Book: Emma l Review with pdf
Author: Jane Austen
The Project Gutenberg EBook of Emma, by Jane Austen.
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Book: Emma l Review with pdf
Author: Jane Austen
Release Date: January 21, 2010 [EBook #158]
Last Updated: March 10, 2018
Language: English.
START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EMMA.
Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and
happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and
had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex
her.
She was the youngest of the two daughters of a most affectionate, indulgent
father; and had, in consequence of her sister’s marriage, been mistress of his
house from a very early period. Her mother had died too long ago for her to have
more than an indistinct remembrance of her caresses; and her place had been
supplied by an excellent woman as governess, who had fallen little short of a
mother in affection.
Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. Woodhouse’s family, less as a
governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma.
Between them it was more the intimacy of sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had
ceased to hold the nominal office of governess, the mildness of her temper had
hardly allowed her to impose any restraint; and the shadow of authority being
now long passed away, they had been living together as friend and friend very
mutually attached, and Emma doing just what she liked; highly esteeming Miss
Taylor’s judgment, but directed chiefly by her own.
The real evils, indeed, of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather
too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself;
these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments.
The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any
means rank as misfortunes with her.
Sorrow came—a gentle sorrow—but not at all in the shape of any
disagreeable consciousness.—Miss Taylor married. It was Miss Taylor’s loss
which first brought grief.
It was on the wedding-day of this beloved friend that
Emma first sat in mournful thought of any continuance. The wedding over, and
the bride-people gone, her father and herself were left to dine together, with no
prospect of a third to cheer a long evening. Her father composed himself to sleep
after dinner, as usual, and she had then only to sit and think of what she had lost.
The event had every promise of happiness for her friend. Mr. Weston was a
man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age, and pleasant
manners; and there was some satisfaction in considering with what self-denying,
this article collected from this book.