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 delightful1 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 inclination2 being consulted in every thing.
The evening before this great event (for it was a very great event that Mr. Woodhouse should dine out, on the 24th of December) had been spent by Harriet at Hartfield, and she had gone home so much indisposed with a cold, that, but for her own earnest wish of being nursed by Mrs. Goddard, Emma could not have allowed her to leave the house. Emma called on her the next day, and found her doom3 already signed with regard to Randalls. She was very feverish4 and had a bad sore throat: Mrs. Goddard was full of care and affection, Mr. Perry was talked of, and Harriet herself was too ill and low to resist the authority which excluded her from this delightful engagement, though she could not speak of her loss without many tears.
Emma sat with her as long as she could, to attend her in Mrs. Goddard's unavoidable absences, and raise her spirits by representing how much Mr. Elton's would be depressed5 when he knew her state; and left her at last tolerably comfortable, in the sweet dependence6 of his having a most comfortless visit, and of their all missing her very much. She had not advanced many yards from Mrs. Goddard's door, when she was met by Mr. Elton himself, evidently coming towards it, and as they walked on slowly together in conversation about the invalid7 - of whom he, on the rumour8 of considerable illness, had been going to inquire, that he might carry some report of her to Hartfield - they were overtaken by Mr. John Knightley returning from the daily visit to Donwell, with his two eldest9 boys, whose healthy, glowing faces shewed all the benefit of a country run, and seemed to ensure a quick despatch10 of the roast mutton and rice pudding they were hastening home for. They joined company and proceeded together. Emma was just describing the nature of her friend's complaint; - `a throat very much inflamed11, with a great deal of heat about her, a quick, low pulse, &c. and she was sorry to find from Mrs. Goddard that Harriet was liable to very bad sore-throats, and had often alarmed her with them.' Mr. Elton looked all alarm on the occasion, as he exclaimed,
`A sore-throat! - I hope not infectious. I hope not of a putrid12 infectious sort. Has Perry seen her? Indeed you should take care of yourself as well as of your friend. Let me entreat13 you to run no risks. Why does not Perry see her?'
Emma, who was not really at all frightened herself, tranquillised this excess of apprehension14 by assurances of Mrs. Goddard's experience and care; but as there must still remain a degree of uneasiness which she could not wish to reason away, which she would rather feed and assist than not, she added soon afterwards - as if quite another subject,
`It is so cold, so very cold - and looks and feels so very much like snow, that if it were to any other place or with any other party, I should really try not to go out to-day - and dissuade15 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 interfere16, 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 hoarse17 already, and when you consider what demand of voice and what fatigues18 to-morrow will bring, I think it would be no more than common prudence19 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 liking20 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 impartially21, 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 extricated22 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 exulting23 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, amiable24, pleasing young man undoubtedly25, 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 himself off in a way that left the balance of approbation26 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 negligent27 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 astonishment28, `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 ascertain29 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 pretensions30 to judgment31 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 flakes32 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, 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 absurdity33 - Actually snowing at this moment! - The folly34 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 defiance35 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 to-morrow. Going in dismal36 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 assent37, which no doubt he was in the habit of receiving, to emulate38 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 dreaded39 being quarrelsome; her heroism40 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 dressing41, 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 lengthened42 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 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 to-morrow 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 alacrity43 and enjoyment44.
`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 perfectly45 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 praise, and he is exactly what one values, so hospitable46, 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 dining-room 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.'
