“You need not be at any pains to reconcile me to the match. I think Harriet is doing extremely well. Her connexions may be worse than his. In respectability of character, there can be no doubt that they are.”
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 54. Emma’s comments to Mr. Knightley demonstrates her personal growth. She has spent much time trying to match the illegitimate Harriet with someone socially superior, such as Mr. Elton. Now she accepts that Harriet will do very well with tenant farmer Mr. Martin, whom she finally admits to be socially a notch or two above Harriet.