare ntrista pe toat lumea. Chiar resursele sufleteti ale doamnei Elton erau neputincioase n faa unui asemenea atac. Nu gsii c-i foarte suprtor, domnule Knightley, ip ea, i ce vreme bun de excursii. Amnrile i dezamgirile astea sunt odioase. Ce ne facem ? Trece anul, dac toate merg aa, i noi ;n-am fcut nimic. Anul trecut, la vremea asta, fcusem deja o excursie de la Maple Grove la King's Weston. Mai bine ai veni la Donwell, rspunse domnul Knightley. .Asta se poate i fr cai. Venii s gustai din cpunile mele. Sunt deja coapte. Dac domnul Knightley nu ncepuse pe un ton serios, fu nevoit s l adopte n continuare, pentru c propunerea lui fu primit cu ncntare, iar strigtul Oh, mi-ar plcea grozav !" era ct se poate de convingtor fiind nsoit de gesturile adecvate. Donwell era un loc vestit pentru straturile de cpuni, ceea ce era un argument n sprijinul invitaiei. Dar nu era nevoie de nici un argument, doamna ar fi fost tentat chiar i de nite straturi de varz, cci ceea ce voia era s mearg undeva, oriunde. i promise n repetate rnduri c va veni, att de des repetate nct nu-i lsa timp s se ndoiasc i era extrem de mgulit de o asemenea dovad de intimitate, de un compliment att de deosebit pe care gsea c trebuie s-l onoreze: Poi s fii sigur de mine, zise ea. Vin negreit. Stabilete ziua i vin, mi dai voie s-o aduc i pe Jane Fairfax ? Nu pot s stabilesc ziua pn nu vorbesc i cu ceilali pe care vreau s-i ntlnii acolo. Ah, las totul n seama mea ! D-mi numai mn liber ! Eu sunt patroana, e petrecerea mea. Voi aduce toi prietenii mei. Sper s-l aducei pe domnul Elton, dar nu v ostenii cu alte invitaii ! Ah , acum ari foarte iret, dar, gndete-te, n-ai de ce s-i fie team s-mi dai mie o asemenea libertate. Nu sunt o domnioar care s aib anumite preferine. Unei femei mritate poi S-i dai fr fric mn liber. E petrecerea mea, las totul n seama mea ! Fac eu invitaiile Nu, spuse el calm, nu exist dect o singur femeie

comfortably. "But I thought you would. Such schemes as these are nothing without numbers. One cannot have too large a party. A large party secures its own amusement. And she is a good-natured woman after all. One could not leave her out." Emma denied none of it aloud, and agreed to none of it in private. It was now the middle of June, and the weather fine; and Mrs. Elton was growing impatient to name the day, and settle with Mr. Weston as to pigeon-pies and cold lamb, when a lame carriage-horse threw every thing into sad uncertainty. It might be weeks, it might be only a few days, before the horse were useable; but no preparations could be ventured on, and it was all melancholy stagnation. Mrs. Elton's resources were inadequate to such an attack. "Is not this most vexations, Knightley?" she cried.--"And such weather for exploring!--These delays and disappointments are quite odious. What are we to do?--The year will wear away at this rate, and nothing done. Before this time last year I assure you we had had a delightful exploring party from Maple Grove to Kings Weston." "You had better explore to Donwell," replied Mr. Knightley. "That may be done without horses. Come, and eat my strawberries. They are ripening fast." If Mr. Knightley did not begin seriously, he was obliged to proceed so, for his proposal was caught at with delight; and the "Oh! I should like it of all things," was not plainer in words than manner. Donwell was famous for its strawberry-beds, which seemed a plea for the invitation: but no plea was necessary; cabbage-beds would have been enough to tempt the lady, who only wanted to be going somewhere. She promised him again and again to come--much oftener than he doubted--and was extremely gratified by such a proof of intimacy, such a distinguishing compliment as she chose to consider it. "You may depend upon me," said she. "I certainly will come. Name your day, and I will come. You will allow me to bring Jane Fairfax?" "I cannot name a day," said he, "till I have spoken to some others whom I would wish to meet you." "Oh! leave all that to me. Only give me a carte-blanche.--I am Lady Patroness, you know. It is my party. I will bring friends with me." "I hope you will bring Elton," said he: "but I will not trouble you to give any other invitations." "Oh! now you are looking very sly. But consider--you need not be afraid of delegating power to me. I am no young lady on her preferment. Married women, you know, may be safely authorised. It is my party. Leave it all to me. I will invite your guests." "No,"--he calmly replied,--"there is but one married woman

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mritat pe lume pe care o voi lsa s se ocupe de invitaii la Donwell, i aceea este... Doamna Weston, presupun, zise doamna Elton, puin umilit. Nu. Doamna Knightley, i pn cnd va exista m ocup singur de problemele astea. Ah, ce creatur ciudat eti, strig ea mulumit c nimeni nu trecea naintea ei. Ai umor, zu aa, i poi spune orice ! Zu c ai umor. Ei, bine, o aduc numai pe Jane, pe Jane i pe mtua ei. Restul i las n seama dumitale. N-am nici o obiecie mpotriva celor de la Hartfield. Nu-i face scrupule, tiu c ii la ei.

in the world whom I can ever allow to invite what guests she pleases to Donwell, and that one is--" "--Mrs. Weston, I suppose," interrupted Mrs. Elton, rather mortified. "No--Mrs. Knightley;--and till she is in being, I will manage such matters myself." "Ah! you are an odd creature!" she cried, satisfied to have no one preferred to herself.--"You are a humourist, and may say what you like. Quite a humourist. Well, I shall bring Jane with me-- Jane and her aunt.--The rest I leave to you. I have no objections at all to meeting the Hartfield family. Don't scruple. I know you are attached to them." Vor fi acolo, desigur, dac reuesc s-i conving. i voi "You certainly will meet them if I can prevail; and I shall call trece i pe la domnioara Bates, n drum spre cas. on Miss Bates in my way home." Asta chiar n-are rost. O vd pe Jane n fiecare zi, dar f "That's quite unnecessary; I see Jane every day:--but as you cum vrei. tii, Knightley, vreau s venim dimineaa, like. It is to be a morning scheme, you know, ceva simplu i improvizat. O s-mi pun o plrie mare i iau Knightley; quite a simple thing. I shall wear a large bonnet, cu coule mic pe mn, uite, poate couleul sta cu and bring one of my little baskets hanging on my fund roz. Nimic mai simplu, vezi ! i i dau unul i Janei. N- arm. Here,--probably this basket with pink ribbon. Nothing are rost s ne formalizm i s facem parad un can be more simple, you see. And Jane will have fel de petrecere cmpeneasc. Vom merge la dumneata n such another. There is to be no form or parade--a sort of livad i vom aduna cpunile cu mna noastr i ne gipsy party. We are to walk about your gardens, and vom aeza la umbr i dac vrei s ne serveti ceva, s fie gather the strawberries ourselves, and sit under trees;--and tot afar o mas ntins la umbr, nelegi ? Totul s whatever else you may like to provide, it is to be fie simplu i firesc. Nu crezi ? all out of doors--a table spread in the shade, you know. Every thing as natural and simple as possible. Is not that your idea?" Nu tocmai ! Eu cred c simplu i firesc e s pui masa n "Not quite. My idea of the simple and the natural will be to sufragerie. Firescul i simplitatea unor domni i have the table spread in the dining-room. The doamne este s se afle printre mobile i servitorii lor, cnd nature and the simplicity of gentlemen and ladies, with their iau masa. Cnd vei obosi de mncat cpuni afar, servants and furniture, I think is best observed by vei putea servi friptur rece, n cas. meals within doors. When you are tired of eating strawberries in the garden, there shall be cold meat in the house." Ei, bine, cum vrei, numai s nu faci cine tie ce "Well--as you please; only don't have a great set out. And, by aranjamente. Apropo, pot s-i fiu de folos, eu sau the bye, can I or my housekeeper be of any use menajera to you with our opinion?-- Pray be sincere, Knightley. If you mea, cu vreo sugestie. Te rog, fii sincer, Knightley, dac wish me to talk to Mrs. Hodges, or to inspect vrei s vorbesc cu doamna Hodges sau s controlez eu anything--" personal ceva... Nu am nici cea mai mic dorin, mulumesc. "I have not the least wish for it, I thank you." Bine, dar dac se ivete vreo dificultate, menajera "Well--but if any difficulties should arise, my housekeeper is mea e foarte deteapt... extremely clever." Pot s garantez c i a mea e la fel de deteapt i s-ar "I will answer for it, that mine thinks herself full as clever, zbrli la oricine i-ar oferi ajutorul. and would spurn any body's assistance." Tare-a vrea s avem un mgar ! Ar fi frumos ca noi s "I wish we had a donkey. The thing would be for us all to venim clare pe mgari, Jane, domnioara Bates i come on donkeys, Jane, Miss Bates, and me--and cu mine, i caro sposo al meu pe lng noi, pe jos. Zu, my caro sposo walking by. I really must talk to him about trebuie s vorbesc cu el s cumpere un mgar. Viaa la purchasing a donkey. In a country life I conceive it ar te oblig, dup prerea mea, pentru c, oricte to be a sort of necessary; for, let a woman have ever so resurse sufleteti ar avea o femeie, nu e posibil s stea tot many resources, it is not possible for her to be always timpul nchis n cas, i plimbrile prea lungi, nelegi, shut up at home;--and very long walks, you know--in vara e praf, iarna e noroi... summer there is dust, and in winter there is dirt." Intre Donwell i Highbury nu vei gsi aa ceva. "You will not find either, between Donwell and Highbury. Drumul spre Donwell nu e niciodat prfuit, iar acum e Donwell Lane is never dusty, and now it is 225

perfect uscat. Venii pe mgar, totui, dac preferai. Putei s-l mprumutai de la doamna Cole. A vrea ca totul s fie ct mai pe gustul dumneavoastr. De asta sunt sigur, zu, eu te neleg, bunul meu prieten ! Sub purtarea asta rece, seac, tiu c se ascunde o inim fierbinte. Cum i spun eu i domnului E., ai foarte mult umor. Da, crede-m Knightley, tiu foarte bine ct onoare mi faci cu invitaia asta. M-ai lovit la punctul sensibil. Domnul Knightley avea i alte motive s evite a pune masa afar, la umbr. Voia s-l conving pe domnul Woodhouse i pe Emma s vin i ei. i tia c pe acesta numai ideea de a mnca afar, sau de a-i permite asta fiicei sale, putea s-l mbolnveasc. Domnul Woodhouse nu trebuia ispitit, sub pretextul unei plimbri cu trsura de diminea i al perspectivei de a petrece o or, dou la Donwell, ctre ceea ce el considera o nenorocire. Fu invitat cu bun credin. Nu exista nici o grozvie ascuns Care s constituie o pedeaps pentru credulitatea sa. Fu imediat de acord. Nu mai fusese la Donwell de doi ani. ntr-o diminea frumoas, el i Emma, i Harriet, puteau foarte bine s mearg, i el putea s stea foarte linitit cu doamna Weston, n timp ce fetele se vor plimba prin grdin. Nu credea c va fi umezeal la vremea asta a anului, n mijlocul zilei. I-ar face plcere s mai vad o dat si pe oricare dintre bunii lor vecini. Nu avea nici o obieciune mpotriva unei plimbri la Donwell cu Emma i Harriet, ntr-o diminea frumoas. Gsea c e foarte drgu din partea domnului Knightley c i invit, foarte amabil invitaie i bine gndit: e mult mai bine dect s mnnce afar, lui nu-i plcea deloc s mnnce afar. Domnul Knightley se bucur de asentimentul i chiar entuziasmul tuturor. Invitaia lui fu att de bine primit peste tot, nct se prea c, la fel ca doamna Elton, toi luau ntregul plan drept un mare compliment care li se fcea lor personal. Emma i Harriet se ateptau la nemaipomenite plceri, iar doamna Weston, fr s o roage nimeni, promise s-l aduc i pe Frank, dac va fi posibil, ceea ce era o mare dovad de amabilitate i recunotin, care ar fi putut lipsi de altfel. Domnul Knightley fu nevoit atunci s spun c va fi foarte bucuros s-l vad i doamna Weston promise s-i scrie nentrziat i s se foloseasc de toate argumentele spre a-l convinge s vin. Intre timp, calul cel chiop se vindec att de repede, nct ziua la Box Hill deveni din nou o perspectiv fericit. n fine, se stabili o zi pentru a merge la Donwell i hotrr s mearg la Box Hill chiar a doua zi, deoarece vremea era exact aa cum trebuie. Sub soarele strlucitor al unei amiezi de miez de var, domnul Woodhouse fu transportat cu bine n trsura sa, cu o fereastr deschis, ca s se mprteasc din aceast petrecere al-fresco i, se aez fericit n una din cele mai comode camere de la Abbey, pregtit special pentru el (focul arsese toat dimineaa). Se simea

perfectly dry. Come on a donkey, however, if you prefer it. You can borrow Mrs. Cole's. I would wish every thing to be as much to your taste as possible." "That I am sure you would. Indeed I do you justice, my good friend. Under that peculiar sort of dry, blunt manner, I know you have the warmest heart. As I tell Mr. E., you are a thorough humourist.-- Yes, believe me, Knightley, I am fully sensible of your attention to me in the whole of this scheme. You have hit upon the very thing to please me." Mr. Knightley had another reason for avoiding a table in the shade. He wished to persuade Mr. Woodhouse, as well as Emma, to join the party; and he knew that to have any of them sitting down out of doors to eat would inevitably make him ill. Mr. Woodhouse must not, under the specious pretence of a morning drive, and an hour or two spent at Donwell, be tempted away to his misery. He was invited on good faith. No lurking horrors were to upbraid him for his easy credulity. He did consent. He had not been at Donwell for two years. "Some very fine morning, he, and Emma, and Harriet, could go very well; and he could sit still with Mrs. Weston, while the dear girls walked about the gardens. He did not suppose they could be damp now, in the middle of the day. He should like to see the old house again exceedingly, and should be very happy to meet Mr. and Mrs. Elton, and any other of his neighbours.--He could not see any objection at all to his, and Emma's, and Harriet's going there some very fine morning. He thought it very well done of Mr. Knightley to invite them-very kind and sensible--much cleverer than dining out.--He was not fond of dining out." Mr. Knightley was fortunate in every body's most ready concurrence. The invitation was everywhere so well received, that it seemed as if, like Mrs. Elton, they were all taking the scheme as a particular compliment to themselves.--Emma and Harriet professed very high expectations of pleasure from it; and Mr. Weston, unasked, promised to get Frank over to join them, if possible; a proof of approbation and gratitude which could have been dispensed with.-- Mr. Knightley was then obliged to say that he should be glad to see him; and Mr. Weston engaged to lose no time in writing, and spare no arguments to induce him to come. In the meanwhile the lame horse recovered so fast, that the party to Box Hill was again under happy consideration; and at last Donwell was settled for one day, and Box Hill for the next,--the weather appearing exactly right. Under a bright mid-day sun, at almost Midsummer, Mr. Woodhouse was safely conveyed in his carriage, with one window down, to partake of this al-fresco party; and in one of the most comfortable rooms in the Abbey, especially prepared for him by a fire all the morning, he was happily placed, quite at his ease, ready to talk

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n largul lui i era gata s vorbeasc plin de plcere despre ceea ce reuise i s sftuiasc pe toat lumea s vin i s se aeze i s nu se nclzeasc prea tare. Doamna Weston, care, dup cte se prea, venise pe jos, dinadins ca s fie obosit i s stea tot timpul cu ei, rmase, dup ce toi fur invitai sau convini s ias, s-i asculte cu rbdare i s-l fac s se simt bine. Emma nu fusese demult la Abbey i de ndat ce se asigur c tatl ei se simte bine, l prsi bucuroas s se uite n jur, dornic s-i mprospteze i s-i corecteze amintirile prin observaii mai detaliate, printr-o apreciere mai just a unei case i moii care fuseser totdeauna obiectul interesului ei i al familiei ei. Simea toat mndria i mulumirea de sine justificate de rudenia cu actualul i viitorul proprietar, cnd se uita la dimensiunile respectabile i stilul casei, locul extrem de potrivit unde fusese cldit, la adpost, n vale. Grdinile mari se ntindeau pn la poienile de lng pru, care, datorit neglijenei, fa de perspectiv, nu se vedeau de la Abbey i n jur creteau iruri de brazi formnd alei naturale, care nu erau opera modei sau a extravaganei. Casa era mai mare dect cea de la Hartfield i total diferit de aceasta, ntinzndu-se pe o suprafa destul de mare, cu o form neregulat, dispunnd de multe camere comode, dintre care una sau dou erau chiar minunate. Era exact ce trebuia s fie i arta exact aa cum era,ca reedina unei familii cu adevrat nobile. John Knightley avea desigur multe defecte, dar Isabella fcuse o partid ireproabil. Adusese n familie un so bun, un hume i o avere care nu-i puteau face s roeasc. Cu aceste sentimente plcute se plimba ea i se bucura pn cnd trebuia s se adune mpreun cu ceilali n jurul straturilor de cpuni. Veniser toi invitaii n afar de Frank Churchill care trebuia s soseasc n orice clip de la Richmond; i doamna Elton, cu toat aparatura ei de fericire, cu plria mare i couleul mic pe bra, era gata s preia conducerea la adunat de cpuni, asta era tot despre ce se putea vorbi i gndi Cel mai bun fruct din Anglia place la toat lumea foarte sntos. Acestea sunt cele mai frumoase straturi i din cel mai bun soi. Minunat, s culegi i s mnnci numai aa poi s le savurezi dimineaa era desigur cel mai bine nu eti obosit toate soiurile de aici sunt minunate creast de coco e infinit superior nu se compar celelalte de-abia se pot mnca i se gsete foarte rar unii prefer Chili dar cele slbatice sunt cele mai parfumate preul cpunilor la Londra la Bristol sunt o mulime Maple Gover culturi cnd se rennoiesc straturile grdinarii au preri contradictorii nu e o regul general delicios fruct numai c sunt prea dulci i nu poi mnca multe n privina asta cireele strugurii sunt mai rcoritori singura parte proast e c trebuie s te apleci ce soare orbitor, sunt moart de oboseal nu mai pot, trebuie s ne aezm undeva la umbr."

with pleasure of what had been achieved, and advise every body to come and sit down, and not to heat themselves.-- Mrs. Weston, who seemed to have walked there on purpose to be tired, and sit all the time with him, remained, when all the others were invited or persuaded out, his patient listener and sympathiser. It was so long since Emma had been at the Abbey, that as soon as she was satisfied of her father's comfort, she was glad to leave him, and look around her; eager to refresh and correct her memory with more particular observation, more exact understanding of a house and grounds which must ever be so interesting to her and all her family. She felt all the honest pride and complacency which her alliance with the present and future proprietor could fairly warrant, as she viewed the respectable size and style of the building, its suitable, becoming, characteristic situation, low and sheltered-- its ample gardens stretching down to meadows washed by a stream, of which the Abbey, with all the old neglect of prospect, had scarcely a sight--and its abundance of timber in rows and avenues, which neither fashion nor extravagance had rooted up.--The house was larger than Hartfield, and totally unlike it, covering a good deal of ground, rambling and irregular, with many comfortable, and one or two handsome rooms.--It was just what it ought to be, and it looked what it was--and Emma felt an increasing respect for it, as the residence of a family of such true gentility, untainted in blood and understanding.--Some faults of temper John Knightley had; but Isabella had connected herself unexceptionably. She had given them neither men, nor names, nor places, that could raise a blush. These were pleasant feelings, and she walked about and indulged them till it was necessary to do as the others did, and collect round the strawberry-beds.--The whole party were assembled, excepting Frank Churchill, who was expected every moment from Richmond; and Mrs. Elton, in all her apparatus of happiness, her large bonnet and her basket, was very ready to lead the way in gathering, accepting, or talking--strawberries, and only strawberries, could now be thought or spoken of.--"The best fruit in England-- every body's favourite--always wholesome.--These the finest beds and finest sorts.-Delightful to gather for one's self--the only way of really enjoying them.--Morning decidedly the best time--never tired-- every sort good--hautboy infinitely superior--no comparison-- the others hardly eatable-hautboys very scarce--Chili preferred-- white wood finest flavour of all--price of strawberries in London-abundance about Bristol--Maple Grove--cultivation--beds when to be renewed--gardeners thinking exactly different--no general rule-gardeners never to be put out of their way--delicious fruit-only too rich to be eaten much of--inferior to cherries-- currants more refreshing--only objection to

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gathering strawberries the stooping--glaring sun--tired to death--could bear it no longer-- must go and sit in the shade." Astfel decurse conversaia timp de o jumtate de or, Such, for half an hour, was the conversation--interrupted ntrerupt fiind numai o dat de doamna Weston, care only once by Mrs. Weston, who came out, in her iei din cas, plin de solicitudine fa de fiul ei adoptiv, ca solicitude after her son-in-law, to inquire if he were come-s ntrebe dac a venit, i fu puin alarmat, i era and she was a little uneasy.-- She had some fears team s nu i se fi ntmplat ceva calului. of his horse. Gsir un loc cu destul umbr, i acum Emma fu nevoit Seats tolerably in the shade were found; and now Emma was s asculte ce discutau doamna Elton i Jane Fairfax. obliged to overhear what Mrs. Elton and Jane Era vorba de un post, de un post foarte bun. Doamna Elton Fairfax were talking of.-- A situation, a most desirable primise veti despre asta de diminea i era situation, was in question. Mrs. Elton had received ncntat. Nu era vorba de un post la doamna Suckling, notice of it that morning, and was in raptures. It was not nici la doamna Bragge, dar era un post pe care numai with Mrs. Suckling, it was not with Mrs. Bragge, but acestea dou l ntreceau n noroc i splendoare; era un in felicity and splendour it fell short only of them: it was with post la o anume verioar a doamnei Bragge, o. a cousin of Mrs. Bragge, an acquaintance of cunotin a doamnei Suckling, o doamn cunoscut la Mrs. Suckling, a lady known at Maple Grove. Delightful, Maple Grove. ncnttor, extraordinar, de invidiat, charming, superior, first circles, spheres, lines, cercuri superioare, sfere nalte, linii de conduit, lume ranks, every thing--and Mrs. Elton was wild to have the offer bun, totul; i doamna Elton nu mai putea de nerbdare ca closed with immediately.--On her side, all was oferta s fie acceptat. Din partea ei, ea era plin numai warmth, energy, and triumph--and she positively refused to de cldur, energie i triumf i refuz, de cte ori, s take her friend's negative, though Miss Fairfax accepte un rspuns negativ, dei domnioara Fairfax continued to assure her that she would not at present continua s-o asigure c deocamdat nu vrea s se engage in any thing, repeating the same motives which angajeze, repetnd aceleai motive pe care le mai she had been heard to urge before.-- Still Mrs. Elton insisted expusese i alt dat. Totui doamna Elton insista s i se on being authorised to write an acquiescence by dea voie s trimit un rspuns favorabil cu pota de mine. the morrow's post.--How Jane could bear it at all, was Cum putea Jane s ndure toate astea, Emma nu se astonishing to Emma.--She did look vexed, she did dumirea deloc. Arta jignit i vorbea apsat, iar n cele speak pointedly--and at last, with a decision of action din urm, ntr-un fel decis, care nu-i era caracteristic, unusual to her, proposed a removal.-- "Should not they propuse s plece. N-ar fi mai bine s se plimbe ? N-ar vrea walk? Would not Mr. Knightley shew them the gardens-- all domnul Knightley s le arate grdinile, toate grdinile ? Ar the gardens?--She wished to see the whole fi vrut s vad totul." Tenacitatea prietenei ei era mai mult extent."--The pertinacity of her friend seemed more than dect putea suporta. she could bear. Era foarte cald, i dup ce se plimbar mai mult timp prin It was hot; and after walking some time over the gardens in grdini rzleii, de-abia dac se adunau cte trei, se a scattered, dispersed way, scarcely any three ndreptar pe netiute, unul dup altul, ctre umbra dulce together, they insensibly followed one another to the a unei alei largi de tei care, ntinzndu-se dincolo de delicious shade of a broad short avenue of limes, which grdin, la o distan egal de ru, prea a fi marginea stretching beyond the garden at an equal distance from the grdinilor. Nu ducea nicieri; la sfritul ei se deschidea river, seemed the finish of the pleasure grounds.-privelitea unui zid mic de piatr, strjuit de pilatri nali, It led to nothing; nothing but a view at the end over a low care erau menii parc s dea impresia unei intrri ntrstone wall with high pillars, which seemed o cas care nu existase niciodat. intended, in their erection, to give the appearance of an Orict de ndoielnic ar fi prut gustul pentru o asemenea approach to the house, which never had been there. ornamentaie, Disputable, however, as might be the taste of such a plimbarea era plcut n sine i privelitea devenea foarte termination, it was in itself a charming walk, and the agreabil. O pant destul de abrupt, aproape de view which closed it extremely pretty.--The considerable poalele creia se nla casa de la Abbey, devenea i mai slope, at nearly the foot of which the Abbey stood, abrupt dincolo de curtea ei i, la o distan de; jumtate gradually acquired a steeper form beyond its grounds; and de mil, era un mal foarte nalt i grandios, acoperit de at half a mile distant was a bank of considerable pdure, i la baza acestui mal, bine aezat i ferit, se abruptness and grandeur, well clothed with wood;-- and at nla ferma de la Abbey Mill, cu pajiti verzi n fa i un the bottom of this bank, favourably placed and ru n jur, care nfrumusea peisajul. sheltered, rose the Abbey Mill Farm, with meadows in front, and the river making a close and handsome curve around it. Era o privelite frumoas pentru ochi i ncnttoare It was a sweet view--sweet to the eye and the mind. English 228

pentru suflet. Verdele englezesc, cultura englezeasc, civilizaia englezeasc expuse n lumina soarelui, fr ostentaie. In cursul plimbrii, Emma i domnul Weston vzur c toi ceilali se grupaser mpreun i, n fruntea tuturor, desprini de rest, peau domnul Knightley i Harriet ! Era un tte--tte ciudat, dar i plcea. Fusese o vreme cnd ar fi dispreuit-o ca tovar i ar fi lsat-o fr prea mult ceremonie, n urm. Acum, preau s aib o conversaie plcut. Fusese o vreme cnd Emmei i-ar fi prut ru s-o vad pe Harriet att de aproape de ferma Abbey Mill, dar acum nu-i mai era team, cu tot apanajul ei de prosperitate i frumusee, cu punile ntinse, turmele bogate, livada n floare i coloana uoar a fumului care se nla din coul casei. Li se altur cnd ajunser la zid i i ddu seama c i preocupa mai mult conversaia lor dect ceea ce vedeau. El i ddea Harrietei informaii despre felurile de agricultur etc. i Emma descifra n zmbetul ei: Astea sunt preocuprile mele. Am dreptul s atac acest subiect fr s fiu bnuit c vreau s aduc vorba de Robert Martin." Nu-l bnuia. Era o poveste mult prea veche. Robert Martin ncetase probabil s se gndeasc la Harriet. Se plimbar de cteva ori n lungul aleii. Umbra era foarte rcoroas i Emmei i se pru cea mai plcut parte a zilei.

Apoi, intrar cu toii n cas, s ia masa, se aezar i ncepur s mnnce, dar Frank Churchill tot nu venise. Doamna Weston se tot uita dup el, dar degeaba. Tatl lui nu voia s-i recunoasc nerbdarea i rdea de temerile ei, dar ea nu nceta s-i doreasc ca Frank s fi renunat la iapa neagr. O asigurase mai mult dect de obicei c va veni. Mtua se simea mult mai bine i nu avea nici o ndoial c va veni." Starea doamnei Churchill, totui, aa cum muli nu ntrziar s-i aminteasc, era expus la schimbri att de brute, nct l putea dezamgi pe nepot, avnd o foarte ndreptit nevoie de el, i doamna Weston fu n cele din urm fcut s cread sau s spun c, probabil, din cauza unei crize a doamnei Churchill, Frank nu poate veni. Emma se uit la Harriet cnd se discuta aceast problem: se comporta foarte bine, nu trda nici o emoie. Prnzul cu hran rece se terminase i toi invitaii urmau s ias din nou i s vad ce mai rmsese de vzut, vechile balustrade de la Abbey, poate vor ajunge chiar pn la lucerna, care urma s nceap a fi cosit a doua zi, sau, n orice caz, s se bucure de plcerea de a se nclzi, pentru a se rcori din nou. Domnul Woodhouse, care i fcuse deja mica lui plimbare n partea de sus a grdinilor, unde umezeala de la ru nu putea s ajung nici mcar cu ajutorul imaginaiei sale, nu mai voi s se mite, i fiica lui se hotr s rmn cu el, pentru ca doamna Weston s se lase convins de soul ei i s ias la aer, ceea ce era, dup toate aparenele necesar dispoziiei sale

verdure, English culture, English comfort, seen under a sun bright, without being oppressive. In this walk Emma and Mr. Weston found all the others assembled; and towards this view she immediately perceived Mr. Knightley and Harriet distinct from the rest, quietly leading the way. Mr. Knightley and Harriet!--It was an odd tete-a-tete; but she was glad to see it.--There had been a time when he would have scorned her as a companion, and turned from her with little ceremony. Now they seemed in pleasant conversation. There had been a time also when Emma would have been sorry to see Harriet in a spot so favourable for the Abbey Mill Farm; but now she feared it not. It might be safely viewed with all its appendages of prosperity and beauty, its rich pastures, spreading flocks, orchard in blossom, and light column of smoke ascending.--She joined them at the wall, and found them more engaged in talking than in looking around. He was giving Harriet information as to modes of agriculture, etc. and Emma received a smile which seemed to say, "These are my own concerns. I have a right to talk on such subjects, without being suspected of introducing Robert Martin."--She did not suspect him. It was too old a story.--Robert Martin had probably ceased to think of Harriet.--They took a few turns together along the walk.--The shade was most refreshing, and Emma found it the pleasantest part of the day. The next remove was to the house; they must all go in and eat;-- and they were all seated and busy, and still Frank Churchill did not come. Mrs. Weston looked, and looked in vain. His father would not own himself uneasy, and laughed at her fears; but she could not be cured of wishing that he would part with his black mare. He had expressed himself as to coming, with more than common certainty. "His aunt was so much better, that he had not a doubt of getting over to them."--Mrs. 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. The cold repast was over, and the party were to go out once more to see what had not yet been seen, the old Abbey fish-ponds; perhaps get as far as the clover, which was to be begun cutting on the morrow, or, at any rate, have the pleasure of being hot, and growing cool again.--Mr. Woodhouse, who had already taken his little round in the highest part of the gardens, where no damps from the river were imagined even by him, stirred no more; and his daughter resolved to remain with him, that Mrs. Weston might be persuaded away by her husband to the exercise and variety which her spirits

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proaste. Domnul Knightley fcuse tot ce-i sttea n putin ca s-l amuze pe domnul Woodhouse. Cri cu gravuri, sertare cu medalii, camee, corali, scoici de orice alt fel de colecie existent n vitrinele sale fuseser pregtite pentru btrnul su prieten, ca s-i treac dimineaa n mod plcut i buntatea sa fusese pe deplin rspltit. Domnul Woodhouse se distrase extraordinar de bine. Doamna Weston i le artase pe toate i acum el i le arta Emmei. Din fericire, nu avea o alt asemnare cu un copil, n afar de o lips total de gust, altfel era ponderat, consecvent i metodic, totui, nainte de a ncepe ca s se uite cteva clipe la intrare i "n faa casei i, nici nu ajunsese bine, cnd o vzu pe Jane Fairfax venind repede din grdin, purtnd pe fa expresia cuiva care vrea s

seemed to need. Mr. Knightley had done all in his power for Mr. Woodhouse's entertainment. Books of engravings, drawers of medals, cameos, corals, shells, and every other family collection within his cabinets, had been prepared for his old friend, to while away the morning; and the kindness had perfectly answered. Mr. Woodhouse had been exceedingly well amused. Mrs. Weston had been shewing them all to him, and now he would shew them all to Emma;--fortunate in having no other resemblance to a child, than in a total want of taste for what he saw, for he was slow, constant, and methodical.--Before this second looking over was begun, however, Emma walked into the hall for the sake of a few moments' free observation of the entrance and ground-plot of the house--and was hardly there, when Jane Fairfax appeared, coming fug. Se atepta prea puin s-o ntlneasc att de curnd quickly in from the garden, and with a look of pe domnioara Woodhouse i tresri n primul moment, escape.-- Little expecting to meet Miss Woodhouse so soon, dar tocmai pe ea o cuta. there was a start at first; but Miss Woodhouse was the very person she was in quest of. Vrei s fii att de drgu, zise ea, dac se observ "Will you be so kind," said she, "when I am missed, as to say lipsa mea, s spunei c am plecat acas. Plec chiar that I am gone home?--I am going this acum. Mtua mea nu-i d seama ct este de trziu i nici moment.--My aunt is not aware how late it is, nor how long ce mult am lipsit de acas, dar sunt sigur c bunica e we have been absent--but I am sure we shall be nelinitit. A ncurca i a supra pe toat lumea. Unii s-au wanted, and I am determined to go directly.--I have said dus la heletee, ai pe aleea cu tei. Pn nu se ntorc nothing about it to any body. It would only be giving nu-mi vor observa lipsa, dar, cnd vor observa, vei fi att trouble and distress. Some are gone to the ponds, and some de bun s le spunei c am plecat acas ? to the lime walk. Till they all come in I shall not Desigur, cum dorii, dar n-avei de gnd s plecai be missed; and when they do, will you have the goodness to singur pe jos la Highbury ? say that I am gone?" Ba da, ce poate s mi se ntmple ? Merg repede. "Certainly, if you wish it;--but you are not going to walk to Ajung acas n douzeci de minute. Highbury alone?" Dar, e prea departe, zu, e prea departe s mergei "Yes--what should hurt me?--I walk fast. I shall be at home in singur pe jos. S chem trsura, vine n dou minute. twenty minutes." V mulumesc, v mulumesc, dar sub nici un motiv nu "But it is too far, indeed it is, to be walking quite alone. Let facei una ca asta ! mi place s merg pe jos. i my father's servant go with you.--Let me order the tocmai mie s-mi fie team s merg singur ! n curnd va carriage. It can be round in five minutes." trebui s-i apr pe alii. "Thank you, thank you--but on no account.--I would rather walk.-- And for me to be afraid of walking Vorbea cu mare emoie i Emma rspunse cu mult alone!--I, who may so soon have to guard others!" nelegere: She spoke with great agitation; and Emma very feelingly Asta nu e un motiv s v expunei la primejdii. Trebuie replied, "That can be no reason for your being s chem trsura. Cldura chiar e foarte exposed to danger now. I must order the carriage. The heat primejdioas. Suntei deja obosit. even would be danger.--You are fatigued already." Sunt, rspunse ea, sunt obosit, dar e o altfel de "I am,"--she answered--"I am fatigued; but it is not the sort oboseal. Dac merg repede, o s-mi revin. Domnioar of fatigue--quick walking will refresh me.--Miss Woodhouse, cteo-dat, simim fiecare ce nseamn un Woodhouse, we all know at times what it is to be wearied in suflet obosit. Al meu e obosit peste msur. Cel mai bun spirits. Mine, I confess, are exhausted. The lucru pe care l putei face pentru mine e s m lsai s greatest kindness you can shew me, will be to let me have m descurc singur i s anunai, numai, la timpul my own way, and only say that I am gone when it is potrivit, plecarea mea. necessary." Emma nu mai avea nimic mpotriv. Vzuse tot i simind Emma had not another word to oppose. She saw it all; and ceea ce simea, o ndemn s plece imediat i o entering into her feelings, promoted her quitting urmri cu privirea s vad dac e n siguran, cu zelul unei the house immediately, and watched her safely off with the adevrate prietene. Ea o privi cu recunotin i i zeal of a friend. Her parting look was spuse la desprire: grateful--and her parting words, "Oh! Miss Woodhouse, the 230

 Oh, domnioar Woodhouse, ce bine e s poi fi singur cteodat. Cuvintele preau s izbucneasc dintr-o inim prea grea i s vorbeasc despre rbdarea continu de care trebuia s dea dovad chiar fa de acelea pe care le iubea foarte mult. - Asemenea cas, zu, i asemenea mtu ! zise Emma, cnd se ntoarse din nou n hol. Te plng, draga mea, i cu ct vei fi mai sensibil la oroarea asta, cu att mai drag mi vei fi. Nu trecuse nici un sfert de or de la plecarea Janei i deabia apucaser s se uite la cteva vederi cu piaa San Marco din Veneia, cnd intr Frank Churchill. Emma nu se gndise la el, uitase s se gndeasc, dar fu foarte bucuroas s-l vad. Doamna Weston va fi uurat n fine. Iapa neagr nu avea nici o vin. Avuseser dreptate aceia care ziceau c e din cauza doamnei Churchill. Fusese reinut de o uoar criz a ei, ceva nervos, care durase cteva ore. Renunase chiar la orice gnd de a mai veni i se hotrse destul de trziu s vin totui. tiuse c-i va fi cald pe drum i ce mult va ntrzia, n ciuda grabei sale, i credea c mai bine n-ar fi venit. Cldura era insuportabil, niciodat nu mai vzuse aa ceva, aproape c-i dorea s fi stat acas, nimic nu-l deranja mai tare dect cldura, putea s suporte frigul orict de intens, dar cldura era ngrozitoare, i se aez la cea mai mare distan posibil de rmiele vagi ale focului domnului Woodhouse, cu o nfiare de plns. O s te rcoreti, dac stai linitit, zise Emma. De ndat ce m rcoresc, va trebui s plec napoi. Prezena mea era necesar acolo, dar s-a contat att de mult pe venirea mea aici ! Plecai n curnd cu toii, presupun. Se termin petrecerea. Am ntlnit pe cineva cnd veneam. O nebunie pe vremea asta, curat nebunie ! Emma asculta, privea i i ddu curnd seama c starea lui Frank Churchill putea foarte bine fi definit ca proast dispoziie! Unii oameni sunt foarte nervoi cnd le e cald. Poate i el ar o asemenea constituie i, cum tia c a mnca i a bea e uneori cel mai bun medicament pentru astfel de suferine trectoare, i recomand s ia o gustare. Gsea de toate, din belug, n sufragerie i, cu mult mil cretineasc, i art ua. Nu, nu va mnca, nu-i era foame, asta l-ar nclzi i mai mult." Dup dou minute ns, se ls nduplecat, spre binele lui, i mormind ceva despre berea de bolid, iei. Emma i dedic din nou atenia tatlui ei, zicndui n secret: Bine c nu mai sunt ndrgostit de el. Nu miar plcea un brbat care e att de tulburat de o diminea clduroas. Harriet, cu firea ei blnda i cuminte, nu va gsi nimic de obiectat." Se ntoarse, dup ce avusese timp s mnnce destul i era mult mai calm. Se rcorise i, binecrescut, cum era de obicei, fu n stare s trag un scaun lng ei, s se intereseze de ce fceau i s regrete, ntr-un fel potolit, c a ntrziat att de mult. Nu era foarte bine dispus, dar

comfort of being sometimes alone!"--seemed to burst from an overcharged heart, and to describe somewhat of the continual endurance to be practised by her, even towards some of those who loved her best. "Such a home, indeed! such an aunt!" said Emma, as she turned back into the hall again. "I do pity you. And the more sensibility you betray of their just horrors, the more I shall like you." Jane had not been gone a quarter of an hour, and they had only accomplished some views of St. Mark's Place, Venice, when Frank Churchill entered the room. Emma had not been thinking of him, she had forgotten to think of him--but she was very glad to see him. Mrs. Weston would be at ease. The black mare was blameless; they were right who had named Mrs. Churchill as the cause. He had been detained by a temporary increase of illness in her; a nervous seizure, which had lasted some hours--and he had quite given up every thought of coming, till very late;--and had he known how hot a ride he should have, and how late, with all his hurry, he must be, he believed he should not have come at all. The heat was excessive; he had never suffered any thing like it--almost wished he had staid at home--nothing killed him like heat--he could bear any degree of cold, etc., but heat was intolerable--and he sat down, at the greatest possible distance from the slight remains of Mr. Woodhouse's fire, looking very deplorable. "You will soon be cooler, if you sit still," said Emma. "As soon as I am cooler I shall go back again. I could very ill be spared--but such a point had been made of my coming! You will all be going soon I suppose; the whole party breaking up. I met one as I came--Madness in such weather!--absolute madness!" Emma listened, and looked, and soon perceived that Frank Churchill's state might be best defined by the expressive phrase of being out of humour. Some people were always cross when they were hot. Such might be his constitution; and as she knew that eating and drinking were often the cure of such incidental complaints, she recommended his taking some refreshment; he would find abundance of every thing in the dining-room--and she humanely pointed out the door. "No--he should not eat. He was not hungry; it would only make him hotter." In two minutes, however, he relented in his own favour; and muttering something about spruce-beer, walked off. Emma returned all her attention to her father, saying in secret-"I am glad I have done being in love with him. I should not like a man who is so soon discomposed by a hot morning. Harriet's sweet easy temper will not mind it." He was gone long enough to have had a very comfortable meal, and came back all the better--grown quite cool--and, with good manners, like himself--able to draw a chair close to them, take an interest in their employment; and regret, in a reasonable way, that he should be so late. He was not in his best spirits, but

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ncerca, se pare, s-i revin i, n cele din urm, reui s spun o mulime de lucruri plcute. Se uitau la nite vederi din Elveia. Cnd se face bine mtua mea, plec n strintate, zise el. N-o s fiu niciodat linitit pn nu vd cteva din locurile astea. Cndva, vei primi nite schie de la mine, s le vedei, sau nsemnrile mele de cltorie, s le citii , sau, poate, un poem.:Voi face ceva, s m remarc. Asta se poate, dar nu cu schie din Elveia. Nu vei merge I niciodat n Elveia, unchiul i mtua nu-i vor da voie s prseti Anglia. Poate i conving s mearg i ei. Doctorii i pot prescrie mtuii un climat cald. Am chiar o speran c s-ar putea s plecm cu toii n strintate. Ar trebui s cltoresc. Am obosit s nu fac nimic. Vreau o schimbare, sunt foarte serios, domnioar Woodhouse, orice i-ai nchipui cu ochii dumitale ptrunztori, m-am plictisit de Anglia i a pleca mine, dac s-ar putea. Te-ai plictisit de bogie i rsf. N-ai putea s-i inventezi nite dificulti i s rmi aici, mulumit de ele ? Eu, plictisit de bogie i rsf ? Greeti amarnic. Nu m "consider nici bogat, nici rsfat. Ct privete averea, nu stau deloc bine. Nu sunt deloc un norocos. Nu mai eti ns att de nenorocit ca atunci cnd ai sosit. Du-te i mai mnnc i mai bea ceva i vei avea o situaie foarte bun. nc o bucat de friptur rece, nc o nghiitur de Madeira cu ap i vei fi la fel de fericit ca noi toi. Nu, nu mai plec. Stau lng dumneata. Dumneata eti cel mai bun leac. Mergem mine la Box Hill, vii cu noi. Nu e Elveia, dar tot e ceva pentru un tnr att de dornic de schimbare. Rmi, sau mergi cu noi ? Nu, sigur c nu. Plec spre cas pe rcoare, desear. Dar poi s te ntorci pe rcoare mine diminea. Nu, nu merit osteneala. Dac vin, o s fiu suprat. Atunci, te rog, rmi la Richmond. Dar dac rmn, o s fiu i mai suprat. Nu suport s tiu c suntei cu toii acolo, fr mine. Astea sunt dificulti pe care trebuie s i le rezolvi singur. Hotrte ct eti de suprat. Nu mai insist. Ceilali invitai se ntorceau i peste puin vreme se adunaser cu toii. Unii din ei se bucurar foarte mult la vederea lui Frank Churchill, alii tratar evenimentul cu mai mult calm, dar cu toii fur suprai i tulburai cnd li se explic plecarea domnioarei Fairfax. Concluzia discuiei fu c toat lumea trebuie s plece i dup ce stabilir cteva lucruri n legtur cu excursia de a doua zi se desprir. Dorina vag a lui Frank Churchill de a se exclude sczu att de mult, nct ultimele lui cuvinte ctre Emma sunau astfel:

seemed trying to improve them; and, at last, made himself talk nonsense very agreeably. They were looking over views in Swisserland. "As soon as my aunt gets well, I shall go abroad," said he. "I shall never be easy till I have seen some of these places. You will have my sketches, some time or other, to look at--or my tour to read--or my poem. I shall do something to expose myself." "That may be--but not by sketches in Swisserland. You will never go to Swisserland. Your uncle and aunt will never allow you to leave England." "They may be induced to go too. A warm climate may be prescribed for her. I have more than half an expectation of our all going abroad. I assure you I have. I feel a strong persuasion, this morning, that I shall soon be abroad. I ought to travel. I am tired of doing nothing. I want a change. I am serious, Miss Woodhouse, whatever your penetrating eyes may fancy--I am sick of England-- and would leave it to-morrow, if I could." "You are sick of prosperity and indulgence. Cannot you invent a few hardships for yourself, and be contented to stay?" "I sick of prosperity and indulgence! You are quite mistaken. I do not look upon myself as either prosperous or indulged. I am thwarted in every thing material. I do not consider myself at all a fortunate person." "You are not quite so miserable, though, as when you first came. Go and eat and drink a little more, and you will do very well. Another slice of cold meat, another draught of Madeira and water, will make you nearly on a par with the rest of us." "No--I shall not stir. I shall sit by you. You are my best cure." "We are going to Box Hill to-morrow;--you will join us. It is not Swisserland, but it will be something for a young man so much in want of a change. You will stay, and go with us?" "No, certainly not; I shall go home in the cool of the evening." "But you may come again in the cool of to-morrow morning." "No--It will not be worth while. If I come, I shall be cross." "Then pray stay at Richmond." "But if I do, I shall be crosser still. I can never bear to think of you all there without me." "These are difficulties which you must settle for yourself. Chuse your own degree of crossness. I shall press you no more." The rest of the party were now returning, and all were soon collected. With some there was great joy at the sight of Frank Churchill; others took it very composedly; but there was a very general distress and disturbance on Miss Fairfax's disappearance being explained. That it was time for every body to go, concluded the subject; and with a short final arrangement for the next day's scheme, they parted. Frank Churchill's little inclination to exclude himself increased so much, that his last words to

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 Ei, bine, dac vrei s rmn aici, i s vin i eu, o voi face ! Ea zmbi, n semn c accept i nimic, n afar de o chemare de la Richmond, nu putea s-l mai urneasc pn a doua zi seara. CAPITOLUL XLIII PENTRU EXCURSIA LA BOX HILL AVEAU O zi splendid, i toate celelalte condiii exterioare ale aranjamentului, adpostul i punctualitatea promiteau o petrecere minunat. Domnul Weston conducea totul, fcnd, n bune condiii, legtura ntre Hartfield i casa parohial i toat lumea sosi la timp. Emma merse mpreun cu Harriet, domnioara Bates i nepoata ei, cu familia Elton, iar domnii, clare. Doamna Weston rmase cu domnul Woodhouse. Nu le lipsea nimic s fie fericii cnd ajunser acolo. Cltorir apte mile cu sperana de a se distra i toat lumea avu o izbucnire de admiraie n primul moment al sosirii, dar n decursul zilei, amuzamentul nu fu complet. Era o atmosfer placid, o lips de voie bun, o lips de unitate, peste care nu se putea trece. Se formaser, ntr-un mod mult prea evident, grupuri. Domnul i doamna Elton mergeau mpreun; domnul Knightley se ocupa de domnioara Bates i de Jane, iar Emma i Harriet cdeau n sarcina lui Frank Churchill. Domnul Weston cuta n zadar s stabileasc ntre ei o armonie. La nceput, pru o grupare accidental, dar se dovedi stabil. Domnul i doamna Elton, ce e drept, nu aveau nimic mpotriv s se amestece cu alii i s fie simpatici, pe ct puteau, dar, n cursul celor dou ore petrecute pe deal, se prea c asupra celorlalte pri, domnea un principiu al separaiei prea puternic pentru ca vreo perspectiv reuit, vreo apropiere rece sau vreun vesel domn Weston s-l poat submina. La nceput, Emmei i se pru totul o plictiseal curat. Nul vzuse pe Frank Churchill niciodat att de tcut i de tmpit. Nu spunea nimic vrednic de a fi auzit, se uita fr s vad, admira fr inteligen, o asculta fr s tie ce spune. Dac el era att de plictisitor, nu-i de mirare c i Harriet era plictisitoare i amndoi la un loc erau insuportabili. Cnd se aezar, lucrurile ncepur s mearg mai bine, dup gustul ei, mult mai bine, pentru c Frank Churchill deveni vorbre i vesel, fcnd din ea obiectul ateniei sale. Orice compliment deosebit, care putea fi rostit, i era adresat ei. Prea c tot ce-i dorea el era s-o amuze pe ea i s-i fie simpatic, i Emma, bucuroas de acest reviriment, deloc suprat s fie mgulit, era vesel i n largul ei i l i ncuraja prietenete, ct se putea. i admise galanteriile, aa cum fcuse n prima perioad i cea mai animat a cunotinei lor. Acum, dup prerea ei, toate acestea nu aveau nici o valoare, dei n ochii celor care i vedeau puteau s aib aspectul a ceea ce nici un alt cuvnt englezesc nu descrie mai bine dect cuvntul flirt". Domnul Churchill i domnioara Woodhouse au flirtat foarte mult." Se lsau amndoi prad acestei fraze i

Emma were, "Well;--if you wish me to stay and join the party, I will." She smiled her acceptance; and nothing less than a summons from Richmond was to take him back before the following evening. They had a very fine day for Box Hill; and all the other outward circumstances of arrangement, accommodation, and punctuality, were in favour of a pleasant party. Mr. Weston directed the whole, officiating safely between Hartfield and the Vicarage, and every body was in good time. Emma and Harriet went together; Miss Bates and her niece, with the Eltons; the gentlemen on horseback. Mrs. Weston remained with Mr. Woodhouse. Nothing was wanting but to be happy when they got there. Seven miles were travelled in expectation of enjoyment, and every body had a burst of admiration on first arriving; but in the general amount of the day there was deficiency. There was a languor, a want of spirits, a want of union, which could not be got over. They separated too much into parties. The Eltons walked together; Mr. Knightley took charge of Miss Bates and Jane; and Emma and Harriet belonged to Frank Churchill. And Mr. Weston tried, in vain, to make them harmonise better. It seemed at first an accidental division, but it never materially varied. Mr. and Mrs. Elton, indeed, shewed no unwillingness to mix, and be as agreeable as they could; but during the two whole hours that were spent on the hill, there seemed a principle of separation, between the other parties, too strong for any fine prospects, or any cold collation, or any cheerful Mr. Weston, to remove.

