Diana Fairfax: Emma Woodhouse

Quotes 

• Harriet Smith : I know you didn't expect me, Miss Woodhouse, but I was passing and I wanted to ask you...

  [She breaks off, appalled at the sight of the Eltons. She doesn't know what to do with herself. She is too confused even to flee. Emma realizes there is nothing else for it but to introduce her] 

  Emma Woodhouse : It's very lucky you came, Harriet. You can make the acquaintance of Mrs. Elton. Mrs. Elton, allow me to introduce my friend, Miss Harriet Smith.

  Mrs. Elton : Indeed? I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss - what was the name?

  Harriet Smith : Smith.

  [Mrs. Elton obviously heard all about Harriet from the very biased point of view of Mr. Elton and is contemptuous of her] 

  Mrs. Elton : Smith, yes. No relation to the Smiths of West Hall near Maple Grove?

  Harriet Smith : I don't think so.

  [Desperately to Emma] 

  Harriet Smith : I really think I'd better go...

  Mrs. Elton : Very vulgar people encumbered with low connections, and yet expecting to be on footing with the established families. Isn't it extraordinary how some people have so little sense of rank?

  Harriet Smith : Yes, it is - indeed.

  Mrs. Elton : These particular Smiths come from Birmingham, you know, which is not a place of much promise. Have you any connections with Birmingham, Miss Smith?

  Harriet Smith : I don't believe so.

  Emma Woodhouse : Pray sit down, Harriet.

  Mrs. Elton : Very unpleasant people.