*STEVENTON : *SATURDAY *JANUARY 9 *IN THE FIRST PLACE *I HOPE YOU WILL LIVE TWENTY-THREE YEARS LONGER. *MR. *TOM *LEFROY'S BIRTHDAY WAS YESTER+ DAY/, SO THAT YOU ARE VERY NEAR OF AN AGE. *AFTER THIS NECESSARY PREAMBLE *I SHALL PROCEED TO INFORM YOU THAT WE HAD AN EXCEEDING GOOD BALL LAST NIGHT, AND THAT *I WAS VERY MUCH DISAPPOINTED AT NOT SEEING *CHARLES *FOWLE OF THE PARTY, AS *I HAD PREVIOUSLY HEARD OF HIS BEING INVITED. *IN ADDITION TO OUR SET AT THE *HARWOODS' BALL, WE HAD THE *GRANTS, *ST. *JOHNS, *LADY *RIVERS, HER THREE DAUGHTERS AND A SON, *MR. AND *MISS *HEATHCOTE, *MRS. *LEFEVRE, TWO *MR. *WATKINS, *MR. *J. *PORTAL, *MISS *DEANES, TWO *MISS *LEDGERS, AND A TALL CLERGYMAN WHO CAME WITH THEM, WHOSE NAME *MARY WOULD NEVER HAVE GUESSED. *WE WERE SO TERRIBLE GOOD AS TO TAKE *JAMES IN OUR CARRIAGE, THOUGH THERE WERE THREE OF US BEFORE ; BUT INDEED HE DESERVES ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE VERY GREAT IMPROVEMENT WHICH HAS LATELY TAKEN PLACE IN HIS DANCING. *MISS *HEATHCOTE IS PRETTY, BUT NOT NEAR SO HANDSOME AS *I EXPECTED. *MR. *H. BEGAN WITH *ELIZA+ BETH/, AND AFTERWARDS DANCED WITH HER AGAIN ; BUT $THEY$ DO NOT KNOW HOW $TO BE PARTICULAR. *I$ FLATTER MYSELF, HOWEVER, THAT THEY WILL PROFIT BY THE THREE SUCCESSIVE LESSONS WHICH *I HAVE GIVEN THEM. *YOU SCOLD ME SO MUCH IN THE NICE LONG LETTER WHICH *I HAVE THIS MOMENT RECEIVED FROM YOU, THAT *I AM

ALMOST AFRAID TO TELL YOU HOW MY *IRISH FRIEND AND *I BEHAVED. *IMAGINE TO YOURSELF EVERYTHING MOST PROFLI+ GATE/ AND SHOCKING IN THE WAY OF DANCING AND SITTING DOWN TOGETHER. *I $CAN$ EXPOSE MYSELF, HOWEVER, ONLY $ONCE MORE,$ BECAUSE HE LEAVES THE COUNTRY SOON AFTER NEXT *FRIDAY, ON WHICH DAY WE $ARE$ TO HAVE A DANCE AT *ASHE AFTER ALL. *HE IS A VERY GENTLEMANLIKE, GOOD-+ LOOKING/, PLEASANT YOUNG MAN, *I ASSURE YOU. *BUT AS TO OUR HAVING EVER MET, EXCEPT AT THE THREE LAST BALLS, I CANNOT SAY MUCH ; FOR HE IS SO EXCESSIVELY LAUGHED AT ABOUT ME AT *ASHE, THAT HE IS ASHAMED OF COMING TO *STEVENTON, AND RAN AWAY WHEN WE CALLED ON *MRS. *LEFROY A FEW DAYS AGO. *WE LEFT *WARREN AT *DEAN *GATE, IN OUR WAY HOME LAST NIGHT, AND HE IS NOW ON HIS ROAD TO TOWN. *HE LEFT HIS LOVE, &C., TO YOU, AND *I WILL DELIVER IT WHEN WE MEET. *HENRY GOES TO *HARDEN TO-DAY IN HIS WAY TO HIS *MASTER'S DEGREE. *WE SHALL FEEL THE LOSS OF THESE TWO MOST AGREE+ ABLE/ YOUNG MEN EXCEEDINGLY, AND SHALL HAVE NOTHING TO CONSOLE US TILL THE ARRIVAL OF THE *COOPERS ON *TUESDAY. *AS THEY WILL STAY HERE TILL THE *MONDAY FOLLOWING, PER+ HAPS/ *CAROLINE WILL GO TO THE *ASHE BALL WITH ME, THOUGH *I DARE SAY SHE WILL NOT. *I DANCED TWICE WITH *WARREN LAST NIGHT, AND ONCE WITH *MR. *CHARLES *WATKINS, AND, TO MY INEXPRESSIBLE ASTONISHMENT, *I ENTIRELY ESCAPED *JOHN *LYFORD. *I WAS FORCED TO FIGHT HARD FOR IT, HOWEVER. *WE HAD A VERY GOOD SUPPER, AND THE GREENHOUSE WAS ILLUMINATED IN A VERY ELEGANT MANNER. *WE HAD A VISIT YESTERDAY MORNING FROM *MR. *BENJAMIN *PORTAL, WHOSE EYES ARE AS HANDSOME AS EVER. *EVERY+ BODY/ IS EXTREMELY ANXIOUS FOR YOUR RETURN, BUT AS YOU CANNOT COME HOME BY THE *ASHE BALL, *I AM GLAD THAT

*I HAVE NOT FED THEM WITH FALSE HOPES. *JAMES DANCED WITH *ALITHEA, AND CUT UP THE TURKEY LAST NIGHT WITH GREAT PERSEVERANCE. *YOU SAY NOTHING OF THE SILK STOCKINGS ; *I FLATTER MYSELF, THEREFORE, THAT *CHARLES HAS NOT PURCHASED ANY, AS *I CANNOT VERY WELL AFFORD TO PAY FOR THEM ; ALL MY MONEY IS SPENT IN BUYING WHITE GLOVES AND PINK PERSIAN. *I WISH *CHARLES HAD BEEN AT *MANYDOWN, BECAUSE HE WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU SOME DESCRIPTION OF MY FRIEND, AND *I THINK YOU MUST BE IMPATIENT TO HEAR SOMETHING ABOUT HIM. *HENRY IS STILL HANKERING AFTER THE *REGULARS, AND AS HIS PROJECT OF PURCHASING THE ADJUTANCY OF THE *OXFORD+ SHIRE/ IS NOW OVER, HE HAS GOT A SCHEME IN HIS HEAD ABOUT GETTING A LIEUTENANCY AND ADJUTANCY IN THE 86TH, A NEW-RAISED REGIMENT, WHICH HE FANCIES WILL BE ORDERED TO THE *CAPE OF *GOOD *HOPE. *I HEARTILY HOPE THAT HE WILL, AS USUAL, BE DISAPPOINTED IN THIS SCHEME. *WE HAVE TRIMMED UP AND GIVEN AWAY ALL THE OLD PAPER HATS OF *MAMMA'S MANUFACTURE ; *I HOPE YOU WILL NOT REGRET THE LOSS OF YOURS. *AFTER *I HAD WRITTEN THE ABOVE, WE RECEIVED A VISIT FROM *MR. *TOM *LEFROY AND HIS COUSIN *GEORGE. *THE LATTER IS REALLY VERY WELL-BEHAVED NOW ; AND AS FOR THE OTHER, HE HAS BUT $ONE$ FAULT, WHICH TIME WILL, *I TRUST, ENTIRELY REMOVE - IT IS THAT HIS MORNING COAT IS A GREAT DEAL TOO LIGHT. *HE IS A VERY GREAT ADMIRER OF *TOM *JONES, AND THEREFORE WEARS THE SAME COLOURED CLOTHES, *I IMAGINE, WHICH $HE$ DID WHEN HE WAS WOUNDED. $*SUNDAY$. - *BY NOT RETURNING TILL THE 19TH, YOU WILL EXACTLY CONTRIVE TO MISS SEEING THE *COOPERS, WHICH *I SUPPOSE IT IS YOUR WISH TO DO. *WE HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM *CHARLES FOR SOME TIME. *ONE WOULD SUPPOSE THEY MUST HAVE SAILED BY THIS TIME, AS THE WIND IS SO FAVOURABLE.

*WHAT A FUNNY NAME *TOM HAS GOT FOR HIS VESSEL ! *BUT HE HAS NO TASTE IN NAMES, AS WE WELL KNOW, AND I DARE SAY HE CHRISTENED IT HIMSELF. *I AM SORRY FOR THE *BEACHES' LOSS OF THEIR LITTLE GIRL, ESPECIALLY AS IT IS THE ONE SO MUCH LIKE ME. *I CONDOLE WITH *MISS *M. ON HER LOSSES AND WITH *ELIZA ON HER GAINS, AND AM EVER YOURS, *J.*A. *STEVENTON : *THURSDAY *JANUARY 16 *I HAVE JUST RECEIVED YOURS AND *MARY'S LETTER, AND *I THANK YOU BOTH, THOUGH THEIR CONTENTS MIGHT HAVE BEEN MORE AGREEABLE. *I DO NOT AT ALL EXPECT TO SEE YOU ON *TUESDAY, SINCE MATTERS HAVE FALLEN OUT SO UNPLEA+ SANTLY/ ; AND IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO RETURN TILL AFTER THAT DAY, IT WILL HARDLY BE POSSIBLE FOR US TO SEND FOR YOU BEFORE *SATURDAY, THOUGH FOR MY OWN PART *I CARE SO LITTLE ABOUT THE BALL THAT IT WOULD BE NO SACRIFICE TO ME TO GIVE IT UP FOR THE SAKE OF SEEING YOU TWO DAYS EARLIER. *WE ARE EXTREMELY SORRY FOR POOR *ELIZA'S ILLNESS. TRUST, HOWEVER, THAT SHE HAS CONTINUED TO RECOVER SINCE YOU WROTE, AND THAT YOU WILL NONE OF YOU BE THE WORSE FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE ON HER. *WHAT A GOOD-FOR-NOTHING FELLOW *CHARLES IS TO BESPEAK THE STOCKINGS ! *I HOPE HE WILL BE TOO HOT ALL THE REST OF HIS LIFE FOR IT ! *I SENT YOU A LETTER YESTERDAY TO *IBTHORP, WHICH *I SUPPOSE YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AT *KINTBURY. *IT WAS NOT

VERY LONG OR VERY WITTY, AND THEREFORE IF YOU NEVER RECEIVE IT, IT DOES NOT MUCH SIGNIFY. *I WROTE PRINCI+ PALLY/ TO TELL YOU THAT THE *COOPERS WERE ARRIVED AND IN GOOD HEALTH. *THE LITTLE BOY IS VERY LIKE *DR. *COOPER, AND THE LITTLE GIRL IS TO RESEMBLE *JANE, THEY SAY. *OUR PARTY TO *ASHE TO-MORROW NIGHT WILL CONSIST OF *EDWARD *COOPER, *JAMES (FOR A BALL IS NOTHING WITHOUT $HIM),$ *BULLER, WHO IS NOW STAYING WITH US, AND *I. I LOOK FORWARD WITH GREAT IMPATIENCE TO IT, AS *I RATHER EXPECT TO RECEIVE AN OFFER FROM MY FRIEND IN THE COURSE OF THE EVENING. *I SHALL REFUSE HIM, HOWEVER, UNLESS HE PRO+ MISES/ TO GIVE AWAY HIS WHITE COAT. *I AM VERY MUCH FLATTERED BY YOUR COMMENDATION OF MY LAST LETTER, FOR *I WRITE ONLY FOR FAME, AND WITHOUT ANY VIEW TO PECUNIARY EMOLUMENT. *EDWARD IS GONE TO SPEND THE DAY WITH HIS FRIEND, *JOHN *LYFORD, AND DOES NOT RETURN TILL TO-MORROW. *ANNA IS NOW HERE ; SHE CAME UP IN HER CHAISE TO SPEND THE DAY WITH HER YOUNG COUSINS, BUT SHE DOES NOT MUCH TAKE TO THEM OR TO ANYTHING ABOUT THEM, EXCEPT *CAROLINE'S SPINNING-WHEEL. *I AM VERY GLAD TO FIND FROM *MARY THAT *MR. AND *MRS. *FOWLE ARE PLEASED WITH YOU. I HOPE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE SATISFACTION. *HOW IMPERTINENT YOU ARE TO WRITE TO ME ABOUT *TOM, AS IF *I HAD NOT OPPORTUNITIES OF HEARING FROM HIM MYSELF ! *THE $LAST$ LETTER THAT *I RECEIVED FROM HIM WAS DATED ON *FRIDAY, 8TH, AND HE TOLD ME THAT IF THE WIND SHOULD BE FAVOURABLE ON *SUNDAY, WHICH IT PROVED TO BE, THEY WERE TO SAIL FROM *FALMOUTH ON THAT DAY. *BY THIS TIME, THEREFORE, THEY ARE AT *BARBADOES, *I SUPPOSE. *THE *RIVERS ARE STILL AT *MANYDOWN, AND ARE TO BE AT *ASHE TO-MORROW. *I INTENDED TO CALL ON THE *MISS *BIGGS YESTERDAY HAD THE WEATHER BEEN TOLERABLE. *CAROLINE,

*ANNA AND *I HAVE JUST BEEN DEVOURING SOME COLD SOUSE, AND IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO SAY WHICH ENJOYED IT MOST. *TELL *MARY THAT *I MAKE OVER *MR. *HEARTLEY AND ALL HIS ESTATE TO HER FOR HER SOLE USE AND BENEFIT IN FUTURE, AND NOT ONLY HIM, BUT ALL MY OTHER ADMIRERS INTO THE BARGAIN WHEREVER SHE CAN FIND THEM, EVEN THE KISS WHICH *C. POWLETT WANTED TO GIVE ME, AS *I MEAN TO CONFINE MYSELF IN FUTURE TO *MR. *TOM *LEFROY, FOR WHOM *I DO NOT CARE SIXPENCE. *ASSURE HER ALSO, AS A LAST AND INDUBITABLE PROOF OF *WARREN'S INDIFFERENCE TO ME, THAT HE ACTUALLY DREW THAT GENTLEMAN'S PICTURE FOR ME, AND DELIVERED IT TO ME WITHOUT A SIGH. $*FRIDAY$. - *AT LENGTH THE DAY IS COME ON WHICH *I AM TO FLIRT MY LAST WITH *TOM *LEFROY, AND WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS IT WILL BE OVER. *MY TEARS FLOW AS *I WRITE AT THE MELANCHOLY IDEA. *WM. *CHUTE CALLED HERE YESTERDAY. *I WONDER WHAT HE MEANS BY BEING SO CIVIL. *THERE IS A REPORT THAT *TOM IS GOING TO BE MARRIED TO A *LICH+ FIELD/ LASS. *JOHN *LYFORD AND HIS SISTER BRING *EDWARD HOME TO-DAY, DINE WITH US, AND WE SHALL ALL GO TOGETHER TO *ASHE. *I UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE TO DRAW FOR PART+ NERS/. *I SHALL BE EXTREMELY IMPATIENT TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN, THAT *I MAY KNOW HOW *ELIZA IS, AND WHEN YOU ARE TO RETURN. *WITH BEST LOVE, &C., *I AM AFFECTIONATELY YOURS, *J. *AUSTEN

*CORK *STREET : *TUESDAY MORN ((*AUGUST 1796)) *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *HERE *I AM ONCE MORE IN THIS SCENE OF DISSIPATION AND VICE, AND *I BEGIN ALREADY TO FIND MY MORALS CORRUPTED. *WE REACHED *STAINES YESTERDAY, *I DO NOT (KNOW) WHEN, WITHOUT SUFFERING SO MUCH FROM THE HEAT AS *I HAD HOPED TO DO. *WE SET OFF AGAIN THIS MORNING AT SEVEN O'CLOCK, AND HAD A VERY PLEASANT DRIVE, AS THE MORNING WAS CLOUDY AND PERFECTLY COOL. *I CAME ALL THE WAY IN THE CHAISE FROM *HERTFORD *BRIDGE. *EDWARD AND *FRANK ARE BOTH GONE OUT TO SEEK THEIR FORTUNES ; THE LATTER IS TO RETURN SOON AND HELP US SEEK OURS. *THE FORMER WE SHALL NEVER SEE AGAIN. *WE ARE TO BE AT *ASTLEY'S TO-NIGHT, WHICH *I AM GLAD OF. *EDWARD HAS HEARD FROM *HENRY THIS MORNING. *HE HAS NOT BEEN AT THE RACES AT ALL, UNLESS HIS DRIVING *MISS *PEARSON OVER TO *ROWLING ONE DAY CAN BE SO CALLED. *WE SHALL FIND HIM THERE ON *THURSDAY. *I HOPE YOU ARE ALL ALIVE AFTER OUR MELANCHOLY PARTING YESTERDAY, AND THAT YOU PURSUED YOUR INTENDED AVOCA+ TION/ WITH SUCCESS. *GOD BLESS YOU ! *I MUST LEAVE OFF, FOR WE ARE GOING OUT. *YOURS VERY AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *AUSTEN *EVERYBODY'S LOVE.

*ROWLING : *THURSDAY *SEPTEMBER 1 *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *THE LETTER WHICH *I HAVE THIS MOMENT RECEIVED FROM YOU HAS DIVERTED ME BEYOND MODERATION. *I COULD DIE OF LAUGHTER AT IT, AS THEY USED TO SAY AT SCHOOL. *YOU ARE INDEED THE FINEST COMIC WRITER OF THE PRESENT AGE. *SINCE *I WROTE LAST, WE HAVE BEEN VERY NEAR RETURNING TO *STEVENTON SO EARLY AS NEXT WEEK. *SUCH, FOR A DAY OR TWO, WAS OUR DEAR BROTHER *HENRY'S SCHEME, BUT AT PRESENT MATTERS ARE RESTORED, NOT TO WHAT THEY WERE, FOR MY ABSENCE SEEMS LIKELY TO BE LENGTHENED STILL FARTHER. *I AM SORRY FOR IT, BUT WHAT CAN *I DO ? *HENRY LEAVES US TO-MORROW FOR *YARMOUTH, AS HE WISHES VERY MUCH TO CONSULT HIS PHYSICIAN THERE, ON WHOM HE HAS GREAT RELIANCE. *HE IS BETTER THAN HE WAS WHEN HE FIRST CAME, THOUGH STILL BY NO MEANS WELL. *ACCORDING TO HIS PRESENT PLAN, HE WILL NOT RETURN HERE TILL ABOUT THE 23RD, AND BRING WITH HIM, IF HE CAN, LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR THREE WEEKS, AS HE WANTS VERY MUCH TO HAVE SOME SHOOTING AT *GODMERSHAM, WHITHER *EDWARD AND *ELIZABETH ARE TO REMOVE VERY EARLY IN *OCTOBER. *IF THIS SCHEME HOLDS, *I SHALL HARDLY BE AT *STEVENTON BEFORE THE MIDDLE OF THAT MONTH ; BUT IF YOU CANNOT DO WITHOUT ME, *I COULD RETURN, *I SUPPOSE, WITH *FRANK IF HE EVER GOES BACK. *HE ENJOYS HIMSELF HERE VERY MUCH, FOR HE HAS JUST LEARNT TO TURN, AND IS SO DELIGHTED WITH THE EMPLOYMENT, THAT HE IS AT IT ALL DAY LONG. *I AM SORRY THAT YOU FOUND SUCH A CONCISENESS IN THE

STRAINS OF MY FIRST LETTER. *I MUST ENDEAVOUR TO MAKE YOU AMENDS FOR IT, WHEN WE MEET, BY SOME ELABORATE DETAILS, WHICH *I SHALL SHORTLY BEGIN COMPOSING. *I HAVE HAD MY NEW GOWN MADE UP, AND IT REALLY MAKES A VERY SUPERB SURPLICE. *I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT MY NEW COLOURED GOWN IS VERY MUCH WASHED OUT, THOUGH *I CHARGED EVERYBODY TO TAKE GREAT CARE OF IT. *I HOPE YOURS IS SO TOO. *OUR MEN HAD BUT INDIFFERENT WEATHER FOR THEIR VISIT TO *GODMERSHAM, FOR IT RAINED GREAT PART OF THE WAY THERE AND ALL THE WAY BACK. *THEY FOUND *MRS. *KNIGHT REMARKABLY WELL AND IN VERY GOOD SPIRITS. *IT IS IMAGINED THAT SHE WILL SHORTLY BE MARRIED AGAIN. *I HAVE TAKEN LITTLE *GEORGE ONCE IN MY ARMS SINCE *I HAVE BEEN HERE, WHICH *I THOUGHT VERY KIND. *I HAVE TOLD *FANNY ABOUT THE BEAD OF HER NECK+ LACE/, AND SHE WANTS VERY MUCH TO KNOW WHERE YOU FOUND IT. *TO-MORROW *I SHALL BE JUST LIKE *CAMILLA IN *MR. *DUBSTER'S SUMMER-HOUSE ; FOR MY *LIONEL WILL HAVE TAKEN AWAY THE LADDER BY WHICH *I CAME HERE, OR AT LEAST BY WHICH *I INTENDED TO GET AWAY, AND HERE *I MUST STAY TILL HIS RETURN. *MY SITUATION, HOWEVER, IS SOMEWHAT PREFERABLE TO HERS, FOR *I AM VERY HAPPY HERE, THOUGH *I SHOULD BE GLAD TO GET HOME BY THE END OF THE MONTH. *I HAVE NO IDEA THAT *MISS *PEARSON WILL RETURN WITH ME. *WHAT A FINE FELLOW *CHARLES IS, TO DECEIVE US INTO WRITING TWO LETTERS TO HIM AT *CORK ! *I ADMIRE HIS IN+ GENUITY/ EXTREMELY, ESPECIALLY AS HE IS SO GREAT A GAINER BY IT. *MR. AND *MRS. *CAGE AND *MR. AND *MRS. *BRIDGES DINED WITH US YESTERDAY. *FANNY SEEMED AS GLAD TO SEE ME AS ANYBODY, AND ENQUIRED VERY MUCH AFTER YOU, WHOM

SHE SUPPOSED TO BE MAKING YOUR WEDDING-CLOTHES. *SHE IS AS HANDSOME AS EVER, AND SOMEWHAT FATTER. *WE HAD A VERY PLEASANT DAY, AND SOME $LIQUEURS$ IN THE EVENING. *LOUISA'S FIGURE IS VERY MUCH IMPROVED ; SHE IS AS STOUT AGAIN AS SHE WAS. *HER FACE, FROM WHAT *I COULD SEE OF IT ONE EVENING, APPEARED NOT AT ALL ALTERED. *SHE AND THE GENTLEMEN WALKED UP HERE ON *MONDAY NIGHT - SHE CAME IN THE MORNING WITH THE *CAGES FROM *HYTHE. *LADY *HALES, WITH HER TWO YOUNGEST DAUGHTERS, HAVE BEEN TO SEE US. *CAROLINE IS NOT GROWN AT ALL COARSER THAN SHE WAS, NOR *HARRIET AT ALL MORE DELICATE. *I AM GLAD TO HEAR SO GOOD AN ACCOUNT OF *MR. *CHARDE, AND ONLY FEAR THAT MY LONG ABSENCE MAY OCCASION HIS RELAPSE. *I PRACTISE EVERY DAY AS MUCH AS *I CAN - *I WISH IT WERE MORE FOR HIS SAKE. *I HAVE HEARD NOTHING OF *MARY *ROBINSON SINCE *I HAVE BEEN (HERE). *I EXPECT TO BE WELL SCOLDED FOR DARING TO DOUBT, WHENEVER THE SUBJECT IS MENTIONED. *FRANK HAS TURNED A VERY NICE LITTLE BUTTER-CHURN FOR *FANNY. *I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ANY OF THE PARTY WERE AWARE OF THE VALUABLES THEY HAD LEFT BEHIND ; NOR CAN *I HEAR ANYTHING OF *ANNA'S GLOVES. *INDEED *I HAVE NOT ENQUIRED AT ALL ABOUT THEM HITHERTO. *WE ARE VERY BUSY MAKING *EDWARD'S SHIRTS, AND *I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT *I AM THE NEATEST WORKER OF THE PARTY. *THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE A PRODIGIOUS NUMBER OF BIRDS HEREABOUTS THIS YEAR, SO THAT PERHAPS $*I$ MAY KILL A FEW. *I AM GLAD TO HEAR SO GOOD AN ACCOUNT OF *MR. *LIMPREY AND *J. LOVETT. *I KNOW NOTHING OF MY MOTHER'S HANDKERCHIEF, BUT *I DARE SAY *I SHALL FIND IT SOON. *I AM VERY AFFECTIONATELY YOURS, *JANE

*ROWLING *MONDAY 5TH** *SEPTR* *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I SHALL BE EXTREMELY ANXIOUS TO HEAR THE *EVENT OF YOUR *BALL, & SHALL HOPE TO RECEIVE SO LONG & MINUTE AN ACCOUNT OF EVERY PARTICULAR THAT *I SHALL BE TIRED OF READING IT. *LET ME KNOW HOW MANY BESIDES THEIR FOURTEEN *SELVES & *MR & *MRS *WRIGHT, *MICHAEL WILL CON+ TRIVE/ TO PLACE ABOUT THEIR *COACH, AND HOW MANY OF THE *GENTLEMEN, *MUSICIANS & *WAITERS, HE WILL HAVE PERSUADED TO COME IN THEIR *SHOOTING *JACKETS. *I HOPE *JOHN *LOVETT'S ACCIDENT WILL NOT PREVENT HIS ATTENDING THE *BALL, AS YOU WILL OTHERWISE BE OBLIGED TO DANCE WITH *MR. *TINCTON THE WHOLE *EVENING. *LET ME KNOW HOW *J. HARWOOD DEPORTS HIMSELF WITHOUT THE *MISS *BIGGS ; - AND WHICH OF THE *MARYS WILL CARRY THE DAY WITH MY *BROTHER *JAMES. $*WE$ WERE AT A *BALL ON *SATUR+ DAY/ *I ASSURE YOU. *WE DINED AT *GOODNESTONE & IN THE *EVENING DANCED TWO *COUNTRY *DANCES AND THE *BOU+ LANGERIES. - *I OPENED THE *BALL WITH *EDWD* *BRIDGES ; THE OTHER COUPLES, WERE *LEWIS *CAGE & *HARRIOT, *FRANK AND *LOUISA, *FANNY & *GEORGE. *ELIZTH** PLAYED ONE *COUNTRY DANCE, *LADY *BRIDGES THE OTHER, WHICH SHE MADE *HENRY DANCE WITH HER ; AND *MISS *FINCH PLAYED THE *BOULANGERIES - *ON READING OVER THE LAST THREE OR FOUR *LINES, *I AM AWARE OF MY HAVING EXPRESSED MYSELF

IN SO DOUBTFUL A MANNER THAT IF *I DID NOT TELL YOU TO THE CONTRARY, *YOU MIGHT IMAGINE IT WAS *LADY *BRIDGES WHO MADE *HENRY DANCE WITH HER, AT THE SAME TIME THAT SHE WAS PLAYING - WHICH IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE MUST APPEAR A VERY IMPROBABLE *EVENT TO YOU. - *BUT IT WAS *ELIZ: WHO DANCED - . *WE SUPPED THERE, & WALKED HOME AT NIGHT UNDER THE SHADE OF TWO *UMBRELLAS. - *TODAY THE *GOODNE+ STONE/ *PARTY BEGINS TO DISPERSE & SPREAD ITSELF ABROAD. *MR. & *MRS. *CAGE & *GEORGE REPAIR TO *HYTHE. *LADY *WALTHAM, *MISS *BRIDGES & *MISS *MARY *FINCH TO *DOVER, FOR THE HEALTH OF THE TWO FORMER. - *I HAVE NEVER SEEN *MARIANNE AT ALL. - *ON *THURSDAY *MR. & *MRS. *BRIDGES RETURN TO *DANBURY ; *MISS *HARRIOT *HALES ACCOMPANIES THEM TO *LONDON IN HER WAY TO *DORSETSHIRE. *FARMER *CLARINBOULD DIED THIS MORNING, & *I FANCY *EDWARD MEANS TO GET SOME OF HIS *FARM IF HE CAN CHEAT *SIR *BROOK ENOUGH IN THE AGRE+ MENT/. - *WE HAVE JUST GOT SOME VENISON FROM *GODMER+ SHAM/, WHICH THE TWO *MR. *HARVEYS ARE TO DEVOUR TO-+ MORROW/ ; AND ON FRIDAY OR *SATURDAY THE *GOODNESTONE PEOPLE ARE TO FINISH THEIR *SCRAPS. *HENRY WENT AWAY ON FRIDAY AS HE PURPOSED $WITHOUT FAYL$ ; - *YOU WILL HEAR FROM HIM SOON *I IMAGINE, AS HE TALKED OF WRITING TO *STEVENTON SHORTLY. *MR. *RICHARD *HARVEY IS GOING TO BE MARRIED ; BUT AS IT IS A GREAT SECRET, & ONLY KNOWN TO HALF THE *NEIGHBOURHOOD, YOU MUST NOT MENTION IT. *THE *LADY'S NAME IS *MUSGROVE. - *I AM IN GREAT *DISTRESS. - *I CANNOT DETERMINE WHETHER *I SHALL GIVE *RICHIS HALF A GUINEA OR ONLY FIVE *SHILLINGS WHEN *I GO AWAY. *COUNSEL ME, AMIABLE *MISS *AUSTEN, AND TELL ME WHICH WILL BE THE MOST. - *WE WALKED *FRANK LAST NIGHT TO *CRIXHALL RUFF, AND HE APPEARED MUCH EDIFIED. *LITTLE

*EDWARD WAS BREECHED YESTERDAY FOR GOOD & ALL, AND WAS WHIPPED, INTO THE *BARGAIN. *PRAY REMEMBER ME TO *EVERYBODY WHO DOES NOT ENQUIRE AFTER ME. *THOSE WHO DO, REMEMBER ME WITHOUT BIDDING.... *GIVE MY *LOVE TO *MARY *HARRISON, & TELL HER *I WISH WHENEVER SHE IS ATTACHED TO A YOUNG *MAN, SOME $RESPECTABLE$ *DR. *MARCHMONT MAY KEEP THEM APART FOR FIVE *VOLUMES.

*ROWLING : *THURSDAY 15TH** *SEPTR** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *WE HAVE BEEN VERY GAY SINCE *I WROTE LAST; DINING AT *NACKINGTON, RETURNING BY *MOONLIGHT, AND EVERY+ THING/ QUITE IN *STILE, NOT TO MENTION *MR. *CLARINGBOULD'S *FUNERAL WHICH WE SAW GO BY ON *SUNDAY. *I BELEIVE *I TOLD YOU IN A FORMER *LETTER THAT *EDWARD HAD SOME IDEA OF TAKING THE NAME OF *CLARINGBOULD ; BUT THAT SCHEME IS OVER, THO' IT WOULD BE A VERY ELIGIBLE AS WELL AS A VERY PLEASANT PLAN, WOULD ANY ONE ADVANCE HIM *MONEY ENOUGH TO BEGIN ON. *WE RATHER EXPECTED *MR. *MILLES TO HAVE DONE SO ON *TUESDAY ; BUT TO OUR GREAT *SURPRISE, NOTHING WAS SAID ON THE SUBJECT, AND UNLESS IT IS IN YOUR POWER TO ASSIST YOUR *BROTHER WITH FIVE OR SIX *HUNDRED POUNDS, HE MUST ENTIRELY GIVE UP THE IDEA. *AT *NACKINGTON WE MET *LADY *SONDES' PICTURE OVER THE *MANTLEPEICE IN THE *DINING ROOM, AND THE PICTURES OF HER THREE *CHILDREN IN AN *ANTIROOM, BESIDES

*MR. *SCOTT, *MISS *FLETCHER, *MR. *TOKE, *MR. *J. TOKE, AND THE *ARCHDEACON *LYNCH. *MISS *FLETCHER AND *I WERE VERY THICK, BUT *I AM THE THINNEST OF THE TWO - *SHE WORE HER PURPLE *MUSLIN, WHICH IS PRETTY ENOUGH, THO' IT DOES NOT BECOME HER COMPLEXION. *THERE ARE TWO *TRAITS IN HER CHARACTER WHICH ARE PLEASING; NAMELY, SHE ADMIRES *CAMILLA, & DRINKS NO CREAM IN HER *TEA. *IF YOU SHOULD EVER SEE *LUCY, *YOU MAY TELL HER, THAT *I SCOLDED *MISS *FLETCHER FOR HER NEGLIGENCE IN WRITING, AS SHE DESIRED ME TO DO, BUT WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO BRING HER TO ANY PROPER SENSE OF *SHAME - *THAT *MISS *FLETCHER SAYS IN HER DEFENCE THAT AS EVERY *BODY WHOM *LUCY KNEW WHEN SHE WAS IN *CANTERBURY, HAS NOW LEFT IT, SHE HAS NOTHING AT ALL TO WRITE TO HER ABOUT. *BY $*EVERYBODY$, *I SUPPOSE *MISS *FLETCHER MEANS THAT A NEW SET OF *OFFICERS HAVE ARRIVED THERE - . *BUT THIS IS A NOTE OF MY OWN. - *MRS. *MILLES, *MR. *JOHN *TOKE, & IN SHORT EVERYBODY OF ANY *SENSIBILITY ENQUIRED IN TENDER *STRAINS AFTER *YOU; AND *I TOOK AN OPPORTUNITY OF ASSURING *MR. *J.T. THAT NEITHER HE NOR HIS *FATHER NEED LONGER KEEP THEMSELVES SINGLE FOR YOU - . *WE WENT IN OUR TWO *CARRIAGES TO *NACKING+ TON/; BUT HOW WE DIVIDED, *I SHALL LEAVE YOU TO SURMISE, MERELY OBSERVING THAT AS *ELIZ: AND *I WERE WITHOUT *HAT OR *BONNET, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN VERY CONVENIENT FOR US TO GO IN THE *CHAIR. - *WE WENT BY *BIFRONS, & CONTEMPLATED WITH A MELANCHOLY PLEASURE, THE ABODE OF *HIM, ON WHOM *I ONCE FONDLY DOATED. - *WE DINE TO-+ DAY/ AT *GOODNESTONE, TO MEET MY *AUNT *FIELDING FROM *MARGATE, AND A *MR. *CLAYTON, HER PROFESSED *ADMIRER; AT LEAST SO *I IMAGINE. *LADY *BRIDGES HAS RECEIVED VERY GOOD ACCOUNTS OF *MARIANNE, WHO IS ALREADY CERTAINLY THE BETTER FOR HER *BATHING. - *SO - HIS ROYAL *HIGHNESS *SIR *THOMAS *WILLIAMS HAS AT LENGTH SAILED - ; THE

*PAPERS SAY "ON A *CRUIZE". *BUT *I HOPE THEY ARE GONE TO *CORK, OR *I SHALL HAVE WRITTEN IN VAIN. *GIVE MY *LOVE TO *JANE, AS SHE ARRIVED AT *STEVENTON *YESTERDAY, *I DARE SAY. *I SENT A MESSAGE TO *MR. *DIGWEED FROM *EDWARD, IN A LETTER TO *MARY *LLOYD, WHICH SHE OUGHT TO RECEIVE TODAY; *BUT AS *I KNOW THAT THE *HARWOODS ARE NOT VERY EXACT AS TO THEIR *LETTERS, *I MAY AS WELL REPEAT IT TO YOU - . *MR. *DIGWEED IS TO BE INFORMED THAT *ILL+ NESS/ HAS PREVENTED *SEWARD'S COMING OVER TO LOOK AT THE INTENDED *REPAIRS AT THE *FARM, BUT THAT HE WILL COME, AS SOON AS HE CAN. *MR. *DIGWEED MAY ALSO BE INFORMED IF YOU THINK PROPER, THAT *MR. & *MRS. *MILLES ARE TO DINE HERE TOMORROW, AND THAT *MRS. *JOAN *KNATCH+ BULL/ IS TO BE ASKED TO MEET THEM. - *MR. *RICHARD *HARVEY'S MATCH IS PUT OFF TILL HE HAS GOT A *BETTER *CHRISTIAN NAME, OF WHICH HE HAS GREAT *HOPES. *MR *CHILDREN'S TWO *SONS ARE GOING TO BE MARRIED, *JOHN & *GEORGE - . *THEY ARE TO HAVE ONE WIFE BETWEEN THEM; A *MISS *HOLWELL, WHO BELONGS TO THE *BLACK *HOLE AT *CALCUTTA. - *I DEPEND ON HEARING FROM *JAMES VERY SOON; HE PROMISED ME AN ACCOUNT OF THE *BALL, AND BY THIS TIME HE MUST HAVE COLLECTED HIS *IDEAS ENOUGH, AFTER THE FATIGUE OF DANCING, TO GIVE ME ONE. *EDWARD & *FLY WENT OUT YESTERDAY VERY EARLY IN A COUPLE OF *SHOOTING *JACKETS, AND CAME HOME LIKE A COUPLE OF *BAD *SHOTS, FOR THEY KILLED NOTHING AT ALL. *THEY ARE OUT AGAIN TODAY, & ARE NOT YET RETURNED. *DELIGHTFUL *SPORT! - *THEY ARE JUST COME HOME; *EDWARD WITH HIS TWO *BRACE, *FRANK WITH HIS *TWO AND A HALF. *WHAT AMIABLE *YOUNG *MEN! *FRIDAY - *YOUR *LETTER & ONE FROM *HENRY ARE JUST COME, AND THE CONTENTS OF BOTH ACCORD WITH MY *SCHEME MORE THAN *I HAD DARED EXPECT - *IN ONE PARTICULAR

*I COULD WISH IT OTHERWISE, FOR *HENRY IS VERY INDIFFERENT INDEED - . *YOU MUST NOT EXPECT US QUITE SO EARLY HOWEVER AS WEDNESDAY THE 20TH** - ON THAT DAY SE'NIGHT ACCORDING TO OUR PRESENT PLAN WE MAY BE WITH *YOU. *FRANK HAD NEVER ANY IDEA OF GOING AWAY BEFORE *MONDAY THE 26TH**. *I SHALL WRITE TO *MISS *PEARSON IMME+ DIATELY/ & PRESS HER RETURNING WITH US, - WHICH *HENRY THINKS VERY LIKELY, & PARTICULARLY ELIGIBLE. *BUY *MARY *HARRISON'S *GOWN BY ALL MEANS. *YOU SHALL HAVE MINE FOR EVER SO MUCH MONEY, THO' IF *I AM TOLERABLY RICH WHEN *I GET HOME, *I SHALL LIKE IT VERY MUCH MYSELF. *TILL WE KNOW WHETHER SHE ACCOMPANIES US OR NOT, WE CAN SAY NOTHING IN REPLY TO MY *FATHER'S KIND OFFER - . *AS TO THE MODE OF OUR TRAVELLING TO *TOWN, *I WANT TO GO IN A *STAGE *COACH, BUT *FRANK WILL NOT LET ME. *AS YOU ARE LIKELY TO HAVE THE *WILLIAMS' & *LLOYDS WITH YOU NEXT WEEK, YOU WOULD HARDLY FIND ROOM FOR US THEN. *IF ANYBODY WANTS ANYTHING IN *TOWN, THEY MUST SEND THEIR *COMMISSIONS TO *FRANK, AS $*I$ SHALL MERELY PASS THRO' IT. - *THE *TALLOW *CHANDLER IS *PENLINGTON, AT THE *CROWN & *BEEHIVE *CHARLES *STREET, *COVENT *GARDEN. *ROWLING : *SUNDAY 18TH** *SEPTR* *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *THIS MORNING HAS BEEN SPENT IN *DOUBT & *DELIBERA+ TION/ ; IN FORMING PLANS, AND REMOVING *DIFFICULTIES, FOR

IT USHERED IN THE *DAY WITH AN *EVENT WHICH *I HAD NOT INTENDED SHOULD TAKE PLACE SO SOON BY A WEEK. *FRANK HAS RECD* HIS APPOINTMENT ON *BOARD THE *CAPTAIN *JOHN *GORE, COMMANDED BY THE *TRITON, AND WILL THEREFORE BE OBLIGED TO BE IN *TOWN ON WEDNESDAY - AND THO' *I HAVE EVERY *DISPOSITION IN THE WORLD TO ACCOMPANY HIM ON THAT DAY, *I CANNOT GO ON THE *UNCERTAINTY OF THE *PEARSONS BEING AT *HOME ; AS *I SHOULD NOT HAVE A PLACE TO GO TO, IN CASE THEY WERE FROM *HOME. *I WROTE TO *MISS *P. ON FRIDAY, AND HOPED TO RECEIVE AN ANSWER FROM HER THIS MORNING, WHICH WOULD HAVE RENDERED EVERYTHING SMOOTH AND *EASY, AND WOULD HAVE ENABLED US TO LEAVE THIS PLACE TO-MORROW, AS *FRANK ON FIRST RECEIVING HIS *APPOINTMENT, INTENDED TO DO. *HE RE+ MAINS/ TILL *WEDNESDAY MERELY TO ACCOMODATE ME. *I HAVE WRITTEN TO HER AGAIN TO-DAY AND DESIRED HER TO ANSWER IT BY RETURN OF POST - *ON *TUESDAY THEREFORE *I SHALL POSITIVELY KNOW WHETHER THEY CAN RECEIVE ME ON *WEDNESDAY - *IF THEY CANNOT, *EDWARD HAS BEEN SO GOOD AS TO PROMISE TO TAKE ME TO *GREENWICH ON THE *MONDAY FOLLOWING WHICH WAS THE DAY BEFORE FIXED ON, IF THAT SUITS THEM BETTER - . *IF *I HAVE NO ANSWER AT ALL ON *TUESDAY, *I MUST SUPPOSE *MARY IS NOT AT *HOME, AND MUST WAIT TILL *I DO HEAR ; AS AFTER HAVING INVITED HER TO GO TO *STEVENTON WITH ME, IT WILL NOT QUITE DO, TO GO HOME AND SAY NO MORE ABOUT IT. - *MY *FATHER WILL BE SO GOOD AS TO FETCH HOME HIS PRODIGAL *DAUGHTER FROM *TOWN, *I HOPE, UNLESS HE WISHES ME TO WALK THE *HOSPITALS, *ENTER AT THE *TEMPLE, OR MOUNT *GUARD AT *ST. *JAMES. *IT WILL HARDLY BE IN *FRANK'S POWER TO TAKE ME HOME ; NAY, IT CERTAINLY WILL NOT. *I SHALL WRITE AGAIN AS SOON AS *I GET TO *GREEN+ WICH/. -

*WHAT DREADFUL *HOT WEATHER WE HAVE ! - *IT KEEPS ONE IN A CONTINUAL STATE OF *INELEGANCE. - *IF *MISS *PEARSON SHOULD RETURN WITH ME, PRAY BE CAREFUL NOT TO EXPECT TOO MUCH *BEAUTY. *I WILL NOT PRETEND TO SAY THAT ON A $FIRST VEIW,$ SHE QUITE ANSWERED THE OPINION *I HAD FORMED OF HER. - *MY *MOTHER *I AM SURE WILL BE DISAPPOINTED, IF SHE DOES NOT TAKE GREAT CARE. *FROM WHAT *I REMEMBER OF HER PICTURE, IT IS NO GREAT RESEMBLANCE. *I AM VERY GLAD THAT THE IDEA OF RETURNING WITH *FRANK OCCURRED TO ME, FOR AS TO *HENRY'S COMING INTO *KENT AGAIN, THE TIME OF ITS TAKING PLACE IS SO VERY UNCERTAIN, THAT *I SHOULD BE WAITING FOR $*DEAD-MEN'S *SHOES.$ *I HAD ONCE DETERMINED TO GO WITH *FRANK TO-MORROW AND TAKE MY CHANCE &C. ; BUT THEY DISSUADED ME FROM SO RASH A STEP - AS *I REALLY THINK ON CONSIDERATION IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ; FOR IF THE *PEARSONS WERE NOT AT HOME, *I SHOULD INEVITABLY FALL A *SACRIFICE TO THE ARTS OF SOME FAT *WOMAN WHO WOULD MAKE ME DRUNK WITH *SMALL *BEER. - *MARY IS BROUGHT TO BED OF A *BOY ; BOTH DOING VERY WELL. *I SHALL LEAVE YOU TO GUESS WHAT *MARY, *I MEAN. - *ADIEU, WITH BEST *LOVE TO ALL YOUR AGREABLE *INMATES. *DO NOT LET THE *LLOYDS GO ON ANY ACCOUNT BEFORE *I RETURN, UNLESS *MISS *P. IS OF THE PARTY. *HOW ILL *I HAVE WRITTEN. *I BEGIN TO HATE MYSELF. *YRS EVER, *J: *AUSTEN *THE *TRITON IS A NEW 32 *FRIGATE, JUST LAUNCHED AT *DEPTFORD. - *FRANK IS MUCH PLEASED WITH THE PROSPECT OF HAVING *CAPT: *GORE UNDER HIS COMMAND.

*STEVENTON *SUNDAY *APRIL 8TH** ((1798IN ANOTHER HAND)) *MY DEAR *COUSIN *AS *CASSANDRA IS AT PRESENT FROM HOME, YOU MUST ACCEPT FROM MY PEN, OUR SINCERE *CONDOLANCE ON THE MELANCHOLY *EVENT WHICH *MRS** HUMPHRIES *LETTER AN+ NOUNCED/ TO MY *FATHER THIS MORNING. - *THE LOSS OF SO KIND & AFFECTIONATE A *PARENT, MUST BE A VERY SEVERE AFFLICTION TO ALL HIS *CHILDREN, TO YOURSELF MORE ESPECIALLY, AS YOUR CONSTANT RESIDENCE WITH HIM HAS GIVEN YOU SO MUCH THE MORE CONSTANT & INTIMATE *KNOWLEDGE OF HIS *VIRTUES. - *BUT THE VERY CIRCUMSTANCE WHICH AT PRESENT ENHANCES YOUR LOSS, MUST GRADUALLY RECONCILE YOU TO IT THE BETTER ; - THE *GOODNESS WHICH MADE HIM VALUABLE ON *EARTH, WILL MAKE HIM *BLESSED IN *HEAVEN. - *THIS CONSIDERATION MUST BRING COMFORT TO YOURSELF, TO MY *AUNT, & TO ALL HIS FAMILY & FRIENDS ; & THIS COMFORT MUST BE HEIGHTENED BY THE CONSIDERATION OF THE LITTLE *ENJOYMENT HE WAS ABLE TO RECEIVE FROM THIS *WORLD FOR SOME TIME PAST, & OF THE SMALL DEGREE OF PAIN ATTENDING HIS LAST HOURS. *I WILL NOT PRESS YOU TO WRITE BEFORE YOU WOULD OTHERWISE FEEL EQUAL TO IT, BUT WHEN YOU CAN DO IT WITHOUT PAIN, *I HOPE WE SHALL RECEIVE FROM YOU AS GOOD AN ACCOUNT OF MY *AUNT & YOURSELF, AS CAN BE EXPECTED IN THESE EARLY DAYS OF *SORROW. - *MY *FATHER & *MOTHER JOIN ME IN EVERY KIND WISH, & *I AM MY DEAR *COUSIN, YOURS AFFEC:TELY**** *JANE *AUSTEN

"*BULL AND *GEORGE," *DARTFORD : *WEDNESDAY *OCTOBER 24 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOU HAVE ALREADY HEARD FROM *DANIEL, *I CONCLUDE, IN WHAT EXCELLENT TIME WE REACHED AND QUITTED *SITTING+ BOURNE/, AND HOW VERY WELL MY MOTHER BORE HER JOURNEY THITHER. *I AM NOW ABLE TO SEND YOU A CONTINUATION OF THE SAME GOOD ACCOUNT OF HER. *SHE WAS VERY LITTLE FATIGUED ON HER ARRIVAL AT THIS PLACE, HAS BEEN REFRESHED BY A COMFORTABLE DINNER, AND NOW SEEMS QUITE STOUT. *IT WANTED FIVE MINUTES OF TWELVE WHEN WE LEFT *SITTING+ BOURNE/, FROM WHENCE WE HAD A FAMOUS PAIR OF HORSES, WHICH TOOK US TO *ROCHESTER IN AN HOUR AND A QUARTER ; THE POSTBOY SEEMED DETERMINED TO SHOW MY MOTHER THAT *KENTISH DRIVERS WERE NOT ALWAYS TEDIOUS, AND REALLY DROVE AS FAST AS *CAX. *OUR NEXT STAGE WAS NOT QUITE SO EXPEDITIOUSLY PER+ FORMED/ ; THE ROAD WAS HEAVY AND OUR HORSES VERY INDIFFERENT. - *HOWEVER, WE WERE IN SUCH GOOD TIME, AND MY MOTHER BORE HER JOURNEY SO WELL, THAT EXPEDITION WAS OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE TO US ; AND AS IT WAS, WE WERE VERY LITTLE MORE THAN TWO HOURS AND A HALF COMING HITHER, AND IT WAS SCARCELY PAST FOUR WHEN WE STOPPED AT THE INN. *MY MOTHER TOOK SOME OF HER BITTERS AT *OSPRINGE, AND SOME MORE AT *ROCHESTER, AND SHE ATE SOME BREAD SEVERAL TIMES. *WE HAVE GOT APARTMENTS UP TWO PAIR OF STAIRS, AS WE COULD NOT BE OTHERWISE ACCOMMODATED WITH A

SITTING-ROOM AND BED-CHAMBERS ON THE SAME FLOOR, WHICH WE WISHED TO BE. *WE HAVE ONE DOUBLE-BEDDED AND ONE SINGLE-BEDDED ROOM ; IN THE FORMER MY MOTHER AND *I ARE TO SLEEP. *I SHALL LEAVE YOU TO GUESS WHO IS TO OCCUPY THE OTHER. *WE SATE DOWN TO DINNER A LITTLE AFTER FIVE, AND HAD SOME BEEF-STEAKS AND A BOILED FOWL, BUT NO OYSTER SAUCE. *I SHOULD HAVE BEGUN MY LETTER SOON AFTER OUR ARRIVAL BUT FOR A LITTLE ADVENTURE WHICH PREVENTED ME. *AFTER WE HAD BEEN HERE A QUARTER OF AN HOUR IT WAS DIS+ COVERED/ THAT MY WRITING AND DRESSING BOXES HAD BEEN BY ACCIDENT PUT INTO A CHAISE WHICH WAS JUST PACKING OFF AS WE CAME IN, AND WERE DRIVEN AWAY TOWARDS *GRAVESEND IN THEIR WAY TO THE *WEST *INDIES. *NO PART OF MY PROPERTY COULD HAVE BEEN SUCH A PRIZE BEFORE, FOR IN MY WRITING-BOX WAS ALL MY WORLDLY WEALTH, $7L$., AND MY DEAR *HARRY'S DEPUTATION *MR *NOTTLEY IM+ MEDIATELY/ DESPATCHED A MAN AND HORSE AFTER THE CHAISE, AND IN HALF AN HOUR'S TIME *I HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING AS RICH AS EVER ; THEY WERE GOT ABOUT TWO OR THREE MILES OFF. *MY DAY'S JOURNEY HAS BEEN PLEASANTER IN EVERY RESPECT THAN *I EXPECTED. *I HAVE BEEN VERY LITTLE CROWDED AND BY NO MEANS UNHAPPY. *YOUR WATCHFUL+ NESS/ WITH REGARD TO THE WEATHER ON OUR ACCOUNTS WAS VERY KIND AND VERY EFFECTUAL. *WE HAD ONE HEAVY SHOWER ON LEAVING *SITTINGBOURNE, BUT AFTERWARDS THE CLOUDS CLEARED AWAY, AND WE HAD A VERY BRIGHT $CHRYSTAL$ AFTERNOON. *MY FATHER IS NOW READING THE " *MIDNIGHT *BELL," WHICH HE HAS GOT FROM THE LIBRARY, AND MOTHER SITTING BY THE FIRE. *OUR ROUTE TO-MORROW IS NOT DETERMINED. *WE HAVE NONE OF US MUCH INCLINATION FOR *LONDON, AND IF

*STEVENTON : *SATURDAY *OCTOBER 27 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOUR LETTER WAS A MOST AGREEABLE SURPRISE TO ME TO-DAY, AND *I HAVE TAKEN A LONG SHEET OF PAPER TO SHOW MY GRATITUDE. *WE ARRIVED HERE YESTERDAY BETWEEN FOUR AND FIVE, BUT *I CANNOT SEND YOU QUITE SO TRIUMPHANT AN ACCOUNT OF OUR LAST DAY'S JOURNEY AS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND. *SOON AFTER *I HAD FINISHED MY LETTER FROM *STAINES, MY MOTHER BEGAN TO SUFFER FROM THE EXERCISE & FATIGUE OF TRAVELLING SO FAR, AND SHE WAS A GOOD DEAL INDISPOSED + FROM THAT PARTICULAR KIND OF EVACUATION WHICH + HAS GENERALLY PRECEDED HER ILLNESSES. *SHE HAD NOT A VERY GOOD NIGHT AT *STAINES, + & FELT A HEAT IN HER THROAT AS WE TRAVELLED YESTERDAY + MORNING, WHICH SEEMED TO FORETELL MORE *BILE. - *SHE + BORE HER *JOURNEY HOWEVER MUCH BETTER THAN *I HAD EXPECTED, AND AT *BASING+ STOKE/, WHERE WE STOPPED MORE THAN HALF AN HOUR, RECEIVED MUCH COMFORT FROM A MESS OF BROTH AND THE SIGHT OF *MR. *LYFORD, WHO RECOMMENDED HER TO TAKE TWELVE DROPS OF LAUDANUM WHEN SHE WENT TO BED AS A COMPOSER, WHICH SHE ACCORDINGLY DID. + *IT IS BY NO MEANS WONDERFUL THAT HER *JOURNEY + SHOULD HAVE PRODUCED SOME KIND OF VISITATION; + *I HOPE A FEW DAYS WILL ENTIRELY REMOVE IT.

*JAMES CALLED ON US JUST AS WE WERE GOING TO TEA, AND MY MOTHER WAS WELL ENOUGH TO TALK VERY CHEERFULLY TO HIM BEFORE SHE WENT TO BED. + *LYFORD HAS PROMISED TO CALL IN THE COURSE OF A + FEW DAYS, & THEN THEY WILL SETTLE ABOUT THE + *DANDELION *TEA; THE RECEIPTS FOR WHICH WERE + SHOWN HIM AT *BASINGSTOKE, & HE APPROVED OF + THEM HIGHLY, THEY WILL ONLY REQUIRE SOME SLIGHT + ALTERATION TO BE BETTER ADAPTED TO MY *MOTHER'S + CONSTITUTION. *JAMES SEEMS TO HAVE TAKEN TO HIS OLD TRICK OF COMING TO *STEVENTON IN SPITE OF *MARY'S REPROACHES, FOR HE WAS HERE BEFORE BREAKFAST AND IS NOW PAYING US A SECOND VISIT. [*MARY IS QUITE + ALL HE SAYS, & UNCOMMONLY LARGE.] *THEY WERE TO HAVE DINED HERE TO-DAY, BUT THE WEATHER IS TOO BAD. *I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF HEARING THAT *MARTHA IS WITH THEM. *JAMES FETCHED HER FROM *IBTHORP ON *THURSDAY, AND SHE WILL STAY WITH THEM TILL SHE REMOVES TO *KINTBURY. *WE MET WITH NO ADVENTURES AT ALL IN OUR JOURNEY YESTERDAY, EXCEPT THAT OUR TRUNK HAD ONCE NEARLY SLIPPED OFF, AND WE WERE OBLIGED TO STOP AT *HARTLEY TO HAVE OUR WHEELS GREASED. *WHILST MY MOTHER AND *MR. *LYFORD WERE TOGETHER *I WENT TO *MRS. *RYDER'S AND BOUGHT WHAT *I INTENDED TO BUY, BUT NOT IN MUCH PERFECTION. *THERE WERE NO NARROW BRACES FOR CHILDREN AND SCARCELY ANY NOTTING SILK ; BUT *MISS *WOOD, AS USUAL, IS GOING TO TOWN VERY SOON, AND WILL LAY IN A FRESH STOCK. *I GAVE 2S. 3D. A YARD FOR MY FLANNEL, AND *I FANCY IT IS NOT VERY GOOD, BUT IT IS SO DISGRACEFUL AND CONTEMPTIBLE AN ARTICLE IN ITSELF THAT ITS BEING COMPARATIVELY GOOD OR BAD IS OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE. *I BOUGHT SOME *JAPAN [SILK] LIKEWISE, AND NEXT WEEK SHALL BEGIN MY OPERATIONS ON MY HAT, ON WHICH YOU KNOW MY PRINCIPAL HOPES OF HAPPINESS DEPEND. *I AM VERY GRAND INDEED ; *I HAD THE DIGNITY OF DROPPING OUT MY MOTHER'S LAUDANUM LAST NIGHT. *I CARRY ABOUT THE KEYS OF THE WINE AND CLOSET, AND TWICE SINCE *I BEGAN THIS LETTER HAVE HAD ORDERS TO GIVE IN THE KITCHEN. *OUR DINNER WAS VERY GOOD YESTERDAY, AND

THE CHICKEN BOILED PERFECTLY TENDER ; THEREFORE *I SHALL NOT BE OBLIGED TO DISMISS *NANNY ON THAT ACCOUNT. *ALMOST EVERYTHING WAS UNPACKED AND PUT AWAY LAST NIGHT. *NANNY CHOSE TO DO IT, AND *I WAS NOT SORRY TO BE BUSY. *I HAVE UNPACKED THE GLOVES AND PLACED YOURS IN YOUR DRAWER. *THEIR COLOUR IS LIGHT AND PRETTY, AND *I BELIEVE EXACTLY WHAT WE FIXED ON. *YOUR LETTER WAS CHAPERONED HERE BY ONE FROM *MRS. *COOKE, IN WHICH SHE SAYS THAT " *BATTLERIDGE " IS NOT TO COME OUT BEFORE *JANUARY, AND SHE IS SO LITTLE SATISFIED WITH *CAWTHORN'S DILATORINESS THAT SHE NEVER MEANS TO EMPLOY HIM AGAIN. *MRS. *HALL, OF *SHERBORNE, WAS BROUGHT TO BED YESTER+ DAY/ OF A DEAD CHILD, SOME WEEKS BEFORE SHE EXPECTED, OWING TO A FRIGHT. *I SUPPOSE SHE HAPPENED UNAWARES TO LOOK AT HER HUSBAND. *THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT,DEAL OF RAIN HERE FOR THIS LAST FORTNIGHT, MUCH MORE THAN IN *KENT, AND INDEED WE FOUND THE ROADS ALL THE WAY FROM *STAINES MOST DISGRACE+ FULLY/ DIRTY. *STEVENTON LANE HAS ITS FULL SHARE OF IT, AND *I DON'T KNOW WHEN *I SHALL BE ABLE TO GET TO *DEANE. *I HEAR THAT *MARTHA IS IN BETTER LOOKS AND SPIRITS THAN SHE HAS ENJOYED FOR A LONG TIME, AND *I FLATTER MYSELF SHE WILL NOW BE ABLE TO JEST OPENLY ABOUT *MR. *W. *THE SPECTACLES WHICH *MOLLY FOUND ARE MY MOTHER'S, THE SCISSORS MY FATHER'S. *WE ARE VERY GLAD TO HEAR SUCH A GOOD ACCOUNT OF YOUR PATIENTS, LITTLE AND GREAT. *MY DEAR ITTY *DORDY'S REMEMBRANCE OF ME IS VERY PLEASING TO ME - FOOLISHLY PLEASING, BECAUSE *I KNOW IT WILL BE OVER SO SOON. *MY ATTACHMENT TO HIM WILL BE MORE DURABLE. *I SHALL THINK WITH TENDERNESS AND DELIGHT ON HIS BEAUTIFUL AND SMILING COUNTENANCE AND INTERESTING MANNERS TILL A FEW YEARS HAVE TURNED HIM

INTO AN UNGOVERNABLE, UNGRACIOUS FELLOW. *THE BOOKS FROM *WINTON ARE ALL UNPACKED AND PUT AWAY ; THE BINDING HAS COMPRESSED THEM MOST CON+ VENIENTLY/, AND THERE IS NOW VERY GOOD ROOM IN THE BOOKCASE FOR ALL THAT WE WISH TO HAVE THERE. *I BELIEVE THE SERVANTS WERE VERY GLAD TO SEE US. *NANNY WAS, *I AM SURE. *SHE CONFESSES THAT IT WAS VERY DULL, AND YET SHE HAD HER CHILD WITH HER TILL LAST *SUNDAY. *I UNDER+ STAND/ THAT THERE ARE SOME GRAPES LEFT, BUT *I BELIEVE NOT MANY ; THEY MUST BE GATHERED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, OR THIS RAIN WILL ENTIRELY ROT THEM. *I AM QUITE ANGRY WITH MYSELF FOR NOT WRITING CLOSER ; WHY IS MY ALPHABET SO MUCH MORE SPRAWLY THAN YOURS ? *DAME *TILBURY'S DAUGHTER HAS LAIN IN. *SHALL *I GIVE HER ANY OF YOUR BABY CLOTHES ? *THE LACEMAN WAS HERE ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO. *HOW UNFORTUNATE FOR BOTH OF US THAT HE CAME SO SOON ! *DAME *BUSHELL WASHES FOR US ONLY ONE WEEK MORE, AS *SUKEY HAS GOT A PLACE. *JOHN *STEEVENS' WIFE UNDERTAKES OUR PURIFICA+ TION/. *SHE DOES NOT LOOK AS IF ANYTHING SHE TOUCHED WOULD EVER BE CLEAN, BUT WHO KNOWS ? *WE DO NOT SEEM LIKELY TO HAVE ANY OTHER MAIDSERVANT AT PRESENT, BUT *DAME *STAPLES WILL SUPPLY THE PLACE OF ONE. *MARY HAS HIRED A YOUNG GIRL FROM *ASHE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN OUT TO SERVICE TO BE HER SCRUB, BUT *JAMES FEARS HER NOT BEING STRONG ENOUGH FOR THE PLACE. *EARLE *HARWOOD HAS BEEN TO *DEANE LATELY, AS *I THINK *MARY WROTE US WORD, AND HIS FAMILY THEN TOLD HIM THAT THEY WOULD RECEIVE HIS WIFE, IF SHE CONTINUED TO BEHAVE WELL FOR ANOTHER YEAR. *HE WAS VERY GRATEFUL, AS WELL HE MIGHT ; THEIR BEHAVIOUR THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE AFFAIR HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY KIND. *EARLE AND HIS WIFE LIVE IN THE MOST PRIVATE MANNER IMAGINABLE AT

*PORTSMOUTH, *WITHOUT KEEPING A SERVANT OF ANY KIND. *WHAT A PRODIGIOUS INNATE LOVE OF VIRTUE SHE MUST HAVE, TO MARRY UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES ! *IT IS NOW *SATURDAY EVENING, BUT *I WROTE THE CHIEF OF THIS IN THE MORNING. *MY MOTHER HAS NOT BEEN DOWN AT ALL TO-DAY ; THE LAUDANUM MADE HER SLEEP A GOOD DEAL, AND UPON THE WHOLE *I THINK SHE IS BETTER. + *I SHALL BE ABLE TO BE MORE POSITIVE ON + THIS SUBJECT *I HOPE TOMORROW. *MY FATHER AND *I DINED BY OURSELVES. *HOW STRANGE ! *HE AND *JOHN *BOND ARE NOW VERY HAPPY TOGETHER, FOR *I HAVE JUST HEARD THE HEAVY STEP OF THE LATTER ALONG THE PASSAGE. *JAMES *DIGWEED CALLED TO-DAY, AND *I GAVE HIM HIS BROTHER'S DEPUTATION. *CHARLES *HARWOOD, TOO, HAS JUST CALLED TO ASK HOW WE ARE, IN HIS WAY FROM *DUMMER, WHITHER HE HAS BEEN CONVEYING *MISS *GARRETT, WHO IS GOING TO RETURN TO HER FORMER RESIDENCE IN *KENT. *I $WILL$ LEAVE OFF, OR *I SHALL NOT HAVE ROOM TO ADD A WORD TO-+ MORROW/. $*SUNDAY$. - *MY MOTHER HAS HAD A VERY GOOD NIGHT, AND [THO' SHE DID NOT GET UP TO BREAKFAST,] + FEELS MUCH BETTER TO-DAY. *I HAVE RECEIVED MY *AUNT'S LETTER, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SCRAP. *I WILL WRITE TO *CHARLES SOON. *PRAY GIVE *FANNY AND *EDWARD A KISS FROM ME, AND ASK *GEORGE IF HE HAS GOT A NEW SONG FOR ME. '*TIS REALLY VERY KIND OF MY *AUNT TO ASK US TO *BATH AGAIN; A KINDNESS THAT DESERVES A BETTER RETURN THAN TO PROFIT BY IT. *YOURS EVER, *J. *A.

*SATURDAY, *NOVEMBER 17, 1798. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *IF YOU PAID ANY ATTENTION TO THE CONCLUSION OF MY LAST LETTER, YOU WILL BE SATISFIED, BEFORE YOU RECEIVE THIS, THAT MY MOTHER HAS HAD NO RELAPSE, AND THAT *MISS *DEBARY COMES. *THE FORMER CONTINUES TO RECOVER, AND THOUGH SHE DOES NOT GAIN STRENGTH VERY RAPIDLY, MY EXPECTATIONS ARE HUMBLE ENOUGH NOT TO OUTSTRIDE HER IMPROVEMENTS. *SHE WAS ABLE TO SIT UP NEARLY EIGHT HOURS YESTERDAY, AND TO-DAY *I HOPE WE SHALL DO AS MUCH.... *SO MUCH FOR MY PATIENT - NOW FOR MYSELF. *MRS. *LEFROY DID COME LAST *WEDNESDAY, AND THE *HARWOODS CAME LIKEWISE, BUT VERY CONSIDERATELY PAID THEIR VISIT BEFORE *MRS. *LEFROY'S ARRIVAL, WITH WHOM, IN SPITE OF INTERRUPTIONS BOTH FROM MY FATHER AND *JAMES, *I WAS ENOUGH ALONE TO HEAR ALL THAT WAS INTERESTING, WHICH YOU WILL EASILY CREDIT WHEN *I TELL YOU THAT OF HER NEPHEW SHE SAID NOTHING AT ALL, AND OF HER FRIEND VERY LITTLE. *SHE DID NOT ONCE MENTION THE NAME OF THE FORMER TO $ME,$ AND *I WAS TOO PROUD TO MAKE ANY EN+ QUIRIES/ ; BUT ON MY FATHER'S AFTERWARDS ASKING WHERE HE WAS, *I LEARNT THAT HE WAS GONE BACK TO *LONDON IN HIS WAY TO *IRELAND, WHERE HE IS CALLED TO THE *BAR AND MEANS TO PRACTISE. *SHE SHOWED ME A LETTER WHICH SHE HAD RECEIVED FROM HER FRIEND A FEW WEEKS AGO (IN ANSWER TO ONE WRITTEN BY HER TO RECOMMEND A NEPHEW OF *MRS. *RUSSELL TO HIS NOTICE AT *CAMBRIDGE), TOWARDS THE END OF WHICH WAS

A SENTENCE TO THIS EFFECT : " *I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF *MRS. *AUSTEN'S ILLNESS. *IT WOULD GIVE ME PARTICULAR PLEASURE TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF IMPROVING MY ACQUAINTANCE WITH THAT FAMILY - WITH A HOPE OF CREATING TO MYSELF A NEARER INTEREST. *BUT AT PRESENT *I CANNOT INDULGE ANY EXPECTATION OF IT." *THIS IS RATIONAL ENOUGH ; THERE IS LESS LOVE AND MORE SENSE IN IT THAN SOMETIMES APPEARED BEFORE, AND *I AM VERY WELL SATISFIED. *IT WILL ALL GO ON EXCEEDINGLY WELL, AND DECLINE AWAY IN A VERY REASONABLE MANNER. *THERE SEEMS NO LIKELIHOOD OF HIS COMING INTO *HAMPSHIRE THIS *CHRISTMAS, AND IT IS THEREFORE MOST PROBABLE THAT OUR INDIFFERENCE WILL SOON BE MUTUAL, UNLESS HIS REGARD, WHICH APPEARED TO SPRING FROM KNOWING NOTHING OF ME AT FIRST, IS BEST SUPPORTED BY NEVER SEEING ME. *MRS. *LEFROY MADE NO REMARKS ON THE LETTER, NOR DID SHE INDEED SAY ANYTHING ABOUT HIM AS RELATIVE TO ME. *PERHAPS SHE THINKS SHE HAS SAID TOO MUCH ALREADY. *SHE SAW A GREAT DEAL OF THE *MAPLETONS WHILE SHE WAS IN *BATH. *CHRISTIAN IS STILL IN A VERY BAD STATE OF HEALTH, CONSUMPTIVE, AND NOT LIKELY TO RECOVER. *MRS. *PORTMAN IS NOT MUCH ADMIRED IN *DORSETSHIRE ; THE GOOD-NATURED WORLD, AS USUAL, EXTOLLED HER BEAUTY SO HIGHLY, THAT ALL THE NEIGHBOURHOOD HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING DISAPPOINTED. *MY MOTHER DESIRES ME TO TELL YOU THAT *I AM A VERY GOOD HOUSEKEEPER, WHICH *I HAVE NO RELUCTANCE IN DOING, BECAUSE *I REALLY THINK IT MY PECULIAR EXCELLENCE, AND FOR THIS REASON - *I ALWAYS TAKE CARE TO PROVIDE SUCH THINGS AS PLEASE MY OWN APPETITE, WHICH *I CON+ SIDER/ AS THE CHIEF MERIT IN HOUSEKEEPING. *I HAVE HAD SOME RAGOUT VEAL, AND *I MEAN TO HAVE SOME HARICOT MUTTON TO-MORROW. *WE ARE TO KILL A PIG SOON.

*THERE IS TO BE A BALL AT *BASINGSTOKE NEXT *THURSDAY. *OUR ASSEMBLIES HAVE VERY KINDLY DECLINED EVER SINCE WE LAID DOWN THE CARRIAGE, SO THAT DIS-CONVENIENCE AND DIS-INCLINATION TO GO HAVE KEPT PACE TOGETHER. *MY FATHER'S AFFECTION FOR *MISS *CUTHBERT IS AS LIVELY AS EVER, AND HE BEGS THAT YOU WILL NOT NEGLECT TO SEND HIM INTELLIGENCE OF HER OR HER BROTHER, WHENEVER YOU HAVE ANY TO SEND. *I AM LIKEWISE TO TELL YOU THAT ONE OF HIS *LEICESTERSHIRE SHEEP, SOLD TO THE BUTCHER LAST WEEK, WEIGHED 27 LB. AND 1/4 PER QUARTER. *I WENT TO *DEANE WITH MY FATHER TWO DAYS AGO TO SEE *MARY, WHO IS STILL PLAGUED WITH THE RHEUMATISM, WHICH SHE WOULD BE VERY GLAD TO GET RID OF, AND STILL MORE GLAD TO GET RID OF HER CHILD, OF WHOM SHE IS HEARTILY TIRED. *HER NURSE IS COME, AND HAS NO PARTICULAR CHARM EITHER OF PERSON OR MANNER ; BUT AS ALL THE *HURST+ BOURNE/ WORLD PRONOUNCE HER TO BE THE BEST NURSE THAT EVER WAS, *MARY EXPECTS HER ATTACHMENT TO INCREASE. *WHAT FINE WEATHER THIS IS ! *NOT VERY BECOMING PERHAPS EARLY IN THE MORNING, BUT VERY PLEASANT OUT OF DOORS AT NOON, AND VERY WHOLESOME - AT LEAST EVERY+ BODY/ FANCIES SO, AND IMAGINATION IS EVERYTHING. *TO *EDWARD, HOWEVER, *I REALLY THINK DRY WEATHER OF IM+ PORTANCE/. *I HAVE NOT TAKEN TO FIRES YET. *I BELIEVE *I NEVER TOLD YOU THAT *MRS. *COULTHARD AND *ANNE, LATE OF *MANYDOWN, ARE BOTH DEAD, AND BOTH DIED IN CHILDBED. *WE HAVE NOT REGALED *MARY WITH THIS NEWS. *HARRY *ST. *JOHN IS IN *ORDERS, HAS DONE DUTY AT *ASHE, AND PERFORMS VERY WELL. *I AM VERY FOND OF EXPERIMENTAL HOUSEKEEPING, SUCH AS HAVING AN OX-CHEEK NOW AND THEN ; *I SHALL HAVE ONE NEXT WEEK, AND *I MEAN TO HAVE SOME LITTLE DUMPLINGS PUT INTO IT, THAT *I MAY FANCY MYSELF AT *GODMERSHAM.

*I HOPE *GEORGE WAS PLEASED WITH MY DESIGNS. *PER+ HAPS/ THEY WOULD HAVE SUITED HIM AS WELL HAD THEY BEEN LESS ELABORATELY FINISHED ; BUT AN ARTIST CANNOT DO ANYTHING SLOVENLY. *I SUPPOSE BABY GROWS AND IMPROVES. $*SUNDAY$. - *I HAVE JUST RECEIVED A NOTE FROM *JAMES TO SAY THAT *MARY WAS BROUGHT TO BED LAST NIGHT, AT ELEVEN O'CLOCK, OF A FINE LITTLE BOY, AND THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING ON VERY WELL. *MY MOTHER HAD DESIRED TO KNOW NOTHING OF IT BEFORE IT SHOULD BE ALL OVER, AND WE WERE CLEVER ENOUGH TO PREVENT HER HAVING ANY SUSPICION OF IT, THOUGH *JENNY, WHO HAD BEEN LEFT HERE BY HER MISTRESS, WAS SENT FOR HOME.... *I CALLED YESTERDAY ON *BETTY *LONDE, WHO ENQUIRED PARTICULARLY AFTER YOU, AND SAID SHE SEEMED TO MISS YOU VERY MUCH, BECAUSE YOU USED TO CALL IN UPON HER VERY OFTEN. *THIS WAS AN OBLIQUE REPROACH AT ME. WHICH *I AM SORRY TO HAVE MERITED, AND FROM WHICH *I WILL PROFIT. *I SHALL SEND *GEORGE ANOTHER PICTURE WHEN *I WRITE NEXT, WHICH *I SUPPOSE WILL BE SOON, ON *MARY'S ACCOUNT. *MY MOTHER CONTINUES WELL. *YOURS, *J. *A. *STEVENTON : *SUNDAY *NOVEMBER 25 *MY DEAR *SISTER *I EXPECTED TO HAVE HEARD FROM YOU THIS MORNING, BUT NO LETTER IS COME. *I SHALL NOT TAKE THE TROUBLE OF ANNOUNCING TO YOU ANY MORE OF *MARY'S CHILDREN, IF,

INSTEAD OF THANKING ME FOR THE INTELLIGENCE, YOU ALWAYS SIT DOWN AND WRITE TO *JAMES. *I AM SURE NOBODY CAN DESIRE YOUR LETTERS SO MUCH AS *I DO, AND *I DON'T THINK ANYBODY DESERVES THEM SO WELL. *HAVING NOW RELIEVED MY HEART OF A GREAT DEAL OF MALEVOLENCE, *I WILL PROCEED TO TELL YOU THAT *MARY CON+ TINUES/ QUITE WELL, AND MY MOTHER TOLERABLY SO. *I SAW THE FORMER ON *FRIDAY, AND THOUGH *I HAD SEEN HER COMPARATIVELY HEARTY THE *TUESDAY BEFORE, *I WAS REALLY AMAZED AT THE IMPROVEMENT WHICH THREE DAYS HAD MADE IN HER. *SHE LOOKED WELL, HER SPIRITS WERE PER+ FECTLY/ GOOD, AND SHE SPOKE MUCH MORE VIGOROUSLY THAN *ELIZABETH DID WHEN WE LEFT *GODMERSHAM. *I HAD ONLY A GLIMPSE AT THE CHILD, WHO WAS ASLEEP ; BUT *MISS *DEBARY TOLD ME THAT HIS EYES WERE LARGE, DARK, AND HANDSOME. $*SHE$ LOOKS MUCH AS SHE USED TO DO, IS NETTING HERSELF A GOWN IN WORSTEDS, AND WEARS WHAT *MRS. *BIRCH WOULD CALL A $POT HAT$. *A SHORT AND COM+ PENDIOUS/ HISTORY OF *MISS *DEBARY ! *I SUPPOSE YOU HAVE HEARD FROM *HENRY HIMSELF THAT HIS AFFAIRS ARE HAPPILY SETTLED. *WE DO NOT KNOW WHO FURNISHES THE QUALIFICATION. *MR. *MOWELL WOULD HAVE READILY GIVEN IT, HAD NOT ALL HIS *OXFORDSHIRE PROPERTY BEEN ENGAGED FOR A SIMILAR PURPOSE TO THE *COLONEL. *AMUSING ENOUGH ! *OUR FAMILY AFFAIRS ARE RATHER DERANGED AT PRESENT, FOR *NANNY HAS KEPT HER BED THESE THREE OR FOUR DAYS, WITH A PAIN IN HER SIDE AND FEVER, AND WE ARE FORCED TO HAVE TWO CHARWOMEN, WHICH IS NOT VERY COMFORTABLE. SHE IS CONSIDERABLY BETTER NOW, BUT IT MUST STILL BE SOME TIME, *I SUPPOSE, BEFORE SHE IS ABLE TO DO ANYTHING. *YOU AND *EDWARD WILL BE AMUSED, *I THINK, WHEN YOU KNOW THAT *NANNY *LITTLEWART DRESSES MY HAIR.

*THE BALL ON *THURSDAY WAS A VERY SMALL ONE INDEED, HARDLY SO LARGE AS AN *OXFORD SMACK. *THERE WERE BUT SEVEN COUPLES, AND ONLY TWENTY-SEVEN PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. *THE *OVERTON *SCOTCHMAN HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO RID ME OF SOME OF MY MONEY, IN EXCHANGE FOR SIX SHIFTS AND FOUR PAIR OF STOCKINGS. *THE *IRISH IS NOT SO FINE AS *I SHOULD LIKE IT ; BUT AS *I GAVE AS MUCH MONEY FOR IT AS *I INTENDED, *I HAVE NO REASON TO COMPLAIN. *IT COST ME 3S. 6D. PER YARD. *IT IS RATHER FINER, HOWEVER, THAN OUR LAST, AND NOT SO HARSH A CLOTH. *WE HAVE GOT "*FITZ-*ALBINI;" MY FATHER HAS BOUGHT IT AGAINST MY PRIVATE WISHES, FOR IT DOES NOT QUITE SATISFY MY FEELINGS THAT WE SHOULD PURCHASE THE ONLY ONE OF *EGERTON'S WORKS OF WHICH HIS FAMILY ARE ASHAMED. *THAT THESE SCRUPLES, HOWEVER, DO NOT AT ALL INTERFERE WITH MY READING IT, YOU WILL EASILY BELIEVE. *WE HAVE NEITHER OF US YET FINISHED THE FIRST VOLUME. MY FATHER IS DISAPPOINTED - *I AM NOT, FOR *I EXPECTED NOTHING BETTER. *NEVER DID ANY BOOK CARRY MORE INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF ITS AUTHOR. *EVERY SENTIMENT IS COMPLETELY *EGERTON'S. *THERE IS VERY LITTLE STORY, AND WHAT THERE IS TOLD IN A STRANGE, UNCONNECTED WAY. *THERE ARE MANY CHARACTERS INTRODUCED, APPARENTLY MERELY TO BE DELINEATED. *WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RECOGNISE ANY OF THEM HITHERTO, EXCEPT *DR. AND *MRS. *HEY AND *MR. *OXENDEN, WHO IS NOT VERY TENDERLY TREATED. *YOU MUST TELL *EDWARD THAT MY FATHER GIVES 25S. A PIECE TO *SEWARD FOR HIS LAST LOT OF SHEEP, AND, IN RETURN FOR THIS NEWS, MY FATHER WISHES TO RECEIVE SOME OF *EDWARD'S PIGS. *WE HAVE GOT *BOSWELL'S " *TOUR TO THE *HEBRIDES," AND

ARE TO HAVE HIS " *LIFE OF *JOHNSON ; " AND, AS SOME MONEY WILL YET REMAIN IN *BURDON'S HANDS, IT IS TO BE LAID OUT IN THE PURCHASE OF *COWPER'S WORKS. *THIS WOULD PLEASE *MR. *CLARKE, COULD HE KNOW IT. *BY THE BYE, *I HAVE WRITTEN TO *MRS. *BIRCH AMONG MY OTHER WRITINGS, AND SO *I HOPE TO HAVE SOME ACCOUNT OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THAT PART OF THE WORLD BEFORE LONG. *I HAVE WRITTEN TO *MRS. *E. *LEIGH TOO, AND *MRS. *HEATHCOTE HAS BEEN ILL-NATURED ENOUGH TO SEND ME A LETTER OF ENQUIRY ; SO THAT ALTOGETHER *I AM TOLERABLY TIRED OF LETTER-WRITING, AND, UNLESS *I HAVE ANYTHING NEW TO TELL YOU OF MY MOTHER OR *MARY, *I SHALL NOT WRITE AGAIN FOR MANY DAYS ; PERHAPS A LITTLE REPOSE MAY RESTORE MY REGARD FOR A PEN. *ASK LITTLE *EDWARD WHETHER *BOB *BROWN WEARS A GREAT COAT THIS COLD WEATHER. *STEVENTON : *DECEMBER 1. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I AM SO GOOD AS TO WRITE TO YOU AGAIN THUS SPEEDILY, TO LET YOU KNOW THAT *I HAVE JUST HEARD FROM *FRANK. *HE WAS AT *CADIZ, ALIVE AND WELL, ON *OCTOBER 19, AND HAD THEN VERY LATELY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM YOU, WRITTEN AS LONG AGO AS WHEN THE " *LONDON " WAS AT *ST. *HELEN'S. *BUT HIS $RALY$ LATEST INTELLIGENCE OF US WAS IN ONE FROM ME OF *SEPTEMBER 1, WHICH *I SENT SOON AFTER WE GOT TO GODMERSHAM. *HE HAD WRITTEN A PACKET FULL FOR HIS DEAREST FRIENDS IN *ENGLAND, EARLY IN *OCTOBER, TO GO BY THE "*EXCELLENT;" BUT THE "*EXCELLENT" WAS NOT SAILED,

NOR LIKELY TO SAIL, WHEN HE DESPATCHED THIS TO ME. *IT COMPREHENDED LETTERS FOR BOTH OF US, FOR *LORD *SPENCER, *MR. *DAYSH, AND THE *EAST *INDIA *DIRECTORS. *LORD *ST. *VINCENT HAD LEFT THE FLEET WHEN HE WROTE, AND WAS GONE TO *GIBRALTAR, IT WAS SAID TO SUPERINTEND THE FITTING OUT OF A PRIVATE EXPEDITION FROM THENCE AGAINST SOME OF THE ENEMIES' PORTS ; *MINORCA OR *MALTA WERE CONJECTURED TO BE THE OBJECTS. *FRANK WRITES IN GOOD SPIRITS, BUT SAYS THAT OUR CORRESPONDENCE CANNOT BE SO EASILY CARRIED ON IN FUTURE AS IT HAS BEEN, AS THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN *CADIZ AND *LISBON IS LESS FREQUENT THAN FORMERLY. *YOU AND MY MOTHER, THEREFORE, MUST NOT ALARM YOURSELVES AT THE LONG INTERVALS THAT MAY DIVIDE HIS LETTERS. *I AD+ DRESS/ THIS ADVICE TO YOU TWO AS BEING THE MOST TENDER-+ HEARTED/ OF THE FAMILY. *MY MOTHER MADE HER $ENTREE$ INTO THE DRESSING-ROOM THROUGH CROWDS OF ADMIRING SPECTATORS YESTERDAY AFTER+ NOON/, AND WE ALL DRANK TEA TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME THESE FIVE WEEKS. *SHE HAS HAD A TOLERABLE NIGHT, AND BIDS FAIR FOR A CONTINUANCE IN THE SAME BRILLIANT COURSE OF ACTION TO-DAY.... *MR. *LYFORD WAS HERE YESTERDAY ; HE CAME WHILE WE WERE AT DINNER, AND PARTOOK OF OUR ELEGANT ENTERTAIN+ MENT/. *I WAS NOT ASHAMED AT ASKING HIM TO SIT DOWN TO TABLE, FOR WE HAD SOME PEASE-SOUP, A SPARERIB, AND A PUDDING. *HE WANTS MY MOTHER TO LOOK YELLOW AND TO THROW OUT A RASH, BUT SHE WILL DO NEITHER. *I WAS AT *DEANE YESTERDAY MORNING. *MARY WAS VERY WELL, BUT DOES NOT GAIN BODILY STRENGTH VERY FAST. *WHEN *I SAW HER SO STOUT ON THE THIRD AND SIXTH DAYS, I EXPECTED TO HAVE SEEN HER AS WELL AS EVER BY THE END OF A FORTNIGHT.

*JAMES WENT TO *IBTHORP YESTERDAY TO SEE HIS MOTHER AND CHILD. *LETTY IS WITH *MARY AT PRESENT, OF COURSE EXCEEDINGLY HAPPY, AND IN RAPTURES WITH THE CHILD. *MARY DOES NOT MANAGE MATTERS IN SUCH A WAY AS TO MAKE ME WANT TO LAY IN MYSELF. *SHE IS NOT TIDY ENOUGH IN HER APPEARANCE ; SHE HAS NO DRESSING-GOWN TO SIT UP IN ; HER CURTAINS ARE ALL TOO THIN, AND THINGS ARE NOT IN THAT COMFORT AND STYLE ABOUT HER WHICH ARE NECESSARY TO MAKE SUCH A SITUATION AN ENVIABLE ONE. *ELIZABETH WAS REALLY A PRETTY OBJECT WITH HER NICE CLEAN CAP PUT ON SO TIDILY AND HER DRESS SO UNIFORMLY WHITE AND ORDERLY. *WE LIVE ENTIRELY IN THE DRESSING-ROOM NOW, WHICH *I LIKE VERY MUCH ; *I ALWAYS FEEL SO MUCH MORE ELEGANT IN IT THAN IN THE PARLOUR. *NO NEWS FROM *KINTBURY YET. *ELIZA SPORTS WITH OUR IMPATIENCE. *SHE WAS VERY WELL LAST *THURSDAY. *WHO IS *MISS *MARIA *MONTRESOR GOING TO MARRY, AND WHAT IS TO BECOME OF *MISS *MULCASTER ? *I FIND GREAT COMFORT IN MY STUFF GOWN, BUT *I HOPE YOU DO NOT, WEAR YOURS TOO OFTEN. *I HAVE MADE MYSELF TWO OR THREE CAPS TO WEAR OF EVENINGS SINCE *I CAME HOME, AND THEY SAVE ME A WORLD OF TORMENT AS TO HAIR-DRESSING, WHICH AT PRESENT GIVES ME NO TROUBLE BEYOND WASHING AND BRUSHING, FOR MY LONG HAIR IS ALWAYS PLAITED UP OUT OF SIGHT, AND MY SHORT HAIR CURLS WELL ENOUGH TO WANT NO PAPERING. *I HAVE HAD IT CUT LATELY BY *MR. *BUTLER. *THERE IS NO REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT *MISS *MORGAN IS DEAD AFTER ALL. *MR. *LYFORD GRATIFIED US VERY MUCH YESTERDAY BY HIS PRAISES OF MY FATHER'S MUTTON, WHICH THEY ALL THINK THE FINEST THAT WAS EVER ATE. *JOHN *BOND BEGINS TO FIND HIMSELF GROW OLD, WHICH *JOHN *BONDS OUGHT NOT TO DO, AND UNEQUAL TO MUCH HARD WORK ; A

MAN IS THEREFORE HIRED TO SUPPLY HIS PLACE AS TO LABOUR, AND *JOHN HIMSELF IS TO HAVE THE CARE OF THE SHEEP. *THERE ARE NOT MORE PEOPLE ENGAGED THAN BEFORE, *I BELIEVE ; ONLY MEN INSTEAD OF BOYS. *I FANCY SO AT LEAST, BUT YOU KNOW MY STUPIDITY AS TO SUCH MATTERS. *LIZZIE *BOND IS JUST APPRENTICED TO *MISS *SMALL, SO WE MAY HOPE TO SEE HER ABLE TO SPOIL GOWNS IN A FEW YEARS. *MY FATHER HAS APPLIED TO *MR. *MAY FOR AN ALEHOUSE FOR *ROBERT, AT HIS REQUEST, AND TO *MR. *DEANE, OF *WIN+ CHESTER/, LIKEWISE. *THIS WAS MY MOTHER'S IDEA, WHO THOUGHT HE WOULD BE PROUD TO OBLIGE A RELATION OF *EDWARD IN RETURN FOR *EDWARD'S ACCEPTING HIS MONEY. *HE SENT A VERY CIVIL ANSWER INDEED, BUT HAS NO HOUSE VACANT AT PRESENT. *MAY EXPECTS TO HAVE AN EMPTY ONE SOON AT *FARNHAM, SO PERHAPS *NANNY MAY HAVE THE HONOUR OF DRAWING ALE FOR THE *BISHOP. *I SHALL WRITE TO *FRANK TO-MORROW. *CHARLES *POWLETT GAVE A DANCE ON *THURSDAY, TO THE GREAT DISTURBANCE OF ALL HIS NEIGHBOURS, OF COURSE, WHO, YOU KNOW, TAKE A MOST LIVELY INTEREST IN THE STATE OF HIS FINANCES, AND LIVE IN HOPES OF HIS BEING SOON RUINED. *WE ARE VERY MUCH DISPOSED TO LIKE OUR NEW MAID ; SHE KNOWS NOTHING OF A DAIRY, TO BE SURE, WHICH, IN OUR FAMILY, IS RATHER AGAINST HER, BUT SHE IS TO BE TAUGHT IT ALL. *IN SHORT, WE HAVE FELT THE INCONVENIENCE OF BEING WITHOUT A MAID SO LONG, THAT WE ARE DETERMINED TO LIKE HER, AND SHE WILL FIND IT A HARD MATTER TO DISPLEASE US. *AS YET, SHE SEEMS TO COOK VERY WELL, IS UNCOMMONLY STOUT, AND SAYS SHE CAN WORK WELL AT HER NEEDLE. $*SUNDAY$. - *MY FATHER IS GLAD TO HEAR SO GOOD AN AC+ COUNT/ OF *EDWARD'S PIGS, AND DESIRES HE MAY BE TOLD, AS ENCOURAGEMENT TO HIS TASTE FOR THEM, THAT *LORD BOLTON IS PARTICULARLY CURIOUS IN $HIS$ PIGS, HAS HAD

PIGSTYES OF A MOST ELEGANT CONSTRUCTION BUILT FOR THEM, AND VISITS THEM EVERY MORNING AS SOON AS HE RISES. *AFFECTIONATELY YOURS, *J. *A. *STEVENTON *TUESDAY *DECR* 18TH** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOUR LETTER CAME QUITE AS SOON AS *I EXPECTED, AND SO YOUR LETTERS WILL ALWAYS DO, BECAUSE *I HAVE MADE IT A RULE NOT TO EXPECT THEM TILL THEY COME, IN WHICH *I THINK *I CONSULT THE EASE OF US BOTH. - *IT IS A GREAT SATIS+ FACTION/ TO US TO HEAR THAT YOUR *BUSINESS IS IN A WAY TO BE SETTLED, & SO SETTLED AS TO GIVE YOU AS LITTLE INCON+ VENIENCE/ AS POSSIBLE. - *YOU ARE VERY WELCOME TO MY FATHER'S NAME, & TO HIS *SERVICES IF THEY ARE EVER REQUIRED IN IT. - *I SHALL KEEP $MY$ TEN POUNDS TOO TO WRAP MYSELF UP IN NEXT WINTER. - *I TOOK THE LIBERTY A FEW DAYS AGO OF ASKING YOUR *BLACK VELVET *BONNET TO LEND ME ITS CAWL, WHICH IT VERY READILY DID, & BY WHICH *I HAVE BEEN ENABLED TO GIVE A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVE+ MENT/ OF DIGNITY TO MY *CAP, WHICH WAS BEFORE TOO $NIDGETTY$ TO PLEASE ME. - *I SHALL WEAR IT ON *THURSDAY, BUT *I HOPE YOU WILL NOT BE OFFENDED WITH ME FOR FOLLOW+ ING/ YOUR ADVICE AS TO ITS ORNAMENTS ONLY IN PART. - *I STILL VENTURE TO RETAIN THE NARROW SILVER ROUND IT, PUT TWICE ROUND WITHOUT ANY BOW, & INSTEAD OF THE BLACK MILITARY FEATHER SHALL PUT IN THE *COQUELICOT ONE, AS BEING SMARTER ; - & BESIDES *COQUELICOT IS TO BE ALL THE

FASHION THIS WINTER. - *AFTER THE *BALL, *I SHALL PROBABLY MAKE IT ENTIRELY BLACK. - *I AM SORRY THAT OUR DEAR *CHARLES BEGINS TO FEEL THE *DIGNITY OF *ILL-USAGE. - *MY FATHER WILL WRITE TO *ADMIRAL *GAMBIER. - *HE MUST ALREADY HAVE RECEIVED SO MUCH SATISFACTION FROM HIS ACQUAINTANCE & *PATRONAGE OF *FRANK, THAT HE WILL BE DELIGHTED *I DARE SAY TO HAVE ANOTHER OF THE FAMILY INTRODUCED TO HIM. - *I THINK IT WOULD BE VERY RIGHT IN *CHARLES TO ADDRESS *SIR *THOS* ON THE OCCASION ; THO' *I CANNOT APPROVE OF $YOUR$ SCHEME OF WRITING TO HIM (WHICH YOU COMMUNICATED TO ME A FEW NIGHTS AGO) TO REQUEST HIM TO COME HOME & CONVEY YOU TO *STEVENTON. - TO DO YOU JUSTICE HOWEVER, YOU HAD SOME DOUBTS OF THE PROPRIETY OF SUCH A MEASURE YOURSELF. - *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO MY DEAR LITTLE *GEORGE FOR HIS MESSAGE, FOR HIS $*LOVE$ AT LEAST ; - HIS $*DUTY$ *I SUPPOSE WAS ONLY IN CONSEQUENCE OF SOME HINT OF MY FAVOURABLE INTENTIONS TOWARDS HIM FROM HIS FATHER OR *MOTHER. - *I AM SIN+ CERELY/ REJOICED HOWEVER THAT *I EVER WAS BORN, SINCE IT HAS BEEN THE MEANS OF PROCURING HIM A DISH OF *TEA. - *GIVE MY BEST *LOVE TO HIM. *THIS MORNING HAS BEEN MADE VERY GAY TO US, BY VISITS FROM OUR TWO LIVELY *NEIGHBOURS *MR. *HOLDER & *MR. *JOHN *HARWOOD. *I HAVE RECEIVED A VERY CIVIL NOTE FROM *MRS. *MARTIN REQUESTING MY NAME AS A *SUBSCRIBER TO HER *LIBRARY WHICH OPENS THE 14TH** OF *JANUARY, & MY NAME, OR RATHER *YOURS IS ACCORDINGLY GIVEN. *MY *MOTHER FINDS THE *MONEY. - *MARY SUBSCRIBES TOO, WHICH *I AM GLAD OF, BUT HARDLY EXPECTED. - *AS AN INDUCEMENT TO SUBSCRIBE *MRS. *MARTIN TELLS US THAT HER *COLLECTION IS NOT TO CONSIST ONLY OF NOVELS, BUT OF EVERY KIND OF *LITERATURE, &C. &C - *SHE MIGHT HAVE SPARED THIS PRETENSION TO $OUR$ FAMILY; WHO ARE GREAT *NOVEL-READERS & NOT ASHAMED OF BEING SO; -

BUT IT WAS NECESSARY *I SUPPOSE TO THE SELF-CONSEQUENCE OF HALF HER *SUBSCRIBERS. - *I HOPE & IMAGINE THAT *EDWARD *TAYLOR IS TO INHERIT ALL *SIR *EDW: *DERING'S FORTUNE AS WELL AS ALL HIS OWN FATHER'S. - *I TOOK CARE TO TELL *MRS. *LEFROY OF YOUR CALLING ON HER *MOTHER, & SHE SEEMED PLEASED WITH IT. - *I ENJOYED THE HARD BLACK *FROSTS OF LAST WEEK VERY MUCH, & ONE DAY WHILE THEY LASTED WALKED TO *DEANE BY MYSELF. - *I DO NOT KNOW THAT *I EVER DID SUCH A THING IN MY LIFE BEFORE. - *CHARLES *POWLETT HAS BEEN VERY ILL, BUT IS GETTING WELL AGAIN ; - HIS WIFE IS DISCOVERED TO BE EVERYTHING THAT THE *NEIGH+ BOURHOOD/ COULD WISH HER, SILLY & CROSS AS WELL AS EXTRAVAGANT. *EARLE *HARWOOD & HIS FRIEND *MR. *BAILEY CAME TO *DEANE YESTERDAY, BUT ARE NOT TO STAY ABOVE A DAY OR TWO. - *EARLE HAS GOT THE APPOINTMENT TO A *PRISON SHIP AT *PORTSMOUTH, WHICH HE HAS BEEN FOR SOME TIME DESIROUS OF HAVING ; & HE & HIS WIFE ARE TO LIVE ON BOARD FOR THE FUTURE. - *WE DINE NOW AT HALF AFTER *THREE, & HAVE DONE DINNER *I SUPPOSE BEFORE YOU BEGIN - *WE DRINK TEA AT HALF AFTER SIX. - *I AM AFRAID YOU WILL DESPISE US. - *MY FATHER READS *COWPER TO US IN THE EVENING, TO WHICH *I LISTEN WHEN *I CAN. *HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR *EVENINGS ? - *I GUESS THAT *ELIZTH** WORKS, THAT YOU READ TO HER, & THAT *EDWARD GOES TO SLEEP. - *MY MOTHER CONTINUES HEARTY, HER APPETITE & NIGHTS ARE VERY GOOD, *BUT HER *BOWELS ARE STILL NOT ENTIRELY SETTLED & SHE SOMETIMES COMPLAINS OF AN *ASTHMA, A *DROPSY, *WATER IN HER *CHEST & A *LIVER *DISORDER. *THE THIRD *MISS *IRISH *LEFROY IS GOING TO BE MARRIED TO A *MR. *COURTENEY, BUT WHETHER *JAMES OR *CHARLES *I DO NOT KNOW. - *MISS *LYFORD IS GONE INTO *SUFFOLK WITH HER *BROTHER & *MISS *LODGE - . *EVERYBODY IS NOW VERY BUSY IN MAKING UP AN INCOME FOR THE TWO LATTER. *MISS

*LODGE HAS ONLY 800\ OF HER OWN, & IT IS NOT SUPPOSED THAT HER *FATHER CAN GIVE HER MUCH, THEREFORE THE GOOD OFFICES OF THE *NEIGHBOURHOOD WILL BE HIGHLY ACCEPTABLE. - *JOHN *LYFORD MEANS TO TAKE PUPILS. - *JAMES *DIGWEED HAS HAD A VERY UGLY CUT - HOW COULD IT HAPPEN ? *IT HAPPENED BY A YOUNG HORSE WHICH HE HAD LATELY PUR+ CHASED/, & WHICH HE WAS TRYING TO BACK INTO ITS STABLE ; - THE ANIMAL KICKED HIM DOWN WITH HIS FOREFEET, & KICKED A GREAT HOLE IN HIS HEAD ; - HE SCRAMBLED AWAY AS SOON AS HE COULD, BUT WAS STUNNED FOR A TIME, & SUFFERED A GOOD DEAL OF PAIN AFTERWARDS. *YESTERDAY HE GOT UP THE *HORSE AGAIN, & FOR FEAR OF SOMETHING WORSE, WAS FORCED TO THROW HIMSELF OFF. - $*WEDNESDAY$. - *I HAVE CHANGED MY MIND, & CHANGED THE TRIMMINGS OF MY *CAP THIS MORNING ; THEY ARE NOW SUCH AS YOU SUGGESTED ; - *I FELT AS IF *I SHOULD NOT PROSPER IF *I STRAYED FROM YOUR DIRECTIONS, & *I THINK IT MAKES ME LOOK MORE LIKE *LADY *CONYNGHAM NOW THAN IT DID BEFORE, WHICH IS ALL THAT ONE LIVES FOR NOW. - *I BELEIVE I $SHALL$ MAKE MY NEW GOWN LIKE MY ROBE, BUT THE BACK OF THE LATTER IS ALL IN A PEICE WITH THE TAIL, & WILL 7 YARDS ENABLE ME TO COPY IT IN THAT RESPECT ? *MARY WENT TO *CHURCH ON *SUNDAY, & HAD THE WEATHER BEEN SMILING, WE SHOULD HAVE SEEN HER HERE BEFORE THIS TIME. - *PERHAPS *I MAY STAY AT *MANYDOWN AS LONG AS *MONDAY, BUT NOT LONGER - *MARTHA SENDS ME WORD THAT SHE IS TOO BUSY TO WRITE TO ME NOW, AND BUT FOR YOUR LETTER *I SHOULD HAVE SUPPOSED HER DEEP IN THE STUDY OF *MEDECINE PREPARATORY TO THEIR REMOVAL FROM *IBTHROP. - *THE LETTER TO *GAMBIER GOES TODAY. - *I EXPECT A VERY STUPID *BALL, THERE WILL BE NOBODY WORTH DANCING WITH, & NOBODY WORTH TALKING TO BUT *CATHERINE ; FOR *I BELIEVE *MRS. *LEFROY WILL NOT BE THERE ; *LUCY IS TO GO

WITH *MRS. *RUSSELL. - *PEOPLE GET SO HORRIDLY POOR & ECONOMICAL IN THIS PART OF THE *WORLD, THAT *I HAVE NO PATIENCE WITH THEM. - *KENT IS THE ONLY PLACE FOR HAPPI+ NESS/, *EVERYBODY IS RICH THERE ; - *I MUST DO SIMILAR JUSTICE HOWEVER TO THE *WINDSOR NEIGHBOURHOOD. - *I HAVE BEEN FORCED TO LET *JAMES & *MISS *DEBARY HAVE TWO SHEETS OF YOUR *DRAWING PAPER, BUT THEY SHA'NT HAVE ANY MORE. *THERE ARE NOT ABOVE 3 OR 4 LEFT, BESIDES ONE OF A SMALLER & RICHER SORT. - *PERHAPS YOU MAY WANT SOME MORE IF YOU COME THRO' *TOWN IN YOUR RETURN, OR RATHER BUY SOME MORE, FOR YOUR WANTING IT WILL NOT DEPEND ON YOUR COMING THRO' *TOWN *I IMAGINE. - *I HAVE JUST HEARD FROM *MARTHA & *FRANK - HIS LETTER WAS WRITTEN ON THE 12TH** *NOVR* - ALL WELL, & NOTHING PARTICULAR. *J. *A. *STEVENTON : *MONDAY NIGHT *DECEMBER 24. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I HAVE GOT SOME PLEASANT NEWS FOR YOU WHICH *I AM EAGER TO COMMUNICATE, AND THEREFORE BEGIN MY LETTER SOONER, THOUGH *I SHALL NOT $SEND$ IT SOONER THAN USUAL. *ADMIRAL *GAMBIER, IN REPLY TO MY FATHER'S APPLI+ CATION/, WRITES AS FOLLOWS : - " *AS IT IS USUAL TO KEEP YOUNG OFFICERS IN SMALL VESSELS, IT BEING MOST PROPER ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR INEXPERIENCE, AND IT BEING ALSO A SITUATION WHERE THEY ARE MORE IN THE WAY OF LEARNING

THEIR DUTY, YOUR SON HAS BEEN CONTINUED IN THE "SCORPION;" BUT *I HAVE MENTIONED TO THE *BOARD OF *ADMIRALTY HIS WISH TO BE IN A FRIGATE, AND WHEN A PROPER OPPORTUNITY OFFERS AND IT IS JUDGED THAT HE HAS TAKEN HIS TURN IN A SMALL SHIP, *I HOPE HE WILL BE REMOVED. *WITH REGARD TO YOUR SON NOW IN THE " *LONDON " *I AM GLAD *I CAN GIVE YOU THE ASSURANCE THAT HIS PROMOTION IS LIKELY TO TAKE PLACE VERY SOON, AS *LORD *SPENCER HAS BEEN SO GOOD AS TO SAY HE WOULD INCLUDE HIM IN AN ARRANGEMENT THAT HE PROPOSES MAKING IN A SHORT TIME RELATIVE TO SOME PROMOTIONS IN THAT QUARTER." *THERE ! *I MAY NOW FINISH MY LETTER AND GO AND HANG MYSELF, FOR *I AM SURE *I CAN NEITHER WRITE NOR DO ANY+ THING/ WHICH WILL NOT APPEAR INSIPID TO YOU AFTER THIS. $*NOW$ *I REALLY THINK HE WILL SOON BE MADE, AND ONLY WISH WE COULD COMMUNICATE OUR FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE EVENT TO HIM WHOM IT PRINCIPALLY CONCERNS. *MY FATHER HAS WRITTEN TO *DAYSH TO DESIRE THAT HE WILL INFORM US, IF HE CAN, WHEN THE COMMISSION IS SENT. *YOUR CHIEF WISH IS NOW READY TO BE ACCOMPLISHED ; AND COULD *LORD *SPENCER GIVE HAPPINESS TO *MARTHA AT THE SAME TIME, WHAT A JOYFUL HEART HE WOULD MAKE OF YOURS ! *I HAVE SENT THE SAME EXTRACT OF THE SWEETS OF *GAMBIER TO *CHARLES, WHO, POOR FELLOW, THOUGH HE SINKS INTO NOTHING BUT AN HUMBLE ATTENDANT ON THE HERO OF THE PIECE, WILL, *I HOPE, BE CONTENTED WITH THE PROSPECT HELD OUT TO HIM. *BY WHAT THE *ADMIRAL SAYS, IT APPEARS AS IF HE HAD BEEN DESIGNEDLY KEPT IN THE " *SCORPION." *BUT *I WILL NOT TORMENT MYSELF WITH CONJECTURES AND SUPPOSITIONS ; FACTS SHALL SATISFY ME. *FRANK HAD NOT HEARD FROM ANY OF US FOR TEN WEEKS WHEN HE WROTE TO ME ON *NOVEMBER 12 IN CONSEQUENCE

OF *LORD *ST. *VINCENT BEING REMOVED TO *GIBRALTAR. *WHEN HIS COMMISSION IS SENT, HOWEVER, IT WILL NOT BE SO LONG ON ITS ROAD AS OUR LETTERS, BECAUSE ALL THE *GOVERNMENT DESPATCHES ARE FORWARDED BY LAND TO HIS LORDSHIP FROM *LISBON WITH GREAT REGULARITY. *I RETURNED FROM *MANYDOWN THIS MORNING, AND FOUND MY MOTHER CERTAINLY IN NO RESPECT WORSE THAN WHEN *I LEFT HER. *SHE DOES NOT LIKE THE COLD WEATHER, BUT THAT WE CANNOT HELP. *I SPENT MY TIME VERY QUIETLY AND VERY PLEASANTLY WITH *CATHERINE. *MISS *BLACHFORD IS AGREEABLE ENOUGH. *I DO NOT WANT PEOPLE TO BE VERY AGREEABLE, AS IT SAVES ME THE TROUBLE OF LIKING THEM A GREAT DEAL. *I FOUND ONLY *CATHERINE AND HER WHEN I GOT TO *MANYDOWN ON *THURSDAY. *WE DINED TOGETHER AND WENT TOGETHER TO *WORTING TO SEEK THE PROTECTION OF *MRS. *CLARKE, WITH WHOM WERE *LADY *MILDMAY, HER ELDEST SON, AND A *MR. AND *MRS. *HOARE. *OUR BALL WAS VERY THIN, BUT BY NO MEANS UNPLEASANT. THERE WERE THIRTY-ONE PEOPLE, AND ONLY ELEVEN LADIES OUT OF THE NUMBER, AND BUT FIVE SINGLE WOMEN IN THE ROOM. *OF THE GENTLEMEN PRESENT YOU MAY HAVE SOME IDEA FROM THE LIST OF MY PARTNERS - *MR. *WOOD, *G. *LEFROY, *RICE, A *MR. *BUTCHER (BELONGING TO THE *TEMPLES, A SAILOR AND NOT OF THE 11TH *LIGHT *DRAGOONS), *MR. *TEMPLE (NOT THE HORRID ONE OF ALL), *MR. *WM. *ORDE (COUSIN TO THE *KINGSCLERE MAN), *MR. *JOHN *HARWOOD, AND *MR. *CALLAND, WHO APPEARED AS USUAL WITH HIS HAT IN HIS HAND, AND STOOD EVERY NOW AND THEN BEHIND CATHERINE AND ME TO BE TALKED TO AND ABUSED FOR NOT DANCING. *WE TEASED HIM, HOWEVER, INTO IT AT LAST. *I WAS VERY GLAD TO SEE HIM AGAIN AFTER SO LONG A SEPARA+ TION/, AND HE WAS ALTOGETHER RATHER THE GENIUS AND FLIRT OF THE EVENING. *HE ENQUIRED AFTER YOU.

*THERE WERE TWENTY DANCES, AND *I DANCED THEM ALL, AND WITHOUT ANY FATIGUE. *I WAS GLAD TO FIND MYSELF CAPABLE OF DANCING SO MUCH, AND WITH SO MUCH SATIS+ FACTION/ AS *I DID ; FROM MY SLENDER ENJOYMENT OF THE *ASHFORD BALLS (AS ASSEMBLIES FOR DANCING) *I HAD NOT THOUGHT MYSELF EQUAL TO IT, BUT IN COLD WEATHER AND WITH FEW COUPLES *I FANCY *I COULD JUST AS WELL DANCE FOR A WEEK TOGETHER AS FOR HALF AN HOUR. *MY BLACK CAP WAS OPENLY ADMIRED BY *MRS. *LEFROY, AND SECRETLY *I IMAGINE BY EVERYBODY ELSE IN THE ROOM. $*TUESDAY$. - *I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LONG LETTER, WHICH *I WILL ENDEAVOUR TO DESERVE BY WRITING THE REST OF THIS AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE. *I AM FULL OF JOY AT MUCH OF YOUR INFORMATION ; THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN TO A BALL, AND HAVE DANCED AT IT, AND SUPPED WITH THE *PRINCE, AND THAT YOU SHOULD MEDITATE THE PURCHASE OF A NEW MUSLIN GOWN, ARE DELIGHTFUL CIRCUMSTANCES. $*I$ AM DETERMINED TO BUY A HANDSOME ONE WHENEVER *I CAN, AND *I AM SO TIRED AND ASHAMED OF HALF MY PRESENT STOCK, THAT *I EVEN BLUSH AT THE SIGHT OF THE WARDROBE WHICH CONTAINS THEM. *BUT *I WILL NOT BE MUCH LONGER LIBELLED BY THE POSSESSION OF MY COARSE SPOT ; *I SHALL TURN IT INTO A PETTICOAT VERY SOON. *I WISH YOU A MERRY *CHRISTMAS, BUT $NO$ COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON. *POOR *EDWARD ! *IT IS VERY HARD THAT HE, WHO HAS EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD THAT HE CAN WISH FOR, SHOULD NOT HAVE GOOD HEALTH TOO. *BUT *I HOPE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF STOMACH COMPLAINTS, FAINTNESSES, AND SICKNESSES, HE WILL SOON BE RESTORED TO THAT BLESSING LIKEWISE. *IF HIS NERVOUS COMPLAINT PROCEEDED FROM A SUPPRESSION OF SOMETHING THAT OUGHT TO BE THROWN OUT, WHICH DOES NOT SEEM UNLIKELY, THE FIRST OF THESE DISORDERS MAY REALLY BE A REMEDY, AND *I SINCERELY WISH

IT MAY, FOR *I KNOW NO ONE MORE DESERVING OF HAPPINESS WITHOUT ALLOY THAN *EDWARD IS. *I CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT TO DO ABOUT MY NEW GOWN ; *I WISH SUCH THINGS WERE TO BE BOUGHT READY-MADE. *I HAVE SOME HOPES OF MEETING *MARTHA AT THE CHRISTEN+ ING/ AT *DEANE NEXT *TUESDAY, AND SHALL SEE WHAT SHE CAN DO FOR ME. *I WANT TO HAVE SOMETHING SUGGESTED WHICH WILL GIVE ME NO TROUBLE OF THOUGHT OR DIRECTION. *AGAIN *I RETURN TO MY JOY THAT YOU DANCED AT *ASH+ FORD/, AND THAT YOU SUPPED WITH THE *PRINCE. *I CAN PERFECTLY COMPREHEND *MRS. *CAGE'S DISTRESS AND PER+ PLEXITY/. *SHE HAS ALL THOSE KIND OF FOOLISH AND INCOM+ PREHENSIBLE/ FEELINGS WHICH WOULD MAKE HER FANCY HERSELF UNCOMFORTABLE IN SUCH A PARTY. *I LOVE HER, HOWEVER, IN SPITE OF ALL HER NONSENSE. *PRAY GIVE "T'OTHER *MISS *AUSTEN'S" COMPLIMENTS TO *EDWARD *BRIDGES WHEN YOU SEE HIM AGAIN. *I INSIST UPON YOUR PERSEVERING IN YOUR INTENTION OF BUYING A NEW GOWN ; *I AM SURE YOU MUST WANT ONE, AND AS YOU WILL HAVE 5L. DUE IN A WEEK'S TIME, *I AM CERTAIN YOU MAY AFFORD IT VERY WELL, AND IF YOU THINK YOU CANNOT, *I WILL GIVE YOU THE BODY-LINING. *OF MY CHARITIES TO THE POOR SINCE *I CAME HOME YOU SHALL HAVE A FAITHFUL ACCOUNT. *I HAVE GIVEN A PAIR OF WORSTED STOCKINGS TO *MARY *HUTCHINS, *DAME *KEW, MARY *STEEVENS, AND *DAME *STAPLES ; A SHIFT TO *HANNAH *STAPLES, AND A SHAWL TO *BETTY *DAWKINS ; AMOUNTING IN ALL TO ABOUT HALF A GUINEA. *BUT *I HAVE NO REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT THE $*BATTYS$ WOULD ACCEPT OF ANYTHING, BECAUSE *I HAVE NOT MADE THEM THE OFFER. *I AM GLAD TO HEAR SUCH A GOOD ACCOUNT OF *HARRIET *BRIDGES ; SHE GOES ON NOW AS YOUNG LADIES OF SEVENTEEN OUGHT TO DO, ADMIRED AND ADMIRING, IN A MUCH MORE

RATIONAL WAY THAN HER THREE ELDER SISTERS, WHO HAD SO LITTLE OF THAT KIND OF YOUTH. *I DARE SAY SHE FANCIES *MAJOR *ELKINGTON AS AGREEABLE AS *WARREN, AND IF SHE CAN THINK SO, IT IS VERY WELL. *I WAS TO HAVE DINED AT *DEANE TO-DAY, BUT THE WEATHER IS SO COLD THAT *I AM NOT SORRY TO BE KEPT AT HOME BY THE APPEARANCE OF SNOW. *WE ARE TO HAVE COMPANY TO DINNER ON *FRIDAY : THE THREE *DIGWEEDS AND *JAMES. *WE SHALL BE A NICE SILENT PARTY, *I SUPPOSE. *SEIZE UPON THE SCISSORS AS SOON AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN ON THE RECEIPT OF THIS. *I ONLY FEAR YOUR BEING TOO LATE TO SECURE THE PRIZE. *THE *LORDS OF THE *ADMIRALTY WILL HAVE ENOUGH OF OUR APPLICATIONS AT PRESENT, FOR *I HEAR FROM *CHARLES THAT HE HAS WRITTEN TO *LORD *SPENCER HIMSELF TO BE REMOVED. *I AM AFRAID HIS *SERENE *HIGHNESS WILL BE IN A PASSION, AND ORDER SOME OF OUR HEADS TO BE CUT OFF. *MY MOTHER WANTS TO KNOW WHETHER *EDWARD HAS EVER MADE THE HEN-HOUSE WHICH THEY PLANNED TOGETHER. *I AM REJOICED TO HEAR FROM *MARTHA THAT THEY CERTAINLY CONTINUE AT *IBTHORP, AND *I HAVE JUST HEARD THAT *I AM SURE OF MEETING *MARTHA AT THE CHRISTENING. *YOU DESERVE A LONGER LETTER THAN THIS; BUT IT IS MY UNHAPPY FATE SELDOM TO TREAT PEOPLE SO WELL AS THEY DESERVE.... *GOD BLESS YOU! *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *JANE *AUSTEN $*WEDNESDAY$. - *THE SNOW CAME TO NOTHING YESTERDAY, SO *I $DID$ GO TO *DEANE, AND RETURNED HOME AT NINE O'CLOCK AT NIGHT IN THE LITTLE CARRIAGE, AND WITHOUT BEING VERY COLD.

*MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *FRANK IS MADE. - *HE WAS YESTERDAY RAISED TO THE RANK OF *COMMANDER & APPOINTED TO THE *PETTEREL *SLOOP, NOW AT *GIBRALTAR. - *A LETTER FROM *DAYSH HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THIS, & AS IT IS CONFIRMED BY A VERY FRIENDLY ONE FROM *MR* *MATHEW TO THE SAME EFFECT TRANSCRIBING ONE FROM *ADMIRAL *GAMBIER TO THE *GENERAL, *WE HAVE NO REASON TO SUSPECT THE TRUTH OF IT. - *AS SOON AS YOU HAVE CRIED A LITTLE FOR *JOY, YOU MAY GO ON, & LEARN FARTHER THAT THE *INDIA *HOUSE HAVE TAKEN $*CAPTN* *AUSTEN'S$ *PETITION INTO CONSIDERATION - THIS COMES FROM *DAYSH - & LIKEWISE THAT *LIEUT: *CHARLES *JOHN *AUSTEN IS REMOVED TO THE $*TAMER$ *FRIGATE - THIS COMES FROM THE *ADMIRAL. - *WE CANNOT FIND OUT WHERE THE *TAMER IS, BUT *I HOPE WE SHALL NOW SEE *CHARLES HERE AT ALL *EVENTS. *THIS LETTER IS TO BE DEDICATED ENTIRELY TO GOOD *NEWS. - *IF YOU WILL SEND MY FATHER AN ACCOUNT OF YOUR *WASH+ ING/ & *LETTER EXPENCES &C, HE WILL SEND YOU A DRAFT FOR THE AMOUNT OF IT, AS WELL AS FOR YOUR NEXT QUARTER, & FOR *EDWARD'S *RENT. - *IF YOU DON'T BUY A MUSLIN *GOWN NOW ON THE STRENGTH OF THIS *MONEY, & *FRANK'S PROMO+ TION/, *I SHALL NEVER FORGIVE YOU. - *MRS** *LEFROY HAS JUST SENT ME WORD THAT *LADY *DORT+ CHESTER/ MEANS TO INVITE ME TO HER *BALL ON THE 8TH** OF JANUARY, WHICH THO' AN HUMBLE *BLESSING COMPARED WITH WHAT THE LAST PAGE RECORDS, *I DO NOT CONSIDER AS

ANY *CALAMITY. *I CANNOT WRITE ANY MORE NOW, BUT *I HAVE WRITTEN ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU VERY HAPPY, & THEREFORE MAY SAFELY CONCLUDE.--- *YOURS AFFECLY** *JANE *STEVENTON *FRIDAY *DECR* 28TH** *STEVENTON : *TUESDAY *JANUARY 8 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOU MUST READ YOUR LETTERS OVER $FIVE$ TIMES IN FUTURE BEFORE YOU SEND THEM, AND THEN, PERHAPS, YOU MAY FIND THEM AS ENTERTAINING AS *I DO. *I LAUGHED AT SEVERAL PARTS OF THE ONE WHICH *I AM NOW ANSWERING. *CHARLES IS NOT COME YET, BUT HE MUST COME THIS MORNING, OR HE SHALL NEVER KNOW WHAT *I WILL DO TO HIM. *THE BALL AT *KEMPSHOTT IS THIS EVENING, AND *I HAVE GOT HIM AN INVITATION, THOUGH *I HAVE NOT BEEN SO CONSIDERATE AS TO GET HIM A PARTNER. *BUT THE CASES ARE DIFFERENT BETWEEN HIM AND *ELIZA *BAILEY, FOR HE IS NOT IN A DYING WAY, AND MAY THEREFORE BE EQUAL TO GETTING A PARTNER FOR HIMSELF. *I BELIEVE *I TOLD YOU THAT *MONDAY WAS TO BE THE BALL NIGHT, FOR WHICH, AND FOR ALL OTHER ERRORS INTO WHICH *I MAY EVER HAVE LED YOU, *I HUMBLY ASK YOUR PARDON. *ELIZABETH IS VERY CRUEL ABOUT MY WRITING MUSIC, AND, AS A PUNISHMENT FOR HER, *I SHOULD INSIST UPON ALWAYS WRITING OUT ALL HERS FOR HER IN FUTURE, IF *I WERE NOT PUNISHING MYSELF AT THE SAME TIME.

