Эмма / Emma

Robert Martin, of Abbey-Mill Farm[41 - Abbey-Mill Farm – ферма Эбби-Милл].”

The idea of it struck Harriet forcibly.

“You could not have visited me!” she cried. “No, to be sure you could not; but I never thought of that before. That would have been too dreadful! – What an escape! – Dear Miss Woodhouse, I would not give up the pleasure and honour of being intimate with you for anything in the world.”

“Indeed, Harriet, you would have thrown yourself out of all good society.”

“Dear me! It would have killed me never to come to Hartfield any more!”

“My dear! You banished to Abbey-Mill Farm! You confined to the society of the illiterate and vulgar all your life! The young man must have a pretty good opinion of himself.

“But he is very good natured,” said Harriet; “and I shall always feel much obliged to him, and have a great regard for – but that is quite a different thing from – and you know, though he may like me, it does not follow that I should – and if one comes to compare them, there is no comparison at all, one is so very handsome and agreeable… However, I do really think Mr.

“Thank you, thank you, my own sweet little friend. We will not be parted. A woman is not to marry a man merely because she is asked, or because he is attached to her, and can write a tolerable letter.”

“Oh no; and it is but a short letter too.”

Emma felt the bad taste of her friend, but let it pass.

“Oh! yes, very. Nobody cares for a letter[42 - Nobody cares for a letter. – Кому какое дело до писем.]; the thing is, to be always happy with pleasant companions. I am quite determined to refuse him. But how shall I do? What shall I say?”

Emma assured her there would be no difficulty in the answer, and advised to write it directly. This letter was written, and sealed, and sent. The business was finished, and Harriet safe.

“I shall never be invited to Abbey-Mill again,” said Harriet in a sorrowful tone.

Chapter VIII

Harriet slept at Hartfield that night. She had been spending more than half her time there, and Emma judged it best in every respect, safest and kindest, to keep her with them as much as possible just at present. She was obliged to go the next morning for an hour or two to Mrs. Goddard’s, but it was then to be settled that she should return to Hartfield.