“I never in my life saw a man more intent on being agreeable than Mr. Elton. It is downright labour to him where ladies are concerned. With men he can be rational and unaffected, but when he has ladies to please, every feature works.”
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 13. John Knightley very accurately portrays Mr. Elton as a flatterer, especially towards women. He is speaking here to Emma, after observing Mr. Elton’s interaction with Emma.