*I AM TOLERABLY GLAD TO HEAR THAT *EDWARD'S INCOME IS SO GOOD A ONE - AS GLAD AS *I CAN BE AT ANYBODY'S BEING RICH EXCEPT YOU AND ME - AND *I AM THOROUGHLY REJOICED TO HEAR OF HIS PRESENT TO YOU. *I AM NOT TO WEAR MY WHITE SATIN CAP TO-NIGHT, AFTER ALL ; *I AM TO WEAR A MAMALONE CAP INSTEAD, WHICH *CHARLES *FOWLE SENT TO *MARY, AND WHICH SHE LENDS ME. *IT IS ALL THE FASHION NOW ; WORN AT THE OPERA, AND BY *LADY *MILDMAYS AT *HACKWOOD BALLS. *I HATE DESCRIBING SUCH THINGS, AND *I DARE SAY YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GUESS WHAT IT IS LIKE. *I HAVE GOT OVER THE DREADFUL EPOCHA OF MANTUA-MAKING MUCH BETTER THAN *I EXPECTED. *MY GOWN IS MADE VERY MUCH LIKE MY BLUE ONE, WHICH YOU ALWAYS TOLD ME SAT VERY WELL, WITH ONLY THESE VARIA+ TIONS/ : THE SLEEVES ARE SHORT, THE WRAP FULLER, THE APRON COMES OVER IT, AND A BAND OF THE SAME COMPLETES THE WHOLE. *I ASSURE YOU THAT *I DREAD THE IDEA OF GOING TO *BRIGHTON AS MUCH AS YOU DO, BUT *I AM NOT WITHOUT HOPES THAT SOMETHING MAY HAPPEN TO PREVENT IT. *F--- HAS LOST HIS ELECTION AT *B---, AND PERHAPS THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE COMPANY FOR SOME TIME. *THEY TALK OF GOING TO *BATH, TOO, IN THE SPRING, AND PERHAPS THEY MAY BE OVERTURNED IN THEIR WAY DOWN, AND ALL LAID UP FOR THE SUMMER. $*WEDNESDAY$. - *I HAVE HAD A COLD AND WEAKNESS IN ONE OF MY EYES FOR SOME DAYS, WHICH MAKES WRITING NEITHER VERY PLEASANT NOR VERY PROFITABLE, AND WHICH WILL PROBABLY PREVENT MY FINISHING THIS LETTER MYSELF. *MY MOTHER HAS UNDERTAKEN TO DO IT FOR ME, AND *I SHALL LEAVE THE *KEMPSHOTT BALL FOR HER. *YOU EXPRESS SO LITTLE ANXIETY ABOUT MY BEING MUR+ DERED/ UNDER *ASH *PARK *COPSE BY *MRS. *HULBERT'S

SERVANT, THAT *I HAVE A GREAT MIND NOT TO TELL YOU WHETHER *I WAS OR NOT, AND SHALL ONLY SAY THAT *I DID NOT RETURN HOME THAT NIGHT OR THE NEXT, AS *MARTHA KINDLY MADE ROOM FOR ME IN HER BED, WHICH WAS THE SHUT-UP ONE IN THE NEW NURSERY. *NURSE AND THE CHILD SLEPT UPON THE FLOOR, AND THERE WE ALL WERE IN SOME CONFUSION AND GREAT COMFORT. *THE BED DID EXCEEDINGLY WELL FOR US, BOTH TO LIE AWAKE IN AND TALK TILL TWO O'CLOCK, AND TO SLEEP IN THE REST OF THE NIGHT. *I LOVE *MARTHA BETTER THAN EVER, AND *I MEAN TO GO AND SEE HER, IF *I CAN, WHEN SHE GETS HOME. *WE ALL DINED AT THE *HARWOODS' ON *THURSDAY, AND THE PARTY BROKE UP THE NEXT MORNING. *THIS COMPLAINT IN MY EYE HAS BEEN A SAD BORE TO ME, FOR *I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO READ OR WORK IN ANY COMFORT SINCE *FRIDAY, BUT ONE ADVANTAGE WILL BE DERIVED FROM IT, FOR *I SHALL BE SUCH A PROFICIENT IN MUSIC BY THE TIME *I HAVE GOT RID OF MY COLD, THAT *I SHALL BE PERFECTLY QUALIFIED IN $THAT$ SCIENCE AT LEAST TO TAKE *MR. *ROOPE'S OFFICE AT *EASTWELL NEXT SUMMER ; AND *I AM SURE OF *ELIZABETH'S RECOMMENDATION, BE IT ONLY ON *HARRIET'S ACCOUNT. *OF MY TALENT IN DRAWING *I HAVE GIVEN SPECIMENS IN MY LETTERS TO YOU, AND *I HAVE NOTHING TO DO BUT TO INVENT A FEW HARD NAMES FOR THE STARS. *MARY GROWS RATHER MORE REASONABLE ABOUT HER CHILD'S BEAUTY, AND SAYS THAT SHE DOES NOT THINK HIM REALLY HANDSOME ; BUT *I SUSPECT HER MODERATION TO BE SOMETHING LIKE THAT OF *W--- W---'S MAMA. *PER+ HAPS/ *MARY HAS TOLD YOU THAT THEY ARE GOING TO ENTER MORE INTO DINNER PARTIES ; THE *BIGGS AND *MR. *HOLDER DINE THERE TO-MORROW, AND *I AM TO MEET THEM. *I SHALL SLEEP THERE. *CATHERINE HAS THE HONOUR OF GIVING HER NAME TO A SET, WHICH WILL BE COMPOSED OF TWO

*WITHERS, TWO *HEATHCOTES, A *BLACHFORD, AND NO *BIGG EXCEPT HERSELF. *SHE CONGRATULATED ME LAST NIGHT ON *FRANK'S PROMOTION, AS IF SHE REALLY FELT THE JOY SHE TALKED OF. *MY SWEET LITTLE *GEORGE ! *I AM DELIGHTED TO HEAR THAT HE HAS SUCH AN INVENTIVE GENIUS AS TO FACE-MAKING. *I ADMIRED HIS YELLOW WAFER VERY MUCH, AND HOPE HE WILL CHOOSE THE WAFER FOR YOUR NEXT LETTER. *I WORE MY GREEN SHOES LAST NIGHT, AND TOOK MY $WHITE FAN$ WITH ME ; *I AM VERY GLAD HE NEVER THREW IT INTO THE RIVER. *MRS. *KNIGHT GIVING UP THE *GODMERSHAM ESTATE TO *EDWARD WAS NO SUCH PRODIGIOUS ACT OF GENEROSITY AFTER ALL, IT SEEMS, FOR SHE HAS RESERVED HERSELF AN INCOME OUT OF IT STILL; THIS OUGHT TO BE KNOWN, THAT HER CONDUCT MAY NOT BE OVERRATED. *I RATHER THINK *EDWARD SHOWS THE MOST MAGNANIMITY OF THE TWO, IN ACCEPTING HER RESIGNATION WITH SUCH INCUMBRANCES. *THE MORE *I WRITE, THE BETTER MY EYE GETS, SO *I SHALL AT LEAST KEEP ON TILL IT IS QUITE WELL, BEFORE *I GIVE UP MY PEN TO MY MOTHER. *MRS. *BRAMSTON'S LITTLE MOVEABLE APARTMENT WAS TOLERABLY FILLED LAST NIGHT BY HERSELF, *MRS. *H. *BLACK+ STONE/, HER TWO DAUGHTERS, AND ME. *I DO NOT LIKE THE *MISS *BLACKSTONES ; INDEED, *I WAS ALWAYS DETERMINED NOT TO LIKE THEM, SO THERE IS THE LESS MERIT IN IT. *MRS. *BRAMSTON WAS VERY CIVIL, KIND, AND NOISY. *I SPENT A VERY PLEASANT EVENING, CHIEFLY AMONG THE *MANY+ DOWN/ PARTY. *THERE WAS THE SAME KIND OF SUPPER AS LAST YEAR, AND THE SAME WANT OF CHAIRS. *THERE WERE MORE DANCERS THAN THE ROOM COULD CONVENIENTLY HOLD, WHICH IS ENOUGH TO CONSTITUTE A GOOD BALL AT ANY TIME. *I DO NOT THINK *I WAS VERY MUCH IN REQUEST. *PEOPLE WERE RATHER APT NOT TO ASK ME TILL THEY COULD NOT HELP

IT ; ONE'S CONSEQUENCE, YOU KNOW, VARIES SO MUCH AT TIMES WITHOUT ANY PARTICULAR REASON. *THERE WAS ONE GENTLEMAN, AN OFFICER OF THE *CHESHIRE, A VERY GOOD-+ LOOKING/ YOUNG MAN, WHO, *I WAS TOLD, WANTED VERY MUCH TO BE INTRODUCED TO ME ; BUT AS HE DID NOT WANT IT QUITE ENOUGH TO TAKE MUCH TROUBLE IN EFFECTING IT, WE NEVER COULD BRING IT ABOUT. *I DANCED WITH *MR. *JOHN *WOOD AGAIN, TWICE WITH A *MR. *SOUTH, A LAD FROM *WINCHESTER, WHO, *I SUPPOSE, IS AS FAR FROM BEING RELATED TO THE BISHOP OF THAT DIOCESE AS IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE, WITH *G. *LEFROY, AND *J. *HARWOOD, WHO, *I THINK, TAKES TO ME RATHER MORE THAN HE USED TO DO. *ONE OF MY GAYEST ACTIONS WAS SITTING DOWN TWO DANCES IN PREFERENCE TO HAVING *LORD *BOLTON'S ELDEST SON FOR MY PARTNER, WHO DANCED TOO ILL TO BE ENDURED. *THE *MISS *CHARTERISES WERE THERE, AND PLAYED THE PARTS OF THE *MISS *EDENS WITH GREAT SPIRIT. *CHARLES NEVER CAME. *NAUGHTY *CHARLES ! *I SUPPOSE HE COULD NOT GET SUPERSEDED IN TIME. *MISS *DEBARY HAS REPLACED YOUR TWO SHEETS OF DRAW+ ING-PAPER/ WITH TWO OF SUPERIOR SIZE AND QUALITY ; SO *I DO NOT GRUDGE HER HAVING TAKEN THEM AT ALL NOW. *MR. *LUDLOW AND *MISS *PUGH OF *ANDOVER ARE LATELY MARRIED, AND SO IS *MRS. *SKEETE OF *BASINGSTOKE, AND *MR. *FRENCH, CHEMIST, OF *READING. *I DO NOT WONDER AT YOUR WANTING TO READ "*FIRST IMPRESSIONS " AGAIN, SO SELDOM AS YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH IT, AND THAT SO LONG AGO. *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR MEANING TO LEAVE MY OLD PETTICOAT BEHIND YOU. *I HAVE LONG SECRETLY WISHED IT MIGHT BE DONE, BUT HAD NOT COURAGE TO MAKE THE REQUEST. *PRAY MENTION THE NAME OF *MARIA *MONTRESOR'S LOVER WHEN YOU WRITE NEXT. *MY MOTHER WANTS TO KNOW IT,

AND *I HAVE NOT COURAGE TO LOOK BACK INTO YOUR LETTERS TO FIND IT OUT. *I SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO SEND THIS TILL TO-MORROW, AND YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED ON *FRIDAY ; *I AM VERY SORRY FOR IT, BUT *I CANNOT HELP IT. *THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN *JEFFEREYS, *TOOMER, AND *LEGGE IS DISSOLVED ; THE TWO LATTER ARE MELTED AWAY INTO NOTHING, AND IT IS TO BE HOPED THAT *JEFFEREYS WILL SOON BREAK, FOR THE SAKE OF A FEW HEROINES WHOSE MONEY HE MAY HAVE. *I WISH YOU JOY OF YOUR BIRTHDAY TWENTY TIMES OVER. *I $SHALL$ BE ABLE TO SEND THIS TO THE POST TO-DAY, WHICH EXALTS ME TO THE UTMOST PINNACLE OF HUMAN FELICITY, AND MAKES ME BASK IN THE SUNSHINE OF PROSPERITY, OR GIVES ME ANY OTHER SENSATION OF PLEASURE IN STUDIED LANGUAGE WHICH YOU MAY PREFER. *DO NOT BE ANGRY WITH ME FOR NOT FILLING MY SHEET, AND BELIEVE ME YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *A. *STEVENTON : *MONDAY *JANUARY 21 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAKE THIS LETTER MORE WORTHY YOUR ACCEPTANCE THAN MY LAST, WHICH WAS SO SHABBY A ONE THAT *I THINK *MR. *MARSHALL COULD NEVER CHARGE YOU WITH THE POSTAGE. *MY EYES HAVE BEEN VERY INDIF+ FERENT/ SINCE IT WAS WRITTEN, BUT ARE NOW GETTING BETTER

ONCE MORE ; KEEPING THEM SO MANY HOURS OPEN ON *THURSDAY NIGHT, AS WELL AS THE DUST OF THE BALL-ROOM, INJURED THEM A GOOD DEAL. *I USE THEM AS LITTLE AS *I CAN, BUT $YOU$ KNOW, AND $*ELIZABETH$ KNOWS, AND EVERYBODY WHO EVER HAD WEAK EYES KNOWS, HOW DELIGHTFUL IT IS TO HURT THEM BY EMPLOYMENT, AGAINST THE ADVICE AND ENTREATY OF ALL ONE'S FRIENDS. *CHARLES LEAVES US TO-NIGHT. *THE " *TAMAR " IS IN THE *DOWNS, AND *MR. *DAYSH ADVISES HIM TO JOIN HER THERE DIRECTLY, AS THERE IS NO CHANCE OF HER GOING TO THE WESTWARD. *CHARLES DOES NOT APPROVE OF THIS AT ALL, AND WILL NOT BE MUCH GRIEVED IF HE SHOULD BE TOO LATE FOR HER BEFORE SHE SAILS, AS HE MAY THEN HOPE TO GET INTO A BETTER STATION. *HE ATTEMPTED TO GO TO TOWN LAST NIGHT, AND GOT AS FAR ON HIS ROAD THITHER AS *DEAN *GATE ; BUT BOTH THE COACHES WERE FULL, AND WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HIM BACK AGAIN. *HE WILL CALL ON *DAYSH TO-MORROW TO KNOW WHETHER THE "*TAMAR" HAS SAILED OR NOT, AND IF SHE IS STILL AT THE *DOWNS HE WILL PROCEED IN ONE OF THE NIGHT COACHES TO *DEAL. *I WANT TO GO WITH HIM, THAT *I MAY EXPLAIN THE COUNTRY TO HIM PROPERLY BETWEEN *CANTERBURY AND *ROWLING, BUT THE UNPLEASANTNESS OF RETURNING BY MYSELF DETERS ME. *I SHOULD LIKE TO GO AS FAR AS *OSPRINGE WITH HIM VERY MUCH INDEED, THAT *I MIGHT SURPRISE YOU AT *GOD+ MERSHAM/. *MARTHA WRITES ME WORD THAT *CHARLES WAS VERY MUCH ADMIRED AT *KINTBURY, AND *MRS. *LEFROY NEVER SAW ANYONE SO MUCH IMPROVED IN HER LIFE, AND THINKS HIM HANDSOMER THAN *HENRY. *HE APPEARS TO FAR MORE ADVANTAGE HERE THAN HE DID AT *GODMERSHAM, NOT SUR+ ROUNDED/ BY STRANGERS AND NEITHER OPPRESSED BY A PAIN IN HIS FACE OR POWDER IN HIS HAIR.

*JAMES CHRISTENED *ELIZABETH *CAROLINE ON *SATURDAY MORNING, AND THEN CAME HOME. *MARY, *ANNA, AND *EDWARD HAVE LEFT US OF COURSE; BEFORE THE SECOND WENT *I TOOK DOWN HER ANSWER TO HER COUSIN *FANNY. *YESTERDAY CAME A LETTER TO MY MOTHER FROM *EDWARD *COOPER TO ANNOUNCE, NOT THE BIRTH OF A CHILD, BUT OF A LIVING ; FOR *MRS. *LEIGH HAS BEGGED HIS ACCEPTANCE OF THE *RECTORY OF *HAMSTALL-*RIDWARE IN *STAFFORDSHIRE, VACANT BY *MR. *JOHNSON'S DEATH. *WE COLLECT FROM HIS LETTER THAT HE MEANS TO RESIDE THERE, IN WHICH HE SHOWS HIS WISDOM. *STAFFORDSHIRE IS A GOOD WAY OFF ; SO WE SHALL SEE NOTHING MORE OF THEM TILL, SOME FIFTEEN YEARS HENCE, THE *MISS *COOPERS ARE PRESENTED TO US, FINE, JOLLY, HANDSOME, IGNORANT GIRLS. *THE LIVING IS VALUED AT 140L. A YEAR, BUT PERHAPS IT MAY BE IMPROVABLE. *HOW WILL THEY BE ABLE TO CONVEY THE FURNITURE OF THE DRESSING-ROOM SO FAR IN SAFETY ? *OUR FIRST COUSINS SEEM ALL DROPPING OFF VERY FAST. *ONE IS INCORPORATED INTO THE FAMILY, ANOTHER DIES, AND A THIRD GOES INTO *STAFFORDSHIRE. *WE CAN LEARN NOTHING OF THE DISPOSAL OF THE OTHER LIVING. *I HAVE NOT THE SMALLEST NOTION OF *FULWAR'S HAVING IT. *LORD *CRAVEN HAS PROBABLY OTHER CONNECTIONS AND MORE INTIMATE ONES, IN THAT LINE, THAN HE NOW HAS WITH THE *KINTBURY FAMILY. *OUR BALL ON *THURSDAY WAS A VERY POOR ONE, ONLY EIGHT COUPLE AND BUT TWENTY THREE PEOPLE IN THE ROOM ; BUT IT WAS NOT THE BALL'S FAULT, FOR WE WERE DEPRIVED OF TWO OR THREE FAMILIES BY THE SUDDEN ILLNESS OF *MR. *WITHER, WHO WAS SEIZED THAT MORNING AT *WINCHESTER WITH A RETURN OF HIS FORMER ALARMING COMPLAINT. *AN EXPRESS WAS SENT OFF FROM THENCE TO THE FAMILY ; *CATHERINE AND *MISS *BLACHFORD WERE DINING WITH *MRS. *RUSSELL. *POOR *CATHERINE'S DISTRESS MUST HAVE BEEN

VERY GREAT. *SHE WAS PREVAILED ON TO WAIT TILL THE *HEATHCOTES COULD COME FROM *WINTNEY, AND THEN WITH THOSE TWO AND *HARRIS PROCEEDED DIRECTLY TO *WINCHESTER. *IN SUCH A DISORDER HIS DANGER, *I SUPPOSE, MUST ALWAYS BE GREAT ; BUT FROM THIS ATTACK HE IS NOW RAPIDLY RECOVERING, AND WILL BE WELL ENOUGH TO RETURN TO *MANY+ DOWN/, *I FANCY, IN A FEW DAYS. *IT WAS A FINE THING FOR CONVERSATION AT THE BALL. *BUT IT DEPRIVED US NOT ONLY OF THE *BIGGS, BUT OF *MRS. *RUSSELL TOO, AND OF THE *BOLTONS AND *JOHN *HARWOOD, WHO WERE DINING THERE LIKEWISE, AND OF *MR. *LANE, WHO KEPT AWAY AS RELATED TO THE FAMILY. *POOR MAN ! - *I MEAN *MR. *WITHER - HIS LIFE IS SO USEFUL, HIS CHARACTER SO RESPECT+ ABLE/ AND WORTHY, THAT *I REALLY BELIEVE THERE WAS A GOOD DEAL OF SINCERITY IN THE GENERAL CONCERN EXPRESSED ON HIS ACCOUNT. *OUR BALL WAS CHIEFLY MADE UP OF *JERVOISES AND *TERRYS, THE FORMER OF WHOM WERE APT TO BE VULGAR, THE LATTER TO BE NOISY. *I HAD AN ODD SET OF PARTNERS : *MR. *JENKINS, *MR. *STREET, *COL. *JERVOISE, *JAMES *DIGWEED, *J. *LYFORD, AND *MR. *BRIGGS, A FRIEND OF THE LATTER. *I HAD A VERY PLEASANT EVENING, HOWEVER, THOUGH YOU WILL PROBABLY FIND OUT THAT THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR REASON FOR IT ; BUT *I DO NOT THINK IT WORTH WHILE TO WAIT FOR ENJOYMENT UNTIL THERE IS SOME REAL OPPORTUNITY FOR IT. *MARY BEHAVED VERY WELL, AND WAS NOT AT ALL FIDGETTY. *FOR THE HISTORY OF HER ADVENTURES AT THE BALL *I REFER YOU TO *ANNA'S LETTER. *WHEN YOU COME HOME YOU WILL HAVE SOME SHIRTS TO MAKE UP FOR *CHARLES. *MRS. *DAVIES FRIGHTENED HIM INTO BUYING A PIECE OF *IRISH WHEN WE WERE IN *BASINGSTOKE. *MR. *DAYSH SUPPOSES THAT *CAPTAIN *AUSTEN'S COMMISSION HAS REACHED HIM BY THIS TIME.

$*TUESDAY$. - *YOUR LETTER HAS PLEASED AND AMUSED ME VERY MUCH. *YOUR ESSAY ON HAPPY FORTNIGHTS IS HIGHLY INGENIOUS, AND THE TALOBERT SKIN MADE ME LAUGH A GOOD DEAL. *WHENEVER *I FALL INTO MISFORTUNE, HOW MANY JOKES IT OUGHT TO FURNISH TO MY ACQUAINTANCE IN GENERAL, OR *I SHALL DIE DREADFULLY IN THEIR DEBT FOR ENTERTAINMENT. *IT BEGAN TO OCCUR TO ME BEFORE YOU MENTIONED IT THAT *I HAD BEEN SOMEWHAT SILENT AS TO MY MOTHER'S HEALTH FOR SOME TIME, BUT *I THOUGHT YOU COULD HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN DIVINING ITS EXACT STATE - YOU, WHO HAVE GUESSED SO MUCH STRANGER THINGS, *SHE IS TOLERABLY WELL - BETTER UPON THE WHOLE THAN SHE WAS SOME WEEKS AGO. *SHE WOULD TELL YOU HERSELF THAT SHE HAS A VERY DREADFUL COLD IN HER HEAD AT PRESENT ; BUT *I HAVE NOT MUCH COMPASSION FOR COLDS IN THE HEAD WITHOUT FEVER OR SORE THROAT. *OUR OWN PARTICULAR LITTLE BROTHER GOT A PLACE IN THE COACH LAST NIGHT, AND IS NOW, *I SUPPOSE, IN TOWN. *I HAVE NO OBJECTION AT ALL TO YOUR BUYING OUR GOWNS THERE, AS YOUR IMAGINATION HAS PICTURED TO YOU EXACTLY SUCH A ONE AS IS NECESSARY TO MAKE ME HAPPY. *YOU QUITE ABASH ME BY YOUR PROGRESS IN NOTTING, FOR *I AM STILL WITHOUT SILK. *YOU MUST GET ME SOME IN TOWN OR IN *CANTERBURY ; IT SHOULD BE FINER THAN YOURS. *I THOUGHT *EDWARD WOULD NOT APPROVE OF *CHARLES BEING A CROP, AND RATHER WISHED YOU TO CONCEAL IT FROM HIM AT PRESENT, LEST IT MIGHT FALL ON HIS SPIRITS AND RETARD HIS RECOVERY. *MY FATHER FURNISHES HIM WITH A PIG FROM *CHEESEDOWN ; IT IS ALREADY KILLED AND CUT UP, BUT IT IS NOT TO WEIGH MORE THAN NINE STONE ; THE SEASON IS TOO FAR ADVANCED TO GET HIM A LARGER ONE. MY MOTHER MEANS TO PAY HERSELF FOR THE SALT AND THE

TROUBLE OF ORDERING IT TO BE CURED BY THE SPARIBS, THE SOUSE, AND THE LARD. *WE HAVE HAD ONE DEAD LAMB. *I CONGRATULATE YOU ON *MR. *E. HATTON'S GOOD FORTUNE I SUPPOSE THE MARRIAGE WILL NOW FOLLOW OUT OF HAND. *GIVE MY COMPLIMENTS TO *MISS *FINCH. *WHAT TIME IN *MARCH MAY WE EXPECT YOUR RETURN IN ? *I BEGIN TO BE VERY TIRED OF ANSWERING PEOPLE'S QUESTIONS ON THAT SUBJECT, AND, INDEPENDENT OF $THAT$, *I SHALL BE VERY GLAD TO SEE YOU AT HOME AGAIN, AND THEN IF WE CAN GET *MARTHA AND SHIRK..... WHO WILL BE SO HAPPY AS WE ? *I THINK OF GOING TO *IBTHORP IN ABOUT A FORTNIGHT. *MY EYES ARE PRETTY WELL, *I THANK YOU, IF YOU PLEASE. $*WEDNESDAY$, 23RD. - *I WISH MY DEAR *FANNY MANY RETURNS OF THIS DAY, AND THAT SHE MAY ON EVERY RETURN ENJOY AS MUCH PLEASURE AS SHE IS NOW RECEIVING FROM HER DOLL'S-BEDS. *I HAVE JUST HEARD FROM *CHARLES, WHO IS BY THIS TIME AT *DEAL. *HE IS TO BE *SECOND *LIEUTENANT, WHICH PLEASES HIM VERY WELL. *THE " *ENDYMION " IS COME INTO THE *DOWNS, WHICH PLEASES HIM LIKEWISE. *HE EXPECTS TO BE ORDERED TO *SHEERNESS SHORTLY, AS THE "*TAMAR" HAS NEVER BEEN REFITTED. *MY FATHER AND MOTHER MADE THE SAME MATCH FOR YOU LAST NIGHT, AND ARE VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH IT. $HE$ IS A BEAUTY OF MY MOTHER'S. *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *JANE

13, *QUEEN'S *SQUARE, *FRIDAY *MAY 17 *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *OUR JOURNEY YESTERDAY WENT OFF EXCEEDINGLY WELL; NOTHING OCCURRED TO ALARM OR DELAY US. *WE FOUND THE ROADS IN EXCELLENT ORDER, HAD VERY GOOD HORSES ALL THE WAY, AND REACHED *DEVIZES WITH EASE BY FOUR O'CLOCK. *I SUPPOSE *JOHN HAS TOLD YOU IN WHAT MANNER WE WERE DIVIDED WHEN WE LEFT *ANDOVER, AND NO ALTERATION WAS AFTERWARDS MADE. *AT *DEVIZES WE HAD COMFORTABLE ROOMS AND A GOOD DINNER, TO WHICH WE SAT DOWN ABOUT FIVE ; AMONGST OTHER THINGS WE HAD ASPARAGUS AND A LOBSTER, WHICH MADE ME WISH FOR YOU, AND SOME CHEESECAKES, ON WHICH THE CHILDREN MADE SO DELIGHTFUL A SUPPER AS TO ENDEAR THE TOWN OF *DEVIZES TO THEM FOR A LONG TIME. *WELL, HERE WE ARE AT *BATH ; WE GOT HERE ABOUT ONE O'CLOCK, AND HAVE BEEN ARRIVED JUST LONG ENOUGH TO GO OVER THE HOUSE, FIX ON OUR ROOMS, AND BE VERY WELL PLEASED WITH THE WHOLE OF IT. *POOR *ELIZABETH HAS HAD A DISMAL RIDE OF IT FROM *DEVIZES, FOR IT HAS RAINED ALMOST ALL THE WAY, AND OUR FIRST VIEW OF *BATH HAS BEEN JUST AS GLOOMY AS IT WAS LAST *NOVEMBER TWELVEMONTH. *I HAVE GOT SO MANY THINGS TO SAY, SO MANY THINGS EQUALLY UNIMPORTANT, THAT *I KNOW NOT ON WHICH TO DE+ CIDE/ AT PRESENT, AND SHALL THEREFORE GO AND EAT WITH THE CHILDREN. *WE STOPPED IN *PARAGON AS WE CAME ALONG, BUT AS IT

WAS TOO WET AND DIRTY FOR US TO GET OUT, WE COULD ONLY SEE *FRANK, WHO TOLD US THAT HIS MASTER WAS VERY INDIFFERENT, BUT HAD HAD A BETTER NIGHT LAST NIGHT THAN USUAL. *IN *PARAGON WE MET *MRS. *FOLEY AND *MRS. *DOWDESWELL WITH HER YELLOW SHAWL AIRING OUT, AND AT THE BOTTOM OF *KINGSDOWN *HILL WE MET A GENTLEMAN IN A BUGGY, WHO, ON MINUTE EXAMINATION, TURNED OUT TO BE *DR. *HALL - AND *DR. *HALL IN SUCH VERY DEEP MOURNING THAT EITHER HIS MOTHER, HIS WIFE, OR HIMSELF MUST BE DEAD. *THESE ARE ALL OF OUR ACQUAINTANCE WHO HAVE YET MET OUR EYES. *I HAVE SOME HOPES OF BEING PLAGUED ABOUT MY TRUNK; *I $HAD$ MORE A FEW HOURS AGO, FOR IT WAS TOO HEAVY TO GO BY THE COACH WHICH BROUGHT *THOMAS AND *REBECCA FROM *DEVIZES; THERE WAS REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT IT MIGHT BE TOO HEAVY LIKEWISE FOR ANY OTHER COACH, AND FOR A LONG TIME WE COULD HEAR OF NO WAGGON TO CONVEY IT. *AT LAST, HOWEVER, WE UNLUCKILY DIS+ COVERED/ THAT ONE WAS JUST ON THE POINT OF SETTING OUT FOR THIS PLACE, BUT, AT ANY RATE THE TRUNK CANNOT BE HERE TILL TO-MORROW ; SO FAR WE ARE SAFE, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT MAY NOT HAPPEN TO PROCURE A FARTHER DELAY? *I PUT *MARY'S LETTER INTO THE POST-OFFICE AT *ANDOVER WITH MY OWN HAND. *WE ARE EXCEEDINGLY PLEASED WITH THE HOUSE ; THE ROOMS ARE QUITE AS LARGE AS WE EXPECTED. *MRS. *BROMLEY IS A FAT WOMAN IN MOURNING, AND A A LITTLE BLACK KITTEN RUNS ABOUT THE STAIRCASE. *ELIZABETH HAS THE APARTMENT WITHIN THE DRAWING-ROOM ; SHE WANTED MY MOTHER TO HAVE IT, BUT AS THERE WAS NO BED IN THE INNER ONE, AND THE STAIRS ARE SO MUCH EASIER OF ASCENT, OR MY MOTHER SO MUCH STRONGER THAN IN *PARAGON AS NOT TO REGARD THE DOUBLE FLIGHT, IT IS SETTLED FOR US TO BE ABOVE, WHERE WE

HAVE TWO VERY NICE-SIZED ROOMS, WITH DIRTY QUILTS AND EVERYTHING COMFORTABLE. *I HAVE THE OUTWARD AND LARGER APARTMENT, AS *I OUGHT TO HAVE ; WHICH IS QUITE AS LARGE AS OUR BEDROOM AT HOME, AND MY MOTHER'S IS NOT MATERIALLY LESS. *THE BEDS ARE BOTH AS LARGE AS ANY AT *STEVENTON, AND *I HAVE A VERY NICE CHEST OF DRAWERS AND A CLOSET FULL OF SHELVES - SO FULL INDEED THAT THERE IS NOTHING ELSE IN IT, AND IT SHOULD THEREFORE BE CALLED A CUPBOARD RATHER THAN A CLOSET, *I SUPPOSE. *TELL *MARY THAT THERE WERE SOME CARPENTERS AT WORK IN THE INN AT *DEVIZES THIS MORNING, BUT AS *I COULD NOT BE SURE OF THEIR BEING *MRS. *W. FOWLE'S RELATIONS, * I DID NOT MAKE MYSELF KNOWN TO THEM. *I HOPE IT WILL BE A TOLERABLE AFTERNOON. *WHEN FIRST WE CAME, ALL THE UMBRELLAS WERE UP, BUT NOW THE PAVE+ MENTS/ ARE GETTING VERY WHITE AGAIN. *MY MOTHER DOES NOT SEEM AT ALL THE WORSE FOR HER JOURNEY, NOR ARE ANY OF US, *I HOPE, THOUGH *EDWARD SEEMED RATHER FAGGED LAST NIGHT, AND NOT VERY BRISK THIS MORNING ; BUT *I TRUST THE BUSTLE OF SENDING FOR TEA, COFFEE, AND SUGAR, &C., AND GOING OUT TO TASTE A CHEESE HIMSELF, WILL DO HIM GOOD. *THERE WAS A VERY LONG LIST OF ARRIVALS HERE IN THE NEWSPAPER YESTERDAY, SO THAT WE NEED NOT IMMEDIATELY DREAD ABSOLUTE SOLITUDE ; AND THERE IS A PUBLIC BREAK+ FAST/ IN *SYDNEY *GARDENS EVERY MORNING, SO THAT WE SHALL NOT BE WHOLLY STARVED. *ELIZABETH HAS JUST HAD A VERY GOOD ACCOUNT OF THE THREE LITTLE BOYS. *I HOPE YOU ARE VERY BUSY AND VERY COMFORTABLE. *I FIND NO DIFFICULTY IN DOING MY EYES. *I LIKE OUR SITUATION VERY MUCH ; IT IS FAR MORE CHEERFUL THAN *PARAGON, AND THE PROSPECT FROM THE DRAWING-+ ROOM/ WINDOW, AT WHICH *I NOW WRITE, IS RATHER PICTURESQUE,

AS IT COMMANDS A PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE LEFT SIDE OF *BROCK *STREET, BROKEN BY THREE *LOMBARDY POPLARS IN THE GARDEN OF THE LAST HOUSE IN *QUEEN'S *PARADE. *I AM RATHER IMPATIENT TO KNOW THE FATE OF MY BEST GOWN, BUT *I SUPPOSE IT WILL BE SOME DAYS BEFORE *FRANCES CAN GET THROUGH THE TRUNK. *IN THE MEANTIME I AM, WITH MANY THANKS FOR YOUR TROUBLE IN MAKING IT, AS WELL AS MARKING MY SILK STOCKINGS, *YOURS VERY AFFECTIONATELY, *JANE *A GREAT DEAL OF LOVE FROM EVERYBODY. 13. *QUEEN *SQUARE - *SUNDAY *JUNE 2D*. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I AM OBLIGED TO YOU FOR TWO LETTERS, ONE FROM *YOUR+ SELF/ & THE OTHER FROM *MARY, FOR OF THE LATTER *I KNEW NOTHING TILL ON THE RECEIPT OF YOURS YESTERDAY, WHEN THE *PIGEON *BASKET WAS EXAMINED & *I RECEIVED MY DUE. - *AS *I HAVE WRITTEN TO HER SINCE THE TIME WHICH OUGHT TO HAVE BROUGHT ME HER'S, *I SUPPOSE SHE WILL CONSIDER HERSELF AS *I CHUSE TO CONSIDER HER, STILL IN MY DEBT. - *I WILL LAY OUT ALL THE LITTLE *JUDGEMENT *I HAVE IN ENDEAVOURING TO GET SUCH STOCKINGS FOR *ANNA AS SHE WILL APPROVE ; - BUT *I DO NOT KNOW THAT *I SHALL EXECUTE *MARTHA'S COMMISSION AT ALL, FOR *I AM NOT FOND OF

ORDERING SHOES, & AT ANY RATE THEY SHALL ALL HAVE FLAT HEELS. - *WHAT MUST *I TELL YOU OF *EDWARD ? - *TRUTH OR *FALSEHOOD ? - *I WILL TRY THE FORMER, & YOU MAY CHUSE FOR YOURSELF ANOTHER TIME. - *HE WAS BETTER YESTERDAY THAN HE HAD BEEN FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS BEFORE, ABOUT AS WELL AS WHILE HE WAS AT *STEVENTON - . *HE DRINKS AT THE *HETLING *PUMP, IS TO BATHE TOMORROW, & TRY *ELECTRICITY ON *TUESDAY ; - HE PROPOSED THE LATTER HIM+ SELF/ TO *DR. *FELLOWES, WHO MADE NO OBJECTION TO IT, BUT *I FANCY WE ARE ALL UNANIMOUS IN EXPECTING NO ADVANTAGE FROM IT. *AT PRESENT *I HAVE NO GREAT NOTION OF OUR STAYING HERE BEYOND THE *MONTH. - *I HEARD FROM *CHARLES LAST WEEK - THEY WERE TO SAIL ON *WEDNESDAY. - *MY *MOTHER SEEMS REMARKABLY WELL. - *MY *UNCLE OVER+ WALKED/ HIMSELF AT FIRST, AND CAN NOW ONLY TRAVEL IN A *CHAIR, BUT IS OTHERWISE VERY WELL. - *MY *CLOAK IS COME HOME AND HERE FOLLOWS THE PATTERN OF IT'S LACE. - *IF YOU DO NOT THINK IT WIDE ENOUGH, *I CAN GIVE 3D A YARD MORE FOR YOURS, & NOT GO BEYOND THE TWO GUINEAS, FOR MY *CLOAK ALTOGETHER DOES NOT COST QUITE TWO POUNDS. - *I LIKE IT VERY MUCH, & CAN NOW EXCLAIM WITH DELIGHT, LIKE *J. *BOND AT *HAY-*HARVEST, " *THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THESE THREE YEARS." - *I SAW SOME GAUZES IN A SHOP IN *BATH *STREET YESTERDAY AT

ONLY 4S A YARD, BUT THEY WERE NOT SO GOOD OR SO PRETTY AS MINE. - *FLOWERS ARE VERY MUCH WORN, & *FRUIT IS STILL MORE THE THING. *ELIZ: HAS A BUNCH OF *STRAWBERRIES, & I HAVE SEEN *GRAPES, *CHERRIES, *PLUMBS & *APRICOTS - *THERE ARE LIKEWISE *ALMONDS & RAISINS, FRENCH PLUMBS & *TAMARINDS AT THE *GROCERS, BUT *I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY OF THEM IN HATS. - *A PLUMB OR GREENGAGE WOULD COST THREE SHILLINGS ; - *CHERRIES & GRAPES ABOUT 5 *I BELIEVE - BUT THIS IS AT SOME OF THE DEAREST SHOPS ; - *MY AUNT HAS TOLD ME OF A VERY CHEAP ONE NEAR *WALCOT *CHURCH, TO WHICH *I SHALL GO IN QUEST OF SOMETHING FOR YOU. - *I HAVE NEVER SEEN AN OLD *WOMAN AT THE *PUMP ROOM. - *ELIZA: HAS GIVEN ME A HAT, AND IT IS NOT ONLY A PRETTY HAT, BUT A PRETTY $STILE$ OF HAT TOO - *IT IS SOME+ THING/ LIKE *ELIZA'S ONLY INSTEAD OF BEING ALL STRAW, HALF OF IT IS NARROW PURPLE RIBBON. - *I FLATTER MYSELF HOWEVER THAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND VERY LITTLE OF IT, FROM THIS DESCRIPTION - . *HEAVEN FORBID THAT *I SHOULD EVER OFFER SUCH ENCOURAGEMENT TO *EXPLANATIONS, AS TO GIVE A CLEAR ONE ON ANY OCCASION MYSELF. - *BUT *I MUST WRITE NO MORE OF (($SEVEN LINES CUT OUT$)) IT SO. - *I SPENT FRIDAY EVENING WITH THE *MAPLETONS, & WAS OBLIGED TO SUBMIT TO BEING PLEASED IN SITE OF MY INCLINATION. *WE TOOK A VERY CHARMING WALK FROM 6 TO 8 UP *BEACON *HILL, & ACROSS SOME FIELDS TO THE *VILLAGE OF *CHARLCOMBE, WHICH IS SWEETLY SITUATED IN A LITTLE GREEN *VALLEY, AS A *VILLAGE WITH SUCH A NAME OUGHT TO BE. - *MARIANNE IS SENSIBLE & INTELLIGENT, AND EVEN *JANE CONSIDERING HOW FAIR SHE IS, IS NOT UNPLEASANT. *WE HAD A *MISS *NORTH & A *MR. *GOULD OF OUR PARTY ; - THE LATTER WALKED HOME WITH ME AFTER *TEA ; - HE IS A VERY YOUNG *MAN, JUST ENTERED OF *OXFORD, WEARS *SPECTACLES, & HAS HEARD THAT *EVELINA WAS WRITTEN BY - *DR. *JOHNSON. - *I AM AFRAID *I CANNOT

UNDERTAKE TO CARRY *MARTHA'S SHOES HOME, FOR, THO' WE HAD PLENTY OF ROOM IN OUR *TRUNKS WHEN WE CAME, *WE SHALL HAVE MANY MORE THINGS TO TAKE BACK, & *I MUST ALLOW BESIDES FOR $MY$ PACKING. - *THERE IS TO BE A GRAND GALA ON TUESDAY EVENING IN *SYDNEY *GARDENS ; A *CON+ CERT/, WITH *ILLUMINATIONS & FIREWORKS ; - TO THE LATTER ELIZ: & *I LOOK FORWARD WITH PLEASURE, & EVEN THE *CONCERT WILL HAVE MORE THAN IT'S USUAL CHARM WITH ME, AS THE GARDENS ARE LARGE ENOUGH FOR ME TO GET PRETTY WELL BEYOND THE REACH OF ITS SOUND. - *IN THE MORNING *LADY *WILLOUGHBY IS TO PRESENT THE *COLOURS TO SOME *CORPS OF *YEOMANRY OR OTHER, IN THE *CRESCENT - & THAT SUCH FESTIVITIES MAY HAVE A PROPER COMMENCEMENT, WE THINK OF GOING TO (($SEVEN LINES CUT OUT$)) *I AM QUITE PLEASED WITH *MARTHA & *MRS. *LEFROY FOR WANTING THE PATTERN OF OUR *CAPS, BUT *I AM NOT SO WELL PLEASED WITH YOUR GIVING IT TO THEM - . *SOME WISH, SOME PREVAILING WISH IS NECESSARY TO THE ANIMATION OF EVERYBODY'S *MIND, & IN GRATIFYING THIS, YOU LEAVE THEM TO FORM SOME OTHER WHICH WILL NOT PROBABLY BE HALF SO INNOCENT. - *I SHALL NOT FORGET TO WRITE TO *FRANK. - *DUTY & *LOVE &C. *YOURS AFFECLY** *JANE *MY UNCLE IS QUITE SURPRISED AT MY HEARING FROM YOU SO OFTEN ; BUT AS LONG AS WE CAN KEEP THE FREQUENCY OF OUR CORRESPONDENCE FROM *MARTHA'S UNCLE, WE WILL NOT FEAR OUR OWN.

13, *QUEEN *SQUARE, *TUESDAY *JUNE 11. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOUR LETTER YESTERDAY MADE ME VERY HAPPY. *I AM HEARTILY GLAD THAT YOU HAVE ESCAPED ANY SHARE IN THE IMPURITIES OF *DEANE, AND NOT SORRY, AS IT TURNS OUT, THAT OUR STAY HERE HAS BEEN LENGTHENED. *I FEEL TOLERABLY SECURE OF OUR GETTING AWAY NEXT WEEK, THOUGH IT IS CERTAINLY POSSIBLE THAT WE MAY REMAIN TILL *THURS+ DAY/ THE 27TH. *I WONDER WHAT WE SHALL DO WITH ALL OUR INTENDED VISITS THIS SUMMER! *I SHOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPROMISE WITH *ADLESTROP, *HARDEN, AND *BOOKHAM, THAT *MARTHA'S SPENDING THE SUMMER AT *STEVENTON SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS OUR RESPECTIVE VISITS TO THEM ALL. *EDWARD HAS BEEN PRETTY WELL FOR THIS LAST WEEK, AND AS THE WATERS HAVE NEVER $DIS$AGREED WITH HIM IN ANY RESPECT, WE ARE INCLINED TO HOPE THAT HE WILL DERIVE ADVANTAGE FROM THEM IN THE END. *EVERYBODY EN+ COURAGES/ US IN THIS EXPECTATION, FOR THEY ALL SAY THAT THE EFFECT OF THE WATERS CANNOT BE NEGATIVE, AND MANY ARE THE INSTANCES IN WHICH THEIR BENEFIT IS FELT AFTER+ WARDS/ MORE THAN ON THE SPOT. *HE IS MORE COMFORTABLE HERE THAN *I THOUGHT HE WOULD BE, AND SO IS *ELIZABETH, THOUGH THEY WILL BOTH, *I BELIEVE, BE VERY GLAD TO GET AWAY - THE LATTER ESPECIALLY, WHICH ONE CAN'T WONDER AT $SOMEHOW$. *SO MUCH FOR *MRS. *PIOZZI. *I HAD SOME THOUGHTS OF WRITING THE WHOLE OF MY LETTER IN HER STYLE, BUT *I BELIEVE *I SHALL NOT.

*THOUGH YOU HAVE GIVEN ME UNLIMITED POWERS CON+ CERNING/ YOUR SPRIG, *I CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT, AND SHALL THEREFORE IN THIS AND IN EVERY OTHER FUTURE LETTER CONTINUE TO ASK YOU FOR DIRECTIONS. *WE HAVE BEEN TO THE CHEAP SHOP, AND VERY CHEAP WE FOUND IT, BUT THERE ARE ONLY FLOWERS MADE THERE, NO FRUIT ; AND AS *I COULD GET FOUR OR FIVE VERY PRETTY SPRIGS OF THE FORMER FOR THE SAME MONEY WHICH WOULD PROCURE ONLY ONE *ORLEANS PLUMB - IN SHORT, COULD GET MORE FOR THREE OR FOUR SHILLINGS THAN *I COULD HAVE MEANS OF BRINGING HOME - *I CANNOT DECIDE ON THE FRUIT TILL *I HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN. *BESIDES, *I CANNOT HELP THINKING THAT IT IS MORE NATURAL TO HAVE FLOWERS GROW OUT OF THE HEAD THAN FRUIT. *WHAT DO YOU THINK ON THAT SUBJECT ? *I WOULD NOT LET *MARTHA READ " *FIRST *IMPRESSIONS " AGAIN UPON ANY ACCOUNT, AND AM VERY GLAD THAT *I DID NOT LEAVE IT IN YOUR POWER. *SHE IS VERY CUNNING, BUT I SAW THROUGH HER DESIGN ; SHE MEANS TO PUBLISH IT FROM MEMORY, AND ONE MORE PERUSAL MUST ENABLE HER TO DO IT. *AS FOR " *FITZALBINI," WHEN *I GET HOME SHE SHALL HAVE IT, AS SOON AS EVER SHE WILL OWN THAT *MR. *ELLIOTT IS HANDSOMER THAN *MR. *LANCE, THAT FAIR MEN ARE PREFERABLE TO BLACK ; FOR *I MEAN TO TAKE EVERY OPPOR+ TUNITY/ OF ROOTING OUT HER PREJUDICES. *BENJAMIN *PORTAL IS HERE. *HOW CHARMING THAT IS ! *I DO NOT EXACTLY KNOW WHY, BUT THE PHRASE FOLLOWED SO NATURALLY THAT *I COULD NOT HELP PUTTING IT DOWN. *MY MOTHER SAW HIM THE OTHER DAY, BUT WITHOUT MAKING HERSELF KNOWN TO HIM. *I AM VERY GLAD YOU LIKED MY LACE, AND SO ARE YOU, AND SO IS *MARTHA, AND WE ARE ALL GLAD TOGETHER. *I HAVE GOT YOUR CLOAK HOME, WHICH IS QUITE DELIGHTFUL - AS DELIGHTFUL AT LEAST AS HALF THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH ARE CALLED SO.

*I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH ME TO-DAY, BUT *I CANNOT WRITE QUIETLY ; *I AM ALWAYS WANDERING AWAY INTO SOME EXCLAMATION OR OTHER. *FORTUNATELY I HAVE NOTHING VERY PARTICULAR TO SAY. *WE WALKED TO *WESTON ONE EVENING LAST WEEK, AND LIKED IT VERY MUCH. *LIKED $WHAT$ VERY MUCH ? *WESTON ? *NO, $WALKING$ TO *WESTON. *I HAVE NOT EXPRESSED MYSELF PROPERLY, BUT *I HOPE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND ME. *WE HAVE NOT BEEN TO ANY PUBLIC PLACE LATELY, NOR PERFORMED ANYTHING OUT OF THE COMMON DAILY ROUTINE OF *NO. 13, *QUEEN *SQUARE, *BATH. *BUT TO-DAY WE WERE TO HAVE DASHED AWAY AT A VERY EXTRAORDINARY RATE, BY DINING OUT, HAD IT NOT SO HAPPENED THAT WE DO NOT GO. *EDWARD RENEWED HIS ACQUAINTANCE LATELY WITH *MR. *EVELYN, WHO LIVES IN THE *QUEEN'S *PARADE, AND WAS INVITED TO A FAMILY DINNER, WHICH *I BELIEVE AT FIRST *ELIZABETH WAS RATHER SORRY AT HIS ACCEPTING ; BUT YESTERDAY *MRS. *EVELYN CALLED ON US, AND HER MANNERS WERE SO PLEASING THAT WE LIKED THE IDEA OF GOING VERY MUCH. *THE *BIGGS WOULD CALL HER A NICE WOMAN. *BUT *MR. *EVELYN, WHO WAS INDISPOSED YESTERDAY, IS WORSE TO-DAY, AND WE ARE PUT OFF. *IT IS RATHER IMPERTINENT TO SUGGEST ANY HOUSEHOLD CARE TO A HOUSEKEEPER, BUT *I JUST VENTURE TO SAY THAT THE COFFEE-MILL WILL BE WANTED EVERY DAY WHILE *EDWARD IS AT *STEVENTON, AS HE ALWAYS DRINKS COFFEE FOR BREAKFAST. *FANNY DESIRES HER LOVE TO YOU, HER LOVE TO GRAND+ PAPA/, HER LOVE TO *ANNA, AND HER LOVE TO *HANNAH ; THE LATTER IS PARTICULARLY TO BE REMEMBERED. *EDWARD DESIRES HIS LOVE TO YOU, TO GRANDPAPA, TO *ANNA, TO LITTLE *EDWARD, TO *AUNT *JAMES AND *UNCLE *JAMES, AND HE HOPES ALL YOUR TURKEYS AND DUCKS, AND CHICKEN AND GUINEA FOWLS ARE VERY WELL ; AND HE WISHES YOU VERY

MUCH TO SEND HIM A PRINTED LETTER, AND SO DOES *FANNY - AND THEY BOTH RATHER THINK THEY SHALL ANSWER IT. *E*A. "*ON MORE ACCOUNTS THAN ONE YOU WISHED OUR STAY HERE TO BE LENGTHENED BEYOND LAST *THURSDAY." *THERE IS SOME MYSTERY IN THIS. *WHAT HAVE YOU GOING ON IN *HAMPSHIRE BESIDES THE $ITCH$ FROM WHICH YOU WANT TO KEEP US ? *DR. *GARDINER WAS MARRIED YESTERDAY TO *MRS. *PERCY AND HER THREE DAUGHTERS. *NOW *I WILL GIVE YOU THE HISTORY OF *MARY'S VEIL, IN THE PURCHASE OF WHICH *I HAVE SO CONSIDERABLY INVOLVED YOU THAT IT IS MY DUTY TO ECONOMISE FOR YOU IN THE FLOWERS. *I HAD NO DIFFICULTY IN GETTING A MUSLIN VEIL FOR HALF A GUINEA, AND NOT MUCH MORE IN DISCOVERING AFTER+ WARDS/ THAT THE MUSLIN WAS THICK, DIRTY, AND RAGGED, AND THEREFORE WOULD BY NO MEANS DO FOR A UNITED GIFT. *I CHANGED IT CONSEQUENTLY AS SOON AS *I COULD, AND, CONSIDERING WHAT A STATE MY IMPRUDENCE HAD REDUCED ME TO, *I THOUGHT MYSELF LUCKY IN GETTING A BLACK LACE ONE FOR SIXTEEN SHILLINGS. *I HOPE THE HALF OF THAT SUM WILL NOT GREATLY EXCEED WHAT YOU HAD INTENDED TO OFFER UPON THE ALTAR OF SISTER-IN-LAW AFFECTION. *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *JANE *THEY DO NOT SEEM TO TROUBLE YOU MUCH FROM *MANY+ DOWN/. *I HAVE LONG WANTED TO QUARREL WITH THEM, AND *I BELIEVE *I SHALL TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY. *THERE IS NO DENYING THAT THEY ARE VERY CAPRICIOUS - FOR THEY LIKE TO ENJOY THEIR ELDER SISTER'S COMPANY WHEN THEY CAN.

13. *QUEEN *SQUARE - *WEDNESDAY *JUNE 19TH**. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *THE *CHILDREN WERE DELIGHTED WITH YOUR LETTERS, AS *I FANCY THEY WILL TELL YOU THEMSELVES BEFORE THIS IS CONCLUDED. - *FANNY EXPRESSED SOME SURPRISE AT THE WETNESS OF THE *WAFERS, BUT IT DID NOT LEAD TO ANY SUSPICION OF THE *TRUTH. - *MARTHA & *YOU WERE JUST IN TIME WITH YOUR COMMISSIONS, FOR TWO O'CLOCK ON MONDAY WAS THE LAST HOUR OF MY RECEIVING THEM ; - THE OFFICE IS NOW CLOSED. - *JOHN *LYFORD'S HISTORY IS A MELAN+ CHOLY/ ONE. - *I FEEL FOR HIS FAMILY, & WHEN *I KNOW THAT HIS *WIFE WAS REALLY FOND OF HIM, *I WILL FEEL FOR HER TOO, BUT AT PRESENT *I CANNOT HELP THINKING THEIR LOSS THE GREATEST. - *EDWARD HAS NOT BEEN WELL THESE LAST TWO DAYS ; HIS APPETITE HAS FAILED HIM, & HE HAS COM+ PLAINED/ OF SICK & UNCOMFORTABLE FEELINGS, WHICH WITH OTHER *SYMPTOMS MAKE US THINK OF THE *GOUT - PERHAPS A FIT OF IT MIGHT CURE HIM, BUT *I CANNOT WISH IT TO BEGIN AT *BATH. - *HE MADE AN IMPORTANT PURCHASE *YESTERDAY; NO LESS SO THAN A PAIR OF *COACH *HORSES ; HIS FRIEND *MR. *EVELYN FOUND THEM OUT & RECOMMENDED THEM, & IF THE JUDGEMENT OF A *YAHOO CAN EVER BE DEPENDED ON, *I SUPPOSE IT MAY NOW, FOR *I BELEIVE *MR. *EVELYN HAS ALL HIS LIFE THOUGHT MORE OF *HORSES THAN OF ANYTHING ELSE. - *THEIR *COLOUR IS BLACK & THEIR SIZE NOT LARGE - THEIR PRICE SIXTY *GUINEAS, OF WHICH THE *CHAIR *MARE WAS

TAKEN AS FIFTEEN - BUT THIS IS OF COURSE TO BE A SECRET. - *MRS. *WILLIAMS NEED NOT PRIDE HERSELF ON HER KNOWLEDGE OF *DR. *MAPLETON'S SUCCESS HERE ; - SHE KNOWS NO MORE THAN EVERYBODY ELSE KNOWS IN *BATH. - *THERE IS NOT A *PHYSICIAN IN THE PLACE WHO WRITES SO MANY *PRESCRIP+ TIONS/ AS HE DOES - *I CANNOT HELP WISHING THAT *EDWARD HAD NOT BEEN TIED DOWN TO *DR. *FELLOWES, FOR HAD HE COME DISENGAGED, WE SHOULD ALL HAVE RECOMMENDED *DR. *MAPLETON ; MY *UNCLE & *AUNT AS EARNESTLY AS OURSELVES. - *I DO NOT SEE THE *MISS *MAPLETONS VERY OFTEN, BUT JUST AS OFTEN AS *I LIKE ; WE ARE ALWAYS VERY GLAD TO MEET, & *I DO NOT WISH TO WEAR OUT OUR SATISFACTION. - *LAST *SUNDAY *WE ALL DRANK TEA IN *PARAGON ; MY *UNCLE IS STILL IN HIS FLANNELS, BUT IS GETTING BETTER AGAIN. - *ON *MONDAY, *MR. *EVELYN WAS WELL ENOUGH FOR US TO FULFIL OUR ENGAGEMENT WITH HIM ; - THE VISIT WAS VERY QUIET & UNEVENTFUL ; PLEASANT ENOUGH. - *WE MET ONLY ANOTHER *MR. *EVELYN, HIS COUSIN, WHOSE WIFE CAME TO *TEA. - *LAST NIGHT WE WERE IN *SIDNEY *GARDENS AGAIN, AS THERE WAS A REPETITION OF THE *GALA WHICH WENT OFF SO ILL ON THE 4TH**. - *WE DID NOT GO TILL NINE, & THEN WERE IN VERY GOOD TIME FOR THE *FIRE-WORKS, WHICH WERE REALLY BEAUTIFUL, & SURPASSING MY EXPECTATION ; - THE ILLU+ MINATIONS/ TOO WERE VERY PRETTY. - *THE WEATHER WAS AS FAVOURABLE, AS IT WAS OTHERWISE A FORTNIGHT AGO. - *THE PLAY ON *SATURDAY IS $*I HOPE$ TO CONCLUDE OUR *GAIETIES HERE, FOR NOTHING BUT A LENGTHENED STAY WILL MAKE IT OTHERWISE. *WE GO WITH *MRS. *FELLOWES. - *EDWARD WILL NOT REMAIN AT *STEVENTON LONGER THAN FROM *THURSDAY TO THE FOLLOWING *MONDAY *I BELEIVE, AS THE *RENT-DAY IS TO BE FIXED FOR THE $CONSECUTIVE$ FRIDAY. - *I CAN RECOLLECT NOTHING MORE TO SAY AT PRESENT ; - PERHAPS *BREAKFAST MAY ASSIST MY IDEAS. *I WAS DECEIVED - MY BREAKFAST

SUPPLIED ONLY TWO IDEAS, THAT THE ROLLS WERE GOOD, & THE BUTTER BAD; - *BUT THE *POST HAS BEEN MORE FRIENDLY TO ME, IT HAS BROUGHT ME A LETTER FROM *MISS *PEARSON. *YOU MAY REMEMBER THAT *I WROTE TO HER ABOVE TWO MONTHS AGO ABOUT THE PARCEL UNDER MY CARE, & AS *I HAD HEARD NOTHING FROM HER SINCE, *I THOUGHT MYSELF OBLIGED TO WRITE AGAIN TWO OR THREE DAYS AGO, FOR AFTER ALL THAT HAD PASSED *I WAS DETERMINED THAT THE *CORRE+ SPONDENCE/ SHOULD NEVER CEASE THRO' MY MEANS - . *THIS SECOND LETTER HAS PRODUCED AN APOLOGY FOR HER SILENCE, FOUNDED ON THE *ILLNESS OF SEVERAL OF THE FAMILY. - *THE EXCHANGE OF PACKETS IS TO TAKE PLACE THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF *MR. *NUTT, PROBABLY ONE OF THE *SONS BELONG+ ING/ TO *WOOLWICH *ACADEMY, WHO COMES TO *OVERTON IN THE BEGINNING OF *JULY. - *I AM TEMPTED TO SUSPECT FROM SOME PARTS OF HER *LETTER, THAT SHE HAS A MATRIMONIAL PROJECT IN VEIW - *I SHALL QUESTION HER ABOUT IT WHEN $*I$ ANSWER HER *LETTER ; BUT ALL THIS YOU KNOW IS $EN *MYSTERE$ BETWEEN OURSELVES. - *EDWARD HAS SEEN THE *APOTHECARY TO WHOM *DR. *MILLMAN RECOMMENDED HIM, A SENSIBLE, INTELLIGENT *MAN, SINCE *I BEGAN THIS - & HE ATTRIBUTES HIS PRESENT LITTLE FEVERISH INDISPOSITION TO HIS HAVING ATE SOMETHING UNSUITED TO HIS *STOMACH. - *I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT *MR. *ANDERTON SUSPECTS THE *GOUT AT ALL; - *THE OCCASIONAL PARTICULAR GLOW IN THE HANDS & FEET, WHICH WE CONSIDERED AS A SYMPTOM OF THAT *DISORDER, HE ONLY CALLS THE EFFECT OF THE *WATER IN PROMOTING A BETTER CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. *I CANNOT HELP THINKING FROM YOUR ACCOUNT OF *MRS. *E. *H. THAT *EARLE'S VANITY HAS TEMPTED HIM TO INVENT THE ACCOUNT OF HER FORMER WAY OF *LIFE, THAT HIS TRIUMPH IN SECURING HER MIGHT BE GREATER; - *I DARE SAY SHE WAS NOTHING BUT AN INNOCENT *COUNTRY *GIRL IN FACT. - *ADEIU - . *I SHALL

NOT WRITE AGAIN BEFORE *SUNDAY, UNLESS ANYTHING PAR+ TICULAR/ HAPPENS. *YOURS EVER *JANE *WE SHALL BE WITH YOU ON *THURSDAY TO A VERY LATE *DINNER - LATER *I SUPPOSE THAN MY FATHER WILL LIKE FOR HIMSELF - BUT *I GIVE HIM LEAVE TO EAT ONE BEFORE. *YOU MUST GIVE US SOMETHING VERY NICE, FOR WE ARE USED TO LIVE WELL. ((*MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRETTY LETTER ; - *MY LITTLE *BROTHERS WERE VERY WELL WHEN *MAMA HEARD FROM *SACKREE. *I HAVE GIVEN ALL YOUR MESSAGES EXCEPT TO MY *UNCLE & *AUNT *PERROT, & *I HAVE NOT SEEN THEM SINCE *I HAD YOUR LETTER. *I AM VERY HAPPY AT *BATH, BUT *I AM AFRAID *PAPA IS NOT MUCH BETTER FOR DRINKING THE *WATERS. - *MAMA'S BEST *LOVE. - *IS THE OTHER CHAF+ FINCHE'S/ NEST IN THE *GARDEN HATCHED ? - *YOUR AFFEC: NEICE *F *A *G - *P. *S. - *YES, *I SHALL BE VERY GLAD TO HOME & SEE BROTHERS. *MY DEAR *AUNT *CASSANDRA *I HOPE YOU ARE VERY WELL. *GRANDMAMA HOPES THE WHITE *TURKEY LAYS, & THAT YOU HAVE EAT UP THE BLACK ONE. - *WE LIKE *GOOSEBERRY *PYE & *GOOSEBERRY PUDDING VERY MUCH. - *IS THAT THE SAME *CHAFFINCHES *NEST THAT WE SAW BEFORE WE WENT AWAY? & PRAY WILL YOU SEND ME ANOTHER PRINTED *LETTER WHEN YOU WRITE TO *AUNT *JANE AGAIN - *IF YOU LIKE IT. - *E *A))

*STEVENTON : *SATURDAY EVENING *OCT 25. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I AM NOT YET ABLE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECEIPT OF ANY PARCEL FROM *LONDON, WHICH *I SUPPOSE WILL NOT OCCASION YOU MUCH SURPRISE. - *I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED TODAY, BUT NOT MORE THAN IS PERFECTLY AGREABLE; & *I HOPE TO BE DISAPPOINTED AGAIN TOMORROW, AS ONLY ONE COACH COMES DOWN ON SUNDAYS. - *YOU HAVE HAD A VERY PLEASANT *JOURNEY OF COURSE, & HAVE FOUND *ELIZABETH & ALL THE *CHILDREN VERY WELL ON YOUR ARRIVAL AT *GOD+ MERSHAM/, & *I CONGRATULATE YOU ON IT. *EDWARD IS REJOICING THIS EVENING *I DARE SAY TO FIND HIMSELF ONCE MORE AT HOME, FROM WHICH HE FANCIES HE HAS BEEN ABSENT A GREAT WHILE. - *HIS SON LEFT BEHIND HIM THE VERY FINE CHESTNUTS WHICH HAD BEEN SELECTED FOR PLANTING AT *GODMERSHAM, & THE DRAWING OF HIS OWN WHICH HE HAD INTENDED TO CARRY TO *GEORGE ; + THE FORMER WILL THERE- FORE/ BE DEPOSITED IN THE SOIL OF *HAMPSHIRE INSTEAD OF *KENT ; THE LATTER, *I HAVE ALREADY CONSIGNED TO ANOTHER *ELEMENT. *WE HAVE BEEN EXCEEDINGLY BUSY EVER SINCE YOU WENT AWAY. *IN THE FIRST PLACE WE HAVE HAD TO REJOICE TWO OR THREE TIMES EVERY DAY AT YOUR HAVING SUCH VERY DELIGHTFUL WEATHER FOR THE WHOLE OF YOUR *JOURNEY - & IN THE SECOND PLACE WE HAVE BEEN OBLIGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE DELIGHTFUL WEATHER OURSELVES BY GOING TO SEE ALMOST ALL OUR *NEIGHBOURS. - *ON *THURS+ DAY/ WE WALKED TO *DEANE, YESTERDAY TO *OAKLEY *HALL &

*OAKLEY, & TODAY TO *DEANE AGAIN. - *AT *OAKLEY *HALL WE DID A GREAT DEAL - EAT SOME SANDWICHES ALL OVER MUS+ TARD/, ADMIRED *MR. *BRAMSTON'S *PORTER & *MRS. *BRAM+ STON'S/ *TRANSPARENCIES, & GAINED A PROMISE FROM THE LATTER OF TWO ROOTS OF HEARTS-EASE, ONE ALL YELLOW & THE OTHER ALL PURPLE, FOR YOU. *AT *OAKLEY WE BOUGHT TEN PAIR OF WORSTED STOCKINGS, & A SHIFT. - *THE SHIFT IS FOR *BETTY *DAWKINS, AS WE FIND SHE WANTS IT MORE THAN A RUG. - *SHE IS ONE OF THE MOST GRATEFUL OF ALL WHOM *EDWARD'S CHARITY HAS REACHED, OR AT LEAST SHE EXPRESSES HERSELF MORE WARMLY THAN THE REST, FOR SHE SENDS HIM A " SIGHT OF THANKS." *THIS MORNING WE CALLED AT THE *HARWOODS, & IN THEIR DINING-ROOM FOUND *HEATHCOTE & *CHUTE FOR EVER - *MRS. *WM* *HEATHCOTE & *MRS. *CHUTE - THE FIRST OF WHOM TOOK A LONG RIDE YESTERDAY MORNING WITH *MRS. *HARWOOD INTO *LORD *CARNARVON'S *PARK & FAINTED AWAY IN THE EVENING, & THE SECOND WALKED DOWN FROM *OAKLEY *HALL ATTENDED BY *MRS. *AUGUSTA *BRAMSTON. *THEY HAD MEANT TO COME ON TO *STEVENTON AFTERWARDS, BUT WE KNEW A TRICK WORTH TWO OF THAT. - *IF *I HAD THOUGHT OF IT IN TIME, *I WOULD HAVE SAID SOME+ THING/ CIVIL TO HER ABOUT *EDWARD'S NEVER HAVING HAD ANY SERIOUS IDEA OF CALLING ON *MR. *CHUTE WHILE HE WAS IN *HAMPSHIRE ; BUT UNLUCKILY IT DID NOT OCCUR TO ME. - *MRS. *HEATHCOTE IS GONE HOME TODAY ; *CATHERINE HAD PAID HER AN EARLY VISIT AT *DEANE IN THE MORNING, & BROUGHT A GOOD ACCOUNT OF *HARRIS. - *JAMES WENT TO *WINCHESTER FAIR YESTERDAY, & BOUGHT A NEW HORSE ; & *MARY HAS GOT A NEW MAID - TWO GREAT ACQUISITIONS, ONE COMES FROM *FOLLY *FARM, IS ABOUT FIVE YEARS OLD, USED TO DRAW, & THOUGHT VERY PRETTY ; & THE OTHER IS NEICE TO *DINAH AT *KINTBURY. - *JAMES CALLED BY MY FATHER'S DESIRE ON *MR. *BAYLE TO INQUIRE INTO THE CAUSE

OF HIS BEING SO HORRID. - *MR. *BAYLE DID NOT ATTEMPT TO DENY HIS BEING HORRID, & MADE MANY APOLOGIES FOR IT ; - HE DID NOT PLEAD HIS HAVING A DRUNKEN SELF, HE TALKED ONLY OF A DRUNKEN FOREMAN &C &C, & GAVE HOPES OF THE *TABLE'S BEING AT *STEVENTON ON *MONDAY SE'NIGHT NEXT. - *WE HAVE HAD NO LETTER SINCE YOU LEFT US, EXCEPT ONE FROM *MR. *SERLE OF *BISHOP'S *STOKE TO ENQUIRE THE CHARACTER OF *JAMES *ELTON. - *OUR WHOLE *NEIGHBOURHOOD IS AT PRESENT VERY BUSY GREIVING OVER POOR *MRS. *MARTIN, WHO HAS TOTALLY FAILED IN HER BUSINESS, & HAD VERY LATELY AN EXECUTION IN HER HOUSE. - *HER OWN *BROTHER & *MR. *RIDER ARE THE PRINCIPAL CREDITORS, & THEY HAVE SEIZED HER EFFECTS IN ORDER TO PREVENT OTHER PEOPLE'S DOING IT. - *THERE HAS BEEN THE SAME AFFAIR GOING ON, WE ARE TOLD, AT *WILSON'S, & MY HEARING NOTHING OF YOU MAKES ME APPREHENSIVE THAT *YOU, YOUR FELLOW TRAVEL+ LERS/ & ALL YOUR EFFECTS, MIGHT BE SEIZED BY THE *BAILIFFS WHEN YOU STOPT AT THE *CROW & SOLD ALTOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CREDITORS. *IN TALKING OF *MR. *DEEDES'S NEW HOUSE, *MRS. *BRAMSTON TOLD US ONE CIRCUMSTANCE, WHICH, THAT WE SHOULD BE IGNORANT OF IT BEFORE MUST MAKE *EDWARD'S CONSCIENCE FLY INTO HIS FACE ; SHE TOLD US THAT ONE OF THE SITTING ROOMS AT *SANDLING, AN OVAL ROOM WITH A *BOW AT ONE END, HAS THE VERY REMARKABLE & SINGULAR FEATURE OF A FIREPLACE WITH A WINDOW, THE CENTRE WINDOW OF THE *BOW, EXACTLY OVER THE MANTLE+ PEICE/. - $*SUNDAY$. - *THIS MORNING'S UNPROMISING ASPECT MAKES IT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY FOR ME TO OBSERVE ONCE MORE HOW PECULIARLY FORTUNATE YOU HAVE BEEN IN YOUR WEATHER, AND THEN *I WILL DROP THE SUBJECT FOR EVER. - *OUR *IMPROVEMENTS HAVE ADVANCED VERY WELL ; - THE *BANK ALONG THE $*ELM *WALK$ IS SLOPED DOWN FOR THE RECEP+ TION/ OF *THORNS & *LILACS ; & IT IS SETTLED THAT THE OTHER

SIDE OF THE PATH IS TO CONTINUE TURF'D & BE PLANTED WITH *BEECH, *ASH, & *LARCH. - $*MONDAY$. *I AM GLAD *I HAD NO MEANS OF SENDING THIS YESTERDAY, AS *I AM NOW ABLE TO THANK YOU FOR EXECUTING MY *COMMISSIONS SO WELL. - *I LIKE THE *GOWN VERY MUCH & MY MOTHER THINKS IT VERY UGLY. - *I LIKE THE *STOCKINGS ALSO VERY MUCH & GREATLY PREFER HAVING ONLY TWO PAIR OF THAT QUALITY TO THREE OF AN INFERIOR SORT. - *THE *COMBS ARE VERY PRETTY, & *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR PRESENT ; BUT AM SORRY YOU SHOULD MAKE ME SO MANY. - *THE *PINK *SHOES ARE NOT PARTICULARLY BEAUTIFUL, BUT THEY FIT ME VERY WELL - THE OTHERS ARE FAULTLESS. - *I AM GLAD THAT *I HAVE STILL MY *CLOAK TO EXPECT. *AMONG MY OTHER OBLIGATIONS, *I MUST NOT OMIT TO NUMBER YOUR WRITING ME SO LONG A LETTER IN A TIME OF SUCH HURRY. *I AM AMUSED BY YOUR GOING TO *MILGATE AT LAST, - & GLAD THAT YOU HAVE SO CHARMING A DAY FOR YOUR *JOURNEY HOME. - *MY FATHER APPROVES HIS *STOCKINGS VERY HIGHLY - & FINDS NO FAULT WITH ANY PART OF *MRS. *HANCOCK'S BILL EXCEPT THE CHARGE OF 3S 6D FOR THE *PACKING BOX. *THE WEATHER DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO BE OTHERWISE THAN FINE. - *I AM SURPRISED THAT *MRS. *MARRIOT SHOULD NOT BE TALLER - *SURELY *YOU HAVE MADE A MISTAKE. - *DID *MR. *ROLAND MAKE YOU LOOK WELL ? - *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *A.

*STEVENTON : *SATURDAY *NOV 1ST**. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOU HAVE WRITTEN *I AM SURE, THO' *I HAVE RECEIVED NO LETTER FROM YOU SINCE YOUR LEAVING *LONDON ; - THE *POST, & NOT YOURSELF MUST HAVE BEEN UNPUNCTUAL. - *WE HAVE AT LAST HEARD FROM *FRANK ; A LETTER FROM HIM TO YOU CAME YESTERDAY, & *I MEAN TO SEND IT ON AS SOON AS I CAN GET A DITTO, ($THAT$ MEANS A FRANK,) WHICH *I HOPE TO DO IN A DAY OR TWO. - *EN ATTENDANT, *YOU MUST REST SATISFIED WITH KNOWING THAT ON THE 8TH OF *JULY THE *PETTERELL WITH THE REST OF THE *EGYPTIAN *SQUADRON WAS OFF THE *ISLE OF *CYPRUS, WHITHER THEY WENT FROM *JAFFA FOR *PROVISIONS &C., & WHENCE THEY WERE TO SAIL IN A DAY OR TWO FOR *ALEXANDRIA, THERE TO WAIT THE RESULT OF THE *ENGLISH PROPOSALS FOR THE *EVACUATION OF *EGYPT. *THE REST OF THE LETTER, ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT FASHIONABLE STILE OF *COMPOSITION, IS CHEIFLY *DESCRIPTIVE ; OF HIS *PROMOTION HE KNOWS NOTHING, & OF *PRIZES HE IS GUILT+ LESS/. - *YOUR LETTER IS COME ; IT CAME INDEED TWELVE LINES AGO, BUT *I COULD NOT STOP TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT BEFORE, & I AM GLAD IT DID NOT ARRIVE TILL *I HAD COMPLETED MY FIRST SENTENCE, BECAUSE THE SENTENCE HAD BEEN MADE EVER SINCE YESTERDAY, & *I THINK FORMS A VERY GOOD BEGINNING. - *YOUR ABUSE OF OUR *GOWNS AMUSES, BUT DOES NOT DISCOURAGE ME ; *I SHALL TAKE MINE TO BE MADE UP NEXT WEEK, & THE MORE *I LOOK AT IT, THE BETTER IT PLEASES ME. - *MY *CLOAK CAME ON TUESDAY, & THO' *I EXPECTED

A GOOD DEAL, THE BEAUTY OF THE LACE ASTONISHED ME. - *IT IS TOO HANDSOME TO BE WORN, ALMOST TOO HANDSOME TO BE LOOKED AT. - *THE *GLASS IS ALL SAFELY ARRIVED ALSO, & GIVES GREAT SATISFACTION. *THE WINE GLASSES ARE MUCH SMALLER THAN *I EXPECTED, BUT *I SUPPOSE IT IS THE PROPER SIZE. - $*WE$ FIND NO FAULT WITH YOUR MANNER OF PERFORM+ ING/ ANY OF OUR COMMISSIONS, BUT IF YOU LIKE TO THINK YOURSELF REMISS IN ANY OF THEM, PRAY DO. - *MY *MOTHER WAS RATHER VEXED THAT YOU COULD NOT GO TO *PENLINGTON'S, BUT SHE HAS SINCE WRITTEN TO HIM, WHICH DOES JUST AS WELL. - *MARY IS DISAPPOINTED OF COURSE ABOUT HER *LOCKET, & OF COURSE DELIGHTED ABOUT THE *MANGLE WHICH IS SAFE AT *BASINGSTOKE. - *YOU WILL THANK *EDWARD FOR IT ON THEIR BEHALF &C. &C., & AS YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IT WAS WISHED FOR, WILL NOT FEEL THAT YOU ARE INVENTING *GRATITUDE. - *DID YOU THINK OF OUR *BALL ON THURSDAY EVENING, & DID YOU SUPPOSE ME AT IT ? - *YOU MIGHT VERY SAFELY, FOR THERE *I WAS. - *ON WEDNESDAY MORNING IT WAS SETTLED THAT *MRS. *HARWOOD, *MARY & *I SHOULD GO TOGETHER, AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS A VERY CIVIL NOTE OF INVITATION FOR ME CAME FROM *MRS. *BRAMSTON, WHO WROTE *I BELEIVE AS SOON AS SHE KNEW OF THE *BALL. *I MIGHT LIKEWISE HAVE GONE WITH *MRS. *LEFROY, & THEREFORE WITH THREE METHODS OF GOING, *I MUST HAVE BEEN MORE AT THE BALL THAN ANYBODY ELSE. - *I DINED & SLEPT AT *DEANE. - *CHARLOTTE & *I DID MY HAIR, WHICH *I FANCY LOOKED VERY INDIFFERENT ; NOBODY ABUSED IT HOWEVER, & *I RETIRED DELIGHTED WITH MY SUCCESS. - *IT WAS A PLEASANT *BALL, & STILL MORE GOOD THAN PLEASANT, FOR THERE WERE NEARLY 60 PEOPLE, & SOMETIMES WE HAD 17 COUPLE. - *THE *PORTSMOUTHS, *DORCHESTERS, *BOLTONS, *PORTALS & *CLERKS WERE THERE, & ALL THE MEANER & MORE USUAL &C. &C.'S. -

*THERE WAS A SCARCITY OF *MEN IN GENERAL, & A STILL GREATER SCARCITY OF ANY THAT WERE GOOD FOR MUCH. - *I DANCED NINE DANCES OUT OF TEN, FIVE WITH *STEPHEN *TERRY, *T. *CHUTE & *JAMES *DIGWEED & FOUR WITH *CATHERINE. - *THERE WAS COMMONLY A COUPLE OF *LADIES STANDING UP TOGETHER, BUT NOT OFTEN ANY SO AMIABLE AS OURSELVES. - *I HEARD NO NEWS, EXCEPT THAT *MR. *PETERS WHO WAS NOT THERE, IS SUPPOSED TO BE PARTICULARLY ATTENTIVE TO *MISS *LYFORD. - *YOU WERE ENQUIRED AFTER VERY PRETTILY, & *I HOPE THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY NOW UNDERSTANDS THAT YOU ARE GONE INTO *KENT, WHICH THE FAMILIES IN GENERAL SEEMED TO MEET IN IGNORANCE OF. - *LORD *PORTSMOUTH SURPASSED THE REST IN HIS ATTENTIVE RECOLLECTION OF YOU, ENQUIRED MORE INTO THE LENGTH OF YOUR ABSENCE, & CON+ CLUDED/ BY DESIRING TO BE "REMEMBERED TO YOU WHEN *I WROTE NEXT." - *LADY *PORTSMOUTH HAD GOT A DIFFERENT DRESS ON, & *LADY *BOLTON IS MUCH IMPROVED BY A WIG. - *THE THREE *MISS *TERRIES WERE THERE, BUT NO *ANNE ; - WHICH WAS A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT TO ME ; *I HOPE THE POOR GIRL HAD NOT SET HER HEART ON HER APPEARANCE THAT *EVENG* SO MUCH AS *I HAD. - *MR. *TERRY IS ILL, IN A VERY LOW WAY. *I SAID CIVIL THINGS FOR *EDWARD TO *MR. *CHUTE, WHO AMPLY RETURNED THEM BY DECLARING THAT HAD HE KNOWN OF MY BROTHER'S BEING AT *STEVENTON HE SHOULD HAVE MADE A POINT OF CALLING ON HIM TO THANK HIM FOR HIS CIVILITY ABOUT THE *HUNT. - *I HAVE HEARD FROM *CHARLES, & AM TO SEND HIS SHIRTS BY HALF DOZENS AS THEY ARE FINISHED ; - ONE SETT WILL GO NEXT WEEK. - *THE *ENDYMION IS NOW WAITING ONLY FOR ORDERS, BUT MAY WAIT FOR THEM PERHAPS A MONTH. - *MR. *COULTHARD WAS UNLUCKY IN VERY NARROWLY MISSING ANOTHER UNEXPECTED *GUEST AT *CHAW+ TON/, FOR *CHARLES HAD ACTUALLY SET OUT & GOT HALF THE WAY THITHER IN ORDER TO SPEND ONE DAY WITH *EDWARD, BUT TURNED BACK ON DISCOVERING THE DISTANCE TO BE

CONSIDERABLY MORE THAN HE HAD FANCIED, & FINDING HIMSELF & HIS HORSE TO BE VERY MUCH TIRED. - *I SHOULD REGRET IT THE MORE IF HIS FRIEND *SHIPLEY HAD BEEN OF THE PARTY, FOR *MR. *COULTHARD MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN SO WELL PLEASED TO SEE ONLY ONE COME AT A TIME. *MISS *HARWOOD IS STILL AT *BATH, & WRITES WORD THAT SHE NEVER WAS IN BETTER HEALTH & NEVER MORE HAPPY. *JOS: *WAKEFORD DIED LAST *SATURDAY, & MY FATHER BURIED HIM ON *THURSDAY. *A DEAF *MISS *FONNEREAU IS AT *ASHE, WHICH HAS PREVENTED *MRS. *LEFROY'S GOING TO *WORTING OR *BASINGSTOKE, DURING THE ABSENCE OF *MR. *LEFROY. - *MY *MOTHER IS VERY HAPPY IN THE PROSPECT OF DRESSING A NEW *DOLL WHICH *MOLLY HAS GIVEN *ANNA. *MY FATHER'S FEELINGS ARE NOT SO ENVIABLE, AS IT APPEARS THAT THE FARM CLEARED 300\ LAST YEAR. - *JAMES & *MARY WENT TO *IBTHROP FOR ONE NIGHT LAST MONDAY, & FOUND *MRS. *LLOYD NOT IN VERY GOOD LOOKS. - *MARTHA HAS BEEN LATELY AT *KINTBURY, BUT IS PROBABLY AT HOME BY THIS TIME. - *MARY'S PROMISED MAID HAS JILTED HER, & HIRED HERSELF ELSEWHERE. - *THE *DEBARIES PERSIST IN BEING AFFLICTED AT THE DEATH OF THEIR *UNCLE, OF WHOM THEY NOW SAY THEY SAW A GREAT DEAL IN *LONDON. - *LOVE TO ALL. - *I AM GLAD *GEORGE REMEMBERS ME. *YOURS VERY AFFEC:TELY**** *J. *A. *I AM VERY UNHAPPY. - *IN RE-READING YOUR LETTER *I FIND *I MIGHT HAVE SPARED MYSELF MY *INTELLIGENCE OF *CHARLES. - *TO HAVE WRITTEN ONLY WHAT YOU KNEW BEFORE ! - *YOU MAY GUESS HOW MUCH *I FEEL. *I WORE AT THE *BALL YOUR FAVOURITE GOWN, A BIT OF MUSLIN OF THE SAME ROUND MY HEAD, BORDER'D WITH *MRS. *COOPER'S BAND - & ONE LITTLE *COMB. -

*STEVENTON *SATURDAY *EVENG* - *NOVR* 8 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, *HAVING JUST FINISHED THE FIRST VOLUME OF *LES *VEILLEES DU *CHATEAU, *I THINK IT A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR BEGIN+ NING/ A LETTER TO YOU WHILE MY MIND IS STORED WITH *IDEAS WORTH TRANSMITTING. - *I THANK YOU FOR SO SPEEDY A RETURN TO MY TWO LAST, & PARTICULARLY THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANECDOTE OF *CHARLOTTE *GRAHAM & HER COUSIN *HARRIET *BAILEY, WHICH HAS VERY MUCH AMUSED BOTH MY *MOTHER & MYSELF. *IF YOU CAN LEARN ANYTHING FARTHER OF THAT INTERESTING AFFAIR *I HOPE YOU WILL MEN+ TION/ IT. - *I HAVE TWO MESSAGES ; LET ME GET RID OF THEM, & THEN MY PAPER WILL BE MY OWN. - *MARY FULLY IN+ TENDED/ WRITING TO YOU BY *MR *CHUTE'S FRANK, & ONLY HAPPENED INTIRELY TO FORGET IT - BUT WILL WRITE SOON - & MY FATHER WISHES *EDWARD TO SEND HIM A MEMO+ RANDUM/ IN YOUR NEXT LETTER, OF THE PRICE OF THE HOPS. - *THE *TABLES ARE COME, & GIVE GENERAL CONTENTMENT. *I HAD NOT EXPECTCD THAT THEY WOULD SO PERFECTLY SUIT THE FANCY OF US ALL THREE, OR THAT WE SHOULD SO WELL AGREE IN THE DISPOSITION OF THEM ; BUT NOTHING EXCEPT THEIR OWN SURFACE CAN HAVE BEEN SMOOTHER ; - *THE TWO ENDS PUT TOGETHER FORM OUR CONSTANT *TABLE FOR EVERY+ THING/, & THE CENTRE PEICE STANDS EXCEEDINGLY WELL UNDER THE GLASS ; HOLDS A GREAT DEAL MOST COMMODIOUSLY, WITHOUT LOOKING AWKWARDLY. - *THEY ARE BOTH COVERED WITH GREEN BAIZE & SEND THEIR BEST *LOVE. - *THE *PEMBROKE

HAS GOT ITS DESTINATION BY THE SIDEBOARD, & MY MOTHER HAS GREAT DELIGHT IN KEEPING HER MONEY & PAPERS LOCKED UP. - *THE LITTLE *TABLE WHICH USED TO STAND THERE, HAS MOST CONVENIENTLY TAKEN ITSELF OFF INTO THE BEST BED-ROOM, & WE ARE NOW IN WANT ONLY OF THE CHIFFONIERE, WHICH IS NEITHER FINISHED NOR COME. - *SO MUCH FOR THAT SUBJECT ; *I NOW COME TO ANOTHER, OF A VERY DIFFERENT NATURE, AS OTHER SUBJECTS ARE VERY APT TO BE. - *EARLE *HARWOOD HAS BEEN AGAIN GIVING UNEASI+ NESS/ TO HIS FAMILY, & *TALK TO THE *NEIGHBOURHOOD ; - IN THE PRESENT INSTANCE HOWEVER HE IS ONLY UNFORTUNATE & NOT IN FAULT. - *ABOUT TEN DAYS AGO, IN COCKING A PISTOL IN THE GUARD-ROOM AT *MARCOU, HE ACCIDENTALLY SHOT HIMSELF THROUGH THE *THIGH. *TWO YOUNG *SCOTCH *SURGEONS IN THE *ISLAND WERE POLITE ENOUGH TO PROPOSE TAKING OFF THE *THIGH AT ONCE, BUT TO THAT HE WOULD NOT CONSENT ; & ACCORDINGLY IN HIS WOUNDED STATE WAS PUT ON BOARD A *CUTTER & CONVEYED TO *HASLAR *HOSPITAL AT *GOSPORT ; WHERE THE BULLET WAS EXTRACTED, & WHERE HE NOW IS *I HOPE IN A FAIR WAY OF DOING WELL. - *THE SURGEON OF THE *HOSPITAL WROTE TO THE FAMILY ON THE OCCASION, & *JOHN *HARWOOD WENT DOWN TO HIM IMMEDIATELY, ATTENDED BY *JAMES, WHOSE OBJECT IN GOING WAS TO BE THE MEANS OF BRINGING BACK THE EARLIEST *INTELLIGENCE TO *MR AND *MRS *HARWOOD, WHOSE ANXIOUS SUFFERINGS PARTICULARLY THOSE OF THE LATTER, HAVE OF COURSE BEEN DREADFUL. *THEY WENT DOWN ON TUESDAY, & *JAMES CAME BACK THE NEXT DAY, BRINGING SUCH FAVOURABLE ACCOUNTS AS GREATLY TO LESSEN THE DISTRESS OF THE FAMILY AT *DEANE, THO' IT WILL PROBABLY BE A LONG WHILE BEFORE *MRS *HARWOOD CAN BE QUITE AT EASE. - $*ONE$ MOST MATERIAL COMFORT HOWEVER THEY HAVE ; THE ASSURANCE OF IT'S BEING REALLY AN ACCIDENTAL WOUND, WHICH IS NOT

ONLY POSITIVELY DECLARED BY *EARLE HIMSELF, BUT IS LIKE+ WISE/ TESTIFIED BY THE PARTICULAR DIRECTION OF THE BULLET. *SUCH A WOUND COULD NOT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN A DUEL. - AT PRESENT HE IS GOING ON VERY WELL, BUT THE *SURGEON WILL NOT DECLARE HIM TO BE IN NO DANGER. - *JOHN *HAR+ WOOD/ CAME BACK LAST NIGHT, & WILL PROBABLY GO TO HIM AGAIN SOON. *JAMES HAD NOT TIME AT *GOSPORT TO TAKE ANY OTHER STEPS TOWARDS SEEING *CHARLES, THAN THE VERY FEW WHICH CONDUCTED HIM TO THE DOOR OF THE ASSEMBLY ROOM IN THE *INN, WHERE THERE HAPPENED TO BE A *BALL ON THE NIGHT OF THEIR ARRIVAL. *A LIKELY SPOT ENOUGH FOR THE DISCOVERY OF A *CHARLES : BUT *I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT HE WAS NOT OF THE PARTY, FOR IT WAS IN GENERAL A VERY UNGENTEEL ONE, & THERE WAS HARDLY A PRETTY GIRL IN THE ROOM. - *I CANNOT POSSIBLY OBLIGE YOU BY NOT WEARING MY GOWN, BECAUSE *I HAVE IT MADE UP ON PURPOSE TO WEAR IT A GREAT DEAL, & AS THE DISCREDIT WILL BE MY OWN, *I FEEL THE LESS REGRET. - *YOU MUST LEARN TO LIKE IT YOURSELF & MAKE IT UP AT *GODMERSHAM ; IT MAY EASILY BE DONE; IT IS ONLY PROTESTING IT TO BE VERY BEAUTIFUL, & YOU WILL SOON THINK IT SO. - *YESTERDAY WAS A DAY OF GREAT BUSINESS WITH ME ; *MARY DROVE ME ALL IN THE RAIN TO *BASINGSTOKE, & STILL MORE ALL IN THE RAIN BACK AGAIN, BECAUSE IT RAINED HARDER ; AND SOON AFTER OUR RETURN TO *DEAN A SUDDEN INVITATION & AN OWN POSTCHAISE TOOK US TO *ASH *PARK, TO DINE TETE A TETE WITH *MR *HOLDER, *MR *GAUNTLETT & *JAMES *DIGWEED ; BUT OUR TETE A TETE WAS CRUELLY REDUCED BY THE NON-+ ATTENDANCE/ OF THE TWO LATTER. - *WE HAD A VERY QUIET EVENING, *I BELEIVE *MARY FOUND IT DULL, BUT *I THOUGHT IT VERY PLEASANT. *TO SIT IN IDLENESS OVER A GOOD FIRE IN A WELL-PROPORTIONED ROOM IS A LUXURIOUS SENSATION. - *SOMETIMES WE TALKED & SOMETIMES WE WERE QUITE

SILENT; *I SAID TWO OR THREE AMUSING THINGS, & *MR* *HOLDER MADE A FEW INFAMOUS PUNS. - *I HAVE HAD A MOST AFFECTIONATE LETTER FROM *BULLER ; *I WAS AFRAID HE WOULD OPPRESS ME BY HIS FELICITY & HIS LOVE FOR HIS WIFE, BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE ; HE CALLS HER SIMPLY *ANNA WITHOUT ANY ANGELIC EMBELLISHMENTS, FOR WHICH *I RESPECT & WISH HIM HAPPY - AND THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF HIS LETTER INDEED HE SEEMS MORE ENGROSSED BY HIS FEELINGS TOWARDS OUR FAMILY, THAN TOWARDS HER, WHICH YOU KNOW CANNOT GIVE ANY ONE DISGUST. - *HE IS VERY PRESSING IN HIS INVITATION TO US ALL TO COME & SEE HIM AT *COLYTON, & MY FATHER IS VERY MUCH INCLINED TO GO THERE NEXT *SUMMER. - *IT IS A CIRCUMSTANCE THAT MAY CONSIDERABLY ASSIST THE *DAWLISH SCHEME. - *BULLER HAS DESIRED ME TO WRITE AGAIN, TO GIVE HIM MORE PARTICULARS OF US ALL. - *MR* *HEATHCOTE MET WITH A GENTEEL LITTLE ACCIDENT THE OTHER DAY IN HUNTING ; HE GOT OFF TO LEAD HIS HORSE OVER A HEDGE OR A HOUSE OR A SOMETHING, & HIS HORSE IN HIS HASTE TROD UPON HIS LEG, OR RATHER ANCLE *I BELEIVE, & IT IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER THE SMALL BONE IS NOT BROKE. - *HARRIS SEEMS STILL IN A POOR WAY, FROM HIS BAD HABIT OF BODY ; HIS HAND BLED AGAIN A LITTLE THE OTHER DAY, & *DR* *LITTLEHALES HAS BEEN WITH HIM LATELY. *MARTHA HAS ACCEPTED *MARY'S INVITATION FOR *LD* *PORTS+ MOUTH'S/ *BALL. - *HE HAS NOT YET SENT OUT HIS $OWN$ INVITATIONS, BUT $THAT$ DOES NOT SIGNIFY ; *MARTHA COMES, & A *BALL THERE MUST BE. - *I THINK IT WILL BE TOO EARLY IN HER *MOTHER'S ABSENCE.FOR ME TO RETURN WITH HER. - *MR* *HOLDER TOLD *WM* *PORTAL A FEW DAYS AGO THAT *EDWARD OBJECTED TO THE NARROWNESS OF THE PATH WHICH HIS PLANTATION HAS LEFT IN ONE PART OF THE *ROOKERY. - *WM* *PORTAL HAS SINCE EXAMINED IT HIMSELF, ACKNOWLEDGES IT TO BE MUCH TOO NARROW, & PROMISES TO HAVE IT ALTERED.

*HE WISHES TO AVOID THE NECESSITY OF REMOVING THE END OF HIS PLANTATION WITH IT'S NEWLY-PLANTED QUICK &C, BUT IF A PROPER FOOTPATH CANNOT BE MADE BY POKING AWAY THE BANK ON THE OTHER SIDE, HE WILL NOT SPARE THE FORMER. - *I HAVE FINISHED THIS ON SUNDAY MORNING AM YRS** EVER *J *A. *SUNDAY *EVENING. - *WE HAVE HAD A DREADFUL STORM OF WIND IN THE FOREPART OF THIS DAY, WHICH HAS DONE A GREAT DEAL OF MISCHEIF AMONG OUR TREES. - *I WAS SITTING ALONE IN THE DINING ROOM, WHEN AN ODD KIND OF CRASH STARTLED ME - IN A MOMENT AFTERWARDS IT WAS REPEATED ; *I THEN WENT TO THE WINDOW, WHICH *I REACHED JUST IN TIME TO SEE THE LAST OF OUR TWO HIGHLY VALUED *ELMS DESCEND INTO THE *SWEEP ! ! ! ! ! *THE OTHER, WHICH HAD FALLEN *I SUPPOSE IN THE FIRST CRASH, & WHICH WAS THE NEAREST TO THE POND, TAKING A MORE EASTERLY DIRECTION SUNK AMONGST OUR SCREEN OF CHESNUTS AND FIRS, KNOCK+ ING/ DOWN ONE SPRUCE FIR, BEATING OFF THE HEAD OF ANOTHER, & STRIPPING THE TWO CORNER CHESNUTS OF SEVERAL BRANCHES, IN ITS FALL. - *THIS IS NOT ALL. - *ONE LARGE *ELM OUT OF TWO ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE, AS YOU ENTER WHAT *I CALL THE *ELM WALK, WAS LIKEWISE BLOWN DOWN, THE *MAYPOLE BEARING THE WEATHERCOCK WAS BROKE IN TWO, AND WHAT *I REGRET MORE THAN ALL THE REST, IS THAT ALL THE THREE *ELMS WHICH GREW IN *HALL'S MEADOW & GAVE SUCH ORNAMENT TO IT, ARE GONE. - *TWO WERE BLOW DOWN, & THE OTHER SO MUCH INJURED THAT IT CANNOT STAND. - *I AM HAPPY TO ADD HOWEVER THAT NO GREATER *EVIL THAN THE LOSS OF *TREES HAS BEEN THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE *STORM IN THIS PLACE, OR IN OUR IMMEDIATE NEIGH+ BOURHOOD/. - *WE GREIVE THEREFORE IN SOME COMFORT. *YOU SPEND YOUR TIME JUST AS QUIETLY & COMFORTABLY

AS *I SUPPOSED YOU WOULD. - *WE HAVE ALL SEEN & AD+ MIRED/ *FANNY'S LETTER TO HER *AUNT. - *THE *ENDYMION SAILED ON A CRUIZE LAST FRIDAY. *I HOPE IT IS TRUE THAT *EDWARD *TAYLOR IS TO MARRY HIS COUSIN *CHARLOTTE. *THOSE BEAUTIFUL DARK *EYES WILL THEN ADORN ANOTHER *GENERATION AT LEAST IN ALL THEIR PURITY. - *MR* *HOLDER'S PAPER TELLS US THAT SOMETIME IN LAST *AUGUST, *CAPT: *AUSTEN & THE *PETTERELL WERE VERY ACTIVE IN SECURING A *TURKISH *SHIP (DRIVEN INTO A *PORT IN *CYPRUS BY BAD WEATHER) FROM THE *FRENCH. - *HE WAS FORCED TO BURN HER HOWEVER. - *YOU WILL SEE THE ACCOUNT IN THE *SUN *I DARE SAY. - *STEVENTON *WEDNESDAY *EVENG*. *NOV: 12TH** *MY DEAR *MARTHA *I DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR NOTE YESTERDAY TILL AFTER *CHARLOTTE HAD LEFT *DEANE, OR *I WOULD HAVE SENT MY ANSWER BY HER, INSTEAD OF BEING THE MEANS, AS *I NOW MUST BE, OF LESSENING THE *ELEGANCE OF YOUR NEW *DRESS FOR THE *HURSTBOURN *BALL BY THE VALUE OF 3D. - *YOU ARE VERY GOOD IN WISHING TO SEE ME AT *IBTHROP SO SOON, & *I AM EQUALLY GOOD IN WISHING TO COME TO YOU; *I BELEIVE OUR *MERIT IN THAT RESPECT IS MUCH UPON A PAR, OUR *SELF-DENIAL MUTUALLY STRONG. - *HAVING PAID THIS TRIBUTE OF PRAISE TO THE *VIRTUE OF BOTH, *I SHALL HAVE DONE WITH *PANEGYRIC & PROCEED TO PLAIN MATTER OF FACT.

- *IN ABOUT A FORTNIGHT'S TIME *I HOPE TO BE WITH YOU ; *I HAVE TWO REASONS FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO COME BEFORE ; *I WISH SO TO ARRANGE MY VISIT AS TO SPEND SOME DAYS WITH YOU AFTER YOUR *MOTHER'S RETURN, IN THE 1ST** PLACE THAT *I MAY HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HER, & IN THE 2D*, THAT *I MAY HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF BRINGING YOU BACK WITH ME. - *YOUR PROMISE IN MY FAVOUR WAS NOT QUITE ABSOLUTE, BUT IF YOUR *WILL IS NOT PERVERSE, YOU & *I WILL DO ALL IN OUR POWER TO OVERCOME YOUR SCRUPLES OF CONSCIENCE. - *I HOPE WE SHALL MEET NEXT WEEK TO TALK ALL THIS OVER, TILL WE HAVE TIRED OURSELVES WITH THE VERY IDEA OF MY VISIT, BEFORE MY VISIT BEGINS. - *OUR INVITA+ TIONS/ FOR THE 19TH** ARE ARRIVED, & VERY CURIOUSLY ARE THEY WORDED. - *MARY MENTIONED TO YOU YESTERDAY POOR *EARLE'S UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT *I DARE SAY ; HE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE GOING ON VERY WELL ; THE TWO OR THREE LAST POSTS HAVE BROUGHT RATHER LESS & LESS FAVOURABLE ACCOUNTS OF HIM. *THIS MORNING'S LETTER STATES THE APPREHENSIONS OF THE *SURGEON THAT THE VIOLENT CATCH+ INGS/ OF HIS *PATIENT HAVE DONE MATERIAL INJURY TO THE BONE, WHICH FROM THE FIRST HAS APPEARED SO NEARLY BROKEN THAT ANY PARTICULAR IRRITATION OR SUDDEN MOVEMENT MIGHT MAKE THE FRACTURE CERTAIN. - *JOHN *HARWOOD IS GONE TO *GOSPORT AGAIN TO DAY. - *WE HAVE TWO FAMILIES OF FRIENDS THAT ARE NOW IN A MOST ANXIOUS STATE ; FOR THO' BY A NOTE FROM *CATHERINE THIS MORNING THERE SEEMS NOW TO BE A REVIVAL OF HOPE AT *MANYDOWN, IT'S CONTINUANCE MAY BE TOO REASONABLY DOUBTED. - *MR*. *HEATHCOTE HOWEVER WHO HAS BROKEN THE SMALL BONE OF HIS LEG, IS SO GOOD AS TO BE DOING VERY WELL. *IT WOULD BE REALLY TOO MUCH TO HAVE THREE PEOPLE TO CARE FOR ! - *MARY HAS HEARD FROM *CASSANDRA TO DAY ; SHE IS NOW GONE WITH *EDWARD & *ELIZABETH TO THE *CAGES FOR TWO

OR THREE *NIGHTS. + *YOU DISTRESS ME CRUELLY BY YOUR RE- QUEST/ ABOUT *BOOKS ; *I CANNOT THINK OF ANY TO BRING WITH ME, NOR HAVE *I ANY IDEA OF OUR WANTING THEM. *I COME TO YOU TO BE TALKED TO, NOT TO READ OR HEAR READING. *I CAN DO $THAT$ AT HOME ; & INDEED *I AM NOW LAYING IN A STOCK OF INTELLIGENCE TO POUR OUT ON YOU AS $MY$ SHARE OF *CONVERSATION. - *I AM READING *HENRY'S *HISTORY OF *ENGLAND, WHICH *I WILL REPEAT TO YOU IN ANY MANNER YOU MAY PREFER, EITHER IN A LOOSE, DISULTARY, UNCONNECTED STRAIN, OR DIVIDING MY RECITAL AS THE *HISTORIAN DIVIDES IT HIMSELF, INTO SEVEN PARTS, *THE *CIVIL & *MILITARY - *RELIGION - *CONSTITUTION - *LEARNING & *LEARNED *MEN - *ARTS & *SCIENCES - *COMMERCE *COINS & *SHIPPING - & *MANNERS ; - SO THAT FOR EVERY EVENING OF THE WEEK THERE WILL BE A DIFFERENT SUBJECT ; *THE FRIDAY'S LOT, *COMMERCE, *COIN & *SHIPPING, *YOU WILL FIND THE LEAST ENTERTAINING ; BUT THE NEXT *EVENG:'S PORTION WILL MAKE AMENDS. - *WITH SUCH A PROVISION ON MY PART, IF YOU WILL DO YOUR'S BY REPEATING THE *FRENCH *GRAMMAR, & *MRS** *STENT WILL NOW & THEN EJACULATE SOME WONDER ABOUT THE *COCKS & *HENS, WHAT CAN WE WANT ? - *FAREWELL FOR A SHORT TIME - *YOU ARE TO DINE HERE ON TUESDAY TO MEET *JAMES *DIGWEED, WHOM YOU MUST WISH TO SEE BEFORE HE GOES INTO *KENT. - *WE ALL UNITE IN BEST *LOVE, & *I AM *YR* VERY AFFECTE** *J*A. - *IT IS REPORTED AT *PORTSMOUTH THAT *SIR *T. *WILLIAMS IS GOING TO BE MARRIED - *IT HAS BEEN REPORTED INDEED TWENTY TIMES BEFORE, BUT *CHARLES IS INCLINED TO GIVE SOME CREDIT TO IT NOW, AS THEY HARDLY EVER SEE HIM ON BOARD, & HE LOOKS VERY MUCH LIKE A *LOVER. - *THURSDAY. - *THE *HARWOODS HAVE RECEIVED A MUCH

BETTER ACCOUNT OF *EARLE THIS MORNING ; & *CHARLES, FROM WHOM *I HAVE JUST HAD A LETTER, HAS BEEN ASSURED BY THE *HOSPITAL-*SURGEON THAT THE WOUND IS IN AS FAVOURABLE A STATE AS CAN BE. *STEVENTON *THURSDAY *NOVR* 20TH** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOUR LETTER TOOK ME QUITE BY SURPRISE THIS MORNING ; YOU ARE VERY WELCOME HOWEVER, & *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU. - *I BELEIVE *I DRANK TOO MUCH WINE LAST NIGHT AT *HURSTBOURNE ; *I KNOW NOT HOW ELSE TO ACCOUNT FOR THE SHAKING OF MY HAND TODAY ; - *YOU WILL KINDLY MAKE ALLOWANCE THEREFORE FOR ANY INDISTINCT+ NESS/ OF WRITING BY ATTRIBUTING IT TO THIS VENIAL *ERROR. - *NAUGHTY *CHARLES DID NOT COME ON TUESDAY ; BUT GOOD *CHARLES CAME YESTERDAY MORNING. *ABOUT TWO O'CLOCK HE WALKED IN ON A *GOSPORT *HACK. - *HIS FEELING EQUAL TO SUCH A FATIGUE IS A GOOD SIGN, & HIS FINDING NO FATIGUE IN IT A STILL BETTER. - *WE WALKED DOWN TO *DEANE TO DINNER, HE DANCED THE WHOLE *EVENING, & TODAY IS NO MORE TIRED THAN A GENTLEMAN OUGHT TO BE. - *YOUR DESIRING TO HEAR FROM ME ON *SUNDAY WILL PERHAPS BRING IN YOU A MORE PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE *BALL THAN YOU MAY CARE FOR, BECAUSE ONE IS PRONE TO THINK MUCH MORE OF SUCH THINGS THE MORNING AFTER THEY HAPPEN, THAN WHEN TIME HAS ENTIRELY DRIVEN THEM OUT OF ONE'S RECOLLECTION. - *IT WAS A PLEASANT *EVENING, *CHARLES

FOUND IT REMARKABLY SO, BUT *I CANNOT TELL WHY, UNLESS THE ABSENCE OF *MISS *TERRY - TOWARDS WHOM HIS CON+ SCIENCE/ REPROACHES HIM WITH NOW BEING PERFECT INDIF+ FERENT/ - WAS A RELEIF TO HIM. - *THERE WERE ONLY TWELVE DANCES, OF WHICH *I DANCED NINE, & WAS MERELY PRE+ VENTED/ FROM DANCING THE REST BY THE WANT OF A PARTNER. - *WE BEGAN AT 10, SUPPED AT 1, & WERE AT *DEANE BEFORE 5. - *THERE WERE BUT 50 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM ; VERY FEW FAMILIES INDEED FROM OUR SIDE OF THE *COUNTRY, & NOT MANY MORE FROM THE OTHER. - *MY PARTNERS WERE THE TWO *ST. *JOHNS, *HOOPER *HOLDER - AND VERY PRO+ DIGIOUS/ - *MR. *MATHEW, WITH WHOM *I CALLED THE LAST, & WHOM *I LIKED THE BEST OF MY LITTLE STOCK. - *THERE WERE VERY FEW *BEAUTIES, & SUCH AS THERE WERE, WERE NOT VERY HANDSOME. *MISS *IREMONGER DID NOT LOOK WELL, & *MRS. *BLOUNT WAS THE ONLY ONE MUCH ADMIRED. *SHE APPEARED EXACTLY AS SHE DID IN *SEPTEMBER, WITH THE SAME BROAD FACE, DIAMOND BANDEAU, WHITE SHOES, PINK HUSBAND, & FAT NECK. - *THE TWO *MISS *COXES WERE THERE ; *I TRACED IN ONE THE REMAINS OF THE VULGAR, BROAD FEATURED GIRL WHO DANCED AT *ENHAM EIGHT YEARS AGO ; - THE OTHER IS REFINED INTO A NICE, COMPOSED LOOKING GIRL LIKE *CATHERINE *BIGG. - *I LOOKED AT *SIR *THOMAS *CHAMPNEYS & THOUGHT OF POOR *ROSALIE ; *I LOOKED AT HIS DAUGHTER & THOUGHT HER A QUEER ANIMAL WITH A WHITE NECK. - *MRS. *WARREN, *I WAS CONSTRAINED TO THINK A VERY FINE YOUNG WOMAN, WHICH *I MUCH REGRET. *SHE HAS GOT RID OF SOME PART OF HER CHILD, & DANCED AWAY WITH GREAT ACTIVITY, LOOKING BY NO MEANS VERY LARGE. - *HER HUSBAND IS UGLY ENOUGH ; UGLIER EVEN THAN HIS COUSIN *JOHN ; BUT HE DOES NOT LOOK SO $VERY$ OLD. - *THE *MISS *MAITLANDS ARE BOTH PRETTYISH ; VERY LIKE *ANNE ; WITH BROWN SKINS, LARGE DARK EYES, & A GOOD

DEAL OF NOSE. - *THE *GENERAL HAS GOT THE *GOUT, AND *MRS. *MAITLAND THE *JAUNDICE. - *MISS *DEBARY, *SUSAN & *SALLY ALL IN BLACK, BUT WITHOUT ANY *STATUES, MADE THEIR APPEARANCE, & *I WAS AS CIVIL TO THEM AS THEIR BAD BREATH WOULD ALLOW ME. *THEY TOLD ME NOTHING NEW OF *MARTHA. - *I MEAN TO GO TO HER ON *THURSDAY, UNLESS *CHARLES SHOULD DETERMINE ON COMING OVER AGAIN WITH HIS FRIEND *SHIPLEY FOR THE *BASINGSTOKE BALL, IN WHICH CASE *I SHALL NOT GO TILL FRIDAY. - *I SHALL WRITE TO YOU AGAIN HOWEVER BEFORE *I SET OFF, & *I SHALL HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU IN THE MEAN TIME. *IF *I DO NOT STAY FOR THE *BALL, *I WOULD NOT ON ANY ACCOUNT DO SO UNCIVIL A THING BY THE *NEIGHBOURHOOD AS TO SET OFF AT THAT VERY TIME FOR ANOTHER PLACE, & SHALL THEREFORE MAKE A POINT OF NOT BEING LATER THAN *THURSDAY $MORNING$. - *MARY SAID THAT *I LOOKED VERY WELL LAST NIGHT ; *I WORE MY AUNT'S GOWN & HANDKERCHEIF, & MY HAIR WAS AT LEAST TIDY, WHICH WAS ALL MY AMBITION. - *I WILL NOW HAVE DONE WITH THE *BALL ; & *I WILL MOREOVER GO AND DRESS FOR DINNER. - $*THURSDAY *EVENG*$. *CHARLES LEAVES US ON SATUR+ DAY/, UNLESS *HENRY SHOULD TAKE US IN HIS WAY TO THE *ISLAND, OF WHICH WE HAVE SOME HOPES, & THEN THEY WILL PROBABLY GO TOGETHER ON SUNDAY. - *THE YOUNG LADY WHOM IT IS SUSPECTED THAT *SIR *THOMAS IS TO MARRY, IS *MISS *EMMA *WABSHAW ; - SHE LIVES SOMEWHERE BETWEEN *SOUTHAMPTON AND *WINCHESTER, IS HANDSOME, ACCOM+ PLISHED/, AMIABLE, & EVERYTHING BUT RICH. - *HE IS CER+ TAINLY/ FINISHING HIS HOUSE IN A GREAT HURRY. - *PERHAPS THE REPORT OF HIS BEING TO MARRY A *MISS *FANSHAWE MIGHT ORIGINATE IN HIS ATTENTIONS TO THIS VERY LADY ; THE NAMES ARE NOT UNLIKE. - *MISS *SUMMERS HAS MADE MY GOWN VERY WELL INDEED, & *I GROW MORE AND MORE PLEASED WITH IT. - *CHARLES DOES NOT LIKE IT, BUT MY

FATHER AND *MARY DO ; MY *MOTHER IS VERY MUCH REC[ONCILE]D TO IT, & AS FOR *JAMES, HE GIVES IT THE PREFERENCE OVER EVERYTHING OF THE KIND HE EVER SAW ; IN PROOF OF WHICH *I AM DESIRED TO SAY THAT IF YOU LIKE TO SELL YOURS, *MARY WILL BUY IT. - *WE HAD A VERY PLEASANT DAY ON MONDAY AT *ASHE ; WE SAT DOWN 14 TO DINNER IN THE STUDY, THE DINING ROOM BEING NOT HABIT+ ABLE/ FROM THE *STORM'S HAVING BLOWN DOWN IT'S CHIMNEY. - *MRS. *BRAMSTON TALKED A GOOD DEAL OF NONSENSE, WHICH *MR. *BRAMSTON & *MR. *CLERK SEEMED ALMOST EQUALLY TO ENJOY. - *THERE WAS A WHIST & A CASINO TABLE, & SIX OUTSIDERS. - *RICE & *LUCY MADE LOVE, *MAT: *ROBIN+ SON/ FELL ASLEEP, *JAMES & *MRS. *AUGUSTA ALTERNATELY READ *DR. *JENNER'S PAMPHLET ON THE COW POX, & *I BESTOWED MY COMPANY BY TURNS ON ALL. *ON ENQUIRING OF *MRS. *CLERK, *I FIND THAT *MRS. *HEATHCOTE MADE A GREAT BLUNDER IN HER NEWS OF THE *CROOKS & *MORLEYS ; IT IS YOUNG *MR. *CROOKE WHO IS TO MARRY THE SECOND *MISS *MORLEY - & IT IS THE *MISS *MORLEYS INSTEAD OF THE SECOND *MISS *CROOKE, WHO WERE THE BEAUTIES AT THE *MUSIC MEETING. - *THIS SEEMS A MORE LIKELY TALE, A BETTER DEVISED *IM+ POSTOR/. - *THE THREE *DIGWEEDS ALL CAME ON TUESDAY, & WE PLAYED A POOL AT *COMMERCE. - *JAMES *DIGWEED LEFT *HAMPSHIRE TODAY. *I THINK HE MUST BE IN LOVE WITH YOU, FROM HIS ANXIETY TO HAVE YOU GO TO THE *FAVERSHAM *BALLS, & LIKEWISE FROM HIS SUPPOSING, THAT THE TWO *ELMS FELL FROM THEIR GREIF AT YOUR ABSENCE. *WAS NOT IT A GALANT IDEA ? - *IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME BEFORE, BUT *I DARE SAY IT WAS SO. - *HACKER HAS BEEN HERE TODAY, PUTTING IN THE FRUIT TREES. - *A NEW PLAN HAS BEEN SUGGESTED CONCERNING THE PLANTATION OF THE NEW IN+ CLOSURE/ ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE *ELM *WALK - THE DOUBT IS WHETHER IT WOULD BE BETTER TO MAKE A LITTLE

ORCHARD OF IT, BY PLANTING APPLES, PEARS & CHERRIES, OR WHETHER IT SHOULD BE LARCH, *MOUNTAIN-ASH & ACACIA. - *WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ? - *I SAY NOTHING, & AM READY TO AGREE WITH ANYBODY. - *YOU & *GEORGE WALKING TO *EGGERTON ! - *WHAT A DROLL PARTY ! - *DO THE *ASHFORD PEOPLE STILL COME TO *GODMERSHAM *CHURCH EVERY *SUN+ DAY/ IN A CART ? - *IT IS $YOU$ THAT ALWAYS DISLIKED *MR. *N. *TOKE SO MUCH, NOT *I. - I DO NOT LIKE HIS WIFE, & *I DO NOT LIKE *MR. *BRETT, BUT AS FOR *MR. *TOKE, THERE ARE FEW PEOPLE WHOM *I LIKE BETTER. - *MISS *HARWOOD & HER FRIEND HAVE TAKEN A HOUSE 15 MILES FROM *BATH ; SHE WRITES VERY KIND LETTERS, BUT SENDS NO OTHER PARTICULARS OF THE SITUATION. - *PERHAPS IT IS ONE OF THE FIRST HOUSES IN *BRISTOL. - *FAREWELL. *CHARLES SENDS YOU HIS BEST LOVE & *EDWARD HIS WORST. - *IF YOU THINK THE DISTINCTION IMPROPER, YOU MAY TAKE THE WORST YOURSELF. - *HE WILL WRITE TO YOU WHEN HE GETS BACK TO HIS *SHIP - & IN THE MEANTIME DESIRES THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER ME AS *YOUR AFFEC: SISTER *J. *A. *CHARLES LIKES MY GOWN NOW. $*FRIDAY$. - *I HAVE DETERMINED TO GO ON *THURSDAY, BUT OF COURSE NOT BEFORE THE POST COMES IN. - *CHARLES IS IN VERY GOOD LOOKS INDEED. *I HAD THE COMFORT OF FINDING OUT THE OTHER EVENING WHO ALL THE FAT GIRLS WITH SHORT NOSES WERE THAT DISTURBED ME AT THE 1ST *H. BALL. *THEY ALL PROVE TO BE *MISS *ATKINSONS OF *EN[....]. *I REJOICE TO SAY THAT WE HAVE JUST HAD ANOTHER LETTER FROM OUR DEAR *FRANK. - *IT IS TO YOU, VERY SHORT, WRITTEN FROM *LARNICA IN *CYPRUS & SO LATELY AS THE 2D* OF *OCTOBER. - *HE CAME FROM *ALEXANDRIA & WAS TO RETURN THERE IN 3 OR 4 DAYS, KNEW NOTHING OF HIS PROMOTION, & DOES NOT WRITE ABOVE TWENTY LINES, FROM A DOUBT

OF THE LETTER'S EVER REACHING YOU & AN IDEA OF ALL LETTERS BEING OPEN'D AT *VIENNA. - *HE WROTE A FEW DAYS BEFORE TO YOU FROM *ALEXANDRIA BY THE *MERCURY, SENT WITH DISPATCHES TO *LORD *KEITH. - *ANOTHER LETTER MUST BE OWEING TO US BESIDES THIS, - $ONE$ IF NOT $TWO$ - BECAUSE NONE OF THESE ARE TO ME. - *HENRY COMES TOMORROW, FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY. - *MY MOTHER HAS HEARD FROM *MRS. *E. *LEIGH. *LADY *S & *S - - AND HER DAUGHTER ARE GOING TO REMOVE TO *BATH. - *MRS. *ESTWICK IS MARRIED AGAIN TO A *MR. *SLOANE, A YOUNG *MAN UNDER AGE - WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF EITHER FAMILY. - *HE BEARS A GOOD CHARACTER HOWEVER. - *IBTHROP *SUNDAY *NOVR* 30TH** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *SHALL YOU EXPECT TO HEAR FROM ME ON *WEDNESDAY OR NOT ? - *I THINK YOU WILL, OR *I SHOULD NOT WRITE, AS THE THREE DAYS & HALF WHICH HAVE PASSED SINCE MY LAST LETTER WAS SENT, HAVE NOT PRODUCED MANY MATERIALS TOWARDS FILLING ANOTHER SHEET OF PAPER. - *BUT LIKE *MRS** *HASTINGS, " *I DO NOT DESPAIR " - & YOU PERHAPS LIKE THE FAITHFUL *MARIA MAY FEEL STILL MORE CERTAIN OF THE HAPPY *EVENT. - *I HAVE BEEN HERE EVER SINCE A QUARTER AFTER THREE ON THURSDAY LAST, BY THE *SHREWSBURY *CLOCK, WHICH *I AM FORTUNATELY ENABLED ABSOLUTELY TO ASCER+ TAIN/, BECAUSE *MRS. *STENT ONCE LIVED AT *SHREWSBURY, OR

AT LEAST AT *TEWKSBURY. - *I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF THINK+ ING/ MYSELF A VERY WELCOME *GUEST, & THE PLEASURE OF SPENDING MY TIME VERY PLEASANTLY. - *MARTHA LOOKS VERY WELL, & WANTS ME TO FIND OUT THAT SHE GROWS FAT ; BUT *I CANNOT CARRY MY COMPLAISANCE FARTHER THAN TO BELEIVE WHATEVER SHE ASSERTS ON THE SUBJECT. - *MRS. *STENT GIVES US QUITE AS MUCH OF HER COMPANY AS WE WISH FOR, & RATHER MORE THAN SHE USED TO DO ; BUT PERHAPS NOT MORE THAN IS TO OUR ADVANTAGE IN THE END, BECAUSE IT IS TOO DIRTY EVEN FOR SUCH DESPERATE WALKERS AS *MARTHA AND *I TO GET OUT OF DOORS, & WE ARE THEREFORE CONFINED TO EACH OTHER'S SOCIETY FROM MORNING TILL NIGHT, WITH VERY LITTLE VARIETY OF *BOOKS OR *GOWNS. *THREE OF THE *MISS *DEBARIES CALLED HERE THE MORNING AFTER MY ARRIVAL, BUT *I HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO RETURN THEIR CIVILITY ; - *YOU KNOW IT IS NOT AN UNCOMMON CIRCUMSTANCE IN THIS PARISH TO HAVE THE ROAD FROM *IBTHROP TO THE *PARSONAGE MUCH DIRTIER AND MORE IMPRACTICABLE FOR WALKING THAN THE ROAD FROM THE *PARSONAGE TO *IBTHROP. - *I LEFT MY *MOTHER VERY WELL WHEN *I CAME AWAY, & LEFT HER WITH STRICT ORDERS TO CONTINUE SO. - *MY *JOURNEY WAS SAFE & NOT UNPLEASANT ; - *I SPENT AN HOUR IN *ANDOVER, OF WHICH *MESSRS** *PAINTER & *PRIDDING HAD THE LARGER PART ; - TWENTY MINUTES HOWEVER FELL TO THE LOT OF *MRS** *POORE & HER MOTHER, WHOM *I WAS GLAD TO SEE IN GOOD LOOKS & SPIRITS. - *THE LATTER ASKED ME MORE QUESTIONS THAN *I HAD VERY WELL TIME TO ANSWER; THE FORMER *I BELEIVE IS VERY BIG; BUT *I AM BY NO MEANS CERTAIN; - SHE IS EITHER VERY BIG, OR NOT AT ALL BIG, *I FORGOT TO BE ACCURATE IN MY OBSERVATION AT THE TIME, & THO' MY THOUGHTS ARE NOW MORE ABOUT ME ON THE SUBJECT, THE POWER OF EXERCISING THEM TO ANY EFFECT IS MUCH DIMINISHED. - *THE TWO

YOUNGEST BOYS ONLY WERE AT HOME ; *I MOUNTED THE HIGHLY-EXTOLLED STAIRCASE & WENT INTO THE ELEGANT *DRAWING ROOM, WHICH *I FANCY IS NOW *MRS** *HARRISON'S APARTMENT ; - AND IN SHORT DID EVERYTHING THAT EXTRA+ ORDINARY/ *ABILITIES CAN BE SUPPOSED TO COMPASS IN SO SHORT A SPACE OF TIME. - *THE ENDLESS *DEBARIES ARE OF COURSE VERY WELL ACQUAINTED WITH THE LADY WHO IS TO MARRY *SIR *THOMAS, & ALL HER FAMILY. *I PARDON THEM HOWEVER, AS THEIR DESCRIPTION OF HER IS FAVOURABLE. - *MRS** *WAPSHIRE IS A WIDOW, WITH SEVERAL SONS & DAUGHTERS, A GOOD FORTUNE, & A HOUSE IN *SALISBURY ; WHERE *MISS *WAPSHIRE HAS BEEN FOR MANY YEARS A DIS+ TINGUISHED/ BEAUTY. - *SHE IS NOW SEVEN OR EIGHT & TWENTY, AND THO' STILL HANDSOME LESS HANDSOME THAN SHE HAS BEEN. - *THIS PROMISES BETTER, THAN THE BLOOM OF SEVENTEEN ; & IN ADDITION TO THIS, THEY SAY THAT SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN REMARKABLE FOR THE PROPRIETY OF HER BEHAVIOUR, DISTINGUISHING HER FAR ABOVE THE GENERAL CLASS OF *TOWN *MISSES, & RENDERING HER OF COURSE VERY UNPOPULAR AMONG THEM. - *I HOPE *I HAVE NOW GAINED THE REAL TRUTH, & THAT MY LETTERS MAY IN FUTURE GO ON WITHOUT CONVEYING ANY FARTHER CONTRADICTIONS OF WHAT WAS LAST ASSERTED ABOUT *SIR *THOMAS *WILLIAMS AND *MISS *WAPSHIRE. - *I WISH *I COULD BE CERTAIN THAT HER NAME WERE *EMMA ; BUT HER BEING THE *ELDEST DAUGHTER LEAVES THAT CIRCUMSTANCE DOUBTFUL. *AT *SALISBURY THE MATCH IS CONSIDERED AS CERTAIN & AS NEAR AT HAND. - *MARTHA DESIRES HER BEST LOVE, & WILL BE HAPPY TO WELCOME ANY LETTER FROM YOU TO THIS HOUSE, WHETHER IT BE ADDRESSED TO HERSELF OR TO ME - AND IN FACT, THE DIFFERENCE OF DIRECTION WILL NOT BE MATERIAL. - $*SHE$ IS PLEASED WITH MY *GOWN, & PARTICULARLY BIDS ME SAY THAT IF YOU COULD SEE ME IN IT FOR FIVE MINUTES, SHE IS

SURE YOU WOULD BE EAGER TO MAKE UP YOUR OWN. - *I HAVE BEEN OBLIGED TO MENTION THIS, BUT HAVE NOT FAILED TO BLUSH THE WHOLE TIME OF MY WRITING IT. - *PART OF THE MONEY & TIME WHICH *I SPENT AT *ANDOVER WERE DEVOTED TO THE PURCHASE OF SOME FIGURED CAMBRIC MUSLIN FOR A FROCK FOR *EDWARD - A CIRCUMSTANCE FROM WHICH *I DERIVE TWO PLEASING REFLECTIONS ; IT HAS IN THE FIRST PLACE OPENED TO ME A FRESH SOURCE OF SELF-CON+ GRATULATION/ ON BEING ABLE TO MAKE SO MUNIFICENT A PRESENT, & SECONDLY IT HAS BEEN THE MEANS OF INFORMING ME THAT THE VERY PRETTY MANUFACTURE IN QUESTION MAY BE BOUGHT FOR 4S 6D PR* YD* - YARD & HALF WIDE. - *MARTHA HAS PROMISED TO RETURN WITH ME, & OUR PLAN IS TO HAVE A NICE BLACK FROST FOR WALKING TO *WHITE+ CHURCH/, & THERE THROW OURSELVES INTO A POSTCHAISE, ONE UPON THE OTHER, OUR HEADS HANGING OUT AT ONE DOOR, & OUR FEET AT THE OPPOSITE. - *IF YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD THAT *MISS *DAWES HAS BEEN MARRIED THESE TWO MONTHS, *I WILL MENTION IT IN MY NEXT. - *PRAY DO NOT FORGET TO GO TO THE *CANTERBURY *BALL. *I SHALL DESPISE YOU ALL MOST INSUFFERABLY IF YOU DO. - *BY THE BYE, THERE WILL NOT BE ANY *BALL, BECAUSE *DELMAR LOST SO MUCH BY THE *ASSEMBLIES LAST WINTER THAT HE HAS PRO+ TESTED/ AGAINST OPENING HIS ROOMS THIS YEAR. - *I HAVE CHARGED MY *MYRMIDONS TO SEND ME AN ACCOUNT OF THE *BASINGSTOKE *BALL ; *I HAVE PLACED MY SPIES AT DIFFERENT PLACES THAT THEY MAY COLLECT THE MORE ; & BY SO DOING, BY SENDING *MISS *BIGG TO THE *TOWNHALL ITSELF, & POST+ ING/ MY *MOTHER AT *STEVENTON *I HOPE TO DERIVE FROM THEIR VARIOUS OBSERVATIONS A GOOD GENERAL IDEA OF THE WHOLE. - $*MONDAY$. - *MARTHA HAS THIS MOMENT RECEIVED YOUR LETTER - *I HOPE THERE IS NOTHING IN IT REQUIRING AN

IMMEDIATE ANSWER AS WE ARE AT DINNER, & SHE HAS NEITHER TIME TO READ NOR *I TO WRITE. - *YRS** EVER *J *A. *STEVENTON : *SATURDAY *JANRY** 3D*. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *AS YOU HAVE BY THIS TIME RECEIVED MY LAST LETTER, IT IS FIT THAT *I SHOULD BEGIN ANOTHER ; & *I BEGIN WITH THE HOPE, WHICH IS AT PRESENT UPPERMOST IN MY MIND, THAT YOU OFTEN WORE A WHITE GOWN IN THE MORNING, AT THE TIME OF ALL THE GAY PARTY'S BEING WITH YOU. *OUR VISIT AT *ASH *PARK LAST *WEDNESDAY, WENT OFF IN A COME-CA WAY ; WE MET *MR. *LEFROY & *TOM *CHUTE, PLAYED AT CARDS & CAME HOME AGAIN. - *JAMES & *MARY DINED HERE ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, & AT NIGHT *HENRY SET OFF IN THE *MAIL FOR *LONDON. - *HE WAS AS AGREABLE AS EVER DURING HIS VISIT, & HAS NOT LOST ANYTHING IN *MISS *LLOYD'S ESTIMATION. - *YESTERDAY, WE WERE QUITE ALONE, ONLY OUR FOUR SELVES ; - BUT TODAY THE SCENE IS AGREEABLY VARIED BY *MARY'S DRIVING *MARTHA TO *BASINGSTOKE, & *MARTHA'S AFTERWARDS DINING AT *DEANE. - *MY *MOTHER LOOKS FOR+ WARD/ WITH AS MUCH CERTAINTY AS YOU CAN DO, TO OUR KEEPING TWO *MAIDS - MY FATHER IS THE ONLY ONE NOT IN THE SECRET. - *WE PLAN HAVING A STEADY *COOK, & A YOUNG GIDDY *HOUSEMAID, WITH A SEDATE, MIDDLE AGED *MAN, WHO IS TO UNDERTAKE THE DOUBLE OFFICE OF *HUSBAND TO THE FORMER & SWEETHEART TO THE LATTER. - *NO *CHILDREN

OF COURSE TO BE ALLOWED ON EITHER SIDE. - *YOU FEEL MORE FOR *JOHN *BOND, THAN *JOHN *BOND DESERVES ; - *I AM SORRY TO LOWER HIS *CHARACTER, BUT HE IS NOT ASHAMED TO OWN HIMSELF, THAT HE HAS NO DOUBT AT ALL OF GETTING A GOOD PLACE, & THAT HE HAD EVEN AN OFFER MANY YEARS AGO FROM A *FARMER *PAINE OF TAKING HIM INTO HIS SERVICE WHENEVER HE MIGHT QUIT MY FATHER'S. - *THERE ARE THREE PARTS OF *BATH WHICH WE HAVE THOUGHT OF AS LIKELY TO HAVE *HOUSES IN THEM. - *WESTGATE *BUILDINGS, *CHARLES *STREET, & SOME OF THE SHORT STREETS LEADING FROM *LAURA *PLACE OR *PULTENEY *ST: *WESTGATE *BUILD+ INGS/, THO' QUITE IN THE LOWER PART OF THE *TOWN ARE NOT BADLY SITUATED THEMSELVES ; THE STREET IS BROAD, & HAS RATHER A GOOD APPEARANCE. *CHARLES *STREET HOWEVER *I THINK IS PREFERABLE ; THE BUILDINGS ARE NEW, & IT'S NEARNESS TO *KINGSMEAD FIELDS WOULD BE A PLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCE. - *PERHAPS YOU MAY REMEMBER, OR PER+ HAPS/ YOU MAY FORGET THAT *CHARLES *STREET LEADS FROM THE *QUEEN *SQUARE *CHAPEL TO THE TWO *GREEN PARK-+ *STREETS/. - *THE *HOUSES IN THE STREETS NEAR *LAURA *PLACE *I SHOULD EXPECT TO BE ABOVE OUR PRICE. - *GAY *STREET WOULD BE TOO HIGH, EXCEPT ONLY THE LOWER HOUSE ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE AS YOU ASCEND ; TOWARDS $THAT$ MY *MOTHER HAS NO DISINCLINATION ; - IT USED TO BE LOWER RENTED THAN ANY OTHER HOUSE IN THE ROW, FROM SOME INFERIORITY IN THE APARTMENTS. *BUT ABOVE ALL OTHER'S, HER WISHES ARE AT PRESENT FIXED ON THE CORNER HOUSE IN *CHAPEL ROW, WHICH OPENS INTO *PRINCE'S *STREET. *HER KNOWLEDGE OF IT HOWEVER IS CONFINED ONLY TO THE OUTSIDE, & THEREFORE SHE IS EQUALLY UNCERTAIN OF IT'S BEING REALLY DESIRABLE AS OF ITS BEING TO BE HAD. - *IN THE MEANTIME SHE ASSURES YOU THAT SHE WILL DO EVERYTHING IN HER POWER TO AVOID *TRIM *ST ALTHO' YOU HAVE NOT EXPRESSED THE FEARFUL

PRESENTIMENT OF IT, WHICH WAS RATHER EXPECTED. - *WE KNOW THAT *MRS. *PERROT WILL WANT TO GET US INTO *AXFORD *BUILDINGS, BUT WE ALL UNITE IN PARTICULAR DISLIKE OF THAT PART OF THE *TOWN, & THEREFORE HOPE TO ESCAPE. *UPON ALL THESE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS, *YOU AND *EDWARD MAY CONFER TOGETHER, & YOUR OPINION OF EACH WILL BE EXPECTED WITH EAGERNESS. - *AS TO OUR *PICTURES, THE *BATTLE PEICE, *MR. *NIBBS, *SIR *WM* *EAST, & ALL THE OLD HETEROGENOUS, MISCELLANY, MANUSCRIPT, *SCRIPTORAL PEICES DISPERSED OVER THE *HOUSE ARE TO BE GIVEN TO *JAMES. - *YOUR OWN *DRAWINGS WILL NOT CEASE TO BE YOUR OWN - & THE TWO PAINTINGS ON *TIN WILL BE AT YOUR DISPOSAL. - *MY *MOTHER SAYS THAT THE *FRENCH AGRICULTURAL *PRINTS IN THE BEST BED-ROOM WERE GIVEN BY *EDWARD TO HIS TWO *SISTERS. *DO YOU OR HE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT ? - *SHE HAS WRITTEN TO MY *AUNT, & *WE ARE ALL IMPATIENT FOR THE ANSWER. - *I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO GIVE UP THE IDEA OF OUR BOTH GOING TO *PARAGON IN *MAY ; - $*YOUR$ GOING *I CONSIDER AS INDISPENSABLY NECESSARY, & *I SHALL NOT LIKE BEING LEFT BEHIND ; THERE IS NO PLACE HERE OR HEREABOUTS THAT *I SHALL WANT TO BE STAYING AT - & THO' TO BE SURE THE KEEP OF TWO WILL BE MORE THAN OF ONE, *I WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE LESS BY DISORDERING MY *STOMACH WITH *BATH BUNNS ; & AS TO THE $TROUBLE$ OF ACCOMODATING US, WHETHER THERE ARE ONE OR TWO, IT IS MUCH THE SAME. - *ACCORDING TO THE FIRST PLAN, MY MOTHER & OUR TWO SELVES ARE TO TRAVEL DOWN TOGETHER ; & MY FATHER FOLLOW US AFTERWARDS - IN ABOUT A FORT+ NIGHT/ OR THREE WEEKS. - *WE HAVE PROMISED TO SPEND A COUPLE OF DAYS AT *IBTHROP IN OUR WAY. - *WE MUST ALL MEET AT *BATH YOU KNOW BEFORE WE SET OUT FOR THE *SEA, & EVERYTHING CONSIDERED *I THINK THE FIRST PLAN AS GOOD AS ANY. *MY FATHER & MOTHER WISELY AWARE OF THE

DIFFICULTY OF FINDING IN ALL *BATH SUCH A BED AS THEIR OWN, HAVE RESOLVED ON TAKING IT WITH THEM ; - *ALL THE BEDS INDEED THAT WE SHALL WANT ARE TO BE REMOVED, VIZ: - BESIDES THEIRS, OUR OWN TWO, THE BEST FOR A SPARE ONE, & TWO FOR SERVANTS - AND THESE NECESSARY ARTICLES WILL PROBABLY BE THE ONLY MATERIAL ONES THAT IT [WOU]LD ANSWER TO SEND DOWN. - *I DO NOT THINK IT WILL BE WORTH WHILE TO REMOVE ANY OF OUR CHESTS OF *DRAWERS - *WE SHALL BE ABLE TO GET SOME OF A MUCH MORE COMMO[DIOUS] FORM, MADE OF DEAL, & PAINTED TO LOOK VERY NEAT ; & *I FLATTER MYSELF THAT FOR LITTLE COMFORTS OF ALL KINDS, OUR APARTMENT WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST COMPLETE THINGS OF THE SORT ALL OVER *BATH - *BRISTOL INCLUDED. - *WE HAVE THOUGHT AT TIMES OF REMOVING THE SIDE-BOARD, OR A PEM+ BROKE/ TABLE, OR SOME OTHER PEICE OF FURNITURE - BUT UPON THE WHOLE IT HAS ENDED IN THINKING THAT THE TROUBLE & FRISK OF THE REMOVAL WOULD BE MORE THAN THE ADVAN+ TAGE/ OF HAVING THEM AT A PLACE, WHERE EVERYTHING MAY BE PURCHASED. *PRAY SEND YOUR OPINION. - *MARTHA HAS AS GOOD AS PROMISED TO COME TO US AGAIN IN *MARCH. - *HER SPIRITS ARE BETTER THAN THEY WERE. - *I HAVE NOW ATTAINED THE TRUE ART OF LETTER-WRITING, WHICH WE ARE ALWAYS TOLD, IS TO EXPRESS ON PAPER EXACTLY WHAT ONE WOULD SAY TO THE SAME PERSON BY WORD OF MOUTH ; *I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO YOU ALMOST AS FAST AS *I COULD THE WHOLE OF THIS LETTER. - *YOUR *CHRISTMAS *GAIETIES ARE REALLY QUITE SURPRISING ; *I THINK THEY WOULD SATISFY EVEN *MISS *WALTER HERSELF. - *I HOPE THE TEN SHILLINGS WON BY *MISS *FOOTE MAY MAKE EVERYTHING EASY BETWEEN HER & HER COUSIN *FREDERICK. - *SO, *LADY *BRIDGES - IN THE DELICATE LANGUAGE OF *COULSON *WALLOP, IS $IN FOR IT$! - *I AM VERY GLAD TO HEAR OF THE *PEARSONS GOOD FORTUNE. - *IT IS A PEICE OF PROMOTION WHICH *I KNOW THEY LOOKED

FORWARD TO AS VERY DESIRABLE SOME YEARS AGO, ON *CAPT: *LOCKYER'S ILLNESS. - *IT BRINGS THEM A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE OF *INCOME, & A BETTER HOUSE. - *MY *MOTHER BARGAINS FOR HAVING NO TROUBLE AT ALL IN FURNISHING OUR HOUSE IN *BATH - & *I HAVE ENGAGED FOR YOUR WILLINGLY UNDERTAKING TO DO IT ALL. - *I GET MORE & MORE RECONCILED TO THE IDEA OF OUR REMOVAL. *WE HAVE LIVED LONG ENOUGH IN THIS *NEIGHBOURHOOD, THE *BASINGSTOKE *BALLS ARE CERTANLY ON THE DECLINE, THERE IS SOMETHING INTERESTING IN THE BUSTLE OF GOING AWAY, & THE PROSPECT OF SPENDING FUTURE SUMMERS BY THE *SEA OR IN *WALES IS VERY DELIGHT+ FUL/. - *FOR A TIME WE SHALL NOW POSSESS MANY OF THE ADVANTAGES WHICH *I HAVE OFTEN THOUGHT OF WITH *ENVY IN THE WIVES OF *SAILORS OR *SOLDIERS. - *IT MUST NOT BE GENERALLY KNOWN HOWEVER THAT *I AM NOT SACRIFICING A GREAT DEAL IN QUITTING THE *COUNTRY - OR *I CAN EXPECT TO INSPIRE NO TENDERNESS, NO INTEREST IN THOSE WE LEAVE BEHIND. - *THE THREATENED *ACT OF *PARLIAMENT DOES NOT SEEM TO GIVE ANY ALARM. *MY FATHER IS DOING ALL IN HIS POWER TO ENCREASE HIS *INCOME BY RAISING HIS *TYTHES &C., & *I DO NOT DESPAIR OF GETTING VERY NEARLY SIX HUNDRED A YEAR. - *IN WHAT PART OF *BATH DO YOU MEAN TO PLACE YOUR $*BEES$ ? - *WE ARE AFRAID OF THE *SOUTH *PARADE'S BEING TOO HOT. $*MONDAY$. - *MARTHA DESIRES HER BEST *LOVE, & SAYS A GREAT MANY KIND THINGS ABOUT SPENDING SOME TIME WITH YOU IN *MARCH - & DEPENDING ON A LARGE RETURN FROM US BOTH IN THE *AUTUMN. - *PERHAPS *I MAY NOT WRITE AGAIN BEFORE *SUNDAY. - *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *A.

