爱玛 04~07

CHAPTER FOUR
soon after the dinner party, Emma encouraged Harriet to visit Hartfield often. As the two girls spent more time together, they became close friends. Emma discovered that Harriet was useful to have nearby. Emma often went on walks through town, but needed a companion in the evenings. Harriet could join her at any time. Emma still missed Miss Taylor quite a bit, but realized that Harriet could be useful to her.
Emma was curious about Harriet's parents, who were never mentioned- Emma asked many questions on the subject, but Harriet knew nothing. Harriet did not wish to know, therefore, Mrs. Goddard had not told her. At first, the two often discussed Mrs. Goddard, the teachers, and the other girls living at the school. But, after some time, Emma began to ask questions about the Martins. She knew Harriet thought they were wonderful people. Harriet loved talking about the Marlins, particularly about young Mr. Martin, 
"He had walked three miles one day to bring me some walnuts, because I told him I was fond of them!"
Harriet also mentioned that Mrs. Martin, one day, told her, “Whenever he married, he would make a good husband."
Mr. Martin had seen Miss Emma Woodhouse many times, but had never spoken to her. Emma, though, did not know him- There are many farmers that go through the town, and she does not make conversation with farmers, Emma advises her young friend that Mr. Martin is too young to marry, and should wait to marry. 
In six years, if he could meet with a good young woman in the same social class, with a little money, it would be very desirable'
Harriet is quite surprised that Emma thought Mr. Martin too young to marry. Emma advised her friend to be careful whom she marries, particularly because no one, not even herself, knows who her parents are. People may doubt if  her parents were wealthy and well-educated, like Emma.
“The misfortune of your birth ought to make you particularly careful as to your friends."
Emma thought Harriet would listen to her advice, but Harriet was grateful for the attention to her.
The next day, Emma and Harriet were on a walk when they saw Mr. Martin walking. Mr. Martin greeted Miss Wood¬house respectfully, and then smiled with pleasure at young Harriet. The two talked for a moment before Harriet and Miss Woodhouse continued on their walk.
“Well, Miss Woodhouse, what do you think of him?”
“ He is very plain, I had expected him to have better manners."
Emma then discussed the difference in manners between Mr. Knightley, Mr. Elton, and Mr. Martin. Emma thought Mr. Martin was not suitable for young Harriet. She believed Mr. Elton would make a better husband for Harriet, with a comfortable, wealthy home.


CHAPTER FIVE


“I do not know your opinion, Mrs- Weston' said Mr. George Knightley, ‘of this friendship between Emma and Harriet Smith, but I think it a bad thing.”
"How very different you and I feeL Emma will help Harriet.''
Emma is the cleverest in her family. Emma at ten years old could answer questions her seventeen-year-old sister, Isabella, could not. Harriet Smith knows nothing herself, and looks upon Emma as knowing everything .How can Emma learn anything herself?"
"Mr. Knightley, I believe I can trust Emma to make the right decisions. Where Emma makes an error once, she is in the right a hundred times."
"I have a true interest in Emma, so I worry about her new friendship with Harriet Smith,”
“So do I,” said Mrs. Weston, gently.
"She always declares she will never marry, but I would like to see Emma in love."
At the present" said Mrs. Weston, I would not recommend marriage for Emma, or Mr. Woodhouse would be so upset."


CHAPTER SIX
Emma was pleased with herself for thinking of Mr.Elton as a possible husband for young Harriet Smith. She was sure that Mr. Elton was falling in love with Harriet. as Harriet was with Mrs Elton, She thought the two would make a perfect couple. Mr. Elton remarked that Harriet's manners have improved since she met Emma.
“Emma, you have made Harriet much more graceful than before. She was beautiful before, but you have made her much more attractive.
As Harriet entered the room, Emma asked, " Harriet, have you had your picture drawn before?'
"Oh, no, never," was her reply. •
"What a priceless possession a picture of Harriet would be, I would enjoy drawing her portrait, if Harriet would allow me to.”
"Miss Woodhouse. I would love to see one of your drawings; it would be a delight to watch you draw Harriet's portrait," cried Mr. Elton-
Emma wondered why Mr. Elton was so excited about her drawing ability; she thought he should be more delighted about Harriefs portrait. However, both Harriet and Mr. Elton were eager to have a portrait drawn. Emma was talented as an artist and musician, although she was not willing to regularly study her artistic interests. She often led people to believe that her artistic abilities were better than in reality.
While Emma was drawing, Harriet was smiling sweetly; and Mr. Elton stood behind Emma, watching every line drawn. This annoyed Miss Woodhouse, so she requested that he read to the both of them while she drew.
Everyone who saw the drawing was pleased with it, particularly Mr. Elton, who defended the portrait from all unfavorable remarks.


CHAPTER SEVEN
once the portrait was complete, Emma requested that Mr. Ellon go to London to choose a frame, Mr, El¬ton was delighted to go, more excited about the journey than Emma expected. The morning he left for London, Harriet was at Hartfield to visit Emma. Soon after breakfast, she returned home, but returned for dinner. She arrived at the Woodhouses much earlier than expected. As soon as she arrived, she an¬nounced that Mr. Martin's sister had delivered a letter to her.
The letter was from Mr. Martin himself, and was a mar¬riage proposal. Harriet thought it was a well-written letter, and came for advice from Miss Woodhouse. Emma was a bit ashamed that Harriet was so pleased to receive a marriage proposal from a farmer.
"Will you read the letter?" cried Harriet.
Emma read the letter, and was surprised at how well-writ¬ten the letter was, written by a farmer. The words were strong and direct, as if he loved her very much.
Harriet was anxiously watching Emma read the letter, Well, well, is it a good letter, or too short?” was Harriet's first question.
"Yes, a very good letter; I think his sister helped him write it. I doubt Mr. Martin, a farmer, could write this well."
“Well," asked Harriet, "what should I do?”
“You should answer the letter quickly, although, his feel¬ings will be hurt, so be careful of what you say. was Emma's response.


“ You think I should refuse his marriage proposal?" Harriet asked.
“Of course. Are you still not sure about what your answer should be?"
“ No, I will refuse his proposal, but I didn't realize he liked me so very much," Harriet responded, looking disappointed-
"I believe, Harriet, that if you have doubts about this mar¬riage, then you should refuse," Emma advised her friend, seeing the disappointment on Harriet's face.
“ You think I should refuse the offer, then?” asked Harriet-
“ Harriet, you must make your own decisions, I won't advise you on this matter, but if you prefer Mr. Martin over every other man, then you should marry him. Emma paused to look at Harriet, "are you thinking of someone else you would prefer over Mr. Martin? Mr- Elton, perhaps?”
“Alright, I must refuse Mr. Martin; do you think I am right?”
Perfectly, perfectly right, Harriet! I completely approve your decision. If you had married Mr, Martin, I would never be able to see you. I have no farmer friends; therefore, I would never go to his farm to visit you,"
"You could not have visited me!” Harriet cried, “I nev¬er thought of that, I would be so upset if I could not see you.”
Soon after, Emma helped Harriet write a short letter to Mr. Martin refusing his marriage proposal. The rest of the evening, Harriet was feeling rather sad.
“I shall never be invited to the Martin home again, she repeated several times.
I would be so upset if you married Mr. Martin, I would never be able to visit you," responded Emma.
“ Now he has my letter, I hope he will not he too unhappy.”