Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/143

 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."

The story, as usual with Jane Austen, is a mere thread of the most every-day kind: the loves, hopes, fears, and rivalries of a dozen people, with all their home lives and surroundings. But every one of the characters stands out clearly from the canvas, and all are life-like and delightful. What can be quoted, when all would repay quotation? It is difficult to know where to begin, yet impossible not to give as much as space will permit.

Emma Woodhouse is, of course, the most prominent character, and a considerable part of the plot turns upon the strenuous attempts at match-making for a friend, which she takes up to amuse and occupy herself when the marriage of her beloved governess has left her alone in her father's house. This friend, Harriet Smith, is pretty, silly, and second-rate, of unknown parentage, and educated at a neighbouring boarding-school; but Emma, fascinated by her beauty and simplicity, ignores her worst defects, and resolves upon marrying her to the vicar of the parish, Mr. Elton, who is young, handsome, and a good imitation of a gentleman. Her eagerness for the marriage is quickened by finding that Harriet has a pronounced