Brief Look at Emma by Jane Austen

Brief Look at Emma by Jane Austen

Mr. Frank Churchill was one of the boasts of Highbury, and a lively curiosity to see him prevailed, though the compliment was so little returned that he had never been there in his life.

Now was the time for Mr Frank Churchill to come among them; and the hope strengthened when it was understood that he had written to his new mother on the occasion.

"I suppose you have heard of the handsome letter Mr Frank Churchill has written to Mrs Weston?

Now, it so happened that in spite of Emma's resolution of never marrying, there was something in the name, in the idea of Mr Frank Churchill, which always interested her.

Emma spoke with a very proper degree of pleasure; and fully assented to his proposition of Mr Frank Churchill and Miss Smith making their party quite complete.

Then turning to Isabella, who had not been attending before -- "You must know, my dear Mrs Knightley, that we are by no means so sure of seeing Mr Frank Churchill, in my opinion, as his father thinks.

Emma, in good spirits too, from the amusement afforded her mind by the expectation of Mr Frank Churchill, was willing to forget his late improprieties, and be as well satisfied with him as before, and on his making Harriet his very first subject, was ready to listen with most friendly smiles.

Mr Frank Churchill did not come.

Emma was not at this time in a state of spirits to care really about Mr Frank Churchill's not coming, except as a disappointment at Randalls.

What has Mr Frank Churchill done, to make you suppose him such an unnatural creature?"

If Frank Churchill had wanted to see his father, he would have contrived it between September and January.

It is Frank Churchill's duty to pay this attention to his father.

Mr Frank Churchill to be making such a speech as that to the uncle and aunt, who have brought him up, and are to provide for him! -- Standing up in the middle of the room, I suppose, and speaking as loud as he could! -- How can you imagine such conduct practicable?"

I can imagine, that if you, as you are, Mr Knightley, were to be transported and placed all at once in Mr Frank Churchill's situation, you would be able to say and do just what you have been recommending for him; and it might have a very good effect.