] I suspect what you may be criticizing is Emma not spending hours and hours talking about Mr Elton.

No, no I am not criticizing Emma for not spending hours and hours talking about Mr. Elton. I said she should tell Harriet the truth about Mr. Elton—perhaps things like she drew compliments about Harriet from him and then told Harriet of them like they were all his idea. I never suggested it should be done for hours and hours. Emma might also tell her that he is a social climber, self-centered and a snob—that would be nothing but the truth. Perhaps being more in the know about Mr. Elton would help Harriet. Trying to distract Harriet is a good idea and might actually work better if Emma would work on disavowing all the stupid ideas she gave Harriet about Mr. Elton in the first place. Thanks for the repellent truth quote. I think Emma should try more repellent truth because apparently she has not said enough. I agree Emma might not always change the subject but I think it is obvious it is one she has grown tired of.