At first it was downright dulness to Emma. She had never seen Frank Churchill so silent and stupid. He said nothing worth hearing-- looked without seeing--admired without intelligence--listened without knowing what she said. While he was so dull, it was no wonder that Harriet should be dull likewise; and they were both insufferable. When they all sat down it was better; to her taste a great deal better, for Frank Churchill grew talkative and gay, making her his first object. Every distinguishing attention that could be paid, was paid to her. To amuse her, and be agreeable in her eyes, seemed all that he cared for--and Emma, glad to be enlivened, not sorry to be flattered, was gay and easy too, and gave him all the friendly encouragement, the admission to be gallant, which she had ever given in the first and most animating period of their acquaintance; but which now, in her own estimation, meant nothing, though in the judgment of most people looking on it must have had such an appearance as no English word but flirtation could very well describe. "Mr. Frank Churchill and Miss Woodhouse flirted together excessively." They were laying themselves open to that very phrase--and to

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primejdiei ca ea s fie trimis ntr-o scrisoare la Maple Grove, de ctre una din doamne, i n Irlanda, de o anume domnioar. Emma nu avea nici un motiv real s fie vesel i nepstoare, fcea tot ce fcea pentru c era dezamgit i, dei i era simpatic pentru c i ddea atenie i ea gsea c face asta aa cum se cuvine, indiferent dac era din prietenie, admiraie sau n joac, el nu-i putea recuceri inima. Voia totui s-i fie numai prieten. i sunt foarte recunosctor, zise el, c mi-ai spus s vin azi ! Dac n-ai fi fost dumneata, a fi pierdut toat bucuria petrecerii. Chiar m hotrsem s m ntorc. Da, erai foarte suprat i nu tiu de ce, nu vd alt motiv afar de faptul c ai ajuns prea trziu pentru cele mai bune cpuni. Am fost o prieten mai bun dect meritai. Dar ai fost destul de modest. Ai cerit aproape ordinul de a veni ncoace. Nu spune c eram suprat. Eram obosit. M-a copleit cldura. Azi e i mai cald. Nu pentru sentimentele mele. Azi m simt bine. Te simi bine pentru c eti stpnit. Stpnit ? De dumneata, da. Poate c m ateptam s spui asta, dar m refeream la stpnirea de sine. Ieri, ntr-un fel sau altul, i ieisei din fire i scpasei de sub propriul control. Dar azi i-ai revenit, i cum eu nu pot s fiu tot timpul cu dumneata e mai bine s-i stpneti singur pornirile, dect s atepi asta de la mine. - De fapt, e acelai lucru. Nu m pot stpni dac nu m ndeamn ceva. Dumneata mi comanzi, fie c vorbeti, fie c nu. i poate c eti tot timpul cu mine. Da, tot timpul eti cu mine ncepnd de ieri, de la orele trei. Influena mea venic nu poate s fi nceput mai devreme, altfel nu ai fi fost att de prost dispus nainte. Ieri, la orele trei ! Aa gndeti dumneata ? Credeam c ne cunoatem din februarie. E ntr-adevr greu de gsit un rspuns la galanteria dumitale. Dar (coborndu-i vocea) nu mai vorbete nimeni n afar de noi i nu prea merit s vorbim prostii de dragul de a distra apte oameni care tac. N-am spus nimic de care s-mi fie ruine, rspunse el vioi i obraznic. Ne cunoatem din februarie. Toi cei care au urechi de auzit s aud. S se ntind fraza asta de la Mickleham la Dorking. Ne-am cunoscut n februarie. i apoi, n oapt: Tovarii notri sunt extrem de proti. Ce s facem ca s-i trezim ? Orice prostie e bun pentru asta. Trebuie s nceap s vorbeasc ! Doamnelor i domnilor, domnioara Woodhouse mi ordon (dnsa prezideaz oriunde s-ar afla) s v spun c dorete s tie la ce v gndii fiecare ! Unii rser i rspunser cu bunvoin. Domnioara Bates spuse foarte multe vorbe. Doamna Elton se simi

having it sent off in a letter to Maple Grove by one lady, to Ireland by another. Not that Emma was gay and thoughtless from any real felicity; it was rather because she felt less happy than she had expected. She laughed because she was disappointed; and though she liked him for his attentions, and thought them all, whether in friendship, admiration, or playfulness, extremely judicious, they were not winning back her heart. She still intended him for her friend. "How much I am obliged to you," said he, "for telling me to come to-day!-- If it had not been for you, I should certainly have lost all the happiness of this party. I had quite determined to go away again." "Yes, you were very cross; and I do not know what about, except that you were too late for the best strawberries. I was a kinder friend than you deserved. But you were humble. You begged hard to be commanded to come." "Don't say I was cross. I was fatigued. The heat overcame me." "It is hotter to-day." "Not to my feelings. I am perfectly comfortable to-day." "You are comfortable because you are under command." "Your command?--Yes." "Perhaps I intended you to say so, but I meant selfcommand. You had, somehow or other, broken bounds yesterday, and run away from your own management; but to-day you are got back again--and as I cannot be always with you, it is best to believe your temper under your own command rather than mine." "It comes to the same thing. I can have no self-command without a motive. You order me, whether you speak or not. And you can be always with me. You are always with me." "Dating from three o'clock yesterday. My perpetual influence could not begin earlier, or you would not have been so much out of humour before." "Three o'clock yesterday! That is your date. I thought I had seen you first in February." "Your gallantry is really unanswerable. But (lowering her voice)-- nobody speaks except ourselves, and it is rather too much to be talking nonsense for the entertainment of seven silent people." "I say nothing of which I am ashamed," replied he, with lively impudence. "I saw you first in February. Let every body on the Hill hear me if they can. Let my accents swell to Mickleham on one side, and Dorking on the other. I saw you first in February." And then whispering-"Our companions are excessively stupid. What shall we do to rouse them? Any nonsense will serve. They shall talk. Ladies and gentlemen, I am ordered by Miss Woodhouse (who, wherever she is, presides) to say, that she desires to know what you are all thinking of?" Some laughed, and answered good-humouredly. Miss Bates said a great deal; Mrs. Elton swelled at the idea of

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nepat de ideea c domnioara Woodhouse prezideaz oriunde. Rspunsul domnului Knightley fu cel mai clar: E sigur domnioara Woodhouse c vrea s aud ce gndim? Ah, nu, nu, strig Emma, rznd ct de nepstoare putea, sub nici un motiv ! E ultimul lucru pe care l-a suporta acum. Mi bine s aud orice dect ceea ce gndii. Adic, n-a putea zice toi, exist poate o persoan sau dou (uitndu-se spre domnul Weston i Harriet), ale cror gnduri nu mi-ar fi team s le aud. Sunt lucruri, strig doamna Elton apsat, pe care eu nu m-a fi simit ndreptit s le cercetez. Dei poate n calitatea mea de conductoare a grupului , n-am mai fost ntr-un cerc de felul sta excursii domnioare femei mritate. Murmurele i nemulumirile erau adresate n principal soului ei, care i opti ca rspuns; Foarte adevrat, draga mea, foarte adevrat. Exact aa, ntr-adevr, nemaipomenit, dar unele i permit s spun orice. Mai bine s-o lum n glum. Toat lumea tie ce i se cuvine. Nu merge, i opti Frank, Emmei. Cei mai muli sunt indignai, i atac pe alt front. Doamnelor i domnilor, domnioara Woodhouse mi ordon s v spun c renun la dreptul dnsei de a ti exact ce gndii i cere numai s aud ceva foarte distractiv din partea fiecruia dintre dumneavoastr. Iat, suntei apte n afar de mine, care, aa cum a avut plcerea s-mi spun, am fost deja foarte amuzant), i v cere fiecruia n parte s spunei ceva foarte inteligent, n versuri sau n proz, original sau imitaie, sau dou lucruri inteligente numai pe jumtate sau trei tmpenii curate, i ea se angajeaz s rd din toat inima la toate. Ah, minunat, exclam domnioara Bates, atunci pentru mine e simplu. Trei tmpenii curate ! Asta-i ceva ce mi se potrivete, n mod sigur voi spune trei tmpenii curate de ndat ce voi deschide gura, nu-i aa ? (uitnduse n jur plin de binevoitoare ncredere n asentimentul tuturor). Nu credei ? Emma nu putu s reziste: Ah, doamn, dar s-ar putea s fie o dificultate. Iertaim, numrul e destul de limitat. Numai trei o dat... Domnioara Bates, nelat de ceremonia prefcut din glasul ei, nu se supr, dei o roea uoar arta c o duruse totui. Ah, sigur, vd ce vrea s spun (ntorcndu-se spre domnul Knightley), o s ncerc s-mi in gura. Probabil c am devenit foarte antipatic, altfel n-ar zice aa ceva unei vechi prietene. mi place planul vostru, strig domnul Weston. De acord, de acord. Fac tot ce pot. Compun o arad. Cum se consider o arad ? Slab, mi-e team, domnule, slab, rspunse fiul su, dar vom fi indulgeni, mai ales cu cel care deschide

Miss Woodhouse's presiding; Mr. Knightley's answer was the most distinct. "Is Miss Woodhouse sure that she would like to hear what we are all thinking of?" "Oh! no, no"--cried Emma, laughing as carelessly as she could-- "Upon no account in the world. It is the very last thing I would stand the brunt of just now. Let me hear any thing rather than what you are all thinking of. I will not say quite all. There are one or two, perhaps, (glancing at Mr. Weston and Harriet,) whose thoughts I might not be afraid of knowing." "It is a sort of thing," cried Mrs. Elton emphatically, "which I should not have thought myself privileged to inquire into. Though, perhaps, as the Chaperon of the party-I never was in any circle--exploring parties--young ladies--married women--" Her mutterings were chiefly to her husband; and he murmured, in reply, "Very true, my love, very true. Exactly so, indeed--quite unheard of-- but some ladies say any thing. Better pass it off as a joke. Every body knows what is due to you." "It will not do," whispered Frank to Emma; "they are most of them affronted. I will attack them with more address. Ladies and gentlemen--I am ordered by Miss Woodhouse to say, that she waives her right of knowing exactly what you may all be thinking of, and only requires something very entertaining from each of you, in a general way. Here are seven of you, besides myself, (who, she is pleased to say, am very entertaining already,) and she only demands from each of you either one thing very clever, be it prose or verse, original or repeated--or two things moderately clever-- or three things very dull indeed, and she engages to laugh heartily at them all." "Oh! very well," exclaimed Miss Bates, "then I need not be uneasy. `Three things very dull indeed.' That will just do for me, you know. I shall be sure to say three dull things as soon as ever I open my mouth, shan't I? (looking round with the most good-humoured dependence on every body's assent)--Do not you all think I shall?" Emma could not resist. "Ah! ma'am, but there may be a difficulty. Pardon me--but you will be limited as to number--only three at once." Miss Bates, deceived by the mock ceremony of her manner, did not immediately catch her meaning; but, when it burst on her, it could not anger, though a slight blush shewed that it could pain her. "Ah!--well--to be sure. Yes, I see what she means, (turning to Mr. Knightley,) and I will try to hold my tongue. I must make myself very disagreeable, or she would not have said such a thing to an old friend." "I like your plan," cried Mr. Weston. "Agreed, agreed. I will do my best. I am making a conundrum. How will a conundrum reckon?" "Low, I am afraid, sir, very low," answered his son;--"but we shall be indulgent--especially to any one who

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drumul. Nu, nu, zise Emma. Nu consider c e prea puin. O arad de la domnul Weston l achit pe dnsul i pe cel de alturi. Haidei, domnule, v rog, vreau s aud! Chiar i eu m ndoiesc dac e inteligent sau nu, zise domnul Weston. E un lucru recunoscut. Iat, spunei dou litere din alfabet, care s exprime perfeciunea. Dou litere care s exprime perfeciunea ? Zu nu tiu. Ah, n-o s ghicii niciodat ! Tu (ntorcndu-se spre Emma), sunt sigur c n-o s ghiceti niciodat. V spun eu: M i A. Emma ! nelegei ? neleser i l felicitar totodat. Poate c nu era cine tie ce deteptciune, dar Emma gsi multe motive s rd i s fie ncntat. La fel, Frank Churchill i Harriet. Ceilali nu preau la fel de ncntai, unii artau chiar mirai, i domnul Knightley spuse grav: Asta arat ce fel de lucruri inteligente se cer, i domnul Weston s-a descurcat foarte bine, dar a handicapat pe toat lumea. Perfeciunea nu trebuie s apar att de repede ! Ah, din partea mea, zise doamna Elton, protestez, trebuie s fiu scuzat. Realmente, nu pot s ncerc. Nu-mi plac deloc asemenea lucruri. Mi s-a trimis o dat un acrostih cu numele meu, i nu mi-a fcut deloc plcere. tiam de la cine vine. Era un papioi dezgusttor ! tii despre cine vorbesc ! (dnd din cap ctre soul ei). Lucrurile astea sunt bune de Crciun, cnd stai n jurul focului, dar total deplasate cnd mergi vara n excursie. Domnioara Woodhouse trebuie s m scuze. Nu sunt dintre aceia care s spun lucruri inteligente la dispoziia oricui. De felul meu sunt foarte volubil, dar, realmente, trebuie s mi se permit s judec eu cnd s vorbesc i cnd s-mi in gura. Srii peste noi, dac suntei drgu, domnule Churchill. Srii peste domnul E., Knightley, Jane i peste mine. Nu avem nimic inteligent de spus, nici unul din noi. Da, da, srii peste mine, adug soul ei cu un zmbet complice. N-am nimic de spus care s-o distreze pe domnioara Woodhouse sau pe vreo alt domnioar. Sunt un brbat btrn, la casa mea bun de nimic. Mergem, Augusta ? Din toat inima, M-am sturat s stau mereu n acelai loc. Vino, Jane, ia-m de cellalt bra. Jane refuz totui, iar soul i soia plecar. Fericit pereche, zise Frank Churchill, de ndat ce se ndeprtar i nu-l mai putea auzi. Ce bine se potrivesc ! Au avut noroc cci aa cum s-au cunoscut, la bi, i s-au cstorit imediat... Am impresia c abia se cunoscuser de cteva sptmni, la Bath ! Excepional noroc ! Cum poi cunoate firea cuiva la Bath, printre atia oameni, nu poi ti nimic. Numai dac vezi femeia n casa ei, printre ai ei, aa cum se comport de obicei,

leads the way." "No, no," said Emma, "it will not reckon low. A conundrum of Mr. Weston's shall clear him and his next neighbour. Come, sir, pray let me hear it." "I doubt its being very clever myself," said Mr. Weston. "It is too much a matter of fact, but here it is.--What two letters of the alphabet are there, that express perfection?" "What two letters!--express perfection! I am sure I do not know." "Ah! you will never guess. You, (to Emma), I am certain, will never guess.--I will tell you.--M. and A.--Em-ma.--Do you understand?" Understanding and gratification came together. 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. Perfection should not have come quite so soon." "Oh! for myself, I protest I must be excused," said Mrs. Elton; "I really cannot attempt--I am not at all fond of the sort of thing. I had an acrostic once sent to me upon my own name, which I was not at all pleased with. I knew who it came from. An abominable puppy!-- You know who I mean (nodding to her husband). These kind of things are very well at Christmas, when one is sitting round the fire; but quite out of place, in my opinion, when one is exploring about the country in summer. Miss Woodhouse must excuse me. I am not one of those who have witty things at every body's service. I do not pretend to be a wit. I have a great deal of vivacity in my own way, but I really must be allowed to judge when to speak and when to hold my tongue. Pass us, if you please, Mr. Churchill. Pass Mr. E., Knightley, Jane, and myself. We have nothing clever to say-- not one of us. "Yes, yes, pray pass me," added her husband, with a sort of sneering consciousness; "I have nothing to say that can entertain Miss Woodhouse, or any other young lady. An old married man-- quite good for nothing. Shall we walk, Augusta?" "With all my heart. I am really tired of exploring so long on one spot. Come, Jane, take my other arm." Jane declined it, however, and the husband and wife walked off. "Happy couple!" said Frank Churchill, as soon as they were out of hearing:--"How well they suit one another!--Very lucky--marrying as they did, upon an acquaintance formed only in a public place!--They only knew each other, I think, a few weeks in Bath! Peculiarly lucky!-- for as to any real knowledge of a person's disposition that Bath, or any public place, can give--it is all nothing; there can be no knowledge. It is only

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poi s-i dai cu adevrat seama. Dac nu faci asta, mergi la nimereal i la noroc i de obicei ai ghinion. Ci brbai nu s-au angajat, cu o cunotin scurt, i s-au cit dup aceea toat viaa.

by seeing women in their own homes, among their own set, just as they always are, that you can form any just judgment. Short of that, it is all guess and luck-and will generally be ill-luck. How many a man has committed himself on a short acquaintance, and rued it all the rest of his life!" Domnioara Fairfax, care rareori vorbea tare, vorbi acum: Miss Fairfax, who had seldom spoken before, except among Asemenea lucruri se ntmpl, fr ndoial. Fu oprit her own confederates, spoke now. de o tuse. Frank Churchill se ntoarse spre ea ca s o "Such things do occur, undoubtedly."--She was stopped by a asculte. cough. Frank Churchill turned towards her to listen. Spuneai ceva, zise el, grav. Ea i recapt glasul: "You were speaking," said he, gravely. She recovered her voice. Voiam numai s observ c dei asemenea triste situaii "I was only going to observe, that though such unfortunate se ivesc cteodat, att pentru brbai ct i pentru circumstances do sometimes occur both to men femei, nu-mi nchipui c sunt foarte frecvente. O dragoste and women, I cannot imagine them to be very frequent. A se poate nate n prip:i fr pruden, dar se poate s hasty and imprudent attachment may arise-- but ai timpul s te vindeci. Cu asta vreau s spun c numai cei there is generally time to recover from it afterwards. I would cu un caracter slab i nehotrt (a cror fericire e be understood to mean, that it can be only weak, mereu la discreia ntmplrii) pot s lase ca o cunotin irresolute characters, (whose happiness must be always at nefericit s devin o povar venic. the mercy of chance,) who will suffer an unfortunate acquaintance to be an inconvenience, an oppression for ever." El nu rspunse; se uit numai i se nclin supus i curnd He made no answer; merely looked, and bowed in dup aceea spuse pe un ton vesel: submission; and soon afterwards said, in a lively tone, Ei bine, eu am att de puin ncredere n judecata "Well, I have so little confidence in my own judgment, that mea, nct, atunci cnd m voi nsura, sper c se va whenever I marry, I hope some body will chuse ocupa cineva s-mi caute o nevast. Ai vrea (ntorcndu-se my wife for me. Will you? (turning to Emma.) Will you chuse spre Emma), ai vrea s-mi caui o nevast ? Sunt a wife for me?--I am sure I should like any sigur c mi-ar plcea, dac mi-ai alege-o dumneata. body fixed on by you. You provide for the family, you know, Dumneata eti furnizorul familiei, tii (zmbind ctre tatl (with a smile at his father). Find some body for su). Gsete-mi pe cineva. Nu m grbesc. Poi s-o adopi, me. I am in no hurry. Adopt her, educate her." s-o educi. "And make her like myself." i s-o fac ca mine ! "By all means, if you can." Te rog mult, dac se poate ! "Very well. I undertake the commission. You shall have a Foarte bine, primesc propunerea. Vei avea o soie charming wife." ncnttoare. "She must be very lively, and have hazle eyes. I care for S fie foarte vioaie i s aib ochi cprui. n rest nu m nothing else. I shall go abroad for a couple of intereseaz. Plec n strintate pentru doi ani i cnd years--and when I return, I shall come to you for my wife. m ntorc vin la dumneata s-mi caut soia. ine minte ! Remember." Emma nu era deloc n primejdie s uite. Era o misiune Emma was in no danger of forgetting. It was a commission to care ii atingea coarda sensibil. Nu era chiar Harriet touch every favourite feeling. Would not fata descris de el ? n afar de ochii cprui, n doi ani Harriet be the very creature described? Hazle eyes excepted, putea deveni exact ce voia el. Poate chiar la Harriet se two years more might make her all that he gndise, cine tie ? Dac lsa educaia n seama ei, era wished. He might even have Harriet in his thoughts at the implicit. moment; who could say? Referring the education to her seemed to imply it. Ei, mtuica, i spuse Jane domnioarei Bates, ce-ar fi s "Now, ma'am," said Jane to her aunt, "shall we join Mrs. mergem dup doamna Elton ? Elton?" Dac vrei, draga mea. Din toat inima, sunt gata. Eram "If you please, my dear. With all my heart. I am quite ready. I gata i atunci s merg cu ea, dar i acum e bine. O was ready to have gone with her, but this will ajungem repede. Uite-o, a, nu, e altcineva. E una din do just as well. We shall soon overtake her. There she is--no, doamnele din trsura aceea irlandez, nu seamn deloc that's somebody else. That's one of the ladies in cu the Irish car party, not at all like her.-- Well, I declare--" ea. Ei, eu zic... They walked off, followed in half a minute by Mr. Knightley. Plecar, urmate peste un minut de domnul Knightley. Mr. Weston, his son, Emma, and Harriet, only 237

Rmaser numai domnul Weston, fiul su, Emma i Harriet, i veselia tnrului crescu ntr-att nct deveni suprtoare. Chiar i Emma se plictisise de complimente i veselie i ar fi vrut mai degrab s mearg linitit cu ceilali sau s rmn singur, cu nimeni n jur, ca s poat admira n pace privelitea. Se bucur deci la apariia servitorilor care i cutau s-i conduc la trsuri i chiar zelul pregtirilor pentru plecare i nerbdarea doamnei Elton de a avea prima trsura fur suportate cu bucurie la gndul c are perspectiva de a cltori linitit spre cas i a ncheia irul de distracii ndoielnice ale acestei zile. nc o petrecere ca asta, cu tia participani prost alei, nu va mai putea ndura alt dat. n timp ce atepta trsura, domnul Knightley se opri lng ea. Se uit n jur, ca i cnd ar fi vrut s se asigure c nu e nimeni pe aproape, apoi zise: Emma, trebuie s-i mai vorbesc o dat n felul n care obinuiam s-i vorbesc. E un privilegiu pe care mai mult l supori dect mi-l acorzi, poate, dar trebuie s fac uz de el. Nu pot s te vd purtndu-te urt fr s-i atrag atenia. Cum ai putut s fii att de crud cu domnioara Bates ? Cum ai putut s fii att de insolent cu glumele tale fa de o femeie ca ea, cu vrsta caracterul i cu situaia ei ? Emma, n-a fi crezut una ca asta ! Emma i aminti, se nroi, i pru ru, dar ncerc s rd ca s tearg totul. Ei, dar era o glum att de bun. Nu m-am putut abine. Cine-ar fi putut ? Nu cred c a jignit-o. Probabil c nici n-a neles. Te asigur c a neles. A simit chiar tot ce voiai s spui. Am discutat cu ea despre asta. Tare-as vrea s fi auzit i tu ce-a spus, cu ce candoare i generozitate vorbea. A vrea s fi auzit cum luda rbdarea ta, faptul c poi s-i dai atenie, tu i tatl tu, cnd compania ei e att de plictisitoare. Ah, strig Emma, tiu c nu exist nici o fiin mai cumsecade pe lume, dar trebuie s admii c buntatea i ridicolul se mpletesc n caracterul ei n modul cel mai nefericit ! Se mpletesc, recunosc, zise el, i dac ar fi fost bogat a fi nclinat s cred c ridicolul copleete buntatea. Dac ar fi o femeie cu avere, n-a avea nimic mpotriva unor glume inofensive, nu te-a certa pentru ce i-ai permis. Dac ar fi egala ta n societate dar, Emma, gndete-te ct e de departe de aa ceva. E srac, a pierdut nlesnirile pe care le avea cnd s-a nscut i va mai pierde probabil, la btrnee. Situaia ei ar trebui s-i provoace compasiune. Foarte urt din partea ta, zu! Tocmai tu! Ea te cunoate probabil de cnd erai mic, te-a vzut crescnd, la vremea cnd era o cinste pentru tine s te bage n seam, i acum s te vad rznd cu nepsare de ea, umilind-o, sub imperiul trufiei de moment i asta n faa nepoatei ei i a celorlali, dintre care

remained; and the young man's spirits now rose to a pitch almost unpleasant. Even Emma grew tired at last of flattery and merriment, and wished herself rather walking quietly about with any of the others, or sitting almost alone, and quite unattended to, in tranquil observation of the beautiful views beneath her. The appearance of the servants looking out for them to give notice of the carriages was a joyful sight; and even the bustle of collecting and preparing to depart, and the solicitude of Mrs. Elton to have her carriage first, were gladly endured, in the prospect of the quiet drive home which was to close the very questionable enjoyments of this day of pleasure. Such another scheme, composed of so many ill-assorted people, she hoped never to be betrayed into again. While waiting for the carriage, she found Mr. Knightley by her side. He looked around, as if to see that no one were near, and then said, "Emma, I must once more speak to you as I have been used to do: a privilege rather endured than allowed, perhaps, but I must still use it. I cannot see you acting wrong, without a remonstrance. How could you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates? How could you be so insolent in your wit to a woman of her character, age, and situation?-- Emma, I had not thought it possible." Emma recollected, blushed, was sorry, but tried to laugh it off. "Nay, how could I help saying what I did?--Nobody could have helped it. It was not so very bad. I dare say she did not understand me." "I assure you she did. She felt your full meaning. She has talked of it since. I wish you could have heard how she talked of it-- with what candour and generosity. I wish you could have heard her honouring your forbearance, in being able to pay her such attentions, as she was for ever receiving from yourself and your father, when her society must be so irksome." "Oh!" cried Emma, "I know there is not a better creature in the world: but you must allow, that what is good and what is ridiculous are most unfortunately blended in her." "They are blended," said he, "I acknowledge; and, were she prosperous, I could allow much for the occasional prevalence of the ridiculous over the good. Were she a woman of fortune, I would leave every harmless absurdity to take its chance, I would not quarrel with you for any liberties of manner. Were she your equal in situation-- but, Emma, consider how far this is from being the case. She is poor; she has sunk from the comforts she was born to; and, if she live to old age, must probably sink more. Her situation should secure your compassion. It was badly done, indeed! You, whom she had known from an infant, whom she had seen grow up from a period when her notice was an honour, to have you now, in thoughtless spirits, and the pride of the moment, laugh at her, humble her--and before her

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muli, unii cu siguran, vor fi influenai de felul cum tu o tratezi. Nu e plcut ce-i spun, Emma, i nici mie numi face plcere, dar trebuie s-o fac voi spune adevrul, cnd se poate. Sunt mulumit s-mi dovedesc prietenia pentru tine i s-i dau fidel sfaturi ncredinat c, odat i odat, o s-mi dai dreptate, mai mult dect acum.

n timp ce vorbeau se ndreptau spre trsur i, nainte ca ea s poat zice ceva, el o ajut s urce. El interpretase greit sentimentele care o fceau s se uite n alt parte i s tac. Erau numai un amestec de furie mpotriva ei nsi, umilin i ngrijorare. Nu apucase s deschid gura i cnd intr n trsur, se prbui un moment, copleit, apoi, reprondu-i c nu i-a luat rmas bun, c n-a zis nimic, c s-a desprit cu aparent rceal, scoase capul strignd, cu mna ntins, ca s arate c nu e suprat, dar era prea trziu. El plecase i caii porniser deja. Continu s se uite napoi, dar n zadar, i curnd, cu o vitez neobinuit, erau deja la jumtatea drumului i tot restul rmsese n urm. Era suprat, nespus de suprat, mai suprat dect putea ascunde. Niciodat n viaa ei nu se simise att de tulburat, de umilit, ntristat. Era adnc lovit. Nu se putea nega adevrul spuselor lui. O simea din toat inima. Cum de a putut fi att de crud, att de brutal cu domnioara Bates ! Cum de s-a expus la a face o impresie att de proast celui pe care l preuia i cum de l-a lsat s plece fr a-i spune mcar un cuvnt de alinare? Timpul n-o fcu s-i vin n fire. Cu ct se gndea mai mult, cu att cretea suprarea. Nu fusese niciodat att de trist. Din fericire, nu era nevoie s vorbeasc. Era numai cu Harriet, care nici ea nu era bine dispus, ci istovit i dornic s tac. i Emma simi lacrimile curgnd pe obrazul ei aproape tot drumul spre cas, fr s-i dea osteneala s le opreasc, orict de neobinuite ar fi fost.

CAPITOLUL XLIV EMMA SE GNDI TOATA SEARA LA nereuita excursiei de la Box Hill. Nu-i ddea seama n ce fel o apreciau ceilali. Ei, la ei acas i cu felul lor de-a fi diferit de al Emmei, i-o aminteau poate cu plcere, dar, dup prerea ei, fusese dimineaa cea mai prost petrecut, cea mai total lipsit de satisfacii intelectuale i care constituia cea mai oribil amintire din cte avusese ea vreodat. O sear ntreag petrecut la joc de table cu tatl ei era o fericire pe lng ce fusese dimineaa asta. n asta de fapt consta adevrata fericire, cci ea renuna la plcerile personale de dragul lui i simea c, orict de puin ar fi meritat dragostea lui tandr i stima lui plin de ncredere, totui, purtarea ei fa de el era fr repro. Ca fiic, spera c nu e total lipsit de inim. Spera c nimeni nu-i va putea spune : Cum poi s fii att de

niece, too--and before others, many of whom (certainly some,) would be entirely guided by your treatment of her.--This is not pleasant to you, Emma--and it is very far from pleasant to me; but I must, I will,--I will tell you truths while I can; satisfied with proving myself your friend by very faithful counsel, and trusting that you will some time or other do me greater justice than you can do now." While they talked, they were advancing towards the carriage; it was ready; and, before she could speak again, he had handed her in. He had misinterpreted the feelings which had kept her face averted, and her tongue motionless. They were combined only of anger against herself, mortification, and deep concern. She had not been able to speak; and, on entering the carriage, sunk back for a moment overcome--then reproaching herself for having taken no leave, making no acknowledgment, parting in apparent sullenness, she looked out with voice and hand eager to shew a difference; but it was just too late. He had turned away, and the horses were in motion. She continued to look back, but in vain; and soon, with what appeared unusual speed, they were half way down the hill, and every thing left far behind. She was vexed beyond what could have been expressed--almost beyond what she could conceal. Never had she felt so agitated, mortified, grieved, at any circumstance in her life. She was most forcibly struck. The truth of this representation there was no denying. She felt it at her heart. How could she have been so brutal, so cruel to Miss Bates! How could she have exposed herself to such ill opinion in any one she valued! And how suffer him to leave her without saying one word of gratitude, of concurrence, of common kindness! Time did not compose her. As she reflected more, she seemed but to feel it more. She never had been so depressed. Happily it was not necessary to speak. There was only Harriet, who seemed not in spirits herself, fagged, and very willing to be silent; and Emma felt the tears running down her cheeks almost all the way home, without being at any trouble to check them, extraordinary as they were. The wretchedness of a scheme to Box Hill was in Emma's thoughts all the evening. How it might be considered by the rest of the party, she could not tell. They, in their different homes, and their different ways, might be looking back on it with pleasure; but in her view it was a morning more completely misspent, more totally bare of rational satisfaction at the time, and more to be abhorred in recollection, than any she had ever passed. A whole evening of back-gammon with her father, was felicity to it. There, indeed, lay real pleasure, for there she was giving up the sweetest hours of the twenty-four to his comfort; and feeling that, unmerited as might be the degree of his fond affection and confiding esteem, she could not, in her general conduct, be open to any severe reproach. As a daughter, she hoped she was

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insensibil fa de tatl tu ? Trebuie i am s-i spun adevrul de cte ori se poate !" Domnioara Bates ! Asta nu se va mai ntmpla niciodat, nu, niciodat. Dac ateniile viitoare puteau rscumpra vina din trecut, spera c va fi iertat. Fusese neglijent de multe ori, aa i spunea contiina ei, neglijent, poate mai mult cu gndul dect cu fapta, dispreuitoare, lipsit de amabilitate. Dar asta nu se va mai ntmpla. Sub imperiul unei cine adevrate, hotr s-o viziteze chiar a doua zi i s nceap n acest fel un ir de vizite regulate, egale, pline de amabilitate din partea ei. Era la fel de hotrt a doua zi i porni de diminea ca s nu i se iveasc vreo piedic n cale. Nu era exclus s-l ntlneasc pe domnul Knightley pe drum ; sau poate o s vin la ei n timp ce ea era n vizit. Nu avea nimic mpotriv. Nu-i va fi ruine de pedeapsa pe care i-o impunea i care i se cuvenea pe bun dreptate, i ntoarse ochii spre Donwell cnd porni, dar nu-l vzu. Doamnele erau acas, toate." Nu se bucurase niciodat att de mult la auzul acestor cuvinte, nici nu intrase n gang, nici nu urcase scara vreodat cu atta dorin de a face plcere, ci mai mult cu ideea de a face o favoare sau de a o cpta, pentru ca apoi s-i bat joc. Cnd intr, se strni o oarecare agitaie, micare i vorbe. Auzi vocea domnioarei Bates. Ceva trebuia fcut n grab, servitoarea arta nfricoat i ncurcat, spera c nu o deranjeaz s mai atepte dou minute, dar apoi o conduse prea repede nuntru. Mtua i nepoata preau amndou s se refugieze n camera cealalt. O zri pe Jane destul de clar, arta foarte bolnav i, nainte ca ua s se nchid n urma lor, o auzi pe domnioara Bates spunnd : Draga mea, voi spune c eti culcat i oricum eti destul de bolnav. Biata doamn Bates cea btrn, politicoas i umil ca ntotdeauna, arta ca i cnd n-ar fi neles despre ce e vorba. Mi-e team c Jane nu se simte foarte bine, zise ea. Dar nu tiu, ele nu-mi spun cnd e ceva ru. Cred c fiica mea revine imediat, domnioar Woodhouse. Fii drgu i luai loc. Hetty n-ar trebui s plece. Eu nu prea sunt n stare... Ai gsit un scaun ? E bine unde v-ai aezat. Sunt sigur c vine imediat. Emma spera foarte mult s vin. O clip, i fu team c domnioara Bates vrea s o evite, dar domnioara Bates reveni imediat. Ce plcere, v mulumesc c ai venit, dar contiina i spunea Emmei c nu era aceeai voioie de mai nainte, era mai puin degajare n purtarea ei. O ntrebare foarte prietenoas despre sntatea domnioarei Fairfax putea duce, spera ea, la rentoarcerea vechilor sentimente. inta fu atins imediat : Ah, domnioar Woodhouse, ce bun suntei. Cred c ai auzit i ai venit s v bucurai mpreun cu noi. De fapt, mai ales pentru mine, nu e prea mare bucurie

not without a heart. She hoped no one could have said to her, "How could you be so unfeeling to your father?-I must, I will tell you truths while I can." Miss Bates should never again--no, never! If attention, in future, could do away the past, she might hope to be forgiven. She had been often remiss, her conscience told her so; remiss, perhaps, more in thought than fact; scornful, ungracious. But it should be so no more. In the warmth of true contrition, she would call upon her the very next morning, and it should be the beginning, on her side, of a regular, equal, kindly intercourse. She was just as determined when the morrow came, and went early, that nothing might prevent her. It was not unlikely, she thought, that she might see Mr. Knightley in her way; or, perhaps, he might come in while she were paying her visit. She had no objection. She would not be ashamed of the appearance of the penitence, so justly and truly hers. Her eyes were towards Donwell as she walked, but she saw him not. "The ladies were all at home." She had never rejoiced at the sound before, nor ever before entered the passage, nor walked up the stairs, with any wish of giving pleasure, but in conferring obligation, or of deriving it, except in subsequent ridicule. There was a bustle on her approach; a good deal of moving and talking. She heard Miss Bates's voice, something was to be done in a hurry; the maid looked frightened and awkward; hoped she would be pleased to wait a moment, and then ushered her in too soon. The aunt and niece seemed both escaping into the adjoining room. Jane she had a distinct glimpse of, looking extremely ill; and, before the door had shut them out, she heard Miss Bates saying, "Well, my dear, I shall say you are laid down upon the bed, and I am sure you are ill enough." Poor old Mrs. Bates, civil and humble as usual, looked as if she did not quite understand what was going on. "I am afraid Jane is not very well," said she, "but I do not know; they tell me she is well. I dare say my daughter will be here presently, Miss Woodhouse. I hope you find a chair. I wish Hetty had not gone. I am very little able--Have you a chair, ma'am? Do you sit where you like? I am sure she will be here presently." Emma seriously hoped she would. She had a moment's fear of Miss Bates keeping away from her. But Miss Bates soon came--"Very happy and obliged"--but Emma's conscience told her that there was not the same cheerful volubility as before--less ease of look and manner. A very friendly inquiry after Miss Fairfax, she hoped, might lead the way to a return of old feelings. The touch seemed immediate. "Ah! Miss Woodhouse, how kind you are!--I suppose you have heard-- and are come to give us joy. This does not seem much like joy, indeed, in me--(twinkling away a

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(clipind i zdrobind intre gene o lacrim), va fi foarte greu pentru noi s ne desprim de ea, dup ce a stat att de mult. i acum are o durere de cap ngrozitoare, a scris toat dimineaa nite scrisori att de lungi pentru domnul colonel Campbell i pentru doamna Dixon. Draga mea, i-am zis, o s orbeti" pentru c mereu avea lacrimi n ochi. Nu-i de mirare, nu-i deloc de mirare. E o mare schimbare i, dei are foarte mult noroc, o asemenea situaie nu gsete uor o fat, n ziua de azi, cnd iese prima dat n lume, s nu credei c suntem ingrate, domnioar Woodhouse, pentru un asemenea noroc nesperat (tergndu-i din nou lacrimile), dar biata fat, dac ai ti cum o doare capul ! Cnd ai o mare durere, tii, nici nu poi s te bucuri c i s-a ntmplat un lucru bun. E ct se poate de trist. Dac te uii la ea, nici nu-i dai seama ce ncntat i fericit e c a obinut un asemenea post. O scuzai c nu poate s vin, nu poate, i s-a dus la ea n camer. A fi vrut s se culce. Draga mea, i-am spus, am s spun c eti n pat", dar cu toate astea, nu sa culcat, se plimb prin camer. Dar, acum c a terminat scrisorile de scris, zice c o s-i fie mai bine. O s-i par ru c nu v-a vzut, domnioar Woodhouse, dar dumneavoastr vei fi att de bun s o scuzai. Ai ateptat la u, zu, mi-e i ruine. A fost o mic ncurctur, pentru c n-am auzit cnd ai btut i pn n-ai ajuns pe scar n-am tiut c a venit cineva. E numai doamna Cole, am spus eu, crede-m, nimeni altcineva n-ar fi venit att de devreme." Ei, a zis ea, tot trebuie s ndur asta odat i odat, i de ce nu, acum." Dar a venit Patty i ne-a spus c suntei dumneavoastr. Ah, am zis eu, e domnioara Woodhouse, sigur c vrei s-o vezi." Nu pot s vd pe nimeni", a zis ea i s-a sculat i a dat s plece i din cauza asta v-am lsat s ateptai i ne pare foarte ru, mi-e i ruine". Dac trebuie s te duci dincolo, draga mea, am zis, foarte bine, i o s spun c eti n pat." Interesul Emmei era ct se poate de sincer. Inima ei se mai nmuiase fa de Jane i imaginea suferinelor acesteia de acum avu efectul de a o vindeca de orice bnuial lipsit de generozitate pe care mai nainte ar fi putut-o avea. O fcu s simt numai mil i, la amintirea sentimentelor mai puin blnde de alt dat, fu nevoit s recunoasc dreptul Janei de a hotr s-o vad pe doamna Cole sau pe oricare alt prieten credincioas, n timp ce pe ea nu putea s o suporte. Vorbi dup cum simea, plin de regret i solicitudine, dorind sincer ca ntmplarea despre care vorbea domnioara Bates, hotrrea care fusese luat s fie ct se poate de avantajoas i convenabil pentru domnioara Fairfax. Era probabil o ncercare grea pentru toate. nelege c totul urma s fie amnat pn la venirea domnului colonel Campbell !" Ce drgu suntei, rspunse domnioara Bates, dar dumneavoastr suntei ntotdeauna drgu.

tear or two)--but it will be very trying for us to part with her, after having had her so long, and she has a dreadful headache just now, writing all the morning:-such long letters, you know, to be written to Colonel Campbell, and Mrs. Dixon. `My dear,' said I, `you will blind yourself'-- for tears were in her eyes perpetually. One cannot wonder, one cannot wonder. It is a great change; and though she is amazingly fortunate--such a situation, I suppose, as no young woman before ever met with on first going out--do not think us ungrateful, Miss Woodhouse, for such surprising good fortune--(again dispersing her tears)--but, poor dear soul! if you were to see what a headache she has. When one is in great pain, you know one cannot feel any blessing quite as it may deserve. She is as low as possible. To look at her, nobody would think how delighted and happy she is to have secured such a situation. You will excuse her not coming to you--she is not able--she is gone into her own room-- I want her to lie down upon the bed. `My dear,' said I, `I shall say you are laid down upon the bed:' but, however, she is not; she is walking about the room. But, now that she has written her letters, she says she shall soon be well. She will be extremely sorry to miss seeing you, Miss Woodhouse, but your kindness will excuse her. You were kept waiting at the door--I was quite ashamed-- but somehow there was a little bustle--for it so happened that we had not heard the knock, and till you were on the stairs, we did not know any body was coming. `It is only Mrs. Cole,' said I, `depend upon it. Nobody else would come so early.' `Well,' said she, `it must be borne some time or other, and it may as well be now.' But then Patty came in, and said it was you. `Oh!' said I, `it is Miss Woodhouse: I am sure you will like to see her.'-- `I can see nobody,' said she; and up she got, and would go away; and that was what made us keep you waiting--and extremely sorry and ashamed we were. `If you must go, my dear,' said I, `you must, and I will say you are laid down upon the bed.'" Emma was most sincerely interested. Her heart had been long growing kinder towards Jane; and this picture of her present sufferings acted as a cure of every former ungenerous suspicion, and left her nothing but pity; and the remembrance of the less just and less gentle sensations of the past, obliged her to admit that Jane might very naturally resolve on seeing Mrs. Cole or any other steady friend, when she might not bear to see herself. She spoke as she felt, with earnest regret and solicitude--sincerely wishing that the circumstances which she collected from Miss Bates to be now actually determined on, might be as much for Miss Fairfax's advantage and comfort as possible. "It must be a severe trial to them all. She had understood it was to be delayed till Colonel Campbell's return." "So very kind!" replied Miss Bates. "But you are always kind."

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Nu putea suporta acest ntotdeauna" i ca s scape de ngrozitoarea ei generozitate trecu direct la ntrebarea : Unde, dac pot s v ntreb, va merge domnioara Fairfax ? La o anume doamn Smalldridge, o femeie minunat, cultivat, s aib grij de cele trei fetie ale ei, ncnttoare fetie ! Imposibil de gsit un alt post mai convenabil, firete, dac nu socotim poate chiar pe doamna Suckling, sau pe doamna Bragge, dar doamna Smalldrige e intim prieten cu amndou, i tot din partea locului, locuiete numai patru mile de Maple Grove. Jane va sta numai la patru mile de Maple Grove. Doamna Elton este, presupun, persoana creia domnioara Fairfax i datoreaz... Da, buna noastr doamn Elton. Prietena cea mai sincer i mai neobosit. N-a vrut s aud de nici un refuz, n-a vrut s-o lase pe Jane s spun nu; pentru c Jane, cnd a auzit prima dat (alaltieri, mi se pare, cnd eram la Donwell), cnd a auzit Jane prima dat, era foarte hotrt s nu accepte oferta i din motivele care le pomeneai dumneavoastr, exact cum spuneai se hotrse s nu fac nimic pn nu se ntoarce domnul colonel Campell, i nimeni pe lume n-o putea ndupleca s se angajeze chiar acum, i i-a spus asta de cteva ori doamnei Elton, i, zu, nici eu n-a fi crezut s se rzgndeasc ! Dar prea buna doamn Elton, care nu greete niciodat, a vzut mai departe ca mine. Nu oricine ar fi insistat atta, i a fost aa de bun s nu ia n seam refuzul Janei. Dar dnsa a spus clar i rspicat c nu vrea ca Jane s resping oferta, aa cum voia ea ieri. A ateptat i asear a fcut-o pe Jane s accepte. Pentru mine a fost o surpriz, n-am bnuit deloc. Jane a luat-o pe doamna Elton de-o parte i i-a spus c, judecnd mai bine de ce avantaje se va bucura la doamna Smalldridge, s-a hotrt s accepte. N-am tiut nimic, pn nu s-a aranjat.

Ai fost asear la doamna Elton ? Da, toate, ne-a invitat dnsa. Ne-a spus la Box Hill, n timp ce ne plimbam cu domnul Knightley. Trebuie s venii cu toii la noi desear. Am hotrt c trebuie s venii cu toii." A fost i domnul Knightley, nu-i aa ? Nu, domnul Knightley n-a fost. A refuzat de la nceput, i, dei credeam c vine, pentru c doamna Elton a zis c nu-l las pn nu vine, el n-a venit. Dar mama i Jane i cu mine am fost toate, a fost o sear foarte plcut. Cu asemenea buni prieteni, domnioar Woodhouse, te simi ntotdeauna bine, dei lumea era cam obosit dup excursia de diminea. Chiar plcerile, tii, te obosesc uneori ! N-a putea spune c a fost cineva cruia s-i fi plcut foarte mult. Totui, eu gsesc c a fost o excursie frumoas i sunt foarte recunosctoare bunilor prieteni care ne-au invitat.

There was no bearing such an "always;" and to break through her dreadful gratitude, Emma made the direct inquiry of-"Where--may I ask?--is Miss Fairfax going?" "To a Mrs. Smallridge--charming woman--most superior--to have the charge of her three little girls--delightful children. Impossible that any situation could be more replete with comfort; if we except, perhaps, Mrs. Suckling's own family, and Mrs. Bragge's; but Mrs. Smallridge is intimate with both, and in the very same neighbourhood:--lives only four miles from Maple Grove. Jane will be only four miles from Maple Grove." "Mrs. Elton, I suppose, has been the person to whom Miss Fairfax owes--" "Yes, our good Mrs. Elton. The most indefatigable, true friend. She would not take a denial. 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. It is not every body that would have stood out in such a kind way as she did, and refuse to take Jane's answer; but she positively declared she would not write any such denial yesterday, as Jane wished her; she would wait-and, sure enough, yesterday evening it was all settled that Jane should go. Quite a surprize to me! 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." "You spent the evening with Mrs. Elton?" "Yes, all of us; Mrs. Elton would have us come. It was settled so, upon the hill, while we were walking about with Mr. Knightley. `You must all spend your evening with us,' said she--`I positively must have you all come.'" "Mr. Knightley was there too, was he?" "No, not Mr. Knightley; he declined it from the first; and though I thought he would come, because Mrs. Elton declared she would not let him off, he did not;--but my mother, and Jane, and I, were all there, and a very agreeable evening we had. Such kind friends, you know, Miss Woodhouse, one must always find agreeable, though every body seemed rather fagged after the morning's party. Even pleasure, you know, is fatiguing--and I cannot say that any of them seemed very much to have enjoyed it. However, I shall always think it a very pleasant party, and feel extremely obliged to the kind friends who included me in it."

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 Probabil c domnioara Fairfax, dei noi habar naveam, s-a gndit la asta toat dimineaa. Cred c da. Cnd va veni ziua, cred c ea i prietenii ei vor fi foarte lovii i sper c acolo va avea parte de alinare, pe ct e posibil, adic, prin caracterul i manierele familiei. Mulumesc, domnioar Woodhouse, ntr-adevr, va avea tot ce se poate ca s fie fericit. n afar de familia Suckling i familia Bragge, nu mai sunt alte familii att de generoase i distinse printre cunoscuii doamnei Elton. Doamna Smalldridge, minunat femeie ! Un fel de via aproape la fel ca la Maple Grove,. iar n ce privete fetiele, n afar de copiii familiei Suckling i ai familiei Bragge, nu exist alii mai drgui i mai distini Jane i va tratat cu atta consideraie i bunvoin. Va fi o plcere o via de plcere. i salariul, zu,nu-mi vine s v spun ce salariu are, nici chiar dumneavoastr domnioar Woodhouse ! Chiar dumneavoastr, care suntei obinuit cu sume mari, tot n-o s v vin s credei c i se poate oferi att de mult unei fete tinere ca Jane. Ah, doamn, strig Emma, dac i ali copii sunt aa cum mi-aduc aminte c eram eu, cred c nu merit s faci asta nici dac ai primi de cinci ori cea mai mare sum despre care am auzit c se ofer n asemenea ocazii. Avei nite gnduri att de nobile ! i cnd urmeaz s plece domnioara Fairfax ? Curnd, foarte, foarte curnd. Asta-i partea cea mai proast. Peste dou sptmni. Doamna Smalldridge e foarte grbit. Biata mama, i vine att de greu. Aa c eu mai ncerc s-o nveselesc i-i zic,: Hai, mam, s nu ne mai gndim la asta." Probabil c prietenilor le pare ru c o pierd, i doamnei i domnului Campbell n-o s le par ru c s-a angajat nainte-de ntoarcerea lor ? Da, Jane zice c e sigur c o s le par ru, totui, e un post pe care nu se simte ndreptit s-l refuze. Am fost att de uimit cnd mi-a zis ce a vorbit doamnei Elton i doamna Elton a venit imediat i m-a felicitat. Era nainte de ceai, a, nu, nu putea s fie nainte de ceai, pentru c tocmai ncepusem s jucm cri i, totui, parc era nainte de ceai, pentru c mi-aduc aminte c m gndeam, a nu, s-a ntmplat ceva nainte de ceai, dar nu asta. Domnul Elton a ieit din camer nainte de ceai, pentru c voia s vorbeasc biatul lui John Abdy cu dnsul. Bietul John, am mult stim pentru el, a fost diacon la tata timp de douzeci i apte de ani i, acum, bietul de el, om btrn, a czut la pat i i e foarte ru, are gut la ncheieturi, trebuie s trec azi pe la el, i o s vin i Jane, desigur, dac o s poat iei. i biatul lui John, bietul de el, a venit s-l roage pe domnul Elton pentru un ajutor de la parohie el e destul de avut, e mare la Crown, rnda, ctig bine , totui nu-i poate ntreine tatl fr ajutor de la biseric. i cnd domnul

"Miss Fairfax, I suppose, though you were not aware of it, had been making up her mind the whole day?" "I dare say she had." "Whenever the time may come, it must be unwelcome to her and all her friends--but I hope her engagement will have every alleviation that is possible--I mean, as to the character and manners of the family." "Thank you, dear Miss Woodhouse. Yes, indeed, there is every thing in the world that can make her happy in it. Except the Sucklings and Bragges, there is not such another nursery establishment, so liberal and elegant, in all Mrs. Elton's acquaintance. Mrs. Smallridge, a most delightful woman!--A style of living almost equal to Maple Grove--and as to the children, except the little Sucklings and little Bragges, there are not such elegant sweet children anywhere. Jane will be treated with such regard and kindness!-- It will be nothing but pleasure, a life of pleasure.--And her salary!-- I really cannot venture to name her salary to you, Miss Woodhouse. Even you, used as you are to great sums, would hardly believe that so much could be given to a young person like Jane." "Ah! madam," cried Emma, "if other children are at all like what I remember to have been myself, I should think five times the amount of what I have ever yet heard named as a salary on such occasions, dearly earned." "You are so noble in your ideas!" "And when is Miss Fairfax to leave you?" "Very soon, very soon, indeed; that's the worst of it. Within a fortnight. Mrs. Smallridge is in a great hurry. My poor mother does not know how to bear it. So then, I try to put it out of her thoughts, and say, Come ma'am, do not let us think about it any more." "Her friends must all be sorry to lose her; and will not Colonel and Mrs. Campbell be sorry to find that she has engaged herself before their return?" "Yes; Jane says she is sure they will; but yet, this is such a situation as she cannot feel herself justified in declining. I was so astonished when she first told me what she had been saying to Mrs. Elton, and when Mrs. Elton at the same moment came congratulating me upon it! It was before tea--stay--no, it could not be before tea, because we were just going to cards--and yet it was before tea, because I remember thinking--Oh! no, now I recollect, now I have it; something happened before tea, but not that. Mr. Elton was called out of the room before tea, old John Abdy's son wanted to speak with him. Poor old John, I have a great regard for him; he was clerk to my poor father twenty-seven years; and now, poor old man, he is bed-ridden, and very poorly with the rheumatic gout in his joints-- I must go and see him to-day; and so will Jane, I am sure, if she gets out at all. And poor John's son came to talk to Mr. Elton about relief from the parish; he is very well to do himself, you know, being head man at the Crown, ostler,

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Elton s-a ntors ne-a spus ce a auzit, de la John rndaul, c de la Randalls au trimis dup aret s-l duc pe domnul Frank Churchill la Richmond. Asta a fost nainte de ceai. Dup ceai a vorbit Jane cu doamna Elton.

and every thing of that sort, but still he cannot keep his father without some help; and so, when Mr. Elton came back, he told us what John ostler had been telling him, and then it came out about the chaise having been sent to Randalls to take Mr. Frank Churchill to Richmond. That was what happened before tea. It was after tea that Jane spoke to Mrs. Elton." Domnioara Bates nu-i ddu Emmei timp s spun c Miss Bates would hardly give Emma time to say how pentru ea era o noutate, dar cum, fr a presupune c nu perfectly new this circumstance was to her; but as tia nimic despre amnuntele plecrii domnului Churchill, without supposing it possible that she could be ignorant of ncepu s le enumere, nu avea nici o importan, dac any of the particulars of Mr. Frank Churchill's ea tia sau nu. Ceea ce aflase domnul Elton de la rnda n going, she proceeded to give them all, it was of no problema asta era, din cte tia grjdarul, i, n plus, consequence. din cte tiau servitorii de la Randalls, c venise un What Mr. Elton had learned from the ostler on the subject, mesager de la Richmond, imediat dup ce se ntorseser being the accumulation of the ostler's own de la knowledge, and the knowledge of the servants at Randalls, Box Hill, care mesager era, se pare, totui neateptat i was, that a messenger had come over from aducea cteva rnduri de la domnul Churchill pentru Richmond soon after the return of the party from Box Hill-nepotul su, n care se spunea c doamna Churchill nu se which messenger, however, had been no more simea foarte ru i nu dorea dect s-l vad a doua zi than was expected; and that Mr. Churchill had sent his diminea, dar c domnul Frank Churchill, hotrndu-se s nephew a few lines, containing, upon the whole, a plece imediat, fr s mai atepte, i calul su fiind, tolerable account of Mrs. Churchill, and only wishing him not dup cte se pare, bolnav, Tom fusese trimis imediat dup to delay coming back beyond the next morning areta de la Crown i rndaul o vzuse plecnd, early; but that Mr. Frank Churchill having resolved to go biatul mna destul de repede. home directly, without waiting at all, and his horse seeming to have got a cold, Tom had been sent off immediately for the Crown chaise, and the ostler had stood out and seen it pass by, the boy going a good pace, and driving very steady. n toate astea nu era nimic de mirare sau de un deosebit There was nothing in all this either to astonish or interest, interes i ele i atraser atenia Emmei numai n and it caught Emma's attention only as it united comparaie cu subiectul care o preocupa deja. Contrastul with the subject which already engaged her mind. The dintre importana n lume a doamnei Churchill i a contrast between Mrs. Churchill's importance in the Janei Fairfax o izbea. Una era totul, cealalt nimic i medita world, and Jane Fairfax's, struck her; one was every thing, asupra deosebirilor dintre soarta unei femei i a the other nothing--and she sat musing on the alteia. Era foarte absent, se uita n gol, cnd domnioara difference of woman's destiny, and quite unconscious on Bates o trezi, zicnd : what her eyes were fixed, till roused by Miss Bates's saying, Ah, vd la ce v gndii, la pian. Ce-o s facem cu el ? "Aye, I see what you are thinking of, the pianoforte. What is Foarte adevrat, biata Jane tocmai vorbea de el. to become of that?--Very true. Poor dear Jane Trebuie s plec, zicea ea, ne desprim. N-are nimic de was talking of it just now.-- `You must go,' said she. `You and fcut aici, dar e mai bine s rmn", a zis, s-i dm I must part. You will have no business gzduire pn se ntoarce domnul colonel Campbell. Voi here.--Let it stay, however,' said she; `give it houseroom till vorbi cu dnsul despre el, i va aranja dnsul ceva, m Colonel Campbell comes back. I shall talk about va ajuta s ies din impas." i nici pn azi, sunt sigur, nu it to him; he will settle for me; he will help me out of all my tie dac a fost un dar de la el sau de la fiica lui. difficulties.'-- And to this day, I do believe, she knows not whether it was his present or his daughter's." Acum, Emma fu nevoit s se gndeasc la pian i Now Emma was obliged to think of the pianoforte; and the amintirea presupunerilor ei fanteziste i rutcioase de remembrance of all her former fanciful and unfair mai conjectures was so little pleasing, that she soon allowed nainte era att de puin plcut, nct ncepu s cread c herself to believe her visit had been long enough; and, a stat destul i repetnd toate urrile de bine pe care le with a repetition of every thing that she could venture to say socotea necesare i pe care le fcea din toat inima i lu of the good wishes which she really felt, took rmas bun. leave. DISPOZIIA MEDITATIVA A EMMEI NU FU deloc tulburat Emma's pensive meditations, as she walked home, were not pe drumul spre cas, dar, intrnd n salon, i interrupted; but on entering the parlour, she found 244

gsi pe aceia care i puteau strni interesul. Domnul Knightley i Harriet sosiser n lipsa ei i stteau de vorb cu domnul Woodhouse. Domnul Knightley se ridic imediat i, ntr-un fel mult mai grav dect de obicei, zise : N-am vrut s plec fr s te vd, dar nu am timp de pierdut, aa c trebuie s plec imediat. Plec la Londra, s stau cteva zile cu John i Isabella. Ai ceva de trimis sau de spus n afar de dragoste", pe care n-o poate duce nimeni ? Nimic. Dar cum de te-ai hotrt aa deodat ? Da, adic, m-am gndit destul de mult la asta. Emma era sigur c nu o iertase. Prea c nu e n apele lui. Timpul, totui, gndi ea, i va spune c trebuie s fim din nou prieteni. n timp ce el sttea n picioare, ca i cnd ar fi vrut s plece, dar nu pleca, tatl ei ncepu s-i pun ntrebri : Ei, draga mea, ai ajuns cu bine? i ce fceau buna mea prieten i fiica ei ? Cred c s-au bucurat foarte mult c te-ai dus. Emma, draga de ea, a fost n vizit la doamna i domnioara Bates, domnule Knightley. E att de atent cu ele, ntotdeauna. Obrajii Emmei se colorar la aceast laud nemeritat i cu un zmbet i cltinare a capului, care spuneau multe, se uit la domnul Knigthley. Se prea c afirmaia fcuse o impresie imediat n favoarea ei, ca i cnd ochii lui ar fi priceput adevrul din ochii ei, i sentimentele bune pe care le trise n dimineaa aceea fur imediat nelese i li se fcu cinstea cuvenit. Se uit la ea plin de stim. Ea fu extrem de satisfcut i peste o clip nc i mai mult, pentru c el fcu un gest care nsemna nu numai prietenie. i lu mna, nu tia dac nu cumva ea fcuse prima micare, poate i-o oferise chiar, i lu mna i o strnse i fu pe punctul de a i-o duce la buze, cnd, probabil nchipuindu-i ceva, i ddu drumul. De ce s simt asemenea reineri, de ce s se rzgndeasc tocmai cnd era gata s-o fac ? Asta Emma nu putea nelege. Ar fi fost mai bine judecat din partea lui dac nu s-ar fi oprit. Intenia, totui, fusese nendoielnic i, poate, pentru c de obicei nu se purta prea galant, ori cine tie de ce, Emma gsi c i se potrivea foarte bine atitudinea de acum. Caracterul lui era att de simplu i demn. Nu putea s-i aminteasc gestul fr o mare satisfacie. Mrturisea o mare prietenie. Plec imediat dup aceea. Se mica ntotdeauna cu repeziciunea celor care fac lucrurile hotrt i fr zbav, dar, de data asta, dispariia lui pru i mai brusc.