*STEVENTON *THURSDAY *JANRY** 8TH** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *THE " *PERHAPS " WHICH CONCLUDED MY LAST LETTER BEING ONLY A " PERHAPS," WILL NOT OCCASION YOUR BEING OVER+ POWERED/ WITH *SURPRISE, *I DARE SAY, IF YOU $SHOULD$ RECEIVE THIS BEFORE TUESDAY, WHICH UNLESS CIRCUMSTANCES ARE VERY PERVERSE WILL BE THE CASE. - *I RECEIVED YOURS WITH MUCH GENERAL *PHILANTHROPY & STILL MORE PECULIAR GOOD WILL TWO DAYS AGO ; & *I SUPPOSE *I NEED NOT TELL YOU THAT IT WAS VERY LONG, BEING WRITTEN ON A FOOLSCAP SHEET, & VERY ENTERTAINING, BEING WRITTEN BY YOU. - *MR. *PAYNE HAS BEEN DEAD LONG ENOUGH FOR *HENRY TO BE OUT OF MOURNING FOR HIM BEFORE HIS LAST VISIT, THO' WE KNEW NOTHING OF IT TILL ABOUT THAT TIME. *WHY HE DIED, OR OF WHAT COMPLAINT, OR TO WHAT *NOBLEMEN HE BEQUEATHED HIS FOUR DAUGHTERS IN MARRIAGE WE HAVE NOT HEARD. - *I AM GLAD THAT THE *WILDMANS' ARE GOING TO GIVE A *BALL, & HOPE YOU WILL NOT FAIL TO BENEFIT BOTH YOURSELF & ME, BY LAYING OUT A FEW KISSES IN THE PURCHASE OF A FRANK. - *I BELEIVE YOU ARE RIGHT IN PROPOSING TO DELAY THE *CAMBRIC MUSLIN, & *I SUBMIT WITH A KIND OF VOLUNTARY RELUCTANCE. - *MR. *PETER *DEBARY HAS DECLINED *DEAN CURACY ; HE WISHES TO BE SETTLED NEARER *LONDON. *A FOOLISH REASON!, AS IF *DEANE WERE NOT NEAR *LONDON IN COMPARISON OF *EXETER OR *YORK. - *TAKE THE WHOLE WORLD THROUGH, & HE WILL FIND MANY MORE PLACES AT A GREATER DISTANCE FROM *LONDON THAN *DEANE, THAN HE WILL AT

A LESS. - *WHAT DOES HE THINK OF *GLENCOE OR *LAKE *KATHERINE ? - *I FEEL RATHER INDIGNANT THAT ANY POSSIBLE OBJECTION SHOULD BE RAISED AGAINST SO VALUABLE A PEICE OF PREFERMENT, SO DELIGHTFUL A SITUATION ! - THAT *DEANE SHOULD NOT BE UNIVERSALLY ALLOWED TO BE AS NEAR THE *METROPOLIS AS ANY OTHER COUNTRY VILLAGES. - *AS THIS IS THE CASE HOWEVER, AS *MR. *PETER *DEBARY HAS SHEWN HIMSELF A *PETER IN THE BLACKEST SENSE OF THE *WORD, *WE ARE OBLIGED TO LOOK ELSEWHERE FOR AN HEIR ; & MY FATHER HAS THOUGHT IT A NECESSARY COMPLIMENT TO *JAMES *DIGWEED TO OFFER THE *CURACY TO HIM, THO' WITHOUT CONSIDERING IT AS EITHER A DESIRABLE OR AN ELIGIBLE SITUA+ TION/ FOR HIM. - *UNLESS HE IS IN LOVE WITH *MISS *LYFORD, *I THINK HE HAD BETTER NOT BE SETTLED EXACTLY IN THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD, & UNLESS HE IS VERY MUCH IN LOVE WITH HER INDEED, HE IS NOT LIKELY TO THINK A SALARY OF 50\ EQUAL IN VALUE OR EFFICACY TO ONE OF 75\. - *WERE $YOU$ INDEED TO BE CONSIDERED AS ONE OF THE FIXTURES OF THE HOUSE ! - BUT YOU WERE NEVER ACTUALLY ERECTED IN IT EITHER BY *MR. *EGERTON *BRYDGES OR *MRS. *LLOYD. - *MARTHA & *I DINED YESTERDAY AT *DEANE TO MEET THE *POWLETTS & *TOM *CHUTE, WHICH WE DID NOT FAIL TO DO. - *MRS. *POWLETT WAS AT ONCE EXPENSIVELY & NAKEDLY DRESS'D ; WE HAVE HAD THE SATISFACTION OF ESTIMATING HER *LACE & HER *MUSLIN ; & SHE SAID TOO LITTLE TO AFFORD US MUCH OTHER AMUSEMENT. - *MRS. *JOHN *LYFORD IS SO MUCH PLEASED WITH THE STATE OF WIDOWHOOD AS TO BE GOING TO PUT IN FOR BEING A WIDOW AGAIN ; - SHE IS TO MARRY A *MR. *FENDALL, A BANKER IN *GLOUCESTER, A MAN OF VERY GOOD FORTUNE, BUT CONSIDERABLY OLDER THAN HERSELF & WITH THREE LITTLE CHILDREN. - *MISS *LYFORD HAS NEVER BEEN HERE YET ; SHE CAN COME ONLY FOR A DAY,

& IS NOT ABLE TO FIX THE DAY. - *I FANCY *MR. *HOLDER WILL HAVE THE *FARM, & WITHOUT BEING OBLIGED TO DEPEND ON THE ACCOMODATING SPIRIT OF *MR. *WILLIAM *PORTAL ; HE WILL PROBABLY HAVE IT FOR THE REMAINDER OF MY FATHER'S LEASE. - *THIS PLEASES US ALL MUCH BETTER THAN IT'S FALLING INTO THE HANDS OF *MR. *HARWOOD OR *FARMER *TWITCHEN. - *MR. *HOLDER IS TO COME IN A DAY OR TWO TO TALK TO MY FATHER ON THE SUBJECT, & THEN *JOHN *BOND'S INTEREST WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. - *I HAVE HAD A LETTER TODAY FROM *MRS. *COOKE. *MRS. *LAUREL IS GOING TO BE MARRIED TO A *MR. *HINCHMAN, A RICH *EAST *INDIAN. *I HOPE *MARY WILL BE SATISFIED WITH THIS PROOF OF HER COUSIN'S EXISTENCE & WELFARE, & CEASE TO TORMENT HERSELF WITH THE IDEA OF HIS BONES BEING BLEACHING IN THE *SUN ON *WANTAGE *DOWNS. - *MARTHA'S VISIT IS DRAWING TOWARDS IT'S CLOSE, WHICH WE ALL FOUR SINCERELY REGRET. - *THE WEDDING-DAY IS TO BE CELEBRATED ON THE 16TH BECAUSE THE 17TH FALLS ON *SATURDAY - & A DAY OR TWO BEFORE THE 16TH *MARY WILL DRIVE HER SISTER TO *IBTHROP TO FIND ALL THE FESTIVITY SHE CAN IN CONTRIVING FOR EVERYBODY'S COMFORT, & BEING THWARTED OR TEIZED BY ALMOST EVERYBODY'S TEMPER. - *FULWAR, *ELIZA, & *TOM *CHUTE ARE TO BE OF THE PARTY ; - *I KNOW OF NOBODY ELSE. - *I WAS ASKED, BUT DECLINED IT. - *ELIZA HAS SEEN *LORD *CRAVEN AT *BARTON, & PROBABLY BY THIS TIME AT *KINTBURY, WHERE HE WAS EXPECTED FOR ONE DAY THIS WEEK. - *SHE FOUND HIS MANNERS VERY PLEASING INDEED. - *THE LITTLE FLAW OF HAVING A *MISTRESS NOW LIVING WITH HIM AT *ASHDOWN *PARK, SEEMS TO BE THE ONLY UNPLEASING CIRCUMSTANCE ABOUT HIM. - *FROM *IBTHROP, *FULWAR & *ELIZA ARE TO RETURN WITH *JAMES AND *MARY TO *DEANE. - *THE *RICES ARE $NOT$ TO HAVE AN HOUSE ON *WEYHILL; - FOR THE PRESENT HE HAS *LODGINGS IN *ANDOVER, & THEY ARE IN VEIW OF A DWELLING HEREAFTER IN *APPLESHAW, THAT VILLAGE OF WONDERFUL *ELASTICITY, WHICH

STRETCHES ITSELF OUT FOR THE RECEPTION OF EVERYBODY WHO DOES NOT WISH FOR A HOUSE ON *SPEEN *HILL. - *PRAY GIVE MY LOVE TO *GEORGE, TELL HIM THAT *I AM VERY GLAD TO HEAR HE CAN SKIP SO WELL ALREADY, & THAT *I HOPE HE WILL CONTINUE TO SEND ME WORD OF HIS IMPROVEMENT IN THE ART. - *I THINK YOU JUDGE VERY WISELY IN PUTTING OFF YOUR *LONDON VISIT - & *I AM MISTAKEN IF IT BE NOT PUT OFF FOR SOME TIME. - *YOU SPEAK WITH SUCH NOBLE RESIGNATION OF *MRS. *JORDAN & THE *OPERA *HOUSE THAT IT WOULD BE AN INSULT TO SUPPOSE CONSOLATION REQUIRED - BUT TO PREVENT YOUR THINKING WITH REGRET OF THIS RUPTURE OF YOUR ENGAGEMENT WITH *MR. *SMITHSON, *I MUST ASSURE YOU THAT *HENRY SUSPECTS HIM TO BE A GREAT MISER. - $*FRIDAY$. *NO ANSWER FROM MY *AUNT. - *SHE HAS NO TIME FOR WRITING *I SUPPOSE IN THE HURRY OF SELLING FURNITURE, PACKING CLOATHES & PREPARING FOR THEIR REMOVAL TO *SCARLETTS. - *YOU ARE VERY KIND IN PLANNING PRESENTS FOR ME TO MAKE, & MY *MOTHER HAS SHEWN ME EXACTLY THE SAME ATTENTION - BUT AS *I DO NOT CHUSE TO HAVE *GENEROSITY DICTATED TO ME, *I SHALL NOT RESOLVE ON GIVING MY CABINET TO *ANNA TILL THE FIRST THOUGHT OF IT HAS BEEN MY OWN. *SIDMOUTH IS NOW TALKED OF AS OUR SUMMER ABODE ; GET ALL THE INFORMATION THEREFORE ABOUT IT THAT YOU CAN FROM *MRS. *C. *CAGE. *MY FATHER'S OLD *MINISTERS ARE ALREADY DESERTING HIM TO PAY THEIR COURT TO HIS *SON ; THE BROWN *MARE, WHICH AS WELL AS THE BLACK WAS TO DEVOLVE ON *JAMES AT OUR REMOVAL, HAS NOT HAD PATIENCE TO WAIT FOR THAT, & HAS SETTLED HERSELF EVEN NOW AT *DEANE. - *THE DEATH OF *HUGH *CAPET, WHICH LIKE THAT OF *MR. *SKIPSEY - THO' UNDESIRED WAS NOT WHOLLY UNEXPECTED, BEING PURPOSELY EFFECTED, HAS MADE THE IMMEDIATE POSSESSION OF THE

*MARE VERY CONVENIENT ; & EVERYTHING ELSE *I SUPPOSE WILL BE SEIZED BY DEGREES IN THE SAME MANNER. - *MARTHA & *I WORK AT THE BOOKS EVERY DAY. - *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *A. *STEVENTON : *WEDNESDAY *JANRY** 14TH**. *POOR *MISS *AUSTEN ! - *IT APPEARS TO ME THAT *I HAVE RATHER OPPRESSED YOU OF LATE BY THE FREQUENCY OF MY LETTERS. *YOU HAD HOPED NOT TO HEAR FROM ME AGAIN BEFORE TUESDAY BUT *SUNDAY SHEWED YOU WITH WHAT A MERCILESS *SISTER YOU HAD TO DEAL. - *I CANNOT RECALL THE PAST, BUT YOU SHALL NOT HEAR FROM ME QUITE SO OFTEN IN FUTURE. - *YOUR LETTER TO *MARY WAS DULY RECEIVED BEFORE SHE LEFT *DEAN WITH *MARTHA YESTERDAY MORNING, & IT GIVES US GREAT PLEASURE TO KNOW THAT THE *CHILHAM *BALL WAS SO AGREABLE & THAT YOU DANCED FOUR DANCES WITH *MR. *KEMBLE. - *DESIRABLE HOWEVER AS THE LATTER CIRCUM+ STANCE WAS *I CANNOT HELP WONDERING AT IT'S TAKING PLACE ; - *WHY DID YOU DANCE FOUR DANCES WITH SO STUPID A *MAN ? - WHY NOT RATHER DANCE TWO OF THEM WITH SOME ELEGANT BROTHER-OFFICER WHO WAS STRUCK WITH YOUR APPEARANCE AS SOON AS YOU ENTERED THE ROOM ? - *MARTHA LEFT YOU HER BEST *LOVE ; SHE WILL WRITE TO YOU HERSELF IN A SHORT TIME ; BUT TRUSTING TO MY MEMORY RATHER THAN HER OWN, SHE HAS NEVERTHELESS DESIRED ME TO ASK YOU TO PURCHASE FOR HER TWO BOTTLES OF *STEELE'S *LAVENDER *WATER WHEN YOU ARE IN *TOWN, PROVIDED YOU

SHOULD GO TO THE *SHOP ON YOUR OWN ACCOUNT ; - OTHER+ WISE YOU MAY BE SURE THAT SHE WOULD NOT HAVE YOU RECOLLECT THE REQUEST. - *JAMES DINED WITH US YESTERDAY, WROTE TO *EDWARD IN THE *EVENING, FILLED THREE SIDES OF PAPER, EVERY LINE INCLINING TOO MUCH TOWARDS THE *NORTH-*EAST, & THE VERY FIRST LINE OF ALL SCRATCHED OUT, AND THIS MORNING HE JOINS *HIS LADY IN THE FIELDS OF *ELYSIUM & *IBTHROP. - *LAST FRIDAY WAS A VERY BUSY DAY WITH US. *WE WERE VISITED BY *MISS *LYFORD AND *MR. *BAYLE. - *THE LATTER BEGAN HIS OPERATIONS IN THE HOUSE, BUT HAD ONLY TIME TO FINISH THE FOUR SITTING-ROOMS ; THE REST IS DEFERRED TILL THE SPRING IS MORE ADVANCED & THE DAYS LONGER. - *HE TOOK HIS PAPER OF APPRAISEMENT AWAY WITH HIM, & THEREFORE WE ONLY KNOW THE *ESTI+ MATE/ HE HAS MADE OF ONE OR TWO ARTICLES OF FURNITURE, WHICH MY FATHER PARTICULARLY ENQUIRED INTO. *I UNDER+ STAND/ HOWEVER THAT HE WAS OF OPINION THAT THE WHOLE WOULD AMOUNT TO MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED POUNDS, & IT IS NOT IMAGINED THAT THIS WILL COMPREHEND THE *BREW+ HOUSE/, & MANY OTHER &C. &C. - *MISS *LYFORD WAS VERY PLEASANT, & GAVE MY MOTHER SUCH AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOUSES IN *WESTGATE *BUILDINGS, WHERE *MRS. *LYFORD LODGED FOUR YEARS AGO, AS MADE HER THINK OF A SITUATION THERE WITH GREAT PLEASURE ; BUT YOUR OPPOSITION WILL BE WITHOUT DIFFICULTY, DECISIVE, & MY FATHER IN PARTICU+ LAR/ WHO WAS VERY WELL INCLINED TOWARDS THE *ROW BEFORE, HAS NOW CEASED TO THINK OF IT ENTIRELY. - *AT PRESENT THE *ENVIRONS OF *LAURA-PLACE SEEM TO BE HIS CHOICE. *HIS VEIWS ON THE SUBJECT ARE MUCH ADVANCED SINCE *I CAME HOME ; HE GROWS QUITE AMBITIOUS, & ACTUALLY REQUIRES NOW A COMFORTABLE & A CREDITABLE LOOKING HOUSE. - *ON *SATURDAY *MISS *LYFORD WENT TO HER LONG HOME - THAT IS TO SAY, IT WAS A LONG WAY OFF; & SOON AFTERWARDS A

PARTY OF FINE *LADIES ISSUING FROM A WELL-KNOWN, COM+ MODIOUS GREEN *VEHICLE, THEIR HEADS FULL OF *BANTAM+ COCKS/ AND *GALINIES, ENTERED THE HOUSE. - *MRS. *HEATH+ COTE/, *MRS. *HARWOOD, *MRS. *JAMES *AUSTEN, *MISS *BIGG, *MISS *JANE *BLACHFORD. *HARDLY A DAY PASSES IN WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE SOME VISITOR OR OTHER ; YESTERDAY CAME *MRS. *BRAMSTONE, WHO IS VERY SORRY THAT SHE IS TO LOSE US, & AFTERWARDS *MR. *HOLDER, WHO WAS SHUT UP FOR AN HOUR WITH MY FATHER & *JAMES IN A MOST AWEFUL MANNER. - *JOHN *BOND EST A LUI. - *MR. *HOLDER WAS PERFECTLY WILLING TO TAKE HIM ON EXACTLY THE SAME TERMS WITH MY FATHER, & *JOHN SEEMS EXCEEDINGLY WELL SATISFIED. - *THE COMFORT OF NOT CHANGING HIS HOME IS A VERY MATERIAL ONE TO HIM, AND SINCE SUCH ARE HIS UNNATURAL FEELINGS HIS BELONGING TO *MR. *HOLDER IS THE EVERY THING NEEDFUL ; BUT OTHERWISE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SITUA+ TION/ OFFERING TO HIM WHICH *I HAD THOUGHT OF WITH PARTICULAR SATISFACTION, VIZ= UNDER *HARRY *DIGWEED, WHO IF *JOHN HAD QUITTED *CHEESEDOWN WOULD HAVE BEEN EAGER TO ENGAGE HIM AS SUPERINTENDANT AT *STEVENTON, WOULD HAVE KEPT AN HORSE FOR HIM TO RIDE ABOUT ON, WOULD PROBABLY HAVE SUPPLIED HIM WITH A MORE PERMA+ NENT/ HOME, & *I THINK WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN A MORE DESIRABLE *MASTER ALTOGETHER. - *JOHN & *CORBETT ARE NOT TO HAVE ANY CONCERN WITH EACH OTHER ; - THERE ARE TO BE TWO *FARMS AND TWO *BAILIFFS. - *WE ARE OF OPINION THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER IN ONLY ONE. - *THIS MORNING BROUGHT MY *AUNT'S REPLY, & MOST THOROUGHLY AFFECTIONATE IS IT'S TENOR. *SHE THINKS WITH THE GREATEST PLEASURE OF OUR BEING SETTLED IN *BATH ; IT IS AN EVENT WHICH WILL ATTACH HER TO THE PLACE MORE THAN ANYTHNG ELSE COULD DO, &C., &C. - *SHE IS MOREOVER VERY URGENT WITH MY MOTHER NOT TO DELAY HER VISIT IN *PARAGON IF

SHE SHOULD CONTINUE UNWELL, & EVEN RECOMMENDS HER SPENDING THE WHOLE WINTER WITH THEM. - *AT PRESENT, & FOR MANY DAYS PAST MY MOTHER HAS BEEN QUITE STOUT, & SHE WISHES NOT TO BE OBLIGED BY ANY RELAPSE TO ALTER HER ARRANGEMENTS. - *MR. AND *MRS. *CHAMBERLAYNE ARE IN *BATH, LODGING AT THE *CHARITABLE *REPOSITORY ; - *I WISH THE SCENE MAY SUGGEST TO *MRS. *C. THE NOTION OF SELLING HER BLACK BEAVER BONNET FOR THE RELEIF OF THE POOR. - *MRS. *WELBY HAS BEEN SINGING *DUETTS WITH THE *PRINCE OF *WALES. - *MY FATHER HAS GOT ABOVE 500 *VOLUMES TO DISPOSE OF ; - *I WANT *JAMES TO TAKE THEM AT A VENTURE AT HALF A GUINEA A VOLUME. - *THE WHOLE REPAIRS OF THE PARSONAGE AT *DEANE, *INSIDE & OUT, *COACHBOX, *BASKET & *DICKEY WILL NOT MUCH EXCEED 100\. - HAVE YOU SEEN THAT *MAJOR *BYNG, A NEPHEW OF *LORD *TORRINGTON IS DEAD ? - *THAT MUST BE *EDMUND. - $*FRIDAY$. *I THANK YOU FOR YOURS, THO' *I SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE GRATEFUL FOR IT, IF IT HAD NOT BEEN CHARGED 8D. INSTEAD OF 6D., WHICH HAS GIVEN ME THE TORMENT OF WRITING TO *MR. *LAMBOULD ON THE OCCASION. - *I AM RATHER SURPRISED AT THE *REVIVAL OF THE *LONDON VISIT - BUT *MR. *DORICOURT HAS TRAVELLED ; HE KNOWS BEST. *THAT *JAMES *DIGWEED HAS REFUSED *DEAN *CURACY *I SUP+ POSE/ HE HAS TOLD YOU HIMSELF - THO' PROBABLY THE SUBJECT HAS NEVER BEEN MENTIONED BETWEEN YOU. - *MRS. *MILLES FLATTERS HERSELF FALSELY ; IT HAS NEVER BEEN *MRS. *RICE'S WISH TO HAVE HER SON SETTLED NEAR HERSELF - & THERE IS NOW A HOPE ENTERTAINED OF HER RELENTING IN FAVOUR OF *DEANE. - *MRS. *LEFROY & HER SON IN LAW WERE HERE YESTERDAY ; $SHE$ TRIES NOT TO BE SANGUINE, BUT $HE$ WAS IN EXCELLENT SPIRITS. - *I RATHER WISH THEY MAY HAVE THE *CURACY. *IT WILL BE AN AMUSEMENT TO *MARY TO SUPERINTEND THEIR *HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT, & ABUSE

THEM FOR EXPENSE, ESPECIALLY AS *MRS. *L. MEANS TO ADVISE THEM TO PUT THEIR WASHING OUT. - *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *A. *STEVENTON *WEDNESDAY *JANRY** 21TH** *EXPECT A MOST AGREABLE *LETTER ; FOR NOT BEING OVER+ BURDENED/ WITH SUBJECT - (HAVING NOTHING AT ALL TO SAY) - *I SHALL HAVE NO CHECK TO MY *GENIUS FROM BEGINNING TO END. - *WELL - & SO, *FRANK'S LETTER HAS MADE YOU VERY HAPPY, BUT YOU ARE AFRAID HE WOULD NOT HAVE PATIENCE TO STAY FOR THE *HAARLEM, WHICH YOU WISH HIM TO HAVE DONE AS BEING SAFER THAN THE *MERCHANTMAN. - *POOR FELLOW ! TO WAIT FROM THE MIDDLE OF *NOVEMBER TO THE END OF *DECEMBER, & PERHAPS EVEN LONGER ! IT MUST BE SAD WORK ! - ESPECIALLY IN A PLACE WHERE THE INK IS SO ABOMINABLY PALE. - *WHAT A SURPRISE TO HIM IT MUST HAVE BEEN ON THE 20TH OF *OCTR* TO BE VISITED, COLLAR'D & THRUST OUT OF THE *PETTERELL BY *CAPTN* *INGLIS ! - *HE KINDLY PASSES OVER THE POIGNANCY OF HIS FEELINGS IN QUITTING HIS *SHIP, HIS *OFFICERS & HIS *MEN. - *WHAT A PITY IT IS THAT HE SHOULD NOT BE IN *ENGLAND AT THE TIME OF THIS PROMOTION, BECAUSE HE CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE HAD AN APPOINTMENT ! - SO EVERYBODY SAYS, & THEREFORE IT MUST BE RIGHT FOR ME TO SAY IT TOO. - *HAD HE BEEN REALLY HERE, THE CERTAINTY OF THE APPOINTMENT *I DARE SAY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN HALF SO GREAT - BUT AS

IT COULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO THE PROOF, HIS ABSENCE WILL BE ALWAYS A LUCKY SOURCE OF REGRET. - *ELIZA TALKS OF HAVING READ IN A *NEWSPAPER THAT ALL THE 1ST *LIEUTS* OF THE *FRIGATES WHOSE *CAPTAINS WERE TO BE SENT INTO *LINE-OF-*BATTLE SHIPS, WERE TO BE PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF *COMMANDERS - . *IF IT BE TRUE, *MR. *VALENTINE MAY AFFORD HIMSELF A FINE *VALENTINE'S KNOT, & *CHARLES MAY PERHAPS BECOME 1ST** OF THE *ENDYMION - THO' *I SUPPOSE *CAPT: *DURHAM IS TOO LIKELY TO BRING A VILLAIN WITH HIM UNDER THAT DENOMINATION. *I DINED AT *DEANE YESTER+ DAY/, AS *I TOLD YOU *I SHOULD; - & MET THE TWO *MR. *HOLDERS. - *WE PLAYED AT *VINGT-UN, WHICH AS *FULWAR WAS UNSUCCESSFUL, GAVE HIM AN OPPORTUNITY OF EXPOSING HIMSELF AS USUAL. - *ELIZA SAYS SHE IS QUITE WELL, BUT SHE IS THINNER THAN WHEN WE SAW HER LAST, & NOT IN VERY GOOD LOOKS. *I SUPPOSE SHE HAS NOT RECOVERED FROM THE EFFECTS OF HER ILLNESS IN *DECEMBER. - *SHE CUTS HER HAIR TOO SHORT OVER HER FOREHEAD, & DOES NOT WEAR HER CAP FAR ENOUGH UPON HER HEAD - IN SPITE OF THESE MANY DISADVANTAGES HOWEVER, *I CAN STILL ADMIRE HER BEAUTY. - *THEY ALL DINE HERE TODAY. *MUCH GOOD MAY IT DO US ALL. *WILLIAM & *TOM ARE MUCH AS USUAL; *CAROLINE IS IMPROVED IN HER PERSON ; *I THINK HER NOW REALLY A PRETTY *CHILD. *SHE IS STILL VERY SHY, & DOES NOT TALK MUCH. *FULWAR GOES NEXT MONTH INTO *GLOUCESTERSHIRE, *LEICESTERSHIRE & *WARWICKSHIRE, & *ELIZA SPENDS THE TIME OF HIS ABSENCE AT *IBTHROP & *DEANE ; SHE HOPES THEREFORE TO SEE YOU BEFORE IT IS LONG. *LORD *CRAVEN WAS PREVENTED BY *COMPANY AT HOME, FROM PAYING HIS VISIT AT *KINTBURY, BUT AS *I TOLD YOU BEFORE, *ELIZA IS GREATLY PLEASED WITH HIM, & THEY SEEM LIKELY TO BE ON THE MOST FRIENDLY TERMS. - *MARTHA RETURNS INTO THIS COUNTRY NEXT TUESDAY, & THEN BEGINS HER TWO VISITS AT

*DEANE. - *I EXPECT TO SEE *MISS *BIGG EVERY DAY, TO FIX THE TIME FOR MY GOING TO *MANYDOWN ; *I THINK IT WILL BE NEXT WEEK, & *I SHALL GIVE YOU NOTICE OF IT IF *I CAN, THAT YOU MAY DIRECT TO ME THERE. - *THE *NEIGHBOURHOOD HAVE QUITE RECOVERED THE DEATH OF *MRS. *RIDER - SO MUCH SO, THAT *I THINK THEY ARE RATHER REJOICED AT IT NOW ; HER THINGS WERE SO VERY DEAR ! - & *MRS. *ROGERS IS TO BE ALL THAT IS DESIRABLE. *NOT EVEN *DEATH ITSELF CAN FIX THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE *WORLD. - *YOU ARE NOT TO GIVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE OF GOING TO *PENLINGTONS WHEN YOU ARE IN *TOWN ; MY FATHER IS TO SETTLE THE MATTER WHEN HE GOES THERE HIMSELF ; *YOU ARE ONLY TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE OF THE *BILLS OF HIS IN YOUR HANDS, & *I DARE SAY WILL NOT BE SORRY TO BE EXCUSED THE REST OF THE BUSINESS. - $*THURSDAY.$ *OUR PARTY YESTER+ DAY/ WAS VERY QUIETLY PLEASANT. *TODAY WE ALL ATTACK *ASH *PARK, & TOMORROW *I DINE AGAIN AT *DEANE. *WHAT AN EVENTFUL WEEK ! - *ELIZA LEFT ME A MESSAGE FOR YOU WHICH *I HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN DELIVERING ; SHE WILL WRITE TO YOU & SEND YOU YOUR *MONEY NEXT *SUNDAY. - *MARY HAS LIKEWISE A MESSAGE - . *SHE WILL BE MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU IF YOU CAN BRING HER THE PATTERN OF THE *JACKET & *TROWSERS, OR WHATEVER IT IS, THAT *ELIZ*'S BOYS WEAR WHEN THEY ARE FIRST PUT INTO BREECHES - ; OR IF YOU COULD BRING HER AN OLD SUIT ITSELF SHE WOULD BE VERY GLAD, BUT THAT *I SUPPOSE IS HARDLY DO-ABLE. *I AM HAPPY TO HEAR OF *MRS. *KNIGHT'S AMENDMENT, WHATEVER MIGHT BE HER COMPLAINT. *I CANNOT THINK SO ILL OF HER HOWEVER IN SPITE OF YOUR INSINUATIONS, AS TO SUSPECT HER OF HAVING LAIN-IN. - *I DO NOT THINK SHE WOULD BE BETRAYED BEYOND AN $*ACCIDENT$ AT THE UTMOST. - *THE *WYLMOTS BEING ROBBED MUST BE AN AMUSING THING TO THEIR ACQUAINTANCE, & *I HOPE IT IS AS MUCH THEIR

PLEASURE AS IT SEEMS THEIR AVOCATION TO BE SUBJECTS OF GENERAL *ENTERTAINMENT. - *I HAVE A GREAT MIND NOT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECEIPT OF YOUR LETTER, WHICH *I HAVE JUST HAD THE PLEASURE OF READING, BECAUSE *I AM SO ASHAMED TO COMPARE THE SPRAWLING LINES OF THIS WITH IT ! - *BUT IF *I SAY ALL THAT *I HAVE TO SAY, *I HOPE *I HAVE NO REASON TO HANG MYSELF. - *CAROLINE WAS ONLY BROUGHT TO BED ON THE 7TH** OF THIS MONTH, SO THAT HER RECOVERY DOES SEEM PRETTY RAPID. - *I HAVE HEARD TWICE FROM *EDWARD ON THE OCCASION, & HIS LETTERS HAVE EACH BEEN EXACTLY WHAT THEY OUGHT TO BE - CHEARFUL & AMUSING. - *HE DARES NOT WRITE OTHERWISE TO $ME - $BUT PERHAPS HE MIGHT BE OBLIGED TO PURGE HIMSELF FROM THE GUILT OF WRITING *NONSENSE BY FILLING HIS SHOES WITH WHOLE PEASE FOR A WEEK AFTERWARDS. - *MRS. *G. HAS LEFT HIM 100\. - HIS WIFE & SON 500\. EACH. *I JOIN WITH YOU IN WISHING FOR THE *ENVIRONS OF *LAURA PLACE, BUT DO NOT VENTURE TO EXPECT IT. - *MY *MOTHER HANKERS AFTER THE *SQUARE DREAD+ FULLY/, & IT IS BUT NATURAL TO SUPPOSE THAT MY *UNCLE WILL TAKE $HER$ PART. - *IT WOULD BE VERY PLEASANT TO BE NEAR *SIDNEY *GARDENS ! - WE MIGHT GO INTO THE *LABYRINTH EVERY DAY. - *YOU NEED NOT ENDEAVOUR TO MATCH MY MOTHER'S MOURNING *CALICO - , SHE DOES NOT MEAN TO MAKE IT UP ANY MORE. - *WHY DID NOT *J. D. MAKE HIS PROPOSALS TO YOU ? *I SUPPOSE HE WENT TO SEE THE *CATHE+ DRAL/, THAT HE MIGHT KNOW HOW HE SHOULD LIKE TO BE MARRIED IN IT. - *FANNY SHALL HAVE THE *BOARDING-SCHOOL AS SOON AS HER *PAPA GIVES ME AN OPPORTUNITY OF SENDING IT - & *I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER *I MAY NOT BY THAT TIME HAVE WORKED MYSELF UP INTO SO GENEROUS A FIT AS TO GIVE IT TO HER FOR EVER. - $*WE$ HAVE A *BALL ON *THURSDAY TOO - . *I EXPECT TO GO TO IT FROM *MANYDOWN. - *DO NOT BE SURPRISED, OR

IMAGINE THAT *FRANK IS COME IF *I WRITE AGAIN SOON. *IT WILL ONLY BE TO SAY THAT *I AM GOING TO *M--- & TO ANSWER YOUR [QUES]TION ABOUT MY *GOWN. *STEVENTON : *SUNDAY *JANUARY 25. *I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT *MANYDOWN, BUT *I WRITE BECAUSE YOU WILL EXPECT TO HEAR FROM ME, AND BECAUSE IF *I WAITED ANOTHER DAY OR TWO, *I HOPE YOUR VISIT TO *GOODNESTONE WOULD MAKE MY LETTER TOO LATE IN ITS ARRIVAL. *I DARE SAY *I SHALL BE AT *M. IN THE COURSE OF THIS WEEK, BUT AS IT IS NOT CERTAIN YOU WILL DIRECT TO ME AT HOME. *I SHALL WANT TWO NEW COLOURED GOWNS FOR THE SUM+ MER/, FOR MY PINK ONE WILL NOT DO MORE THAN CLEAR ME FROM *STEVENTON. *I SHALL NOT TROUBLE YOU, HOWEVER, TO GET MORE THAN ONE OF THEM, AND THAT IS TO BE A PLAIN BROWN CAMBRIC MUSLIN, FOR MORNING WEAR ; THE OTHER, WHICH IS TO BE A VERY PRETTY YELLOW AND WHITE CLOUD, *I MEAN TO BUY IN *BATH. *BUY TWO BROWN ONES, IF YOU PLEASE, AND BOTH OF A LENGTH, BUT ONE LONGER THAN THE OTHER - IT IS FOR A TALL WOMAN. *SEVEN YARDS FOR MY MOTHER, SEVEN YARDS AND A HALF FOR ME ; A DARK BROWN, BUT THE KIND OF BROWN IS LEFT TO YOUR OWN CHOICE, AND *I HAD RATHER THEY WERE DIFFERENT, AS IT WILL BE ALWAYS SOMETHING TO SAY, TO DISPUTE ABOUT WHICH IS THE PRETTIEST. *THEY MUST BE CAMBRIC MUSLIN. *HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS COLD WEATHER ? *I HOPE YOU HAVE ALL BEEN EARNESTLY PRAYING FOR IT AS A SALUTARY

RELIEF FROM THE DREADFULLY MILD AND UNHEALTHY SEASON PRECEDING IT, FANCYING YOURSELF HALF PUTRIFIED FROM THE WANT OF IT, AND THAT NOW YOU ALL DRAW INTO THE FIRE, COMPLAIN THAT YOU NEVER FELT SUCH BITTERNESS OF COLD BEFORE, THAT YOU ARE HALF STARVED, QUITE FROZEN, AND WISH THE MILD WEATHER BACK AGAIN WITH ALL YOUR HEARTS. *YOUR UNFORTUNATE SISTER WAS BETRAYED LAST *THURSDAY INTO A SITUATION OF THE UTMOST CRUELTY. *I ARRIVED AT *ASHE *PARK BEFORE THE *PARTY FROM *DEANE, AND WAS SHUT UP IN THE DRAWING-ROOM WITH *MR. *HOLDER ALONE FOR TEN MINUTES. *I HAD SOME THOUGHTS OF INSISTING ON THE HOUSEKEEPER OR *MARY *CORBETT BEING SENT FOR, AND NOTHING COULD PREVAIL ON ME TO MOVE TWO STEPS FROM THE DOOR, ON THE LOCK OF WHICH *I KEPT ONE HAND CONSTANTLY FIXED. *WE MET NOBODY BUT OURSELVES, PLAYED AT $VINGT-UN$ AGAIN, AND WERE VERY CROSS. *ON *FRIDAY *I WOUND UP MY FOUR DAYS OF DISSIPATION BY MEETING *WILLIAM *DIGWEED AT *DEANE, AND AM PRETTY WELL, *I THANK YOU, AFTER IT. *WHILE *I WAS THERE A SUDDEN FALL OF SNOW RENDERED THE ROADS IMPASSABLE, AND MADE MY JOURNEY HOME IN THE LITTLE CARRIAGE MUCH MORE EASY AND AGREEABLE THAN MY JOURNEY DOWN. *FULWAR AND *ELIZA LEFT *DEANE YESTERDAY. *YOU WILL BE GLAD TO HEAR THAT *MARY IS GOING TO KEEP ANOTHER MAID. *I FANCY *SALLY IS TOO MUCH OF A SERVANT TO FIND TIME FOR EVERYTHING, AND *MARY THINKS *EDWARD IS NOT SO MUCH OUT OF DOORS AS HE OUGHT TO BE ; THERE IS THERE+ FORE/ TO BE A GIRL IN THE NURSERY. *I WOULD NOT GIVE MUCH FOR *MR. *RICE'S CHANCE OF LIVING AT *DEANE ; HE BUILDS HIS HOPE, *I FIND, NOT UPON ANYTHING THAT HIS MOTHER HAS WRITTEN, BUT UPON THE EFFECT OF WHAT HE HAS WRITTEN HIMSELF. *HE MUST WRITE A GREAT DEAL BETTER THAN THOSE EYES INDICATE IF HE CAN

PERSUADE A PERVERSE AND NARROW-MINDED WOMAN TO OBLIGE THOSE WHOM SHE DOES NOT LOVE. *YOUR BROTHER *EDWARD MAKES VERY HONOURABLE MEN+ TION/ OF YOU, *I ASSURE YOU, IN HIS LETTER TO *JAMES, AND SEEMS QUITE SORRY TO PART WITH YOU. *IT IS A GREAT COM+ FORT/ TO ME TO THINK THAT MY CARES HAVE NOT BEEN THROWN AWAY, AND THAT YOU ARE RESPECTED IN THE WORLD. *PERHAPS YOU MAY BE PREVAILED ON TO RETURN WITH HIM AND *ELIZABETH INTO *KENT, WHEN THEY LEAVE US IN *APRIL, AND *I RATHER SUSPECT THAT YOUR GREAT WISH OF KEEPING YOURSELF DISENGAGED HAS BEEN WITH THAT VIEW. *DO AS YOU LIKE ; *I HAVE OVERCOME MY DESIRE OF YOUR GOING TO *BATH WITH MY MOTHER AND ME. *THERE IS NOTHING WHICH ENERGY WILL NOT BRING ONE TO. *EDWARD *COOPER IS SO KIND AS TO WANT US ALL TO COME TO *HAMSTALL THIS SUMMER, INSTEAD OF GOING TO THE SEA, BUT WE ARE NOT SO KIND AS TO MEAN TO DO IT. *THE SUMMER AFTER, IF YOU PLEASE, *MR. *COOPER, BUT FOR THE PRESENT WE GREATLY PREFER THE SEA TO ALL OUR RELATIONS. *I DARE SAY YOU WILL SPEND A VERY PLEASANT THREE WEEKS IN TOWN. *I HOPE YOU WILL SEE EVERYTHING WORTHY NOTICE, FROM THE *OPERA *HOUSE TO *HENRY'S OFFICE IN *CLEVELAND *COURT ; AND *I SHALL EXPECT YOU TO LAY IN A STOCK OF INTELLIGENCE THAT MAY PROCURE ME AMUSE+ MENT/ FOR A TWELVEMONTH TO COME. *YOU WILL HAVE A TURKEY FROM *STEVENTON WHILE YOU ARE THERE, AND PRAY NOTE DOWN HOW MANY FULL COURSES OF EXQUISITE DISHES *M. *HALAVANT CONVERTS IT INTO. *I CANNOT WRITE ANY CLOSER. *NEITHER MY AFFECTION FOR YOU NOR FOR LETTER-WRITING CAN STAND OUT AGAINST A *KENTISH VISIT. *FOR A THREE MONTHS' ABSENCE *I CAN BE A VERY LOVING RELATION AND A VERY EXCELLENT CORRESPONDENT, BUT BEYOND THAT *I DEGENERATE INTO NEGLIGENCE AND INDIFFERENCE.

*I WISH YOU A VERY PLEASANT BALL ON *THURSDAY, AND MYSELF ANOTHER, AND *MARY AND *MARTHA A THIRD, BUT THEY WILL NOT HAVE THEIRS TILL *FRIDAY, AS THEY HAVE A SCHEME FOR THE *NEWBURY *ASSEMBLY. *NANNY'S HUSBAND IS DECIDEDLY AGAINST HER QUITTING SERVICE IN SUCH TIMES AS THESE, AND *I BELIEVE WOULD BE VERY GLAD TO HAVE HER CONTINUE WITH US. *IN SOME RESPECTS SHE WOULD BE A GREAT COMFORT, AND IN SOME WE SHOULD WISH FOR A DIFFERENT SORT OF SERVANT. *THE WASH+ ING/ WOULD BE THE GREATEST EVIL. *NOTHING IS SETTLED, HOWEVER, AT PRESENT WITH HER, BUT *I SHOULD THINK IT WOULD BE AS WELL FOR ALL PARTIES IF SHE COULD SUIT HERSELF IN THE MEANWHILE SOMEWHERE NEARER HER HUSBAND AND CHILD THAN *BATH. *MRS. *H. RICE'S PLACE WOULD BE VERY LIKELY TO DO FOR HER. *IT IS NOT MANY, AS SHE IS HERSELF AWARE, THAT SHE IS QUALIFIED FOR. *MY MOTHER HAS NOT BEEN SO WELL FOR MANY MONTHS AS SHE IS NOW. *ADIEU. *YOURS SINCERELY, *J. A. *MANYDOWN *WEDNESDAY *FEB 11TH** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *AS *I HAVE NO *MR* *SMITHSON TO WRITE OF $*I$ CAN DATE MY LETTERS. - *YOURS TO MY *MOTHER HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO ME THIS MORNING, WITH A REQUEST THAT *I WOULD TAKE

ON ME THE OFFICE OF ACKNOWLEDGING IT. *I SHOULD NOT HOWEVER HAVE THOUGHT IT NECESSARY TO WRITE SO SOON, BUT FOR THE ARRIVAL OF A LETTER FROM *CHARLES TO MYSELF. - *IT WAS WRITTEN LAST *SATURDAY FROM OFF THE *START, & CONVEYED TO *POPHAM *LANE BY *CAPTN* *BOYLE IN HIS WAY TO *MIDGHAM. *HE CAME FROM *LISBON IN THE *ENDYMION, & *I WILL COPY *CHARLES' ACCOUNT OF HIS CONJECTURES ABOUT *FRANK. - " *HE HAS NOT SEEN MY BROTHER LATELY, NOR DOES HE EXPECT TO FIND HIM ARRIVED, AS HE MET *CAPT: *INGLIS AT *RHODES GOING UP TO TAKE COMMAND OF THE *PETTEREL AS HE WAS COMING DOWN, BUT SUPPOSES HE WILL ARRIVE IN LESS THAN A FORTNIGHT FROM THIS TIME, IN SOME SHIP WHICH IS EXPECTED TO REACH *ENGLAND ABOUT THAT TIME WITH DIS+ PATCHES/ FROM *SIR *RALPH *ABERCROMBIE." - *THE EVENT MUST SHEW WHAT SORT OF A *CONJUROR *CAPT: *BOYLE IS. - *THE *ENDYMION HAS NOT BEEN PLAGUED WITH ANY MORE PRIZES. - *CHARLES SPENT THREE PLEASANT DAYS IN *LISBON. - *THEY WERE VERY WELL SATISFIED WITH THEIR *ROYAL *PAS+ SENGER/, WHOM THEY FOUND FAT, JOLLY & AFFABLE, WHO TALKS OF *LY *AUGUSTA AS HIS WIFE & SEEMS MUCH ATTACHED TO HER. - *WHEN THIS LETTER WAS WRITTEN, THE *ENDYMION WAS BECALMED, BUT *CHARLES HOPED TO REACH *PORTSMOUTH BY MONDAY OR TUESDAY ; AND AS HE PARTICULARLY ENQUIRES FOR *HENRY'S DIRECTION, YOU WILL E'ER LONG *I SUPPOSE RECEIVE FURTHER INTELLIGENCE OF HIM ; *HE RECEIVED MY LETTER, COMMUNICATING OUR PLANS, BEFORE HE LEFT *ENGLAND, WAS MUCH SURPRISED OF COURSE, BUT IS QUITE RECONCILED TO THEM, & MEANS TO COME TO *STEVENTON ONCE MORE WHILE *STEVENTON IS OURS. - *SUCH *I BELEIVE ARE ALL THE PARTICULARS OF HIS *LETTER, THAT ARE WORTHY OF TRAVELLING INTO THE *REGIONS OF *WIT, *ELE+ GANCE/, FASHION, *ELEPHANTS & *KANGAROONS. *MY VISIT TO *MISS *LYFORD BEGINS TOMORROW, & ENDS ON *SATURDAY,

DAY/ WHEN *I SHALL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF RETURNING HERE AT NO EXPENCE AS THE *CARRIAGE MUST TAKE *CATH: TO *BASINGSTOKE. - *SHE MEDITATES YOUR RETURNING INTO *HAMPSHIRE TOGETHER, & IF THE *TIME SHOULD ACCORD, IT WOULD NOT BE UNDESIRABLE. *SHE TALKS OF STAYING ONLY A FORTNIGHT, & AS THAT WILL BRING YOUR STAY IN *BERKELEY *STREET TO THREE WEEKS, *I SUPPOSE YOU WOULD NOT WISH TO MAKE IT LONGER. - *DO NOT LET THIS HOWEVER RETARD YOUR COMING DOWN, IF YOU HAD INTENDED A MUCH EARLIER RETURN. - *I SUPPOSE WHENEVER YOU COME, *HENRY WOULD SEND YOU IN HIS CARRIAGE A STAGE OR TWO, WHERE YOU MIGHT BE MET BY *JOHN, WHOSE PROTECTION YOU WOULD WE IMAGINE THINK SUFFICIENT FOR THE REST OF YOUR *JOURNEY. *HE MIGHT RIDE ON THE *BAR, OR MIGHT EVEN SOMETIMES MEET WITH THE ACCOMODATION OF A SUNDAY-+ CHAISE/. - *JAMES HAS OFFERED TO MEET YOU ANYWHERE, BUT AS THAT WOULD BE TO GIVE HIM TROUBLE WITHOUT ANY COUNTERPOISE OF CONVENIENCE, AS HE HAS NO INTENTION OF GOING TO *LONDON AT PRESENT ON HIS OWN ACCOUNT, WE SUPPOSE THAT YOU WOULD RATHER ACCEPT THE ATTEN+ TIONS/ OF *JOHN. - *WE SPEND OUR TIME HERE AS QUIETLY AS USUAL. *ONE LONG MORNING VISIT IS WHAT GENERALLY OCCURS, & SUCH A ONE TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY. *WE WENT TO *BAUGHERST. *THE PLACE IS NOT SO PRETTY AS *I EXPECTED, BUT PERHAPS THE *SEASON MAY BE AGAINST THE BEAUTY OF *COUNTRY. *THE HOUSE SEEMED TO HAVE ALL THE COMFORTS OF LITTLE *CHILDREN, DIRT & LITTER. *MR* DYSON AS USUAL LOOKED WILD, & *MRS** DYSON AS USUAL LOOKED BIG. - *MR* *BRAMSTON CALLED HERE THE MORNING BEFORE, - ET VOILA TOUT. - *I HOPE YOU ARE AS WELL SATISFIED WITH HAVING MY COLOURED *MUSLIN *GOWN AS A WHITE ONE. *EVERYBODY SENDS THEIR *LOVE - & *I AM SINCERELY YOURS *J *A.

*PARAGON : *TUESDAY *MAY 5 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF WRITING FROM MY $OWN$ ROOM UP TWO PAIR OF STAIRS, WITH EVERYTHING VERY COMFORT+ ABLE/ ABOUT ME. *OUR JOURNEY HERE WAS PERFECTLY FREE FROM ACCIDENT OR EVENT ; WE CHANGED HORSES AT THE END OF EVERY STAGE, AND PAID AT ALMOST EVERY TURNPIKE. *WE HAD CHARMING WEATHER, HARDLY ANY DUST, AND WERE EXCEED+ INGLY/ AGREEABLE, AS WE DID NOT SPEAK ABOVE ONCE IN THREE MILES. *BETWEEN *LUGGERSHALL AND *EVERLEY WE MADE OUR GRAND MEAL, AND THEN WITH ADMIRING ASTONISHMENT PERCEIVED IN WHAT A MAGNIFICENT MANNER OUR SUPPORT HAD BEEN PROVIDED FOR. *WE COULD NOT WITH THE UTMOST EXERTION CONSUME ABOVE THE TWENTIETH PART OF THE BEEF. *THE CUCUMBER WILL, *I BELIEVE, BE A VERY ACCEPT+ ABLE/ PRESENT, AS MY UNCLE TALKS OF HAVING INQUIRED THE PRICE OF ONE LATELY, WHEN HE WAS TOLD A SHILLING. *WE HAD A VERY NEAT CHAISE FROM *DEVIZES ; IT LOOKED ALMOST AS WELL AS A GENTLEMAN'S, AT LEAST AS A VERY SHABBY GENTLEMAN'S ; IN SPITE OF THIS ADVANTAGE, HOW+ EVER/, WE WERE ABOVE THREE HOURS COMING FROM THENCE TO *PARAGON, AND IT WAS HALF AFTER SEVEN BY YOUR CLOCKS BEFORE WE ENTERED THE HOUSE. *FRANK, WHOSE BLACK HEAD WAS IN WAITING IN THE *HALL WINDOW, RECEIVED US VERY KINDLY ; AND HIS MASTER AND

MISTRESS DID NOT SHOW LESS CORDIALITY. *THEY BOTH LOOK VERY WELL, THOUGH MY AUNT HAS A VIOLENT COUGH. *WE DRANK TEA AS SOON AS WE ARRIVED, AND SO ENDS THE ACCOUNT OF OUR JOURNEY, WHICH MY MOTHER BORE WITHOUT ANY FATIGUE. *HOW DO YOU DO TO-DAY ? *I HOPE YOU IMPROVE IN SLEEPING - *I THINK YOU MUST, BECAUSE *I FALL OFF ; *I HAVE BEEN AWAKE EVER SINCE FIVE AND SOONER ; *I FANCY *I HAD TOO MUCH CLOTHES OVER ME ; *I THOUGHT *I $SHOULD$ BY THE FEEL OF THEM BEFORE *I WENT TO BED, BUT *I HAD NOT COURAGE TO ALTER THEM. *I AM WARMER HERE WITHOUT ANY FIRE THAN *I HAVE BEEN LATELY WITH AN EXCELLENT ONE. *WELL, AND SO THE GOOD NEWS IS CONFIRMED, AND *MARTHA TRIUMPHS. *MY UNCLE AND AUNT SEEMED QUITE SURPRISED THAT YOU AND MY FATHER WERE NOT COMING SOONER. *I HAVE GIVEN THE SOAP AND THE BASKET, AND EACH HAVE BEEN KINDLY RECEIVED. $*ONE$ THING ONLY AMONG ALL OUR CONCERNS HAS NOT ARRIVED IN SAFETY : WHEN *I GOT INTO THE CHAISE AT *DEVIZES *I DISCOVERED THAT YOUR DRAWING RULER WAS BROKE IN TWO ; IT IS JUST AT THE TOP WHERE THE CROSS-PIECE IS FASTENED ON. *I BEG PARDON. *THERE IS TO BE ONLY ONE MORE BALL - NEXT *MONDAY IS THE DAY. *THE *CHAMBERLAYNES ARE STILL HERE. *I BEGIN TO THINK BETTER OF *MRS. *C - -, AND UPON RECOLLECTION BELIEVE SHE HAS RATHER A LONG CHIN THAN OTHERWISE, AS SHE REMEMBERS US IN *GLOUCESTERSHIRE WHEN WE WERE VERY CHARMING YOUNG WOMEN. *THE FIRST VIEW OF *BATH IN FINE WEATHER DOES NOT ANSWER MY EXPECTATIONS ; *I THINK *I SEE MORE DISTINCTLY THROUGH RAIN. *THE SUN WAS GOT BEHIND EVERYTHING, AND THE APPEARANCE OF THE PLACE FROM THE TOP OF *KINGS+ DOWN/ WAS ALL VAPOUR, SHADOW, SMOKE, AND CONFUSION,

*I FANCY WE ARE TO HAVE A HOUSE IN *SEYMOUR *STREET, OR THEREABOUTS. *MY UNCLE AND AUNT BOTH LIKE THE SITUATION. *I WAS GLAD TO HEAR THE FORMER TALK OF ALL THE HOUSES IN *NEW *KING *STREET AS TOO SMALL ; IT WAS MY OWN IDEA OF THEM. *I HAD NOT BEEN TWO MINUTES IN THE DINING-ROOM BEFORE HE QUESTIONED ME WITH ALL HIS ACCUSTOMARY EAGER INTEREST ABOUT *FRANK AND *CHARLES, THEIR VIEWS AND INTENTIONS. *I DID MY BEST TO GIVE INFORMATION. *I AM NOT WITHOUT HOPES OF TEMPTING *MRS. *LLOYD TO SETTLE IN *BATH ; MEAT IS ONLY 8D. PER POUND, BUTTER 12D., AND CHEESE 91#2D. *YOU MUST CAREFULLY CONCEAL FROM HER, HOWEVER, THE EXORBITANT PRICE OF FISH : A SALMON HAS BEEN SOLD AT 2S. 9D. PER POUND THE WHOLE FISH. *THE *DUCHESS OF *YORK'S REMOVAL IS EXPECTED TO MAKE THAT ARTICLE MORE REASONABLE - AND TILL IT REALLY APPEARS SO, SAY NOTHING ABOUT SALMON. $*TUESDAY NIGHT$. - *WHEN MY UNCLE WENT TO TAKE HIS SECOND GLASS OF WATER *I WALKED WITH HIM, AND IN OUR MORNING'S CIRCUIT WE LOOKED AT TWO HOUSES IN *GREEN *PARK *BUILDINGS, ONE OF WHICH PLEASED ME VERY WELL. *WE WALKED ALL OVER IT EXCEPT INTO THE GARRET ; THE DINING-ROOM IS OF A COMFORTABLE SIZE, JUST AS LARGE AS YOU LIKE TO FANCY IT ; THE SECOND ROOM ABOUT 14 FT. SQUARE. *THE APARTMENT OVER THE DRAWING-ROOM PLEASED ME PARTICULARLY, BECAUSE IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO, THE SMALLER ONE A VERY NICE-SIZED DRESSING-ROOM, WHICH UPON OCCASION MIGHT ADMIT A BED. *THE ASPECT IS SOUTH-EAST. *THE ONLY DOUBT IS ABOUT THE DAMPNESS OF THE OFFICES, OF WHICH THERE WERE SYMPTOMS. $*WEDNESDAY$. - *MRS. *MUSSELL HAS GOT MY GOWN, AND *I WILL ENDEAVOUR TO EXPLAIN WHAT HER INTENTIONS ARE. *IT IS TO BE A ROUND GOWN, WITH A JACKET AND A FROCK

FRONT, LIKE *CATH. *BIGG'S, TO OPEN AT THE SIDE. *THE JACKET IS ALL IN ONE WITH THE BODY, AND COMES AS FAR AS THE POCKET-HOLES - ABOUT HALF A QUARTER OF A YARD DEEP, *I SUPPOSE, ALL THE WAY ROUND, CUT OFF STRAIGHT AT THE CORNERS WITH A BROAD HEM. *NO FULNESS APPEARS EITHER IN THE BODY OR THE FLAP ; THE BACK IS QUITE PLAIN IN THIS FORM, AND THE SIDES EQUALLY SO. *THE FRONT IS SLOPED ROUND TO THE BOSOM AND DRAW IN, AND THERE IS TO BE A FRILL OF THE SAME TO PUT ON OCCASIONALLY WHEN ALL ONE'S HANDKERCHIEFS ARE DIRTY - WHICH FRILL $MUST$ FALL BACK. *SHE IS TO PUT TWO BREADTHS AND A-HALF IN THE TAIL, AND NO GORES - GORES NOT BEING SO MUCH WORN AS THEY WERE. *THERE IS NOTHING NEW IN THE SLEEVES : THEY ARE TO BE PLAIN, WITH A FULNESS OF THE SAME FALLING DOWN AND GATHERED UP UNDERNEATH, JUST LIKE SOME OF *MARTHA'S, OR PERHAPS A LITTLE LONGER. *LOW IN THE BACK BEHIND, AND A BELT OF THE SAME. *I CAN THINK OF NOTHING MORE, THOUGH *I AM AFRAID OF NOT BEING PARTICULAR ENOUGH. *MY MOTHER HAS ORDERED A NEW BONNET, AND SO HAVE *I; BOTH WHITE STRIP, TRIMMED WITH WHITE RIBBON. *I FIND MY STRAW BONNET LOOKING VERY MUCH LIKE OTHER PEOPLE'S, AND QUITE AS SMART. *BONNETS OF CAMBRIC MUSLIN ON THE PLAN OF *LADY *BRIDGES' ARE A GOOD DEAL WORN, AND SOME OF THEM ARE VERY PRETTY ; BUT *I SHALL DEFER ONE OF THAT SORT TILL YOUR ARRIVAL. *BATH IS GETTING SO VERY EMPTY THAT *I AM NOT AFRAID OF DOING TOO LITTLE. *BLACK GAUZE CLOAKS ARE WORN AS MUCH AS ANYTHING. *I SHALL WRITE AGAIN IN A DAY OR TWO. *BEST LOVE. *YOURS EVER, *J. *A. *WE HAVE HAD *MRS. *LILLINGSTONE AND THE *CHAMBER+ LAYNES/ TO CALL ON US. *MY MOTHER WAS VERY MUCH STRUCK WITH THE ODD LOOKS OF THE TWO LATTER ; $*I$ HAVE ONLY SEEN

$HER.$ *MRS. *BUSBY DRINKS TEA AND PLAYS AT CRIBBAGE HERE TO-MORROW ; AND ON *FRIDAY, *I BELIEVE, WE GO TO THE *CHAMBERLAYNES'. *LAST NIGHT WE WALKED BY THE *CANAL. *PARAGON *TUESDAY *MAY 12TH**. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *MY MOTHER HAS HEARD FROM *MARY & *I HAVE HEARD FROM *FRANK ; WE THEREFORE KNOW SOMETHING NOW OF OUR CONCERNS IN DISTANT QUARTERS, & YOU *I HOPE BY SOME MEANS OR OTHER ARE EQUALLY INSTRUCTED, FOR *I DO NOT FEEL INCLINED TO TRANSCRIBE THE LETTER OF EITHER. - *YOU KNOW FROM *ELIZABETH *I DARE SAY THAT MY FATHER & *FRANK, DEFERRING THEIR VISIT TO *KIPPINGTON ON ACCOUNT OF *MR. *M. *AUSTEN'S ABSENCE ARE TO BE AT *GODMERSHAM TODAY ; & *JAMES *I DARE SAY HAS BEEN OVER TO *IBTHROP BY THIS TIME TO ENQUIRE PARTICULARLY AFTER *MRS. *LLOYD'S HEALTH, & FORESTALL WHATEVER INTELLIGENCE OF THE SALE *I MIGHT ATTEMPT TO GIVE. - *SIXTY-ONE GUINEAS & A HALF FOR THE THREE COWS GIVES ONE SOME SUPPORT UNDER THE BLOW OF ONLY *ELEVEN *GUINEAS FOR THE *TABLES. *EIGHT FOR MY *PIANOFORTE, IS ABOUT WHAT *I REALLY EXPECTED TO GET ; *I AM MORE ANXIOUS TO KNOW THE AMOUNT OF MY BOOKS, ESPECIALLY AS THEY ARE SAID TO HAVE SOLD WELL. - *MY *ADVENTURES SINCE *I WROTE LAST, HAVE NOT BEEN VERY NUMEROUS ; BUT SUCH AS THEY ARE, THEY ARE MUCH AT YOUR SERVICE. - *WE MET NOT A CREATURE AT *MRS. *LILLINGSTONE'S, & YET WERE NOT SO VERY STUPID AS *I EXPECTED,

WHICH *I ATTRIBUTE TO MY WEARING MY NEW BONNET & BEING IN GOOD LOOKS. - *ON *SUNDAY WE WENT TO *CHURCH TWICE, & AFTER EVENING SERVICE WALKED A LITTLE IN THE *CRESCENT FIELDS, BUT FOUND IT TOO COLD TO STAY LONG. *YESTERDAY MORNING WE LOOKED INTO A HOUSE IN *SEYMOUR *ST: WHICH THERE IS REASON TO SUPPOSE WILL SOON BE EMPTY, AND AS WE ARE ASSURED FROM MANY QUARTERS THAT NO INCONVENIENCE FROM THE RIVER IS FELT IN THOSE *BUILDINGS, WE ARE AT LIBERTY TO FIX IN THEM IF WE CAN ; - BUT THIS HOUSE WAS NOT INVITING ; - THE LARGEST ROOM DOWNSTAIRS, WAS NOT MUCH MORE THAN FOURTEEN FEET SQUARE, WITH A WESTERN ASPECT. - *IN THE EVENING *I HOPE YOU HONOURED MY *TOILETTE & *BALL WITH A THOUGHT ; *I DRESSED MYSELF AS WELL AS *I COULD, & HAD ALL MY FINERY MUCH ADMIRED AT HOME. *BY NINE O'CLOCK MY *UNCLE, *AUNT & *I ENTERED THE ROOMS & LINKED *MISS *WINSTONE ON TO US. - *BEFORE TEA, IT WAS RATHER A DULL AFFAIR ; BUT THEN THE BEFORE TEA DID NOT LAST LONG, FOR THERE WAS ONLY ONE DANCE, DANCED BY FOUR COUPLE. - *THINK OF FOUR COUPLE, SURROUNDED BY ABOUT AN HUNDRED PEOPLE, DANCING IN THE UPPER *ROOMS AT *BATH ! - *AFTER TEA WE $CHEERED UP ;$ THE BREAKING UP OF PRIVATE PARTIES SENT SOME SCORES MORE TO THE *BALL, & THO' IT WAS SHOCKINGLY & INHUMANLY THIN FOR THIS PLACE, THERE WERE PEOPLE ENOUGH *I SUPPOSE TO HAVE MADE FIVE OR SIX VERY PRETTY *BASINGSTOKE ASSEMBLIES. - *I THEN GOT *MR. *EVELYN TO TALK TO, & *MISS *TWISLETON TO LOOK AT ; AND *I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT *I HAVE A VERY GOOD EYE AT AN *ADULTRESS, FOR THO' REPEATEDLY ASSURED THAT ANOTHER IN THE SAME PARTY WAS THE $*SHE, *I$ FIXED UPON THE RIGHT ONE FROM THE FIRST. - *A RESEMBLANCE TO *MRS. *LEIGH WAS MY GUIDE. *SHE IS NOT SO PRETTY AS *I EXPECTED ; HER FACE HAS THE SAME DEFECT OF BALDNESS AS HER SISTER'S, & HER FEATURES

NOT SO HANDSOME ; - SHE WAS HIGHLY ROUGED, & LOOKED RATHER QUIETLY & CONTENTEDLY SILLY THAN ANYTHING ELSE. - *MRS. *BADCOCK & TWO YOUNG *WOMEN WERE OF THE SAME PARTY, EXCEPT WHEN *MRS. *BADCOCK THOUGHT HER+ SELF/ OBLIGED TO LEAVE THEM TO RUN ROUND THE ROOM AFTER HER DRUNKEN *HUSBAND. - *HIS AVOIDANCE, & HER PURSUIT, WITH THE PROBABLE INTOXICATION OF BOTH, WAS AN AMUSING SCENE. - *THE *EVELYNS RETURNED OUR VISIT ON SATURDAY ; - WE WERE VERY HAPPY TO MEET, & ALL THAT ; - THEY ARE GOING TOMORROW INTO *GLOUCESTERSHIRE, TO THE *DOLPHINS FOR TEN DAYS. - *OUR ACQUAINTANCE *MR. *WOODWARD IS JUST MARRIED TO A *MISS *ROWE, A YOUNG LADY RICH IN MONEY & MUSIC. - *I THANK YOU FOR YOUR *SUNDAY'S LETTER, IT IS VERY LONG & VERY AGREABLE - . *I FANCY YOU KNOW MANY MORE PARTICULARS OF OUR SALE THAN WE DO - ; WE HAVE HEARD THE PRICE OF NOTHING BUT THE *COWS, *BACON, *HAY, *HOPS, *TABLES, & MY FATHER'S *CHEST OF *DRAWERS & *STUDY *TABLE. - *MARY IS MORE MINUTE IN HER ACCOUNT OF THEIR OWN *GAINS THAN IN OURS - PROBABLY BEING BETTER INFORMED IN THEM. - *I WILL ATTEND TO *MRS. *LLOYD'S COMMISSION - & TO HER ABHORRENCE OF *MUSK WHEN *I WRITE AGAIN. - *I HAVE BESTOWED THREE CALLS OF ENQUIRY ON THE *MAPLETONS, & *I FANCY VERY BENEFICIAL ONES TO *MARIANNE, AS *I AM ALWAYS TOLD THAT SHE IS BETTER. *I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY OF THEM. - *HER COMPLAINT IS A BILLIOUS FEVER. - *I LIKE MY DARK GOWN VERY MUCH INDEED, COLOUR, MAKE, & EVERYTHING. - *I MEAN TO HAVE MY NEW WHITE ONE MADE UP NOW, IN CASE WE SHOULD GO TO THE ROOMS AGAIN NEXT MONDAY, WHICH IS TO BE REALLY THE LAST TIME. $*WEDNESDAY$. *ANOTHER STUPID PARTY LAST NIGHT ; PER+ HAPS/ IF LARGER THEY MIGHT BE LESS INTOLERABLE, BUT HERE THERE WERE ONLY JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE ONE CARD TABLE,

WITH SIX PEOPLE TO LOOK ON, & TALK NONSENSE TO EACH OTHER. *LY *FUST, *MRS. *BUSBY & A *MRS. *OWEN SAT DOWN WITH MY *UNCLE TO *WHIST WITHIN FIVE MINUTES AFTER THE THREE OLD $*TOUGHS$ CAME IN, & THERE THEY SAT WITH ONLY THE EXCHANGE OF *ADM: *STANHOPE FOR MY *UNCLE TILL THEIR CHAIRS WERE ANNOUNCED. - *I CANNOT ANYHOW CONTINUE TO FIND PEOPLE AGREABLE ; - *I RESPECT *MRS. *CHAMBERLAYNE FOR DOING HER HAIR WELL, BUT CANNOT FEEL A MORE TENDER SENTIMENT. - *MISS *LANGLEY IS LIKE ANY OTHER SHORT GIRL WITH A BROAD NOSE & WIDE MOUTH, FASHIONABLE DRESS, & EXPOSED BOSOM. - *ADM: *STANHOPE IS A GENTLEMANLIKE *MAN, BUT THEN HIS LEGS ARE TOO SHORT, & HIS TAIL TOO LONG. - *MRS. *STANHOPE COULD NOT COME ; *I FANCY SHE HAD A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT WITH *MR. *CHAMBERLAYNE, WHOM *I WISHED TO SEE MORE THAN ALL THE REST. - *MY UNCLE HAS QUITE GOT THE BETTER OF HIS LAMENESS, OR AT LEAST HIS WALKING WITH A STICK IS THE ONLY REMAINS OF IT. - *HE & *I ARE SOON TO TAKE THE LONG-PLANN'D WALK TO THE *CASSOON - & ON FRIDAY WE ARE ALL TO ACCOMPANY *MRS. *CHAMBERLAYNE & *MISS *LANGLEY TO *WESTON. *MY *MOTHER HAD A LETTER YESTERDAY FROM MY FATHER ; IT SEEMS AS IF THE *W. KENT SCHEME WERE ENTIRELY GIVEN UP. - *HE TALKS OF SPENDING A FORTNIGHT AT *GODMERSHAM & THEN RETURNING TO *TOWN. - *YRS** EVER *J. *A. *EXCEPTING A SLIGHT COLD, MY MOTHER IS VERY WELL ; SHE HAS BEEN QUITE FREE FROM FEVERISH OR BILLIOUS COM+ PLAINTS/ SINCE HER ARRIVAL HERE.

*PARAGON *THURSDAY *MAY 21ST**. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *TO MAKE LONG SENTENCES UPON UNPLEASANT SUBJECTS IS VERY ODIOUS, & *I SHALL THEREFORE GET RID OF THE ONE NOW UPPERMOST IN MY THOUGHTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. - *OUR VIEWS ON *G. *P. *BUILDINGS SEEM ALL AT AN END ; THE OBSERVATION OF THE DAMPS STILL REMAINING IN THE OFFICES OF AN HOUSE WHICH HAS BEEN ONLY VACATED A WEEK, WITH REPORTS OF DISCONTENTED FAMILIES & PUTRID FEVERS, HAS GIVEN THE COUP DE GRACE. - *WE HAVE NOW NOTHING IN VEIW. - *WHEN YOU ARRIVE, WE WILL AT LEAST HAVE THE PLEASURE OF EXAMINING SOME OF THESE PUTRIFYING *HOUSES AGAIN ; - THEY ARE SO VERY DESIRABLE IN SIZE & SITUATION, THAT THERE IS SOME SATISFACTION IN SPENDING TEN MINUTES WITHIN THEM. - *I WILL NOW ANSWER THE ENQUIRIES IN YOUR LAST LETTER. *I CANNOT LEARN ANY OTHER EXPLANATION OF THE COOLNESS BETWEEN MY *AUNT & *MISS *BOND THAN THAT THE LATTER FELT HERSELF SLIGHTED BY THE FORMER'S LEAVING *BATH LAST SUMMER WITHOUT CALLING TO SEE HER BEFORE SHE WENT. - *IT SEEMS THE ODDEST KIND OF QUARREL IN THE WORLD ; THEY NEVER VISIT, BUT *I BELEIVE THEY SPEAK VERY CIVILLY IF THEY MEET ; *MY *UNCLE & *MISS *BOND CERTAINLY DO. *THE 4 *BOXES OF *LOZENGES AT 1S-1D 1\2 PER BOX, AMOUNT AS *I WAS TOLD TO 4S-6D AND AS THE SUM WAS SO TRIFLING, *I THOUGHT IT BETTER TO PAY AT ONCE THAN CONTEST THE MATTER. *I HAVE JUST HEARD FROM *FRANK ;

MY FATHER'S PLANS ARE NOW FIXED ; YOU WILL SEE HIM AT *KINTBURY ON FRIDAY, AND UNLESS INCONVENIENT TO YOU WE ARE TO SEE YOU BOTH HERE ON *MONDAY THE 1ST** OF *JUNE. - *FRANK HAS AN INVITATION TO *MILGATE, WHICH *I BELEIVE HE MEANS TO ACCEPT. - *OUR PARTY AT *LY *FUST'S WAS MADE UP OF THE SAME SET OF PEOPLE THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY HEARD OF ; THE *WINSTONES, *MRS. *CHAMBERLAYNE, *MRS. *BUSBY, *MRS. *FRANKLYN & *MRS. *MARIA *SOMERVILLE ; YET *I THINK IT WAS NOT QUITE SO STUPID AS THE TWO PRECEDING PARTIES HERE. - *THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN *MRS. *CHAMBER+ LAYNE/ & ME WHICH YOU PREDICTED HAS ALREADY TAKEN PLACE, FOR WE SHAKE HANDS WHENEVER WE MEET. *OUR GRAND WALK TO *WESTON WAS AGAIN FIXED FOR *YESTERDAY, & WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN A VERY STRIKING MANNER ; *EVERY ONE OF THE PARTY DECLINED IT UNDER SOME PRETENCE OR OTHER EXCEPT OUR TWO SELVES, & WE HAD THEREFORE A TETE A TETE ; BUT $THAT$ WE SHOULD EQUALLY HAVE HAD AFTER THE FIRST TWO YARDS, HAD HALF THE *INHABITANTS OF *BATH SET OFF WITH US. - *IT WOULD HAVE AMUSED YOU TO SEE OUR PROGRESS ; - WE WENT UP BY *SION *HILL, & RETURNED ACROSS THE FIELDS ; - IN CLIMBING A HILL *MRS. *CHAMBERLAYNE IS VERY CAPITAL ; *I COULD WITH DIFFICULTY KEEP PACE WITH HER - YET WOULD NOT FLINCH FOR THE WORLD. - *ON PLAIN GROUND *I WAS QUITE HER EQUAL - AND SO WE POSTED AWAY UNDER A FINE HOT SUN, $*SHE$ WITHOUT ANY PARASOL OR ANY SHADE TO HER HAT, STOPPING FOR NOTHING, & CROSSING THE *CHURCH *YARD AT *WESTON WITH AS MUCH EXPEDITION AS IF WE WERE AFRAID OF BEING BURIED ALIVE. - *AFTER SEEING WHAT SHE IS EQUAL TO, *I CANNOT HELP FEELING A REGARD FOR HER. - *AS TO *AGREABLENESS, SHE IS MUCH LIKE OTHER PEOPLE. - *YESTERDAY *EVENING WE HAD A SHORT CALL FROM TWO OF THE *MISS *ARNOLDS, WHO CAME FROM *CHIPPENHAM ON *BUSINESS ; THEY ARE VERY CIVIL, AND NOT TOO GENTEEL,

AND UPON HEARING THAT WE WANTED A *HOUSE RECOM+ MENDED/ ONE AT *CHIPPENHAM. *THIS MORNING WE HAVE BEEN VISITTED AGAIN BY *MRS. & *MISS *HOLDER ; THEY WANTED US TO FIX AN EVENING FOR DRINKING TEA WITH THEM, BUT MY *MOTHER'S STILL REMAINING COLD ALLOWS HER TO DECLINE EVERYTHING OF THE KIND. - *AS $*I$ HAD A SEPARATE INVITATION HOWEVER, *I BELEIVE *I SHALL GO SOME AFTERNOON. *IT IS THE FASHION TO THINK THEM BOTH VERY DETESTABLE, BUT THEY ARE SO CIVIL, & THEIR GOWNS LOOK SO WHITE AND SO NICE (WHICH BY THE BYE MY *AUNT THINKS AN ABSURD PRETENSION IN THIS PLACE) THAT *I CANNOT UTTERLY ABHOR THEM, ESPECIALLY AS *MISS *HOLDER OWNS THAT SHE HAS NO TASTE FOR *MUSIC. - *AFTER THEY LEFT US, *I WENT WITH MY *MOTHER TO HELP LOOK AT SOME HOUSES IN *NEW *KING *STREET, TOWARDS WHICH SHE FELT SOME KIND OF INCLINA+ TION/ - BUT THEIR SIZE HAS NOW SATISFIED HER ; - THEY WERE SMALLER THAN *I EXPECTED TO FIND THEM. *ONE IN PARTICU+ LAR/ OUT OF THE TWO, WAS QUITE MONSTROUSLY LITTLE ; - THE BEST OF THE SITTINGROOMS NOT SO LARGE AS THE LITTLE PARLOUR AT *STEVENTON, AND THE SECOND ROOM IN EVERY FLOOR ABOUT CAPACIOUS ENOUGH TO ADMIT A VERY SMALL SINGLE BED. - *WE ARE TO HAVE A TINY PARTY HERE TONIGHT ; *I HATE TINY PARTIES - THEY FORCE ONE INTO CONSTANT EXERTION. - *MISS *EDWARDS & HER FATHER, *MRS. *BUSBY & HER NEPHEW *MR. *MAITLAND, & *MRS. *LILLINGSTONE ARE TO BE THE WHOLE ; - AND *I AM PREVENTED FROM SETTING MY BLACK CAP AT *MR. *MAITLAND BY HIS HAVING A WIFE & TEN CHILDREN. - *MY *AUNT HAS A VERY BAD COUGH ; DO NOT FORGET TO HAVE HEARD ABOUT $THAT$ WHEN YOU COME, & *I THINK SHE IS DEAFER THAN EVER. *MY *MOTHER'S COLD DISORDERED HER FOR SOME DAYS, BUT SHE SEEMS NOW VERY WELL ; - HER RESOLUTION AS TO REMAINING HERE, BEGINS TO GIVE WAY A LITTLE ; SHE WILL NOT LIKE BEING LEFT BEHIND,

& WILL BE GLAD TO COMPOUND *MATTERS WITH HER ENRAGED FAMILY. - *YOU WILL BE SORRY TO HEAR THAT *MARIANNE *MAPLETON'S DISORDER HAS ENDED FATALLY ; SHE WAS BELEIVED OUT OF DANGER ON *SUNDAY, BUT A SUDDEN RELAPSE CARRIED HER OFF THE NEXT DAY. - *SO AFFECTIONATE A FAMILY MUST SUFFER SEVERELY ; & MANY A GIRL ON EARLY DEATH HAS BEEN PRAISED INTO AN *ANGEL *I BELEIVE, ON SLIGHTER PRETENSIONS TO *BEAUTY, *SENSE & *MERIT THAN *MARIANNE. - *MR. *BENT SEEMS $BENT$ UPON BEING VERY DETESTABLE, FOR HE VALUES THE BOOKS AT ONLY 70\. *THE WHOLE *WORLD IS IN A CONSPIRACY TO ENRICH ONE PART OF OUR FAMILY AT THE EXPENCE OF ANOTHER. - *TEN SHILLINGS FOR *DODSLEY'S *POEMS HOWEVER PLEASE ME TO THE QUICK, & *I DO NOT CARE HOW OFTEN *I SELL THEM FOR AS MUCH. *WHEN *MRS. *BRAMSTON HAS READ THEM THROUGH *I WILL SELL THEM AGAIN. - *I SUPPOSE YOU CAN HEAR NOTHING OF YOUR *MAGNESIA. - $*FRIDAY$. *YOU HAVE A NICE DAY FOR YOUR *JOURNEY IN WHATEVER WAY IT IS TO BE PERFORMED - WHETHER IN THE *DEBARY'S *COACH OR ON YOUR OWN TWENTY TOES. - *WHEN YOU HAVE MADE *MARTHA'S BONNET YOU MUST MAKE HER A CLOAK OF THE SAME SORT OF MATERIALS ; THEY ARE VERY MUCH WORN HERE, IN DIFFERENT FORMS - MANY OF THEM JUST LIKE HER BLACK SILK SPENCER, WITH A TRIMMING ROUND THE ARMHOLES INSTEAD OF SLEEVES ; - SOME ARE LONG BEFORE, & SOME LONG ALL ROUND LIKE *C. BIGG'S. - *OUR PARTY LAST NIGHT SUPPLIED ME WITH NO NEW IDEA FOR MY *LETTER - . *YRS** EVER *J. *A. *THE *PICKFORDS ARE IN *BATH & HAVE CALLED HERE. - $*SHE$ IS THE MOST ELEGANT LOOKING *WOMAN *I HAVE SEEN SINCE *I LEFT *MARTHA - $*HE$ IS AS RAFFISH IN HIS APPEARANCE AS *I WOULD WISH EVERY *DISCIPLE OF *GODWIN TO BE. - *WE

DRINK TEA TONIGHT WITH *MRS. *BUSBY. - *I SCANDALIZED HER NEPHEW CRUELLY ; HE HAS BUT THREE CHILDREN INSTEAD OF *TEN. - *BEST *LOVE TO EVERYBODY. *PARAGON - *TUESDAY *MAY 26TH** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *FOR YOUR LETTER FROM *KINTBURY & FOR ALL THE COMPLI+ MENTS/ ON MY WRITING WHICH IT CONTAINED, *I NOW RETURN YOU MY BEST THANKS. - *I AM VERY GLAD THAT *MARTHA GOES TO *CHILTON ; A VERY ESSENTIAL TEMPORARY COMFORT HER PRESENCE MUST AFFORD TO *MRS** *CRAVEN, AND *I HOPE SHE WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAKE IT A LASTING ONE BY EXERTING THOSE KIND OFFICES IN FAVOUR OF THE YOUNG *MAN, FROM WHICH YOU WERE BOTH WITH-HELD IN THE CASE OF THE *HARRISON FAMILY BY THE MISTAKEN TENDERNESS OF ONE PART OF OURS. - *THE *ENDYMION CAME INTO *PORTSMOUTH ON *SUNDAY, & *I HAVE SENT *CHARLES A SHORT LETTER BY THIS DAY'S POST. - *MY ADVENTURES SINCE *I WROTE TO YOU THREE DAYS AGO HAVE BEEN SUCH AS THE TIME WOULD EASILY CONTAIN ; *I WALKED YESTERDAY MORNING WITH *MRS *CHAMBERLAYNE TO *LYNCOMBE & *WIDCOMBE, AND IN THE EVENING *I DRANK TEA WITH THE *HOLDERS. - *MRS *CHAMBER+ LAYNE'S/ PACE WAS NOT QUITE SO MAGNIFICENT ON THIS

SECOND TRIAL AS IN THE FIRST ; IT WAS NOTHING MORE THAN *I COULD KEEP UP WITH, WITHOUT EFFORT ; AND FOR MANY, MANY YARDS TOGETHER ON A RAISED NARROW FOOTPATH *I LED THE WAY. - *THE WALK WAS VERY BEAUTIFUL AS MY COM+ PANION/ AGREED, WHENEVER *I MADE THE OBSERVATION - *AND SO ENDS OUR FRIENDSHIP, FOR THE *CHAMBERLAYNES LEAVE *BATH IN A DAY OR TWO. - *PREPARE LIKEWISE FOR THE LOSS OF *LADY *FUST, AS YOU WILL LOSE BEFORE YOU FIND HER. - *MY EVENING VISIT WAS BY NO MEANS DISAGREABLE. *MRS** *LILLINGSTON CAME TO ENGAGE *MRS** *HOLDER'S CONVERSA+ TION/, & *MISS *HOLDER & *I ADJOURNED AFTER TEA INTO THE INNER *DRAWINGROOM TO LOOK OVER *PRINTS & TALK PATHETICALLY. *SHE IS VERY UNRESERVED & VERY FOND OF TALKING OF HER DECEASED BROTHER & SISTER, WHOSE MEMORIES SHE CHERISHES WITH AN ENTHUSIASM WHICH THO' PERHAPS A LITTLE AFFECTED, IS NOT UNPLEASING. *SHE HAS AN IDEA OF YOUR BEING REMARKABLY LIVELY ; THEREFORE GET READY THE PROPER SELECTION OF ADVERBS, & DUE SCRAPS OF *ITALIAN & *FRENCH. - *I MUST NOW PAUSE TO MAKE SOME OBSERVATION ON *MRS** *HEATHCOTE'S HAVING GOT A LITTLE *BOY ; *I WISH HER WELL TO WEAR IT OUT - & SHALL PROCEED. - *FRANK WRITES ME WORD THAT HE IS TO BE IN *LONDON TOMORROW ; SOME MONEY *NEGOCIATION FROM WHICH HE HOPES TO DERIVE ADVANTAGE, HASTENS HIM FROM *KENT, & WILL DETAIN HIM A FEW DAYS BEHIND MY FATHER IN *TOWN. - *I HAVE SEEN THE *MISS *MAPLETONS THIS MORNING ; *MARIANNE WAS BURIED YESTERDAY, AND *I CALLED WITHOUT EXPECTING TO BE LET IN, TO INQUIRE AFTER THEM ALL. - *ON THE SERVANT'S INVITATION HOWEVER *I SENT IN MY NAME, & JANE & *CHRISTIANA WHO WERE WALKING IN THE *GARDEN CAME TO ME IMMEDIATELY, AND *I SAT WITH THEM ABOUT TEN MINUTES. - *THEY LOOKED PALE & DEJECTED, BUT WERE MORE COMPOSED THAN *I HAD THOUGHT PROBABLE. - *WHEN

*I MENTIONED YOUR COMING HERE ON *MONDAY, THEY SAID THAT THEY SHOULD BE VERY GLAD TO SEE YOU. - *WE DRINK TEA TONIGHT WITH *MRS** LYSONS ; - *NOW THIS, SAYS *MY *MASTER WILL BE MIGHTY DULL. - *ON FRIDAY WE ARE TO HAVE ANOTHER PARTY, & A SETT OF NEW PEOPLE TO YOU. - *THE *BRADSHAWS & *GREAVES'S, ALL BELONGING TO ONE ANOTHER ; & *I HOPE THE *PICKFORDS. - *MRS** EVELYN CALLED VERY CIVILLY ON SUNDAY, TO TELL US THAT *MR* EVELYN HAD SEEN *MR* *PHILIPS THE PROPRIETOR OF *NO. 12 *G. *P. *B. AND THAT *MR* *PHILIPS WAS VERY WILLING TO RAISE THE KITCHEN FLOOR ; - BUT ALL THIS *I FEAR IS FRUITLESS - THO' THE WATER MAY BE KEPT OUT OF SIGHT, IT CANNOT BE SENT AWAY, NOR THE ILL EFFECTS OF ITS NEARNESS BE EXCLUDED. - *I HAVE NOTHING MORE TO SAY ON THE SUBJECT OF *HOUSES ; - EXCEPT THAT WE WERE MISTAKEN AS TO THE ASPECT OF THE ONE IN *SEYMOUR *STREET, WHICH INSTEAD OF BEING DUE WEST IS *NORTH-WEST. - *I ASSURE YOU IN SPITE OF WHAT *I MIGHT CHUSE TO INSINUATE IN A FORMER LETTER, THAT *I HAVE SEEN VERY LITTLE OF *MR *EVELYN SINCE MY COMING HERE ; *I MET HIM THIS MORNING FOR ONLY THE 4TH** TIME, & AS TO MY ANECDOTE ABOUT *SIDNEY *GARDENS, *I MADE THE MOST OF THE STORY BECAUSE IT CAME IN TO ADVANTAGE, BUT IN FACT HE ONLY ASKED ME WHETHER *I WERE TO BE AT *SIDNEY *GARDENS IN THE EVENING OR NOT. - *THERE IS NOW SOME+ THING/ LIKE AN ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN US & THE *PHAETON, WHICH TO CONFESS MY FRAILTY *I HAVE A GREAT DESIRE TO GO OUT IN ; - WHETHER IT WILL COME TO ANYTHING MUST REMAIN WITH HIM. - *I REALLY BELEIVE HE IS VERY HARMLESS ; PEOPLE DO NOT SEEM AFRAID OF HIM HERE, AND HE GETS *GROUNDSEL FOR HIS BIRDS & ALL THAT. - *MY *AUNT WILL NEVER BE EASY TILL SHE VISITS THEM ; - SHE HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY TRYING TO FANCY A NECESSITY FOR IT NOW ON OUR ACCOUNTS, BUT SHE MEETS WITH NO ENCOURAGEMENT. -

*SHE OUGHT TO BE PARTICULARLY SCRUPULOUS IN SUCH MATTERS & SHE SAYS SO HERSELF - BUT NEVERTHELESS.... *WELL - *I AM COME HOME FROM *MRS *LYSONS AS YELLOW AS *I WENT ; - YOU CANNOT LIKE YOUR YELLOW GOWN HALF SO WELL AS *I DO, NOR A QUARTER NEITHER. *MR *RICE & *LUCY ARE TO BE MARRIED, ONE ON THE 9TH** & THE OTHER ON THE 1OTH** OF *JULY. *YRS AFFELY** *J*A. $*WEDNESDAY$. - *I AM JUST RETURNED FROM MY AIRING IN THE VERY BEWITCHING *PHAETON & FOUR, FOR WHICH *I WAS PREPARED BY A NOTE FROM *MR* *E. SOON AFTER BREAKFAST : *WE WENT TO THE TOP OF *KINGSDOWN & HAD A VERY PLEASANT DRIVE : *ONE PLEASURE SUCCEEDS ANOTHER RAPIDLY - *ON MY RETURN *I FOUND YOUR LETTER & A LETTER FROM *CHARLES ON THE TABLE. *THE CONTENTS OF YOURS *I SUPPOSE *I NEED NOT REPEAT TO YOU ; TO THANK YOU FOR IT WILL BE ENOUGH. - *I GIVE *CHARLES GREAT CREDIT FOR REMEMBERING MY *UNCLE'S DIRECTION, & HE SEEMS RATHER SURPRISED AT IT HIMSELF. - *HE HAS RECEIVED 30\ FOR HIS SHARE OF THE PRIVATEER & EXPECTS 10\ MORE - BUT OF WHAT AVAIL IS IT TO TAKE PRIZES IF HE LAYS OUT THE PRODUCE IN PRESENTS TO HIS SISTERS. *HE HAS BEEN BUYING GOLD CHAINS & *TOPAZE CROSSES FOR US ; - HE MUST BE WELL SCOLDED. *THE *ENDYMION HAS ALREADY RECEIVED ORDERS FOR TAKING *TROOPS TO *EGYPT - WHICH *I SHOULD NOT LIKE AT ALL IF *I DID NOT TRUST TO *CHARLES' BEING REMOVED FROM HER SOMEHOW OR OTHER BEFORE SHE SAILS. *HE KNOWS NOTHING OF HIS OWN DESTINATION HE SAYS, - BUT DESIRES ME TO WRITE DIRECTLY AS THE *ENDYMION WILL PROBABLY SAIL IN 3 OR 4 DAYS. - *HE WILL RECEIVE MY YESTERDAY'S LETTER TODAY, AND *I SHALL WRITE AGAIN BY THIS POST TO THANK & REPROACH HIM. - *WE SHALL BE UNBEARABLY FINE. - *I HAVE MADE AN ENGAGEMENT FOR YOU FOR *THURSDAV THE 4TH OF

*JUNE ; IF MY MOTHER & AUNT SHOULD NOT GO TO THE FIRE+ WORKS/, WH* *I DARE SAY THEY WILL NOT, *I HAVE PROMISED TO JOIN *MR* *EVELYN & *MISS *WOOD. *MISS *WOOD HAS LIVED WITH THEM YOU KNOW EVER " SINCE MY SON DIED ". *I WILL ENGAGE *MRS** *MUSSELL AS YOU DESIRE. *SHE MADE MY DARK GOWN VERY WELL & MAY THEREFORE BE TRUSTED *I HOPE WITH YOURS - BUT SHE DOES NOT ALWAYS SUCCEED WITH LIGHTER COLOURS. - *MY WHITE ONE *I WAS OBLIGED TO ALTER A GOOD DEAL. *UNLESS ANYTHING PARTICULAR OCCURS *I SHALL NOT WRITE AGAIN. *LYME *FRIDAY *SEPT 14. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I TAKE THE FIRST SHEET OF THIS FINE STRIPED PAPER TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER FROM *WEYMOUTH, AND EXPRESS MY HOPES OF YOUR BEING AT *IBTHROP BEFORE THIS TIME. *I EXPECT TO HEAR THAT YOU REACHED IT YESTERDAY EVENING, BEING ABLE TO GET AS FAR AS *BLANDFORD ON *WEDNESDAY. *YOUR ACCOUNT OF *WEYMOUTH CONTAINS NOTHING WHICH STRIKES ME SO FORCIBLY AS THERE BEING NO ICE IN THE TOWN. *FOR EVERY OTHER VEXATION *I WAS IN SOME MEASURE PRE+ PARED/, AND PARTICULARLY FOR YOUR DISAPPOINTMENT IN NOT SEEING THE *ROYAL *FAMILY GO ON BOARD ON *TUESDAY, HAVING ALREADY HEARD FROM *MR. *CRAWFORD THAT HE HAD SEEN YOU IN THE VERY ACT OF BEING TOO LATE, BUT FOR THERE BEING NO ICE WHAT COULD PREPARE ME ? *WEYMOUTH

IS ALTOGETHER A SHOCKING PLACE, *I PERCEIVE, WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION OF ANY KIND, & WORTHY ONLY OF BEING FREQUENTED BY THE INHABITANTS OF *GLOUCESTER. *I AM REALLY VERY GLAD THAT WE DID NOT GO THERE, & THAT *HENRY & *ELIZA SAW NOTHING IN IT TO MAKE THEM FEEL DIFFERENTLY. *YOU FOUND MY LETTER AT *ANDOVER, *I HOPE, YESTERDAY, AND HAVE NOW FOR MANY HOURS BEEN SATISFIED THAT YOUR KIND ANXIETY ON MY BEHALF WAS AS MUCH THROWN AWAY AS KIND ANXIETY USUALLY IS. *I CONTINUE QUITE WELL ; IN PROOF OF WHICH *I HAVE BATHED AGAIN THIS MORNING. *IT WAS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY THAT *I SHOULD HAVE THE LITTLE FEVER AND INDISPOSITION WHICH *I HAD : IT HAS BEEN ALL THE FASHION THIS WEEK IN *LYME. *MISS *ANNA *COVE WAS CONFINED FOR A DAY OR TWO & HER *MOTHER THINKS SHE WAS SAVED ONLY BY A TIMELY *EMETIC (PRESCRIBED BY *DR* *ROBINSON) FROM A SERIOUS ILLNESS & MISS *BONHAM HAS BEEN UNDER *MR* *CARPENTER'S CARE FOR SEVERAL DAYS WITH A SORT OF NERVOUS FEVER, & THO' SHE IS NOW WELL ENOUGH TO WALK ABROAD SHE IS STILL VERY TALL & DOES NOT COME TO THE *ROOMS. *WE ALL OF US ATTENDED THEM BOTH ON *WEDNESDAY EVENING & LAST EVENING *I SUPPOSE *I MUST SAY OR *MARTHA WILL THINK *MR* *PETER *DEBARY SLIGHTED. *MY MOTHER HAD HER POOL OF COMMERCE EACH NIGHT & DIVIDED THE FIRST WITH *LE *CHEVALIER, WHO WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO DIVIDE THE OTHER WITH SOMEBODY ELSE. *I HOPE HE WILL ALWAYS WIN ENOUGH TO EMPOWER HIM TO TREAT HIMSELF WITH SO GREAT AN INDULGENCE AS CARDS MUST BE TO HIM. *HE ENQUIRED PARTICULARLY AFTER YOU, NOT BEING AWARE OF YOUR DE+ PARTURE/. *WE ARE QUITE SETTLED IN OUR *LODGINGS BY THIS TIME AS YOU MAY SUPPOSE, & EVERYTHING GOES ON IN THE USUAL ORDER. *THE SERVANTS BEHAVE VERY WELL, & MAKE NO DIFFICULTIES, THO' NOTHING CERTAINLY CAN EXCEED THE

INCONVENIENCE OF THE OFFICES, EXCEPT THE GENERAL DIRTI+ NESS/ OF THE HOUSE & FURNITURE & ALL ITS INHABITANTS. *HITHERTO THE WEATHER HAS BEEN JUST WHAT WE COULD WISH - THE CONTINUANCE OF THE DRY SEASON IS VERY NECESSARY TO OUR COMFORT. *I ENDEAVOUR AS FAR AS *I CAN TO SUPPLY YOUR PLACE & BE USEFUL, & KEEP THINGS IN ORDER. *I DETECT DIRT IN THE WATER-DECANTER AS FAST AS *I CAN & GIVE THE *COOK PHYSIC WHICH SHE THROWS OFF HER STOMACH. *I FORGET WHETHER SHE USED TO DO THIS, UNDER YOUR ADMINISTRATION. *JAMES IS THE DELIGHT OF OUR LIVES, HE IS QUITE AN UNCLE *TOBY'S ANNUITY TO US. *MY MOTHER'S SHOES WERE NEVER SO WELL BLACKED BEFORE, & OUR PLATE NEVER LOOKED SO CLEAN. *HE WAITS EXTREMELY WELL, IS ATTENTIVE, HANDY, QUICK AND QUIET, & IN SHORT HAS A GREAT MANY MORE THAN ALL THE CARDINAL VIRTUES (FOR THE CARDINAL VIRTUES IN THEMSELVES HAVE BEEN SO OFTEN POSSESSED THAT THEY ARE NO LONGER WORTH HAVING) & AMONGST THE REST, THAT OF WISHING TO GO TO *BATH, AS *I UNDERSTAND FROM *JENNY. *HE HAS THE LAUDABLE THIRST *I FANCY FOR TRAVELLING, WHICH IN POOR *JAMES *SELBY WAS SO MUCH REPROBATED ; & PART OF HIS DIS+ APPOINTMENT/ IN NOT GOING WITH HIS MASTER, AROSE FROM HIS WISH OF SEEING *LONDON. *MY MOTHER IS AT THIS MOMENT READING A LETTER FROM MY AUNT. *YOURS TO *MISS *IRVINE OF WHICH SHE HAD HAD THE PERUSAL (WHICH BY THE BYE IN YOUR PLACE *I SHOULD NOT LIKE) HAS THROWN THEM INTO A QUANDARY ABOUT *CHARLES & HIS PROSPECTS. *THE CASE IS THAT MY MOTHER HAD PREVIOUSLY TOLD MY AUNT, WITHOUT RESTRICTION, THAT A SLOOP (WHICH MY AUNT CALLS A *FRIGATE) WAS RESERVED IN THE *EAST FOR *CHARLES ; WHEREAS YOU HAD REPLIED TO *MISS *IRVINE'S ENQUIRIES ON THE SUBJECT WITH LESS EXPLICITNESS & MORE CAUTION. *NEVER MIND, LET THEM PUZZLE ON TOGETHER.

*AS *CHARLES WILL EQUALLY GO TO THE *E. INDIES, MY UNCLE CANNOT BE REALLY UNEASY, & MY AUNT MAY DO WHAT SHE LIKES WITH HER FRIGATES. *SHE TALKS A GREAT DEAL OF THE VIOLENT HEAT OF THE WEATHER - WE KNOW NOTHING OF IT HERE. *MY UNCLE HAS BEEN SUFFERING A GOOD DEAL LATELY ; THEY MEAN HOWEVER TO GO TO *SCARLETS ABOUT THIS TIME UNLESS PREVENTED BY BAD ACCOUNTS OF *COOK. *THE *COLES HAVE GOT THEIR INFAMOUS PLATE UPON OUR DOOR. *I DARE SAY $THAT$ MAKES A GREAT PART OF THE MASSY PLATE SO MUCH TALKED OF. *THE *IRVINES' HOUSE IS NEARLY COMPLETED. *I BELIEVE THEY ARE TO GET INTO IT ON *TUESDAY : MY AUNT OWNS IT TO HAVE A COMFORTABLE APPEARANCE, & ONLY " HOPES THE KITCHEN MAY NOT BE DAMP ". *I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM *CHARLES YET, WHICH RATHER SURPRISES ME - SOME INGENIOUS ADDITION OF HIS OWN TO THE PROPER DIRECTION PERHAPS PREVENTS MY RECEIVING HIS LETTER. *I HAVE WRITTEN TO *BULLER & *I HAVE WRITTEN TO *MR* *PYNE, ON THE SUBJECT OF THE BROKEN LID ; IT WAS VALUED BY *ANNING HERE WE WERE TOLD AT FIVE SHILLINGS, & AS THAT APPEARED TO US BEYOND THE VALUE OF ALL THE FURNITURE IN THE ROOM TOGETHER, WE HAVE REFERRED OURSELVES TO THE OWNER. *THE *BALL LAST NIGHT WAS PLEASANT, BUT NOT FULL FOR *THURSDAY. *MY FATHER STAID VERY CONTENTEDLY TILL HALF-PAST NINE (WE WENT A LITTLE AFTER EIGHT), AND THEN WALKED HOME WITH *JAMES AND A LANTHORN, THOUGH *I BELIEVE THE LANTHORN WAS NOT LIT, AS THE MOON WAS UP ; BUT THIS LANTHORN MAY SOMETIMES BE A GREAT CONVENIENCE TO HIM. *MY MOTHER AND *I STAID ABOUT AN HOUR LATER. *NOBODY ASKED ME THE TWO FIRST DANCES ; THE TWO NEXT *I DANCED WITH *MR. *CRAWFORD, AND HAD *I CHOSEN TO STAY LONGER MIGHT HAVE DANCED WITH *MR. *GRANVILLE, *MRS. *GRAN+ VILLE'S/ SON, WHOM MY DEAR FRIEND *MISS *ARMSTRONG

OFFERED TO INTRODUCE TO ME, OR WITH A NEW ODD-LOOKING MAN WHO HAD BEEN EYEING ME FOR SOME TIME, AND AT LAST, WITHOUT ANY INTRODUCTION, ASKED ME IF *I MEANT TO DANCE AGAIN. *I THINK HE MUST BE *IRISH BY HIS EASE, AND BECAUSE *I IMAGINE HIM TO BELONG TO THE HONBL** *BARNWALLS, WHO ARE THE SON, AND SON'S WIFE OF AN *IRISH VISCOUNT, BOLD QUEER-LOOKING PEOPLE, JUST FIT TO BE QUALITY AT *LYME. *MRS. *FRASER (?) & THE *SCHUYLERS WENT AWAY - *I DO NOT KNOW WHERE - LAST *TUESDAY FOR SOME DAYS & WHEN THEY RETURN THE *SCHUYLERS *I UNDER+ STAND/ ARE TO REMAIN HERE A VERY LITTLE WHILE LONGER. *I CALLED YESTERDAY MORNING (OUGHT IT NOT IN STRICT PROPRIETY TO BE TERMED YESTER-MORNING ?) ON *MISS *ARMSTRONG AND WAS INTRODUCED TO HER FATHER AND MOTHER. *LIKE OTHER YOUNG LADIES SHE IS CONSIDERABLY GENTEELER THAN HER PARENTS. *MRS. *ARMSTRONG SAT DARNING A PAIR OF STOCKINGS THE WHOLE OF MY VISIT. *BUT *I DO NOT MENTION THIS AT HOME, LEST A WARNING SHOULD ACT AS AN EXAMPLE. *WE AFTERWARDS WALKED TOGETHER FOR AN HOUR ON THE *COBB ; SHE IS VERY CON+ VERSEABLE/ IN A COMMON WAY ; *I DO NOT PERCEIVE WIT OR GENIUS, BUT SHE HAS SENSE AND SOME DEGREE OF TASTE, AND HER MANNERS ARE VERY ENGAGING. *SHE SEEMS TO LIKE PEOPLE RATHER TOO EASILY. *SHE THOUGHT THE *DOWNES PLEASANT ETC ETC. *I HAVE SEEN NOTHING OF *MR* & *MRS** *MANHOOD. *MY AUNT MENTIONS *MRS. *HOLDER'S BEING RETURNED FROM *CHELTENHAM SO HER SUMMER ENDS BEFORE THEIRS BEGINS. *HOOPER WAS HEARD OF WELL AT THE *MADEIRAS. *ELIZA WOULD ENVY HIM. *I HOPE *MARTHA THINKS YOU LOOKING BETTER THAN WHEN SHE SAW YOU IN *BATH. *JENNY HAS FASTENED UP MY HAIR TO-DAY IN THE SAME MANNER THAT SHE USED TO DO UP *MISS *LLOYD'S - WHICH MAKES US BOTH VERY HAPPY. *I NEED NOT SAY THAT

WE ARE PARTICULARLY ANXIOUS FOR YOUR NEXT LETTER TO KNOW HOW YOU FIND *MRS** *LLOYD & *MARTHA. *SAY EVERYTHING KIND FOR US TO THE LATTER. *THE FORMER *I FEAR MUST BE BEYOND ANY REMEMBRANCE OF OR FROM THE ABSENT. *YRS** AFFECLY** *J. *A. *FRIDAY *EVENG*. *THE BATHING WAS SO DELIGHTFUL THIS MORNING & *MOLLY SO PRESSING WITH ME TO ENJOY MYSELF THAT *I BELIEVE *I STAID IN RATHER TOO LONG, AS SINCE THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY *I HAVE FELT UNREASONABLY TIRED. *I SHALL BE MORE CAREFUL ANOTHER TIME, & SHALL NOT BATHE TO-MORROW AS *I HAD BEFORE INTENDED. *JENNY & *JAMES ARE WALKED TO *CHARMOUTH THIS AFTERNOON. *I AM GLAD TO HAVE SUCH AN AMUSEMENT FOR HIM, AS *I AM VERY ANXIOUS FOR HIS BEING AT ONCE QUIET & HAPPY. *HE CAN READ, & *I MUST GET HIM SOME BOOKS. *UNFOR+ TUNATELY/ HE HAS READ THE 1ST** VOL. OF *ROBINSON *CRUSOE. *WE HAVE THE *PINCKARDS NEWSPAPER HOWEVER WHICH *I SHALL TAKE CARE TO LEND HIM. *GREEN *PARK *BGS** MONDAY *JANRY** 21ST** *MY DEAREST *FRANK *I HAVE MELANCHOLY NEWS TO RELATE, & SINCERELY FEEL FOR YOUR FEELINGS UNDER THE SHOCK OF IT. - *I WISH *I COULD BETTER PREPARE YOU FOR IT. *BUT HAVING SAID SO MUCH,

YOUR MIND WILL ALREADY FORESTALL THE SORT OF EVENT WHICH *I HAVE TO COMMUNICATE. - *OUR DEAR *FATHER HAS CLOSED HIS VIRTUOUS & HAPPY LIFE, IN A DEATH ALMOST AS FREE FROM SUFFERING AS HIS *CHILDREN COULD HAVE WISHED. - *HE WAS TAKEN ILL ON *SATURDAY MORNING, EXACTLY IN THE SAME WAY AS HERETOFORE, AN OPPRESSION IN THE HEAD, WITH FEVER, VIOLENT TREMULOUSNESS, & THE GREATEST DEGREE OF *FEEBLENESS. *THE SAME REMEDY OF *CUPPING, WHICH HAD BEFORE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL, WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLIED TO - BUT WITHOUT SUCH HAPPY EFFECTS. *THE ATTACK WAS MORE VIOLENT, & AT FIRST HE SEEMED SCARCELY AT ALL RELEIVED BY THE OPERATION. - *TOWARDS THE *EVENING HOWEVER HE GOT BETTER, HAD A TOLERABLE NIGHT, & YESTERDAY MORNING WAS SO GREATLY AMENDED AS TO GET UP & JOIN US AT BREAKFAST AS USUAL, & WALK ABOUT WITH ONLY THE HELP OF A STICK, & EVERY SYMPTOM WAS THEN SO FAVOURABLE THAT WHEN *BOWEN SAW HIM AT ONE, HE FELT SURE OF HIS DOING PERFECTLY WELL. - *BUT AS THE DAY ADVANCED, ALL THESE COMFORTABLE APPEARANCES GRADUALLY CHANGED ; THE FEVER GREW STRONGER THAN EVER, & WHEN *BOWEN SAW HIM AT TEN AT NIGHT, HE PRONOUNC'D HIS SITUATION TO BE MOST ALARMING. - *AT NINE THIS MORNING HE CAME AGAIN - & BY HIS DESIRE A *PHYSICIAN WAS CALLED IN ; - *DR. *GIBBS - *BUT IT WAS THEN ABSOLUTELY A LOST CASE - . *DR. *GIBBS SAID THAT NOTHING BUT A *MIRACLE COULD SAVE HIM, AND ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES AFTER *TEN HE DREW HIS LAST GASP. - *HEAVY AS IS THE BLOW, WE CAN ALREADY FEEL THAT A THOUSAND COMFORTS REMAIN TO US TO SOFTEN IT. *NEXT TO THAT OF THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIS WORTH & CONSTANT PREPARATION FOR ANOTHER *WORLD, IS THE REMEMBRANCE OF HIS HAVING SUFFERED, COMPARA+ TIVELY/ SPEAKING, NOTHING. *BEING QUITE INSENSIBLE OF HIS OWN STATE, HE WAS SPARED ALL THE PAIN OF SEPARATION,

& HE WENT OFF ALMOST IN HIS *SLEEP. - *MY *MOTHER BEARS THE *SHOCK AS WELL AS POSSIBLE ; SHE WAS QUITE PREPARED FOR IT, & FEELS ALL THE BLESSING OF HIS BEING SPARED A LONG *ILLNESS. *MY *UNCLE & *AUNT HAVE BEEN WITH US, & SHEW US EVERY IMAGINABLE KINDNESS. *AND TO-+ MORROW/ WE SHALL *I DARE SAY HAVE THE COMFORT OF *JAMES'S PRESENCE, AS AN EXPRESS HAS BEEN SENT TO HIM. - *WE WRITE ALSO OF COURSE TO *GODMERSHAM & *BROMPTON. *ADIEU MY DEAREST *FRANK. *THE LOSS OF SUCH A *PARENT MUST BE FELT, OR WE SHOULD BE *BRUTES - . *I WISH *I COULD HAVE GIVEN YOU BETTER PREPARATION - BUT IT HAS BEEN IMPOSSIBLE. - *YOURS *EVER AFFECLY** *J *A. *GREEN *PARK *BGS** TUESDAY *EVENG*, *JANRY** 22D* *MY DEAREST *FRANK *I WROTE TO YOU YESTERDAY ; BUT YOUR LETTER TO *CASSANDRA THIS MORNING, BY WHICH WE LEARN THE PRO+ BABILITY/ OF YOUR BEING BY THIS TIME AT *PORTSMOUTH, OBLIGES ME TO WRITE TO YOU AGAIN, HAVING UNFORTUNATELY A COMMUNICATION AS NECESSARY AS PAINFUL TO MAKE TO YOU. - *YOUR AFFECTIONATE HEART WILL BE GREATLY WOUNDED, & *I WISH THE SHOCK COULD HAVE BEEN LESSEN'D BY A BETTER PREPARATION ; - BUT THE *EVENT HAS BEEN SUDDEN, & SO MUST BE THE INFORMATION OF IT. *WE HAVE LOST AN *EXCELLENT *FATHER. - *AN ILLNESS OF ONLY EIGHT & FORTY HOURS CARRIED HIM OFF YESTERDAY MORNING BETWEEN TEN

& ELEVEN. *HE WAS SEIZED ON SATURDAY WITH A RETURN OF THE FEVERISH COMPLAINT, WHICH HE HAD BEEN SUBJECT TO FOR THE THREE LAST YEARS ; EVIDENTLY A MORE VIOLENT ATTACK FROM THE FIRST, AS THE APPLICATIONS WHICH HAD BEFORE PRODUCED ALMOST IMMEDIATE RELEIF, SEEMED FOR SOME TIME TO AFFORD HIM SCARCELY ANY. - *ON *SUNDAY HOWEVER HE WAS MUCH BETTER, SO MUCH SO AS TO MAKE *BOWEN QUITE EASY, & GIVE US EVERY HOPE OF HIS BEING WELL AGAIN IN A FEW DAYS. - *BUT THESE HOPES GRADUALLY GAVE WAY AS THE DAY ADVANCED, & WHEN *BOWEN SAW HIM AT TEN THAT NIGHT HE WAS GREATLY ALARMED. - *A *PHYSICIAN WAS CALLED IN YESTERDAY MORNING, BUT HE WAS AT THAT TIME PAST ALL POSSIBILITY OF CURE - & *DR. *GIBBS AND *MR. *BOWEN HAD SCARCELY LEFT HIS ROOM BEFORE HE SUNK INTO A *SLEEP FROM WHICH HE NEVER WOKE. - *EVERYTHING *I TRUST & BELEIVE WAS DONE FOR HIM THAT WAS POSSIBLE ! - *IT HAS BEEN VERY SUDDEN ! - WITHIN TWENTY FOUR HOURS OF HIS DEATH HE WAS WALKING WITH ONLY THE HELP OF A STICK, WAS EVEN READING ! - *WE HAD HOWEVER SOME HOURS OF PREPARATION, & WHEN WE UNDERSTOOD HIS RECOVERY TO BE HOPELESS, MOST FERVENTLY DID WE PRAY FOR THE SPEEDY RELEASE WHICH ENSUED. *TO HAVE SEEN HIM LANGUISHING LONG, STRUGGLING FOR *HOURS, WOULD HAVE BEEN DREADFUL ! & THANK *GOD ! WE WERE ALL SPARED FROM IT. *EXCEPT THE RESTLESSNESS & CON+ FUSION/ OF HIGH *FEVER, HE DID NOT SUFFER - & HE WAS MERCIFULLY SPARED FROM KNOWING THAT HE WAS ABOUT TO QUIT THE *OBJECTS SO BELOVED, SO FONDLY CHERISHED AS HIS WIFE & *CHILDREN EVER WERE. - *HIS TENDERNESS AS A *FATHER, WHO CAN DO JUSTICE TO ? - *MY *MOTHER IS TOLERABLY WELL ; SHE BEARS UP WITH GREAT FORTITUDE, BUT *I FEAR HER HEALTH MUST SUFFER UNDER SUCH A SHOCK. - *AN EXPRESS WAS SENT FOR *JAMES, & HE ARRIVED HERE THIS

MORNING BEFORE EIGHT O'CLOCK. - *THE FUNERAL IS TO BE ON *SATURDAY, AT *WALCOT *CHURCH. - *THE *SERENITY OF THE *CORPSE IS MOST DELIGHTFUL ! - *IT PRESERVES THE SWEET, BENEVOLENT SMILE WHICH ALWAYS DISTINGUISHED HIM. - *THEY KINDLY PRESS MY *MOTHER TO REMOVE TO *STEVENTON AS SOON AS IT IS ALL OVER, BUT *I DO NOT BELEIVE SHE WILL LEAVE *BATH AT PRESENT. *WE MUST HAVE THIS HOUSE FOR THREE MONTHS LONGER, & HERE WE SHALL PROBABLY STAY TILL THE END OF THAT TIME. - *WE ALL UNITE IN *LOVE, & *I AM AFFECLY** *YOURS *J *A. *GREEN *PARK *BGS** *TUESDAY *JANRY** 29. *MY DEAREST *FRANK *MY *MOTHER HAS FOUND AMONG OUR DEAR *FATHER'S LITTLE PERSONAL PROPERTY, A SMALL ASTRONOMICAL *INSTRU+ MENT/ WHICH SHE HOPES YOU WILL ACCEPT FOR HIS SAKE. *IT IS, *I BELEIVE A *COMPASS & *SUN-*DIAL, & IS IN A *BLACK CHAGREEN *CASE. *WOULD YOU HAVE IT SENT TO YOU NOW, & WITH WHAT DIRECTION ? - *THERE IS ALSO A PAIR OF SCISSARS FOR YOU. - *WE HOPE THESE ARE ARTICLES THAT MAY BE USEFUL TO YOU, BUT WE ARE SURE THEY WILL BE VALUABLE. - *I HAVE NOT TIME FOR MORE. *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *J *A.

