CHAPTER VIII.
"Blessings be with them and eternal praise,
Who gave us nobler loves and nobler cares;
The poets, who on earth have made us heirs
Of truth and pure delight by heavenly lays."
Wordsworth.
Emily's time was now passing most pleasantly: she had been solitary enough during winter to give society that advantage of contrast which does so much towards teaching the full value of any thing; she had just enough of annoyance from her aunt to make her feel thankful that she was not more exposed to it. She became attached to Lady Mandeville, with all the enjoyment and warmth of youthful affection—that age when we are so happy in loving those around us. Many sources of enjoyment were laid open; and the future seemed as promising as those futures always are which we make for ourselves.
