Sometimes Mr.Elton predominated, sometimes the Martins; and each was occasionally useful as a check to the other.

Mr.Elton's engagement had been the cure of the agitation of meeting Mr.Martin.The unhappiness produced by the knowledge of that engagement had been a little put aside by Elizabeth Martin's calling at Mrs.Goddard's a few days afterwards.

Harriet had not been at home; but a note had been prepared and left for her, written in the very style to touch; a small mixture of reproach, with a great deal of kindness; and till Mr.Elton himself appeared, she had been much occupied by it, continually pondering over what could be done in return, and wishing to do more than she dared to confess.

But Mr.Elton, in person, had driven away all such cares.

While he staid, the Martins were forgotten; and on the very morning of his setting off for Bath again, Emma, to dissipate some of the distress it occasioned, judged it best for her to return Elizabeth Martin's visit.
How that visit was to be acknowledged--what would be necessary--and what might be safest, had been a point of some doubtful consideration.
Absolute neglect of the mother and sisters, when invited to come, would be ingratitude.