25 *GAY *ST* *MONDAY *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *HERE IS A DAY FOR YOU ! *DID *BATH OR *IBTHROP EVER SEE A FINER 8TH** OF *APRIL ? - *IT IS *MARCH & *APRIL TOGETHER, THE GLARE OF ONE & THE WARMTH OF THE OTHER. *WE DO NOTHING BUT WALK ABOUT ; AS FAR AS YOUR MEANS WILL ADMIT *I HOPE YOU PROFIT BY SUCH WEATHER TOO. *I DARE SAY YOU ARE ALREADY THE BETTER FOR CHANGE OF PLACE. *WE WERE OUT AGAIN LAST NIGHT ; *MISS *IRVINE INVITED US, WHEN *I MET HER IN THE *CRESCENT, TO DRINK TEA WITH THEM, BUT *I RATHER DECLINED IT, HAVING NO IDEA THAT MY *MOTHER WOULD BE DISPOSED FOR ANOTHER *EVENING VISIT THERE SO SOON ; BUT WHEN *I GAVE HER THE MESSAGE *I FOUND HER VERY WELL INCLINED TO GO ; - AND ACCORDINGLY ON LEAVING *CHAPEL WE WALKED TO *LANSDOWN. - *RICHARD *CHAMBERLAYNE & A YOUNG *RIPLEY FROM *MR* *MORGAN'S SCHOOL, WERE THERE ; & OUR VISIT DID VERY WELL. - *THIS MORNING WE HAVE BEEN TO SEE *MISS *CHAMBERLAYNE LOOK HOT ON HORSEBACK. - *SEVEN YEARS & FOUR MONTHS AGO WE WENT TO THE SAME *RIDINGHOUSE TO SEE *MISS *LEFROY'S PERFORMANCE ! - *WHAT A DIFFERENT SET ARE WE NOW MOV+ ING/ IN ! *BUT SEVEN YEARS *I SUPPOSE ARE ENOUGH TO CHANGE EVERY PORE OF ONE'S SKIN, & EVERY FEELING OF ONE'S MIND. - *WE DID NOT WALK LONG IN THE *CRESCENT YESTERDAY, IT WAS HOT & NOT CROUDED ENOUGH ; SO WE WENT INTO THE FIELD, & PASSED CLOSE BY *STEPHEN *TERRY

AND *MISS *SEYMOUR AGAIN. - *I HAVE NOT YET SEEN HER FACE, BUT NEITHER HER DRESS NOR AIR HAVE ANYTHING OF THE *DASH OR *STILISHNESS WHICH THE *BROWNS TALKED OF ; QUITE THE CONTRARY INDEED, HER DRESS IS NOT EVEN SMART, & HER APPEARANCE VERY QUIET. *MISS *IRVINE SAYS SHE IS NEVER SPEAKING A WORD. *POOR *WRETCH, *I AM AFRAID SHE IS $EN *PENITENCE$. - *HERE HAS BEEN THAT EXCELLENT *MRS. *COULTHARD CALLING, WHILE MY *MOTHER WAS OUT & *I WAS BELEIVED TO BE SO ; *I ALWAYS RESPECTED HER AS A GOOD-HEARTED, FRIENDLY WOMAN ; - *AND THE *BROWNES HAVE BEEN HERE ; *I FIND THEIR AFFIDAVITS ON THE *TABLE. - *THE *AMBUSCADE REACHED *GIBRALTAR ON THE 9TH OF *MARCH AND FOUND ALL WELL ; SO SAY THE PAPERS. - *WE HAVE HAD NO LETTERS FROM ANYBODY, BUT *I EXPECT TO HEAR FROM *EDWARD TOMORROW, & FROM YOU SOON AFTER+ WARDS/. - *HOW HAPPY THEY ARE AT *GODMERSHAM NOW ! - *I SHALL BE VERY GLAD OF A LETTER FROM *IBTHROP, THAT *I MAY KNOW HOW YOU ALL ARE THERE, & PARTICULARLY YOURSELF. *THIS IS NICE WEATHER FOR *MRS** *J. *AUSTEN'S GOING TO *SPEEN, & *I HOPE SHE WILL HAVE A PLEASANT VISIT THERE. *I EXPECT A PRODIGIOUS ACCOUNT OF THE *CHRISTEN+ ING/ DINNER ; PERHAPS IT BROUGHT YOU AT LAST INTO THE COMPANY OF *MISS *DUNDAS AGAIN. - $*TUESDAY$. *I RECEIVED YOUR LETTER LAST NIGHT, & WISH IT MAY BE SOON FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER TO SAY THAT ALL IS OVER ; BUT *I CANNOT HELP THINKING THAT *NATURE WILL STRUGGLE AGAIN & PRODUCE A REVIVAL. *POOR WOMAN ! *MAY HER END BE PEACEFUL & EASY, AS THE *EXIT WE HAVE WITNESSED ! *AND *I DARE SAY IT WILL. *IF THERE IS NO REVIVAL, SUFFERING MUST BE ALL OVER ; EVEN THE CON+ SCIOUSNESS/ OF *EXISTENCE *I SUPPOSE WAS GONE WHEN YOU WROTE. *THE *NONSENSE *I HAVE BEEN WRITING IN THIS AND IN MY LAST LETTER, SEEMS OUT OF PLACE AT SUCH A TIME ;

BUT *I WILL NOT MIND IT, IT WILL DO YOU NO HARM, & NOBODY ELSE WILL BE ATTACKED BY IT. - *I AM HEARTILY GLAD THAT YOU CAN SPEAK SO COMFORTABLY OF YOUR OWN HEALTH & LOOKS, THO' *I CAN SCARCELY COMPREHEND THE LATTER BEING REALLY APPROVED. *COULD TRAVELLING FIFTY MILES PRODUCE SUCH AN IMMEDIATE CHANGE ? - *YOU WERE LOOKING SO VERY POORLY HERE ; EVERYBODY SEEM'D SENSIBLE OF IT. - *IS THERE A CHARM IN AN HACK POSTCHAISE ? - *BUT IF THERE WERE, *MRS. *CRAVEN'S CARRIAGE MIGHT HAVE UNDONE IT ALL. - *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR THE TIME & TROUBLE YOU HAVE BESTOWED ON *MARY'S CAP, & AM GLAD IT PLEASES HER ; BUT IT WILL PROVE A USELESS GIFT AT PRESENT *I SUPPOSE. - *WILL NOT SHE LEAVE *IBTHROP ON HER *MOTHER'S DEATH ? - *AS A COMPANION *YOU WILL BE ALL THAT *MARTHA CAN BE SUPPOSED TO WANT ; & IN THAT LIGHT, UNDER THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES YOUR VISIT WILL INDEED HAVE BEEN WELL-+ TIMED/, & YOUR PRESENCE & SUPPORT HAVE THE UTMOST VALUE. - *MISS *IRVINE SPENT YESTERDAY *EVENING WITH US, & WE HAD A VERY PLEASANT WALK TO *TWERTON. *ON OUR RETURN WE HEARD WITH MUCH SURPRISE THAT *MR* *BULLER HAD CALLED WHILE WE WERE OUT. *HE LEFT HIS ADDRESS, & *I AM JUST RETURNED FROM SEEING HIM & HIS WIFE IN THEIR *LODGINGS, 7 *BATH *ST*. *HIS *ERRAND AS YOU MAY SUPPOSE, IS HEALTH. *IT HAD BEEN OFTEN RECOMMENDED TO HIM TO TRY *BATH, BUT HIS COMING NOW SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN CHIEFLY IN CONSEQUENCE OF HIS SISTER *SUSAN'S WISH THAT HE WOULD PUT HIMSELF UNDER THE CARE OF *MR* *BOWEN. - *HAVING SO VERY LATELY HEARD FROM *COLYTON & THAT ACCOUNT SO TOLERABLE, *I WAS VERY MUCH ASTON+ ISHED/ - BUT *BULLER HAS BEEN WORSE AGAIN SINCE HE WROTE TO ME. - *HIS *HABIT HAS ALWAYS BEEN BILLIOUS, BUT *I AM AFRAID IT MUST BE TOO LATE FOR THESE WATERS TO DO HIM ANY GOOD ; FOR THO' HE IS ALTOGETHER IN A MORE COMFORTABLE

STATE AS TO *SPIRITS & APPETITE THAN WHEN *I SAW HIM LAST, & SEEMS EQUAL TO A GOOD DEAL OF QUIET WALKING, HIS APPEARANCE HAS EXACTLY THAT OF A CONFIRMED *DECLINE. - *THE *CHILDREN ARE NOT COME, SO THAT POOR *MRS** *BULLER IS AWAY FROM ALL THAT CAN CONSTITUTE ENJOY+ MENT/ WITH HER. - *I SHALL BE GLAD TO BE OF ANY USE TO HER, BUT SHE HAS THAT SORT OF QUIET COMPOSEDNESS OF MIND WHICH ALWAYS SEEMS SUFFICIENT TO ITSELF. - *WHAT HONOUR *I COME TO ! - *I WAS INTERRUPTED BY THE ARRIVAL OF A *LADY TO ENQUIRE THE CHARACTER OF *ANNE, WHO IS RETURNED FROM *WALES & READY FOR SERVICE. - *AND *I HOPE *I HAVE ACQUITTED MYSELF PRETTY WELL ; BUT HAVING A VERY REASONABLE *LADY TO DEAL WITH, ONE WHO ONLY REQUIRED A $TOLERABLE$ TEMPER, MY OFFICE WAS NOT DIFFICULT. - *WERE *I GOING TO SEND A GIRL TO SCHOOL *I WOULD SEND HER TO THIS PERSON ; TO BE RATIONAL IN ANYTHING IS GREAT PRAISE, ESPECIALLY IN THE IGNORANT CLASS OF SCHOOL MISTRESSES - & SHE KEEPS THE *SCHOOL IN THE UPPER CRESCENT. - *SINCE *I WROTE SO FAR, *I HAVE WALKED WITH MY *MOTHER TO *ST* *JAMES' *SQUARE & *PARAGON ; NEITHER FAMILY AT HOME. *I HAVE ALSO BEEN WITH THE *COOKES TRYING TO FIX *MARY FOR A WALK THIS AFTERNOON, BUT AS SHE WAS ON THE POINT OF TAKING A $LONG$ WALK WITH SOME OTHER *LADY, THERE IS LITTLE CHANCE OF HER JOINING US. *I SHOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW FAR THEY ARE GOING ; SHE INVITED ME TO GO WITH THEM [&] WHEN *I EXCUSED MYSELF AS RATHER TIRED & MENTIONED MY COMING FROM *ST *J[AMES'] *SQUARE, SHE SAID " THAT $IS$ A LONG WALK INDEED". *THEY WANT US TO DRINK TE[A] WITH THEM TONIGHT, BUT *I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER MY MOTHER WILL HAVE NERVES FOR IT. - *WE ARE ENGAGED TOMORROW *EVENING. *WHAT REQUEST WE ARE IN ! - *MRS** *CHAMBERLAYNE EXPRESSED TO HER NEICE HER WISH OF BEING INTIMATE ENOUGH WITH US

TO ASK US TO DRINK TEA WITH HER IN A QUIET WAY - WE HAVE THEREFORE OFFERED HER OURSELVES & OUR QUIETNESS THRO' THE SAME MEDIUM. - *OUR *TEA AND SUGAR WILL LAST A GREAT WHILE. - *I THINK WE ARE JUST THE KIND OF PEOPLE & PARTY TO BE TREATED ABOUT AMONG OUR RELATIONS ; - WE CANNOT BE SUPPOSED TO BE VERY RICH. - *THE *MR* *DUNCANS CALLED YESTERDAY WITH THEIR *SISTERS, BUT WERE NOT ADMITTED, WHICH RATHER HURT ME. *IN THE *EVENING WE MET *MR* *JOHN, & *I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT HE HAS GOT A VERY BAD COLD - THEY HAVE ALL HAD BAD COLDS - & HE HAS BUT JUST CAUGHT HIS. - *JENNY IS VERY GLAD TO HEAR OF YOUR BEING BETTER, & SO IS *ROBERT, WITH WHOM *I LEFT A MESSAGE TO THAT EFFECT - AS MY *UNCLE HAS BEEN VERY MUCH IN EARNEST ABOUT YOUR RECOVERY. - *I ASSURE YOU, YOU WERE LOOKING VERY ILL INDEED, & *I DO NOT BELEIVE MUCH OF YOUR BEING LOOKING WELL ALREADY. *PEOPLE THINK YOU IN A VERY BAD WAY *I SUPPOSE, & PAY YOU *COMPLIMENTS TO KEEP UP YOUR *SPIRITS. $*THURSDAY$. *I WAS NOT ABLE TO GO ON YESTERDAY, ALL MY *WIT & LEISURE WERE BESTOWED ON LETTERS TO *CHARLES & *HENRY. *TO THE FORMER *I WROTE IN CONSEQUENCE OF MY *MOTHER'S HAVING SEEN IN THE PAPERS THAT THE *URANIA WAS WAITING AT *PORTSMOUTH FOR THE CONVOY FOR *HALIFAX ; - THIS IS NICE, AS IT IS ONLY THREE WEEKS AGO THAT YOU WROTE BY THE *CAMILLA. - *THE *WALLOP RACE SEEM VERY FOND OF *NOVA *SCOTIA. *I WROTE TO *HENRY BECAUSE *I HAD A LETTER FROM HIM, IN WHICH HE DESIRED TO HEAR FROM ME VERY SOON. *HIS TO ME WAS MOST AFFECTIONATE & KIND, AS WELL AS ENTERTAINING ; - THERE IS NO MERIT TO HIM IN $THAT$, HE CANNOT HELP BEING AMUSING. - *HE EXPRESSES HIMSELF AS GREATLY PLEASED WITH THE *SCREEN, & SAYS THAT HE DOES NOT KNOW WHETHER HE IS " MOST DELIGHTED WITH THE IDEA OR THE *EXECUTION ". -

*ELIZA OF COURSE GOES HALVES IN ALL THIS, AND THERE IS ALSO JUST SUCH A MESSAGE OF WARM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM HER RESPECTING THE *BROCHE AS YOU WOULD EXPECT. - *HE MENTIONS HAVING SENT ONE OF *MISS *GIBSON'S *LETTERS TO *FRANK, BY FAVOUR OF *GEN: *TILSON, NOW WAITING AT *SPITHEAD. *WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR US TO DO SOMETHING LIKE IT, THROUGH *MR* *TURNER'S MEANS ? *I DID NOT KNOW BEFORE, THAT THE *EXPEDITION WERE GOING TO *FRANK. - *ONE THING MORE *HENRY MENTIONS WHICH DESERVES YOUR HEARING ; HE OFFERS TO MEET US ON THE *SEA-COAST IF THE PLAN, OF WHICH *EDWARD GAVE HIM SOME HINT, TAKES PLACE. *WILL NOT THIS BE MAKING THE *EXECUTION OF SUCH A PLAN, MORE DESIRABLE & DELIGHTFUL THAN *EVER. - *HE TALKS OF THE RAMBLES WE TOOK TOGETHER LAST *SUMMER WITH PLEASING AFFECTION. - *MRS** *BULLER GOES WITH US TO OUR *CHAPEL TOMORROW ; - WHICH *I SHALL PUT DOWN AS " *ATTENTION YE* *FIRST ". *I HOPE SHE WILL KEEP AN ACCOUNT TOO. - *MY *MOTHER'S COLD IS NOT SO BAD TODAY AS *I EX+ PECTED/. [*IT IS CHE]IFLY IN HER HEAD, & SHE HAS NOT FEVER ENOUGH TO AFFEC[T] HER APPETITE. - *C. FOWLE HAS THIS MOMENT LEFT US. *HE HAS TAKEN *NO* 20, FROM *MICHAELMAS. - *YRS** EVER, *J *A. *MARY *COOKE DID WALK WITH US ON TUESDAY, & WE DRANK TEA IN *ALFRED *ST*. *BUT WE COULD NOT KEEP OUR *ENGAGEMENT WITH *MRS** *CHAMBERLAYNE LAST NIGHT, MY *MOTHER HAVING UNLUCKILY CAUGHT A COLD WHICH SEEMS LIKELY TO BE RATHER HEAVY. - *BULLER HAS BEGUN THE *WATERS, SO THAT IT WILL SOON APPEAR WHETHER THEY CAN DO ANYTHING FOR HIM. -

*GAY *ST* *SUNDAY *EVENING, *APRIL 21ST** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR WRITING TO ME AGAIN SO SOON ; YOUR LETTER YESTERDAY WAS QUITE AN UNEX+ PECTED/ PLEASURE. *POOR *MRS** STENT ! IT HAS BEEN HER LOT TO BE ALWAYS IN THE WAY ; BUT WE MUST BE MERCIFUL, FOR PERHAPS IN TIME WE MAY COME TO BE *MRS** STENTS OURSELVES, UNEQUAL TO ANYTHING & UNWELCOME TO EVERYBODY. - *WE SHALL BE VERY GLAD TO SEE YOU WHEN+ EVER/ YOU CAN GET AWAY, BUT *I HAVE NO EXPECTATION OF YOUR COMING BEFORE THE 10TH** OR 11TH** OF *MAY. - *YOUR ACCOUNT OF *MARTHA IS VERY COMFORTABLE INDEED, & NOW WE SHALL BE IN NO FEAR OF RECEIVING A WORSE. *THIS DAY, IF SHE HAS GONE TO *CHURCH, MUST HAVE BEEN A TRIAL OF HER FEELINGS, BUT *I HOPE IT WILL BE THE LAST OF ANY ACUTENESS. - *JAMES MAY NOT BE A *MAN OF *BUSINESS, BUT AS A " *MAN OF *LETTERS " HE IS CERTAINLY VERY USEFUL ; HE AFFORDS YOU A MOST CONVENIENT COMMUNICATION WITH THE *NEWBURY *POST. - *YOU WERE VERY RIGHT IN SUPPOSING *I WORE MY CRAPE SLEEVES TO THE *CONCERT, *I HAD THEM PUT IN ON THE OCCASION ; ON MY HEAD *I WORE MY CRAPE & FLOWERS, BUT *I DO NOT THINK IT LOOKED PARTICULARLY WELL. - *MY *AUNT IS IN A GREAT HURRY TO PAY ME FOR MY *CAP, BUT CANNOT FIND IN HER HEART TO GIVE ME GOOD

MONEY. "*IF *I HAVE ANY INTENTION OF GOING TO THE *GRAND *SYDNEY-*GARDEN *BREAKFAST, IF THERE IS ANY PARTY *I WISH TO JOIN, *PERROT WILL TAKE OUT A TICKET FOR ME." *SUCH AN OFFER *I SHALL OF COURSE DECLINE ; & ALL THE SERVICE SHE WILL RENDER ME THEREFORE, IS TO PUT IT OUT OF MY POWER TO GO AT ALL, WHATEVER MAY OCCUR TO MAKE IT DESIRABLE. - *YESTERDAY WAS A BUSY DAY WITH ME, OR AT LEAST WITH MY FEET & MY STOCKINGS ; *I WAS WALKING ALMOST ALL DAY LONG ; *I WENT TO *SYDNEY *GARDENS SOON AFTER ONE, & DID NOT RETURN TILL FOUR, & AFTER DINNER *I WALKED TO *WESTON. - *MY MORNING ENGAGEMENT WAS WITH THE *COOKES, & OUR PARTY CONSISTED OF *GEORGE & *MARY, A *MR* & *MISS *BENDISH WHO HAD BEEN WITH US AT THE *CONCERT, & THE YOUNGEST *MISS *WHITBY ; - NOT *JULIA, WE HAVE DONE WITH HER, SHE IS VERY ILL, BUT *MARY ; *MARY *WHITBY'S TURN IS ACTUALLY COME TO BE GROWN UP & HAVE A FINE COMPLEXION & WEAR GREAT SQUARE MUSLIN SHAWLS. *I HAVE NOT EXPRESSLY ENUMERATED MYSELF AMONG THE PARTY, BUT THERE *I WAS, & MY COUSIN *GEORGE WAS VERY KIND & TALKED SENSE TO ME EVERY NOW & THEN IN THE INTERVALS OF HIS MORE ANIMATED FOOLERIES WITH *MISS *BENDISH, WHO IS VERY YOUNG & RATHER HANDSOME, & WHOSE GRACIOUS MANNERS, READY WIT, & SOLID REMARKS PUT ME SOMEWHAT IN MIND OF MY OLD ACQUAINTANCE *LUCY *LEFROY. - *THERE WAS A MONSTROUS DEAL OF STUPID QUIZ+ ZING/, & COMMON-PLACE NONSENSE TALKED, BUT SCARCELY ANY WIT ; - ALL THAT BORDER'D ON IT, OR ON SENSE CAME FROM MY *COUSIN *GEORGE, WHOM ALTOGETHER *I LIKE VERY WELL. - *MR* *BENDISH SEEMS NOTHING MORE THAN A TALL *YOUNG MAN. - *I MET *MR* *F. *BONHAM THE OTHER DAY, & ALMOST HIS FIRST SALUTATION WAS " *SO *MISS *AUSTEN YOUR COUSIN IS COME ". - *MY *EVENING *ENGAGEMENT & WALK WAS WITH *MISS *ARMSTRONG, WHO HAD CALLED ON ME THE

DAY BEFORE, & GENTLY UPBRAIDED ME IN HER TURN WITH CHANGE OF MANNERS TO HER SINCE SHE HAD BEEN IN *BATH, OR AT LEAST OF LATE. *UNLUCKY ME ! THAT MY NOTICE SHOULD BE OF SUCH CONSEQUENCE & MY *MANNERS SO BAD ! - *SHE WAS SO WELL-DISPOSED, & SO REASONABLE THAT *I SOON FORGAVE HER, & MADE THIS ENGAGEMENT WITH HER IN PROOF OF IT. - *SHE IS REALLY AN AGREABLE GIRL, SO *I THINK *I MAY LIKE HER, & HER GREAT WANT OF A COMPANION AT HOME, WHICH MAY WELL MAKE ANY TOLERABLE ACQUAIN+ TANCE/ IMPORTANT TO HER, GIVES HER ANOTHER CLAIM ON MY ATTENTION. *I SHALL ENDEAVOUR AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO KEEP MY *INTIMACIES IN THEIR PROPER PLACE, & PREVENT THEIR CLASHING. - *I HAVE BEEN THIS MORNING WITH *MISS *IRVINE ; IT IS NOT IN MY POWER TO RETURN HER EVENING-+ VISITS/ AT PRESENT. *I MUST PAY HER AS *I CAN. - *ON TUESDAY WE ARE TO HAVE A PARTY. *IT CAME INTO MY WISE HEAD THAT THO' MY *MOTHER DID NOT GO OUT OF AN EVENING, THERE WAS NO REASON AGAINST HER SEEING HER FRIENDS AT HOME, & THAT IT WOULD BE AS WELL TO GET OVER THE *CHAMBERLAYNES VISIT NOW, AS TO DELAY IT. *I AC+ CORDINGLY/ INVITED THEM THIS MORNING, *MRS** *C. FIXED ON TUESDAY, & *I RATHER THINK THEY WILL ALL COME ; THE POSSIBILITY OF IT WILL DETER US FROM ASKING *MR* & *MRS** *L. *P. TO MEET THEM. - *I ASKED *MISS *IRVINE, BUT SHE DECLINED IT, AS NOT FEELING QUITE STOUT, & WISHING TO KEEP QUIET ; - BUT HER *MOTHER IS TO ENLIVEN OUR CIRCLE. - *BICKERTON HAS BEEN AT HOME FOR THE *EASTER *HOLIDAYS, & RETURNS TOMORROW ; HE IS A VERY SWEET BOY, BOTH IN MANNER & COUNTENANCE. *HE SEEMS TO HAVE THE ATTEN+ TIVE/, AFFECTIONATE FEELINGS OF *FULWAR-*WILLIAM - WHO BY THE BYE IS ACTUALLY FOURTEEN - WHAT ARE WE TO DO ? - *I HAVE NEVER SEEN *BICKERTON WITHOUT HIS IMMEDIATELY ENQUIRING WHETHER *I HAD HEARD FROM YOU - FROM " *MISS

*CASSANDRA", WAS HIS EXPRESSION AT FIRST. - *AS FAR AS *I CAN LEARN, THE *FAMILY ARE VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH *BATH, & EXCESSIVELY OVERCOME BY THE HEAT, OR THE COLD, OR WHATEVER HAPPENS TO BE THE WEATHER. - *THEY GO ON WITH THEIR *MASTERS & *MISTRESSES, & ARE TO HAVE A *MISS ; *AMELIA IS TO TAKE LESSONS OF *MISS *SHARPE. - *AMONG SO MANY FRIENDS IT WILL BE WELL IF *I DO NOT GET INTO A SCRAPE ; & NOW HERE IS *MISS *BLACHFORD COME. *I SHOULD HAVE GONE DISTRACTED IF THE *BULLERS HAD STAID. - *THE *COOKES LEAVE *BATH NEXT WEEK *I BELIEVE, & MY *COUSIN GOES EARLIER. - *THE PAPERS ANNOUNCE THE *MAR+ RIAGE/ OF THE *REV. *EDWARD *BATHER, *RECTOR OF SOME PLACE IN *SHROPSHIRE TO A *MISS *EMMA *HALIFAX - A WRETCH ! - HE DOES NOT DESERVE AN *EMMA *HALIFAX'S MAID *BETTY. - *MR* HAMPSON IS HERE ; THIS MUST INTEREST *MARTHA ; *I MET HIM THE OTHER MORNING IN HIS WAY (AS HE SAID) TO *GREEN *PARK *BGS**; I TRUSTED TO HIS FORGETTING OUR NUMBER IN *GAY *ST* WHEN *I GAVE IT HIM, & SO *I CONCLUDE HE HAS, AS HE [HAS] NOT YET CALLED. - *MRS** STANHOPE HAS LET HER HOUSE FROM *MIDSUMMER, SO WE SHALL GET RID OF THEM. *SHE IS LUCKY IN DISPOSING OF IT SO SOON, AS THERE IS AN ASTONISHING NUMBER OF *HOUSES AT THIS TIME VACANT IN THAT END OF THE *TOWN. - *MRS** *ELLIOT IS TO QUIT HERS AT *MICHAELMAS. - *I WONDER WHETHER *MR* HAMPSON'S FRIEND *MR* SAUNDERS IS ANY RELATION TO THE FAMOUS *SAUNDERS WHOSE LETTERS HAVE BEEN LATELY PUBLISHED ! - *I AM QUITE OF YOUR OPINION AS TO THE FOLLY OF CONCEALING ANY LONGER OUR INTENDED *PARTNERSHIP WITH *MARTHA, & WHENEVER THERE HAS OF LATE BEEN AN ENQUIRY ON THE SUBJECT *I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SINCERE ; & *I HAVE SENT WORD OF IT TO THE *MEDI+ TERRANEAN/ IN A LETTER TO *FRANK. - *NONE OF $OUR$ NEAREST CONNECTIONS *I THINK WILL BE UNPREPARED FOR IT ; & *I DO

NOT KNOW HOW TO SUPPOSE THAT *MARTHA'S HAVE NOT FORESEEN IT. - *WHEN *I TELL YOU THAT WE HAVE BEEN VISITING A *COUNTESS THIS MORNING, YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY WITH GREAT JUSTICE, BUT NO TRUTH, GUESS IT TO BE *LADY *RODEN. *NO, IT IS *LADY *LEVEN, THE MOTHER OF *LD * *BALGONIE. *ON RECEIVING A MESSAGE FROM *LORD & *LADY *LEVEN THRO' THE *MACKAYS DECLARING THEIR INTENTION OF WAITING ON US, WE THOUGHT IT RIGHT TO GO TO THEM. *I HOPE WE HAVE NOT DONE TOO MUCH, BUT THE FRIENDS & ADMIRERS OF *CHARLES MUST BE ATTENDED TO. - *THEY SEEM VERY REASONABLE, GOOD SORT OF PEOPLE, VERY CIVIL, & FULL OF HIS PRAISE. - *WE WERE SHEWN AT FIRST INTO AN EMPTY *DRAWING-ROOM, & PRESENTLY IN CAME HIS *LORD+ SHIP/, NOT KNOWING WHO WE WERE, TO APOLOGISE FOR THE SERVANT'S MISTAKE, & TELL A LIE HIMSELF, THAT *LADY *LEVEN WAS NOT WITHIN. - *HE IS A TALL, GENTLEMANLIKE MAN, WITH SPECTACLES, & RATHER DEAF : - AFTER SITTING WITH HIM TEN MINUTES WE WALKED AWAY ; BUT *LADY *L. COMING OUT OF THE *DINING PARLOUR AS WE PASSED THE DOOR, WE WERE OBLIGED TO ATTEND HER BACK TO IT, & PAY OUR VISIT OVER AGAIN. - *SHE IS A STOUT WOMAN, WITH A VERY HANDSOME FACE. - *BY THIS MEANS WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF HEARING *CHARLES'S PRAISES TWICE OVER ; - THEY THINK THEMSELVES EXCESSIVELY OBLIGED TO HIM, & ESTIMATE HIM SO HIGHLY AS TO WISH *LD* BALGONIE WHEN HE IS QUITE RECOVERED, TO GO OUT TO HIM. - *THE YOUNG MAN IS MUCH BETTER, & IS GONE FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF HIS HEALTH, TO *PENZANCE. - *THERE IS A PRETTY LITTLE *LADY *MARIANNE OF THE PARTY, TO BE SHAKEN HANDS WITH & ASKED IF SHE REMEMBERS *MR* AUSTEN. - $*MONDAY$. *THE *COOKES' PLACE SEEMS OF A SORT TO SUIT *ISAAC, IF HE MEANS TO GO TO SERVICE AGAIN, & DOES NOT OBJECT TO CHANGE OF *COUNTRY. *HE WILL HAVE A GOOD

SOIL, & A GOOD *MISTRESS, & *I SUPPOSE WILL NOT MIND TAKING PHYSIC NOW & THEN. *THE ONLY DOUBT WHICH OCCURS TO ME IS WHETHER *MR* COOKE MAY NOT BE A DIS+ AGREABLE/, FIDGETTY *MASTER, ESPECIALLY IN MATTERS CON+ CERNING/ THE *GARDEN. - *MR* MANT HAS NOT YET PAID MY *MOTHER THE REMAINDER OF HER MONEY, BUT SHE HAS VERY LATELY RECEIVED HIS APOLOGY FOR IT, WITH HIS HOPE OF BEING ABLE TO CLOSE THE ACCOUNT SHORTLY. - *YOU TOLD ME SOME TIME AGO THAT *TOM *CHUTE HAD HAD A FALL FROM HIS HORSE, BUT *I AM WAITING TO KNOW HOW IT HAPPENED BEFORE *I BEGIN PITYING HIM, AS *I CANNOT HELP SUSPECTING IT WAS IN CONSEQUENCE OF HIS TAKING ORDERS ; VERY LIKELY AS HE WAS GOING TO DO *DUTY OR RETURNING FROM IT. - $*TUESDAY$. *I HAVE NOT MUCH MORE TO ADD. *MY *UNCLE & *AUNT DRANK TEA WITH US LAST NIGHT, & IN SPITE OF MY RESOLUTION TO THE CONTRARY, *I COULD NOT HELP PUTTING FORWARD TO INVITE THEM AGAIN THIS *EVENING. *I THOUGHT IT WAS OF THE FIRST CONSEQUENCE TO AVOID ANYTHING THAT MIGHT SEEM A SLIGHT TO THEM. *I SHALL BE GLAD WHEN IT IS OVER, & HOPE TO HAVE NO NECESSITY FOR HAVING SO MANY DEAR FRIENDS AT ONCE AGAIN. - *I SHALL WRITE TO *CHARLES BY THE NEXT *PACKET, UNLESS YOU TELL ME IN THE MEANTIME OF YOUR INTENDING TO DO IT. *BELEIVE ME IF YOU CHUSE *YR* AFFECTE** *SISTER.

*GODMERSHAM *PARK, *SATURDAY *AUGST** 24 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *HOW DO YOU DO ? & HOW IS *HARRIOT'S COLD ? - *I HOPE YOU ARE AT THIS TIME SITTING DOWN TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS. - *OUR VISIT TO *EASTWELL WAS VERY AGREABLE, *I FOUND *LY *GORDON'S MANNERS AS PLEASING AS THEY HAD BEEN DESCRIBED, & SAW NOTHING TO DISLIKE IN *SIR *JANISON, EXCEPTING ONCE OR TWICE A SORT OF SNEER AT *MRS** *ANNE *FINCH. *HE WAS JUST GETTING INTO *TALK WITH *ELIZTH** AS THE CARRIAGE WAS ORDERED, BUT DURING THE FIRST PART OF THE VISIT HE SAID VERY LITTLE. - *YOUR GOING WITH *HARRIOT WAS HIGHLY APPROVED OF BY EVERYONE ; & ONLY TOO MUCH APPLAUDED AS AN ACT OF VIRTUE ON YOUR PART. *I SAID ALL *I COULD TO LESSEN YOUR MERIT. - *THE *MRS** FINCHES WERE AFRAID YOU WOULD FIND *GOODNE+ STONE/ VERY DULL ; *I WISHED WHEN *I HEARD THEM SAY SO, THAT THEY COULD HAVE HEARD *MR* *E. *BRIDGES'S SOLICITUDE ON THE SUBJECT & HAVE KNOWN ALL THE AMUSEMENTS THAT WERE PLANNED TO PREVENT IT. - *THEY WERE VERY CIVIL TO ME, AS THEY ALWAYS ARE ; - *FORTUNE WAS ALSO VERY CIVIL TO ME IN PLACING *MR* E. HATTON BY ME AT DINNER. - *I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT *LY *ELIZTH** FOR A WOMAN OF HER AGE & SITUATION, HAS ASTONISHINGLY LITTLE TO SAY FOR HERSELF, & THAT *MISS *HATTON HAS NOT MUCH MORE. - *HER ELOQUENCE LIES IN HER FINGERS ; THEY WERE MOST FLUENTLY HARMONIOUS. - *GEORGE IS A FINE BOY, & WELL BEHAVED, BUT *DANIEL CHEIFLY DELIGHTED ME ; THE GOOD HUMOUR

OF HIS COUNTENANCE IS QUITE BEWITCHING. *AFTER *TEA WE HAD A CRIBBAGE *TABLE, & HE & *I WON TWO RUBBERS OF HIS BROTHER & *MRS** MARY. - *MR* BRETT WAS THE ONLY PERSON THERE BESIDES OUR TWO FAMILIES. *IT WAS CONSIDERABLY PAST ELEVEN BEFORE WE WERE AT HOME, & *I WAS SO TIRED AS TO FEEL NO ENVY OF THOSE WHO WERE AT *LY *YATES' *BALL. - *MY GOOD WISHES FOR IT'S BEING A PLEASANT ONE, WERE *I HOPE SUCCESSFUL. *YESTERDAY WAS A VERY QUIET DAY WITH US ; MY NOISIEST EFFORTS WERE WRITING TO *FRANK, & PLAYING AT *BATTLEDORE & *SHUTTLECOCK WITH *WILLIAM ; HE & *I HAVE PRACTICED TOGETHER TWO MORN+ INGS/, & IMPROVE A LITTLE ; WE HAVE FREQUENTLY KEPT IT UP $THREE$ TIMES, & ONCE OR TWICE $SIX.$ *THE TWO *EDWARDS WENT TO *CANTERBURY IN THE CHAIR, & FOUND *MRS** KNIGHT AS YOU FOUND HER *I SUPPOSE THE DAY BEFORE, CHEARFUL BUT WEAK. - *FANNY WAS MET WALKING WITH *MISS *SHARP & *MISS *MILLES, THE HAPPIEST *BEING IN THE WORLD ; SHE SENT A PRIVATE MESSAGE TO HER *MAMA IMPLYING AS MUCH - " *TELL *MAMA THAT *I AM QUITE *PALMERSTONE ! " - *IF LITTLE *LIZZY USED THE SAME *LANGUAGE, SHE WOULD *I DARE SAY SEND THE SAME MESSAGE FROM *GOODNESTONE. - *IN THE EVENING WE TOOK A QUIET WALK ROUND THE *FARM, WITH *GEORGE & *HENRY TO ANIMATE US BY THEIR RACES & MERRI+ MENT/. - *LITTLE *EDWD* IS BY NO MEANS BETTER, & HIS PAPA & MAMA HAVE DETERMINED TO CONSULT *DR* WILMOT. *UNLESS HE RECOVERS HIS STRENGTH BEYOND WHAT IS NOW PROBABLE, HIS BROTHERS WILL RETURN TO *SCHOOL WITHOUT HIM, & HE WILL BE OF THE PARTY TO *WORTHING. - *IF *SEA+ *BATHING/ SHOULD BE RECOMMENDED HE WILL BE LEFT THERE WITH US, BUT THIS IS NOT THOUGHT LIKELY TO HAPPEN. - *I HAVE BEEN USED VERY ILL THIS MORNING, *I HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM *FRANK WHICH *I OUGHT TO HAVE HAD WHEN *ELIZTH** & *HENRY HAD THEIRS, & WHICH IN IT'S WAY FROM

*ALBANY TO *GODMERSHAM HAS BEEN TO *DOVER & *STEVEN+ TON/. *IT WAS FINISHED ON YE* 16TH**, & TELLS WHAT THEIRS TOLD BEFORE AS TO HIS PRESENT SITUATION ; HE IS IN A GREAT HURRY TO BE MARRIED, & *I HAVE ENCOURAGED HIM IN IT, IN THE LETTER WHICH OUGHT TO HAVE BEEN AN ANSWER TO HIS. - *HE MUST THINK IT VERY STRANGE THAT *I DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECEIPT OF HIS, WHEN *I SPEAK OF THOSE OF THE SAME DATES TO *ELIZ: & *HENRY ; & TO ADD TO MY INJURIES *I FORGOT TO NUMBER MINE ON THE OUTSIDE. - *I HAVE FOUND YOUR WHITE MITTENS, THEY WERE FOLDED UP WITHIN MY CLEAN NIGHTCAP, & SEND THEIR DUTY TO YOU. - *ELIZ: HAS THIS MOMENT PROPOSED A SCHEME, WHICH WILL BE VERY MUCH FOR MY PLEASURE, IF EQUALLY CONVENIENT TO THE OTHER PARTY; IT IS THAT WHEN YOU RETURN ON *MONDAY, *I SHOULD TAKE YOUR PLACE AT *GOODNESTONE FOR A FEW DAYS. - *HARRIOT CANNOT BE INSINCERE, LET HER TRY FOR IT EVER SO MUCH, & THEREFORE *I DEFY HER TO ACCEPT THIS SELF-INVITATION OF MINE, UNLESS IT BE REALLY WHAT PERFECTLY SUITS HER. - *AS THERE IS NO TIME FOR AN ANSWER, *I SHALL GO IN THE *CARRIAGE ON *MONDAY, & CAN RETURN WITH YOU, IF MY GOING ON TO *GOODNESTONE IS AT ALL INCONVENIENT. - *THE *KNATCHBULLS COME ON *WEDNESDAY TO DINNER, & STAY ONLY TILL *FRIDAY MORNG. AT THE LATEST. - *FRANK'S LETTER TO ME IS THE ONLY ONE THAT YOU OR *I HAVE RECEIVED SINCE *THURSDAY. - *MR* HALL WALKED OFF THIS MORNG. TO *OSPRINGE, WITH NO INCONSIDERABLE *BOOTY. *HE CHARGED *ELIZTH** 5S FOR EVERY TIME OF DRESS+ ING/ HER HAIR, & 5S FOR EVERY LESSON TO *SACE, ALLOWING NOTHING FOR THE PLEASURES OF HIS VISIT HERE, FOR MEAT DRINK & *LODGING, THE BENEFIT OF *COUNTRY AIR, & THE CHARMS OF *MRS** SALKELD'S & *MRS** SACE'S SOCIETY. - *TOWARDS ME HE WAS AS CONSIDERATE, AS *I HAD HOPED FOR, FROM MY RELATIONSHIP TO YOU, CHARGING ME ONLY 2S6D

FOR CUTTING MY HAIR, THO' IT WAS AS THOROUGHLY DRESS'D AFTER BEING CUT FOR *EASTWELL, AS IT HAD BEEN FOR THE *ASHFORD *ASSEMBLY. - *HE CERTAINLY RESPECTS EITHER OUR *YOUTH OR OUR POVERTY. - *MY WRITING TO YOU TO DAY PREVENTS *ELIZTH** WRITING TO *HARRIOT, FOR WHICH *EVIL *I IMPLORE THE LATTER'S PARDON. - *GIVE MY BEST *LOVE TO HER - & KIND REMEMBRANCES TO HER *BROTHERS. - *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *J *A. *YOU ARE DESIRED TO BRING BACK WITH YOU *HENRY'S PICTURE OF *ROWLING FOR THE *MRS** FINCHES. *ELIZTH** HOPES YOU WILL NOT BE LATER HERE ON *MONDAY THAN 5 O'CLOCK, ON *LIZZY'S ACCOUNT. - *AS *I FIND ON LOOKING INTO MY AFFAIRS, THAT INSTEAD OF BEING VERY RICH *I AM LIKELY TO BE VERY POOR, *I CANNOT AFFORD MORE THAN TEN SHILLINGS FOR *SACKREE ; BUT AS *WE ARE TO MEET IN *CANTERBURY *I NEED NOT HAVE MEN+ TIONED/ THIS. *IT IS AS WELL HOWEVER, TO PREPARE YOU FOR THE SIGHT OF A *SISTER SUNK IN POVERTY, THAT IT MAY NOT OVERCOME YOUR *SPIRITS. *WE HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM *HENRY SINCE HE WENT. - *DANIEL TOLD US THAT HE WENT FROM *OSPRINGE IN ONE OF THE *COACHES. *GOODNESTONE *FARM : *TUESDAY *AUGUST 27 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *WE HAD A VERY PLEASANT DRIVE FROM *CANTERBURY, AND REACHED THIS PLACE ABOUT HALF-PAST FOUR, WHICH SEEMED

TO BID FAIR FOR A PUNCTUAL DINNER AT FIVE ; BUT SCENES OF GREAT AGITATION AWAITED US, AND THERE WAS MUCH TO BE ENDURED AND DONE BEFORE WE COULD SIT DOWN TO TABLE. *HARRIOT FOUND A LETTER FROM *LOUISA *HATTON, DESIRING TO KNOW IF SHE AND HER BROTHERS WERE TO BE AT THE BALL AT *DEAL ON *FRIDAY, AND SAYING THAT THE *EASTWELL FAMILY HAD SOME IDEA OF GOING TO IT, AND WERE TO MAKE USE OF *ROWLING IF THEY DID ; AND WHILE *I WAS DRESSING SHE CAME TO ME WITH ANOTHER LETTER IN HER HAND, IN GREAT PERPLEXITY. *IT WAS FROM *CAPTAIN *WOODFORD, CONTAIN+ ING/ A MESSAGE FROM *LADY *FORBES, WHICH HE HAD IN+ TENDED/ TO DELIVER IN PERSON, BUT HAD BEEN PREVENTED FROM DOING. *THE OFFER OF A TICKET FOR THIS GRAND BALL, WITH AN INVITATION TO COME TO HER HOUSE AT *DOVER BEFORE AND AFTER IT, WAS *LADY *FORBES'S MESSAGE. *HARRIOT WAS AT FIRST VERY LITTLE INCLINED, OR RATHER TOTALLY DISINCLINED, TO PROFIT BY HER LADYSHIP'S ATTENTION ; BUT AT LENGTH, AFTER MANY DEBATES, SHE WAS PERSUADED BY ME AND HERSELF TOGETHER TO ACCEPT THE TICKET. *THE OFFER OF DRESSING AND SLEEPING AT *DOVER SHE DETERMINED ON *MARIANNE'S ACCOUNT TO DECLINE, AND HER PLAN IS TO BE CONVEYED BY *LADY *ELIZABETH *HATTON. *I HOPE THEIR GOING IS BY THIS TIME CERTAIN, AND WILL BE SOON KNOW TO BE SO. *I THINK *MISS *H. WOULD NOT HAVE WRITTEN SUCH A LETTER IF SHE HAD NOT BEEN ALL BUT SURE OF IT, AND A LITTLE MORE. *I AM ANXIOUS ON THE SUBJECT, FROM THE FEAR OF BEING IN THE WAY IF THEY DO NOT COME TO GIVE *HARRIOT A CONVEYANCE. *I PROPOSED AND PRESSED BEING SENT HOME ON *THURSDAY, TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING IN THE WRONG PLACE, BUT *HARRIOT WOULD NOT HEAR OF IT.

*THERE IS NO CHANCE OF TICKETS FOR THE *MR. *BRIDGESES, AS NO GENTLEMEN BUT OF THE GARRISON ARE INVITED. *WITH A CIVIL NOTE TO BE FABRICATED TO *LADY *F., AND AN ANSWER WRITTEN TO *MISS *H., YOU WILL EASILY BELIEVE THAT WE COULD NOT BEGIN DINNER TILL SIX. *WE WERE AGREEABLY SURPRISED BY *EDWARD *BRIDGES'S COMPANY TO IT. *HE HAD BEEN, STRANGE TO TELL, TOO LATE FOR THE CRICKET MATCH, TOO LATE AT LEAST TO PLAY HIMSELF, AND, NOT BEING ASKED TO DINE WITH THE PLAYERS, CAME HOME. *IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO JUSTICE TO THE HOSPITALITY OF HIS ATTENTIONS TOWARDS ME ; HE MADE A POINT OF ORDERING TOASTED CHEESE FOR SUPPER ENTIRELY ON MY ACCOUNT. *WE HAD A VERY AGREEABLE EVENING, AND HERE *I AM BEFORE BREAKFAST WRITING TO YOU, HAVING GOT UP BETWEEN SIX AND SEVEN ; *LADY *BRYDGES'S ROOM MUST BE GOOD FOR EARLY RISING. *MR. *SANKEY WAS HERE LAST NIGHT, AND FOUND HIS PATIENT BETTER, BUT *I HAVE HEARD FROM A MAIDSERVANT THAT SHE HAS HAD BUT AN INDIFFERENT NIGHT. *TELL *ELIZABETH THAT *I DID NOT GIVE HER LETTER TO *HARRIOT TILL WE WERE IN THE CARRIAGE, WHEN SHE RECEIVED IT WITH GREAT DELIGHT, AND COULD READ IT IN COMFORT. *AS YOU HAVE BEEN HERE SO LATELY, *I NEED NOT PARTICU+ LARLY/ DESCRIBE THE HOUSE OR STYLE OF LIVING, IN WHICH ALL SEEMS FOR USE AND COMFORT ; NOR NEED *I BE DIFFUSE ON THE STATE OF *LADY *BRYDGES'S BOOKCASE AND CORNER+ SHELVES/ UPSTAIRS. *WHAT A TREAT TO MY MOTHER TO ARRANGE THEM ! *HARRIOT IS CONSTRAINED TO GIVE UP ALL HOPE OF SEEING *EDWARD HERE TO FETCH ME, AS *I SOON RECOLLECTED THAT *MR. AND *MRS. *CHARLES *KNATCHBULL'S BEING AT *GODMER+ SHAM/ ON *THURSDAY MUST PUT IT OUT OF THE QUESTION. *HAD *I WAITED TILL AFTER BREAKFAST, THE CHIEF OF ALL

THIS MIGHT HAVE BEEN SPARED. *THE *DUKE OF *GLOUCESTER'S DEATH SETS MY HEART AT EASE, THOUGH IT WILL CAUSE SOME DOZENS TO ACHE. *HARRIOT'S IS NOT AMONG THE NUMBER OF THE LAST ; SHE IS VERY WELL PLEASED TO BE SPARED THE TROUBLE OF PREPARATION. *SHE JOINS ME IN BEST LOVE TO YOU ALL, AND WILL WRITE TO *ELIZABETH SOON. *I SHALL BE VERY GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU, THAT WE MAY KNOW HOW YOU ALL ARE, ESPECIALLY THE TWO *EDWARDS. *I HAVE ASKED *SOPHIE IF SHE HAS ANYTHING TO SAY TO *LIZZY IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE LITTLE BIRD, AND HER MESSAGE IS THAT, WITH HER LOVE, SHE IS VERY GLAD *LIZZY SENT IT. *SHE VOLUNTEERS, MOREOVER, HER LOVE TO LITTLE *MARIANNE, WITH THE PROMISE OF BRINGING HER A DOLL THE NEXT TIME SHE GOES TO *GODMERSHAM. *JOHN IS JUST COME FROM *RAMSGATE, AND BRINGS A GOOD ACCOUNT OF THE PEOPLE THERE. *HE AND HIS BROTHER, YOU KNOW, DINE AT *NACKINGTON ; WE ARE TO DINE AT FOUR, THAT WE MAY WALK AFTERWARDS. *AS IT IS NOW TWO, AND *HARRIOT HAS LETTERS TO WRITE, WE SHALL PROBABLY NOT GET OUT BEFORE. *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *A. $*THREE O'CLOCK$. - *HARRIOT IS JUST COME FROM *MARIANNE, AND THINKS HER UPON THE WHOLE BETTER. *THE SICKNESS HAS NOT RETURNED, AND A HEADACHE IS AT PRESENT HER CHIEF COMPLAINT, WHICH *HENRY ATTRIBUTES TO THE SICKNESS.

*GOODNESTONE *FARM : *FRIDAY *AUGUST 30 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I HAVE DETERMINED ON STAYING HERE TILL *MONDAY. *NOT THAT THERE IS ANY OCCASION FOR IT ON *MARIANNE'S ACCOUNT, AS SHE IS NOW ALMOST AS WELL AS USUAL, BUT *HARRIOT IS SO KIND IN HER WISHES FOR MY COMPANY THAT *I COULD NOT RESOLVE ON LEAVING HER TO-MORROW, ESPECIALLY AS *I HAD NO REASON TO GIVE FOR ITS NECESSITY. *IT WOULD BE INCONVENIENT TO ME TO STAY WITH HER LONGER THAN THE BEGINNING OF NEXT WEEK, ON ACCOUNT OF MY CLOTHES, AND THEREFORE *I TRUST IT WILL SUIT *EDWARD TO FETCH OR SEND FOR ME ON *MONDAY, OR *TUESDAY IF *MONDAY SHOULD BE WET. *HARRIOT HAS THIS MOMENT DESIRED ME TO PRO+ POSE/ HIS COMING HITHER ON *MONDAY, AND TAKING ME BACK THE NEXT DAY. *THE PURPORT OF *ELIZABETH'S LETTER MAKES ME ANXIOUS TO HEAR MORE OF WHAT WE ARE TO DO AND NOT TO DO, AND *I HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WRITE ME YOUR OWN PLANS AND OPINIONS TO-MORROW. *THE JOURNEY TO *LONDON IS A POINT OF THE FIRST EXPEDIENCY, AND *I AM GLAD IT IS RESOLVED ON, THOUGH IT SEEMS LIKELY TO INJURE OUR *WORTHING SCHEME. *I EXPECT THAT $WE$ ARE TO BE AT *SANDLING, WHILE $THEY$ ARE IN TOWN. *IT GIVES US GREAT PLEASURE TO HEAR OF LITTLE *EDWARD'S BEING BETTER, AND WE IMAGINE, FROM HIS MAMA'S EXPRES+ SIONS/, THAT HE IS EXPECTED TO BE WELL ENOUGH TO RETURN TO SCHOOL WITH HIS BROTHERS.

*MARIANNE WAS EQUAL TO SEEING ME TWO DAYS AGO ; WE SAT WITH HER FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS BEFORE DINNER, AND THE SAME YESTERDAY, WHEN SHE WAS EVIDENTLY BETTER, MORE EQUAL TO CONVERSATION, AND MORE CHEERFUL THAN DURING OUR FIRST VISIT. *SHE RECEIVED ME VERY KINDLY, AND EXPRESSED HER REGRET IN NOT HAVING BEEN ABLE TO SEE YOU. *SHE IS, OF COURSE, ALTERED SINCE WE SAW HER IN *OCTOBER, 1794. ELEVEN YEARS COULD NOT PASS AWAY EVEN IN HEALTH WITHOUT MAKING SOME CHANGE, BUT IN HER CASE IT IS WONDERFUL THAT THE CHANGE SHOULD BE SO LITTLE. *I HAVE NOT SEEN HER TO ADVANTAGE, AS *I UNDERSTAND SHE HAS FREQUENTLY A NICE COLOUR, AND HER COMPLEXION HAS NOT YET RECOVERED FROM THE EFFECTS OF HER LATE ILLNESS. *HER FACE IS GROW LONGER AND THINNER, AND HER FEATURES MORE MARKED, AND THE LIKENESS WHICH *I REMEMBER TO HAVE ALWAYS SEEN BETWEEN HER AND *CATHERINE *BIGG IS STRONGER THAN EVER, AND SO STRIKING IS THE VOICE AND MANNER OF SPEAKING THAT *I SEEM TO BE REALLY HEARING *CATHERINE, AND ONCE OR TWICE HAVE BEEN ON THE POINT OF CALLING *HARRIOT " *ALETHEA." *SHE IS VERY PLEASANT, CHEERFUL, AND INTERESTED IN EVERYTHING ABOUT HER, AND AT THE SAME TIME SHOWS A THOUGHTFUL, CONSIDERATE, AND DECIDED TURN OF MIND. *EDWARD *BRIDGES DINED AT HOME YESTERDAY ; THE DAY BEFORE HE WAS AT *ST. *ALBANS; TO-DAY HE GOES TO *BROOME, AND TO-MORROW TO *MR. *HALLETT'S, WHICH LATTER ENGAGEMENT HAS HAD SOME WEIGHT IN MY RESOLUTION OF NOT LEAVING *HARRIOT TILL *MONDAY. *WE HAVE WALKED TO *ROWLING ON EACH OF THE TWO LAST DAYS AFTER DINNER, AND VERY GREAT WAS MY PLEASURE IN GOING OVER THE HOUSE AND GROUNDS. *WE HAVE ALSO FOUND TIME TO VISIT ALL THE PRINCIPAL WALKS OF THIS PLACE,

EXCEPT THE WALK ROUND THE TOP OF THE PARK, WHICH WE SHALL ACCOMPLISH PROBABLY TO-DAY. *NEXT WEEK SEEMS LIKELY TO BE AN UNPLEASANT ONE TO THIS FAMILY ON THE MATTER OF GAME. *THE EVIL INTENTIONS OF THE *GUARDS ARE CERTAIN, AND THE GENTLEMEN OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD SEEM UNWILLING TO COME FORWARD IN ANY DECIDED OR EARLY SUPPORT OF THEIR RIGHTS. *EDWARD *BRIDGES HAS BEEN TRYING TO AROUSE THEIR SPIRITS, BUT WITHOUT SUCCESS. *MR. *HAMMOND, UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DAUGHTERS AND AN EXPECTED BALL, DECLARES HE WILL DO NOTHING. *HARRIOT HOPES MY BROTHER WILL NOT MORTIFY HER BY RESISTING ALL HER PLANS AND REFUSING ALL HER INVITATIONS ; SHE HAS NEVER YET BEEN SUCCESSFUL WITH HIM IN ANY, BUT SHE TRUSTS HE WILL NOW MAKE HER ALL THE AMENDS IN HIS POWER BY COMING ON *MONDAY. *SHE THANKS *ELIZABETH FOR HER LETTER, AND YOU MAY BE SURE IS NOT LESS SOLICITOUS THAN MYSELF FOR HER GOING TO TOWN. *PRAY SAY EVERYTHING KIND FOR US TO *MISS *SHARPE, WHO COULD NOT REGRET THE SHORTNESS OF OUR MEETING IN *CANTERBURY MORE THAN WE DID. *I HOPE SHE RETURNED TO *GODMERSHAM AS MUCH PLEASED WITH *MRS. *KNIGHT'S BEAUTY AND *MISS *MILLES'S JUDICIOUS REMARKS AS THOSE LADIES RESPECTIVELY WERE WITH HERS. *YOU MUST SEND ME WORD THAT YOU HAVE HEARD FROM *MISS *IRVINE. *I HAD ALMOST FORGOT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER. *I AM GLAD YOU RECOMMENDED " *GISBORNE," FOR HAVING BEGUN, *I AM PLEASED WITH IT, AND *I HAD QUITE DETER+ MINED/ NOT TO READ IT. *I SUPPOSE EVERYBODY WILL BE BLACK FOR THE *D. OF *G. MUST WE BUY LACE, OR WILL RIBBON DO ? *WE SHALL NOT BE AT *WORTHING SO SOON AS WE HAVE BEEN USED TO TALK OF, SHALL WE ? *THIS WILL BE NO EVIL TO

US, AND WE ARE SURE OF MY MOTHER AND *MARTHA BEING HAPPY TOGETHER. *DO NOT FORGET TO WRITE TO *CHARLES. *AS *I AM TO RETURN SO SOON, WE SHALL NOT SEND THE PINCUSHIONS. *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *J.*A. YOU CONTINUE, *I SUPPOSE, TAKING HARTSHORN, AND I HOPE WITH GOOD EFFECT. *SOUTHAMPTON : *WEDNESDAY *JANUARY 7 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOU WERE MISTAKEN IN SUPPOSING *I SHOULD EXPECT YOUR LETTER ON *SUNDAY ; *I HAD NO IDEA OF HEARING FROM YOU BEFORE *TUESDAY, AND MY PLEASURE YESTERDAY WAS THEREFORE UNHURT BY ANY PREVIOUS DISAPPOINTMENT. *I THANK YOU FOR WRITING SO MUCH ; YOU MUST REALLY HAVE SENT ME THE VALUE OF TWO LETTERS IN ONE. *WE ARE EXTREMELY GLAD TO HEAR THAT *ELIZABETH IS SO MUCH BETTER, AND HOPE YOU WILL BE SENSIBLE OF STILL FURTHER AMENDMENT IN HER WHEN YOU RETURN FROM *CANTERBURY. *OF YOUR VISIT THERE *I MUST NOW SPEAK " INCESSANTLY ; " IT SURPRISES, BUT PLEASES ME MORE, AND *I CONSIDER IT AS A VERY JUST AND HONOURABLE DISTINCTION OF YOU, AND NOT LESS TO THE CREDIT OF *MRS. *KNIGHT. *I HAVE NO DOUBT OF YOUR SPENDING YOUR TIME WITH HER MOST PLEASANTLY IN QUIET AND RATIONAL CONVERSATION, AND AM SO FAR FROM THINKING HER EXPECTATIONS OF YOU WILL BE DECEIVED, THAT MY ONLY FEAR IS OF YOUR BEING SO AGREEABLE, SO MUCH TO

HER TASTE, AS TO MAKE HER WISH TO KEEP YOU WITH HER FOR EVER. *IF THAT SHOULD BE THE CASE, WE MUST REMOVE TO *CANTERBURY, WHICH *I SHOULD NOT LIKE SO WELL AS *SOUTH+ AMPTON/. *WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS, OUR GUESTS WILL BE ALL GONE OR GOING ; AND *I SHALL BE LEFT TO THE COMFORTABLE DISPOSAL OF MY TIME, TO EASE OF MIND FROM THE TORMENTS OF RICE PUDDINGS AND APPLE DUMPLINGS, AND PROBABLY TO REGRET THAT *I DID NOT TAKE MORE PAINS TO PLEASE THEM ALL. *MRS. *J. *AUSTEN HAS ASKED ME TO RETURN WITH HER TO *STEVENTON ; *I NEED NOT GIVE MY ANSWER ; AND SHE HAS IN+ VITED/ MY MOTHER TO SPEND THERE THE TIME OF *MRS. *F. *A.'S CONFINEMENT, WHICH SHE SEEMS HALF INCLINED TO DO. *A FEW DAYS AGO *I HAD A LETTER FROM *MISS *IRVINE, AND AS *I WAS IN HER DEBT, YOU WILL GUESS IT TO BE A REMON+ STRANCE/, NOT A VERY SEVERE ONE, HOWEVER ; THE FIRST PAGE IS IN HER USUAL RETROSPECTIVE, JEALOUS, INCONSISTENT STYLE, BUT THE REMAINDER IS CHATTY AND HARMLESS. *SHE SUPPOSES MY SILENCE MAY HAVE PROCEEDED FROM RESENT+ MENT/ OF HER NOT HAVING WRITTEN TO INQUIRE PARTICULARLY AFTER MY HOOPING COUGH, &C. *SHE IS A FUNNY ONE. *I HAVE ANSWERED HER LETTER, AND HAVE ENDEAVOURED TO GIVE SOMETHING LIKE THE TRUTH WITH AS LITTLE IN+ CIVILITY/ AS *I COULD, BY PLACING MY SILENCE TO THE WANT OF SUBJECT IN THE VERY QUIET WAY IN WHICH WE LIVE. *PHEBE HAS REPENTED, AND STAYS. *I HAVE ALSO WRITTEN TO *CHARLES, AND *I ANSWERED *MISS *BULLER'S LETTER BY RETURN OF POST, AS *I INTENDED TO TELL YOU IN MY LAST. *TWO OR THREE THINGS *I RECOLLECTED WHEN IT WAS TOO LATE, THAT *I MIGHT HAVE TOLD YOU ; ONE IS, THAT THE *WELBYS HAVE LOST THEIR ELDEST SON BY A PUTRID FEVER AT *ETON, AND ANOTHER THAT *TOM *CHUTE IS GOING TO SETTLE IN *NORFOLK.

*YOU HAVE SCARCELY EVER MENTIONED *LIZZY SINCE YOUR BEING AT *GODMERSHAM. *I HOPE IT IS NOT BECAUSE SHE IS ALTERED FOR THE WORSE. *I CANNOT YET SATISFY *FANNY AS TO *MRS. *FOOTE'S BABY'S NAME, AND *I MUST NOT ENCOURAGE HER TO EXPECT A GOOD ONE, AS *CAPTAIN *FOOTE IS A PROFESSED ADVERSARY TO ALL BUT THE PLAINEST ; HE LIKES ONLY *MARY, *ELIZABETH, *ANNE, &C. *OUR BEST CHANCE IS OF " *CAROLINE," WHICH IN COMPLIMENT TO A SISTER SEEMS THE ONLY EXCEPTION. *HE DINED WITH US ON *FRIDAY, AND *I FEAR WILL NOT SOON VENTURE AGAIN, FOR THE STRENGTH OF OUR DINNER WAS A BOILED LEG OF MUTTON, UNDERDONE EVEN FOR *JAMES ; AND *CAPTAIN *FOOTE HAS A PARTICULAR DISLIKE TO UNDER+ DONE/ MUTTON ; BUT HE WAS SO GOOD-HUMOURED AND PLEASANT THAT *I DID NOT MUCH MIND HIS BEING STARVED. *HE GIVES US ALL THE MOST CORDIAL INVITATION TO HIS HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY, SAYING JUST WHAT THE *WILLIAMS OUGHT TO SAY TO MAKE US WELCOME. *OF THEM WE HAVE SEEN NOTHING SINCE YOU LEFT US, AND WE HEAR THAT THEY ARE JUST GONE TO *BATH AGAIN, TO BE OUT OF THE WAY OF FURTHER ALTERATIONS AT *BROOKLANDS. *MRS. *F. *A. HAS HAD A VERY AGREEABLE LETTER FROM *MRS. *DICKSON, WHO WAS DELIGHTED WITH THE PURSE, AND DESIRES HER NOT TO PROVIDE HERSELF WITH A CHRISTENING DRESS, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HER YOUNG CORRESPONDENT WANTED ; AND SHE MEANS TO DEFER MAKING ANY OF THE CAPS AS LONG AS SHE CAN, IN HOPE OF HAVING *MRS. *D.'S PRESENT IN TIME TO BE SERVICEABLE AS A PATTERN. *SHE DESIRES ME TO TELL YOU THAT THE GOWNS WERE CUT OUT BEFORE YOUR LETTER ARRIVED, BUT THAT THEY ARE LONG ENOUGH FOR *CAROLINE. *THE $*BEDS,$ AS *I BELIEVE THEY ARE CALLED, HAVE FALLEN TO *FRANK'S SHARE TO CONTINUE, AND OF COURSE ARE CUT OUT TO ADMIRATION.

"*ALPHONSINE " DID NOT DO. *WE WERE DISGUSTED IN TWENTY PAGES, AS, INDEPENDENT OF A BAD TRANSLATION, IT HAS INDELICACIES WHICH DISGRACE A PEN HITHERTO SO PURE ; AND WE CHANGED IT FOR THE " *FEMALE *QUIXOTTE," WHICH NOW MAKES OUR EVENING AMUSEMENT ; TO ME A VERY HIGH ONE, AS *I FIND THE WORK QUITE EQUAL TO WHAT *I REMEMBERED IT. *MRS. *F. *A., TO WHOM IT IS NEW, ENJOYS IT AS ONE COULD WISH ; THE OTHER *MARY, *I BELIEVE, HAS LITTLE PLEASURE FROM THAT OR ANY OTHER BOOK. *MY MOTHER DOES NOT SEEM AT ALL MORE DISAPPOINTED THAN OURSELVES AT THE TERMINATION OF THE FAMILY TREATY ; SHE THINKS LESS OF $THAT$ JUST NOW THAN OF THE COMFORTABLE STATE OF HER OWN FINANCES, WHICH SHE FINDS ON CLOSING HER YEAR'S ACCOUNTS BEYOND HER EXPECTATION, AS SHE BEGINS THE NEW YEAR WITH A BALANCE OF 30L. IN HER FAVOUR ; AND WHEN SHE HAS WRITTEN HER ANSWER TO MY AUNT, WHICH YOU KNOW ALWAYS HANGS A LITTLE UPON HER MIND, SHE WILL BE ABOVE THE WORLD ENTIRELY. *YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF UNRESERVED DISCOURSE WITH *MRS. *K., *I DARE SAY, UPON THIS SUBJECT, AS WELL AS UPON MANY OTHER OF OUR FAMILY MATTERS. *ABUSE EVERYBODY BUT ME. $*THURSDAY$. - *WE EXPECTED *JAMES YESTERDAY, BUT HE DID NOT COME ; IF HE COMES AT ALL NOW, HIS VISIT WILL BE A VERY SHORT ONE, AS HE MUST RETURN TO-MORROW, THAT *AJAX AND THE CHAIR MAY BE SENT TO *WINCHESTER ON *SATURDAY. *CAROLINE'S NEW PELISSE DEPENDED UPON HER MOTHER'S BEING ABLE OR NOT TO COME SO FAR IN THE CHAIR ; HOW THE GUINEA THAT WILL BE SAVED BY THE SAME MEANS OF RETURN IS TO BE SPENT *I KNOW NOT. *MRS. *J. *A. DOES NOT TALK MUCH OF POVERTY NOW, THOUGH SHE HAS NO HOPE OF MY BROTHER'S BEING ABLE TO BUY ANOTHER HORSE $NEXT$ SUMMER. *THEIR SCHEME AGAINST *WARWICKSHIRE CONTINUES, BUT

*I DOUBT THE FAMILY'S BEING AT *STONELEIGH SO EARLY AS *JAMES SAYS HE MUST GO, WHICH IS *MAY. *MY MOTHER IS AFRAID *I HAVE NOT BEEN EXPLICIT ENOUGH ON THE SUBJECT OF HER WEALTH ; SHE BEGAN 1806 WITH 68L., SHE BEGINS 1807 WITH 99L., AND THIS AFTER 32L. PUR+ CHASE/ OF STOCK. *FRANK TOO HAS BEEN SETTLING HIS ACCOUNTS AND MAKING CALCULATIONS, AND EACH PARTY FEELS QUITE EQUAL TO OUR PRESENT EXPENSES ; BUT MUCH INCREASE OF HOUSE-RENT WOULD NOT DO FOR EITHER. *FRANK LIMITS HIMSELF, *I BELIEVE, TO FOUR HUNDRED A YEAR. *YOU WILL BE SURPRISED TO HEAR THAT *JENNY IS NOT YET COME BACK ; WE HAVE HEARD NOTHING OF HER SINCE HER REACHING *ITCHINGSWELL, AND CAN ONLY SUPPOSE THAT SHE MUST BE DETAINED BY ILLNESS IN SOMEBODY OR OTHER, AND THAT SHE HAS BEEN EACH DAY EXPECTING TO BE ABLE TO COME ON THE MORROW. *I AM GLAD *I DID NOT KNOW BEFOREHAND THAT SHE WAS TO BE ABSENT DURING THE WHOLE OR ALMOST THE WHOLE OF OUR FRIENDS BEING WITH US, FOR THOUGH THE INCONVENIENCE HAS NOT BEEN NOTHING, *I SHOULD HAVE FEARED STILL MORE. *OUR DINNERS HAVE CERTAINLY SUFFERED NOT A LITTLE BY HAVING ONLY *MOLLY'S HEAD AND *MOLLY'S HANDS TO CONDUCT THEM ; SHE FRIES BETTER THAN SHE DID, BUT NOT LIKE *JENNY. *WE DID $NOT$ TAKE OUR WALK ON *FRIDAY, IT WAS TOO DIRTY, NOR HAVE WE YET DONE IT ; WE MAY PERHAPS DO SOMETHING LIKE IT TO-DAY, AS AFTER SEEING *FRANK SKATE, WHICH HE HOPES TO DO IN THE MEADOWS BY THE BEECH, WE ARE TO TREAT OURSELVES WITH A PASSAGE OVER THE FERRY. *IT IS ONE OF THE PLEASANTEST FROSTS *I EVER KNEW, SO VERY QUIET. *I HOPE IT WILL LAST SOME TIME LONGER FOR *FRANK'S SAKE, WHO IS QUITE ANXIOUS TO GET SOME SKATING ; HE TRIED YESTERDAY, BUT IT WOULD NOT DO. *OUR ACQUAINTANCE INCREASE TOO FAST. *HE WAS RECOGNISED

LATELY BY *ADMIRAL *BERTIE, AND A FEW DAYS SINCE ARRIVED THE *ADMIRAL AND HIS DAUGHTER *CATHERINE TO WAIT UPON US. *THERE WAS NOTHING TO LIKE OR DISLIKE IN EITHER. *TO THE *BERTIES ARE TO BE ADDED THE *LANCES, WITH WHOSE CARDS WE HAVE BEEN ENDOWED, AND WHOSE VISIT *FRANK AND *I RETURNED YESTERDAY. *THEY LIVE ABOUT A MILE AND THREE-QUARTERS FROM *S. TO THE RIGHT OF THE NEW ROAD TO *PORTSMOUTH, AND *I BELIEVE THEIR HOUSE IS ONE OF THOSE WHICH ARE TO BE SEEN ALMOST ANYWHERE AMONG THE WOODS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE *ITCHEN. *IT IS A HANDSOME BUILDING, STANDS HIGH, AND IN A VERY BEAUTIFUL SITUATION. *WE FOUND ONLY *MRS. *LANCE AT HOME, AND WHETHER SHE BOASTS ANY OFFSPRING BESIDES A GRAND PIANOFORTE DID NOT APPEAR. *SHE WAS CIVIL AND CHATTY ENOUGH, AND OFFERED TO INTRODUCE US TO SOME ACQUAINTANCE IN *SOUTHAMPTON, WHICH WE GRATEFULLY DECLINED. *I SUPPOSE THEY MUST BE ACTING BY THE ORDERS OF *MR. *LANCE OF *NETHERTON IN THIS CIVILITY, AS THERE SEEMS NO OTHER REASON FOR THEIR COMING NEAR US. *THEY WILL NOT COME OFTEN, *I DARE SAY. *THEY LIVE IN A HANDSOME STYLE AND ARE RICH, AND SHE SEEMED TO LIKE TO BE RICH, AND WE GAVE HER TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE WERE FAR FROM BEING SO ; SHE WILL SOON FEEL THEREFORE THAT WE ARE NOT WORTH HER ACQUAINTANCE. *YOU MUST HAVE HEARD FROM *MARTHA BY THIS TIME. *WE HAVE HAD NO ACCOUNTS OF *KINTBURY SINCE HER LETTER TO ME. *MRS. *F. *A. HAS HAD ONE FAINTING FIT LATELY; IT CAME ON AS USUAL AFTER EATING A HEARTY DINNER, BUT DID NOT LAST LONG. *I CAN RECOLLECT NOTHING MORE TO SAY. *WHEN MY LETTER IS GONE, *I SUPPOSE *I SHALL. *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *A. *I HAVE JUST ASKED *CAROLINE IF *I SHOULD SEND HER LOVE TO HER GODMAMA, TO WHICH SHE ANSWERED " *YES."

*SOUTHAMPTON *FEB. 8TH *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *MY EXPECTATION OF HAVING NOTHING TO SAY TO YOU AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF MY LAST, SEEMS NEARER *TRUTH THAN *I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE, FOR *I FEEL TO HAVE BUT LITTLE. *I NEED NOT THEREFORE BE ABOVE ACKNOWLEDGING THE RECEIPT OF YOURS THIS MORNG* ; OR OF REPLYING TO EVERY PART OF IT WHICH IS CAPABLE OF AN ANSWER ; & YOU MAY ACCORDINGLY PREPARE FOR MY RINGING THE *CHANGES OF THE *GLADS & *SORRYS FOR THE REST OF THE PAGE. - *UNLUCKILY HOWEVER *I SEE NOTHING TO BE GLAD OF, UNLESS *I MAKE IT A MATTER OF *JOY THAT *MRS. *WYLMOT HAS ANOTHER SON, & THAT *LD* LUCAN HAS TAKEN A *MISTRESS, BOTH OF WHICH *EVENTS ARE OF COURSE JOYFUL TO THE *ACTORS ; - BUT TO BE SORRY *I FIND MANY OCCASIONS, THE FIRST IS THAT YOUR RETURN IS TO BE DELAYED, & WHETHER *I EVER GET BEYOND THE FIRST IS DOUBTFUL. *IT IS NO USE TO LAMENT. - *I NEVER HEARD THAT EVEN *QUEEN *MARY'S *LAMENTATION DID HER ANY GOOD, & *I COULD NOT THEREFORE EXPECT BENEFIT FROM MINE. - *WE ARE ALL SORRY, & NOW THAT SUBJECT IS EX+ HAUSTED/. *I HEARD FROM *MARTHA YESTERDAY : SHE SPENDS THIS WEEK WITH THE *HARWOODS, GOES AFTERWARDS WITH *JAMES & *MARY FOR A FEW DAYS TO SEE *PETER *DEBARY & TWO OF HIS SISTERS AT *EVERSLEY - THE *LIVING OF WHICH HE HAS GAINED ON THE DEATH OF *SIR *R. COPE - & MEANS TO BE HERE ON YE* 24TH**, WHICH WILL BE *TUESDAY FORTNIGHT. *I SHALL BE TRUELY GLAD IF SHE CAN KEEP TO HER DAY, BUT

DARE NOT DEPEND ON IT; - & AM SO APPREHENSIVE OF FARTHER DETENTION THAT, IF NOTHING ELSE OCCURS TO CREATE IT, *I CANNOT HELP THINKING SHE WILL MARRY *PETER *DEBARY. - *IT VEXED ME THAT *I COULD NOT GET ANY FISH FOR *KINTBURY WHILE THEIR FAMILY WAS LARGE ; BUT SO IT WAS, & TILL LAST *TUESDAY *I COULD PROCURE NONE. *I THEN SENT THEM FOUR PAIR OF SMALL SOALS, & SHOULD BE GLAD TO BE CERTAIN OF THEIR ARRIVING IN GOOD TIME, BUT *I HAVE HEARD NOTHING ABOUT THEM SINCE, & HAD RATHER HEAR NOTHING THAN *EVIL. - *THEY COST SIX SHILLINGS, & AS THEY TRAVELLED IN A *BASKET WHICH CAME FROM *KINTBURY A FEW DAYS BEFORE WITH *POULTRY &C, *I INSIST UPON TREATING YOU WITH THE *BOOKING $WHATEVER IT MAY BE,$ *YOU ARE ONLY *EIGHTEEN PENCE IN MY DEBT. - *MRS. *E. *LEIGH DID NOT MAKE THE SLIGHTEST ALLUSION TO MY *UNCLE'S *BUSINESS, AS *I REMEMBER TELLING YOU AT THE TIME, BUT YOU SHALL HAVE IT AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE. *MY *MOTHER WROTE TO HER A WEEK AGO. - *MARTHA'S RUG IS JUST FINISHED, & LOOKS WELL, THO' NOT QUITE SO WELL AS *I HAD HOPED. *I SEE NO FAULT IN THE *BORDER, BUT THE *MIDDLE IS DINGY. - *MY *MOTHER DESIRES ME TO SAY THAT SHE WILL KNIT ONE FOR YOU, AS SOON AS YOU RETURN TO CHUSE THE COLOURS & PATTERN. *I AM SORRY *I HAVE AFFRONTED YOU ON THE SUBJECT OF *MR. *MOORE, BUT *I DO NOT MEAN EVER TO LIKE HIM ; & AS TO PITYING A YOUNG WOMAN MERELY BECAUSE SHE CANNOT LIVE IN TWO PLACES AT THE SAME TIME, & AT ONCE ENJOY THE COMFORTS OF BEING MARRIED & SINGLE, *I SHALL NOT ATTEMPT IT, EVEN FOR *HARRIET. - *YOU SEE *I HAVE A SPIRIT, AS WELL AS YOURSELF. *FRANK & *MARY CANNOT AT ALL APPROVE OF YOUR NOT BEING AT HOME IN TIME TO HELP THEM IN THEIR FINISHING PURCHASES, & DESIRE ME TO SAY THAT, IF YOU ARE NOT, THEY SHALL BE AS SPITEFUL AS POSSIBLE & CHUSE EVERYTHING IN THE STILE MOST LIKELY

TO VEX YOU, KNIVES THAT WILL NOT CUT, GLASSES THAT WILL NOT HOLD, A SOFA WITHOUT A SEAT, & A *BOOKCASE WITHOUT SHELVES. - *OUR *GARDEN IS PUTTING IN ORDER, BY A *MAN WHO BEARS A REMARKABLY GOOD CHARACTER, HAS A VERY FINE COMPLEXION & ASKS SOMETHING LESS THAN THE FIRST. *THE SHRUBS WHICH BORDER THE GRAVEL WALK HE SAYS ARE ONLY SWEETBRIAR & ROSES, & THE LATTER OF AN INDIFFERENT SORT ; - WE MEAN TO GET A FEW OF A BETTER KIND THEREFORE, & AT MY OWN PARTICULAR DESIRE HE PRO+ CURES/ US SOME *SYRINGAS. *I COULD NOT DO WITHOUT A *SYRINGA, FOR THE SAKE OF *COWPER'S *LINE. - *WE TALK ALSO OF A *LABURNAM. - *THE *BORDER UNDER THE *TERRACE *WALL, IS CLEARING AWAY TO RECEIVE *CURRANTS & *GOOSEBERRY *BUSHES, & A SPOT IS FOUND VERY PROPER FOR RASPBERRIES. - *THE ALTERATIONS & IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN DOORS TOO ADVANCE VERY PROPERLY, & THE OFFICES WILL BE MADE VERY CONVENIENT INDEED. - *OUR *DRESSING-*TABLE IS CONSTRUCT+ ING/ ON THE SPOT, OUT OF A LARGE *KITCHEN *TABLE BELONGING TO THE *HOUSE, FOR DOING WHICH WE HAVE THE PERMISSION OF *MR. *HUSKET *LORD *LANSDOWN'S *PAINTER, - DOMESTIC *PAINTER *I SHD* CALL HIM, FOR HE LIVES IN THE *CASTLE. - *DOMESTIC *CHAPLAINS HAVE GIVEN WAY TO THIS MORE NECESSARY OFFICE, & *I SUPPOSE WHENEVER THE *WALLS WANT NO TOUCHING UP, HE IS EMPLOYED ABOUT MY *LADY'S FACE. - *THE MORNING WAS SO WET THAT *I WAS AFRAID WE SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SEE OUR LITTLE VISITOR, BUT *FRANK WHO ALONE COULD GO TO *CHURCH CALLED FOR HER AFTER SERVICE, & SHE IS NOW TALKING AWAY AT MY SIDE & EXAMINING THE *TREASURES OF MY *WRITING-DESK DRAWER ; - VERY HAPPY *I BELEIVE ; - NOT AT ALL SHY OF COURSE. - *HER NAME IS *CATHERINE & HER *SISTER'S *CAROLINE. - *SHE IS SOMETHING LIKE HER *BROTHER, & AS SHORT FOR HER AGE, BUT NOT SO WELL-LOOKING. - *WHAT IS BECOME OF ALL THE *SHYNESS IN

THE *WORLD ? - *MORAL AS WELL AS *NATURAL *DISEASES DIS+ APPEAR/ IN THE PROGRESS OF TIME, & NEW ONES TAKE THEIR PLACE. - *SHYNESS & THE *SWEATING *SICKNESS HAVE GIVEN WAY TO *CONFIDENCE & *PARALYTIC COMPLAINTS. - *I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF *MRS. *WHITFIELD'S ENCREASING *ILLNESS, & OF POOR *MARIANNE *BRIDGES'S HAVING SUFFERED SO MUCH ; - THESE ARE SOME OF MY SORROWS, - & THAT *MRS. *DEEDES IS TO HAVE ANOTHER *CHILD *I SUPPOSE *I MAY LAMENT. - *THE DEATH OF *MRS. *W. *K. WE HAD SEEN ; - *I HAD NO IDEA THAT ANYBODY LIKED HER, & THEREFORE FELT NOTHING FOR ANY *SURVIVOR, BUT *I AM NOW FEELING AWAY ON HER *HUSBAND'S ACCOUNT, AND THINK HE HAD BETTER MARRY *MISS *SHARPE. - *I HAVE THIS INSTANT MADE MY PRESENT, & HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SEEING IT SMILED OVER WITH GENUINE SATISFACTION. *I AM SURE *I MAY ON THIS OCCASION CALL *KITTY *FOOTE, AS *HASTINGS DID *H. EGERTON, MY " VERY VALUABLE *FRIEND." - $*EVENG*$. - *OUR LITTLE VISITOR HAS JUST LEFT US, & LEFT US HIGHLY PLEASED WITH HER ; - SHE IS A NICE, NATURAL, OPENHEARTED, AFFECTIONATE GIRL, WITH ALL THE READY CIVILITY WHICH ONE SEES IN THE BEST *CHILDREN IN THE PRESENT DAY ; - SO UNLIKE ANYTHING THAT *I WAS MYSELF AT HER AGE, THAT *I AM OFTEN ALL ASTONISH+ MENT/ & SHAME. - *HALF HER TIME HERE WAS SPENT AT *SPILLIKINS, WHICH *I CONSIDER AS A VERY VALUABLE PART OF OUR *HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, & AS NOT THE LEAST IMPOR+ TANT/ *BENEFACTION FROM THE FAMILY OF *KNIGHT TO THAT OF *AUSTEN. - *BUT *I MUST TELL YOU A STORY. *MARY HAS FOR SOME TIME HAD NOTICE FROM *MRS. *DICKSON OF THE INTENDED ARRIVAL OF A CERTAIN *MISS *FOWLER IN THIS PLACE ; - *MISS *F. IS AN INTIMATE FRIEND OF *MRS. *D. & A GOOD DEAL KNOW AS SUCH TO *MARY. - *ON *THURSDAY LAST SHE CALLED HERE WHILE WE WERE OUT ; - *MARY FOUND ON OUR RETURN HER CARD WITH ONLY HER NAME ON IT, & SHE HAD

LEFT WORD THAT SHE WD* CALL AGAIN. - *THE PARTICULARITY OF THIS MADE US TALK, & AMONG OTHER CONJECTURES *FRANK SAID IN JOKE "*I DARE SAY SHE IS STAYING WITH THE *PEARSONS." - *THE CONNECTION OF THE NAMES STRUCK *MARY, & SHE IMMEDIATELY RECOLLECTED *MISS *FOWLER'S HAVING BEEN VERY INTIMATE WITH PERSONS SO CALLED ; - AND UPON PUTTING EVERYTHING TOGETHER WE HAVE SCARCELY A DOUBT OF HER BEING ACTUALLY STAYING WITH THE ONLY *FAMILY IN THE PLACE WHOM WE CANNOT VISIT. - *WHAT A *CONTRE+ TEMS/ ! - IN THE *LANGUAGE OF *FRANCE ; *WHAT AN UNLUCKI+ NESS ! IN THAT OF *MDE** DUVAL : - *THE *BLACK *GENTLEMAN HAS CERTAINLY EMPLOYED ONE OF HIS MENIAL IMPS TO BRING ABOUT THIS COMPLETE THO' TRIFLING MISCHEIF. - *MISS *F. HAS NEVER CALLED AGAIN, BUT WE ARE IN DAILY EXPECTATION OF IT. - *MISS *P. HAS OF COURSE GIVEN HER A PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE *BUSINESS ; - IT IS EVIDENT THAT *MISS *F. DID NOT EXPECT OR WISH TO HAVE THE VISIT RETURNED, & *FRANK IS QUITE AS MUCH ON HIS GUARD FOR HIS WIFE AS WE CD* DESIRE FOR HER SAKE OR OUR OWN. - *WE SHALL REJOICE IN BEING SO NEAR *WINCHESTER WHEN *EDWARD BELONGS TO IT, & CAN NEVER HAVE OUR SPARE BED FILLED MORE TO OUR SATISFACTION THAN BY HIM. *DOES HE LEAVE *ELTHAM AT *EASTER ? - *WE ARE READING *CLARENTINE, & ARE SURPRISED TO FIND HOW FOOLISH IT IS. *I REMEMBER LIKING IT MUCH LESS ON A 2D* READING THAN AT THE 1ST** & IT DOES NOT BEAR A 3D* AT ALL. *IT IS FULL OF UNNATURAL CONDUCT & FORCED DIFFICULTIES, WITHOUT STRIKING MERIT OF ANY KIND. - *MISS *HARRISON IS GOING INTO *DEVONSHIRE TO ATTEND *MRS. *DUSAUTOY AS USUAL. - *MISS *JACKSON IS MARRIED TO YOUNG *MR. *GUNTHORPE, & IS TO BE VERY UNHAPPY. *HE SWEARS, DRINKS, IS CROSS, JEALOUS, SELFISH & *BRUTAL ; - THE MATCH MAKES $HER$ FAMILY MISERABLE, & HAS OCCASIONED

$HIS$ BEING DISINHERITED. - *THE *BROWNS ARE ADDED TO OUR LIST OF ACQUAINTANCE ; *HE COMMANDS THE *SEA *FENCIBLES HERE UNDER *SIR *THO. & WAS INTRODUCED AT HIS OWN DESIRE BY THE LATTER WHEN WE SAW HIM LAST WEEK. - *AS YET THE *GENTLEMEN ONLY HAVE VISITED, AS *MRS. *B. IS ILL, BUT SHE IS A NICE LOOKING WOMAN & WEARS ONE OF THE PRETTIEST STRAW *BONNETS IN THE PLACE. - $*MONDAY$. *THE *GARRET-+ BEDS/ ARE MADE, & OURS WILL BE FINISHED TODAY. *I HAD HOPED IT WD* BE FINISHED ON *SATURDAY, BUT NEITHER *MRS. *HALL NOR *JENNY WERE ABLE TO GIVE HELP ENOUGH FOR THAT ; & *I HAVE AS YET DONE VERY LITTLE & *MARY NOTHING AT ALL. *THIS WEEK WE SHALL DO MORE, & *I SHD* LIKE TO HAVE ALL THE 5 BEDS COMPLETED BY THE END OF IT. - *THERE WILL THEN BE THE *WINDOW-*CURTAINS, SOFA-COVER, & A CARPET TO BE ALTERED. *I SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISED IF WE WERE TO BE VISITED BY *JAMES AGAIN THIS WEEK ; HE GAVE US REASON TO EXPECT HIM SOON ; & IF THEY GO TO *EVERSLEY HE CANNOT COME NEXT WEEK. - *I AM SORRY & ANGRY THAT HIS *VISITS SHOULD NOT GIVE ONE MORE PLEASURE ; THE COMPANY OF SO GOOD & SO CLEVER A *MAN OUGHT TO BE GRATIFYING IN ITSELF ; - BUT HIS *CHAT SEEMS ALL FORCED, HIS *OPINIONS ON MANY POINTS TOO MUCH COPIED FROM HIS *WIFE'S, & HIS TIME HERE IS SPENT *I THINK IN WALKING ABOUT THE *HOUSE & BANGING THE DOORS, OR RINGING THE BELL FOR A GLASS OF WATER. - *THERE, *I FLATTER MYSELF *I HAVE CONSTRUCTED YOU A SMARTISH *LETTER, CONSIDERING MY WANT OF *MATERIALS. *BUT LIKE MY DEAR *DR. *JOHNSON *I BELEIVE *I HAVE DEALT MORE IN *NOTIONS THAN *FACTS. - *I HOPE YOUR *COUGH IS GONE & THAT YOU ARE OTHERWISE WELL. - *AND REMAIN WITH *LOVE, *YRS** AFFECTELY**** *J. *A.

*SOUTHAMPTON *FRIDAY *FEBY* 20TH** *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *WE HAVE AT LAST HEARD SOMETHING OF *MR* AUSTEN'S *WILL. *IT IS BELEIVED AT *TUNBRIDGE THAT HE HAS LEFT EVERYTHING AFTER THE DEATH OF HIS WIDOW TO *MR. *MY* *AUSTEN'S 3D* SON *JOHN ; & AS THE SAID *JOHN WAS THE ONLY ONE OF THE *FAMILY WHO ATTENDED THE *FUNERAL, IT SEEMS LIKELY TO BE TRUE. - *SUCH ILL-GOTTEN WEALTH CAN NEVER PROSPER ! - *I REALLY HAVE VERY LITTLE TO SAY $THIS$ WEEK, & DO NOT FEEL AS IF *I SHOULD SPREAD THAT LITTLE INTO THE SHEW OF MUCH. *I AM INCLINED FOR SHORT SENTENCES. - *MARY WILL BE OBLIGED TO YOU TO TAKE NOTICE HOW OFTEN *ELIZTH** NURSES HER *BABY IN THE COURSE OF THE 24 HOURS, HOW OFTEN IT IS FED & WITH WHAT; - YOU NEED NOT TROUBLE YOURSELF TO $WRITE$ THE RESULT OF YOUR OBSERVA+ TIONS/, YOUR RETURN WILL BE EARLY ENOUGH FOR THE COM+ MUNICATION/ OF THEM. - *YOU ARE RECOMMENDED TO BRING AWAY SOME FLOWER-SEEDS FROM *GODMERSHAM, PARTICU+ LARLY/ *MIGNIONETTE SEED. - *MY *MOTHER HAS HEARD THIS MORNG* FROM *PARAGON. *MY *AUNT TALKS MUCH OF THE VIOLENT COLDS PREVAILING IN *BATH, FROM WHICH MY *UNCLE HAS SUFFERED EVER SINCE THEIR RETURN, & SHE HAS HERSELF A COUGH MUCH WORSE THAN ANY SHE EVER HAD BEFORE, SUB+ JECT/ AS SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO BAD ONES. - *SHE WRITES IN GOOD HUMOUR & CHEARFUL SPIRITS HOWEVER. *THE NEGOCIATION BETWEEN THEM & *ADLESTROP SO HAPPILY OVER INDEED, WHAT CAN HAVE POWER TO VEX HER MATERIALLY ?

- *ELLISTON, SHE TELLS US HAS JUST SUCCEEDED TO A CON+ SIDERABLE/ FORTUNE ON THE DEATH OF AN *UNCLE. *I WOULD NOT HAVE IT ENOUGH TO TAKE $HIM$ FROM THE *STAGE; $SHE$ SHOULD QUIT HER BUSINESS, & LIVE WITH HIM IN *LONDON. - *WE COULD NOT PAY OUR VISIT ON *MONDAY, THE WEATHER ALTERED JUST TOO SOON ; & WE HAVE SINCE HAD A TOUCH OF ALMOST EVERYTHING IN THE WEATHER WAY ; - TWO OF THE SEVEREST FROSTS SINCE THE WINTER BEGAN, PRECEDED BY RAIN, HAIL & SNOW. - *NOW WE ARE SMILING AGAIN. $*SATURDAY$. - *I HAVE RECEIVED YOUR LETTER, BUT *I SUP+ POSE/ YOU DO NOT EXPECT ME TO BE GRATIFIED BY IT'S CONTENTS. *I CONFESS MYSELF MUCH DISAPPOINTED BY THIS REPEATED DELAY OF YOUR RETURN, FOR THO' *I HAD PRETTY WELL GIVEN UP ALL IDEA OF YOUR BEING WITH US BEFORE OUR REMOVAL, *I FELT SURE THAT *MARCH WOULD NOT PASS QUITE AWAY WITHOUT BRINGING YOU. *BEFORE *APRIL COMES, OF COURSE SOMETHING ELSE WILL OCCUR TO DETAIN YOU. *BUT AS $YOU$ ARE HAPPY, ALL THIS IS SELFISHNESS, OF WHICH HERE IS ENOUGH FOR ONE PAGE. - *PRAY TELL *LIZZY THAT IF *I HAD IMAGINED HER *TEETH TO BE REALLY OUT, *I SHOULD HAVE SAID BEFORE WHAT *I SAY NOW, THAT IT WAS A VERY UNLUCKY FALL INDEED, THAT *I AM AFRAID IT MUST HAVE GIVEN HER A GREAT DEAL OF PAIN, & THAT *I DARE SAY HER *MOUTH LOOKS VERY COMICAL. - *I AM OBLIGED TO *FANNY FOR THE LIST OF *MRS. *COLEMAN'S *CHILDREN, WHOSE NAMES *I HAD NOT HOWEVER QUITE FORGOT ; THE NEW ONE *I AM SURE WILL BE *CAROLINE. - *I HAVE GOT *MR. *BOWEN'S *RECIPE FOR YOU, IT CAME IN MY AUNT'S LETTER. - *YOU MUST HAVE HAD MORE SNOW AT *GM*, THAN WE HAD HERE ; - ON *WEDNESDAY MORNG* THERE WAS A THIN COVERING OF IT OVER THE FIELDS & ROOFS OF THE *HOUSES, BUT *I DO NOT THINK THERE WAS ANY LEFT THE NEXT DAY. *EVERYBODY USED TO *SOUTHAMPTON

SAYS THAT *SNOW NEVER LIES MORE THAN 24 HOURS NEAR IT, & FROM WHAT WE HAVE OBSERVED OURSELVES, IT IS VERY TRUE. - *FRANK'S GOING INTO *KENT DEPENDS OF COURSE UPON HIS BEING UNEMPLOYED, BUT AS THE 1ST** *LORD AFTER PROMISING *LD* MOIRA THAT *CAPT. *A. SHOULD HAVE THE FIRST GOOD *FRIGATE THAT WAS VACANT, HAS SINCE GIVEN AWAY TWO OR THREE FINE ONES, HE HAS NO PARTICULAR REASON TO EXPECT AN APPOINTMENT NOW. - $*HE$ HOWEVER HAS SCARCELY SPOKEN ABOUT THE *KENTISH *JOURNEY ; *I HAVE MY INFOR+ MATION/ CHEIFLY FROM HER, & SHE CONSIDERS HER OWN GOING THITHER AS MORE CERTAIN IF HE SHD* BE AT SEA, THAN IF NOT. - *FRANK HAS GOT A VERY BAD COUGH, FOR AN *AUSTEN ; - BUT IT DOES NOT DISABLE HIM FROM MAKING VERY NICE FRINGE FOR THE *DRAWINGROOM-*CURTAINS. - *MRS. *DAY HAS NOW GOT THE *CARPET IN HAND, & *MONDAY *I HOPE WILL BE THE LAST DAY OF HER EMPLOYMENT HERE. *A FORTNIGHT AFTER+ WARDS/ SHE IS TO BE CALLED AGAIN FROM THE SHADES OF HER RED-CHECK'D BED IN AN ALLEY NEAR THE END OF THE *HIGH *STREET TO CLEAN THE NEW *HOUSE & AIR THE *BEDDING. - *WE HEAR THAT WE ARE ENVIED OUR *HOUSE BY MANY PEOPLE, & THAT THE *GARDEN IS THE BEST IN THE *TOWN. - *THERE WILL BE GREEN BAIZE ENOUGH FOR *MARTHA'S ROOM & OURS ; - NOT TO COVER THEM, BUT TO LIE OVER THE PART WHERE IT IS MOST WANTED, UNDER THE *DRESSING *TABLE. *MARY IS TO HAVE A PEICE OF CARPETTING FOR THE SAME PURPOSE ; MY *MOTHER SAYS $SHE$ DOES NOT WANT ANY ; - & IT MAY CERTAINLY BE BETTER DONE WITHOUT IN HER ROOM THAN IN *MARTHA'S & OURS, FROM THE DIFFERENCE OF THEIR ASPECT. - *I RECOMMEND *MRS** GRANT'S *LETTERS, AS A PRESENT TO THE LATTER ; - WHAT THEY ARE ABOUT, NOR HOW MANY VOLUMES THEY FORM *I DO NOT KNOW, HAVING NEVER HEARD OF THEM BUT FROM *MISS *IRVINE, WHO SPEAKS OF THEM AS A NEW & MUCH ADMIRED WORK, & AS ONE WHICH HAS

PLEASED HER HIGHLY. - *I HAVE ENQUIRED FOR THE BOOK HERE, BUT FIND IT QUITE UNKNOWN. *I BELEIVE *I PUT FIVE BREADTHS OF *LINON ALSO INTO MY FLOUNCE ; *I KNOW *I FOUND IT WANTED MORE THAN *I HAD EXPECTED, & THAT *I SHD* HAVE BEEN DISTRESSED IF *I HAD NOT BOUGHT MORE THAN *I BELEIVED MYSELF TO NEED, FOR THE SAKE OF THE EVEN *MEASURE, ON WHICH WE THINK SO DIFFERENTLY. - *A LIGHT MORNG* GOWN WILL BE A VERY NECESSARY PURCHASE FOR YOU, & *I WISH YOU A PRETTY ONE. *I SHALL BUY SUCH THINGS WHENEVER *I AM TEMPTED, BUT AS YET THERE IS NOTHING OF THE SORT TO BE SEEN. - *WE ARE READING *BARRETTI'S OTHER BOOK, & FIND HIM DREADFULLY ABUSIVE OF POOR *MR* SHARPE. *I CAN NO LONGER TAKE HIS PART AGAINST YOU, AS *I DID NINE YEARS AGO. - $*SUNDAY$. - *THIS POST HAS BROUGHT ME *MARTHA'S OWN ASSURANCE OF HER COMING ON TUESDAY EVENG* WHICH NOTHING IS NOW TO PREVENT EXCEPT *WILLIAM SHOULD SEND HER WORD THAT THERE IS NO $REMEDY$ ON THAT DAY. - *HER LETTER WAS PUT INTO THE POST AT *BASINGSTOKE ON THEIR RETURN FROM *EVERSLEY, WHERE SHE SAYS THEY HAVE SPENT THEIR TIME VERY PLEASANTLY ; SHE DOES NOT OWN HERSELF IN ANY DANGER OF BEING TEMPTED BACK AGAIN HOWEVER, & AS SHE SIGNS BY HER MAIDEN NAME WE ARE AT LEAST TO SUPPOSE HER NOT MARRIED YET. - *THEY MUST HAVE HAD A COLD VISIT, BUT AS SHE FOUND IT AGREABLE *I SUPPOSE THERE WAS NO WANT OF *BLANKETS, AND WE MAY TRUST TO HER *SISTER'S TAKING CARE THAT HER LOVE OF MANY SHOULD BE KNOW. - *SHE SENDS ME NO PARTICULARS, HAVING TIME ONLY TO WRITE THE NEEDFUL. - *I WISH *YOU A PLEASANT PARTY TOMORROW, & NOT MORE THAN YOU LIKE OF *MISS *HATTON'S NECK. - *LADY *B. MUST HAVE BEEN A SHAMELESS WOMAN IF SHE NAMED *H. *HALES AS WITHIN HER *HUSBAND'S REACH. *IT IS A PEICE OF IMPERTINENCE INDEED IN A *WOMAN TO PRETEND TO FIX ON

ANY ONE, AS IF SHE SUPPOSED IT CD* BE ONLY ASK & HAVE. *A WIDOWER WITH 3 CHILDREN HAS NO RIGHT TO LOOK HIGHER THAN HIS DAUGHTER'S *GOVERNESS. - *I AM FORCED TO BE ABUSIVE FOR WANT OF SUBJECT, HAVING REALLY NOTHING TO SAY. - *WHEN *MARTHA COMES, SHE WILL SUPPLY ME WITH MATTER ; *I SHALL HAVE TO TELL YOU HOW SHE LIKES THE *HOUSE & WHAT SHE THINKS OF *MARY. - *YOU MUST BE VERY COLD TODAY AT *GM*. - WE ARE COLD HERE. *I EXPECT A SEVERE *MARCH, A WET *APRIL, & A SHARP *MAY. - *AND WITH THIS PROPHECY *I MUST CONCLUDE. - *MY LOVE TO EVERY+ BODY/, - *YRS** AFFECTELY**** *J *AUSTEN *GODMERSHAM : *WEDNESDAY *JUNE 15 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *WHERE SHALL *I BEGIN ? *WHICH OF ALL MY IMPORTANT NOTHINGS SHALL *I TELL YOU FIRST ? *AT HALF AFTER SEVEN YESTERDAY MORNING *HENRY SAW US INTO OUR OWN CARRIAGE, AND WE DROVE AWAY FROM THE *BATH *HOTEL ; WHICH, BY-THE-BYE, HAD BEEN FOUND MOST UNCOMFORT+ ABLE/ QUARTERS - VERY DIRTY, VERY NOISY, AND VERY ILL-+ PROVIDED/. *JAMES BEGAN HIS JOURNEY BY THE COACH AT FIVE. *OUR FIRST EIGHT MILES WERE HOT ; *DEPTFORD *HILL BROUGHT TO MY MIND OUR HOT JOURNEY INTO *KENT FOURTEEN YEARS AGO ; BUT AFTER *BLACKHEATH WE SUFFERED NOTHING, AND AS THE DAY ADVANCED IT GREW QUITE COOL. *AT *DARTFORD, WHICH WE REACHED WITHIN THE TWO HOURS AND THREE-QUARTERS, WE WENT TO THE *BULL, THE SAME INN AT WHICH WE BREAKFASTED IN THAT SAID JOURNEY, AND ON THE PRESENT OCCASION HAD ABOUT THE SAME BAD BUTTER.

*AT HALF-PAST TEN WE WERE AGAIN OFF, AND, TRAVELLING ON WITHOUT ANY ADVENTURE REACHED *SITTINGBOURNE BY THREE. *DANIEL WAS WATCHING FOR US AT THE DOOR OF THE *GEORGE, AND *I WAS ACKNOWLEDGED VERY KINDLY BY *MR. AND *MRS. *MARSHALL, TO THE LATTER OF WHOM *I DEVOTED MY CONVERSATION, WHILE *MARY WENT OUT TO BUY SOME GLOVES. *A FEW MINUTES, OF COURSE, DID FOR *SITTING+ BOURNE/ ; AND SO OFF WE DROVE, DROVE, DROVE, AND BY SIX O'CLOCK WERE AT *GODMERSHAM. *OUR TWO BROTHERS WERE WALKING BEFORE THE HOUSE AS WE APPROACHED, AS NATURAL AS LIFE. *FANNY AND *LIZZY MET US IN THE *HALL WITH A GREAT DEAL OF PLEASANT JOY ; WE WENT FOR A FEW MINUTES INTO THE BREAKFAST PARLOUR, AND THEN PROCEEDED TO OUR ROOMS. *MARY HAS THE *HALL CHAMBER. *I AM IN THE *YELLOW ROOM - VERY LITERALLY - FOR *I AM WRITING IN IT AT THIS MOMENT. *IT SEEMS ODD TO ME TO HAVE SUCH A GREAT PLACE ALL TO MYSELF, AND TO BE AT *GODMERSHAM WITHOUT YOU IS ALSO ODD. *YOU ARE WISHED FOR, *I ASSURE YOU : *FANNY, WHO CAME TO ME AS SOON AS SHE HAD SEEN HER *AUNT *JAMES TO HER ROOM, AND STAYED WHILE *I DRESSED, WAS AS ENERGETIC AS USUAL IN HER LONGINGS FOR YOU. *SHE IS GROWN BOTH IN HEIGHT AND SIZE SINCE LAST YEAR, BUT NOT IMMODERATELY, LOOKS VERY WELL, AND SEEMS AS TO CON+ DUCT/ AND MANNER JUST WHAT SHE WAS AND WHAT ONE COULD WISH HER TO CONTINUE. *ELIZABETH, WHO WAS DRESSING WHEN WE ARRIVED, CAME TO ME FOR A MINUTE ATTENDED BY *MARIANNE, *CHARLES, AND *LOUISA, AND, YOU WILL NOT DOUBT, GAVE ME A VERY AFFECTIONATE WELCOME. *THAT *I HAD RECEIVED SUCH FROM *EDWARD ALSO *I NEED NOT MENTION ; BUT *I DO, YOU SEE, BECAUSE IT IS A PLEASURE. *I NEVER SAW HIM LOOK IN BETTER HEALTH, AND *FANNY SAYS HE IS PERFECTLY WELL.

*I CANNOT PRAISE *ELIZABETH'S LOOKS, BUT THEY ARE PROBABLY AFFECTED BY A COLD. *HER LITTLE NAMESAKE HAS GAINED IN BEAUTY IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, THOUGH NOT ALL THAT *MARIANNE HAS LOST. *CHARLES IS NOT QUITE SO LOVELY AS HE WAS. *LOUISA IS MUCH AS *I EXPECTED, AND *CASSANDRA *I FIND HANDSOMER THAN *I EXPECTED, THOUGH AT PRESENT DISGUISED BY SUCH A VIOLENT BREAKING-OUT THAT SHE DOES NOT COME DOWN AFTER DINNER. *SHE HAS CHARM+ ING/ EYES AND A NICE OPEN COUNTENANCE, AND SEEMS LIKELY TO BE VERY LOVABLE. *HER SIZE IS MAGNIFICENT. *I WAS AGREEABLY SURPRISED TO FIND *LOUISA *BRIDGES STILL HERE. *SHE LOOKS REMARKABLY WELL (LEGACIES ARE VERY WHOLESOME DIET), AND IS JUST WHAT SHE ALWAYS WAS. *JOHN IS AT *SANDLING. *YOU MAY FANCY OUR DINNER PARTY THEREFORE ; *FANNY, OF COURSE, BELONGING TO IT, AND LITTLE *EDWARD, FOR THAT DAY. *HE WAS ALMOST TOO HAPPY, HIS HAPPINESS AT LEAST MADE HIM TOO TALKATIVE. *IT HAS STRUCK TEN ; *I MUST GO TO BREAKFAST. *SINCE BREAKFAST *I HAVE HAD A $TETE-A-TETE$ WITH *EDWARD IN HIS ROOM ; HE WANTED TO KNOW *JAMES'S PLANS AND MINE, AND FROM WHAT HIS OWN NOW ARE *I THINK IT ALREADY NEARLY CERTAIN THAT *I SHALL RETURN WHEN THEY DO, THOUGH NOT WITH THEM. *EDWARD WILL BE GOING ABOUT THE SAME TIME TO *ALTON, WHERE HE HAS BUSINESS WITH *MR. *TRIMMER, AND WHERE HE MEANS HIS SON SHOULD JOIN HIM ; AND *I SHALL PROBABLY BE HIS COMPANION TO THAT PLACE, AND GET ON AFTERWARDS SOMEHOW OR OTHER. *I SHOULD HAVE PREFERRED A RATHER LONGER STAY HERE CERTAINLY, BUT THERE IS NO PROSPECT OF ANY LATER CONVEY+ ANCE/ FOR ME, AS HE DOES NOT MEAN TO ACCOMPANY *EDWARD ON HIS RETURN TO *WINCHESTER, FROM A VERY NATURAL UNWILLINGNESS TO LEAVE *ELIZABETH AT THAT TIME. *I SHALL AT ANY RATE BE GLAD NOT TO BE OBLIGED TO BE AN

INCUMBRANCE ON THOSE WHO HAVE BROUGHT ME HERE, FOR, AS *JAMES HAS NO HORSE, *I MUST FEEL IN THEIR CARRIAGE THAT *I AM TAKING HIS PLACE. *WE WERE RATHER CROWDED YESTERDAY, THOUGH IT DOES NOT BECOME ME TO SAY SO, AS *I AND MY BOA WERE OF THE PARTY, AND IT IS NOT TO BE SUPPOSED BUT THAT A CHILD OF THREE YEARS OF AGE WAS FIDGETY. *I NEED SCARCELY BEG YOU TO KEEP ALL THIS TO YOURSELF, LEST IT SHOULD GET ROUND BY *ANNA'S MEANS. *SHE IS VERY KINDLY INQUIRED AFTER BY HER FRIENDS HERE, WHO ALL REGRET HER NOT COMING WITH HER FATHER AND MOTHER. *I LEFT *HENRY, *I HOPE, FREE FROM HIS TIRESOME COM+ PLAINT/, IN OTHER RESPECTS WELL, AND THINKING WITH GREAT PLEASURE OF *CHELTENHAM AND *STONELEIGH. *THE BREWERY SCHEME IS QUITE AT AN END : AT A MEET+ ING/ OF THE SUBSCRIBERS LAST WEEK IT WAS BY GENERAL, AND *I BELIEVE VERY HEARTY, CONSENT DISSOLVED. *THE COUNTRY IS VERY BEAUTIFUL. *I SAW AS MUCH AS EVER TO ADMIRE IN MY YESTERDAY S JOURNEY. $*THURSDAY$. - *I AM GLAD TO FIND THAT *ANNA WAS PLEASED WITH GOING TO *SOUTHAMPTON, AND HOPE WITH ALL MY HEART THAT THE VISIT MAY BE SATISFACTORY TO EVERYBODY. *TELL HER THAT SHE WILL HEAR IN A FEW DAYS FROM HER MAMMA, WHO WOULD HAVE WRITTEN TO HER NOW BUT FOR THIS LETTER . *YESTERDAY PASSED QUITE $A LA$ *GODMERSHAM : THE GENTLEMEN RODE , ABOUT *EDWARD'S FARM, AND RETURNED IN TIME TO SAUNTER ALONG *BENTIGH WITH US ; AND AFTER DINNER WE VISITED THE *TEMPLE *PLANTATIONS, WHICH, TO BE SURE, IS A *CHEVALIER *BAYARD OF A PLANTATION. *JAMES AND *MARY ARE MUCH STRUCK WITH THE BEAUTY OF THE PLACE. *TO-DAY THE SPIRIT OF THE THING IS KEPT UP BY THE TWO BROTHERS BEING GONE TO *CANTERBURY IN THE CHAIR

*I CANNOT DISCOVER, EVEN THROUGH *FANNY, THAT HER MOTHER IS FATIGUED BY HER ATTENDANCE ON THE CHILDREN. *I HAVE, OF COURSE, TENDERED MY SERVICES, AND WHEN *LOUISA IS GONE, WHO SOMETIMES HEARS THE LITTLE GIRLS READ, WILL TRY TO BE ACCEPTED IN HER STEAD. *SHE WILL NOT BE HERE MANY DAYS LONGER. *THE *MOORES ARE PARTLY EXPECTED TO DINE HERE TO-MORROW OR *SATURDAY. *I FEEL RATHER LANGUID AND SOLITARY - PERHAPS BECAUSE *I HAVE A COLD ; BUT THREE YEARS AGO WE WERE MORE ANIMATED WITH YOU AND *HARRIOT AND *MISS *SHARPE. *WE SHALL IMPROVE, *I DARE SAY, AS WE GO ON. *I HAVE NOT YET TOLD YOU HOW THE NEW CARRIAGE IS LIKED - VERY WELL, VERY MUCH INDEED, EXCEPT THE LINING, WHICH DOES LOOK RATHER SHABBY. *I HEAR A VERY BAD ACCOUNT OF *MRS. *WHITEFIELD ; A VERY GOOD ONE OF *MRS. *KNIGHT, WHO GOES TO *BROAD+ STAIRS/ NEXT MONTH. *MISS *SHARPE IS GOING WITH *MISS *BAILEY TO *TENBY. *THE *WIDOW *KENNET SUCCEEDS TO THE POST OF LAUNDRESS. *WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT MY TRUNK IS COME ALREADY; AND, WHAT COMPLETES THE WONDROUS HAPPINESS, NOTHING IS DAMAGED. *I UNPACKED IT ALL BEFORE *I WENT TO BED LAST NIGHT, AND WHEN *I WENT DOWN TO BREAKFAST THIS MORNING PRESENTED THE RUG, WHICH WAS RECEIVED MOST GRATEFULLY, AND MET WITH UNIVERSAL ADMIRATION. *MY FROCK IS ALSO GIVEN, AND KINDLY ACCEPTED. $*FRIDAY$. - *I HAVE RECEIVED YOUR LETTER, AND *I THINK IT GIVES ME NOTHING TO BE SORRY FOR BUT *MARY'S COLD, WHICH *I HOPE IS BY THIS TIME BETTER. *HER APPROBATION OF HER CHILD'S HAT MAKES ME VERY HAPPY. *MRS. *J. *A. BOUGHT ONE AT *GAYLEARD'S FOR *CAROLINE, OF THE SAME SHAPE, BUT BROWN AND WITH A FEATHER. *I HOPE *HUXHAM IS A COMFORT TO YOU ; *I AM GLAD YOU

ARE TAKING IT. *I SHALL PROBABLY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF GIVING *HARRIOT YOUR MESSAGE TO-MORROW ; SHE DOES NOT COME HERE, THEY HAVE NOT A DAY TO SPARE, BUT *LOUISA AND *I ARE TO GO TO HER IN THE MORNING. *I SEND YOUR THANKS TO *ELIZA BY THIS POST IN A LETTER TO *HENRY. *LADY *CATHERINE IS *LORD *PORTMORE'S DAUGHTER. HAVE READ *MR. *JEFFERSON'S CASE TO *EDWARD, AND HE DESIRES TO HAVE HIS NAME SET DOWN FOR A GUINEA AND HIS WIFE'S FOR ANOTHER ; BUT DOES NOT WISH FOR MORE THAN ONE COPY OF THE WORK. *YOUR ACCOUNT OF *ANNA GIVES ME PLEASURE. *TELL HER, WITH MY LOVE, THAT *I LIKE HER FOR LIKING THE QUAY. *MRS. *J. *A. SEEMS RATHER SURPRISED AT THE *MAITLANDS DRINKING TEA WITH YOU, BUT THAT DOES NOT PREVENT MY APPROVING IT. *I HOPE YOU HAD NOT A DIS+ AGREEABLE/ EVENING WITH *MISS *AUSTEN AND HER NIECE. *YOU KNOW HOW INTERESTING THE PURCHASE OF A SPONGE+ CAKE/ IS TO ME. *I AM NOW JUST RETURNED FROM *EGGERTON ; *LOUISA AND *I WALKED TOGETHER AND FOUND *MISS *MARIA AT HOME. *HER SISTER WE MET ON OUR WAY BACK. $*SHE$ HAD BEEN TO PAY HER COMPLIMENTS TO *MRS. *INMAN, WHOSE CHAISE WAS SEEN TO CROSS THE PARK WHILE WE WERE AT DINNER YESTERDAY. *I TOLD *SACKREE THAT YOU DESIRED TO BE REMEMBERED TO HER, WHICH PLEASED HER ; AND SHE SENDS HER DUTY, AND WISHES YOU TO KNOW THAT SHE HAS BEEN INTO THE GREAT WORLD. *SHE WENT ON TO TOWN AFTER TAKING *WILLIAM TO *ELTHAM, AND, AS WELL AS MYSELF, SAW THE LADIES GO TO *COURT ON THE 4TH. *SHE HAD THE ADVANTAGE INDEED OF ME IN BEING IN THE *PALACE. *LOUISA IS NOT SO HANDSOME AS *I EXPECTED, BUT SHE IS NOT QUITE WELL. *EDWARD AND *CAROLINE SEEM VERY HAPPY HERE; HE HAS NICE PLAYFELLOWS IN *LIZZY AND

*CHARLES. *THEY AND THEIR ATTENDANT HAVE THE BOYS' ATTIC. *ANNA WILL NOT BE SURPRISED THAT THE CUTTING OFF HER HAIR IS VERY MUCH REGRETTED BY SEVERAL OF THE PARTY IN THIS HOUSE ; *I AM TOLERABLY RECONCILED TO IT BY CON+ SIDERING/ THAT TWO OR THREE YEARS MAY RESTORE IT AGAIN. *YOU ARE VERY IMPORTANT WITH YOUR *CAPTAIN *BULMORE AND *HOTEL *MASTER, AND *I TRUST, IF YOUR TROUBLE OVER+ BALANCES/ YOUR DIGNITY ON THE OCCASION, IT WILL BE AMPLY REPAID BY *MRS. *CRAVEN'S APPROBATION, AND A PLEASANT SCHEME TO SEE HER. *MRS. *COOKE HAS WRITTEN TO MY BROTHER *JAMES TO INVITE HIM AND HIS WIFE TO *BOOKHAM IN THEIR WAY BACK, WHICH, AS *I LEARN THROUGH *EDWARD'S MEANS, THEY ARE NOT DISINCLINED TO ACCEPT, BUT THAT MY BEING WITH THEM WOULD RENDER IT IMPRACTICABLE, THE NATURE OF THE ROAD AFFORDING NO CONVEYANCE TO *JAMES. *I SHALL THERE+ FORE/ MAKE THEM EASY ON THAT HEAD AS SOON AS *I CAN. *I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF LOVE TO GIVE FROM EVERYBODY. *YOURS MOST AFFECTIONATELY, *JANE *MY MOTHER WILL BE GLAD TO BE ASSURED THAT THE SIZE OF THE RUG DOES PERFECTLY WELL. *IT IS NOT TO BE USED TILL WINTER. *GODMERSHAM *MONDAY *JUNE 20TH**. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I WILL FIRST TALK OF MY VISIT TO *CANTERBURY, AS *MRS. *J. *A.'S LETTER TO *ANNA CANNOT HAVE GIVEN YOU EVERY

PARTICULAR OF IT, WHICH YOU ARE LIKELY TO WISH FOR. - *I HAD A MOST AFFECTIONATE WELCOME FROM *HARRIOT & WAS HAPPY TO SEE HER LOOKING ALMOST AS WELL AS EVER. *SHE WALKED WITH ME TO CALL ON *MRS. *BRYDGES, WHEN *ELIZTH** & *LOUISA WENT TO *MRS. *MILLES' ; - *MRS. *B. WAS DRESSING & CD* NOT SEE US, & WE PROCEEDED TO THE *WHITE *FRIARS, WHERE *MRS. *K. WAS ALONE IN HER *DRAWING ROOM, AS GENTLE & KIND & FRIENDLY AS USUAL. - *SHE ENQUIRED AFTER EVERY BODY, ESPECIALLY MY *MOTHER & YOURSELF. - *WE WERE WITH HER A QUARTER OF AN HOUR BEFORE *ELIZ. & *LOUISA, HOT FROM *MRS. *BASKERVILLE'S *SHOP, WALKED IN ; - THEY WERE SOON FOLLOWED BY THE *CARRIAGE, & ANOTHER FIVE MINUTES BROUGHT *MR. *MOORE HIMSELF, JUST RETURNED FROM HIS MORNG* RIDE. *WELL ! - & WHAT DO *I THINK OF *MR. *MOORE ? - *I WILL NOT PRETEND IN ONE MEETING TO $DISLIKE$ HIM, WHATEVER *MARY MAY SAY, BUT *I CAN HONESTLY ASSURE HER THAT *I SAW NOTHING IN HIM TO ADMIRE. - *HIS MANNERS, AS YOU HAVE ALWAYS SAID, ARE GENTLEMANLIKE - BUT BY NO MEANS WINNING. *HE MADE ONE FORMAL ENQUIRY AFTER YOU. - *I SAW THEIR LITTLE GIRL, & VERY SMALL & VERY PRETTY SHE IS ; HER FEATURES ARE AS DELICATE AS *MARY *JANE'S, WITH NICE DARK EYES, & IF SHE HAD *MARY *JANE'S FINE COLOUR, SHE WD* BE QUITE COM+ PLETE/. - *HARRIOT'S FONDNESS FOR HER SEEMS JUST WHAT IS AMIABLE & NATURAL, & NOT FOOLISH. - *I SAW *CAROLINE ALSO, & THOUGHT HER VERY PLAIN. - *EDWARD'S PLAN FOR *HAMP+ SHIRE/ DOES NOT VARY, HE ONLY IMPROVES IT WITH THE KIND INTENTION OF TAKING ME ON TO *SOUTHAMPTON, & SPENDING ONE WHOLE DAY WITH YOU ; & IF IT IS FOUND PRACTICABLE, *EDWARD *JUNR* WILL BE ADDED TO OUR PARTY FOR THAT ONE DAY ALSO, WHICH IS TO BE *SUNDAY YE* 10TH** OF *JULY. - *I HOPE YOU MAY HAVE BEDS FOR THEM. *WE ARE TO BEGIN OUR *JOURNEY ON YE* 8TH** & REACH YOU LATE ON YE* 9TH**. - *THIS

MORNING BROUGHT ME A LETTER FROM *MRS. *KNIGHT, CON+ TAINING/ THE USUAL *FEE, & ALL THE USUAL *KINDNESS. *SHE ASKS ME TO SPEND A DAY OR TWO WITH HER THIS WEEK, TO MEET *MRS. *C. KNATCHBULL, WHO WITH HER *HUSBAND COMES TO THE *W. FRIARS TODAY - & *I BELEIVE *I SHALL GO. - *I HAVE CONSULTED *EDWD* - & THINK IT WILL BE ARRANGED FOR *MRS. *J. *A.'S GOING WITH ME ONE MORNG*, MY STAYING THE NIGHT, & *EDWARD'S DRIVING ME HOME THE NEXT *EVENG*. - *HER VERY AGREABLE PRESENT WILL MAKE MY CIRCUMSTANCES QUITE EASY. *I SHALL RESERVE HALF FOR MY *PELISSE. - *I HOPE, BY THIS EARLY RETURN *I AM SURE OF SEEING *CATHERINE & *ALETHEA ; - & *I PROPOSE THAT EITHER WITH OR WITHOUT THEM YOU & *I & MARTHA SHALL HAVE A SNUG FORTNIGHT WHILE MY *MOTHER IS AT *STEVENTON. - *WE GO ON VERY WELL HERE, *MARY FINDS THE *CHILDREN LESS TROUBLE+ SOME/ THAN SHE EXPECTED, & INDEPENDANT OF $THEM$, THERE IS CERTAINLY NOT MUCH TO TRY THE PATIENCE OR HURT THE SPIRITS AT *GODMERSHAM. - *I INITIATED HER YESTERDAY INTO THE MYSTERIES OF *INMAN-ISM. - *THE POOR OLD *LADY IS AS THIN & CHEARFUL AS EVER, & VERY THANKFUL FOR A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. - *I HAD CALLED ON HER BEFORE WITH *ELIZ. & *LOUISA. - *I FIND *JOHN *BRIDGES GROWN VERY OLD & BLACK, BUT HIS MANNERS ARE NOT ALTERED ; HE IS VERY PLEASING, & TALKS OF *HAMPSHIRE WITH GREAT ADMIRATION. - *PRAY LET *ANNA HAVE THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING THAT SHE IS REMEMBERED WITH KINDNESS BOTH BY *MRS. *COOKE & *MISS *SHARPE. *HER MANNERS MUST BE VERY MUCH WORSTED BY YOUR DESCRIPTION OF THEM, BUT *I HOPE THEY WILL IMPROVE BY THIS VISIT. - *MRS. *KNIGHT FINISHES HER LETTER WITH " *GIVE MY BEST *LOVE TO *CASSANDRA WHEN YOU WRITE TO HER." - *I SHALL LIKE SPENDING A DAY AT THE *WHITE *FRIARS VERY MUCH. - *WE BREAKFASTED IN THE *LIBRARY THIS MORNG* FOR THE FIRST TIME, & MOST OF THE

PARTY HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ALL DAY OF THE HEAT ; BUT *LOUISA & *I FEEL ALIKE AS TO WEATHER, & ARE COOL AND COMFORTABLE. - *WEDNESDAY. - *THE *MOORES CAME YESTER+ DAY/ IN THEIR *CURRICLE BETWEEN ONE & TWO O'CLOCK, & IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE NOONSHINE WHICH SUCCEEDED THEIR ARRIVAL, A PARTY SET OFF FOR *BUCKWELL TO SEE THE *POND DRAGGED ; - *MR. *MOORE, *JAMES, *EDWARD & *JAMES *EDWARD ON HORSEBACK, *JOHN *BRIDGES DRIVING *MARY IN HIS GIG. - *THE REST OF US REMAINED QUIETLY & COMFORT+ ABLY/ AT HOME. - *WE HAD A VERY PLEASANT *DINNER, AT THE LOWER END OF *THE TABLE AT LEAST ; THE MERRIMENT WAS CHEIFLY BETWEEN *EDWD* *LOUISA, *HARRIOT & MYSELF. - *MR. *MOORE DID NOT TALK SO MUCH AS *I EXPECTED, & *I UNDERSTAND FROM *FANNY, THAT *I DID NOT SEE HIM AT ALL AS HE IS IN GENERAL ; - OUR BEING STRANGERS MADE HIM SO MUCH MORE SILENT & QUIET. *HAD *I HAD NO REASON FOR OBSERVING WHAT HE SAID & DID, *I SHD* SCARCELY HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT HIM. - *HIS MANNERS TO HER WANT *TENDER+ NESS/ - & HE WAS A LITTLE VIOLENT AT LAST ABOUT THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF HER GOING TO *EASTWELL. - *I CANNOT SEE ANY UNHAPPINESS IN HER HOWEVER ; & AS TO KIND-+ HEARTEDNESS/ &C. SHE IS QUITE UNALTERED. - *MARY WAS DISAPPOINTED IN $HER$ BEAUTY, & THOUGHT $HIM$ VERY DIS+ AGREABLE/ ; *JAMES ADMIRES $HER$, & FINDS $HIM$ CONVERSIBLE & PLEASANT. *I SENT MY ANSWER BY THEM TO *MRS. *KNIGHT, MY DOUBLE ACCEPTANCE OF HER NOTE & HER INVITATION, WHICH *I WROTE WITHOUT MUCH EFFORT ; FOR *I WAS RICH - & THE RICH ARE ALWAYS RESPECTABLE, WHATEVER BE THEIR STILE OF WRITING. - *I AM TO MEET *HARRIOT AT DINNER TO-+ MORROW/ ; - IT IS ONE OF THE *AUDIT DAYS, AND *MR. *M. DINES WITH THE *DEAN, WHO IS JUST COME TO *CANTERBURY. - *ON *TUESDAY THERE IS TO BE A FAMILY MEETING AT *MRS. *C. MILLES'S. - *LADY *BRIDGES & *LOUISA FROM *GOODNESTONE,

THE *MOORES, & A PARTY FROM THIS *HOUSE, *ELIZTH** *JOHN *BRIDGES & MYSELF. *IT WILL GIVE ME PLEASURE TO SEE *LADY *B. - SHE IS NOW QUITE WELL. - *LOUISA GOES HOME ON FRIDAY, & *JOHN WITH HER ; BUT HE RETURNS THE NEXT DAY. *THESE ARE OUR ENGAGEMENTS ; MAKE THE MOST OF THEM. - *MR. *WALLER IS DEAD *I SEE ; - *I CANNOT GREIVE ABOUT IT, NOR PERHAPS CAN HIS *WIDOW VERY MUCH. - *EDWARD BEGAN CUTTING *ST*FOIN ON SATURDAY & *I HOPE IS LIKELY TO HAVE FAVOURABLE WEATHER ; - THE CROP IS GOOD. - *THERE HAS BEEN A COLD & SORETHROAT PREVAILING VERY MUCH IN THIS *HOUSE LATELY, THE *CHILDREN HAVE ALMOST ALL BEEN ILL WITH IT, & WE WERE AFRAID *LIZZY WAS GOING TO BE VERY ILL ONE DAY ; SHE HAD SPECKS & A GREAT DEAL OF FEVER. - *IT WENT OFF HOWEVER, & THEY ARE ALL PRETTY WELL NOW. - *I WANT TO HEAR OF YOUR GATHERING *STRAWBERRIES, WE HAVE HAD THEM THREE TIMES HERE. - *I SUPPOSE YOU HAVE BEEN OBLIGED TO HAVE IN SOME WHITE WINE, & MUST VISIT THE *STORE *CLOSET A LITTLE OFTENER THAN WHEN YOU WERE QUITE BY YOURSELVES. - *ONE BEGINS REALLY TO EXPECT THE *ST. *ALBANS NOW, & *I WISH SHE MAY COME BEFORE *HENRY GOES TO *CHELTENHAM, IT WILL BE SO MUCH MORE CONVENIENT TO HIM. *HE WILL BE VERY GLAD IF *FRANK CAN COME TO HIM IN *LONDON, AS HIS OWN *TIME IS LIKELY TO BE VERY PRECIOUS, BUT DOES NOT DEPEND ON IT. - *I SHALL NOT FORGET *CHARLES NEXT WEEK. - *SO MUCH DID *I WRITE BEFORE BREAKFAST - & NOW TO MY AGREABLE SURPRISE *I HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANOTHER *LETTER FROM YOU. - *I HAD NOT THE LEAST NOTION OF HEARING BEFORE TOMORROW, & HEARD OF *RUSSELL'S BEING ABOUT TO PASS THE *WINDOWS WITHOUT ANY ANXIETY. *YOU ARE VERY AMIABLE & VERY CLEVER TO WRITE SUCH LONG *LETTERS ; EVERY PAGE OF YOURS HAS MORE LINES THAN THIS, & EVERY LINE MORE WORDS THAN THE AVERAGE OF MINE. *I AM QUITE ASHAMED

- BUT YOU HAVE CERTAINLY MORE LITTLE EVENTS THAN WE HAVE. *MR. *LYFORD SUPPLIES YOU WITH A GREAT DEAL OF INTERESTING *MATTER (*MATTER *INTELLECTUAL, NOT PHYSICAL) - BUT *I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY OF *MR. *SCUDAMORE. *AND NOW, THAT IS SUCH A SAD STUPID ATTEMPT AT *WIT, ABOUT *MATTER, THAT NOBODY CAN SMILE AT IT, & *I AM QUITE OUT OF HEART. *I AM SICK OF MYSELF, & MY BAD PENS. - *I HAVE NO OTHER COMPLAINT HOWEVER, MY LANGUOR IS ENTIRELY REMOVED. - *OUGHT *I TO BE VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH *MARMION ? - AS YET *I AM NOT. - *JAMES READS IT ALOUD IN THE *EVENG* - THE SHORT *EVENG* - BEGINNING AT ABOUT 10, & BROKEN BY SUPPER. - *HAPPY *MRS. *HARRISON & *MISS *AUSTEN ! - *YOU SEEM TO BE ALWAYS CALLING ON THEM . - *I AM GLAD YOUR VARIOUS CIVILITIES HAVE TURNED OUT SO WELL ; & MOST HEARTILY WISH YOU SUCCESS & PLEASURE IN YOUR PRESENT ENGAGEMENT. - *I SHALL THINK OF YOU TONIGHT AS AT *NETLEY, & TOMORROW TOO, THAT *I MAY BE QUITE SURE OF BEING RIGHT - & THEREFORE *I GUESS YOU WILL NOT GO TO *NETLEY AT ALL. - *THIS IS A SAD STORY ABOUT *MRS. *POWLETT. *I SHOULD NOT HAVE SUSPECTED HER OF SUCH A THING. - *SHE STAID THE *SACRAMENT *I REMEMBER, THE LAST TIME THAT YOU & *I DID. - *A HINT OF IT, WITH *INITIALS, WAS IN YESTER+ DAY'S/ *COURIER ; AND *MR. *MOORE GUESSED IT TO BE *LD* SACKVILLE, BELEIVING THERE WAS NO OTHER *VISCOUNT *S. IN THE PEERAGE, & SO IT PROVED - *LD* VISCOUNT *SEYMOUR NOT BEING THERE. - *YES, *I ENJOY MY APARTMENT VERY MUCH, & ALWAYS SPEND TWO OR THREE HOURS IN IT AFTER BREAKFAST. - *THE CHANGE FROM *BROMPTON *QUARTERS TO THESE IS MATERIAL AS TO *SPACE. - *I CATCH MYSELF GOING ON TO THE *HALL *CHAMBER NOW & THEN. - *LITTLE *CAROLINE LOOKS VERY PLAIN AMONG HER *COUSINS, AND THO' SHE IS NOT SO HEADSTRONG OR HUMOURSOME AS THEY ARE, *I DO NOT THINK HER AT ALL MORE ENGAGING. - *HER BROTHER IS TO GO

WITH US TO *CANTERBURY TOMORROW, & *FANNY COMPLETES THE PARTY. *I FANCY *MRS. *K. FEELS LESS INTEREST IN THAT BRANCH OF THE FAMILY THAN ANY OTHER. *I DARE SAY SHE WILL DO HER $DUTY$ HOWEVER, BY THE *BOY. - *HIS *UNCLE *EDWARD TALKS NONSENSE TO HIM DELIGHTFULLY - MORE THAN HE CAN ALWAYS UNDERSTAND. *THE TWO *MORRISES ARE COME TO DINE & SPEND THE DAY WITH HIM. *MARY WISHES MY *MOTHER TO BUY WHATEVER SHE THINKS NECESSARY FOR *ANNA'S SHIFTS ; - & HOPES TO SEE HER AT *STEVENTON SOON AFTER YE* 9TH** OF *JULY, IF THAT TIME IS AS CONVENIENT TO MY *MOTHER AS ANY OTHER. - *I HAVE HARDLY DONE JUSTICE TO WHAT SHE MEANS ON THE SUBJECT, AS HER INTENTION IS THAT MY *MOTHER SHD* COME AT WHATEVER TIME SHE LIKES BEST. - *THEY WILL BE AT HOME ON YE* 9TH**. - *I ALWAYS COME IN FOR A MORNING VISIT FROM *CRONDALE, & *MR. & *MRS. *FILMER HAVE JUST GIVEN ME MY DUE. *HE & *I TALKED AWAY GAILY OF *SOUTHAMPTON, THE *HARRISONS *WALLERS &C. - *FANNY SENDS HER BEST *LOVE TO YOU ALL, & WILL WRITE TO *ANNA VERY SOON. - *YOURS VERY AFFEC* *JANE *I WANT SOME NEWS FROM *PARAGON. - *I AM ALMOST SORRY THAT *ROSE *HILL *COTTAGE SHD* BE SO NEAR SUITING US, AS IT DOES NOT QUITE. *GODMERSHAM, *SUNDAY *JUNE 26TH**. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR WRITING TO ME ON *THURSDAY, & VERY GLAD THAT *I OWE THE PLEASURE OF HEARING FROM YOU AGAIN SO SOON, TO SUCH AN AGREABLE CAUSE ; BUT YOU WILL NOT BE SURPRISED, NOR PERHAPS SO ANGRY AS *I SHD* BE, TO FIND THAT *FRANK'S *HISTORY HAD REACHED ME BEFORE, IN A LETTER FROM *HENRY. - *WE ARE ALL VERY HAPPY TO HEAR OF HIS HEALTH & SAFETY ; - HE WANTS NOTHING BUT A GOOD *PRIZE TO BE A PERFECT *CHARACTER. - *THIS SCHEME TO THE *ISLAND IS AN ADMIRABLE THING FOR HIS WIFE ; SHE WILL NOT FEEL THE DELAY OF HIS RETURN, IN SUCH VARIETY. - *HOW VERY KIND OF *MRS. *CRAVEN TO ASK HER ! - *I THINK *I QUITE UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE *ISLAND ARRANGEMENTS, & SHALL BE VERY READY TO PERFORM MY PART IN THEM. *I HOPE MY *MOTHER WILL GO - & *I TRUST IT IS CERTAIN THAT THERE WILL BE *MARTHA'S BED FOR *EDWARD WHEN HE BRINGS ME HOME. *WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH *ANNA ? - FOR HER BED WILL PROBABLY BE WANTED FOR YOUNG *EDWARD. - *HIS *FATHER WRITES TO *DR. *GODDARD TODAY TO ASK LEAVE, & WE HAVE THE *PUPIL'S AUTHORITY FOR THINKING IT WILL BE GRANTED. - *I HAVE BEEN SO KINDLY PRESSED TO STAY LONGER HERE, IN CONSEQUENCE OF AN OFFER OF *HENRY'S TO TAKE ME BACK SOME TIME IN *SEPTEMBER, THAT NOT BEING ABLE TO DETAIL ALL MY OBJECTIONS TO SUCH A PLAN, *I HAVE FELT MYSELF OBLIGED TO GIVE *EDWD* AND *ELIZTH** ONE PRIVATE REASON FOR MY WISHING TO BE AT HOME IN *JULY. - *THEY FEEL THE STRENGTH OF IT, & SAY NO MORE ; - & ONE CAN RELY ON THEIR SECRECY. - *AFTER THIS, *I HOPE WE SHALL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED OF OUR *FRIENDS' VISIT ; - MY HONOUR, AS WELL AS MY AFFECTION WILL BE CONCERNED IN IT. - *ELIZATH** HAS A VERY SWEET SCHEME OF OUR ACCOM+ PANYING/ *EDWARD INTO *KENT NEXT *CHRISTMAS. *A LEGACY MIGHT MAKE IT VERY FEASIBLE ; - A *LEGACY IS OUR SOVE+ REIGN/ GOOD. - *IN THE MEAN WHILE, LET ME REMEMBER THAT *I HAVE NOW SOME MONEY TO SPARE, & THAT *I WISH TO HAVE MY NAME PUT DOWN AS A SUBSCRIBER TO *MR. *JEFFERSON'S

WORKS. *MY LAST *LETTER WAS CLOSED BEFORE IT OCCURRED TO ME HOW POSSIBLE, HOW RIGHT, & HOW GRATIFYING SUCH A MEASURE WD* BE. - *YOUR ACCOUNT OF YOUR *VISITORS' GOOD *JOURNEY, VOYAGE, & SATISFACTION IN EVERYTHING GAVE ME THE GREATEST PLEASURE. *THEY HAVE NICE WEATHER FOR THEIR INTRODUCTION TO THE *ISLAND, & *I HOPE WITH SUCH A DISPOSITION TO BE PLEASED, THEIR GENERAL *ENJOYMENT IS AS CERTAIN AS IT WILL BE JUST. - *ANNA'S BEING INTERESTED IN THE *EMBARKATION SHOWS A *TASTE THAT ONE VALUES. - *MARY *JANE'S DELIGHT IN THE WATER IS QUITE RIDICULOUS. *ELIZABETH SUPPOSES *MRS. *HALL WILL ACCOUNT FOR IT, BY THE *CHILD'S KNOWLEDGE OF HER *FATHER'S BEING AT SEA. - *MRS. *J. *A. HOPES AS *I SAID IN MY LAST, TO SEE MY *MOTHER SOON AFTER HER RETURN HOME, & WILL MEET HER AT *WINCHESTER ON ANY DAY, SHE WILL APPOINT. - *AND NOW *I BELEIVE *I HAVE MADE ALL THE NEEDFUL REPLYS & COMMUNICATIONS ; & MAY DISPORT MYSELF AS *I CAN ON MY *CANTERBURY VISIT. - *IT WAS A VERY AGREABLE VISIT. *THERE WAS EVERYTHING TO MAKE IT SO ; *KINDNESS, CON+ VERSATION/, & VARIETY, WITHOUT CARE OR COST. - *MR. *KNATCHBULL FROM *PROVENDAR WAS AT THE *W. *FRIARS WHEN WE ARRIVED, & STAID DINNER, WHICH WITH *HARRIOT - WHO CAME AS YOU MAY SUPPOSE IN A GREAT HURRY, TEN MINUTES AFTER THE TIME - MADE OUR NUMBER 6. - *MR. *K. WENT AWAY EARLY ; - *MR. *MOORE SUCCEEDED HIM, & WE SAT QUIETLY WORKING & TALKING TILL 10, WHEN HE ORDERED HIS WIFE AWAY, & WE ADJOURNED TO THE *DRESSING ROOM TO EAT OUR *TART & *JELLY. - *MR. *M. WAS NOT UN+ AGREABLE/, THO' NOTHING SEEMED TO GO RIGHT WITH HIM. *HE IS A SENSIBLE *MAN, & TELLS A STORY WELL. - *MRS. *C. *KNATCHBULL & *I BREAKFASTED TETE A TETE THE NEXT DAY, FOR HER *HUSBAND WAS GONE TO *MR. *TOKE'S, & *MRS. *KNIGHT HAD A SAD HEADACHE WHICH KEPT HER IN BED.

