爱玛 23~26

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Harriet arrived at Abbey-Mill, the Martin’s farm; although, Emma decided the visit would be only fifteen minutes long. She was fearful and curious about the visit. The visit was painful for Harriet- She remembered the pleasant times she had at the Martins'. She had visited many times the summer before, Mrs. Martin commented that Harriet had grown, which reminded them all of the summer before, when she was measured with her two friends by the window. Mr- Martin had measured her, although he was not present for this painful visit. They all remembered the day, the hour, the same content feeling of that time- Just then, Emma’s carriage returned, fourteen minutes after Harriet arrived.
Emma wished the Martins were members of her high society, but they were not, so how could Harriet many someone of such low class? Impossible! Harriet must separate from them, but this separation was quite painful for Harriet. Emma, as well, was in pain; she was hurt from the guilt she felt over Harriet’s love for Mr- Elton-
When they returned to the Woodhouse home, the Westons were there for a visit. Mr- Weston was particularly joyful with news that his son, Mr. Frank Churchill, would come tomorrow for a two-week visit.
“We shall enjoy him completely； everything has turned out exactly as we could wish,” Mr. Weston announced, content.
The next day, Emma went on an afternoon walk. When she returned, she saw two gentlemen sitting with her father —Mr. Weston and his son, the famous Mr. Frank Churchill. He was a very good-looking young man, and she immediately liked him- He was interested in talking to her; Emma was certain that he came to meet her- He was pleased with his father's home, and with Highbury.
“My father marriage to Mrs- Weston was a wise decision he told the Woodhouses. He seemed pleased with his new mother.
Emma noticed Mr. Weston glance at Emma and his son with a happy expression, Emma was quite pleased with meeting Mr. Churchill. They said goodbye politely, as he had to visit Miss Jane Fairfax, whom he had met in Weymouth, while she was vacationing there with the Campbells,


CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The next morning, Mr. Frank Churchill returned. He came with Mrs. Weston, who he was rather fond of- The three took a walk around Highbury, and Mr, Churchill was delighted with everything.
“ How was your visit to the Bates' home? How did you think Miss Fairfax is looking?" Emma asked.
“ill, very ill,” Frank Churchill responded.
Emma did not agree, "She is so graceful with such lovely skin."
He listened, but believed she looked ill with such a pale face; he thought she looked quite sick.
“ Did you often see Miss Fairfax while in Weymouth?” Emma asked.
"I saw her frequently at Weymouth. Colonel Campbell is an honest man, and Mrs. Campbell is warm-hearted. I like them all.''
"Do you know about Miss Fairfax's situation in life, that she must soon find work and. leave the Campbells-"
"Yes, I do,” Frank Churchill replied, looking upset.
“ Miss Fairfax is rather quiet. I have known her from childhood, but know nothing about her.'
Yes, how unpleasant. One cannot love such a reserved person."
"A friendship between Miss Fairfax and me is impossible; she never gives her opinion on any subject."
He agreed with her completely. Emma felt she knew him quite well, although this was only their second meeting.


CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The next morning, Emma heard that Frank Churchill had returned to London for a hair cut, which seemed rather strange, but Emma still had a very good opinion about Mr Churchill- Other than this strange behavior, she was quite pleased with his visit. However, Mr. Geoge Knightley's attitudes towards Mr Churchill were not as kind. Emma heard him say to himself, “ I knew he was just a foolish young man," after everyone found out about Mr Churchill's short departure for nothing but a haircut.
That day, it was announced that the Woodhouses neighbours, the Coles, were having a dinner party soon. Emma decided she would not attend the party, although she had not received an invitation, which she thought rather strange. Her father never dined outside their home, which was well-known in Highbury; therefore, Emma would certainly refuse the invitation. The Coles had lived in Highbury for ten years, and were very good people, but not a family of high class or fortune. Emma believed it was quite impolite that they would not send an invitation, as the Woodhouses are of high society, and should have the opportunity to refuse the invitation. Mrs. Week on reasoned that, "The Colee know you do not dine out," but Emma felt she should have the power to refuse. The Westons, Mr- George Knightley, Harriet, the Bates' and Frank Churchill would all attend the dinner party, all the highest of Highbury society. Emma was now tempted to accept an invitation, although one had not been offered.


