ladybabington:i do not know what your opinion may be, mrs. weston, of this great intimacy between em
ladybabington:i do not know what your opinion may be, mrs. weston, of this great intimacy between emma and harriet smith, but i think it a bad thing. how differently we feel! miss smith knows nothing about herself and looks upon emma as knowing everything. her ignorance is hourly flattery. but educating harriet will be an inducement for emma to educate herself. they will read together. emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old. she never would submit anything requiring industry and patience. i cannot allow you to be a judge in this matter, mr. knightley - you are so used to living alone, you do not know the value of a companion. well, she always declares that she will never marry which, of course, means just nothing at all. i should like to see emma in love, and in some doubt of a return. it would do her good. -- source link