George Knightley and Mrs. Weston have a discussion—a near argument, in fact—about Emma's relation with Harriet. George is convinced that nothing good can come of it for either party. When Mrs. Weston says it will lead to Emma's reading more, his short reply is that "Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old" and that she will never subject "the fancy to the understanding." After he refers ironically to "Emma's genius for foretelling and guessing," Mrs. Weston shifts the talk to Emma's beauty, eliciting from him the statement that "I love to look at her" and that Emma's vanity lies another way than personal appearance. Mrs. Weston can see no wrong in Emma and requests and advises
George not to make an issue of the friendship between Emma and Harriet. George agrees and, in wondering what will become of Emma, recalls, "She always declares she will never marry." Mrs.
Weston's reply is a vague one that hides some wishes that the Westons have respecting Emma's destiny.
