Mr. Woodhouse was quite pragmatic...

"Matrimony, as the origin of change, was always disagreeable."

While Mr. Elton was singularly materialistic, according to Mr. Knightley.

"Elton is a very good sort of man, and a very respectable vicar of Highbury, but not at all likely to make an imprudent match. He knows the value of a good income as well as anybody."

Perhaps Emma was the smart one, she didn't even bother to consider it.

After a manner of some minutes, Harriet thus began again --

"I do so wonder, Miss Woodhouse, that you should not be married, or going to be married! so charming as you are!" --

Emma laughed, and replied,

"My being charming, Harriet, is not quite enough to induce me to marry; I must find other people charming -- one other person at least. And I am not only, not going to be married, at present, but have very little intention of every marrying at all."

Why, Emma, you're sounding a trifle defensive...

"Never mind, Harriet, I shall not be a poor old maid; and it is poverty only which makes celibacy contemptible to a generous public! A single woman, with a very narrow income, must be a ridiculous, disagreeable, old maid! the proper sport of boys and girls; but a single woman, of good fortune, is always respectable, and may be as sensible and pleasant as anybody else."

	"Emma" Quotes Main Page