Emma, Volume 3, Chapter 8
Emma, still smarting from Mr. Knightley's rebuke, vows to be better, and the first step is for her to call on Miss Bates. The touch is immediate, and Emma soon learns of a major development - Jane Fairfax (with help from Mrs. Elton) has secured a position as a governess and is set to leave Highbury within a fortnight. But that's not all. It seems like Frank Churchill has left Highbury rather suddenly as well. A chat with Miss Bates is always bound to reveal more than intended about the inner workings of Highbury society, and today is no exception. As Miss Bates rattles on, let her conversation help lull you into an evening of gentle and restorative sleep.