Эмма. Уровень 3 / Emma

Martin had been there an hour before, and finding she was not at home, had left a little parcel for her from one of his sisters, and gone away; and on opening this parcel, she had actually found, besides the two songs which she had lent Elizabeth to copy, a letter to herself; and this letter was from him, from Mr. Martin. In this letter he asked her to marry him!

Who could have thought it? She was so surprised she did not know what to do. Yes, quite a proposal of marriage; and a very good letter, at least she thought so.

And he wrote as if he really loved her very much-but she did not know-and so, she arrived as fast as she could to ask Miss Woodhouse what she should do.

“Will you read the letter?” cried Harriet. “Pray do.”

Emma read, and was surprised. The style of the letter was much above her expectation. It was a letter written by a gentleman. There were no grammatical errors; the language, though plain, was expressive, yet exquisite. She paused over it, while Harriet stood anxiously watching for her opinion, with a “Well, well,” and at last asked, “Is it a good letter? or is it too short?”

“Yes, indeed, a very good letter,” replied Emma rather slowly, “so good a letter, Harriet, that I think one of his sisters must have helped him.

I can hardly imagine the young man whom I saw talking with you the other day could express himself so well. No doubt he is a sensible man, and no doubt it is easier for him to talk with his pen rather than his tongue. It is so with some men. A better written letter, Harriet (returning it,) than I had expected.”

“Well,” said the still waiting Harriet; “well-and-and what shall I do?”

“But what are you in doubt of? You must answer it of course-and speedily.”

“Yes. But what shall I say? Dear Miss Woodhouse, do advise me.”

“Oh no, no! the letter had much better be all your own. You will express yourself very properly, I am sure, you need not pretend to be sorry to disappoint him.

”

“You think I ought to refuse him then,” said Harriet, looking down.

“Ought to refuse him! My dear Harriet, what do you mean? Are you in any doubt as to that? I thought-but I beg your pardon, perhaps I have been under a mistake. I certainly have been misunderstanding you. I had imagined you were consulting me only as to the wording of it[39 - as to the wording of it – какие слова здесь выбрать].”

Harriet was silent.