 did not do
any of it in the same way that she used; I could see she was altered; but,
however, she seemed to try to be very friendly, and we shook hands, and stood
talking some time; but I know no more what I said - I was in such a tremble! - I
remember she said she was sorry we never met now; which I thought almost too
kind! Dear, Miss Woodhouse, I was absolutely miserable! By that time, it was
beginning to hold up, and I was determined that nothing should stop me from
getting away - and then - only think! - I found he was coming up towards me too
- slowly you know, and as if he did not quite know what to do; and so he came
and spoke, and I answered - and I stood for a minute, feeling dreadfully, you
know; one can't tell how; and then I took courage, and said it did not rain, and
I must go: and so off I set; and I had not got three yards from the door, when
he came after me, only to say, if I was going to Hartfield, he thought I had
much better go round by Mr. Cole's stables, for I should find the near way quite
floated by this rain. Oh! dear, I thought it would have been the death of me! So
I said, I was very much obliged to him: you know I could not do less; and then
he went back to Elizabeth, and I came round by the stables - I believe I did -
but I hardly knew where I was, or any thing about it. Oh! Miss Woodhouse, I
would rather done any thing than have had it happen: and yet, you know, there
was a sort of satisfaction in seeing him behave so pleasantly and so kindly. And
Elizabeth, too. Oh! Miss Woodhouse, do talk to me and make me comfortable
again.«
    Very sincerely did Emma wish to do so; but it was not immediately in her
power. She was obliged to stop and think. She was not thoroughly comfortable
herself. The young man's conduct, and his sister's, seemed the result of real
feeling, and she could not but pity them. As Harriet described it, there had
been an interesting mixture of wounded affection and genuine delicacy in their
behaviour. But she had believed them to be well meaning, worthy people before;
and what difference did this make in the evils of the connection? It