Emma nu avea de ce s regrete vizita la domnioara Bates, dar ar fi vrut s fi plecat cu zece minute mai devreme. Ar fi fost o mare plcere s discute cu domnul Knightley despre postul Janei Fairfax. Nu regreta nici c el pleac la Brunswick Square, pentru c tia ce mult se vor

those who must rouse her. Mr. Knightley and Harriet had arrived during her absence, and were sitting with her father.--Mr. Knightley immediately got up, and in a manner decidedly graver than usual, said, "I would not go away without seeing you, but I have no time to spare, and therefore must now be gone directly. I am going to London, to spend a few days with John and Isabella. Have you any thing to send or say, besides the `love,' which nobody carries?" "Nothing at all. But is not this a sudden scheme?" "Yes--rather--I have been thinking of it some little time." Emma was sure he had not forgiven her; he looked unlike himself. Time, however, she thought, would tell him that they ought to be friends again. While he stood, as if meaning to go, but not going-- her father began his inquiries. "Well, my dear, and did you get there safely?--And how did you find my worthy old friend and her daughter?--I dare say they must have been very much obliged to you for coming. Dear Emma has been to call on Mrs. and Miss Bates, Mr. Knightley, as I told you before. She is always so attentive to them!" Emma's colour was heightened by this unjust praise; and with a smile, and shake of the head, which spoke much, she looked at Mr. Knightley.-- It seemed as if there were an instantaneous impression in her favour, as if his eyes received the truth from her's, and all that had passed of good in her feelings were at once caught and honoured.-- He looked at her with a glow of regard. She was warmly gratified-- and in another moment still more so, by a little movement of more than common friendliness on his part.--He took her hand;-whether she had not herself made the first motion, she could not say-- she might, perhaps, have rather offered it--but he took her hand, pressed it, and certainly was on the point of carrying it to his lips-- when, from some fancy or other, he suddenly let it go.--Why he should feel such a scruple, why he should change his mind when it was all but done, she could not perceive.--He would have judged better, she thought, if he had not stopped.--The intention, however, was indubitable; and whether it was that his manners had in general so little gallantry, or however else it happened, but she thought nothing became him more.-- It was with him, of so simple, yet so dignified a nature.-- She could not but recall the attempt with great satisfaction. It spoke such perfect amity.--He left them immediately afterwards-- gone in a moment. He always moved with the alertness of a mind which could neither be undecided nor dilatory, but now he seemed more sudden than usual in his disappearance. Emma could not regret her having gone to Miss Bates, but she wished she had left her ten minutes earlier;--it would have been a great pleasure to talk over Jane Fairfax's situation with Mr. Knightley.-- Neither would she regret that he should be going to Brunswick Square, for she

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bucura cei de acolo de vizita lui, dar mai bine ar fi fost alt dat i dac ar fi tiut din timp i-ar fi fcut mai mare plcere. Se despriser totui buni prieteni. Nu putea s se nele asupra purtrii lui, a gestului lui galant neterminat, fcuse totul ca s-o asigure c se bucura din nou de stima lui. Afl c sttuse acolo, n ateptarea ei, o jumtate de or. Pcat c nu se ntorsese mai devreme.

n sperana de a distrage gndurile tatlui ei de la neplcerea c domnul Knightley pleca la Londra, c pleca pe neateptate i c se ducea clare, neplcere care, tia bine, va fi mare pentru el, Emma le comunic noutatea despre Jane Fairfax i ncrederea pe care o avea n efectul ei fu pe deplin justificat. Era o frn foarte potrivit, l interesa fr s-l tulbure. De mult se gndea, c Jane Fairfax va deveni guvernant i putea s vorbeasc despre asta cu veselie, dar plecarea domnului Knightley fusese o lovitur neateptat. M bucur din toat inima, draga mea, s aud c i-a gsit un post bun. Doamna Elton e foarte bun i simpatic i cred c prietenii ei sunt oameni cumsecade. Sper c e ntr-o regiune cu clim uscat i c sntatea ei nu va suferi. Asta ar trebui s fie prima lor grij, aa cum prima mea grij era sntatea domnioarei Taylor. tii, draga mea, ea va fi pentru aceast doamn cum a fost domnioara Taylor pentru noi. i sper c ea se va simi mai bine ntr-o anume privin i nu va fi tentat s plece dup ce a trit atia ani ntr-o cas. A doua zi sosi o veste de la Richmond care fcu s pleasc tot restul preocuprilor. Un mesager rapid sosi la Randalls s anune moartea doamnei Churchill. Dei nepotul nu avusese motive s-i grbeasc plecarea din cauza ei, nu mai trise dect treizeci i ase de ore dup venirea lui. Un atac neateptat de natur s nu fie suportat de starea n care se gsea ea i pusese capt zilelor dup o lupt scurt. Mreaa doamn Churchill nu mai exista. Lucrul fu luat aa cum sunt luate astfel de lucruri de obicei. Toat lumea arta o oarecare gravitate i ntristare, duioie fa de cea disprut, solicitudine pentru prietenii rmai n via i, dup ce trecu oarecare timp, curiozitatea de a afla unde va fi ngropat. Goldsmith spune c atunci cnd o femeie frumoas se las prad nebuniei n-are de ales dect s moar, iar cnd se las prad rutii, e de asemenea recomandabil, pentru c astfel scap de faima proast. Doamna Churchill, dup ce fusese urt cel puin douzeci i cinci de ani, deveni acum obiectul concesiilor i compasiunii generale. Dintr-un punct de vedere, i se fcea deplin dreptate. Nimeni, niciodat, nu voise s admit c e ntr-adevr bolnav. Evenimentul o absolvea de toate capriciile i egoismul bolilor ei imaginare. Biata doamn Churchill fr ndoial c suferise mult; mai mult dect se crezuse vreodat , i durerea continu te face mai ru. Era o ntmplare trist o

knew how much his visit would be enjoyed--but it might have happened at a better time--and to have had longer notice of it, would have been pleasanter.--They parted thorough friends, however; she could not be deceived as to the meaning of his countenance, and his unfinished gallantry;--it was all done to assure her that she had fully recovered his good opinion.--He had been sitting with them half an hour, she found. It was a pity that she had not come back earlier! 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. He had long made up his mind to Jane Fairfax's going out as governess, and could talk of it cheerfully, but Mr. Knightley's going to London had been an unexpected blow. "I am very glad, indeed, my dear, to hear she is to be so comfortably settled. Mrs. Elton is very good-natured and agreeable, and I dare say her acquaintance are just what they ought to be. I hope it is a dry situation, and that her health will be taken good care of. It ought to be a first object, as I am sure poor Miss Taylor's always was with me. You know, my dear, she is going to be to this new lady what Miss Taylor was to us. And I hope she will be better off in one respect, and not be induced to go away after it has been her home so long." The following day brought news from Richmond to throw every thing else into the background. An express arrived at Randalls to announce the death of Mrs. Churchill! Though her nephew had had no particular reason to hasten back on her account, she had not lived above sixand-thirty hours after his return. A sudden seizure of a different nature from any thing foreboded by her general state, had carried her off after a short struggle. The great Mrs. Churchill was no more. It was felt as such things must be felt. Every body had a degree of gravity and sorrow; tenderness towards the departed, solicitude for the surviving friends; and, in a reasonable time, curiosity to know where she would be buried. Goldsmith tells us, that when lovely woman stoops to folly, she has nothing to do but to die; and when she stoops to be disagreeable, it is equally to be recommended as a clearer of ill-fame. Mrs. Churchill, after being disliked at least twenty-five years, was now spoken of with compassionate allowances. In one point she was fully justified. She had never been admitted before to be seriously ill. The event acquitted her of all the fancifulness, and all the selfishness of imaginary complaints. "Poor Mrs. Churchill! no doubt she had been suffering a great deal: more than any body had ever supposed--and continual pain would try the temper. It was a sad event--a great shock--with all her faults, what

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lovitur grea , cu toate defectele ei, ce se va face domnul Churchill fr ea? Pierderea era ngrozitoare, ntradevr, pentru domnul Churchill !" Chiar domnul Weston cltin din cap i fcu o figur solemn, zicnd : Ah, biata femeie, cine ar fi crezut ! i decise ca hainele lui de doliu s fie ct se poate de elegante, iar soia sa sttea oftnd, fcndu-i moral, croetnd la dantelele ei late, cu sincer i tenace comptimire i bun sim. Cum l va atinge asta pe Frank Churchill ? fu primul gnd care le veni la amndoi n minte. Fu de asemenea printre primele ntrebri pe care i le puse Emma. Caracterul doamnei Churchill, durerea soului ei mintea ei trecu peste ele cu groaz i compasiune i apoi se opri cu sentimente mai puin apstoare asupra efectului pe care-l va avea evenimentul asupra lui Frank Churchill, de ce avantaje i de ct libertate se va bucura. ntr-o clip, vzu totul numai spre bine. Acum, o dragoste pentru Harriet Smith nu va mai ntmpina nici o piedic. Domnul Churchill, independent de soia lui, nu nfricoa pe nimeni, era un om care putea fi condus cu uurin i convins s fac orice de ctre nepotul su. Tot ce rmnea de dorit era ca nepotul s se ndrgosteasc, i, cu toat bunvoina ei n materie, Emma nu putea fi deloc sigur c s-a ndrgostit deja. Harriet se purt extrem de bine n aceast mprejurare, cu mult stpnire de sine. Oricte sperane i s-ar fi aprins, nu lsa nimic s se trdeze. Emma fu ncntat s observe la ea o asemenea dovad de trie de caracter i se abinu de la orice aluzie care ar fi pus n primejdie existena acesteia. Vorbir deci despre doamna Churchill cu mult rezerv, amndou. Frank trimise scrisori scurte la Randalls, comunicnd planurile i strile de lucruri de importan imediat. Domnul Churchill se simea mai bine dect era de ateptat i urmau s plece pentru funeralii n Yorkshire, iar dup aceea s se ndrepte spre Windsor, la un prieten cruia domnul Churchill i tot promitea de zece ani o vizit. Deocamdat nu era nimic de fcut pentru Harriet. Din partea Emmei nu putea cpta dect urri de bine pentru viitor. Era mai important s se ocupe de Jane Fairfax, creia i se nchideau toate perspectivele, n timp ce Harrietei i se deschideau, i care urma s plece att de curnd, nct oricine dorea s-i arate buntatea fa de ea trebuia s se grbeasc. Pentru Emma era cea mai aprig dorin. Regreta cum nu se poate mai mult rceala ei din trecut i persoana pe care timp de attea luni de zile o neglijase era acum cea pe care voia s-o copleeasc prin consideraie i compasiune. Dorea s-i fie de folos, dorea s-i arate c i preuiete tovria i s-i dovedeasc respectul i consideraia. Hotr s-o nduplece s petreac o zi la Hartfield. Scrise un bilet s-o invite. Invitaia fu refuzat printr-un mesaj verbal: Domnioara Fairfax era bolnav i nu putea nici s scrie", iar cnd domnul Perry trecu pe la Hartfield, n aceeai diminea, se-dovedi c era att de bolnav nct trebuise s-i fac el o

would Mr. Churchill do without her? Mr. Churchill's loss would be dreadful indeed. Mr. Churchill would never get over it."-- Even Mr. Weston shook his head, and looked solemn, and said, "Ah! poor woman, who would have thought it!" and resolved, that his mourning should be as handsome as possible; and his wife sat sighing and moralising over her broad hems with a commiseration and good sense, true and steady. How it would affect Frank was among the earliest thoughts of both. It was also a very early speculation with Emma. The character of Mrs. Churchill, the grief of her husband-her mind glanced over them both with awe and compassion--and then rested with lightened feelings on how Frank might be affected by the event, how benefited, how freed. She saw in a moment all the possible good. Now, an attachment to Harriet Smith would have nothing to encounter. Mr. Churchill, independent of his wife, was feared by nobody; an easy, guidable man, to be persuaded into any thing by his nephew. All that remained to be wished was, that the nephew should form the attachment, as, with all her goodwill in the cause, Emma could feel no certainty of its being already formed. Harriet behaved extremely well on the occasion, with great self-command. What ever she might feel of brighter hope, she betrayed nothing. Emma was gratified, to observe such a proof in her of strengthened character, and refrained from any allusion that might endanger its maintenance. They spoke, therefore, of Mrs. Churchill's death with mutual forbearance. Short letters from Frank were received at Randalls, communicating all that was immediately important of their state and plans. Mr. Churchill was better than could be expected; and their first removal, on the departure of the funeral for Yorkshire, was to be to the house of a very old friend in Windsor, to whom Mr. Churchill had been promising a visit the last ten years. At present, there was nothing to be done for Harriet; good wishes for the future were all that could yet be possible on Emma's side. It was a more pressing concern to shew attention to Jane Fairfax, whose prospects were closing, while Harriet's opened, and whose engagements now allowed of no delay in any one at Highbury, who wished to shew her kindness--and with Emma it was grown into a first wish. She had scarcely a stronger regret than for her past coldness; and the person, whom she had been so many months neglecting, was now the very one on whom she would have lavished every distinction of regard or sympathy. She wanted to be of use to her; wanted to shew a value for her society, and testify respect and consideration. She resolved to prevail on her to spend a day at Hartfield. A note was written to urge it. The invitation was refused, and by a verbal message. "Miss Fairfax was not well enough to write;" and when Mr. Perry called at Hartfield, the same morning, it

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vizit,, dei mpotriva voinei ei, i c suferea de ngrozitoare dureri de cap i o febr nervoas, n aa hal, nct el se ndoia c se va putea prezenta la doamna Smalldridge la timpul stabilit. Sntatea ei prea deocamdat foarte proast poft de mncare nu avea deloc i, dei nu erau nici un fel de simptome nelinititoare, nimic s dovedeasc prezena tuberculozei pe care o bnuia familia, domnul Perry era alarmat de starea ei. Gsea c sa angajat la mai mult dect putea i asta era i prerea ei, numai c nu voia s recunoasc. Nervii, se pare, o lsau. Casa n care locuia acum nu era deloc favorabil unei boli de nervi, nchis mereu ntr-o camer ! El ar fi dorit s fie altfel. i buna ei mtu, dei e o prieten veche, trebuie s recunoasc i el c nu e cel mai bun tovar pentru cineva cu asemenea suferine. Grija i ateniile ei nu puteau fi puse la ndoial, erau, de fapt, prea mari. i era foarte team c domnioara Fairfax avea de suferit mai mult dect de profitat de pe urma lor. Emma asculta cu cea mai vie atenie. Din ce n ce mai trist pentru ea, cuta cu febrilitate un mod de a se face folositoare. Dac ar lua-o, fie mcar pentru o or dou, de lng mtua ei, poate i-ar face bine s schimbe decorul i s discute n linite. A doua zi, scrise din nou, n cuvinte ct se poate de calde, c va trece cu trsura, la orice or va dori Jane, menionnd c domnul Perry era de prere ca pacienta sa s ias la plimbare. Rspunsul fu numai un bileel scurt : Complimente i mulumiri de la domnioara Fairfax, dar nu e n stare s ias la plimbare." Emma simea c biletul ei merita un rspuns mai bun ; dar era imposibil s te superi pe nite cuvinte scrise inegal i tremurat, ceea ce dovedea boala att de evident, i se gndi numai cum ar putea face ceva mpotriva acestei rele voine. n ciuda rspunsului, deci, chem trsura i se duse la doamna Bates, n sperana c Jane se va lsa nduplecat s vin cu ea, dar n zadar. Domnioara Bates fu nevoit s se ntoarc fr succes. Jane nu putea fi convins. Numai propunerea de a iei la aer o mbolnvea i mai ru. Emma ar fi vrut s-o vad i s-i ncerce puterile asupra ei, dar, aproape nainte ca ea s fac aluzie la aceast dorin domnioara Bates i ddu a nelege c-i promisese nepoatei s n-o lase pe domnioara Woodhouse s intre, sub nici un motiv. Zu, sta era adevrul, Jane, draga de ea, nu suporta s vad pe nimeni, nimeni. Pentru doamna Elton se putea face o excepie, i pentru doamna Cole care insistase, i pentru doamna Perry, care zisese attea, dar n afar de ele, Jane nu vrea s vad pe nimeni."

appeared that she was so much indisposed as to have been visited, though against her own consent, by himself, and that she was suffering under severe headaches, and a nervous fever to a degree, which made him doubt the possibility of her going to Mrs. Smallridge's at the time proposed. Her health seemed for the moment completely deranged-- appetite quite gone--and though there were no absolutely alarming symptoms, nothing touching the pulmonary complaint, which was the standing apprehension of the family, Mr. Perry was uneasy about her. He thought she had undertaken more than she was equal to, and that she felt it so herself, though she would not own it. Her spirits seemed overcome. Her present home, he could not but observe, was unfavourable to a nervous disorder:-- confined always to one room;--he could have wished it otherwise-- and her good aunt, though his very old friend, he must acknowledge to be not the best companion for an invalid of that description. Her care and attention could not be questioned; they were, in fact, only too great. He very much feared that Miss Fairfax derived more evil than good from them. Emma listened with the warmest concern; grieved for her more and more, and looked around eager to discover some way of being useful. To take her--be it only an hour or two--from her aunt, to give her change of air and scene, and quiet rational conversation, even for an hour or two, might do her good; and the following morning she wrote again to say, in the most feeling language she could command, that she would call for her in the carriage at any hour that Jane would name-- mentioning that she had Mr. Perry's decided opinion, in favour of such exercise for his patient. The answer was only in this short note: "Miss Fairfax's compliments and thanks, but is quite unequal to any exercise." Emma felt that her own note had deserved something better; but it was impossible to quarrel with words, whose tremulous inequality shewed indisposition so plainly, and she thought only of how she might best counteract this unwillingness to be seen or assisted. In spite of the answer, therefore, she ordered the carriage, and drove to Mrs. Bates's, in the hope that Jane would be induced to join her-- but it would not do;--Miss Bates came to the carriage door, all gratitude, and agreeing with her most earnestly in thinking an airing might be of the greatest service--and every thing that message could do was tried-- but all in vain. Miss Bates was obliged to return without success; Jane was quite unpersuadable; the mere proposal of going out seemed to make her worse.--Emma wished she could have seen her, and tried her own powers; but, almost before she could hint the wish, Miss Bates made it appear that she had promised her niece on no account to let Miss Woodhouse in. "Indeed, the truth was, that poor dear Jane could not bear to see any body--any body at all-Mrs. Elton, indeed, could not be denied--and Mrs. Cole had

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Emma nu voia s fie categorisit cu doamnele Elton, Cole i Perry, care i-ar fi fcut loc cu coatele oriunde. Nici nu gsea c poate s aib vreo pretenie special. Se supuse aadar i o ntreb numai pe domnioara Bates despre pofta de mncare i regimul nepoatei sale, n care privin spera s poat fi de folos. Asupra acestei probleme domnioara Bates era foarte nenorocit i avea foarte multe de spus. Jane nu voia s mnnce mai nimic. Domnul Perry recomandase mncare hrnitoare, dar tot ce puteau s-i aduc (i cine mai avea vecini att de buni ?) nu avea nici un gust pentru ea. Emma, cnd ajunse acas, o chem pe menajera ei s examineze proviziile i nite past de elin, de cea mai bun calitate, fu trimis repede la domnioara Bates cu un bileel plin de prietenie. n jumtate de or, borcanul era trimis napoi cu o mie de mulumiri din partea domnioarei Bates, dar scumpa de Jane n-a fost mulumit pn nu l-au trimis napoi, era ceva ce nu putea mnca i, mai mult, insista s-i spun c nu are nevoie de nimic." Cnd Emma afl, dup aceea, c Jane Fairfax fusese vzut plimbndu-se prin poian, departe de Highbury, n dup-amiaza acelei zile cnd, sub motiv c nu poate iei, refuzase vehement s mearg cu ea cu trsura, nu mai avu nici o ndoial, punnd lucrurile cap la cap, c Jane era hotrt s nu primeasc nimic de la ea. Ii prea ru, ru de tot. Inima ei era ndurerat pentru o stare de lucruri care prea cu att mai lamentabil din cauza existenei acestor enervri, inconsecvene i inegalitate a puterilor. O umilea faptul c i se acorda att de puin ca prieten. Se consola ns la ideea c inteniile ei erau bune i c i putea spune c dac domnul Knightley ar fi fost martor la toate ncercrile ei de a veni n ajutorul Janei Fairfax, dac ar fi putut chiar s vad n adncul inimii ei, de data asta, n-ar fi gsit nimic s-i reproeze.

CAPITOLUL XLVI NTR-O DIMINEAA, CAM LA ZECE ZILE dup decesul doamnei Churchill, Emma fu chemat jos de domnul Weston, care nu putea s mai stea nici cinci minute i dorea neaprat s-i vorbeasc". O ntmpin la ua salonului i dup ce de-abia dac o salut cu sunetul obinuit al vocii sale, cobor imediat tonul ca s spun, fr ca tatl ei s aud : Poi veni la Randalls n cursul dimineii? Vino, dac se poate. Doamna Weston vrea s te vad. Trebuie s te vad. Nu se simte bine ? Nu, nu, nu e vorba de asta. E numai puin agitat. Ar fi venit ncoace cu trsura, dar vrea s te vad ntre patru ochi i hm... (artnd spre tatl ei). Poi s vii ?

made such a point--and Mrs. Perry had said so much--but, except them, Jane would really see nobody." Emma did not want to be classed with the Mrs. Eltons, the Mrs. Perrys, and the Mrs. Coles, who would force themselves anywhere; neither could she feel any right of preference herself-- she submitted, therefore, and only questioned Miss Bates farther as to her niece's appetite and diet, which she longed to be able to assist. On that subject poor Miss Bates was very unhappy, and very communicative; Jane would hardly eat any thing:-Mr. Perry recommended nourishing food; but every thing they could command (and never had any body such good neighbours) was distasteful. Emma, on reaching home, called the housekeeper directly, to an examination of her stores; and some arrowroot of very superior quality was speedily despatched to Miss Bates with a most friendly note. In half an hour the arrowroot was returned, with a thousand thanks from Miss Bates, but "dear Jane would not be satisfied without its being sent back; it was a thing she could not take--and, moreover, she insisted on her saying, that she was not at all in want of any thing." When Emma afterwards heard that Jane Fairfax had been seen wandering about the meadows, at some distance from Highbury, on the afternoon of the very day on which she had, under the plea of being unequal to any exercise, so peremptorily refused to go out with her in the carriage, she could have no doubt--putting every thing together-- that Jane was resolved to receive no kindness from her. She was sorry, very sorry. Her heart was grieved for a state which seemed but the more pitiable from this sort of irritation of spirits, inconsistency of action, and inequality of powers; and it mortified her that she was given so little credit for proper feeling, or esteemed so little worthy as a friend: but she had the consolation of knowing that her intentions were good, and of being able to say to herself, that could Mr. Knightley have been privy to all her attempts of assisting Jane Fairfax, could he even have seen into her heart, he would not, on this occasion, have found any thing to reprove. One morning, about ten days after Mrs. Churchill's decease, Emma was called downstairs to Mr. Weston, who "could not stay five minutes, and wanted particularly to speak with her."-- He met her at the parlour-door, and hardly asking her how she did, in the natural key of his voice, sunk it immediately, to say, unheard by her father, "Can you come to Randalls at any time this morning?--Do, if it be possible. Mrs. Weston wants to see you. She must see you." "Is she unwell?" "No, no, not at all--only a little agitated. She would have ordered the carriage, and come to you, but she must see you alone, and that you know--(nodding towards her father)--Humph!--Can you come?"

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 Desigur, vin imediat, dac vrei. E imposibil s v refuz, dac m rugai aa. Dar, despre ce e vorba ? Nu cumva e totui bolnav ? Crede-m pe cuvnt i nu mai pune ntrebri. O s afli totul la timpul potrivit. Ceva cu totul neateptat, dar, t, t ! Era chiar i pentru Emma imposibil de ghicit ce nsemnau toate astea. Privirile lui preau s anune ceva cu adevrat important ; dar dac prietena ei se simea bine, ncerc s nu se neliniteasc, i, stabilind cu tatl ei si fac acum plimbarea, plec mpreun cu domnul Weston, cu pas iute spre Randalls. Acum, zise Emma, cnd ajunser departe de poart, acum, domnule Weston, spunei-mi v rog, ce s-a ntmplat ? Nu, nu, rspunse el grav. Nu m ntreba ! I-am promis soiei mele s las totul n seama ei. i va comunica ea mai bine dect mine ! Nu fi nerbdtoare, Emma, vei afla n curnd totul. S-mi comunice! strig Emma ncremenit de groaz. Dumnezeule mare ! Domnule Weston, spunei-mi imediat ! S-a ntmplat ceva n Brunswick Square ? tiu, asta e ! Spunei-mi imediat ! Nu, zu, e cu totul altceva ! Domnule Weston, nu glumii cu mine ! Gndii-v ci dintre cei pe care i iubesc se afl acum n Brunswick Square ! Despre care din ei e vorba ? V rog, n numele a tot ce am mai sfnt, nu ncercai s-mi ascundei ! Pe cuvntul meu, Emma... Pe cuvntul dumneavoastr, de ce nu pe onoarea dumneavoastr ? De ce nu-mi jurai pe onoarea dumneavoastr c nu i s-a ntmplat nimic nici unuia din ei ? Doamne, Dumnezeule ! Ce poate s mi se comunice mie dac nu ceva legat de familia mea ? Pe onoarea mea, zise el serios, nu e vorba de asta. Nu exist nici cea mai mic legtur cu vreo fiin pe numele de Knightley. Emma i recapt curajul i merse mai departe. Am greit, zise el, cnd am spus o s-i comunice". Nu trebuia s folosesc expresia asta. De fapt, nu te privete pe tine, m privete numai pe mine adic, aa sperm ! Hm, pe scurt, drag Emma, nu e cazul s fii nelinitit. N-a zice c nu e ceva neplcut, dar se ntmpl lucruri i mai rele. Dac mergem repede, vom ajunge n curnd la Randalls. Emma i ddu seama c trebuie s atepte, dar acum asta nu-i cerea mare efort. Prin urmare, nu mai puse ntrebri, ci i folosi numai imaginaia i ajunse repede la concluzia c trebuie s fie vorba despre bani ceva ce se ivise, ceva neplcut n situaia familiei, ceva ce recentul eveniment de la Richmond scosese la iveal. Imaginaia ei era foarte activ. Poate era vorba de jumtate de duzin de copii din flori i bietul Frank rmne fr motenire. Asta, dei nu era ctui de puin de dorit,

"Certainly. This moment, if you please. It is impossible to refuse what you ask in such a way. But what can be the matter?-- Is she really not ill?" "Depend upon me--but ask no more questions. You will know it all in time. The most unaccountable business! But hush, hush!" To guess what all this meant, was impossible even for Emma. Something really important seemed announced by his looks; but, as her friend was well, she endeavoured not to be uneasy, and settling it with her father, that she would take her walk now, she and Mr. Weston were soon out of the house together and on their way at a quick pace for Randalls. "Now,"--said Emma, when they were fairly beyond the sweep gates,-- "now Mr. Weston, do let me know what has happened." "No, no,"--he gravely replied.--"Don't ask me. I promised my wife to leave it all to her. She will break it to you better than I can. Do not be impatient, Emma; it will all come out too soon." "Break it to me," cried Emma, standing still with terror.-"Good God!--Mr. Weston, tell me at once.--Something has happened in Brunswick Square. I know it has. Tell me, I charge you tell me this moment what it is." "No, indeed you are mistaken."-"Mr. Weston do not trifle with me.--Consider how many of my dearest friends are now in Brunswick Square. Which of them is it?-- I charge you by all that is sacred, not to attempt concealment." "Upon my word, Emma."-"Your word!--why not your honour!--why not say upon your honour, that it has nothing to do with any of them? Good Heavens!--What can be to be broke to me, that does not relate to one of that family?" "Upon my honour," said he very seriously, "it does not. It is not in the smallest degree connected with any human being of the name of Knightley." Emma's courage returned, and she walked on. "I was wrong," he continued, "in talking of its being broke to you. I should not have used the expression. In fact, it does not concern you-- it concerns only myself,--that is, we hope.--Humph!--In short, my dear Emma, there is no occasion to be so uneasy about it. I don't say that it is not a disagreeable business--but things might be much worse.--If we walk fast, we shall soon be at Randalls." Emma found that she must wait; and now it required little effort. She asked no more questions therefore, merely employed her own fancy, and that soon pointed out to her the probability of its being some money concern--something just come to light, of a disagreeable nature in the circumstances of the family,--something which the late event at Richmond had brought forward. Her fancy was very active. Half a dozen natural children, perhaps--and poor Frank cut off!-- This, though

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nu era de natur s-o arunce pe ea ntr-o stare de agonie. Nu-i inspira nimic mai mult dect o vie curiozitate. Cine este domnul rlaie ? zise ea n timp ce continuau s mearg. Vorbea mai mult ca s-l ajute pe domnul Weston s pstreze secretul dect cu vreun alt scop. Nu tiu, unul din bieii Otway. Nu e Frank, nu e Frank, te asigur. N-o s-l vezi prea curnd. E n drum spre Windsor, acum. Asta nseamn c a fost pe la dumneavoastr ? Ah, da, nu tiai ? Ei, las, n-are importan. O clip tcu i apoi adug pe un ton mai prudent i rezervat : Da, Frank a trecut azi-diminea numai ca s ne ntrebe ce mai facem. Se grbir spre Randalls. Ei, drag, zise el, cnd intrar n camer. i-am adus-o i acum sper c te vei simi mai bine. V las mpreun, n-are rost s amni. Nu plec departe, dac ai treab cu mine... i Emma l auzi clar adugnd cu voce mai joas, cnd ieea din camer : M-am inut de cuvnt. N-are nici cea mai mic idee. Doamna Weston arta att de ru i avea un aer att de tulburat nct nelinitea Emmei crescu i, cnd rmaser singure zise : Ce se ntmpl, draga mea prieten ? Am impresia c a survenit ceva foarte neplcut. Spune-mi imediat despre ce e vorba. Am venit tot drumul n plin mister. Nici dumitale i nici mie nu ne place s fim misterioase. Nu m lsa aa ! O s-i fac bine s vorbeti despre suprarea dumitale, oricare ar fi ea. Chiar nu bnuieti nimic ? zise doamna Weston, cu o voce tremurtoare. Nu poi, scumpa mea Emma, nu poi s ghiceti deloc ce urmeaz s auzi ? Tot ce pot ghici este c e vorba de domnul Frank Churchill. Ai dreptate. De el e vorba. i spun imediat (relundui luciul i prnd hotrt s nu se uite n sus). A fost pe aici, chiar n dimineaa asta, cu un scop cu totul excepional. Am avut o surpriz nemaipomenit. A venit s-I vorbeasc tatlui su asupra unui subiect s anune c e ndrgostit. Se opri s-i trag suflarea. Emma se gndi nti la ea, apoi la Harriet. Mai mult dect ndrgostit, am putea zice, relu doamna Weston. E logodit, da, chiar logodit. Ce vei spune tu, Emma, ce va spune toat lumea, cnd se va afla c Frank Churchill i domnioara Fairfax sunt logodii, i nc de mult vreme ? Emma aproape c sri n sus de uimire i, cuprins de groaz, exclam : Jane Fairfax, Dumnezeule ! Nu-i adevrat ! Nu poi vorbi serios ! Poi foarte bine s fii uluit, i rspunse doamna Weston, tot fr s se uite la ea i vorbind ntr-una ca s-i dea Emmei timp s-i revin, poi foarte bine fi uluit, dar

very undesirable, would be no matter of agony to her. It inspired little more than an animating curiosity. "Who is that gentleman on horseback?" said she, as they proceeded-- speaking more to assist Mr. Weston in keeping his secret, than with any other view. "I do not know.--One of the Otways.--Not Frank;--it is not Frank, I assure you. You will not see him. He is half way to Windsor by this time." "Has your son been with you, then?" "Oh! yes--did not you know?--Well, well, never mind." For a moment he was silent; and then added, in a tone much more guarded and demure, "Yes, Frank came over this morning, just to ask us how we did." They hurried on, and were speedily at Randalls.--"Well, my dear," said he, as they entered the room--"I have brought her, and now I hope you will soon be better. I shall leave you together. There is no use in delay. I shall not be far off, if you want me."-- And Emma distinctly heard him add, in a lower tone, before he quitted the room,--"I have been as good as my word. She has not the least idea." Mrs. Weston was looking so ill, and had an air of so much perturbation, that Emma's uneasiness increased; and the moment they were alone, she eagerly said, "What is it my dear friend? Something of a very unpleasant nature, I find, has occurred;--do let me know directly what it is. I have been walking all this way in complete suspense. We both abhor suspense. Do not let mine continue longer. It will do you good to speak of your distress, whatever it may be." "Have you indeed no idea?" said Mrs. Weston in a trembling voice. "Cannot you, my dear Emma--cannot you form a guess as to what you are to hear?" "So far as that it relates to Mr. Frank Churchill, I do guess." "You are right. It does relate to him, and I will tell you directly;" (resuming her work, and seeming resolved against looking up.) "He has been here this very morning, on a most extraordinary errand. It is impossible to express our surprize. He came to speak to his father on a subject,--to announce an attachment--" She stopped to breathe. Emma thought first of herself, and then of Harriet. "More than an attachment, indeed," resumed Mrs. Weston; "an engagement-- a positive engagement.--What will you say, Emma--what will any body say, when it is known that Frank Churchill and Miss Fairfax are engaged;--nay, that they have been long engaged!" Emma even jumped with surprize;--and, horror-struck, exclaimed, "Jane Fairfax!--Good God! You are not serious? You do not mean it?" "You may well be amazed," returned Mrs. Weston, still averting her eyes, and talking on with eagerness, that Emma might have time to recover-- "You may well be

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sta-i adevrul. S-au logodit, jurndu-i credina nc din octombrie la Wey-mouth, i au inut asta n cel mai mare secret. Nimeni n-a tiut n afar de ei doi, nici familia Campbell, nici familia ei, nici a lui. E aa o minune, nct, dei sunt convins de adevrul faptelor, nu mi se pare credibil. Nu-mi vine s cred. Mi se prea c l cunosc.

amazed. But it is even so. There has been a solemn engagement between them ever since October--formed at Weymouth, and kept a secret from every body. Not a creature knowing it but themselves--neither the Campbells, nor her family, nor his.-- It is so wonderful, that though perfectly convinced of the fact, it is yet almost incredible to myself. I can hardly believe it.-- I thought I knew him." Emma nu prea auzea ce i se spunea. Mintea ei se lupta cu Emma scarcely heard what was said.--Her mind was divided dou gnduri : conversaiile anterioare, pe care le between two ideas--her own former avusese cu el i despre domnioara Fairfax i biata Harriet, conversations with him about Miss Fairfax; and poor i ctva timp nu putu dect s exclame i s cear s i Harriet;--and for some time she could only exclaim, and se confirme n mod repetat ceea ce auzise. require confirmation, repeated confirmation. Ei bine, zise ea n cele din urm, ncercnd s-i revin, "Well," said she at last, trying to recover herself; "this is a asta e o ntmplare la care trebuie s m gndesc circumstance which I must think of at least half a cel puin jumtate de zi ca s-o neleg. Cum ? A fost logodit day, before I can at all comprehend it. What!--engaged to cu ea toat iarna, nainte chiar de a veni la her all the winter-- before either of them came to Highbury? Highbury?" Logodit, din octombrie, n secret. M-a lovit asta, "Engaged since October,--secretly engaged.--It has hurt me, foarte mult, Emma ! i pe tatl lui l-a lovit. Parte din Emma, very much. It has hurt his father equally. purtarea lui n-o putem ierta. Some part of his conduct we cannot excuse." Emma se gndi o clip, apoi rspunse : Emma pondered a moment, and then replied, "I will not N-am s m prefac c nu v neleg i ca s v linitesc pretend not to understand you; and to give you all the att ct pot eu, fii siguri c ateniile lui n-au avut relief in my power, be assured that no such effect has asupra mea efectul pe care l credeai dumneavoastr doi. followed his attentions to me, as you are apprehensive of." Doamna Weston i ridic privirea, fiindu-i team s Mrs. Weston looked up, afraid to believe; but Emma's cread, dar nfiarea Emmei era la fel de calm ca i countenance was as steady as her words. cuvintele ei. "That you may have less difficulty in believing this boast, of Ca s-i vin mai uor s crezi c nu m laud cu my present perfect indifference," she continued, indiferena mea de-acum, continu ea, am s-i "I will farther tell you, that there was a period in the early mrturisesc c a fost o perioad la nceput cnd ne-am part of our acquaintance, when I did like him, when cunoscut, cnd mi-a plcut, ba chiar am fost ndrgostit I was very much disposed to be attached to him--nay, was de el, dar attached--and how it came to cease, is perhaps the cum s-a ntmplat de s-a terminat e probabil de mirare. wonder. Fortunately, however, it did cease. I have really for Din fericire, totui, s-a terminat. De ctva timp, de cel some time past, for at least these three months, puin trei luni, nu-mi mai pas deloc de el. Crede-m, cared nothing about him. You may believe me, Mrs. Weston. doamn Weston, sta-i adevrul curat. This is the simple truth." Doamna Weston o srut cu lacrimi de bucurie n ochi i Mrs. Weston kissed her with tears of joy; and when she cnd reui din nou s articuleze ceva o asigur c could find utterance, assured her, that this protestation aceast mrturisire i fcuse cel mai mare bine. had done her more good than any thing else in the world could do. Domnul Weston va fi la fel de uurat, ca i mine. Din "Mr. Weston will be almost as much relieved as myself," said cauza asta eram tare nenorocii. Era dorina noastr she. "On this point we have been wretched. It scump s v ndrgostii unul de altul i eram convini c was our darling wish that you might be attached to each e aa. nchipuie-i ce nelinitii eram n privina ta. other--and we were persuaded that it was so.-Imagine what we have been feeling on your account." Am scpat, i mare mirare c am reuit. M uimete i "I have escaped; and that I should escape, may be a matter pe mine nu numai pe dumneavoastr. Dar asta nu-l of grateful wonder to you and myself. But this does scuz pe el, doamn Weston. i trebuie s-i spun c l not acquit him, Mrs. Weston; and I must say, that I think him gsesc foarte vinovat. Ce drept avea s vin ncoace, cnd greatly to blame. What right had he to come dragostea i credina lui erau date, i s se poarte ca i among us with affection and faith engaged, and with cnd ar fi fost liber ? Ce drept avea s ncerce s fac manners so very disengaged? What right had he to plcere, cum a fcut n mod clar, s acorde unei tinere o endeavour to please, as he certainly did--to distinguish any atenie insistent, ceea ce iari a fcut n mod clar, cnd one young woman with persevering attention, as el aparinea de fapt alteia ? Cum putea s tie dac nu he certainly did--while he really belonged to another?--How provoac o nenorocire ? Cum putea s tie dac nu m could he tell what mischief he might be doing?-252

face s m ndrgostesc de el ? Foarte urt, foarte urt din partea lui ! Din cte spunea el, drag Emma, mi nchipui mai degrab c... i cum a putut ea s suporte o asemenea purtare? S te stpneti cnd eti martor la spectacolul repetatelor atenii care le arat unei alte femei n prezena ta i s nu te superi. Asta dovedete atta placiditate nct nu pot nici s-o neleg, nici s-o respect. Au fost nenelegeri ntre ei, Emma, mi-a spus asta clar. N-a avut timp s ne dea prea multe explicaii. A stat numai un sfert de or i era ntr-o agitaie care nu i-a permis s ne spun totul pe ndelete, dar au fost unele nenelegeri, ne-a asigurat de asta. Criza de acum se pare c a fost din cauza lor, i aceste nenelegeri e foarte posibil s se fi ivit din cauza purtrii sale necuviincioase. Necuviincioase ! Ah, doamn Weston, e un epitet prea blnd. A fost mult, mult mai mult dect necuviincioas. Nu pot s-i spun ct l-a sczut n ochii mei. Att de departe de ce ar trebui s fie un brbat ! Nimic din integritatea absolut, loialitatea complet i principialitatea unui adevrat brbat, nimic din dispreul pentru trucurile ieftine, pe care un brbat trebuie s le dovedeasc n orice mprejurare din viaa lui. Nu, drag Emma, acum trebuie s-i iau aprarea ! Cci, dei a greit de data asta, l cunosc destul de bine i de destul vreme ca s-mi dau seama c are multe caliti i... Doamne, Dumnezeule, zise Emma, fr s o asculte. i doamna Smalldridge ! Jane era chiar pe punctul de a se angaja guvernant ! Ce-a vrut cu o asemenea grosolnie oribil ? S-o lase s se angajeze, s-o lase s se gndeasc la o asemenea msur! Nu tia nimic despre asta, Emma ! n privina asta eu l scuz cu totul. A fost o hotrre a ei personal pe care nu ia comunicat-o sau cel puin nu i-a comunicat-o n mod convingtor. Pn ieri, din cte tiu, a zis c nu aflase nimic despre planurile ei. Au ajuns la el, nu tiu cum, printr-o scrisoare sau printr-un mesaj, i tocmai descoperirea asta a inteniilor ei l-a fcut s vin imediat s-i mrturiseasc totul unchiului su i s se lase n voia bunvoinei lui i, pe scurt, s pun capt strii nenorocite de tinuire care dura de atta vreme.

Emma ncepu s fie mai atent. Voi primi n curnd veti de la el, continu doamna Weston. Mi-a spus la plecare c va scrie n curnd i din felul cum vorbea am neles c promite multe amnunte pe care nu mi le putea spune imediat. S ateptm scrisoarea lui. Poate s aduc multe argumente n favoarea lui. Poate s ne fac s nelegem i s uitm multe lucruri care acum ni se par de neneles. S nu fim prea severe, s nu ne grbim s-l condamnm. S avem rbdare. Eu trebuie s-l iubesc i acum c sunt linitit

How could he tell that he might not be making me in love with him?-- very wrong, very wrong indeed." "From something that he said, my dear Emma, I rather imagine--" "And how could she bear such behaviour! Composure with a witness! to look on, while repeated attentions were offering to another woman, before her face, and not resent it.--That is a degree of placidity, which I can neither comprehend nor respect." "There were misunderstandings between them, Emma; he said so expressly. He had not time to enter into much explanation. He was here only a quarter of an hour, and in a state of agitation which did not allow the full use even of the time he could stay-- but that there had been misunderstandings he decidedly said. The present crisis, indeed, seemed to be brought on by them; and those misunderstandings might very possibly arise from the impropriety of his conduct." "Impropriety! Oh! Mrs. Weston--it is too calm a censure. Much, much beyond impropriety!--It has sunk him, I cannot say how it has sunk him in my opinion. So unlike what a man should be!-- None of that upright integrity, that strict adherence to truth and principle, that disdain of trick and littleness, which a man should display in every transaction of his life." "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!" cried Emma, not attending to her.--"Mrs. Smallridge, too! Jane actually on the point of going as governess! What could he mean by such horrible indelicacy? To suffer her to engage herself-- to suffer her even to think of such a measure!" "He knew nothing about it, Emma. On this article I can fully acquit him. It was a private resolution of hers, not communicated to him--or at least not communicated in a way to carry conviction.-- Till yesterday, I know he said he was in the dark as to her plans. They burst on him, I do not know how, but by some letter or message-- and it was the discovery of what she was doing, of this very project of hers, which determined him to come forward at once, own it all to his uncle, throw himself on his kindness, and, in short, put an end to the miserable state of concealment that had been carrying on so long." Emma began to listen better. "I am to hear from him soon," continued Mrs. Weston. "He told me at parting, that he should soon write; and he spoke in a manner which seemed to promise me many particulars that could not be given now. Let us wait, therefore, for this letter. It may bring many extenuations. It may make many things intelligible and excusable which now are not to be understood. Don't let us be severe, don't let us be in a hurry to condemn him. Let us have patience. I must love him; and now that I am satisfied

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asupra unui punct, a punctului care conteaz cel mai mult, doresc din toat inima ca i restul s ias bine i sunt gata s sper c va iei. Trebuie s fi suferit mult, amndoi, cu felul sta de a ine totul ascuns. Suferinele lui nu par, zise Emma, s-i fi fcut mult ru. Ei, i cum a reacionat domnul Churchill ? Foarte favorabil pentru nepotul su. i-a dat consimmntul fr nici o dificultate. Gndete-te ce schimbri au produs evenimentele unei singure sptmni ntr-o familie. n timp ce tria biata doamn Churchill presupun c n-ar fi existat nici o speran, nici o ans. Dar, de-abia i-au fost depuse rmiele n cavoul familiei, i soul ei se las convins s fac exact contrariul a ceea ce i-ar fi cerut ea. Ce binecuvntare c influenele rele nu supravieuiesc oamenilor. i-a dat consimmntul fr nici o dificultate. Ah, se gndi Emma. Ar fi fcut asta i pentru Harriet." Asta s-a discutat seara trecut, i Frank a pornit de ndat ce s-a luminat. S-a oprit la Highbury, la doamna Bates, mi nchipui, i apoi a venit ncoace, dar era att de grbit sa se ntoarc la unchiul lui, care are acum mai mult nevoie de el ca niciodat, nct, cum i spun, n-a putut sta mai mult de un sfert de or. Era foarte agitat, foarte agitat, zu, n aa msur nct prea cu totul alt om. Pe lng tot restul, a mai fost i surpriza de a o gsi pe ea att de bolnav. De asta habar n-avea i se pare c asta l-a zdruncinat foarte mult.

i chiar crezi c totul s-a petrecut n tain ? Familia Campbell familia Dixon, nu tia nimeni despre logodn ? Emma nu putea pronuna numele de Dixon fr s roeasc puin. Nimeni, nici unul din ei. A spus c nu tia nimeni n afar de ei doi. Ei, zise Emma, presupun c, treptat, ne vom mpca i cu gndul sta i le doresc numai fericire. Dar n-am s ncetez niciodat s gsesc purtarea asta ngrozitoare. Ce-a vrut s nsemne dac nu un sistem de ipocrizie i nelciune, spionaj i trdare ? S vin printre noi cu pretenia c sunt sinceri i cu sufletul deschis i s ascund o asemenea legtur ca s ne judece apoi pe noi toi? Am fost toat iarna i primvara trai pe sfoar, nchipuindu-ne c avem de-a face cu doi oameni cinstii i loiali, n timp ce ei fceau comparaii i ne judecau pe baza unor cuvinte i sentimente care n-ar fi trebuit dezvluite n faa lor. Trebuie s suporte consecinele, cci au auzit unul despre cellalt lucruri nu prea mgulitoare. N-am nici o grij n privina asta, rspunse doamna Weston. Sunt foarte sigur c n-am spus ctre unul ceea

on one point, the one material point, I am sincerely anxious for its all turning out well, and ready to hope that it may. They must both have suffered a great deal under such a system of secresy and concealment." "His sufferings," replied Emma dryly, "do not appear to have done him much harm. Well, and how did Mr. Churchill take it?" "Most favourably for his nephew--gave his consent with scarcely a difficulty. Conceive what the events of a week have done in that family! While poor Mrs. Churchill lived, I suppose there could not have been a hope, a chance, a possibility;--but scarcely are her remains at rest in the family vault, than her husband is persuaded to act exactly opposite to what she would have required. What a blessing it is, when undue influence does not survive the grave!-- He gave his consent with very little persuasion." "Ah!" thought Emma, "he would have done as much for Harriet." "This was settled last night, and Frank was off with the light this morning. He stopped at Highbury, at the Bates's, I fancy, some time--and then came on hither; but was in such a hurry to get back to his uncle, to whom he is just now more necessary than ever, that, as I tell you, he could stay with us but a quarter of an hour.-- He was very much agitated--very much, indeed--to a degree that made him appear quite a different creature from any thing I had ever seen him before.--In addition to all the rest, there had been the shock of finding her so very unwell, which he had had no previous suspicion of-- and there was every appearance of his having been feeling a great deal." "And do you really believe the affair to have been carrying on with such perfect secresy?--The Campbells, the Dixons, did none of them know of the engagement?" Emma could not speak the name of Dixon without a little blush. "None; not one. He positively said that it had been known to no being in the world but their two selves." "Well," said Emma, "I suppose we shall gradually grow reconciled to the idea, and I wish them very happy. But I shall always think it a very abominable sort of proceeding. What has it been but a system of hypocrisy and deceit,--espionage, and treachery?-- To come among us with professions of openness and simplicity; and such a league in secret to judge us all!--Here have we been, the whole winter and spring, completely duped, fancying ourselves all on an equal footing of truth and honour, with two people in the midst of us who may have been carrying round, comparing and sitting in judgment on sentiments and words that were never meant for both to hear.--They must take the consequence, if they have heard each other spoken of in a way not perfectly agreeable!" "I am quite easy on that head," replied Mrs. Weston. "I am very sure that I never said any thing of either to the

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ce cellalt n-ar fi fost potrivit s aud. Ai noroc, singura greeal a fost cunoscut numai urechilor mele, cnd i-ai imaginat c un anume prieten al nostru e ndrgostit de ea. E adevrat, dar am avut ntotdeauna o prere foarte bun despre domnioara Fairfax i nu puteam, orict a fi greit, s o vorbesc de ru, iar n ce-l privete pe el, nu la fi vorbit de ru n nici un caz. n acea clip domnul Weston i fcu apariia la oarecare distan n dreptul ferestrei, n mod evident ateptnd s fie chemat. Soia lui l invit nuntru cu o privire i, n timp ce l ateptau, adug : Acum, drag Emma, am s te rog s spui i s ari tot ce se poate ca s-i uurezi inima i s-l faci s fie satisfcut de aceast cstorie. S facem tot ce se poate mai bine i s o sprijinim. Nu e o partid grozav, dar dac domnul Churchill nu are nimic mpotriv, de ce-am avea noi. i poate c pentru Frank e un noroc c s-a ndrgostit de o fat cu asemenea trie de caracter i nelepciune, pentru care am admirat-o ntotdeauna i o mai admir nc, n ciuda acestei abateri de la regula strict a bunei-cuviine. i, n situaia ei, pot fi uitate multe.

