“Very likely,” said Emma—­“nothing more likely.  I know no man more likely than Mr. Knightley to do the sort of thing—­to do any thing really good-natured, useful, considerate, or benevolent.  He is not a gallant man, but he is a very humane one; and this, considering Jane Fairfax’s ill-health, would appear a case of humanity to him;—­and for an act of unostentatious kindness, there is nobody whom I would fix on more than on Mr. Knightley.  I know he had horses to-day—­for we arrived together; and I laughed at him about it, but he said not a word that could betray.”

“Well,” said Mrs. Weston, smiling, “you give him credit for more simple, disinterested benevolence in this instance than I do; for while Miss Bates was speaking, a suspicion darted into my head, and I have never been able to get it out again.  The more I think of it, the more probable it appears.  In short, I have made a match between Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax.  See the consequence of keeping you company!—­What do you say to it?”

“Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax!” exclaimed Emma.  “Dear Mrs. Weston, how could you think of such a thing?—­Mr. Knightley!—­Mr. Knightley must not marry!—­You would not have little Henry cut out from Donwell?—­ Oh! no, no, Henry must have Donwell.  I cannot at all consent to Mr. Knightley’s marrying; and I am sure it is not at all likely.  I am amazed that you should think of such a thing.”

“My dear Emma, I have told you what led me to think of it.  I do not want the match—­I do not want to injure dear little Henry—­ but the idea has been given me by circumstances; and if Mr. Knightley really wished to marry, you would not have him refrain on Henry’s account, a boy of six years old, who knows nothing of the matter?”

“Yes, I would.  I could not bear to have Henry supplanted.—­ Mr. Knightley marry!—­No, I have never had such an idea, and I cannot adopt it now.  And Jane Fairfax, too, of all women!”

“Nay, she has always been a first favourite with him, as you very well know.”

“But the imprudence of such a match!”

“I am not speaking of its prudence; merely its probability.”

“I see no probability in it, unless you have any better foundation than what you mention.  His good-nature, his humanity, as I tell you, would be quite enough to account for the horses.  He has a great regard for the Bateses, you know, independent of Jane Fairfax—­ and is always glad to shew them attention.  My dear Mrs. Weston, do not take to match-making.  You do it very ill.  Jane Fairfax mistress of the Abbey!—­Oh! no, no;—­every feeling revolts.  For his own sake, I would not have him do so mad a thing.”

“Imprudent, if you please—­but not mad.  Excepting inequality of fortune, and perhaps a little disparity of age, I can see nothing unsuitable.”

“But Mr. Knightley does not want to marry.  I am sure he has not the least idea of it.  Do not put it into his head.  Why should he marry?—­ He is as happy as possible by himself; with his farm, and his sheep, and his library, and all the parish to manage; and he is extremely fond of his brother’s children.  He has no occasion to marry, either to fill up his time or his heart.”