Chapter 50Mr. Alton must now be left to his own devices. It was no longer in Emma's power to monitor his happiness or speed up his actions. The coming of her sister's family was so imminent that it became her main interest first in anticipation and then in reality; and during the ten days of her stay in Hartfield, it was not to be expected – she herself did not expect it – that she could provide the lovers with anything other than occasional, accidental help. However, they could move forward quickly if they wanted to; they have to move forward somehow, whether they like it or not. She hardly wished for more leisure for her. There are people, the more you do for them, the less they do for themselves.
Mr. and Mrs. John Hill, who were absent from Surry longer than usual, were of course more
