Emma

Emma, English

[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
Emma
By Jane Austen
Published by
. Visit the site to
of classic literature, books and novels.
his work is licensed under a
Volume I
Free eBooks at
.com
3
Chapter I
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 af-
fectionate, indulgent father; and had, in consequence of her
sister’s marriage, been mistress of his house from a very ear-
ly 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 gov-
erness, who had fallen little short of a mother in afection.
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 oice of governess, the mild-
ness 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 di-
rected chiely by her own.
he real evils, indeed, of Emma’s situation were the pow-
4
Emma
er of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition
to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvan-
tages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments. he
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 irst brought grief.
It was on the wedding-day of this beloved friend that Emma
irst sat in mournful thought of any continuance. he wed-
ding over, and the bride-people gone, her father and herself
were let to dine together, with no prospect of a third to
cheer a long evening. Her father composed himself to sleep
ater dinner, as usual, and she had then only to sit and think
of what she had lost.
he 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,
generous friendship she had always wished and promoted
the match; but it was a black morning’s work for her. he
want of Miss Taylor would be felt every hour of every day.
She recalled her past kindness—the kindness, the afec-
tion of sixteen years—how she had taught and how she had
played with her from ive years old—how she had devoted
all her powers to attach and amuse her in health—and how
nursed her through the various illnesses of childhood. A
large debt of gratitude was owing here; but the intercourse
of the last seven years, the equal footing and perfect unre-
Free eBooks at
.com
5
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

zanotowane.pl

doc.pisz.pl

pdf.pisz.pl

dietanamase.keep.pl