Emma, alone with her father, had half her attention wanted by him while he lamented that young people would be in such a hurry to marry—­ and to marry strangers too—­and the other half she could give to her own view of the subject.  It was to herself an amusing and a very welcome piece of news, as proving that Mr. Elton could not have suffered long; but she was sorry for Harriet:  Harriet must feel it—­and all that she could hope was, by giving the first information herself, to save her from hearing it abruptly from others.  It was now about the time that she was likely to call.  If she were to meet Miss Bates in her way!—­and upon its beginning to rain, Emma was obliged to expect that the weather would be detaining her at Mrs. Goddard’s, and that the intelligence would undoubtedly rush upon her without preparation.

The shower was heavy, but short; and it had not been over five minutes, when in came Harriet, with just the heated, agitated look which hurrying thither with a full heart was likely to give; and the “Oh!  Miss Woodhouse, what do you think has happened!” which instantly burst forth, had all the evidence of corresponding perturbation.  As the blow was given, Emma felt that she could not now shew greater kindness than in listening; and Harriet, unchecked, ran eagerly through what she had to tell.  “She had set out from Mrs. Goddard’s half an hour ago—­she had been afraid it would rain—­she had been afraid it would pour down every moment—­but she thought she might get to Hartfield first—­she had hurried on as fast as possible; but then, as she was passing by the house where a young woman was making up a gown for her, she thought she would just step in and see how it went on; and though she did not seem to stay half a moment there, soon after she came out it began to rain, and she did not know what to do; so she ran on directly, as fast as she could, and took shelter at Ford’s.”—­Ford’s was the principal woollen-draper, linen-draper, and haberdasher’s shop united; the shop first in size and fashion in the place.—­“And so, there she had set, without an idea of any thing in the world, full ten minutes, perhaps—­when, all of a sudden, who should come in—­ to be sure it was so very odd!—­but they always dealt at Ford’s—­ who should come in, but Elizabeth Martin and her brother!—­ Dear Miss Woodhouse! only think.  I thought I should have fainted.  I did not know what to do.  I was sitting near the door—­Elizabeth saw me directly; but he did not; he was busy with the umbrella.  I am sure she saw me, but she looked away directly, and took no notice; and they both went to quite the farther end of the shop; and I kept sitting near the door!—­Oh! dear; I was so miserable!  I am sure I must have been as white as my gown.  I could not go away you know, because of the rain; but I did so wish myself anywhere in the world but there.—­Oh! dear, Miss Woodhouse—­well, at last, I fancy, he looked round and saw me; for instead of going on with her buyings, they began whispering