CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Emma was delighted that Mr Knightley shared her opinion about the Eltons. Later in the evening, she spoke with Harriet. Emma realized that Harriet could see Mr Elton's true character, and she was no longer in love with him. Late in the night, Harriet and Frank Churchill arrived at the Woodhouses arm in arm. Harriet looked frightened, and he was trying to calm her. Emma was soon told the story of Harriet's awful walk home from the dance.

The night of the dance, Harriet and a friend were walking home. It was rather dark, and difficult to see the road. A child came to them begging for money. Harriet's friend was frightened and ran off. Harriet ran after her, but could not follow. Immediately, six other children surrounded poor Harriet, asking for money. They then attacked her, grabbing for her purse of money. Soon, Frank Churchill came by. She was terrified and crying. He thought Emma could calm her down, so he brought her to the Woodhouses.

Within half an hour, everyone in Highbury knew of Harriet's story. Poor Mr Woodhouse trembled as he heard the story. It comforted him, however, that the next day, people were coming to the house to inquire about him, Miss Woodhouse, and Miss Smith (his neighbors knew that he loved visitors).

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