Multe, ntr-adevr, zise Emma, cu mult cldur. Dac poi ierta o femeie pentru c se gndete numai la ea nsi, aceea este Jane Fairfax. Despre femei n situaia ei se poate spune c lumea nu le aparine, deci ele nu se vor supune legilor lumii". l ntmpin pe domnul Weston la u, zmbind i exclamnd : Mi-ai jucat o fest formidabil, domnule, pe cuvntul meu ! A fost un procedeu, cred, de a v amuza pe seama curiozitii mele i de a-mi stimula talentul la ghicit. Dar, zu, mi-ai dat o spaim! Am crezut c v-ai pierdut jumtate din avere,, cel puin. i iat c, n loc s fie cazul s v prezint condoleane, trebuie s v felicit. V felicit, domnule Weston, din toat inima, pentru perspectiva de a avea ca nor una din cele mai frumoase i talentate femei din Anglia. Un schimb de priviri cu soia lui l convinse c lucrurile stteau aa cum reieea din cele spuse de Emma i efectul fericit asupra dispoziiei lui fu imediat. Atitudinea i vocea lui i recptare vioiciunea obinuit, i strnse mna, plin de entuziasm i recunotin, i ncepu s vorbeasc ntr-un fel care dovedea c mai are nevoie numai de puin timp i puine argumente ca s gseasc logodna un lucru nu tocmai ru. Tovarele lui erau grbite s gseasc scuze imprudenelor i s contrazic obieciile i cnd terminar de vorbit despre asta cu toii i el relua argumentele mpreun cu Emma pe drumul spre Hartfield era cu totul mpcat i nu departe de a gsi c era cel mai bun lucru pe care-l putea face Frank. CAPITOLUL XLVII HARRIET, BIATA HARRIET", ACESTEA ERAU cuvintele n

other, which both might not have heard." "You are in luck.--Your only blunder was confined to my ear, when you imagined a certain friend of ours in love with the lady." "True. But as I have always had a thoroughly good opinion of Miss Fairfax, I never could, under any blunder, have spoken ill of her; and as to speaking ill of him, there I must have been safe." At this moment Mr. Weston appeared at a little distance from the window, evidently on the watch. His wife gave him a look which invited him in; and, while he was coming round, added, "Now, dearest Emma, let me intreat you to say and look every thing that may set his heart at ease, and incline him to be satisfied with the match. Let us make the best of it--and, indeed, almost every thing may be fairly said in her favour. It is not a connexion to gratify; but if Mr. Churchill does not feel that, why should we? and it may be a very fortunate circumstance for him, for Frank, I mean, that he should have attached himself to a girl of such steadiness of character and good judgment as I have always given her credit for-- and still am disposed to give her credit for, in spite of this one great deviation from the strict rule of right. And how much may be said in her situation for even that error!" "Much, indeed!" cried Emma feelingly. "If a woman can ever be excused for thinking only of herself, it is in a situation like Jane Fairfax's.--Of such, one may almost say, that `the world is not their's, nor the world's law.'" She met Mr. Weston on his entrance, with a smiling countenance, exclaiming, "A very pretty trick you have been playing me, upon my word! This was a device, I suppose, to sport with my curiosity, and exercise my talent of guessing. But you really frightened me. I thought you had lost half your property, at least. And here, instead of its being a matter of condolence, it turns out to be one of congratulation.--I congratulate you, Mr. Weston, with all my heart, on the prospect of having one of the most lovely and accomplished young women in England for your daughter." A glance or two between him and his wife, convinced him that all was as right as this speech proclaimed; and its happy effect on his spirits was immediate. His air and voice recovered their usual briskness: he shook her heartily and gratefully by the hand, and entered on the subject in a manner to prove, that he now only wanted time and persuasion to think the engagement no very bad thing. His companions suggested only what could palliate imprudence, or smooth objections; and by the time they had talked it all over together, and he had talked it all over again with Emma, in their walk back to Hartfield, he was become perfectly reconciled, and not far from thinking it the very best thing that Frank could possibly have done. "Harriet, poor Harriet!"--Those were the words; in them lay

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care stteau gndurile chinuitoare de care Emma nu putea scpa i care constituiau de fapt o nenorocire pentru ea. Frank Churchill se purtase foarte urt cu ea foarte urt din multe puncte de vedere , dar nu att din cauza purtrii lui, ct din cauza propriei purtri era ea suprat pe el. ncurctura n care o pusese pe Harriet era jignirea cea mai crunt pe care i-o adusese Emmei. Biata Harriet ! S fie nc o dat victima ideilor ei greite i a laudelor ei dearte. Domnul Knightley fusese profetic odat, cnd spusese: Emma nu-i eti prieten Harrietei Smith." i era team c nu-i fcuse dect deserviri. Era adevrat c de data asta nu putea fi acuzat, ca mai nainte, de a fi fost prima i unica autoare a nenorocirii, de a fi sugerat nite sentimente care altfel nu s-ar fi nscut n imaginaia Harrietei, pentru c Harriet recunoscuse admiraia i preferina pentru Frank Churchill nainte ca ea s fi fcut aluzie la acest subiect, dar se simea pe de-a-ntregul vinovat de a fi ncurajat ceea ce ar fi trebuit s reprime. Ar fi putut mpiedica naterea i cultivarea unor astfel de sentimente. Influena ei ar fi fost de ajuns. i acum era foarte contient c ar fi trebuit s le mpiedice. Simea c a riscat fericirea prietenei ei din motive total nentemeiate. Bunul sim ar fi fcut-o s-i spun Harrietei c nu trebuie s se mai gndeasc la el i c era numai o ans la cinci sute ca el s se ndrgosteasc de ea. Dar, cu bunul sim, adug ea, mi-e team c n-am prea avut de-a face."

the tormenting ideas which Emma could not get rid of, and which constituted the real misery of the business to her. Frank Churchill had behaved very ill by herself--very ill in many ways,--but it was not so much his behaviour as her own, which made her so angry with him. It was the scrape which he had drawn her into on Harriet's account, that gave the deepest hue to his offence.--Poor Harriet! to be a second time the dupe of her misconceptions and flattery. Mr. Knightley had spoken prophetically, when he once said, "Emma, you have been no friend to Harriet Smith."--She was afraid she had done her nothing but disservice.--It was true that she had not to charge herself, in this instance as in the former, with being the sole and original author of the mischief; with having suggested such feelings as might otherwise never have entered Harriet's imagination; for Harriet had acknowledged her admiration and preference of Frank Churchill before she had ever given her a hint on the subject; but she felt completely guilty of having encouraged what she might have repressed. She might have prevented the indulgence and increase of such sentiments. Her influence would have been enough. And now she was very conscious that she ought to have prevented them.--She felt that she had been risking her friend's happiness on most insufficient grounds. Common sense would have directed her to tell Harriet, that she must not allow herself to think of him, and that there were five hundred chances to one against his ever caring for her.--"But, with common sense," she added, "I am afraid I have had little to do." Era extrem de suprat pe ea nsi. Dac n-ar fi avut She was extremely angry with herself. If she could not have motive s fie suprat i pe Frank Churchill, ar fi fost been angry with Frank Churchill too, it would ngrozitor. Iar n ce o privea pe Jane Fairfax, putea cel puin have been dreadful.-- As for Jane Fairfax, she might at least asupra acestui punct s fie linitit. Harriet i relieve her feelings from any present solicitude on producea destul nelinite. Nu mai trebuia s fie nefericit her account. Harriet would be anxiety enough; she need no i din cauza Janei, ale crei necazuri i boli, avnd longer be unhappy about Jane, whose troubles and probabil aceeai origine, se vor sfri n curnd. Situaia ei whose ill-health having, of course, the same origin, must be obscur i ingrat urma s fie nlocuit de o alta mai equally under cure.--Her days of insignificance bun. n curnd va fi sntoas, fericit i bogat. Emma i and evil were over.--She would soon be well, and happy, and ddea acum seama de ce ateniile ei fuseser prosperous.-- Emma could now imagine why respinse. Descoperirea explica i unele probleme mai her own attentions had been slighted. This discovery laid mrunte. Fr ndoial, se purtase aa din gelozie, n ochii many smaller matters open. No doubt it had been Janei ea era o rival i se poate foarte bine ca tot ce oferea from jealousy.--In Jane's eyes she had been a rival; and well ea n semn de stim s fie respins. O plimbare n might any thing she could offer of assistance or trsura de la Hartfield ar fi fost o tortur, crema de elin regard be repulsed. An airing in the Hartfield carriage would din cmrile de la Hartfield ar fi fost o otrav. nelegea have been the rack, and arrowroot from the tot, i att ct mintea ei se putea desprinde din egoismul i Hartfield storeroom must have been poison. She understood prtinirea provocate de suprarea ce o ncerca admise it all; and as far as her mind could disengage c Jane Fairfax merit pe deplin poziia social i fericirea itself from the injustice and selfishness of angry feelings, she pe care le va ctiga. Dar, biata Harriet, ce soart acknowledged that Jane Fairfax would have trist ! Era persoana cea mai vrednic de mil. Emmei i neither elevation nor happiness beyond her desert. But poor era foarte team c aceast a doua dezamgire va fi mai Harriet was such an engrossing charge! There was grav dect prima. Trebuia s fie aa considernd calitile little sympathy to be spared for any body else. Emma was superioare ale celui despre care era vorba acum i, sadly fearful that this second disappointment would judecnd dup efectul aparent mai puternic asupra minii be more severe than the first. Considering the very superior 256

Harrietei o fcuse mai rezervat i mai stpnit , va fi aa cu siguran. Trebuia totui s-i comunice tristul adevr, i ct se poate de repede. Domnul Weston o rugase la desprire s pstreze secretul : Pentru moment, totul trebuia pstrat n cel mai mare secret. Domnul Churchill dorise foarte mult, n semn de respect pentru soia lui care murise de curnd, i toat lumea era de acord c aa se cade." Emma promisese, dar Harriet trebuia s fac excepie. Era o datorie a ei mai important. n ciuda faptului c era jignit, nu se putea opri s nu gseasc aproape ridicul ideea c trebuie s ndeplineasc pentru Harriet aceeai misiune pe care doamna Weston o ndeplinise pentru ea. Vestea care i fusese anunat ei cu atta nelinite trebuia s o transmit acum, cu aceeai nelinite, alteia. Inima ncepu s-i bat mai repede cnd auzi paii i glasul Harrietei ; aa se simise probabil i biata doamn Weston cnd ea se apropiase de Randalls. Puteau oare cele dou situaii s semene pn la capt ? n privina asta, din pcate, nu era nici o ans. Ei, domnioar Woodhouse, strig Harriet intrnd plin de entuziasm n camer. Nu e cea mai ciudat noutate ? Ce noutate ? rspunse Emma, nefiind n stare s ghiceasc din privire sau din glas dac Harriet a auzit ntradevr ceva. Despre Jane Fairfax. Ai auzit vreodat ceva att de ciudat ? Ah, nu trebuie s v fie team s-mi spunei, pentru c domnul Weston nsui mi-a spus. Tocmai l-am ntlnit. Mi-a spus c trebuie pstrat cel mai mare secret i deci s nu m gndesc s spun altcuiva dect dumneavoastr, dar mi-a spus c tii. Ce i-a spus domnul Weston ? ntreb Emma, nc uluit. A, mi-a spus tot, c Jane Fairfax i domnul Frank Churchill se cstoresc, c au fost logodii n secret atta vreme. Ce lucru ciudat! Era ntr-adevr ciudat, purtarea Harrietei era att de ciudat nct Emma nu tia cum s-o interpreteze. Caracterul ei prea c se schimbase cu totul. Era aparent hotrt s nu arate nici o tulburare, nici o dezamgire, nici mcar un interes special pentru aceast descoperire. Emma se uita la ea fr a putea scoate un cuvnt. V-ai fi nchipuit, strig Harriet, c el e ndrgostit de ea ? Dumneavoastr, poate. Dumneavoastr (nroindu-se cnd vorbea), care putei citi inimile tuturor, dar nimeni altcineva. Pe cuvntul meu, zise Emma, ncep s m ndoiesc c a avea un asemenea talent. Harriet, chiar poi s m ntrebi n mod serios dac nu mi-am nchipuit c el e ndrgostit de o alt femeie, tocmai n momentul cnd, tacit, dac nu deschis, te-am ncurajat s dai curs sentimentelor tale ? N-am avut nici cea mai mic bnuial,

claims of the object, it ought; and judging by its apparently stronger effect on Harriet's mind, producing reserve and self-command, it would.-- She must communicate the painful truth, however, and as soon as possible. An injunction of secresy had been among Mr. Weston's parting words. "For the present, the whole affair was to be completely a secret. Mr. Churchill had made a point of it, as a token of respect to the wife he had so very recently lost; and every body admitted it to be no more than due decorum."-- Emma had promised; but still Harriet must be excepted. It was her superior duty. In spite of her vexation, she could not help feeling it almost ridiculous, that she should have the very same distressing and delicate office to perform by Harriet, which Mrs. Weston had just gone through by herself. The intelligence, which had been so anxiously announced to her, she was now to be anxiously announcing to another. Her heart beat quick on hearing Harriet's footstep and voice; so, she supposed, had poor Mrs. Weston felt when she was approaching Randalls. Could the event of the disclosure bear an equal resemblance!-- But of that, unfortunately, there could be no chance. "Well, Miss Woodhouse!" cried Harriet, coming eagerly into the room-- "is not this the oddest news that ever was?" "What news do you mean?" replied Emma, unable to guess, by look or voice, whether Harriet could indeed have received any hint. "About Jane Fairfax. Did you ever hear any thing so strange? Oh!--you need not be afraid of owning it to me, for Mr. Weston has told me himself. I met him just now. He told me it was to be a great secret; and, therefore, I should not think of mentioning it to any body but you, but he said you knew it." "What did Mr. Weston tell you?"--said Emma, still perplexed. "Oh! he told me all about it; that Jane Fairfax and Mr. Frank Churchill are to be married, and that they have been privately engaged to one another this long while. How very odd!" It was, indeed, so odd; Harriet's behaviour was so extremely odd, that Emma did not know how to understand it. Her character appeared absolutely changed. She seemed to propose shewing no agitation, or disappointment, or peculiar concern in the discovery. Emma looked at her, quite unable to speak. "Had you any idea," cried Harriet, "of his being in love with her?--You, perhaps, might.--You (blushing as she spoke) who can see into every body's heart; but nobody else--" "Upon my word," said Emma, "I begin to doubt my having any such talent. 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

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pn acum o or, de faptul c domnul Frank Churchill are vreun sentiment fa de Jane Fairfax. Poi s fii foarte sigur de asta, dac a fi tiut te-a fi prevenit ? Pe mine ? strig Harriet nroindu-se de uimire. De ce s m prevenii pe mine ? Doar nu credei c m intereseaz domnul Frank Churchill ? Sunt ncntat s te aud vorbind att de ferm despre subiectul sta, rspunse Emma zmbind, dar nu cred c vrei s negi c a fost o vreme, nu mult n urm, cnd mi-ai dat motive s cred c ii la el. La el ? Niciodat ! Drag domnioar Woodhouse, cum se poate s m nelegei att de greit (ntorcndui capul ntristat). Harriet, strig Emma, dup o pauz de o clip, ce vrei s spui ? Doamne, ce vrei s spui ? Te-am neles greit ? Pot s presupun c... Nu mai putu scoase nici un cuvnt, ateptnd plin de groaz ca Harriet s rspund. Harriet, care sttea n picioare, la o oarecare distan i cu faa ntoars de la ea, nu spuse nimic imediat i, cnd ncepu s vorbeasc, avea un glas la fel de plin de emoie ca al Emmei :

N-a fi crezut c e posibil s m nelegei att de greit! tiu c am czut de acord s nu-i pronunm numele, dar, avnd n vedere c e superior tuturor celorlali, n-a fi crezut c e posibil s se interpreteze c m refeream la altcineva. Domnul Frank Churchill! Nu tiu cine s-ar uita la el n comparaie cu cellalt! Sper c am ceva mai mult gust. S m gndesc la domnul Frank Churchill, care nu e nimic pe lng dnsul ! i dumneavoastr s greii att de mult, e uimitor. Sunt sigur c dac n-a fi crezut c dumneavoastr aprobai i ncurajai pasiunea mea a fi considerat o ndrzneal prea mare din partea mea s m gndesc la dnsul. Prima oar mi-ai spus c s-au ntmplat lucruri i mai de mirare i c au fost cstorii i mai puin potrivite (acestea sunt chiar cuvintele dumneavoastr), altfel n-a fi ndrznit s m las prad... n-a fi crezut c e posibil... dar dac dumneavoastr, care l cunoatei de atta vreme... Harriet, strig Emma, reculegndu-se plin de hotrre, hai s ne nelegem de data asta i s nu ne mai lsm posibilitatea de a grei. Vorbeti de domnul Knightley ? Sigur c de dnsul vorbesc ! Nu m-am gndit niciodat la nimeni altcineva i credeam c tii. Cnd am vorbit despre asta, era ct se poate de clar. Nu tocmai, rspunse Emma, forndu-se s fie calm, pentru c tot ce mi-ai spus atunci prea s se refere la altcineva. Puteam s afirm chiar c aproape l-ai numit pe domnul Frank Churchill. Sunt sigur c am discutat despre serviciul pe care i l-a fcut domnul Frank Churchill cnd te-a scpat de igani. Ah, domnioar Woodhouse, cum ai uitat?!

hour, of Mr. Frank Churchill's having the least regard for Jane Fairfax. You may be very sure that if I had, I should have cautioned you accordingly." "Me!" cried Harriet, colouring, and astonished. "Why should you caution me?--You do not think I care about Mr. Frank Churchill." "I am delighted to hear you speak so stoutly on the subject," replied Emma, smiling; "but you do not mean to deny that there was a time--and not very distant either-when you gave me reason to understand that you did care about him?" "Him!--never, never. Dear Miss Woodhouse, how could you so mistake me?" turning away distressed. "Harriet!" cried Emma, after a moment's pause--"What do you mean?-- Good Heaven! what do you mean?--Mistake you!--Am I to suppose then?--" She could not speak another word.--Her voice was lost; and she sat down, waiting in great terror till Harriet should answer. Harriet, who was standing at some distance, and with face turned from her, did not immediately say any thing; and when she did speak, it was in a voice nearly as agitated as Emma's. "I should not have thought it possible," she began, "that you could have misunderstood me! I know we agreed never to name him-- but considering how infinitely superior he is to every body else, I should not have thought it possible that I could be supposed to mean any other person. Mr. Frank Churchill, indeed! I do not know who would ever look at him in the company of the other. I hope I have a better taste than to think of Mr. Frank Churchill, who is like nobody by his side. And that you should have been so mistaken, is amazing!--I am sure, but for believing that you entirely approved and meant to encourage me in my attachment, I should have considered it at first too great a presumption almost, to dare to think of him. At first, if you had not told me that more wonderful things had happened; that there had been matches of greater disparity (those were your very words);-- I should not have dared to give way to--I should not have thought it possible--But if you, who had been always acquainted with him--" "Harriet!" cried Emma, collecting herself resolutely--"Let us understand each other now, without the possibility of farther mistake. Are you speaking of--Mr. Knightley?" "To be sure I am. I never could have an idea of any body else-- and so I thought you knew. When we talked about him, it was as clear as possible." "Not quite," returned Emma, with forced calmness, "for all that you then said, appeared to me to relate to a different person. I could almost assert that you had named Mr. Frank Churchill. I am sure the service Mr. Frank Churchill had rendered you, in protecting you from the gipsies, was spoken of." "Oh! Miss Woodhouse, how you do forget!"

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 Drag Harriet, mi aduc perfect de bine aminte ce iam spus atunci. i-am spus c nu m mir dragostea ta, c avnd n vedere serviciul pe care i l-a fcut, era ct se poate de firesc, i ai fost de acord i te-ai exprimat clduros cu privire la acest serviciu i chiar ai pomenit ceva despre ce ai simit cnd l-ai vzut venind s te salveze. Impresia asta e foarte puternic n memoria mea.

O, Doamne, strig Harriet, acum mi amintesc despre ce vorbii, dar m gndeam la cu totul altceva atunci. Nu voiam s m refer la igani i nici la domnul Frank Churchill. Nu ! (nlndu-se puin). M gndeam la ceva cu mult mai de pre, la domnul Knightley, cnd a venit s m invite la dans atunci cnd domnul Elton n-a vrut s danseze cu mine i nu mai era nici un partener liber. Asta a fost salvarea, dovada nobleii i generozitii sale, i acesta a fost serviciul care m-a fcut s ncep s-mi dau seama ce fiin superioar e dnsul. Doamne, Dumnezeule, strig Emma. O greeal ngrozitoare, deplorabil ! Ce e de fcut ? N-ar fi trebuit s m ncurajai, deci, dac m-ai fi neles ? Dar cel puin nu m aflu ntr-o situaie att de proast ca aceea n care m-a fi aflat dac m-a fi gndit la cellalt i, acum, este posibil... Se opri cteva clipe. Emma nu putea vorbi. Nu m mir, domnioar Woodhouse, relu ea, c vi se pare c e o mare diferen ntre ei doi, n comparaie cu oricine altcineva, nu numai cu mine. Probabil c l gsii de cinci sute de milioane de ori mai mult deasupra mea dect pe cellalt, dar sper, domnioar Woodhouse, c dac orict ar prea de ciudat dar tii, chiar dumneavoastr ai spus : s-au ntmplat lucruri i mai de mirare, cstorii i mai puin potrivite dect ntre domnul Frank Churchill i mine, i, deci, se poate s se fi ntmplat i aa ceva i dac a avea norocul de nespus ca domnul Knightley, ntr-adevr, dac el nu vede nepotrivirea, sper, drag domnioar Woodhouse, c n-o s avei nimic mpotriv i n-o s mpiedicai... Dar suntei mult prea bun, sunt sigur.

Harriet sttea n picioare, lng una dinferestre. Emma se ntoarse uluit s-o priveasc i zise cu grab : Ai observat cumva dac domnul Knightley rspunde dragostei tale ? Da, rspunse Harriet cu modestie, dar fr team, trebuie s mrturisesc c am observat. Ochii Emmei se ntoarser imediat i ea se aez meditnd n tcere, cu privirea fix, cteva minute. Aceste cteva minute fur de ajuns ca s-i cunoasc propria ei inim. ntr-o minte ca a ei, o bnuial care se ivea cretea cu cea mai mare repeziciune, atingea, admitea,

"My dear Harriet, I perfectly remember the substance of what I said on the occasion. I told you that I did not wonder at your attachment; that considering the service he had rendered you, it was extremely natural:--and you agreed to it, expressing yourself very warmly as to your sense of that service, and mentioning even what your sensations had been in seeing him come forward to your rescue.--The impression of it is strong on my memory." "Oh, dear," cried Harriet, "now I recollect what you mean; but I was thinking of something very different at the time. It was not the gipsies--it was not Mr. Frank Churchill that I meant. No! (with some elevation) I was thinking of a much more precious circumstance-- of Mr. Knightley's coming and asking me to dance, when Mr. Elton would not stand up with me; and when there was no other partner in the room. That was the kind action; that was the noble benevolence and generosity; that was the service which made me begin to feel how superior he was to every other being upon earth." "Good God!" cried Emma, "this has been a most unfortunate-- most deplorable mistake!--What is to be done?" "You would not have encouraged me, then, if you had understood me? At least, however, I cannot be worse off than I should have been, if the other had been the person; and now--it is possible--" She paused a few moments. Emma could not speak. "I do not wonder, Miss Woodhouse," she resumed, "that you should feel a great difference between the two, as to me or as to any body. You must think one five hundred million times more above me than the other. But I hope, Miss Woodhouse, that supposing--that if-- strange as it may appear--. But you know they were your own words, that more wonderful things had happened, matches of greater disparity had taken place than between Mr. Frank Churchill and me; and, therefore, it seems as if such a thing even as this, may have occurred before-- and if I should be so fortunate, beyond expression, as to-- if Mr. Knightley should really--if he does not mind the disparity, I hope, dear Miss Woodhouse, you will not set yourself against it, and try to put difficulties in the way. But you are too good for that, I am sure." Harriet was standing at one of the windows. Emma turned round to look at her in consternation, and hastily said, "Have you any idea of Mr. Knightley's returning your affection?" "Yes," replied Harriet modestly, but not fearfully--"I must say that I have." Emma's eyes were instantly withdrawn; and she sat silently meditating, in a fixed attitude, for a few minutes. A few minutes were sufficient for making her acquainted with her own heart. A mind like hers, once opening to suspicion, made rapid progress. She touched-- she

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recunotea adevrul adevrat. De ce s fie cu att mai ru c Harriet s-a ndrgostit de domnul Knightley i nu de Frank Churchill ? De ce rul era mrit ntr-att de faptul ca Harriet spera c i se rspunde iubirii ei ? Un gnd i trecu prin minte cu viteza fulgerului, domnul Knightley nu trebuie s se nsoare dect cu ea, cu Emma ! i explic dintr-o dat purtarea ei i sentimentele ei. Vzu totul cu o limpezime cu care nu fusese binecuvntat mai nainte. Ce urt s-a purtat cu Harriet! Cu ct lips de consideraie, de delicatee, de judecat, de sentiment se purtase ! Ce nebunie o orbise ! Fu izbit groaznic de ideea c putea s-i califice purtarea cu cele mai urte cuvinte. Totui, mnat de un oarecare respect pentru ea nsi, n ciuda acestor scderi, de oarecare grij pentru rolul ei i de un puternic sentiment al dreptii n favoarea Harrietei (o fat care se crede iubit de domnul Knightley nu are nevoie de compasiune, dar nu era drept s o fac s sufere prin rceala ei), Emma hotr s stea i s ndure mai departe, plin de calm i chiar cu aparent bunvoin. n avantajul ei era ntr-adevr s afle totul despre speranele Harrietei i Harriet nu fcuse la urma urmei nimic pentru a pierde stima i interesul care se nscuser i fuseser ntreinute de bunvoie i nici pentru a merita s fie nedreptit de o persoan ale crei sfaturi nu o ajutaser niciodat. Trezindu-se din reflecii, deci, i stpnindu-i emoia, se ntoarse din nou spre Harriet i, cu un ton mai potolit, rencepu conversaia, iar subiectul de la care porniser, miraculoasa poveste a Janei Fairfax, acesta se pierduse cu totul .Nici una din ele nu se gndea la altcineva n afar de domnul Knightley i ea nsi. Harriet rmsese n picioare, visnd i nu avea vise urte, dar fu totui bucuroas s fie trezit de vorbele acum ncurajatoare ale unei fiine n stare de atta nelepciune i prietenie ca domnioara Woodhouse. Nu se ls prea mult rugat s dea glas povetii despre speranele ei, cu mare dei tremurtoare ncntare. Tremurul Emmei, cnd punea ntrebri i asculta rspunsul, era mai bine ascuns dect al Harrietei, dar de aceeai intensitate. Vocea ei nu era lipsit de siguran, dar mintea i era tulburat de ntorstura din sufletul ei, de izbucnirea rului amenintor, de amestecul de emoii neateptate i uimitoare pe care le atrgea dup sine. Asculta cu mult suferin interioar, dar cu aparent rbdare, amnuntele pe care i le ddea Harriet. Nu se putea atepta la o relatare metodic, bine organizat, bine conceput, dar aceasta coninea, dac separai slbiciunea i tautologia naraiunii, un mesaj care o ntrista, mai ales dac la toate aduga ntmplrile pe care memoria ei le aduna n sprijinul ideii c domnul Knightley are o prere din ce n ce mai bun despre Harriet. Harriet i dduse seama de schimbarea purtrii lui chiar

admitted--she acknowledged the whole truth. Why was it so much worse that Harriet should be in love with Mr. Knightley, than with Frank Churchill? Why was the evil so dreadfully increased by Harriet's having some hope of a return? It darted through her, with the speed of an arrow, that Mr. Knightley must marry no one but herself! Her own conduct, as well as her own heart, was before her in the same few minutes. She saw it all with a clearness which had never blessed her before. How improperly had she been acting by Harriet! How inconsiderate, how indelicate, how irrational, how unfeeling had been her conduct! What blindness, what madness, had led her on! It struck her with dreadful force, and she was ready to give it every bad name in the world. Some portion of respect for herself, however, in spite of all these demerits-- some concern for her own appearance, and a strong sense of justice by Harriet--(there would be no need of compassion to the girl who believed herself loved by Mr. Knightley--but justice required that she should not be made unhappy by any coldness now,) gave Emma the resolution to sit and endure farther with calmness, with even apparent kindness.--For her own advantage indeed, it was fit that the utmost extent of Harriet's hopes should be enquired into; and Harriet had done nothing to forfeit the regard and interest which had been so voluntarily formed and maintained--or to deserve to be slighted by the person, whose counsels had never led her right.-Rousing from reflection, therefore, and subduing her emotion, she turned to Harriet again, and, in a more inviting accent, renewed the conversation; for as to the subject which had first introduced it, the wonderful story of Jane Fairfax, that was quite sunk and lost.-- Neither of them thought but of Mr. Knightley and themselves. Harriet, who had been standing in no unhappy reverie, was yet very glad to be called from it, by the now encouraging manner of such a judge, and such a friend as Miss Woodhouse, and only wanted invitation, to give the history of her hopes with great, though trembling delight.--Emma's tremblings as she asked, and as she listened, were better concealed than Harriet's, but they were not less. Her voice was not unsteady; but her mind was in all the perturbation that such a development of self, such a burst of threatening evil, such a confusion of sudden and perplexing emotions, must create.-She listened with much inward suffering, but with great outward patience, to Harriet's detail.-Methodical, or well arranged, or very well delivered, it could not be expected to be; but it contained, when separated from all the feebleness and tautology of the narration, a substance to sink her spirit-- especially with the corroborating circumstances, which her own memory brought in favour of Mr. Knightley's most improved opinion of Harriet. Harriet had been conscious of a difference in his behaviour

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de la cele dou dansuri decisive. Emma tia c, de acea dat, el o gsise mult peste ateptri. Din seara aceea, sau cel puin de cnd domnioara Woodhouse o ncurajase s se gndeasc la el, Harriet ncepuse s observe c el i vorbea mult mai mult dect nainte i c avea o purtare ntr-adevr schimbat se purta cu buntate i duioie. n ultima vreme devenise din ce n ce mai contient de asta. Cnd se plimbau cu toii, venea foarte des alturi de ea i i vorbea att de frumos. Prea s vrea s o cunoasc mai bine. Emma tia c aa era, observase n repetate rnduri schimbarea, aproape n aceeai msur. Harriet repet expresii aprobative sau laudative, pe care el le pronunase, i Emma i ddu seama c nu se abteau cu nimic de- la ce tia i ea n legtur cu prerea lui despre Harriet. O luda c e neprefcut i neafectat, c are sentimente simple, cinstite, generoase. tia c el apreciaz toate acestea la Harriet. Vorbise mult cu ea despre asta i nu numai o dat. Multe lucruri care erau vii n memoria Harrietei, multe amnunte ale ateniei de care se bucurase din partea lui, o privire, o vorb, o mutare de pe un scaun pe altul, un compliment implicit, o preferin dedus fuseser observate i de Emma, care nu bnuia nimic, mprejurri n care relaia se prelungise la jumtate de or i care conineau dovezi nenumrate pentru cea care le vzuse trecuser fr a fi observate de aceea care abia acum le auzea. Dar ultimele dou ntmplri, care-i ddeau Harrietei cele mai mari sperane, fuseser bine remarcate i de Emma. Prima era plimbarea lui numai cu ea pe aleea cu tei de la Donwell, unde fcuser civa pai nainte ca Emma s-i ajung din urm i unde el fcuse eforturi (asta era convingerea ei) s o deprind dintre ceilali i s rmn singuri, i la nceput i vorbise ntr-un fel deosebit de pn atunci un fel cu totul special ! (Harriet nu-i putea aminti fr s roeasc). Pruse pe punctul de a o ntreba direct dac iubete pe cineva. Dar de ndat ce ea (domnioara Woodhouse) se apropiase de ei, el schimbase subiectul i ncepuse s vorbeasc despre agricultur. A doua, era cnd a stat cu ea de vorb o jumtate de or nainte de a se ntoarce Emma, ultima diminea cnd fusese el la Hartfield, dei cnd intrase zisese c n-are timp s stea nici cinci minute; i i spusese, n timpul conversaiei, c, dei trebuie s plece la Londra, nu are nici un chef s-i prseasc tocmai acum casa, ceea ce era mai mult (simea Emma) dect recunoscuse fa de ea. Gradul mai mare de ncredere pe care i-o acordase Harrietei n privina asta o duru foarte tare. Despre prima din aceste ntmplri ndrzni, dup oarecare reflecie, s pun ntrebarea : Nu s-ar putea, e imposibil oare ca atunci cnd s-a interesat dac nu eti ndrgostit s fi fcut cumva aluzie

ever since those two decisive dances.--Emma knew that he had, on that occasion, found her much superior to his expectation. From that evening, or at least from the time of Miss Woodhouse's encouraging her to think of him, Harriet had begun to be sensible of his talking to her much more than he had been used to do, and of his having indeed quite a different manner towards her; a manner of kindness and sweetness!--Latterly she had been more and more aware of it. When they had been all walking together, he had so often come and walked by her, and talked so very delightfully!--He seemed to want to be acquainted with her. Emma knew it to have been very much the case. She had often observed the change, to almost the same extent.-- Harriet repeated expressions of approbation and praise from him-- and Emma felt them to be in the closest agreement with what she had known of his opinion of Harriet. He praised her for being without art or affectation, for having simple, honest, generous, feelings.-- She knew that he saw such recommendations in Harriet; he had dwelt on them to her more than once.--Much that lived in Harriet's memory, many little particulars of the notice she had received from him, a look, a speech, a removal from one chair to another, a compliment implied, a preference inferred, had been unnoticed, because unsuspected, by Emma. Circumstances that might swell to half an hour's relation, and contained multiplied proofs to her who had seen them, had passed undiscerned by her who now heard them; but the two latest occurrences to be mentioned, the two of strongest promise to Harriet, were not without some degree of witness from Emma herself.--The first, was his walking with her apart from the others, in the lime-walk at Donwell, where they had been walking some time before Emma came, and he had taken pains (as she was convinced) to draw her from the rest to himself-and at first, he had talked to her in a more particular way than he had ever done before, in a very particular way indeed!--(Harriet could not recall it without a blush.) He seemed to be almost asking her, whether her affections were engaged.-- But as soon as she (Miss Woodhouse) appeared likely to join them, he changed the subject, and began talking about farming:-- The second, was his having sat talking with her nearly half an hour before Emma came back from her visit, the very last morning of his being at Hartfield-though, when he first came in, he had said that he could not stay five minutes--and his having told her, during their conversation, that though he must go to London, it was very much against his inclination that he left home at all, which was much more (as Emma felt) than he had acknowledged to her. The superior degree of confidence towards Harriet, which this one article marked, gave her severe pain. On the subject of the first of the two circumstances, she did, after a little reflection, venture the following

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la domnul Martin ? Poate se gndea la interesele domnului Martin !

question. "Might he not?--Is not it possible, that when enquiring, as you thought, into the state of your affections, he might be alluding to Mr. Martin-- he might Dar Harriet respinse bnuiala cu nsufleire : have Mr. Martin's interest in view? But Harriet Domnul Martin ? n nici un caz, nu era o aluzie la rejected the suspicion with spirit. domnul Martin. Sper c acum n-o s mai fiu aa de "Mr. Martin! No indeed!--There was not a hint of Mr. proast s mai in la domnul Martin sau s las s se Martin. I hope I know better now, than to care for Mr. bnuiasc aa ceva. Martin, or to be suspected of it." Cnd Harriet i termin argumentaia, apel la scumpa When Harriet had closed her evidence, she appealed to her ei domnioar Woodhouse s-i spun dac nu avea dear Miss Woodhouse, to say whether she had not motive ntemeiate s spere. good ground for hope. Niciodat n-a fi ndrznit s sper, zise ea, dac nu "I never should have presumed to think of it at first," said erai dumneavoastr. Mi-ai spus s-l observ atent i s she, "but for you. You told me to observe him fac din purtarea lui regula dup care s m port eu, i asta carefully, and let his behaviour be the rule of mine--and so I am i fcut. Dar acum, mi se pare c l-a putea merita have. But now I seem to feel that I may deserve i dac ntr-adevr m va alege, nu va fi un lucru chiar aa him; and that if he does chuse me, it will not be any thing so de mirare. very wonderful." Sentimentele amare prilejuite de aceste vorbe, The bitter feelings occasioned by this speech, the many numeroasele sentimente amare fur nvinse numai printr- bitter feelings, made the utmost exertion necessary on o mare sforare din partea Emmei i n cele din urm reui Emma's side, to enable her to say on reply, s vorbeasc : "Harriet, I will only venture to declare, that Mr. Knightley is Harriet, eu voi ndrzni numai s afirm c domnul the last man in the world, who would Knightley e ultimul brbat din lume care, cu bun tiin, intentionally give any woman the idea of his feeling for her s lase pe o femeie s cread c el are pentru ea nite more than he really does." sentimente pe care de fapt nu le are. Harriet seemed ready to worship her friend for a sentence Harriet era gata s-o adore pe prietena ei pentru o so satisfactory; and Emma was only saved from propoziie att de linititoare i Emma fu salvat de la a raptures and fondness, which at that moment would have suporta extazul i manifestrile ei de dragoste, care n acel been dreadful penance, by the sound of her father's moment ar fi fost pentru ea o mare pedeaps, numai footsteps. He was coming through the hall. Harriet was too de zgomotul pailor tatlui ei. Venea din hol. Harriet era much agitated to encounter him. "She could not att de agitat nct nu-l putea vedea. Nu putea s se compose herself-- Mr. Woodhouse would be alarmed--she stpneasc domnul Woodhouse va fi speriat , mai had better go;"--with most ready encouragement bine s plece, cu multe ncurajri din partea prietenei ei, from her friend, therefore, she passed off through another iei pe o alt u, i n momentul cnd plec Emma i ddu door--and the moment she was gone, this was the fru liber sentimentelor astfel: O. Doamne, de n-as spontaneous burst of Emma's feelings: "Oh God! that I had fi cunoscut-o niciodat!" never seen her!" Restul zilei i noaptea care urm nu ajungeau pentru The rest of the day, the following night, were hardly enough gndurile Emmei. Era zpcit de tot ceea ce i se for her thoughts.--She was bewildered amidst the ntmplase cu atta repeziciune n ultimele cteva ore. confusion of all that had rushed on her within the last few Fiecare clip aducea o nou surpriz i fiecare surpriz hours. Every moment had brought a fresh surprize; nsemna o nou umilin pentru ea. Cum s neleag totul and every surprize must be matter of humiliation to her.-? Cum s neleag c se auto-amgise i trise cu How to understand it all! How to understand the aceste amgiri ? Greelile, orbirea inimii i minii ei. Sttea deceptions she had been thus practising on herself, and linitit, apoi se plimba i ocolea camera, ocolea living under!--The blunders, the blindness of her own boschetele, cerceta toate locurile, toate lucrurile i toate i head and heart!--she sat still, she walked about, she tried spuneau c fusese slab, c se lsase condus de alii her own room, she tried the shrubbery--in every n modul cel mai umilitor i c ceea ce i impusese ea place, every posture, she perceived that she had acted most nsi era i mai umilitor. weakly; that she had been imposed on by others in a most mortifying degree; that she had been imposing on herself in a degree yet more mortifying; that she was wretched, and should probably find this day but the beginning of wretchedness. Se strdui mai nti s-i neleag inima, s-o neleag bine To understand, thoroughly understand her own heart, was ! Asta ii ocupa fiecare minut de rgaz pe care i-l the first endeavour. To that point went every leisure lsa tatl ei i fiecare moment de involuntar neatenie moment which her father's claims on her allowed, and every fa de el. moment of involuntary absence of mind. 262

De ct vreme i era domnul Knightley att de drag ct simea acum c-i este ? Cnd ncepuse el s-o influeneze ? Cnd ajunsese el n inima ei la acel loc pe care Frank Churchill l ocupase pentru scurt timp ? ncerc s-i aminteasc totul, i compar pe cei doi, i compar n raport cu aprecierile pe care le fcuse ntotdeauna de cnd l cunotea pe cel de-al doilea, aa cum probabil i-ar fi comparat n fiecare clip dac, o, dac printr-o binecuvntat minune i-ar fi trecut prin cap s-i compare. i ddu seama c niciodat, nici o clip, nu ncetase s-l considere pe domnul Knightley ca infinit superior, nu ncetase s preuiasc n cel mai nalt grad stima lui. nelese c, prin convingerile ei, prin imaginaia ei, prin faptul c se purtase tocmai pe dos, dovedea c se amgise, c nu-i cunoscuse sufletul i c, pe scurt, niciodat nu avusese nici un sentiment pentru Frank Churchill. Aceasta era concluzia primului ir de meditaii. La aceast cunoatere de sine ajunse dup o prim cercetare de scurt durat, de altfel. Era trist i indignat, i era ruine de tot ce simise n afar de sentimentul cel nou care i se dezvluise iubirea ei pentru domnul Knightley. Orice alt parte a gndurilor ei era dezgusttoare. Cu ct insuportabil vanitate se crezuse obiectul secret al sentimentelor tuturor, cu ct arogan de neiertat i propusese s aranjeze destinul altora ! Se dovedea c greise pe toate planurile, c nu reuise nimic, adusese numai nenorociri. i fcuse un ru Harrietei, un ru ei nsi i tare i era team c i domnului Knightley. Dac aceast extrem de nepotrivit cstorie va avea loc, ea va purta toat vina de a fi ncurajat nceputul ; pentru c dragostea lui ncepuse probabil numai dup ce observase c Harriet e ndrgostit de el ; i chiar dac nu aa stteau lucrurile, el nar fi cunoscut-o pe Harriet dac n-ar fi fost nebunia ei la mijloc. Domnul Knightley i Harriet Smith ! era o pereche care ar fi pus n umbr orice miracol n domeniul cstoriilor. Dragostea dintre Frank Churchill i Jane Fairfax devenea oarecare, banal, tears n comparaie cu aceasta, nu era nici o surpriz, nici o nepotrivire, nu se putea spune i gndi nimic despre ea. Domnul Knightley i Harriet Smith ! Ce nlare pentru ea i ce njosire pentru el. Emmei i se prea cumplit gndul la prerea general proast care se va forma pe seama lui, la zmbetele,, rnjetele i veselia pe care le va provoca noua lui situaie, umilirea i discreditarea fratelui su, miile de inconveniente pentru el nsui. Se putea oare ? Nu, era imposibil. i totui, era departe, foarte departe de a fi imposibil ! Era oare o mprejurare nou pentru un om cu attea caliti, s fie subjugat de puteri inferioare ? Era o noutate pentru un om prea ocupat s caute o femeie, s devin obiectul iubirii unei fetie care l cuta ea pe el ? Era oare o noutate inegalitatea, inconsecvena,

How long had Mr. Knightley been so dear to her, as every feeling declared him now to be? When had his influence, such influence begun?-- When had he succeeded to that place in her affection, which Frank Churchill had once, for a short period, occupied?--She looked back; she compared the two--compared them, as they had always stood in her estimation, from the time of the latter's becoming known to her-- and as they must at any time have been compared by her, had it-- oh! had it, by any blessed felicity, occurred to her, to institute the comparison.--She saw that there never had been a time when she did not consider Mr. Knightley as infinitely the superior, or when his regard for her had not been infinitely the most dear. She saw, that in persuading herself, in fancying, in acting to the contrary, she had been entirely under a delusion, totally ignorant of her own heart--and, in short, that she had never really cared for Frank Churchill at all! This was the conclusion of the first series of reflection. This was the knowledge of herself, on the first question of inquiry, which she reached; and without being long in reaching it.-- She was most sorrowfully indignant; ashamed of every sensation but the one revealed to her--her affection for Mr. Knightley.-- Every other part of her mind was disgusting. With insufferable vanity had she believed herself in the secret of every body's feelings; with unpardonable arrogance proposed to arrange every body's destiny. She was proved to have been universally mistaken; and she had not quite done nothing--for she had done mischief. She had brought evil on Harriet, on herself, and she too much feared, on Mr. Knightley.--Were this most unequal of all connexions to take place, on her must rest all the reproach of having given it a beginning; for his attachment, she must believe to be produced only by a consciousness of Harriet's;--and even were this not the case, he would never have known Harriet at all but for her folly. Mr. Knightley and Harriet Smith!--It was a union to distance every wonder of the kind.--The attachment of Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax became commonplace, threadbare, stale in the comparison, exciting no surprize, presenting no disparity, affording nothing to be said or thought.--Mr. Knightley and Harriet Smith!--Such an elevation on her side! Such a debasement on his! It was horrible to Emma to think how it must sink him in the general opinion, to foresee the smiles, the sneers, the merriment it would prompt at his expense; the mortification and disdain of his brother, the thousand inconveniences to himself.--Could it be?--No; it was impossible. And yet it was far, very far, from impossible.--Was it a new circumstance for a man of first-rate abilities to be captivated by very inferior powers? Was it new for one, perhaps too busy to seek, to be the prize of a girl who would seek him?--Was it new for any thing in this world to be unequal,

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nepotrivirea, faptul c hazardul i mprejurrile domneau asupra soartei omeneti ? Oh, dac n-ar fi scos-o niciodat la lumin pe aceast Harriet ! Dac ar fi lsat-o unde i se cuvenea i unde el i spusese c i se cuvine ! Dac n-ar fi mpiedicat-o, dintr-o nebunie pe care nici un cuvnt nu o putea califica, s se mrite cu tnrul acela ireproabil, care ar fi fcut-o fericit i respectat n mediul cruia se cuvenea s-i aparin, totul ar fi fost bine, n-ar fi survenit nici una dintre aceste urmri ngrozitoare. Cum altfel ar fi putut Harriet s aib ndrzneala s-i ridice ochii ctre domnul Knightley ? Cum i-ar fi putut nchipui c e aleasa unui asemenea om, dac n-ar fi fost sigur de asta ? Dar Harriet era mai puin umil, avea mai puine scrupule dect nainte. Inferioritatea ei, fie n privina inteligenei, fie n privina averii, nu mai era att de acut simit. Pruse mai contient c domnul Elton s-ar cobor prin cstoria cu ea dect prea acum de njosirea domnului Knightley. Dar, vai, nu era asta oare tot opera ei ? Cine i dduse osteneala s-i dea Harrietei o nalt consideraie pentru sine dac nu Emma ? Cine dac nu ea o nvase c trebuie s se ridice dac se poate i c putea s aib pretenii la o poziie social nalt ? Dac Harriet, din umil devenise vanitoas, asta era tot opera ei. Pn acum, atta timp ct nu era ameninat s o piard, Emma nu tiuse niciodat ct de mult depindea fericirea ei de atenia pe care i-o ddea domnul Knightley, de interesul i afeciunea lui. Mulumit c lucrurile stau aa i creznd c i se cuvine, se bucurase de ea fr s se gndeasc i numai ngrozit de perspectiva de a fi nlocuit de o alt femeie, i ddea seama ce extraordinar de important era. Mult, foarte mult vreme, se tiuse favorita lui, cci, el neavnd nici o rud de parte femeiasc a lui, numai Isabella putea avea pretenii comparabile cu ale ei, i tiuse ntotdeauna exact ct o iubea i o stima el pe Isabella. Emma era favorita lui de muli ani ncoace. Nu merita, fusese adesea neglijent sau rutcioas, nu-i luase n seam sfatul sau chiar i se mpotrivise, nu i preuise cum se cuvine meritele i se certaser pentru c el nu voia s recunoasc meritele ei false relevate cu insolen. Totui, din dragoste pentru familie i- din obinuin i pentru c era un om de o inteligen deosebit, o iubise i o veghease, de cnd era mic, strduindu-se s o ajute i dorind cu aprindere ca ea s fac totul bine, sentimente pe care nimeni nu i le mprtise. tia c n ciuda tuturor defectelor ii era drag, n-ar putea spune chiar foarte drag ? Totui, cnd asemenea gnduri o fceau s spere, nu ndrznea s se lase prad lor. Harriet Smith putea s cread c e demn de a fi iubit n mod special, exclusiv i pasionat de domnul Knightley. Ea nu putea. Nu putea s se mguleasc la gndul c el ar putea s aib un sentiment pentru ea. Primise de curnd dovada c fa de ea era imparial. Ce

inconsistent, incongruous--or for chance and circumstance (as second causes) to direct the human fate? Oh! had she never brought Harriet forward! Had she left her where she ought, and where he had told her she ought!--Had she not, with a folly which no tongue could express, prevented her marrying the unexceptionable young man who would have made her happy and respectable in the line of life to which she ought to belong-all would have been safe; none of this dreadful sequel would have been. How Harriet could ever have had the presumption to raise her thoughts to Mr. Knightley!--How she could dare to fancy herself the chosen of such a man till actually assured of it!-- But Harriet was less humble, had fewer scruples than formerly.-- Her inferiority, whether of mind or situation, seemed little felt.-- She had seemed more sensible of Mr. Elton's being to stoop in marrying her, than she now seemed of Mr. Knightley's.-- Alas! was not that her own doing too? Who had been at pains to give Harriet notions of self-consequence but herself?--Who but herself had taught her, that she was to elevate herself if possible, and that her claims were great to a high worldly establishment?-If Harriet, from being humble, were grown vain, it was her doing too. Till now that she was threatened with its loss, Emma had never known how much of her happiness depended on being first with Mr. Knightley, first in interest and affection.--Satisfied that it was so, and feeling it her due, she had enjoyed it without reflection; and only in the dread of being supplanted, found how inexpressibly important it had been.--Long, very long, she felt she had been first; for, having no female connexions of his own, there had been only Isabella whose claims could be compared with hers, and she had always known exactly how far he loved and esteemed Isabella. She had herself been first with him for many years past. She had not deserved it; she had often been negligent or perverse, slighting his advice, or even wilfully opposing him, insensible of half his merits, and quarrelling with him because he would not acknowledge her false and insolent estimate of her own--but still, from family attachment and habit, and thorough excellence of mind, he had loved her, and watched over her from a girl, with an endeavour to improve her, and an anxiety for her doing right, which no other creature had at all shared. In spite of all her faults, she knew she was dear to him; might she not say, very dear?-- When the suggestions of hope, however, which must follow here, presented themselves, she could not presume to indulge them. Harriet Smith might think herself not unworthy of being peculiarly, exclusively, passionately loved by Mr. Knightley. She could not. She could not flatter herself with any idea of blindness in his attachment to her. She had received a very recent proof of its impartiality.-- How shocked had he been by her behaviour to Miss Bates! How

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ocat fusese de purtarea ei fa de domnioara Bates ! Ce direct i ce dur se exprimase el n aceast privin ! Nu prea dur pentru fapta ei, dar mult prea dur ca s fi pornit din altceva dect din sim de dreptate i clarvztoare bunvoin. Nu avea nici o speran c el ar putea avea pentru ea un sentiment de dragoste, dar o speran tot avea, cteodat mai slab, cteodat mai puternic, aceea c Harriet s-ar fi putut nela i c a supraapreciat stima lui pentru ea. i dorea, trebuia s-i doreasc, chiar dac ei nu-i aducea fericirea, ca el s rmn burlac toat viaa. Dac putea s fie sigur de asta, de faptul c nu se va cstori niciodat, ar fi fost perfect mulumit. S rmn acelai domn Knightley pentru ea i pentru tatl ei, acelai domn Knightley pentru toat lumea, s rmn aceleai relaii de prietenie i ncredere ntre Donwell i Hartfield, i linitea ei nu va fi tulburat. Cstoria, de fapt, nu era pentru ea. Ar fi fost incompatibil cu tot ce-i datora tatlui ei i tot ce simea pentru el. Nimic nu o va despri de tatl ei. Nu se va mrita nici dac o va cere domnul Knightley. Probabil c era cea mai puternic dorin a ei ca Harriet s fie dezamgit i spera c atunci cnd va avea posibilitatea s-i vad pe amndoi n acelai timp va putea cel puin s-si dea seama n mod sigur ce anse existau n privina asta. De acum nainte trebuie s-i observe cu mare atenie i, cu toate c pn acum avusese numai ghinioane cnd ncercase s neleag ce se petrecea n sufletul altora, nu voia s admit c i de data asta s-ar putea nela. El trebuia s soseasc din zi n zi. i atunci va avea posibilitatea s-i observe clipa se apropia nfricotor de repede, sau cel puin aa i se pru cnd i orndui gndurile. Intre timp, hotr s n-o mai vad pe Harriet. Nici uneia nu i-ar face bine i n-ar fi deloc profitabil s mai dezbat acelai subiect. Era hotrt s nu se lase convins atta timp ct se mai putea ndoi i totui nu avea destul autoritate s se mpotriveasc ncrederii Harrietei. A discuta nseamn s se enerveze. i scrise aadar pe un ton binevoitor dar hotrt, rugndo s nu mai vin pe la Hartfield deocamdat, recunoscndu-i convingerea c nite discuii suplimentare referitoare la un anume subiect trebuie mai degrab evitate i spernd c, dac treceau cteva zile nainte ca ele s se ntlneasc, n afar de cazul c se ntlneau n societate obiecia era numai mpotriva unui tte--tte ar putea s se comporte ca i cnd ar fi uitat discuia de ieri. Harriet se supuse, era de acord i era recunosctoare. Tocmai terminase de rezolvat aceast problem cnd sosi un musafir care avea darul s o desprind pe Emma din gndurile care i ocupaser tot timpul, i somnul i veghea, n ultimele douzeci i patru de ore, doamna Weston, care fusese n vizit la viitoarea ei nor i trecea pe la Hartfield n drum spre cas, nu att din datorie fa de Emma cit din plcerea de a relata amnuntele unei

directly, how strongly had he expressed himself to her on the subject!--Not too strongly for the offence--but far, far too strongly to issue from any feeling softer than upright justice and clear-sighted goodwill.-- She had no hope, nothing to deserve the name of hope, that he could have that sort of affection for herself which was now in question; but there was a hope (at times a slight one, at times much stronger,) that Harriet might have deceived herself, and be overrating his regard for her.--Wish it she must, for his sake--be the consequence nothing to herself, but his remaining single all his life. Could she be secure of that, indeed, of his never marrying at all, she believed she should be perfectly satisfied.--Let him but continue the same Mr. Knightley to her and her father, the same Mr. Knightley to all the world; let Donwell and Hartfield lose none of their precious intercourse of friendship and confidence, and her peace would be fully secured.--Marriage, in fact, would not do for her. It would be incompatible with what she owed to her father, and with what she felt for him. Nothing should separate her from her father. She would not marry, even if she were asked by Mr. Knightley. It must be her ardent wish that Harriet might be disappointed; and she hoped, that when able to see them together again, she might at least be able to ascertain what the chances for it were.--She should see them henceforward with the closest observance; and wretchedly as she had hitherto misunderstood even those she was watching, she did not know how to admit that she could be blinded here.-- He was expected back every day. The power of observation would be soon given-frightfully soon it appeared when her thoughts were in one course. In the meanwhile, she resolved against seeing Harriet.-- It would do neither of them good, it would do the subject no good, to be talking of it farther.-She was resolved not to be convinced, as long as she could doubt, and yet had no authority for opposing Harriet's confidence. To talk would be only to irritate.--She wrote to her, therefore, kindly, but decisively, to beg that she would not, at present, come to Hartfield; acknowledging it to be her conviction, that all farther confidential discussion of one topic had better be avoided; and hoping, that if a few days were allowed to pass before they met again, except in the company of others--she objected only to a tete-a-tete--they might be able to act as if they had forgotten the conversation of yesterday.--Harriet submitted, and approved, and was grateful. This point was just arranged, when a visitor arrived to tear Emma's thoughts a little from the one subject which had engrossed them, sleeping or waking, the last twenty-four hours--Mrs. Weston, who had been calling on her daughter-in-law elect, and took Hartfield in her way home, almost as much in duty to Emma as in pleasure to herself, to relate all the particulars of so interesting an interview.

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ntlniri att de interesante. Domnul Weston o nsoise n vizita la doamna Bates i i fcuse cu succes datoria de viitor socru ; dar dnsa nu se mulumise numai cu o ntrevedere de un sfert de or n salonul domnioarei Bates, unde nu se sprsese nc gheaa i mai domnea oarecare stnjeneal, ci reuise s-o conving pe domnioara Fairfax s ias cu dnsa la plimbare i prin urmare avea multe de povestit i nu fr satisfacie. Emma avea puin curiozitate i ncerc s arate ct mai mult cnd prietena sa ii povesti. Doamna Weston pornise n vizita asta destul de agitat i n primul rnd nu dorise s se duc deloc deocamdat, ci s i se dea voie s-i scrie numai domnioarei Fairfax, n loc de a o vedea, i s amne aceast vizit ceremonioas pn mai trecea ctva vreme i domnul Churchill va fi mpcat cu ideea de a face cunoscut logodna, cci, avnd n vedere toate mprejurrile, i se prea c asemenea vizit nu se putea face fr a provoca tot felul de zvonuri. Dar domnul Weston gndea cu totul altfel, era ct se poate de nerbdtor s-i arate domnioarei Fairfax i familiei c e de acord cu aceast cstorie i nu concepea c din asta s-ar nate suspiciuni sau, chiar dac s-ar fi nscut, tot n-ar avea nici o importan, pentru c asemenea lucruri", observa el, tot se afl pn la urm". Emma zmbi i gndi c domnul Weston avea motive ntemeiate s spun asta. Plecaser aadar, i domnioara se artase foarte disperat i ncurcat la venirea lor. De-abia dac putea scoate un cuvnt i toate privirile i gesturile ei artau ce mult suferea simindu-se vinovat. Mulumirea linitit, pornit din inim a btrnei, i ncntarea nemaipomenit a fiicei ei, care se dovedea a fi att de fericit nct nici nu mai vorbea ca de obicei, erau un spectacol care fcea s fie vzut. Era chiar mictor. Erau amndou att de cuviincioase n fericirea lor, att de dezinteresate n tot ce simeau, se gndeau att de mult la Jane, la toat lumea i att de puin la ele nsele, nct meritau toate sentimentele bune. Recenta boal a domnioarei Fairfax i oferise doamnei Weston un bun prilej so invite la plimbare. nti se retrsese i refuzase, dar, la insistenele ei, cedase. i n cursul plimbrii cu trsur, doamna Weston reuise, ncurajnd-o cu blndee, s-i nving stnjeneala i s-o fac s vorbeasc despre subiectul att de important. Scuzele pentru tcerea nepotrivit pe care o pstrase cnd i primise i exprimarea celei mai clduroase recunotine pentru dnsa i domnul Weston trebuiau desigur, s fac nceputul. Dar cnd se terminar aceste efuziuni, vorbir mult despre situaia prezent i viitoare a logodnei. Doamna Weston era convins c o asemenea conversaie i va aduce o mare uurare tovarei sale, cci pn acum fusese silit s ascund totul i dorea probabil s se descarce i fu foarte mulumit de tot ce auzi. Ah, ce nenorocit s-a simit, attea luni de zile s se ascund, continu doamna Weston. S-a exprimat

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. 218 A little curiosity Emma had; and she made the most of it while her friend related. 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." Emma smiled, and felt that Mr. Weston had very good reason for saying so. They had gone, in short--and very great had been the evident distress and confusion of the lady. She had hardly been able to speak a word, and every look and action had shewn how deeply she was suffering from consciousness. The quiet, heart-felt satisfaction of the old lady, and the rapturous delight of her daughter--who proved even too joyous to talk as usual, had been a gratifying, yet almost an affecting, scene. They were both so truly respectable in their happiness, so disinterested in every sensation; thought so much of Jane; so much of every body, and so little of themselves, that every kindly feeling was at work for them. Miss Fairfax's recent illness had offered a fair plea for Mrs. Weston to invite her to an airing; she had drawn back and declined at first, but, on being pressed had yielded; and, in the course of their drive, Mrs. Weston had, by gentle encouragement, overcome so much of her embarrassment, as to bring her to converse on the important subject. Apologies for her seemingly ungracious silence in their first reception, and the warmest expressions of the gratitude she was always feeling towards herself and Mr. Weston, must necessarily open the cause; but when these effusions were put by, they had talked a good deal of the present and of the future state of the engagement. Mrs. Weston was convinced that such conversation must be the greatest relief to her companion, pent up within her own mind as every thing had so long been, and was very much pleased with all that she had said on the subject. "On the misery of what she had suffered, during the concealment of so many months," continued Mrs.

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categoric. A spus aa : N-a zice c de cnd m-am logodit nu am avut i unele clipe fericite, dar pot spune c nam fost linitit nici un minut." i tremurul buzelor cnd zicea asta era o dovad pe care am simtit-o pn n fundul inimii, Emma. Biata fat, zise Emma, crede deci c a greit pentru c i-a dat consimmntul s se logodeasc n secret ? C a greit ! Nimeni nu cred c ar nvinui-o mai mult dect se nvinuiete ea nsi. Consecina, zicea ea, a fost o suferin continu pentru mine i aa era firesc s se ntmple. Dar, cu toat suferina pe care o atrage dup sine o purtare proast, ea este i rmne o purtare proast. Durerea nu e o ispire. Nu voi putea niciodat s fiu socotit nevinovat. Am fcut totul mpotriva bunului meu sim, i faptul c lucrurile au luat o ntorstur norocoas i bunvoina de care m bucur acum sunt o bine-cuvntare care, dup cte mi spune contiina mea, nu mi se cuvine. S nu credei, doamn, c nu am fost bine crescut, s nu-i nvinuii de lips de principii i de grij pe cei care m-au educat. Greeala a fost numai a mea, i v asigur, cu toate scuzele pe care-mi le ofer mprejurarea de fa, mi va fi totui team, cnd i voi mrturisi totul domnului colonel Campbell." Biata fat, zise Emma din nou. Atunci nseamn c-l iubete foarte mult. Probabil c numai din dragoste a acceptat o asemenea logodn. Iubirea i-a ntunecat judecata ! N-am nici o ndoial c e foarte ndrgostit de el. Mi-e team, zise Emma oftnd, c deseori am contribuit la nefericirea ei. Din partea ta, draga mea, a fost ceva nevinovat. Dar probabil c ea la asta se gndea cnd a fcut aluzie la nenelegerile despre care a vorbit i el. Zicea c o urmare fireasc a greelii svrite a fost c a devenit nenelegtoare. Contiina c a fcut ceva ce nu trebuia a expus-o la mii de neliniti i a fcut-o ciclitoare i nervoas, ntr-att, nct probabil c, sigur, pentru el era greu de suportat. N-am iertat ceea ce ar fi trebuit s iert, avnd n vedere firea lui i voia bun, aceast minunat voie bun i aplecarea lui spre veselie i glume, care, n alte mprejurri, sunt sigur, m-ar fi vrjit ca prima dat." Apoi a nceput s vorbeasc despre tine i despre marea buntate pe care i-ai artat-o n timpul bolii i, cu o mbujorare care mi-a dovedit n ce fel se legau toate, m-a rugat ca, atunci cnd voi avea ocazia, s-i mulumesc domnioarei Woodhouse pentru dorina i strduina ei de a-i face bine. Era ngrijorat c n-ai primit nici un semn de mulumire, aa cum se cuvine, din partea ei.