约翰·奈特利太太这次回哈特菲尔德住不了几天，却成了世界上最快活的人。每天上午，她要带着五个孩子去看望老朋友；到了晚上，就跟父亲和妹妹谈她白天做的事。她没有别的期望，只求日子不要过得太快。她这次回来真是快活，一切都很圆满，就觉得时间太短。
一般说来，跟朋友相聚都是上午的事，晚上比较清闲。不过，有一个宴请，还要出门做客，尽管是圣诞节，却没法推辞。韦斯顿先生执意坚持，非要大家都去兰多尔斯吃饭不可。连伍德豪斯先生也给说动了心，认为这样也行，免得把大家拆散。
他本来还想出个难题，说大家都去车子怎么坐得下，可是他女儿女婿的马车和马就在哈特菲尔德，他那话只能算是一个简单的问题，简直没有什么疑难可言。爱玛没费多少口舌就说服了他，觉得其中一辆马车还可以给哈丽特挤出一个座位。
主人家另外邀请的客人，只有哈丽特、埃尔顿先生和奈特利先生。人数要少一些，时间要早一点。无论做什么事，总要考虑一下伍德豪斯先生的习惯和意愿。
伍德豪斯先生竟然在十二月二十四日出门做客，这真是件了不起的大事。就在这件大事发生的前夜，哈丽特待在哈特菲尔德，不想得了重感冒，爱玛本不肯放她走，可她执意要让戈达德太太照料她，便回家去了。第二天，爱玛去看望她，发现她肯定去不了兰多尔斯。她发着高烧，喉咙痛得厉害。戈达德太太疼爱不已，放心不下，说要去请佩里先生。哈丽特自觉病得浑身无力，也就认定无法去参加这次愉快的聚会，不过说起错失了良机，倒也流了不少泪。
爱玛陪她坐了好久，趁戈达德太太不得不走开时，帮着照料她，跟她说埃尔顿先生若是知道她病成这个样子，不知会有多么伤心，好逗她高兴一些。最后临走时，哈丽特心情好了许多，不由得甜滋滋地在想：埃尔顿先生去做客时会多么难过，其他人会多么牵挂她。爱玛出了戈达德太太的门没走几码远，便遇见了埃尔顿先生，显然他正朝戈达德太太家走来。原来，他听说哈丽特病得不轻，便特地赶来探问，好把消息报告给哈特菲尔德。于是，两人一边慢慢地往前走，一边谈起了那位病人。谈着谈着，约翰-奈特利先生赶了上来。他每天要去一趟当维尔，今天正带着两个大儿子往回走。两个孩子脸上红扑扑的，一看就知道跑了不少路，眼下走得这么急急匆匆，就想赶紧回去吃烤羊肉和大米布丁。两帮人合到一起，一道往前走。爱玛又说起哈丽特的病情：“喉咙一片红肿，浑身发烧，脉搏又急又弱。听戈达德太太说，哈丽特的喉咙经常发炎，痛得很厉害，一次次把老太太吓得不知所措，真让我感到不安。”埃尔顿先生顿时大惊失色，禁不住嚷道：
“喉咙发炎！但愿不是传染性的。但愿不是容易传染的坏疽性喉炎。佩里给她看过没有？说真的，你关心朋友，自己也得多加小心。我恳求你千万别冒险。为什么佩里不去看她呢？”
爱玛本人倒是一点也不害怕，只管拿话安慰埃尔顿先生，说什么戈达德太太又有经验又尽心，埃尔顿先生也不那么过于担忧r。不过，爱玛也不想说得像没事一般，还得让他担几分心，而且宁愿助K他的不安。隔r不久，她又说了一番话——像是另扯起了一个话题：
“天好冷，冷极了——让人觉得要下雪了。如果去的是另一个地方，陪的是另一家人，我今天还真不想出去呢，还要劝我父亲别冒这个险。可他早已打定了主意，好像并不觉得冷，我也就不便阻拦了，因为我知道，倘若我们真不去，韦斯顿夫妇定会大失所望。不过，你听我说，埃尔顿先生，我要是你的话，一定找个借口推辞了。我听你的嗓子已经有点沙哑了，再想想明天要说多少话，干多少活，我看你还是注意一点，今晚待在家里好好休息。”
埃尔顿先生看样子不知如何回答，实际上也确实如此。虽说他为自己受到这样一位美貌小姐的关心而感到喜不自禁，而且也不想不听她的劝诫，但他丝毫也不愿意放弃这次做客的机会。谁想爱玛心里着急，光顾着琢磨她早已想好的主意和念头，既没听明白他的话，也没看清楚他的神情，只听他喃喃地承认天是“很冷，的确很冷”，便感觉很得意，只管继续往前走，一想到这一来埃尔顿先生可以不去兰多尔斯，并能在晚上打发人每个钟头去探望一次哈丽特，心里不禁喜滋滋的。
“你做得很对，”她说。“我们会替你向韦斯顿夫妇表示歉意的。”
她话音未落，便听见她姐夫客客气气地说：埃尔顿先生若是只因天冷而不能去，完全可以搭他的马车，埃尔顿先生立刻欣然接受了他的好意。这下可完了，埃尔顿先生非去不可啦。瞧他那张宽阔而英俊的面孔，从来没有像现在这样喜形于色过；他转脸望着爱玛时，从来没有这样喜笑颜开过，两眼也从来没有这样喜气洋洋过。
“唉，”爱玛心里嘀咕道，“真是太不可思议啦！我都给他想好了脱身的办法，他却偏要去凑热闹，眼看哈丽特在生病也不管！真是太不可思议啦！不过，我看许多男人，特别是单身男人，还就愿意出去做客——喜欢出去做客——以至于出去做客成了他们最快乐的事，最爱做的事，最光彩的事，简直是义不容辞的事，别的事都要为之让路——埃尔顿先生一定是这样的人。一个极其和蔼、极其可敬、极其可爱的青年，深深地爱上了哈丽特，可他还是无法拒绝别人的邀请，不管谁家有请，他都必定要去。爱情真是个怪物呀！他觉得哈丽特又聪明又伶俐，可是又不肯为她牺牲一次宴请。”
