You are so much used to live alone, that you do not know the value of a companion; and, perhaps no man can be a good judge of the comfort a woman feels in the society of one of her own sex, after being used to it all her life.

I can imagine your objection to Harriet Smith.

She is not the superior young woman which Emma's friend ought to be.

But on the other hand, as Emma wants to see her better informed, it will be an inducement to her to read more herself.

They will read together.