*SHE HAD HAD TOO MUCH COMPANY THE DAY BEFORE ; - AFTER MY COMING, WHICH WAS NOT TILL PAST TWO, SHE HAD *MRS. *M OF *NACKINGTON, A *MRS. & *MISS *GREGORY, & *CHARLES *GRAHAM ; & SHE TOLD ME IT HAD BEEN SO ALL THE MORNING. - *VERY SOON AFTER BREAKFAST ON FRIDAY *MRS. *C. *K. - WHO IS JUST WHAT WE HAVE ALWAYS SEEN HER - WENT WITH ME TO *MRS. *BRYDGES' & *MRS. *MOORE'S, PAID SOME OTHER VISITS WHILE *I REMAINED WITH THE LATTER, & WE FINISHED WITH *MRS. *C. *MILLES, WHO LUCKILY WAS NOT AT HOME, & WHOSE NEW *HOUSE IS A VERY CONVENIENT SHORT CUT FROM THE *OAKS TO THE *W. *FRIARS. - *WE FOUND *MRS. *KNIGHT UP AND BETTER - BUT EARLY AS IT WAS - ONLY 12 O'CLOCK - WE HAD SCARCELY TAKEN OFF OUR *BONNETS BEFORE COMPANY CAME, *LY. *KNATCHBULL & HER *MOTHER ; & AFTER THEM SUCCEEDED *MRS. *WHITE, *MRS. *HUGHES & HER TWO *CHILDREN, *MR. *MOORE, *HARRIOT & *LOUISA, & *JOHN *BRIDGES, WITH SUCH SHORT INTERVALS BETWEEN ANY, AS TO MAKE IT A MATTER OF WONDER TO ME, THAT *MRS. *K. & *I SHOULD EVER HAVE BEEN TEN MINUTES ALONE, OR HAVE HAD ANY LEISURE FOR COMFORTABLE *TALK. - *YET WE HAD TIME TO SAY A LITTLE OF *EVERYTHING. - *EDWARD CAME TO DINNER, & AT 8 O'CLOCK HE AND *I GOT INTO THE *CHAIR, & THE PLEASURES OF MY VISIT CONCLUDED WITH A DELIGHTFUL DRIVE HOME. - *MRS. & *MISS *BRYDGES SEEMED VERY GLAD TO SEE ME. - *THE POOR OLD *LADY LOOKS MUCH AS SHE DID THREE YEARS AGO, & WAS VERY PARTICULAR IN HER ENQUIRIES AFTER MY *MOTHER ; - AND FROM HER, & FROM THE *KNATCHBULLS, *I HAVE ALL MANNER OF KIND *COMPLIMENTS TO GIVE YOU BOTH. *AS *FANNY WRITES TO *ANNA BY THIS POST, *I HAD INTENDED TO KEEP MY *LETTER FOR ANOTHER DAY, BUT RECOLLECTING THAT *I MUST KEEP IT TWO, *I HAVE RESOLVED RATHER TO FINISH & SEND IT NOW. *THE TWO LETTERS WILL NOT INTERFERE *I DARE SAY ; ON THE CONTRARY, THEY MAY

THROW LIGHT ON EACH OTHER. - *MARY BEGINS TO FANCY, BECAUSE SHE HAS RECEIVED NO MESSAGE ON THE SUBJECT, THAT *ANNA DOES NOT MEAN TO ANSWER HER *LETTER ; BUT IT MUST BE FOR THE PLEASURE OF FANCYING IT. *I THINK *ELIZTH** BETTER & LOOKING BETTER THAN WHEN WE CAME. - *YESTERDAY *I INTRODUCED *JAMES TO *MRS. *INMAN ; - IN THE EVENING *JOHN *BRIDGES RETURNED FROM *GOODNESTONE - & THIS MORNG* BEFORE WE HAD LEFT THE *BREAKFAST *TABLE WE HAD A VISIT FROM *MR. *WHITFIELD, WHOSE OBJECT *I IMAGINE WAS PRINCIPALLY TO THANK MY *ELDEST *BROTHER FOR HIS ASSISTANCE. *POOR *MAN ! - HE HAS NOW A LITTLE INTERMISSION OF HIS EXCESSIVE SOLICITUDE ON HIS WIFE'S ACCOUNT, AS SHE IS RATHER BETTER. - *JAMES DOES *DUTY AT *GODMERSHAM TODAY. - *THE *KNATCHBULLS HAD INTENDED COMING HERE NEXT WEEK, BUT THE *RENTDAY MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THEM TO BE RECEIVED, & *I DO NOT THINK THERE WILL BE ANY SPARE TIME AFTERWARDS. *THEY RETURN INTO *SOMERSETSHIRE BY WAY OF *SUSSEX & *HANTS, & ARE TO BE AT *FAREHAM - & PERHAPS MAY BE IN *SOUTHAMPTON, ON WHICH POSSIBILITY *I SAID ALL THAT *I THOUGHT RIGHT - & IF THEY ARE IN THE PLACE, *MRS. *K. HAS PROMISED TO CALL IN *CASTLE *SQUARE ; - IT WILL [BE] ABOUT THE END OF *JULY. - SHE SEEMS TO HAVE A PROSPECT HOWEVER OF BEING IN THAT *COUNTRY AGAIN IN THE *SPRING FOR A LONGER PERIOD, & WILL SPEND A DAY WITH US IF SHE IS. - *YOU & *I NEED NOT TELL EACHOTHER HOW GLAD WE SHALL BE TO RECEIVE ATTENTION FROM, OR PAY IT TO ANYONE CONNECTED WITH *MRS. *KNIGHT. - *I CANNOT HELP REGRETTING THAT NOW, WHEN *I FEEL ENOUGH HER EQUAL TO RELISH HER SOCIETY, *I SEE SO LITTLE OF THE LATTER. - *THE *MILLES' OF *NACKINGTON DINE HERE ON FRIDAY & PERHAPS THE *HATTONS. - *IT IS A COMPLIMENT AS MUCH DUE TO ME, AS A CALL FROM THE *FILMERS. - *WHEN YOU WRITE TO THE *ISLAND, *MARY WILL BE

GLAD TO HAVE *MRS. *CRAVEN INFORMED WITH HER *LOVE THAT SHE IS NOW SURE IT WILL NOT BE IN HER POWER TO VISIT *MRS. *CRAVEN DURING HER STAY THERE, BUT THAT IF *MRS. *CRAVEN CAN TAKE *STEVENTON IN HER WAY BACK, IT WILL BE GIVING MY BROTHER & HERSELF GREAT PLEASURE. - *SHE ALSO CONGRATULATES HER NAMESAKE ON HEARING FROM HER *HUS+ BAND/. - *THAT SAID NAMESAKE IS RISING IN THE *WORLD ; - SHE WAS THOUGHT EXCESSIVELY IMPROVED IN HER LATE VISIT. - *MRS. *KNIGHT THOUGHT HER SO, LAST YEAR. - *HENRY SENDS US THE WELCOME INFORMATION OF HIS HAVING HAD NO FACE-ACHE SINCE *I LEFT THEM. - *YOU ARE VERY KIND IN MENTIONING OLD *MRS. *WILLIAMS SO OFTEN. *POOR *CREATURE ! - *I CANNOT HELP HOPING THAT EACH *LETTER MAY TELL OF HER SUFFERINGS BEING OVER. - *IF SHE WANTS SUGAR, *I SHD* LIKE TO SUPPLY HER WITH IT. - *THE *MOORES WENT YESTERDAY TO *GOODNESTONE, BUT RETURN TOMORROW. *AFTER *TUESDAY WE SHALL SEE THEM NO MORE - THO' *HARRIOT IS VERY EARNEST WITH *EDWD* TO MAKE *WROTHAM IN HIS *JOURNEY, BUT WE SHALL BE IN TOO GREAT A HURRY TO GET NEARER TO IT THAN *WROTHAM *GATE. - *HE WISHES TO REACH *GUILFORD ON FRIDAY NIGHT - THAT WE MAY HAVE A COUPLE OF HOURS TO SPARE FOR *ALTON. - *I SHALL BE SORRY TO PASS THE DOOR AT *SEALE WITHOUT CALLING, BUT IT MUST BE SO - & *I SHALL BE NEARER TO *BOOKHAM THAN *I CD* WISH, IN GOING FROM *DORKING TO *GUILFORD - BUT TILL *I HAVE A TRAVELLING PURSE OF MY OWN, *I MUST SUBMIT TO SUCH THINGS. - *THE *MOORES LEAVE *CANTERBURY ON FRIDAY - & GO FOR A DAY OR TWO TO *SANDLING. - *I REALLY HOPE *HARRIOT IS ALTOGETHER VERY HAPPY - BUT SHE CANNOT FEEL QUITE SO MUCH AT HER EASE WITH HER *HUSBAND, AS THE WIVES SHE HAS BEEN USED TO. - *GOOD-BYE. *I HOPE YOU HAVE BEEN LONG RECOVERED FROM YOUR WORRY ON *THURSDAY MORNG*, - & THAT YOU DO

NOT MUCH MIND NOT GOING TO THE *NEWBURY *RACES. - *I AM WITHSTANDING THOSE OF *CANTERBURY. *LET THAT STRENGTHEN YOU. - *YRS** VERY SINCERELY *JANE *GODMERSHAM, *THURSDAY *JUNE 30TH**. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I GIVE YOU ALL JOY OF *FRANK'S RETURN, WHICH HAPPENS IN THE TRUE SAILOR WAY, JUST AFTER OUR BEING TOLD NOT TO EXPECT HIM FOR SOME WEEKS. - *THE *WIND HAS BEEN VERY MUCH AGAINST HIM, BUT *I SUPPOSE HE MUST BE IN OUR *NEIGHBOURHOOD BY THIS TIME. *FANNY IS IN HOURLY EXPECTATION OF HIM HERE. - *MARY'S VISIT IN THE *ISLAND IS PROBABLY SHORTENED BY THIS *EVENT. *MAKE OUR KIND *LOVE & *CONGRATULATIONS TO HER. - *WHAT COLD, DIS+ AGREEABLE/ WEATHER, EVER SINCE *SUNDAY ! - *I DARE SAY YOU HAVE *FIRES EVERY DAY. *MY KERSEYMERE *SPENCER IS QUITE THE COMFORT OF OUR *EVENG* WALKS. - *MARY THANKS *ANNA FOR HER *LETTER, & WISHES HER TO BUY ENOUGH OF HER NEW COLOURED FROCK TO MAKE A SHIRT HANDKF. - *I AM GLAD TO HEAR OF HER *AUNT *MAITLAND'S KIND PRESENT. - *WE WANT YOU TO SEND US *ANNA'S HEIGHT, THAT WE MAY KNOW WHETHER SHE IS AS TALL AS *FANNY ; - AND PRAY CAN YOU TELL ME OF ANY LITTLE THING THAT WD* BE PROBABLY ACCEPT+ ABLE/ TO *MRS. *F. *A. - I WISH TO BRING HER SOMETHING ; - HAS SHE A SILVER KNIFE - OR WD* YOU RECOMMEND A *BROCHE?

*I SHALL NOT SPEND MORE THAN HALF A GUINEA ABOUT IT. - *OUR *TUESDAY'S *ENGAGEMENT WENT OFF VERY PLEASANTLY ; WE CALLED FIRST ON *MRS. *KNIGHT, & FOUND HER VERY WELL ; & AT DINNER HAD ONLY THE *MILLES' OF *NACKINGTON IN ADDITION TO *GOODNESTONE & *GODMERSHAM & *MRS. *MOORE. - *LADY *BRIDGES LOOKED VERY WELL, & WD* HAVE BEEN VERY AGREABLE *I AM SURE, HAD THERE BEEN TIME ENOUGH FOR HER TO TALK TO ME, BUT AS IT WAS, SHE CD* ONLY BE KIND & AMIABLE, GIVE ME GOOD-HUMOURED SMILES & MAKE FRIENDLY ENQUIRIES. - *HER SON *EDWARD WAS ALSO LOOKING VERY WELL, & WITH MANNERS AS UN-ALTERED AS HERS. *IN THE *EVENG* CAME *MR. *MOORE, *MR. *TOKE, *DR. & *MRS. *WALSBY & OTHERS ; - ONE *CARD *TABLE WAS FORMED, THE REST OF US SAT & TALKED, & AT HALF AFTER NINE WE CAME AWAY. - *YESTERDAY MY TWO *BROTHERS WENT TO *CANTERBURY, AND *J. *BRIDGES LEFT US FOR *LONDON IN HIS WAY TO *CAMBRIDGE, WHERE HE IS TO TAKE HIS *MASTER'S *DEGREE. - *EDWARD & *CAROLINE & THEIR *MAMA HAVE ALL HAD THE *GODMERSHAM *COLD ; THE FORMER WITH SORE-+ THROAT/ & FEVER WHICH HIS *LOOKS ARE STILL SUFFERING FROM. - $*HE$ IS VERY HAPPY HERE HOWEVER, BUT *I BELEIVE THE LITTLE GIRL WILL BE GLAD TO GO HOME ; - HER *COUSINS ARE TOO MUCH FOR HER. - *WE ARE TO HAVE *EDWARD, *I FIND, AT *SOUTHAMPTON WHILE HIS *MOTHER IS IN *BERKSHIRE FOR THE *RACES & ARE VERY LIKELY TO HAVE HIS *FATHER TOO. *IF CIRCUMSTANCES ARE FAVOURABLE, THAT WILL BE A GOOD TIME FOR OUR SCHEME TO *BEAULIEU. *LADY *E. *HATTON CALLED HERE A FEW MORNINGS AGO, HER *DAUGHTER *ELIZTH* WITH HER, WHO SAYS AS LITTLE AS EVER, BUT HOLDS UP HER HEAD & SMILES & IS TO BE AT THE *RACES. - *ANNAMARIA WAS THERE WITH *MRS. *HOPE, BUT WE ARE TO SEE HER HERE TOMORROW. - *SO MUCH WAS WRITTEN BEFORE BREAKFAST ; IT IS NOW HALF PAST TWELVE, & HAVING HEARD *LIZZY READ,

*I AM MOVED DOWN INTO THE *LIBRARY FOR THE SAKE OF A FIRE WHICH AGREABLY SURPRISED US WHEN WE ASSEMBLED AT *TEN, & HERE IN WARM & HAPPY SOLITUDE PROCEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DAY'S *LETTER. *WE GIVE YOU CREDIT FOR YOUR SPIRITED VOYAGE, & ARE VERY GLAD IT WAS ACCOM+ PLISHED/ SO PLEASANTLY, & THAT *ANNA ENJOYED IT SO MUCH. - *I HOPE YOU ARE NOT THE WORSE FOR THE FATIGUE - BUT TO EMBARK AT 4 YOU MUST HAVE GOT UP AT 3, & MOST LIKELY HAD NO SLEEP AT ALL. - *MARY'S NOT CHUSING TO BE AT HOME, OCCASIONS A GENERAL SMALL SURPRISE. - *AS TO *MARTHA, SHE HAS NOT THE LEAST CHANCE IN THE WORLD OF HEARING FROM ME AGAIN, & *I WONDER AT HER IMPUDENCE IN PROPOSING IT. - *I ASSURE YOU *I AM AS TIRED OF WRITING LONG LETTERS AS YOU CAN BE. *WHAT A PITY THAT ONE SHOULD STILL BE SO FOND OF RECEIVING THEM ! - *FANNY *AUSTEN'S *MATCH IS QUITE NEWS, & *I AM SORRY SHE HAS BEHAVED SO ILL. *THERE IS SOME COMFORT TO $US$ IN HER MISCONDUCT, THAT WE HAVE NOT A CONGRATULATORY *LETTER TO WRITE. *JAMES & *EDWARD ARE GONE TO *SANDLING TODAY ; - A NICE SCHEME FOR *JAMES, AS IT WILL SHEW HIM A NEW & FINE *COUNTRY. *EDWARD CERTAINLY EXCELS IN DOING THE *HONOURS TO HIS VISITORS, & PROVIDING FOR THEIR AMUSEMENT. - *THEY COME BACK THIS *EVENG*. - *ELIZABETH TALKS OF GOING WITH HER THREE GIRLS TO *WROTHAM WHILE HER HUSBAND IS IN *HAMPSHIRE ; - SHE IS IMPROVED IN LOOKS SINCE WE FIRST CAME, & EXCEPTING A COLD, DOES NOT SEEM AT ALL UNWELL. *SHE IS CONSIDERED INDEED AS MORE THAN USUALLY ACTIVE FOR HER SITUATION & SIZE. - *I HAVE TRIED TO GIVE *JAMES PLEASURE BY TELLING HIM OF HIS *DAUGHTER'S *TASTE, BUT IF HE FELT, HE DID NOT EXPRESS IT. - $*I$ REJOICE IN IT VERY SINCERELY. - *HENRY TALKS, OR RATHER WRITES OF GOING TO THE *DOWNES, IF THE *ST. *ALBANS CONTINUES THERE - BUT *I HOPE IT WILL BE SETTLED OTHERWISE. - *I HAD EVERYBODY'S

CONGRATULATIONS ON HER ARRIVAL, AT *CANTERBURY ; IT IS PLEASANT TO BE AMONG PEOPLE WHO KNOW ONE'S CONNEC+ TIONS/ & CARE ABOUT THEM; & IT AMUSES ME TO HEAR *JOHN *BRIDGES TALK OF " *FRANK." - *I HAVE THOUGHT A LITTLE OF WRITING TO THE *DOWNS, BUT *I SHALL NOT ; IT IS SO VERY CERTAIN THAT HE WD* BE SOMEWHERE ELSE WHEN MY *LETTER GOT THERE. - *MR. *THO. *LEIGH IS AGAIN IN *TOWN - OR WAS VERY LATELY. *HENRY MET WITH HIM LAST SUNDAY IN *ST. *JAMES'S *CHURCH. - *HE OWNED BEING COME UP UNEX+ PECTEDLY/ ON *BUSINESS - WHICH WE OF COURSE THINK CAN BE ONLY $ONE$ BUSINESS - & HE CAME POST FROM *ADLESTROP IN ONE DAY, WHICH - IF IT CD* BE DOUBTED BEFORE - CON+ VINCES/ *HENRY THAT HE WILL LIVE FOR EVER. - *MRS. *KNIGHT IS KINDLY ANXIOUS FOR OUR *GOOD, & THINKS *MR. *L. *P. $MUST$ BE DESIROUS FOR HIS $*FAMILY'S$ SAKE TO HAVE EVERY+ THING/ SETTLED. - *INDEED, *I DO NOT KNOW WHERE WE ARE TO GET OUR *LEGACY - BUT WE WILL KEEP A SHARP LOOK-OUT. - *LADY *B. WAS ALL IN PROSPEROUS *BLACK THE OTHER DAY. - *A LETTER FROM *JENNY *SMALBONE TO HER *DAUGHTER BRINGS INTELLIGENCE WHICH IS TO BE FORWARDED TO MY *MOTHER, THE CALVING OF A *COW AT *STEVENTON. - *I AM ALSO TO GIVE HER *MAMA'S *LOVE TO *ANNA, & SAY THAT AS HER *PAPA TALKS OF WRITING HER A *LETTER OF COMFORT SHE WILL $NOT$ WRITE, BECAUSE SHE KNOWS IT WD* CERTAINLY PREVENT HIS DOING SO. - *WHEN ARE CALCULATIONS EVER RIGHT ? - *I COULD HAVE SWORN THAT *MARY MUST HAVE HEARD OF THE *ST. *ALBANS RETURN, & WD* HAVE BEEN WILD TO COME HOME, OR TO BE DOING SOMETHING. - *NOBODY EVER FEELS OR ACTS, SUFFERS OR ENJOYS, AS ONE EXPECTS. - *I DO NOT AT ALL REGARD *MARTHA'S DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE *ISLAND ; SHE WILL LIKE IT THE BETTER IN THE END. - *I CANNOT HELP THINKING & RE-THINKING OF YOUR GOING TO THE *ISLAND SO HEROICALLY. *IT PUTS ME IN MIND OF *MRS. *HASTINGS' VOYAGE DOWN THE

*GANGES, & IF WE HAD BUT A ROOM TO RETIRE INTO TO EAT OUR FRUIT, WE WD* HAVE A PICTURE OF IT HUNG THERE. - *FRIDAY *JULY 1ST** - *THE WEATHER IS MENDED, WHICH *I ATTRIBUTE TO MY WRITING ABOUT IT - & *I AM IN HOPES, AS YOU MAKE NO COMPLAINT, THO' ON THE *WATER & AT 4 IN THE MORNG* - THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN SO COLD WITH YOU. - *IT WILL BE TWO YEARS TOMORROW SINCE WE LEFT *BATH FOR *CLIFTON, WITH WHAT HAPPY FEELINGS OF *ESCAPE ! - *THIS POST HAS BROUGHT ME A FEW LINES FROM THE AMIABLE *FRANK, BUT HE GIVES US NO HOPE OF SEEING HIM HERE. - *WE ARE NOT UNLIKELY TO HAVE A PEEP AT *HENRY WHO, UNLESS THE *ST. *ALBANS MOVES QUICKLY, WILL BE GOING TO THE *DOWNS, & WHO WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE IN *KENT WITH+ OUT/ GIVING A DAY OR TWO TO *GODMERSHAM. - *JAMES HAS HEARD THIS MORNG* FROM *MRS. *COOKE, IN REPLY TO HIS OFFER OF TAKING *BOOKHAM IN HIS WAY HOME, WHICH IS KINDLY ACCEPTED ; & *EDWD* HAS HAD A LESS AGREEABLE ANSWER FROM *DR. *GODDARD, WHO ACTUALLY REFUSES THE PETITION. *BEING ONCE FOOL ENOUGH TO MAKE A RULE OF NEVER LETTING A *BOY GO AWAY AN HOUR BEFORE THE *BREAKING UP *HOUR, HE IS NOW FOOL ENOUGH TO KEEP IT. - *WE ARE ALL DISAPPOINTED. - *HIS *LETTER BRINGS A DOUBLE DISAPPOINTMENT, FOR HE HAS NO ROOM FOR *GEORGE THIS SUMMER. - *MY *BROTHERS RETURNED LAST NIGHT AT 10, HAVING SPENT A VERY AGREABLE DAY IN THE USUAL ROUTINE. *THEY FOUND *MRS. *D. AT HOME, & *MR. *D. RETURNED FROM *BUSINESS ABROAD, TO DINNER. *JAMES ADMIRES THE PLACE VERY MUCH, & THINKS THE TWO *ELDEST GIRLS HANDSOME - BUT *MARY'S BEAUTY HAS THE PREFERENCE. - *THE NUMBER OF *CHILDREN STRUCK HIM A GOOD DEAL, FOR NOT ONLY ARE THEIR OWN *ELEVEN ALL AT HOME, BUT THE THREE LITTLE *BRIDGESES ARE ALSO WITH THEM. - *JAMES MEANS TO GO ONCE MORE TO *CANTY* TO SEE HIS FRIEND *DR. *MARLOWE, WHO

IS COMING ABOUT THIS TIME ; - *I SHALL HARDLY HAVE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY OF GOING THERE. *IN ANOTHER WEEK *I SHALL BE AT HOME - & THEN, MY HAVING BEEN AT *GODMERSHAM WILL SEEM LIKE A *DREAM, AS MY VISIT AT *BROMPTON SEEMS ALREADY. *THE *ORANGE *WINE WILL WANT OUR *CARE SOON. - *BUT IN THE MEANTIME FOR *ELEGANCE & *EASE & *LUXURY - ; THE *HATTONS & *MILLES' DINE HERE TODAY - & *I SHALL EAT *ICE & DRINK *FRENCH WINE, & BE ABOVE VULGAR *ECONOMY. *LUCKILY THE PLEASURES OF *FRIENDSHIP, OF UNRESERVED *CONVERSATION, OF SIMILARITY OF *TASTE & *OPINIONS, WILL MAKE GOOD AMENDS FOR *ORANGE *WINE. - *LITTLE *EDWD* IS QUITE WELL AGAIN. - *YRS** AFFEC: WITH *LOVE FROM ALL, *J. *A. *CASTLE *SQUARE, *SATURDAY *OCTR* 1. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOUR LETTER THIS MORNING WAS QUITE UNEXPECTED, & IT IS WELL THAT IT BRINGS SUCH GOOD NEWS TO COUNTER-+ BALANCE/ THE DISAPPOINTMENT TO ME OF LOSING MY FIRST SENTENCE, WHICH *I HAD ARRANGED FULL OF PROPER HOPES ABOUT YOUR *JOURNEY, INTENDING TO COMMIT THEM TO PAPER TODAY, & NOT LOOKING FOR CERTAINTY TILL TOMORROW. - *WE ARE EXTREMELY GLAD TO HEAR OF THE BIRTH OF THE *CHILD, & TRUST EVERYTHING WILL PROCEED AS WELL AS IT BEGINS ; - HIS *MAMA HAS OUR BEST WISHES, & HE OUR

SECOND BEST FOR HEALTH & COMFORT - THO' *I SUPPOSE UNLESS HE HAS OUR BEST TOO, WE DO NOTHING FOR $HER$. - *WE ARE GLAD IT WAS ALL OVER BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL ; - & *I AM MOST HAPPY TO FIND WHO THE *GODMOTHER IS TO BE. - *MY *MOTHER WAS SOME TIME GUESSING THE NAMES. - *HENRY'S PRESENT TO YOU GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE, & *I SHALL WATCH THE WEATHER FOR HIM AT THIS TIME WITH REDOUBLED INTEREST. - *WE HAVE HAD 4 BRACE OF *BIRDS LATELY, IN EQUAL *LOTS FROM *SHALDEN & *NEATHAM. - *OUR PARTY AT *MRS. *DUER'S PRODUCED THE NOVELTIES OF TWO OLD *MRS. *POLLENS & *MRS. *HEYWOOD, WITH WHOM *MY MOTHER MADE A *QUADRILLE *TABLE ; & OF *MRS. *MAITLAND & *CAROLINE, & *MR. *BOOTH WITHOUT HIS SISTERS AT *COM+ MERCE/. - *I HAVE GOT A *HUSBAND FOR EACH OF THE *MISS *MAITLANDS ; - *COLN* *POWLETT & HIS *BROTHER HAVE TAKEN *ARGYLE'S INNER *HOUSE, & THE CONSEQUENCE IS SO NATURAL THAT *I HAVE NO INGENUITY IN PLANNING IT. *IF THE *BROTHER SHD* LUCKILY BE A LITTLE SILLIER THAN THE *COLONEL, WHAT A TREASURE FOR *ELIZA. - *MR. *LYFORD CALLED ON TUESDAY TO SAY THAT HE WAS DISAPPOINTED OF HIS SON & DAUGHTER'S COMING, & MUST GO HOME HIMSELF THE FOLLOWING MORNG* ; - & AS *I WAS DETERMINED THAT HE SHD* NOT LOSE EVERY PLEASURE *I CONSULTED HIM ON MY COMPLAINT. *HE RECOMMENDED COTTON MOISTENED WITH OIL OF SWEET ALMONDS, & IT HAS DONE ME GOOD. - *I HOPE THEREFORE TO HAVE NOTHING MORE TO DO WITH *ELIZA'S RECEIPT THAN TO FEEL OBLIGED TO HER FOR GIVING IT AS *I VERY SINCERELY DO. - *MRS. *TILSON'S REMEMBRANCE GRATIFIES ME, & *I WILL USE HER PATTERNS IF *I CAN ; BUT POOR *WOMAN ! HOW CAN SHE BE HONESTLY BREEDING AGAIN ? - *I HAVE JUST FINISHED A *HANDKF. FOR *MRS. *JAMES *AUSTEN, WHICH *I EXPECT HER *HUSBAND TO GIVE ME AN OPPOR+ TUNITY/ OF SENDING TO HER ERE LONG. *SOME FINE DAY IN

*OCTOBER WILL CERTAINLY BRING HIM TO US IN THE *GARDEN, BETWEEN THREE & FOUR O'CLOCK. - $*SHE$ HEARS THAT *MISS *BIGG IS TO BE MARRIED IN A FORTNIGHT. *I WISH IT MAY BE SO. - *ABOUT AN HOUR & HALF AFTER YOUR TOILS ON *WEDNESDAY ENDED, OURS BEGAN ; - AT SEVEN O'CLOCK, *MRS. *HARRISON, HER TWO DAUGHTERS & TWO *VISITORS, WITH *MR. *DEBARY & HIS ELDEST SISTER WALKED IN ; & OUR *LABOUR WAS NOT A GREAT DEAL SHORTER THAN POOR *ELIZA+ BETH'S/, FOR IT WAS PAST ELEVEN BEFORE WE WERE DELIVERED. - *A SECOND POOL OF *COMMERCE, & ALL THE LONGER BY THE ADDITION OF THE TWO GIRLS, WHO DURING THE FIRST HAD ONE CORNER OF THE *TABLE & *SPILLIKENS TO THEMSELVES, WAS THE RUIN OF US ; - IT COMPLETED THE PROSPERTY OF *MR. *DEBARY HOWEVER, FOR HE WON THEM BOTH. - *MR. *HARRISON CAME IN LATE, & SAT BY THE FIRE - FOR WHICH *I ENVIED HIM, AS WE HAD OUR USUAL LUCK OF HAVING A VERY COLD *EVENG*. *IT RAINED WHEN OUR COMPANY CAME, BUT WAS DRY AGAIN BEFORE THEY LEFT US. - *THE *MISS *BALLARDS ARE SAID TO BE REMARKABLY WELL-INFORMED ; THEIR MANNERS ARE UNAFFECTED AND PLEASING, BUT THEY DO NOT TALK QUITE FREELY ENOUGH TO BE AGREABLE - NOR CAN *I DISCOVER ANY RIGHT THEY HAD BY *TASTE OR *FEELING TO GO THEIR LATE *TOUR. - *MISS *AUSTEN & HER NEPHEW ARE RETURNED - BUT *MR. *CHOLES IS STILL ABSENT ; - " STILL ABSENT " SAY YOU, "*I DID NOT KNOW THAT HE WAS GONE ANYWHERE " - *NEITHER DID *I KNOW THAT *LADY *BRIDGES WAS AT *GOD+ MERSHAM/ AT ALL, TILL *I WAS TOLD OF HER BEING $STILL$ THERE, WHICH *I TAKE THEREFORE TO BE THE MOST APPROVED METHOD OF ANNOUNCING ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES. - *MR. *CHOLES IS GONE TO DRIVE A *COW TO *BRENTFORD, & HIS PLACE IS SUPPLIED TO US BY A *MAN WHO LIVES IN THE SAME SORT OF WAY BY ODD JOBS, & AMONG OTHER CAPABILITIES HAS THAT OF WORKING IN A GARDEN, WHICH MY *MOTHER

WILL NOT FORGET IF WE EVER HAVE ANOTHER GARDEN HERE. - *IN GENERAL HOWEVER SHE THINKS MUCH MORE OF *ALTON, & REALLY EXPECTS TO MOVE THERE. - *MRS. *LYELL'S 130 *GUINEAS RENT HAVE MADE A GREAT IMPRESSION. *TO THE PURCHASE OF FURNITURE, WHETHER HERE OR THERE, SHE IS QUITE RECONCILED, & TALKS OF THE $*TROUBLE$ AS THE ONLY EVIL. - *I DEPENDED UPON *HENRY'S LIKING THE *ALTON PLAN, & EXPECT TO HEAR OF SOMETHING PERFECTLY UNEXCEPTION+ ABLE/ THERE, THROUGH HIM. - *OUR *YARMOUTH *DIVISION SEEM TO HAVE GOT NICE *LODGINGS ; - & WITH FISH ALMOST FOR NOTHING, & PLENTY OF *ENGAGEMENTS & PLENTY OF EACH OTHER, MUST BE VERY HAPPY. - *MY MOTHER HAS UNDERTAKEN TO CURE SIX *HAMS FOR *FRANK ; - AT FIRST IT WAS A DISTRESS, BUT NOW IT IS A PLEASURE. - *SHE DESIRES ME TO SAY THAT SHE DOES NOT DOUBT YOUR MAKING OUT THE *STAR PATTERN VERY WELL, AS YOU HAVE THE *BREAKFAST-+ ROOM-RUG/ TO LOOK AT. - *WE HAVE GOT THE 2D* VOL. OF *ESPRIELLA'S *LETTERS, & *I READ IT OUT ALOUD BY CANDLELIGHT. *THE *MAN DESCRIBES WELL, BUT IS HORRIBLY ANTI-ENGLISH. *HE DESERVES TO BE THE FOREIGNER HE ASSUMES. *MR. *DEBARY WENT AWAY YESTERDAY, & *I BEING GONE WITH SOME PARTRIDGES TO *ST. *MARIES LOST HIS PARTING VISIT. - *I HAVE HEARD TODAY FROM *MISS *SHARPE, & FIND THAT SHE RETURNS WITH *MISS *B. TO *HINCKLEY, & WILL CONTINUE THERE AT LEAST TILL ABOUT *CHRISTMAS, WHEN SHE THINKS THEY MAY BOTH TRAVEL SOUTHWARD. - *MISS *B. HOWEVER IS PROBABLY TO MAKE ONLY A TEMPORARY ABSENCE FROM *MR. *CHESSYRE, & *I SHD* NOT WONDER IF *MISS *SHARPE WERE TO CONTINUE WITH HER ; - UNLESS ANYTHING MORE ELIGIBLE OFFER, SHE CERTAINLY $WILL.$ *SHE DESCRIBES *MISS *B. AS VERY ANXIOUS THAT SHE SHOULD DO SO. - *SUNDAY. - *I HAD NOT EXPECTED TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN SO SOON, & AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR WRITING AS YOU DID ; BUT NOW AS YOU

MUST HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF THE BUSINESS UPON YOUR HANDS, DO NOT TROUBLE YOURSELF WITH ME FOR THE PRESENT; - *I SHALL CONSIDER SILENCE AS GOOD NEWS, & NOT EXPECT ANOTHER *LETTER FROM YOU TILL FRIDAY OR *SATURDAY. - *YOU MUST HAVE HAD A GREAT DEAL MORE RAIN THAN HAS FALLEN HERE ; - COLD ENOUGH IT HAS BEEN BUT NOT WET, EXCEPT FOR A FEW HOURS ON *WEDNESDAY *EVENG*, & *I COULD HAVE FOUND NOTHING MORE PLASTIC THAN DUST TO STICK IN ; - NOW INDEED WE ARE LIKELY TO HAVE A WET DAY - & THO' *SUNDAY, MY *MOTHER BEGINS IT WITHOUT ANY AIL+ MENT/. - *YOUR PLANTS WERE TAKEN IN ONE VERY COLD BLUSTERING DAY & PLACED IN THE *DINING ROOM, & THERE WAS A FROST THE VERY SAME NIGHT. - *IF WE HAVE WARM WEATHER AGAIN THEY ARE TO BE PUT OUT OF DOORS, IF NOT MY *MOTHER WILL HAVE THEM CONVEYED TO THEIR *WINTER QUARTERS. - *I GATHER SOME *CURRANTS EVERY NOW & THEN, WHEN *I WANT EITHER FRUIT OR EMPLOYMENT. - *PRAY TELL MY LITTLE *GODDAUGHTER THAT *I AM DELIGHTED TO HEAR OF HER SAYING HER LESSON SO WELL. - *YOU HAVE USED ME ILL, YOU HAVE BEEN WRITING TO *MARTHA WITHOUT TELLING ME OF IT, & A LETTER WHICH *I SENT HER ON WEDNESDAY TO GIVE HER INFORMATION OF YOU, MUST HAVE BEEN GOOD FOR NOTHING. *I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO THINK THAT SOMETHING WILL NOT STILL HAPPEN TO PREVENT HER RETURNING BY YE 10TH** - *AND IF IT DOES, *I SHALL NOT MUCH REGARD IT ON MY OWN ACCOUNT, FOR *I AM NOW GOT INTO SUCH A WAY OF BEING ALONE THAT *I DO NOT WISH EVEN FOR HER. - *THE *MARQUIS HAS PUT OFF BEING CURED FOR ANOTHER YEAR ; - AFTER WAITING SOME WEEKS IN VAIN FOR THE RETURN OF THE *VESSEL HE HAD AGREED FOR, HE IS GONE INTO *CORNWALL TO ORDER A *VESSEL BUILT FOR HIMSELF BY A FAMOUS *MAN IN THAT *COUNTRY, IN WHICH HE MEANS TO GO ABROAD A TWELVEMONTH HENCE. -

*EVERYBODY WHO COMES TO *SOUTHAMPTON FINDS IT EITHER THEIR DUTY OR PLEASURE TO CALL UPON US ; *YESTER+ DAY/ WE WERE VISITED BY THE ELDEST *MISS *COTTEREL, JUST ARRIVED FROM *WALTHAM. *ADEIU - *WITH *LOVE TO ALL, *YRS** AFFEC:LY** *J *A. *WE HAD TWO *PHEASANTS LAST NIGHT FROM *NEATHAM. *TOMORROW *EVENG* IS TO BE GIVEN TO THE *MAITLANDS ; - WE ARE JUST ASKED, TO MEET *MRS. *HEYWOOD & *MRS. *DUER. *CASTLE *SQUARE, *FRIDAY *OCT. 7. - *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOUR LETTER ON *TUESDAY GAVE US GREAT PLEASURE, & WE CONGRATULATE YOU ALL UPON *ELIZABETH'S HITHERTO HAPPY RECOVERY ; - TOMORROW OR *SUNDAY *I HOPE TO HEAR OF IT'S ADVANCING IN THE SAME STILE. - *WE ARE ALSO VERY GLAD TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE SO WELL YOURSELF, & PRAY YOU TO CONTINUE SO. - *I WAS RATHER SURPRISED ON *MONDAY BY THE ARRIVAL OF A LETTER FOR YOU FROM YOUR *WINCHESTER *CORRESPONDENT, WHO SEEMED PERFECTLY UNSUSPICIOUS OF YOUR BEING LIKELY TO BE AT *GODMERSHAM ; - *I TOOK CON+ PLETE/ POSSESSION OF THE *LETTER BY READING, PAYING FOR, & ANSWERING IT ; - AND HE WILL HAVE THE *BISCUITS TODAY, - A VERY PROPER DAY FOR THE PURPOSE, THO' *I DID NOT THINK OF IT AT THE TIME. - *I WISH MY *BROTHER JOY OF COMPLETING HIS 30TH** YEAR - & HOPE THE DAY WILL BE REMEMBERED BETTER THAN IT WAS SIX YEARS AGO. - *THE

*MASONS ARE NOW REPAIRING THE *CHIMNEY, WHICH THEY FOUND IN SUCH A STATE AS TO MAKE IT WONDERFUL THAT IT SHD* HAVE STOOD SO LONG, & NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE THAT ANOTHER VIOLENT WIND SHOULD NOT BLOW IT DOWN. *WE MAY THEREFORE THANK $YOU$ PERHAPS FOR SAVING US FROM BEING THUMPED WITH OLD BRICKS. - *YOU ARE ALSO TO BE THANK'D BY *ELIZA'S DESIRE FOR YOUR PRESENT TO HER OF DYED SATTIN, WHICH IS MADE INTO A BONNET, & *I FANCY SURPRISES HER BY IT'S GOOD APPEARANCE. - *MY *MOTHER IS PREPARING MOURNING FOR *MRS. *E. *K. - SHE HAS PICKED HER OLD SILK PELISSE TO PEICES, & MEANS TO HAVE IT DYED BLACK FOR A GOWN - A VERY INTERESTING SCHEME, THO' JUST NOW A LITTLE INJURED BY FINDING THAT IT MUST BE PLACED IN *MR. *WREN'S HANDS, FOR *MR. *CHAMBERS IS GONE. - *AS FOR *MR. *FLOOR, HE IS AT PRESENT RATHER LOW IN OUR ESTIMA+ TION/ ; HOW IS YOUR BLUE GOWN ? - *MINE IS ALL TO PEICES. - *I THINK THERE MUST HAVE BEEN SOMETHNG WRONG IN THE DYE, FOR IN PLACES IT DIVIDED WITH A *TOUCH. - *THERE WAS FOUR SHILLINGS THROWN AWAY ; - TO BE ADDED TO MY SUBJECTS OF NEVER FAILING REGRET. - *WE FOUND OURSELVES TRICKED INTO A THOROUGH PARTY AT *MRS. *MAITLAND'S, A QUADRILLE & A *COMMERCE *TABLE, & *MUSIC IN THE OTHER ROOM. *THERE WERE TWO POOLS AT *COMMERCE, BUT *I WOULD NOT PLAY MORE THAN ONE, FOR THE *STAKE WAS THREE SHILLINGS, & *I CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE THAT, TWICE IN AN EVENG*. - *THE *MISS *MS. WERE AS CIVIL & AS SILLY AS USUAL. - *YOU KNOW OF COURSE THAT *MARTHA COMES TODAY ; YESTERDAY BROUGHT US NOTICE OF IT, & THE *SPRUCE *BEER IS BREWED IN CONSEQUENCE. - *ON WEDNESDAY *I HAD A LETTER FROM *YARMOUTH TO DESIRE ME TO SEND *MARY'S FLANNELS & FURS, &C - & AS THERE WAS A PACKING CASE AT HAND, *I COULD DO IT WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE. - *ON *TUESDAY *EVENG* *SOUTHAMPTON WAS IN A GOOD DEAL OF ALARM FOR

ABOUT AN HOUR ; A FIRE BROKE OUT SOON AFTER NINE AT *WEBBES, THE *PASTRYCOOK, & BURNT FOR SOME TIME WITH GREAT FURY. *I CANNOT LEARN EXACTLY HOW IT ORIGINATED, AT THE TIME IT WAS SAID TO BE THEIR *BAKEHOUSE, BUT NOW *I HEAR IT WAS IN THE BACK OF THEIR *DWELLING HOUSE, & THAT ONE ROOM WAS CONSUMED. - *THE *FLAMES WERE CONSIDERABLE, THEY SEEMED ABOUT AS NEAR TO US AS THOSE AT *LYME, & TO REACH HIGHER. *ONE COULD NOT BUT FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE, & *I BEGAN TO THINK OF WHAT *I SHOULD DO, IF IT CAME TO THE WORST ; - HAPPILY HOWEVER THE NIGHT WAS PERFECTLY STILL, THE *ENGINES WERE IMMEDIATELY IN USE, & BEFORE TEN THE FIRE WAS NEARLY EXTINGUISHED - THO' IT WAS TWELVE BEFORE EVERYTHING WAS CONSIDERED SAFE, & A *GUARD WAS KEPT THE WHOLE NIGHT. *OUR FRIENDS THE *DUERS WERE ALARMED, BUT NOT OUT OF THEIR GOOD *SENSE OR *BENEVOLENCE. - *I AM AFRAID THE *WEBBES HAVE LOST A GREAT DEAL - MORE PERHAPS FROM IGNORANCE OR PLUNDER THAN THE *FIRE ; - THEY HAD A LARGE STOCK OF VALUABLE *CHINA, & IN ORDER TO SAVE IT, IT WAS TAKEN FROM THE *HOUSE, & THROW DOWN ANYWHERE. - *THE ADJOINING *HOUSE, A *TOYSHOP, WAS ALMOST EQUALLY INJURED - & *HIBBS, WHOSE *HOUSE COMES NEXT, WAS SO SCARED FROM HIS SENSES THAT HE WAS GIVING AWAY ALL HIS GOODS, VALUABLE D*LACES &C, TO ANYBODY WHO W* TAKE THEM. - *THE *CROUD IN THE *HIGH *ST* *I UNDERSTAND WAS IMMENSE ; *MRS. *HARRISON, WHO WAS DRINKING TEA WITH A *LADY AT *MILLAR'S, COULD NOT LEAVE IT TWELVE O'CLOCK. - *SUCH ARE THE PROMINENT FEATURES OF OUR FIRE. *THANK *GOD ! THEY WERE NOT WORSE. - *SATURDAY. - *THANK YOU FOR YOUR *LETTER, WHICH FOUND ME AT THE *BREAKFAST-*TABLE, WITH MY $TWO$ COMPANIONS. - *I AM GREATLY PLEASED WITH YOUR ACCOUNT OF *FANNY ; *I FOUND HER IN THE SUMMER JUST WHAT YOU DESCRIBE,

ALMOST ANOTHER *SISTER, - & COULD NOT HAVE SUPPOSED THAT A NEICE WOULD EVER HAVE BEEN SO MUCH TO ME. *SHE IS QUITE AFTER ONE'S OWN HEART ; GIVE HER MY BEST *LOVE, & TELL HER THAT *I ALWAYS THINK OF HER WITH PLEASURE. - *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR ENQUIRING ABOUT MY EAR, & AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT *MR. *LYFORD'S PRESCRIPTION HAS ENTIRELY CURED ME. *I FEEL IT A GREAT BLESSING TO HEAR AGAIN. - *YOUR GOWN SHALL BE UNPICKED, BUT *I DO NOT REMEMBER IT'S BEING SETTLED SO BEFORE. - *MARTHA WAS HERE BY HALF PAST SIX, ATTENDED BY *LYDDY ; - THEY HAD SOME RAIN AT LAST, BUT A VERY GOOD *JOURNEY ON THE WHOLE ; & IF *LOOKS & *WORDS MAY BE TRUSTED *MARTHA IS VERY HAPPY TO BE RETURNED. *WE RECEIVE HER WITH *CASTLE *SQUARE-WEATHER, IT HAS BLOWN A GALE FROM THE *N.*W. EVER SINCE SHE CAME - & WE FEEL OURSELVES IN LUCK THAT THE *CHIMNEY WAS MENDED YESTERDAY. - *SHE BRINGS SEVERAL GOOD THINGS FOR THE *LARDER, WHICH IS NOW VERY RICH ; WE HAD A PHEASANT & HARE THE OTHER DAY FROM THE *MR. *GRAYS OF *ALTON. *IS THIS TO ENTICE US TO *ALTON, OR TO KEEP US AWAY ? - *HENRY HAD PRO+ BABLY/ SOME SHARE IN THE TWO LAST BASKETS FROM THAT *NEIGHBOURHOOD, BUT WE HAVE NOT SEEN SO MUCH OF HIS HANDWRITING EVEN AS A DIRECTION TO EITHER. *MARTHA WAS AN HOUR & HALF IN *WINCHESTER, WALKING ABOUT WITH THE THREE BOYS & AT THE *PASTRYCOOK'S. - *SHE THOUGHT *EDWARD GROWN, & SPEAKS WITH THE SAME ADMIRATION AS BEFORE OF HIS *MANNERS ; - SHE SAW IN *GEORGE A LITTLE LIKENESS TO HIS UNCLE *HENRY. - *I AM GLAD YOU ARE TO SEE *HARRIOT, GIVE MY *LOVE TO HER. - *I WISH YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ACCEPT *LADY *BRIDGES'S INVITATION, THO' $*I$ COULD NOT HER SON *EDWARD'S ; - SHE IS A NICE *WOMAN, & HONOURS ME BY HER REMEMBRANCE. - *DO YOU RECOLLECT WHETHER THE *MANYDOWN FAMILY SEND

ABOUT THEIR *WEDDING *CAKE ? - *MRS, *DUNDAS HAS SET HER HEART UPON HAVING A PEICE FROM HER FRIEND *CATHERINE, & *MARTHA WHO KNOWS WHAT IMPORTANCE SHE ATTACHES TO THE SORT OF THING, IS ANXIOUS FOR THE SAKE OF BOTH THAT THERE SHD* NOT BE A DISAPPOINTMENT. - *OUR WEATHER *I FANCY HAS BEEN JUST LIKE YOURS, WE HAVE HAD $SOME$ VERY DELIGHTFUL DAYS, OUR 5TH** & 6TH** WERE WHAT THE 5TH** & 6TH** OF *OCTOBER SHOULD ALWAYS BE, BUT WE HAVE ALWAYS WANTED A FIRE $WITHIN$ DOORS, AT LEAST EXCEPT FOR JUST THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY. - *MARTHA DOES NOT FIND THE KEY, WHICH YOU LEFT IN MY CHARGE FOR HER, SUIT THE KEYHOLE - & WANTS TO KNOW WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN HAVE MISTAKEN IT. - *IT SHOULD OPEN THE INTERIOR OF HER *HIGH *DRAWERS - BUT SHE IS IN NO HURRY ABOUT IT. *SUNDAY. - *IT IS COLD ENOUGH NOW FOR US TO PREFER DINING UPSTAIRS TO DINING BELOW WITHOUT A FIRE, & BEING ONLY THREE WE MANAGE IT VERY WELL, & TODAY WITH TWO MORE WE SHALL DO JUST AS WELL, *I DARE SAY ; *MISS *FOOTE & *MISS *WETHERED ARE COMING. *MY MOTHER IS MUCH PLEASED WITH *ELIZABETH'S ADMIRATION OF THE RUG - & PRAY TELL *ELIZABETH THAT THE NEW MOURNING GOWN IS TO BE MADE DOUBLE $ONLY$ IN THE BODY & SLEEVES. - *MARTHA THANKS YOU FOR YOUR MESSAGE, & DESIRES YOU MAY BE TOLD WITH HER BEST *LOVE THAT YOUR WISHES ARE ANSWERED & THAT SHE IS FULL OF PEACE & COMFORT HERE. - *I DO NOT THINK HOWEVER THAT $HERE$ SHE WILL REMAIN A GREAT WHILE, SHE DOES NOT HERSELF EXPECT THAT *MRS. *DUNDAS WILL BE ABLE TO DO WITH HER LONG. *SHE $WISHES$ TO STAY WITH US TILL *CHRISTMAS IF POSSIBLE. - *LYDDY GOES HOME TO-+ MORROW/ ; SHE SEEMS WELL, BUT DOES NOT MEAN TO GO TO SERVICE AT PRESENT. - *THE *WALLOPS ARE RETURNED. *MR. *JOHN *HARRISON HAS PAID HIS VISIT OF DUTY & IS GONE. - *WE HAVE GOT A NEW *PHYSICIAN, A *DR. *PERCIVAL, THE SON

OF A FAMOUS *DR. PERCIVAL OF *MANCHESTER, WHO WROTE MORAL TALES FOR *EDWARD TO GIVE TO ME. - *WHEN YOU WRITE AGAIN TO *CATHERINE, THANK HER ON MY PART FOR HER VERY KIND & WELCOME MARK OF FRIENDSHIP. *I SHALL VALUE SUCH A *BROCHE VERY MUCH. - *GOOD BYE MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA. *YRS** VERY AFFEC:LY** *J *A. *HAVE YOU WRITTEN TO *MRS. *E. LEIGH ? - *MARTHA WILL BE GLAD TO FIND *ANNE IN WORK AT PRESENT, & *I AM AS GLAD TO HAVE HER SO FOUND. - *WE MUST TURN OUR BLACK PELISSES INTO NEW, FOR VELVET IS TO BE VERY MUCH WORN THIS WINTER. - *CASTLE *SQUARE, *OCTR* 13. *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *I HAVE RECEIVED YOUR *LETTER, & WITH MOST MELAN+ CHOLY/ ANXIETY WAS IT EXPECTED, FOR THE SAD NEWS REACHED US LAST NIGHT, BUT WITHOUT ANY PARTICULARS ; IT CAME IN A SHORT LETTER TO *MARTHA FROM HER SISTER, BEGUN AT *STEVENTON, & FINISHED IN *WINCHESTER. - *WE HAVE FELT, WE DO FEEL, FOR YOU ALL - AS YOU WILL NOT NEED TO BE TOLD - FOR YOU, FOR *FANNY, FOR *HENRY, FOR *LADY *BRIDGES, & FOR DEAREST *EDWARD, WHOSE LOSS AND WHOSE SUFFERINGS SEEM TO MAKE THOSE OF EVERY OTHER PERSON NOTHING. - *GOD BE PRAISED ! THAT YOU CAN SAY WHAT YOU DO OF HIM - THAT HE HAS A RELIGIOUS *MIND TO BEAR

HIM UP, & A *DISPOSITION THAT WILL GRADUALLY LEAD HIM TO COMFORT. - *MY DEAR, DEAR *FANNY ! - *I AM SO THANKFUL THAT SHE HAS YOU WITH HER ! - *YOU WILL BE EVERYTHING TO HER, YOU WILL GIVE HER ALL THE *CONSOLATION THAT HUMAN AID CAN GIVE. - *MAY THE *ALMIGHTY SUSTAIN YOU ALL - & KEEP YOU MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA WELL - BUT FOR THE PRESENT *I DARE SAY YOU ARE EQUAL TO EVERYTHING. - *YOU WILL KNOW THAT THE POOR *BOYS ARE AT *STEVENTON, PERHAPS IT IS BEST FOR THEM, AS THEY WILL HAVE MORE MEANS OF EXERCISE & AMUSEMENT THERE THAN THEY CD* HAVE WITH US, BUT *I OWN MYSELF DISAPPOINTED BY THE ARRANGEMENT ; - *I SHOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE THEM WITH ME AT SUCH A TIME. *I SHALL WRITE TO *EDWARD BY THIS POST. - *WE SHALL OF COURSE HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN VERY SOON, & AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN WRITE. - *WE WILL WRITE AS YOU DESIRE, & *I SHALL ADD *BOOKHAM. *HAMSTALL *I SUPPOSE YOU WRITE TO YOURSELVES, AS YOU DO NOT MENTION IT. - *WHAT A COMFORT THAT *MRS. *DEEDES IS SAVED FROM PRESENT MISERY & ALARM - BUT IT WILL FALL HEAVY UPON POOR *HARRIOT - & AS FOR *LADY *B. - BUT THAT HER FORTITUDE DOES SEEM TRUELY GREAT, *I SHOULD FEAR THE EFFECT OF SUCH A *BLOW & SO UNLOOKED FOR. *I LONG TO HEAR MORE OF YOU ALL. - *OF *HENRY'S ANGUISH, *I THINK WITH GREIF AND SOLICITUDE ; BUT HE WILL EXERT HIMSELF TO BE OF USE & COMFORT. *WITH WHAT TRUE SYMPATHY OUR FEELINGS ARE SHARED BY *MARTHA, YOU NEED NOT BE TOLD ; - SHE IS THE FRIEND & SISTER UNDER EVERY CIRCUM+ STANCE/. *WE NEED NOT ENTER INTO A *PANEGYRIC ON THE *DEPARTED - BUT IT IS SWEET TO THINK OF HER GREAT WORTH - OF HER SOLID PRINCIPLES, HER TRUE DEVOTION, HER EX+ CELLENCE/ IN EVERY RELATION OF *LIFE. *IT IS ALSO CONSOLATORY TO REFLECT ON THE SHORTNESS OF THE SUFFERINGS WHICH LED HER FROM THIS *WORLD TO A BETTER. - *FAREWELL FOR THE

PRESENT, MY DEAREST *SISTER. *TELL *EDWARD THAT WE FEEL FOR HIM & PRAY FOR HIM. - *YRS** AFFECTELY**** *J *AUSTEN *I WILL WRITE TO *CATHERINE. *PERHAPS YOU CAN GIVE ME SOME DIRECTIONS ABOUT *MOURNING. *CASTLE *SQUARE : *SATURDAY NIGHT *OCTOBER 15. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, *YOUR ACCOUNTS MAKE US AS COMFORTABLE AS WE CAN EXPECT TO BE AT SUCH A TIME. *EDWARD'S LOSS IS TERRIBLE, AND MUST BE FELT AS SUCH, AND THESE ARE TOO EARLY DAYS INDEED TO THINK OF MODERATION IN GRIEF, EITHER IN HIM OR HIS AFFLICTED DAUGHTER, BUT SOON WE MAY HOPE THAT OUR DEAR *FANNY'S SENSE OF DUTY TO THAT BELOVED FATHER WILL ROUSE HER TO EXERTION. *FOR HIS SAKE, AND AS THE MOST ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF LOVE TO THE SPIRIT OF HER DEPARTED MOTHER, SHE WILL TRY TO BE TRANQUIL AND RESIGNED. *DOES SHE FEEL YOU TO BE A COMFORT TO HER, OR IS SHE TOO MUCH OVERPOWERED FOR ANYTHING BUT SOLITUDE ? *YOUR ACCOUNT OF *LIZZY IS VERY INTERESTING. *POOR CHILD ! *ONE MUST HOPE THE IMPRESSION $WILL$ BE STRONG, AND YET ONE'S HEART ACHES FOR A DEJECTED MIND OF EIGHT YEARS OLD. *I SUPPOSE YOU SEE THE CORPSE ? *HOW DOES IT APPEAR ? *WE ARE ANXIOUS TO BE ASSURED THAT *EDWARD WILL NOT

ATTEND THE FUNERAL, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO THE POINT *I THINK HE MUST FEEL IT IMPOSSIBLE. *YOUR PARCEL SHALL SET OFF ON *MONDAY, AND *I HOPE THE SHOES WILL FIT ; *MARTHA AND *I BOTH TRIED THEM ON. *I SHALL SEND YOU SUCH OF YOUR MOURNING AS *I THINK MOST LIKELY TO BE USEFUL, RESERVING FOR MYSELF YOUR STOCKINGS AND HALF THE VELVET, IN WHICH SELFISH ARRANGE+ MENT/ *I KNOW *I AM DOING WHAT YOU WISH. $*I$ AM TO BE IN BOMBAZEEN AND CRAPE, ACCORDING TO WHAT WE ARE TOLD IS UNIVERSAL $HERE,$ AND WHICH AGREES WITH *MARTHA'S PREVIOUS OBSERVATION. *MY MOURNING, HOWEVER, WILL NOT IMPOVERISH ME, FOR BY HAVING MY VELVET PELISSE FRESH LINED AND MADE UP, *I AM SURE *I SHALL HAVE NO OCCASION $THIS WINTER$ FOR ANYTHING NEW OF THAT SORT. *I TAKE MY CLOAK FOR THE LINING, AND SHALL SEND YOURS ON THE CHANCE OF ITS DOING SOMETHING OF THE SAME FOR YOU, THOUGH *I BELIEVE YOUR PELISSE IS IN BETTER REPAIR THAN MINE. $*ONE$ *MISS *BAKER MAKES MY GOWN AND THE OTHER MY BONNET, WHICH IS TO BE SILK COVERED WITH CRAPE. *I HAVE WRITTEN TO *EDWARD *COOPER, AND HOPE HE WILL NOT SEND ONE OF HIS LETTERS OF CRUEL COMFORT TO MY POOR BROTHER ; AND YESTERDAY *I WROTE TO *ALETHEA *BIGG, IN REPLY TO A LETTER FROM HER. *SHE TELLS US IN CONFIDENCE THAT *CATHERINE IS TO BE MARRIED ON *TUESDAY SE'NNIGHT. *MR. *HILL IS EXPECTED AT *MANYDOWN IN THE COURSE OF THE ENSUING WEEK. *WE ARE DESIRED BY *MRS. *HARRISON AND *MISS *AUSTEN TO SAY EVERYTHING PROPER FOR THEM TO YOURSELF AND *EDWARD ON THIS SAD OCCASION, ESPECIALLY THAT NOTHING BUT A WISH OF NOT GIVING ADDITIONAL TROUBLE WHERE SO MUCH IS INEVITABLE PREVENTS THEIR WRITING THEMSELVES TO EXPRESS THEIR CONCERN. *THEY SEEM TRULY TO FEEL CONCERN.

*I AM GLAD YOU CAN SAY WHAT YOU DO OF *MRS. *KNIGHT AND OF *GOODNESTONE IN GENERAL ; IT IS A GREAT RELIEF TO ME TO KNOW THAT THE SHOCK DID NOT MAKE ANY OF THEM ILL. *BUT WHAT A TASK WAS YOURS TO ANNOUNCE IT ! $*NOW$ *I HOPE YOU ARE NOT OVERPOWERED WITH LETTER-WRITING, AS *HENRY AND *JOHN CAN EASE YOU OF MANY OF YOUR CORRESPONDENTS. *WAS *MR. *SCUDAMORE IN THE HOUSE AT THE TIME, WAS ANY APPLICATION ATTEMPTED, AND IS THE SEIZURE AT ALL ACCOUNTED FOR ? $*SUNDAY$. - *AS *EDWARD'S LETTER TO HIS SON IS NOT COME HERE, WE KNOW THAT YOU MUST HAVE BEEN INFORMED AS EARLY AS *FRIDAY OF THE BOYS BEING AT *STEVENTON, WHICH I AM GLAD OF. *UPON YOUR LETTER TO *DR. *GODDARD'S BEING FORWARDED TO THEM, *MARY WROTE TO ASK WHETHER MY MOTHER WISHED TO HAVE HER GRANDSONS SENT TO HER. *WE DECIDED ON THEIR REMAINING WHERE THEY WERE, WHICH *I HOPE MY BROTHER WILL APPROVE OF. *I AM SURE HE WILL DO US THE JUSTICE OF BELIEVING THAT IN SUCH A DECISION WE SACRIFICED INCLINATION TO WHAT WE THOUGHT BEST. *I SHALL WRITE BY THE COACH TO-MORROW TO *MRS. *J. *A., AND TO *EDWARD, ABOUT THEIR MOURNING, THOUGH THIS DAY'S POST WILL PROBABLY BRING DIRECTIONS TO THEM ON THAT SUBJECT FROM YOURSELVES. *I SHALL CERTAINLY MAKE USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY OF ADDRESSING OUR NEPHEW ON THE MOST SERIOUS OF ALL CONCERNS, AS *I NATURALLY DID IN MY LETTER TO HIM BEFORE. *THE POOR BOYS ARE, PERHAPS, MORE COMFORTABLE AT *STEVENTON THAN THEY COULD BE HERE, BUT YOU WILL UNDERSTAND $MY FEELINGS$ WITH RESPECT TO IT. *TO-MORROW WILL BE A DREADFUL DAY FOR YOU ALL. *MR. *WHITFIELD'S WILL BE A SEVERE DUTY. *GLAD SHALL *I BE TO HEAR THAT IT IS OVER.

*THAT YOU ARE FOR EVER IN OUR THOUGHTS YOU WILL NOT DOUBT. *I SEE YOUR MOURNFUL PARTY IN MY MIND'S EYE UNDER EVERY VARYING CIRCUMSTANCE OF THE DAY ; AND IN THE EVENING ESPECIALLY FIGURE TO MYSELF ITS SAD GLOOM : THE EFFORTS TO TALK, THE FREQUENT SUMMONS TO MELANCHOLY ORDERS AND CARES, AND POOR *EDWARD, REST+ LESS/ IN MISERY, GOING FROM ONE ROOM TO THE OTHER, AND PERHAPS NOT SELDOM UPSTAIRS, TO SEE ALL THAT REMAINS OF HIS *ELIZABETH. *DEAREST *FANNY MUST NOW LOOK UPON HERSELF AS HIS PRIME SOURCE OF COMFORT, HIS DEAREST FRIEND ; AS THE BEING WHO IS GRADUALLY TO SUPPLY TO HIM, TO THE EXTENT THAT IS POSSIBLE, WHAT HE HAS LOST. *THIS CONSIDERATION WILL ELEVATE AND CHEER HER. *ADIEU. *YOU CANNOT WRITE TOO OFTEN, AS *I SAID BEFORE. *WE ARE HEARTILY REJOICED THAT THE POOR BABY GIVES YOU NO PARTICULAR ANXIETY. *KISS DEAR *LIZZY FOR US. *TELL *FANNY THAT *I SHALL WRITE IN A DAY OR TWO TO *MISS *SHARPE. *MY MOTHER IS NOT ILL. *YOURS MOST TRULY, *J. *AUSTEN *TELL *HENRY THAT A HAMPER OF APPLES IS GONE TO HIM FROM *KINTBURY, AND THAT *MR. *FOWLE INTENDED WRITING ON *FRIDAY (SUPPOSING HIM IN *LONDON) TO BEG THAT THE CHARTS, &C., MAY BE CONSIGNED TO THE CARE OF THE *PALMERS. *MRS. *FOWLE HAS ALSO WRITTEN TO *MISS *PALMER TO BEG SHE WILL SEND FOR THEM.

*CASTLE *SQUARE : *MONDAY *OCTOBER 24 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, *EDWARD AND *GEORGE CAME TO US SOON AFTER SEVEN ON *SATURDAY, VERY WELL, BUT VERY COLD, HAVING BY CHOICE TRAVELLED ON THE OUTSIDE, AND WITH NO GREAT COAT BUT WHAT *MR. *WISE, THE COACHMAN, GOOD-NATUREDLY SPARED THEM OF HIS, AS THEY SAT BY HIS SIDE. *THEY WERE SO MUCH CHILLED WHEN THEY ARRIVED, THAT *I WAS AFRAID THEY MUST HAVE TAKEN COLD ; BUT IT DOES NOT SEEM AT ALL THE CASE ; *I NEVER SAW THEM LOOKING BETTER. $*THEY BEHAVE EXTREMELY$ WELL IN EVERY RESPECT, SHOW+ ING/ QUITE AS MUCH FEELING AS ONE WISHES TO SEE, AND ON EVERY OCCASION SPEAKING OF THEIR FATHER WITH THE LIVE+ LIEST/ AFFECTION. *HIS LETTER WAS READ OVER BY EACH OF THEM YESTERDAY, AND WITH MANY TEARS ; *GEORGE SOBBED ALOUD, *EDWARD'S TEARS DO NOT FLOW SO EASILY ; BUT AS FAR AS *I CAN JUDGE THEY ARE BOTH VERY PROPERLY IM+ PRESSED/ BY WHAT HAS HAPPENED. *MISS *LLOYD, WHO IS A MORE IMPARTIAL JUDGE THAN *I CAN BE, IS EXCEEDINGLY PLEASED WITH THEM. *GEORGE IS ALMOST A NEW ACQUAINTANCE TO ME, AND *I FIND HIM IN A DIFFERENT WAY AS $ENGAGING$ AS $*EDWARD.$ *WE DO NOT WANT AMUSEMENT : BILBOCATCH, AT WHICH *GEORGE IS INDEFATIGABLE, SPILLIKINS, PAPER SHIPS, RIDDLES, CONUNDRUMS, AND CARDS, WITH WATCHING THE FLOW AND EBB OF THE RIVER, AND NOW AND THEN A STROLL OUT, KEEP US WELL EMPLOYED ; AND WE MEAN TO AVAIL OURSELVES

OF OUR KIND PAPA'S CONSIDERATION, BY NOT RETURNING TO *WINCHESTER TILL QUITE THE EVENING OF *WEDNESDAY. *MRS. *J. *A. HAD NOT TIME TO GET THEM MORE THAN ONE SUIT OF CLOTHES ; THEIR OTHERS ARE MAKING HERE, AND THOUGH *I DO NOT BELIEVE *SOUTHAMPTON IS FAMOUS FOR TAILORING, *I HOPE IT WILL PROVE ITSELF BETTER THAN *BASING+ STOKE/. *EDWARD HAS AN OLD BLACK COAT, WHICH WILL SAVE $HIS$ HAVING A SECOND NEW ONE ; BUT *I FIND THAT BLACK PANTALOONS ARE CONSIDERED BY THEM AS NECESSARY, AND OF COURSE ONE WOULD NOT HAVE THEM MADE UNCOMFORT+ ABLE/ BY THE WANT OF WHAT IS USUAL ON SUCH OCCASIONS. *FANNY'S LETTER WAS RECEIVED WITH GREAT PLEASURE YESTERDAY, AND HER BROTHER SENDS HIS THANKS AND WILL ANSWER IT SOON. *WE ALL SAW WHAT SHE WROTE, AND WERE VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH IT. *TO-MORROW *I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU, AND TO-MORROW WE MUST THINK OF POOR *CATHERINE. *TO-DAY *LADY *BRIDGES IS THE HEROINE OF OUR THOUGHTS, AND GLAD SHALL WE BE WHEN WE CAN FANCY THE MEETING OVER. *THERE WILL THEN BE NOTHING SO VERY BAD FOR *EDWARD TO UNDERGO. *THE " *ST. *ALBANS," *I FIND, SAILED ON THE VERY DAY OF MY LETTERS REACHING *YARMOUTH, SO THAT WE MUST NOT EXPECT AN ANSWER AT PRESENT ; WE SCARCELY FEEL, HOW+ EVER/, TO BE IN SUSPENSE, OR ONLY ENOUGH TO KEEP OUR PLANS TO OURSELVES. *WE HAVE BEEN OBLIGED TO EXPLAIN THEM TO OUR YOUNG VISITORS, IN CONSEQUENCE OF *FANNY'S LETTER, BUT WE HAVE NOT YET MENTIONED THEM TO *STEVENTON. *WE ARE ALL QUITE FAMILIARISED TO THE IDEA OURSELVES ; MY MOTHER ONLY WANTS *MRS. *SEWARD TO GO OUT AT *MIDSUMMER. *WHAT SORT OF A KITCHEN GARDEN IS THERE ? *MRS. *J. *A. EXPRESSES HER FEAR OF OUR SETTLING IN *KENT, AND, TILL THIS

PROPOSAL WAS MADE, WE BEGAN TO LOOK FORWARD TO IT HERE ; MY MOTHER WAS ACTUALLY TALKING OF A HOUSE AT *WYE. *IT WILL BE BEST, HOWEVER, AS IT IS. *ANNE HAS JUST GIVEN HER MISTRESS WARNING ; SHE IS GOING TO BE MARRIED ; *I WISH SHE WOULD STAY HER YEAR. *ON THE SUBJECT OF MATRIMONY, *I MUST NOTICE A WEDDING IN THE *SALISBURY PAPER, WHICH HAS AMUSED ME VERY MUCH, *DR. *PHILLOT TO *LADY *FRANCES *ST. *LAWRENCE. $*SHE$ WANTED TO HAVE A HUSBAND *I SUPPOSE, ONCE IN HER LIFE, AND $HE$ A *LADY *FRANCES. *I HOPE YOUR SORROWING PARTY WERE AT CHURCH YESTER+ DAY/, AND HAVE NO LONGER $THAT$ TO DREAD. *MARTHA WAS KEPT AT HOME BY A $COLD, BUT *I WENT WITH MY TWO NEPHEWS, AND *I SAW *EDWARD WAS MUCH AFFECTED BY THE SERMON, WHICH, INDEED, *I COULD HAVE SUPPOSED PURPOSELY ADDRESSED$ TO THE AFFLICTED, IF THE TEXT HAD NOT NATURALLY COME IN THE COURSE OF *DR. *MANT'S OBSERVATIONS ON THE *LITANY : " *ALL THAT ARE IN DANGER, NECESSITY, OR TRIBULATION," WAS THE SUBJECT OF IT. *THE WEATHER DID NOT ALLOW US AFTER+ WARDS/ TO GET FARTHER THAN THE QUAY, WHERE *GEORGE WAS VERY HAPPY AS LONG AS WE COULD STAY, FLYING ABOUT FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER, AND SKIPPING ON BOARD A COLLIER IMMEDIATELY. *IN THE EVENING WE HAD THE *PSALMS AND *LESSONS, AND A SERMON AT HOME, TO WHICH THEY WERE VERY ATTENTIVE ; BUT YOU WILL NOT EXPECT TO HEAR THAT THEY DID NOT RETURN TO CONUNDRUMS THE MOMENT IT $WAS OVER.$ *THEIR AUNT HAS WRITTEN PLEASANTLY OF THEM, WHICH WAS MORE THAN *I HOPED. *WHILE *I WRITE NOW, *GEORGE IS MOST INDUSTRIOUSLY MAKING AND NAMING PAPER SHIPS, AT WHICH HE AFTER+ WARDS/ SHOOTS WITH HORSE-CHESTNUTS, BROUGHT FROM *STEVENTON ON PURPOSE ; AND *EDWARD EQUALLY INTENT

OVER THE " *LAKE OF *KILLARNEY," TWISTING HIMSELF ABOUT IN ONE OF OUR GREAT CHAIRS. $*TUESDAY$. - *YOUR CLOSE-WRITTEN LETTER MAKES ME QUITE ASHAMED OF MY WIDE LINES ; YOU HAVE SENT ME A GREAT DEAL OF MATTER, MOST OF IT VERY WELCOME. *AS TO YOUR LENGTHENED STAY, IT IS NO MORE THAN *I EXPECTED, AND WHAT MUST BE, BUT YOU CANNOT SUPPOSE *I LIKE IT. *ALL THAT YOU SAY OF *EDWARD IS TRULY COMFORTABLE ; *I BEGAN TO FEAR THAT WHEN THE BUSTLE OF THE FIRST WEEK WAS OVER, HIS SPIRITS MIGHT FOR A TIME BE MORE DE+ PRESSED/ ; AND PERHAPS ONE MUST STILL EXPECT SOMETHING OF THE KIND. *IF $YOU$ ESCAPE A BILIOUS ATTACK, *I SHALL WONDER ALMOST AS MUCH AS REJOICE. *I AM GLAD YOU MENTIONED WHERE *CATHERINE GOES TO-DAY ; IT IS A GOOD PLAN, BUT SENSIBLE PEOPLE MAY GENERALLY BE TRUSTED TO FORM SUCH. *THE DAY BEGAN CHEERFULLY, BUT IT IS NOT LIKELY TO CONTINUE WHAT IT SHOULD, FOR THEM OR FOR US. $*WE HAD A LITTLE WATER PARTY$ YESTERDAY ; *I AND MY TWO NEPHEWS WENT FROM THE *ITCHEN *FERRY UP TO *NORTHAM, WHERE WE LANDED, LOOKED INTO THE 74, AND WALKED HOME, AND IT WAS SO MUCH ENJOYED THAT *I HAD INTENDED TO TAKE THEM TO *NETLEY TO-DAY ; THE TIDE IS JUST RIGHT FOR OUR GOING IMMEDIATELY AFTER NOONSHINE, BUT *I AM AFRAID THERE WILL BE RAIN ; IF WE CANNOT GET SO FAR, HOWEVER, WE MAY PERHAPS GO ROUND FROM THE FERRY TO THE QUAY. *I HAD NOT PROPOSED DOING MORE THAN CROSS THE *ITCHEN YESTERDAY, BUT IT PROVED SO PLEASANT, AND SO MUCH TO THE SATISFACTION OF ALL, THAT WHEN WE REACHED THE MIDDLE OF THE STREAM WE AGREED TO BE ROWED UP THE RIVER ; BOTH THE BOYS ROWED GREAT PART OF THE WAY, AND THEIR QUESTIONS AND REMARKS, AS WELL AS THEIR ENJOYMENT, WERE VERY AMUSING ; *GEORGE'S ENQUIRIES

WERE ENDLESS, AND HIS EAGERNESS IN EVERYTHING REMINDS ME OFTEN $OF HIS *UNCLE *HENRY$. *OUR EVENING WAS EQUALLY AGREEABLE IN ITS WAY : *I INTRODUCED $SPECULATION$, AND IT WAS SO MUCH APPROVED THAT WE HARDLY KNEW HOW TO LEAVE OFF. *YOUR IDEA OF AN EARLY DINNER TO-MORROW IS EXACTLY WHAT WE PROPOSE, FOR, AFTER WRITING THE FIRST PART OF THIS LETTER, IT CAME INTO MY HEAD THAT AT THIS TIME OF YEAR WE HAVE NOT SUMMER EVENINGS. *WE SHALL WATCH THE LIGHT TO-DAY, THAT WE MAY NOT GIVE THEM A DARK DRIVE TO-MORROW. *THEY SEND THEIR BEST LOVE TO PAPA AND EVERYBODY, WITH *GEORGE'S THANKS FOR THE LETTER BROUGHT BY THIS POST. *MARTHA BEGS MY BROTHER MAY BE ASSURED OF HER INTEREST IN EVERYTHING RELATING TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY, AND OF HER SINCERELY PARTAKING OUR PLEASURE IN THE RECEIPT OF EVERY GOOD ACCOUNT FROM *GODMERSHAM. *OF *CHAWTON *I THINK *I CAN HAVE NOTHING MORE TO SAY, BUT THAT EVERYTHING YOU SAY ABOUT IT IN THE LETTER NOW BEFORE ME WILL, *I AM SURE, AS SOON AS *I AM ABLE TO READ IT TO HER, MAKE MY MOTHER CONSIDER THE PLAN WITH MORE AND MORE PLEASURE. *WE HAD FORMED THE SAME VIEWS ON *H. *DIGWEED'S FARM. *A VERY KIND AND FEELING LETTER IS ARRIVED TO-DAY FROM *KINTBURY. *MRS. *FOWLE'S SYMPATHY AND SOLICITUDE ON SUCH AN OCCASION YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO JUSTICE TO, AND TO EXPRESS IT AS SHE WISHES TO MY BROTHER. *CON+ CERNING/ $YOU,$ SHE SAYS : " *CASSANDRA WILL, *I KNOW, EXCUSE MY WRITING TO HER ; IT IS NOT TO SAVE MYSELF BUT $HER$ THAT *I OMIT SO DOING. *GIVE MY BEST, MY KINDEST LOVE TO HER, AND TELL HER *I FEEL FOR HER AS *I KNOW SHE WOULD FOR ME ON THE SAME OCCASION, AND THAT *I MOST SINCERELY HOPE HER HEALTH WILL NOT SUFFER."

*WE HAVE JUST HAD TWO HAMPERS OF APPLES FROM *KINTBURY, AND THE FLOOR OF OUR LITTLE GARRET IS ALMOST COVERED. *LOVE TO ALL. *YOURS VERY AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *A *CASTLE *SQUARE, *SUNDAY *NOV* 21 (($SIC$)) - *YOUR LETTER MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, OBLIGES ME TO WRITE IMMEDIATELY, THAT YOU MAY HAVE THE EARLIEST NOTICE OF *FRANK'S INTENDING IF POSSIBLE TO GO TO *GODMERSHAM EXACTLY AT THE TIME NOW FIXED FOR YOUR VISIT TO *GOODNE+ STONE/. *HE RESOLVED ALMOST DIRECTLY ON THE RECEIPT OF YOUR FORMER *LETTER, TO TRY FOR AN EXTENSION OF HIS *LEAVE OF ABSENCE THAT HE MIGHT BE ABLE TO GO DOWN TO YOU FOR TWO DAYS, BUT CHARGED ME NOT TO GIVE YOU ANY NOTICE OF IT, ON ACCOUNT OF THE UNCERTAINTY OF SUCCESS ; - *NOW HOWEVER, *I MUST GIVE IT, & NOW PER+ HAPS/ HE MAY BE GIVING IT HIMSELF - FOR *I AM JUST IN THE HATEFUL PREDICAMENT OF BEING OBLIGED TO WRITE WHAT *I KNOW WILL SOMEHOW OR OTHER BE OF NO USE. - *HE MEANT TO ASK FOR FIVE DAYS MORE, & IF THEY WERE GRANTED, TO GO DOWN BY *THURSDAY-NIGHT'S *MAIL & SPEND FRIDAY & SATURDAY WITH YOU ; - & HE CONSIDERED HIS CHANCE OF SUCCEEDING BY NO MEANS BAD. - *I HOPE IT WILL TAKE PLACE AS HE PLANNED, & THAT YOUR ARRANGE+ MENTS/ WITH *GOODNESTONE MAY ADMIT OF SUITABLE ALTERA+ TION/. - *YOUR NEWS OF *EDW: *BRIDGES WAS $QUITE$ NEWS, FOR

*I HAVE HAD NO LETTER FROM *WROTHAM. - *I WISH HIM HAPPY WITH ALL MY HEART, & HOPE HIS CHOICE MAY TURN OUT ACCORDING TO HIS OWN EXPECTATIONS, & BEYOND THOSE OF HIS *FAMILY - AND *I DARE SAY IT WILL. *MARRIAGE IS A GREAT *IMPROVER - & IN A SIMILAR SITUATION *HARRIET MAY BE AS AMIABLE AS *ELEANOR. - *AS TO *MONEY, THAT WILL COME YOU MAY BE SURE, BECAUSE THEY CANNOT DO WITHOUT IT. - *WHEN YOU SEE HIM AGAIN, PRAY GIVE HIM OUR *CONGRATULATIONS & BEST WISHES. - *THIS *MATCH WILL CERTAINLY SET *JOHN & *LUCY GOING. - *THERE ARE SIX *BED-+ CHAMBERS/ AT *CHAWTON ; *HENRY WROTE TO MY *MOTHER THE OTHER DAY, & LUCKILY MENTIONED THE NUMBER - WHICH IS JUST WHAT WE WANTED TO BE ASSURED OF. *HE SPEAKS ALSO OF *GARRETS FOR STORE-PLACES, ONE OF WHICH SHE IMMEDIATELY PLANNED FITTING UP FOR *EDWARD'S *MAN+ SERVANT/ - & NOW PERHAPS IT MUST BE FOR OUR OWN - FOR SHE IS ALREADY QUITE RECONCILED TO OUR KEEPING ONE. *THE DIFFICULTY OF DOING WITHOUT ONE, HAD BEEN THOUGHT OF BEFORE. - *HIS NAME SHALL BE *ROBERT, IF YOU PLEASE. - *BEFORE *I CAN TELL YOU OF IT, YOU WILL HAVE HEARD THAT *MISS *SAWBRIDGE IS MARRIED. *IT TOOK PLACE *I BELEIVE ON *THURSDAY, *MRS. *FOWLE HAS FOR SOME TIME BEEN IN THE SECRET, BUT THE *NEIGHBOURHOOD IN GENERAL WERE QUITE UNSUSPICIOUS. *MR. *MAXWELL $WAS$ TUTOR TO THE YOUNG *GREGORYS - CONSEQUENTLY THEY MUST BE ONE OF THE HAPPIEST *COUPLE IN THE *WORLD, & EITHER OF THEM WORTHY OF *ENVY - FOR $SHE$ MUST BE EXCESSIVELY IN LOVE, AND HE MOUNTS FROM NOTHING, TO A COMFORTABLE *HOME. - *MARTHA HAS HEARD HIM VERY HIGHLY SPOKEN OF. - *THEY CONTINUE FOR THE PRESENT AT *SPEEN *HILL. - *I HAVE A *SOUTHAMPTON *MATCH TO RETURN FOR YOUR *KENTISH ONE, *CAPT. *G. HEATHCOTE & *MISS *A. LYELL ; *I HAVE IT FROM *ALETHEA - & LIKE IT, BECAUSE *I HAD MADE IT BEFORE.

*YES, THE *STONELEIGH BUSINESS IS CONCLUDED, BUT IT WAS NOT TILL YESTERDAY THAT MY *MOTHER WAS REGULARLY INFORMED OF IT, THO' THE NEWS HAD REACHED US ON *MONDAY *EVENG* BY WAY OF *STEVENTON. *MY *AUNT SAYS AS LITTLE AS MAY BE ON THE SUBJECT BY WAY OF INFORMA+ TION/, & NOTHING AT ALL BY WAY OF SATISFACTION. *SHE REFLECTS ON *MR. *T. *LEIGH'S DILATORINESS, & LOOKS ABOUT WITH GREAT DILIGENCE & SUCCESS FOR *INCONVENIENCE & *EVIL - AMONG WHICH SHE INGENIOUSLY PLACES THE DANGER OF HER NEW *HOUSEMAIDS CATCHING COLD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE *COACH, WHEN SHE GOES DOWN TO *BATH - FOR A CAR+ RIAGE/ MAKES HER SICK. - *JOHN *BINNS HAS BEEN OFFERED THEIR PLACE, BUT DECLINES IT - AS SHE SUPPOSES, BECAUSE HE WILL NOT WEAR A *LIVERY. - *WHATEVER BE THE CAUSE, *I LIKE THE EFFECT. - *IN SPITE OF ALL MY *MOTHER'S LONG AND INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE *WRITER, SHE WAS NOT UP TO THE EXPECTATION OF SUCH A *LETTER AS THIS ; THE DISCON+ TENTEDNESS/ OF IT SHOCKED & SURPRISED HER - BUT *I SEE NOTHNG IN IT OUT OF *NATURE - THO' A SAD NATURE. *SHE DOES NOT FORGET TO WISH FOR *CHAMBERS, YOU MAY BE SURE. - *NO PARTICULARS ARE GIVEN, NOT A WORD OF ARREARS MENTIONED - THO' IN HER LETTER TO *JAMES THEY WERE IN A $GENERAL WAY$ SPOKEN OF. *THE AMOUNT OF THEM IS A MATTER OF CONJECTURE, & TO MY *MOTHER A MOST INTERESTING ONE; SHE CANNOT FIX ANY TIME FOR THEIR BEGINNING, WITH ANY SATISFACTION TO HERSELF, BUT *MRS. *LEIGH'S DEATH - & *HENRY'S TWO *THOUSAND POUNDS NEITHER AGREES WITH THAT PERIOD NOR ANY OTHER. - *I DID NOT LIKE TO OWN, OUR PREVIOUS INFORMATION OF WHAT WAS INTENDED LAST *JULY - & HAVE THEREFORE ONLY SAID THAT IF WE COULD SEE *HENRY WE MIGHT HEAR MANY PARTICULARS, AS *I HAD UNDERSTOOD THAT SOME CONFIDENTIAL CONVERSA+ TION/ HAD PASSED BETWEEN HIM & *MR. *T. *L. AT *STONELEIGH

*WE HAVE BEEN AS QUIET AS USUAL SINCE *FRANK & *MARY LEFT US ; - *MR. *CRISWICK CALLED ON *MARTHA THAT VERY MORNG* IN HIS WAY HOME AGAIN FROM *PORTSMOUTH, & WE HAVE HAD NO VISITOR SINCE. - *WE CALLED ON THE *MISS *LYELLS ONE DAY, & HEARD A GOOD ACCOUNT OF *MR. *HEATHCOTE'S CANVASS, THE SUCCESS OF WHICH OF COURSE EXCEEDS HIS EXPECTATION. - *ALETHEA IN HER *LETTER HOPES FOR $MY INTEREST,$ WHICH *I CONCLUDE MEANS *EDWARD'S - & *I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY THEREFORE OF REQUESTING THAT HE WILL BRING IN *MR. *HEATHCOTE. - *MR. *LANCE TOLD US YESTERDAY THAT *MR. *H. HAD BEHAVED VERY HANDSOMELY & WAITED ON *MR. *THISTLETHWAITE TO SAY THAT IF $HE$ (*MR. *T.) WOULD STAND, $HE$ (*MR. *H.) WOULD NOT OPPOSE HIM ; BUT *MR. *T. DECLINED IT, ACKNOWLEDGING HIMSELF STILL SMARTING UNDER THE PAYMENT OF LATE *ELECTIONEERING COSTS. - *THE *MRS. *HULBERTS, WE LEARN FROM *KINTBURY, COME TO *STEVENTON THIS WEEK, & BRING *MARY *JANE *FOWLE WITH THEM, IN HER WAY TO *MRS. *NUNES ; - SHE RETURNS AT *CHRISTMAS WITH HER *BROTHER. - $*OUR$ *BROTHER WE MAY PERHAPS SEE IN THE COURSE OF A FEW DAYS - & WE MEAN TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF HIS HELP, TO GO ONE NIGHT TO THE PLAY. *MARTHA OUGHT TO SEE THE INSIDE OF THE *THEATRE ONCE WHILE SHE LIVES IN *SOUTHAMPTON, & *I THINK SHE WILL HARDLY WISH TO TAKE A SECOND VEIW. - *THE *FURNITURE OF *BELLEVUE IS TO BE SOLD TOMORROW, & WE SHALL TAKE IT IN OUR USUAL WALK IF THE *WEATHER BE FAVOURABLE. *HOW COULD YOU HAVE A WET DAY ON *THURSDAY ? - WITH US IT WAS A *PRINCE OF DAYS, THE MOST DELIGHTFUL WE HAVE HAD FOR WEEKS, SOFT, BRIGHT, WITH A BRISK WIND FROM THE SOUTH WEST ; - EVERYBODY WAS OUT & TALKING OF SPRING - & *MARTHA AND *I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO TURN BACK. - ON *FRIDAY *EVENG* WE HAD SOME VERY BLOWING WEATHER - FROM 6 TO 9, *I THINK WE NEVER

HEARD IT WORSE, EVEN HERE. - *AND ONE NIGHT WE HAD SO MUCH RAIN THAT IT FORCED IT'S WAY AGAIN INTO THE STORE CLOSET - & THO' THE *EVIL WAS COMPARATIVELY SLIGHT, & THE *MISCHIEF NOTHING, *I HAD SOME EMPLOYMENT THE NEXT DAY IN DRYING PARCELS &C. *I HAVE NOW MOVED STILL MORE OUT OF THE WAY. - *MARTHA SENDS HER BEST *LOVE, & THANKS YOU FOR ADMITTING HER TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROS & CONS ABOUT *HARRIET *FOOTE - SHE HAS AN INTEREST IN ALL SUCH MATTERS. - *I AM ALSO TO SAY THAT SHE WANTS TO SEE YOU. - *MARY *JANE MISSED HER PAPA & MAMA A GOOD DEAL AT FIRST, BUT NOW DOES VERY WELL WITHOUT THEM. - *I AM GLAD TO HEAR OF LITTLE *JOHN'S BEING BETTER ; - & HOPE YOUR ACCOUNTS OF *MRS. *KNIGHT WILL ALSO IMPROVE. *ADEIU. *REMEMBER ME AFFECTELY**** TO EVERYBODY, & BELEIVE ME *EVER YOURS, *J *A. *CASTLE *SQUARE, *FRIDAY *DECR* 9. *MANY THANKS MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, TO YOU & *MR. *DEEDES FOR YOUR JOINT & AGREABLE COMPOSITION, WHICH TOOK ME BY SURPRISE THIS MORNING. *HE HAS CERTAINLY GREAT MERIT AS A *WRITER, HE DOES AMPLE JUSTICE TO HIS SUBJECT, & WITHOUT BEING DIFFUSE, IS CLEAR & CORRECT ; & THO' *I DO NOT MEAN TO COMPARE HIS *EPISTOLARY POWERS WITH YOURS, OR TO GIVE HIM THE SAME PORTION OF MY *GRATITUDE, HE CERTAINLY HAS A VERY PLEASING WAY

OF WINDING UP A WHOLE, & SPEEDING *TRUTH INTO THE WORLD. - " *BUT ALL THIS, AS MY DEAR *MRS. *PIOZZI SAYS, IS FLIGHT & FANCY & NONSENSE - FOR MY *MASTER HAS HIS GREAT CASKS TO MIND, & *I HAVE MY LITTLE *CHILDREN " - *IT IS $YOU$ HOWEVER IN THIS INSTANCE, THAT HAVE THE LITTLE *CHILDREN - & $*I$ THAT HAVE THE GREAT CASK - , FOR WE ARE BREWING *SPRUCE *BEER AGAIN ; - BUT MY MEANING REALLY IS, THAT *I AM EXTREMELY FOOLISH IN WRITING ALL THIS UNNECESSARY STUFF, WHEN *I HAVE SO MANY MATTERS TO WRITE ABOUT, THAT MY PAPER WILL HARDLY HOLD IT ALL. *LITTLE *MATTERS THEY ARE TO BE SURE, BUT HIGHLY IMPOR+ TANT/. - *IN THE FIRST PLACE, *MISS *CURLING IS ACTUALLY AT *PORTSMOUTH - WHICH *I WAS ALWAYS IN HOPES WOULD NOT HAPPEN. - *I WISH HER NO WORSE HOWEVER THAN A LONG & HAPPY ABODE THERE. $*HERE$, SHE WD* PROBABLY BE DULL, & *I AM SURE SHE WD* BE TROUBLESOME. - *THE *BRACELETS ARE IN MY POSSESSION, & EVERYTHING *I COULD WISH THEM TO BE. *THEY CAME WITH *MARTHA'S PELISSE, WHICH LIKE+ WISE/ GIVES GREAT SATISFACTION. - *SOON AFTER *I HAD CLOSED MY LAST LETTER TO YOU, WE WERE VISITED BY *MRS. *DICKENS & HER *SISTERINLAW *MRS. *BERTIE, THE WIFE OF A LATELY MADE *ADMIRAL ; - *MRS. *F. *A. I BELEIVE WAS THEIR FIRST OBJECT - BUT THEY PUT UP WITH US VERY KINDLY, & *MRS. *D. FINDING IN *MISS *LLOYD A FRIEND OF *MRS. *DUNDAS HAD ANOTHER MOTIVE FOR THE ACQUAINTANCE. *SHE SEEMS A REALLY AGREABLE *WOMAN - THAT IS, HER MANNERS ARE GENTLE & SHE KNOWS A GREAT MANY OF OUR *CONNECTIONS IN *WEST *KENT. - *MRS. *BERTIE LIVES IN THE *POLYGON, & WAS OUT WHEN WE RETURNED HER VISIT - WHICH ARE $HER$ TWO VIRTUES. - *A LARGER CIRCLE OF ACQUAINTANCE & AN INCREASE OF AMUSEMENT IS QUITE IN CHARACTER WITH OUR APPROACHING REMOVAL. - *YES - *I MEAN TO GO TO AS MANY *BALLS AS

POSSIBLE, THAT *I MAY HAVE A GOOD BARGAIN. *EVERYBODY IS VERY MUCH CONCERNED AT OUR GOING AWAY, & EVERY+ BODY/ IS ACQUAINTED WITH *CHAWTON & SPEAKS OF IT AS A REMARKABLY PRETTY VILLAGE ; & EVERYBODY KNOWS THE *HOUSE WE DESCRIBE - BUT NOBODY FIXES ON THE RIGHT. - *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO *MRS. *KNIGHT FOR SUCH A PROOF OF THE INTEREST SHE TAKES IN ME - & SHE MAY DEPEND UPON IT, THAT *I $WILL$ MARRY *MR. *PAPILLON, WHAT+ EVER/ MAY BE HIS RELUCTANCE OR MY OWN. - *I OWE HER MUCH MORE THAN SUCH A TRIFLING SACRIFICE. - *OUR *BALL WAS RATHER MORE AMUSING THAN *I EXPECTED, *MARTHA LIKED IT VERY MUCH, & *I DID NOT GAPE TILL THE LAST QUARTER OF AN HOUR. - *IT WAS PAST NINE BEFORE WE WERE SENT FOR, & NOT TWELVE WHEN WE RETURNED. - *THE ROOM WAS TOLERABLY FULL, & THERE WERE PERHAPS THIRTY COUPLE OF *DANCERS ; - THE MELANCHOLY PART WAS, TO SEE SO MANY DOZEN YOUNG *WOMEN STANDING BY WITHOUT PARTNERS, & EACH OF THEM WITH TWO UGLY NAKED SHOULDERS ! - *IT WAS THE SAME ROOM IN WHICH WE DANCED 15 YEARS AGO ! - *I THOUGHT IT ALL OVER - & IN SPITE OF THE SHAME OF BEING SO MUCH OLDER, FELT WITH THANKFULNESS THAT *I WAS QUITE AS HAPPY NOW AS THEN. - *WE PAID AN ADDITIONAL SHILLING FOR OUR *TEA, WHICH WE TOOK AS WE CHOSE IN AN ADJOINING, & VERY COMFORTABLE ROOM. - *THERE WERE ONLY 4 DANCES, & IT WENT TO MY HEART THAT THE *MISS LANCES (ONE OF THEM TOO NAMED *EMMA !) SHOULD HAVE PARTNERS ONLY FOR TWO. - *YOU WILL NOT EXPECT TO HEAR THAT $*I$ WAS ASKED TO DANCE - BUT *I WAS - BY THE *GENTLEMAN WHOM WE MET $THAT *SUNDAY$ WITH *CAPN* *D'*AUVERGNE. *WE HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP A BOWING ACQUAINTANCE SINCE, & BEING PLEASED WITH HIS BLACK EYES, *I SPOKE TO HIM AT THE *BALL, WHICH BROUGHT ON ME THIS CIVILITY; BUT *I DO NOT KNOW HIS NAME - & HE

SEEMS SO LITTLE AT HOME IN THE *ENGLISH *LANGUAGE THAT *I BELEIVE HIS BLACK EYES MAY BE THE BEST OF HIM. - *CAPT. *D'*AUVERGNE HAS GOT A SHIP. - *MARTHA & *I MADE USE OF THE VERY FAVOURABLE STATE OF YESTERDAY FOR WALKING, TO PAY OUR DUTY AT *CHISWELL - WE FOUND *MRS. *LANCE AT HOME & ALONE, & SAT OUT THREE OTHER *LADIES WHO SOON CAME IN. - *WE WENT BY THE *FERRY, & RETURNED BY THE *BRIDGE, & WERE SCARCELY AT ALL FATIGUED. - *EDWARD MUST HAVE ENJOYED THE LAST TWO DAYS ; - *YOU, *I PRESUME HAD A $COOL$ DRIVE TO *CANTERBURY. *KITTY *FOOTE CAME ON *WEDNESDAY, & HER *EVENG* VISIT BEGAN EARLY ENOUGH FOR THE LAST PART, THE APPLE PYE OF OUR DINNER, FOR WE NEVER DINE NOW TILL FIVE. - *YESTERDAY *I, OR RATHER YOU HAD A LETTER FROM *NANNY *HILLIARD, THE OBJECT OF WHICH IS THAT SHE WD* BE VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO US IF WE WD* GET *HANNAH A PLACE. - *I AM SORRY THAT *I CANNOT ASSIST HER ; - IF YOU CAN, LET ME KNOW, AS *I SHALL NOT ANSWER THE LETTER IMMEDIATELY. *MR. *SLOPER IS MARRIED AGAIN, NOT MUCH TO *NANNY'S, OR ANYBODY'S SATIS+ FACTION/ ; - THE *LADY WAS *GOVERNESS TO *SIR *ROBERT'S NATURAL *CHILDREN, & SEEMS TO HAVE NOTHING TO RECOM+ MEND/ HER. - *I DO NOT FIND HOWEVER THAT *NANNY IS LIKELY TO LOSE HER PLACE IN CONSEQUENCE. - *SHE SAYS NOT A WORD OF WHAT SERVICE SHE WISHES FOR *HANNAH, OR WHAT *HANNAH CAN DO - BUT A *NURSERY *I SUPPOSE, OR SOME+ THING/ OF THAT KIND, MUST BE THE *THING. - *HAVING NOW CLEARED AWAY MY SMALLER ARTICLES OF NEWS, *I COME TO A COMMUNICATION OF SOME WEIGHT - NO LESS THAN THAT MY *UNCLE & *AUNT ARE GOING TO ALLOW *JAMES \100. A YEAR. *WE HEAR OF IT THROUGH *STEVENTON ; - *MARY SENT US THE OTHER DAY AN EXTRACT FROM MY *AUNT'S LETTER ON THE SUBJECT - IN WHICH THE *DONATION IS MADE WITH THE GREATEST KINDNESS, & INTENDED AS A *COMPENSATION

FOR HIS LOSS IN THE *CONSCIENTIOUS REFUSAL OF *HAMPSTEAD *LIVING - \100. A YEAR BEING ALL THAT HE HAD AT THE TIME CALLED ITS WORTH - AS *I FIND IT WAS ALWAYS INTENDED AT *STEVENTON TO DIVIDE THE REAL *INCOME WITH *KINTBURY. - *NOTHING CAN BE MORE AFFECTIONATE THAN MY *AUNT'S *LANGUAGE IN MAKING THE PRESENT, & LIKEWISE IN EXPRESS+ ING/ HER HOPE OF THEIR BEING MUCH MORE TOGETHER IN FUTURE, THAN TO HER GREAT REGRET, THEY HAVE OF LATE YEARS BEEN. - *MY *EXPECTATIONS FOR MY *MOTHER DO NOT RISE WITH THIS *EVENT. *WE WILL ALLOW A LITTLE MORE TIME HOWEVER, BEFORE WE FLY OUT. - *IF NOT PREVENTED BY *PARISH *BUSINESS, *JAMES COMES TO US ON *MONDAY. *THE *MRS. *HULBERTS & *MISS *MURDEN ARE THEIR *GUESTS AT PRESENT, & LIKELY TO CONTINUE SUCH TILL *CHRISTMAS. - *ANNA COMES HOME ON YE* 19TH**. *THE *HUNDRED A YEAR BEGINS NEXT *LADYDAY. - *I AM GLAD YOU ARE TO HAVE *HENRY WITH YOU AGAIN ; WITH HIM & THE *BOYS, YOU CANNOT BUT HAVE A CHEARFUL, & AT TIMES EVEN A MERRY *CHRISTMAS. - *MARTHA IS SO (($*TWO LINES CUT OUT$)) *WE WANT TO BE SETTLED AT *CHAWTON IN TIME FOR *HENRY TO COME TO US FOR SOME SHOOTING, IN *OCTOBER AT LEAST ; - BUT A LITTLE EARLIER, & *EDWARD MAY VISIT US AFTER TAKING HIS BOYS BACK TO *WINCHESTER ; - SUPPOSE WE NAME THE 4TH** OF *SEPTR* - WILL NOT THAT DO ? - *I HAVE BUT ONE THING MORE TO TELL YOU. *MRS. *HILL CALLED ON MY *MOTHER YESTERDAY WHILE WE WERE GONE TO *CHISWELL - & IN THE COURSE OF THE VISIT ASKED HER WHETHER SHE KNEW ANY+ THING/ OF A *CLERGYMAN'S FAMILY OF THE NAME OF $*ALFORD$ WHO HAD RESIDED IN OUR PART OF *HAMPSHIRE. - *MRS. *HILL HAD BEEN APPLIED TO, AS LIKELY TO GIVE SOME INFORMATION OF THEM ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR PROBABLE VICINITY TO *DR. *HILL'S *LIVING - BY A *LADY, OR FOR A *LADY, WHO HAD

KNOWN *MRS. & THE TWO *MISS *ALFORDS IN *BATH, WHITHER THEY HAD REMOVED IT SEEMS FROM *HAMPSHIRE - & WHO NOW WISHES TO CONVEY TO THE *MISS *ALFORDS SOME WORK, OR TRIMMING, WHICH SHE HAS BEEN DOING FOR THEM - BUT THE *MOTHER & *DAUGHTERS HAVE LEFT *BATH, & THE *LADY CANNOT LEARN WHERE THEY ARE GONE TO. - *WHILE MY *MOTHER GAVE US THE ACCOUNT, THE PROBABILITY OF ITS BEING OURSELVES, OCCURRED TO US, AND IT HAD PREVIOUSLY STRUCK HERSELF (($*TWO LINES CUT OUT$)) LIKELY - & EVEN INDISPENSABLY TO BE $US,$ IS THAT SHE MENTIONED *MR. *HAMMOND AS NOW HAVING THE *LIVING OR *CURACY, WHICH THE *FATHER HAD HAD. - *I CANNOT THINK WHO OUR KIND *LADY CAN BE - BUT *I DARE SAY WE SHALL NOT LIKE THE WORK. - *DISTRIBUTE THE AFFECTE** *LOVE OF A *HEART NOT SO TIRED AS THE RIGHT HAND BELONGING TO IT. - *YOURS *EVER *SINCERELY *J *A. *CASTLE *SQUARE : *TUESDAY *DECEMBER 27 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, *I CAN NOW WRITE AT LEISURE AND MAKE THE MOST OF MY SUBJECTS, WHICH IS LUCKY, AS THEY ARE NOT NUMEROUS THIS WEEK. *OUR HOUSE WAS CLEARED BY HALF-PAST ELEVEN ON *SATUR+ DAY/, AND WE HAD THE SATISFACTION OF HEARING YESTERDAY THAT THE PARTY REACHED HOME IN SAFETY SOON AFTER FIVE.

*I WAS VERY GLAD OF YOUR LETTER THIS MORNING, FOR, MY MOTHER TAKING MEDICINE, *ELIZA KEEPING HER BED WITH A COLD, AND *CHOLES NOT COMING, MADE US RATHER DULL AND DEPENDENT ON THE POST. *YOU TELL ME MUCH THAT GIVES ME PLEASURE, BUT *I THINK NOT MUCH TO ANSWER. *I WISH *I $COULD$ HELP YOU IN YOUR NEEDLEWORK. *I HAVE TWO HANDS AND A NEW THIMBLE THAT LEAD A VERY EASY LIFE. *LADY *SONDES' MATCH SURPRISES, BUT DOES NOT OFFEND ME ; HAD HER FIRST MARRIAGE BEEN OF AFFECTION, OR HAD THERE BEEN A GROWN-UP SINGLE DAUGHTER, *I SHOULD NOT HAVE FORGIVEN HER ; BUT *I CONSIDER EVERYBODY AS HAVING A RIGHT TO MARRY $ONCE$ IN THEIR LIVES FOR LOVE, IF THEY CAN, AND PROVIDED SHE WILL NOW LEAVE OFF HAVING BAD HEADACHES AND BEING PATHETIC, *I CAN ALLOW HER, *I CAN $WISH$ HER, TO BE HAPPY. *DO NOT IMAGINE THAT YOUR PICTURE OF YOUR $TETE-A-TETE$ WITH *SIR *B. MAKES ANY CHANGE IN OUR EXPECTATIONS HERE ; HE COULD NOT BE REALLY READING, THOUGH HE HELD THE NEWSPAPER IN HIS HAND ; HE WAS MAKING UP HIS MIND TO THE DEED, AND THE MANNER OF IT. *I THINK YOU WILL HAVE A LETTER FROM HIM SOON. *I HEARD FROM *PORTSMOUTH YESTERDAY, AND AS *I AM TO SEND THEM MORE CLOTHES, THEY CANNOT BE EXPECTING A VERY EARLY RETURN TO US. *MARY'S FACE IS PRETTY WELL, BUT SHE MUST HAVE SUFFERED A GREAT DEAL WITH IT ; AN ABSCESS WAS FORMED AND OPENED. *OUR EVENING PARTY ON *THURSDAY PRODUCED NOTHING MORE REMARKABLE THAN *MISS *MURDEN'S COMING TOO, THOUGH SHE HAD DECLINED IT ABSOLUTELY IN THE MORNING, AND SITTING VERY UNGRACIOUS AND VERY SILENT WITH US FROM SEVEN O'CLOCK TILL HALF AFTER ELEVEN, FOR SO LATE WAS IT, OWING TO THE CHAIRMEN, BEFORE WE GOT RID OF THEM.

*THE LAST HOUR, SPENT IN YAWNING AND SHIVERING IN A WIDE CIRCLE ROUND THE FIRE, WAS DULL ENOUGH, BUT THE TRAY HAD ADMIRABLE SUCCESS. *THE WIDGEON AND THE PRESERVED GINGER WERE AS DELICIOUS AS ONE COULD WISH. *BUT AS TO OUR BLACK BUTTER, DO NOT DECOY ANYBODY TO *SOUTHAMPTON BY SUCH A LURE, FOR IT IS ALL GONE. *THE FIRST POT WAS OPENED WHEN *FRANK AND *MARY WERE HERE, AND PROVED NOT AT ALL WHAT IT OUGHT TO BE; IT WAS NEITHER SOLID NOR ENTIRELY SWEET, AND ON SEEING IT *ELIZA REMEMBERED THAT *MISS *AUSTEN HAD SAID SHE DID NOT THINK IT HAD BEEN BOILED ENOUGH. *IT WAS MADE, YOU KNOW, WHEN WE WERE ABSENT. *SUCH BEING THE EVENT OF THE FIRST POT, *I WOULD NOT SAVE THE SECOND, AND WE THEREFORE ATE IT IN UNPRETENDING PRIVACY ; AND THOUGH NOT WHAT IT OUGHT TO BE, PART OF IT WAS VERY GOOD. *JAMES MEANS TO KEEP THREE HORSES ON THIS INCREASE OF INCOME ; AT PRESENT HE HAS BUT ONE. *MARY WISHES THE OTHER TWO TO BE FIT TO CARRY WOMEN, AND IN THE PURCHASE OF ONE *EDWARD WILL PROBABLY BE CALLED UPON TO FULFIL HIS PROMISE TO HIS GODSON. *WE HAVE NOW PRETTY WELL ASCERTAINED *JAMES'S INCOME TO BE ELEVEN HUNDRED POUNDS, CURATE PAID, WHICH MAKES US VERY HAPPY - THE ASCERTAINMENT AS WELL AS THE INCOME. *MARY DOES NOT TALK OF THE GARDEN ; IT MAY WELL BE A DISAGREEABLE SUBJECT TO HER, BUT HER HUSBAND IS PER+ SUADED/ THAT NOTHING IS WANTING TO MAKE THE FIRST NEW ONE GOOD BUT TRENCHING, WHICH IS TO BE DONE BY HIS OWN SERVANTS AND *JOHN *BOND, BY DEGREES, NOT AT THE EXPENSE WHICH TRENCHING THE OTHER AMOUNTED TO. *I WAS HAPPY TO HEAR, CHIEFLY FOR *ANNA'S SAKE, THAT A BALL AT *MANYDOWN WAS ONCE MORE IN AGITATION ; IT IS CALLED A CHILD'S BALL, AND GIVEN BY *MRS. *HEATHCOTE TO *WM. *SUCH WAS ITS BEGINNING AT LEAST, BUT IT WILL

PROBABLY SWELL INTO SOMETHING MORE. *EDWARD WAS INVITED DURING HIS STAY AT *MANYDOWN, AND IT IS TO TAKE PLACE BETWEEN THIS AND *TWELFTH-DAY. *MRS. *HULBERT HAS TAKEN *ANNA A PAIR OF WHITE SHOES ON THE OCCASION. *I FORGOT IN MY LAST TO TELL YOU THAT WE HEAR, BY WAY OF *KINTBURY AND THE *PALMERS, THAT THEY WERE ALL WELL AT *BERMUDA IN THE BEGINNING OF *NOV. $*WEDNESDAY$. - *YESTERDAY MUST HAVE BEEN A DAY OF SAD REMEMBRANCE AT *GM. *I AM GLAD IT IS OVER. *WE SPENT *FRIDAY EVENING WITH OUR FRIENDS AT THE BOARDING-+ HOUSE/, AND OUR CURIOSITY WAS GRATIFIED BY THE SIGHT OF THEIR FELLOW-INMATES, *MRS. *DREW AND *MISS *HOOK, *MR. *WYNNE AND *MR. *FITZHUGH ; THE LATTER IS BROTHER TO *MRS. *LANCE, AND VERY MUCH THE GENTLEMAN. *HE HAS LIVED IN THAT HOUSE MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS, AND, POOR MAN ! IS SO TOTALLY DEAF THAT THEY SAY HE COULD NOT HEAR A CANNON, WERE IT FIRED CLOSE TO HIM ; HAVING NO CANNON AT HAND TO MAKE THE EXPERIMENT, *I TOOK IT FOR GRANTED, AND TALKED TO HIM A LITTLE WITH MY FINGERS, WHICH WAS FUNNY ENOUGH. *I RECOMMENDED HIM TO READ *CORINNA. *MISS *HOOK IS A WELL-BEHAVED, GENTEELISH WOMAN ; *MRS. *DREW WELL BEHAVED, WITHOUT BEING AT ALL GENTEEL. *MR. *WYNNE SEEMS A CHATTY AND RATHER FAMILIAR YOUNG MAN. *MISS *MURDEN WAS QUITE A DIFFERENT CREATURE THIS LAST EVENING FROM WHAT SHE HAD BEEN BEFORE, OWING TO HER HAVING WITH *MARTHA'S HELP FOUND A SITUATION IN THE MORNING, WHICH BIDS VERY FAIR FOR COMFORT. *WHEN SHE LEAVES *STEVENTON, SHE COMES TO BOARD AND LODGE WITH *MRS. *HOOKEY, THE CHEMIST - FOR THERE IS NO *MR. *HOOKEY. *I CANNOT SAY THAT *I AM IN ANY HURRY FOR THE CONCLUSION OF HER PRESENT VISIT, BUT *I WAS TRULY GLAD TO

SEE HER COMFORTABLE IN MIND AND SPIRITS ; AT HER AGE, PERHAPS, ONE MAY BE AS FRIENDLESS ONESELF, AND IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES QUITE AS CAPTIOUS. *MY MOTHER HAS BEEN LATELY ADDING TO HER POSSESSIONS IN PLATE - A WHOLE TABLESPOON AND A WHOLE DESSERT+ SPOON/, AND SIX WHOLE TEASPOONS - WHICH MAKES OUR SIDEBOARD BORDER ON THE MAGNIFICENT. *THEY WERE MOSTLY THE PRODUCE OF OLD OR USELESS SILVER. *I HAVE TURNED THE 11S. IN THE LIST INTO 12S., AND THE CARD LOOKS ALL THE BETTER ; A SILVER TEA-LADLE IS ALSO ADDED, WHICH WILL AT LEAST ANSWER THE PURPOSE OF MAKING US SOME+ TIMES/ THINK OF *JOHN *WARREN. *I HAVE LAID *LADY *SONDES' CASE BEFORE *MARTHA, WHO DOES NOT MAKE THE LEAST OBJECTION TO IT, AND IS PARTI+ CULARLY/ PLEASED WITH THE NAME OF *MONTRESOR. *I DO NOT AGREE WITH HER THERE, BUT *I LIKE HIS RANK VERY MUCH, AND ALWAYS AFFIX THE IDEAS OF STRONG SENSE AND HIGHLY ELEGANT MANNERS TO A GENERAL. *I MUST WRITE TO *CHARLES NEXT WEEK. *YOU MAY GUESS IN WHAT EXTRAVAGANT TERMS OF PRAISE *EARLE *HARWOOD SPEAKS OF HIM. *HE IS LOOKED UP TO BY EVERYBODY IN ALL *AMERICA. *I SHALL NOT TELL YOU ANYTHING MORE OF *WM. *DIGWEED'S CHINA, AS YOUR SILENCE ON THE SUBJECT MAKES YOU UN+ WORTHY/ OF IT. *MRS. *H. *DIGWEED LOOKS FORWARD WITH GREAT SATISFACTION TO OUR BEING HER NEIGHBOURS. *I WOULD HAVE HER ENJOY THE IDEA TO THE UTMOST, AS *I SUSPECT THERE WILL NOT BE MUCH IN THE REALITY. *WITH EQUAL PLEASURE $WE$ ANTICIPATE AN INTIMACY WITH HER HUSBAND'S BAILIFF AND HIS WIFE, WHO LIVE CLOSE BY US, AND ARE SAID TO BE REMARKABLY GOOD SORT OF PEOPLE. *YES, YES, WE $WILL$ HAVE A PIANOFORTE, AS GOOD A ONE AS CAN BE GOT FOR THIRTY GUINEAS, AND *I WILL PRACTISE

COUNTRY DANCES, THAT WE MAY HAVE SOME AMUSEMENT FOR OUR NEPHEWS AND NIECES, WHEN WE HAVE THE PLEASURE OF THEIR COMPANY. *MARTHA SENDS HER LOVE TO *HENRY, AND TELLS HIM THAT HE WILL SOON HAVE A BILL OF *MISS *CHAPLIN'S, ABOUT 14L., TO PAY ON HER ACCOUNT ; BUT THE BILL SHALL NOT BE SENT IN TILL HIS RETURN TO TOWN. *I HOPE HE COMES TO YOU IN GOOD HEALTH, AND IN SPIRITS AS GOOD AS A FIRST RETURN TO *GODMERSHAM CAN ALLOW. *WITH HIS NEPHEWS HE WILL FORCE HIMSELF TO BE CHEERFUL, TILL HE REALLY IS SO. *SEND ME SOME INTELLIGENCE OF *ELIZA ; IT IS A LONG WHILE SINCE *I HAVE HEARD OF HER. *WE HAVE HAD SNOW ON THE GROUND HERE ALMOST A WEEK ; IT IS NOW GOING, BUT *SOUTHAMPTON MUST BOAST NO LONGER. *WE ALL SEND OUR LOVE TO *EDWARD JUNIOR AND HIS BROTHERS, AND *I HOPE *SPECULATION IS GENERALLY LIKED. *FARE YOU WELL. *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *AUSTEN *MY MOTHER HAS NOT BEEN OUT OF DOORS THIS WEEK, BUT SHE KEEPS PRETTY WELL. *WE HAVE RECEIVED THROUGH *BOOKHAM AN INDIFFERENT ACCOUNT OF YOUR GODMOTHER. *CASTLE *SQUARE : *TUESDAY *JANUARY 10 *I AM NOT SURPRISED, MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, THAT YOU DID NOT FIND MY LAST LETTER VERY FULL OF MATTER, AND *I WISH THIS MAY NOT HAVE THE SAME DEFICIENCY ; BUT WE ARE DOING NOTHING OURSELVES TO WRITE ABOUT, AND *I AM

THEREFORE QUITE DEPENDENT UPON THE COMMUNICATIONS OF OUR FRIENDS, OR MY OWN WITS. *THIS POST BROUGHT ME TWO INTERESTING LETTERS, YOURS AND ONE FROM *BOOKHAM, IN ANSWER TO AN ENQUIRY OF MINE ABOUT YOUR GOOD GODMOTHER, OF WHOM WE HAD LATELY RECEIVED A VERY ALARMING ACCOUNT FROM *PARAGON. *MISS *ARNOLD WAS THE INFORMANT THERE, AND SHE SPOKE OF *MRS. *E. *L. HAVING BEEN VERY DANGEROUSLY ILL, AND ATTENDED BY A PHYSICIAN FROM *OXFORD. *YOUR LETTER TO *ADLESTROP MAY PERHAPS BRING YOU INFORMATION FROM THE SPOT, BUT IN CASE IT SHOULD NOT, *I MUST TELL YOU THAT SHE IS BETTER ; THOUGH *DR. *BOURNE CANNOT YET CALL HER OUT OF DANGER ; SUCH WAS THE CASE LAST *WEDNESDAY, AND *MRS. *COOKE'S HAVING HAD NO LATER ACCOUNT IS A FAVOURABLE SIGN. *I AM TO HEAR AGAIN FROM THE LATTER $NEXT$ WEEK, BUT NOT $THIS$, IF EVERYTHNG GOES ON WELL. *HER DISORDER IS AN INFLAMMATION ON THE LUNGS, ARISING FROM A SEVERE CHILL, TAKEN IN CHURCH LAST *SUNDAY THREE WEEKS ; HER MIND ALL PIOUS COMPOSURE, AS MAY BE SUPPOSED. *GEORGE *COOKE WAS THERE WHEN HER ILLNESS BEGAN ; HIS BROTHER HAS NOW TAKEN HIS PLACE. *HER AGE AND FEEBLENESS CONSIDERED, ONE'S FEARS CANNOT BUT PREPONDERATE, THOUGH HER AMENDMENT HAS ALREADY SURPASSED THE EXPECTATION OF THE PHYSICIAN AT THE BEGINNING. *I AM SORRY TO ADD THAT $*BECKY$ IS LAID UP WITH A COMPLAINT OF THE SAME KIND. *I AM VERY GLAD TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR RETURN AT ALL FIXED ; WE ALL REJOICE IN IT, AND IT WILL NOT BE LATER THAN *I HAD EXPECTED. *I DARE NOT HOPE THAT *MARY AND *MISS *CURLING MAY BE DETAINED AT *PORTSMOUTH SO LONG OR HALF SO LONG ; BUT IT WOULD BE WORTH TWOPENCE TO HAVE IT SO.

