; and when she stoops to be disagreeable, it is equally to be
recommended as a clearer of ill-fame. Mrs. Churchill, after being disliked at
least twenty-five years, was now spoken of with compassionate allowances. In one
point she was fully justified. She had never been admitted before to be
seriously ill. The event acquitted her of all the fancifulness, and all the
selfishness of imaginary complaints.
    »Poor Mrs. Churchill! no doubt she had been suffering a great deal: more
than any body had ever supposed - and continual pain would try the temper. It
was a sad event - a great shock - with all her faults, what would Mr. Churchill
do without her? Mr. Churchill's loss would be dreadful indeed. Mr. Churchill
would never get over it«. - Even Mr. Weston shook his head, and looked solemn,
and said, »Ah! poor woman, who would have thought it!« and resolved, that his
mourning should be as handsome as possible; and his wife sat sighing and
moralizing over her broad hems with a commiseration and good sense, true and
steady. How it would affect Frank was among the earliest thoughts of both. It
was also a very early speculation with Emma. The character of Mrs. Churchill,
the grief of her husband - her mind glanced over them both with awe and
compassion - and then rested with lightened feelings on how Frank might be
affected by the event, how benefited, how freed. She saw in a moment all the
possible good. Now, an attachment to Harriet Smith would have nothing to
encounter. Mr. Churchill, independent of his wife, was feared by nobody; an
easy, guidable man, to be persuaded into any thing by his nephew. All that
remained to be wished was, that the nephew should form the attachment, as, with
all her good will in the cause, Emma could feel no certainty of its being
already formed.
    Harriet behaved extremely well on the occasion, with great self-command.
Whatever she might feel of brighter hope, she betrayed nothing. Emma was
gratified, to observe such a proof in her of strengthened character, and
refrained from any allusion that might endanger its maintenance. They spoke,
therefore, of Mrs. Churchill's death with mutual forbearance.
    Short letters from Frank were received at Randall's, communicating all that
was immediately important of their state and plans. Mr. Churchill was better
than could be expected; and their first removal, on the departure of the funeral
for Yorkshire, was to be
