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“ Oh , ” cried Emma , “ I know there is not a better creature in the world , but you must allow that what is good and what is foolish are sadly mixed up in her . ” “ They are mixed up , ” he said , “ I admit it . If she were rich , I would not mind . I would let every harmless bit of nonsense take its chance . But Emma , think how far from that she is . She is poor . She has sunk from the comforts she was born to , and if she lives to old age , she must probably sink further . Her position should win your pity . It was badly done , Emma . Badly done , indeed ! She has known you since you were a baby , and now , for the pride of a moment , you laughed at her and humbled her . And you did it in front of her niece and in front of others , many of whom will copy the way you treat her . This is not pleasant to you , Emma , and it is very far from pleasant to me . But I must tell you the truth while I can , because I am your friend . ” Before she could answer , he had handed her into the carriage , and the horses moved off . Emma had not been able to speak . She was angry , but only with herself . As the carriage went down the hill , she turned her face away , and tears ran down her cheeks . She had never felt so ashamed in her life . Mr Knightley was right : she had been cruel to a poor , good woman who had never been anything but kind to her . The next morning Emma went early to visit Miss Bates . She wanted to show by her actions that she was truly sorry , and Miss Bates received her as kindly as ever , which made Emma feel even worse . Jane was ill in bed with a bad headache and would not see anyone , and Miss Bates told Emma why . Jane had accepted the post with Mrs Smallridge , and she would leave Highbury in a fortnight . “ She decided it all yesterday evening , after Box Hill , ” said Miss Bates , with tears in her eyes . “ Mrs Elton spoke to her , and she said yes . She has been so unwell , poor dear , and we shall miss her so much . ” Emma walked home slowly , feeling real sorrow for Jane , perhaps for the first time in her life . XV . Two Secrets Soon there was sad news from Richmond . Mrs Churchill had died very suddenly . Frank’s difficult aunt , who had complained of illness for so many years , was really gone , and everyone spoke kindly of her now , as people always do . Mr Churchill was left alone in the house . Ten days later Mr Weston came to Hartfield with a strange look on his face . He asked Emma to come to Randalls at once , because Mrs Weston wanted to speak to her . Emma was frightened that something terrible had happened , but when she arrived , Mrs Weston told her a very different kind of news .
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