Jane Austen Quote - Week 140- by Linda

This quote is so very appropriate for this season’s weather conditions that I simply had to use it!

From Emma, chapter 13:

"What an excellent device," said he, "the use of a sheep-skin for carriages. How very comfortable they make it; impossible to feel cold with such precautions. The contrivances of modern days indeed have rendered a gentleman's carriage perfectly complete. One is so fenced and guarded from the weather, that not a breath of air can find its way unpermitted. Weather becomes absolutely of no consequence. It is a very cold afternoon -- but in this carriage we know nothing of the matter. Ha! snows a little I see."


What really struck me is the phrase “contrivances of modern days” – modern days, indeed! And then “snows” – wow, we have certainly had more than our share of snow this season, to be sure. I would love to see their reactions if they were able to see all our ‘modern contrivances’ of today!

Linda the Librarian

Pic: Emma-missvintagegirl blog