Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/142

 thorough-bred; but Mr. Knightley is from head to foot a gentleman, and we feel that he never could have said or done a thing unworthy of one. Jane Austen herself classed him with Edmund Bertram in her speech already given, as "far from being what I know English gentlemen often are." I think she was unjust to both her heroes, but, above all, to Mr. Knightley, for it is difficult to see how he could be surpassed. The man, who, in the full vigour of health and strength, was always patient and forbearing towards a fussy, fidgety invalid; who would not propose to the woman he loved because he believed that another younger and more attractive man was on the verge of doing so; then was ready to help and comfort her without any arrière pensée of advantage to himself, when she was deserted by her supposed lover; who took with indifference any annoyance or impertinence to himself, but whose righteous indignation was instantly roused by any slight to those whose position made them defenceless; who was refined in thought and language, sincere to friends and foes, and uncompromisingly straightforward in every transaction; surely this is a very real type of English gentleman, and few writers have drawn it so successfully. Emma Woodhouse, too, is very good. Her faults, follies, and mistakes are completely those of a warm-hearted, rather spoilt girl, accustomed to believe in herself, and to be queen of her own circle. She deserves the amount of punishment she gets, but we are glad it is no worse; and, with Mr. Knightley to look after her, she will do very well. Her position would be a spoiling one for any girl. "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, cleyer, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some