Dac n-a ti c acum e fericit, zise Emma serioas, cci trebuie s fie, n ciuda scrupulelor pe care le are,

Weston, "she was energetic. This was one of her expressions. `I will not say, that since I entered into the engagement I have not had some happy moments; but I can say, that I have never known the blessing of one tranquil hour:'-- and the quivering lip, Emma, which uttered it, was an attestation that I felt at my heart." "Poor girl!" said Emma. "She thinks herself wrong, then, for having consented to a private engagement?" "Wrong! No one, I believe, can blame her more than she is disposed to blame herself. `The consequence,' said she, `has been a state of perpetual suffering to me; and so it ought. But after all the punishment that misconduct can bring, it is still not less misconduct. Pain is no expiation. I never can be blameless. I have been acting contrary to all my sense of right; and the fortunate turn that every thing has taken, and the kindness I am now receiving, is what my conscience tells me ought not to be.' `Do not imagine, madam,' she continued, `that I was taught wrong. Do not let any reflection fall on the principles or the care of the friends who brought me up. The error has been all my own; and I do assure you that, with all the excuse that present circumstances may appear to give, I shall yet dread making the story known to Colonel Campbell.'" "Poor girl!" said Emma again. "She loves him then excessively, I suppose. It must have been from attachment only, that she could be led to form the engagement. Her affection must have overpowered her judgment." "Yes, I have no doubt of her being extremely attached to him." "I am afraid," returned Emma, sighing, "that I must often have contributed to make her unhappy." "On your side, my love, it was very innocently done. But she probably had something of that in her thoughts, when alluding to the misunderstandings which he had given us hints of before. One natural consequence of the evil she had involved herself in," she said, "was that of making her unreasonable. The consciousness of having done amiss, had exposed her to a thousand inquietudes, and made her captious and irritable to a degree that must have been-- that had been--hard for him to bear. `I did not make the allowances,' said she, `which I ought to have done, for his temper and spirits-- his delightful spirits, and that gaiety, that playfulness of disposition, which, under any other circumstances, would, I am sure, have been as constantly bewitching to me, as they were at first.' She then began to speak of you, and of the great kindness you had shewn her during her illness; and with a blush which shewed me how it was all connected, desired me, whenever I had an opportunity, to thank you--I could not thank you too much-for every wish and every endeavour to do her good. She was sensible that you had never received any proper acknowledgment from herself." "If I did not know her to be happy now," said Emma, seriously, "which, in spite of every little drawback from

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n-a putea suporta aceste mulumiri, pentru c, ah, doamn Weston, dac am face o balan ntre rul i binele pe care i le-am fcut domnioarei Fairfax... Ei, (controlndu-se i ncercnd s fie mai vesel), astea toate trebuie uitate. Foarte drgu din partea dumitale c mi-ai povestit aceste amnunte, au pus-o n cea mai bun lumin. Sunt sigur c e o fat foarte bun i sper c va fi foarte fericit. Foarte bine c el are avere, dar am impresia c meritele sunt de partea ei. O asemenea concluzie nu putea s rmn fr un rspuns din partea doamnei Weston. Avea o impresie foarte bun despre Frank, n toate privinele, i, mai mult, l iubea ca pe fiul ei, iar cuvintele pe care le spuse n aprarea lui erau pornite din inim. Raiunea i dragostea se mpleteau n ceea ce spunea, dar era greu s-i rein atenia Emmei, gndul ei zbura ctre Brunswick Square sau ctre Donwell, uitase s mai asculte i cnd doamna Weston termin cu: N-am primit nc scrisoarea pe care o ateptam cu atta nerbdare, tii, dar cred c va sosi n curnd. Emma fu nevoit s fac o pauz nainte de a rspunde i n cele din urm trebui s rspund la ntmplare nainte de ai aduce aminte ce anume scrisoare ateptau cu nerbdare. Te simi bine, Emma ? ntreb doamna Weston la desprire. A, da, perfect. Doar tii, mie nu mi-e ru niciodat. S ai grij s-mi spui despre scrisoare de ndat ce va sosi. tirile de la doamna Weston i ddur Emmei prilejul unor reflecii neplcute, fcnd s-i creasc stima i compasiunea i sentimentul c o nedreptise foarte tare n trecut pe domnioara Fairfax. Regreta amarnic c nu ncercase s o cunoasc mai bine i roea la gndul sentimentelor de invidie care constituiser, n mare msur, cauza acestei atitudini. Dac s-ar fi purtat dup dorinele pe care domnul Knightley i le exprimase i i-ar fi artat domnioarei Fairfax atenia care i se cuvenea, dac ar fi ncercat s-o neleag mai bine, dac ar fi fcut un pas ctre o apropiere, pentru a gsi n ea prietena dorit i nu n Harriet Smith, probabil c acum ar fi fost scutit de durerea pe care o ncerca. Prin natere, aptitudini i educaie, domnioara Fairfax i-ar fi fost o tovar ct se poate de potrivit i prietenia ei ar fi fost primit cu recunotin, pe cnd cealalt ce era ? Chiar dac nu ar fi ajuns la atta intimitate nct domnioara Fairfax s-i mrturiseasc acest secret att de important ceea ce era ct se poate de probabil , totui, dac ar fi cunoscuto att ct ar fi trebuit i att ct ar fi fost posibil, n-ar fi fcut acele ngrozitoare presupuneri cu privire la o iubire necuviincioas pentru domnul Dixon, pe care ea nu se mulumise s le conceap i s le ntrein, dar, ceea ce era de neiertat, le i mprtise. Aceste presupuneri, se temea acum, o acuzaser pe Jane, cu delicateea ei sufleteasc, s sufere foarte mult, datorit frivolitii sau neglijenei lui Frank Churchill. Din toate izvoarele de

her scrupulous conscience, she must be, I could not bear these thanks;--for, oh! Mrs. Weston, if there were an account drawn up of the evil and the good I have done Miss Fairfax!--Well (checking herself, and trying to be more lively), this is all to be forgotten. You are very kind to bring me these interesting particulars. They shew her to the greatest advantage. I am sure she is very good-- I hope she will be very happy. It is fit that the fortune should be on his side, for I think the merit will be all on hers." Such a conclusion could not pass unanswered by Mrs. Weston. She thought well of Frank in almost every respect; and, what was more, she loved him very much, and her defence was, therefore, earnest. She talked with a great deal of reason, and at least equal affection-- but she had too much to urge for Emma's attention; it was soon gone to Brunswick Square or to Donwell; she forgot to attempt to listen; and when Mrs. Weston ended with, "We have not yet had the letter we are so anxious for, you know, but I hope it will soon come," she was obliged to pause before she answered, and at last obliged to answer at random, before she could at all recollect what letter it was which they were so anxious for. "Are you well, my Emma?" was Mrs. Weston's parting question. "Oh! perfectly. I am always well, you know. Be sure to give me intelligence of the letter as soon as possible." Mrs. Weston's communications furnished Emma with more food for unpleasant reflection, by increasing her esteem and compassion, and her sense of past injustice towards Miss Fairfax. She bitterly regretted not having sought a closer acquaintance with her, and blushed for the envious feelings which had certainly been, in some measure, the cause. Had she followed Mr. Knightley's known wishes, in paying that attention to Miss Fairfax, which was every way her due; had she tried to know her better; had she done her part towards intimacy; had she endeavoured to find a friend there instead of in Harriet Smith; she must, in all probability, have been spared from every pain which pressed on her now.--Birth, abilities, and education, had been equally marking one as an associate for her, to be received with gratitude; and the other--what was she?--Supposing even that they had never become intimate friends; that she had never been admitted into Miss Fairfax's confidence on this important matter-- which was most probable--still, in knowing her as she ought, and as she might, she must have been preserved from the abominable suspicions of an improper attachment to Mr. Dixon, which she had not only so foolishly fashioned and harboured herself, but had so unpardonably imparted; an idea which she greatly feared had been made a subject of material distress to the delicacy of Jane's feelings, by the levity or carelessness of Frank Churchill's. Of all the sources of evil surrounding the former, since her coming to Highbury, she was persuaded that she must herself have

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rutate care o nconjuraser pe Jane e la venirea ei n Highbury, era convins c ea fusese cel mai pgubitor. Probabil c fusese cel mai ru duman. Probabil c ori de cte ori erau mpreun cu toii ea i tulbura pacea Janei n fiecare clip i, la Box Hill probabil, fusese suferina cumplit a unui flirt care nu mai putea suporta. Seara acelei zile fu lung i trist la Hartfield. Vremea contribuia i ea, dup puterile ei, la melancolia general. O ploaie rece cu furtun ncepu, fr sperana de a se mai sfri, i n-ai fi zis c e iulie dac n-ar fi fost pomii i boschetele verzi pe care - vuitul le despuia i lungimea zilei care nu fcea dect s prelungeasc posibilitatea de a contempla aceast privelite crud. Vremea l afecta pe domnul Woodhouse, care nu putea fi meninut ntr-o stare de bun dispoziie dect prin ateniile mrite ale fiicei sale i prin strdanii care nu o costaser altdat nici pe jumtate ct acum. Asta i aducea aminte de primul lor tete--tete nenorocit din seara nunii doamnei Weston ; dar atunci sosise domnul Knightley, imediat dup ceai i risipise orice gnd melancolic. Dar vai ! Asemenea ncnttoare dovezi ale farmecului casei Hartfield ca cele pe care le aduceau vizite de felul aceleia se vor termina n curnd. Imaginea pe care i-o formase atunci despre iarna plin de privaiuni ce avea s urmeze se dovedise greit : nu-i prsiser prietenii, nu pierduser nici un fel de plceri. Dar prevederile ei de acum nu aveau s fie contrazise n acelai fel. Perspectiva care sttea acum n faa ei era att de amenintoare nct nu putea fi uor dat uitrii i nici mcar nu se putea consola parial. Dac se vor ntmpl toate lucrurile probabile cu prietenii lor, Hartfield va deveni n curnd un loc prsit, iar ea rmnea s-l nveseleasc pe tatl ei cu o veselie trist. Copilul care urma s se nasc la Randalls va deveni o preocupare mai scump dect ea i inima i timpul doamnei Weston vor fi umplute de el. Pe ea o vor pierde i, probabil, n mare msur, i pe soul ei. Frank Churchill nu se va mai ntoarce printre ei, i domnioara Fairfax, cum bine se poate presupune, va nceta n curnd s mai fie o locuitoare din Highbury. Se vor cstori i se vor stabili la Enscombe sau undeva n apropiere. i tot ce era bun va disprea i dac la aceste pierderi avea s se adauge pierderea celor de la Donwell, ce mai rmne din prietenii lor veseli i bine-crescui ? S nu mai vin domnul Knightley seara, n cutarea linitii sufleteti, dup o zi grea ? S nu le mai intre n cas la orice or, ca i cnd ar fi fost gata ntotdeauna s-i schimbe casa lui cu a lor ? Cum s nduri toate astea ? i dac va fi pierdut de dragul Harrietei, dac de-acum se va gndi c i gsete n compania Harrietei tot ce i dorete ? Dac Harriet urmeaz a fi aleas ca prima i cea mai scump prieten, ca soia n care el s gseasc toat fericirea din lume ? Ce putea oare s fac s creasc nenorocirea Emmei dac nu gndul, de care nu se

been the worst. She must have been a perpetual enemy. They never could have been all three together, without her having stabbed Jane Fairfax's peace in a thousand instances; and on Box Hill, perhaps, it had been the agony of a mind that would bear no more. The evening of this day was very long, and melancholy, at Hartfield. The weather added what it could of gloom. A cold stormy rain set in, and nothing of July appeared but in the trees and shrubs, which the wind was despoiling, and the length of the day, which only made such cruel sights the longer visible.

The weather affected Mr. Woodhouse, and he could only be kept tolerably comfortable by almost ceaseless attention on his daughter's side, and by exertions which had never cost her half so much before. It reminded her of their first forlorn tete-a-tete, on the evening of Mrs. Weston's wedding-day; but Mr. Knightley had walked in then, soon after tea, and dissipated every melancholy fancy. Alas! such delightful proofs of Hartfield's attraction, as those sort of visits conveyed, might shortly be over. The picture which she had then drawn of the privations of the approaching winter, had proved erroneous; no friends had deserted them, no pleasures had been lost.--But her present forebodings she feared would experience no similar contradiction. The prospect before her now, was threatening to a degree that could not be entirely dispelled-- that might not be even partially brightened. If all took place that might take place among the circle of her friends, Hartfield must be comparatively deserted; and she left to cheer her father with the spirits only of ruined happiness. The child to be born at Randalls must be a tie there even dearer than herself; and Mrs. Weston's heart and time would be occupied by it. They should lose her; and, probably, in great measure, her husband also.--Frank Churchill would return among them no more; and Miss Fairfax, it was reasonable to suppose, would soon cease to belong to Highbury. They would be married, and settled either at or near Enscombe. All that were good would be withdrawn; and if to these losses, the loss of Donwell were to be added, what would remain of cheerful or of rational society within their reach? Mr. Knightley to be no longer coming there for his evening comfort!-- No longer walking in at all hours, as if ever willing to change his own home for their's!--How was it to be endured? And if he were to be lost to them for Harriet's sake; if he were to be thought of hereafter, as finding in Harriet's society all that he wanted; if Harriet were to be the chosen, the first, the dearest, the friend, the wife to whom he looked for all the best blessings of existence; what could be increasing Emma's wretchedness but the reflection never far distant from her mind, that it had been all her own work? When it came to such a pitch as this, she was not able to

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desprea deloc, c totul era opera ei ? Cnd ajungea la un asemenea punct culminant, nu se putea abine s nu tresar sau s ofteze adnc sau chiar s se nvrt n jurul camerei de cteva ori i singurul lucru care o consola i o fcea s-si vin n fire era hotrrea de a se purta mai bine i sperana c iarna viitoare, orict de puin ocupat i lipsit de veselie va fi, o va gsi pe ea mai neleapt, cunoscndu-se mai bine pe sine i o va lsa fr prea multe de regretat cnd va fi trecut. CAPITOLUL XLIX VREMEA CONTINUA SA FIE LA FEL n cea mai mare parte a dimineii urmtoare i aceeai singurtate i melancolie preau s domneasc la Hartfield; dar dupamiaz se nsenin, vntul i schimb direcia i deveni mai blnd, norii se risipir, rsri soarele, era din nou var. nsufleit de nerbdarea pe care i-o d o asemenea schimbare, Emma se hotr s ias imediat. Niciodat nu o atrseser mai mult privelitea minunat, mirosul, sentimentul c toat natura e mpcat, cald, strlucitoare, dup furtun. Tnjea dup senintatea sufletului pe care toate acestea o puteau aduce i cnd domnul Perry, care avea o dup-amiaz liber, sosi cu scopul de a dedica acest timp tatlui ei, nu mai pierdu nici un minut i se grbi spre boschete. Acolo, cu mintea mprosptat i gndurile puin mai uurate, fcu cteva ocoluri, dup care l vzu pe domnul Knightley intrnd pe poarta de la grdin i ndreptndu-se ctre ea. Abia acum afla c el se ntorsese de la Londra. Se gndise la el cteva clipe nainte, socotindu-l, fr putin de ndoial, la aisprezece mile deprtare. Nu avu timp dect s-i ordoneze la repezeal gndurile. Trebuie s fie linitit, potolit. Saluturile fur schimbate cu mult calm i reinere din partea fiecruia din ei. Ea ntreb despre prietenii comuni, toi fceau foarte bine. Cnd plecase ? Diminea, nu mai devreme. Probabil a cltorit prin ploaie. Da. Voia s se plimbe .cu ea, dup cum i ddu seama. Aruncase o privire n sufragerie i vznd c nu e nevoie de el acolo, preferase s ias". Se gndi c el nu prea s fie i s vorbeasc prea vesel i prima cauz posibil care i veni n minte, datorit temerilor ei, fu aceea c i-ar fi comunicat inteniile fratelui su i era ndurerat de felul n care fuseser primite. Se plimbaser mpreun. El tcea. Ei i se prea c o privete des i ncearc s-i vad faa mai mult dect ar fi vrut ea. Gndul acesta i produse o nou spaim. Poate dorea s-i vorbeasc de iubirea lui pentru Harriet, poate ateapt o ncurajare ca s nceap, a, nu se simea n stare, nu-i sttea n putin s deschid un asemenea subiect. Trebuia s fac totul singur. Totui, ea nu putea s suporte linitea. Pentru el era ceva cu totul nefiresc. Medita, se hotr i, ncercnd s zmbeasc, ncepu: -Am veti pentru dumneata, acum c te-ai ntors. Poate o s te surprind. Da, ai veti ? zise el linitit i uitndu-se la ea. Ce fel de

refrain from a start, or a heavy sigh, or even from walking about the room for a few seconds--and the only source whence any thing like consolation or composure could be drawn, was in the resolution of her own better conduct, and the hope that, however inferior in spirit and gaiety might be the following and every future winter of her life to the past, it would yet find her more rational, more acquainted with herself, and leave her less to regret when it were gone. The weather continued much the same all the following morning; and the same loneliness, and the same melancholy, seemed to reign at Hartfield--but in the afternoon it cleared; the wind changed into a softer quarter; the clouds were carried off; the sun appeared; it was summer again. With all the eagerness which such a transition gives, Emma resolved to be out of doors as soon as possible. Never had the exquisite sight, smell, sensation of nature, tranquil, warm, and brilliant after a storm, been more attractive to her. She longed for the serenity they might gradually introduce; and on Mr. Perry's coming in soon after dinner, with a disengaged hour to give her father, she lost no time ill hurrying into the shrubbery.--There, with spirits freshened, and thoughts a little relieved, she had taken a few turns, when she saw Mr. Knightley passing through the garden door, and coming towards her.--It was the first intimation of his being returned from London. She had been thinking of him the moment before, as unquestionably sixteen miles distant.--There was time only for the quickest arrangement of mind. She must be collected and calm. In half a minute they were together. The "How d'ye do's" were quiet and constrained on each side. She asked after their mutual friends; they were all well.--When had he left them?--Only that morning. He must have had a wet ride.--Yes.--He meant to walk with her, she found. "He had just looked into the diningroom, and as he was not wanted there, preferred being out of doors."--She thought he neither looked nor spoke cheerfully; and the first possible cause for it, suggested by her fears, was, that he had perhaps been communicating his plans to his brother, and was pained by the manner in which they had been received. They walked together. He was silent. She thought he was often looking at her, and trying for a fuller view of her face than it suited her to give. And this belief produced another dread. Perhaps he wanted to speak to her, of his attachment to Harriet; he might be watching for encouragement to begin.--She did not, could not, feel equal to lead the way to any such subject. He must do it all himself. Yet she could not bear this silence. With him it was most unnatural. She considered--resolved--and, trying to smile, began-"You have some news to hear, now you are come back, that will rather surprize you." "Have I?" said he quietly, and looking at her; "of what

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veti ? Veti dintre cele mai bune o nunt ! Dup ce atept o clip, ca i cnd ar fi vrut s fie sigur c ea nu vrea s mai adauge nimic, rspunse: Dac vorbeti despre domnioara Fairfax i Frank Churchill, am auzit deja. Cum e posibil ? strig Emma, ntorcndu-i obrajii aprini ctre el, pentru c n timp ce vorbea i trecu prin cap c el a trecut poate pe la doamna Goddard n drum. Domnul Weston mi-a trimis cteva rnduri despre nite probleme ale parohiei azi-diminea i la sfrit mi povestea pe scurt cum s-a ntmplat. Emma era foarte uurat i n curnd fu n stare s spun, ceva mai stpnit: Dumneata ai fost probabil mai puin surprins dect oricare dintre noi, pentru c aveai unele bnuieli. Am i uitat c o dat ai vrut s-mi atragi atenia. mi pare ru c n-am vrut s te ascult (cu vocea cobort i oftnd din greu), se pare c sunt sortit s m nel. O clip sau dou, nici unul din ei nu zise nimic i ea nu bnuia deloc c i-ar fi strnit n mod special interesul, cnd se pomeni c el i ia braul i-l duce la inim i-l auzi spunnd, cu voce joas, cu un ton care dovedea profunzimea sentimentelor lui: Timpul, draga mea Emma, timpul va vindeca aceast ran ! Judecata ta clar, strduinele pentru binele tatlui tu tiu c te vei stpni. i strnse din nou braul i adug cu o voce i mai trist i supus: Sentimentele mele de cald prietenie sunt indignat ticlosul sta ordinar ! i apoi cu un ton mai ferm, mai tare: Va pleca, vor pleca amndoi n Yorkshire. mi pare ru pentru ea, merita o soart mai bun ! Emma l nelese de ndat ce-i reveni din tulburarea pe care i-o ddea plcerea i, micat de atenia tandr pe care i-o arta, rspunse: Eti foarte drgu, dar greeti i trebuie s-i spun care e adevrul. Nu am nevoie de asemenea comptimiri. Orbirea mea cu privire la ceea ce se petrecea m-a fcut s m port cu ei ntr-un fel de care mi e ruine i m-am lsat prostete ispitit s spun i s fac unele lucruri care m pot expune la multe presupuneri neplcute, dar nu am alte motive s-mi par ru c n-am tiut mai devreme secretul. Emma ! strig el, uitndu-se la ea plin de nerbdare, ntr-adevr, dar apoi se controla. Nu, nu, neleg, iartm ! Ce bine mi pare c mi poi spune mcar att. Nu-l regrei, ntr-adevr ? i sper c nu va trece mult i vei recunoate asta nu numai cu mintea, dar i cu inima. Ce noroc c te-ai desprins din hiul unor asemenea sentimente. Niciodat n-am putut, trebuie s mrturisesc, s-mi dau seama, dup purtarea ta, n ce msur eti ndrgostit. Eram sigur numai c-l preferi, ceea ce, dup mine, el nu merita deloc. Face de ruine numele de om ! i va fi rspltit cu o femeie att de drgu ! Jane,

nature?" "Oh! the best nature in the world--a wedding." After waiting a moment, as if to be sure she intended to say no more, he replied, "If you mean Miss Fairfax and Frank Churchill, I have heard that already." "How is it possible?" cried Emma, turning her glowing cheeks towards him; for, while she spoke, it occurred to her that he might have called at Mrs. Goddard's in his way. "I had a few lines on parish business from Mr. Weston this morning, and at the end of them he gave me a brief account of what had happened." Emma was quite relieved, and could presently say, with a little more composure, "You probably have been less surprized than any of us, for you have had your suspicions.--I have not forgotten that you once tried to give me a caution.--I wish I had attended to it--but--(with a sinking voice and a heavy sigh) I seem to have been doomed to blindness." For a moment or two nothing was said, and she was unsuspicious of having excited any particular interest, till she found her arm drawn within his, and pressed against his heart, and heard him thus saying, in a tone of great sensibility, speaking low, "Time, my dearest Emma, time will heal the wound.--Your own excellent sense--your exertions for your father's sake--I know you will not allow yourself--." Her arm was pressed again, as he added, in a more broken and subdued accent, "The feelings of the warmest friendship--Indignation--Abominable scoundrel!"-And in a louder, steadier tone, he concluded with, "He will soon be gone. They will soon be in Yorkshire. I am sorry for her. She deserves a better fate." Emma understood him; and as soon as she could recover from the flutter of pleasure, excited by such tender consideration, replied, "You are very kind--but you are mistaken--and I must set you right.-- I am not in want of that sort of compassion. My blindness to what was going on, led me to act by them in a way that I must always be ashamed of, and I was very foolishly tempted to say and do many things which may well lay me open to unpleasant conjectures, but I have no other reason to regret that I was not in the secret earlier." "Emma!" cried he, looking eagerly at her, "are you, indeed?"-- but checking himself--"No, no, I understand you--forgive me--I am pleased that you can say even so much.--He is no object of regret, indeed! and it will not be very long, I hope, before that becomes the acknowledgment of more than your reason.--Fortunate that your affections were not farther entangled!--I could never, I confess, from your manners, assure myself as to the degree of what you felt-- I could only be certain that there was a preference--and a preference which I never believed him to deserve.--He is a disgrace to the name

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Jane, vei fi o nenorocit ! Domnule Knightley, zise Emma, ncercnd s par vesel, dar destul de ncurcat. Sunt ntr-o situaie nemaipomenit ! Zu, nu te pot lsa s continui cu greeala asta i, totui, poate purtrile mele au dat o asemenea impresie. Am destule motive s-mi fie ruine, pentru c, trebuie s mrturisesc, nu am fost niciodat ndrgostit de persoana de care vorbim. Simt ruinea pe care, n mod firesc, ar simi-o o femeie mrturisind contrariul. El ascult n perfect linite. Ea ar fi dorit ca el s-i vorbeasc, dar nu voia. nelese c trebuie s spun mai mult ca s aib dreptul la clemena lui, dar era destul de greu s fie nevoit s se njoseasc i mai mult n ochii lui. Totui, continu: Se pot spune prea puine n aprarea purtrii mele, am fost tentat de ateniile lui i mi-am permis s par ncntat de ele. Probabil c asta e poveste veche, se ntmpla oricui i li s-a ntmplat la sute de femei i, totui, nu e o scuz pentru mine, care am pretenii la inteligen. Au fost multe mprejurri care au sporit tentaia. Era fiul domnului Weston, venea mereu pe aici, mi se prea totdeauna simpatic i, pe scurt (cu un oftat), s nu mai nir attea cauze, toate se reduc n cele din urm la un singur lucru, vanitatea mea a fost mgulit i i-am permis toate ateniile. n ultima vreme ncoace, mi s-a prut c ele nu nseamn nimic. Le gseam ca pe un obicei, ca pe un truc, nimic care s cear din partea mea seriozitate. Mia impus cochetria, dar nu m-a lovit. N-am fost niciodat ndrgostit de el. i acum i neleg destul de bine purtarea. N-a dorit niciodat ca eu s m ndrgostesc de el. Era numai o perdea, dorea s-i ascund sentimentele afind altele i nimeni, cu siguran, nu putea fi att de orbit ca mine numai c eu nu am fost orbit, asta a fost norocul meu, c, pe scurt, ntr-un fel sau altul, am scpat.

Spera c i se va rspunde acum cteva cuvinte s spun c purtarea ei era cel puin inteligibil, dar el tcea i dup cte vedea ea, czuse pe gnduri. n cele din urm, pe un ton mai stpnit, ca de obicei, zise: N-am avut niciodat o prere bun despre Frank Churchill. Dar pot presupune totui c e posibil s-l fi subapreciat. Nu l-am cunoscut prea bine. i chiar dac nu l-am subestimat pn acum, poate va fi un biat bun, cu o asemenea femeie are toate ansele. N-am nici un motiv s-i vreau rul i de dragul celei a crei fericire depinde acum de el, de caracterul i purtarea lui, voi dori desigur s fie un om destoinic. N-am nici o ndoial c vor fi fericii mpreun zise Emma. Cred c se iubesc mult i sincer unul pe cellalt. E un brbat norocos, zise domnul Knightley cu trie. Aa de tnr, douzeci i trei de ani, o vrst cnd,

of man.--And is he to be rewarded with that sweet young woman?-- Jane, Jane, you will be a miserable creature." "Mr. Knightley," said Emma, trying to be lively, but really confused-- "I am in a very extraordinary situation. I cannot let you continue in your error; and yet, perhaps, since my manners gave such an impression, I have as much reason to be ashamed of confessing that I never have been at all attached to the person we are speaking of, as it might be natural for a woman to feel in confessing exactly the reverse.-- But I never have." He listened in perfect silence. She wished him to speak, but he would not. She supposed she must say more before she were entitled to his clemency; but it was a hard case to be obliged still to lower herself in his opinion. She went on, however. "I have very little to say for my own conduct.--I was tempted by his attentions, and allowed myself to appear pleased.-- An old story, probably--a common case--and no more than has happened to hundreds of my sex before; and yet it may not be the more excusable in one who sets up as I do for Understanding. Many circumstances assisted the temptation. He was the son of Mr. Weston--he was continually here--I always found him very pleasant--and, in short, for (with a sigh) let me swell out the causes ever so ingeniously, they all centre in this at last--my vanity was flattered, and I allowed his attentions. Latterly, however--for some time, indeed-- I have had no idea of their meaning any thing.--I thought them a habit, a trick, nothing that called for seriousness on my side. He has imposed on me, but he has not injured me. I have never been attached to him. And now I can tolerably comprehend his behaviour. He never wished to attach me. It was merely a blind to conceal his real situation with another.--It was his object to blind all about him; and no one, I am sure, could be more effectually blinded than myself-except that I was not blinded--that it was my good fortune--that, in short, I was somehow or other safe from him." She had hoped for an answer here--for a few words to say that her conduct was at least intelligible; but he was silent; and, as far as she could judge, deep in thought. At last, and tolerably in his usual tone, he said, "I have never had a high opinion of Frank Churchill.--I can suppose, however, that I may have underrated him. My acquaintance with him has been but trifling.--And even if I have not underrated him hitherto, he may yet turn out well.--With such a woman he has a chance.--I have no motive for wishing him ill--and for her sake, whose happiness will be involved in his good character and conduct, I shall certainly wish him well." "I have no doubt of their being happy together," said Emma; "I believe them to be very mutually and very sincerely attached." "He is a most fortunate man!" returned Mr. Knightley, with

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dac un brbat i alege soia, alege greit, i el, la douzeci i trei de ani, s trag un asemenea loz ! Ce muli ani de fericire, dup toate socotelile omeneti, i stau n fa ! S aib dragostea unei asemenea femei, i o dragoste dezinteresat, pentru c, oricum, caracterul domnioarei Fairfax e o garanie pentru asta; totul e n favoarea lui o egalitate perfect, vreau s spun, n ce privete societatea i obiceiurile i bunele maniere, care au mare importan. Sunt egali din toate punctele de vedere n afar de unul, i acela, din moment ce puritatea sufletului ei e nendoielnic, i va mri lui fericirea, pentru c poate s-i ofere singurul lucru de care ea duce lips. Un brbat vrea ntotdeauna s-i ofere unei femei o cas mai bun dect cea pe care ea o prsete i cel care poate, fr a se ndoi de consideraia ei, trebuie, dup prerea mea, s fie cel mai fericit dintre muritori. Frank Churchill este fr ndoial favoritul soartei. Totul se termin cu bine pentru el. ntlnete o tnr la bi, i ctig dragostea, nici nu-i pas c o supr prin neglijena lui i dac toat familia i-ar fi cutat o soie perfect, nimeni n-ar fi gsit una mai bun. Mtua i st n cale, mtua moare. El nu are altceva de fcut dect s vorbeasc. Prietenii lui sunt gata s-l ajute s-i ctige fericirea. S-a purtat urt cu toat lumea i toi sunt ncntai s-l ierte. E norocos, zu aa. Vorbeti de parc l-ai invidia ! i chiar l invidiez, Emma. ntr-o privin l invidiez. Emma nu mai putea spune nimic. Preau s se afle la jumtate de propoziie de Harriet i dorina ei imediat era s evite subiectul pe ct posibil. i fcu un plan: va vorbi despre ceva cu totul diferit de copiii din Brunswick Square i i trase rsuflarea ca s nceap, cnd domnul Knightley o fcu s tresar spu-nnd: Nu vrei s m ntrebi de ce l invidiez. Eti hotrt, dup cte vd, s nu ari nici un fel de curiozitate. Eti neleapt, dar eu nu pot fi nelept. Emma, i voi spune ceea ce te fereti s ntrebi, chiar dac n clipa urmtoare voi regreta. Ah, atunci nu spune, nu spune ! zise ea cu grab. Mai stai un timp, gndete-te, nu face ceva ireparabil ! Mulumesc, zise el cu un ton de mare umilin i nu mai rosti nici o silab. Emma nu putea suporta s-l fac s sufere. Dorea s-i mrturiseasc poate s-o i consulte orict ar costao, va asculta. Poate l ajut s ia o hotrre sau s se mpace cu ideea, ea ar putea s-i aduc ndreptite laude Harrietei sau, nfindu-i avantajele independenei lui, l va scpa de starea asta de nehotrre care trebuie s fie mai insuportabil dect orice alt alternativ, pentru un spirit ca al lui. Ajunseser n faa casei. Intri, presupun, zise el. Nu, zise Emma, a crei hotrre era ntrit de amrciunea din glasul lui. Mi-ar plcea s mai fac un ocol.

energy. "So early in life--at three-and-twenty--a period when, if a man chuses a wife, he generally chuses ill. At three-and-twenty to have drawn such a prize! What years of felicity that man, in all human calculation, has before him!--Assured of the love of such a woman--the disinterested love, for Jane Fairfax's character vouches for her disinterestedness; every thing in his favour,-- equality of situation--I mean, as far as regards society, and all the habits and manners that are important; equality in every point but one-- and that one, since the purity of her heart is not to be doubted, such as must increase his felicity, for it will be his to bestow the only advantages she wants.--A man would always wish to give a woman a better home than the one he takes her from; and he who can do it, where there is no doubt of her regard, must, I think, be the happiest of mortals.--Frank Churchill is, indeed, the favourite of fortune. Every thing turns out for his good.--He meets with a young woman at a watering-place, gains her affection, cannot even weary her by negligent treatment-and had he and all his family sought round the world for a perfect wife for him, they could not have found her superior.--His aunt is in the way.--His aunt dies.--He has only to speak.--His friends are eager to promote his happiness.-- He had used every body ill--and they are all delighted to forgive him.-- He is a fortunate man indeed!" "You speak as if you envied him." "And I do envy him, Emma. In one respect he is the object of my envy." Emma could say no more. They seemed to be within half a sentence of Harriet, and her immediate feeling was to avert the subject, if possible. She made her plan; she would speak of something totally different--the children in Brunswick Square; and she only waited for breath to begin, when Mr. Knightley startled her, by saying, "You will not ask me what is the point of envy.--You are determined, I see, to have no curiosity.--You are wise--but I cannot be wise. Emma, I must tell you what you will not ask, though I may wish it unsaid the next moment." "Oh! then, don't speak it, don't speak it," she eagerly cried. "Take a little time, consider, do not commit yourself." "Thank you," said he, in an accent of deep mortification, and not another syllable followed. Emma could not bear to give him pain. He was wishing to confide in her-- perhaps to consult her;--cost her what it would, she would listen. She might assist his resolution, or reconcile him to it; she might give just praise to Harriet, or, by representing to him his own independence, relieve him from that state of indecision, which must be more intolerable than any alternative to such a mind as his.--They had reached the house. "You are going in, I suppose?" said he. "No,"--replied Emma--quite confirmed by the depressed manner in which he still spoke--"I should like to take

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Domnul Perry n-a plecat. i, dup ce continuar s mearg civa pai, ea adug: Te-am oprit fr mil, domnule Knightley, tocmai acum, i mi-e team c asta te face s suferi. Dar dac ai vreo dorin s-mi vorbeti deschis, ca unei prietene, sau s-mi ceri prerea asupra a ceva ce ai n vedere, zu, poi s-o faci ! Ascult tot ce vei dori i i voi spune exact ce gndesc. Ca unei prietene, Emma, repet domnul Knightley, sta, mi-e team, e un cuvnt... Nu, nu doresc nimic ! Ba da, de ce s ovi ? Am mers prea departe ca s m mai ascund. Emma, accept oferta ta, orict ar prea de ciudat, o accept i m adresez ie ca unei prietene. Spunemi atunci, nu am chiar nici o ans ? Se opri, plin de seriozitate, s vad ce efect are ntrebarea i expresia din ochi lui o coplei. Draga mea Emma, zise el, pentru c totdeauna vei fi cea mai drag, orice s-ar ntmpla acum, draga, iubita mea Emma, Spune-mi odat ! Spune nu dac aa trebuie. Ea nu putea spune realmente nimic. Taci, strig el agitat, tcere absolut, deocamdat nui cer mai mult! Emma era gata s se lase copleit de tulburarea acelei clipe, groaza de a fi trezit din cel mai fericit vis era probabil sentimentul predominant. Nu pot s-i in discursuri, Emma, relu el, nu mult dup ceea i cu un ton de att de sincer, decis i limpede duioie, nct nu putea s nu conving. Dac te-a iubi mai puin, a putea s-i vorbesc mai mult. Dar tu m cunoti ! Nu vei auzi dect adevrul de la mine. Te-am nvinuit i i-am fcut moral i ai rbdat cum n-ar fi rbdat nici o femeie din Anglia. Suport adevrul .acum, aa cum ai suportat reprourile. Modul n care l-am mrturisit nu este poate cel mai fericit. Dumnezeu tie, ca ndrgostit m-am artat foarte indiferent. Dar tu m nelegi. Da, vezi, mi nelegi sentimentele i le vei rspunde, dac poi. Acum vreau numai s aud, s-i aud numai o dat glasul. n timp ce el vorbea, mintea Emmei era foarte activ i cu uimitoarea ei vitez putuse, dei nu pierdea nici un cuvnt, s neleag tot adevrul, adevrat, s vad c speranele Harrietei erau cu totul nentemeiate, o greeal, o iluzie la fel de complet ca ale ei, c Harriet nu nsemna nimic pentru el, c ea nsemna totul, c tot ce spusese ea gndindu-se la Harriet fusese luat drept expresia sentimentelor ei i c tulburarea ei, ndoielile ei, descurajarea ei fuseser socotite ca o ncercare de a-l descuraja pe el. i era momentul nu numai s devin convins de asta i s se bucure de flacra fericirii viitoare, dar i s se nveseleasc la gndul c secretul Harrietei nu-i scpase i s hotrasc s nu-l trdeze nici de acum nainte. Era unicul

another turn. Mr. Perry is not gone." And, after proceeding a few steps, she added-- "I stopped you ungraciously, just now, Mr. Knightley, and, I am afraid, gave you pain.--But if you have any wish to speak openly to me as a friend, or to ask my opinion of any thing that you may have in contemplation--as a friend, indeed, you may command me.--I will hear whatever you like. I will tell you exactly what I think." "As a friend!"--repeated Mr. Knightley.--"Emma, that I fear is a word--No, I have no wish--Stay, yes, why should I hesitate?-- I have gone too far already for concealment.--Emma, I accept your offer-- Extraordinary as it may seem, I accept it, and refer myself to you as a friend.--Tell me, then, have I no chance of ever succeeding?" He stopped in his earnestness to look the question, and the expression of his eyes overpowered her. "My dearest Emma," said he, "for dearest you will always be, whatever the event of this hour's conversation, my dearest, most beloved Emma--tell me at once. Say `No,' if it is to be said."-- She could really say nothing.--"You are silent," he cried, with great animation; "absolutely silent! at present I ask no more." Emma was almost ready to sink under the agitation of this moment. The dread of being awakened from the happiest dream, was perhaps the most prominent feeling. "I cannot make speeches, Emma:" he soon resumed; and in a tone of such sincere, decided, intelligible tenderness as was tolerably convincing.--"If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am.--You hear nothing but truth from me.--I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it.- Bear with the truths I would tell you now, dearest Emma, as well as you have borne with them. The manner, perhaps, may have as little to recommend them. God knows, I have been a very indifferent lover.-- But you understand me.--Yes, you see, you understand my feelings-- and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear, once to hear your voice." While he spoke, Emma's mind was most busy, and, with all the wonderful velocity of thought, had been able--and yet without losing a word-- to catch and comprehend the exact truth of the whole; to see that Harriet's hopes had been entirely groundless, a mistake, a delusion, as complete a delusion as any of her own--that Harriet was nothing; that she was every thing herself; that what she had been saying relative to Harriet had been all taken as the language of her own feelings; and that her agitation, her doubts, her reluctance, her discouragement, had been all received as discouragement from herself.--And not only was there time for these convictions, with all their glow of attendant happiness; there was time also to rejoice that Harriet's secret had not escaped her, and to resolve that it need not, and should not.--It was all the service she

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serviciu pe care-l putea face acum bietei sale prietene cci eroismul sentimental care ar fi ndemnat-o s-l conving pe el s-i transfere sentimentele asupra Harrietei, ea fiind indiscutabil cea mai merituoas dintre ele dou, sau chiar sublimul mai simplu al deciziei de al refuza imediat, pentru totdeauna, fr a-i explica motivul acela c nu se putea nsura cu amndou i lipseau Emmei cu desvrire. Simea pentru Harriet durere i remucare, dar nici un avnt de nebunie generoas, care s se mpotriveasc la tot ce era probabil i rezonabil nu-i trecu prin minte. i ndrumase prietena pe ci greite i totdeauna i va reproa asta, dar judecata ei avea o putere egal cu cea a sentimentelor, o putere pe care o avusese ntotdeauna i dezaproba cstoria lui n condiii care l-ar fi njosit. Drumul ales de ea era limpede, dei nu la fel de neted. Vorbi, deci, aa cum fusese rugat. Ce spunea ? Exact ceea ce trebuie. Ceea ce o doamn rspunde n astfel de situaii. Spuse destul ca s-i arate c nu trebuie s dispere i s-l fac s mai spun el ceva. l disperase la un moment dat, primise un atare ndemn s fie prudent i s tac, nct i se zdrobise orice speran ea ncepuse prin a refuza s-l asculte. Schimbarea a fost probabil cam brusc, propunerea ei de a mai face un ocol, reluarea conversaiei creia abia i pusese capt, puteau fi considerate cam ieite din comun, i ddea seama de inconsecvena purtrii ei, dar domnul Knightley fusese att de drgu s se mpace cu asta i s nu caute o explicaie. Rar, foarte rar, mrturisirile oamenilor sunt pe de-a ntregul adevrate. Rar se ntmpla ca vreun mic amnunt s nu fie ascuns sau neles greit; dar cnd, ca n cazul de fa, dei comportamentul este neles greit, sentimentele sunt clare, aceste amnunte, nu mai conteaz. Domnul Knightley nu-i putea cere Emmei s} aib o inim prea ngduitoare sau s fie i mai mult nclinat s o accepte pe a sa. De fapt, nici nu bnuia influena pe care o avea asupra ei. O urmase n plimbarea prin boschete fr nici un gnd de a ncerca ceva. Venise nelinitit, s vad cum a reacionat ea la vestea logodnei lui Frank Churchill, fr nici un scop egoist, nici un fel de scop, n afar de a se strdui, dac ea i deschidea inima, s-o mn-gie sau s-o sftuiasc. Restul se petrecuse sub impulsul momentului, fusese efectul imediat a ceea ce auzise asupra sentimentelor lui. Era minunat s fie sigur c ea nu e ndrgostit de Frank Churchill, c inima ei nu fusese legat niciodat de acesta, i sigurana asta dduse natere speranei c, n timp , i va putea ctiga afeciunea dar deocamdat nu spera nimic aspirase numai, ntr-o clip cnd dorina i copleise raiunea, la ngduin din partea ei s nu-i interzic s ncerce a-i ctiga dragostea. Speranele mai nalte, care i se treziser treptat, erau cu att mai minunate. Dragostea pe care el ceruse ngduina s-o trezeasc era de acum a lui. ntr-o jumtate de or trecuse de la o stare de spirit de-a dreptul disperat la

could now render her poor friend; for as to any of that heroism of sentiment which might have prompted her to entreat him to transfer his affection from herself to Harriet, as infinitely the most worthy of the two-- or even the more simple sublimity of resolving to refuse him at once and for ever, without vouchsafing any motive, because he could not marry them both, Emma had it not. She felt for Harriet, with pain and with contrition; but no flight of generosity run mad, opposing all that could be probable or reasonable, entered her brain. She had led her friend astray, and it would be a reproach to her for ever; but her judgment was as strong as her feelings, and as strong as it had ever been before, in reprobating any such alliance for him, as most unequal and degrading. Her way was clear, though not quite smooth.--She spoke then, on being so entreated.-What did she say?--Just what she ought, of course. A lady always does.-- She said enough to shew there need not be despair--and to invite him to say more himself. He had despaired at one period; he had received such an injunction to caution and silence, as for the time crushed every hope;--she had begun by refusing to hear him.--The change had perhaps been somewhat sudden;--her proposal of taking another turn, her renewing the conversation which she had just put an end to, might be a little extraordinary!--She felt its inconsistency; but Mr. Knightley was so obliging as to put up with it, and seek no farther explanation. Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken; but where, as in this case, though the conduct is mistaken, the feelings are not, it may not be very material.-Mr. Knightley could not impute to Emma a more relenting heart than she possessed, or a heart more disposed to accept of his. He had, in fact, been wholly unsuspicious of his own influence. He had followed her into the shrubbery with no idea of trying it. He had come, in his anxiety to see how she bore Frank Churchill's engagement, with no selfish view, no view at all, but of endeavouring, if she allowed him an opening, to soothe or to counsel her.--The rest had been the work of the moment, the immediate effect of what he heard, on his feelings. The delightful assurance of her total indifference towards Frank Churchill, of her having a heart completely disengaged from him, had given birth to the hope, that, in time, he might gain her affection himself;--but it had been no present hope--he had only, in the momentary conquest of eagerness over judgment, aspired to be told that she did not forbid his attempt to attach her.--The superior hopes which gradually opened were so much the more enchanting.-- The affection, which he had been asking to be allowed to create, if he could, was already his!--Within half an hour, he had passed from a thoroughly distressed state of mind, to something so

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ceva care semna att de mult cu fericirea perfect, nct nu se putea numi altfel. Schimbarea suferit de ea era la fel de mare. Aceast jumtate de or druise fiecruia din ei nepreuita certitudine c e iubit, i scpase n aceeai msur de netiin, gelozie, tristee. Din partea lui, gelozia dura de mult vreme, de cnd sosise, sau chiar de cnd ncepuse s fie ateptat Frank Churchill cam n acelai timp, un sentiment fcndu-l probabil s-i dea seama de existena celuilalt. Tocmai datorit geloziei fa de Frank Churchill plecase la ora. Petrecerea de la Box Hill l hotrse s plece. Voia s fie scutit de a mai fi martorul ngduinei i ncurajrii fa de asemenea atenii. Plecase ca s nvee s fie indiferent, dar nu se dusese ntr-un loc potrivit. Era prea mult fericire casnic n casa fratelui su, femeia era ntr-o lumin prea bun acolo. Isabella semna prea mult cu Emma, diferind doar prin inferioritatea ei izbitoare, care l fcea numai s-i aminteasc strlucirea celeilalte, aa nct, orict ar fi stat de mult, tot nu s-ar fi vindecat. Sttuse totui, hotrt, zi dup zi, pn cnd, cu pota de diminea. aflase despre povestea Janei Fairfax. Apoi, odat cu bucuria pe care trebuia s o simt, ba, pe care o i simea fr remucri, cci nu i se pruse niciodat c Frank Churchill ar merita-o pe Emma, se nscuse att de mult grij plin de tandree, atta team i nelinite pentru ea, nct nu mai putuse rmne. Plecase acas clare, prin ploaie, i imediat dup mas pornise pe jos la Hartfield, s vad cum cea mai dulce dintre fpturi, bun i fr cusur, n ciuda cusururilor ei, suporta descoperirea. O gsise agitat i melancolic. Frank Churchill era un ticlos. O auzi spunndu-i c nu-l iubise niciodat. Caracterul lui Frank Churchill nu era dezndjduit de ru. Cnd se ntoarser n cas, Emma era a lui, i dduse mna i cuvntul ei i dac atunci s-ar fi gndit la Frank Churchill l-ar fi gsit un biat chiar foarte bun. CAPITOLUL L EMMA INTRA N CASA CU NITE sentimente total deosebite de cele pe care le avea cnd ieise. nainte, abia ndrznise s spere la puin alinare a suferinei, iar acum era tulburat de fiorul fericirii, o asemenea fericire care va fi probabil i mai mare cnd fiorul va trece. Se aezar la ceai, aceiai, n jurul aceleiai mese, de cte ori se adunaser astfel, i de cte ori i czuser ochii pe aceiai arbuti de pe pajite i urmrise efectul minunat al soarelui-apune ! Dar niciodat nu fusese ntr-o asemenea stare de spirit, nici mcar ntr-una asemntoare. i venea destul de greu s se concentreze pentru a-i ndeplini ndatoririle obinuite de gazd i chiar pe acelea de fiic. Bietul domn Woodhouse habar nu avea ce complot mpotriva lui se nscuse n pieptul aceluia pe care l primea

like perfect happiness, that it could bear no other name. 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. It was his jealousy of Frank Churchill that had taken him from the country.--The Box Hill party had decided him on going away. He would save himself from witnessing again such permitted, encouraged attentions.--He had gone to learn to be indifferent.-- But he had gone to a wrong place. 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. He had ridden home through the rain; and had walked up directly after dinner, to see how this sweetest and best of all creatures, faultless in spite of all her faults, bore the discovery. He had found her agitated and low.--Frank Churchill was a villain.-- He heard her declare that she had never loved him. Frank Churchill's character was not desperate.-She was his own Emma, by hand and word, when they returned into the house; and if he could have thought of Frank Churchill then, he might have deemed him a very good sort of fellow. What totally different feelings did Emma take back into the house from what she had brought out!--she had then been only daring to hope for a little respite of suffering;--she was now in an exquisite flutter of happiness, and such happiness moreover as she believed must still be greater when the flutter should have passed away. They sat down to tea--the same party round the same table- how often it had been collected!--and how often had her eyes fallen on the same shrubs in the lawn, and observed the same beautiful effect of the western sun!--But never in such a state of spirits, never in any thing like it; and it was with difficulty that she could summon enough of her usual self to be the attentive lady of the house, or even the attentive daughter. Poor Mr. Woodhouse little suspected what was plotting against him in the breast of that man whom he was so

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att de cordial i despre care spera cu atta solicitudine c nu a rcit venind clare. Dac ar fi vzut inima, n-ar mai fi purtat de grij plmnilor; dar, fr s-i nchipuie, ctui de puin, rul care l amenina, fr s observe nimic extraordinar pe chipul sau n gesturile lor, le repet calm tirile pe care le primise de la domnul Perry i continu s vorbeasc, foarte mulumit de sine, fr nici cea mai mic bnuial de ce fel de veste ar putea afla de la ei. Atta timp ct domnul Knightley rmase la ei, Emma continu s fie ntr-o stare febril, dar dup ce el plec, ncepu s fie mai linitit, mai potolit i n cursul nopii de veghe care, desigur, trebuia s plteasc pentru o asemenea sear, gsi unul sau chiar dou subiecte de meditaie care o fcur s-i dea seama c nsi fericirea ei trebuia s aib umbre. Tatl ei i Harriet. Cnd era singur, nu putea s nu se gndeasc la ceea ce li se cuvenea lor i ntrebarea era cum s-i ajute pe fiecare din ei s se mpace cu situaia. Cu privire la tatl ei, rspunsul veni repede. Nu tia nc ce-i va cere domnul Knightley, dar, o scurt dezbatere, i sufletul ei decise solemn c nu-i va prsi tatl. Plnse chiar c-i trecuse prin cap ideea, ceea ce nsemna c pctuise cu gndul. Atta timp ct tria el, vor sta numai logodii i se automgulea la gndul c atunci cnd va vedea c a scpat de primejdia de a rmne fr ea va fi i mai fericit. Cum s-o consoleze pe Harriet era mai greu de decis; cum s o fereasc de o durere inutil, cum s ajung la o mpcare posibil, cum s fac s nu par dumanul ei ? Asupra acestor puncte, ncurctura i amrciunea ei erau peste msur de mari i mintea ei trebuia s treac de fiecare dat prin toate reprourile amare i regretele triste care o bntuiau mai ru ca niciodat. Singura hotrre pe care o putu lua fu aceea de a nu se ntlni deocamdat cu ea i de a-i comunica ce era nevoie prin scrisori, i c ar fi extrem de potrivit ca ea s plece pentru moment din Highbury, cel puin ctva vreme, i, fcndu-i un mic plan, hotr aproape cu precizie c ar fi foarte folositor s capete pentru ea o invitaie n Brunswick Square. Isabellei i plcuse Harriet, i cteva sptmni petrecute la Londra o vor amuza cu siguran. Nu credea c ar fi strin de firea Harrietei dorina de a nu pierde ocazia s vad ceva nou, strzi i magazine i copii. Oricum, va fi o dovad de atenie i buntate din partea ei, care avea datoria s rezolve totul,, o desprire pentru moment, o amnare a zilei nenorocite cnd vor fi cu toii iar mpreun.

