Emma's Chronicles

isposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had li

en 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

ers. 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 lon

n to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyment

dding-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 to

n of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age, and pleasant man

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 unreserve which had soon followed Isabella's marriage, on their being left to each other, was yet a dearer, tenderer recollection. She had been

a Mrs. Weston, only half a mile from them, and a Miss Taylor in the house; and with all her advantages, natural and domestic, she was now in great danger of

s; for having been a valetudinarian all his life, without activity of mind or body, he was a much older man in ways than in years; and th

nd her daily reach; and many a long October and November evening must be struggled through at Hartfield, before Christmas brough

really belong, afforded her no equals. The Woodhouses were first in consequence there. All looked up to them. She had many acquaintance in the place, fo

and he was by no means yet reconciled to his own daughter's marrying, nor could ever speak of her but with compassion, though it had been entirely a match of affection, when he was now obliged to part with Miss Taylor too; and from his habits of gentle selfishness, and of being never able to suppose that other people could feel differently from himself, he w

here again. What a pity it is tha

t, excellent man, that he thoroughly deserves a good wife;—and you would not have had Miss Tay

—And you have never any odd humours, my dear.” “How often we shall be going to see them, and they co