*THE " *ST. *ALBANS " PERHAPS MAY SOON BE OFF TO HELP BRING HOME WHAT MAY REMAIN BY THIS TIME OF OUR POOR ARMY, WHOSE STATE SEEMS DREADFULLY CRITICAL. *THE ' *REGENCY ' SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN HEARD OF ONLY HERE ; MY MOST POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS MAKE NO MENTION OF IT. *UNLUCKY THAT *I SHOULD HAVE WASTED SO MUCH REFLECTION ON THE SUBJECT. *I CAN NOW ANSWER YOUR QUESTION TO MY MOTHER MORE AT LARGE, AND LIKEWISE MORE AT SMALL - WITH EQUAL PERSPICUITY AND MINUTENESS ; FOR THE VERY DAY OF OUR LEAVING *SOUTHAMPTON IS FIXED ; AND IF THE KNOWLEDGE IS OF NO $USE$ TO *EDWARD, *I AM SURE IT WILL GIVE HIM PLEASURE. *EASTER *MONDAY, *APRIL 3, IS THE DAY ; WE ARE TO SLEEP THAT NIGHT AT *ALTON, AND BE WITH OUR FRIENDS AT *BOOKHAM THE NEXT, IF THEY ARE THEN AT HOME ; THERE WE REMAIN TILL THE FOLLOWING *MONDAY, AND ON *TUESDAY, *APRIL 11, HOPE TO BE AT *GODMERSHAM. *IF THE *COOKES ARE ABSENT, WE SHALL FINISH OUR JOURNEY ON THE 5TH. *THESE PLANS DEPEND OF COURSE UPON THE WEATHER, BUT *I HOPE THERE WILL BE NO SETTLED COLD TO DELAY US MATERIALLY. *TO MAKE YOU AMENDS FOR BEING AT *BOOKHAM, IT IS IN CONTEMPLATION TO SPEND A FEW DAYS AT *BARTON *LODGE IN OUR WAY $OUT$ OF *KENT. *THE HINT OF SUCH A VISIT IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY WELCOMED BY *MRS. *BIRCH, IN ONE OF HER ODD PLEASANT LETTERS LATELY, IN WHICH SHE SPEAKS OF $US$ WITH THE USUAL DISTINGUISHED KINDNESS, DECLARING THAT SHE SHALL NOT BE AT ALL SATISFIED UNLESS A VERY $HAND+ SOME/$ PRESENT IS MADE US IMMEDIATELY FROM ONE QUARTER. *FANNY'S NOT COMING WITH YOU IS NO MORE THAN WE EXPECTED, AND AS WE HAVE NOT THE HOPE OF A BED FOR HER, AND SHALL SEE HER SO SOON AFTERWARDS AT *GODMERSHAM, WE CANNOT WISH IT OTHERWISE.

*WILLIAM WILL BE QUITE RECOVERED, *I TRUST, BY THE TIME YOU RECEIVE THIS. *WHAT A COMFORT HIS CROSS-+ STITCH/ MUST HAVE BEEN ! *PRAY TELL HIM THAT *I SHOULD LIKE TO SEE HIS WORK VERY MUCH. *I HOPE OUR ANSWERS THIS MORNING HAVE GIVEN SATISFACTION ; WE HAD GREAT PLEASURE IN *UNCLE *DEEDES' PACKET ; AND PRAY LET *MARIANNE KNOW, IN PRIVATE, THAT *I THINK SHE IS QUITE RIGHT TO WORK A RUG FOR *UNCLE *JOHN'S COFFEE URN, AND THAT *I AM SURE IT MUST GIVE GREAT PLEASURE TO HERSELF NOW, AND TO HIM WHEN HE RECEIVES IT. *THE PREFERENCE OF *BRAG OVER *SPECULATION DOES NOT GREATLY SURPRISE ME, *I BELIEVE, BECAUSE *I FEEL THE SAME MYSELF ; BUT IT MORTIFIES ME DEEPLY, BECAUSE *SPECU+ LATION/ WAS UNDER MY PATRONAGE ; AND, AFTER ALL, WHAT IS THERE SO DELIGHTFUL IN A PAIR ROYAL OF *BRAGGERS ? *IT IS BUT THREE NINES OR THREE KNAVES, OR A MIXTURE OF THEM. *WHEN ONE COMES TO REASON UPON IT, IT CANNOT STAND ITS GROUND AGAINST *SPECULATION - OF WHICH *I HOPE *EDWARD IS NOW CONVINCED. *GIVE MY LOVE TO HIM IF HE IS. *THE LETTER FROM *PARAGON BEFORE MENTIONED WAS MUCH LIKE THOSE WHICH HAD PRECEDED IT, AS TO THE FELICITY OF ITS WRITER. *THEY FOUND THEIR HOUSE SO DIRTY AND SO DAMP THAT THEY WERE OBLIGED TO BE A WEEK AT AN INN. *JOHN *BINNS HAD BEHAVED MOST UNHANDSOMELY AND ENGAGED HIMSELF ELSEWHERE. *THEY $HAVE$ A MAN, HOWEVER, ON THE SAME FOOTING, WHICH MY AUNT DOES NOT LIKE, AND SHE FINDS BOTH HIM AND THE NEW MAID+ SERVANT/ VERY, VERY INFERIOR TO *ROBERT AND *MARTHA. *WHETHER THEY MEAN TO HAVE ANY OTHER DOMESTICS DOES NOT APPEAR, NOR WHETHER THEY ARE TO HAVE A CARRIAGE WHILE THEY ARE IN *BATH. *THE *HOLDERS ARE AS USUAL, THOUGH *I BELIEVE IT IS NOT

VERY USUAL FOR THEM TO BE HAPPY, WHICH THEY NOW ARE AT A GREAT RATE, IN *HOOPER'S MARRIAGE. *THE *IRVINES ARE NOT MENTIONED. *THE *AMERICAN LADY IMPROVED AS WE WENT ON; BUT STILL THE SAME FAULTS IN PART RECURRED. *WE ARE NOW IN *MARGIANA, AND LIKE IT VERY WELL INDEED. *WE ARE JUST GOING TO SET OFF FOR *NORTHUMBER+ LAND/ TO BE SHUT UP IN *WIDDRINGTON *TOWER, WHERE THERE MUST BE TWO OR THREE SETS OF VICTIMS ALREADY IMMURED UNDER A VERY FINE VILLAIN. $*WEDNESDAY$. - *YOUR REPORT OF *ELIZA'S HEALTH GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE, AND THE PROGRESS OF THE BANK IS A CON+ STANT/ SOURCE OF SATISFACTION. *WITH SUCH INCREASING PROFITS, TELL *HENRY THAT *I HOPE HE WILL NOT WORK POOR *HIGH-DIDDLE SO HARD AS HE USED TO DO. *HAS YOUR NEWSPAPER GIVEN A SAD STORY OF A *MRS. *MIDDLETON, WIFE OF A FARMER IN *YORKSHIRE, HER SISTER, AND SERVANT, BEING ALMOST FROZEN TO DEATH IN THE LATE WEATHER, HER LITTLE CHILD QUITE SO? *I HOPE THIS SISTER IS NOT OUR FRIEND *MISS *WOODD, AND *I RATHER THINK HER BROTHER-IN-LAW HAD MOVED INTO *LINCOLNSHIRE, BUT THEIR NAME AND STATION ACCORD TOO WELL. *MRS. *M. AND THE MAID ARE SAID TO BE TOLERABLY RECOVERED, BUT THE SISTER IS LIKELY TO LOSE THE USE OF HER LIMBS. *CHARLES'S RUG WILL BE FINISHED TO-DAY, AND SENT TO-+ MORROW/ TO *FRANK, TO BE CONSIGNED BY HIM TO *MR. *TURNER'S CARE ; AND *I AM GOING TO SEND *MARMION OUT WITH IT - VERY GENEROUS IN ME, *I THINK. *AS WE HAVE NO LETTER FROM *ADLESTROP, WE MAY SUPPOSE THE GOOD WOMAN WAS ALIVE ON *MONDAY, BUT *I CANNOT HELP EXPECTING BAD NEWS FROM THENCE OR *BOOKHAM IN A FEW DAYS. *DO YOU CONTINUE QUITE WELL ?

*HAVE YOU NOTHING TO SAY OF YOUR LITTLE NAMESAKE ? *WE JOIN IN LOVE AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS. *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *AUSTEN *THE *MANYDOWN BALL WAS A SMALLER THING THAN *I EXPECTED, BUT IT SEEMS TO HAVE MADE *ANNA VERY HAPPY. *AT $HER$ AGE IT WOULD NOT HAVE DONE FOR $ME$. *CASTLE *SQUARE, *TUESDAY *JANY* 17. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT WE HAD NO SECOND *LETTER FROM *BOOKHAM LAST WEEK. *YOURS HAS BROUGHT ITS USUAL MEASURE OF SATISFACTION AND AMUSEMENT, AND *I BEG YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL THE *THANKS DUE ON THE OCCASION. - *YOUR OFFER OF *CRAVATS IS VERY KIND, AND HAPPENS TO BE PARTICULARLY ADAPTED TO MY WANTS - BUT IT WAS AN ODD THING TO OCCUR TO YOU. *YES - WE HAVE GOT ANOTHER FALL OF SNOW, AND ARE VERY DREADFUL ; EVERYTHING SEEMS TO TURN TO SNOW THIS WINTER. - *I HOPE YOU HAVE HAD NO MORE ILLNESS AMONG YOU, AND THAT *WILLIAM WILL BE SOON AS WELL AS EVER. *HIS WORKING A FOOTSTOOL FOR *CHAWTON IS A MOST AGREABLE SURPRISE TO ME, AND *I AM SURE HIS *GRANDMAMA WILL VALUE IT VERY MUCH AS A PROOF OF HIS AFFECTION AND *INDUSTRY - BUT WE SHALL NEVER HAVE THE HEART TO PUT OUR FEET UPON IT. - *I BELEIVE *I MUST WORK A MUSLIN COVER IN SATTIN STITCH, TO KEEP IT FROM THE DIRT. - *I LONG TO KNOW WHAT HIS

COLOURS ARE - *I GUESS GREENS AND PURPLES. - *EDWD* AND *HENRY HAVE STARTED A DIFFICULTY RESPECTING OUR *JOURNEY, WHICH *I MUST OWN WITH SOME CONFUSION, HAD NEVER BEEN THOUGHT OF BY US ; BUT IF THE FORMER EXPECTED BY IT, TO PREVENT OUR TRAVELLING INTO *KENT ENTIRELY HE WILL BE DISAPPOINTED, FOR WE HAVE ALREADY DETERMINED TO GO THE *CROYDON ROAD, ON LEAVING *BOOKHAM, AND SLEEP AT *DARTFORD. - *WILL NOT THAT DO ? - *THERE CER+ TAINLY/ DOES SEEM NO CONVENIENT RESTINGPLACE ON THE OTHER ROAD. - *ANNA WENT TO *CLANVILLE LAST FRIDAY, AND *I HAVE HOPES OF HER NEW *AUNT'S BEING REALLY WORTH HER KNOWING. - *PERHAPS YOU MAY NEVER HAVE HEARD THAT *JAMES AND *MARY PAID A MORNG* VISIT THERE IN FORM SOME WEEKS AGO, AND *MARY THO' BY NO MEANS DISPOSED TO LIKE HER, WAS VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH HER INDEED. $*HER$ PRAISE TO BE SURE, PROVES NOTHING MORE THAN *MRS. *M.'S BEING CIVIL AND ATTENTIVE TO THEM, BUT HER BEING SO IS IN FAVOUR OF HER HAVING GOOD SENSE. - *MARY WRITES OF *ANNA AS IMPROVED IN PERSON, BUT GIVES HER NO OTHER COMMENDATION. - *I AM AFRAID HER ABSENCE NOW MAY DEPRIVE HER OF ONE PLEASURE, FOR THAT SILLY *MR. *HAMMOND IS ACTUALLY TO GIVE HIS *BALL ON FRIDAY. - *WE HAD SOME REASON TO EXPECT A VISIT FROM *EARLE *HARWOOD AND *JAMES THIS WEEK, BUT THEY DO NOT COME. - *MISS *MURDEN ARRIVED LAST NIGHT AT *MRS. *HOOKEY'S, AS A MESSAGE AND A BASKET ANNOUNCED TO US - *YOU WILL THEREFORE RETURN TO AN ENLARGED AND OF COURSE IMPROVED SOCIETY HERE, ESPECIALLY AS THE *MISS *WILLIAMSES ARE COME BACK. - *WE WERE AGREABLY SURPRISED THE OTHER DAY BY A VISIT FROM YOUR *BEAUTY AND MINE, EACH IN A NEW *CLOTH *MANTLE AND *BONNET, AND *I DARESAY YOU WILL VALUE YOURSELF MUCH ON THE MODEST PROPRIETY OF *MISS *W.'S TASTE, HERS BEING PURPLE, AND *MISS *GRACE'S SCARLET. *I CAN EASILY

SUPPOSE THAT YOUR SIX WEEKS HERE WILL BE FULLY OCCUPIED, WERE IT ONLY IN LENGTHENING THE WAIST OF YOUR GOWNS. *I HAVE PRETTY WELL ARRANGED MY SPRING AND SUMMER PLANS OF THAT KIND, AND MEAN TO WEAR OUT MY SPOTTED *MUSLIN BEFORE *I GO. - *YOU WILL EXCLAIM AT THIS - BUT MINE REALLY HAS SIGNS OF FEEBLENESS, WHICH WITH A LITTLE CARE MAY COME TO SOMETHING. - *MARTHA AND *DR. *MANT ARE AS BAD AS EVER ; HE RUNS AFTER HER IN THE STREET TO APOLOGISE FOR HAVING SPOKEN TO A *GENTLEMAN WHILE $SHE$ WAS NEAR HIM THE DAY BEFORE. - *POOR *MRS. *MANT CAN STAND IT NO LONGER ; SHE IS RETIRED TO ONE OF HER MARRIED *DAUGHTERS. - *WE HEAR THROUGH *KINTBURY THAT *MRS** *ESTEN WAS UNLUCKILY TO LIE IN AT THE SAME TIME WITH *MRS** *C. *A. - *WHEN *WILLIAM RETURNS TO *WINCHESTER *MARY *JANE IS TO GO TO *MRS. *NUNES FOR A MONTH, AND THEN TO *STEVENTON FOR A FORTNIGHT, AND IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT SHE AND HER *AUNT *MARTHA MAY TRAVEL INTO *BERKSHIRE TOGETHER. - *WE SHALL NOT HAVE A *MONTH OF *MARTHA AFTER YOUR RETURN - AND THAT *MONTH WILL BE A VERY INTER+ RUPTED/ AND BROKEN ONE ; - BUT WE SHALL ENJOY OURSELVES THE MORE, WHEN WE $CAN$ GET A QUIET HALF HOUR TOGETHER. - *TO SET AGAINST YOUR NEW *NOVEL OF WHICH NOBODY EVER HEARD BEFORE AND PERHAPS NEVER MAY AGAIN, *WE HAVE GOT $*IDA OF *ATHENS$ BY *MISS *OWENSON ; WHICH MUST BE VERY CLEVER, BECAUSE IT WAS WRITTEN AS THE *AUTHORESS SAYS, IN THREE MONTHS. - *WE HAVE ONLY READ THE *PREFACE YET ; BUT HER *IRISH *GIRL DOES NOT MAKE ME EXPECT MUCH. - *IF THE WARMTH OF HER *LANGUAGE COULD AFFECT THE *BODY IT MIGHT BE WORTH READING IN THIS WEATHER. - *ADEIU - *I MUST LEAVE OFF TO STIR THE FIRE AND CALL ON *MISS *MURDEN. $*EVENG*$. *I HAVE DONE THEM BOTH, THE FIRST VERY OFTEN.

- *WE FOUND OUR FRIEND AS COMFORTABLE, AS SHE CAN EVER ALLOW HERSELF TO BE IN COLD WEATHER ; - THERE IS A VERY NEAT PARLOUR BEHIND THE SHOP FOR HER TO SIT IN, NOT VERY LIGHT INDEED, BEING A LA *SOUTHAMPTON, THE MIDDLE OF *THREE DEEP - BUT VERY LIVELY, FROM THE FREQUENT SOUND OF THE PESTLE AND MORTAR. - *WE AFTER+ WARDS/ CALLED ON THE *MISS *WILLIAMSES, WHO LODGE AT *DUSAUTOYS ; *MISS *MARY ONLY WAS AT HOME, AND SHE IS IN VERY INDIFFERENT HEALTH. - *DR. *HACKET CAME IN WHILE WE WERE THERE, AND SAID THAT HE NEVER REMEMBERED SUCH A SEVERE WINTER AS THIS, IN *SOUTHAMPTON BEFORE. *IT IS BAD, BUT $WE$ DO NOT SUFFER AS WE DID LAST YEAR, BECAUSE THE WIND HAS BEEN MORE *N.*E. - THAN *N.*W. - *FOR A DAY OR TWO LAST WEEK, MY *MOTHER WAS VERY POORLY, WITH A RETURN OF $ONE$ OF HER OLD COMPLAINTS - BUT IT DID NOT LAST LONG, AND SEEMS TO HAVE LEFT NOTHING BAD BEHIND IT. - *SHE BEGAN TO TALK OF A SERIOUS *ILLNESS, HER TWO LAST HAVING BEEN PRECEDED BY THE SAME SYMP+ TOMS/ ; BUT - THANK *HEAVEN ! SHE IS NOW QUITE AS WELL AS ONE CAN EXPECT HER TO BE IN *WEATHER, WHICH DEPRIVES HER OF *EXERCISE. - *MISS *M. CONVEYS TO US A THIRD VOLUME OF SERMONS FROM *HAMSTALL, JUST PUBLISHED ; AND WHICH WE ARE TO LIKE BETTER THAN THE TWO OTHERS ; - THEY ARE PROFESSEDLY $PRACTICAL,$ AND FOR THE USE OF COUNTRY *CONGREGATIONS. - *I HAVE JUST RECIEVED SOME VERSES IN AN UNKNOWN HAND, AND AM DESIRED TO FORWARD THEM TO MY NEPHEW *EDWD* AT *GODMERSHAM. " *ALAS ! POOR *BRAG, THOU BOASTFUL *GAME ! - *WHAT NOW AVAILS THINE EMPTY NAME ? - *WHERE NOW THY MORE DISTINGUISH'D FAME ? - *MY DAY IS O'ER, AND *THINE THE SAME. - *FOR THOU LIKE ME ART THROWN ASIDE, *AT *GODMERSHAM, THIS *CHRISTMAS *TIDE ;

*AND NOW ACROSS THE *TABLE WIDE, *EACH *GAME SAVE *BRAG OR *SPEC: IS TRIED." - " *SUCH IS THE MILD *EJACULATION. *OF TENDER HEARTED *SPECULATION." - $*WEDNESDAY$. - *I EXPECTED TO HAVE A *LETTER FROM SOMEBODY TO-DAY, BUT *I HAVE NOT. *TWICE EVERY DAY, *I THINK OF A *LETTER FROM *PORTSMOUTH. - *MISS *MURDEN HAS BEEN SITTING WITH US THIS MORNG* - AS YET SHE SEEMS VERY WELL PLEASED WITH HER SITUATION. *THE WORST PART OF HER BEING IN *SOUTHAMPTON WILL BE THE NECESSITY OF OUR WALKING WITH HER NOW AND THEN, FOR SHE TALKS SO LOUD THAT ONE IS QUITE ASHAMED, BUT OUR *DINING HOURS ARE LUCKILY VERY DIFFERENT, WHICH WE SHALL TAKE ALL REASONABLE ADVANTAGE OF. - *MRS** *HY* *D. HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO BED SOME TIME. *I SUPPOSE $WE$ MUST STAND TO THE NEXT. *THE *QUEEN'S *BIRTHDAY MOVES THE *ASSEMBLY TO THIS NIGHT, INSTEAD OF LAST - AND AS IT IS ALWAYS FULLY ATTENDED, *MARTHA AND *I EXPECT AN AMUSING SHEW. - *WE WERE IN HOPES OF BEING INDEPENDANT OF OTHER COM+ PANIONS/ BY HAVING THE ATTENDANCE OF *MR. *AUSTEN AND *CAPT. *HARWOOD, BUT, AS THEY FAIL US, WE ARE OBLIGED TO LOOK OUT FOR OTHER HELP, AND HAVE FIXED ON THE *WALLOPS AS LEAST LIKELY TO BE TROUBLESOME. - *I HAVE CALLED ON THEM THIS MORNG* AND FOUND THEM VERY WILLING ; - AND *I AM SORRY THAT YOU MUST WAIT A WHOLE WEEK FOR THE PARTICULARS OF THE *EVENG*. - *I PROPOSE BEING ASKED TO DANCE BY OUR ACQUAINTANCE *MR. *SMITH, NOW $*CAPTN*$ *SMITH, WHO HAS LATELY RE-APPEARED IN *SOUTHAMPTON - BUT *I SHALL DECLINE IT. - *HE SAW *CHARLES LAST *AUGUST. - *WHAT AN ALARMING *BRIDE *MRS. *COLN* *TILSON MUST HAVE BEEN. *SUCH A PARADE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMMODEST PEICES OF *MODESTY THAT ONE CAN IMAGINE. *TO $ATTRACT$ NOTICE COULD HAVE BEEN HER ONLY

WISH, - *IT AUGURS ILL FOR HIS FAMILY - IT ANNOUNCES NOT $GREAT$ SENSE, AND THEREFORE ENSURES BOUNDLESS *INFLUENCE. - *I HOPE *FANNY'S VISIT IS NOW TAKING PLACE. - *YOU HAVE SAID SCARCELY ANYTHING OF HER LATELY, BUT *I TRUST YOU ARE AS GOOD FRIENDS AS EVER. - *MARTHA SENDS HER *LOVE, AND HOPES TO HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SEEING YOU WHEN YOU RETURN TO *SOUTHAMPTON. *YOU ARE TO UNDER+ STAND/ THIS MESSAGE, AS BEING MERELY FOR THE SAKE OF A *MESSAGE, TO OBLIGE ME. - *YRS** AFFECTELY**** - *J. *AUSTEN *HENRY NEVER SENT HIS *LOVE TO ME IN YOUR LAST - BUT *I SEND HIM *MINE. - *CASTLE *SQUARE, *TUESDAY *JANY* 24. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I WILL GIVE YOU THE INDULGENCE OF A LETTER ON *THURS+ DAY/ THIS WEEK, INSTEAD OF *FRIDAY, BUT *I DO NOT REQUIRE YOU TO WRITE AGAIN BEFORE *SUNDAY, PROVIDED *I MAY BELEIVE YOU AND YOUR FINGER GOING ON QUITE WELL. - *TAKE CARE OF YOUR PRECIOUS SELF, DO NOT WORK TOO HARD, REMEMBER THAT *AUNT *CASSANDRAS ARE QUITE AS SCARCE AS *MISS *BEVERLEYS. - *I HAD THE HAPPINESS YESTERDAY OF A LETTER FROM *CHARLES, BUT *I SHALL SAY AS LITTLE ABOUT IT AS POSSIBLE, BECAUSE *I KNOW $THAT$ EXCRUCIATING *HENRY WILL HAVE HAD A *LETTER LIKEWISE ; TO MAKE ALL MY INTELLIGENCE VALUELESS. - *IT WAS WRITTEN AT *BERMUDA ON YE 7, & 10

OF *DECR* ; - ALL WELL, AND *FANNY STILL ONLY IN EXPECTATION OF BEING OTHERWISE. *HE HAD TAKEN A SMALL PRIZE IN HIS LATE CRUIZE ; A *FRENCH SCHOONER LADEN WITH *SUGAR, BUT *BAD WEATHER PARTED THEM, AND SHE HAD NOT YET BEEN HEARD OF ; - HIS CRUIZE ENDED *DECR* 1ST** - *MY *SEPTEMBER *LETTER WAS THE LATEST HE HAD RECIEVED. - *THIS DAY THREE WEEKS YOU ARE TO BE IN *LONDON, AND *I WISH YOU BETTER WEATHER - NOT BUT THAT YOU MAY HAVE WORSE, FOR WE HAVE NOW NOTHING BUT CEASELESS SNOW OR RAIN AND INSUFFERABLE DIRT TO COMPLAIN OF - NO TEMPESTUOUS WINDS, NOR SEVERITY OF COLD. *SINCE *I WROTE LAST, WE HAVE HAD SOMETHING OF EACH, BUT IT IS NOT GENTEEL TO RIP UP OLD GREIVANCES. - *YOU USED ME SCANDALOUSLY BY NOT MENTIONING *ED. *COOPER'S SERMONS ; - *I TELL YOU EVERYTHING, AND IT IS UNKNOWN THE *MYSTERIES YOU CONCEAL FROM ME. - *AND TO ADD TO THE REST YOU PERSEVERE IN GIVING A FINAL E TO *INVALID THEREBY PUTTING IT OUT OF ONE'S POWER TO SUPPOSE *MRS. *E. *LEIGH EVEN FOR A MOMENT, A VETERAN *SOLDIER. - *SHE, GOOD *WOMAN, IS *I HOPE DESTINED FOR SOME FURTHER PLACID ENJOYMENT OF HER OWN *EXCELLENCE IN THIS *WORLD, FOR HER RECOVERY ADVANCES EXCEEDINGLY WELL. - *I HAD THIS PLEASANT NEWS IN A LETTER FROM *BOOKHAM LAST *THURSDAY, BUT AS THE LETTER WAS FROM *MARY INSTEAD OF HER *MOTHER, YOU WILL GUESS HER ACCOUNT WAS NOT EQUALLY GOOD FROM HOME. - *MRS. *COOKE HAD BEEN CONFINED TO HER BED SOME DAYS BY *ILLNESS, BUT WAS THEN BETTER, AND *MARY WROTE IN CONFIDENCE OF HER CONTINUING TO MEND. *I HAVE DESIRED TO HEAR AGAIN SOON. *YOU REJOICE ME BY WHAT YOU SAY OF *FANNY - *I HOPE SHE WILL NOT TURN GOOD-FOR-NOTHING THIS EVER SO LONG ; - WE THOUGHT OF AND TALKED OF HER YESTERDAY WITH SINCERE AFFECTION, AND WISHED HER A LONG ENJOYMENT OF ALL THE HAPPINESS TO WHICH SHE SEEMS BORN. - *WHILE SHE GIVES HAPPINESS TO THOSE

ABOUT HER, SHE IS PRETTY SURE OF HER OWN SHARE. - *I AM GRATIFIED BY HER HAVING PLEASURE IN WHAT *I WRITE - BUT *I WISH THE KNOWLEDGE OF MY BEING EXPOSED TO HER DISCERN+ ING/ *CRITICISM, MAY NOT HURT MY STILE, BY INDUCING TOO GREAT A SOLICITUDE. *I BEGIN ALREADY TO WEIGH MY WORDS AND SENTENCES MORE THAN *I DID, AND AM LOOKING ABOUT FOR A SENTIMENT, AN ILLUSTRATION OR A METAPHOR IN EVERY CORNER OF THE ROOM. *COULD MY *IDEAS FLOW AS FAST AS THE RAIN IN THE *STORE CLOSET IT WOULD BE CHARMING. - *WE HAVE BEEN IN TWO OR THREE DREADFUL STATES WITHIN THE LAST WEEK, FROM THE MELTING OF THE SNOW &C. - AND THE CONTEST BETWEEN US AND THE *CLOSET HAS NOW ENDED IN OUR DEFEAT ; *I HAVE BEEN OBLIGED TO MOVE ALMOST EVERYTHING OUT OF IT, AND LEAVE IT TO SPLASH ITSELF AS IT LIKES. - *YOU HAVE BY NO MEANS RAISED MY CURIOSITY AFTER *CALEB ; - *MY DISINCLINATION FOR IT BEFORE WAS AFFECTED, BUT NOW IT IS REAL ; *I DO NOT LIKE THE *EVANGELI+ CALS/. - *OF COURSE *I SHALL BE DELIGHTED, WHEN *I READ IT, LIKE OTHER PEOPLE, BUT TILL *I DO *I DISLIKE IT. - *I AM SORRY MY VERSES DID NOT BRING ANY RETURN FROM *EDWARD, *I WAS IN HOPES THEY MIGHT - BUT *I SUPPOSE HE DOES NOT RATE THEM HIGH ENOUGH. - *IT MIGHT BE PARTIALITY, BUT THEY SEEMED TO ME PURELY CLASSICAL - JUST LIKE *HOMER AND *VIRGIL, *OVID AND *PROPRIA QUE *MARIBUS. - *I HAD A NICE, BROTHERLY LETTER FROM *FRANK THE OTHER DAY, WHICH AFTER AN INTERVAL OF NEARLY THREE WEEKS, WAS VERY WELCOME. - *NO ORDERS WERE COME ON FRIDAY, AND NONE WERE COME YESTERDAY, OR WE SHD* HAVE HEARD TO-DAY. - *I HAD SUPPOSED *MISS *C. WOULD SHARE HER *COUSIN'S ROOM HERE, BUT A MESSAGE IN THIS *LETTER PROVES THE *CON+ TRARY/ ; - *I WILL MAKE THE *GARRET AS COMFORTABLE AS *I CAN, BUT THE POSSIBILITIES OF THAT APARTMENT ARE NOT GREAT. - *MY *MOTHER HAS BEEN TALKING TO *ELIZA ABOUT OUR FUTURE

HOME - AND $SHE,$ MAKING NO DIFFICULTY AT ALL OF THE SWEETHEART, IS PERFECTLY DISPOSED TO CONTINUE WITH US, BUT TILL SHE HAS WRITTEN HOME FOR $*MOTHER'S$ APPROBATION, CANNOT QUITE DECIDE. - $*MOTHER$ DOES NOT LIKE TO HAVE HER SO FAR OFF ; - AT *CHAWTON SHE WILL BE NINE OR TEN MILES NEARER, WHICH *I HOPE WILL HAVE ITS DUE INFLUENCE - *AS FOR *SALLY, SHE MEANS TO PLAY *JOHN *BINNS WITH US, IN HER ANXIETY TO BELONG TO OUR *HOUSEHOLD AGAIN. *HITHERTO, SHE APPEARS A VERY GOOD *SERVANT. - *YOU DEPEND UPON FINDING ALL YOUR PLANTS DEAD, *I HOPE. - *THEY LOOK VERY ILL *I UNDERSTAND. - *YOUR SILENCE ON THE SUBJECT OF OUR *BALL, MAKES ME SUPPOSE YOUR *CURIOSITY TOO GREAT FOR WORDS. *WE WERE VERY WELL ENTERTAINED, AND COULD HAVE STAID LONGER BUT FOR THE ARRIVAL OF MY *LIST SHOES TO CONVEY ME HOME, AND *I DID NOT LIKE TO KEEP THEM WAITING IN THE COLD. *THE ROOM WAS TOLERABLY FULL, AND THE *BALL OPENED BY *MISS *GLYN ; - THE *MISS *LANCES HAD PARTNERS, *CAPT. *D'AUVERGNE'S FRIEND APPEARED IN REGI+ MENTALS/, *CAROLINE *MAITLAND HAD AN OFFICER TO FLIRT WITH, AND *MR. *JOHN *HARRISON WAS DEPUTED BY *CAPT. *SMITH, BEING HIMSELF ABSENT, TO ASK ME TO DANCE. - *EVERYTHING WENT WELL YOU SEE, ESPECIALLY AFTER WE HAD TUCKED *MRS. *LANCE'S NECKHANDKERF IN BEHIND, AND FASTENED IT WITH A PIN. - *WE HAD A VERY FULL AND AGREABLE ACCOUNT OF *MR. *HAMMOND'S *BALL, FROM *ANNA LAST NIGHT ; THE SAME FLUENT PEN HAS SENT SIMILAR INFORMATION *I KNOW INTO *KENT. - *SHE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN AS HAPPY AS ONE COULD WISH HER - AND THE COMPLACENCY OF HER *MAMA IN DOING THE *HONOURS OF THE *EVENG* MUST HAVE MADE HER PLEASURE ALMOST AS GREAT. - *THE *GRANDEUR OF THE *MEETING WAS BEYOND MY HOPES. - *I SHOULD LIKE TO HAVE SEEN *ANNA'S LOOKS AND PERFORMANCE - BUT THAT SAD CROPT HEAD MUST HAVE INJURED THE FORMER. -

*MARTHA PLEASES HERSELF WITH BELEIVING THAT IF $*I$ HAD KEPT HER COUNSEL, YOU WD* NEVER HAVE HEARD OF *DR* *M.'S LATE BEHAVIOUR, AS IF THE VERY SLIGHT MANNER IN WHICH *I MENTIONED IT COULD HAVE BEEN ALL ON WHICH YOU FOUND YOUR *JUDGEMENT. - *I DO NOT ENDEAVOUR TO UNDECEIVE HER, BECAUSE *I WISH HER HAPPY AT ALL EVENTS, AND KNOW HOW HIGHLY SHE PRIZES HAPPINESS OF ANY KIND. *SHE IS MOREOVER SO FULL OF KINDNESS FOR US BOTH, AND SENDS YOU IN PARTICULAR SO MANY GOOD WISHES ABOUT YOUR FINGER, THAT *I AM WILLING TO OVERLOOK A VENIAL FAULT; AND AS *DR. *M. IS A *CLERGYMAN THEIR ATTACHMENT, HOWEVER IMMORAL, HAS A DECOROUS AIR. - *ADEIU, SWEET *YOU. - THIS IS GREIVOUS NEWS FROM *SPAIN. - *IT IS WELL THAT *DR. *MOORE WAS SPARED THE KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH A SON'S DEATH. - *YRS** AFFEC:LY** *J. *AUSTEN *ANNA'S HAND GETS BETTER AND BETTER, IT BEGINS TO BE TOO GOOD FOR ANY CONSEQUENCE. *WE SEND BEST *LOVE TO DEAR LITTLE *LIZZY AND *MARIANNE IN PARTICULAR. *THE *PORTSMOUTH PAPER GAVE A MELANCHOLY HISTORY OF A POOR *MAD *WOMAN, ESCAPED FROM *CONFINEMENT, WHO SAID HER *HUSBAND AND *DAUGHTER OF THE NAME OF *PAYNE LIVED AT *ASHFORD IN *KENT. *DO YOU OWN THEM ?

*CASTLE *SQUARE : *MONDAY *JANR* 30. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I WAS NOT MUCH SURPRISED YESTERDAY BY THE AGREABLE SURPRISE OF YOUR LETTER, & EXTREMELY GLAD TO RECEIVE THE ASSURANCE OF YOUR FINGER BEING WELL AGAIN. *HERE IS SUCH A WET *DAY AS NEVER WAS SEEN ! - *I WISH THE POOR LITTLE GIRLS HAD BETTER WEATHER FOR THEIR *JOURNEY ; THEY MUST AMUSE THEMSELVES WITH WATCHING THE RAINDROPS DOWN THE *WINDOWS. *SACKREE *I SUPPOSE FEELS QUITE BROKENHEARTED. - *I CANNOT HAVE DONE WITH THE WEATHER WITHOUT OBSERVING HOW DELIGHTFULLY MILD IT IS ; *I AM SURE *FANNY MUST ENJOY IT WITH US. - *YESTERDAY WAS A VERY BLOWING DAY ; WE GOT TO *CHURCH HOWEVER, WHICH WE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DO FOR TWO *SUNDAYS BEFORE. - *I AM NOT AT ALL ASHAMED ABOUT THE NAME OF THE *NOVEL, HAVING BEEN GUILTY OF NO INSULT TOWARDS YOUR HAND+ WRITING/ ; THE *DIPTHONG *I ALWAYS SAW, BUT KNOWING HOW FOND YOU WERE OF ADDING A VOWEL WHEREVER YOU COULD, *I ATTRIBUTED IT TO THAT ALONE - & THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH DOES THE BOOK NO SERVICE ; THE ONLY MERIT IT COULD HAVE, WAS IN THE NAME OF *CALEB, WHICH HAS AN HONEST, UNPRETENDING SOUND ; BUT IN *COELEBS, THERE IS PEDANTRY & AFFECTATION. - *IS IT WRITTEN ONLY TO *CLASSICAL *SCHOLARS ? - *I SHALL NOW TRY TO SAY ONLY WHAT IS NECESSARY, *I AM WEARY OF MEANDERING - SO EXPECT A VAST DEAL OF SMALL MATTER CONCISELY TOLD, IN THE NEXT TWO PAGES. - *MRS.

*COOKE HAS BEEN VERY DANGEROUSLY ILL, BUT IS NOW *I HOPE SAFE. - *I HAD A LETTER LAST WEEK FROM *GEORGE, *MARY BEING TOO BUSY TO WRITE, & AT THAT TIME THE *DISORDER WAS CALLED OF THE *TYPHUS KIND, & THEIR ALARM CONSIDERABLE - BUT YESTERDAY BROUGHT ME A MUCH BETTER ACCOUNT FROM *MARY ; THE ORIGIN OF THE COMPLAINT BEING NOW ASCER+ TAINED/ TO BE *BILLIOUS, & THE STRONG MEDICINES REQUISITE, PROMISING TO BE EFFECTUAL. - *MRS. *E. *L. IS SO MUCH RECOVERED AS TO GET INTO THE *DRESSING-ROOM EVERY DAY. - *A LETTER FROM *HAMSTALL GIVES US THE HISTORY OF *SIR *THO. *WILLIAMS' RETURN ; - THE *ADMIRAL, WHOEVER HE MIGHT BE, TOOK A FANCY TO THE *NEPTUNE, & HAVING ONLY A WORN OUT 74 TO OFFER IN LIEU OF IT, *SIR *THO. DECLINED SUCH A COMMAND, & IS COME HOME *PASSENGER. *LUCKY *MAN ! TO HAVE SO FAIR AN OPPORTUNITY OF ESCAPE. - *I HOPE *HIS WIFE ALLOWS HERSELF TO BE HAPPY ON THE OCCASION, & DOES NOT GIVE ALL HER THOUGHTS TO BEING NERVOUS. - *A GREAT EVENT HAPPENS THIS WEEK AT *HAM+ STALL/, IN YOUNG *EDWARD'S REMOVAL TO SCHOOL ; HE IS GOING TO *RUGBY & IS VERY HAPPY IN THE IDEA OF IT ; - *I WISH HIS HAPPINESS MAY LAST, BUT IT WILL BE A GREAT CHANGE, TO BECOME A RAW SCHOOL BOY FROM BEING A POMPOUS *SERMON-*WRITER, & A DOMINEERING *BROTHER. - *IT WILL DO HIM GOOD *I DARE SAY. - *CAROLINE HAS HAD A GREAT ESCAPE FROM BEING BURNT TO DEATH LATELY ; - AS HER HUSBAND GIVES THE ACCOUNT, WE MUST BELEIVE IT TRUE. - *MISS *MURDEN IS GONE - CALLED AWAY BY THE CRITICAL STATE OF *MRS. *POTTINGER, WHO HAS HAD ANOTHER SEVERE STROKE, & IS WITHOUT *SENSE OR *SPEECH. *MISS *MURDEN WISHES TO RETURN TO *SOUTHAMPTON IF CIRCUMSTANCES SUIT, BUT IT MUST BE VERY DOUBTFUL. - *WE HAVE BEEN OBLIGED TO TURN AWAY *CHOLLES, HE GREW SO VERY DRUNKEN & NEGLI+ GENT/, & WE HAVE A MAN IN HIS PLACE CALLED *THOMAS. -

*MARTHA DESIRES ME TO COMMUNICATE SOMETHING CONCERN+ ING/ HERSELF WHICH SHE KNOWS WILL GIVE YOU PLEASURE, AS AFFORDING HER VERY PARTICULAR SATISFACTION ; IT IS, THAT SHE IS TO BE IN *TOWN THIS SPRING WITH *MRS. *DUNDAS. - *I NEED NOT DILATE ON THE SUBJECT - YOU UNDERSTAND ENOUGH OF THE WHYS & WHEREFORES TO ENTER INTO HER FEELINGS, & TO BE CONSCIOUS THAT OF ALL POSSIBLE ARRANGEMENTS, IT IS THE ONE MOST ACCEPTABLE TO HER. - *SHE GOES TO *BARTON ON LEAVING US - & THE *FAMILY REMOVE TO *TOWN IN *APRIL. - *WHAT YOU TELL ME OF *MISS *SHARPE IS QUITE NEW, & SURPRISES ME A LITTLE ; - *I FEEL HOWEVER AS YOU DO. *SHE IS BORN, POOR THING ! TO STRUGGLE WITH *EVIL - & HER CONTINUING WITH *MISS *B. IS *I HOPE A PROOF THAT *MATTERS ARE NOT ALWAYS SO VERY BAD BETWEEN THEM AS HER *LETTERS SOMETIMES REPRESENT. - *JENNY'S MARRIAGE *I HAD HEARD OF, & SUPPOSED YOU WOULD DO SO TOO FROM *STEVENTON, AS *I KNEW YOU WERE CORRESPONDING WITH *MARY AT THE TIME. *I HOPE SHE WILL NOT SULLY THE RESPECTABLE NAME SHE NOW BEARS. - *YOUR PLAN FOR *MISS *CURLING IS UNCOMMONLY CONSIDERATE & FRIENDLY, & SUCH AS SHE MUST SURELY JUMP AT. *EDWARD'S GOING ROUND BY *STEVENTON, AS *I UNDERSTAND HE PROMISES TO DO, CAN BE NO REASONABLE OBJECTION, *MRS. *J. *AUSTEN'S HOSPITALITY IS JUST OF THE KIND TO ENJOY SUCH A VISITOR. - *WE WERE VERY GLAD TO KNOW *AUNT *FANNY WAS IN THE *COUNTRY WHEN WE READ OF THE *FIRE. - *PRAY GIVE MY BEST *COMPTS** TO THE *MRS. *FINCHES, IF THEY ARE AT *GM*. - I AM SORRY TO FIND THAT *SIR *J. *MOORE HAS A MOTHER LIVING, BUT THO' A VERY *HEROICK SON, HE MIGHT NOT BE A VERY NECESSARY ONE TO HER HAPPINESS. - *DEACON *MORRELL MAY BE MORE TO *MRS. *MORRELL. - *I WISH *SIR *JOHN HAD UNITED SOME+ THING/ OF THE *CHRISTIAN WITH THE *HERO IN HIS DEATH. - *THANK *HEAVEN ! WE HAVE HAD NO ONE TO CARE FOR

PARTICULARLY AMONG THE *TROOPS - NO ONE IN FACT NEARER TO US THAN *SIR *JOHN HIMSELF. *COL. *MAITLAND IS SAFE & WELL ; HIS *MOTHER & SISTERS WERE OF COURSE ANXIOUS ABOUT HIM, BUT THERE IS NO ENTERING MUCH INTO THE SOLICITUDES OF THAT FAMILY. - *MY *MOTHER IS WELL, & GETS OUT WHEN SHE CAN WITH THE SAME ENJOYMENT, & APPAR+ ENTLY/ THE SAME STRENGTH AS HITHERTO. - *SHE HOPES YOU WILL NOT OMIT BEGGING *MRS. *SEWARD TO GET THE *GARDEN CROPPED FOR US - SUPPOSING SHE LEAVES THE *HOUSE TOO EARLY, TO MAKE THE *GARDEN ANY OBJECT TO HERSELF. - *WE ARE VERY DESIROUS OF RECEIVING $YOUR$ ACCOUNT OF THE *HOUSE - FOR YOUR OBSERVATIONS WILL HAVE A MOTIVE WHICH CAN LEAVE NOTHING TO CONJECTURE & SUFFER NOTHING FROM WANT OF *MEMORY. - *FOR ONE'S OWN DEAR SELF, ONE ASCER+ TAINS/ & REMEMBERS EVERYTHING. - *LADY *SONDES IS AN IMPUDENT *WOMAN TO COME BACK INTO HER OLD *NEIGH+ BOURHOOD/ AGAIN ; *I SUPPOSE SHE PRETENDS NEVER TO HAVE MARRIED BEFORE - & WONDERS HOW HER *FATHER & *MOTHER CAME TO HAVE HER CHRISTEN'D *LADY *SONDES. - *THE STORE CLOSET *I HOPE WILL NEVER DO SO AGAIN - FOR MUCH OF THE *EVIL IS PROVED TO HAVE PROCEEDED FROM THE *GUTTER BEING CHOKED UP, & WE HAVE HAD IT CLEARED. - *WE HAD REASON TO REJOICE IN THE *CHILD'S ABSENCE AT THE TIME OF THE *THAW, FOR THE *NURSERY WAS NOT HABIT+ ABLE/. - *WE HEAR OF SIMILAR DISASTERS FROM ALMOST EVERY+ BODY/. - *NO NEWS FROM *PORTSMOUTH. *WE ARE VERY PATIENT. - *MRS. *CHARLES *FOWLE DESIRES TO BE KINDLY REMEMBERED TO YOU. *SHE IS WARMLY INTERESTED IN MY *BROTHER AND HIS *FAMILY. - *YRS** VERY AFFEC:LY** *J. *AUSTEN

*GENTLEMEN *IN THE SPRING OF THE YEAR 1803 A *M*S. *NOVEL IN 2 VOL. ENTITLED *SUSAN WAS SOLD TO YOU BY A *GENTLEMAN OF THE NAME OF *SEYMOUR, & THE PURCHASE MONEY \10. RECD* AT THE SAME TIME. *SIX YEARS HAVE SINCE PASSED, & THIS WORK OF WHICH *I AM MYSELF THE *AUTHORESS, HAS NEVER TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, APPEARED IN PRINT, THO' AN EARLY PUBLICATION WAS STIPULATED FOR AT THE TIME OF SALE. *I CAN ONLY ACCOUNT FOR SUCH AN EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCE BY SUPPOSING THE *MS. BY SOME CARELESS+ NESS/ TO HAVE BEEN LOST ; & IF THAT WAS THE CASE, AM WILLING TO SUPPLY YOU WITH ANOTHER COPY IF YOU ARE DISPOSED TO AVAIL YOURSELVES OF IT, & WILL ENGAGE FOR NO FARTHER DELAY WHEN IT COMES INTO YOUR HANDS. *IT WILL NOT BE IN MY POWER FROM PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES TO COMMAND THIS COPY BEFORE THE *MONTH OF *AUGUST, BUT THEN, IF YOU ACCEPT MY PROPOSAL, YOU MAY DEPEND ON RECEIVING IT. *BE SO GOOD AS TO SEND ME A *LINE IN ANSWER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AS MY STAY IN THIS PLACE WILL NOT EXCEED A FEW DAYS. *SHOULD NO NOTICE BE TAKEN OF THIS ADDRESS, *I SHALL FEEL MYSELF AT LIBERTY TO SECURE THE PUBLICATION OF MY WORK, BY APPLYING ELSEWHERE. *I AM *GENTLEMEN &C. &C. *APRIL 5 1809 *M. *A. *D. *DIRECT TO *MRS** *ASHTON *DENNIS *POST *OFFICE, *SOUTHAMPTON

*CHAWTON, *JULY 26. - 1809. - *MY DEAREST *FRANK, *I WISH YOU JOY *OF *MARY'S SAFETY WITH A *BOY, *WHOSE BIRTH HAS GIVEN LITTLE PAIN *COMPARED WITH THAT OF *MARY *JANE. -

*MAY HE A GROWING *BLESSING PROVE, *AND WELL DESERVE HIS *PARENTS' *LOVE ! - *ENDOW'D WITH *ART'S & *NATURE'S *GOOD, *THY NAME POSSESSING WITH THY *BLOOD, *IN HIM, IN ALL HIS WAYS, MAY WE *ANOTHER *FRANCIS *WILLIAM SEE ! - *THY INFANT DAYS MAY HE INHERIT, *THY WARMTH, NAY INSOLENCE OF SPIRIT ; - *WE WOULD NOT WITH ONE FAULT DISPENSE *TO WEAKEN THE RESEMBLANCE. *MAY HE REVIVE THY *NURSERY SIN, *PEEPING AS DARINGLY WITHIN, *HIS CURLEY *LOCKS BUT JUST DESCRIED, *WITH, " *BET, MY BE NOT COME TO BIDE." - *FEARLESS OF DANGER, BRAVING PAIN, *AND THREATEN'D VERY OFT IN VAIN, *STILL MAY ONE *TERROR DAUNT HIS SOUL, *ONE NEEDFUL ENGINE OF *CONTROUL *BE FOUND IN THIS SUBLIME ARRAY, *A NEIGHBOURING *DONKEY'S AWEFUL *BRAY. *SO MAY HIS EQUAL FAULTS AS *CHILD, *PRODUCE *MATURITY AS MILD ! *HIS SAUCY WORDS & FIERY WAYS *IN EARLY *CHILDHOOD'S PETTISH DAYS, *IN *MANHOOD, SHEW HIS *FATHER'S MIND *LIKE HIM, CONSIDERATE & KIND ; *ALL *GENTLENESS TO THOSE AROUND, *AND EAGER ONLY NOT TO WOUND. *THEN LIKE HIS *FATHER TOO, HE MUST, *TO HIS OWN FORMER STRUGGLES JUST, *FEEL HIS *DESERTS WITH HONEST *GLOW, *AND ALL HIS SELF-IMPROVEMENT KNOW. -

*A NATIVE FAULT MAY THUS GIVE BIRTH *TO THE BEST BLESSING, CONSCIOUS *WORTH. - *AS FOR OURSELVES, WE'RE VERY WELL ; *AS UNAFFECTED PROSE WILL TELL. - *CASSANDRA'S PEN WILL PAINT OUR STATE, *THE MANY COMFORTS THAT AWAIT *OUR *CHAWTON HOME, HOW MUCH WE FIND *ALREADY IN IT, TO OUR MIND ; *AND HOW CONVINCED, THAT WHEN COMPLETE *IT WILL ALL OTHER *HOUSES BEAT *THAT EVER HAVE BEEN MADE OR MENDED, *WITH ROOMS CONCISE, OR ROOMS DISTENDED. *YOU'LL FIND US VERY SNUG NEXT YEAR, *PERHAPS WITH *CHARLES & *FANNY NEAR, *FOR NOW IT OFTEN DOES DELIGHT US *TO FANCY THEM JUST OVER-RIGHT US. - *J. *A. - -

*SLOANE *ST. *THURSDAY *APRIL 18. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I HAVE SO MANY LITTLE MATTERS TO TELL YOU OF, THAT *I CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER BEFORE *I BEGIN TO PUT THEM DOWN. - *I SPENT TUESDAY IN *BENTINCK *ST* ; THE *COOKES CALLED HERE & TOOK ME BACK ; & IT WAS QUITE A *COOKE DAY, FOR THE *MISS *ROLLES PAID A VISIT WHILE *I WAS THERE, & *SAM *ARNOLD DROPT IN TO TEA. *THE BADNESS OF THE WEATHER DISCONCERTED AN EXCELLENT PLAN OF MINE, THAT OF CALLING ON *MISS *BECKFORD AGAIN, BUT FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY IT RAINED INCESSANTLY. *MARY & *I, AFTER DISPOSING OF HER *FATHER & *MOTHER, WENT TO THE *LIVER+ POOL/ *MUSEUM, & THE *BRITISH *GALLERY, & *I HAD SOME AMUSEMENT AT EACH, THO' MY PREFERENCE FOR *MEN & *WOMEN, ALWAYS INCLINES ME TO ATTEND MORE TO THE COMPANY THAN THE SIGHT. - *MRS. *COOKE REGRETS VERY MUCH THAT SHE DID NOT SEE YOU WHEN YOU CALLED, IT WAS OWING [TO SOME] BLUNDER AMONG THE SERVANTS, FOR SHE DID NOT KNOW OF OUR VISIT TILL WE WERE GONE. - *SHE SEEMS TOLERABLY WELL ; BUT THE NERVOUS PART OF HER *COM+ PLAINT/ *I FEAR INCREASES, & MAKES HER MORE AND MORE UNWILLING TO PART WITH *MARY. - *I HAVE PROPOSED TO THE LATTER THAT SHE SHOULD GO TO *CHAWTON WITH ME, ON THE SUPPOSITION OF MY TRAVELLING THE *GUILDFORD ROAD - & $SHE$, *I DO BELEIVE, WOULD BE GLAD TO DO IT, BUT PERHAPS IT MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE; UNLESS A *BROTHER CAN BE AT

HOME AT THAT TIME, IT CERTAINLY MUST. - *GEORGE COMES TO THEM TO DAY. *I DID NOT SEE *THEO' TILL LATE ON *TUES+ DAY/ ; HE WAS GONE TO *ILFORD, BUT HE CAME BACK IN TIME TO SHEW HIS USUAL, NOTHING-MEANING, HARMLESS, HEART+ LESS/ *CIVILITY. - *HENRY, WHO HAD BEEN CONFINED THE WHOLE DAY TO THE *BANK, TOOK ME IN HIS WAY HOME ; & AFTER PUTTING *LIFE & *WIT INTO THE PARTY FOR A QUARTER OF AN HOUR, PUT HIMSELF & HIS *SISTER INTO A *HACKNEY COACH. - *I BLESS MY STARS THAT *I HAVE DONE WITH TUES+ DAY/ ! - *BUT ALAS ! - *WEDNESDAY WAS LIKEWISE A DAY OF GREAT DOINGS, FOR *MANON & *I TOOK OUR WALK TO *GRAFTON *HOUSE, & *I HAVE A GOOD DEAL TO SAY ON THAT SUBJECT. - *I AM SORRY TO TELL YOU THAT *I AM GETTING VERY EXTRA+ VAGANT/ & SPENDING ALL MY *MONEY ; & WHAT IS WORSE FOR $YOU, *I$ HAVE BEEN SPENDING YOURS TOO ; FOR IN A *LINENDRAPER'S SHOP TO WHICH *I WENT FOR CHECK'D MUSLIN, & FOR WHICH *I WAS OBLIGED TO GIVE SEVEN SHILLINGS A YARD, *I WAS TEMPTED BY A PRETTY COLOURED MUSLIN, AND BOUGHT 10 YDS** OF IT, ON THE CHANCE OF YOUR LIKING IT ; - BUT AT THE SAME TIME IF IT SHD* NOT SUIT YOU, YOU MUST NOT THINK YOURSELF AT ALL OBLIGED TO TAKE IT ; IT IS ONLY 3#6 PR* YD*, & *I SHD* NOT IN THE LEAST MIND KEEPING THE WHOLE. - *IN TEXTURE, IT IS JUST WHAT WE PREFER, BUT IT'S RESEMBLANCE TO GREEN CRUELS *I MUST OWN IS NOT GREAT, FOR THE PATTERN IS A SMALL RED SPOT. - (($*ONE $LINE CUT OUT$)) & NOW *I BELEIVE *I HAVE DONE ALL MY COMMISSIONS, EXCEPT *WEDGWOOD. *I LIKED MY WALK VERY MUCH ; IT WAS SHORTER THAN *I HAD EXPECTED, & THE WEATHER WAS DELIGHTFUL. *WE SET OFF IMMEDIATELY AFTER BREAKFAST & MUST HAVE REACHED *GRAFTON *HOUSE BY 1#2 PAST 11 - , BUT WHEN WE ENTERED THE *SHOP, THE WHOLE *COUNTER WAS THRONGED, & WE WAITED $FULL$ HALF AN HOUR BEFORE WE CD* BE ATTENDED TO. *WHEN WE WERE

SERVED HOWEVER, *I WAS VERY WELL SATISFIED WITH MY PURCHASES, MY *BUGLE *TRIMMING AT 2#4D* & 3 PR* SILK STOCKGS** FOR A LITTLE LESS THAN 12.#S A PR* - *IN MY WAY BACK, WHO SHD* *I MEET BUT *MR. *MOORE, JUST COME FROM *BECKENHAM. *I BELEIVE HE WOULD HAVE PASSED ME, IF *I HAD NOT MADE HIM STOP - BUT WE WERE DELIGHTED TO MEET. *I SOON FOUND HOWEVER THAT HE HAD NOTHING NEW TO TELL ME, & THEN *I LET HIM GO. - *MISS *BURTON HAS MADE ME A VERY PRETTY LITTLE *BONNET - & NOW NOTHING CAN SATISFY ME BUT *I MUST HAVE A STRAW HAT, OF THE RIDING HAT SHAPE, LIKE *MRS. *TILSON'S ; & A YOUNG WOMAN IN THIS *NEIGHBOURHOOD IS ACTUALLY MAKING ME ONE. *I AM REALLY VERY SHOCKING ; BUT IT WILL NOT BE DEAR AT A *GUINEA. - *OUR *PELISSES ARE 17#S. EACH - SHE CHARGES ONLY 8# FOR THE MAKING, BUT THE *BUTTONS SEEM EXPENSIVE ; - $ARE$ EXPENSIVE, *I MIGHT HAVE SAID - FOR THE FACT IS PLAIN ENOUGH. - *WE DRANK TEA AGAIN YESTERDAY WITH THE *TILSONS, & MET THE *SMITHS. - *I FIND ALL THESE LITTLE PARTIES VERY PLEASANT. *I LIKE *MR. *S. MISS *BEATY IS GOOD-HUMOUR ITSELF, & DOES NOT SEEM MUCH BESIDES. *WE SPEND TOMORROW EVENG* WITH THEM, & ARE TO MEET THE *COLN* & *MRS. $*CANTELO$ *SMITH, YOU HAVE BEEN USED TO HEAR OF ; & IF SHE IS IN GOOD HUMOUR, ARE LIKELY TO HAVE EXCELLENT SINGING. - *TO NIGHT *I MIGHT HAVE BEEN AT THE *PLAY, *HENRY HAD KINDLY PLANNED OUR GOING TOGETHER TO THE *LYCEUM, BUT *I HAVE A COLD WHICH I SHD* NOT LIKE TO MAKE WORSE BEFORE *SATURDAY ; - SO *I STAY WITHIN, ALL THIS DAY. - *ELIZA IS WALKING OUT BY HERSELF. *SHE HAS PLENTY OF BUSINESS ON HER HANDS JUST NOW - FOR THE DAY OF THE PARTY IS SETTLED, & DRAWING NEAR : - ABOVE 80 PEOPLE ARE INVITED FOR NEXT TUESDAY *EVENG* & THERE IS TO BE SOME VERY GOOD *MUSIC, 5 PROFESSIONALS, 3 OF THEM *GLEE SINGERS, BESIDES *AMATEURS. - *FANNY WILL

LISTEN TO THIS. *ONE OF THE *HIRELINGS, IS A *CAPITAL ON THE *HARP, FROM WHICH *I EXPECT GREAT PLEASURE. - *THE FOUNDATION OF THE PARTY WAS A DINNER TO *HENRY *EGERTON & *HENRY *WALTER - BUT THE LATTER LEAVES *TOWN THE DAY BEFORE. *I AM SORRY - AS *I WISHED $HER$ PRE+ JUDICE/ TO BE DONE AWAY - BUT SHD* HAVE BEEN MORE SORRY IF THERE HAD BEEN NO INVITATION. - *I AM A WRETCH, TO BE SO OCCUPIED WITH ALL THESE *THINGS, AS TO SEEM TO HAVE NO *THOUGHTS TO GIVE TO PEOPLE & CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH REALLY SUPPLY A FAR MORE LASTING INTEREST - THE *SOCIETY IN WHICH *YOU ARE - BUT *I DO THINK OF YOU ALL *I ASSURE YOU, & WANT TO KNOW ALL ABOUT EVERYBODY, & ESPECIALLY ABOUT YOUR VISIT TO THE *W. FRIARS ; " MAIS LE MOYEN " NOT TO BE OCCUPIED BY ONE'S OWN CONCERNS ? - *SATURDAY. - *FRANK IS SUPERSEDED IN THE *CALEDONIA. *HENRY BROUGHT US THIS NEWS YESTERDAY FROM *MR. *DAYSH & - HE HEARD AT THE SAME TIME THAT *CHARLES MAY BE IN *ENGLAND IN THE COURSE OF A MONTH. - *SIR *EDWD* *PELLEW SUCCEEDS *LORD *GAMBIER IN HIS COMMAND, & SOME CAPTAIN OF HIS, SUCCEEDS *FRANK ; & *I BELEIVE THE ORDER IS ALREADY GONE OUT. *HENRY MEANS TO ENQUIRE FARTHER TO DAY ; - HE WROTE TO *MARY ON THE OCCASION. - *THIS IS SOMETHING TO THINK OF. - *HENRY IS CONVINCED THAT HE WILL HAVE THE OFFER OF SOMETHING ELSE, BUT DOES NOT THINK IT WILL BE AT ALL INCUMBENT ON HIM TO ACCEPT IT ; & THEN FOLLOWS, WHAT WILL HE DO ? & WHERE WILL HE LIVE ? - *I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU TODAY. *HOW ARE YOU, AS TO *HEALTH, STRENGTH, *LOOKS, STOMACH &C. ? - *I HAD A VERY COMFORTABLE ACCOUNT FROM *CHAW+ TON/ YESTERDAY. - *IF THE WEATHER PERMITS, *ELIZA & *I WALK INTO *LONDON THIS MORNG*. $*SHE$ IS IN WANT OF CHIMNEY LIGHTS FOR *TUESDAY ; - & *I, OF AN OUNCE OF DARNING COTTON. - *SHE HAS RESOLVED NOT TO VENTURE TO

THE *PLAY TONIGHT. *THE *D'ENTRAIGUES & *COMTE *JULIEN CANNOT COME TO THE *PARTY - WHICH WAS AT FIRST A GREIF, BUT SHE HAS SINCE SUPPLIED HERSELF SO WELL WITH *PER+ FORMERS/ THAT IT IS OF NO CONSEQUENCE ; - THEIR NOT COMING HAS PRODUCED OUR GOING TO THEM TOMORROW *EVENG* - WHICH *I LIKE THE IDEA OF. *IT WILL BE AMUSING TO SEE THE WAYS OF A *FRENCH CIRCLE. *I WROTE TO *MRS. *HILL A FEW DAYS AGO, & HAVE RECEIVED A MOST KIND & SATISFACTORY ANSWER ; MY TIME, THE FIRST WEEK IN *MAY, EXACTLY SUITS HER ; & THEREFORE *I CONSIDER MY *GOINGS AS TOLERABLY FIXED. *I SHALL LEAVE *SLOANE *ST. ON THE 1ST** OR 2D* & BE READY FOR *JAMES ON YE 9TH**; - & IF HIS PLAN ALTERS, *I CAN TAKE CARE OF MYSELF. - *I HAVE EX+ PLAINED/ MY VEIWS HERE, & EVERYTHING IS SMOOTH & PLEASANT ; & *ELIZA TALKS KINDLY OF CONVEYING ME TO *STREATHAM. - *WE MET THE *TILSONS YESTERDAY *EVENG* - BUT THE SINGING *SMITHS SENT AN EXCUSE - WHICH PUT OUR *MRS. *SMITH OUT OF HUMOUR. - *WE ARE COME BACK, AFTER A GOOD DOSE OF *WALKING & *COACHING, & *I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF YOUR LETTER. - *I WISH *I HAD *JAMES'S VERSES, BUT THEY WERE LEFT AT *CHAWTON. WHEN *I RETURN THITHER, IF *MRS. *K. WILL GIVE ME LEAVE, *I WILL SEND THEM TO HER. - *OUR FIRST OBJECT TO DAY WAS *HENRIETTA *ST. TO CONSULT WITH *HENRY, IN CONSEQUENCE OF A VERY UNLUCKY CHANGE OF *THE PLAY FOR THIS VERY NIGHT - *HAMLET INSTEAD OF *KING *JOHN - & WE ARE TO GO ON *MONDAY TO *MACBETH, INSTEAD, BUT IT IS A DISAP+ POINTMENT/ TO US BOTH. *LOVE TO ALL. *YOURS AFFEC:LY** *JANE

*SLOANE *ST* *THURSDAY *APRIL 25 *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *I CAN RETURN THE COMPLIMENT BY THANKING YOU FOR THE UNEXPECTED PLEASURE OF $YOUR$ *LETTER YESTERDAY, & AS *I LIKE UNEXPECTED PLEASURE, IT MADE ME VERY HAPPY ; *AND INDEED, YOU NEED NOT APOLOGISE FOR YOUR *LETTER IN ANY RESPECT, FOR IT IS ALL VERY FINE, BUT NOT $TOO$ FINE *I HOPE TO BE WRITTEN AGAIN, OR SOMETHING LIKE IT. *I THINK *EDWARD WILL NOT SUFFER MUCH LONGER FROM HEAT ; BY THE LOOK OF *THINGS THIS MORNG* *I SUSPECT THE WEATHER IS RISING INTO THE BALSAMIC *NORTHEAST. *IT HAS BEEN HOT HERE, AS YOU MAY SUPPOSE, SINCE IT WAS SO HOT WITH YOU, BUT *I HAVE NOT SUFFERED FROM IT AT ALL, NOR FELT IT IN SUCH A DEGREE AS TO MAKE ME IMAGINE IT WOULD BE ANYTHING IN THE COUNTRY. *EVERYBODY HAS TALKED OF THE HEAT, BUT *I SET IT ALL DOWN TO *LONDON. - *I GIVE YOU JOY OF OUR NEW NEPHEW, & HOPE IF HE EVER COMES TO BE HANGED, IT WILL NOT BE TILL WE ARE TOO OLD TO CARE ABOUT IT. - *IT IS A GREAT COMFORT TO HAVE IT SO SAFELY & SPEEDILY OVER. *THE *MISS *CURLINGS MUST BE HARD WORKED IN WRITING SO MANY *LETTERS, BUT THE NOVELTY OF IT MAY RECOMMEND IT TO $THEM$; - MINE WAS FROM *MISS *ELIZA, & SHE SAYS THAT MY *BROTHER MAY ARRIVE TODAY. - *NO INDEED, *I AM NEVER TOO BUSY TO THINK OF *S & *S. I CAN NO MORE FORGET IT, THAN A MOTHER CAN FORGET HER SUCKING CHILD ; & *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU

FOR YOUR ENQUIRIES. *I HAVE HAD TWO SHEETS TO CORRECT, BUT THE LAST ONLY BRINGS US TO *W.S FIRST APPEARANCE. *MRS** *K. REGRETS IN THE MOST FLATTERING MANNER THAT SHE MUST WAIT $TILL$ *MAY, BUT *I HAVE SCARCELY A HOPE OF ITS BEING OUT IN *JUNE. - *HENRY DOES NOT NEGLECT IT ; HE $HAS$ HURRIED THE *PRINTER, & SAYS HE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN TODAY. - *IT WILL NOT STAND STILL DURING HIS ABSENCE, IT WILL BE SENT TO *ELIZA. - *THE $*INCOMES$ REMAIN AS THEY WERE, BUT *I WILL GET THEM ALTERED IF *I CAN. - *I AM VERY MUCH GRATIFIED BY *MRS** *K.S INTEREST IN IT ; & WHATEVER MAY BE THE EVENT OF IT AS TO MY CREDIT WITH HER, SINCERELY WISH HER CURIOSITY COULD BE SATISFIED SOONER THAN IS NOW PROBABLE. *I THINK SHE WILL LIKE MY *ELINOR, BUT CANNOT BUILD ON ANY THING ELSE. *OUR PARTY WENT OFF EXTREMELY WELL. *THERE WERE MANY SOLICITUDES ; ALARMS & VEXATIONS BEFOREHAND OF COURSE, BUT AT LAST EVERYTHING WAS QUITE RIGHT. *THE ROOMS WERE DRESSED UP WITH FLOWERS &C, & LOOKED VERY PRETTY. - *A GLASS FOR THE *MANTLEPIECE WAS LENT, BY THE *MAN WHO IS MAKING THEIR OWN. - *MR* EGERTON & *MR* WALTER CAME AT 1#2 PAST 5, & THE FESTIVITIES BEGAN WITH A PR* OF VERY FINE *SOALS. *YES, *MR* WALTER - FOR HE POSTPONED HIS LEAVING *LONDON ON PURPOSE - WHICH DID NOT GIVE MUCH PLEASURE AT THE TIME, ANY MORE THAN THE CIRCUMSTANCE FROM WHICH IT ROSE, HIS CALLING ON *SUNDAY & BEING ASKED BY *HENRY TO TAKE THE FAMILY DINNER ON THAT DAY, WHICH HE DID - BUT IT IS ALL SMOOTH'D OVER NOW ; - & SHE LIKES HIM VERY WELL. - *AT 1#2 PAST 7 ARRIVED THE *MUSICIANS IN TWO *HACKNEY COACHES, & BY 8 THE LORDLY COMPANY BEGAN TO APPEAR. *AMONG THE EARLIEST WERE *GEORGE & *MARY *COOKE, & *I SPENT THE GREATEST PART OF THE EVENG* VERY PLEASANTLY WITH THEM. - *THE *DRAWG* ROOM BEING SOON HOTTER THAN WE LIKED, WE PLACED OURSELVES IN THE

CONNECTING *PASSAGE, WHICH WAS COMPARATIVELY COOL, & GAVE US ALL THE ADVANTAGE OF THE *MUSIC AT A PLEASANT DISTANCE, AS WELL AS THAT OF THE FIRST VEIW OF EVERY NEW COMER. - *I WAS QUITE SURROUNDED BY ACQUAINTANCE, ESPECIALLY *GENTLEMEN ; & WHAT WITH *MR* *HAMPSON, MR* *SEYMOUR, *MR* *W. *KNATCHBULL, *MR* *GUILLEMARDE, MR* *CURE, A *CAPT* *SIMPSON, BROTHER TO $THE$ *CAPT* *SIMPSON, BESIDES *MR* *WALTER & *MR* *EGERTON, IN ADDITION TO THE *COOKES & *MISS *BECKFORD & *MISS *MIDDLETON, *I HAD QUITE AS MUCH UPON MY HANDS AS *I COULD DO. - *POOR *MISS *B. HAS BEEN SUFFERING AGAIN FROM HER OLD COM+ PLAINT/, & LOOKS THINNER THAN EVER. *SHE CERTAINLY GOES TO *CHELTENHAM THE BEGINNING OF *JUNE. *WE WERE ALL DELIGHT & CORDIALITY OF COURSE. *MISS *M. SEEMS VERY HAPPY, BUT HAS NOT BEAUTY ENOUGH TO FIGURE IN *LONDON. - *INCLUDING EVERYBODY WE WERE 66 - WHICH WAS CON+ SIDERABLY/ MORE THAN *ELIZA HAD EXPECTED, & QUITE ENOUGH TO FILL THE *BACK *DRAWG* ROOM, & LEAVE A FEW TO BE SCATTERED ABOUT IN THE OTHER, & IN THE PASSAGE. *THE *MUSIC WAS EXTREMELY GOOD. *IT OPENED (TELL *FANNY, WITH "POIKE PE *PARP PIN PRAISE POF PRAPELA" - & OF THE OTHER *GLEES *I REMEMBER, " *IN *PEACE *LOVE TUNES," " *ROSABELLE," " *THE RED CROSS *KNIGHT," & " *POOR *INSECT." *BETWEEN THE *SONGS WERE *LESSONS ON THE *HARP, OR *HARP & *PIANO *FORTE TOGETHER - & THE *HARP *PLAYER WAS *WIEPART, WHOSE NAME SEEMS FAMOUS, THO' NEW TO ME. - *THERE WAS ONE FEMALE SINGER, A SHORT *MISS *DAVIS ALL IN BLUE, BRINGING UP FOR THE *PUBLIC *LINE, WHOSE VOICE WAS SAID TO BE VERY FINE INDEED ; & ALL THE *PERFORMERS GAVE GREAT SATISFACTION BY DOING WHAT THEY WERE PAID FOR, & GIVING THEMSELVES NO AIRS. - *NO AMATEUR COULD BE PERSUADED TO DO ANYTHING. - *THE *HOUSE WAS NOT CLEAR TILL AFTER 12. - *IF YOU WISH TO HEAR

MORE OF IT, YOU MUST PUT YOUR QUESTIONS, BUT *I SEEM RATHER TO HAVE EXHAUSTED THAN SPARED THE SUBJECT. - *THIS SAID *CAPT. *SIMPSON TOLD US, ON THE AUTHORITY OF SOME OTHER *CAPTN* JUST ARRIVED FROM *HALIFAX, THAT *CHARLES WAS BRINGING THE *CLEOPATRA HOME, & THAT SHE WAS PROBABLY BY THIS TIME IN THE *CHANNEL - BUT AS *CAPT. *S. WAS CERTAINLY IN LIQUOR, WE MUST NOT QUITE DEPEND ON IT. - *IT MUST GIVE ONE A SORT OF EXPECTATION HOWEVER, & WILL PREVENT MY WRITING TO HIM ANY MORE. - *I WOULD RATHER HE SHD* NOT REACH *ENGLAND TILL *I AM AT HOME, & THE *STEVENTON PARTY GONE. *MY *MOTHER & *MARTHA BOTH WRITE WITH GREAT SATISFACTION OF *ANNA'S BEHAVIOUR. *SHE IS QUITE AN *ANNA WITH VARIATIONS - BUT SHE CANNOT HAVE REACHED HER LAST, FOR THAT IS ALWAYS THE MOST FLOURISHNG & SHEWEY - SHE IS AT ABOUT HER 3D* OR 4TH** WHICH ARE GENERALLY SIMPLE & PRETTY. - *YOUR *LILACS ARE IN LEAF, $OURS$ ARE IN BLOOM. - *THE *HORSE CHESNUTS ARE QUITE OUT, & THE *ELMS ALMOST. - *I HAD A PLEASANT WALK IN *KENSINGTON *GS* ON *SUNDAY WITH *HENRY, *MR* SMITH & *MR* TILSON - EVERYTHING WAS FRESH & BEAUTIFUL. - *WE $DID$ GO TO THE PLAY AFTER ALL ON SATURDAY, WE WENT TO THE *LYCEUM, & SAW THE *HYPO+ CRITE/, AN OLD PLAY TAKEN FROM *MOLIERE'S $*TARTUFFE$, & WERE WELL ENTERTAINED. *DOWTON & *MATHEWS WERE THE GOOD ACTORS. *MRS *EDWIN WAS THE *HEROINE - & HER PERFORMANCE IS JUST WHAT IT USED TO BE. - *I HAVE NO CHANCE OF SEEING *MRS** SIDDONS. - *SHE $DID$ ACT ON *MONDAY, BUT AS *HENRY WAS TOLD BY THE *BOXKEEPER THAT HE DID NOT THINK SHE WOULD, THE PLACES, & ALL THOUGHT OF IT, WERE GIVEN UP. *I SHOULD PARTICULARLY HAVE LIKED SEEING HER IN *CONSTANCE, & COULD SWEAR AT HER WITH LITTLE EFFORT FOR DISAPPOINTING ME. - *HENRY HAS BEEN TO THE *WATERCOLOUR *EXHIBITION, WHICH OPEN'D ON *MONDAY,

& IS TO MEET US THERE AGAIN SOME MORNG*. - *IF *ELIZA CANNOT GO - (& SHE HAS A COLD AT PRESENT) *MISS *BEATY WILL BE INVITED TO BE MY COMPANION. - *HENRY LEAVES *TOWN ON *SUNDAY AFTERNOON - BUT HE MEANS TO WRITE SOON HIMSELF TO *EDWARD - & WILL TELL HIS OWN PLANS. - *THE *TEA IS THIS MOMENT SETTING OUT. - *DO NOT HAVE YOUR COLD* MUSLIN UNLESS YOU REALLY WANT IT, BECAUSE *I AM AFRAID *I CD* NOT SEND IT TO THE *COACH WITHOUT GIVING TROUBLE HERE. - *ELIZA CAUGHT HER COLD ON *SUNDAY IN OUR WAY TO THE *D'*ENTRAIGUES ; - THE *HORSES ACTUALLY GIBBED ON THIS SIDE OF *HYDE *PARK *GATE - A LOAD OF FRESH GRAVEL MADE IT A FORMIDABLE *HILL TO THEM, AND THEY REFUSED THE COLLAR ; - *I BELIEVE THERE WAS A SORE SHOULDER TO IRRITATE. - *ELIZA WAS FRIGHTENED, & WE GOT OUT - & WERE DETAINED IN THE *EVENG* AIR SEVERAL MINUTES. - *THE COLD IS IN HER CHEST - BUT SHE TAKES CARE OF HER+ SELF/, & *I HOPE IT MAY NOT LAST LONG. - *THIS ENGAGEMENT PREVENTED *MR* WALTER'S STAYING LATE - HE HAD HIS COFFEE & WENT AWAY. - *ELIZA ENJOYED HER EVENG* VERY MUCH & MEANS TO CULTIVATE THE ACQUAINTANCE - & *I SEE NOTHING TO DISLIKE IN THEM, BUT THEIR TAKING QUANTITIES OF SNUFF. - *MONSIEUR THE OLD *COUNT, IS A VERY FINE LOOKING MAN, WITH QUIET MANNERS, GOOD ENOUGH FOR AN *ENGLISHMAN - & *I BELIEVE IS A *MAN OF GREAT *INFORMA+ TION/ & *TASTE. *HE HAS SOME FINE *PAINTINGS, WHICH DELIGHTED *HENRY AS MUCH AS THE *SON'S MUSIC GRATIFIED *ELIZA - & AMONG THEM, A *MINIATURE OF *PHILIP 5. OF *SPAIN, *LOUIS 14.S *GRANDSON, WHICH EXACTLY SUITED $MY$ CAPACITY. - *COUNT *JULIEN'S PERFORMANCE IS VERY WON+ DERFUL/. *WE MET ONLY *MRS** *LATOUCHE & *MISS *EAST - & WE ARE JUST NOW ENGAGED TO SPEND NEXT *SUNDAY *EVENG* AT *MRS** *L.*S - & TO MEET THE *D'*ENTRAIGUES ; - BUT *M. LE *COMTE MUST DO WITHOUT *HENRY. *IF HE WD* BUT SPEAK

ENGLISH, $*I$ WOULD TAKE TO HIM. - *HAVE YOU EVER MEN+ TIONED/ THE LEAVING OFF *TEA TO *MRS** *K. ? - *ELIZA HAS JUST SPOKEN OF IT AGAIN. - *THE *BENEFIT $SHE$ HAS FOUND FROM IT IN SLEEPING, HAS BEEN VERY GREAT. - *I SHALL WRITE SOON TO *CATHERINE TO FIX MY DAY, WHICH WILL BE *THURSDAY. - *WE HAVE NO ENGAGEMENTS BUT FOR *SUNDAY. *ELIZA'S COLD MAKES QUIET ADVISEABLE. - *HER PARTY IS MENTIONED IN THIS MORNING'S PAPER. *I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF POOR *FANNY'S STATE. - *FROM $THAT$ QUARTER *I SUPPOSE IS TO BE THE ALLOY OF HER HAPPINESS. - *I $WILL$ HAVE NO MORE TO SAY. - *YRS** AFFECLY** *J. *A. *GIVE MY *LOVE PARTICULARLY TO MY *GOD-DAUGHTER. *SLOANE *ST* *TUESDAY. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I HAD SENT OFF MY *LETTER YESTERDAY BEFORE YOURS CAME, WHICH *I WAS SORRY FOR ; BUT AS *ELIZA HAS BEEN SO GOOD AS TO GET ME A FRANK, YOUR QUESTIONS SHALL BE ANSWERED WITHOUT MUCH FURTHER EXPENSE TO YOU. - *THE BEST DIRECTION TO *HENRY AT *OXFORD WILL BE $*THE$ $*BLUE *BOAR, *CORNMARKET. - *I$ DO $NOT$ MEAN TO PROVIDE ANOTHER TRIMMING FOR MY *PELISSE, FOR *I AM DETERMINED TO SPEND NO MORE MONEY, SO *I SHALL WEAR IT AS IT IS, LONGER THAN *I OUGHT, & THEN - *I DO NOT KNOW. - *MY HEAD DRESS WAS A *BUGLE BAND LIKE THE BORDER TO MY

GOWN, & A FLOWER OF *MRS. *TILSON'S. - *I DEPENDED UPON HEARING SOMETHING OF THE *EVENG* FROM *MR. *W. *K. - & AM VERY WELL SATISFIED WITH HIS NOTICE OF ME. " *A PLEASING LOOKING YOUNG WOMAN," - THAT MUST DO ; - ONE CANNOT PRETEND TO ANYTHING BETTER NOW - THANKFUL TO HAVE IT CONTINUED A FEW YEARS LONGER ! - *IT GIVES ME SINCERE PLEASURE TO HEAR OF *MRS. *KNIGHT'S HAVING HAD A TOLERABLE NIGHT AT LAST - BUT UPON THIS OCCASION *I WISH SHE HAD ANOTHER NAME, FOR THE TWO $*NIGHTS$ JINGLE VERY MUCH. - *WE HAVE TRIED TO GET *SELF-CONTROUL, BUT IN VAIN. - *I $SHOULD$ LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HER *ESTIMATE IS - BUT AM ALWAYS HALF AFRAID OF FINDING A CLEVER NOVEL $TOO CLEVER - &$ OF FINDING MY OWN STORY AND MY OWN PEOPLE ALL FORESTALLED. *ELIZA HAS JUST RECD* A FEW LINES FROM *HENRY TO ASSURE HER OF THE GOOD CONDUCT OF HIS *MARE. *HE SLEPT AT *UXBRIDGE ON *SUNDAY, & WROTE FROM *WHEATFIELD. - *WE WERE NOT CLAIMED BY *HANS PLACE YESTERDAY, BUT ARE TO DINE THERE TODAY. - *MR. *TILSON CALLED IN THE EVENG*. - BUT OTHERWISE WE WERE QUITE ALONE ALL DAY, & AFTER HAVING BEEN OUT A GOOD DEAL, THE CHANGE WAS VERY PLEASANT. - *I LIKE YOUR OPINION OF *MISS *ALLEN MUCH BETTER THAN *I EXPECTED, & HAVE NOW HOPES OF HER STAYING A WHOLE TWELVE+ MONTH/. - *BY THIS TIME *I SUPPOSE SHE IS HARD AT IT, GOVERNING AWAY - POOR CREATURE ! *I PITY HER, THO' THEY $ARE$ MY NEICES. *OH ! YES, *I REMEMBER *MISS *EMMA *PLUMBTREE'S $*LOCAL$ CONSEQUENCE PERFECTLY. - "*I AM IN A *DILEMMA, FOR WANT OF AN *EMMA," " *ESCAPED FROM THE *LIPS, OF *HENRY *GIPPS." - - *BUT REALLY, *I WAS NEVER MUCH MORE PUT TO IT, THAN IN CONTRIVING AN ANSWER TO *FANNY'S FORMER MESSAGE. *WHAT IS THERE TO BE SAID ON THE SUBJECT ? - *PERY PELL - OR PARE PEY ? OR PO. - OR AT THE MOST, *PI POPE PEY PIKE

PIT. - *I CONGRATULATE *EDWARD ON THE *WEALD OF *KENT *CANAL-*BILL BEING PUT OFF TILL ANOTHER *SESSION, AS *I HAVE JUST HAD THE PLEASURE OF READING. *THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE HOPED FROM *DELAY. - " *BETWEEN *SESSION AND *SESSION / "*AND THE VILLAINOUS *BILL " " *THE FIRST *PREPOSSESSION" / "*MAY BE FORCED TO LIE STILL " " *MAY ROUSE UP THE *NATION, / " *AGAINST *WICKED *MEN"S WILL." *THERE IS POETRY FOR *EDWARD AND HIS *DAUGHTER. *I AM AFRAID *I SHALL NOT HAVE ANY FOR YOU. - *I FORGOT TO TELL YOU IN MY LAST, THAT OUR COUSIN *MISS *PAYNE CALLED IN ON *SATURDAY & WAS PERSUADED TO STAY DINNER. - *SHE TOLD US A GREAT DEAL ABOUT HER FRIEND *LADY *CATH. *BRECKNELL, WHO IS MOST HAPPILY MARRIED - & *MR. *BRECKNELL IS VERY RELIGIOUS, & HAS GOT BLACK *WHISKERS. - *I AM GLAD TO THINK THAT *EDWD* HAS A TOLERABLE DAY FOR HIS DRIVE TO *GOODNESTONE, & $VERY$ GLAD TO HEAR OF HIS KIND PROMISE OF BRINGING YOU TO *TOWN. *I HOPE EVERYTHING WILL ARRANGE ITSELF FAVOURABLY. *THE 16TH** IS NOW TO BE *MRS. *DUNDAS'S DAY. - *I MEAN, IF *I CAN, TO WAIT FOR YOUR RETURN, BEFORE *I HAVE MY NEW GOWN MADE UP - FROM A NOTION OF THEIR MAKING UP TO MORE ADVANTAGE TOGETHER - & AS *I FIND THE *MUSLIN IS NOT SO WIDE AS IT $USED TO BE$, SOME CONTRIVANCE MAY BE NECES+ SARY/. - *I EXPECT THE *SKIRT TO REQUIRE ONE HALF BREADTH CUT IN GORES, BESIDES TWO *WHOLE BREADTHS. - *ELIZA HAS NOT YET QUITE RESOLVED ON INVITING *ANNA - BUT *I THINK SHE WILL. - *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *JANE

*CHAWTON : *WEDNESDAY *MAY 29 *IT WAS A MISTAKE OF MINE, MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, TO TALK OF A TENTH CHILD AT *HAMSTALL. *I HAD FORGOT THERE WERE BUT EIGHT ALREADY. *YOUR ENQUIRY AFTER MY UNCLE AND AUNT WERE MOST HAPPILY TIMED, FOR THE VERY SAME POST BROUGHT AN ACCOUNT OF THEM. *THEY ARE AGAIN AT *GLOUCESTER *HOUSE ENJOYING FRESH AIR, WHICH THEY SEEM TO HAVE FELT THE WANT OF IN *BATH, AND ARE TOLERABLY WELL, BUT NOT MORE THAN TOLERABLE. *MY AUNT DOES NOT ENTER INTO PARTI+ CULARS/, BUT SHE DOES NOT WRITE IN SPIRITS, AND WE IMAGINE THAT SHE HAS NEVER ENTIRELY GOT THE BETTER OF HER DISORDER IN THE WINTER. *MRS. *WELBY TAKES HER OUT AIRING IN HER BAROUCHE, WHICH GIVES HER A HEADACHE - A COMFORTABLE PROOF, *I SUPPOSE, OF THE USELESSNESS OF THE NEW CARRIAGE WHEN THEY HAVE GOT IT. *YOU CERTAINLY MUST HAVE HEARD BEFORE *I CAN TELL YOU THAT *COL. *ORDE HAS MARRIED OUR COUSIN, *MARGT. *BECK+ FORD/, THE *MARCHESS. OF *DOUGLAS'S SISTER. *THE PAPERS SAY THAT HER FATHER DISINHERITS HER, BUT *I THINK TOO WELL OF AN *ORDE TO SUPPOSE THAT SHE HAS NOT A HAND+ SOME/ INDEPENDENCE OF HER OWN. *THE CHICKEN ARE ALL ALIVE AND FIT FOR THE TABLE, BUT WE SAVE THEM FOR SOMETHING GRAND. *SOME OF THE FLOWER SEEDS ARE COMING UP VERY WELL, BUT YOUR MIGNONETTE MAKES A WRETCHED APPEARANCE. *MISS *BENN HAS BEEN EQUALLY UNLUCKY AS TO HERS. *SHE HAD SEED

FROM FOUR DIFFERENT PEOPLE, AND NONE OF IT COMES UP. *OUR YOUNG PIONY AT THE FOOT OF THE FIR-TREE HAS JUST BLOWN AND LOOKS VERY HANDSOME, AND THE WHOLE OF THE SHRUBBERY BORDER WILL SOON BE VERY GAY WITH PINKS AND SWEET-WILLIAMS, IN ADDITION TO THE COLUMBINES ALREADY IN BLOOM. *THE SYRINGAS, TOO, ARE COMING OUT. *WE ARE LIKELY TO HAVE A GREAT CROP OF *ORLEANS PLUMBS, BUT NOT MANY GREENGAGES - ON THE STANDARD SCARCELY ANY, THREE OR FOUR DOZEN, PERHAPS, AGAINST THE WALL. *I BELIEVE *I TOLD YOU DIFFERENTLY WHEN *I FIRST CAME HOME, BUT *I CAN NOW JUDGE BETTER THAN *I COULD THEN. *I HAVE HAD A MEDLEY AND SATISFACTORY LETTER THIS MORNING FROM THE HUSBAND AND WIFE AT *COWES ; AND, IN CONSEQUENCE OF WHAT IS RELATED OF THEIR PLANS, WE HAVE BEEN TAKING OVER THE POSSIBILITY OF INVITING THEM HERE IN THEIR WAY FROM *STEVENTON, WHICH IS WHAT ONE SHOULD WISH TO DO, AND IS, *I DARESAY, WHAT THEY EXPECT ; BUT, SUPPOSING *MARTHA TO BE AT HOME, IT DOES NOT SEEM A VERY EASY THING TO ACCOMMODATE SO LARGE A PARTY. *MY MOTHER OFFERS TO GIVE UP HER ROOM TO *FRANK AND *MARY, BUT THERE WILL THEN BE ONLY THE BEST FOR TWO MAIDS AND THREE CHILDREN. *THEY GO TO *STEVENTON ABOUT THE 22ND, AND *I $GUESS$ - FOR IT IS QUITE A GUESS - WILL STAY THERE FROM A FORTNIGHT TO THREE WEEKS. *I MUST NOT VENTURE TO PRESS *MISS *SHARPE'S COMING AT PRESENT ; WE MAY HARDLY BE AT LIBERTY BEFORE *AUGUST. *POOR *JOHN *BRIDGES ! WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR HIS SITUATION AND FOR THE DISTRESS OF THE FAMILY. *LADY *B. IS IN $ONE WAY$ SEVERELY TRIED. *AND OUR OWN DEAR BROTHER SUFFERS A GREAT DEAL, *I DARE SAY, ON THE OCCASION. *I HAVE NOT MUCH TO SAY OF OURSELVES. *ANNA IS NURSING A COLD CAUGHT IN THE ARBOUR AT *FARINGDON, THAT

SHE MAY BE ABLE TO KEEP HER ENGAGEMENT TO *MARIA *M. THIS EVENING, WHEN *I SUPPOSE SHE WILL MAKE IT WORSE. *SHE DID NOT RETURN FROM *FARINGDON TILL *SUNDAY, WHEN *H. *B. WALKED HOME WITH HER, AND DRANK TEA HERE. *SHE WAS WITH THE *PROWTINGS ALMOST ALL *MONDAY. *SHE WENT TO LEARN TO MAKE FEATHER TRIMMINGS OF *MISS *ANNA, AND THEY KEPT HER TO DINNER, WHICH WAS RATHER LUCKY, AS WE WERE CALLED UPON TO MEET *MRS. AND *MISS *TERRY THE SAME EVENING AT THE *DIGWEEDS ; AND, THOUGH *ANNA WAS OF COURSE INVITED TOO, *I THINK IT ALWAYS SAFEST TO KEEP HER AWAY FROM THE FAMILY LEST SHE SHOULD BE DOING TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH. *MRS. *TERRY, *MARY, AND *ROBERT, WITH MY AUNT *HARDING AND HER DAUGHTER, CAME FROM *DUMMER FOR A DAY AND A NIGHT - ALL VERY AGREEABLE AND VERY MUCH DELIGHTED WITH THE NEW HOUSE AND WITH *CHAWTON IN GENERAL. *WE SAT UPSTAIRS AND HAD THUNDER AND LIGHTNING AS USUAL. *I NEVER KNEW SUCH A SPRING FOR THUNDER-+ STORMS AS IT HAS BEEN. *THANK *GOD ! WE HAVE HAD NO BAD ONES HERE. *I THOUGHT MYSELF IN LUCK TO HAVE MY UNCOMFORTABLE FEELINGS SHARED BY THE MISTRESS OF THE HOUSE, AS THAT PROCURED BLINDS AND CANDLES. *IT HAD BEEN EXCESSIVELY HOT THE WHOLE DAY. *MRS. *HARDING IS A GOOD-LOOKING WOMAN, BUT NOT MUCH LIKE *MRS. *TOKE, INASMUCH AS SHE IS VERY BROWN AND HAS SCARCELY ANY TEETH; SHE SEEMS TO HAVE SOME OF *MRS. *TOKE'S CIVILITY BUT DOES NOT PROFESS BEING SO SILLY. *MISS *H. IS AN ELEGANT, PLEASING, PRETTY-LOOKING GIRL, ABOUT NINETEEN, *I SUPPOSE, OR NINETEEN AND A HALF, OR NINETEEN AND A QUARTER, WITH FLOWERS IN HER HEAD AND MUSIC AT HER FINGER ENDS. *SHE PLAYS VERY WELL INDEED. *I HAVE

SELDOM HEARD ANYBODY WITH MORE PLEASURE. *THEY WERE AT *GODINGTON FOUR OR FIVE YEARS AGO. *MY COUSIN, *FLORA *LONG, WAS THERE LAST YEAR. $*MY$ NAME IS *DIANA. *HOW DOES *FANNY LIKE IT? *WHAT A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER! *WE HAVE A FIRE AGAIN NOW. *HARRIET *BENN SLEEPS AT THE *GREAT *HOUSE TO-NIGHT AND SPENDS TO-MORROW WITH US ; AND THE PLAN IS THAT WE SHOULD ALL WALK WITH HER TO DRINK TEA AT *FARINGDON, FOR HER MOTHER IS NOW RECOVERED, BUT THE STATE OF THE WEATHER IS NOT VERY PROMISING AT PRESENT. *MISS *BENN HAS BEEN RETURNED TO HER COTTAGE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF LAST WEEK, AND HAS NOW JUST GOT ANOTHER GIRL ; SHE COMES FROM *ALTON. *FOR MANY DAYS *MISS *B. HAD NOBODY WITH HER BUT HER NIECE *ELIZABETH, WHO WAS DELIGHTED TO BE HER VISITOR AND HER MAID. *THEY BOTH DINED HERE ON *SATURDAY WHILE *ANNA WAS AT *FARINGDON ; AND LAST NIGHT AN ACCIDENTAL MEETING AND A SUDDEN IMPULSE PRODUCED *MISS *BENN AND *MARIA *MIDDLETON AT OUR TEA-TABLE. *IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD IT IS VERY FIT YOU SHOULD, THAT *MR. *HARRISON HAS HAD THE LIVING OF *FAREHAM GIVEN HIM BY THE *BISHOP, AND IS GOING TO RESIDE THERE ; AND NOW IT IS SAID THAT *MR. *PEACH (BEAUTIFUL WISEACRE) WANTS TO HAVE THE CURACY OF *OVERTON, AND, IF HE $DOES$ LEAVE *WOOTTON, *JAMES *DIGWEED WISHES TO GO THERE. *FARE YOU WELL. *YOURS AFFECTIONATELY, *JANE *AUSTEN *THE CHIMNEYS AT THE *GREAT *HOUSE ARE DONE. *MR. *PROWTING HAS OPENED A GRAVEL PIT, VERY CONVENIENTLY FOR MY MOTHER, JUST AT THE MOUTH OF THE APPROACH TO HIS HOUSE ; BUT IT LOOKS A LITTLE AS IF HE MEANT TO CATCH ALL HIS COMPANY. *TOLERABLE GRAVEL.

*CHAWTON *FRIDAY *MAY 31ST**. - *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I HAVE A MAGNIFICENT PROJECT. - *THE *COOKES HAVE PUT OFF THEIR VISIT TO US ; THEY ARE NOT WELL ENOUGH TO LEAVE HOME AT PRESENT, & WE HAVE NO CHANCE OF SEEING THEM TILL *I DO NOT KNOW WHEN - PROBABLY NEVER, IN THIS HOUSE. *THIS CIRCUMSTANCE HAS MADE ME THINK THE PRESENT TIME WOULD BE FAVOURABLE FOR *MISS *SHARP'S COMING TO US ; IT SEEMS A MORE DISENGAGED PERIOD WITH US, THAN WE ARE LIKELY TO HAVE LATER IN THE SUMMER ; IF *FRANK & *MARY DO COME, IT CAN HARDLY BE BEFORE THE MIDDLE OF *JULY, WHICH WILL BE ALLOWING A REASONABLE LENGTH OF VISIT FOR *MISS *SHARPE SUPPOSING SHE BEGINS IT WHEN YOU RETURN ; & IF YOU & *MARTHA DO NOT DISLIKE THE PLAN, & SHE CAN AVAIL HERSELF OF IT, THE OPPORTUNITY OF HER BEING CONVEYED HITHER WILL BE EXCELLENT. - *I SHALL WRITE TO *MARTHA BY THIS POST, & IF NEITHER *YOU NOR SHE MAKE ANY OBJECTION TO MY PROPOSAL, *I SHALL MAKE THE INVITATION DIRECTLY - & AS THERE IS NO TIME TO LOSE, YOU MUST WRITE BY RETURN OF POST IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON FOR NOT WISHING IT DONE. - *IT WAS HER INTENTION *I BELEIVE TO GO FIRST TO *MRS. *LLOYD - BUT SUCH A MEANS OF GETTING HERE MAY INFLUENCE HER OTHERWISE. - *WE HAVE HAD A *THUNDER STORM AGAIN THIS MORNG*. *YOUR LETTER CAME TO COMFORT ME FOR IT. - *I HAVE TAKEN YOUR HINT, SLIGHT AS IT WAS, & HAVE WRITTEN TO *MRS. *KNIGHT, & MOST

SINCERELY DO *I HOPE IT WILL NOT BE IN VAIN. *I CANNOT ENDURE THE IDEA OF HER GIVING AWAY HER OWN WHEEL, & HAVE TOLD HER NO MORE THAN THE TRUTH, IN SAYING THAT *I COULD NEVER USE IT WITH COMFORT ; - *I HAD A GREAT MIND TO ADD THAT IF SHE PERSISTED IN GIVING IT, *I WOULD SPIN NOTHING WITH IT BUT A ROPE TO HANG MYSELF - BUT *I WAS AFRAID OF MAKING IT APPEAR A LESS SERIOUS MATTER OF FEELING THAN IT REALLY IS. - *I AM GLAD YOU ARE SO WELL YOURSELF, & WISH EVERYBODY ELSE WERE EQUALLY SO. - *I WILL NOT SAY THAT YOUR *MULBERRY TREES ARE DEAD, BUT *I AM AFRAID THEY ARE NOT ALIVE. *WE SHALL HAVE PEASE SOON - *I MEAN TO HAVE THEM WITH A COUPLE OF *DUCKS FROM *WOOD *BARN & *MARIA *MIDDLETON TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT WEEK. - *FROM *MONDAY TO *WEDNESDAY *ANNA IS TO BE ENGAGED AT *FARINGDON, IN ORDER THAT SHE MAY COME IN FOR THE *GAIETIES OF *TUESDAY (YE* 4TH**), ON *SELBOURNE *COMMON, WHERE THERE ARE TO BE *VOLUNTEERS & *FELICITIES OF ALL KINDS. *HARRIOT *B. IS INVITED TO SPEND THE DAY WITH THE *JOHN *WHITES, & HER *FATHER & *MOTHER HAVE VERY KINDLY UNDERTAKEN TO GET *ANNA INVITED ALSO. - *HARRIOT AND *ELIZ. DINED HERE YESTERDAY, & WE WALKED BACK WITH THEM TO *TEA ; - NOT MY *MOTHER - SHE HAS A COLD WHICH AFFECTS HER IN THE USUAL WAY, & WAS NOT EQUAL TO THE WALK. - *SHE IS BETTER THIS MORNG* & *I HOPE WILL SOON PHYSICK AWAY THE WORST PART OF IT. - *IT HAS NOT CONFINED HER ; SHE HAS GOT OUT EVERY DAY THAT THE WEATHER HAS ALLOWED HER. - *POOR *ANNA IS ALSO SUFFERING FROM $HER$ COLD WHICH IS WORSE TODAY, BUT AS SHE HAS NO SORE THROAT *I HOPE IT MAY SPEND ITSELF BY *TUESDAY. *SHE HAD A DELIGHTFUL *EVENG* WITH THE *MISS *MIDDLETONS - *SYLLABUB, *TEA, *COFFEE, *SINGING, *DANCING, A *HOT *SUPPER, ELEVEN O'CLOCK, EVERYTHING THAT CAN BE IMAGINED AGREABLE. - *SHE DESIRES HER BEST *LOVE TO

*FANNY, & WILL ANSWER HER LETTER BEFORE SHE LEAVES *CHAWTON, & ENGAGES TO SEND HER A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE *SELBOURNE DAY. *WE CANNOT AGREE AS TO WHICH IS THE ELDEST OF THE TWO *MISS *PLUMBTREES ; - SEND US WORD. *HAVE YOU REMEMBERED TO COLLECT PEICES FOR THE *PATCHWORK ? - *WE ARE NOW AT A STAND STILL. *I GOT UP HERE TO LOOK FOR THE OLD *MAP & CAN NOW TELL YOU THAT IT SHALL BE SENT TOMORROW ; - IT WAS AMONG THE GREAT PARCEL IN THE *DINING ROOM. - *AS TO MY DEBT OF 3S*. 6 TO *EDWARD, *I MUST TROUBLE YOU TO PAY IT, WHEN YOU SETTLE WITH HIM FOR YOUR *BOOTS. - *WE BEGAN OUR *CHINA *TEA THREE DAYS AGO, & *I FIND IT VERY GOOD - MY COM+ PANIONS/ KNOW NOTHING OF THE MATTER. - *AS TO *FANNY, & HER 12 LB. IN A TWELVEMONTH, SHE MAY TALK TILL SHE IS AS BLACK IN THE FACE AS HER OWN *TEA, BUT *I CANNOT BELEIVE HER ; - MORE LIKELY 12 LB. TO A QUARTER. - *I HAVE A MESSAGE TO YOU FROM *MRS. *COOKE ; - THE SUBSTANCE OF IT IS THAT SHE HOPES YOU WILL TAKE *BOOKHAM IN YOUR WAY HOME, & STAY THERE AS LONG AS YOU CAN, & THAT WHEN YOU MUST LEAVE THEM, THEY WILL CONVEY YOU TO *GUILDFORD. - *YOU MAY BE SURE THAT IT IS VERY KINDLY WORDED - & THAT THERE IS NO WANT OF ATTENDANT *COMPTS** TO MY *BROTHER AND HIS FAMILY. - *I AM VERY SORRY FOR *MARY ; - BUT *I HAVE SOME COMFORT IN THERE BEING TWO *CURATES NOW LODGING IN *BOOKHAM, BESIDES THEIR OWN *MR. *WARNEFORD FROM *DORKING, SO THAT *I THINK SHE MUST FALL IN LOVE WITH ONE OR THE OTHER. - *HOW HORRIBLE IT IS TO HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE KILLED ! - *AND WHAT A BLESSING THAT ONE CARES FOR NONE OF THEM ! - *I RETURN TO MY *LETTER WRITING FROM CALLING ON *MISS *HARRIOT *WEBB, WHO IS SHORT & NOT QUITE STRAIGHT, & CANNOT PRONOUNCE AN *R ANY BETTER THAN HER *SISTERS - BUT SHE HAS DARK HAIR, A COMPLEXION TO SUIT, & *I THINK

HAS THE PLEASANTEST COUNTENANCE & MANNER OF THE THREE - THE MOST NATURAL. - *SHE APPEARS VERY WELL PLEASED WITH HER NEW *HOME - & THEY ARE ALL READING WITH DELIGHT *MRS. *H. MORE'S RECENT PUBLICATION. - *YOU CANNOT IMAGINE - IT IS NOT IN *HUMAN *NATURE TO IMAGINE WHAT A NICE WALK WE HAVE ROUND THE *ORCHARD. *THE ROW OF *BEECH LOOK VERY WELL INDEED, & SO DOES THE YOUNG *QUICKSET HEDGE IN THE *GARDEN. - *I HEAR TODAY THAT AN *APRICOT HAS BEEN DETECTED ON ONE OF THE *TREES. - *MY *MOTHER IS PERFECTLY CONVINCED $NOW$ THAT SHE SHALL NOT BE OVERPOWER'D BY HER *CLEFT *WOOD - & *I BELEIVE WOULD RATHER HAVE MORE THAN LESS. - *STRANGE TO TELL, *MR. *PROWTING WAS $NOT$ AT *MISS *LEE'S WEDDING - BUT HIS *DAUGHTERS HAD SOME CAKE, & *ANNA HAD HER SHARE OF IT. - *I CONTINUE TO LIKE OUR OLD *COOK QUITE AS WELL AS EVER - & BUT THAT *I AM AFRAID TO WRITE IN HER PRAISE, *I COULD SAY THAT SHE SEEMS JUST THE SERVANT FOR US. - *HER *COOKERY IS AT LEAST TOLERABLE ; - HER PASTRY IS THE ONLY DEFICIENCY. - *GOD BLESS YOU. - & *I HOPE *JUNE WILL FIND YOU WELL & BRING US TOGETHER. - *YRS** EVER *JANE *I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND THAT *I DO NOT EXPECT YOU TO WRITE ON *SUNDAY, IF YOU LIKE MY PLAN. - *I SHALL CONSIDER SILENCE AS CONSENT.

*CHAWTON *THURSDAY *JUNE 6. *BY THIS TIME MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA, YOU KNOW *MARTHA'S PLANS. *I WAS RATHER DISAPPOINTED *I CONFESS TO FIND THAT SHE COULD NOT LEAVE *TOWN TILL AFTER YE 24TH**, AS *I HAD HOPED TO SEE YOU HERE THE WEEK BEFORE. *THE DELAY HOWEVER IS NOT GREAT, & EVERYTHING SEEMS GENERALLY ARRANGING ITSELF FOR YOUR RETURN VERY COM+ FORTABLY/. *I FOUND *HENRY PERFECTLY PRE-DISPOSED TO BRING YOU TO *LONDON IF AGREABLE TO YOURSELF ; HE HAS NOT FIXED HIS DAY FOR $GOING$ INTO *KENT, BUT HE MUST BE BACK AGAIN BEFORE YE 20TH**. - *YOU MAY THEREFORE THINK WITH SOMETHING LIKE CERTAINTY OF THE CLOSE OF YOUR *GODMERSHAM VISIT, & WILL HAVE *I SUPPOSE ABOUT A WEEK FOR *SLOANE *ST. *HE TRAVELS IN HIS *GIG - & SHOULD THE WEATHER BE TOLERABLE, *I THINK YOU MUST HAVE A DELIGHT+ FUL/ *JOURNEY. - *I HAVE GIVEN UP ALL IDEA OF *MISS *SHARPE'S TRAVELLING WITH YOU & *MARTHA, FOR THO' YOU ARE BOTH ALL COMPLIANCE WITH MY SCHEME, YET AS $YOU$ KNOCK OFF A WEEK FROM THE END OF HER VISIT, & $*MARTHA$ RATHER MORE FROM THE BEGINNING, THE THING IS OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF *JULY WE SHALL BE HAPPY TO RECEIVE HER - & *I HAVE ADDED A WELCOME IF SHE COULD MAKE HER WAY HITHER $DIRECTLY ;$ BUT *I DO NOT EXPECT THAT SHE WILL. - *I HAVE ALSO SENT OUR INVITATION TO *COWES. - *WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR THE DISAPPOINTMENT YOU HAVE ALL HAD IN

*LADY *B.'S ILLNESS ; - BUT A DIVISION OF THE PROPOSED PARTY IS WITH YOU BY THIS TIME, & *I HOPE MAY HAVE BROUGHT YOU A BETTER ACCOUNT OF THE REST. - *GIVE MY *LOVE & *THANKS TO *HARRIOT ; - WHO HAS WRITTEN ME CHARMING THINGS OF YOUR LOOKS, & DIVERTED ME VERY MUCH BY POOR *MRS. *C. MILLES'S CONTINUED PERPLEXITY. - *I HAD A FEW LINES FROM *HENRY ON *TUESDAY TO PREPARE US FOR HIMSELF AND HIS FRIEND, & BY THE TIME THAT *I HAD MADE THE SUMPTUOUS PROVISION OF A NECK OF *MUTTON ON THE OCCASION, THEY DROVE INTO THE *COURT - BUT LEST YOU SHOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RECOLLECT IN HOW MANY HOURS A NECK OF *MUTTON MAY BE CERTAINLY PROCURED, *I ADD THAT THEY CAME A LITTLE AFTER TWELVE - BOTH TALL, & WELL, & IN THEIR DIFFERENT DEGREES, AGREABLE. - *IT WAS A VISIT OF ONLY 24 HOURS - BUT VERY PLEASANT WHILE IT LASTED. - *MR. *TILSON TOOK A SKETCH OF THE *GREAT *HOUSE BEFORE DINNER ; - & AFTER DINNER WE ALL THREE WALKED TO *CHAWTON *PARK, MEANING TO GO INTO IT, BUT IT WAS TOO DIRTY, & WE WERE OBLIGED TO KEEP ON THE OUTSIDE. *MR. *TILSON ADMIRED THE TREES VERY MUCH, BUT GREIVED THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE TURNED INTO MONEY. - *MY *MOTHER'S COLD IS BETTER, & *I BELEIVE SHE ONLY WANTS DRY WEATHER TO BE VERY WELL. *IT WAS A GREAT DISTRESS TO HER THAT *ANNA SHD* BE ABSENT, DURING HER *UNCLE'S VISIT - A DIS+ TRESS/ WHICH *I COULD NOT SHARE. - *SHE DOES NOT RETURN FROM *FARINGDON TILL THIS EVENG*, - & *I DOUBT NOT, HAS HAD PLENTY OF THE MISCELLANEOUS, UNSETTLED SORT OF HAPPINESS WHICH SEEMS TO SUIT HER BEST. - *WE HEAR FROM *MISS *BENN, WHO WAS ON THE *COMMON WITH THE *PROWTINGS, THAT SHE WAS VERY MUCH ADMIRED BY THE *GENTLEMEN IN GENERAL. - *I LIKE YOUR NEW *BONNETS EXCEEDINGLY, YOURS IS A SHAPE WHICH ALWAYS LOOKS WELL, & *I THINK *FANNY'S PARTICULARLY BECOMING TO HER. - *ON *MONDAY *I HAD THE

PLEASURE OF RECEIVING, UNPACKING & APPROVING OUR *WEDGWOOD WARE. *IT ALL CAME VERY SAFELY, & UPON THE WHOLE IS A GOOD MATCH, THO' *I THINK THEY MIGHT HAVE ALLOWED US RATHER LARGER LEAVES, ESPECIALLY IN SUCH A *YEAR OF FINE FOLIAGE AS THIS. *ONE IS APT TO SUPPOSE THAT THE *WOODS ABOUT *BIRMINGHAM MUST BE BLIGHTED. - *THERE WAS NO *BILL WITH THE *GOODS - BUT THAT SHALL NOT SCREEN THEM FROM BEING PAID. *I MEAN TO ASK *MARTHA TO SETTLE THE ACCOUNT. *IT WILL BE QUITE IN HER WAY, FOR SHE IS JUST NOW SENDING MY *MOTHER A *BREAK+ FAST/ SET, FROM THE SAME PLACE. *I HOPE IT WILL COME BY THE *WAGGON TOMORROW ; IT IS CERTAINLY WHAT WE WANT, & *I LONG TO KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE; & AS *I AM SURE *MARTHA HAS GREAT PLEASURE IN MAKING THE PRESENT, *I WILL NOT HAVE ANY REGRET. *WE HAVE CONSIDERABLE DEALINGS WITH THE *WAGGONS AT PRESENT ; A *HAMPER OF *PORT & *BRANDY FROM *SOUTHAMPTON, IS NOW IN THE *KITCHEN. - *YOUR ANSWER ABOUT THE *MISS *PLUMTREES, PROVES YOU AS FINE A *DANIEL AS EVER *PORTIA WAS ; - FOR $*I$ MAINTAINED *EMMA TO BE THE ELDEST. - *WE BEGAN *PEASE ON *SUNDAY, BUT OUR GATHERINGS ARE VERY SMALL - NOT AT ALL LIKE THE *GATHERING IN THE *LADY OF THE *LAKE. - *YESTERDAY *I HAD THE AGREABLE SURPRISE OF FINDING SEVERAL SCARLET STRAWBERRIES QUITE RIPE ; - HAD $YOU$ BEEN AT HOME, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A PLEASURE LOST. *THERE ARE MORE GOOSEBERRIES & FEWER CURRANTS THAN *I THOUGHT AT FIRST. - *WE MUST BUY CURRANTS FOR OUR *WINE. - *THE *DIGWEEDS ARE GONE DOWN TO SEE THE *STEPHEN *TERRYS AT *SOUTHAMPTON, & CATCH THE *KINGS BIRTHDAY AT *PORTSMOUTH. *MISS *PAPILLON CALLED ON US YESTERDAY, LOOKING HANDSOMER THAN EVER. - *MARIA *MIDDLETON & *MISS *BENN DINE HERE TOMORROW. - *WE ARE NOT TO ENCLOSE ANY MORE *LETTERS TO *ABINGDON *ST. AS PERHAPS *MARTHA HAS TOLD YOU. -

*I HAD JUST LEFT OFF WRITING & PUT ON MY *THINGS FOR WALKING TO *ALTON, WHEN *ANNA & HER FRIEND *HARRIOT CALLED IN THEIR WAY THITHER, SO WE WENT TOGETHER. *THEIR BUSINESS WAS TO PROVIDE MOURNING, AGAINST THE *KING'S DEATH ; & MY *MOTHER HAS HAD A *BOMBASIN BOUGHT FOR HER. - *I AM NOT SORRY TO BE BACK AGAIN, FOR THE YOUNG *LADIES HAD A GREAT DEAL TO DO - & WITHOUT MUCH METHOD IN DOING IT. - *ANNA DOES NOT COME HOME TILL TOMORROW MORNG*. - *SHE HAS WRITTEN *I FIND TO *FANNY - BUT THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A GREAT DEAL TO RELATE OF *TUESDAY. *I HAD HOPED THERE MIGHT BE *DANCING. - *MRS. *BUDD DIED ON *SUNDAY *EVENG*. *I SAW HER TWO DAYS BEFORE HER DEATH, & THOUGHT IT MUST HAPPEN SOON. *SHE SUFFERED MUCH FROM WEAKNESS & RESTLESSNESS ALMOST TO THE LAST. *POOR LITTLE *HARRIOT SEEMS TRUELY GREIVED. *YOU HAVE NEVER MENTIONED *HARRY ; - HOW IS HE ? - *WITH *LOVE TO *YOU ALL, *YRS** AFFECLY** *J. *A. *CHAWTON *SUNDAY EVENG* *JAN 24 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *THIS IS EXACTLY THE WEATHER WE COULD WISH FOR, IF YOU ARE BUT WELL ENOUGH TO ENJOY IT. *I SHALL BE GLAD TO

HEAR THAT YOU ARE NOT CONFINED TO THE HOUSE BY AN INCREASE OF COLD. *MR* *DIGWEED HAS USED US BASELY. *HANDSOME IS AS HANDSOME DOES, HE IS THEREFORE A VERY ILL-LOOKING MAN. *I HOPE YOU HAVE SENT OFF A LETTER TO ME BY THIS DAY'S POST, UNLESS YOU ARE TEMPTED TO WAIT TILL TO-MORROW BY ONE OF *MR* *CHUTE'S FRANKS. *WE HAVE HAD NO LETTER SINCE YOU WENT AWAY, & NO VISITOR EXCEPT *MISS *BENN, WHO DINED WITH US ON *FRIDAY ; BUT WE HAVE RECEIVED THE HALF OF AN EXCELLENT *STILTON CHEESE - WE PRESUME FROM *HENRY. *MY MOTHER IS VERY WELL & FINDS GREAT AMUSEMENT IN THE GLOVE-KNITTING, WHEN THIS PAIR IS FINISHED SHE MEANS TO KNIT ANOTHER, & AT PRESENT WANTS NO OTHER WORK. *WE QUITE RUN OVER WITH BOOKS. $*SHE$ HAS GOT *SIR *JOHN *CARR'S *TRAVELS IN *SPAIN FROM *MISS *B. & $*I$ AM READING A *SOCIETY OCTAVO, AN *ESSAY ON THE *MILITARY *POLICE & *INSTITUTIONS OF THE *BRITISH *EMPIRE BY *CAPT* *PASLEY OF THE *ENGINEERS, A BOOK WHICH *I PROTESTED AGAINST AT FIRST, BUT WHICH UPON TRIAL *I FIND DELIGHTFULLY WRITTEN & HIGHLY ENTER+ TAINING/. *I AM AS MUCH IN LOVE WITH THE AUTHOR AS EVER *I WAS WITH *CLARKSON OR *BUCHANAN, OR EVEN THE TWO *MR* *SMITHS OF THE CITY - THE FIRST SOLDIER *I EVER SIGHED FOR - BUT HE DOES WRITE WITH EXTRAORDINARY FORCE & SPIRIT. *YESTERDAY MOREOVER BROUGHT US *MRS** *GRANT'S LETTERS WITH *MR* WHITE'S COMPTS**. *BUT *I HAVE DISPOSED OF THEM, COMPTS** & ALL, FOR THE FIRST FORTNIGHT TO *MISS *PAPILLON - & AMONG SO MANY READERS OR RETAINERS OF BOOKS AS WE HAVE IN *CHAWTON *I DARESAY THERE WILL BE NO DIFFICULTY IN GETTING RID OF THEM FOR ANOTHER FORT+ NIGHT/ IF NECESSARY. *I LEARN FROM *SIR *J. *CARR THAT THERE IS NO *GOVERNMENT *HOUSE AT *GIBRALTAR. *I MUST ALTER IT TO THE *COMMISSIONER'S. *OUR PARTY ON *WEDNESDAY WAS NOT UNAGREEABLE, THO' AS USUAL WE WANTED A BETTER

*MASTER OF THE *HOUSE, ONE LESS ANXIOUS & FIDGETTY & MORE CONVERSIBLE. *IN CONSEQUENCE OF A CIVIL NOTE THAT MORNING FROM *MRS** *CLEMENT, *I WENT WITH HER & HER HUSBAND IN THEIR *TAX-CART - CIVILITY ON BOTH SIDES ; $*I$ WOULD RATHER HAVE WALKED, & NO DOUBT $THEY$ MUST HAVE WISHED *I HAD. *I RAN HOME WITH MY OWN DEAR *THOMAS AT NIGHT IN GREAT LUXURY. *THOMAS WAS VERY USEFUL. *WE WERE ELEVEN ALTOGETHER, AS YOU WILL FIND ON COMPUTATION ADDING *MISS *BENN & TWO STRANGE GENTLEMEN, A *MR* *TWYFORD CURATE OF *GT* *WORLDHAM, WHO IS LIVING IN *ALTON, & HIS FRIEND *MR* *WILKES. *I DON'T KNOW THAT *MR* *T. IS ANYTHING EXCEPT VERY DARK-+ COMPLEXIONED/, BUT *MR* *W. WAS A USEFUL ADDITION, BEING AN EASY, TALKING, PLEASANTISH YOUNG MAN - A $VERY$ YOUNG MAN, HARDLY 20 PERHAPS. *HE IS OF *ST* *JOHN'S *CAM+ BRIDGE/ & SPOKE VERY HIGHLY OF *H. *WALTER AS A SCHOLLAR. HE SAID HE WAS CONSIDERED AS THE BEST CLASSICK IN THE *UNIVERSITY. *HOW SUCH A REPORT WOULD HAVE INTERESTED MY FATHER ! *I COULD SEE NOTHING VERY PROMISING BETWEEN *MR* *P. & MISS *P. *T. SHE PLACED HERSELF ON ONE SIDE OF HIM AT FIRST, BUT *MISS *BENN OBLIGED HER TO MOVE UP HIGHER ; & SHE HAD AN EMPTY PLATE, & EVEN ASKED HIM TO GIVE HER SOME MUTTON TWICE WITHOUT BEING ATTENDED TO FOR SOME TIME. *THERE MIGHT BE DESIGN IN THIS, TO BE SURE, ON HIS SIDE ; HE MIGHT THINK AN EMPTY STOMACH THE MOST FAVOURABLE FOR LOVE. *UPON *MRS** *DIGWEED'S MENTIONING THAT SHE HAD SENT THE *REJECTED *ADDRESSES TO *MR* *HINTON, *I BEGAN TALKING TO HER A LITTLE ABOUT THEM, & EXPRESSED MY HOPE OF THEIR HAVING AMUSED HER. *HER ANSWER WAS " *OH DEAR YES, VERY MUCH, VERY DROLL INDEED - THE OPENING OF THE *HOUSE, & THE STRIKING UP OF THE *FIDDLES ! " *WHAT SHE MEANT POOR WOMAN, WHO SHALL SAY ? *I SOUGHT NO

FARTHER. *THE *PAPILLONS HAVE NOW GOT THE BOOK, & LIKE IT VERY MUCH ; THEIR NEICE *ELEANOR HAS RECOMMENDED IT MOST WARMLY TO THEM. $*SHE$ LOOKS LIKE A REJECTED ADDRESSER. *AS SOON AS A WHIST PARTY WAS FORMED, & A ROUND TABLE THREATENED, *I MADE MY MOTHER AN EXCUSE & CAME AWAY, LEAVING JUST AS MANY FOR $THEIR$ ROUND TABLE AS THERE WERE AT *MRS** *GRANTS. *I WISH THEY MIGHT BE AS AGREEABLE A SET. *IT WAS PAST 10 WHEN *I GOT HOME, SO *I WAS NOT ASHAMED OF MY DUTIFUL DELICACY. *THE *COULTHARDS WERE TALKED OF YOU MAY BE SURE, NO END OF $THEM.$ *MISS *TERRY HAD HEARD THEY WERE GOING TO RENT *MR* *BRAMSTON'S HOUSE AT *OAKLEY, & *MRS** *CLEMENT THAT THEY WERE GOING TO LIVE AT *STREATHAM. *MRS** *DIGWEED & *I AGREED THAT THE HOUSE AT *OAKLEY COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE LARGE ENOUGH FOR THEM, & NOW WE FIND THEY HAVE REALLY TAKEN IT. *MR* *GAUNTLETT IS THOUGHT VERY AGREEABLE - & THERE ARE $NO$ CHILDREN AT ALL. *THE *MISS *SIBLEYS WANT TO ESTABLISH A *BOOK *SOCIETY IN THEIR SIDE OF THE COUNTRY, LIKE OURS. *WHAT CAN BE A STRONGER PROOF OF THAT SUPERIORITY IN OURS OVER THE *STEVENTON & *MANYDOWN SOCIETY, WHICH *I HAVE ALWAYS FORESEEN & FELT ? *NO EMULATION OF THE KIND WAS EVER INSPIRED BY $THEIR$ PROCEEDINGS. *NO SUCH WISH OF THE *MISS *SIBLEYS WAS EVER HEARD IN THE COURSE OF THE MANY YEARS OF THAT *SOCIETY'S EXISTENCE. *AND WHAT ARE THEIR *BIGLANDS & THEIR *BARROWS, THEIR *MACARTNEYS & *MAC+ KENZIES/ TO *CAPT* *PASLEY'S *ESSAY ON THE *MILITARY POLICE OF THE *BRITISH *EMPIRE, & THE REJECTED ADDRESSES ? *I HAVE WALKED ONCE TO *ALTON, & YESTERDAY *MISS *PAPILLON & *I WALKED TOGETHER TO CALL ON THE *GARNETS. *SHE INVITED HERSELF VERY PLEASANTLY TO BE MY COM+ PANION/, WHEN *I WENT TO PROPOSE TO HER THE INDULGENCE OF ACCOMMODATING US ABOUT THE *LETTERS FROM THE

*MOUNTAINS. $*I$ HAD A VERY AGREEABLE WALK, & IF $SHE$ HAD NOT, MORE SHAME FOR HER, FOR *I WAS QUITE AS ENTERTAINING AS SHE WAS. *DAME *G. IS PRETTY WELL, & WE FOUND HER SURROUNDED BY HER WELL-BEHAVED, HEALTHY, LARGE-EYED CHILDREN. *I TOOK HER AN OLD SHIFT, & PRO+ MISED/ HER A SET OF OUR *LINEN, & MY COMPANION LEFT SOME OF HER *BANK *STOCK WITH HER. *TUESDAY HAS DONE ITS DUTY & *I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF READING A VERY COMFORTABLE LETTER. *IT CONTAINS SO MUCH THAT *I FEEL OBLIGED TO WRITE DOWN THE WHOLE OF THIS PAGE, & PERHAPS SOMETHING IN A COVER. *WHEN MY PARCEL IS FINISHED *I SHALL WALK WITH IT TO *ALTON. *I BELIEVE *MISS *BENN WILL GO WITH ME. *SHE SPENT YESTERDAY EVENING WITH US. *AS *I KNOW *MARY IS INTERESTED IN HER NOT BEING NEGLECTED BY HER NEIGHBOURS, PRAY TELL HER THAT *MISS *B DINED LAST *WEDNESDAY AT *MR* *PAPILLON'S - ON *THURSDAY WITH *CAPT* & *MRS** CLEMENT - FRIDAY HERE, *SATURDAY WITH *MRS** *DIGWEED, & *SUNDAY WITH THE *PAPILLONS AGAIN. *I HAD FANCIED THAT *MARTHA WD* BE AT *BARTON FROM LAST *SATUR+ DAY/, BUT AM BEST PLEASED TO BE MISTAKEN. *I HOPE SHE IS NOW QUITE WELL. *TELL HER THAT *I HUNT AWAY THE ROGUES EVERY NIGHT FROM UNDER HER BED, THEY FEEL THE DIFFERENCE OF HER BEING GONE. *MISS *BENN WORE HER NEW SHAWL LAST NIGHT, SAT IN IT THE WHOLE EVENING, & SEEMED TO ENJOY IT VERY MUCH. "*A VERY SLOPPY LANE" LAST *FRIDAY. *WHAT AN ODD SORT OF COUNTRY YOU MUST BE IN! *I CANNOT AT ALL UNDER+ STAND/ IT! *IT WAS JUST GREASY HERE ON *FRIDAY IN CONSE+ QUENCE/ OF THE LITTLE SNOW THAT HAD FALLEN IN THE NIGHT. *PERHAPS IT $WAS$ COLD ON *WEDNESDAY, YES *I BELIEVE IT CERTAINLY WAS, BUT NOTHING TERRIBLE. *UPON THE WHOLE THE WEATHER FOR WINTER WEATHER IS DELIGHTFUL, THE WALK+ ING/ EXCELLENT. *I CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT SORT OF A PLACE

*STEVENTON CAN BE ! *MY MOTHER SENDS HER LOVE TO *MARY, WITH THANKS FOR HER KIND INTENTIONS & ENQUIRIES AS TO THE *PORK & WILL PREFER RECEIVING HER SHARE FROM THE TWO $LAST$ *PIGS : SHE HAS GREAT PLEASURE IN SENDING HER A PAIR OF GARTERS, & IS VERY GLAD THAT SHE HAD THEM READY KNIT. *HER LETTER TO *ANNA IS TO BE FORWARDED IF ANY OPPORTUNITY OFFERS, OTHERWISE IT MAY WAIT FOR HER RETURN. *MRS** *LEIGH'S LETTER CAME THIS MORNING, WE ARE GLAD TO HEAR ANYTHING SO TOLERABLE OF *SCARLETS. *POOR *CHARLES & HIS FRIGATE - *BUT THERE COULD BE NO CHANCE OF HIS HAVING ONE, WHILE IT WAS THOUGHT SUCH A CER+ TAINTY/. *I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE *BROTHER *MICHAEL'S NEWS. *WE HAVE NO SUCH IDEA IN *CHAWTON AT LEAST. *MRS** *BRAMSTON IS THE SORT OF WOMAN *I DETEST. *MR* *COTTRELL IS WORTH TEN OF HER. *IT IS BETTER TO BE GIVEN THE LIE DIRECT THAN TO EXCITE NO INTEREST.... *CHAWTON *FRIDAY *JANY* 29 *I HOPE YOU RECEIVED MY LITTLE PARCEL BY *J. BOND ON *WEDNESDAY EVENING MY DEAR *CASSANDRA, & THAT YOU WILL BE READY TO HEAR FROM ME AGAIN ON *SUNDAY, FOR *I FEEL THAT *I MUST WRITE TO YOU TO-DAY. *YOUR PARCEL IS SAFELY ARRIVED & EVERYTHING SHALL BE DELIVERED AS IT OUGHT. *THANK YOU FOR YOUR NOTE. *AS YOU HAD NOT HEARD FROM ME AT THAT TIME IT WAS VERY GOOD IN YOU TO WRITE, BUT *I SHALL NOT BE SO MUCH YOUR DEBTOR SOON.