Se scul devreme i i scrise o scrisoare Harrietei, o ocupaie dup care deveni att de grav, aproape trist, nct domnul Knightley, care apru la Hartfield la micul dejun, nu sosise deloc prea devreme i jumtatea de or pe care o furar spre a strbate aceeai cale, literal i figurat, i era foarte necesar pentru a o face s-i revin la

cordially welcoming, and so anxiously hoping might not have taken cold from his ride.--Could he have seen the heart, he would have cared very little for the lungs; but without the most distant imagination of the impending evil, without the slightest perception of any thing extraordinary in the looks or ways of either, he repeated to them very comfortably all the articles of news he had received from Mr. Perry, and talked on with much self-contentment, totally unsuspicious of what they could have told him in return. As long as Mr. Knightley remained with them, Emma's fever continued; but when he was gone, she began to be a little tranquillised and subdued--and in the course of the sleepless night, which was the tax for such an evening, she found one or two such very serious points to consider, as made her feel, that even her happiness must have some alloy. Her father--and Harriet. She could not be alone without feeling the full weight of their separate claims; and how to guard the comfort of both to the utmost, was the question. With respect to her father, it was a question soon answered. She hardly knew yet what Mr. Knightley would ask; but a very short parley with her own heart produced the most solemn resolution of never quitting her father.--She even wept over the idea of it, as a sin of thought. 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. She rose early, and wrote her letter to Harriet; an employment which left her so very serious, so nearly sad, that Mr. Knightley, in walking up to Hartfield to breakfast, did not arrive at all too soon; and half an hour stolen afterwards to go over the same ground again with him, literally and figuratively, was quite necessary to

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starea de fericire din seara trecut. Nu trecuse mult timp de la plecarea lui, nici pe departe att de mult nct ea s aib chef s se gndeasc la altcineva, cnd i se aduse o scrisoare de la Randalls, o scrisoare foarte groas; ghicise ce coninea i nu i se prea deloc necesar s-o citeasc. Acum l iertase pe Frank Churchill, nu dorea nici o explicaie, dorea numai s se gndeasc la ale ei i nici nu se simea n stare s neleag ce scria el. Totui, trebuia s treac i prin asta. Deschise pacheelul era exact ce i nchipuise ea un bileel de la doamna Weston, vrt ntre foile scrisorii lui Frank ctre doamna Weston. Am marea plcere, draga mea Emma, s-i trimit scrisoarea alturat. tiu c te va interesa i nu m ndoiesc c va avea un efect minunat. Cred c niciodat nu vom mai avea preri opuse despre autorul ei, dar nu vreau s te rein cu o introducere prea lung. Noi suntem bine. Scrisoarea asta m-a vindecat de toat nervozitatea din ultima vreme. Nu prea mi-a plcut cum artai mari, dar cred c dimineaa aceea mohort era de vin i dei tu nu vrei s recunoti c poi fi influenat de vreme, sunt convins c oricine se resimte dup un vnt din nord-est. Am fost foarte ngrijorat n privina tatlui tu, dup furtuna de mari dup-amiaz, dar am aflat de la domnul Perry, seara trecut, c nu a rcit. A ta, AW. Doamnei Weston Windsor ...iulie Stimat doamn. Dac ieri am reuit s m fac neles, ateptai probabil aceast scrisoare. Dar chiar dac nu v ateptai s o primii, tiu c va fi citit cu plcere i bunvoin. Dumneavoastr suntei buntatea ntruchipat i cred c va fi nevoie de toat buntatea dumneavoastr pentru a ierta unele din purtrile mele din trecut. Dar am fost iertat chiar i de aceea care ar fi avut i mai multe motive s m resping n timp ce scriu, mi crete curajul. E foarte greu pentru cei care au de toate s fie modeti. Am avut atta succes cernd iertare, n dou rnduri, nct sunt n primejdia de a fi prea sigur i de iertarea dumneavoastr, i de a acelora dintre prietenii dumneavoastr care au motive s fie suprai. Trebuie s ncercai cu toii s nelegei situaia exact n care m aflam cnd am sosit la Randalls: aveam un secret pe care trebuia s-l pstrez n ciuda oricrei ntmplri. Aceasta era realitatea. Drepturile mele de a m pune ntr-o situaie care cerea ascunderea adevrului sunt o alt problem. Nu le voi discuta aici. Pentru c toate gurile rele i vor da seama de ce am fost ispitit s socotesc c am acest drept dac se vor gndi la o anumit cas de crmid roie i cu obloane la ferestre din Highbury. N-am ndrznit s-o cer n cstorie n mod deschis, greutile mele de la Enscombe sunt cunoscute i nu mai necesit comentarii. Am avut norocul extraordinar s reuesc, nainte de a ne despri la Weymouth, s-o conving pe femeia cu cea mai

reinstate her in a proper share of the happiness of the evening before. He had not left her long, by no means long enough for her to have the slightest inclination for thinking of any body else, when a letter was brought her from Randalls--a very thick letter;--she guessed what it must contain, and deprecated the necessity of reading it.-- She was now in perfect charity with Frank Churchill; she wanted no explanations, she wanted only to have her thoughts to herself-- and as for understanding any thing he wrote, she was sure she was incapable of it.--It must be waded through, however. She opened the packet; it was too surely so;--a note from Mrs. Weston to herself, ushered in the letter from Frank to Mrs. Weston. "I have the greatest pleasure, my dear Emma, in forwarding to you the enclosed. I know what thorough justice you will do it, and have scarcely a doubt of its happy effect.-I think we shall never materially disagree about the writer again; but I will not delay you by a long preface.-We are quite well.-- This letter has been the cure of all the little nervousness I have been feeling lately.--I did not quite like your looks on Tuesday, but it was an ungenial morning; and though you will never own being affected by weather, I think every body feels a north-east wind.-- I felt for your dear father very much in the storm of Tuesday afternoon and yesterday morning, but had the comfort of hearing last night, by Mr. Perry, that it had not made him ill. "Yours ever, "A. W." [To Mrs. Weston.] WINDSOR-JULY. MY DEAR MADAM, "If I made myself intelligible yesterday, this letter will be expected; but expected or not, I know it will be read with candour and indulgence.-- You are all goodness, and I believe there will be need of even all your goodness to allow for some parts of my past conduct.-- But I have been forgiven by one who had still more to resent. My courage rises while I write. It is very difficult for the prosperous to be humble. I have already met with such success in two applications for pardon, that I may be in danger of thinking myself too sure of yours, and of those among your friends who have had any ground of offence.--You must all endeavour to comprehend the exact nature of my situation when I first arrived at Randalls; you must consider me as having a secret which was to be kept at all hazards. This was the fact. My right to place myself in a situation requiring such concealment, is another question. I shall not discuss it here. For my temptation to think it a right, I refer every caviller to a brick house, sashed windows below, and casements above, in Highbury. I dared not address her openly; my difficulties in the then state of Enscombe must be too well known to require definition; and I was fortunate enough to prevail, before we parted at Weymouth, and to induce the most upright female mind in the creation to stoop in charity to a secret engagement.-Had she refused, I should have gone mad.--But

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dreapt judecat din lume s-i fie mil i s consimt la o logodn secret. Dac ar fi refuzat, a fi nnebunit. Dar la asta vei spune desigur: Ce sperai cnd ai fcut asta ? La ce te ateptai ? La orice, la tot, la timp, la noroc, la mprejurri, efecte ncete, izbucniri neateptate, perseveren i oboseal, sntate i boal. Se deschideau n faa mea toate posibilitile spre bine i prima mplinire a fost promisiunea ei de a-mi scrie i a-mi fi credincioas. Dac mai dorii i alte explicaii, am onoarea, stimat doamn, de a fi fiul soului dumneavoastr i de a avea avantajul s motenesc aplecarea sa de a spera spre mai bine, motenire pe lng care casele i pmnturile nu fac nici doi bani. Privii-m deci din aceste puncte de vedere n prima mea vizit la Randalls, i aici sunt contient de vina mea, pentru c trebuia s fac mai demult aceast vizit. Dac v amintii bine, nu am venit dect dup ce domnioara Fairfax a sosit la Highbury i cum dumneavoastr suntei persoana care a avut cel mai mult de suferit din aceast cauz, m vei ierta, cred, imediat, iar n ce-l privete pe tata, trebuie s-i aduc aminte c atta timp ct am lipsit din casa lui mi-am ntrziat fericirea de a v cunoate pe dumneavoastr. Purtarea mea, n cele dou foarte fericite sptmni pe care le-am petrecut cu dumneavoastr, nu m-a fcut, sper, vrednic de mustrare, cu excepia unui singur punct. i acum trebuie s ajung la problema principal, la singurul aspect important al purtrii mele, n timpul ct am stat la dumneavoastr, asupra cruia am unele temeri i trebuie s dau unele explicaii. Fa de domnioara Woodhouse am cel mai mare respect i cea mai cald prietenie, tata va gsi probabil c ar trebui s adaug i cea mai profund prere de ru. Cteva cuvinte care i-au scpat ieri m-au fcut s aflu prerea lui i recunosc i eu c merit multe critici. Purtarea mea fa de domnioara Woodhouse arta mai mult dect ar fi trebuit. Pentru a pstra secretul care mi era att de scump, m-am lsat tentat s duc prea departe intimitatea care s-a nscut ntre noi. Nu pot s neg c, aparent, domnioara Woodhouse a fost obiectul interesului meu, dar sunt sigur c m vei crede cnd v spun c dac n-a fi fost convins de indiferena ei nu m-a fi lsat trt de nici o dorin egoist pentru a continua acest joc. Orict de simpatic i ncnttoare ar fi domnioara Woodhouse, nu mi s-a prut niciodat c este o femeie gata s se ndrgosteasc i era ct se poate de departe de orice nclinare de a se ndrgosti de mine. Aceasta era att convingerea, ct i dorina mea. Primea ateniile mele cu un fel de voioie uoar, prieteneasc, binevoitoare, ceea ce era foarte potrivit pentru mine. Mi se prea c ne nelegem. n relaia care se stabilise ntre noi, acestea i se cuveneau i erau primite ca atare. N-a putea spune exact dac domnioara Woodhouse a nceput s neleag ce e cu

you will be ready to say, what was your hope in doing this?-What did you look forward to?-- To any thing, every thing--to time, chance, circumstance, slow effects, sudden bursts, perseverance and weariness, health and sickness. Every possibility of good was before me, and the first of blessings secured, in obtaining her promises of faith and correspondence. If you need farther explanation, I have the honour, my dear madam, of being your husband's son, and the advantage of inheriting a disposition to hope for good, which no inheritance of houses or lands can ever equal the value of.--See me, then, under these circumstances, arriving on my first visit to Randalls;--and here I am conscious of wrong, for that visit might have been sooner paid. You will look back and see that I did not come till Miss Fairfax was in Highbury; and as you were the person slighted, you will forgive me instantly; but I must work on my father's compassion, by reminding him, that so long as I absented myself from his house, so long I lost the blessing of knowing you. My behaviour, during the very happy fortnight which I spent with you, did not, I hope, lay me open to reprehension, excepting on one point. And now I come to the principal, the only important part of my conduct while belonging to you, which excites my own anxiety, or requires very solicitous explanation. 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. We seemed to understand each other. From our relative situation, those attentions were her due, and were felt to be so.--Whether Miss Woodhouse began really to understand me before the expiration of that fortnight, I cannot say;--when I called to take leave of her, I remember that I was within a moment of confessing the truth, and I then fancied she was not without suspicion; but I have no doubt of her having since detected me, at least in some degree.-- She may not have surmised the whole, but her quickness must have penetrated a part. I cannot doubt it. You will find, whenever

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mine nc nainte de trecerea celor dou sptmni. Cnd am trecut s-mi iau rmas-bun de la ea, mi-aduc aminte c am fost pe punctul de a-i mrturisi adevrul i atunci mi s-a prut c are unele bnuieli, dar dup aceea nu am nici o ndoial c a ghicit despre ce e vorba, cel puin ntr-o anumit msur. Poate nu a neles totul, dar, cu ascuimea spiritului ei, cred c a ptruns o parte din adevr. Nu am nici o ndoial. Vei vedea, atunci cnd vom putea vorbi deschis despre acest subiect, c nu va fi deloc surprins. Foarte des m-a fcut s cred asta. Mi-aduc aminte c la bal mi-a spus c datorez recunotin doamnei Elton pentru grija ei fa de domnioara Fairfax. Sper c n aceast versiune, istoria purtrii mele fa de ea va fi admis cu mai multe circumstane atenuante de ctre dumneavoastr i tata. Atta timp ct credei c am pctuit mpotriva Emmei Woodhouse, nu merit aa ceva din partea nici unuia dintre dumneavoastr. V rog s m achitai acum pentru vina asta i s cerei pentru mine, atunci cnd va fi posibil, i o achitare din partea suspomenitei Emma Woodhouse, pe care o iubesc ca un frate i i doresc din toat inima s se ndrgosteasc tot att de tare i s fie tot aa de fericit ca mine. Acum avei cheia lucrurilor ciudate pe care le-am spus poate n timpul celor dou sptmni. Inima mea era n Highbury i dorina mea era s ajung acolo ct se putea de des i fizic, fr s las s se bnuiasc nimic. Dac v amintii unele curioziti, dai-le acum explicaia cuvenit. Despre pianul care a strnit atta vlv, cred c e necesar numai s v spun c domnioara Fairfax n-a tiut nimic de cumprarea lui. N-ar fi admis s i se trimit dac ar fi avut de ales. Nu gsesc cuvinte s pot descrie, stimat doamn, delicateea inteniilor ei, n tot cursul logodnei. n curnd, sper din toat inima, o vei cunoate la fel de bine ca mine. E n zadar orice cuvnt. Numai apropiindu-v de ea, o vei putea cunoate i nu din spusele ei, pentru c nu exist o fiin pe lume care s-i ascund meritele cu bun-tiin ca ea. De cnd am nceput aceast scrisoare, care va fi mai lung dect am prevzut, am primit i veti de la ea. Spune c o duce bine cu sntatea, dar cum ea nu se plnge niciodat, nu m pot baza pe spusele ei. A vrea s tiu prerea dumneavoastr. tiu c o vei vizita n curnd. Ateapt cu mare emoie i team aceast vizit. Poate c ai fcut-o deja. Scriei-mi fr ntrziere. Atept cu nerbdare o mie de amnunte. Amintii-v ce puine minute am stat la Randalls i n ce stare de zpceal i disperare; i nici acum nu sunt cu mult mai bine, sunt nc nebun de fericire sau de nenorocire. Cnd m gndesc de ct buntate i noroc m-am bucurat, ct este de rbdtoare i minunat, cnd m gndesc la generozitatea unchiului meu, sunt nebun de bucurie, dar cnd mi amintesc toate ncurcturile pe care i le-am provocat i ce puin merit s fiu iertat, sunt nebun de suprare. Ah, numai de-a putea s o revd. Dar, deocamdat, nu trebuie s fac nici o propunere n sensul acesta, unchiul a fost prea bun i nu vreau s abuzez. Trebuie totui s mai adaug ceva la

the subject becomes freed from its present restraints, that it did not take her wholly by surprize. She frequently gave me hints of it. I remember her telling me at the ball, that I owed Mrs. Elton gratitude for her attentions to Miss Fairfax.-- I hope this history of my conduct towards her will be admitted by you and my father as great extenuation of what you saw amiss. While you considered me as having sinned against Emma Woodhouse, I could deserve nothing from either. Acquit me here, and procure for me, when it is allowable, the acquittal and good wishes of that said Emma Woodhouse, whom I regard with so much brotherly affection, as to long to have her as deeply and as happily in love as myself.-Whatever strange things I said or did during that fortnight, you have now a key to. My heart was in Highbury, and my business was to get my body thither as often as might be, and with the least suspicion. If you remember any queernesses, set them all to the right account.-- Of the pianoforte so much talked of, I feel it only necessary to say, that its being ordered was absolutely unknown to Miss F--, who would never have allowed me to send it, had any choice been given her.-- The delicacy of her mind throughout the whole engagement, my dear madam, is much beyond my power of doing justice to. You will soon, I earnestly hope, know her thoroughly yourself.-- No description can describe her. She must tell you herself what she is-- yet not by word, for never was there a human creature who would so designedly suppress her own merit.--Since I began this letter, which will be longer than I foresaw, I have heard from her.-- She gives a good account of her own health; but as she never complains, I dare not depend. I want to have your opinion of her looks. I know you will soon call on her; she is living in dread of the visit.

Perhaps it is paid already. Let me hear from you without delay; I am impatient for a thousand particulars. Remember how few minutes I was at Randalls, and in how bewildered, how mad a state: and I am not much better yet; still insane either from happiness or misery. When I think of the kindness and favour I have met with, of her excellence and patience, and my uncle's generosity, I am mad with joy: but when I recollect all the uneasiness I occasioned her, and how little I deserve to be forgiven, I am mad with anger. If I could but see her again!--But I must not propose it yet. My uncle has been too good for me to encroach.--I must still add to this long letter. You have not heard all that you ought to hear. I could not give any connected detail yesterday; but the suddenness, and, in one light, the unseasonableness with which the affair burst out, needs explanation; for though the event of the 26th ult., as you will conclude, immediately opened to me the happiest prospects, I should not have

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scrisoarea asta i aa prea lung. Nu ai auzit tot ce trebuia s auzii. Ieri nu puteam s v dau nici un amnunt, dar bruscheea i, ntr-o msur, momentul nepotrivit n care totul a ieit la iveal trebuie explicate, pentru c evenimentul din 26 ale lunii trecute, dup cum probabil ai neles, mi-a deschis imediat cele mai fericite perspective; n-a fi dorit s iau msuri att de repede i am fcut-o numai datorit unor ntmplri excepionale care mi artau c nu mai am nici un minut de pierdut. M-a fi ferit de ceva fcut cu atta grab i ea probabil ar fi avut aceleai scrupule ca i mine, cu ndoit putere i finee, dar nu aveam de ales. Angajarea att de pripit la femeia aceea aici, stimat doamn, am fost nevoit s ntrerup brusc s m adun i s-mi revin. Am fcut o plimbare prin mprejurimi i sper c acum sunt destul de lucid ca s scriu aa cum se cuvine restul scrisorii. Este de fapt o amintire foarte umilitoare pentru mine. M-am purtat ruinos i acum trebuie s admit c purtrile mele fa de domnioara W. fiind neplcute pentru domnioara F., merit toat indignarea. Ea le-a dezaprobat, ceea ce trebuia s fie destul pentru mine. Nu gsea c argumentul meu relativ la pstrarea secretului era de ajuns. Nu i-a fcut plcere i eu am gsit c nu e rezonabil. De mii de ori mi s-a prut c e mult prea scrupuloas i prudent, ceea ce nu era necesar. Mi s-a prut chiar c e rece. Dar avea totdeauna dreptate. Dac i-a fi urmat sfatul i mi-a fi potolit avnturile, pentru a m cobor la nivelul pe care ea l gsea normal, a fi scpat de cea mai mare nenorocire din viaa mea. Ne-am certat. V amintii dimineaa pe care am petrecut-o la Donwell ? Atunci, orice mic nemulumire care existase ntre noi nainte a ajuns la criz. Am ntrziat. Am ntlnit-o mergnd singur pe jos spre cas i am vrut s o nsoesc, dar m-a refuzat categoric. Nu mi-a permis sub nici un motiv, ceea ce atunci mi s-a prut fr nici un rost. Acum mi se pare numai o dovad de discreie fireasc. n timp ce eu, pentru a ascunde lumii logodna noastr, fceam pur i simplu curte unei alte femei, de ce ar fi trebuit ea s accepte propunerea mea i s facem ceva care ar fi stricat tot. Dac ne ntlnea cineva pe drumul dintre Donwell i Highbury am fi putut trezi suspiciuni. Am fost ns destul de nebun ca s nu iau n seam toate aceste argumente. M-am ndoit de dragostea ei. M-am ndoit nc i mai mult a doua zi la Box Hill, cnd, provocat de purtarea mea, de neglijena nesuferit i insolent pe care i-o artam i de devoiunea mea fa de domnioara W., pe care n-ar fi suportat-o nici o femeie cu puin bun-sim, a dat glas resentimentelor ei, prin nite cuvinte care, pentru mine, erau perfect inteligibile. Pe scurt, stimat doamn, n aceast ceart ea nu avea nici o vin, iar eu m purtasem execrabil. M-am ntors chiar n acea sear la Richmond, dei a mai fi putut s rmn pn a doua zi diminea, numai pentru c eram extrem de suprat pe ea. Chiar atunci, nu am fost att de nebun s consider c e vorba de ceva ireparabil , cu timpul trebuia s ne mpcm. Dar eu eram cel jignit, jignit de rceala ei, i am plecat cu hotrrea de a atepta

presumed on such early measures, but from the very particular circumstances, which left me not an hour to lose. I should myself have shrunk from any thing so hasty, and she would have felt every scruple of mine with multiplied strength and refinement.-- But I had no choice. The hasty engagement she had entered into with that woman--Here, my dear madam, I was obliged to leave off abruptly, to recollect and compose myself.--I have been walking over the country, and am now, I hope, rational enough to make the rest of my letter what it ought to be.--It is, in fact, a most mortifying retrospect for me. I behaved shamefully. And here I can admit, that my manners to Miss W., in being unpleasant to Miss F., were highly blameable. She disapproved them, which ought to have been enough.--My plea of concealing the truth she did not think sufficient.--She was displeased; I thought unreasonably so: I thought her, on a thousand occasions, unnecessarily scrupulous and cautious: I thought her even cold. But she was always right. If I had followed her judgment, and subdued my spirits to the level of what she deemed proper, I should have escaped the greatest unhappiness I have ever known.--We quarrelled.-- Do you remember the morning spent at Donwell?--There every little dissatisfaction that had occurred before came to a crisis. I was late; I met her walking home by herself, and wanted to walk with her, but she would not suffer it. She absolutely refused to allow me, which I then thought most unreasonable. Now, however, I see nothing in it but a very natural and consistent degree of discretion. While I, to blind the world to our engagement, was behaving one hour with objectionable particularity to another woman, was she to be consenting the next to a proposal which might have made every previous caution useless?--Had we been met walking together between Donwell and Highbury, the truth must have been suspected.-- I was mad enough, however, to resent.--I doubted her affection. I doubted it more the next day on Box Hill; when, provoked by such conduct on my side, such shameful, insolent neglect of her, and such apparent devotion to Miss W., as it would have been impossible for any woman of sense to endure, she spoke her resentment in a form of words perfectly intelligible to me.-- In short, my dear madam, it was a quarrel blameless on her side, abominable on mine; and I returned the same evening to Richmond, though I might have staid with you till the next morning, merely because I would be as angry with her as possible. Even then, I was not such a fool as not to mean to be reconciled in time; but I was the injured person, injured by her coldness, and I went away determined that she should make the first advances.--I shall always congratulate myself that you were not of the Box Hill party. Had you witnessed my behaviour there, I can hardly suppose you would ever have thought well of me again. Its effect upon her appears in the immediate resolution it

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ca ea s fac primul pas. ntotdeauna voi fi fericit c dumneavoastr nu ai fost la Box Hill. Dac ai fi vzut cum m-am purtat acolo, nu pot s-mi nchipui c v-ai mai fi gndit vreodat cu plcere la mine. Efectul pe care la avut asupra ei se vede din hotrrea nentrziat pe care a luat-o. De ndat ce a aflat c am plecat cu adevrat de la Randalls a acceptat oferta acestei serviabile doamne Elton. i fiindc veni vorba, m-a umplut de ur i indignare ntreaga comportare a acestei doamne fa de Jane. Nu trebuie s fiu mpotriva spiritului ngduitor al Janei, de pe urma cruia am avut i eu att de profitat, dar altfel a protesta n gura mare mpotriva modului n care i l-a manifestat fa de aceast femeie. Jane", auzi ! Vei observa c eu nc nu mi-am permis s-o numesc aa, nici fa de dumneavoastr. Gndii-v deci ce simeam eu cnd i auzeam pe domnul i doamna Elton arondndu-i-l unul altuia cu toat vulgaritatea repetiiilor inutile i insolena nchipuitei lor superioriti. Avei rbdare ! Termin ndat. A acceptat aceast ofert hotrnd s rup definitiv cu mine i mi-a scris a doua zi c nu ne vom mai vedea niciodat. i ddea seama c aceast logodn este o surs de regrete i nenorociri pentru amndoi i o rupea. Aceast scrisoare a ajuns la mine chiar n dimineaa cnd a murit biata mea mtu. Am rspuns n decurs de o or, dar cum eram foarte zpcit i aveam o mie de treburi pe cap, am pus rspunsul n sertarul biroului meu, n loc s-l trimit mpreun cu celelalte scrisori, i eu, gsind c am scris destul, dei erau numai cteva rnduri, ca ea s fie mulumit, m simeam ct se poate de uurat. Am fost puin dezamgit c nu-mi rspunde imediat, dar i-am gsit scuze i eram oricum prea ocupat i pot oare s adaug optimist, pentru a-i cuta nod n papur. Ne-am dus la Windsor i dup dou zile am primit de la ea un pachet care coninea toate scrisorile mele i, n acelai timp, o scrisoric a ei, n care i exprima surpriza ei extrem c nu a primit nici cel mai mic rspuns la ultima ei scrisoare i adugnd c, tcerea cu privire la un asemenea subiect nu poate fi interpretat dect ntr-un singur fel i c fiind probabil de dorit pentru fiecare s se clarifice totul ct mai repede, mi trimitea printr-un mesager sigur toate scrisorile i m ruga, dac nu puteam s i le trimit i eu pe ale ei la Highbury n decurs de o sptmn, atunci s i le trimit pe adresa... pe scurt, adresa doamnei Smalldridge de lng Bristol mi srea n ochi. tiam numele, locul, tiam totul i dintr-o dat mi-am dat seama ce a fcut. Cunoteam bine caracterul ei hotrt, i faptul c n scrisoarea precedent pstrase secrete aceste planuri dovedea extrem de mult delicatee. Pentru nimic n lume nu voia s par c m amenin. Imaginai-v ocul, imaginai-v cum, pn cnd mi-am descoperit vina mea, am blestemat pota ! Ce era de fcut ? Un singur lucru: trebuia s-i vorbesc unchiului meu. Fr ngduina lui nu puteam spera c voi fi din nou ascultat. Am vorbit, mprejurrile mi erau favorabile, evenimentul recent i-a

produced: as soon as she found I was really gone from Randalls, she closed with the offer of that officious Mrs. Elton; the whole system of whose treatment of her, by the bye, has ever filled me with indignation and hatred. I must not quarrel with a spirit of forbearance which has been so richly extended towards myself; but, otherwise, I should loudly protest against the share of it which that woman has known.-- `Jane,' indeed!--You will observe that I have not yet indulged myself in calling her by that name, even to you. Think, then, what I must have endured in hearing it bandied between the Eltons with all the vulgarity of needless repetition, and all the insolence of imaginary superiority. Have patience with me, I shall soon have done.-- She closed with this offer, resolving to break with me entirely, and wrote the next day to tell me that we never were to meet again.-- She felt the engagement to be a source of repentance and misery to each: she dissolved it.--This letter reached me on the very morning of my poor aunt's death. I answered it within an hour; but from the confusion of my mind, and the multiplicity of business falling on me at once, my answer, instead of being sent with all the many other letters of that day, was locked up in my writing-desk; and I, trusting that I had written enough, though but a few lines, to satisfy her, remained without any uneasiness.--I was rather disappointed that I did not hear from her again speedily; but I made excuses for her, and was too busy, and--may I add?-too cheerful in my views to be captious.--We removed to Windsor; and two days afterwards I received a parcel from her, my own letters all returned!--and a few lines at the same time by the post, stating her extreme surprize at not having had the smallest reply to her last; and adding, that as silence on such a point could not be misconstrued, and as it must be equally desirable to both to have every subordinate arrangement concluded as soon as possible, she now sent me, by a safe conveyance, all my letters, and requested, that if I could not directly command hers, so as to send them to Highbury within a week, I would forward them after that period to her at--: in short, the full direction to Mr. Smallridge's, near Bristol, stared me in the face. I knew the name, the place, I knew all about it, and instantly saw what she had been doing. It was perfectly accordant with that resolution of character which I knew her to possess; and the secrecy she had maintained, as to any such design in her former letter, was equally descriptive of its anxious delicacy. For the world would not she have seemed to threaten me.--Imagine the shock; imagine how, till I had actually detected my own blunder, I raved at the blunders of the post.-- What was to be done?--One thing only.--I must speak to my uncle. Without his sanction I could not hope to be listened to again.-- I spoke; circumstances were in my favour; the late event had softened away his pride, and

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mai potolit ngmfarea i, mai curnd dect mi-am nchipuit, se mpcase pe de-a ntregul cu situaia i n cele din urm mi-a spus, bietul om, cu un oftat adnc, cmi dorete s gsesc n csnicie tot atta fericire ct a gsit el. Eu tiam c fericirea mea va fi de alt natur. V e poate mil de mine pentru ce am simit cnd i-am vorbit, pentru emoia mea, cnd totul era n joc? Nu trebuie s v fie, pstrai-v compasiunea pentru momentul venirii mele la High-"bury, cnd am vzut ct de bolnav era din cauza mea, cnd am "vzut ce palid i ce trist era. Am ajuns la Highbury la vremea cnd, din cte tiam, ea trebuia s fi terminat micul dejun i aveam anse s-o gsesc singur. Nu am fost dezamgit i, n fine, nu am fost dezamgit nici n ce privete scopul vizitei mele. A trebuit s-o conving, s-i risipesc ndoielile i suprarea. Dar am reuit, ne-am mpcat i ne iubim mai mult ca niciodat i niciodat nu va mai fi nici un motiv de suprare ntre noi. Acum, stimat doamn, voi ncheia, dar nu am putut face asta mai devreme. Mii de mulumiri pentru buntatea pe care mi-ai artat-o i zeci de mii pentru atenia pe care inima dumneavoastr bun v va face s i-o artai ei. Dac, ntr-un fel, vi se pare c sunt mai fericit dect merit, sunt "de acord cu dumneavoastr. Domnioara W. m numete copilul norocului. Sper c are dreptate. ntr-o privin, norocul meu e nendoielnic i anume pentru aceea c m pot numi recunosctorul i afectuosul dumneavoastr fiu, F. C. Weston Churchill" ACEASTA SCRISOARE TREBUIA SA-I gseasc drum spre inima Emmei. Fu nevoit, n ciuda hotrrii ei anterioare de a nu admite asta, s-i acorde tot interesul pe care-l prevzuse doamna Weston. De ndat ce ajunsese la numele ei scrisoarea devenise irezistibil, fiecare rnd referitor la ea era interesant i aproape toate erau mgulitoare. i, cnd aceast vraja ncet, subiectul continu s fie interesant prin faptul c ea i recptase stima pentru autorul ei i simea chiar o atracie, pe care orice imagine a iubirii i-o putea provoca n aceste clipe. Nu se opri dect la sfrit i dei nu putea s nu-i dea seama c el greise, totui socotea c greise mai puin dect crezuse ea i oricum suferise i el i regreta destul de mult i i era recunosctor doamnei Weston i era att de ndrgostit de domnioara Fairfax i ea era att de fericit, nct nu putea s fie sever i dac, n acel moment el ar fi intrat n camer, ea ar fi dat mna cu el din toat inima, ca totdeauna. Gsi scrisoarea att de bun, nct atunci cnd sosi domnul Knightley l rug i pe el s-o citeasc. Era sigur c doamna Weston dorea s fie comunicat mai ales unuia ca domnul Knightley, care condamnase cu atta trie purtarea lui Frank. M-a bucura s-o frunzresc, zise el, dar pare foarte lung O iau cu mine pentru desear. Dar asta nu se putea. Domnul Weston urma s treac spre sear i trebuia s i-o napoieze. Mi-ar plcea mai mult s stau de vorb cu tine, dar scrisoarea merit interes, aa c o voi citi.

he was, earlier than I could have anticipated, wholly reconciled and complying; and could say at last, poor man! with a deep sigh, that he wished I might find as much happiness in the marriage state as he had done.--I felt that it would be of a different sort.--Are you disposed to pity me for what I must have suffered in opening the cause to him, for my suspense while all was at stake?-No; do not pity me till I reached Highbury, and saw how ill I had made her. Do not pity me till I saw her wan, sick looks.--I reached Highbury at the time of day when, from my knowledge of their late breakfast hour, I was certain of a good chance of finding her alone.--I was not disappointed; and at last I was not disappointed either in the object of my journey. A great deal of very reasonable, very just displeasure I had to persuade away. But it is done; we are reconciled, dearer, much dearer, than ever, and no moment's uneasiness can ever occur between us again. Now, my dear madam, I will release you; but I could not conclude before. A thousand and a thousand thanks for all the kindness you have ever shewn me, and ten thousand for the attentions your heart will dictate towards her.--If you think me in a way to be happier than I deserve, I am quite of your opinion.--Miss W. calls me the child of good fortune. I hope she is right.--In one respect, my good fortune is undoubted, that of being able to subscribe myself, Your obliged and affectionate Son, F. C. WESTON CHURCHILL. This letter must make its way to Emma's feelings. She was obliged, in spite of her previous determination to the contrary, to do it all the justice that Mrs. Weston foretold. As soon as she came to her own name, it was irresistible; every line relating to herself was interesting, and almost every line agreeable; and when this charm ceased, the subject could still maintain itself, by the natural return of her former regard for the writer, and the very strong attraction which any picture of love must have for her at that moment. She never stopt till she had gone through the whole; and though it was impossible not to feel that he had been wrong, yet he had been less wrong than she had supposed--and he had suffered, and was very sorry--and he was so grateful to Mrs. Weston, and so much in love with Miss Fairfax, and she was so happy herself, that there was no being severe; and could he have entered the room, she must have shaken hands with him as heartily as ever. She thought so well of the letter, that when Mr. Knightley came again, she desired him to read it. She was sure of Mrs. Weston's wishing it to be communicated; especially to one, who, like Mr. Knightley, had seen so much to blame in his conduct. "I shall be very glad to look it over," said he; "but it seems long. I will take it home with me at night." But that would not do. Mr. Weston was to call in the evening, and she must return it by him. "I would rather be talking to you," he replied; "but as it seems a matter of justice, it shall be done."

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ncepu s citeasc i se opri totui, aproape imediat, ca s spun: Dac mi S-ar fi oferit scrisorile acestui domn ctre mama lui adoptiv, acum cteva luni, Emma, nu le-a fi luat n mn cu atta calm. Continu puin, citind numai pentru el, i apoi, cu un zmbet observ: Hm, o introducere plin de complimente, dar sta e genul lui. Stilul unuia nu poate deveni regula altuia. S nu fim prea severi ! E firesc din partea mea, adug el nu mult dup aceea, s-mi spun prerea cu voce tare n timp ce citesc. Dac fac asta m simt mai aproape de tine. N-o s-mi ia prea mult timp, dar dac nu-i place... Ba da, mi place, cum s nu ! Domnul Knightley reveni la citirea scrisorii cu mai mult vioiciune. Aici trateaz cam uor povestea cu ispita. tie c nu are dreptate i nu are nici un argument rezonabil. Prost ! N-ar fi trebuit s se logodeasc ! Firea tatlui su" ! E nedrept totui cu tatl su. Temperamentul aprins al domnului Weston i-a prins bine n toate strdaniile lui juste i vrednice de toat lauda. Dar domnul Weston a muncit pentru ce a ctigat, n-a avut totul dintr-o dat. Foarte adevrat, n-a venit ncoace pn n-a sosit domnioara Fairfax. N-am uitat, zise Emma, ct de sigur erai c ar fi putut s vin mai devreme dac ar fi vrut. Foarte drgu din partea dumitale c sari peste asta, dar ai avut perfect dreptate. Nu eram cu totul imparial n prerea mea, Emma, cred totui c i fr s fi fost vorba de tine, tot n-a fi avut ncredere n el. Cnd ajunse la domnioara Woodhouse", fu nevoit s citeasc rar, tot pasajul, tot ce se referea la ea, zmbind, privind, dnd din cap, cu un cuvnt de aprobare sau de dezaprobare, sau numai cu dragoste, dup cum cerea subiectul, ncheind totui serios i dup o lung reflecie astfel: Foarte ru, dei ar fi putut fi i mai ru. S-a jucat cu focul. Datoreaz prea mult ntmplrii, pentru a fi absolvit de orice vin. N-are dreptul s-i judece singur purtarea fa de tine. S-a lsat mereu nelat de propriile lui dorine i puin i-a psat de tot n afar de binele lui. Si nchipuie c tu i-ai ghicit secretul ! Destul de firesc mintea lui era plin de attea intrigi nct credea c se ntmpl acelai lucru i cu alii. Mister, rafinament, cum se pervertete raiunea la modul sta ! Drag Emma, nu servesc oare toate acestea la a ne arta frumuseea adevrului i sinceritii n relaiile dintre noi doi ? Emma fu de acord i roi cu gndul la Harriet, despre a crei situaie nu putea s dea o explicaie sincer. Continu, zise ea. El continu, dar curnd se opri din nou pentru a spune: Pianul, ah, asta a fost fapta unui biat foarte tnr, prea tnr ca s se gndeasc la inconvenientele care ar

He began--stopping, however, almost directly to say, "Had I been offered the sight of one of this gentleman's letters to his mother-in-law a few months ago, Emma, it would not have been taken with such indifference." He proceeded a little farther, reading to himself; and then, with a smile, observed, "Humph! a fine complimentary opening: But it is his way. One man's style must not be the rule of another's. We will not be severe." "It will be natural for me," he added shortly afterwards, "to speak my opinion aloud as I read. By doing it, I shall feel that I am near you. It will not be so great a loss of time: but if you dislike it--" "Not at all. I should wish it." Mr. Knightley returned to his reading with greater alacrity. "He trifles here," said he, "as to the temptation. He knows he is wrong, and has nothing rational to urge.--Bad.--He ought not to have formed the engagement.-`His father's disposition:'-- he is unjust, however, to his father. Mr. Weston's sanguine temper was a blessing on all his upright and honourable exertions; but Mr. Weston earned every present comfort before he endeavoured to gain it.--Very true; he did not come till Miss Fairfax was here." "And I have not forgotten," said Emma, "how sure you were that he might have come sooner if he would. You pass it over very handsomely-- but you were perfectly right." "I was not quite impartial in my judgment, Emma:--but yet, I think-- had you not been in the case--I should still have distrusted him." When he came to Miss Woodhouse, he was obliged to read the whole of it aloud--all that related to her, with a smile; a look; a shake of the head; a word or two of assent, or disapprobation; or merely of love, as the subject required; concluding, however, seriously, and, after steady reflection, thus-"Very bad--though it might have been worse.--Playing a most dangerous game. Too much indebted to the event for his acquittal.-- No judge of his own manners by you.--Always deceived in fact by his own wishes, and regardless of little besides his own convenience.-Fancying you to have fathomed his secret. Natural enough!-- his own mind full of intrigue, that he should suspect it in others.--Mystery; Finesse--how they pervert the understanding! My Emma, does not every thing serve to prove more and more the beauty of truth and sincerity in all our dealings with each other?" Emma agreed to it, and with a blush of sensibility on Harriet's account, which she could not give any sincere explanation of. "You had better go on," said she. He did so, but very soon stopt again to say, "the pianoforte! Ah! That was the act of a very, very young man,

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fi putut fi mai mari dect plcerea. Aa ceva face numai un bieandru ! Nu pot sa neleg dorina unui brbat de a-i da unei femei o dovad de dragoste de care tie c ea s-ar putea dispensa, i el tia bine c ea s-ar fi mpotrivit trimiterii instrumentului dac ar fi putut.

Dup aceasta, continu o vreme fr s se mai opreasc. Mrturisirea lui Frank Churchill c se purtase ruinos, fu primul lucru care l fcu s se opreasc mai mult. Sunt perfect de acord cu dumneata, domnule, remarca el atunci. Te-ai purtat chiar foarte ruinos. N-ai scris niciodat un rnd mai plin de adevr. i, dup ce parcurse pasajul urmtor, despre motivul certei lor i despre faptul c el continuase s se poarte exact pe dos dect i dicta simul de dreptate al Janei, fcu o pauz mai mare i zise: Asta e foarte ru. O convinsese ca de dragul lui s se pun ntr-o situaie extrem de dificil i stnjenitoare i ar fi trebuit s fie prima lui preocupare s o scuteasc de orice suferin inutil. Probabil c ea avea mult mai mult de nfruntat pentru a putea purta coresponden dect avea el. Ar fi trebuit s accepte i unele scrupule fr nici un rost, dar ale ei erau toate ndreptite. Trebuie s considerm c ea are o singur vin, aceea de a fi consimit s se logodeasc, pentru a suporta asta se simea probabil mereu pedepsit. Emma tia c acum se apropia pasajul cu Box Hill i ncepu s nu se mai simt n largul ei. i purtarea ei fusese necuviincioas ! i era att de ruine i de fric de privirea lui ! Totui, el citi totul ncet, atent i fr nici cea mai mic remarc i n afar de o privire scurt pe care i-o arunc i o retrase imediat, de team s nu-i provoace remucri, nu pru s-i aminteasc deloc despre Box Hill. Fr ndoial, are dreptate n privina delicateii bunilor notri prieteni, domnul i doamna Elton, fu observaia urmtoare, sentimentele lui sunt absolut fireti ! Ce ? Chiar hotrse so rup definitiv cu el ? i ddea seama c logodna e o surs de regrete i nenorociri pentru amndoi i o rupea. Asta arat care era prerea ei despre purtarea lui. Ei, bine, cred c el e nemaipomenit... Nu, nu, citete mai departe. Vei vedea ce mult a suferit i el. Sper c a suferit, rspunse domnul Knightley, rece i apoi, relund scrisoarea: Smalldridge" ! Ce nseamn asta ? Ce e asta ? Se angajase ca guvernant la copiii doamnei Smalldridge, o scump prieten a doamnei Elton, o vecin de la Maple Grove, i, apropo, nu tiu, zu, cum suport doamna Elton dezamgirea ! Drag Emma, dac tot m-ai pus s citesc, taci cel puin din gur. Nu vreau s aud nimic nici despre doamna Elton. Nu mai am dect o pagin. Termin imediat. Ce scrisoare a mai scris i sta !

one too young to consider whether the inconvenience of it might not very much exceed the pleasure. A boyish scheme, indeed!--I cannot comprehend a man's wishing to give a woman any proof of affection which he knows she would rather dispense with; and he did know that she would have prevented the instrument's coming if she could." After this, he made some progress without any pause. Frank Churchill's confession of having behaved shamefully was the first thing to call for more than a word in passing. "I perfectly agree with you, sir,"--was then his remark. "You did behave very shamefully. You never wrote a truer line." And having gone through what immediately followed of the basis of their disagreement, and his persisting to act in direct opposition to Jane Fairfax's sense of right, he made a fuller pause to say, "This is very bad.--He had induced her to place herself, for his sake, in a situation of extreme difficulty and uneasiness, and it should have been his first object to prevent her from suffering unnecessarily.--She must have had much more to contend with, in carrying on the correspondence, than he could. He should have respected even unreasonable scruples, had there been such; but hers were all reasonable. We must look to her one fault, and remember that she had done a wrong thing in consenting to the engagement, to bear that she should have been in such a state of punishment." Emma knew that he was now getting to the Box Hill party, and grew uncomfortable. Her own behaviour had been so very improper! She was deeply ashamed, and a little afraid of his next look. It was all read, however, steadily, attentively, and without the smallest remark; and, excepting one momentary glance at her, instantly withdrawn, in the fear of giving pain--no remembrance of Box Hill seemed to exist. "There is no saying much for the delicacy of our good friends, the Eltons," was his next observation.--"His feelings are natural.-- What! actually resolve to break with him entirely!--She felt the engagement to be a source of repentance and misery to each-- she dissolved it.-What a view this gives of her sense of his behaviour!--Well, he must be a most extraordinary--" "Nay, nay, read on.--You will find how very much he suffers." "I hope he does," replied Mr. Knightley coolly, and resuming the letter. "`Smallridge!'--What does this mean? What is all this?" "She had engaged to go as governess to Mrs. Smallridge's children-- a dear friend of Mrs. Elton's--a neighbour of Maple Grove; and, by the bye, I wonder how Mrs. Elton bears the disappointment?" "Say nothing, my dear Emma, while you oblige me to read-not even of Mrs. Elton. Only one page more. I shall soon have done. What a letter the man writes!" XV

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 A vrea s ai mai mult bunvoin cnd citeti. Ei, e ceva suflet aici. Pare ntr-adevr s fi suferit cnd a vzut ct e de bolnav. Desigur, nu e nici o ndoial c o iubete. Ne iubim mai mult ca niciodat". Sper c va fi mult vreme, contient de valoarea unei asemenea mpcri. E foarte darnic cu mulumirile, mii, zeci de mii. Mai fericit dect merit", dovedete c se cunoate pe sine. Domnioara Woodhouse m numete copilul norocului". Erau exact cuvintele domnioarei Woodhouse, nu-i aa.? Frumoas ncheiere ! i gata scrisoarea ! Copilul norocului !" Aa l-ai numit tu ? Nu pari s fii la fel de mulumit ca mine de scrisoarea asta. Totui, trebuie cel puin eu s sper c vei avea acum o prere mai bun despre el. Sper c l-a mai nlat n ochii dumitale! Da, desigur. A fcut multe greeli, greeala de a nu se gndi la alii i n general de a nu se gndi prea mult. i sunt perfect de acord cu el c probabil va fi mai fericit dect merit. Totui, cum e, fr ndoial, foarte ndrgostit de domnioara Fairfax i putem spera c n curnd va avea avantajul de a fi mereu n preajma ei, sunt gata s cred c va face progrese i c Va nva de la ea ce nseamn statornicia i delicateea. i acum, vreau s vorbesc despre altceva. M intereseaz ntr-atta soarta unei persoane, nct nu m pot gndi la Frank Churchill. De cnd am plecat, azi-diminea, mintea mea e chinuit de o problem. Problema fu expus ntr-o englez simpl, neafectat, limba unui gentleman, o limb pe care domnul Knightley o folosea chiar:fa de femeia de care era ndrgostit: cum ar putea s-i cear s se cstoreasc cu el fr s ating fericirea tatlui ei ? Rspunsul Emmei era gata pregtit. Atta timp ct tatl ei ftria pentru ea este imposibil orice schimbare. Nu-l va prsi niciodat." Totui, rspunsul fu acceptat numai parial. Domnul Knightley era la fel de contient ca ea c nu se poate s-i prseasc tatl, dar nu putea fi de acord s nu admit nici un fel de schimbare. Se gndise mult i profund la asta; nti se gndise la a-l ndupleca pe domnul Woodhouse s se mute mpreun cu ea la Donwell; i dorise s cread c faptul e posibil, dar, din cte l cunotea pe domnul Woodhouse, tia bine c nu era o soluie fericit; i acum i mrturisea convingerea c o astfel de dezrdcinare ar nsemna un risc pentru confortul tatlui ei, poate chiar pentru viaa lui, i nu trebuiau deci s acioneze la voia ntmplrii. Domnul Woodhouse mutat de la Hartfield ! Nu. i ddea seama c nu se cuvine s ncerce aa ceva. Dar planul care i se nscuse n minte dup ce l sacrificase pe acesta era ncredinat c va fi acceptat de Emma lui cea drag, din toat inima. Ideea era ca el s fie primit la Hartfield, aa fel nct atta vreme ct fericirea, adic viaa tatlui ei cerea ca Emma s locuiasc la Hartfield s poat locui i

"I wish you would read it with a kinder spirit towards him." 232 "Well, there is feeling here.--He does seem to have suffered in finding her ill.--Certainly, I can have no doubt of his being fond of her. `Dearer, much dearer than ever.' I hope he may long continue to feel all the value of such a reconciliation.--He is a very liberal thanker, with his thousands and tens of thousands.--`Happier than I deserve.' Come, he knows himself there. `Miss Woodhouse calls me the child of good fortune.'--Those were Miss Woodhouse's words, were they?-- And a fine ending-and there is the letter. The child of good fortune! That was your name for him, was it?" "You do not appear so well satisfied with his letter as I am; but still you must, at least I hope you must, think the better of him for it. I hope it does him some service with you." "Yes, certainly it does. He has had great faults, faults of inconsideration and thoughtlessness; and I am very much of his opinion in thinking him likely to be happier than he deserves: but still as he is, beyond a doubt, really attached to Miss Fairfax, and will soon, it may be hoped, have the advantage of being constantly with her, I am very ready to believe his character will improve, and acquire from hers the steadiness and delicacy of principle that it wants. And now, let me talk to you of something else. I have another person's interest at present so much at heart, that I cannot think any longer about Frank Churchill. Ever since I left you this morning, Emma, my mind has been hard at work on one subject." The subject followed; it was in plain, unaffected, gentlemanlike English, such as Mr. Knightley used even to the woman he was in love with, how to be able to ask her to marry him, without attacking the happiness of her father. Emma's answer was ready at the first word. "While her dear father lived, any change of condition must be impossible for her. She could never quit him." Part only of this answer, however, was admitted. The impossibility of her quitting her father, Mr. Knightley felt as strongly as herself; but the inadmissibility of any other change, he could not agree to. He had been thinking it over most deeply, most intently; he had at first hoped to induce Mr. Woodhouse to remove with her to Donwell; he had wanted to believe it feasible, but his knowledge of Mr. Woodhouse would not suffer him to deceive himself long; and now he confessed his persuasion, that such a transplantation would be a risk of her father's comfort, perhaps even of his life, which must not be hazarded. Mr. Woodhouse taken from Hartfield!--No, he felt that it ought not to be attempted. But the plan which had arisen on the sacrifice of this, he trusted his dearest Emma would not find in any respect objectionable; it was, that he should be received at Hartfield; that so long as her father's happiness in other words his life--required Hartfield to continue her home, it

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el aici. Emmei i trecuse, de asemenea, prin cap ideea de a se muta cu toii la Donwell. Ca i el, fcuse un plan, dar l respinsese, ns o alternativ ca asta nu-i venise n minte. i ddea pe deplin seama ce adnc era iubirea pe care o dovedea el. Simea c mutndu-se de la Donwell el i sacrifica probabil o mare parte din independen, din orele libere i din obiceiurile lui, c dac va locui tot timpul cu tatl ei i ntr-o cas care nu-i aparinea va avea multe, foarte multe de suportat. Promise s se gndeasc i l sftui i pe el s se mai gndeasc la propunerea pe care o fcea; dar el era pe deplin convins c nici o alt reflecie nu mai putea s-i schimbe dorinele i prerea lui n aceast problem. Se gndise mult i calm la ea, de asta putea s fie sigur. Fugise toat dimineaa de William Larkins, ca s se poat gndi n pace. Ah, dar mai e o dificultate la care nu te-ai gndit. Sunt sigur c lui William Larkins n-o s-i convin deloc. Trebuia s obii consimmntul lui nainte de a-l cere pe al meu. Promise totui s se gndeasc, i aproape c promise mai mult, s se gndeasc, n intenia de a gsi pn la urm c planul e foarte bun. Era cu totul deosebit faptul c Emma, dei se gndea acum la Donwell Abbey, privindu-l din multe, foarte multe puncte de vedere, nu era deloc izbit de sentimentul c-l pgubete pe nepoelul ei Henry, ale crui drepturi de motenitor prezumtiv le aprase cu atta tenacitate nainte. Trebuia s se gndeasc oricum i la pierderea bietului bieel i totui zmbi numai cu o impertinen contient i se amuz descoperind acum motivul real pentru care i fcuse o att de violent neplcere ideea ca domnul Knightley s se nsoare cu Jane Fairfax, sau cu oricine altcineva, pe care atunci o pusese pe seama solicitudinii ei iubitoare de sor i mtu. Pe msur ce se gndea la ea, propunerea lui de a se cstori i a continua s stea la Hartfield i se prea din ce n ce mai atrgtoare. Dezavantajele pentru el scdeau, avantajele ei creteau i binele lor comun ncepea s cntreasc mai mult dect orice inconvenient. S ai un asemenea tovar n perioadele de nelinite i tristee care vor urma ! Un asemenea partener pentru toate acele ndatoriri i griji pe care timpul le va face i mai mpovrtoare ! Ar fi nsemnat s fie mult prea fericit dac n-ar fi fost biata Harriet, dar toate bucuriile ei preau s implice creterea suferinelor prietenei sale, care acum trebuia chiar s fie exclus de la Hartfield. Harriet trebuie, printro pruden izvort din caritate, inut departe de petrecerea de familie pe care Emma o plnuia pentru a-i srbtori fericirea. Ea va pierde, din toate punctele de vedere. Emma nu se putea plnge c viitoarea absen a Harrietei va micora bucuria ei. La o astfel de petrecere, Harriet ar fi mai mult un balast, dar pentru biata fat necesitatea de a o pune n situaia s fie pedepsit pe nedrept era extrem de crud.

should be his likewise. Of their all removing to Donwell, Emma had already had her own passing thoughts. Like him, she had tried the scheme and rejected it; but such an alternative as this had not occurred to her. She was sensible of all the affection it evinced. She felt that, in quitting Donwell, he must be sacrificing a great deal of independence of hours and habits; that in living constantly with her father, and in no house of his own, there would be much, very much, to be borne with. She promised to think of it, and advised him to think of it more; but he was fully convinced, that no reflection could alter his wishes or his opinion on the subject. He had given it, he could assure her, very long and calm consideration; he had been walking away from William Larkins the whole morning, to have his thoughts to himself. "Ah! there is one difficulty unprovided for," cried Emma. "I am sure William Larkins will not like it. You must get his consent before you ask mine." She promised, however, to think of it; and pretty nearly promised, moreover, to think of it, with the intention of finding it a very good scheme. It is remarkable, that Emma, in the many, very many, points of view in which she was now beginning to consider Donwell Abbey, was never struck with any sense of injury to her nephew Henry, whose rights as heir-expectant had formerly been so tenaciously regarded. Think she must of the possible difference to the poor little boy; and yet she only gave herself a saucy conscious smile about it, and found amusement in detecting the real cause of that violent dislike of Mr. Knightley's marrying Jane Fairfax, or any body else, which at the time she had wholly imputed to the amiable solicitude of the sister and the aunt. 233 This proposal of his, this plan of marrying and continuing at Hartfield-- the more she contemplated it, the more pleasing it became. His evils seemed to lessen, her own advantages to increase, their mutual good to outweigh every drawback. Such a companion for herself in the periods of anxiety and cheerlessness before her!-- Such a partner in all those duties and cares to which time must be giving increase of melancholy! She would have been too happy but for poor Harriet; but every blessing of her own seemed to involve and advance the sufferings of her friend, who must now be even excluded from Hartfield. The delightful family party which Emma was securing for herself, poor Harriet must, in mere charitable caution, be kept at a distance from. She would be a loser in every way. Emma could not deplore her future absence as any deduction from her own enjoyment. In such a party, Harriet would be rather a dead weight than otherwise; but for the poor girl herself, it seemed a peculiarly cruel necessity that was to be placing her in such a state of unmerited punishment.

