Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happydisposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had livednearly 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 veryearly period. Her mother had died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinctremembrance of her caresses; and her place had been supplied by an excellent womanas 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 governessthan a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma. Between them itwas more the intimacy of sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to hold thenominal office of governess, the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her toimpose any restraint; and the shadow of authority being now long passed away, theyhad been living together as friend and friend very mutually attached, and Emma doingjust what she liked; highly esteeming Miss Taylor's judgment, but directed chiefly by herown.The