But for Harriet's sake, or rather for my own, and as there are no husbands and wives in the case _at_ _present_, I will break my resolution now." Mr.Elton seemed very properly struck and delighted by the idea, and was repeating, "No husbands and wives in the case at present indeed, as you observe.

Exactly so.

No husbands and wives," with so interesting a consciousness, that Emma began to consider whether she had not better leave them together at once.

But as she wanted to be drawing, the declaration must wait a little longer.
She had soon fixed on the size and sort of portrait.

It was to be a whole-length in water-colours, like Mr.John Knightley's, and was destined, if she could please herself, to hold a very honourable station over the mantelpiece.
The sitting began; and Harriet, smiling and blushing, and afraid of not keeping her attitude and countenance, presented a very sweet mixture of youthful expression to the steady eyes of the artist.