*I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT *I HAVE GOT MY OWN DARLING CHILD FROM *LONDON ; ON *WEDNESDAY *I RECEIVED ONE COPY SENT DOWN BY *FALKNOR WITH THREE LINES FROM *HENRY TO SAY THAT HE HAD GIVEN ANOTHER TO *CHARLES, & SENT A 3D* BY THE COACH TO *GODMERSHAM - JUST THE TWO SETS WHICH *I WAS LEAST EAGER FOR THE DISPOSAL OF. *I WROTE TO HIM IMMEDIATELY TO BEG FOR MY TWO OTHER SETS, UNLESS HE WOULD TAKE THE TROUBLE OF FORWARDING THEM AT ONCE TO *STEVENTON & *PORTSMOUTH - NOT HAVING AN IDEA OF HIS LEAVING *TOWN BEFORE TO-DAY ; BY YOUR ACCOUNT HOWEVER HE WAS GONE BEFORE MY LETTER WAS WRITTEN. *THE ONLY EVIL IS THE DELAY : NOTHING MORE CAN BE DONE TILL HIS RETURN - *TELL *JAMES & *MARY SO WITH MY LOVE. *FOR $YOUR$ SAKE *I AM AS WELL PLEASED THAT IT SHOULD BE SO, AS IT MIGHT BE UNPLEASANT TO YOU TO BE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AT THE FIRST BURST OF THE BUSINESS. *THE *ADVERTISEMENT IS IN OUR PAPER TO-DAY FOR THE FIRST TIME 18S*. *HE SHALL ASK \1. 1. FOR MY TWO NEXT & \1. 8 FOR MY STUPIDEST OF ALL. *I SHALL WRITE TO *FRANK THAT HE MAY NOT THINK HIMSELF NEGLECTED. *MISS *BENN DINED WITH US ON THE VERY DAY OF THE BOOKS COMING & IN THE EVENING WE SET FAIRLY AT IT, AND READ HALF THE FIRST VOL. TO HER, PREFACING THAT, HAVING INTELLIGENCE FROM *HENRY THAT SUCH A WORK WOULD SOON APPEAR, WE HAD DESIRED HIM TO SEND IT WHENEVER IT CAME OUT, AND *I BELIEVE IT PASSED WITH HER UNSUSPECTED. *SHE WAS AMUSED, POOR SOUL ! $*THAT$ SHE COULD NOT HELP, YOU KNOW, WITH TWO SUCH PEOPLE TO LEAD THE WAY, BUT SHE REALLY DOES SEEM TO ADMIRE *ELIZABETH. *I MUST CONFESS THAT *I THINK HER AS DELIGHTFUL A CREATURE AS EVER APPEARED IN PRINT, AND HOW *I SHALL BE ABLE TO TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO NOT LIKE $HER$ AT LEAST *I DO NOT KNOW. *THERE ARE A FEW TYPICAL ERRORS ; AND A " SAID HE," OR A

" SAID SHE," WOULD SOMETIMES MAKE THE DIALOGUE MORE IMMEDIATELY CLEAR ; BUT *I DO NOT WRITE FOR SUCH DULL ELVES *AS HAVE NOT A GREAT DEAL OF INGENUITY THEMSELVES. *THE SECOND VOLUME IS SHORTER THAN *I COULD WISH, BUT THE DIFFERENCE IS NOT SO MUCH IN REALITY AS IN LOOK, THERE BEING A LARGER PROPORTION OF NARRATIVE IN THAT PART. *I HAVE LOP'T AND CROP'T SO SUCCESSFULLY, HOWEVER, THAT *I IMAGINE IT MUST BE RATHER SHORTER THAN *S. & *S. ALTOGETHER. *NOW *I WILL TRY TO WRITE OF SOMETHING ELSE, & IT SHALL BE A COMPLETE CHANGE OF SUBJECT - ORDINA+ TION/ - *I AM GLAD TO FIND YOUR ENQUIRIES HAVE ENDED SO WELL. *IF YOU COULD DISCOVER WHETHER *NORTHAMPTON+ SHIRE/ IS A COUNTRY OF *HEDGEROWS *I SHOULD BE GLAD AGAIN. *WE ADMIRE YOUR *CHARADES EXCESSIVELY - BUT AS YET HAVE GUESSED ONLY THE 1ST**. *THE OTHERS SEEM VERY DIFFICULT. *THERE IS SO MUCH BEAUTY IN THE VERSIFICATION HOWEVER, THAT THE FINDING THEM OUT IS BUT A SECONDARY PLEASURE. *I GRANT YOU THAT $THIS$ IS A COLD DAY, & AM SORRY TO THINK HOW COLD YOU WILL BE THROUGH THE PROCESS OF YOUR VISIT AT *MANYDOWN. *I HOPE YOU WILL WEAR YOUR *CHINA CRAPE. *POOR WRETCH ! *I CAN SEE YOU SHIVER+ ING/ AWAY WITH YOUR MISERABLE FEELING FEET. *WHAT A VILE CHARACTER *MR* *DIGWEED TURNS OUT, QUITE BEYOND ANY+ THING/ & EVERYTHING - INSTEAD OF GOING TO *STEVENTON, THEY ARE TO HAVE A DINNER-PARTY NEXT *TUESDAY ! *I AM SORRY TO SAY THAT *I CD* NOT EAT A MINCE-PIE AT *MR* *PAPILLON'S; *I WAS RATHER HEADACHEY THAT DAY & COULD NOT VENTURE ON ANYTHING SWEET EXCEPT JELLY, BUT $THAT$ WAS EXCELLENT. *THERE WERE NO STEWED PEARS - BUT *MISS *BENN HAD SOME ALMONDS & RAISINS. *BY THE BYE SHE DESIRED TO BE KINDLY REMEMBERED TO YOU WHEN *I WROTE

LAST & *I FORGOT IT. *BETSY SENDS HER DUTY TO YOU & HOPES YOU ARE WELL - & HER LOVE TO *MISS *CAROLINE & HOPES SHE HAS GOT RID OF HER COUGH. *IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO HER TO THINK HER ORANGES WERE SO WELL TIMED THAT *I DARESAY SHE WAS RATHER GLAD TO HEAR OF THE COUGH. *SINCE *I WROTE THIS LETTER WE HAVE BEEN VISITED BY *MRS** *DIGWEED, HER SISTER & *MISS *BENN. *I GAVE *MRS** *D. HER LITTLE PARCEL WHICH SHE OPENED HERE, & SEEMED MUCH PLEASED WITH - AND SHE DESIRED ME TO MAKE HER BEST THANKS ETC. TO *MISS *LLOYD FOR IT. *MARTHA MAY GUESS HOW FULL OF WONDER & GRATITUDE SHE WAS. *CHAWTON, *THURSDAY *FEBY* 4 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOUR LETTER WAS TRULY WELCOME, AND *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAISE; IT CAME AT A RIGHT TIME, FOR *I HAD HAD SOME FITS OF DISGUST. *OUR SECOND EVENING'S READING TO *MISS *BENN HAD NOT PLEASED ME SO WELL, BUT *I BELIEVE SOMETHING MUST BE ATTRIBUTED TO MY MOTHER'S TOO RAPID WAY OF GETTING ON : AND THOUGH SHE PERFECTLY UNDERSTANDS THE CHARACTERS HERSELF, SHE CANNOT SPEAK AS THEY OUGHT. *UPON THE WHOLE, HOWEVER, *I AM QUITE VAIN ENOUGH AND WELL SATISFIED ENOUGH. *THE WORK IS RATHER TOO LIGHT, AND BRIGHT, AND SPARKLING; IT WANTS SHADE ; IT WANTS TO BE STRETCHED OUT HERE AND THERE WITH A LONG CHAPTER OF SENSE, IF IT COULD BE HAD; IF NOT, OF SOLEMN SPECIOUS NONSENSE, ABOUT SOMETHING

UNCONNECTED WITH THE STORY ; AN ESSAY ON WRITING, A CRITIQUE ON *WALTER *SCOTT, OR THE HISTORY OF *BUONA+ PARTE/, OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD FORM A CONTRAST, AND BRING THE READER WITH INCREASED DELIGHT TO THE PLAYFUL+ NESS/ AND EPIGRAMMATISM OF THE GENERAL STYLE. *I DOUBT YOUR QUITE AGREEING WITH ME HERE. *I KNOW YOUR STARCHED NOTIONS. *THE CAUTION OBSERVED AT *STEVENTON WITH REGARD TO THE POSSESSION OF THE BOOK IS AN AGREE+ ABLE/ SURPRISE TO ME, & *I HEARTILY WISH IT MAY BE THE MEANS OF SAVING YOU FROM EVERYTHING UNPLEASANT - BUT YOU MUST BE PREPARED FOR THE NEIGHBOURHOOD BEING PERHAPS ALREADY INFORMED OF THERE BEING SUCH A *WORK IN THE *WORLD & IN THE *CHAWTON *WORLD ! *DUMMER WILL DO THAT YOU KNOW. *IT WAS SPOKEN OF HERE ONE MORNING WHEN *MRS** *D. CALLED WITH *MISS *BENN. *THE GREATEST BLUNDER IN THE PRINTING THAT *I HAVE MET WITH IS IN PAGE 220, V. 3, WHERE TWO SPEECHES ARE MADE INTO ONE. *THERE MIGHT AS WELL HAVE BEEN NO SUPPERS AT *LONGBOURN ; BUT *I SUPPOSE IT WAS THE REMAINS OF *MRS. *BENNETT'S OLD *MERYTON HABITS. *I AM SORRY FOR YOUR DISAPPOINTMENT ABOUT *MANYDOWN & FEAR THIS WEEK MUST BE A HEAVY ONE. *AS FAR AS ONE MAY VENTURE TO JUDGE AT A DISTANCE OF 20 MILES, YOU MUST MISS *MARTHA. *FOR $HER$ SAKE *I WAS GLAD TO HEAR OF HER GOING AS *I SUPPOSE SHE MUST HAVE BEEN GROWING ANXIOUS & WANTING TO BE AGAIN IN SCENES OF AGITATION & EXERTION. *SHE HAD A LOVELY DAY FOR HER JOURNEY. *I WALKED TO *ALTON, & DIRT EXCEPTED FOUND IT DELIGHTFUL, IT SEEMED LIKE AN OLD *FEBY* COME BACK AGAIN. *BEFORE *I SET OUT WE WERE VISITED BY *MRS** *EDWARDS, & WHILE *I WAS GONE *MISS *BECKFORD & *MARIA, & *MISS *WOOLLS & *HARRIET *B. CALLED, ALL OF WHOM MY *MOTHER WAS GLAD TO SEE, & *I VERY GLAD TO ESCAPE. *JOHN *M. IS SAILED & NOW *MISS *B

THINKS HIS FATHER WILL REALLY TRY FOR A HOUSE, & HAS HOPES HERSELF OF AVOIDING *SOUTHAMPTON, THIS IS AS IT WAS REPEATED TO ME - & *I CAN TELL THE *MISS *WILLIAMSES THAT *MISS *BECKFORD HAS NO INTENTION OF INVITING THEM TO *CHAWTON. *WELL DONE YOU - *I THOUGHT OF YOU AT *MANYDOWN IN THE *DRAWING-ROOM, & IN YOUR *CHINA CRAPE, THEREFORE YOU WERE IN THE *BREAKFAST PARLOUR IN YOUR BROWN *BOMBASIN ; IF *I THOUGHT OF YOU $SO$, YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE *KITCHEN IN YOUR MORNING STUFF. *I FEEL THAT *I HAVE NEVER MENTIONED THE *HAR+ WOODS/ IN MY LETTERS TO YOU, WHICH IS SHOCKING ENOUGH, BUT WE ARE SINCERELY GLAD TO HEAR ALL THE GOOD OF THEM YOU SEND US. *THERE IS NO CHANCE *I SUPPOSE, NO DANGER OF POOR *MRS** *H.'S BEING PERSUADED TO COME TO *CHAWTON AT PRESENT. *I HOPE *JOHN *H WILL NOT HAVE MORE DEBTS BROUGHT IN THAN HE LIKES. *I AM PLEASED WITH *M. *T.'S BEING TO DINE AT *STEVENTON, IT MAY ENABLE YOU TO BE YET MORE DECIDED WITH *FANNY, & HELP TO SETTLE HER FAITH. *THOMAS WAS MARRIED ON *SATURDAY, THE WEDDING WAS KEPT AT *NEATHAM, & THAT IS ALL *I KNOW ABOUT IT. *BROWNING IS QUITE A NEW BROOM, & AT PRESENT HAS NO FAULT. *HE HAD LOST SOME OF HIS KNOWLEDGE OF WAITING, & IS *I THINK RATHER SLOW, BUT HE IS NOT NOISY, & NOT AT ALL ABOVE BEING TAUGHT. *THE *BACK-GATE IS REGULARLY LOCKED. *I DID NOT FORGET *HENRY'S FEE TO *THOMAS. *I HAD A LETTER FROM *HENRY YESTERDAY, WRITTEN ON *SUNDAY FROM *OXFORD, MINE HAD BEEN FORWARDED TO HIM. *EDWARD'S INFORMATION THEREFORE WAS CORRECT. *HE SAYS THAT COPIES WERE SENT TO *S. & *P. AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE OTHERS. *HE HAS SOME THOUGHTS OF GOING TO *ADDLESTROP.

*CHAWTON *TUESDAY *FEB. 9 *THIS WILL BE A QUICK RETURN FOR YOURS, MY DEAR *CASSANDRA ; *I DOUBT ITS HAVING MUCH ELSE TO RECOM+ MEND/ IT, BUT THERE IS NO SAYING ; IT MAY TURN OUT TO BE A VERY LONG & DELIGHTFUL LETTER. *WHAT A DAY WAS YESTERDAY ! *HOW MANY IMPATIENT GRUMBLING SPIRITS MUST HAVE BEEN CONFINED ! *WE FELT FOR YOU, *I COULD THINK OF NOTHING TO AMUSE YOU BUT PACKING UP YOUR CLOATHES. *MY *MOTHER WAS QUITE IN DISTRESS ABOUT *EDWARD & *ANNA, & WILL NOT BE QUITE COMFORTABLE TILL SHE KNOWS HOW THEIR JOURNEYS WERE SETTLED. *IN A FEW HOURS YOU WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO *MANYDOWN & THEN FOR *CANDOUR & *COMFORT & *COFFEE & *CRIBBAGE. *PERHAPS IT WILL BE YOUR LAST VISIT THERE. *WHILE *I THINK OF IT, GIVE MY LOVE TO *ALETHEA (*ALETHEA FIRST MIND, SHE IS *MISTRESS) & *MRS *HEATHCOTE & KIND REMEMBRACES TO *MISS *CHARLOTTE *WILLIAMS. *ONLY THINK OF YOUR HAVING AT LAST THE HONOUR OF SEEING THAT WONDER OF WONDERS, HER ELDER SISTER ! *WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR WHAT YOU TELL US OF *DEANE. *IF *MRS *HEATHCOTE DOES NOT MARRY & COMFORT HIM NOW *I SHALL THINK SHE IS A *MARIA & HAS NO HEART. *REALLY, EITHER SHE OR *ALETHEA $MUST$ MARRY HIM, OR WHERE HE IS TO LOOK FOR HAPPINESS ? *I AM EXCEED+ INGLY/ PLEASED THAT YOU CAN SAY WHAT YOU DO, AFTER

HAVING GONE THRO' THE WHOLE WORK - & *FANNY'S PRAISE IS VERY GRATIFYING. *MY HOPES WERE TOLERABLY STRONG OF $HER$, BUT NOTHING LIKE A CERTAINTY. *HER LIKING *DARCY & *ELIZABETH IS ENOUGH, SHE MIGHT HATE ALL THE OTHERS IF SHE WOULD. *I HAVE HER OPINION UNDER HER OWN HAND THIS MORNING, BUT YOUR TRANSCRIPT OF IT WHICH *I READ FIRST WAS NOT & IS NOT THE LESS ACCEPTABLE. *TO $ME$ IT IS OF COURSE ALL PRAISE, BUT THE MORE EXACT TRUTH WHICH SHE SENDS $YOU$ IS GOOD ENOUGH. *WE ARE TO SEE THE *BOYS FOR A FEW HOURS THIS DAY SE'NIGHT & *I AM TO ORDER A CHAISE FOR THEM WHICH *I PROPOSE 5'O'CLOCK FOR, & HAVING A 3 O'CLOCK DINNER. *I AM SORRY TO FIND THAT *SACKREE WAS WORSE AGAIN WHEN *FANNY WROTE, SHE HAD BEEN SEIZED THE NIGHT BEFORE WITH A VIOLENT SHIVERING & FEVER & WAS STILL SO ILL AS TO ALARM *FANNY, WHO WAS WRITING FROM HER ROOM. *MISS *CLEWES SEEMS THE VERY GOVERNESS THEY HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THESE TEN YEARS - LONGER COMING THAN *J. *BOND'S LAST SHOCK OF CORN. *IF SHE WILL BUT ONLY KEEP GOOD & AMIABLE & PERFECT ! *CLEWES IS BETTER THAN *CLOWES. *AND IS IT NOT A NAME FOR *EDWARD TO PUN ON ? *IS NOT A CLEW A NAIL ? *YES, *I BELIEVE *I $SHALL$ TELL *ANNA, & IF YOU SEE HER & DO NOT DISLIKE THE COMMISSION, YOU MAY TELL HER FOR ME. *YOU KNOW THAT *I MEANT TO DO IT AS HANDSOMELY AS *I COULD. *BUT SHE WILL PROBABLY NOT RETURN IN TIME. *BROWNING GOES ON EXTREMELY WELL; AS FAR AS HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO DO ANYTHING OUT OF DOORS, MY *MOTHER IS EXCEEDINGLY PLEASED. *THE DOGS SEEM JUST AS HAPPY WITH HIM AS WITH *THOMAS, - *COOK & *BETSY *I IMAGINE A GREAT DEAL HAPPIER. *POOR *COOK IS LIKELY TO BE TRIED BY A WET SEASON NOW, BUT SHE HAS NOT BEGUN LAMENTING MUCH YET. *OLD *PHILMORE *I BELIEVE IS WELL AGAIN. *MY COLD HAS BEEN AN OFF AND ON COLD ALMOST EVER SINCE YOU

WENT AWAY, BUT NEVER VERY BAD. *I INCREASE IT BY WALKING OUT, & CURE IT BY STAYING WITHIN. *ON *SATURDAY *I WENT TO *ALTON, & THE HIGH WIND MADE IT WORSE - BUT BY KEEPING HOUSE EVER SINCE, IT IS ALMOST GONE. *I HAVE HAD LETTERS FROM MY *AUNT & FROM *CHARLES WITHIN THESE FEW DAYS. *MY *UNCLE IS QUITE CONFINED TO HIS CHAIR BY A BROKEN CHILBLAIN ON ONE FOOT, & A VIOLENT SWELLING ON THE OTHER, WHICH MY *AUNT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO CALL ; THERE DOES NOT SEEM PAIN ENOUGH FOR GOUT. *BUT YOU HAD ALL THIS HISTORY AT *STEVENTON PERHAPS. *SHE TALKS OF BEING ANOTHER FORTNIGHT AT *SCARLETS ; SHE IS REALLY ANXIOUS *I CAN BELIEVE TO GET TO *BATH, AS THEY HAVE AN APPREHENSION OF THEIR HOUSE IN *PULTENEY *ST* HAVING BEEN BROKEN INTO. *CHARLES, HIS WIFE, & ELDEST & YOUNGEST REACHED THE *NAMUR IN HEALTH & SAFETY LAST *SUNDAY SE'NIGHT. *MIDDLE IS LEFT IN *KEPPEL *ST*. *LADY *W. HAS TAKEN TO HER OLD TRICKS OF ILL-HEALTH AGAIN, & IS SENT FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AMONG HER FRIENDS. *PERHAPS SHE MAY MAKE $THEM$ SICK. *I HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO FOR INFORMATION AS TO THE OATH TAKEN IN FORMER TIMES OF *BELL, *BOOK, & *CANDLE BUT HAVE NONE TO GIVE. *PERHAPS YOU MAY BE ABLE TO LEARN SOMETHING OF ITS ORIGIN & MEANING AT *MANYDOWN. *LADIES WHO READ THOSE ENORMOUS GREAT STUPID THICK QUARTO VOLUMES WHICH ONE ALWAYS SEES IN THE *BREAKFAST PARLOUR THERE, MUST BE ACQUAINTED WITH EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD. *I DETEST A QUARTO. *CAPT* *PASLEY'S BOOK IS TOO GOOD FOR THEIR *SOCIETY. *THEY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND A MAN WHO CONDENSES HIS THOUGHTS INTO AN OCTAVO. *I DO NOT MEAN HOWEVER TO PUT *MRS** *H. OUT OF CONCEIT WITH HER *SOCIETY ; IF SHE IS SATISFIED, WELL ; IF SHE THINKS OTHERS SATISFIED, STILL BETTER - *I SAY NOTHING OF THE COMPLAINTS WHICH REACH ME FROM ALL QUARTERS. *KILL POOR *MRS** *SCLATER IF

YOU LIKE IT WHILE YOU ARE AT *MANYDOWN. *MISS *BENN DINED HERE ON *FRIDAY. *I HAVE NOT SEEN HER SINCE - THERE IS STILL WORK FOR ONE EVENING MORE. *I KNOW NOTHING OF THE *PROWTINGS. *THE *CLEMENTS ARE AT HOME, & ARE REDUCED TO READ. *THEY HAVE GOT *MISS *EDGE+ WORTH/. *I HAVE DISPOSED OF *MRS** *GRANT FOR THE 2ND** FORTNIGHT TO *MRS** *DIGWEED - IT CAN MAKE NO DIFFERENCE TO $HER$, WHICH OF THE 26 FORTNIGHTS IN THE YEAR THE 3 VOLS LAY IN HER HOUSE. *IT IS RAINING FURIOUSLY, & THO' ONLY A STORM *I SHALL PROBABLY SEND MY LETTER TO *ALTON INSTEAD OF GOING MYSELF. *I HAD NO THOUGHT OF YOUR WRITING BY *MR* *GRAY. *ON *SUNDAY OR *TUESDAY *I SUPPOSE *I SHALL HEAR. *COOK DOES NOT THINK THE *MEAD IN A STATE TO BE STOPPED DOWN. *IF *MRS** *FREEMAN IS ANYWHERE ABOVE GROUND, GIVE MY BEST COMPTS** TO HER. *YOURS VERY AFFECTY** *J. *AUSTEN *SLOANE *ST* *THURSDAY *MAY 20 *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *BEFORE *I SAY ANYTHING ELSE, *I CLAIM A PAPER FULL OF HALFPENCE ON THE DRAWING-ROOM MANTLEPIECE ; *I PUT THEM THERE MYSELF, AND FORGOT TO BRING THEM WITH ME. *I CANNOT SAY THAT *I HAVE YET BEEN IN ANY DISTRESS FOR MONEY, BUT *I CHUSE TO HAVE MY DUE, AS WELL AS THE *DEVIL. *HOW LUCKY WE WERE IN OUR WEATHER YESTERDAY !

*THIS WET MORNING MAKES ONE MORE SENSIBLE OF IT. *WE HAD NO RAIN OF ANY CONSEQUENCE. *THE HEAD OF THE CURRICLE WAS PUT HALF UP THREE OR FOUR TIMES, BUT OUR SHARE OF THE SHOWERS WAS VERY TRIFLING, THOUGH THEY SEEMED TO BE HEAVY ALL ROUND US, WHEN WE WERE ON THE *HOG'S-BACK, AND *I FANCIED IT MIGHT THEN BE RAINING SO HARD AT *CHAWTON AS TO MAKE YOU FEEL FOR US MUCH MORE THAN WE DESERVED. *THREE HOURS AND A QUARTER TOOK US TO *GUILDFORD, WHERE WE STAID BARELY TWO HOURS, AND HAD ONLY JUST TIME ENOUGH FOR ALL WE HAD TO DO THERE ; THAT IS, EATING A LONG COMFORTABLE BREAKFAST, WATCHING THE CARRIAGES, PAYING *MR *HERINGTON, AND TAKING A LITTLE STROLL AFTERWARDS. *FROM SOME VIEWS WHICH THAT STROLL GAVE US, *I THINK MOST HIGHLY OF THE SITUATION OF *GUILDFORD. *WE WANTED ALL OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO BE STANDING WITH US IN THE BOWLING-GREEN, AND LOOKING TOWARDS *HORSHAM. *I TOLD *MR* *HERINGTON OF THE CURRANTS, HE SEEMED EQUALLY SURPRISED & SHOCKED - & MEANS TO TALK TO THE MAN WHO PUT THEM UP - *I WISH YOU MAY FIND THE CURRANTS ANY BETTER FOR IT. *HE DOES NOT EXPECT *SUGARS TO FALL. *I WAS VERY LUCKY IN MY GLOVES - GOT THEM AT THE FIRST SHOP *I WENT TO, THOUGH *I WENT INTO IT RATHER BECAUSE IT WAS NEAR THAN BECAUSE IT LOOKED AT ALL LIKE A GLOVE SHOP, AND GAVE ONLY FOUR SHILLINGS FOR THEM ; UPON HEARING WHICH EVERYBODY AT *CHAWTON WILL BE HOPING AND PREDICTING THAT THEY CANNOT BE GOOD FOR ANYTHING, AND THEIR WORTH CERTAINLY REMAINS TO BE PROVED ; BUT *I THINK THEY LOOK VERY WELL. *WE LEFT *GUILDFORD AT TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE TWELVE (*I HOPE SOMEBODY CARES FOR THESE MINUTIAE), AND WERE AT *ESHER IN ABOUT TWO HOURS MORE. *I WAS VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH THE COUNTRY IN GENERAL. *BETWEEN *GUILDFORD AND *RIPLEY *I THOUGHT IT PARTICULARLY

PRETTY, ALSO ABOUT *PAINSHILL & EVERYWHERE ELSE ; AND FROM A *MR* *SPICER'S GROUNDS AT *ESHER, WHICH WE WALKED INTO BEFORE OUR DINNER, THE VIEWS WERE BEAUTIFUL. *I CANNOT SAY WHAT WE DID $NOT$ SEE, BUT *I SHOULD THINK THAT THERE COULD NOT BE A WOOD, OR A MEADOW, OR PALACE, OR A REMARKABLE SPOT IN *ENGLAND THAT WAS NOT SPREAD OUT BEFORE US ON ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER. *CLARE+ MONT/ IS GOING TO BE SOLD: A *MR* *ELLIS HAS IT NOW. *IT IS A HOUSE THAT SEEMS NEVER TO HAVE PROSPERED. *AT 3 WE WERE DINING UPON VEAL CUTLETS & COLD HAM, ALL VERY GOOD, & AFTER DINNER WE WALKED FORWARD TO BE OVERTAKEN AT THE COACHMAN'S TIME, AND BEFORE HE $DID$ OVERTAKE US WE WERE VERY NEAR *KINGSTON. *I FANCY IT WAS ABOUT HALF-PAST SIX WHEN WE REACHED THIS HOUSE - A TWELVE HOURS' BUSINESS, AND THE HORSES DID NOT APPEAR MORE THAN REASONABLY TIRED. *I WAS VERY TIRED TOO, AND VERY GLAD TO GET TO BED EARLY, BUT AM QUITE WELL TO-DAY. *UPON THE WHOLE IT WAS AN EXCELLENT JOURNEY & VERY THOROUGHLY ENJOYED BY ME ; THE WEATHER WAS DELIGHTFUL THE GREATEST PART OF THE DAY. *HENRY FOUND IT TOO WARM, & TALKED OF ITS BEING CLOSE SOMETIMES, BUT TO MY CAPACITY IT WAS PERFECTION. *I NEVER SAW THE COUNTRY FROM THE *HOGSBACK SO ADVAN+ TAGEOUSLY/. *WE ATE 3 OF THE BUNS IN THE COURSE OF THAT STAGE, THE REMAINING 3 MADE AN ELEGANT ENTERTAINMENT FOR *MR* & *MRS** *TILSON WHO DRANK TEA WITH US. *NOW LITTLE *CASS & HER ATTENDANT ARE TRAVELLING DOWN TO *CHAWTON. *I WISH THE DAY WERE BRIGHTER FOR THEM. *IF *CASSY SHOULD HAVE INTENDED TO TAKE ANY SKETCHES WHILE THE OTHERS DINE SHE WILL HARDLY BE ABLE. *HOW WILL YOU DISTINGUISH THE TWO *BETSIES ? *MRS** *PERIGORD ARRIVED AT 1#2 PAST 3 & IS PRETTY WELL, & HER MOTHER FOR $HER$ SEEMS QUITE WELL. *SHE SAT WITH ME WHILE *I BREAKFASTED

THIS MORNING, TALKING OF *HENRIETTA *ST*, SERVANTS & LINEN, & IS TOO BUSY IN PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE TO BE OUT OF SPIRITS. *IF *I CAN, *I SHALL CALL BY & BYE ON *MRS** *HOBLYN & *CHARLOTTE *CRAVEN. *MRS** *TILSON IS GOING OUT WHICH PREVENTS MY CALLING ON $HER$, BUT *I BELIEVE WE ARE TO DRINK TEA WITH HER. *HENRY TALKS OF OUR GOING TO THE WATERCOLOURED *EXHIBITION TO-MORROW, & OF MY CALLING FOR HIM IN *HENRIETTA *ST - IF *I DO, *I SHALL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF GETTING MY *MOTHER'S GOWN, SO BY 3 O'CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON SHE MAY CONSIDER HERSELF THE OWNER OF 7 YDS OF BLACK SARSENET AS COM+ PLETELY/ AS *I HOPE *MARTHA FINDS HERSELF OF A 16TH** OF THE \20,000. I AM VERY SNUG WITH THE FRONT DRAWING-ROOM ALL TO MYSELF, & WOULD NOT SAY " *THANK YOU " FOR ANY COMPANION BUT YOU. *THE QUIETNESS OF IT DOES ME GOOD. *HENRY & *I ARE DISPOSED TO WONDER THAT THE *GUILDFORD ROAD SHOULD NOT BE OFTENER PREFERRED TO THE *BAGSHOT. *IT IS NOT LONGER, HAS MUCH MORE BEAUTY, & NOT MORE HILLS. *IF *I WERE *CHARLES *I SHOULD CHUSE IT, & HAVING HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS WE MADE ENQUIRIES AT *ESHER AS TO THEIR POSTING DISTANCES. *FROM *GUILDFORD TO *ESHER 14 MILES, FROM *ESHER TO *HYDE *PARK *CORNER 15 - WHICH MAKES IT EXACTLY THE SAME AS FROM *BAGSHOT TO *H. *P. CORNER, CHANGING AT *BEDFONT, 49 MILES ALTO+ GETHER/ EACH WAY. *I HAVE CONTRIVED TO PAY MY TWO VISITS, THOUGH THE WEATHER MADE ME A GREAT WHILE ABOUT IT, & LEFT ME ONLY A FEW MINUTES TO SIT WITH *C. *C. SHE LOOKS VERY WELL, AND HER HAIR IS DONE UP WITH AN ELEGANCE TO DO CREDIT TO ANY EDUCATION. *HER MANNERS ARE AS UNAFFECTED AND PLEASING AS EVER. *SHE HAD HEARD FROM HER MOTHER TO-DAY. *MRS. *CRAVEN SPENDS ANOTHER FORTNIGHT AT *CHILTON. *I SAW NOBODY BUT *CHARLOTTE, WHICH PLEASED ME BEST. *I WAS SHEWN

UPSTAIRS INTO A DRAWING-ROOM, WHERE SHE CAME TO ME, AND THE APPEARANCE OF THE ROOM, SO TOTALLY UNSCHOOL+ LIKE/, AMUSED ME VERY MUCH ; IT WAS FULL OF ALL THE MODERN ELEGANCIES - & IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR SOME NAKED *CUPIDS OVER THE *MANTLEPIECE, WHICH MUST BE A FINE STUDY FOR *GIRLS, ONE SHOULD NEVER HAVE SMELT INSTRUCTION. *MRS** *PERIGORD DESIRES HER DUTY TO ALL THE LADIES. *YOURS VERY AFFECTLY*** *J. *A. *SLOANE *ST* *MONDAY *MAY 24. *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR WRITING TO ME. *YOU MUST HAVE HATED IT AFTER A WORRYING MORNING. - *YOUR *LETTER CAME JUST IN TIME TO SAVE MY GOING TO *REMNANTS, & FIT ME FOR *CHRISTIAN'S, WHERE *I BOUGHT *FANNY'S DIMITY. *I WENT THE DAY BEFORE (*FRIDAY) TO *LAYTONS AS *I PROPOSED, & GOT MY *MOTHER'S GOWN 7 YDS**- AT 6#6. *I THEN WALKED INTO *NO. 10, WHICH IS ALL DIRT & CONFUSION, BUT IN A VERY PROMISING WAY, & AFTER BEING PRESENT AT THE OPENING OF A NEW ACCOUNT TO MY GREAT AMUSEMENT, *HENRY & *I WENT TO THE *EXHIBITION IN *SPRING *GARDENS. *IT IS NOT THOUGHT A GOOD COLLECTION, BUT *I WAS VERY WELL PLEASED - PARTICULARLY (PRAY TELL *FANNY) WITH A SMALL PORTRAIT OF *MRS. *BINGLEY, EXCES+ SIVELY/ LIKE HER. *I WENT IN HOPES OF SEEING ONE OF HER *SISTER, BUT THERE WAS NO *MRS. *DARCY ; - PERHAPS HOWEVER,

*I MAY FIND HER IN THE *GREAT *EXHIBITION WHICH WE SHALL GO TO, IF WE HAVE TIME ; - *I HAVE NO CHANCE OF HER IN THE COLLECTION OF *SIR *JOSHUA *REYNOLDS'S *PAINTINGS WHICH IS NOW SHEWING IN *PALL *MALL, & WHICH WE ARE ALSO TO VISIT. - *MRS. *BINGLEY'S IS EXACTLY HERSELF, SIZE, SHAPED FACE, FEATURES & SWEETNESS ; THERE NEVER WAS A GREATER LIKENESS. *SHE IS DRESSED IN A WHITE GOWN, WITH GREEN ORNAMENTS, WHICH CONVINCES ME OF WHAT *I HAD ALWAYS SUPPOSED, THAT GREEN WAS A FAVOURITE COLOUR WITH HER. *I DARE SAY *MRS. *D. WILL BE IN *YELLOW. - *FRIDAY WAS OUR WORST DAY AS TO WEATHER, WE WERE OUT IN A VERY LONG & VERY HEAVY STORM OF HAIL, & THERE HAD BEEN OTHERS BEFORE, BUT *I HEARD NO *THUNDER. - *SATURDAY WAS A GOOD DEAL BETTER, DRY & COLD. - *I GAVE 2#6 FOR THE *DIMITY ; *I DO NOT BOAST OF ANY *BARGAINS, BUT THINK BOTH THE *SARSENET & *DIMITY GOOD OF THEIR SORT. - *I HAVE BOUGHT YOUR *LOCKET, BUT WAS OBLIGED TO GIVE 18S* FOR IT - WHICH MUST BE RATHER MORE THAN YOU INTENDED ; IT IS NEAT & PLAIN, SET IN GOLD. (($*FOUR OR FIVE WORDS CUT OUT$)) - *WE WERE TO HAVE GONE TO THE *SOMERSET *HOUSE *EXHIBITION ON *SATURDAY, BUT WHEN *I REACHED *HENRIETTA *STREET *MR. *HAMPSON WAS WANTED THERE, & *MR. *TILSON & *I WERE OBLIGED TO DRIVE ABOUT *TOWN AFTER HIM, & BY THE TIME WE HAD DONE, IT WAS TOO LATE FOR ANYTHING BUT *HOME. - *WE NEVER FOUND HIM AFTER ALL. - *I HAVE BEEN INTERRUPTED BY *MRS. *TILSON. - *POOR *WOMAN ! *SHE IS IN DANGER OF NOT BEING ABLE TO ATTEND *LADY *DRUMMOND *SMITH'S *PARTY TONIGHT. *MISS *BUR+ DETT/ WAS TO HAVE TAKEN HER, & NOW *MISS *BURDETT HAS A COUGH & WILL NOT GO. *MY COUSIN *CAROLINE IS HER SOLE DEPENDANCE. - *THE EVENTS OF *YESTERDAY WERE, OUR GOING TO *BELGRAVE *CHAPEL IN THE MORNG*, OUR BEING PREVENTED BY THE RAIN FROM GOING TO EVENG* SERVICE AT

*ST* *JAMES, *MR. *HAMPSON'S CALLING, *MESSRS** *BARLOW & *PHILLIPS DINING HERE, & *MR. & *MRS. *TILSON'S COMING IN THE EVENG* A L'ORDINAIRE. - $*SHE$ DRANK TEA WITH US BOTH *THURSDAY & *SATURDAY, HE DINED OUT EACH DAY, & ON FRIDAY WE WERE WITH THEM, & THEY WISH US TO GO TO THEM TOMORROW EVENG* TO MEET *MISS *BURDETT, BUT *I DO NOT KNOW HOW IT WILL END. *HENRY TALKS OF A DRIVE TO *HAMPSTEAD, WHICH MAY INTERFERE WITH IT. - *I SHOULD LIKE TO SEE *MISS *BURDETT VERY WELL, BUT THAT *I AM RATHER FRIGHTENED BY HEARING THAT SHE WISHES TO BE INTRODUCED TO $ME$. - *IF *I $AM$ A WILD *BEAST, *I CANNOT HELP IT. *IT IS NOT MY OWN FAULT. - *THERE IS NO CHANGE IN OUR PLAN OF LEAVING *LONDON, BUT WE SHALL NOT BE WITH YOU BEFORE *TUESDAY. *HENRY THINKS *MONDAY WOULD APPEAR TOO EARLY A DAY. *THERE IS NO DANGER OF OUR BEING INDUCED TO STAY LONGER. *I HAVE NOT QUITE DETERMINED HOW *I SHALL MANAGE ABOUT MY *CLOATHES, PERHAPS THERE MAY BE ONLY MY *TRUNK TO SEND BY THE *COACH, OR THERE MAY BE A *BAND+ BOX/ WITH IT. - *I HAVE TAKEN YOUR GENTLE HINT & WRITTEN TO *MRS. *HILL. - *THE *HOBLYNS WANT US TO DINE WITH THEM, BUT WE HAVE REFUSED. *WHEN *HENRY RETURNS HE WILL BE DINING OUT A GREAT DEAL *I DARE SAY ; AS HE WILL THEN BE ALONE, IT WILL BE MORE DESIRABLE ; - HE WILL BE MORE WELCOME AT EVERY *TABLE, & EVERY *INVITATION MORE WELCOME TO HIM. *HE WILL NOT WANT EITHER OF US AGAIN TILL HE IS SETTLED IN *HENRIETTA *ST. *THIS IS MY PRESENT PERSUASION. - *AND HE WILL NOT BE SETTLED THERE, REALLY SETTLED, TILL LATE IN THE *AUTUMN ; " HE WILL NOT BE COME TO BIDE," TILL AFTER *SEPTEMBER. - *THERE IS A *GENTLEMAN IN TREATY FOR THIS HOUSE. *GENTLEMAN HIM+ SELF/ IS IN THE *COUNTRY, BUT *GENTLEMAN'S FRIEND CAME TO SEE IT THE OTHER DAY & SEEMED PLEASED ON THE WHOLE. -

*GENTLEMAN WOULD RATHER PREFER AN INCREASED RENT TO PARTING WITH FIVE HUNDRED *GS* AT ONCE ; & IF THAT IS THE ONLY DIFFICULTY, IT WILL NOT BE MINDED. *HENRY IS INDIFFERENT AS TO THE WHICH. - *GET US THE BEST WEATHER YOU CAN FOR *WEDNESDAY, *THURSDAY, & *FRIDAY. *WE ARE TO GO TO *WINDSOR IN OUR WAY TO *HENLEY, WHICH WILL BE A GREAT DELIGHT. *WE SHALL BE LEAVING *SLOANE *ST. ABOUT 12 - , TWO OR THREE HOURS AFTER *CHARLES'S PARTY HAVE BEGUN THEIR *JOURNEY. - *YOU WILL MISS THEM, BUT THE COMFORT OF GETTING BACK INTO YOUR OWN ROOM WILL BE GREAT ! - & THEN THE *TEA & *SUGAR ! - *I FEAR *MISS *CLEWES IS NOT BETTER, OR YOU WD* HAVE MENTIONED IT. - *I SHALL NOT WRITE AGAIN UNLESS *I HAVE ANY UNEXPECTED COMMUNICATION OR OPPORTUNITY TO TEMPT ME. - *I ENCLOSE *MR. *HERINGTON'S *BILL & RECEIPT. *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO *FANNY FOR HER *LETTER ; - IT MADE ME LAUGH HEARTILY ; BUT *I CANNOT PRETEND TO ANSWER IT. *EVEN HAD *I MORE TIME, *I SHOULD NOT FEEL AT ALL SURE OF THE SORT OF *LETTER THAT *MISS *D. WOULD WRITE. *I HOPE *MISS *BENN IS GOT QUITE WELL AGAIN & WILL HAVE A COMFORTABLE *DINNER WITH YOU TODAY. - $*MONDAY EVENG*$. - *WE HAVE BEEN BOTH TO THE *EXHIBITION & *SIR *J. *REYNOLDS', - AND *I AM DISAPPOINTED, FOR THERE WAS NOTHING LIKE *MRS. *D. AT EITHER. *I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THAT *MR. *D. PRIZES ANY *PICTURE OF HER TOO MUCH TO LIKE IT SHOULD BE EXPOSED TO THE PUBLIC EYE. - *I CAN IMAGINE HE WD* HAVE THAT SORT OF FEELING - THAT MIXTURE OF *LOVE, *PRIDE & *DELICACY. - *SETTING ASIDE THIS DISAPPOINTMENT, *I HAD GREAT AMUSEMENT AMONG THE *PICTURES ; & THE *DRIVING ABOUT, THE *CARRIAGE BEING OPEN, WAS VERY PLEASANT. - *I LIKED MY SOLITARY ELEGANCE VERY MUCH, & WAS READY TO LAUGH ALL THE TIME, AT MY BEING WHERE *I WAS. - *I COULD NOT BUT FEEL THAT *I HAD NATURALLY SMALL

RIGHT TO BE PARADING ABOUT *LONDON IN A *BAROUCHE. - *HENRY DESIRES *EDWARD MAY KNOW THAT HE HAS JUST BOUGHT 3 DOZEN OF *CLARET FOR HIM (*CHEAP) & ORDERED IT TO BE SENT DOWN TO *CHAWTON. - *I SHOULD NOT WONDER IF WE GOT NO FARTHER THAN *READING ON *THURSDAY EVENG* - & SO, REACH *STEVENTON ONLY TO A REASONABLE *DINNER HOUR THE NEXT DAY ; - BUT WHATEVER *I MAY WRITE OR YOU MAY IMAGINE WE KNOW IT WILL BE SOMETHING DIFFERENT. - *I SHALL BE QUIET TOMORROW MORNG* ; ALL MY BUSINESS IS DONE, & *I SHALL ONLY CALL AGAIN UPON *MRS. *HOBLYN, &C. - *LOVE TO YOUR MUCH [? REDU]CED *PARTY. - *YRS** AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *CHAWTON *JULY 3, 1813 *MY DEAREST *FRANK *BEHOLD ME GOING TO WRITE YOU AS HANDSOME A *LETTER AS *I CAN. *WISH ME GOOD LUCK. - *WE HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF HEARING OF YOU LATELY THROUGH *MARY, WHO SENT US SOME OF THE PARTICULARS OF *YOURS OF *JUNE 18TH** (*I THINK) WRITTEN OFF *RUGEN, & WE ENTER INTO THE DELIGHT OF YOUR HAVING SO GOOD A *PILOT. - *WHY ARE YOU LIKE *QUEEN *ELIZTH** ? - *BECAUSE YOU KNOW HOW TO CHUSE WISE *MINISTERS. - *DOES NOT THIS PROVE YOU AS GREAT A *CAPTAIN AS SHE WAS A *QUEEN ? - *THIS MAY SERVE AS A RIDDLE FOR YOU TO PUT FORTH AMONG YOUR *OFFICERS, BY WAY OF INCREASING YOUR PROPER CONSEQUENCE. - *IT MUST BE REAL ENJOYMENT TO YOU, SINCE YOU ARE OBLIGED TO LEAVE

*ENGLAND, TO BE WHERE YOU ARE, SEEING SOMETHING OF A NEW *COUNTRY, & ONE THAT HAS BEEN SO DISTINGUISHED AS *SWEDEN. - *YOU MUST HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN IT. - *I HOPE YOU MAY HAVE GONE TO *CARLSCROON. - *YOUR *PROFESSION HAS IT'S DOUCEURS TO RECOMPENSE FOR SOME OF IT'S *PRIVATIONS ; - TO AN ENQUIRING & OBSERVING *MIND LIKE YOURS, SUCH DOUCEURS MUST BE CONSIDERABLE. - *GUSTAVUS-*VASA, & *CHARLES 12TH**, & *CHRISTINA, & *LINNEUS - DO THEIR *GHOSTS RISE UP BEFORE YOU ? - *I HAVE A GREAT RESPECT FOR FORMER *SWEDEN. *SO ZEALOUS AS IT WAS FOR *PROTESTAN[T]ISM ! - *AND *I HAVE ALWAYS FANCIED IT MORE LIKE *ENGLAND THAN MANY *COUNTRIES ; - & ACCORDING TO THE *MAP, MANY OF THE NAMES HAVE A STRONG RESEMBLANCE TO THE *ENGLISH. *JULY BEGINS UNPLEASANTLY WITH US, COLD & SHOWERY, BUT IT IS OFTEN A BADDISH MONTH. *WE HAD SOME FINE DRY WEATHER PRECEDING IT, WHICH WAS VERY ACCEPTABLE TO THE *HOLDERS OF *HAY & THE *MASTERS OF *MEADOWS. - *IN GENERAL IT MUST HAVE BEEN A GOOD HAYMAKING *SEASON. *EDWARD HAS GOT IN ALL HIS, IN EXCELLENT ORDER ; *I SPEAK ONLY OF *CHAWTON ; BUT HERE HE HAS HAD BETTER LUCK THAN *MR. *MIDDLETON EVER HAD IN THE 5 YEARS THAT HE WAS *TENANT. *GOOD ENCOURAGE+ MENT/ FOR HIM TO COME AGAIN ; & *I REALLY HOPE HE WILL DO SO ANOTHER *YEAR. - *THE PLEASURE TO US OF HAVING THEM HERE IS SO GREAT, THAT IF WE WERE NOT THE BEST CREATURES IN THE *WORLD WE SHOULD NOT DESERVE IT. - *WE GO ON IN THE MOST COMFORTABLE WAY, VERY FRE+ QUENTLY/ DINING TOGETHER, & ALWAYS MEETING IN SOME PART OF EVERY DAY. - *EDWARD IS VERY WELL & ENJOYS HIMSELF AS THOROUGHLY AS ANY *HAMPSHIRE BORN *AUSTEN CAN DESIRE. *CHAWTON IS NOT THROWN AWAY UPON HIM. - *HE TALKS OF MAKING A NEW *GARDEN ; THE PRESENT IS A BAD ONE & ILL SITUATED, NEAR *MR. *PAPILLON'S ; - HE

MEANS TO HAVE THE NEW, AT THE TOP OF THE *LAWN BEHIND HIS OWN HOUSE. - *WE LIKE TO HAVE HIM PROVING & STRENGTHENING HIS ATTACHMENT TO THE PLACE BY MAKING IT BETTER. - *HE WILL SOON HAVE ALL HIS *CHILDREN ABOUT HIM, *EDWARD, *GEORGE & *CHARLES ARE COLLECTED ALREADY, AND ANOTHER WEEK BRINGS *HENRY & *WILLIAM. - *IT IS THE CUSTOM AT *WINCHESTER FOR *GEORGES TO COME AWAY A FORTNIGHT BEFORE THE *HOLIDAYS, WHEN THEY ARE NOT TO RETURN ANY MORE ; FOR FEAR THEY SHOULD OVERSTUDY THEMSELVES JUST AT LAST, *I SUPPOSE. - *REALLY IT IS A PIECE OF DISHONOURABLE ACCOMODATION TO THE *MASTER. - *WE ARE IN HOPES OF ANOTHER VISIT FROM OUR OWN TRUE, LAWFUL *HENRY VERY SOON, HE IS TO BE $OUR$ *GUEST THIS TIME. - *HE IS QUITE WELL *I AM HAPPY TO SAY, & DOES NOT LEAVE IT TO $MY$ PEN *I AM SURE TO COMMUNICATE TO YOU THE JOYFUL NEWS OF HIS BEING *DEPUTY *RECEIVER NO LONGER. - *IT IS A PROMOTION WHICH HE THOROUGHLY ENJOYS ; - AS WELL HE MAY ; - THE WORK OF HIS OWN MIND. - *HE SENDS YOU ALL HIS OWN PLANS OF COURSE. - *THE SCHEME FOR *SCOTLAND WE THINK AN EXCELLENT ONE BOTH FOR HIMSELF & HIS NEPHEW. - *UPON THE WHOLE HIS *SPIRITS ARE VERY MUCH RECOVERED. - *IF *I MAY SO EXPRESS MYSELF, HIS *MIND IS NOT A *MIND FOR AFFLICTION. *HE IS TOO *BUSY, TOO ACTIVE, TOO SANGUINE. - *SINCERELY AS HE WAS ATTACHED TO POOR *ELIZA MOREOVER, & EXCELLENTLY AS HE BEHAVED TO HER, HE WAS ALWAYS SO USED TO BE AWAY FROM HER AT TIMES, THAT HER *LOSS IS NOT FELT AS THAT OF MANY A BELOVED WIFE MIGHT BE, ESPECIALLY WHEN ALL THE CIRCUM+ STANCES/ OF HER LONG AND DREADFUL *ILLNESS ARE TAKEN INTO THE ACCOUNT. - *HE VERY LONG KNEW THAT SHE MUST DIE, & IT WAS INDEED A RELEASE AT LAST. - *OUR MOURNING FOR HER IS NOT OVER, OR WE SHOULD NOW BE PUTTING IT ON AGAIN FOR *MR. *THOS* *LEIGH - THE RESPECTABLE, WORTHY,

CLEVER, AGREABLE *MR* *THO. *LEIGH, WHO HAS JUST CLOSED A GOOD LIFE AT THE. AGE OF 79, & MUST HAVE DIED THE POSSESSOR OF ONE OF THE FINEST *ESTATES IN *ENGLAND & OF MORE WORTHLESS *NEPHEWS AND *NEICES THAN ANY OTHER PRIVATE *MAN IN THE *UNITED KINGDOMS. - *WE ARE VERY ANXIOUS TO KNOW WHO WILL HAVE THE *LIVING OF *ADLESTROP, & WHERE HIS EXCELLENT SISTER WILL FIND A HOME FOR THE REMAINDER OF HER DAYS. *AS YET SHE BEARS HIS *LOSS WITH FORTITUDE, BUT SHE HAS ALWAYS SEEMED SO WRAPT UP IN HIM, THAT *I FEAR SHE MUST FEEL IT VERY DREADFULLY WHEN THE FEVER OF *BUSINESS IS OVER. - *THERE IS ANOTHER FEMALE SUFFERER ON THE OCCASION TO BE PITIED. *POOR *MRS. *L. *P. - WHO WOULD NOW HAVE BEEN *MISTRESS OF *STONLEIGH HAD THERE BEEN NONE OF THAT VILE COMPROMISE, WHICH IN GOOD TRUTH HAS NEVER BEEN ALLOWED TO BE OF MUCH USE TO THEM. - *IT WILL BE A HARD TRIAL. - *CHARLES'S LITTLE GIRLS WERE WITH US ABOUT A MONTH, & HAD SO ENDEARED THEMSELVES THAT WE WERE QUITE SORRY TO HAVE THEM GO. *WE HAVE THE PLEASURE HOWEVER OF HEARING THAT THEY ARE THOUGHT VERY MUCH IMPROVED AT HOME - *HARRIET IN HEALTH, *CASSY IN MANNERS. - *THE LATTER $OUGHT$ TO BE A VERY NICE *CHILD - *NATURE HAS DONE ENOUGH FOR HER - BUT *METHOD HAS BEEN WANTING : - WE THOUGHT HER VERY MUCH IMPROVED OURSELVES, BUT TO HAVE *PAPA & *MAMA THINK HER SO TOO, WAS VERY ESSENTIAL TO OUR CONTENTMENT. - *SHE WILL REALLY BE A VERY PLEASING *CHILD, IF THEY WILL ONLY EXERT THEMSELVES A LITTLE. - *HARRIET IS A TRUELY SWEET-TEMPERED LITTLE *DARLING. - *THEY ARE NOW ALL AT *SOUTHEND TOGETHER. - *WHY DO *I MENTION $THAT$? - *AS IF *CHARLES DID NOT WRITE HIMSELF. - *I HATE TO BE SPENDING MY TIME SO NEEDLESSLY, ENCROACH+ ING/ TOO UPON THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS. - *I WONDER WHETHER YOU HAPPENED TO SEE MR. *BLACKALL'S MARRIAGE IN THE

*PAPERS LAST *JANY. $*WE$ DID. *HE WAS MARRIED AT *CLIFTON TO A *MISS *LEWIS, WHOSE *FATHER HAD BEEN LATE OF *ANTIGUA. *I SHOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO KNOW WHAT SORT OF A *WOMAN SHE IS. *HE WAS A PIECE OF *PERFECTION, NOISY *PERFECTION HIMSELF WHICH *I ALWAYS RECOLLECT WITH REGARD. - *WE HAD NOTICED A FEW MONTHS BEFORE HIS SUCCEEDING TO A *COLLEGE *LIVING, THE VERY *LIVING WHICH WE REMEMBERED HIS TALKING OF & WISHNG FOR ; AN EXCEEDING GOOD ONE, *GREAT *CADBURY IN *SOMERSETSHIRE. - *I WOULD WISH *MISS *LEWIS TO BE OF A SILENT TURN & RATHER IGNORANT, BUT NATURALLY INTELLIGENT & WISHING TO LEARN ; - FOND OF COLD VEAL PIES, GREEN TEA IN THE AFTERNOON, & A GREEN WINDOW BLIND AT NIGHT. *YOU WILL BE GLAD TO HEAR THAT EVERY *COPY OF *S. & *S. IS SOLD & THAT IT HAS BROUGHT ME \140 BESIDES THE *COPYRIGHT, IF THAT SHD* EVER BE OF ANY VALUE. - *I HAVE NOW THEREFORE WRITTEN MYSELF INTO \250 - WHICH ONLY MAKES ME LONG FOR MORE. - *I HAVE SOMETHING IN HAND - WHICH *I HOPE ON THE CREDIT OF *P. & *P. WILL SELL WELL, THO' NOT HALF SO ENTERTAINING. *AND BY THE BYE - SHALL YOU OBJECT TO MY MENTIONING THE *ELEPHANT IN IT, & TWO OR THREE OTHER OF YOUR OLD *SHIPS ? *I $HAVE$ DONE IT, BUT IT SHALL NOT STAY, TO MAKE YOU ANGRY. - *THEY ARE ONLY JUST MENTIONED. *JULY 6. - *NOW MY DEAREST *FRANK *I WILL FINISH MY *LETTER. *I HAVE KEPT IT OPEN ON THE CHANCE OF WHAT A *TUESDAY'S POST MIGHT FURNISH IN ADDITION, & IT FURNISHES THE LIKELIHOOD OF OUR KEEPING OUR NEIGHBOURS AT THE *GT* *HOUSE SOME WEEKS LONGER THAN WE HAD EXPECTED. - *MR. *SCUDAMORE, TO WHOM MY *BROTHER REFERRED, IS VERY DECIDED AS TO *GM* NOT BEING FIT TO BE INHABITED AT

PRESENT ; - HE TALKS EVEN OF TWO MONTHS MORE BEING NECESSARY TO SWEETEN IT, BUT IF WE HAVE WARM WEATHER *I DARE-SAY LESS WILL DO. - *MY *BROTHER WILL PROBABLY GO DOWN & SNIFF AT IT HIMSELF & RECEIVE HIS RENTS. - *THE RENT-DAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED ALREADY. - $*WE$ SHALL BE GAINERS BY THEIR STAY, BUT THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN GENERAL ARE DISAPPOINTED, AND THEREFORE WE CD* WISH IT OTHER+ WISE/. - *OUR *COUSINS *COLONEL *THOS* *AUSTEN & *MARGARETTA ARE GOING *AID-DE-CAMPS TO *IRELAND & *LORD *WHITWORTH GOES IN THEIR *TRAIN AS *LORD *LIEUTENANT ; - GOOD AP+ POINTMENTS/ FOR EACH. - *GOD BLESS YOU. - *I HOPE YOU CONTINUE BEAUTIFUL & BRUSH YOUR HAIR, BUT NOT ALL OFF. - *WE JOIN IN AN INFINITY OF *LOVE. *YRS** VERY AFFECLY** *JANE *AUSTEN *HENRIETTA *ST. : *WEDNESDAY *SEPT. 15, 1#2 PAST 8 *HERE *I AM, MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA, SEATED IN THE BREAKFAST, DINING, SITTING-ROOM, BEGINNING WITH ALL MY MIGHT. *FANNY WILL JOIN ME AS SOON AS SHE IS DRESSED AND BEGIN HER LETTER. *WE HAD A VERY GOOD JOURNEY, WEATHER AND ROADS EXCELLENT ; THE THREE FIRST STAGES FOR 1S. 6D., AND OUR ONLY MISADVENTURE THE BEING DELAYED ABOUT A QUARTER OF AN HOUR AT *KINGSTON FOR HORSES, AND BEING OBLIGED TO PUT UP WITH A PAIR BELONGING TO A HACKNEY COACH AND THEIR COACHMAN, WHICH LEFT NO ROOM ON THE

BAROUCHE BOX FOR *LIZZY, WHO WAS TO HAVE GONE HER LAST STAGE THERE AS SHE DID THE FIRST ; CONSEQUENTLY WE WERE ALL FOUR WITHIN, WHICH WAS A LITTLE CROWD. *WE ARRIVED AT A QUARTER-PAST FOUR, AND WERE KINDLY WELCOMED BY THE COACHMAN, AND THEN BY HIS MASTER, AND THEN BY *WILLIAM, AND THEN BY *MRS. *PERIGORD, WHO ALL MET US BEFORE WE REACHED THE FOOT OF THE STAIRS. *MDE. *BIGEON WAS BELOW DRESSING US A MOST COMFORTABLE DINNER OF SOUP, FISH, BOUILLEE, PARTRIDGES, AND AN APPLE TART, WHICH WE SAT DOWN TO SOON AFTER FIVE, AFTER CLEAN+ ING/ AND DRESSING OURSELVES AND FEELING THAT WE WERE MOST COMMODIOUSLY DISPOSED OF. *THE LITTLE ADJOINING DRESSING-ROOM TO OUR APARTMENT MAKES *FANNY AND MYSELF VERY WELL OFF INDEED, AND AS WE HAVE POOR *ELIZA'S BED OUR SPACE IS AMPLE EVERY WAY. *SACE ARRIVED SAFELY ABOUT HALF-PAST SIX. *AT SEVEN WE SET OFF IN A COACH FOR THE *LYCEUM ; WERE AT HOME AGAIN IN ABOUT FOUR HOURS AND A HALF ; HAD SOUP AND WINE AND WATER, AND THEN WENT TO OUR HOLES. *EDWARD FINDS HIS QUARTERS VERY SNUG AND QUIET. *I MUST GET A SOFTER PEN. *THIS IS HARDER. *I AM IN AGONIES. *I HAVE NOT YET SEEN *MR. *CRABBE. *MARTHA'S LETTER IS GONE TO THE POST. *I AM GOING TO WRITE NOTHING BUT SHORT SENTENCES. *THERE SHALL BE TWO FULL STOPS IN EVERY LINE. *LAYTON AND *SHEAR'S $IS$ *BEDFORD *HOUSE. *WE MEAN TO GET THERE BEFORE BREAKFAST IF IT'S POSSIBLE ; FOR WE FEEL MORE AND MORE HOW MUCH WE HAVE TO DO AND HOW LITTLE TIME. *THIS HOUSE LOOKS VERY NICE. *IT SEEMS LIKE *SLOANE *STREET MOVED HERE. *I BELIEVE *HENRY IS JUST RID OF *SLOANE *STREET. *FANNY DOES NOT COME, BUT *I HAVE *EDWARD SEATED BY ME BEGINNING A LETTER, WHICH LOOKS NATURAL. *HENRY HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM THE PAIN IN THE FACE

WHICH HE HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO BEFORE. *HE CAUGHT COLD AT *MATLOCK, AND SINCE HIS RETURN HAS BEEN PAYING A LITTLE FOR PAST PLEASURE. *IT IS NEARLY REMOVED NOW, BUT HE LOOKS THIN IN THE FACE, EITHER FROM THE PAIN OR THE FATIGUES OF HIS TOUR, WHICH MUST HAVE BEEN GREAT. *LADY *ROBERT IS DELIGHTED WITH *P. AND *P., AND REALLY $WAS$ SO, AS *I UNDERSTAND, BEFORE SHE KNEW WHO WROTE IT, FOR, OF COURSE, SHE KNOWS NOW. *HE TOLD HER WITH AS MUCH SATISFACTION AS IF IT WERE MY WISH. *HE DID NOT TELL $ME$ THIS, BUT HE TOLD *FANNY. *AND *MR. *HASTINGS ! *I AM QUITE DELIGHTED WITH WHAT SUCH A MAN WRITES ABOUT IT. *HENRY SENT HIM THE BOOKS AFTER HIS RETURN FROM *DAYLESFORD, BUT YOU WILL HEAR THE LETTER TOO. *LET ME BE RATIONAL, AND RETURN TO MY TWO FULL STOPS. *I TALKED TO *HENRY AT THE PLAY LAST NIGHT. *WE WERE IN A PRIVATE BOX - *MR. *SPENCER'S - WHICH MADE IT MUCH MORE PLEASANT. *THE BOX IS DIRECTLY ON THE STAGE. *ONE IS INFINITELY LESS FATIGUED THAN IN THE COMMON WAY. *BUT *HENRY'S PLANS ARE NOT WHAT ONE COULD WISH. *HE DOES NOT MEAN TO BE AT *CHAWTON TILL THE 29TH. *HE MUST BE IN TOWN AGAIN BY *OCT. 5. *HIS PLAN IS TO GET A COUPLE OF DAYS OF PHEASANT SHOOTING AND THEN RETURN DIRECTLY. *HIS WISH WAS TO BRING YOU BACK WITH HIM. *I HAVE TOLD HIM YOUR SCRUPLES. *HE WISHES YOU TO SUIT YOURSELF AS TO TIME, AND IF YOU CANNOT COME TILL LATER, WILL SEND FOR YOU AT ANY TIME AS FAR AS *BAGSHOT. *HE PRESUMED YOU WOULD NOT FIND DIFFICULTY IN GETTING SO FAR. *I COULD NOT SAY YOU WOULD. *HE PROPOSED YOUR GOING WITH HIM INTO *OXFORDSHIRE. *IT WAS HIS OWN THOUGHT AT FIRST. *I COULD NOT BUT CATCH AT IT FOR YOU. *WE HAVE TALKED OF IT AGAIN THIS MORNING (FOR NOW WE HAVE BREAKFASTED), AND *I AM CONVINCED THAT IF YOU CAN MAKE IT SUIT IN OTHER RESPECTS YOU NEED NOT SCRUPLE ON

HIS ACCOUNT. *IF YOU CANNOT COME BACK WITH HIM ON THE 3RD OR 4TH, THEREFORE, *I DO HOPE YOU WILL CONTRIVE TO GO TO *ADLESTROP. *BY NOT BEGINNING YOUR ABSENCE TILL ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH *I THINK YOU MAY MANAGE IT VERY WELL. *BUT YOU WILL THINK ALL THIS OVER. *ONE COULD WISH HE HAD INTENDED TO COME TO YOU EARLIER, BUT IT CANNOT BE HELPED. *I SAID NOTHING TO HIM OF *MRS. *H. AND *MISS *B., THAT HE MIGHT NOT SUPPOSE DIFFICULTIES. *SHALL NOT YOU PUT $THEM$ INTO OUR OWN ROOM ? *THIS SEEMS TO ME THE BEST PLAN, AND THE MAID WILL BE MOST CONVENIENTLY NEAR. *OH, DEAR ME ! WHEN *I SHALL EVER HAVE DONE. *WE $DID$ GO TO *LAYTON AND *SHEAR'S BEFORE BREAKFAST. *VERY PRETTY *ENGLISH POPLINS AT 4S. 3D. ; *IRISH, DITTO AT 6S. ; $MORE$ PRETTY, CERTAINLY - BEAUTIFUL. *FANNY AND THE TWO LITTLE GIRLS ARE GONE TO TAKE PLACES FOR TO-NIGHT AT *COVENT *GARDEN ; " *CLANDESTINE *MARRIAGE " AND " *MIDAS." *THE LATTER WILL BE A FINE SHOW FOR *L. AND *M. THEY REVELLED LAST NIGHT IN " *DON *JUAN," WHOM WE LEFT IN HELL AT HALF-PAST ELEVEN. *WE HAD SCARAMOUCH AND A GHOST, AND WERE DELIGHTED. *I SPEAK OF $THEM$; MY DELIGHT WAS VERY TRANQUIL, AND THE REST OF US WERE SOBER-MINDED. " *DON *JUAN " WAS THE LAST OF THREE MUSICAL THINGS. " *FIVE HOURS AT *BRIGHTON," IN THREE ACTS - OF WHICH ONE WAS OVER BEFORE WE ARRIVED, NONE THE WORSE - AND THE " *BEEHIVE," RATHER LESS FLAT AND TRUMPERY. *I HAVE THIS MOMENT RECEIVED 5L. FROM KIND, BEAUTIFUL *EDWARD. *FANNY HAS A SIMILAR GIFT. *I SHALL SAVE WHAT *I CAN OF IT FOR YOUR BETTER LEISURE IN THIS PLACE. $*MY$ LETTER WAS FROM *MISS *SHARPE - NOTHING PARTICULAR. *A LETTER FROM *FANNY *CAGE THIS MORNING. $*FOUR O'CLOCK$. - *WE ARE JUST COME BACK FROM DOING

**MRS. *TICKARS, *MISS *HARE, AND *MR. *SPENCE. *MR. *HALL IS HERE, AND, WHILE *FANNY IS UNDER HIS HANDS, *I WILL TRY TO WRITE A LITTLE MORE. *MISS *HARE HAD SOME PRETTY CAPS, AND IS TO MAKE ME ONE LIKE ONE OF THEM, ONLY $WHITE$ SATIN INSTEAD OF BLUE. *IT WILL BE WHITE SATIN AND LACE, AND A LITTLE WHITE FLOWER PERKING OUT OF THE LEFT EAR, LIKE *HARRIOT *BYRON'S FEATHER. *I HAVE ALLOWED HER TO GO AS FAR AS $1L. 16S.$ *MY GOWN IS TO BE TRIMMED EVERYWHERE WITH WHITE RIBBON PLAITED ON SOMEHOW OR OTHER. *SHE SAYS IT WILL LOOK WELL. *I AM NOT SANGUINE. *THEY TRIM WITH WHITE VERY MUCH. *I LEARNT FROM *MRS. *TICKARS'S YOUNG LADY, TO MY HIGH AMUSEMENT, THAT THE STAYS NOW ARE NOT MADE TO FORCE THE BOSOM UP AT ALL ; THAT WAS A VERY UNBECOMING, UNNATURAL FASHION. *I WAS REALLY GLAD TO HEAR THAT THEY ARE NOT TO BE SO MUCH OFF THE SHOULDERS AS THEY WERE. *GOING TO *MR. *SPENCE'S WAS A SAD BUSINESS AND COST US MANY TEARS ; UNLUCKILY WE WERE OBLIGED TO GO A SECOND TIME BEFORE HE COULD DO MORE THAN JUST LOOK. *WE WENT FIRST AT HALF-PAST TWELVE AND AFTERWARDS AT THREE ; PAPA WITH US EACH TIME ; AND, ALAS ! WE ARE TO GO AGAIN TO-MORROW. *LIZZY IS NOT FINISHED YET. *THERE HAVE BEEN NO TEETH TAKEN OUT, HOWEVER, NOR WILL BE, *I BELIEVE, BUT HE FINDS $HERS$ IN A VERY BAD STATE, AND SEEMS TO THINK PARTICULARLY ILL OF THEIR DURABLENESS. *THEY HAVE BEEN ALL CLEANED, $HERS$ FILED, AND ARE TO BE FILED AGAIN. *THERE IS A VERY SAD HOLE BETWEEN TWO OF HER FRONT TEETH. + [*THIS NOT SEEING MUCH OF *HENRY, *I HAVE JUST SEEN HIM + HOWEVER FOR 3 MINUTES, & HAVE READ HIM THE *EXTRACT FROM + *MRS. *F *A.'S *LETTER - & HE SAYS HE WILL WRITE TO *MRS. *FRA *A. + ABOUT IT, & HE HAS NO DOUBT OF BEING ATTENDED TO AS HE KNOWS + THEY FEEL THEMSELVES OBLIGED TO HIM. - *PERHAPS YOU MAY SEE + HIM ON *SATURDAY NEXT. *HE HAS JUST STARTED SUCH AN IDEA +. *BUT IT WILL BE ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.] $*THURSDAY *MORNING, HALF-PAST *SEVEN$. - *UP AND DRESSED AND DOWNSTAIRS IN ORDER TO FINISH MY LETTER IN TIME FOR THE PARCEL. *AT EIGHT *I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH

*MADAME *B., WHO WANTS TO SHOW ME SOMETHING DOWN+ STAIRS/. *AT NINE WE ARE TO SET OFF FOR *GRAFTON *HOUSE, AND GET THAT OVER BEFORE BREAKFAST. *EDWARD IS SO KIND AS TO WALK THERE WITH US. *WE ARE TO BE AT *MR. *SPENCE'S AGAIN AT 11-5 ; FROM THAT TIME SHALL BE DRIVING ABOUT *I SUPPOSE TILL FOUR O'CLOCK AT LEAST. *WE ARE, IF POSSIBLE, TO CALL ON *MRS. *TILSON. *MR. *HALL WAS VERY PUNCTUAL YESTERDAY, AND CURLED ME OUT AT A GREAT RATE. *I THOUGHT IT LOOKED HIDEOUS, AND LONGED FOR A SNUG CAP INSTEAD, BUT MY COMPANIONS SILENCED ME BY THEIR ADMIRATION. *I HAD ONLY A BIT OF VELVET ROUND MY HEAD. *I DID NOT CATCH COLD HOWEVER. *THE WEATHER IS ALL IN MY FAVOUR. *I HAVE HAD NO PAIN IN MY FACE SINCE *I LEFT YOU. *WE HAD VERY GOOD PLACES IN THE BOX NEXT THE STAGE+ BOX/, FRONT AND SECOND ROW ; THE THREE OLD ONES BEHIND OF COURSE. *I WAS PARTICULARLY DISAPPOINTED AT SEEING NOTHING OF *MR. *CRABBE. *I FELT SURE OF HIM WHEN *I SAW THAT THE BOXES WERE FITTED UP WITH CRIMSON VELVET. *THE NEW *MR. *TERRY WAS *LORD *OGLEBY, AND *HENRY THINKS HE MAY DO; BUT THERE WAS NO ACTING MORE THAN MODERATE, AND *I WAS AS MUCH AMUSED BY THE REMEM+ BRANCES/ CONNECTED WITH " *MIDAS " AS WITH ANY PART OF IT. *THE GIRLS WERE VERY MUCH DELIGHTED, BUT STILL PREFER " *DON *JUAN ; " AND *I MUST SAY THAT *I HAVE SEEN NOBODY ON THE STAGE WHO HAS BEEN A MORE INTERESTING CHARACTER THAN THAT COMPOUND OF CRUELTY AND LUST. *IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO GET THE WORSTEDS YESTERDAY. *I HEARD *EDWARD LAST NIGHT PRESSING *HENRY TO COME TO *GM*, AND *I THINK *HENRY ENGAGED TO GO THERE AFTER HIS *NOVEMBER COLLECTION. *NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE AS TO *S. AND *S. THE BOOKS CAME TO HAND TOO LATE FOR HIM TO HAVE TIME FOR IT BEFORE HE WENT.

*MR. *HASTINGS NEVER $HINTED$ AT *ELIZA IN THE SMALLEST DEGREE. *HENRY KNEW NOTHING OF *MR. *TRIMMER'S DEATH. *I TELL YOU THESE THINGS THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE TO ASK THEM OVER AGAIN. *THERE IS A NEW CLERK SENT DOWN TO *ALTON, A *MR. *EDMUND *WILLIAMS, A YOUNG MAN WHOM *HENRY THINKS MOST HIGHLY OF, AND HE TURNS OUT TO BE A SON OF THE LUCKLESS *WILLIAMSES OF *GROSVENOR *PLACE. *I LONG TO HAVE YOU HEAR *MR. *H.'S OPINION OF *P. AND *P. *HIS ADMIRING MY *ELIZABETH SO MUCH IS PARTICULARLY WELCOME TO ME. *INSTEAD OF SAVING MY SUPERFLUOUS WEALTH FOR YOU TO SPEND, *I AM GOING TO TREAT MYSELF WITH SPENDING IT MYSELF. *I HOPE, AT LEAST, THAT *I SHALL FIND SOME POPLIN AT *LAYTON AND *SHEAR'S THAT WILL TEMPT ME TO BUY IT. *IF *I DO, IT SHALL BE SENT TO *CHAWTON, AS HALF WILL BE FOR YOU; FOR *I DEPEND UPON YOUR BEING SO KIND AS TO ACCEPT IT, BEING THE MAIN POINT. *IT WILL BE A GREAT PLEASURE TO ME. *DON'T SAY A WORD. *I ONLY WISH YOU COULD CHOOSE TOO. *I SHALL SEND TWENTY YARDS. *NOW FOR *BATH. *POOR *F. CAGE HAS SUFFERED A GOOD DEAL FROM HER ACCIDENT. *THE NOISE OF THE *WHITE *HART WAS TERRIBLE TO HER. *THEY WILL KEEP HER QUIET, *I DARE SAY. $*SHE$ IS NOT SO MUCH DELIGHTED WITH THE PLACE AS THE REST OF THE PARTY ; PROBABLY, AS SHE SAYS HERSELF, FROM HAVING BEEN LESS WELL, BUT SHE THINKS SHE SHOULD LIKE IT BETTER IN THE SEASON. *THE STREETS ARE VERY EMPTY NOW, AND THE SHOPS NOT SO GAY AS SHE EXPECTED. *THEY ARE AT *NO. 1 *HENRIETTA *STREET, THE CORNER OF *LAURA *PLACE, AND HAVE NO ACQUAINTANCE AT PRESENT BUT THE *BRAMSTONS. *LADY *BRIDGES DRINKS AT THE *CROSS *BATH, HER SON AT THE *HOT, AND *LOUISA IS GOING TO BATHE. *DR. *PARRY

SEEMS TO BE HALF STARVING *MR. *BRIDGES, FOR HE IS RESTRICTED TO MUCH SUCH A DIET AS *JAMES'S BREAD, WATER AND MEAT, AND IS NEVER TO EAT SO MUCH OF THAT AS HE WISHES, AND HE IS TO WALK A GREAT DEAL - WALK TILL HE DROPS, *I BELIEVE - GOUT OR NO GOUT. *IT REALLY IS TO THAT PURPOSE. *I HAVE NOT EXAGGERATED. *CHARMING WEATHER FOR YOU AND US, AND THE TRAVELLERS, AND EVERYBODY. *YOU WILL TAKE YOUR WALK THIS AFTER+ NOON/, AND ... *HENRIETTA *STREET - *THURSDAY - AFTER DINNER *THANK YOU MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA FOR THE NICE LONG *LETTER *I SENT OFF THIS MORNING. - *I HOPE YOU HAVE HAD IT BY THIS TIME & THAT IT HAS FOUND YOU ALL WELL, & MY *MOTHER NO MORE IN NEED OF *LEECHES. - *WHETHER THIS WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOU BY *HENRY ON *SATURDAY EVENG* OR BY THE *POSTMAN ON *SUNDAY MORNG* *I KNOW NOT, AS HE HAS LATELY RECOLLECTED SOMETHING OF AN ENGAGEMENT FOR *SATURDAY WHICH PERHAPS MAY DELAY HIS VISIT. - *HE SEEMS DETERMINED TO COME TO YOU SOON HOWEVER. - *I HOPE YOU WILL RECEIVE THE *GOWN TOMORROW & MAY BE ABLE WITH TOLERABLE HONESTY TO SAY THAT YOU LIKE THE COLOUR ; - IT WAS BOUGHT AT *GRAFTON *HOUSE, WHERE, BY GOING VERY EARLY, WE GOT IMMEDIATE ATTENDANCE & WENT ON VERY COMFORTABLY. - *I ONLY FORGOT THE ONE PARTICULAR THING WHICH *I HAD ALWAYS RESOLVED TO BUY THERE -

A WHITE SILK *HANDKF - & WAS THEREFORE OBLIGED TO GIVE SIX SHILLINGS FOR ONE AT *CROOK & *BESFORD'S - WHICH RE+ MINDS/ ME TO SAY THAT THE *WORSTEDS OUGHT ALSO TO BE AT *CHAWTON TOMORROW & THAT *I SHALL BE VERY HAPPY TO HEAR THEY ARE APPROVED. *I HAD NOT MUCH TIME FOR DELIBERATION. *WE ARE NOW ALL FOUR OF US YOUNG *LADIES SITTING ROUND THE *CIRCULAR *TABLE IN THE INNER ROOM WRITING OUR *LETTERS, WHILE THE TWO *BROTHERS ARE HAVING A COMFORTABLE COZE IN THE ROOM ADJOINING. - *IT IS TO BE A QUIET EVENING, MUCH TO THE SATISFACTION OF 4 OF THE 6. - *MY *EYES ARE QUITE TIRED OF *DUST AND *LAMPS. - *THE *LETTER YOU FORWARDED FROM *EDWD* *JUNR* HAS BEEN DULY RECEIVED. *HE HAS BEEN SHOOTING MOST PROSPER+ OUSLY/ AT HOME, & DINING AT *CHILHAM *CASTLE & WITH *MR. *SCUDAMORE. *MY *CAP IS COME HOME & *I LIKE IT VERY MUCH, *FANNY HAS ONE ALSO ; HERS IS WHITE SARSENET AND *LACE, OF A DIFFERENT SHAPE FROM MINE, MORE FIT FOR MORNING, *CARRIAGE WEAR - WHICH IS WHAT IT IS INTENDED FOR - & IS IN SHAPE EXCEEDINGLY LIKE OUR OWN *SATTIN & *LACE OF LAST WINTER - SHAPED ROUND THE FACE EXACTLY LIKE IT, WITH PIPES & MORE FULLNESS, & A ROUND CROWN INSERTED BEHIND. $*MY$ *CAP HAS A PEAK IN FRONT. *LARGE, FULL *BOWS OF VERY NARROW RIBBON (OLD TWOPENNY) ARE THE THING. *ONE OVER THE RIGHT TEMPLE PERHAPS, & ANOTHER AT THE LEFT EAR. - *HENRY IS NOT QUITE WELL. - *HIS STOMACH IS RATHER DERANGED. *YOU MUST KEEP HIM IN *RHUBARB & GIVE HIM PLENTY OF *PORT & *WATER. - *HE CAUGHT HIS COLD FARTHER BACK THAN *I TOLD YOU - BEFORE HE GOT TO *MATLOCK - SOMEWHERE IN HIS *JOURNEY FROM THE *NORTH - BUT THE ILL EFFECTS OF $THAT$ *I HOPE ARE NEARLY GONE. - *WE RETURNED FROM *GRAFTON *HOUSE ONLY JUST IN TIME FOR BREAKFAST & HAD SCARCELY FINISHED BREAKFAST WHEN THE CARRIAGE CAME TO THE DOOR. *FROM 11 TO

1#2 PAST 3 WE WERE HARD AT IT ; - WE $DID$ CONTRIVE TO GET TO *HANS *PLACE FOR 10 MINUTES. *MRS. *T. WAS AS AFFEC+ TIONATE/ & PLEASING AS EVER ; & FROM HER APPEARANCE *I SUSPECT HER TO BE IN THE FAMILY WAY. *POOR *WOMAN ! - *FANNY PROPHECIES THE *CHILD'S COMING WITHIN 3 OR 4 DAYS. *AFTER OUR RETURN, *MR. *TILSON WALKED UP FROM THE *COMPTING *HOUSE & CALLED UPON US ; & THESE HAVE BEEN ALL OUR *VISITINGS. - *I HAVE REJOICED MORE THAN ONCE THAT *I BOUGHT MY *WRITING PAPER IN THE *COUNTRY ; WE HAVE NOT HAD A QR* OF AN HOUR TO SPARE. - *I ENCLOSE THE *EIGHTEEN PENCE DUE TO MY *MOTHER. - *THE *ROSE COLOUR WAS 6#S, & THE OTHER 4\S PER YD*. *THERE WAS BUT 2 YD* AND A QR* OF THE DARK SLATE IN THE *SHOP, BUT THE *MAN PROMISED TO MATCH IT AND SEND IT OFF CORRECTLY. *FANNY BOUGHT HER *IRISH AT *NEWTON'S IN *LEICESTER *SQRE** & *I TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY OF THINKING ABOUT YOUR *IRISH & SEEING ONE PIECE OF THE *YARD WIDE AT 4#S. - AND IT SEEMED TO ME VERY GOOD - GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOUR PUR+ POSE/. - *IT MIGHT AT LEAST BE WORTH YOUR WHILE TO GO THERE, IF YOU HAVE NO OTHER ENGAGEMENTS. - *FANNY IS VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH THE STOCKINGS SHE HAS BOUGHT OF *REMMINGTON - *SILK AT 12#S. - *COTTON AT 4..3. - *SHE THINKS THEM GREAT BARGAINS, BUT *I HAVE NOT SEEN THEM YET - AS MY HAIR WAS DRESSING WHEN THE *MAN & THE *STOCKGS CAME. - *THE POOR *GIRLS & THEIR *TEETH ! - *I HAVE NOT MENTIONED THEM YET, BUT WE WERE A WHOLE HOUR AT *SPENCE'S, & *LIZZY'S WERE FILED & LAMENTED OVER AGAIN & POOR *MARIANNE HAD TWO TAKEN OUT AFTER ALL, THE TWO JUST BEYOND THE *EYE TEETH, TO MAKE ROOM FOR THOSE IN FRONT. - *WHEN HER DOOM WAS FIXED, *FANNY *LIZZY & *I WALKED INTO THE NEXT ROOM, WHERE WE HEARD EACH OF THE TWO SHARP HASTY *SCREAMS. - *FANNY'S TEETH WERE

CLEANED TOO - & PRETTY AS THEY ARE, *SPENCE FOUND SOMETHING TO DO TO THEM, PUTTING IN GOLD AND TALKING GRAVELY - & MAKING A CONSIDERABLE POINT OF SEEING HER AGAIN BEFORE WINTER ; - HE HAD BEFORE URGED THE EX+ PEDIENCY/ OF *L. & M.S BEING BROUGHT TO *TOWN IN THE COURSE OF A COUPLE OF *MONTHS TO BE FURTHER EXAMINED, & CONTINUED TO THE LAST TO PRESS FOR THEIR ALL COMING TO HIM. - *MY *BR* WOULD NOT ABSOLUTELY PROMISE. - *THE LITTLE GIRLS TEETH *I CAN SUPPOSE IN A CRITICAL STATE, BUT *I THINK HE MUST BE A *LOVER OF *TEETH & *MONEY & *MISCHEIF TO PARADE ABOUT *FANNYS. - *I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD HIM LOOK AT MINE FOR A SHILLING A TOOTH & DOUBLE IT. - *IT WAS A DISAGREABLE HOUR. *WE THEN WENT TO *WEDGWOODS WHERE MY *BR* & *FANNY CHOSE A *DINNER *SET. - *I BELEIVE THE PATTERN IS A SMALL-*LOZENGE IN PURPLE, BETWEEN *LINES OF NARROW *GOLD ; - & IT IS TO HAVE THE *CREST. *WE MUST HAVE BEEN 3 QRS** OF AN HOUR AT *GRAFTON *HOUSE, *EDWARD SITTING BY ALL THE TIME WITH WONDERFUL PATIENCE. *THERE *FANNY BOUGHT THE *NET FOR *ANNA'S GOWN, & A BEAUTIFUL *SQUARE VEIL FOR HERSELF. - *THE *EDGING THERE IS VERY CHEAP, *I WAS TEMPTED BY SOME, & *I BOUGHT SOME VERY NICE PLAITING *LACE AT 3-4. - *FANNY DESIRES ME TO TELL *MARTHA WITH HER KIND *LOVE THAT *BIRCHALL ASSURED HER THERE WAS NO 2D* SET OF *HOOK'S *LESSONS FOR *BEGINNERS - & THAT BY MY ADVICE, SHE HAS THEREFORE CHOSEN HER A SET BY ANOTHER *COMPOSER. *I THOUGHT SHE WD* RATHER HAVE SOMETHING THAN NOT. - *IT COSTS SIX SHILLINGS. - *WITH *LOVE TO *YOU ALL, INCLUDING *TRIGGS, *I REMAIN *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN

*GODMERSHAM *PARK - *THURSDAY *SEPT: 23D*. - *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *THANK YOU FIVE HUNDRED & FORTY TIMES FOR THE EXQUISITE PIECE OF *WORKMANSHIP WHICH WAS BROUGHT INTO THE ROOM THIS MORNG* WHILE WE WERE AT BREAKFAST - WITH SOME VERY INFERIOR WORKS OF ART IN THE SAME WAY, & WHICH *I READ WITH HIGH GLEE - MUCH DELIGHTED WITH EVERYTHING IT TOLD WHETHER GOOD OR BAD. - *IT IS SO RICH IN STRIKING INTELLIGENCE THAT *I HARDLY KNOW WHAT TO REPLY TO FIRST. *I BELEIVE *FINERY MUST HAVE IT. *I AM EXTREMELY GLAD THAT YOU LIKE THE *POPLIN, *I THOUGHT IT WOULD HAVE MY $*MOTHER'S$ APPROBATION, BUT WAS NOT SO CONFIDENT OF $YOURS$. *REMEMBER THAT IT IS A PRESENT. *DO NOT REFUSE ME. *I AM VERY RICH. - *MRS. *CLEMENT IS VERY WELCOME TO HER LITTLE *BOY & TO MY *CONGRATULA+ TIONS/ INTO THE BARGAIN, IF EVER YOU THINK OF GIVING THEM. *I HOPE SHE WILL DO WELL. - *HER SISTER IN *LUCINA, *MRS. *H. *GIPPS DOES TOO WELL WE THINK ; - *MARY *P. WROTE ON *SUNDAY THAT SHE HAD BEEN THREE DAYS ON THE *SOFA. *SACKREE DOES NOT APPROVE IT. *HOW CAN *MRS** *J. *AUSTEN BE SO PROVOKINGLY ILL-JUDGING ? - *I SHOULD HAVE EX+ PECTED/ BETTER FROM HER PROFESSED IF NOT HER REAL REGARD FOR MY *MOTHER. *NOW MY *MOTHER WILL BE UNWELL AGAIN. *EVERY FAULT IN *BEN'S BLOOD DOES HARM TO HERS, & EVERY DINNER-INVITATION HE REFUSES WILL GIVE HER AN INDI+ GESTION/. - *WELL, THERE IS SOME COMFORT IN THE *MRS. *HULBERT'S NOT COMING TO YOU - & *I AM HAPPY TO HEAR

OF THE *HONEY. - *I WAS THINKING OF IT THE OTHER DAY. - *LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU BEGIN THE NEW *TEA - & THE NEW WHITE WINE. - *MY PRESENT *ELEGANCIES HAVE NOT YET MADE ME INDIFFERENT TO SUCH *MATTERS. *I AM STILL A *CAT IF *I SEE A *MOUSE. - *I AM GLAD YOU LIKE OUR CAPS - BUT *FANNY IS OUT OF CONCEIT WITH HERS ALREADY ; SHE FINDS THAT SHE HAS BEEN BUYING A NEW CAP WITHOUT HAVING A NEW PATTERN, WHICH IS TRUE ENOUGH. - *SHE IS RATHER OUT OF LUCK, TO LIKE NEITHER HER GOWN NOR HER CAP - BUT *I DO NOT MIND IT, BECAUSE BESIDES THAT *I LIKE THEM BOTH MYSELF, *I CONSIDER IT AS A THING OF COURSE AT HER TIME OF *LIFE - ONE OF THE SWEET TAXES OF *YOUTH TO CHUSE IN A HURRY & MAKE BAD BARGAINS. - *I WROTE TO *CHARLES YESTERDAY, & *FANNY HAS HAD A LETTER FROM HIM TO DAY, PRINCIPALLY TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE TIME OF THEIR VISIT HERE, TO WHICH MINE WAS AN ANSWER BEFOREHAND ; SO HE WILL PROBABLY WRITE AGAIN SOON TO FIX HIS WEEK. - *I AM BEST PLEASED THAT *CASSY DOES NOT GO TO YOU. - *NOW, WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING SINCE *I WROTE LAST ? *THE *MR. *KS CAME A LITTLE BEFORE DINNER ON *MONDAY, & *EDWD* WENT TO THE CHURCH WITH THE TWO *SENIORS - BUT THERE IS NO *INSCRIPTION YET DRAWN UP. *THEY ARE VERY GOODNATURED YOU KNOW & CIVIL & ALL THAT - BUT ARE NOT PARTICULARLY SUPERFINE ; HOWEVER, THEY ATE THEIR DINNER & DRANK THEIR *TEA & WENT AWAY, LEAVING THEIR LOVELY *WADHAM IN OUR ARMS - & *I WISH YOU HAD SEEN *FANNY & ME RUNNING BACKWARDS & FORWARDS WITH HIS *BREECHES FROM THE LITTLE CHINTZ TO THE *WHITE ROOM BEFORE WE WENT TO BED, IN THE GREATEST OF FRIGHTS LEST HE SHOULD COME UPON US BEFORE WE HAD DONE IT ALL. - *THERE HAD BEEN A MISTAKE IN THE *HOUSEMAIDS' *PREPARATIONS & $THEY$ WERE GONE TO BED. - *HE SEEMS A VERY HARMLESS SORT OF YOUNG *MAN - NOTHING TO LIKE OR DISLIKE IN HIM ; -

GOES OUT SHOOTING OR HUNTING WITH THE TWO OTHERS ALL THE MORNG* - & PLAYS AT WHIST & MAKES QUEER FACES IN THE EVENG*. - *ON *TUESDAY THE *CARRIAGE WAS TAKEN TO THE *PAINTERS ; - AT ONE TIME *FANNY & *I WERE TO HAVE GONE IN IT, CHEIFLY TO CALL ON *MRS. *C--- MILLES AND $*MOY$ - BUT WE FOUND THAT THEY WERE GOING FOR A FEW DAYS TO *SAND+ LING/ & WD* NOT BE AT HOME ; - THEREFORE MY *BROTHER & *FANNY WENT TO *EASTWELL IN THE CHAIR INSTEAD. *WHILE THEY WERE GONE THE *MACKINGTON *MILLES' CALLED & LEFT THEIR CARDS. - *NOBODY AT HOME AT *EASTWELL. - *WE HEAR A GREAT DEAL OF *GEO. *H.'S WRETCHEDNESS. *I SUPPOSE HE HAS QUICK FEELINGS - BUT *I DARE SAY THEY WILL NOT KILL HIM. - *HE IS SO MUCH OUT OF SPIRITS HOWEVER THAT HIS FRIEND *JOHN *PLUMPTRE IS GONE OVER TO COMFORT HIM, AT *MR. *HATTON'S DESIRE ; HE CALLED HERE THIS MORNG* IN HIS WAY. *A HANDSOME YOUNG *MAN CERTAINLY, WITH QUIET, GENTLEMANLIKE MANNERS. - *I SET HIM DOWN AS SENSIBLE RATHER THAN *BRILLIANT. - *THERE IS NOBODY *BRILLIANT NOW+ ADAYS/. - *HE TALKS OF STAYING A WEEK AT *EASTWELL & THEN COMES TO *CHILHAM *CAS: FOR A DAY OR TWO, & MY *BR* INVITED HIM TO COME HERE AFTERWARDS, WHICH HE SEEMED VERY AGREABLE TO. - " '*TIS *NIGHT & THE *LANDSCAPE IS LOVELY NO MORE," BUT TO MAKE AMENDS FOR THAT, OUR VISIT TO THE *TYLDENS IS OVER. *MY *BROTHER, *FANNY, *EDWD* & *I WENT ; *GEO. STAID AT HOME WITH *W. *K. - *THERE WAS NOTHING ENTERTAINING, OR OUT OF THE COMMON WAY. *WE MET ONLY *TYLDENS & DOUBLE *TYLDENS. *A *WHIST *TABLE FOR THE *GENTLEMEN, A GROWN-UP MUSICAL YOUNG *LADY TO PLAY *BACKGAMMON WITH *FANNY, & ENGRAVINGS OF THE *COLLEGES AT *CAMBRIDGE FOR ME. *IN THE MORNG* WE RETURNED *MRS. *SHERER'S VISIT. - *I LIKE $*MR$. *S. VERY MUCH. - *WELL, *I HAVE NOT HALF DONE YET ; *I AM NOT COME UP WITH MYSELF. - *MY *BR* DROVE *FANNY

TO *NACKINGTON & *CANTY* YESTERDAY, & WHILE THEY WERE GONE THE *FAGGS PAID THEIR DUTY. - *MARY *OXENDEN IS STAYING AT *CANTY* WITH THE *BLAIRS, & *FANNY'S OBJECT WAS TO SEE HER. - *THE *DEEDES' WANT US TO COME TO *SANDLING FOR A FEW DAYS, OR AT LEAST A DAY & NIGHT ; - AT PRESENT *EDWD* DOES NOT SEEM WELL AFFECTED - HE WD* RATHER NOT BE ASKED TO GO ANYWHERE - BUT *I RATHER EXPECT HE WILL BE PERSUADED TO GO FOR THE ONE DAY & NIGHT. *I READ HIM THE CHEIF OF YOUR *LETTER, HE WAS INTERESTED & PLEASED AS HE OUGHT, & WILL BE HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU HIMSELF. - *YOUR FINDING SO MUCH COMFORT FROM HIS *COWS GAVE HIM EVIDENT PLEASURE. - *I WONDER *HENRY DID NOT GO DOWN ON *SATURDAY ; - HE DOES NOT IN GENERAL FALL $WITHIN$ A DOUBTFUL *INTENTION. - *MY FACE IS VERY MUCH AS IT WAS BEFORE *I CAME AWAY - FOR THE FIRST TWO OR THREE DAYS IT WAS RATHER WORSE - *I CAUGHT A SMALL COLD IN MY WAY DOWN & HAD SOME PAIN EVERY EVENG* - NOT TO LAST LONG, BUT RATHER SEVERER THAN IT HAD BEEN LATELY. *THIS HAS WORN OFF HOWEVER & *I HAVE SCARCELY FELT ANYTHING FOR THE LAST TWO DAYS. - *SACKREE IS PRETTY WELL AGAIN, ONLY WEAK ; - MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR MESSAGE &C ; - IT WAS VERY TRUE THAT SHE BLESS'D HERSELF THE WHOLE TIME THAT THE PAIN WAS NOT IN HER STOMACH. *I READ ALL THE SCRAPS *I COULD OF *YOUR LETTER TO HER. *SHE SEEMED TO LIKE IT - & SAYS SHE SHALL ALWAYS LIKE TO HEAR ANYTHING OF *CHAWTON NOW - & *I AM TO MAKE YOU *MISS *CLEWES'S ASSURANCE TO THE SAME EFFECT, WITH *THANKS AND BEST RESPECTS &C. - *THE GIRLS ARE MUCH DISTURBED AT *MARY *STACEY'S NOT ADMITTING *DAME *L. - *MISS *C. & I ARE SORRY BUT NOT ANGRY ; - WE ACKNOWLEDGE *MARY *STACEY'S RIGHT & CAN SUPPOSE HER TO HAVE REASON. - *OH ! THE *CHURCH MUST HAVE LOOKED VERY FORLORN. *WE ALL THOUGHT OF THE EMPTY *PEW. - *HOW *BENTIGH IS GROWN ! - AND THE

*CANTY.*HILL-*PLANTATION ! - *AND THE *IMPROVEMENTS $WITH+ IN/$ ARE VERY GREAT. - *I ADMIRE THE *CHINTZ ROOM VERY MUCH. - *WE LIVE IN THE *LIBRARY EXCEPT AT *MEALS & HAVE A FIRE EVERY *EVENG*. - *THE WEATHER IS SET ABOUT CHANG+ ING/ ; - WE SHALL HAVE A SETTLED WET SEASON SOON. *I MUST GO TO BED. $*FRIDAY$. *I AM SORRY TO FIND THAT ONE OF THE NIGHTCAPS HERE BELONGS TO YOU - SORRY, BECAUSE IT MUST BE IN CONSTANT WEAR. - *GREAT *DOINGS AGAIN TODAY - *FANNY, *LIZZY & *MAR: ARE GOING TO *GOODNESTONE FOR THE *FAIR, WHICH IS TOMORROW, & STAY TILL *MONDAY, & THE *GENTLE+ MEN/ ARE ALL TO DINE AT *EVINGTON. *EDWD* HAS BEEN REPENTING EVER SINCE HE PROMISED TO GO & WAS HOPING LAST NIGHT FOR A WET DAY - BUT THE MORNG* IS FAIR. - *I SHALL DINE WITH *MISS *CLEWES & *I DARE SAY FIND HER VERY AGREABLE. - *THE INVITATION TO THE *FAIR WAS GENERAL ; *EDWD* POSITIVELY DECLINED HIS SHARE OF THAT, & *I WAS VERY GLAD TO DO THE SAME. - *IT IS LIKELY TO BE A BADDISH *FAIR - NOT MUCH UPON THE *STALL, & NEITHER *MARY *O. NOR *MARY *P. - IT IS HOPED THAT THE *PORTFOLIO MAY BE IN *CANTY* THIS MORNG*. *SACKREE'S SISTER FOUND IT AT *CROYDON AND TOOK IT TO *TOWN WITH HER, BUT UNLUCKILY DID NOT SEND IT DOWN TILL SHE HAD DIRECTIONS. *FANNY *C'S. SCREENS CAN BE DONE NOTHING WITH, BUT THERE ARE PARTS OF WORKBAGS IN THE PARCEL, VERY IMPORTANT IN THEIR WAY. - *THREE OF THE *DEEDES GIRLS ARE TO BE AT *GOODNESTONE. - *WE SHALL NOT BE MUCH SETTLED TILL THIS VISIT IS OVER - SETTLED AS TO EMPLOYMENT *I MEAN ; - *FANNY AND *I ARE TO GO ON WITH *MODERN *EUROPE TOGETHER, BUT HITHERTO HAVE ADVANCED ONLY 25 *PAGES, SOMETHING OR OTHER HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED TO DELAY OR CURTAIL THE READING HOUR. - *I OUGHT TO HAVE TOLD YOU BEFORE OF A PURCHASE OF *EDWARD'S IN *TOWN, HE DESIRED

YOU MIGHT HEAR OF IT, A $*THING$ FOR MEASURING *TIMBER WITH, SO THAT YOU NEED NOT HAVE THE TROUBLE OF FINDING HIM IN *TAPES ANY LONGER. - *HE TREATED HIMSELF WITH THIS SEVEN SHILLING PURCHASE, & BOUGHT A NEW *WATCH AND NEW *GUN FOR *GEORGE. - *THE NEW GUN SHOOTS VERY WELL. *APPLES ARE SCARCE IN THIS *COUNTRY ; \1 - 5 - A SACK. - *MISS *HINTON SHOULD TAKE *HANNAH *KNIGHT. - *MRS. *DRIVER HAS NOT YET APPEARED. - *J. *LITTLEWORTH & THE *GREY *PONEY REACHED *BATH SAFELY. - *A LETTER FROM *MRS. *COOKE, THEY HAVE BEEN AT *BRIGHTON A FORTNIGHT, STAY AT LEAST ANOTHER & *MARY IS ALREADY MUCH BETTER. - *POOR *DR. *ISHAM IS OBLIGED TO ADMIRE *P. & *P - & TO SEND ME WORD THAT HE IS SURE HE SHALL NOT LIKE *MDE** *DARBLAY'S NEW *NOVEL HALF SO WELL. - *MRS. *C. INVENTED IT ALL OF COURSE. *HE DESIRES HIS COMPTS** TO YOU & MY *MOTHER. - *OF THE *ADLESTROP-*LIVING BUSI+ NESS/ *MRS. *C. SAYS "*IT CAN BE NOW NO SECRET, AS THE *PAPERS FOR THE NECESSARY *DISPENSATIONS ARE GOING UP TO THE *ARCHBISHOP'S *SECRETARY. - *HOWEVER BE IT KNOWN THAT WE ALL WISH TO HAVE IT UNDERSTOOD THAT *GEORGE TAKES THIS *TRUST $ENTIRELY$ TO OBLIGE *MR. *LEIGH & NEVER WILL BE A SHILLING BENEFITED BY IT. *HAD MY CONSENT BEEN NECESSARY, BELEIVE ME *I SHD* HAVE WITHHELD IT, FOR *I DO THINK IT ON THE PART OF THE *PATRON A VERY SHABBY PEICE OF BUSINESS. - *ALL THESE AND OTHER $*SCRAPINGS$ FROM DEAR *MRS. *E. *L. ARE TO ACCUMULATE NO DOUBT TO HELP *MR. *TWISLETON TO A SECURE ADMISSION AGAIN INTO *ENG+ LAND/." - *I WOULD WISH YOU THEREFORE TO MAKE IT KNOWN TO MY *MOTHER AS IF $THIS$ WERE THE FIRST TIME OF *MRS. *COOKE'S MENTIONING IT TO ME. - *I TOLD *MRS. *C. OF MY MOTHER'S LATE OPPRESSION IN HER $HEAD$. - *SHE SAYS ON THAT SUBJECT - " *DEAR *MRS. *AUSTEN'S

IS *I BELEIVE AN ATTACK FREQUENT AT HER AGE & MINE. *LAST YEAR *I HAD FOR SOME TIME THE *SENSATION OF A *PECK *LOAF RESTING ON MY HEAD, & THEY TALKED OF CUPPING ME, BUT *I CAME OFF WITH A DOSE OR TWO OF CALOMEL & HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT SINCE." - *THE THREE *MISS *KNIGHTS & *MRS. *SAYCE ARE JUST OFF ; - THE WEATHER HAS GOT WORSE SINCE THE EARLY MORNG* ; - & WHETHER *MRS. *CLEWES & *I ARE TO BE *TETE A *TETE, OR TO HAVE 4 GENTLEMEN TO ADMIRE US IS UNCERTAIN. *I AM NOW ALONE IN THE *LIBRARY, *MISTRESS OF ALL *I SURVEY - AT LEAST *I MAY SAY SO & REPEAT THE WHOLE POEM IF *I LIKE IT, WITHOUT OFFENCE TO ANYBODY. - *MARTHA WILL HAVE WET *RACES & CATCH A BAD COLD ; - IN OTHER RESPECTS *I HOPE SHE WILL HAVE MUCH PLEASURE AT THEM - & THAT SHE IS FREE FROM *EAR ACHE NOW. *I AM GLAD SHE LIKES MY CAP SO WELL. - *I ASSURE YOU MY OLD ONE LOOKED SO SMART YESTERDAY THAT *I WAS ASKED TWO OR THREE TIMES BEFORE *I SET OFF, WHETHER IT WAS NOT MY NEW ONE. - *I HAVE THIS MOMENT SEEN *MRS. *DRIVER DRIVEN UP TO THE *KITCHEN *DOOR. *I CANNOT CLOSE WITH A GRANDER CIRCUMSTANCE OR GREATER WIT. - *YOURS AFFEC:LY** *J. *A. *I AM GOING TO WRITE TO *STEVENTON SO YOU NEED NOT SEND ANY NEWS OF ME THERE. *LOUISA'S BEST *LOVE & A *HUNDRED *THOUSAND *MILLION *KISSES.

