And the return of Emma herself saved her from the necessity of trying.
Hearing her enter the house, Richard went up to meet Emma, and they sat together in the sitting-room.

This room was just as it had been in Mrs.
Mutimer's day, save for a few ornaments from the mantelpiece, which the old lady could not be induced to leave behind her.

Here customers were to be received--when they came; a room upstairs was set apart for work.
Emma wore a slightly anxious look; it showed even through her happiness.
None the less, the very perceptible change which the last few months had wrought in her was in the direction of cheerful activity; her motives were quicker, her speech had less of self-distrust, she laughed more freely, displayed more of youthful spontaneity in her whole bearing.
The joy which possessed her at Richard's coming was never touched with disappointment at his sober modes of exhibiting affection.

The root of Emma's character was steadfast faith.

She did not allow herself to judge of Richard by the impulses of her own heart; those, she argued, were womanly; a man must be more independent in his strength.