] But then he tells her of his commission to get Benwick's miniature - which was painted for his sister - framed for another. This always seemed to me to be so very thoughtless of Benwick. And Harville seems to think so: "I hope I can allow for him." And later: "And when I think of Benwick, my tongue is tied."

JA sets up Benwick as Wentowrth's foil superbly, here. Harville's words naturally lead toward his discussion with Anne about men and women, and ultimately to the letter. But JA wants to drive home her points about depth and constancy, and how Wentworth embodies these attributes for loving Anne all these years, so she underscores the contrast between the two men with harville's help.