`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.'

`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 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.

The shower was heavy, but short; and it had not been over five minutes, when in came Harriet, with just the heated, agitated look which hurrying thither with a full heart was likely to give; and the `Oh! Miss Woodhouse, what do you think has happened!' which instantly burst forth, had all the evidence of corresponding perturbation. As the blow was given, Emma felt that she could not now shew greater kindness than in listening; and Harriet, unchecked, ran eagerly through what she had to tell. `She had set out from Mrs. Goddard's half an hour ago - she had been afraid it would rain - she had been afraid it would pour