In general, it was a very well approved match.  Some might think him, and others might think her, the most in luck.  One set might recommend their all removing to Donwell, and leaving Hartfield for the John Knightleys; and another might predict disagreements among their servants; but yet, upon the whole, there was no serious objection raised, except in one habitation, the Vicarage.—­There, the surprize was not softened by any satisfaction.  Mr. Elton cared little about it, compared with his wife; he only hoped “the young lady’s pride would now be contented;” and supposed “she had always meant to catch Knightley if she could;” and, on the point of living at Hartfield, could daringly exclaim, “Rather he than I!”—­ But Mrs. Elton was very much discomposed indeed.—­“Poor Knightley! poor fellow!—­sad business for him.—­She was extremely concerned; for, though very eccentric, he had a thousand good qualities.—­ How could he be so taken in?—­Did not think him at all in love—­ not in the least.—­Poor Knightley!—­There would be an end of all pleasant intercourse with him.—­How happy he had been to come and dine with them whenever they asked him!  But that would be all over now.—­ Poor fellow!—­No more exploring parties to Donwell made for her.  Oh! no; there would be a Mrs. Knightley to throw cold water on every thing.—­Extremely disagreeable!  But she was not at all sorry that she had abused the housekeeper the other day.—­Shocking plan, living together.  It would never do.  She knew a family near Maple Grove who had tried it, and been obliged to separate before the end of the first quarter.

CHAPTER XVIII

Time passed on.  A few more to-morrows, and the party from London would be arriving.  It was an alarming change; and Emma was thinking of it one morning, as what must bring a great deal to agitate and grieve her, when Mr. Knightley came in, and distressing thoughts were put by.  After the first chat of pleasure he was silent; and then, in a graver tone, began with,

“I have something to tell you, Emma; some news.”

“Good or bad?” said she, quickly, looking up in his face.

“I do not know which it ought to be called.”

“Oh! good I am sure.—­I see it in your countenance.  You are trying not to smile.”

“I am afraid,” said he, composing his features, “I am very much afraid, my dear Emma, that you will not smile when you hear it.”

“Indeed! but why so?—­I can hardly imagine that any thing which pleases or amuses you, should not please and amuse me too.”

“There is one subject,” he replied, “I hope but one, on which we do not think alike.”  He paused a moment, again smiling, with his eyes fixed on her face.  “Does nothing occur to you?—­ Do not you recollect?—­Harriet Smith.”

Her cheeks flushed at the name, and she felt afraid of something, though she knew not what.

“Have you heard from her yourself this morning?” cried he.  “You have, I believe, and know the whole.”