out the worst in Emma as much as the ridiculous or malicious tones of the Eltons and the insincerity of Frank Churchill do. The picture of Emma at the center of a concert of voices--as she rapidly makes distinctions among them based on what she wishes to be true--is at its finest in the scene where she has finished the portrait of Harriet. Emma is surrounded by her father, Harriet, Mrs. Weston, Knightley, and Mr. Elton. The judicious remarks by Mrs. Weston, which are more a criticism of Harriet's face (in comparison with Emma's perfection), and the blunt observations of Mr. Knightley inspire the raptures of Mr. Elton who is capable of admiring even a tree in her drawing as being "touched with such inimitable spirit!" (43). But when the discussion reaches an impasse, in which there is really nothing left but the assertion that Harriet is shown too tall and the counter-assertion that she is not, Emma is rescued. She needs rescuing, of course, because she is fully aware that she has drawn Harriet too tall "but would not own it" (42). Her stubbornness comes from her refusal to allow the voice of common sense into the discussion. At this point she is rescued by her father's voice asserting that no one draws as well as Emma. The shallow flattery of her father is always good for soothing Emma when she begins to be troubled as reality and
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