 Volume 1, Chapter 1 of Emma, by Jane Austen. Cast of Characters Mr. Henry Woodhouse, read by Robert Hoffman. Emma Woodhouse, read by Amanda Friday. George Knightley, read by Jason Mills. Harriet Smith, read by Eden Ray-Hedrick. Mrs. Anne Weston, read by Tiffany Halla-Colona. Mr. Phillip Elton, read by Chris Marsalis. Mr. John Knightley, read by Noel Badrian. Isabella Knightley, read by Capricia Page. Mr. Weston, read by Algy Pag. Miss Bates, read by Ariel Lipschia. Mrs. Bates, read by Carrie Ray Clark. Jane Fafax, read by Plegons Alice. Frank Churchill, read by Max Scharlinger. Mrs. Augusta Elton, read by Grace Garrett. Mrs. Coe, read by Carmen H. Mrs. Ford, read by Elizabeth Clatt. Volume 1, Narration, read by Bev Stevens. Volume 2, Narrated by Capricia Page. Volume 3, Narrated by Capricia Page. Volume 1, 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 21 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. 16 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 Aloy to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her. Sorrow came, a gentle sorrow, but not at all in the shape of any disagreeable consciousness. Miss Taylor married. It was Miss Taylor's loss which first brought grief. It was on the wedding day of this beloved friend that Emma first sat in mournful thought of any continuance. As the wedding over and the bride-people gone, her father and herself were left to dine together, with no prospect of a third to cheer a long evening. Her father composed himself to sleep after dinner, as usual, and she had then only to sit and think of what she had lost. The event had every promise of happiness for her friend. Mr. Weston was a man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age, and pleasant manners, and there was some satisfaction in considering with what self-denying generous friendship she had always wished and promoted to the match. But it was a black morning's work for her. The want of Miss Taylor would be felt every hour of every day. She recalled her past kindness, the kindness, the affection of sixteen years, how she had taught and how she had played with her from five years old, how she had devoted all her powers to attach and amuse her in health, and how nursed her through the various illnesses of childhood. A large debt of gratitude was owing here, but the intercourse of the last seven years, the equal footing and perfect unreserve which had— Sample complete. Ready to continue?