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
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Jane Austen:Emma
Classics in Literature:Jane Austen ElecBook