It was her own universal good-will and contented temper which worked such wonders. She loved every body, was interested in every body’s happiness, quick sighted to every body’s merits; thought herself a most fortunate creature, and surrounded with blessings in such an excellent mother, and so many good neighbours and friends, and a home that wanted for nothing. The simplicity and cheerfulness of her nature, her contented and grateful spirit, were a recommendation to every body, and a mine of felicity to herself.
– Jane Austen
Emma, Chapter 3. While Miss Bates lacks Emma’s beauty, intelligence and economic resources, her virtues and positive personality traits make up for these deficiencies. She shows love and goodwill to everybody in Highbury, which is why she is so popular there. Regarded as a contented and grateful person, Austen uses the metaphor of a “mine of felicity” to describe her cheerful nature.