Comprehension:
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Emma could not feel a doubt of having given Harriet's fancy a proper direction and raised the gratitude of her young vanity to a very good purpose, for she found her decidedly more sensible than before of Mr. Elton's being a remarkably handsome man, with the most agreeable manners; and as she had no hesitation in following up the assurance of his admiration, by agreeable hints, she was soon pretty confident of creating as much liking on Harriet's side, as there could be any occasion for. She was quite convinced of Mr. Elton's being in the fairest way of falling in love, if not in love already. She had no scruple with regard to him. He talked of Harriet, and praised her so warmly, that she could not suppose anything wanting which a little time would not add. His perception of the striking improvement of Harriet's manner, since her introduction at Hartfield, was not one of the least agreeable proofs of his growing attachment.
‘You have given Miss Smith all that she required,’ said he; ‘you have made her graceful and easy. She was a beautiful creature when she came to you, but, in my opinion, the attractions you have added are infinitely superior to what she received from nature.’
‘I am glad you think I have been useful to her; but Harriet only wanted to draw out, and receiving a few, very few hints. She had all the natural grace of sweetness of temper and artlessness in herself. I have done very little.’
‘If it were admissible to contradict a lady,’ said the gallant Mr. Elton -- ‘I have perhaps given her a little more decision of character, have taught her to think on points which had not fallen in her way before.’
What was Emma’s response to Mr. Elton’s praise?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → She modestly claims Harriet only needed a few hints.
Emma replies that Harriet only needed "a few, very few hints", that she "had all the natural grace of sweetness of temper and artlessness in herself", and that "I have done very little". This is a modest reply.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: She disagrees and says that Harriet has no grace. — Incorrect. Contradicted: Emma says Harriet "had all the natural grace" in herself.
Option 3: She takes full credit for Harriet’s improvement. — Incorrect. Contradicted: she says "I have done very little".
Option 4: She ignores his remarks. — Incorrect. Contradicted: she answers him at once: "I am glad you think I have been useful to her".