Эмма / Emma

And as for Harriet, I will venture to say that she cannot gain by the acquaintance. She will grow just refined enough to be uncomfortable with those among whom birth and circumstances have placed her home.”

“Mr. Knightley, with all dear Emma’s little faults, she is an excellent creature. Where shall we see a better daughter, or a kinder sister, or a truer friend? No, no; she has qualities which may be trusted; she will never lead anyone really wrong.”

“Very well; I will not plague you any more. Emma shall be an angel.

”

“I know that you all love her really too well to be unjust or unkind; but excuse me, Mr. Knightley, if I take the liberty of hinting, it’s better not to speak about Harriet Smith’s intimacy.”

“Yes, of course, it is very good advice, but I have a very sincere interest in Emma. There is an anxiety, a curiosity in what one feels for Emma. I wonder what will become of her!”

“So do I,” said Mrs. Weston gently, “very much.”

“She always declares she will never marry, which, of course, means just nothing at all.

But I have no idea that she has yet ever seen a man she cared for. It would not be a bad thing for her to be very much in love with a proper man. I should like to see Emma in love, and it would do her good. But there is nobody hereabouts to attach her; and she goes so seldom from home.”

Chapter VI

Emma was quite convinced of Mr. Elton’s being in the fairest way of falling in love, if not in love already.

He talked of Harriet, and praised her warmly. His perception of the striking improvement of Harriet’s manner, since her introduction at Hartfield, was one of the proofs of his growing attachment.

“You have given Miss Smith all that she required,” said he; “you have made her graceful and easy. She was a beautiful creature when she came to you, but, in my opinion, the attractions you have added are infinitely superior to what she received from nature.”

“I am glad you think I have been useful to her; but Harriet had all the natural grace of sweetness of temper and artlessness in herself.

I have done very little. I have perhaps given her a little more decision of character.”

“Exactly so; so much superadded decision of character!”

Emma was not less pleased another day with the manner in which he seconded a sudden wish of hers, to have Harriet’s picture.

“Did you ever sit for your picture, Harriet?” said she.