. Elton's being a remarkably
handsome man, with most agreeable manners; and as she had no hesitation in
following up the assurance of his admiration, by agreeable hints, she was soon
pretty confident of creating as much liking on Harriet's side, as there could be
any occasion for. She was quite convinced of Mr. Elton's being in the fairest
way of falling in love, if not in love already. She had no scruple with regard
to him. He talked of Harriet, and praised her so warmly, that she could not
suppose any thing wanting which a little time would not add. His perception of
the striking improvement of Harriet's manner, since her introduction at
Hartfield, was not one of the least agreeable 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 only wanted
drawing out, and receiving a few, very few hints. She had all the natural grace
of sweetness of temper and artlessness in herself. I have done very little.«
    »If it were admissible to contradict a lady,« said the gallant Mr. Elton -
    »I have perhaps given her a little more decision of character, have taught
her to think on points which had not fallen in her way before.«
    »Exactly so; that is what principally strikes me. So much superadded
decision of character! Skilful has been the hand.«
    »Great has been the pleasure, I am sure. I never met with a disposition more
truly amiable.«
    »I have no doubt of it.« And it was spoken with a sort of sighing animation,
which had a vast deal of the lover. She was not less pleased another day with
the manner in which he seconded a sudden wish of her's, to have Harriet's
picture.
    »Did you ever have your likeness taken, Harriet?« said she: »Did you ever
sit for your picture?«
    Harriet was on the point of leaving the room, and only stopt to say, with a
very interesting naïveté,
    »Oh! dear, no, never.«
    No sooner was she out of sight, than Emma exclaimed,
    »What an exquisite possession a good picture of her would be! I would give
any money for
