 was so effectually promoted by
Mr. and Mrs. Cole, that every thing was rapidly clearing away, to give proper
space. Mrs. Weston, capital in her country-dances, was seated, and beginning an
irresistible waltz; and Frank Churchill, coming up with most becoming gallantry
to Emma, had secured her hand, and led her up to the top.
    While waiting till the other young people could pair themselves off, Emma
found time, in spite of the compliments she was receiving on her voice and her
taste, to look about, and see what became of Mr. Knightley. This would be a
trial. He was no dancer in general. If he were to be very alert in engaging Jane
Fairfax now, it might augur something. There was no immediate appearance. No; he
was talking to Mrs. Cole - he was looking on unconcerned; Jane was asked by
somebody else, and he was still talking to Mrs. Cole.
    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.«
 

                                  Chapter IX.

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;
