 her. By your account, he does seem to have had some
scruples. It is a pity that they were ever got over.«
    »Not Harriet's equal!« exclaimed Mr. Knightley loudly and warmly; and with
calmer asperity, added, a few moments afterwards, »No, he is not her equal
indeed, for he is as much her superior in sense as in situation. Emma, your
infatuation about that girl blinds you. What are Harriet Smith's claims, either
of birth, nature or education, to any connection higher than Robert Martin? She
is the natural daughter of nobody knows whom, with probably no settled provision
at all, and certainly no respectable relations. She is known only as
parlour-boarder at a common school. She is not a sensible girl, nor a girl of
any information. She has been taught nothing useful, and is too young and too
simple to have acquired any thing herself. At her age she can have no
experience, and with her little wit, is not very likely ever to have any that
can avail her. She is pretty, and she is good tempered, and that is all. My only
scruple in advising the match was on his account, as being beneath his deserts,
and a bad connexion for him. I felt, that as to fortune, in all probability he
might do much better; and that as to a rational companion or useful helpmate, he
could not do worse. But I could not reason so to a man in love, and was willing
to trust to there being no harm in her, to her having that sort of disposition,
which, in good hands, like his, might be easily led aright and turn out very
well. The advantage of the match I felt to be all on her side; and had not the
smallest doubt (nor have I now) that there would be a general cry-out upon her
extreme good luck. Even your satisfaction I made sure of. It crossed my mind
immediately that you would not regret your friend's leaving Highbury, for the
sake of her being settled so well. I remember saying to myself, Even Emma, with
all her partiality for Harriet, will think this a good match.«
    »I cannot help wondering at your knowing so little of Emma as to say any
such thing. What! think a farmer, (and with all his sense and all his merit Mr.
Martin is nothing more,) a good match for my intimate friend! Not regret her
leaving Highbury for the sake of marrying