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Cu timpul, desigur, l va uita pe domnul Knightley, adic l va nlocui, dar nu te puteai atepta ca asta s se ntmple foarte curnd. Domnul Knightley nsui nu poate face nimic s o ajute s se vindece, spre deosebire de domnul Elton. Domnul Knightley, care era ntotdeauna att de blnd,, de sensibil, gndindu-se cu toat sinceritatea la toat lumea, nu-i va scdea niciodat meritul de a fi adorat, pe care-l avea acum. i, ntr-adevr, erau puine sperane, chiar dac era vorba de Harriet, ca o femeie s se ndrgosteasc de trei brbai n cursul unui singur an. pentru emma fu o mare uurare sa constate c Harriet dorea la fel de puin ca i ea s se ntlneasc. Era destul de greu s comunice prin scrisori. Ar fi fost desigur cu mult mai ru dac ar fi fost obligat s se ntlneasc. Harriet cuta, prin felul de a se exprima, s evite ct se poate de mult reprourile sau s lase s se vad c e jignit i totui Emma gsea c exist un anume resentiment, sau ceva care se nvecina cu asta, n stilul ei, ceea ce fcea s-i creasc dorina de a nu o vedea. Poate c bnuielile izvorau din contiina ei ncrcat, dar, se pare c numai un nger ar fi putut s nu aib resentimente dup o asemenea lovitur. Obinu fr nici o greutate o invitaie din partea Isabellei i avu norocul s gseasc i un motiv plauzibil pentru a o cere, fr s recurg la vreun pretext. Era o msea cariat. Harriet dorea ntr-adevr, i dorea de mult vreme, s consulte un dentist. Doamna John Knightley era ncntat s-o poat ajuta, orice semn de boal era pentru ea cea mai bun recomandare i, dei nu-i iubea dentistul aa cum l iubea pe domnul Wingfield, fu ct se poate de dornic s-o ia pe Harriet n grija ei. Dup ce puse totul la punct cu sora ei, Emma i fcu prietenei sale propunerea i constat c nu era deloc greu s-o conving. Harriet urm s plece, fusese invitat pentru cel puin dou sptmni. Urma s cltoreasc n trsura domnului Woodhouse. Totul era aranjat, definitivat, i Harriet ajunse cu bine n Brunswick Square. Acum Emma se putea bucura deplin de vizitele domnului Knightley; acum putea s vorbeasc i s asculte cu adevrat fericit, fr a fi mpiedicat de sentimentul c face o nedreptate, c e vinovat, un fel de durere obsesiv care o bntuise tot timpul cnd i amintea c un suflet dezamgit e aproape i sufer imens poate chiar n acel moment, i la ce distan mic, datorit sentimentelor pe care ea le ndrumase pe ci greite. Poate nu era rezonabil din partea Emmei s cread c Harriet, la Londra, e altceva dect Harriet la doamna Goddard. Dar la Londra nu i-o putea nchipui fr prilejuri de a fi curioas, ocupat, care i vor risipi gndurile din trecut i o vor face s ias din ale ei. Nu voia s lase ca n cugetul ei o alt nelinite s ia locul ocupat pn acum la Harriet. Trebuia s fac o comunicare, o comunicare care cdea numai n sarcina ei s-i mrturiseasc tatlui ei logodna, dar asta nu avea s-o fac imediat. Hotr s amne mrturisirea pn

In time, of course, Mr. Knightley would be forgotten, that is, supplanted; but this could not be expected to happen very early. Mr. Knightley himself would be doing nothing to assist the cure;-- not like Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley, always so kind, so feeling, so truly considerate for every body, would never deserve to be less worshipped than now; and it really was too much to hope even of Harriet, that she could be in love with more than three men in one year. It was a very great relief to Emma to find Harriet as desirous as herself to avoid a meeting. Their intercourse was painful enough by letter. How much worse, had they been obliged to meet! Harriet expressed herself very much as might be supposed, without reproaches, or apparent sense of ill-usage; and yet Emma fancied there was a something of resentment, a something bordering on it in her style, which increased the desirableness of their being separate.-- It might be only her own consciousness; but it seemed as if an angel only could have been quite without resentment under such a stroke. She had no difficulty in procuring Isabella's invitation; and she was fortunate in having a sufficient reason for asking it, without resorting to invention.--There was a tooth amiss. Harriet really wished, and had wished some time, to consult a dentist. Mrs. John Knightley was delighted to be of use; any thing of ill health was a recommendation to her--and though not so fond of a dentist as of a Mr. Wingfield, she was quite eager to have Harriet under her care.--When it was thus settled on her sister's side, Emma proposed it to her friend, and found her very persuadable.-- Harriet was to go; she was invited for at least a fortnight; she was to be conveyed in Mr. Woodhouse's carriage.--It was all arranged, it was all completed, and Harriet was safe in Brunswick Square. Now Emma could, indeed, enjoy Mr. Knightley's visits; now she could talk, and she could listen with true happiness, unchecked by that sense of injustice, of guilt, of something most painful, which had haunted her when remembering how disappointed a heart was near her, how much might at that moment, and at a little distance, be enduring by the feelings which she had led astray herself. The difference of Harriet at Mrs. Goddard's, or in London, made perhaps an unreasonable difference in Emma's sensations; but she could not think of her in London without objects of curiosity and employment, which must be averting the past, and carrying her out of herself. She would not allow any other anxiety to succeed directly to the place in her mind which Harriet had occupied. There was a communication before her, one which she only could be competent to make-- the confession of her engagement to her father; but she would

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cnd doamna Weston va fi n siguran i sntoas. n aceast perioad nu trebuia s mai dea i alt prilej de agitaie celor pe care-i iubea i nu avea de ce s-i amrasc zilele pn la timpul cuvenit. Trebuia s aib cel puin dou sptmni de destindere i linite pentru a-i ncununa plcerea care pn acum o inuse att de ncordat. Din spirit de datorie, dar i din plcere, hotr de ndat s dedice jumtate de or din aceast vacan a sufletului unei vizite la domnioara Fairfax. Trebuia s se duc i abia atepta s-o vad, mai ales c similitudinea situaiei lor actuale fcea s creasc motivele izvorte din bunvoin. Va fi o satisfacie secret, dar contiina c aceleai perspective le stau n fa va face s creasc, fr ndoial, interesul pe care se cuvine s-l arate oricrei mrturisiri a Janei. Plec. Se mai dusese o dat, dar numai pn la u. De la petrecerea de la Box Hill nu mai intrase n casa lor. Atunci biata Jane era att de disperat nct i-a trezit compasiunea, dei cele mai ngrozitoare suferine ale ei i erau necunoscute. Teama de a fi i acum nedorit, dei era sigur c sunt acas, o fcu s atepte n coridor i s trimit servitoarea sus s o anune. O auzi pe Patty pronunndu-i numele, dar nu mai urm agitaia pe care, din fericire, domnioara Bates o explicase ulterior. Nu. Nu mai auzi dect rspunsul imediat: Poftete-o sus", i ntro clip fu ntmpinat pe scar de Jane nsi, ca i cnd nici un fel de alt primire n-ar fi fost socotit potrivit. Emma n-o vzuse niciodat artnd att de bine, att de drgu i amabil. Nu-i ascundea fericirea, era cald i vioaie. Veni cu mna ntins i spuse cu voce nceat, dar din inim: Suntei att de bun, domnioar Woodhouse, zu, nu tiu cum s m exprim. Sper c m credei, iertai-m c nu gsesc cuvinte. Emmei i fcu plcere i ar fi gsit imediat cuvintele potrivite dac sunetul vocii doamnei Elton, venind din sufragerie, n-ar fi oprit-o i n-ar fi fcut-o s-i concentreze toate sentimentele ei de prietenie i urrile de bine ntr-o foarte sincer strngere de mn. Doamna Bates i doamna Elton erau amndou aezate. Domnioara Bates ar fi dorit ca doamna Elton s fie n alt parte, dar era dispus s aib rbdare cu toat lumea i cum doamna Elton o ntmpin cu neobinuit amabilitate, spera ca ntlnirea s nu-i duneze prea mult. n curnd i se pru c a ptruns gndurile doamnei Elton i c a neles de ce i ea prea la fel de bine dispus: pentru c domnioara Fairfax i artase ncredere i credea c e posesoarea unui secret pe care nu l-a aflat nimeni altcineva. Emma citi numaidect semnele doveditoare pe faa ei i, n timp ce i fcea datoria de a o saluta pe doamna Bates i aparent asculta atent rspunsurile bunei

have nothing to do with it at present.--She had resolved to defer the disclosure till Mrs. Weston were safe and well. No additional agitation should be thrown at this period among those she loved-- and the evil should not act on herself by anticipation before the appointed time.--A fortnight, at least, of leisure and peace of mind, to crown every warmer, but more agitating, delight, should be hers. She soon resolved, equally as a duty and a pleasure, to employ half an hour of this holiday of spirits in calling on Miss Fairfax.-- She ought to go--and she was longing to see her; the resemblance of their present situations increasing every other motive of goodwill. It would be a secret satisfaction; but the consciousness of a similarity of prospect would certainly add to the interest with which she should attend to any thing Jane might communicate. She went--she had driven once unsuccessfully to the door, but had not been into the house since the morning after Box Hill, when poor Jane had been in such distress as had filled her with compassion, though all the worst of her sufferings had been unsuspected.-- The fear of being still unwelcome, determined her, though assured of their being at home, to wait in the passage, and send up her name.-- She heard Patty announcing it; but no such bustle succeeded as poor Miss Bates had before made so happily intelligible.--No; she heard nothing but the instant reply of, "Beg her to walk up;"--and a moment afterwards she was met on the stairs by Jane herself, coming eagerly forward, as if no other reception of her were felt sufficient.-- Emma had never seen her look so well, so lovely, so engaging. There was consciousness, animation, and warmth; there was every thing which her countenance or manner could ever have wanted.-- She came forward with an offered hand; and said, in a low, but very feeling tone, "This is most kind, indeed!--Miss Woodhouse, it is impossible for me to express--I hope you will believe--Excuse me for being so entirely without words." Emma was gratified, and would soon have shewn no want of words, if the sound of Mrs. Elton's voice from the sitting-room had not checked her, and made it expedient to compress all her friendly and all her congratulatory sensations into a very, very earnest shake of the hand. Mrs. Bates and Mrs. Elton were together. Miss Bates was out, which accounted for the previous tranquillity. Emma could have wished Mrs. Elton elsewhere; but she was in a humour to have patience with every body; and as Mrs. Elton met her with unusual graciousness, she hoped the rencontre would do them no harm. She soon believed herself to penetrate Mrs. Elton's thoughts, and understand why she was, like herself, in happy spirits; it was being in Miss Fairfax's confidence, and fancying herself acquainted with what was still a secret to other people. Emma saw symptoms of it

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i btrnei doamne, vzu cum, fcnd din asta un mare mister i dndu-i aere de nelinite, mpturete o scrisoare, pe care i-o citea probabil Janei, i o pune n sculeul ei de atlas rou, brodat cu fir de aur, pe care-l inea alturi, spunnd cu semnificative cltinri ale capului: Putem s terminm asta alt dat. Noi vom mai avea oricum ocazia s vorbim i de fapt principalul l-ai auzit deja. foiam numai s-i art c doamna S. primete scuzele noastre i u se simte ofensat. Ai vzut ce frumos scrie. Ah, e o fiin delicioas ! Dac te-ai fi dus la ea, ai fi iubit-o foarte mult. Dar gata, s nu mai vorbim despre asta. S fim discrete, in la buna noastr purtare ! St ! i-aduci aminte versurile, am uitat cum i zice poemului: Cci dac-i vorba de o doamn, Putem da totul la o parte. cum, draga mea, fiind vorba nu de o doamn, ci de o mmic ! un cuvnt pentru cei nelepi ! Dar a vrea s te simi uurat n privina doamnei S. Felul n care i-am descris eu totul a satisfcut-o. i din nou, cnd Emma i ntoarse capul o clip, ca s vad ce lucreaz doamna Bates, adug pe jumtate n oapt: N-am pomenit nici un nume, ai vzut ? Nu, sunt prudent ca un prim-ministru. M-am descurcat foarte bine. Emma nu avea nici o ndoial, discreia ei se manifesta n repetate rnduri, de cte ori avea ocazia. Dup ce vorbir ctva timp n pace despre vreme i despre doamna Weston, se pomeni interpelat brusc: Nu credei, domnioar Woodhouse, c prietena noastr cea obrznicu s-a nsntoit minunat ? Nu credei c domnul Perry merit felicitri ? (aici i arunc o privire plin de neles Janei). Pe cuvntul meu, Perry a fcut-o sntoas ntr-un timp aa de scurt. Ah, dac ai fi vzut-o, cum am vzut-o eu, cnd se simea att de ru ! i cnd doamna Bates i spuse ceva Emmei, opti mai departe: Nu spunem nici o vorb de ajutoarele pe care le-a primit domnul Perry, nici o vorb despre un doctor tinerel din Windsor. A, nu, domnul Perry se va bucura de toat cinstea. N-am prea avut plcerea s v vd, domnioar Woodhouse, ncepu curnd dup aceea, de la petrecerea de la Box Hill. Foarte drgu petrecere. Totui, cred c lipsea ceva lucrurile nu prea preau, adic unii dintre noi aveau sufletul nnourat. Aa mi s-a prut, cel puin, dar s-ar putea s greesc. Cu toate astea, cred c a fost destul de reuit ca s fim cu toii dornici s mai mergem o dat. Ce-ai zice, voi dou, s strngem aceiai oameni i s mai facem o excursie la Box Hill, ct mai ine vremea bun ? Exact aceiai, fr excepie ! Curnd dup aceea sosi domnioara Bates, i Emma nu-i putu opri un zmbet vznd ct e de ncurcat, probabil pentru c nu tia prea bine ce ar trebui s spun,

immediately in the expression of her face; and while paying her own compliments to Mrs. Bates, and appearing to attend to the good old lady's replies, she saw her with a sort of anxious parade of mystery fold up a letter which she had apparently been reading aloud to Miss Fairfax, and return it into the purple and gold reticule by her side, saying, with significant nods, "We can finish this some other time, you know. You and I shall not want opportunities. And, in fact, you have heard all the essential already. I only wanted to prove to you that Mrs. S. admits our apology, and is not offended. You see how delightfully she writes. Oh! she is a sweet creature! You would have doated on her, had you gone.--But not a word more. Let us be discreet-quite on our good behaviour.--Hush!--You remember those lines-- I forget the poem at this moment: "For when a lady's in the case, "You know all other things give place." Now I say, my dear, in our case, for lady, read----mum! a word to the wise.--I am in a fine flow of spirits, an't I? But I want to set your heart at ease as to Mrs. S.--My representation, you see, has quite appeased her." And again, on Emma's merely turning her head to look at Mrs. Bates's knitting, she added, in a half whisper, "I mentioned no names, you will observe.--Oh! no; cautious as a minister of state. I managed it extremely well." Emma could not doubt. It was a palpable display, repeated on every possible occasion. When they had all talked a little while in harmony of the weather and Mrs. Weston, she found herself abruptly addressed with, "Do not you think, Miss Woodhouse, our saucy little friend here is charmingly recovered?--Do not you think her cure does Perry the highest credit?--(here was a sideglance of great meaning at Jane.) Upon my word, Perry has restored her in a wonderful short time!-- Oh! if you had seen her, as I did, when she was at the worst!"-- And when Mrs. Bates was saying something to Emma, whispered farther, "We do not say a word of any assistance that Perry might have; not a word of a certain young physician from Windsor.--Oh! no; Perry shall have all the credit." "I have scarce had the pleasure of seeing you, Miss Woodhouse," she shortly afterwards began, "since the party to Box Hill. Very pleasant party. But yet I think there was something wanting. Things did not seem--that is, there seemed a little cloud upon the spirits of some.--So it appeared to me at least, but I might be mistaken. However, I think it answered so far as to tempt one to go again. What say you both to our collecting the same party, and exploring to Box Hill again, while the fine weather lasts?-- It must be the same party, you know, quite the same party, not one exception." Soon after this Miss Bates came in, and Emma could not help being diverted by the perplexity of her first answer to herself, resulting, she supposed, from doubt of

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dar ardea de nerbdare s spun tot. Mulumesc, drag domnioar Woodhouse, suntei att de bun ! Nu gsesc cuvinte. Da, da, neleg foarte bine, scumpa de Jane, ce perspective minunate, adic nu, vreau s spun c... Dar s-a nsntoit minunat ! Ce face domnul Woodhouse ? Vai, ce bine mi pare, nu-mi st n putin... Ce oaspei drgui avem ! Da, zu ! Minunat biat, adic aa de prietenos, vreau s spun, bunul domn Perry, ce bun a fost cu Jane. i din marea ei ncntare, din extrem de multele mulumiri pentru vizita doamnei Elton, Emma ghici c, probabil, casa parohial artase unele resentimente fa de Jane, care fuseser acum depite. ntr-adevr, dup cteva oapte, care erau o dovad gritoare n sprijinul acestei presupuneri, doamna Elton spuse cu glas tare: Da,, am venit, buna mea prieten, sunt de mult aici, am stat atta timp, nct, dac a fi n alt parte, ar trebui s-mi cer scuze. Dar adevrul e c-l atept pe domnul i stpnul meu. Mi-a promis s vin i el aici, s v salute. Cum ? Vom avea plcerea unei vizite din partea domnului Elton ? Asta ne face mare plcere, zu ! Pentru c tiu c brbailor nu le place s fac vizite dimineaa, i domnul Elton are att de puin timp. Pe cuvntul meu, chiar aa e, domnioar Bates. E ocupat de diminea pn seara. Nu se mai termin irul celor care vin la el, cu un pretext sau altul. Magistrai, supraveghetori, custozi, toi vor s tie prerea lui. Se pare c nu pot face nimic fr el. Pe cuvnt, domnule E.", i zic eu adesea, bine c vin la dumneata i nu la mine. Ce m-a face eu cu pastelurile i pianul, dac ar veni atia smi cear sfaturi ?" i aa stau destul de prost, cci le neglijez neiertat de mult. Cred c de dou sptmni n-am mai cntat nici o msur. Totui, o s vin, v asigur, numai ca s v prezinte omagiile sale. i ridicndu-i mna pentru ca Emma s nu-i poat auzi cuvintele: O vizit de felicitri era indispensabil ! Domnioara Bates se uita n jur foarte fericit. Mi-a promis c vine de ndat ce termin cu Knightley, dar el i Knightley sporoviesc o mulime. Domnul E. e mna dreapt a lui Knightley. Emma nu voia s zmbeasc deloc, cu nici un pre, i spuse numai: Domnul Elton a plecat pe jos la Donwell ? E cam cald. Oh, nu, se ntlnesc la Crown, ca de obicei. Weston i Cole vor fi, de asemenea, acolo, dar totdeauna pomenim numai pe cei care conduc afacerea, de-asta nam vorbit de ei. Cred c domnul E. i Knightley hotrsc n toate. Nu cumva ai greit ziua ? zise Emma. Sunt aproape sigur c ntlnirea de la Crown trebuie s aib loc mine. Domnul Knightley a fost la Hartfield ieri i spunea c e smbt.

what might be said, and impatience to say every thing. "Thank you, dear Miss Woodhouse, you are all kindness.--It is impossible to say--Yes, indeed, I quite understand--dearest Jane's prospects-- that is, I do not mean.--But she is charmingly recovered.-- How is Mr. Woodhouse?--I am so glad.--Quite out of my power.-- Such a happy little circle as you find us here.--Yes, indeed.-- Charming young man!--that is--so very friendly; I mean good Mr. Perry!-- such attention to Jane!"--And from her great, her more than commonly thankful delight towards Mrs. Elton for being there, Emma guessed that there had been a little show of resentment towards Jane, from the vicarage quarter, which was now graciously overcome.-- After a few whispers, indeed, which placed it beyond a guess, Mrs. Elton, speaking louder, said, "Yes, here I am, my good friend; and here I have been so long, that anywhere else I should think it necessary to apologise; but, the truth is, that I am waiting for my lord and master. He promised to join me here, and pay his respects to you." "What! are we to have the pleasure of a call from Mr. Elton?-- That will be a favour indeed! for I know gentlemen do not like morning visits, and Mr. Elton's time is so engaged." "Upon my word it is, Miss Bates.--He really is engaged from morning to night.--There is no end of people's coming to him, on some pretence or other.--The magistrates, and overseers, and churchwardens, are always wanting his opinion. They seem not able to do any thing without him.--`Upon my word, Mr. E.,' I often say, `rather you than I.-- I do not know what would become of my crayons and my instrument, if I had half so many applicants.'--Bad enough as it is, for I absolutely neglect them both to an unpardonable degree.--I believe I have not played a bar this fortnight.--However, he is coming, I assure you: yes, indeed, on purpose to wait on you all." And putting up her hand to screen her words from Emma--"A congratulatory visit, you know.--Oh! yes, quite indispensable." Miss Bates looked about her, so happily!-"He promised to come to me as soon as he could disengage himself from Knightley; but he and Knightley are shut up together in deep consultation.--Mr. E. is Knightley's right hand." Emma would not have smiled for the world, and only said, "Is Mr. Elton gone on foot to Donwell?--He will have a hot walk." "Oh! no, it is a meeting at the Crown, a regular meeting. Weston and Cole will be there too; but one is apt to speak only of those who lead.--I fancy Mr. E. and Knightley have every thing their own way." "Have not you mistaken the day?" said Emma. "I am almost certain that the meeting at the Crown is not till to-morrow.--Mr. Knightley was at Hartfield yesterday, and spoke of it as for Saturday."

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 A, nu, ntlnirea e azi, n mod precis, i se rspunse abrupt, ceea ce dovedea imposibilitatea unei confuzii din partea doamnei Elton. Cred, zise ea n continuare, c e cea mai dificil parohie din lume. La Maple Grove nu se pomenea aa ceva ! Parohia de acolo era mic, zise Jane. Pe cuvnt, draga mea, habar n-am, pentru c n-am auzit niciodat vorbindu-se despre asta. Dar se nelege, dup ct de mic e coala despre care mi-ai vorbit, patronat de sora dumneavoastr i de doamna Bragge. E singura scoal i nu are mai mult de douzeci i cinci de elevi. Ah, ce fat deteapt, ai dreptate ! Ce minte neleapt ai, Jane ! Cred c dac tu i eu am fi topite mpreun, am face un caracter perfect. Vioiciunea mea i seriozitatea ta ar da mpreun perfeciunea. Nu c a vrea s insinuez c nu se gsesc unii care s cread c tu eti perfeciunea ntruchipat ! Dar, t, nici o vorb, te rog ! Prea o pruden inutil; Jane dorea s-i adreseze cteva cuvinte nu doamnei Elton, ci domnioarei Woodhouse, dup cum limpede observa cea de-a doua. Dorina de a-i face toat onoarea pe care buna-cuviin io ngduia era ct se poate de evident, dei nu putea fi ndeplinit dect din priviri. Domnul Elton i fcu apariia. Doamna lui l salut cu vivacitatea ei scnteietoare. Frumos, domnule, pe cuvnt, m trimii aici, s-mi deranjez prietenele atta vreme i de-abia catadicseti s vii. Dar tiai probabil cu ce fiin credincioas ai de-a face. tiai c n-o s m mic de-aici pn nu vine domnul i stpnul meu. Stau aici de o or, dndu-le acestor domnioare prilejul s vad ce nseamn s te supui voinei soului, pentru c, cine tie ct de curnd, vor avea nevoie de asemenea cunotine ! Domnul Elton era att de nfierbntat i obosit nct prea a-i fi pierdut i ultima brum de inteligen. Trebuia s salute celelalte doamne, dar scopul lui imediat era s se vaite de cldura pe care o suferise i de drumul pe care l fcuse pe jos, de poman. Cnd am ajuns la Donwell, zise el, n-am putut s dau de Knightley. Foarte ciudat, nu tiu ce-i cu el ! Dup bileelul pe care i l-am trimis azi-diminea i rspunsul pe care l-am primit, trebuia s fie acas, n mod sigur, la vremea asta. La Donwell ? strig soia lui. Dragul meu domn E., n-ai fost la Donwell, vrei s spui la Crown, vii de la ntlnirea de la Crown. Nu, nu, aceea e mine. i tocmai de-asta ! Ce diminea fierbinte, i am mers i peste cmp (vorbind pe tonul unui persecutat), ceea ce a fost i mai ru ! i pe urm, s nu-l gsesc acas ! V asigur c nu mi-a fcut deloc plcere. i s nu lase nici o scuz, nici un mesaj pentru mine ! Menajera a spus c nu tia c sunt ateptat. Nemaipomenit ! i nimeni nu tia unde a plecat. Poate la Hartfield, poate la Abbey Mill, poate la pdure.

"Oh! no, the meeting is certainly to-day," was the abrupt answer, which denoted the impossibility of any blunder on Mrs. Elton's side.-- "I do believe," she continued, "this is the most troublesome parish that ever was. We never heard of such things at Maple Grove." "Your parish there was small," said Jane. "Upon my word, my dear, I do not know, for I never heard the subject talked of." "But it is proved by the smallness of the school, which I have heard you speak of, as under the patronage of your sister and Mrs. Bragge; the only school, and not more than five-and-twenty children." "Ah! you clever creature, that's very true. What a thinking brain you have! I say, Jane, what a perfect character you and I should make, if we could be shaken together. My liveliness and your solidity would produce perfection.--Not that I presume to insinuate, however, that some people may not think you perfection already.--But hush!-- not a word, if you please." It seemed an unnecessary caution; Jane was wanting to give her words, not to Mrs. Elton, but to Miss Woodhouse, as the latter plainly saw. The wish of distinguishing her, as far as civility permitted, was very evident, though it could not often proceed beyond a look. Mr. Elton made his appearance. His lady greeted him with some of her sparkling vivacity. "Very pretty, sir, upon my word; to send me on here, to be an encumbrance to my friends, so long before you vouchsafe to come!-- But you knew what a dutiful creature you had to deal with. You knew I should not stir till my lord and master appeared.-- Here have I been sitting this hour, giving these young ladies a sample of true conjugal obedience--for who can say, you know, how soon it may be wanted?" Mr. Elton was so hot and tired, that all this wit seemed thrown away. His civilities to the other ladies must be paid; but his subsequent object was to lament over himself for the heat he was suffering, and the walk he had had for nothing. "When I got to Donwell," said he, "Knightley could not be found. Very odd! very unaccountable! after the note I sent him this morning, and the message he returned, that he should certainly be at home till one." "Donwell!" cried his wife.--"My dear Mr. E., you have not been to Donwell!--You mean the Crown; you come from the meeting at the Crown." "No, no, that's to-morrow; and I particularly wanted to see Knightley to-day on that very account.--Such a dreadful broiling morning!-- I went over the fields too-(speaking in a tone of great ill-usage,) which made it so much the worse. And then not to find him at home! I assure you I am not at all pleased. And no apology left, no message for me. The housekeeper declared she knew nothing of my being expected.-- Very

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Domnioar Woodhouse, purtarea asta e uimitoare la prietenul nostru Knightley. Emma se amuz s protesteze i s spun c este ntr-adevr, nemaipomenit din partea lui i nu gsi nici un cuvinel s-l apere. Nu-mi pot nchipui, zise doamna Elton (simind acea indignare pe care se cuvine s-o simt soiile), nu-mi pot nchipui cum de-i face ie una ca asta ! Eti ultimul om care ar merita s fie uitat. Dragul meu domn E., trebuie s-i fi lsat vreun mesaj, sunt sigur, trebuie. Nici Knightley nu poate fi att de excentric, probabil au uitat servitorii. Crede-m, aa s-a ntmplat probabil, i e foarte posibil s se ntmple asta cu servitorii de la Donwell, care, am vzut eu, sunt extrem de stngaci i neglijeni. Pentru nimic n lume n-a lsa pe unul ca Harry s se ating de dulapul nostru. Iar n ce-o privete pe doamna Hodges, Wright nu d doi bani pe ea. I-a promis o reet i nu i-a trimis-o nici azi.

M-am ntlnit cu William Larkins, continu domnul Elton, cnd m-am apropiat de cas, i mi-a spus c n-o s-l gsesc pe stpnul su acas, dar nu l-am crezut. William prea cam prost dispus. Nu tia ce se ntmpl cu stpnul lui n ultima vreme, zicea, dar i scoi vorba cu cletele din gur. Nu m intereseaz suprrile lui William Larkins, dar, n adevr, e foarte important ca eu s-l vd pe Knightley azi. Prin urmare, sunt foarte suprat c am mers atta pe jos, pe cldura asta, fr s ajung la nici un rezultat!

Emma i ddu seama c ceea ce ea trebuia s fac imediat, era s se duc acas. Dup toate probabilitile, era ateptat. n felul acesta poate, domnul Knightley va fi scutit de a deveni i mai ruvoitor fa de domnul Elton, dac nu i fa de William Larkins. i fcu plcere, atunci cnd i lu rmas bun, s vad c domnioara Fairfax e hotrt s-o conduc afar, chiar pn n strad. Asta i ddu ocazia, de care profit imediat, s zic: Poate c e mai bine c n-am mai avut posibilitatea. Dac in-ai fi fost nconjurat i de ali prieteni, poate a fi fost tentat s aduc vorba despre un anume subiect, s pun ntrebri, s vorbesc mai deschis dect se cuvine. Am impresia c a fi fost impertinent. Ah, strig Jane nroindu-se i ezitnd puin, ceea ce Emma gsi c i se potrivea mult mai bine dect toat distincia calmului ei obinuit, n-ar fi fost nici o primejdie, primejdia era s nu v plictisesc eu. Nimic nu m-ar ncnta mai mult dect interesul dumneavoastr, zu, domnioar Woodhouse (vorbind ceva mai linitit), eu, care mi dau seama c m-am purtat urt, chiar foarte urt, sunt bucuroas s aflu c prietenii mei, la a cror bun prere in, nu sunt att de dezgustai, nct s... N-am

extraordinary!--And nobody knew at all which way he was gone. Perhaps to Hartfield, perhaps to the Abbey Mill, perhaps into his woods.-- Miss Woodhouse, this is not like our friend Knightley!--Can you explain it?" Emma amused herself by protesting that it was very extraordinary, indeed, and that she had not a syllable to say for him. "I cannot imagine," said Mrs. Elton, (feeling the indignity as a wife ought to do,) "I cannot imagine how he could do such a thing by you, of all people in the world! The very last person whom one should expect to be forgotten!--My dear Mr. E., he must have left a message for you, I am sure he must.--Not even Knightley could be so very eccentric;-- and his servants forgot it. Depend upon it, that was the case: and very likely to happen with the Donwell servants, who are all, I have often observed, extremely awkward and remiss.--I am sure I would not have such a creature as his Harry stand at our sideboard for any consideration. And as for Mrs. Hodges, Wright holds her very cheap indeed.--She promised Wright a receipt, and never sent it." "I met William Larkins," continued Mr. Elton, "as I got near the house, and he told me I should not find his master at home, but I did not believe him.--William seemed rather out of humour. He did not know what was come to his master lately, he said, but he could hardly ever get the speech of him. I have nothing to do with William's wants, but it really is of very great importance that I should see Knightley to-day; and it becomes a matter, therefore, of very serious inconvenience that I should have had this hot walk to no purpose." Emma felt that she could not do better than go home directly. 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. She was pleased, on taking leave, to find Miss Fairfax determined to attend her out of the room, to go with her even downstairs; it gave her an opportunity which she immediately made use of, to say, "It is as well, perhaps, that I have not had the possibility. Had you not been surrounded by other friends, I might have been tempted to introduce a subject, to ask questions, to speak more openly than might have been strictly correct.--I feel that I should certainly have been impertinent." "Oh!" cried Jane, with a blush and an hesitation which Emma thought infinitely more becoming to her than all the elegance of all her usual composure--"there would have been no danger. The danger would have been of my wearying you. You could not have gratified me more than by expressing an interest--. Indeed, Miss Woodhouse, (speaking more collectedly,) with the consciousness which I have of misconduct, very great misconduct, it is particularly consoling to me to know that

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timpul s v spun nici jumtate din ct a vrea. Abia atept s m pot scuza, s explic, cred c e timpul. Dar, din pcate, pe scurt, dac nu v place prietenia mea...

Ah, suntei prea scrupuloas, zu aa, strig Emma, cu cldur, i i lu mna. Nu-mi datorai nici o scuz i toi cei crora le datorai scuze sunt att de mulumii, chiar ncntai... Sunt foarte drgu, dar tiu bine ce urt m-am purtat cu dumneavoastr. Att de rece i de artificial ! Trebuia mereu s-mi joc rolul. Era o via de minciun. tiu c trebuie s v fi dezgustat. V rog, nu spunei mai mult ! mi dau seama c eu sunt aceea care ar trebui s cear scuze. Hai s ne iertm una pe cealalt ! Trebuie s facem asta ct mai repede i cred c simii la fel ca mine. Sper c avei veti bune de la Windsor. Foarte ! i vestea urmtoare va fi c v vom pierde, tocmai acum, cnd ncep s v cunosc ! Ah, n privina asta nu putem nc s ne facem planuri. Voi sta aici pn m vor chema domnul i doamna Campbell. Poate c, pe moment, nu se poate stabili nimic, rspunse Emma zmbind, dar, iertai-m, trebuie s v gndii, totui. Jane rspunse tot cu un zmbet. Avei foarte mult dreptate. Ne-am gndit. i v voi spune dumneavoastr, sunt sigur c nu vei spune mai departe, c am stabilit s locuim cu domnul Churchill, la Enscombe. ns trebuie s treac cel puin trei luni de doliu, dar dup asta mi nchipui c nu vom mai avea de ateptat. Mulumesc, mulumesc, asta-i tot ce voiam s tiu, sigur ! Ah, dac ai ti ce mult mi place ca lucrurile s fie hotrte deschis. La revedere, la revedere ! PRIETENII DOAMNEI WESTON AVUR fericirea s afle c ncercarea trecuse cu bine. Emma era ct se poate de mulumit c prietena ei e sntoas i, mai mult, c a devenit mama unei fetie. Dorise, cu mult hotrre, s se nasc o domnioar Weston. Nu voia s recunoasc substratul acestei dorine: sperana de a pune la cale o cstorie a respectivei domnioare cu unul din bieii Isabellei, dar era convins c o feti era lucrul cel mai potrivit pentru o asemenea mam i un asemenea tat. Va fi o mare mngiere pentru domnul Weston cnd va mbtrni i chiar domnul Weston va mbtrni, cu siguran, peste zece ani , s stea lng foc i s se amuze de zburdlniciile i prostiile, extravaganele i imaginaia unui copil care nu va prsi niciodat casa printeasc. i doamna Weston nimeni nu se putea ndoi c o fat era lucrul cel mai potrivit pentru ea i ar fi fost i pcat pentru cineva care

those of my friends, whose good opinion is most worth preserving, are not disgusted to such a degree as to--I have not time for half that I could wish to say. I long to make apologies, excuses, to urge something for myself. I feel it so very due. But, unfortunately--in short, if your compassion does not stand my friend--" "Oh! you are too scrupulous, indeed you are," cried Emma warmly, and taking her hand. "You owe me no apologies; and every body to whom you might be supposed to owe them, is so perfectly satisfied, so delighted even--" "You are very kind, but I know what my manners were to you.-- So cold and artificial!--I had always a part to act.--It was a life of deceit!--I know that I must have disgusted you." "Pray say no more. I feel that all the apologies should be on my side. Let us forgive each other at once. We must do whatever is to be done quickest, and I think our feelings will lose no time there. I hope you have pleasant accounts from Windsor?" "Very." "And the next news, I suppose, will be, that we are to lose you-- just as I begin to know you." "Oh! as to all that, of course nothing can be thought of yet. I am here till claimed by Colonel and Mrs. Campbell." "Nothing can be actually settled yet, perhaps," replied Emma, smiling--"but, excuse me, it must be thought of." The smile was returned as Jane answered, "You are very right; it has been thought of. And I will own to you, (I am sure it will be safe), that so far as our living with Mr. Churchill at Enscombe, it is settled. There must be three months, at least, of deep mourning; but when they are over, I imagine there will be nothing more to wait for." "Thank you, thank you.--This is just what I wanted to be assured of.-- Oh! if you knew how much I love every thing that is decided and open!-- Good-bye, good-bye." Mrs. Weston's friends were all made happy by her safety; and if the satisfaction of her well-doing could be increased to Emma, it was by knowing her to be the mother of a little girl. She had been decided in wishing for a Miss Weston. She would not acknowledge that it was with any view of making a match for her, hereafter, with either of Isabella's sons; but she was convinced that a daughter would suit both father and mother best. It would be a great comfort to Mr. Weston, as he grew older-- and even Mr. Weston might be growing older ten years hence--to have his fireside enlivened by the sports and the nonsense, the freaks and the fancies of a child never banished from home; and Mrs. Weston-- no one could doubt that a daughter would be most to her; and it would be quite a pity that any one who so well knew how to teach, should not have their

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tia s fie o att de bun profesoar s nu mai aib asupra cui s-i exercite priceperea. A avut norocul, tii, s fac exerciii pe mine, continu ea, ca doamna d'Almane asupra contesei d'Ostalis,n romanul doamnei de Genlis, Adelaide i Theodore", i acum o vom vedea pe mica ei Adelaide educat la un nivel superior. Adic, rspunse domnul Knightley, pe ea o va rsfa i mai mult dect pe tine i va crede c nu o rsfa deloc. Aceasta va fi singura diferen. Biata feti, zise Emma, n viteza asta, ce se va alege de ea ? Nimic foarte ru. E soarta a mii de fetie. Va fi foarte antipatic n copilrie i se va corecta pe msur ce va crete. Mi-am pierdut toat nverunarea mpotriva copiilor rsfai, drag Emma. N-ar fi o mare ingratitudine din partea mea s fiu aspru cu ei eu care i datorez ie toat fericirea mea ? Emma rse i rspunse: Dar eu am beneficiat de toate strdaniile dumitale de a compensa rsful celorlali. M ndoiesc c eu m-a fi putut corecta singur ! Chiar te ndoieti ? Eu, nu. Natura i-a dat minte, domnioara Taylor i-a dat principii. Te-ai fi descurcat. Amestecul meu putea s fac mai mult ru dect bine. Era foarte firesc ca tu s spui: ce drept are el s-mi fac moral ?", i mi-e team c tot n mod firesc gseai c o fac ntr-o manier neplcut. Nu cred c i-am fcut vreun bine. Am profitat numai eu, prin aceea c tu ai devenit obiectul celor mai duioase afeciuni din partea mea.Nu puteam s m gndesc atta la tine fr s te iubesc, cu toate defectele tale, i gndindu-m mereu la greelile tale, m-am ndrgostit de tine nc de cnd aveai treisprezece ani, cel puin. Sunt ncredinat c mi-ai fost de folos, zise Emma. Foarte des am fost influenat n bine de dumneata, mai des dect a fi recunoscut atunci. Sunt foarte sigur c miai fcut numai bine. i dac biata Anna Weston va fi la fel de rsfat ca mine, va fi o mare dovad de omenie din partea dumitale s faci i pentru ea ce-ai fcut pentru mine, n afar ns de a te ndrgosti de ea cnd va avea treisprezece ani. De cte ori, cnd erai mic, nu mi-ai spus, privindu-m obraznic: Domnule Knightley, o s fac asta i asta, tata zice c am voie", sau: Domnioara Taylor mi-a dat voie", ceva ce tiai bine c nu-mi place. n cazuri din astea, dac m amestecam, m urai de dou ori mai mult. Ce fiin drgu eram. Nu-i de mirare c-i aduci aminte cuvintele mele cu atta afeciune. Domnule Knightley" ! Totdeauna mi-ai spus aa, domnul Knightley" i din obinuin nu mi se mai pare att de protocolar. i totui este foarte protocolar. A vrea s-mi spui altfel, dar nu tiu cum. Mi-aduc aminte c o dat i-am spus George", ntr-un acces de rsf, acum vreo zece ani. i-am spus asta,

powers in exercise again. "She has had the advantage, you know, of practising on me," she continued--"like La Baronne d'Almane on La Comtesse d'Ostalis, in Madame de Genlis' Adelaide and Theodore, and we shall now see her own little Adelaide educated on a more perfect plan." "That is," replied Mr. Knightley, "she will indulge her even more than she did you, and believe that she does not indulge her at all. It will be the only difference." "Poor child!" cried Emma; "at that rate, what will become of her?" "Nothing very bad.--The fate of thousands. She will be disagreeable in infancy, and correct herself as she grows older. I am losing all my bitterness against spoilt children, my dearest Emma. I, who am owing all my happiness to you, would not it be horrible ingratitude in me to be severe on them?" Emma laughed, and replied: "But I had the assistance of all your endeavours to counteract the indulgence of other people. I doubt whether my own sense would have corrected me without it." "Do you?--I have no doubt. Nature gave you understanding:- Miss Taylor gave you principles. You must have done well. My interference was quite as likely to do harm as good. It was very natural for you to say, what right has he to lecture me?-- and I am afraid very natural for you to feel that it was done in a disagreeable manner. I do not believe I did you any good. The good was all to myself, by making you an object of the tenderest affection to me. I could not think about you so much without doating on you, faults and all; and by dint of fancying so many errors, have been in love with you ever since you were thirteen at least." "I am sure you were of use to me," cried Emma. "I was very often influenced rightly by you--oftener than I would own at the time. I am very sure you did me good. And if poor little Anna Weston is to be spoiled, it will be the greatest humanity in you to do as much for her as you have done for me, except falling in love with her when she is thirteen." "How often, when you were a girl, have you said to me, with one of your saucy looks--`Mr. Knightley, I am going to do so-and-so; papa says I may, or I have Miss Taylor's leave'--something which, you knew, I did not approve. In such cases my interference was giving you two bad feelings instead of one." "What an amiable creature I was!--No wonder you should hold my speeches in such affectionate remembrance." "`Mr. Knightley.'--You always called me, `Mr. Knightley;' and, from habit, it has not so very formal a sound.--And yet it is formal. I want you to call me something else, but I do not know what." "I remember once calling you `George,' in one of my amiable fits, about ten years ago. I did it because I

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creznd c o s te supere, dar, cum n-ai obiectat, n-am mai fcut-o niciodat. i acum, n-ai putea s-mi spui George" ? Imposibil ! Nu pot s-i spun altfel dect domnul Knightley". Nu-i promit nici s egalez distinsa conciziune a doamnei Elton i s te numesc domnul K. Dar, i promit, adug imediat rznd i roind, i promit c ntr-o zi i voi spune pe numele mic. Nu spun cnd, dar poi i singur s ghiceti, n casa-n care vom fi unii la bine i la ru. Emmei i prea foarte ru c nu putea s-i vorbeasc mai deschis despre un serviciu pe care, cu bunul lui sim, i-l fcuse, despre sfatul care ar fi salvat-o de la cea mai mare dintre nebuniile ei de femeie intimitatea, dorit de ea nsi, cu Harriet Smith, dar era un subiect prea delicat. Nu-l putea atinge. Numele Harrietei era foarte rar pomenit ntre ei. Aceasta, probabil, pentru c el nu prea se gndea la ea, dar Emma era nclinat s atribuie totul delicateii i unei bnuieli, uneori vdit, c prietenia lor sar fi sfrit. Ea nsi i ddea seama c n orice alt mprejurare ar fi corespondat cu siguran mai mult i c informaiile ei n-ar fi avut ca unic surs scrisorile Isabellei. Poate c i el observase asta. O durea c e nevoit s-i ascund ceva, cum la fel de mult o durea c a fcut-o nefericit pe Harriet. Isabella, cum era de ateptat, trimitea numai veti bune despre musafira ei. La nceput, cnd sosise, i se pruse cam prost dispus, ceea ce era firesc, cci trebuia s consulte un dentist, dar de ndat ce terminaser treaba asta, Harriet, dup cte credea ea, redevenise cea din totdeauna. Isabella, s vorbim pe drept, nu prea avea spirit de observaie, totui, dac Harriet n-ar fi fost n stare s se joace cu copiii, atunci iar fi dat i ea seama. Linitea i speranele Emmei crescur cnd afl c Harriet hotrse s stea mai mult, cele dou sptmni se prelungeau la o lun cel puin. Domnul i doamna John Knightley urmau s vin n august, i fusese invitat s rmn pn atunci i s se ntoarc o dat cu ei.

John nici nu pomenete de prietena ta, zise domnul Knightley. Uite rspunsul lui, dac vrei s-l vezi. Era rspunsul la scrisoarea prin care i comunica intenia de a se cstori. Emma o primi cu mna ntins, plin de dorin i nerbdare s afle ce spunea el i nu ovi deloc auzind c nu se pomenete de prietena ei. John a primit vestea fericirii mele ca un frate, continu domnul Knightley, dar nu-i place s fac complimente i, dei tiu bine c are i pentru tine o dragoste de frate, este att de departe de a i-o exprima cu floricele, nct orice alt femeie ar gsi c nu se prea ntrece cu laudele pentru ea. Dar n-am nici o team c tu nelegi greit.

thought it would offend you; but, as you made no objection, I never did it again." "And cannot you call me `George' now?" "Impossible!--I never can call you any thing but `Mr. Knightley.' I will not promise even to equal the elegant terseness of Mrs. Elton, by calling you Mr. K.--But I will promise," she added presently, laughing and blushing--"I will promise to call you once by your Christian name. I do not say when, but perhaps you may guess where;--in the building in which N. takes M. for better, for worse." Emma grieved that she could not be more openly just to one important service which his better sense would have rendered her, to the advice which would have saved her from the worst of all her womanly follies--her wilful intimacy with Harriet Smith; but it was too tender a subject.--She could not enter on it.-- Harriet was very seldom mentioned between them. This, on his side, might merely proceed from her not being thought of; but Emma was rather inclined to attribute it to delicacy, and a suspicion, from some appearances, that their friendship were declining. She was aware herself, that, parting under any other circumstances, they certainly should have corresponded more, and that her intelligence would not have rested, as it now almost wholly did, on Isabella's letters. He might observe that it was so. The pain of being obliged to practise concealment towards him, was very little inferior to the pain of having made Harriet unhappy. Isabella sent quite as good an account of her visitor as could be expected; on her first arrival she had thought her out of spirits, which appeared perfectly natural, as there was a dentist to be consulted; but, since that business had been over, she did not appear to find Harriet different from what she had known her before.-Isabella, to be sure, was no very quick observer; yet if Harriet had not been equal to playing with the children, it would not have escaped her. Emma's comforts and hopes were most agreeably carried on, by Harriet's being to stay longer; her fortnight was likely to be a month at least. Mr. and Mrs. John Knightley were to come down in August, and she was invited to remain till they could bring her back. "John does not even mention your friend," said Mr. Knightley. "Here is his answer, if you like to see it." It was the answer to the communication of his intended marriage. Emma accepted it with a very eager hand, with an impatience all alive to know what he would say about it, and not at all checked by hearing that her friend was unmentioned. "John enters like a brother into my happiness," continued Mr. Knightley, "but he is no complimenter; and though I well know him to have, likewise, a most brotherly affection for you, he is so far from making flourishes, that any other young woman might think him rather cool in her praise. But I am not afraid of your seeing what he writes."

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 Scrie ca un om de bun-sim, rspunse Emma, dup ce citi scrisoarea. Respect sinceritatea lui. E foarte clar c e de prere c eu profit cel mai mult din logodna asta, dar se vede c sper c ntr-o zi voi merita dragostea la care m socoteti deja ndreptit. Dac ar fi spus altceva, nu l-a fi crezut. Drag Emma, dar nu vrea s spun asta. Vrea s spun numai c... Prerea lui e foarte puin diferit de a mea, l ntrerupse ea cu un fel de zmbet serios, mult mai puin dect crede el i ar mrturisi dac ar putea vorbi fr ceremonie i rezerve despre asta ! Emma, draga mea Emma... Ah, strig ea i mai vesel, dac-i nchipui c fratele dumitale m nedreptete, ateapt numai ca tatl meu s afle secretul i s vezi ce zice el. Crede-m, va fi foarte departe de a te luda. El va gsi c toat fericirea, toate avantajele sunt de partea dumitale i tot meritul de partea mea. Tare-a vrea s nu devin i eu biata Emma", imediat ce va afla. Compasiunea lui pentru cei oprimai i gsete n asta cea mai nalt expresie. Ah, strig el, tare-a vrea ca tatl tu s se lase convins la fel de uor ca John c avem toate drepturile, fiind deopotriv, s fim fericii mpreun. M-a amuzat, foarte mult o parte din scrisoarea lui John, ai observat ?, unde zice c vestea mea nu l-a gsit cu totul nepregtit, c se atepta s aud aa ceva. Dac-l nelegi bine pe fratele dumitale, se refer numai la intenia de a te cstori. Nici nu se gndea la mine. Pentru asta pare s fi fost total nepregtit. Da, dar m amuz c mi-a intuit att de bine sentimentele. Cum i-o fi dat seama? Nu mi se pare c dispoziia sau vorbele mele au fost deosebite de alt dat, nct s-l fac s cread c am de gnd s m nsor. Dar cred c aa e. Probabil, zilele trecute, cnd am stat la ei, m-am purtat altfel. Cred c nu m-am jucat cu copiii aa mult ca de obicei. Mi-aduc aminte c ntr-o sear bieii biei ziceau: Unchiul pare mereu obosit acum !"

Venise timpul cnd vestea trebuia rspndit, s vad ce impresie va produce asupra celorlali. De ndat ce doamna Weston s-a ntremat destul pentru a putea primi vizita domnului Woodhouse, Emma, avnd n vedere c o discuie cu ea ar putea s-l mpace pe domnul Woodhouse hotr s anune mai nti acas i apoi la Randalls.Dar cum s-i comunice tatlui ei ? N-ar fi lsat-o inima i ar mai fi amnat dac nu s-ar fi neles dinainte cu domnul Knightley ca ea s nceap discuia cu ctva timp naintea venirii lui i el s continue dup aceea. Fu deci obligat s vorbeasc i nc pe un ton vesel ! Nu trebuia s-i sporeasc nefericirea prin tonul ei melancolic. Nu trebuia s par a considera totul o nenorocire. Cu toat buna dispoziie de care era n stare, l pregti s afle ceva

"He writes like a sensible man," replied Emma, when she had read the letter. "I honour his sincerity. It is very plain that he considers the good fortune of the engagement as all on my side, but that he is not without hope of my growing, in time, as worthy of your affection, as you think me already. Had he said any thing to bear a different construction, I should not have believed him." "My Emma, he means no such thing. He only means--" "He and I should differ very little in our estimation of the two," interrupted she, with a sort of serious smile--"much less, perhaps, than he is aware of, if we could enter without ceremony or reserve on the subject." "Emma, my dear Emma--" "Oh!" she cried with more thorough gaiety, "if you fancy your brother does not do me justice, only wait till my dear father is in the secret, and hear his opinion. Depend upon it, he will be much farther from doing you justice. He will think all the happiness, all the advantage, on your side of the question; all the merit on mine. I wish I may not sink into `poor Emma' with him at once.-- His tender compassion towards oppressed worth can go no farther." "Ah!" he cried, "I wish your father might be half as easily convinced as John will be, of our having every right that equal worth can give, to be happy together. I am amused by one part of John's letter-- did you notice it?--where he says, that my information did not take him wholly by surprize, that he was rather in expectation of hearing something of the kind." "If I understand your brother, he only means so far as your having some thoughts of marrying. He had no idea of me. He seems perfectly unprepared for that." "Yes, yes--but I am amused that he should have seen so far into my feelings. What has he been judging by?--I am not conscious of any difference in my spirits or conversation that could prepare him at this time for my marrying any more than at another.-- But it was so, I suppose. I dare say there was a difference when I was staying with them the other day. I believe I did not play with the children quite so much as usual. I remember one evening the poor boys saying, `Uncle seems always tired now.'" The time was coming when the news must spread farther, and other persons' reception of it tried. As soon as Mrs. Weston was sufficiently recovered to admit Mr. Woodhouse's visits, Emma having it in view that her gentle reasonings should be employed in the cause, resolved first to announce it at home, and then at Randalls.-- But how to break it to her father at last!--She had bound herself to do it, in such an hour of Mr. Knightley's absence, or when it came to the point her heart would have failed her, and she must have put it off; but Mr. Knightley was to come at such a time, and follow up the beginning she was to make.--She was forced to speak, and to speak cheerfully too. She must not make it a more decided subject of misery to him, by

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neobinuit i, apoi, n cteva cuvinte, spuse c dac el e de acord i i d consimmntul, ceea ce, era ncredinat, nu comporta nici o dificultate, pentru c ceea ce aveau de gnd era spre fericirea tuturor, ea i domnul Knightley voiau s se cstoreasc. n felul acesta Hartfield va mai ctiga un locatar, a crui tovrie domnul Woodhouse o iubea cel mai mult dup cea a fiicei sale i a doamnei Weston.

Bietul om ! la nceput suferi un oc puternic i ncerc s o abat de la gndul sta. i aduse aminte cum, n repetate rnduri, declarase c nu se va mrita niciodat i o asigur c, pentru ea, va fi cu mult mai bine s rmn singur i i spuse despre biata isabella i biata domnioar Taylor. Dar nu mergea ! Emma se nvrtea n jurul lui plin de dragoste i zmbea i zicea c aa trebuie i c nu trebuia s-o pun n aceeai oal cu Isabella i cu doamna Weston, care au plecat de la Hartfield i prin asta au produs o schimbare trist; dar ea nu pleca de la Hartfield, ea va fi mereu acolo, nu fcea dect s mai adauge o persoan, ceea ce era o schimbare n bine. i era sigur c el va fi mult mai fericit s-l aib pe domnul Knightley mereu n preajm, atunci cnd se va obinui cu ideea. Nu-l iubea el pe domnul Knightley foarte mult ? Nu poate s nege c-l iubea ! Pe cine consulta pentru orice afacere, dac nu pe domnul Knightley ? Cine i era de folos, cine era gata oricnd s-i scrie scrisorile, cine era gata s-l ajute oricnd ? Cine era cel mai vesel, cel mai atent i-l iubea cel mai mult ? Nu i-ar plcea s-l aib oricnd n cas ? Da, desigur ! Toate astea erau adevrate, ct se poate de adevrate. Domnul Knightley era binevenit oricnd. Ar fi bucuros s-l vad la ei n fiecare zi. Dar, oricum, l vedeau n fiecare zi, de ce s nu continue n acelai fel ?

Domnul Woodhouse nu se lsa prea repede convins; dar lucrul cel mai ru trecuse, i se dduse ideea. ndemnurile i asigurrile ei fur urmate de cele ale domnului Knightley, care, ludnd -o pe ea cu mult dragoste, se bucur chiar de o primire cald din partea domnului Woodhouse i curnd se obinui s i se vorbeasc despre asta, de cte ori se ivea ocazia. Se bucurau de tot ajutorul pe care l putea da Isabella prin scrisori care i susineau cu trie, i doamna Weston era gata ca la prima ntlnire s trateze subiectul n lumina cea mai favorabil, considernd cstoria ca pe ceva deja stabilit, n primul rnd i, n al doilea rnd, ca pe o hotrre foarte bun, fiind foarte contient de importana egal pe care aceste dou recomandri o aveau pentru domnul Woodhouse. Toat lumea era de acord c va avea loc, i cum toi aceia cu ale cror sfaturi se obinuise i asigurau c e spre fericirea lui, aproape c accept i ncepu s cread c, poate, peste un an, doi n-ar fi ru ca

a melancholy tone herself. She must not appear to think it a misfortune.--With all the spirits she could command, she prepared him first for something strange, and then, in a few words, said, that if his consent and approbation could be obtained--which, she trusted, would be attended with no difficulty, since it was a plan to promote the happiness of all-- she and Mr. Knightley meant to marry; by which means Hartfield would receive the constant addition of that person's company whom she knew he loved, next to his daughters and Mrs. Weston, best in the world. Poor man!--it was at first a considerable shock to him, and he tried earnestly to dissuade her from it. She was reminded, more than once, of having always said she would never marry, and assured that it would be a great deal better for her to remain single; and told of poor Isabella, and poor Miss Taylor.--But it would not do. Emma hung about him affectionately, and smiled, and said it must be so; and that he must not class her with Isabella and Mrs. Weston, whose marriages taking them from Hartfield, had, indeed, made a melancholy change: but she was not going from Hartfield; she should be always there; she was introducing no change in their numbers or their comforts but for the better; and she was very sure that he would be a great deal the happier for having Mr. Knightley always at hand, when he were once got used to the idea.--Did he not love Mr. Knightley very much?-- He would not deny that he did, she was sure.--Whom did he ever want to consult on business but Mr. Knightley?--Who was so useful to him, who so ready to write his letters, who so glad to assist him?-- Who so cheerful, so attentive, so attached to him?--Would not he like to have him always on the spot?--Yes. That was all very true. Mr. Knightley could not be there too often; he should be glad to see him every day;--but they did see him every day as it was.--Why could not they go on as they had done? 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 having some feelings himself which almost admitted it, he began to think that some time or other-- in another year or two, perhaps--it might not be so very bad if the marriage did take

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aceast cstorie s aib loc. Doamna Weston nu juca teatru, nu-i prefcea sentimentele cnd spunea ce spunea n sprijinul evenimentului. Fusese tare surprins, mai surprins ca niciodat, cnd Emma i vorbise prima oar despre asta, dar i se prea c va face s creasc fericirea tuturor i nu avea nici o reinere n ndemnurile ei. l stima att de mult pe domnul Knightley, nct gsea chiar c o merit pe scumpa ei Emma i era o partid att de potrivit, ireproabil n toate privinele, iar ntr-o anume privin, un punct de cea mai mare importan, era n mod special de preferat, un noroc extraordinar, nct acum i se prea c Emma n-ar fi putut face o alegere mai bun i c dnsa fusese cea mai proast dintre proaste c nu se gndise i nu dorise asta mai demult. Ci dintre brbaii care ar fi avut ndrzneala s-o cear de nevast pe Emma ar fi acceptat s renune la casa lor pentru Hartfield ? i cine, n afar de domnul Knightley, l-ar fi putut cunoate i suporta pe domnul Woodhouse att de bine nct situaia s fie convenabil ? Cnd fcea planuri cu soul ei s-o mrite pe Emma cu Frank, o problem nerezolvat mereu era ce s fac n privina domnului Woodhouse. Mereu exista aceast piedic cum s mpace preteniile de la Enscombe cu cele de la Hartfield, piedic recunoscut mai puin de domnul Weston i mai mult de dnsa, dar nici dnsul nu putea s ncheie subiectul dect spunnd: Problemele astea se vor rezolva de la sine, tinerii vor gsi o soluie." Dar acum, nimic nu era lsat la voia ntmplrii. Totul era bine, deopotriv, deschis ! De nici o parte, nu era nimic ce s-ar fi putut numi sacrificiu. Era o unire care promitea a fi fericit, fr vreo piedic real. Doamna Weston, cu fetia ei pe genunchi, lsndu-se purtat de asemenea gnduri, era una din cele mai fericite fiine din lume. ncntarea ei era sporit de constatarea c primul rnd de scufie i rmseser deja mici fetiei. Vestea fu, pentru toat lumea, o mare surpriz, i domnului Weston i se dedicar cinci minute pentru aceast comunicare. Dar cinci minute erau de ajuns ca el, cu repeziciunea minii sale, s se obinuiasc la gndul acesta. Vzu avantajele cstoriei i se bucur de ele cu aceeai sinceritate ca i soia lui i uimirea provocat de veste dispru foarte repede i nainte de a fi trecut o or ncheiat nu era departe de a crede c prevzuse asta din totdeauna. E secret, dup cte mi dau seama, zise el. Problemele astea sunt totdeauna secrete pn se descoper c tie toat lumea. S-mi spunei numai cnd am voie s vorbesc. M ntreb dac Jane nu are vreo bnuial. n dimineaa urmtoare se ndrepta spre Highbury pentru a-i satisface aceast curiozitate. i spuse vestea. Nu era ea ca i fiica lui, fiica lui cea mare ? Trebuia s-i spun, i cum domnioara Bates era de fa vestea se

place. Mrs. Weston was acting no part, feigning no feelings in all that she said to him in favour of the event.--She had been extremely surprized, never more so, than when Emma first opened the affair to her; but she saw in it only increase of happiness to all, and had no scruple in urging him to the utmost.--She had such a regard for Mr. Knightley, as to think he deserved even her dearest Emma; and it was in every respect so proper, suitable, and unexceptionable a connexion, and in one respect, one point of the highest importance, so peculiarly eligible, so singularly fortunate, that now it seemed as if Emma could not safely have attached herself to any other creature, and that she had herself been the stupidest of beings in not having thought of it, and wished it long ago.--How very few of those men in a rank of life to address Emma would have renounced their own home for Hartfield! 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. How to settle the claims of Enscombe and Hartfield had been a continual impediment-less acknowledged by Mr. Weston than by herself--but even he had never been able to finish the subject better than by saying--"Those matters will take care of themselves; the young people will find a way." But here there was nothing to be shifted off in a wild speculation on the future. It was all right, all open, all equal. No sacrifice on any side worth the name. It was a union of the highest promise of felicity in itself, and without one real, rational difficulty to oppose or delay it. Mrs. Weston, with her baby on her knee, indulging in such reflections as these, was one of the happiest women in the world. If any thing could increase her delight, it was perceiving that the baby would soon have outgrown its first set of caps. The news was universally a surprize wherever it spread; and Mr. Weston had his five minutes share of it; but five minutes were enough to familiarise the idea to his quickness of mind.-- He saw the advantages of the match, and rejoiced in them with all the constancy of his wife; but the wonder of it was very soon nothing; and by the end of an hour he was not far from believing that he had always foreseen it.

