 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
