and how much more delicacy is shown by Robert Martin in this case. An estimable young man, that Robert Martin, I like him very well indeed!

However, I do think you're being a little hard on the vicar re: the Stilton cheese. Emma -- and the reader -- come in on the middle of the conversation, so he may have already exhausted any more interesting subject. After all, to Elton, Harriet is just a casual acquaintance, and it seems to me he is just making ordinary casual conversation. And Harriet IS listening with pleased attention. If she's interested in cows, why not in cheese? ;-)
IMO, Emma is disappointed because she had hoped Elton was addressing Harriet on 'what is near the heart.'