Emma is pleased with her development of Harriet, especially in the latter's progressing sensibility toward Mr. Elton. She feels likewise that there is some success in regard to Mr. Elton, who has perceived "the striking improvement of Harriet's manner." With his eager agreement, Emma proposes to do a drawing of Harriet. Emma plays and sings well and has done various portraits without ever finishing any of them, for "steadiness had always been wanting." Nonetheless, her style is spirited, and the sitting begins with Mr.
Elton fidgeting behind Emma until she has him read to them. With the picture completed, others find some small faults in it; but Mr. Elton is determined to find everything in it exactly right almost to the point of perfection. When it is decided that all the portrait lacks is being framed and that that must be done in London, Mr. Elton gladly takes on the project. Emma thinks that he is being almost too gallant to be in love but decides that it is only his way. She realizes that, while doing the picture, she has been the object of many of his compliments; but she assures herself that it is merely "his gratitude on Harriet's account."
