 better (that
must have been his great assistant) she might not, while she was at Abbey-Mill,
find him disagreeable. But the case is altered now. She knows now what gentlemen
are; and nothing but a gentleman in education and manner has any chance with
Harriet.«
    »Nonsense, errant nonsense, as ever was talked!« cried Mr. Knightley. -
»Robert Martin's manners have sense, sincerity, and good-humour to recommend
them; and his mind has more true gentility than Harriet Smith could understand.«
    Emma made no answer, and tried to look cheerfully unconcerned, but was
really feeling uncomfortable and wanting him very much to be gone. She did not
repent what she had done; she still thought herself a better judge of such a
point of female right and refinement than he could be; but yet she had a sort of
habitual respect for his judgment in general, which made her dislike having it
so loudly against her; and to have him sitting just opposite to her in angry
state, was very disagreeable. Some minutes passed in this unpleasant silence,
with only one attempt on Emma's side to talk of the weather, but he made no
answer. He was thinking. The result of his thoughts appeared at last in these
words.
    »Robert Martin has no great loss-if he can but think so; and I hope it will
not be long before he does. Your views for Harriet are best known to yourself;
but as you make no secret of your love of match-making, it is fair to suppose
that views, and plans, and projects you have; - and as a friend I shall just
hint to you that if Elton is the man, I think it will be all labour in vain.«
    Emma laughed and disclaimed. He continued,
    »Depend upon it, Elton will not do. Elton is a very good sort of man, and a
very respectable vicar of Highbury, but not at all likely to make an imprudent
match. He knows the value of a good income as well as anybody. Elton may talk
sentimentally, but he will act rationally. He is as well acquainted with his own
claims, as you can be with Harriet's. He knows that he is a very handsome young
man, and a great favourite wherever he goes; and from his general way of talking
in unreserved moments, when there are only men present, I am convinced that he
does not mean to throw himself away. I have heard him speak with great animation
of a large family of young