过了不久，埃尔顿先生就与他们分手了。临别时，他向爱玛保证说，他在准备与她再次幸会之前，一定到戈达德太太府上探问一下她那位漂亮的朋友的病情，希望能给她带来点好消息；看他提起哈丽特时的神态，听他说话的口气，爱玛可以充分感受到他的满怀柔情。他叹了口气，微微一笑，那样子倒真让人喜欢。
爱玛和约翰·奈特利沉默了一会，随后约翰开口说道：“我还从没见过一个比埃尔顿先生更想讨人喜欢的人。对女人，他毫不掩饰地一味讨好。在男人面前，他头脑倒还清醒，也不装腔作势，可是一见了女人，整副面孔不知有多做作。”
“埃尔顿先生的举止并不是完美无缺的，”爱玛答道。“不过，你既然想要讨好别人，就势必会有疏忽的地方，而且疏忽的地方还不少。有的人本来没有多大能耐，但只要尽心竭力，就能胜过那些有能耐而不用心的人。埃尔顿先生脾气好，待人亲热，也算是难得。”
“是呀，”约翰·奈特利先生带着狡黠的口吻，连忙说道，“他对你好像特别亲热。”
“对我！”爱玛心里一惊，笑吟吟地答道。“你认为埃尔顿先生看上了我？”
“说实话，爱玛，我真有这样的看法。你要是以前没有意识到，现在可得考虑考虑了。”
“埃尔顿先生爱上了我！多么荒唐呀！”
“我并非说他一定爱上了你，可你要考虑一下有没有这种可能，并对你的行为作出相应的制约。我认为你的举动在怂恿他。爱玛，我是好心劝你。你最好留点神，搞明白你在干什么，打算干什么。…
“谢谢你的好意，不过你确实搞误会了。我和埃尔顿先生是很好的朋友，仅此而已。”说罢又继续往前走，一想到有的人由于对情况只知其一不知其二，而往往搞得阴差阳错，还有的人自恃精明，其实总是一错再错，心里觉得很是好笑；而她姐夫却以为她浅薄无知，需要别人指点，搞得她又不大高兴。约翰没再吱声。
伍德豪斯先生这次是打定主意要去做客，尽管天气越来越冷，他却似乎毫无畏缩之意，等时间一到，就与大女儿坐上他的马车，准点动身了，看样子对天气的关注还比不上两个女儿：他光顾着琢磨自己怎么有这般兴头出门去，心想到了兰多尔斯一定非常快活，因而也就意识不到天冷，加上又穿得暖暖和和，越发感觉不到冷。然而，那天着实冷得利害，第二辆马车刚一起动，天上就飘下了雪花，只见天空阴云密布，仿佛只要刮起一阵微风，天地间顿时就会变成白茫茫的。
没过多久，爱玛发现跟她同坐一辆车的姐夫并不是很高兴。遇到这样的天气，偏要兴师动众地出门去，吃过饭还不能跟孩子们待在一起，真让人受罪，至少令人心烦，约翰-奈特利先生说什么也不乐意。他觉得不管怎么说，跑这一趟得不偿失。因此，在去牧师住宅的路上，他一直在发牢骚。
“赶上这样的天气，”他说，“还要叫人家离开自家的火炉，跑去看望他，这种人一定自以为很了不起。他一定以为谁都喜欢他，我可做不出这种事。真是太不像话——眼下正在下雪呢！真荒唐，不让人舒舒服服地待在家里——人家本来可以舒舒服服地待在家里，却硬是不让，多荒唐啊！我们倘若有什么事情要办，非要在这样一个夜晚往外跑，那我们定会觉得这是一桩苦差。可现在倒好，明明是人人看得清、感受得到的坏天气，都知道应该躲在家里不出来，却偏要违抗老天爷的旨令，也不管身上穿得比平常还单薄，便二话不说，心甘情愿地跑出来。我们要跑到别人家索然乏味地熬上五个钟头，要说要听的每一句话，都是昨天说过听过的，而且明天还要照样说照样听。出门时天气不好，回来时也许更糟。打发四个用人，出动四匹马，就是为了把五个闲得无聊、冻得发抖的人送到一个地方，那里的屋子比他们家里还冷，那里的人比他们家里的人还无聊。”
毫无疑问，约翰·奈特利先生习惯于别人对他随声附和，可爱玛却无法向他欣然表示赞同，无法学着他以往的旅伴常用的口气，对他说一声，“谁说不是呢，亲爱的。”然而她已经打定主意，索性不搭理他。她没法附和他，又怕跟他争吵，最好的办法就是保持沉默。她任他唠叨去，一边关好玻璃窗，裹好衣服，一直闭口不语。
到了牧师住宅，马车掉过头，放下了踏脚板，埃尔顿先生立即上了车，只见他穿着一身黑衣服，风度翩翩，笑容可掬。爱玛心里一高兴，就想换个话题。埃尔顿先生不胜感激，兴高采烈。看他那客客气气、欢天喜地的样子，爱玛以为他一定得到了哈丽特的好消息，跟她听到的不一样。她先前更衣打扮的时候，曾派人去打听过，得到的回答是：“还是老样子——没有好转。”
“我从戈达德太太那儿听到的消息，”她连忙说道，“并不像我期望的那样令人满意。我得到的回答是：‘没有好转。“’
埃尔顿先生顿时拉长了脸，带着伤感的口吻答道：
“哦！是没好转——让我感到难过的是——我正想告诉你，就在我回去换衣服之前，我去了戈达德太太家，听说哈丽特小姐没有好转，一点也不见好转，反而病得更重了。我感到很难过，也很担忧——但我知道她早上吃了点提神的甜酒，还以为她该好些了。”
爱玛微微一笑，答道：“我去看望她，我想是会给她带来点精神安慰的，可是就连我也治不好她的咽喉痛。她的感冒还真是非常严重。佩里先生一直在守着她，你大概也听说了。”