"It is to be a secret, I conclude," said he. "These matters are always a secret, till it is found out that every body knows them. Only let me be told when I may speak out.--I wonder whether Jane has any suspicion." He went to Highbury the next morning, and satisfied himself on that point. He told her the news. Was not she like a daughter, his eldest daughter?--he must tell her; and Miss Bates being present, it passed, of course, to

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rspndi desigur mai departe, la doamna Gole, doamna Perry, doamna Elton, imediat dup plecarea lui. Dar eroii erau pregtii pentru asta. Calculaser, lund ca punct de pornire momentul anunrii ei la Randalls, timpul n care va face ocolul satului i se gndeau c acum sunt deja subiectul de discuie i de mirare n fiecare familie, seara cnd se adun cu toii, dnd astfel dovad de mult perspicacitate. n general, partida era considerat foarte potrivit. Unii gseau c el, alii c ea are mai mult noroc. Unii erau de prere s se mute toat familia la Donwell i s lase Hartfield pentru John Knightley i ai si, alii erau de prere c vor fi certuri ntre servitori, totui, n totului tot, nu se ridicase nici o obiecie serioas, n afar de una care venea de la casa parohial. Acolo, surpriza nu era ndulcit de nici o mulumire. Domnului Elton i psa prea puin fa de ct i psa soiei lui. El spera numai c mndria domnioarei e acum satisfcut" i presupunea c voise totdeauna s pun mna pe Knightley, dac putea", i n problema de a locui la Hartfield, ndrzni s exclame: Poate el, eu nu !" Dar doamna Elton era ntr-adevr foarte tulburat. Bietul Knightley, bietul biat ! Trist soart pentru el ! i prea extrem de ru, cci, dei foarte excentric, avea foarte multe caliti ! Cum a putut s se lase mbrobodit ? Nu credea c e ndrgostit, Doamne ferete ! Nu se vor mai putea vedea cu el, i ce plcere era asta ! Ce fericit era s vin la ei la mas de cte ori l invitau i Dar acum s-a sfrit ! Bietul biat ! Nu va mai organiza petreceri la Donwell special pentru ea. Nu, va exista o doamn Knightley care s-i sting tot entuziasmul cu ap rece. Urta treab ! Dar nu-i prea deloc ru c o brfise pe menajer zilele trecute. i ce plan stupid, s locuiasc mpreun ! Nu va iei nimic. tia ea o familie aproape de Maple Grove care ncercase i fusese nevoit s se mute dup nici trei luni. CAPITOLUL LIV timpul trecea. mai erau numai cteva zile i trebuiau s soseasc cei de la Londra. Era o schimbare ngrijortoare i Emma se gndea ntr-o diminea la cte suprri i agitaie o s-i aduc. Atunci intr domnul Knightley i gndurile suprtoare fur lsate la o parte. Dup ce trncnir ctva timp de plcere, el tcu, apoi, cu un ton mai grav, ncepu: Trebuie s-i spun ceva, Emma. Am o veste pentru tine. Bun sau rea ? zise ea repede, uitndu-se drept n ochii lui. Nu tiu cum s-o numesc ! Ah, bun, sunt sigur ! Se vede pe faa dumitale. ncerci s nu zmbeti. Mi-e team, zise el, cutnd s par serios, mi-e foarte team, drag Emma, c tu n-o s zmbeti cnd ai s auzi. Zu, dar de ce aa ? Nu pot s-mi nchipui c ceva care i face plcere i te amuz pe dumneata poate s

Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Perry, and Mrs. Elton, immediately afterwards. It was no more than the principals were prepared for; they had calculated from the time of its being known at Randalls, how soon it would be over Highbury; and were thinking of themselves, as the evening wonder in many a family circle, with great sagacity. In general, it was a very well approved match. Some might think him, and others might think her, the most in luck. One set might recommend their all removing to Donwell, and leaving Hartfield for the John Knightleys; and another might predict disagreements among their servants; but yet, upon the whole, there was no serious objection raised, except in one habitation, the Vicarage.-There, the surprize was not softened by any satisfaction. Mr. Elton cared little about it, compared with his wife; he only hoped "the young lady's pride would now be contented;" and supposed "she had always meant to catch Knightley if she could;" and, on the point of living at Hartfield, could daringly exclaim, "Rather he than I!"-- But Mrs. Elton was very much discomposed indeed.--"Poor Knightley! poor fellow!--sad business for him.--She was extremely concerned; for, though very eccentric, he had a thousand good qualities.-- How could he be so taken in?--Did not think him at all in love-- not in the least.--Poor Knightley!--There would be an end of all pleasant intercourse with him.--How happy he had been to come and dine with them whenever they asked him! But that would be all over now.-- Poor fellow!--No more exploring parties to Donwell made for her. Oh! no; there would be a Mrs. Knightley to throw cold water on every thing.--Extremely disagreeable! But she was not at all sorry that she had abused the housekeeper the other day.--Shocking plan, living together. It would never do. She knew a family near Maple Grove who had tried it, and been obliged to separate before the end of the first quarter. Time passed on. A few more to-morrows, and the party from London would be arriving. It was an alarming change; and Emma was thinking of it one morning, as what must bring a great deal to agitate and grieve her, when Mr. Knightley came in, and distressing thoughts were put by. After the first chat of pleasure he was silent; and then, in a graver tone, began with, "I have something to tell you, Emma; some news." "Good or bad?" said she, quickly, looking up in his face. "I do not know which it ought to be called." "Oh! good I am sure.--I see it in your countenance. You are trying not to smile." "I am afraid," said he, composing his features, "I am very much afraid, my dear Emma, that you will not smile when you hear it." "Indeed! but why so?--I can hardly imagine that any thing which pleases or amuses you, should not please and

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nu-mi fac plcere i s nu m amuze pe mine. Exist un punct, rspunse el, sper c numai unul, asupra cruia avem preri diferite. Se opri un moment, zmbind din nou, cu ochii aintii spre ea. Nu-i trece nimic prin minte ? Nu-i aminteti ? Harriet " Smith ! Obrajii i se mbujorar la auzul numelui i i se fcu deodat foarte team de ceva, nu tia de ce. i-a scris cumva i ie azi-diminea ? strig el. Probabil c da, tii tot. Nu, n-am primit nimic, nu tiu nimic. Te rog, spune-mi Vd c eti pregtit pentru ce e mai ru. i e foarte ru ntr-adevr. Harriet Smith se mrit cu Robert Martin. Emma tresri, ceea ce arta c nu era pregtit, i ochii ei priveau dilatai, parc spunnd: Nu, e imposibil", dar buzele i erau nepenite. Chiar aa, continu domnul Knightley. Am aflat de la Robert Martin nsui. A plecat de la mine de nici jumtate de or. Ea se uita n continuare la el cu cea mai gritoare uimire zugrvit pe fa. Vd c nu-i place deloc, Emma, aa cum bnuiam. Tare mult a vrea s avem aceeai prere. Dar, cu timpul, ne vom pune de acord. Timpul, fii sigur, va face ca unul din noi s nceap s gndeasc altfel i, pn una alta, nici nu e nevoie s dezbatem atta subiectul sta Nu e asta, nu-i deloc asta, rspunse ea strduindu-se s fie ct mai de neles. Nu nseamn c un eveniment ca sta m-ar face, acum, nefericit, dar nu-mi vine s cred. Pare imposibil. Doar nu vrei s spui c Harriet Smith l-a acceptat pe Robert Martin ! Nu vrei s spui c i-a cerut din nou mna ! Vrei s spui c are numai intenia. Vreau s spun c a fcut-o, rspunse domnul Knightley, zmbitor, dar pe un ton hotrt, i a fost acceptat. Doamne, Dumnezeule, strig ea, i ? Apoi, pretextnd c se uit la couleul ei de lucru, pentru a-i ascunde faa, s nu lase s se vad ncntarea i amuzamentul, care, era sigur, i se puteau citi n ochi, adug: Ei, acum spune-mi tot. F-m s neleg ! Cum, unde, cnd ? Vreau s tiu tot. Niciodat n-am fost mai surprins, dar nu sunt suprat, te asigur ! Cum, cum a fost posibil ? E o istorie foarte simpl. Acum cteva zile s-a dus el la ora cu nite treburi i l-am rugat s-mi duc i mie nite hrtii pe care voiam s i le trimit lui John. I-a transmis hrtiile lui John la birou i a fost invitat s mearg cu toat familia la Astley, n aceeai sear. Voiau s-i duc pe bieii cei mari la Astley. Mergeau fratele i sora noastr, Henry i John i domnioara Smith. Prietenul meu Robert n-a putut rezista. Au trecut i l-au luat cu trsura, toi erau foarte bine dispui, i fratele meu l-a invitat la mas a doua zi, el a venit i n cursul vizitei (din cte am neles) a gsit o ocazie s-i vorbeasc Harrietei i n-a vorbit degeaba. Acceptnd, l-a fcut fericit aa cum merit s fie. A venit cu diligenta de ieri i a trecut pe

amuse me too." "There is one subject," he replied, "I hope but one, on which we do not think alike." He paused a moment, again smiling, with his eyes fixed on her face. "Does nothing occur to you?-- Do not you recollect?--Harriet Smith." Her cheeks flushed at the name, and she felt afraid of something, though she knew not what. "Have you heard from her yourself this morning?" cried he. "You have, I believe, and know the whole." "No, I have not; I know nothing; pray tell me." "You are prepared for the worst, I see--and very bad it is. Harriet Smith marries Robert Martin." Emma gave a start, which did not seem like being prepared-and her eyes, in eager gaze, said, "No, this is impossible!" but her lips were closed. "It is so, indeed," continued Mr. Knightley; "I have it from Robert Martin himself. He left me not half an hour ago." She was still looking at him with the most speaking amazement. "You like it, my Emma, as little as I feared.--I wish our opinions were the same. But in time they will. Time, you may be sure, will make one or the other of us think differently; and, in the meanwhile, we need not talk much on the subject." "You mistake me, you quite mistake me," she replied, exerting herself. "It is not that such a circumstance would now make me unhappy, but I cannot believe it. It seems an impossibility!--You cannot mean to say, that Harriet Smith has accepted Robert Martin. You cannot mean that he has even proposed to her again--yet. You only mean, that he intends it." "I mean that he has done it," answered Mr. Knightley, with smiling but determined decision, "and been accepted." "Good God!" she cried.--"Well!"--Then having recourse to her workbasket, in excuse for leaning down her face, and concealing all the exquisite feelings of delight and entertainment which she knew she must be expressing, she added, "Well, now tell me every thing; make this intelligible to me. How, where, when?--Let me know it all. I never was more surprized--but it does not make me unhappy, I assure you.--How--how has it been possible?" "It is a very simple story. He went to town on business three days ago, and I got him to take charge of some papers which I was wanting to send to John.--He delivered these papers to John, at his chambers, and was asked by him to join their party the same evening to Astley's. They were going to take the two eldest boys to Astley's. The party was to be our brother and sister, Henry, John--and Miss Smith. My friend Robert could not resist. They called for him in their way; were all extremely amused; and my brother asked him to dine with them the next day--which he did--and in the course of that visit (as I understand) he found an opportunity of

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la mine azi-diminea, imediat dup micul dejun, ca s-mi spun ce-a fcut, mai nti cu problemele mele, apoi cu ale sale. Asta-i tot ce pot s-i spun, despre cum, unde, cnd. Prietena ta Harriet o s-i spun probabil o poveste mult mai lung cnd o vei vedea. i va da cele mai mici detalii, pe care numai vorbele unei femei le pot face interesante. Noi brbaii spunem numai lucrurile principale. Totui, trebuie s spun c inima lui Robert Martin prea c se revars i mi-a spus, fr ca asta s aib vreo importan, c atunci cnd au fost la Astley, fratele meu a condus-o pe doamna John Knightley i pe John cel mic, iar el i-a urmat cu domnioara Smith i Henry i c la un moment dat era aa de mare aglomeraie c domnioarei Smith aproape c i s-a fcut ru.

Se opri. Emma nu ndrznea s rspund imediat. Dac vorbea, i-ar fi trdat prea marea fericire. Trebuia s atepte un moment, altfel o s cread c e nebun. Linitea ei l tulbur i dup ce se uit la ea cteva minute, adug: Emma, dragostea mea, ziceai c evenimentul nu te mai supr acum. Dar mi-e team c te doare mai mult dect te ateptai. El are o situaie destul de proast, dar trebuie s te gndeti c pentru prietena ta e mai mult dect satisfctoare. i sunt sigur c vei avea o prere din ce n ce mai bun despre el cnd l vei cunoate mai bine. Bunul lui sim i principiile lui sntoase or s-i fac plcere. n ce privete omul, prietena ta e n minile cele mai bune. Iar ct privete poziia lui social, i-a schimba-o dac a putea, ceea ce nseamn mult, te asigur, Emma. Rzi de mine, cu William Larkins, dar Robert Martin merit la fel de bine asta. El voia ca ea s-i ridice privirile i s zmbeasc, i cum ea reuise s-i stpneasc pornirea de a zmbi mult prea larg, izbuti s zmbeasc vesel i rspunse: N-ai de ce s te osteneti s m convingi. Cred c Harriet se descurc extrem de bine. Rudele ei sunt poate inferioare rudelor lui; n ce privete respectabilitatea caracterului, fr ndoial c sunt. Am tcut din cauza surprizei, foarte mare surpriz ! Nici nu-i dai seama cum m-a gsit vestea asta, total nepregtit, pentru c aveam toate motivele s cred c, n ultima vreme, era ct se poate de nverunat mpotriva lui, mult mai ru dect nainte. Ar trebui s-o cunoti mai bine pe prietena ta, rspunse domnul Knightley, dar eu a spune c e o fat cu fire blnd i inim slab care nu va fi niciodat prea nverunat mpotriva unui tnr care i spune c o iubete. Emma nu-i putu opri rsul i rspunse: Pe cuvntul meu, cred c o cunoti la fel de bine ca i mine. Dar, domnule Knightley, eti sigur c l-a acceptat definitiv i pentru totdeauna ? Puteam s

speaking to Harriet; and certainly did not speak in vain.--She made him, by her acceptance, as happy even as he is deserving. He came down by yesterday's coach, and was with me this morning immediately after breakfast, to report his proceedings, first on my affairs, and then on his own. This is all that I can relate of the how, where, and when. Your friend Harriet will make a much longer history when you see her.-- She will give you all the minute particulars, which only woman's language can make interesting.--In our communications we deal only in the great.--However, I must say, that Robert Martin's heart seemed for him, and to me, very overflowing; and that he did mention, without its being much to the purpose, that on quitting their box at Astley's, my brother took charge of Mrs. John Knightley and little John, and he followed with Miss Smith and Henry; and that at one time they were in such a crowd, as to make Miss Smith rather uneasy." He stopped.--Emma dared not attempt any immediate reply. To speak, she was sure would be to betray a most unreasonable degree of happiness. She must wait a moment, or he would think her mad. Her silence disturbed him; and after observing her a little while, he added, "Emma, my love, you said that this circumstance would not now make you unhappy; but I am afraid it gives you more pain than you expected. His situation is an evil-but you must consider it as what satisfies your friend; and I will answer for your thinking better and better of him as you know him more. His good sense and good principles would delight you.--As far as the man is concerned, you could not wish your friend in better hands. His rank in society I would alter if I could, which is saying a great deal I assure you, Emma.--You laugh at me about William Larkins; but I could quite as ill spare Robert Martin." He wanted her to look up and smile; and having now brought herself not to smile too broadly--she did--cheerfully answering, "You need not be at any pains to reconcile me to the match. I think Harriet is doing extremely well. Her connexions may be worse than his. In respectability of character, there can be no doubt that they are. I have been silent from surprize merely, excessive surprize. You cannot imagine how suddenly it has come on me! how peculiarly unprepared I was!--for I had reason to believe her very lately more determined against him, much more, than she was before." "You ought to know your friend best," replied Mr. Knightley; "but I should say she was a good-tempered, soft-hearted girl, not likely to be very, very determined against any young man who told her he loved her." Emma could not help laughing as she answered, "Upon my word, I believe you know her quite as well as I do.--But, Mr. Knightley, are you perfectly sure that she has absolutely and downright accepted him. I could suppose she might in time--but can she already?-- Did not

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presupun c o va face cu timpul. Dar, chiar a fcut-o ? Nu la neles cumva greit ? Ai mai vorbit i despre alte lucruri, despre afaceri, trguri de vite, semnturile cele noi, nu cumva, vorbind despre subiecte att de diferite, la neles greit ? Poate nu era sigur de mna Harrietei, ci de dimensiunile vreunui bou formidabil ! Contrastul ntre aspectul domnului Knightley i al lui Robert Martin era n aceast clip att de puternic pentru Emma i i amintea att de clar de tot ce se petrecuse cu Harriet n ultima vreme, era att de proaspt nc timbrul acelor cuvinte spuse att de apsat: Nu, sper c acum n-o s mai fiu aa de proast s in la domnul Martin", nct atepta unele amnunte care s-i arate c bucuria domnului Knightley era prematur. Altfel nu se putea. Cum ndrzneti s-mi spui aa ceva ? strig domnul Knightley. ndrzneti s crezi c sunt aa de gogoman s nu-mi dau seama despre ce mi vorbete cineva ? Ce-ai merita pentru asta ? Ah, eu merit totdeauna tratamentul cel mai bun, pentru c altul nu suport i deci trebuie s-mi dai un rspuns direct i cinstit. Eti sigur c tii precis n ce termeni se afl Harriet cu Robert Martin acum ? Sunt foarte sigur, rspunse el, vorbind foarte rspicat, mi-a spus c ea l-a acceptat i n-a fost nimic neclar, nimic ndoielnic n cuvintele pe care le-a folosit, i cred c pot s-i dau i o dovad. Mi-a cerut prerea n privina a ce se cuvine s fac. Nu tie pe altcineva n afar de doamna Goddard de la care s cear informaii cu privire la rudele sau prietenii ei. Puteam eu s-i sugerez ceva mai bun dect s se duc la doamna Goddard ? Lam asigurat c nu. Apoi a spus c va cuta s-o vad chiar n cursul zilei de azi. Sunt perfect satisfcut, rspunse Emma, cu cele mai strlucitoare zmbete, i le doresc din toat inima fericire. Te-ai schimbat simitor de cnd am vorbit ultima oar despre subiectul sta. Sper. Pentru c atunci eram proast. i eu m-am schimbat, pentru c acum sunt gata s recunosc n faa ta toate calitile Harrietei. Mi-am dat osteneala, de dragul tu i al lui Robert Martin (despre care am fost ntotdeauna convins c e foarte ndrgostit de ea), s o cunosc mai bine, am vorbit de multe ori cu ea. Probabil c ai observat asta. Cteodat chiar, mi se prea c m suspectezi de a apra cauza lui Robert Martin, ceea ce nu era adevrat, dar din cte am observat sunt convins c e o fat simpatic, neafectat, tie exact ceea ce trebuie, are nite principii foarte sntoase i i va gsi fericirea n dragostea i cldura unui cmin. Pentru multe din aceste lucruri, cred c ie trebuie s-i mulumeasc. Mie ! strig Emma, cltinnd din cap. Biata Harriet ! Se opri totui i se supuse linitit la ceva mai multe laude dect merita.

you misunderstand him?--You were both talking of other things; of business, shows of cattle, or new drills--and might not you, in the confusion of so many subjects, mistake him?--It was not Harriet's hand that he was certain of--it was the dimensions of some famous ox." 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. It could not be otherwise. "Do you dare say this?" cried Mr. Knightley. "Do you dare to suppose me so great a blockhead, as not to know what a man is talking of?-- What do you deserve?" "Oh! I always deserve the best treatment, because I never put up with any other; and, therefore, you must give me a plain, direct answer. Are you quite sure that you understand the terms on which Mr. Martin and Harriet now are?" "I am quite sure," he replied, speaking very distinctly, "that he told me she had accepted him; and that there was no obscurity, nothing doubtful, in the words he used; and I think I can give you a proof that it must be so. He asked my opinion as to what he was now to do. He knew of no one but Mrs. Goddard to whom he could apply for information of her relations or friends. Could I mention any thing more fit to be done, than to go to Mrs. Goddard? I assured him that I could not. Then, he said, he would endeavour to see her in the course of this day." "I am perfectly satisfied," replied Emma, with the brightest smiles, "and most sincerely wish them happy." "You are materially changed since we talked on this subject before." "I hope so--for at that time I was a fool." "And I am changed also; for I am now very willing to grant you all Harriet's good qualities. I have taken some pains for your sake, and for Robert Martin's sake, (whom I have always had reason to believe as much in love with her as ever,) to get acquainted with her. I have often talked to her a good deal. You must have seen that I did. Sometimes, indeed, I have thought you were half suspecting me of pleading poor Martin's cause, which was never the case; but, from all my observations, I am convinced of her being an artless, amiable girl, with very good notions, very seriously good principles, and placing her happiness in the affections and utility of domestic life.-- Much of this, I have no doubt, she may thank you for." "Me!" cried Emma, shaking her head.--"Ah! poor Harriet!" She checked herself, however, and submitted quietly to a little more praise than she deserved.

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Conversaia lor lu sfrit nu mult dup aceea, cnd intr tatl ei. Emmei nu-i prea ru. Ar fi vrut s fie singur. Mintea ei era att de agitat i uimit nct i era imposibil s stea linitit. Ar fi vrut s cnte, s danseze, s strige. i, pn cnd nu-i va fi vorbit ei nsi, nu va fi rs i meditat n singurtatea nu putea s fac nimic normal. Tatl ei venise s-i anune c James s-a dus s nhame caii pentru vizita, acum zilnic, la Randalls, i ea gsi imediat o scuz s dispar.

Their conversation was soon afterwards closed by the entrance of her father. She was not sorry. She wanted to be alone. Her mind was in a state of flutter and wonder, which made it impossible for her to be collected. She was in dancing, singing, exclaiming spirits; and till she had moved about, and talked to herself, and laughed and reflected, she could be fit for nothing rational. Her father's business was to announce James's being gone out to put the horses to, preparatory to their now daily drive to Randalls; and she had, therefore, an immediate excuse for disappearing. Se pot uor imagina bucuria, recunotina, ncntarea ei. The joy, the gratitude, the exquisite delight of her sensations Unica suprare care-i ntuneca fericirea fiind astfel may be imagined. The sole grievance and alloy risipit, singurul risc rmnea acum s nu fie mult prea thus removed in the prospect of Harriet's welfare, she was fericit. Ce putea s-i mai doreasc? Nimic, dect s-l really in danger of becoming too happy for merite mai mult pe cel ale crui intenii i judecat erau security.--What had she to wish for? Nothing, but to grow mai presus de ale ei. Nimic n-o putea nva mai bine s more worthy of him, whose intentions and fie modest i circumspect n viitor dect lecia trecutei ei judgment had been ever so superior to her own. Nothing, nebunii. but that the lessons of her past folly might teach her humility and circumspection in future. Era serioas, chiar foarte serioas n recunotina i Serious she was, very serious in her thankfulness, and in her hotrrile ei i, totui, nu putea s-i opreasc un hohot de resolutions; and yet there was no preventing a rs n mijlocul tuturor acestor gnduri. Trebuia s rd de laugh, sometimes in the very midst of them. She must laugh o asemenea ncheiere, un asemenea sfrit al cruntei at such a close! Such an end of the doleful dezamgiri de acum cinci sptmni ce suflet, ce Harriet disappointment of five weeks back! Such a heart--such a ! Harriet! Acum i va face plcere s-o vad, totul va fi o plcere; va Now there would be pleasure in her returning--Every thing fi o mare plcere s-l cunoasc pe Robert Martin. would be a pleasure. It would be a great pleasure ntiul dintre motivele ei de fericire cele mai nsemnate i to know Robert Martin. mai sincere era gndul c n curnd nu va mai fi High in the rank of her most serious and heartfelt felicities, nevoie s ascund nimic domnului Knightley. Misterul, was the reflection that all necessity of echivocurile, ascunziurile, pe care le ura ntr-atta se concealment from Mr. Knightley would soon be over. The vor sfri curnd. Abia atepta s-i acorde acum disguise, equivocation, mystery, so hateful to her ncrederea deplin i perfect pe care, cu firea ei, era gata to practise, might soon be over. She could now look forward s-o to giving him that full and perfect confidence accepte ca pe o datorie. which her disposition was most ready to welcome as a duty. n cea mai vesel i fericit dispoziie, porni mpreun cu In the gayest and happiest spirits she set forward with her tatl ei, fr a-l asculta tot timpul, dar aprobnd father; not always listening, but always agreeing to mereu ce spunea el i fcndu-se c nu observ minunata what he said; and, whether in speech or silence, conniving at lui convingere c e nevoit s mearg la Randalls n the comfortable persuasion of his being obliged fiecare zi pentru a nu o dezamgi pe doamna Weston. to go to Randalls every day, or poor Mrs. Weston would be disappointed. Sosir. Doamna Weston era singur n salon. Dar de-abia They arrived.--Mrs. Weston was alone in the drawing-room:apucar s schimbe dou vorbe despre copil, i - but hardly had they been told of the baby, and domnul Woodhouse primise mulumiri pentru vizita pe Mr. Woodhouse received the thanks for coming, which he care o fcea, cci asta era plcerea lui, cnd zrir printre asked for, when a glimpse was caught through the jaluzele dou siluete trecnd pe lng fereastra. blind, of two figures passing near the window. E Frank cu domnioara Fairfax. Tocmai voiam s v "It is Frank and Miss Fairfax," said Mrs. Weston. "I was just spun ce surpriz minunat am avut s-l vedem venind going to tell you of our agreeable surprize in azi-diminea. St pn mine i a convins-o i pe seeing him arrive this morning. He stays till to-morrow, and domnioara Fairfax s-i petreac o zi la noi. Sper c Miss Fairfax has been persuaded to spend the day ncoace vin. with us.--They are coming in, I hope." Peste o jumtate de minut erau n camer. Emma fu In half a minute they were in the room. Emma was extrem de ncntat s-l vad. Dar din partea fiecruia mai extremely glad to see him--but there was a degree of exista puin ncurctur, unele amintiri stnjenitoare. Se confusion--a number of embarrassing recollections on each salutar bucuroi i zmbitori, dar, avnd cte ceva pe side. They met readily and smiling, but with a 304

contiin, se artar cam tcui la nceput. Se aezar din nou, cu toii. Trecur cteva minute ntr-o asemenea tcere nct Emma ncepu s se ndoiasc de dorina ei, acum mplinit, pe care o simea de atta vreme, de a-l revedea pe Frank Churchill, de a-l revedea alturi de Jane. Nu tia dac i va produce plcerea pe care o atepta. Totui, cnd sosi i domnul Weston i aduser fetia, gsir imediat subiectul care s-i nsufleeasc pe toi, i Frank Churchill gsi curajul i ocazia s se apropie de ea i s-i spun: Trebuie s-i mulumesc, domnioar Woodhouse, pentru un foarte amabil mesaj de iertare pe care mi l-ai trimis n una din scrisorile doamnei Weston. Sper c timpul nu i-a schimbat dorina de a ierta. Sper c nu-i retragi cuvintele de atunci. Nu, deloc, strig Emma, foarte fericit c se fcuse nceputul, deloc, deloc. mi pare extrem de bine s te vd i s-i strng mna i s-i fac bucuria asta i personal. El i mulumi din toat inima i pentru ctva timp continu s vorbeasc foarte grav despre recunotina i fericirea lui. Nu-i aa c arat bine, zise el, ntorcndu-i ochii spre Jane, mai bine ca niciodat ? Vezi ce mult o rsfa tata i doamna "Weston ? Dar se nveseli din nou, i cu ochi rztori, dup ce pomeni despre familia Campbell, care urma s se ntoarc, pronun numele domnului Dixon. Emma se nroi i i interzise s-l mai pomeneasc n faa ei. Nu m pot gndi la asta fr s-mi fie grozav de ruine. Ruinea, rspunse el, e de partea mea, sau cel puin aa ar trebui s fie. Dar, e posibil s nu fi bnuit nimic ? Vreau s spun, n ultima vreme. La nceput, tiu c n-aveai nici o bnuial. N-am avut nici una, ct de mic, te asigur. Asta-i uluitor. O dat, eram ct pe-aci s... A vrea si fi spus. Ar fi fost mai bine. Cu toate astea, am fcut totul pe dos, foarte pe dos, i asta nu mi-a servit la nimic. Ar fi fost mai bine s-mi calc legmntul i s-i mrturisesc tot. Acum, n-are rost s mai regrei ! Am unele sperane, relu el, c unchiul meu se va lsa convins s fac o vizit la Randalls. Vrea s o cunoasc. Cnd se ntoarce familia Campbell, ne vom ntlni cu toii la Londra i vom rmne acolo, cred, pn cnd o vom putea lua cu noi, n nord. Dar acum sunt att de departe de ea. Nu-i aa c e greu, domnioar Woodhouse ? Pn azi-diminea nu ne-am vzut deloc de cnd ne-am mpcat. Nu i-e mil de mine ? Emma fu att de generoas n a-i exprima mila, nct, cuprins deodat de veselie, el strig: Ah, apropo, apoi, coborndu-i vocea i devenind grav pentru o clip, sper c domnul Knightley e bine ! Se opri, ea se nroi i rse. tiu c ai vzut scrisoarea mea i cred c-i aduci

consciousness which at first allowed little to be said; and having all sat down again, there was for some time such a blank in the circle, that Emma began to doubt whether the wish now indulged, which she had long felt, of seeing Frank Churchill once more, and of seeing him with Jane, would yield its proportion of pleasure. When Mr. Weston joined the party, however, and when the baby was fetched, there was no longer a want of subject or animation-- or of courage and opportunity for Frank Churchill to draw near her and say, "I have to thank you, Miss Woodhouse, for a very kind forgiving message in one of Mrs. Weston's letters. I hope time has not made you less willing to pardon. I hope you do not retract what you then said." "No, indeed," cried Emma, most happy to begin, "not in the least. I am particularly glad to see and shake hands with you--and to give you joy in person." He thanked her with all his heart, and continued some time to speak with serious feeling of his gratitude and happiness. "Is not she looking well?" said he, turning his eyes towards Jane. "Better than she ever used to do?--You see how my father and Mrs. Weston doat upon her." But his spirits were soon rising again, and with laughing eyes, after mentioning the expected return of the Campbells, he named the name of Dixon.--Emma blushed, and forbade its being pronounced in her hearing. "I can never think of it," she cried, "without extreme shame." "The shame," he answered, "is all mine, or ought to be. But is it possible that you had no suspicion?--I mean of late. Early, I know, you had none." XVIII "I never had the smallest, I assure you." "That appears quite wonderful. I was once very near--and I wish I had-- it would have been better. But though I was always doing wrong things, they were very bad wrong things, and such as did me no service.-- It would have been a much better transgression had I broken the bond of secrecy and told you every thing." "It is not now worth a regret," said Emma. "I have some hope," resumed he, "of my uncle's being persuaded to pay a visit at Randalls; he wants to be introduced to her. When the Campbells are returned, we shall meet them in London, and continue there, I trust, till we may carry her northward.--But now, I am at such a distance from her--is not it hard, Miss Woodhouse?-- Till this morning, we have not once met since the day of reconciliation. Do not you pity me?" Emma spoke her pity so very kindly, that with a sudden accession of gay thought, he cried, "Ah! by the bye," then sinking his voice, and looking demure for the moment--"I hope Mr. Knightley is well?" He paused.--She coloured and laughed.--"I know you saw my letter, and think you may remember my wish in

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aminte ce i-am dorit. Las-m s te felicit i eu ! Te asigur c am primit vestea cu cel mai mare interes i cald mulumire. E un om pe care nici nu ndrznesc s-l laud. Emma era ncntat i ar fi vrut ca el s continue n acelai chip. Dar mintea lui se ntoarse la preocuprile proprii, la Jane a lui i urmtoarele lui cuvinte fur: Ai mai vzut vreodat o astfel de piele ? Ce neted i ce delicat e, i, totui, nu e, de fapt, blond ! Nu poi s spui c e blond. E un ten ct se poate de deosebit, i cu genele i prul negru ! Foarte distins fa ! O adevrat doamn ! Are exact atta culoare ct ii trebuie ca s fie frumoas. Eu i-am admirat totdeauna tenul, zise Emma rutcios, dar mi-aduc aminte c, ntr-o vreme, i cutai cusur c e prea palid. ! Prima dat cnd am vorbit despre asta. Chiar ai uitat ? A, nu ! Ce mgar am fost ! Cum am putut s-ndrznesc ! Dar rdea cu atta poft, amintindu-i asta, nct Emma nu putu s nu zic: Bnuiesc c n ciuda necazurilor dumitale din vremea aceea te distrai foarte bine, ducndu-ne pe toi de nas. Sunt sigur de asta. i mai sunt sigur c asta te consola oarecum. A, nu, nu, nu ! Cum poi s m bnuieti de aa ceva. Eram cel mai nenorocit dintre nenorocii ! Nu att de nenorocit nct s-i pierzi simul umorului. Sunt sigur c era o surs de mare amuzament pentru dumneata s simi c ne neli pe toi. Poate c eu sunt cel mai mult nclinat spre o asemenea bnuial, pentru c, s-i spun drept, cred c i eu m-a fi distrat dac a fi fost n aceeai situaie. Am impresia c noi doi semnm puin. El se nclin. Dac nu semnm la fire, adug imediat, privind cu neles, cel puin destinele noastre seamn. Destinul care ne-a ajutat s ne unim cu dou fiine care ne sunt att de mult superioare. Adevrat, adevrat, zise el cu cldur. Nu, pentru dumneata nu e adevrat, dar pentru mine, da. Ea e un adevrat nger. Uite-te la ea ! Nu are nite micri de nger ? Uite cum i ntoarce gtul ! Uite-te cu ce ochi l privete pe tata. tiu c-o s te bucuri s afli (nclinndu-i capul i spunnd serios, n oapt) c unchiul meu vrea s-i druiasc toate bijuteriile mtuii. Vor fi remontate. Am hotrt s-i comand i un ornament pentru cap. Nu-i aa c va fi frumos, n prul ei negru ? Foarte frumos, ntr-adevr, rspunse Emma i vorbi cu atta blndee nct l fcu s izbucneasc de recunotin: Ce ncntat sunt c te vd din nou ! i ari att de bine ! N-a da ntlnirea asta pentru nimic n lume ! A fi trecut cu siguran pe la Hartfield dac nu veneai dumneata aici. Ceilali vorbeau despre copil i doamna Weston povestea cum i fusese puin team cu o sear nainte, pentru

your favour. Let me return your congratulations.-- I assure you that I have heard the news with the warmest interest and satisfaction.--He is a man whom I cannot presume to praise." Emma was delighted, and only wanted him to go on in the same style; but his mind was the next moment in his own concerns and with his own Jane, and his next words were, "Did you ever see such a skin?--such smoothness! such delicacy!-- and yet without being actually fair.--One cannot call her fair. It is a most uncommon complexion, with her dark eye-lashes and hair-- a most distinguishing complexion! So peculiarly the lady in it.-- Just colour enough for beauty." "I have always admired her complexion," replied Emma, archly; "but do not I remember the time when you found fault with her for being so pale?-- When we first began to talk of her.--Have you quite forgotten?" "Oh! no--what an impudent dog I was!--How could I dare--" But he laughed so heartily at the recollection, that Emma could not help saying, "I do suspect that in the midst of your perplexities at that time, you had very great amusement in tricking us all.--I am sure you had.-- I am sure it was a consolation to you." "Oh! no, no, no--how can you suspect me of such a thing? I was the most miserable wretch!" "Not quite so miserable as to be insensible to mirth. I am sure it was a source of high entertainment to you, to feel that you were taking us all in.--Perhaps I am the readier to suspect, because, to tell you the truth, I think it might have been some amusement to myself in the same situation. I think there is a little likeness between us." He bowed. "If not in our dispositions," she presently added, with a look of true sensibility, "there is a likeness in our destiny; the destiny which bids fair to connect us with two characters so much superior to our own." "True, true," he answered, warmly. "No, not true on your side. You can have no superior, but most true on mine.--She is a complete angel. Look at her. Is not she an angel in every gesture? Observe the turn of her throat. Observe her eyes, as she is looking up at my father.-- You will be glad to hear (inclining his head, and whispering seriously) that my uncle means to give her all my aunt's jewels. They are to be new set. I am resolved to have some in an ornament for the head. Will not it be beautiful in her dark hair?" "Very beautiful, indeed," replied Emma; and she spoke so kindly, that he gratefully burst out, 249 "How delighted I am to see you again! and to see you in such excellent looks!--I would not have missed this meeting for the world. I should certainly have called at Hartfield, had you failed to come." The others had been talking of the child, Mrs. Weston giving an account of a little alarm she had been under,

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c fetia nu prea se simea bine. Acum gsea c se speriase prostete, dar era ct pe-aci s trimit dup domnul Perry. Poate c ar trebui s-i fie ruine, dar i domnul Weston fusese la fel de nelinitit ca i ea. Copilul i revenise totui, n zece minute. Asta era povestea ei i l interesa n mod special pe domnul Woodhouse, care o lud foarte mult c s-a gndit s-l cheme pe domnul Perry i regreta numai c nu i-a dus gndul pn la capt. Trebuie totdeauna s trimit dup Perry, dac nu se simte bine copilul, orict de vagi ar fi semnele. Asta nu nseamn c se sperie prea des sau c trimite prea des dup domnul Perry. Era pcat, poate, c nu venise seara trecut, pentru c, dei copilul prea s se simt bine acum chiar foarte bine , ar fi fost i mai bine s-l fi vzut Perry." Frank Churchill auzi numele: Perry ! spuse el ctre Emma, ncercnd n acelai timp s prind privirile Janei Fairfax. Prietenul meu, domnul Perry ! Ce spune despre domnul Perry ? A fost peaici de diminea ? i cum mai cltorete acum ? i-a aranjat trsura ? Emma i aduse repede aminte i l nelese, i cnd ncepu s rd mpreun cu el, era evident, dup cum privea, c i Jane l auzise, dei ncerca s par surd. Ce vis nemaipomenit ! strig el. Nu pot s-mi amintesc fr s m apuce rsul. Ne aude, ne aude, domnioar Woodhouse. Se vede pe faa ei, n zmbetul ei, n ncercarea zadarnic de a se ncrunta. Uita-te la ea ! Nu i se pare c n clipa asta i amintete perfect pasajul din scrisoarea prin care mi ddea aceast informaie? C se gndete la oribila mea gaf, nu poate fi atent la nimic altceva dei se preface c-i ascult pe ceilali. Jane fu nevoit s zmbeasc de-a binelea pentru o clip i zmbetul i rmase pe fa cnd se ntoarse ctre el i zise cu o voce complice, joas, dar hotrt: Cum de poi s supori asemenea amintiri, asta m uimete. E adevrat c i-ar putea produce cteodat neplcere, dar pari de-a binelea ncntat de ele. El avea foarte multe de zis ca rspuns i era foarte plin de haz, dar Emma era de partea Janei i cnd plec de la Randalls i, n mod firesc, fcu o comparaie ntre cei doi brbai, i ddu seama c dei i fcuse mare plcere s-l ntlneasc pe Frank Churchill i l considera realmente un prieten, nu fusese niciodat mai contient de marea superioritate a caracterului domnului Knightley. Fericirea din aceast foarte fericit zi era ntregit de reafirmarea valorii lui n urma acestei comparaii. CAPITOLUL LV EMMA AVEA NCA, DIN CND N CND, UN sentiment de grij pentru Harriet, o ndoial de o clip asupra posibilitii ca ea s se fi vindecat ntr-adevr de pasiunea ei pentru domnul Knightley i ca s fie ntradevr n stare s accepte un alt brbat, de bun voie i

the evening before, from the infant's appearing not quite well. She believed she had been foolish, but it had alarmed her, and she had been within half a minute of sending for Mr. Perry. Perhaps she ought to be ashamed, but Mr. Weston had been almost as uneasy as herself.--In ten minutes, however, the child had been perfectly well again. This was her history; and particularly interesting it was to Mr. Woodhouse, who commended her very much for thinking of sending for Perry, and only regretted that she had not done it. "She should always send for Perry, if the child appeared in the slightest degree disordered, were it only for a moment. She could not be too soon alarmed, nor send for Perry too often. It was a pity, perhaps, that he had not come last night; for, though the child seemed well now, very well considering, it would probably have been better if Perry had seen it." Frank Churchill caught the name. "Perry!" said he to Emma, and trying, as he spoke, to catch Miss Fairfax's eye. "My friend Mr. Perry! What are they saying about Mr. Perry?--Has he been here this morning?--And how does he travel now?--Has he set up his carriage?" Emma soon recollected, and understood him; and while she joined in the laugh, it was evident from Jane's countenance that she too was really hearing him, though trying to seem deaf. "Such an extraordinary dream of mine!" he cried. "I can never think of it without laughing.--She hears us, she hears us, Miss Woodhouse. I see it in her cheek, her smile, her vain attempt to frown. Look at her. Do not you see that, at this instant, the very passage of her own letter, which sent me the report, is passing under her eye-that the whole blunder is spread before her--that she can attend to nothing else, though pretending to listen to the others?" Jane was forced to smile completely, for a moment; and the smile partly remained as she turned towards him, and said in a conscious, low, yet steady voice, "How you can bear such recollections, is astonishing to me!-They will sometimes obtrude--but how you can court them!" He had a great deal to say in return, and very entertainingly; but Emma's feelings were chiefly with Jane, in the argument; and on leaving Randalls, and falling naturally into a comparison of the two men, she felt, that pleased as she had been to see Frank Churchill, and really regarding him as she did with friendship, she had never been more sensible of Mr. Knightley's high superiority of character. The happiness of this most happy day, received its completion, in the animated contemplation of his worth which this comparison produced. If Emma had still, at intervals, an anxious feeling for Harriet, a momentary doubt of its being possible for her to be really cured of her attachment to Mr. Knightley, and really able to accept another man from unbiased inclination, it was not long that she had to suffer from the

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nesilit de nimeni; dar nu avu mult de suferit de pe urma acestei incertitudini. Dup cteva zile sosir cei de la Londra i, de ndat ce avu ocazia s stea de vorb o or ncheiat, ntre patru ochi, cu Harriet, deveni perfect ncredinat c, orict ar fi prut de ciudat, Robert Martin l nlocuia definitiv pe domnul Knightley i era acum idealul ei de fericire. Harriet era puin cam amrt, arta cam zpcit la nceput, dar de ndat ce admise c fusese pretenioas i prostu i se amgise singur nainte, durerea i zpceala se risipir odat cu aceste cuvinte i o despovrar de grija trecutului, dnd fru liber entuziasmului pentru prezent i viitor; pentru c, n ce privete consimmntul prietenei sale, Emma i risipise de la nceput orice team de acest fel, ntmpinnd-o cu cele mai sincere felicitri. Harriet era extrem de fericit s dea toate amnuntele despre seara petrecut la Astley i masa de a doua zi i ntrzie cu mult ncntare asupra lor. Dar ce puteau explica asemenea amnunte ? De fapt, Emma putea acum s recunoasc deschis; Harriet l plcuse ntotdeauna pe Robert Martin, i faptul c el continua s-o iubeasc se dovedise irezistibil. Dac nu era asta, Emma alt explicaie nu gsea. Evenimentul, totui, era ct se poate de mbucurtor, i n fiecare zi gsea noi motive s gndeasc aa. Se afl cine erau prinii Harrietei. Se dovedi c era fiica unui negustor, destul de bogat ca s-i permit s-o ntrein aa cum fusese ntreinut i destul de decent pentru a fi rmas mereu n umbr. Acesta era sngele nobil pe care Emma fusese oricnd gata s-l garanteze mai nainte. Probabil c era neptat, ca sngele oricrui gentleman; dar ce nrudire pregtea ea pentru domnul Knightley, sau pentru familia Churchill sau chiar pentru domnul Elton ! Pata ilegitimitii, nesplat de blazon sau avere, ar fi fost ntr-adevr o pat. Tatl nu ridic nici o obiecie, tnrul fu tratat cu bunvoin; Totul era exact aa cum trebuie, i cnd Emma l cunoscu pe Robert Martin, care fu acum prezentat la Hartfield, recunoscu ntru totul c avea bun sim i valora exact att ct se cuvenea pentru prietena ei. N-avea nici o ndoial c Harriet va fi fericit cu orice brbat bun din fire, dar cu el, n cminul pe care i-l oferea, va putea spera la mai mult, la siguran, stabilitate i prosperitate. Va fi n mijlocul celor care o iubeau i care aveau mai mult judecat dect ea, va fi destul de retras ca s fie n siguran, i destul de ocupat ca s fie mereu vesel. Nu va fi niciodat dus n ispit i nici lsat prad ei. Va fi respectabil i fericit, i Emma admise c e cea mai norocoas fiin de pe lume, pentru c a reuit s trezeasc o dragoste att de puternic i perseverent ntr-un brbat, sau, daca nu era cea mai norocoas, era a doua dup Emma nsi. Harriet, care era foarte ocupat cu familia Martin, venea din ce n ce mai rar la Hartfield, dar sta nu era un

recurrence of any such uncertainty. A very few days brought the party from London, and she had no sooner an opportunity of being one hour alone with Harriet, than she became perfectly satisfied--unaccountable as it was!-- that Robert Martin had thoroughly supplanted Mr. Knightley, and was now forming all her views of happiness. Harriet was a little distressed--did look a little foolish at first: but having once owned that she had been presumptuous and silly, and self-deceived, before, her pain and confusion seemed to die away with the words, and leave her without a care for the past, and with the fullest exultation in the present and future; for, as to her friend's approbation, Emma had instantly removed every fear of that nature, by meeting her with the most unqualified congratulations.-- Harriet was most happy to give every particular of the evening at Astley's, and the dinner the next day; she could dwell on it all with the utmost delight. But what did such particulars explain?-- The fact was, as Emma could now acknowledge, that Harriet had always liked Robert Martin; and that his continuing to love her had been irresistible.--Beyond this, it must ever be unintelligible to Emma. The event, however, was most joyful; and every day was giving her fresh reason for thinking so.--Harriet's parentage became known. 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. No objection was raised on the father's side; the young man was treated liberally; it was all as it should be: and as Emma became acquainted with Robert Martin, who was now introduced at Hartfield, she fully acknowledged in him all the appearance of sense and worth which could bid fairest for her little friend. She had no doubt of Harriet's happiness with any goodtempered man; but with him, and in the home he offered, there would be the hope of more, of security, stability, and improvement. She would be placed in the midst of those who loved her, and who had better sense than herself; retired enough for safety, and occupied enough for cheerfulness. She would be never led into temptation, nor left for it to find her out. She would be respectable and happy; and Emma admitted her to be the luckiest creature in the world, to have created so steady and persevering an affection in such a man;--or, if not quite the luckiest, to yield only to herself. Harriet, necessarily drawn away by her engagements with the Martins, was less and less at Hartfield; which

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motiv de regret. Intimitatea dintre ea i Emma va trebui s scad, prietenia lor s fie aezat pe bazele mai linitite ale bunei-cuviine i, din fericire, ceea ce se cuvenea i trebuia s fie ncepuse deja n mod treptat i firesc. nainte de sfritul lui septembrie, Emma o nsoi pe Harriet la biseric i o vzu ncredinndu-i mna lui Robert Martin, cu o bucurie att de complet, nct nici mcar amintirile despre domnul Elton, care sttea n faa lor, nu o puteau ntina. Poate c ntr-adevr, n acel moment, nu vedea n domnul Elton dect preotul a crui binecuvntare n faa altarului va cdea i asupra ei. Robert Martin i Harriet Smith, al treilea dintre cuplurile de logodnici, erau primii cstorii. Jane Fairfax plecase din Highbury i se bucura din nou de cldura cminului familiei Campbell. Cei doi domni Churchill se aflau de asemenea n ora i ateptau numai luna noiembrie. Luna octombrie fusese fixat de Emma i de domnul Knightley, cu toat ndrzneala de care erau n stare. Hotrser c nunta lor va avea loc n timp ce John i Isabella se aflau nc la Hartfield, pentru a le permite o absen de dou sptmni, pe care s le petreac la mare, aa cum plnuiser. John i Isabella i toi prietenii erau de aceeai prere, dar domnul Woodhouse cum puteau s-l fac pe domnul Woodhouse s consimt ? El care vorbea despre cstoria lor ca despre ceva foarte ndeprtat ! Cnd prima dat i se spuse, fu att de nenorocit nct crezuse c nu mai e nici o speran. Dar, a doua aluzie fu mai puin dureroas, ncepu s cread c trebuie, c nu-i putea mpiedica un pas foarte promitor spre resemnare. Totui, nu era fericit. Ba chiar era att de nenorocit nct pe fiica lui o prsi curajul. Nu putea suporta s-l vad suferind, s tie c se crede neglijat i dei judecata ei czuse de acord cu convingerea celor doi domni Knightley c de ndat ce evenimentul se va fi petrecut nenorocirea lui se va sfri, ovia, nu putea s treac la aciune.

n aceast stare de ncordare, le veni n ajutor nu vreo sclipire instantanee a minii domnului Woodhouse, sau vreo uimitoare schimbare n sistemul su nervos, ci aciunea aceluiai sistem n sens invers. Coteul doamnei Weston fu prdat ntr-o noapte de toi curcanii evident vreun ho dibaci. Suferiser i alte cotee din mprejurimi. Furtul de psri era pentru domnul Woodhouse egal cu spargerea caselor i dac n-ar fi fost sigur de protecia ginerelui su, ar fi fost mereu nenorocit i speriat n tot restul nopilor sale. Fora, hotrrea i prezena de spirit a frailor Knightley l fceau s se simt n siguran. Dar domnul John Knightley trebuia s fie din nou la Londra n prima sptmn a lunii noiembrie.

was not to be regretted.-- The intimacy between her and Emma must sink; their friendship must change into a calmer sort of goodwill; and, fortunately, what ought to be, and must be, seemed already beginning, and in the most gradual, natural manner. Before the end of September, Emma attended Harriet to church, and saw her hand bestowed on Robert Martin with so complete a satisfaction, as no remembrances, even connected with Mr. Elton as he stood before them, could impair.--Perhaps, indeed, at that time she scarcely saw Mr. Elton, but as the clergyman whose blessing at the altar might next fall on herself.--Robert Martin and Harriet Smith, the latest couple engaged of the three, were the first to be married. Jane Fairfax had already quitted Highbury, and was restored to the comforts of her beloved home with the Campbells.--The Mr. Churchills were also in town; and they were only waiting for November. The intermediate month was the one fixed on, as far as they dared, by Emma and Mr. Knightley.--They had determined that their marriage ought to be concluded while John and Isabella were still at Hartfield, to allow them the fortnight's absence in a tour to the seaside, which was the plan.--John and Isabella, and every other friend, were agreed in approving it. But Mr. Woodhouse-how was Mr. Woodhouse to be induced to consent?--he, who had never yet alluded to their marriage but as a distant event. When first sounded on the subject, he was so miserable, that they were almost hopeless.--A second allusion, indeed, gave less pain.-- He began to think it was to be, and that he could not prevent it-- a very promising step of the mind on its way to resignation. Still, however, he was not happy. Nay, he appeared so much otherwise, that his daughter's courage failed. She could not bear to see him suffering, to know him fancying himself neglected; and though her understanding almost acquiesced in the assurance of both the Mr. Knightleys, that when once the event were over, his distress would be soon over too, she hesitated--she could not proceed. In this state of suspense they were befriended, not by any sudden illumination of Mr. Woodhouse's mind, or any wonderful change of his nervous system, but by the operation of the same system in another way.-- Mrs. Weston's poultry-house was robbed one night of all her turkeys-- evidently by the ingenuity of man. Other poultry-yards in the neighbourhood also suffered.--Pilfering was housebreaking to Mr. Woodhouse's fears.--He was very uneasy; and but for the sense of his sonin-law's protection, would have been under wretched alarm every night of his life. The strength, resolution, and presence of mind of the Mr. Knightleys, commanded his fullest dependence. While either of them protected him and his, Hartfield was safe.-- But Mr. John Knightley must be in London again by the end of the

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Rezultatul acestei amrciuni fu c avnd un consimmnt att de pornit din inim, cum nu se atepta, fiica sa fu n stare s fixeze ziua nunii i domnul Elton era chemat ca, la o lun dup cstoria domnului i doamnei Robert Martin, s uneasc minile domnului Knightley i domnioarei Woodhouse. Nunta fu ca i alte nuni unde oamenii nu au chef s fac parad i lux, i doamna Elton, din amnuntele pe care le cpt de la soul ei, gsi c fusese foarte srccioas i total inferioar nunii ei Foarte puin aten, foarte puine voaluri de dantel, s le plngi de mil, nu alta ! Selina ar fi rmas cu gura cscat, dac ar fi auzit." Dar, n ciuda acestor lipsuri, dorinele, speranele, ncrederea, prezicerile celor civa prieteni care erau de fa la ceremonie, erau pe deplin confirmate de fericirea acestei uniri. Sfrit

first week in November. 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. The wedding was very much like other weddings, where the parties have no taste for finery or parade; and Mrs. Elton, from the particulars detailed by her husband, thought it all extremely shabby, and very inferior to her own.--"Very little white satin, very few lace veils; a most pitiful business!--Selina would stare when she heard of it."--But, in spite of these deficiencies, the wishes, the hopes, the confidence, the predictions of the small band of true friends who witnessed the ceremony, were fully answered in the perfect happiness of the union. FINIS

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