Very soon, an invitation did arrive at the Woodhouse home. Mr. Woodhouse remarked, " Of course it must be declined. but Emma told her father she would like to go, to show respect to the family- The letter would have arrived sooner, but the Coles were waiting for the arrival of a folding screen, which they had to keep Mr. Woodhouse warm. However, Emma did not wish him to go to the party- Mr- Woodhouse often gets upset at large parties, so Emma thought he should stay at home.
"Well, my dear, you should return home at an early hour, you will get very tired," suggested Mr. Woodhouse.
“But you would not wish me to leave before I am tired, Papa?”
“Oh no, my love, but you will soon be tired. You will not like the noise of the party.”
"But, dear Mr- Woodhouse,” interrupted Mr. Weston, “if Emma leaves early, the party will end.”
“The sooner the party ends the better/* said Mr. Wood¬house.
"But this may upset the Coles- They are good people, I know you do not wish to disappoint them,” Mr. Weston explained.
“No, I do not want to hurt the Coles. Perhaps, Emma, you can stay at the party a little longer than you wish.”
“Oh yes. Papa. I have no fears at all of staying late."


CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Frank Churchill did return to Hartfield that day. She still thought he was rather silly for returning to Lon- don for just a hair cut, but he was not at all ashamed himself. The Coles' party was the following Tuesday. As she reached the Coles' home, Mr. Geoge Knightley had just arrived, and helped her out of her carriage.
“I am quite glad to see you. You are such a gentleman to help me,” Emma told him.
"How fortunate that we arrive at the same moment, now you see I am truly a gentleman
The party was rather large although, the women of less fortune and class, Miss Bates, Miss Fairfax, and Miss Smith, would arrive later in the evening- Many at the party were dis¬cussing Jane Fairfax's new pianoforte, an expensive musical instrument, which was sent to her mysteriously. Most believed the Campbells had sent it as a gift, but Jane thought someone else must have sent it. Jane knew the Campbella would have told her if they were sending such an expensive gift. As Mrs. Cole was discussing the grand instniment Emma noticed that Mr. Frank Churchill was smiling contently to himself.
“Why do you smile? said she.
Perhaps the Campbells did not send the pianoforte/ he responded with a curious smile.
“If Colonel Campbell is not the person, who can it be?"
"Perhaps Mrs. Dixon sent the pianoforte?"
"Yes, I had not thought of Mrs. Dixon. It is Mrs. Dixon,I believe.” 
Perhaps not Mrs. Dixon, but Mr. Dixon sent it."
“Yes, I am sure Mr, and Mrs. Dixon sent the present/ Emma responded confidently.
“That is possible, but perhaps Mr. Dixon sent the pianoforte alone. It is possible that after he proposed marriage to Mrs. Dixon, he met Miss Jane Fairfax and fell in love. That could be her reason for joining us in Highbury, instead of her dear friend, Mrs. Dixon and her family in Ireland," Mr. Churchill told her.
“And then, he saved her life- Did you hear of that story? Miss Fairfax almost fell overboard during a dinner party on the sea- Mr. Dixon caught her."
"I was there at the party it was alarming,^ Mr. Cliuichill explained.
"I am quite sure Mr- Dixon sent the pianoforte/ Emma decided.
I must agree with you.”
Throughout the evening, when people would ask Jane rairfax about the new pianoforte. Emma would smile to herself.
She now knew Jane's awful secret that Emma and Mr. Chuicliill shared. She spoke with Mr. Chuicliill often at the party, and was delighted that everyone present must know Mr Churchill was interested in her.
She began to speak with Mr, Cole, and when turned away. Emma noticed Frank Churchill staring across the room at Miss Fairfax.
What is the matter? * asked Emma.
"Miss Fairfax has done her hair in such a strange manner;
I must go ask her whether it is an Irish fashion."
Mrs. Weston soon joined Emma-
You know, Emma, I believe Mr. Geoge Knightley may be interested in Jane Fairfax," Mrs. Weston said with a smile.
"Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax!'' exclaimed Emma. “Mr. Knightley must not marry. I am amazed that you would think of such a thing."
"Miss Fairfax has always been a favourite of Mr. Knight-leys
 “Impossible! She has no fortune herself, and he has never wanted to marry. It would be a shameful marriage," Emma reasoned.
"I think the two would be a lovely couple. If the Camp¬bells had not sent Jane the pianoforte, it is possible Mr. Knightley sent it.”
 If he had intended to give her one, he would have told her."
After the dinner, the Coles requested that Miss Wood¬house and Miss Fairfax play music for the party. Emma began, and Frank Churchill sang with her for a song. Then, Miss Fair¬fax sang and played. Emma could not ignore that Miss Fairfax was much more talented than herself, although everyone was quite pleased with Emma's performance.
Emma noticed that Mr. Knightley was very attentive while Miss Fairfax performed. Soon enough, Emma asked Mr. Knight¬ley about the pianoforte.
"This pianoforte is a very kind gift," she began.
“Yes," he replied quickly, "but surprises are foolish. I thought Colonel Campbell had better judgment than to surprise .Miss Fairfax."
Emma then realized that Mr. Knightley certainly did not send the instrument, although she still wondered if he was interested in Jane Fairfax. While they were speaking, Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill had been singing together, which upset Mr, Knightley. 
“ That young man," said he, angrily, “ only wants to show off his own voice-"