Emma by Jane Austen

VOLUME ONE

Chapter 1

"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 two daughters of the 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."