“是的——我在想——就是说——我没有——”
“佩里先生常给她看这样的病，但愿我们明天早上能听到令人欣慰的好消息。不过，真没法让人不着急呀。我们今天见不到她有多可惜啊！”
“太糟糕啦！的确可惜。大家时时刻刻都会想念她的。”
这话说得倒很妥当，接着又是一声叹息，真是难能可贵。不过，他的叹息应该拉长一点。不一会工夫，他就说起了别的事情，而且是带着兴高采烈的口气，让爱玛心里凉了半截。
“用羊皮把马车裹起来，”埃尔顿先生说道，“真是个好主意。这样一来就舒服多了。采取了这样的措施，就不会觉得冷了。绅士的马车配上现代的装置，还真变得完美无缺了。人坐在里面给封得严严实实的，不怕日晒雨淋，连一丝风也透不进来。天气好坏已经完全无关紧要。今天下午天气很冷——可是我们坐在这辆马车里，却一点也不觉得冷。哈！我察觉下小雪了。”
“是呀，”约翰·奈特利说，“我看是要下一场大雪。”
“圣诞节的天气嘛，”埃尔顿先生说。“倒是挺适时的。我们可谓幸运极了，昨天没有开始下雪，不然我们今天兴许还聚不到一起呢：如果地上积了厚厚一层雪，伍德豪斯先生是不大敢出门的。不过现在没有关系了。这是朋友们相会的时节。到了圣诞节，人人都把朋友请到家里，天气再坏也不在乎。有一次我让大雪困住了，在一位朋友家住了一个星期。真是快活极了。我原来打算只住一夜，后来走不了了，住了整整一个星期。”
约翰·奈特利先生看样子好像体会不出这有什么快活的，只冷漠地说了一句：
“我可不想在兰多尔斯让大雪困上一个星期。”
若是换个时候，爱玛也许会给逗乐了，可是现在她感到大为惊讶，埃尔顿先生居然会有兴致去想别的心事。他一心只想大家凑在一起乐一乐，哈丽特似乎早被抛到了九霄云外。
“我们肯定可以享受到暖烘烘的火炉，”他接着说道，“一切都安排得十分舒适。韦斯顿夫妇是很可爱的人。韦斯顿太太真是任你怎么夸奖都不过分，韦斯顿先生正是受人器重的那种人，热情好客，喜欢交际。今天是个小型聚会，不过，如果到会的都是些谈得来的人，这小型聚会还兴许更有意思。韦斯顿先生的餐厅坐十个人倒还凑合，再多就不舒服了。要是换成我，在这种情况下，我宁可少两个人，也不要多两个人。我想你会同意我的看法。”说着满面柔情地转向爱玛。“我想你一定会赞同我的观点，不过奈特利先生可能比较习惯于伦敦的大型聚会，不大会赞成我们的看法。”
“我从没见识过伦敦的大型聚会，先生——我从没和别人一起吃过饭。”
“真的呀！”语气中充满了惊异和惋惜。“我真没想到搞法律会这么辛苦。不过嘛，先生，你的辛劳肯定会得到报偿的，到时候可以少操劳多享受了。”
“我的头一桩享受，”马车通过韦斯顿先生家的大门时，约翰·奈特利先生答道，“就是平平安安地回到哈特菲尔德。”
收听单词发音 |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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inflamed
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| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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putrid
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| adj.腐臭的；有毒的；已腐烂的；卑劣的 | |
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entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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dissuade
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| v.劝阻，阻止 | |
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interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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fatigues
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| n.疲劳( fatigue的名词复数 )；杂役；厌倦；（士兵穿的）工作服 | |
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prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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impartially
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| adv.公平地，无私地 | |
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extricated
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| v.使摆脱困难，脱身( extricate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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negligent
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| adj.疏忽的；玩忽的；粗心大意的 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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pretensions
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| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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32
flakes
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| 小薄片( flake的名词复数 )； （尤指）碎片； 雪花； 古怪的人 | |
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absurdity
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| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
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folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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emulate
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| v.努力赶上或超越，与…竞争；效仿 | |
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dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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heroism
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| n.大无畏精神，英勇 | |
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41
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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lengthened
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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44
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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45
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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