People
The post-office had a great charm at one period of our lives. When you have lived to my age, you will begin to think letters are never worth going through the rain for.
— Jane Austen • Emma
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The passage contrasts an earlier attraction to the post-office with an older person's reluctance to go through rain for letters. Anticipation has lost some of its power. The mundane inconvenience gives the change in outlook a concrete measure, mixing disappointment with dry practical judgment.
Context reviewed