Emma by Jane Austen

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 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.

Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. Woodhouse's family, less as a governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma. Between them it was more the intimacy of sisters. 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 long passed away, they had been living together as friend and friend very mutually attached, and Emma doing just what she liked; highly esteeming Miss Taylor's judgment, but directed chiefly by her own.

The real evils indeed of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself; these were the disadvantages which threatened  to alloy her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her.

Verb: vex  veks
To bring distress or suffering to; plague or afflict.

Adjective: affectionate  u'fek-shu-nut
Having or showing fond feelings or affection; loving and tender.

Noun: remembrance  ri'mem-brun(t)s
The ability to remember.

Noun: caress  ku'res
Attouchement tendre, affectueux ou sensuel.

Noun: governess  gú-vu(r)-nus
A woman employed to educate and train the children of a private household.

Adjective: fond (fonder,fondest)  fónd
Affectionate; tender.

Noun: intimacy  in-tu-mu-see
Close or warm friendship or understanding; personal relationship

Verb: cease  sees
To put an end to; discontinue. 


Noun: mildness  mI(-u)ld-nus
Gentle or kind in disposition, manners, or behavior.

Adverb: chiefly  cheef-lee
Above all; especially.

Verb: alloy  'a,loy
To combine; mix

Noun: misfortune  mis'for-chun or mis'for-choon
Bad fortune or ill luck.

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