Yet she could not bear this silence. With him it was most unnatural. She considered "resolved "and, trying to smile, began " (Austen, 398).
Austen's way of showing Emma's thoughts on the subject of Harriet clearly lets the reader know how Emma feels about Mr. Knightley. She dreads hearing him speak of Harriet in the manner of love, because she herself is in love with him, and having him speak of Harriet in that way would be too much for her to bear. Emma misreads Mr. Knightley's looks at her for those of a person in need of someone to talk to, when in fact they were looks of love towards the woman whom he wanted his heart to belong. The silence was so uncomfortable because Emma thought she knew what Mr. Knightley was going to say. Furthermore, Emma had so much that she wanted to tell Mr. Knightley, to confess her true feelings, but for fear of embarrassing herself if he didn't return the feelings she gave to him, she remained silence, contemplating what to say to him. Each of them thought that what they were thinking was what was going on, but neither of the two were on the same wave length. .
"Time, my dearest Emma, time will heal the wound.""Your own excellent sense "your exertions for your father's sake "I know you will not allow yourself ".""(Austen, 399).
Mr. Knightley says this when he is comforting Emma on Frank Churchill's proposal to Jane Fairfax. This perhaps is one of the only parts of the chapter that each person is aware of what the other is talking about. It is clear that he is comforting Emma on Franks proposal, and Emma knows that that is what he is talking about. This is a subtle way for Mr. Knightley to let Emma know that he cares for her beyond friendship; he lets her know that she is too good for Frank, and showing his hatred towards Frank, says of Jane, "I am sorry for her. She deserves a better fate."" (Austen, 399).
"You are very kind "but you are mistaken "and I must set you right.