*GODMERSHAM *PARK - *SEPT: 25. 1813 *MY DEAREST *FRANK *THE 11TH** OF THIS MONTH BROUGHT ME YOUR LETTER & *I ASSURE YOU *I THOUGHT IT VERY WELL WORTH ITS *S#2 D#3. - I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR FILLING ME SO LONG A SHEET OF PAPER, YOU ARE A GOOD ONE TO TRAFFIC WITH IN THAT WAY, YOU PAY MOST LIBERALLY ; - MY *LETTER WAS A SCRATCH OF A NOTE COMPARED WITH YOURS - & THEN YOU WRITE SO EVEN, SO CLEAR BOTH IN STYLE & *PENMANSHIP, SO MUCH TO THE POINT & GIVE SO MUCH REAL INTELLIGENCE THAT IT IS ENOUGH TO KILL ONE. - *I AM SORRY *SWEDEN IS SO POOR & MY RIDDLE SO BAD. - *THE IDEA OF A FASHIONABLE *BATHING PLACE IN *MECKLENBURG ! - *HOW CAN PEOPLE PRETEND TO BE FASHIONABLE OR TO BATHE OUT OF *ENGLAND ! - *ROSTOCK *MARKET MAKES ONE'S MOUTH WATER, OUR CHEAPEST *BUTCHER'S MEAT IS DOUBLE THE PRICE OF THEIRS ; - NOTHING UNDER 9D* ALL THIS SUMMER, & *I BELEIVE UPON RECOLLECTION NOTHING UNDER 10D*. - *BREAD HAS SUNK & IS LIKELY TO SINK MORE, WHICH WE HOPE MAY MAKE *MEAT SINK TOO. *BUT *I HAVE NO OCCASION TO THINK OF THE PRICE OF *BREAD OR OF *MEAT WHERE *I AM NOW ; - LET ME SHAKE OFF VULGAR CARES & CONFORM TO THE HAPPY *INDIFFERENCE OF *EAST *KENT WEALTH. - *I WONDER WHETHER *YOU & THE *KING OF *SWEDEN KNEW THAT *I $WAS$ TO COME TO *GM* WITH MY *BR*. *YES, *I SUPPOSE YOU HAVE RECD* DUE NOTICE OF IT BY SOME MEANS OR OTHER. *I HAVE NOT BEEN HERE THESE 4 YEARS, SO *I AM SURE THE EVENT DESERVES TO BE TALKED

OF BEFORE & BEHIND AS WELL AS IN THE MIDDLE. - *WE LEFT *CHAWTON ON YE 14TH**, - SPENT TWO ENTIRE DAYS IN *TOWN & ARRIVED HERE ON YE 17TH**. - *MY *BR*, *FANNY, *LIZZY, *MARIANNE & *I COMPOSED THIS DIVISION OF THE *FAMILY, & FILLED HIS *CARRIAGE, INSIDE & OUT. - *TWO POST-CHAISES UNDER THE ESCORT OF *GEORGE CONVEYED EIGHT MORE ACROSS THE *COUNTRY, THE *CHAIR BROUGHT TWO, TWO OTHERS CAME ON HORSEBACK & THE REST BY THE *COACH - & SO BY ONE MEANS OR ANOTHER WE ALL ARE REMOVED. - *IT PUTS ME IN MIND OF THE ACCOUNT OF *ST* *PAUL'S SHIPWRECK, WHEN ALL ARE SAID BY DIFFERENT MEANS TO REACH THE SHORE IN SAFETY. *I LEFT MY *MOTHER, *CASSANDRA & *MARTHA WELL, & HAVE HAD GOOD ACCOUNTS OF THEM SINCE. *AT PRESENT THEY ARE QUITE ALONE, BUT THEY ARE GOING TO BE VISITED BY *MRS. *HEATHCOTE & *MISS *BIGG - & TO HAVE A FEW DAYS OF *HENRY'S COMPANY LIKEWISE. - *I EXPECT TO BE HERE ABOUT TWO MONTHS. *EDWARD IS TO BE IN *HAMPSHIRE AGAIN IN *NOVEMBER & WILL TAKE ME BACK. - *I SHALL BE SORRY TO BE IN *KENT SO LONG WITHOUT SEEING *MARY, BUT AM AFRAID IT MUST BE SO. *SHE HAS VERY KINDLY INVITED ME TO *DEAL, BUT IS AWARE OF THE GREAT IMPROBABILITY OF MY BEING ABLE TO GET THERE. - *IT WOULD BE A GREAT PLEASURE TO ME TO SEE *MARY *JANE AGAIN TOO, AS WELL AS HER *BROTHERS, NEW AND OLD. - *CHARLES & HIS FAMILY *I DO HOPE TO SEE ; THEY ARE COMING HERE FOR A WEEK IN *OCTOBER. - *WE WERE ACCOMODATED IN *HENRIETTA *ST*. - *HENRY WAS SO GOOD AS TO FIND ROOM FOR HIS 3 NEICES AND MYSELF IN HIS HOUSE. *EDWARD SLEPT AT AN *HOTEL IN THE NEXT STREET. - *NO. 10 IS MADE VERY COMFORTABLE WITH CLEANING, AND *PAINTING & THE *SLOANE *ST* FURNITURE. *THE FRONT ROOM UPSTAIRS IS AN EXCELLENT *DINING & COMMON SITTING PARLOUR - & THE SMALLER ONE BEHIND WILL SUFFICIENTLY ANSWER HIS PURPOSE AS A *DRAWG* ROOM. -

*HE HAS NO INTENTION OF GIVING LARGE PARTIES OF ANY KIND. - *HIS PLANS ARE ALL FOR THE COMFORT OF HIS *FRIENDS & HIMSELF. - *MDE** *BIGEON & HER *DAUGHTER HAVE A *LODGING IN HIS NEIGHBOURHOOD & COME TO HIM AS OFTEN AS HE LIKES OR AS THEY LIKE. *MDE** *B. ALWAYS MARKETS FOR HIM AS SHE USED TO DO; & UPON OUR BEING IN THE *HOUSE, WAS CONSTANTLY THERE TO DO THE WORK. - *SHE IS WONDERFULLY RECOVERED FROM THE SEVERITY OF HER *ASTHMATIC COMPLAINT. - *OF OUR THREE EVENGS** IN *TOWN ONE WAS SPENT AT THE *LYCEUM & ANOTHER AT *COVENT *GARDEN ; - THE *CLANDESTINE *MARRIAGE WAS THE MOST RESPECTABLE OF THE PERFORMANCES, THE REST WERE SING+ SONG/ & TRUMPERY, BUT DID VERY WELL FOR *LIZZY & *MARIANNE, WHO WERE INDEED DELIGHTED ; - BUT *I WANTED BETTER ACTING. - *THERE WAS NO *ACTOR WORTHY NAMING. - *I BELEIVE THE *THEATRES ARE THOUGHT AT A LOW EBB AT PRESENT. - *HENRY HAS PROBABLY SENT YOU HIS OWN ACCOUNT OF HIS VISIT IN *SCOTLAND. *I WISH HE HAD HAD MORE TIME & COULD HAVE GONE FARTHER NORTH, & DEVIATED TO THE *LAKES IN HIS WAY BACK, BUT WHAT HE WAS ABLE TO DO SEEMS TO HAVE AFFORDED HIM GREAT ENJOYMENT & HE MET WITH SCENES OF HIGHER *BEAUTY IN *ROXBURGHSHIRE THAN *I HAD SUPPOSED THE *SOUTH OF *SCOTLAND POSSESSED. - *OUR NEPHEW'S GRATIFICATION WAS LESS KEEN THAN OUR *BROTHER'S. - *EDWARD IS NO *ENTHUSIAST IN THE BEAUTIES OF *NATURE. *HIS *ENTHUSIASM IS FOR THE SPORTS OF THE FIELD ONLY. - *HE IS A VERY PROMISING & PLEASING YOUNG *MAN HOWEVER UPON THE WHOLE, BEHAVES WITH GREAT PROPRIETY TO HIS *FATHER & GREAT KINDNESS TO HIS *BROTHERS & *SISTERS - & WE MUST FORGIVE HIS THINKING MORE OF *GROWSE & *PARTRIDGES THAN *LAKES & *MOUN+ TAINS/. *HE & *GEORGE ARE OUT EVERY MORNG* EITHER SHOOTING OR WITH THE *HARRIERS. *THEY ARE BOTH GOOD

SHOTS. - *JUST AT PRESENT *I AM *MISTRESS & *MISS & ALTO+ GETHER/ HERE, *FANNY BEING GONE TO *GOODNESTONE FOR A DAY OR TWO, TO ATTEND THE FAMOUS *FAIR, WHICH MAKES ITS YEARLY DISTRIBUTION OF GOLD PAPER & COLOURED PERSIAN THROUGH ALL THE *FAMILY CONNECTIONS. - *IN THIS *HOUSE THERE IS A CONSTANT SUCCESSION OF SMALL EVENTS, SOMEBODY IS ALWAYS GOING OR COMING ; THIS MORNG* WE HAD *EDWD* *BRIDGES UNEXPECTEDLY TO BREAKFAST WITH US, IN HIS WAY FROM *RAMSGATE WHERE IS HIS WIFE, TO *LENHAM WHERE IS HIS CHURCH - & TOMORROW HE DINES AND SLEEPS HERE ON HIS RETURN. - *THEY HAVE BEEN ALL THE SUMMER AT *RAMSGATE, FOR $HER$ HEALTH, SHE IS A POOR *HONEY - THE SORT OF WOMAN WHO GIVES ME THE IDEA OF BEING DETER+ MINED/ NEVER TO BE WELL - & WHO LIKES HER SPASMS & NERVOUSNESS & THE CONSEQUENCE THEY GIVE HER, BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE. - *THIS IS AN ILL-NATURED SENTIMENT TO SEND ALL OVER THE *BALTIC ! - *THE *MR. *KNATCHBULLS, DEAR *MRS. *KNIGHTS *BROTHERS DINED HERE THE OTHER DAY. THEY CAME FROM THE *FRIARS, WHICH IS STILL ON THEIR HANDS. - *THE *ELDER MADE MANY ENQUIRIES AFTER YOU. - *MR. *SHERER IS QUITE A NEW *MR. *SHERER TO ME ; *I HEARD HIM FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST *SUNDAY, & HE GAVE US AN EXCELLENT *SERMON - A LITTLE TOO EAGER SOMETIMES IN HIS DELIVERY, BUT THAT IS TO $ME$ A BETTER EXTREME THAN THE WANT OF ANIMATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT EVIDENTLY COMES FROM THE HEART AS IN HIM. *THE *CLERK IS AS MUCH LIKE YOU AS EVER, *I AM ALWAYS GLAD TO SEE HIM ON THAT ACCOUNT. - *BUT THE *SHERERS ARE GOING AWAY. *HE HAS A BAD *CURATE AT *WESTWELL, WHOM HE CAN EJECT ONLY BY RESIDING THERE HIMSELF. *HE GOES NOMINALLY FOR THREE YEARS, & A *MR. *PAGET IS TO HAVE THE CURACY OF *GM* - A MARRIED *MAN, WITH A VERY MUSICAL WIFE, WHICH *I HOPE MAY MAKE HER A DESIRABLE ACQUAINTANCE TO *FANNY. -

*I THANK YOU VERY WARMLY FOR YOUR KIND CONSENT TO MY APPLICATION & THE KIND HINT WHICH FOLLOWED IT. - *I WAS PREVIOUSLY AWARE OF WHAT *I SHD* BE LAYING MYSELF OPEN TO - BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT THE *SECRET HAS SPREAD SO FAR AS TO BE SCARCELY THE *SHADOW OF A SECRET NOW - & THAT *I BELEIVE WHENEVER THE 3D* APPEARS, *I SHALL NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO TELL *LIES ABOUT IT. - *I SHALL RATHER TRY TO MAKE ALL THE *MONEY THAN ALL THE *MYSTERY *I CAN OF IT. - *PEOPLE SHALL PAY FOR THEIR KNOWLEDGE IF *I CAN MAKE THEM. - *HENRY HEARD *P. & P. WARMLY PRAISED IN *SCOT+ LAND, BY *LADY *ROBT* *KERR & ANOTHER *LADY ; - & WHAT DOES HE DO IN THE WARMTH OF HIS *BROTHERLY VANITY & *LOVE, BUT IMMEDIATELY TELL THEM WHO WROTE IT ! *A *THING ONCE SET GOING IN THAT WAY - ONE KNOWS HOW IT SPREADS ! - AND HE, DEAR *CREATURE, HAS SET IT GOING SO MUCH MORE THAN ONCE. *I KNOW IT IS ALL DONE FROM AFFECTION & PARTIALITY - BUT AT THE SAME TIME, LET ME HERE AGAIN EXPRESS TO YOU & *MARY MY SENSE OF THE $SUPERIOR$ KINDNESS WHICH YOU HAVE SHEWN ON THE OCCA+ SION/, IN DOING WHAT *I WISHED. - *I AM TRYING TO HARDEN MYSELF. *AFTER ALL, WHAT A TRIFLE IT IS IN ALL ITS *BEARINGS, TO THE REALLY IMPORTANT POINTS OF ONE'S EXISTENCE EVEN IN THIS *WORLD ! *I TAKE IT FOR GRANTED THAT *MARY HAS TOLD YOU OF *ANNA'S ENGAGEMENT TO *BEN *LEFROY. *IT CAME UPON US WITHOUT MUCH PREPARATION ; - AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS $THAT$ ABOUT HER WHICH KEPT US IN A CONSTANT PREPARATION FOR SOMETHING. - *WE ARE ANXIOUS TO HAVE IT GO ON WELL, THERE BEING QUITE AS MUCH IN HIS FAVOUR AS THE *CHANCES ARE LIKELY TO GIVE HER IN ANY *MATRIMONIAL CONNECTION. *I BELEIVE HE IS SENSIBLE, CERTAINLY VERY RELIGIOUS, WELL CONNECTED & WITH SOME *INDEPENDANCE. - *THERE IS AN UNFORTUNATE DISSIMULARITY OF *TASTE BETWEEN THEM IN ONE

RESPECT WHICH GIVES US SOME APPREHENSIONS, HE HATES COMPANY & SHE IS VERY FOND OF IT ; - THIS, WITH SOME QUEERNESS OF *TEMPER ON HIS SIDE & MUCH UNSTEADINESS ON HERS, IS UNTOWARD. *I HOPE *EDWARD'S FAMILY-VISIT TO *CHAWTON WILL BE YEARLY, HE CERTAINLY MEANS IT NOW, BUT WE MUST NOT EXPECT IT TO EXCEED $TWO$ MONTHS IN FUTURE. - *I DO NOT THINK HOWEVER, THAT $HE$ FOUND $FIVE$ TOO LONG THIS SUM+ MER/. - *HE WAS VERY HAPPY THERE. *THE NEW *PAINT IMPROVES THIS *HOUSE MUCH, AND WE FIND NO EVIL FROM THE SMELL. *POOR *MR. *TRIMMER IS LATELY DEAD, A SAD LOSS TO HIS *FAMILY, & OCCASIONING SOME ANXIETY TO OUR *BROTHER ; - FOR THE PRESENT HE CONTINUES HIS *AFFAIRS IN THE *SON'S HANDS ; A MATTER OF GREAT CONSEQUENCE TO $THEM$ - *I HOPE HE WILL HAVE NO REASON TO REMOVE HIS *BUSINESS. - *I REMAIN *YOUR VERY AFFECTE** *SISTER, *J. *AUSTEN *THERE IS TO BE A 2D* *EDITION OF *S. & *S. EGERTON ADVISES IT. *GODMERSHAM *PARK *MONDAY *OCTR* 11TH** ((*MY DEAREST *AT: *CASS: *I HAVE JUST ASKED *AT. *JANE TO LET ME WRITE A LITTLE IN HER LETTER, BUT SHE DOES NOT LIKE IT SO *I WONT. - *GOOD BYE.)) *YOU WILL HAVE *EDWARD'S *LETTER TOMORROW. *HE TELLS ME THAT HE DID NOT SEND YOU ANY NEWS TO INTERFERE WITH

MINE, BUT *I DO NOT THINK THERE IS MUCH FOR ANYBODY TO SEND AT PRESENT. *WE HAD OUR DINNER PARTY ON *WEDY* WITH THE ADDITION OF *MRS. & *MISS *MILLES WHO WERE UNDER A PROMISE OF DINING HERE IN THEIR RETURN FROM EASTWELL WHENEVER THEY PAID THEIR VISIT OF DUTY THERE, & IT HAPPENED TO BE PAID ON THAT DAY. - *BOTH *MOTHER & *DAUGHTER ARE MUCH AS *I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND THEM. - *I LIKE THE *MOTHER, 1ST** BECAUSE SHE REMINDS ME OF *MRS. *BIRCH & 2DLY*** BECAUSE SHE IS CHEARFUL & GRATEFUL FOR WHAT SHE IS AT THE AGE OF 90 & UPWARDS. - *THE DAY WAS PLEASANT ENOUGH. *I SAT BY *MR. *CHISHOLME & WE TALKED AWAY AT A GREAT RATE ABOUT NOTHING WORTH HEARING. - *IT WAS A MISTAKE AS TO THE DAY OF THE *SHERERS GOING BEING FIXED ; $THEY$ ARE READY BUT ARE WAITING FOR *MR. *PAGET'S ANSWER. - *I ENQUIRED OF *MRS. *MILLES AFTER *JEMIMA *BRYDGES & WAS QUITE GREIVED TO HEAR THAT SHE WAS OBLIGED TO LEAVE *CANTY* SOME MONTHS AGO ON ACCOUNT OF HER DEBTS & IS NOBODY KNOWS WHERE. - *WHAT AN UNPROSPEROUS *FAMILY ! - *ON SATURDAY, SOON AFTER BREAKFAST *MR. *J. *P. LEFT US FOR *NORTON *COURT. - *I LIKE HIM VERY MUCH. - *HE GIVES ME THE IDEA OF A VERY AMIABLE YOUNG *MAN, ONLY TOO DIFFIDENT TO BE SO AGRE+ ABLE/ AS HE MIGHT BE. - *HE WAS OUT THE CHEIF OF EACH MORNING WITH THE OTHER TWO - SHOOTING & GETTING WET THROUGH. - *TOMORROW WE ARE TO KNOW WHETHER HE & A HUNDRED YOUNG *LADIES WILL COME HERE FOR THE *BALL. - *I DO NOT MUCH EXPECT ANY. - *THE *DEEDES' CANNOT MEET US, THEY HAVE *ENGAGEMENTS AT HOME. *I WILL FINISH THE *DEEDES' BY SAYING THAT THEY ARE NOT LIKELY TO COME HERE TILL QUITE LATE IN MY STAY - THE VERY LAST WEEK PERHAPS - & *I DO NOT EXPECT TO SEE THE *MOORES AT ALL. - *THEY ARE NOT SOLICITED TILL AFTER *EDWARD'S RETURN FROM *HAMPSHIRE. *MONDAY, *NOV:R* 15TH** IS THE DAY NOW FIXED

FOR OUR SETTING OUT. - *POOR *BASINGSTOKE *RACES ! - THERE SEEM TO HAVE BEEN TWO PARTICULARLY WRETCHED DAYS ON PURPOSE FOR THEM ; - & *WEYHILL WEEK DOES NOT BEGIN MUCH HAPPIER. - *WE WERE QUITE SURPRISED BY A *LETTER FROM *ANNA AT *TOLLARD *ROYAL LAST *SATURDAY - BUT PER+ FECTLY/ APPROVE HER GOING & ONLY REGRET THEY SHOULD ALL GO SO FAR, TO STAY SO FEW DAYS. *WE HAD *THUNDER & *LIGHTENG* HERE ON *THURSDAY MORNG* BETWEEN 5 & 7 - NO VERY BAD *THUNDER, BUT A GREAT DEAL OF *LIGHTG*. - *IT HAS GIVEN THE COMMENCEMENT OF A SEASON OF WIND & RAIN ; & PERHAPS FOR THE NEXT 6 WEEKS WE SHALL NOT HAVE TWO DRY DAYS TOGETHER. - *LIZZY IS VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR *LETTER & WILL ANSWER IT SOON, BUT HAS SO MANY THINGS TO DO THAT IT MAY BE FOUR OR FIVE DAYS BEFORE SHE CAN. *THIS IS QUITE HER OWN MESSAGE, SPOKEN IN RATHER A DESPONDING TONE. - *YOUR *LETTER GAVE PLEASURE TO ALL OF US, WE HAD ALL THE READING OF IT OF COURSE, *I $THREE TIMES$ - AS *I UNDERTOOK TO THE GREAT RELEIF OF *LIZZY, TO READ IT TO *SACKREE, & AFTERWARDS TO *LOUISA. - *SACKREE DOES NOT AT ALL APPROVE OF *MARY *DOE & HER NUTS - ON THE SCORE OF PROPRIETY RATHER THAN HEALTH. - *SHE SAW SOME SIGNS OF GOING AFTER HER IN *GEORGE & *HENRY, & THINKS IF YOU COULD GIVE THE GIRL A CHECK, BY RATHER REPROVING HER FOR TAKING ANYTHING SERIOUSLY ABOUT NUTS WHICH THEY SAID TO HER, IT MIGHT BE OF USE. - *THIS, OF COURSE, IS BETWEEN OUR THREE DISCREET SELVES - A SCENE OF TRIENNIAL BLISS. - *MRS. *BRITTON CALLED HERE ON *SATURDAY. *I NEVER SAW HER BEFORE. *SHE IS A LARGE, UNGENTEEL *WOMAN, WITH SELF-SATISFIED & WOULD-BE ELEGANT MANNERS. - *WE ARE CERTAIN OF SOME VISITORS TOMORROW ; *EDWARD *BRIDGES COMES FOR TWO NIGHTS IN HIS WAY FROM *LENHAM TO *RAMSGATE & BRINGS A FRIEND - NAME UNKNOWN - BUT SUPPOSED TO BE A *MR. *HARPUR,

A NEIGHBOURING *CLERGYMAN ; & *MR. *R. *MASCALL IS TO SHOOT WITH THE YOUNG *MEN, WHICH IT IS TO BE SUPPOSED WILL END IN HIS STAYING DINNER. - *ON *THURSDAY, *MR. *LUSHINGTON *M.*P. FOR *CANTERBURY & *MANAGER OF THE *LODGE *HOUNDS, DINES HERE & STAYS THE NIGHT. - *HE IS CHEIFLY *YOUNG *EDWARD'S ACQUAINTANCE. - *IF *I CAN, *I WILL GET A FRANK FROM HIM & WRITE TO YOU ALL THE SOONER. *I SUPPOSE THE *ASHFORD *BALL WILL FURNISH SOMETHING. - *AS *I WROTE OF MY NEPHEWS WITH A LITTLE BITTERNESS IN MY LAST, *I THINK IT PARTICULARLY INCUMBENT ON ME TO DO THEM JUSTICE NOW, & *I HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN SAYING THAT THEY WERE BOTH AT THE *SACRAMENT YESTERDAY. *AFTER HAVING MUCH PRAISED OR MUCH BLAMED ANYBODY, ONE IS GENERALLY SENSIBLE OF SOMETHING JUST THE REVERSE SOON AFTERWARDS. *NOW, THESE TWO *BOYS WHO ARE OUT WITH THE *FOXHOUNDS WILL COME HOME & DISGUST ME AGAIN BY SOME HABIT OF *LUXURY OR SOME PROOF OF SPORTING *MANIA - UNLESS *I KEEP IT OFF BY THIS PREDICTION. - *THEY AMUSE THEMSELVES VERY COMFORTABLY IN THE EVENG* - BY NETTING ; THEY ARE EACH ABOUT A RABBIT NET, & SIT AS DEEDILY TO IT, SIDE BY SIDE, AS ANY TWO *UNCLE *FRANKS COULD DO. - *I AM LOOKING OVER *SELF *CONTROL AGAIN, & MY OPINION IS CONFIRMED OF ITS BEING AN EXCELLENTLY-MEANT, ELEGANTLY-WRITTEN *WORK, WITHOUT ANYTHING OF *NATURE OR *PROBABILITY IN IT. *I DECLARE *I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER *LAURA'S PASSAGE DOWN THE *AMERICAN *RIVER, IS NOT THE MOST NATURAL, POSSIBLE, EVERYDAY THING SHE EVER DOES. - $*TUESDAY$ - *DEAR ME ! WHAT IS TO BECOME OF ME ! *SUCH A LONG *LETTER ! *TWO & FORTY LINES IN THE 2D* *PAGE. - *LIKE *HARRIOT *BYRON *I ASK, WHAT AM *I TO DO WITH MY *GRATITUDE ? - *I CAN DO NOTHING BUT THANK YOU & GO ON. - *A FEW OF YOUR ENQUIRIES *I THINK, ARE REPLIED TO

EN AVANCE. *THE NAME OF *F. *CAGE'S *DRAWG* *MASTER IS *O'*NEIL. - *WE ARE EXCEEDINGLY AMUSED WITH YOUR *SHAL+ DEN/ NEWS & YOUR SELF REPROACH ON THE SUBJECT OF *MRS. *STOCKWELL, MADE ME LAUGH HEARTILY. *I RATHER WONDERED THAT *JOHNCOCK, THE ONLY PERSON IN THE ROOM, COULD HELP LAUGHING TOO. - *I HAD NOT HEARD BEFORE OF HER HAVING THE *MEASLES. *MRS. *H & ALETHEA'S STAYING TILL FRIDAY WAS QUITE NEW TO ME ; A GOOD PLAN HOWEVER. - *I CD* NOT HAVE SETTLED IT BETTER MYSELF, & AM GLAD THEY FOUND SO MUCH IN THE HOUSE TO APPROVE - AND *I HOPE THEY WILL ASK *MARTHA TO VISIT THEM. - *I ADMIRE THE *SAGACITY & *TASTE OF *CHARLOTTE *WILLIAMS. *THOSE LARGE DARK EYES ALWAYS JUDGE WELL. - *I WILL COMPLIMENT HER, BY NAMING A *HEROINE AFTER HER. - *EDWARD HAS HAD ALL THE PARTICU+ LARS/ OF THE *BUILDING &C READ TO HIM TWICE OVER & SEEMS VERY WELL SATISFIED ; - A NARROW DOOR TO THE *PANTRY IS THE ONLY SUBJECT OF SOLICITUDE - IT IS CERTAINLY JUST THE DOOR WHICH SHOULD NOT BE NARROW, ON ACCOUNT OF THE *TRAYS - BUT IF A CASE OF NECESSITY, IT MUST BE BORNE. - *I $KNEW$ THERE WAS *SUGAR IN THE *TIN, BUT HAD NO IDEA OF THERE BEING ENOUGH TO LAST THROUGH YOUR *COMPANY. *ALL THE BETTER. - *YOU OUGHT NOT TO THINK THIS NEW *LOAF BETTER THAN THE OTHER, BECAUSE $THAT$ WAS THE FIRST OF 5 WHICH ALL CAME TOGETHER. *SOMETHING OF FANCY PERHAPS, & SOMETHING OF *IMAGINATION. - *DEAR *MRS. *DIGWEED ! - *I CANNOT BEAR THAT SHE SHD* NOT BE FOOLISHLY HAPPY AFTER A *BALL. - *I HOPE *MISS *YATES & HER COMPANIONS WERE ALL WELL THE DAY AFTER THEIR ARRIVAL. - *I AM THOROUGHLY REJOICED THAT *MISS *BENN HAS PLACED HERSELF IN *LODGINGS - THO' *I HOPE THEY MAY NOT BE LONG NECESSARY. - *NO *LETTER FROM *CHARLES YET. - *SOUTHEY'S *LIFE OF *NELSON ; - *I AM TIRED OF *LIVES OF *NELSON, BEING THAT *I NEVER READ ANY. *I WILL READ THIS HOWEVER, IF *FRANK IS MENTIONED

IN IT. - *HERE AM *I IN *KENT, WITH ONE *BROTHER IN THE SAME *COUNTY & ANOTHER *BROTHER'S *WIFE, & SEE NOTHING OF THEM - WHICH SEEMS UNNATURAL - *IT WILL NOT LAST SO FOR EVER *I TRUST. - *I SHD* LIKE TO HAVE *MRS. *F. *A. & HER *CHILDREN HERE FOR A WEEK - BUT NOT A SYLLABLE OF THAT NATURE IS EVER BREATHED. - *I WISH HER LAST VISIT HAD NOT BEEN SO LONG A ONE. - *I WONDER WHETHER *MRS. *TILSON HAS EVER LAIN-IN. *MENTION IT, IF IT EVER COMES TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE, & WE SHALL HEAR OF IT BY THE SAME POST FROM *HENRY. *MR. *ROB. *MASCALL BREAKFASTED HERE ; HE EATS A GREAT DEAL OF *BUTTER. - *I DINED UPON *GOOSE YESTERDAY, WHICH *I HOPE WILL SECURE A GOOD *SALE OF MY 2D* EDITION. - *HAVE YOU ANY *TOMATAS ? - *FANNY & *I REGALE ON THEM EVERY DAY. - *DISASTROUS *LETTERS FROM THE *PLUMPTRES & *OXENDENS. - *REFUSALS EVERYWHERE - A *BLANK PARTOUT - & IT IS NOT QUITE CERTAIN WHETHER WE GO OR NOT ; SOMETHING MAY DEPEND UPON THE DISPOSI+ TION/ OF *UNCLE *EDWARD WHEN HE COMES - & UPON WHAT WE HEAR AT *CHILHAM *CASTLE THIS MORNG* - FOR WE ARE GOING TO PAY VISITS. *WE ARE GOING TO EACH HOUSE AT *CHILHAM & TO *MYSTOLE. *I SHALL LIKE SEEING THE *FAGGS. - *I SHALL LIKE IT ALL, EXCEPT THAT WE ARE TO SET OUT SO EARLY THAT *I HAVE NOT TIME TO WRITE AS *I WOULD WISH. - *EDWD* *BRIDGES'S FRIEND IS A *MR. *HAWKER, *I FIND, NOT *HARPUR. *I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU SLEEP IN SUCH AN *ERROR FOR THE *WORLD. *MY BROTHER DESIRES HIS BEST *LOVE & *THANKS FOR ALL YOUR *INFORMATION. *HE HOPES THE ROOTS OF THE OLD *BEACH HAVE BEEN DUG AWAY ENOUGH TO ALLOW A PROPER COVERING OF *MOULD & *TURF. - *HE IS SORRY FOR THE NECES+ SITY/ OF BUILDG* THE NEW *COIN - BUT HOPES THEY WILL CONTRIVE THAT THE *DOORWAY SHOULD BE OF THE USUAL WIDTH ; - IF IT MUST BE CONTRACTED ON ONE SIDE, BY

WIDENING IT ON THE OTHER. - *THE APPEARANCE NEED NOT SIGNIFY. - *AND HE DESIRES ME TO SAY THAT *YOUR BEING AT *CHAWTON WHEN HE IS, WILL BE QUITE NECESSARY. *YOU CANNOT THINK IT MORE INDISPENSABLE THAN HE DOES. *HE IS VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO EVERYTHING. - *HAVE YOU ANY IDEA OF RETURNING WITH HIM TO *HENRIETTA *ST & FINISHING YOUR VISIT THEN ? - *TELL ME YOUR SWEET LITTLE INNOCENT *IDEAS. *EVERYTHING OF *LOVE & *KINDNESS - PROPER AND IM+ PROPER/, MUST NOW SUFFICE. - *YRS** VERY AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *GODMERSHAM *PARK. *THURSDAY *OCT. 14 *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *NOW *I WILL PREPARE FOR *MR. *LUSHINGTON, & AS IT WILL BE WISEST ALSO TO PREPARE FOR HIS NOT COMING OR MY NOT GETTING A FRANK *I SHALL WRITE VERY CLOSE FROM THE FIRST & EVEN LEAVE ROOM FOR THE SEAL IN THE PROPER PLACE. - *WHEN *I HAVE FOLLOWED UP MY LAST WITH THIS, *I SHALL FEEL SOMEWHAT LESS UNWORTHY OF YOU THAN THE STATE OF OUR *CORRESPONDENCE NOW REQUIRES. *I LEFT OFF IN A GREAT HURRY TO PREPARE FOR OUR MORNG* VISITS - OF COURSE WAS READY A GOOD DEAL THE FIRST, & NEED NOT HAVE HURRIED SO MUCH - *FANNY WORE HER NEW GOWN & CAP. - *I WAS SUR+ PRISED/ TO FIND *MYSTOLE SO PRETTY. *THE *LADIES WERE AT HOME ; *I WAS IN LUCK, & SAW *LADY *FAGG & ALL HER FIVE

*DAUGHTERS, WITH AN OLD *MRS. *HAMILTON FROM *CANTY* & *MRS. AND *MISS *CHAPMAN FROM *MARGATE INTO THE *BAR+ GAIN/. - *I NEVER SAW SO PLAIN A FAMILY, FIVE SISTERS SO VERY PLAIN ! - *THEY ARE AS PLAIN AS THE *FORESTERS OR THE *FRANFRADDOPS OR THE *SEA-GRAVES OR THE *RIVERS' EX+ CLUDING/ *SOPHY. - *MISS *SALLY *FAGG HAS A PRETTY FIGURE, & THAT COMPRISES ALL THE GOOD *LOOKS OF THE FAMILY. - *IT WAS STUPIDISH ; *FANNY DID HER PART VERY WELL, BUT THERE WAS A LACK OF *TALK ALTOGETHER, & THE THREE FRIENDS IN THE *HOUSE ONLY SAT BY & LOOKED AT US. - *HOWEVER *MISS *CHAPMAN'S NAME IS *LAURA & SHE HAD A DOUBLE FLOUNCE TO HER GOWN. - *YOU REALLY MUST GET SOME FLOUNCES. *ARE NOT SOME OF YOUR LARGE STOCK OF WHITE MORNG* GOWNS JUST IN A HAPPY STATE FOR A FLOUNCE, TOO SHORT ? - *NOBODY AT HOME AT EITHER *HOUSE IN *CHILHAM. - *EDWARD *BRIDGES & HIS FRIEND DID NOT FORGET TO ARRIVE. *THE FRIEND IS A *MR. *WIGRAM, ONE OF THE THREE & TWENTY *CHILDREN OF A GREAT RICH MERCANTILE *SIR *ROBERT *WIGRAM, AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE OF THE *FOOTES, BUT VERY RECENTLY KNOWN TO *EDWD* *B. - THE HISTORY OF HIS COMING HERE, IS THAT INTENDING TO GO FROM *RAMSGATE TO *BRIGHTON, *EDW: *B. PERSUADED HIM TO TAKE *LENHAM IN HIS WAY, WHICH GAVE HIM THE CONVENIENCE OF *MR. *W.'S GIG & THE COMFORT OF NOT BEING ALONE THERE; BUT PROBABLY THINKING A FEW DAYS OF *GM* WOULD BE THE CHEAPEST & PLEASANTEST WAY OF ENTERTAINING HIS FRIEND & HIMSELF, OFFERED A VISIT HERE, & HERE THEY STAY TILL TOMORROW. *MR. *W. IS ABOUT 5 OR 6 & 20, NOT ILL-LOOKING & NOT AGREABLE. - *HE IS CERTAINLY NO ADDITION. - *A SORT OF COOL, GENTLEMANLIKE MANNER, BUT VERY SILENT. - *THEY SAY HIS NAME IS *HENRY. *A PROOF HOW UNEQUALLY THE GIFTS OF *FORTUNE ARE BESTOWED. - *I HAVE SEEN MANY A *JOHN & *THOMAS MUCH MORE AGREABLE. *WE HAVE GOT

RID OF *MR. *R. *MASCALL HOWEVER ; - *I DID NOT LIKE $HIM$ EITHER. *HE TALKS TOO MUCH & IS CONCEITED - BESIDES HAVING A VULGARLY SHAPED MOUTH. *HE SLEPT HERE ON *TUESDAY ; SO THAT YESTERDAY *FANNY & *I SAT DOWN TO BREAKFAST WITH SIX GENTLEMEN TO ADMIRE US. - *WE DID NOT GO TO THE *BALL. - *IT WAS LEFT TO HER TO DECIDE, & AT LAST SHE DETERMINED AGAINST IT. *SHE KNEW THAT IT WOULD BE A SACRIFICE ON THE PART OF HER *FATHER & *BROTHERS IF THEY WENT - & *I HOPE IT WILL PROVE THAT $SHE$ HAS NOT SACRIFICED MUCH. - *IT IS NOT LIKELY THAT THERE SHD* HAVE BEEN ANYBODY THERE, WHOM SHE WD* CARE FOR. - *I WAS VERY GLAD TO BE SPARED THE TROUBLE OF DRESSING & GOING & BEING WEARY BEFORE IT WAS HALF OVER, SO MY GOWN & MY CAP ARE STILL UNWORN. - *IT WILL APPEAR AT LAST PERHAPS THAT *I MIGHT HAVE DONE WITHOUT EITHER. - *I PRODUCED MY *BROWN *BOMBASIN YESTERDAY & IT WAS VERY MUCH ADMIRED INDEED - & *I LIKE IT BETTER THAN EVER : - *YOU HAVE GIVEN MANY PARTICULARS OF THE STATE OF *CHAWTON *HOUSE, BUT STILL WE WANT MORE. - *EDWARD WANTS TO BE EXPRESSLY TOLD THAT ALL THE *ROUND *TOWER &C. IS ENTIRELY DOWN, & THE DOOR FROM THE *BEST ROOM STOPT UP ; - HE DOES NOT KNOW ENOUGH OF THE APPEARANCE OF THINGS IN THAT QUARTER. - *HE HEARD FROM *BATH YESTERDAY. *LADY *B. CONTINUES VERY WELL & *DR* PARRY'S OPINION IS THAT WHILE THE *WATER AGREES WITH HER SHE OUGHT TO REMAIN THERE, WHICH THROWS THEIR COMING AWAY AT A GREATER *UNCER+ TAINTY/ THAN WE HAD SUPPOSED. - *IT WILL END PERHAPS IN A FIT OF THE *GOUT WHICH MAY PREVENT HER COMING AWAY. - *LOUISA THINKS HER *MOTHER'S BEING SO WELL MAY BE QUITE AS MUCH OWEING TO HER BEING SO MUCH OUT OF DOORS, AS TO THE *WATER. - *LADY *B. IS GOING TO TRY THE HOT PUMP ; THE *CROSS *BATH BEING ABOUT TO BE PAINTED. - *LOUISA IS PARTICULARLY WELL HERSELF, & THINKS THE

*WATER HAS BEEN OF USE TO HER. - *SHE MENTIONED OUR ENQUIRIES &C. TO *MR. AND *MRS. *ALEX: *EVELYN, & HAD THEIR BEST *COMPTS** & *THANKS TO GIVE IN RETURN. - *DR. *PARRY DOES NOT EXPECT *MR. *E. TO LAST MUCH LONGER. - *ONLY THINK OF *MRS. *HOLDER'S BEING DEAD ! - *POOR WOMAN, SHE HAS DONE THE ONLY THING IN THE *WORLD SHE COULD POSSIBLY DO, TO MAKE ONE CEASE TO ABUSE HER. - *NOW, IF YOU PLEASE, *HOOPER MUST HAVE IT IN HIS POWER TO DO MORE BY HIS *UNCLE. - *LUCKY FOR THE LITTLE GIRL ! - *AN *ANNE *EKINS CAN HARDLY BE SO UNFIT FOR THE CARE OF A *CHILD AS A *MRS. *HOLDER. *A LETTER FROM *WROTHAM YESTERDAY, OFFERING AN EARLY VISIT HERE ; - & *MR. & *MRS. *MOORE & ONE *CHILD ARE TO COME ON *MONDAY FOR 10 DAYS. - *I HOPE *CHARLES & *FANNY MAY NOT FIX THE SAME TIME - BUT IF THEY COME AT ALL IN *OCTOBER THEY $MUST$. *WHAT IS THE USE OF HOPING ? - *THE TWO PARTIES OF *CHILDREN IS THE CHIEF *EVIL. *TO BE SURE, HERE WE ARE, THE VERY THING HAS HAPPENED, OR RATHER WORSE, A *LETTER FROM *CHARLES THIS VERY MORNG* WHICH GIVES US REASON TO SUPPOSE THEY MAY COME HERE TO DAY. *IT DEPENDS UPON THE WEATHER, & THE WEATHER NOW IS VERY FINE. - *NO DIFFICULTIES ARE MADE HOWEVER & INDEED THERE WILL BE NO WANT OF ROOM, BUT *I WISH THERE WERE NO *WIGRAMS & *LUSHINGTONS IN THE WAY TO FILL UP THE *TABLE & MAKE US SUCH A MOTLEY SET. - *I CANNOT SPARE *MR. *LUSHINGTON EITHER BECAUSE OF HIS FRANK, BUT *MR. *WIGRAM DOES NO GOOD TO ANYBODY. - *I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW A *MAN CAN HAVE THE IMPUDENCE TO COME INTO A *FAMILY PARTY FOR THREE *DAYS, WHERE HE IS QUITE A STRANGER, UNLESS HE KNOWS HIMSELF TO BE AGREABLE ON UNDOUBTED AUTHORITY. - *HE & *MR. *EDW. *B. ARE GOING TO RIDE TO *EASTWELL - & AS THE *BOYS ARE HUNT+ ING/ & MY *BR* IS GONE TO *CANTY* *FANNY & *I HAVE A QUIET MORNG* BEFORE US. - *EDWARD HAS DRIVEN OFF POOR *MRS.

*SALKELD. - *IT WAS THOUGHT A GOOD OPPORTUNITY OF DOING SOMETHING TOWARDS CLEARING THE *HOUSE. - *BY HER OWN DESIRE $*MRS$. *FANNY IS TO BE PUT IN THE ROOM NEXT THE *NURSERY, HER *BABY IN A LITTLE BED BY HER ; - & AS *CASSY IS TO HAVE THE *CLOSET WITHIN & *BETSEY *WILLIAM'S LITTLE *HOLE THEY WILL BE ALL VERY SNUG TOGETHER. - *I SHALL BE MOST HAPPY TO SEE DEAR *CHARLES, & HE WILL BE AS HAPPY AS HE CAN WITH A CROSS *CHILD OR SOME SUCH CARE PRESSING ON HIM AT THE TIME. - *I SHOULD BE VERY HAPPY IN THE IDEA OF SEEING LITTLE *CASSY AGAIN TOO, DID NOT *I FEAR SHE WD. DISAPPOINT ME BY SOME IMMEDIATE DISAGREABLE+ NESS/. - *WE HAD THE GOOD OLD ORIGINAL *BRETT & *TOKE CALLING HERE YESTERDAY, SEPARATELY. - *MR. *TOKE *I AM ALWAYS VERY FOND OF. *HE ENQUIRED AFTER YOU & MY *MOTHER, WHICH ADDS *ESTEEM TO *PASSION. - *THE *CHARLES *CAGES ARE STAYING AT *GODINGTON. - *I $KNEW$ THEY MUST BE STAYING SOMEWHERE SOON. - *ED: *HUSSEY IS WARNED OUT OF *PETT, & TALKS OF FIXING AT *RAMSGATE. - *BAD TASTE ! - *HE IS VERY FOND OF THE *SEA HOWEVER ; - SOME *TASTE IN THAT - & SOME *JUDGEMENT TOO IN FIXING ON *RAMSGATE, AS BEING BY THE *SEA. - *THE *COMFORT OF THE *BILLIARD *TABLE HERE IS VERY GREAT. - *IT DRAWS ALL THE *GENTLEMEN TO IT WHENEVER THEY ARE WITHIN, ESPECIALLY AFTER *DINNER, SO THAT MY *BR* FANNY & *I HAVE THE *LIBRARY TO OURSELVES IN DELIGHTFUL QUIET. - *THERE IS NO TRUTH IN THE REPORT OF *G. *HATTON BEING TO MARRY *MISS *WEMYSS. *HE DESIRES IT MAY BE CONTRADICTED. - *HAVE YOU DONE ANYTHING ABOUT OUR *PRESENT TO *MISS *BENN ? - *I SUPPOSE SHE MUST HAVE A BED AT MY *MOTHERS WHENEVER SHE DINES THERE. - *HOW WILL THEY MANAGE AS TO INVITING HER WHEN YOU ARE GONE ? - & IF THEY INVITE HOW THEY WILL CONTRIVE TO ENTERTAIN HER ? - *LET ME KNOW AS MANY OF YOUR PARTING ARRANGEMENTS AS YOU CAN, AS TO *WINE &C. - *I WONDER

WHETHER THE *INK BOTTLE HAS BEEN FILLED. - *DOES *BUTCHER'S MEAT KEEP UP AT THE SAME PRICE ? AND IS NOT *BREAD LOWER THAN 2#6. - *MARY'S BLUE GOWN ! - *MY *MOTHER MUST BE IN AGONIES. - *I HAVE A GREAT MIND TO HAVE $MY$ BLUE GOWN DYED SOME TIME OR OTHER - *I PROPOSED IT ONCE TO YOU & YOU MADE SOME OBJECTION, *I FORGET WHAT. - *IT IS THE FASHION OF FLOUNCES THAT GIVES IT PARTICULAR *EXPEDIENCY. - *MRS. & *MISS *WILDMAN HAVE JUST BEEN HERE. *MISS IS VERY PLAIN. *I WISH *LADY *B. MAY BE RETURNED BEFORE WE LEAVE *GM* THAT *FANNY MAY SPEND THE TIME OF HER *FATHER'S ABSENCE, AT *GOODNESTONE, WHICH IS WHAT SHE WOULD PREFER. - $*FRIDAY$. - *THEY CAME. LAST NIGHT AT ABOUT 7. *WE HAD GIVEN THEM UP, BUT *I STILL EXPECTED THEM TO COME. *DESSERT WAS NEARLY OVER ; - A BETTER TIME FOR ARRIVING THAN AN HOUR & 1#2 EARLIER. *THEY WERE LATE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT SET OUT EARLIER & DID NOT ALLOW TIME ENOUGH. - *CHARLES DID NOT $AIM$ AT MORE THAN REACHING *SITTINGBOURN BY 3, WHICH CD. NOT HAVE BROUGHT THEM HERE BY DINNER TIME. - *THEY HAD A VERY ROUGH PASSAGE, HE WD. NOT HAVE VENTURED IF HE HAD KNOWN HOW BAD IT WD BE. *HOWEVER HERE THEY ARE SAFE & WELL, JUST LIKE THEIR OWN NICE SELVES, *FANNY LOOKING AS NEAT & WHITE THIS MORNG* AS POSSIBLE, & DEAR *CHARLES ALL AFFECTIONATE, PLACID, QUIET, CHEARFUL GOOD HUMOUR. *THEY ARE BOTH LOOKING VERY WELL, BUT POOR LITTLE *CASSY IS GROW EXTREMELY THIN & LOOKS POORLY. - *I HOPE A WEEK'S *COUNTRY AIR & EXERCISE MAY DO HER GOOD. *I AM SORRY TO SAY IT CAN BE BUT A WEEK. - *THE *BABY DOES NOT APPEAR SO LARGE IN PROPOR+ TION/ AS SHE WAS, NOR QUITE SO PRETTY, BUT *I HAVE SEEN VERY LITTLE OF HER. - *CASSY WAS TOO TIRED & BEWILDERED JUST AT FIRST TO SEEM TO KNOW ANYBODY - *WE MET THEM IN THE *HALL, THE *WOMEN & *GIRL PART OF US - BUT BEFORE

WE REACHED THE *LIBRARY SHE KISSED ME VERY AFFEC+ TIONATELY/ - & HAS SINCE SEEMED TO RECOLLECT ME IN THE SAME WAY. *IT WAS QUITE AN EVENG* OF CONFUSION AS YOU MAY SUPPOSE - AT FIRST WE WERE ALL WALKING ABOUT FROM ONE PART OF THE *HOUSE TO THE OTHER - THEN CAME A FRESH DINNER IN THE *BREAKFAST ROOM FOR *CHARLES & HIS WIFE, WHICH *FANNY & *I ATTENDED - THEN WE MOVED INTO THE *LIBRARY, WERE JOINED BY THE *DINING ROOM PEOPLE, WERE INTRODUCED & SO FORTH. - & THEN WE HAD *TEA & *COFFEE WHICH WAS NOT OVER TILL PAST 10. - *BILLIARDS AGAIN DREW ALL THE ODD ONES AWAY, & *EDWD* *CHARLES, THE TWO *FANNYS & I SAT SNUGLY TALKING. *I SHALL BE GLAD TO HAVE OUR NUMBERS A LITTLE REDUCED, & BY THE TIME YOU RECEIVE THIS WE SHALL BE ONLY A FAMILY, THO' A LARGE FAMILY PARTY. *MR. *LUSHINGTON GOES TOMORROW. - *NOW *I MUST SPEAK OF $HIM$ - & *I LIKE HIM VERY MUCH. *I AM SURE HE IS CLEVER & A *MAN OF *TASTE. *HE GOT A VOL. OF *MILTON LAST NIGHT & SPOKE OF IT WITH *WARMTH. - *HE IS QUITE AN *M.*P. - VERY SMILING, WITH AN EXCEEDING GOOD ADDRESS, & READINESS OF *LANGUAGE. - *I AM RATHER IN LOVE WITH HIM. - *I DARE SAY HE IS AMBITIOUS & *INSINCERE. - *HE PUTS ME IN *MIND OF *MR. *DUNDAS - . *HE HAS A WIDE SMILING MOUTH & VERY GOOD TEETH, & SOMETHING THE SAME COM+ PLEXION/ & NOSE. - *HE IS A MUCH SHORTER *MAN, WITH *MARTHA'S *LEAVE. *DOES *MARTHA NEVER HEAR FROM *MRS. *CRAVEN ? - *IS *MRS. *CRAVEN NEVER AT HOME ? - *WE BREAK+ FASTED/ IN THE *DINING ROOM TODAY & ARE NOW ALL PRETTY WELL DISPERSED & QUIET. - *CHARLES & *GEORGE ARE GONE OUT SHOOTING TOGETHER, TO *WINNIGATES & *SEATON *WOOD - *I ASKED ON PURPOSE TO TELL *HENRY. *MR. *LUSHINGTON & *EDWD* ARE GONE SOME OTHER WAY. - *I WISH *CHARLES MAY KILL SOMETHING - BUT THIS HIGH WIND IS AGAINST THEIR *SPORT. - *LADY *WILLIAMS IS LIVING AT THE *ROSE AT *SITTINGBOURN,

THEY CALLED UPON HER *YESTERDAY ; SHE CANNOT LIVE AT *SHEERNESS & AS SOON AS SHE GETS TO *SITTINGBOURN IS QUITE WELL. - *IN RETURN FOR ALL YOUR *MATCHES, *I ANNOUNCE THAT HER *BROTHER *WILLIAM IS GOING TO MARRY A *MISS *AUSTEN OF A *WILTSHIRE *FAMILY, WHO SAY THEY ARE RELATED TO US. *I TALK TO *CASSY ABOUT *CHAWTON ; SHE REMEMBERS MUCH BUT DOES NOT VOLUNTEER ON THE SUB+ JECT/. - *POOR LITTLE *LOVE - *I WISH SHE WERE NOT SO VERY *PALMERY - BUT IT SEEMS STRONGER THAN EVER. - *I NEVER KNEW A WIFE'S FAMILY-FEATURES HAVE SUCH UNDUE IN+ FLUENCE/. - *PAPA & *MAMA HAVE NOT YET MADE UP THEIR MIND AS TO PARTING WITH HER OR NOT - *THE CHEIF, INDEED THE ONLY DIFFICULTY WITH *MAMA IS A VERY REASONABLE ONE, THE *CHILD'S BEING VERY UNWILLING TO LEAVE THEM. *WHEN IT WAS MENTIONED TO HER, SHE DID NOT LIKE THE IDEA OF IT AT ALL. *AT THE SAME TIME, SHE HAS BEEN SUFFERING SO MUCH LATELY FROM *SEA SICKNESS, THAT HER *MAMA CANNOT BEAR TO HAVE HER MUCH ON BOARD THIS WINTER. - *CHARLES IS LESS INCLINED TO PART WITH HER. - *I DO NOT KNOW HOW IT WILL END, OR WHAT IS TO DETERMINE IT. *HE DESIRES HIS BEST *LOVE TO YOU & HAS NOT WRITTEN BECAUSE HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DECIDE. - *THEY ARE BOTH VERY SENSIBLE OF YOUR *KINDNESS ON THE OCCASION. - *I HAVE MADE *CHARLES FURNISH ME WITH SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT *YOUNG *KEN+ DALL/. - *HE IS GOING ON VERY WELL. *WHEN HE FIRST JOINED THE *NAMUR, MY *BR* DID NOT FIND HIM FORWARD ENOUGH TO BE WHAT THEY CALL PUT IN THE *OFFICE, & THEREFORE PLACED HIM UNDER THE *SCHOOLMASTER, BUT HE IS VERY MUCH IMPROVED, & GOES INTO THE *OFFICE NOW EVERY AFTERNOON - STILL ATTENDING *SCHOOL IN THE MORNG*. *THIS *COLD WEATHER COMES VERY FORTNATELY FOR *EDWARD'S NERVES WITH SUCH A *HOUSE FULL, IT SUITS HIM EXACTLY, HE IS ALL ALIVE & CHEARFUL. *POOR *JAMES, ON THE CONTRARY,

MUST BE RUNNING HIS *TOES INTO THE FIRE. *I FIND THAT *MARY *JANE *FOWLE WAS VERY NEAR RETURNING WITH HER *BR* & PAYING THEM A VISIT ON BOARD - *I FORGET EXACTLY WHAT HINDERED HER - *I BELEIVE THEIR *CHELTENHAM SCHEME - *I AM GLAD SOMETHING DID. - *THEY ARE TO GO TO *CHELTEN+ HAM ON *MONDAY SE'NIGHT. *I DON'T VOUCH FOR THEIR GOING YOU KNOW, IT ONLY COMES FROM ONE OF THE *FAMILY. - *NOW *I THINK *I HAVE WRITTEN YOU A GOOD SIZED *LETTER & MAY DESERVE WHATEVER *I CAN GET IN REPLY. - *INFINITIES OF *LOVE. *I MUST DISTINGUISH THAT OF *FANNY *SENR*: - WHO PARTICULARLY DESIRES TO BE REMEMBERED TO YOU ALL. - *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *GODMERSHAM *PARK *OCT. 18 ((MY DEAR *AUNT *CASSANDRA I AM VERY MUEH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR LONG LETTER AND FOR THE NICE ACCOUNT OF *CHAWTON. *WE ARE ALL VERY GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE *ADAMS ARE GONE, AND HOPE *DAME LIBSCOMBE WILL BE MORE HAPPY NOW WITH HER DEAFFY CHILD, AS SHE CALLS IT, BUT *I AM AFRAID THERE IS NOT MUCH CHANCE OF HER REMAINING LONG SOLE MISTRESS OF HER HOUSE. I AM SORRY YOU HAD NOT ANY BETTER NEWS TO SEND US OF OUR HARE, POOR LITTLE THING ! *I THOUGHT IT WOULD NOT LIVE LONG IN THAT $*PONDY *HOUSE$; *I DON'T WONDER THAT MARY *DOE IS VERY SORRY IT IS DEAD, BECAUSE WE PROMISED

HER THAT IF IT WAS ALIVE WHEN WE CAME BACK TO *CHAWTON, WE WOULD REWARD HER FOR HER TROUBLE. PAPA IS MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR ORDERING THE SCRUBBY FIRS TO BE CUT DOWN ; *I THINK HE WAS RATHER FRIGHTENED AT FIRST ABOUT THE GREAT OAK. *FANNY QUITE BELIEVED IT, FOR SHE EXCLAIMED " *DEAR ME, WHAT A PITY, HOW COULD THEY BE SO STUPID *I " I HOPE BY THIS TIME THEY HAVE PUT UP SOME HURDLES FOR THE SHEEP, OR TURNED OUT THE CART-HORSES FROM THE LAWN. PRAY TELL GRANDMAMMA THAT WE HAVE BEGUN GETTING SEEDS FOR HER ; *I HOPE WE SHALL BE ABLE TO GET HER A NICE COLLECTION, BUT *I AM AFRAID THIS WET WEATHER IS VERY MUCH AGAINST THEM. *HOW GLAD *I AM TO HEAR SHE HAS HAD SUCH GOOD SUCCESS WITH HER CHICKENS, BUT *I WISH THERE HAD BEEN MORE BANTAMS AMONGST THEM. *I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF POOR *LIZZIE'S FATE. I MUST NOW TELL YOU SOMETHING ABOUT OUR POOR PEOPLE. *I BELIEVE YOU KNOW OLD *MARY *CROUCHER, SHE GETS $MADERER$ AND $MADERER$ EVERY DAY. *AUNT *JANE HAS BEEN TO SEE HER, BUT IT WAS ON ONE OF HER RATIONAL DAYS. POOR *WILL *AMOS HOPES YOUR SKEWERS ARE DOING WELL ; HE HAS LEFT HIS HOUSE IN THE POOR *ROW, AND LIVES IN A BARN AT *BUILTING. *WE ASKED HIM WHY HE WENT AWAY, AND HE SAID THE FLEAS WERE SO STARVED WHEN HE CAME BACK FROM *CHAWTON THAT THEY ALL FLEW UPON HIM AND $EENERMOST$ EAT HIM UP. HOW UNLUCKY IT IS THAT THE WEATHER IS SO WET ! *POOR UNCLE *CHARLES HAS COME HOME HALF DROWNED EVERY DAY. I DON'T THINK LITTLE *FANNY IS QUITE SO PRETTY AS SHE WAS ; ONE REASON IS BECAUSE SHE WEARS SHORT PETTICOATS, I BELIEVE. *I HOPE *COOK IS BETTER ; SHE WAS VERY UNWELL THE DAY WE WENT AWAY. *PAPA HAS GIVEN ME HALF-A-DOZEN

NEW PENCILS WHICH ARE VERY GOOD ONES INDEED ; I DRAW EVERY OTHER DAY. *I HOPE YOU GO AND WHIP *LUEY CHALCRAFT EVERY NIGHT. MISS *CLEWES BEGS ME TO GIVE HER VERY BEST RESPECTS TO YOU ; SHE IS VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR KIND ENQUIRIES AFTER HER. *PRAY GIVE MY DUTY TO GRAND+ MAMMA/ AND LOVE TO *MISS *FLOYD. *I REMAIN, MY DEAR AUNT *CASSANDRA, YOUR VERY AFFECTIONATE NIECE, ELIZTH. *KNIGHT)) $*THURSDAY$. - *I THINK *LIZZY'S LETTER WILL ENTERTAIN YOU. *THANK YOU FOR YOURS JUST RECEIVED. *TO-MORROW SHALL BE FINE IF POSSIBLE. *YOU WILL BE AT *GUILDFORD BEFORE OUR PARTY SET OFF. *THEY ONLY GO TO *KEY *STREET, AS *MR. *STREET THE *PURSER LIVES THERE, AND THEY HAVE PROMISED TO DINE AND SLEEP WITH HIM. *CASSY'S LOOKS ARE MUCH MENDED. *SHE AGREES PRETTY WELL WITH HER COUSINS, BUT IS NOT QUITE HAPPY AMONG THEM ; THEY ARE TOO MANY AND TOO BOISTEROUS FOR HER. *I HAVE GIVEN HER YOUR MESSAGE, BUT SHE SAID NOTHING, AND DID NOT LOOK AS IF THE IDEA OF GOING TO *CHAWTON AGAIN WAS A PLEASANT ONE. *THEY HAVE *EDWARD'S CARRIAGE TO *OSPRINGE. *I THINK *I HAVE JUST DONE A GOOD DEED - EXTRACTED *CHARLES FROM HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN UPSTAIRS, AND MADE HIM GET READY TO GO OUT SHOOTING, AND NOT KEEP *MR. *MOORE WAITING ANY LONGER. *MR. AND *MRS. *SHERER AND *JOSEPH DINED HERE YESTER+ DAY/ VERY PRETTILY. *EDW. AND *GEO. WERE ABSENT - GONE FOR A NIGHT TO *EASTLING. *THE TWO *FANNIES WENT TO *CANTY. IN THE MORNING, AND TOOK *LOU. AND *CASS. TO TRY ON NEW STAYS. *HARRIOT AND *I HAD A COMFORTABLE WALK TOGETHER. *SHE DESIRES HER BEST LOVE TO YOU AND KIND REMEMBRANCE TO *HENRY. *FANNY'S BEST LOVE ALSO. *I

FANCY THERE IS TO BE ANOTHER PARTY TO *CANTY. TO-MORROW - *MR. AND *MRS. *MOORE AND ME. *EDWARD THANKS *HENRY FOR HIS LETTER. *WE ARE MOST HAPPY TO HEAR HE IS SO MUCH BETTER. *I DEPEND UPON YOU FOR LETTING ME KNOW WHAT HE WISHES AS TO MY STAYING WITH HIM OR NOT ; YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND OUT, *I DARE SAY. *I HAD INTENDED TO BEG YOU WOULD BRING ONE OF MY NIGHTCAPS WITH YOU, IN CASE OF MY STAYING, BUT FORGOT IT WHEN *I WROTE ON *TUESDAY. *EDWARD IS MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT HIS POND : HE CANNOT NOW DOUBT THE FACT OF ITS RUNNING OUT, WHICH HE WAS RESOLVED TO DO AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. *I SUPPOSE MY MOTHER WILL LIKE TO HAVE ME WRITE TO HER. *I SHALL TRY AT LEAST. *NO ; *I HAVE NEVER SEEN THE DEATH OF *MRS. *CRABBE. *I HAVE ONLY JUST BEEN MAKING OUT FROM ONE OF HIS PREFACES THAT HE PROBABLY WAS MARRIED. *IT IS ALMOST RIDICULOUS. *POOR WOMAN ! *I WILL COMFORT $HIM$ AS WELL AS *I CAN, BUT *I DO NOT UNDERTAKE TO BE GOOD TO HER CHILDREN. *SHE HAD BETTER NOT LEAVE ANY. *EDW. AND *GEO. SET OFF THIS DAY WEEK FOR *OXFORD. *OUR PARTY WILL THEN BE VERY SMALL, AS THE *MOORES WILL BE GOING ABOUT THE SAME TIME. *TO ENLIVEN US, *FANNY PROPOSES SPENDING A FEW DAYS SOON AFTERWARDS AT *FREDVILLE. *IT WILL REALLY BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY, AS HER FATHER WILL HAVE A COMPANION. *WE SHALL ALL THREE GO TO *WROTHAM, BUT *EDWD. AND *I STAY ONLY A NIGHT PERHAPS. *LOVE TO *MR. *TILSON. *YOURS VERY AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *A.

*GODMERSHAM *PARK *TUESDAY. *OCT: 26. *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *YOU WILL HAVE HAD SUCH LATE ACCOUNTS FROM THIS PLACE AS (*I HOPE) TO PREVENT YOUR EXPECTING A *LETTER FROM ME IMMEDIATELY, AS *I REALLY DO NOT THINK *I HAVE WHEREWITHAL TO FABRICATE ONE TODAY. *I SUSPECT THIS WILL BE BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR NEPHEWS, TELL ME IF IT IS. - *IT IS A GREAT PLEASURE TO ME TO THINK OF YOU WITH *HENRY, *I AM SURE YOUR TIME MUST PASS MOST COMFORT+ ABLY/ & *I TRUST YOU ARE SEEING IMPROVEMENT IN HIM EVERY DAY. - *I SHALL BE MOST HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN. *YOUR *SATURDAY'S *LETTER HOWEVER WAS QUITE AS LONG & AS PARTICULAR AS *I COULD EXPECT. - *I AM NOT AT ALL IN A HUMOUR FOR WRITING ; *I MUST WRITE ON TILL *I AM. - *I CONGRATULATE *MR. *TILSON & HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOING ON WELL. *FANNY & *I DEPEND UPON KNOWING WHAT THE *CHILD'S NAME IS TO BE, AS SOON AS YOU CAN TELL US. *I GUESS *CAROLINE. - *OUR *GENTLEMEN ARE ALL GONE TO THEIR *SITTING+ BOURNE/ *MEETING, *EAST & *WEST *KENT IN ONE *BAROUCHE TOGETHER - RATHER - *WEST *KENT DRIVING *EAST *KENT. - *I BELIEVE THAT IS NOT THE USUAL WAY OF THE *COUNTY. *WE BREAKFASTED BEFORE 9 & DO NOT DINE TILL 1#2 PAST 6 ON THE OCCASION, SO *I HOPE WE THREE SHALL HAVE A LONG *MORNING ENOUGH. - *MR* *DEEDES & *SIR *BROOK - *I DO NOT CARE FOR *SIR *BROOK'S BEING A *BARONET *I WILL PUT *MR* *DEEDES FIRST

BECAUSE *I LIKE HIM A GREAT DEAL THE BEST - THEY ARRIVED TOGETHER YESTERDAY - FOR THE *BRIDGES' ARE STAYING AT *SANDLING - JUST BEFORE DINNER ; - BOTH *GENTLEMEN MUCH AS THEY USED TO BE, ONLY GROWING A LITTLE OLDER. *THEY LEAVE US TOMORROW. - *YOU WERE CLEAR OF *GUILDFORD BY HALF AN HOUR & WERE WINDING ALONG THE PLEASANT ROAD TO *RIPLEY WHEN THE *CHARLESES SET OFF ON FRIDAY. - *I HOPE WE SHALL HAVE A VISIT FROM THEM AT *CHAWTON IN THE SPRING OR EARLY PART OF THE SUMMER. *THEY SEEM WELL INCLINED. *CASSY HAD RECOVERED HER LOOKS ALMOST EN+ TIRELY/, AND *I FIND THEY DO NOT CONSIDER THE " *NAMUR " AS DISAGREEING WITH HER IN GENERAL, ONLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS SO ROUGH AS TO MAKE HER SICK. *OUR *CANTERBURY SCHEME TOOK PLACE AS PROPOSED, AND VERY PLEASANT IT WAS - *HARRIOT AND *I AND LITTLE *GEORGE WITHIN, MY BROTHER ON THE BOX WITH THE MASTER COACH+ MAN/. *I WAS MOST HAPPY TO FIND MY BROTHER INCLUDED IN THE PARTY. *IT WAS A GREAT IMPROVEMENT, AND HE AND *HARRIOT AND *I WALKED ABOUT TOGETHER VERY HAPPILY, WHILE *MR. *MOORE TOOK HIS LITTLE BOY WITH HIM TO TAILOR'S AND HAIR-CUTTER'S. $*OUR$ CHIEF BUSINESS WAS TO CALL ON *MRS. *MILLES, AND WE HAD, INDEED, SO LITTLE ELSE TO DO THAT WE WERE OBLIGED TO SAUNTER ABOUT ANYWHERE AND GO BACKWARDS AND FOR+ WARDS/ AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE OUT THE TIME AND KEEP OURSELVES FROM HAVING TWO HOURS TO SIT WITH THE GOOD LADY - A MOST EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCE IN A *CANTERBURY MORNING. *OLD *TOKE CAME IN WHILE WE WERE PAYING OUR VISIT. *I THOUGHT OF *LOUISA. *MISS *MILLES WAS QUEER AS USUAL, AND PROVIDED US WITH PLENTY TO LAUGH AT. *SHE UNDER+ TOOK/ IN $THREE WORDS$ TO GIVE US THE HISTORY OF *MRS. *SCUDA+ MORE'S/ RECONCILIATION, AND THEN TALKED ON ABOUT IT FOR

HALF-AN-HOUR, USING SUCH ODD EXPRESSIONS, AND SO FOOLISHLY MINUTE, THAT *I COULD HARDLY KEEP MY COUNTE+ NANCE/. *THE DEATH OF *WYNDHAM *KNATCHBULL'S SON WILL RATHER SUPERSEDE THE *SCUDAMORES. *I TOLD HER THAT HE WAS TO BE BURIED AT *HATCH. *SHE HAD HEARD, WITH MILITARY HONOURS, AT *PORTSMOUTH. *WE MAY GUESS HOW THAT POINT WILL BE DISCUSSED EVENING AFTER EVENING. *OWING TO A DIFFERENCE OF CLOCKS THE COACHMAN DID NOT BRING THE CARRIAGE SO SOON AS HE OUGHT BY HALF-AN-+ HOUR ; ANYTHING LIKE A BREACH OF PUNCTUALITY WAS A GREAT OFFENCE, AND *MR. *MOORE WAS VERY ANGRY, WHICH *I WAS RATHER GLAD OF. *I WANTED TO SEE HIM ANGRY ; AND, THOUGH HE SPOKE TO HIS SERVANT IN A VERY LOUD VOICE AND WITH A GOOD DEAL OF HEAT, *I WAS HAPPY TO PERCEIVE THAT HE DID NOT SCOLD *HARRIOT AT ALL. *INDEED, THERE IS NOTHING TO OBJECT TO IN HIS MANNERS TO HER, AND I DO BELIEVE THAT HE MAKES HER - OR SHE MAKES HERSELF - VERY HAPPY. *THEY DO NOT SPOIL THEIR BOY. *IT SEEMS NOW QUITE SETTLED THAT WE GO TO *WROTHAM ON *SATURDAY, THE 13TH, SPEND *SUNDAY THERE, AND PRO+ CEED/ TO *LONDON ON *MONDAY, AS BEFORE INTENDED. *I LIKE THE PLAN. *I SHALL BE GLAD TO SEE *WROTHAM. *HARRIOT IS QUITE AS PLEASANT AS EVER. *WE ARE VERY COMFORTABLE TOGETHER, AND TALK OVER OUR NEPHEWS AND NIECES OCCA+ SIONALLY/, AS MAY BE SUPPOSED, AND WITH MUCH UNANI+ MITY/ ; AND *I REALLY LIKE *MR. *M. BETTER THAN *I EXPECTED - SEE LESS IN HIM TO DISLIKE. *I BEGIN TO PERCEIVE THAT YOU WILL HAVE THIS LETTER TO-+ MORROW/. *IT IS THROWING A LETTER AWAY TO SEND IT BY A VISITOR ; THERE IS NEVER CONVENIENT TIME FOR READING IT, AND VISITOR CAN TELL MOST THINGS AS WELL. *I $HAD$ THOUGHT WITH DELIGHT OF SAVING YOU THE POSTAGE, BUT MONEY IS DIRT. *IF $YOU$ DO NOT REGRET THE LOSS OF *OXFORDSHIRE

AND *GLOUCESTERSHIRE $*I$ WILL NOT, THOUGH *I CERTAINLY HAD WISHED FOR YOUR GOING VERY MUCH. " *WHATEVER IS, IS BEST." *THERE HAS BEEN ONE INFALLIBLE *POPE IN THE WORLD. *GEORGE *HATTON CALLED YESTERDAY, AND *I SAW HIM, SAW HIM FOR TEN MINUTES ; SAT IN THE SAME ROOM WITH HIM, HEARD HIM TALK, SAW HIM BOW, AND WAS NOT IN RAPTURES. *I DISCERNED NOTHING EXTRAORDINARY. *I SHOULD SPEAK OF HIM AS A GENTLEMANLIKE YOUNG MAN - $EH ! BIEN TOUT EST DIT$. *WE ARE EXPECTING THE LADIES OF THE FAMILY THIS MORNING. *HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR FLOUNCE ? *WE HAVE SEEN ONLY $PLAIN$ FLOUNCES. *I HOPE YOU HAVE NOT CUT OFF THE TRAIN OF YOUR BOMBAZIN. *I CANNOT RECONCILE MYSELF TO GIVING THEM UP AS MORNING GOWNS ; THEY ARE SO VERY SWEET BY CANDLELIGHT. *I WOULD RATHER SACRIFICE MY BLUE ONE FOR THAT PURPOSE ; IN SHORT, *I DO NOT KNOW AND *I DO NOT CARE. *THURSDAY OR *FRIDAY ARE NOW MENTIONED FROM *BATH AS THE DAY OF SETTING OFF. *THE *OXFORD SCHEME IS GIVEN UP. *THEY WILL GO DIRECTLY TO *HAREFIELD. *FANNY DOES NOT GO TO *FREDVILLE, NOT YET AT LEAST. *SHE HAS HAD A LETTER OF EXCUSE FROM *MARY *PLUMPTRE TO-DAY. *THE DEATH OF *MR. *RIPLEY, THEIR UNCLE BY MARRIAGE, AND *MR. *P.'S VERY OLD FRIEND, PREVENTS THEIR RECEIVING HER. *POOR BLIND *MRS. *RIPLEY MUST BE FELT FOR, IF THERE IS ANY FEELING TO BE HAD FOR LOVE OR MONEY. *WE HAVE HAD ANOTHER OF *EDWARD *BRIDGES' *SUNDAY VISITS. *I THINK THE PLEASANTEST PART OF HIS MARRIED LIFE MUST BE THE DINNERS, AND BREAKFASTS, AND LUNCHEONS, AND BILLIARDS THAT HE GETS IN THIS WAY AT *GM. *POOR WRETCH ! HE IS QUITE THE DREGS OF THE FAMILY AS TO LUCK. *I LONG TO KNOW WHETHER YOU ARE BUYING STOCKINGS

OR WHAT YOU ARE DOING. *REMEMBER ME MOST KINDLY TO *MDE. *B. AND *MRS. *PERIGORD. *YOU WILL GET ACQUAINTED WITH MY FRIEND, *MR. *PHILIPS, AND HEAR HIM TALK FROM BOOKS, AND BE SURE TO HAVE SOMETHING ODD HAPPEN TO YOU, SEE SOMEBODY THAT YOU DO NOT EXPECT, MEET WITH SOME SURPRISE OR OTHER, FIND SOME OLD FRIEND SITTING WITH *HENRY WHEN YOU COME INTO THE ROOM. *DO SOME+ THING/ CLEVER IN THAT WAY. *EDWARD AND *I SETTLED THAT YOU WENT TO *ST. *PAUL'S, *COVENT *GARDEN, ON *SUNDAY. *MRS. *HILL WILL COME AND SEE YOU, OR ELSE SHE WON'T COME AND SEE YOU AND WILL WRITE INSTEAD. *I HAVE HAD A LATE ACCOUNT FROM *STEVENTON, AND A BADDISH ONE, AS FAR AS *BEN IS CONCERNED. *HE HAS DECLINED A CURACY (APPARENTLY HIGHLY ELIGIBLE), WHICH HE MIGHT HAVE SECURED AGAINST HIS TAKING ORDERS ; AND, UPON ITS BEING MADE RATHER A SERIOUS QUESTION, SAYS HE HAS NOT MADE UP HIS MIND AS TO TAKING ORDERS SO EARLY, AND THAT, IF HER FATHER MAKES A POINT OF IT, HE MUST GIVE *ANNA UP RATHER THAN DO WHAT HE DOES NOT APPROVE. *HE MUST BE MADDISH. *THEY ARE GOING ON AGAIN AT PRESENT AS BEFORE - BUT IT CANNOT LAST. - *MARY SAYS THAT *ANNA IS VERY UNWILLING TO GO TO *CHAWTON & WILL GET HOME AGAIN AS SOON AS SHE CAN. - *GOOD-BYE. *ACCEPT THIS INDIFFERENT *LETTER & THINK IT *LONG & *GOOD. - *MISS *CLEWES IS BETTER FOR SOME PRESCRIPTION OF *MR. *SCUDA+ MORES/ & INDEED SEEMS TOLERABLY STOUT NOW. - *I FIND TIME IN THE MIDST OF *PORT & *MADEIRA TO THINK OF THE 14 *BOTTLES OF *MEAD VERY OFTEN. - *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *J. *A *LADY *ELIZABETH HER SECOND *DAUGHTER & THE TWO *MRS** *FINCHES HAVE JUST LEFT US. - *THE TWO *LATTER FRIENDLY & TALKING & PLEASANT AS USUAL. *HARRIOT AND *FANNY'S BEST LOVE.

*GODMERSHAM *PARK *WEDNESDAY *NOVR* 3D*. *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *I WILL KEEP THIS CELEBRATED *BIRTHDAY BY WRITING TO YOU, & AS MY PEN SEEMS INCLINED TO WRITE LARGE *I WILL PUT MY LINES VERY CLOSE TOGETHER. - *I HAD BUT JUST TIME TO ENJOY YOUR *LETTER YESTERDAY BEFORE *EDWARD & *I SET OFF IN THE *CHAIR FOR *CANTY* - & *I ALLOWED HIM TO HEAR THE CHEIF OF IT AS WE WENT ALONG. *WE REJOICE SINCERELY IN *HENRY'S GAINING GROUND AS HE DOES, & HOPE THERE WILL BE WEATHER FOR HIM TO GET OUT EVERY DAY THIS WEEK, AS THE LIKELIEST WAY OF MAKING HIM EQUAL TO WHAT HE PLANS FOR THE NEXT. - *IF HE IS TOLERABLY WELL, THE GOING INTO *OXFORDSHIRE WILL MAKE HIM BETTER, BY MAKING HIM HAPPIER. - *CAN IT BE, THAT *I HAVE NOT GIVEN YOU THE MINUTIAE OF *EDWARD'S PLANS ? - *SEE HERE THEY ARE - *TO GO TO *WROTHAM ON *SATURDAY YE 13TH**, SPEND *SUNDAY THERE, & BE IN *TOWN ON *MONDAY TO DINNER, & IF AGREABLE TO *HENRY, SPEND ONE WHOLE DAY WITH HIM - WHICH DAY IS LIKELY TO BE *TUESDAY, & SO GO DOWN TO *CHAWTON ON *WEDNESDAY. - *BUT NOW, *I CANNOT BE QUITE EASY WITHOUT STAYING A LITTLE WHILE WITH *HENRY, UNLESS HE WISHES IT OTHERWISE ; - HIS ILLNESS & THE DULL TIME OF YEAR TOGETHER MAKE ME FEEL THAT IT WOULD BE HORRIBLE OF ME NOT TO OFFER TO REMAIN WITH HIM - & THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU KNOW OF ANY OBJECTION, *I WISH YOU WOULD TELL HIM WITH MY BEST *LOVE THAT *I SHALL BE MOST HAPPY TO SPEND

10 DAYS OR A FORTNIGHT IN *HENRIETTA *ST* - IF HE WILL ACCEPT ME. *I DO NOT OFFER MORE THAN A FORTNIGHT BECAUSE *I SHALL THEN HAVE BEEN SOME TIME FROM HOME, BUT IT WILL BE A GREAT PLEASURE TO BE WITH HIM, AS IT ALWAYS IS. - *I HAVE THE LESS REGRET & SCRUPLE ON YOUR ACCOUNT, BECAUSE *I SHALL SEE YOU FOR A DAY AND A HALF, & BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE *EDWARD FOR AT LEAST A WEEK. - *MY SCHEME IS TO TAKE *BOOKHAM IN MY WAY HOME FOR A FEW DAYS & MY HOPE THAT *HENRY WILL BE SO GOOD AS TO SEND ME SOME PART OF THE WAY THITHER. *I HAVE A MOST KIND REPETITION OF *MRS. *COOKE'S TWO OR THREE DOZEN *INVITA+ TIONS/, WITH THE OFFER OF MEETING ME ANYWHERE IN ONE OF HER AIRINGS. - *FANNY'S COLD IS MUCH BETTER. *BY DOSING & KEEPING HER ROOM ON *SUNDAY, SHE GOT RID OF THE WORST OF IT, BUT *I AM RATHER AFRAID OF WHAT THIS DAY MAY DO FOR HER ; SHE IS GONE TO *CANTY* WITH *MISS *CLEWES, *LIZ. & *MA. AND IT IS BUT ROUGHISH WEATHER FOR ANY ONE IN A TENDER STATE. - *MISS *CLEWES HAS BEEN GOING TO *CANTY* EVER SINCE HER RETURN, & IT IS NOW JUST ACCOM+ PLISHING/. *EDWARD & *I HAD A DELIGHTFUL MORNG* FOR OUR *DRIVE $THERE$, *I ENJOYED IT THOROUGHLY, BUT THE *DAY TURNED OFF BEFORE WE WERE READY, & WE CAME HOME IN SOME RAIN & THE APPREHENSION OF A GREAT DEAL. *IT HAS NOT DONE US ANY HARM HOWEVER. - *HE WENT TO INSPECT THE *GAOL, AS A VISITING *MAGISTRATE, & TOOK ME WITH HIM. - *I WAS GRATIFIED - & WENT THROUGH ALL THE FEELINGS WHICH *PEOPLE MUST GO THROUGH - *I THINK IN VISITING SUCH A *BUILDING. - *WE PAID NO OTHER VISITS - ONLY WALKED ABOUT SNUGLY TOGETHER & SHOPP'D. - *I BOUGHT A *CONCERT *TICKET & A SPRIG OF FLOWERS FOR MY OLD AGE. - *TO VARY THE SUBJECT FROM *GAY TO *GRAVE WITH INIMITABLE ADDRESS *I SHALL NOW TELL YOU SOMETHING OF THE *BATH PARTY - & STILL A *BATH PARTY THEY ARE, FOR A FIT OF THE

*GOUT CAME ON LAST WEEK. - *THE ACCOUNTS OF *LADY *B. ARE AS GOOD AS CAN BE UNDER SUCH A CIRCUMSTANCE, *DR. *P. - SAYS IT APPEARS A GOOD SORT OF *GOUT, & HER SPIRITS ARE BETTER THAN USUAL, BUT AS TO HER COMING AWAY, IT IS OF COURSE ALL UNCERTAINTY. - *I HAVE VERY LITTLE DOUBT OF *EDWARD'S GOING DOWN TO *BATH, IF THEY HAVE NOT LEFT IT WHEN HE IS IN *HAMPSHIRE ; IF HE DOES, HE WILL GO ON FROM *STEVENTON, & THEN RETURN DIRECT TO *LONDON, WITHOUT COMING BACK TO *CHAWTON. - *THIS DETENTION DOES NOT SUIT HIS FEELINGS. - *IT MAY BE RATHER A GOOD THING HOWEVER THAT *DR. *P. SHOULD SEE *LADY *B. WITH THE *GOUT ON HER. *HARRIOT WAS QUITE WISHING FOR IT. - *THE DAY SEEMS TO IMPROVE. *I WISH MY PEN WOULD TOO. - *SWEET *MR. *OGLE. *I DARE SAY HE SEES ALL THE *PANORAMAS FOR NOTHING, HAS FREE-ADMITTANCE EVERYWHERE ; HE IS SO DELIGHTFUL ! - *NOW, YOU NEED NOT SEE ANYBODY ELSE. - *I AM GLAD TO HEAR OF OUR BEING LIKELY TO HAVE A PEEP AT *CHARLES & *FANNY AT *CHRISTMAS, BUT DO NOT FORCE POOR *CASS. TO STAY IF SHE HATES IT. - *YOU HAVE DONE VERY RIGHT AS TO *MRS. *F. *A. - YOUR TIDINGS OF *S & *S GIVE ME PLEASURE. *I HAVE NEVER SEEN IT ADVERTISED. - *HARRIOT, IN A *LETTER TO *FANNY TODAY, ENQUIRES WHETHER THEY SELL *CLOTHS FOR *PELISSES AT *BEDFORD *HOUSE - & IF THEY DO, WILL BE VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU TO DESIRE THEM TO SEND HER DOWN *PATTERNS, WITH THE *WIDTH & *PRICES - THEY MAY GO FROM *CHARING *CROSS ALMOST ANY DAY IN THE WEEK - BUT IF IT IS A $READY MONEY$ HOUSE IT WILL NOT DO, FOR THE *BRU OF FEU THE *ARCHBISHOP SAYS SHE CANNOT PAY FOR IT IMMEDIATELY. - *FANNY & *I SUSPECT THEY DO NOT DEAL IN THE *ARTICLE. - *THE *SHERERS *I BELEIVE ARE NOW REALLY GOING TO GO, *JOSEPH HAS HAD A *BED HERE THE TWO LAST NIGHTS, & *I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER THIS IS NOT THE DAY OF MOVING. *MRS. *SHERER CALLED YESTERDAY TO TAKE

LEAVE. *THE WEATHER LOOKS WORSE AGAIN. - *WE DINE AT *CHILHAM *CASTLE TOMORROW, & *I EXPECT TO FIND SOME AMUSEMENT ; BUT MORE FROM THE *CONCERT THE NEXT DAY, AS *I AM SURE OF SEEING SEVERAL THAT *I WANT TO SEE. *WE ARE TO MEET A PARTY FROM *GOODNESTONE, *LADY *B. MISS *HAWLEY & *LUCY *FOOTE - & *I AM TO MEET *MRS. *HARRISON, & WE ARE TO TALK ABOUT *BEN & *ANNA. " *MY DEAR *MRS. *HARRISON, *I SHALL SAY, *I AM AFRAID THE YOUNG *MAN HAS SOME OF YOUR *FAMILY *MADNESS - & THOUGH THERE OFTEN APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING OF *MADNESS IN *ANNA TOO, *I THINK SHE INHERITS MORE OF IT FROM HER *MOTHER'S FAMILY THAN FROM OURS." - *THAT IS WHAT *I SHALL SAY - & *I THINK SHE WILL FIND IT DIFFICULT TO ANSWER ME. - *I TOOK UP YOUR LETTER AGAIN TO *REFRESH ME, BEING SOMEWHAT TIRED ; & WAS STRUCK WITH THE PRETTINESS OF THE HAND ; IT IS REALLY A VERY PRETTY HAND NOW & THEN - SO SMALL & SO NEAT ! - *I WISH *I COULD GET AS MUCH INTO A SHEET OF PAPER. - *ANOTHER TIME *I WILL TAKE TWO DAYS TO MAKE A *LETTER IN ; IT IS FATIGUING TO WRITE A WHOLE LONG ONE AT ONCE. *I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN ON *SUNDAY & AGAIN ON FRIDAY, THE DAY BEFORE WE MOVE. - *ON *MON+ DAY/ *I SUPPOSE YOU WILL BE GOING TO *STREATHAM, TO SEE QUIET *MR. *HILL & EAT VERY BAD *BAKER'S BREAD. - *A FALL IN *BREAD BY THE BYE. *I HOPE MY *MOTHER'S *BILL NEXT WEEK WILL SHEW IT. *I HAVE HAD A VERY COMFORTABLE *LETTER FROM HER, ONE OF HER FOOLSCAP SHEETS QUITE FULL OF LITTLE HOME NEWS. - *ANNA WAS THERE THE FIRST OF THE TWO *DAYS - . *AN *ANNA SENT AWAY & AN *ANNA FETCHED ARE DIFFERENT THINGS. - *THIS WILL BE AN EXCELLENT TIME FOR *BEN TO PAY HIS VISIT - NOW THAT WE, THE FORMIDABLES, ARE ABSENT. *I DID NOT MEAN TO EAT, BUT *MR. *JOHNCOCK HAS BROUGHT IN THE *TRAY, SO *I MUST. - *I AM ALL ALONE, *EDWARD IS GONE INTO HIS *WOODS. - *AT THIS PRESENT TIME

*I HAVE FIVE *TABLES, *EIGHT & TWENTY *CHAIRS & TWO FIRES ALL TO MYSELF. - *MISS *CLEWES IS TO BE INVITED TO GO TO THE *CONCERT WITH US, THERE WILL BE MY *BROTHER'S PLACE & TICKET FOR HER, AS HE CANNOT GO. *HE & THE OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE *CAGES ARE TO MEET AT *MILGATE THAT VERY DAY, TO CONSULT ABOUT A PROPOSED ALTERATION OF THE *MAIDSTONE ROAD, IN WHICH THE *CAGES ARE VERY MUCH INTERESTED. *SIR *BROOK COMES HERE IN THE MORNG*, & THEY ARE TO BE JOINED BY *MR. *DEEDES AT *ASHFORD. - *THE LOSS OF THE *CONCERT WILL BE NO GREAT EVIL TO THE *SQUIRE. - *WE SHALL BE A PARTY OF THREE *LADIES THEREFORE - & TO MEET THREE *LADIES. - *WHAT A CONVENIENT *CARRIAGE *HENRY'S IS, TO HIS FRIENDS IN GENERAL ! - *WHO HAS IT NEXT ? - *I AM GLAD *WILLIAM'S GOING IS VOLUNTARY, & ON NO WORSE GROUNDS. *AN INCLINATION FOR THE *COUNTRY IS A VENIAL FAULT. - *HE HAS MORE OF *COWPER THAN OF *JOHNSON IN HIM, FONDER OF *TAME *HARES & *BLANK VERSE THAN OF THE FULL TIDE OF HUMAN *EXISTENCE AT *CHARING *CROSS. - *OH ! *I HAVE MORE OF SUCH SWEET FLATTERY FROM *MISS *SHARP ! - *SHE IS AN EXCELLENT KIND FRIEND. *I AM READ & ADMIRED IN *IRELAND TOO. - *THERE IS A *MRS. *FLETCHER, THE WIFE OF A *JUDGE, AN OLD *LADY & VERY GOOD & VERY CLEVER, WHO IS ALL CURIOSITY TO KNOW ABOUT ME - WHAT *I AM LIKE & SO FORTH - . *I AM NOT KNOWN TO HER BY $NAME$ HOWEVER. *THIS COMES THROUGH *MRS. *CARRICK, NOT THROUGH *MRS. *GORE - *YOU ARE QUITE OUT THERE. - *I DO NOT DESPAIR OF HAVING MY PICTURE IN THE *EXHIBITION AT LAST - ALL WHITE & RED, WITH MY *HEAD ON ONE *SIDE ; - OR PERHAPS *I MAY MARRY YOUNG *MR. *D'ARBLAY. - *I SUPPOSE IN THE MEANTIME *I SHALL OWE DEAR *HENRY A GREAT DEAL OF *MONEY FOR *PRINTING &C. - *I HOPE *MRS. *FLETCHER WILL INDULGE HERSELF WITH *S & *S. - IF *I $AM$ TO STAY IN *H. ST* & IF YOU SHOULD BE WRITING HOME SOON

*I WISH YOU WD* BE SO GOOD AS TO GIVE A HINT OF IT - FOR *I AM NOT LIKELY TO WRITE THERE AGAIN THESE 10 DAYS, HAVING WRITTEN YESTERDAY. *FANNY HAS SET HER HEART UPON IT'S BEING A *MR. *BRETT WHO IS GOING TO MARRY A *MISS *DORA *BEST OF THIS *COUNTRY. *I DARE SAY *HENRY HAS NO OBJECTION. *PRAY, WHERE DID THE *BOYS SLEEP ? - *THE *DEEDES' COME HERE ON *MONDAY TO STAY TILL FRIDAY - SO THAT WE SHALL END WITH A FLOURISH THE LAST *CANTO. - *THEY BRING *ISABELLA & ONE OF THE *GROWN UPS - & WILL COME IN FOR A *CANTY* *BALL ON *THURSDAY. - *I SHALL BE GLAD TO SEE THEM. - *MRS. *DEEDES & *I MUST TALK RATIONALLY TOGETHER *I SUPPOSE. *EDWARD DOES NOT WRITE TO *HENRY, BECAUSE OF MY WRITING SO OFTEN. *GOD BLESS YOU. *I SHALL BE SO GLAD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, & *I WISH YOU MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THIS *DAY. - *POOR *LORD *HOWARD ! *HOW HE DOES CRY ABOUT IT ! - *YRS** VERY TRULY *J. *A *SATURDAY *NOVR* 6 - *GODMERSHAM *PARK *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *HAVING HALF AN HOUR BEFORE BREAKFAST - (VERY SNUG, IN MY OWN ROOM, LOVELY MORNG*, EXCELLENT FIRE, FANCY ME) *I WILL GIVE YOU SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LAST TWO DAYS. *AND YET, WHAT IS THERE TO BE TOLD ? *I SHALL GET FOOLISHLY MINUTE UNLESS *I CUT THE MATTER SHORT. - *WE MET ONLY

THE *BRITTONS AT *CHILHAM *CASTLE, BESIDES A *MR. & *MRS. *OSBORNE & A *MISS *LEE STAYING IN THE *HOUSE, & WERE ONLY 14 ALTOGETHER. *MY *BR* & FANNY THOUGHT IT THE PLEASANTEST PARTY THEY HAD EVER KNOWN THERE & *I WAS VERY WELL ENTERTAINED BY BITS & SCRAPS. - *I HAD LONG WANTED TO SEE *DR. *BRITTON, & HIS WIFE AMUSES ME VERY MUCH WITH HER AFFECTED REFINEMENT & ELEGANCE. - *MISS *LEE *I FOUND VERY CONVERSIBLE ; SHE ADMIRES *CRABBE AS SHE OUGHT. - *SHE IS AT AN AGE OF REASON, TEN YEARS OLDER THAN MYSELF AT LEAST. *SHE WAS AT THE FAMOUS *BALL AT *CHILHAM *CASTLE, SO OF COURSE YOU REMEMBER HER. - *BY THE BYE, AS *I MUST LEAVE OFF BEING YOUNG, *I FIND MANY *DOUCEURS IN BEING A SORT OF *CHAPERON FOR *I AM PUT ON THE *SOFA NEAR THE *FIRE & CAN DRINK AS MUCH WINE AS *I LIKE. *WE HAD *MUSIC IN THE *EVENG*, *FANNY & *MISS *WILD+ MAN/ PLAYED, & *MR. *JAMES *WILDMAN SAT CLOSE BY & LISTENED, OR PRETENDED TO LISTEN. - *YESTERDAY WAS A DAY OF DISSIPATION ALL THROUGH, FIRST CAME *SIR *BROOK TO DISSIPATE US BEFORE BREAKFAST - THEN THERE WAS A CALL FROM *MR. *SHERER, THEN A REGULAR MORNG* VISIT FROM *LADY *HONEYWOOD IN HER WAY HOME FROM *EASTWELL - THEN *SIR *BROOK & *EDWARD SET OFF - THEN WE DINED (5 IN NUMBER) AT 1#2 PAST 4 - THEN WE HAD COFFEE, & AT 6 *MISS *CLEWES, *FANNY & *I DRAVED AWAY. *WE HAD A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT FOR OUR FRISKS. - *WE WERE EARLIER THAN WE NEED HAVE BEEN, BUT AFTER A TIME *LADY *B. & HER TWO COM+ PANIONS/ APPEARED, WE HAD KEPT PLACES FOR THEM & THERE WE SAT, ALL SIX IN A ROW, UNDER A SIDE WALL, *I BETWEEN *LUCY *FOOTE & *MISS *CLEWES. - *LADY *B. WAS MUCH WHAT *I EXPECTED, *I COULD NOT DETERMINE WHETHER SHE WAS RATHER HANDSOME OR VERY PLAIN. - *I LIKED HER, FOR BEING IN A HURRY TO HAVE THE *CONCERT OVER & GET AWAY, & FOR GETTING AWAY AT LAST WITH A GREAT DEAL OF DECISION &

PROMTNESS, NOT WAITING TO COMPLIMENT & DAWDLE & FUSS ABOUT SEEING $DEAR *FANNY$, WHO WAS HALF THE EVENG* IN ANOTHER PART OF THE ROOM WITH HER FRIENDS THE *PLUMPTRES. *I AM GROWING TOO MINUTE, SO *I WILL GO TO *BREAKFAST. *WHEN THE *CONCERT WAS OVER, *MRS. *HARRISON & *I FOUND EACH OTHER OUT & HAD A VERY COMFORTABLE LITTLE COMPLIMENTARY FRIENDLY CHAT. *SHE IS A SWEET *WOMAN, STILL QUITE A SWEET *WOMAN IN HERSELF, & SO LIKE HER *SISTER ! - *I COULD ALMOST HAVE THOUGHT *I WAS SPEAKING TO *MRS. *LEFROY. - *SHE INTRODUCED ME TO HER *DAUGHTER, WHOM *I THINK PRETTY, BUT MOST DUTIFULLY INFERIOR TO LA *MERE *BEAUTE. *THE *FAGGS & THE *HAMMONDS WERE THERE, *WM* *HAMMOND THE ONLY YOUNG *MAN OF RENOWN. $*MISS$ LOOKED VERY HANDSOME, BUT *I PREFER HER LITTLE, SMILING, FLIRTING *SISTER *JULIA. - *I WAS JUST INTRODUCED AT LAST TO *MARY *PLUMPTRE, BUT SHOULD HARDLY KNOW HER AGAIN. *SHE WAS DELIGHTED WITH $ME$ HOWEVER, GOOD ENTHUSIASTIC *SOUL ! - *AND *LADY *B. FOUND ME HANDSOMER THAN SHE EXPECTED, SO YOU SEE *I AM NOT SO VERY BAD AS YOU MIGHT THINK FOR. - *IT WAS 12 BEFORE WE REACHED HOME. *WE WERE ALL DOG-TIRED, BUT PRETTY WELL TO-DAY, *MISS *CLEWES SAYS SHE HAS NOT CAUGHT COLD, & *FANNY'S DOES NOT SEEM WORSE. *I WAS SO TIRED THAT *I BEGAN TO WONDER HOW *I SHOULD GET THROUGH THE *BALL NEXT *THURSDAY, BUT THERE WILL BE SO MUCH MORE VARIETY THEN IN WALKING ABOUT, & PROBABLY SO MUCH LESS HEAT THAT PERHAPS *I MAY NOT FEEL IT MORE. *MY *CHINA *CRAPE IS STILL KEPT FOR THE *BALL. *ENOUGH OF THE *CONCERT. - *I HAD A *LETTER FROM *MARY *YESTERDAY. *THEY TRAVELLED DOWN TO *CHELTENHAM LAST *MONDAY VERY SAFELY & ARE CERTAINLY TO BE THERE A MONTH. - *BATH IS STILL *BATH. *THE *H. *BRIDGES' MUST QUIT THEM EARLY NEXT WEEK, &

*LOUISA SEEMS NOT QUITE TO DESPAIR OF THEIR ALL MOVING TOGETHER, BUT TO THOSE WHO SEE AT A DISTANCE THERE APPEARS NO CHANCE OF IT. - *DR. *PARRY DOES NOT WANT TO KEEP *LADY *B. AT *BATH WHEN SHE CAN ONCE MOVE. *THAT IS LUCKY. - *YOU WILL SEE POOR *MR. *EVELYN'S DEATH. *SINCE *I WROTE LAST, MY 2D* *EDIT. HAS STARED ME IN THE FACE. - *MARY TELLS ME THAT *ELIZA MEANS TO BUY IT. *I WISH SHE MAY. *IT CAN HARDLY DEPEND UPON ANY MORE *FYFIELD *ESTATES. - *I CANNOT HELP HOPING THAT $MANY$ WILL FEEL THEMSELVES OBLIGED TO BUY IT. *I SHALL NOT MIND IMAGINING IT A DISAGREABLE *DUTY TO THEM, SO AS THEY DO IT. *MARY HEARD BEFORE SHE LEFT HOME, THAT IT WAS VERY MUCH ADMIRED AT *CHELTENHAM, & THAT IT WAS GIVEN TO *MISS *HAMILTON. *IT IS PLEASANT TO HAVE SUCH A RESPECTABLE *WRITER NAMED. *I CANNOT TIRE $YOU$ *I AM SURE ON THIS SUBJECT, OR *I WOULD APOLOGISE. - *WHAT WEATHER ! & WHAT NEWS ! - *WE HAVE ENOUGH TO DO TO ADMIRE THEM BOTH. - *I HOPE YOU DERIVE YOUR FULL SHARE OF ENJOYMENT FROM EACH. *I HAVE EXTENDED MY *LIGHTS AND INCREASED MY ACQUAINTANCE A GOOD DEAL WITHIN THESE TWO DAYS. *LADY *HONEYWOOD, YOU KNOW ; - *I DID NOT SIT NEAR ENOUGH TO BE A PERFECT *JUDGE, BUT *I THOUGHT HER EXTREMELY PRETTY & HER MANNERS HAVE ALL THE RECOM+ MENDATIONS/ OF EASE & GOODHUMOUR & UNAFFECTEDNESS ; - & GOING ABOUT WITH 4 *HORSES, & NICELY DRESSED HER+ SELF/ - SHE IS ALTOGETHER A PERFECT SORT OF *WOMAN. - *OH ! & *I SAW *MR. *GIPPS LAST NIGHT - THE USEFUL *MR. *GIPPS, WHOSE ATTENTIONS CAME IN AS ACCEPTABLY TO US IN HAND+ ING/ US TO THE *CARRIAGE, FOR WANT OF A BETTER *MAN, AS THEY DID TO *EMMA *PLUMPTRE. - *I THOUGHT HIM RATHER A GOOD-+ LOOKING/ LITTLE *MAN. - *I LONG FOR YOUR *LETTER TOMORROW, PARTICULARLY THAT *I MAY KNOW MY FATE AS TO *LONDON.

*MY FIRST WISH IS THAT *HENRY SHD* REALLY CHUSE WHAT HE LIKES BEST ; *I SHALL CERTAINLY NOT BE SORRY IF HE DOES NOT WANT ME. - *MORNING CHURCH TOMORROW. - *I SHALL COME BACK WITH IMPATIENT FEELINGS. *THE *SHERERS ARE GONE, BUT THE *PAGETS ARE NOT COME, WE SHALL THEREFORE HAVE *MR. *S. AGAIN. *MR. *PAGET ACTS LIKE AN UNSTEADY *MAN. *DR *MANT HOWEVER GIVES HIM A VERY GOOD *CHARACTER ; WHAT IS WRONG IS TO BE IMPUTED TO THE *LADY. - *I DARE SAY THE *HOUSE LIKES *FEMALE *GOVERNMENT. - *I HAVE A NICE LONG *BLACK & RED *LETTER FROM *CHARLES, BUT NOT COMMUNICATING MUCH THAT *I DID NOT KNOW. *THERE IS SOME CHANCE OF A GOOD *BALL NEXT WEEK, AS FAR AS *FEMALES GO. *LADY *BRIDGES MAY PERHAPS BE THERE WITH SOME *KNATCHBULLS. - *MRS. *HARRISON PERHAPS WITH *MISS *OXENDEN & THE *MISS *PAPILLONS - & IF *MRS. *HARRISON, THEN *LADY *FAGG WILL COME. *THE SHADES OF *EVENING ARE DESCENDING & *I RESUME MY INTERESTING *NARRATIVE. *SIR *BROOK & MY *BROTHER CAME BACK ABOUT 4, & *SIR *BROOK ALMOST IMMEDIATELY SET FORWARD AGAIN FOR *GOOD+ NESTONE/. - *WE ARE TO HAVE *EDWD* *B. TOMORROW, TO PAY US ANOTHER *SUNDAY'S VISIT - THE LAST, FOR MORE REASONS THAN ONE ; THEY ALL COME HOME ON THE SAME DAY THAT WE GO. - *THE *DEEDES' DO NOT COME TILL *TUESDAY. *SOPHIA IS TO BE THE *COMER. *SHE IS A DISPUTABLE *BEAUTY THAT *I WANT MUCH TO SEE. *LADY *ELIZ. *HATTON & *ANNA-+ MARIA/ CALLED HERE THIS MORNG* ; - *YES, THEY CALLED, - BUT *I DO NOT THINK *I CAN SAY ANYTHING MORE ABOUT THEM. *THEY CAME & THEY SAT & THEY WENT. - $*SUNDAY$. - *DEAREST *HENRY ! *WHAT A TURN HE HAS FOR BEING ILL ! & WHAT A THING *BILE IS ! - *THIS ATTACK HAS PROBABLY BEEN BROUGHT ON IN PART BY HIS PREVIOUS CONFINEMENT & ANXIETY ; - BUT HOWEVER IT CAME, *I HOPE IT IS GOING FAST, & THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEND A VERY GOOD

ACCOUNT OF HIM ON *TUESDAY. - *AS *I HEAR ON *WEDNESDAY, OF COURSE *I SHALL NOT EXPECT TO HEAR AGAIN ON FRIDAY. *PERHAPS A *LETTER TO *WROTHAM WOULD NOT HAVE AN ILL EFFECT. *WE ARE TO BE OFF ON *SATURDAY BEFORE THE *POST COMES IN, AS *EDWARD TAKES HIS OWN *HORSES ALL THE WAY. *HE TALKS OF 9 O'CLOCK. *WE SHALL BAIT AT *LENHAM. *EXCELLENT SWEETNESS OF YOU TO SEND ME SUCH A NICE LONG *LETTER ; - IT MADE ITS APPEARANCE, WITH ONE FROM MY *MOTHER, SOON AFTER *I & MY IMPATIENT FEELINGS WALKED IN. - *HOW GLAD *I AM THAT *I DID WHAT *I DID ! - *I WAS ONLY AFRAID THAT $YOU$ MIGHT THINK THE OFFER SUPERFLUOUS, BUT YOU HAVE SET MY HEART AT EASE. - *TELL *HENRY THAT *I $WILL$ STAY WITH HIM, LET IT BE EVER SO DISAGREABLE TO HIM. *OH ! DEAR ME ! - *I HAVE NOT TIME OR PAPER FOR HALF THAT *I WANT TO SAY. - *THERE HAVE BEEN TWO *LETTERS FROM *OXFORD, ONE FROM *GEORGE YESTERDAY. *THEY GOT THERE VERY SAFELY, *EDWD* TWO HOURS BEHIND THE *COACH, HAVING LOST HIS WAY IN LEAVING *LONDON. *GEORGE WRITES CHEER+ FULLY/ & QUIETLY - HOPES TO HAVE *UTTERSON'S ROOMS SOON, WENT TO *LECTURE ON WEDNESDAY, STATES SOME OF HIS EXPENCES, AND CONCLUDES WITH SAYING, " *I AM AFRAID *I SHALL BE POOR." - *I AM GLAD HE THINKS ABOUT IT SO SOON. - *I BELEIVE THERE IS NO PRIVATE *TUTOR YET CHOSEN, BUT MY *BROTHER IS TO HEAR FROM *EDWD* ON THE SUBJECT SHORTLY. - *YOU, & *MRS. *H. & CATHERINE & *ALETHEA GOING ABOUT TOGETHER IN *HENRY'S CARRIAGE SEEING SIGHTS ! - *I AM NOT USED TO THE IDEA OF IT YET. *ALL THAT YOU ARE TO SEE OF *STREATHAM, SEEN ALREADY ! - *YOUR *STREATHAM & MY *BOOKHAM MAY GO HANG. - *THE PROSPECT OF BEING TAKEN DOWN TO *CHAWTON BY *HENRY, PERFECTS THE PLAN TO ME. - *I WAS IN HOPES OF YOUR SEEING SOME ILLUMINATIONS, & YOU $HAVE$ SEEN THEM. " *I THOUGHT YOU WOULD CAME, AND YOU $DID$ CAME." *I AM SORRY $HE$ IS NOT TO $CAME$ FROM THE

*BALTIC SOONER. - *POOR *MARY ! - *MY *BROTHER HAS A *LETTER FROM *LOUISA TODAY, OF AN UNWELCOME NATURE ; - THEY ARE TO SPEND THE WINTER AT *BATH. - *IT WAS JUST DECIDED ON. - *DR. *PARRY WISHED IT, - NOT FROM THINKING THE *WATER NECESSARY TO *LADY *B. - BUT THAT HE MIGHT BE BETTER ABLE TO JUDGE HOW FAR HIS *TREATMENT OF HER, WHICH IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING SHE HAD BEEN USED TO - IS RIGHT ; & *I SUPPOSE HE WILL NOT MIND HAVING A FEW MORE OF HER *LADYSHIP'S GUINEAS. - *HIS SYSTEM IS A *LOWERING ONE. *HE TOOK TWELVE OUNCES OF *BLOOD FROM HER WHEN THE *GOUT APPEARED, & FORBIDS WINE &C. - *HITHERTO, THE PLAN AGREES WITH HER. - $*SHE$ IS VERY WELL SATISFIED TO STAY, BUT IT IS A SORE DISAPPOINTMENT TO *LOUISA & *FANNY. - *THE *H. *BRIDGES LEAVE THEM ON *TUESDAY, & THEY MEAN TO MOVE INTO A SMALLER *HOUSE. *YOU MAY GUESS HOW *EDWARD FEELS. - *THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT OF HIS GOING TO *BATH NOW ; - *I SHOULD NOT WONDER IF HE BROUGHT *FANNY *CAGE BACK WITH HIM. - *YOU SHALL HEAR FROM ME ONCE MORE, SOME DAY OR OTHER. *YOURS VERY AFFEC:LY** *J. *A. *WE DO NOT LIKE *MR. *HAMPSON'S SCHEME. *HENRIETTA *ST* *WEDNESDAY *MARCH 2D* *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *YOU WERE WRONG IN THINKING OF US AT *GUILDFORD LAST NIGHT: WE WERE AT *COBHAM. *ON REACHING *G. WE FOUND

THAT *JOHN AND THE HORSES WERE GONE ON. *WE THEREFORE DID NO MORE THERE THAN WE HAD DONE AT *FARNHAM - SIT IN THE CARRIAGE WHILE FRESH HORSES WERE PUT IN, AND PROCEEDED DIRECTLY TO *COBHAM, WHICH WE REACHED BY SEVEN, AND ABOUT EIGHT WERE SITTING DOWN TO A VERY NICE ROAST FOWL, &C. *WE HAD ALTOGETHER A VERY GOOD JOURNEY, AND EVERYTHING AT *COBHAM WAS COMFORTABLE. *I COULD NOT PAY *MR. *HERINGTON ! *THAT WAS THE ONLY ALAS ! OF THE BUSINESS. *I SHALL THEREFORE RETURN HIS BILL, AND MY MOTHER'S 2L., THAT YOU MAY TRY YOUR LUCK. *WE DID NOT BEGIN READING TILL *BENTLEY *GREEN. *HENRY'S APPROBATION HITHERTO IS EVEN EQUAL TO MY WISHES. *HE SAYS IT IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER TWO, BUT DOES NOT APPEAR TO THINK IT AT ALL INFERIOR. *HE HAS ONLY MARRIED *MRS. *R. I AM AFRAID HE HAS GONE THROUGH THE MOST ENTERTAINING PART. *HE TOOK TO *LADY *B. AND *MRS. *N. MOST KINDLY, AND GIVES GREAT PRAISE TO THE DRAW+ ING/ OF THE CHARACTERS. *HE UNDERSTANDS THEM ALL, LIKES *FANNY, AND, *I THINK, FORESEES HOW IT WILL ALL BE. *I FINISHED THE " *HEROINE " LAST NIGHT, AND WAS VERY MUCH AMUSED BY IT. *I WONDER *JAMES DID NOT LIKE IT BETTER. *IT DIVERTED ME EXCEEDINGLY. *WE WENT TO BED AT TEN. *I WAS VERY TIRED, BUT SLEPT TO A MIRACLE, AND AM LOVELY TO-DAY, AND AT PRESENT *HENRY SEEMS TO HAVE NO COM+ PLAINT/. *WE LEFT *COBHAM AT HALF-PAST EIGHT, STOPPED TO BAIT AND BREAKFAST AT *KINGSTON, AND WERE IN THIS HOUSE CONSIDERABLY BEFORE TWO QUITE IN THE STYLE OF *MR. *KNIGHT. *NICE SMILING *MR. *BARLOWE MET US AT THE DOOR AND, IN REPLY TO ENQUIRIES AFTER NEWS, SAID THAT PEACE WAS GENERALLY EXPECTED. *I HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION OF MY BEDROOM, UNPACKED MY BANDBOX, SENT *MISS *P.'S TWO LETTERS TO THE TWOPENNY POST, BEEN VISITED BY *MD* *B., AND AM NOW WRITING BY MYSELF AT THE NEW TABLE

IN THE FRONT ROOM. *IT IS SNOWING. *WE HAD SOME SNOW+ STORMS/ YESTERDAY, AND A SMART FROST AT NIGHT, WHICH GAVE US A HARD ROAD FROM *COBHAM TO KINGSTON ; BUT AS IT WAS THEN GETTING DIRTY AND HEAVY, *HENRY HAD A PAIR OF LEADERS PUT ON FROM THE LATTER PLACE TO THE BOTTOM OF *SLOANE *ST. *HIS OWN HORSES, THEREFORE, CANNOT HAVE HAD HARD WORK. *I WATCHED FOR $VEILS$ AS WE DROVE THROUGH THE STREETS, AND HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING SEVERAL UPON VULGAR HEADS. *AND NOW, HOW DO YOU ALL DO ? - YOU IN PARTICULAR, AFTER THE WORRY OF YESTERDAY AND THE DAY BEFORE. *I HOPE *MARTHA HAD A PLEASANT VISIT AGAIN, AND THAT YOU AND MY MOTHER COULD EAT YOUR BEEF-PUDDING. *DEPEND UPON MY THINK+ ING/ OF THE CHIMNEY-SWEEPER AS SOON AS *I WAKE TO-+ MORROW/. *PLACES ARE SECURED AT *DRURY *LANE FOR *SATURDAY, BUT SO GREAT IS THE RAGE FOR SEEING *KEAN THAT ONLY A THIRD AND FOURTH ROW COULD BE GOT ; AS IT IS IN A FRONT BOX, HOWEVER, *I HOPE WE SHALL DO PRETTY WELL - *SHYLOCK, A GOOD PLAY FOR *FANNY - SHE CANNOT BE MUCH AFFECTED, *I THINK. *MRS. *PERIGORD HAS JUST BEEN HERE & *I HAVE PAID HER A SHILLING FOR THE WILLOW. *SHE TELLS ME THAT WE OWE HER MASTER FOR THE SILK-DYEING. *MY POOR OLD MUSLIN HAS NEVER BEEN DYED YET. *IT HAS BEEN PROMISED TO BE DONE SEVERAL TIMES. *WHAT WICKED PEOPLE DYERS ARE. *THEY BEGIN WITH DIPPING THEIR OWN SOULS IN SCARLET SIN. *TELL MY MOTHER THAT MY \6. 15. WAS DULY RECEIVED, BUT PLACED TO MY ACCOUNT INSTEAD OF HERS, & *I HAVE JUST SIGNED A SOMETHING WHICH MAKES IT OVER TO HER. *IT IS EVENING ; WE HAVE DRANK TEA, AND *I HAVE TORN THROUGH THE THIRD VOL. OF THE " *HEROINE." *I DO NOT THINK IT FALLS OFF. *IT IS A DELIGHTFUL BURLESQUE, PARTICULARLY ON THE *RADCLIFFE STYLE. *HENRY IS GOING ON WITH "*MANSFIELD *PARK." *HE ADMIRES

*H. *CRAWFORD : *I MEAN PROPERLY, AS A CLEVER, PLEASANT MAN. *I TELL YOU ALL THE GOOD *I CAN, AS *I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WILL ENJOY IT. *JOHN *WARREN AND HIS WIFE ARE INVITED TO DINE HERE, AND TO NAME THEIR OWN DAY IN THE NEXT FORTNIGHT. *I DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO COME. *WYNDHAM *KNATCHBULL IS TO BE ASKED FOR *SUNDAY AND IF HE IS CRUEL ENOUGH TO CONSENT, SOMEBODY MUST BE CONTRIVED TO MEET HIM. *WE HEAR THAT *MR. *KEEN IS MORE ADMIRED THAN EVER. *THE TWO VACANT PLACES OF OUR TWO ROWS ARE LIKELY TO BE FILLED BY *MR. *TILSON AND HIS BROTHER *GENERAL *CHOWNES. *I SHALL BE READY TO LAUGH AT THE SIGHT OF *FREDERICK AGAIN. *IT SEEMS SETTLED THAT *I HAVE THE CARRIAGE ON *FRIDAY TO PAY VISITS, *I HAVE THEREFORE LITTLE DOUBT OF BEING ABLE TO GET TO *MISS *HARES. *I AM TO CALL UPON *MISS *SPENCER : *FUNNY ME ! *THERE ARE NO GOOD PLACES TO BE GOT IN *DRURY *LANE FOR THE NEXT FORTNIGHT ; BUT *HENRY MEANS TO SECURE SOME FOR *SATURDAY FORTNIGHT WHEN YOU ARE RECKONED UPON. *I WONDER WHAT WORSE THING THAN *SARAH *MITCHELL YOU ARE FORCED UPON BY THIS TIME ! *GIVE MY LOVE TO LITTLE *CASSANDRA ! *I HOPE SHE FOUND MY *BED COMFORTABLE LAST NIGHT AND HAS NOT FILLED IT WITH FLEAS. *I HAVE SEEN NOBODY IN *LONDON YET WITH SUCH A LONG CHIN AS *DR. *SYNTAX, NOR ANYBODY QUITE SO LARGE AS *GOGMA+ GOGLICUS/. *YOURS AFFECTELY**** *J. *AUSTEN $*THURSDAY$. *MY *TRUNK DID NOT COME LAST NIGHT - *I SUPPOSE IT WILL THIS MORNING - IF NOT *I MUST BORROW STOCKINGS & BUY SHOES & GLOVES FOR MY VISIT. *I WAS FOOLISH NOT TO PROVIDE BETTER AGAINST SUCH A POSSIBILITY. *I HAVE GREAT HOPE HOWEVER THAT WRITING ABOUT IT IN THIS WAY WILL BRING THE TRUNK PRESENTLY.

*HENRIETTA *ST* *SATURDAY *MARCH 5. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *DO NOT BE ANGRY WITH ME FOR BEGINNING ANOTHER *LETTER TO YOU. *I HAVE READ THE *CORSAIR, MENDED MY PETTICOAT, & HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO. - *GETTING OUT IS IMPOSSIBLE. *IT IS A NASTY DAY FOR EVERYBODY. *EDWARD'S SPIRITS WILL BE WANTING *SUNSHINE, & HERE IS NOTHING BUT *THICKNESS & *SLEET ; AND THO' THESE TWO ROOMS ARE DELIGHTFULLY WARM *I FANCY IT IS VERY COLD ABROAD. - *YOUNG *WYNDHAM ACCEPTS THE *INVITATION. *HE IS SUCH A NICE, GENTLEMANLIKE, UNAFFECTED SORT OF YOUNG *MAN, THAT *I THINK HE MAY DO FOR *FANNY ; - HAS A SENSIBLE, QUIET LOOK WHICH ONE LIKES. - *OUR FATE WITH *MRS. *L. AND *MISS *E. IS FIXED FOR THIS DAY SENIGHT. - *A CIVIL NOTE IS COME FROM *MISS *H. *MOORE, TO APOLOGISE FOR NOT RETURN+ ING/ MY VISIT TODAY & ASK US TO JOIN A SMALL PARTY THIS *EVENG*. - *THANK YE, BUT WE SHALL BE BETTER ENGAGED. - *I WAS SPEAKING TO *MDE** *B. THIS MORNG* ABOUT A BOIL'D *LOAF, WHEN IT APPEARED THAT HER *MASTER HAS NO RASP+ BERRY/ *JAM ; $*SHE$ HAS SOME, WHICH OF COURSE SHE IS DETERMINED HE SHALL HAVE ; BUT CANNOT YOU BRING HIM A POT WHEN YOU COME ? - $*SUNDAY$. - *I FIND A LITTLE TIME BEFORE BREAKFAST FOR WRITING. - *IT WAS CONSIDERABLY PAST 4 WHEN THEY ARRIVED YESTERDAY ; THE ROADS WERE SO VERY BAD ! - AS IT WAS, THEY HAD 4 *HORSES FROM *CRANFORD *BRIDGE. *FANNY WAS MISERABLY COLD AT FIRST, BUT THEY BOTH SEEM WELL. - *NO

POSSIBILITY OF *EDWD.'S WRITING. *HIS OPINION HOWEVER INCLINES $AGAINST$ A SECOND PROSECUTION ; HE THINKS IT WOULD BE A VINDICTIVE MEASURE. *HE MIGHT THINK DIFFERENTLY PERHAPS ON THE SPOT. - *BUT THINGS MUST TAKE THEIR CHANCE. - *WE WERE QUITE SATISFIED WITH *KEAN. *I CANNOT IMAGINE BETTER ACTING ; BUT THE PART WAS TOO SHORT, & EXCEPTING HIM AND *MISS *SMITH, & $SHE$ DID NOT QUITE ANSWER MY EXPECTATION, THE PARTS WERE ILL FILLED & THE *PLAY HEAVY. *WE WERE TOO MUCH TIRED TO STAY FOR THE WHOLE OF *ILLUSION (*NOUR-JAHAD) WHICH HAS 3 ACTS ; - THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF FINERY & DANCING IN IT, BUT *I THINK LITTLE MERIT. *ELLISTON WAS *NOUR-JAHAD, BUT IT IS A SOLEMN SORT OF PART, NOT AT ALL CALCULATED FOR HIS POWERS. *THERE WAS NOTHING OF THE $BEST *ELLISTON$ ABOUT HIM. *I MIGHT NOT HAVE KNOWN HIM, BUT FOR HIS VOICE. - *A GRAND THOUGHT HAS STRUCK ME AS TO OUR *GOWNS. *THIS 6 WEEKS MOURNING MAKES SO GREAT A DIFFERENCE THAT *I SHALL NOT GO TO *MISS *HARE, TILL YOU CAN COME & HELP CHUSE YOURSELF ; UNLESS YOU PARTICULARLY WISH THE CONTRARY. - *IT MAY BE HARDLY WORTH WHILE PERHAPS TO HAVE THE *GOWNS SO EXPENSIVELY MADE UP ; WE MAY BUY A CAP OR A $VEIL$ INSTEAD ; - BUT WE CAN TALK MORE OF THIS TOGETHER. - *HENRY IS JUST COME DOWN, HE SEEMS WELL, HIS COLD DOES NOT INCREASE. *I EXPECTED TO HAVE FOUND *EDWARD SEATED AT A TABLE WRITING TO *LOUISA, BUT *I WAS FIRST. - *FANNY *I LEFT FAST ASLEEP. - *SHE WAS DOING ABOUT LAST NIGHT, WHEN $*I$ WENT TO SLEEP, A LITTLE AFTER ONE. - *I AM MOST HAPPY TO FIND THERE WERE BUT $FIVE$ SHIRTS. - *SHE THANKS YOU FOR YOUR NOTE, & REPROACHES HERSELF FOR NOT HAVING WRITTEN TO YOU, BUT *I ASSURE HER THERE WAS NO OCCASION. - *THE ACCOUNTS ARE NOT CAPITAL OF *LADY *B. - UPON THE WHOLE *I BELEIVE *FANNY LIKED

*BATH VERY WELL. *THEY WERE ONLY OUT THREE *EVENG*, TO ONE *PLAY & EACH OF THE *ROOMS ; - *WALKED ABOUT A GOOD DEAL, & SAW A GOOD DEAL OF THE *HARRISONS & *WILDMANS. - *ALL THE *BRIDGESES ARE LIKELY TO COME AWAY TOGETHER, & *LOUISA WILL PROBABLY TURN OFF AT *DARTFORD TO GO TO *HARRIOT. - *EDWARD IS QUITE (($ABOUT FIVE WORDS CUT OUT$.)) - NOW WE ARE COME FROM *CHURCH, & ALL GOING TO WRITE. - *ALMOST EVERYBODY WAS IN MOURNING LAST NIGHT, BUT MY BROWN GOWN DID VERY WELL. *GENL*: *CHOWNE WAS INTRO+ DUCED/ TO ME ; HE HAS NOT MUCH REMAINS OF *FREDERICK. - *THIS YOUNG *WYNDHAM DOES NOT COME AFTER ALL ; A VERY LONG & VERY CIVIL NOTE OF EXCUSE IS ARRIVED. *IT MAKES ONE MORALIZE UPON THE UPS & DOWNS OF THIS *LIFE. *I HAVE DETERMINED TO TRIM MY LILAC SARSENET WITH BLACK SATTIN RIBBON JUST AS MY *CHINA *CRAPE IS, 6D* WIDTH AT THE BOTTOM, 3D* OR 4D* AT TOP. - *RIBBON TRIMMINGS ARE ALL THE FASHION AT *BATH, & *I DARE SAY THE FASHIONS OF THE TWO PLACES ARE ALIKE ENOUGH IN THAT POINT, TO CONTENT $ME$. - *WITH THIS ADDITION IT WILL BE A VERY USEFUL GOWN, HAPPY TO GO ANYWHERE. - *HENRY HAS THIS MOMENT SAID THAT HE LIKES MY *M. *P. BETTER & BETTER ; HE IS IN THE 3D* VOLUME. *I BELEIVE $NOW$ HE HAS CHANGED HIS MIND AS TO FORESEEING THE END ; HE SAID YESTERDAY AT LEAST, THAT HE DEFIED ANYBODY TO SAY WHETHER *H. *C. WOULD BE REFORMED, OR WOULD FORGET *FANNY IN A FORT+ NIGHT/. - *I SHALL LIKE TO SEE *KEAN AGAIN EXCESSIVELY, & TO SEE HIM WITH YOU TOO ; - IT APPEARED TO ME AS IF THERE WERE NO FAULT IN HIM ANYWHERE ; & IN HIS SCENE WITH *TUBAL THERE WAS EXQUISITE ACTING. *EDWARD HAS HAD A CORRESPONDENCE WITH *MR. *WICKHAM ON THE *BAIGENT BUSINESS, & HAS BEEN SHEWING ME SOME *LETTERS ENCLOSED BY *MR. *W. FROM A FRIEND OF HIS, A *LAWYER, WHOM HE HAD CONSULTED ABOUT IT, & WHOSE OPINION IS $FOR$ THE PROSECUTION

FOR ASSAULT, SUPPOSING THE *BOY IS ACQUITTED ON THE FIRST, WHICH HE RATHER EXPECTS. - *EXCELLENT *LETTERS ; & *I AM SURE HE MUST BE AN EXCELLENT *MAN. *THEY ARE SUCH THINKING, CLEAR, CONSIDERATE *LETTERS AS *FRANK MIGHT HAVE WRITTEN. *I LONG TO KNOW WHO HE IS, BUT THE NAME IS ALWAYS TORN OFF. *HE WAS CONSULTED ONLY AS A FRIEND. *WHEN *EDWD* GAVE ME $HIS$ OPINION AGAINST THE 2D* PROSECUTION, HE HAD NOT READ THIS *LETTER, WHICH WAS WAITING FOR HIM HERE. - *MR. *W. IS TO BE ON THE *GRAND *JURY. *THIS BUSINESS MUST HASTEN AN *INTIMACY BETWEEN HIS FAMILY & MY *BROTHER'S. - *FANNY CANNOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ABOUT BUTTON HOLES TILL SHE GETS HOME. - *I HAVE NEVER TOLD YOU, BUT SOON AFTER *HENRY & *I BEGAN OUR *JOURNEY, HE SAID, TALKING OF *YOURS, THAT HE SHD* DESIRE YOU TO COME POST AT HIS EXPENCE, & ADDED SOMETHING OF THE *CARRIAGE MEETING YOU AT *KINGSTON. *HE HAS SAID NOTHING ABOUT IT SINCE. - *NOW *I HAVE JUST READ *MR. *WICKHAM'S *LETTER, BY WHICH IT APPEARS THAT THE *LETTERS OF HIS FRIEND WERE SENT TO MY *BROTHER QUITE CONFIDENTIALLY - THEREFORE DO'NT TELL. *BY HIS EXPRES+ SION/, THIS FRIEND MUST BE ONE OF THE *JUDGES. *A COLD DAY, BUT BRIGHT AND CLEAN. - *I AM AFRAID YOUR PLANTING CAN HARDLY HAVE BEGUN. - *I AM SORRY TO HEAR THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RISE IN TEA. *I DO NOT MEAN TO PAY *TWINING TILL LATER IN THE DAY, WHEN WE MAY ORDER A FRESH SUPPLY. - *I LONG TO KNOW SOMETHING OF THE *MEAD - & HOW YOU ARE OFF FOR A *COOK. $*MONDAY$. *HERE'S A DAY ! - *THE *GROUND COVERED WITH SNOW ! *WHAT IS TO BECOME OF US ? - *WE WERE TO HAVE WALKED OUT EARLY TO NEAR SHOPS, & HAD THE *CARRIAGE FOR THE MORE DISTANT. - *MR. *RICHARD *SNOW IS DREADFULLY FOND OF US. *I DARE SAY HE HAS STRETCHED HIMSELF OUT AT *CHAWTON TOO. - *FANNY & *I WENT INTO THE *PARK YESTERDAY

& DROVE ABOUT & WERE VERY MUCH ENTERTAINED ; - AND OUR *DINNER & *EVENG* WENT OFF VERY WELL. *MESSRS. *J. *PLUMPTRE AND *J. *WILDMAN CALLED WHILE WE WERE OUT ; & WE HAD A GLIMPSE OF THEM BOTH & OF *G. *HATTON TOO IN THE *PARK. $*I$ COULD NOT PRODUCE A SINGLE ACQUAIN+ TANCE/. - *BY A LITTLE CONVENIENT *LISTENING, *I NOW KNOW THAT *HENRY WISHES TO GO TO *GM* FOR A FEW DAYS BEFORE *EASTER, & HAS INDEED PROMISED TO DO IT. - *THIS BEING THE CASE, THERE CAN BE NO TIME FOR YOUR REMAINING IN *LONDON AFTER YOUR RETURN FROM *ADLESTROP. - *YOU MUST NOT PUT OFF YOUR COMING THEREFORE ; - AND IT OCCURS TO ME THAT INSTEAD OF MY COMING HERE AGAIN FROM *STREATHAM, IT WILL BE BETTER FOR YOU TO JOIN ME THERE. - *IT IS A GREAT COMFORT TO HAVE GOT AT THE TRUTH. *HENRY FINDS HE CANNOT SET OFF FOR *OXFORDSHRE BEFORE THE *WEDNESY* WHICH WILL BE YE 23D* ; BUT WE SHALL NOT HAVE TOO MANY DAYS TOGETHER HERE PREVIOUSLY. - *I SHALL WRITE TO *CATHERINE VERY SOON. *WELL, WE HAVE BEEN OUT, AS FAR AS *COVENTRY *ST* - ; *EDWD* ESCORTED US THERE & BACK TO *NEWTONS, WHERE HE LEFT US, & *I BROUGHT *FANNY SAFE HOME. *IT WAS SNOWING THE WHOLE TIME. *WE HAVE GIVEN UP ALL IDEA OF THE *CARRIAGE. *EDWARD & *FANNY STAY ANOTHER DAY ; & BOTH SEEM VERY WELL PLEASED TO DO SO. *OUR VISIT TO THE *SPENCERS IS OF COURSE PUT OFF. - *EDWD* HEARD FROM *LOUISA THIS MORNG*. *HER *MOTHER DOES NOT GET BETTER, & *DR. *PARRY TALKS OF HER BEGINNING THE *WATERS AGAIN ; THIS WILL BE KEEPING THEM LONGER IN *BATH, AND OF COURSE IS NOT PALATEABLE. *YOU CANNOT THINK HOW MUCH MY *ERMINE *TIPPET IS ADMIRED BOTH BY *FATHER & *DAUGHTER. *IT WAS A NOBLE *GIFT. - *PERHAPS YOU HAVE NOT HEARD THAT *EDWARD HAS A GOOD CHANCE OF ESCAPING HIS *LAWSUIT. *HIS OPPONENT KNOCKS UNDER. *THE TERMS OF AGREEMENT ARE NOT QUITE

SETTLED. - *WE ARE TO SEE " THE *DEVIL TO PAY " - TO NIGHT. *I EXPECT TO BE VERY MUCH AMUSED. - *EXCEPTING *MISS *STEPHENS, *I DARESAY *ARTAXERXES WILL BE VERY TIRESOME. - *A GREAT MANY PRETTY *CAPS IN THE *WINDOWS OF *CRAN+ BOURN/ *ALLEY ! *I HOPE WHEN YOU COME, WE SHALL BOTH BE TEMPTED. - *I HAVE BEEN RUINING MYSELF IN BLACK SATTIN RIBBON WITH A PROPER PERL EDGE ; & NOW *I AM TRYING TO DRAW IT UP INTO KIND OF ROSES, INSTEAD OF PUTTING IT IN PLAIN DOUBLE PLAITS. - *TUESDAY. *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA IN EVER SO MANY HURRIES *I ACKNOW+ LEDGE/ THE RECEIPT OF YOUR *LETTER LAST NIGHT, JUST BEFORE WE SET OFF FOR *COVENT *GARDEN. - *I HAVE NO *MOURNING COME, BUT IT DOES NOT SIGNIFY. *THIS VERY MOMENT HAS *RICHD* PUT IT ON THE *TABLE. - *I HAVE TORN IT OPEN & READ YOUR NOTE. *THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. - *EDWD* IS AMAZED AT THE 64 *TREES. *HE DESIRES HIS *LOVE & GIVES YOU NOTICE OF THE ARRIVAL OF A *STUDY *TABLE FOR HIMSELF. *IT OUGHT TO BE AT *CHAWTON THIS WEEK. *HE BEGS YOU TO BE SO GOOD AS TO HAVE IT ENQUIRED FOR, & FETCHED BY THE *CART ; BUT WISHES IT NOT TO BE UNPACKED TILL HE IS ON THE SPOT HIMSELF. *IT MAY BE PUT IN THE *HALL. - *WELL, *MR. *HAMPSON DINED HERE & ALL THAT. *I WAS VERY TIRED OF *ARTAXERXES, HIGHLY AMUSED WITH THE *FARCE, & IN AN INFERIOR WAY WITH THE *PANTOMIME THAT FOLLOWED. *MR. *J. PLUMPTRE JOINED IN THE LATTER PART OF THE *EVENG* - WALKED HOME WITH US, ATE SOME SOUP, & IS VERY EARNEST FOR OUR GOING TO *COV: *GAR: AGAIN TO NIGHT TO SEE *MISS *STEPHENS IN THE *FARMERS *WIFE. *HE IS TO TRY FOR A *BOX. *I DO NOT PARTICULARLY WISH HIM TO SUCCEED. *I HAVE HAD ENOUGH FOR THE PRESENT. - *HENRY DINES TO DAY WITH *MR. *SPENCER. - *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN

*HENRIETTA *ST* *WEDNESDAY *MARCH 9 *WELL, WE WENT TO THE *PLAY AGAIN LAST NIGHT, & AS WE WERE OUT GREAT PART OF THE MORNING TOO, SHOPPING & SEEING THE *INDIAN *JUGGLERS, *I AM VERY GLAD TO BE QUIET NOW TILL DRESSING TIME. *WE ARE TO DINE AT THE *TILSONS & TOMORROW AT *MR. *SPENCERS. - *WE HAD NOT DONE BREAKFAST YESTERDAY WHEN *MR. *J. *PLUMPTRE APPEARED TO SAY THAT HE HAD SECURED A *BOX. *HENRY ASKED HIM TO DINE HERE, WHICH *I FANCY HE WAS VERY HAPPY TO DO ; & SO, AT 5 O'CLOCK WE FOUR SAT DOWN TO TABLE TOGETHER, WHILE THE *MASTER OF THE *HOUSE WAS PREPARING FOR GOING OUT HIMSELF. - *THE *FARMER'S *WIFE IS A *MUSICAL THING IN 3 *ACTS, & AS *EDWARD WAS STEADY IN NOT STAYING FOR ANYTHING MORE, WE WERE AT HOME BEFORE 10 - *FANNY AND *MR. *J. P. ARE DELIGHTED WITH *MISS *S, & HER MERIT IN SINGING IS *I DARE SAY VERY GREAT ; THAT SHE GAVE $ME$ NO PLEASURE IS NO REFLECTION UPON HER, NOR *I HOPE UPON MYSELF, BEING WHAT *NATURE MADE ME ON THAT ARTICLE. *ALL THAT *I AM SENSIBLE OF IN *MISS *S. IS, A PLEASING PER+ SON/ & NO SKILL IN ACTING. *WE HAD *MATHEWS, *LISTON & *EMERY ; OF COURSE SOME AMUSEMENT. - *OUR FRIENDS WERE OFF BEFORE 1#2 PAST 8 THIS MORNG*, & HAD THE PROSPECT OF A HEAVY COLD *JOURNEY BEFORE THEM. *I THINK THEY BOTH LIKED THEIR VISIT VERY MUCH, *I AM SURE *FANNY DID. - *HENRY SEES DECIDED ATTACHMENT BETWEEN HER & HIS NEW ACQUAINTANCE. - *I HAVE A COLD TOO AS WELL AS MY *MOTHER & *MARTHA. *LET IT BE A GENEROUS EMULATION

BETWEEN US WHICH CAN GET RID OF IT FIRST. - *I WEAR MY GAUZE GOWN TODAY, LONG SLEEVES & ALL ; *I SHALL SEE HOW THEY SUCCEED, BUT AS YET *I HAVE NO REASON TO SUPPOSE LONG SLEEVES ARE ALLOWABLE. *I HAVE LOWERED THE BOSOM ESPECIALLY AT THE CORNERS, & PLAITED BLACK SATTIN RIBBON ROUND THE TOP. *SUCH WILL BE MY *COSTUME OF *VINE LEAVES & PASTE. *PREPARE FOR A *PLAY THE VERY FIRST EVENING, *I RATHER THINK *COVENT *GARDEN, TO SEE *YOUNG IN *RICHARD. - *I HAVE ANSWERED FOR YOUR LITTLE COM+ PANION'S/ BEING CONVEYED TO *KEPPEL *ST* IMMEDIATELY. - *I HAVE NEVER YET BEEN ABLE TO GET THERE MYSELF, BUT HOPE *I SHALL SOON. *WHAT CRUEL WEATHER THIS IS ! AND HERE IS *LORD *PORTSMOUTH MARRIED TOO TO *MISS *HANSON. - *HENRY HAS FINISHED *MANSFIELD *PARK, & HIS APPROBA+ TION/ HAS NOT LESSENED. *HE FOUND THE LAST HALF OF THE LAST VOLUME $EXTREMELY INTERESTING$. *I SUPPOSE MY *MOTHER RECOLLECTS THAT SHE GAVE ME NO *MONEY FOR PAYING *BRECKNELL & *TWINING ; AND $MY$ FUNDS WILL NOT SUPPLY ENOUGH. - *WE ARE HOME IN SUCH GOOD TIME THAT *I CAN FINISH MY *LETTER TONIGHT, WHICH WILL BE BETTER THAN GETTING UP TO DO IT TOMORROW, ESPECIALLY AS ON ACCOUNT OF MY *COLD, WHICH HAS BEEN VERY HEAVY IN MY HEAD THIS *EVENG* - *I RATHER THINK OF LYING IN BED LATER THAN USUAL. *I WOULD NOT BUT BE WELL ENOUGH TO GO TO *HERTFORD *ST* ON ANY ACCOUNT. - *WE MET ONLY *GENL* *CHOWNE TODAY, WHO HAS NOT MUCH TO SAY FOR HIMSELF. - *I WAS READY TO LAUGH AT THE REMEMBRANCE OF *FREDERICK, & SUCH A DIFFERENT *FREDERICK AS WE CHOSE TO FANCY HIM TO THE REAL *CHRISTOPHER ! - *MRS. *TILSON HAD LONG SLEEVES TOO, & SHE ASSURED ME THAT THEY ARE WORN IN THE EVENING BY MANY. *I WAS GLAD TO HEAR THIS. - *SHE DINES HERE *I BELEIVE NEXT *TUESDAY.

*ON FRIDAY WE ARE TO BE SNUG, WITH ONLY *MR. *BARLOWE & AN EVENING OF *BUSINESS. - *I AM SO PLEASED THAT THE *MEAD IS BREWED. - *LOVE TO ALL. *IF *CASSANDRA HAS FILLED MY *BED WITH FLEAS, *I AM SURE THEY MUST BITE HERSELF. - *I HAVE WRITTEN TO *MRS. *HILL & CARE FOR NOBODY. *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *ASTEN *MY DEAR *ANNA - *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR SENDING YOUR *M*S. IT HAS ENTERTAINED ME EXTREMELY, ALL OF US INDEED ; *I READ IT ALOUD TO YOUR *G. *M. - & *AT* *C. - AND WE WERE ALL VERY MUCH PLEASED. - *THE SPIRIT DOES NOT DROOP AT ALL. *SIR *THO: - *LADY *HELENA, & *ST. *JULIAN ARE VERY WELL DONE - & *CECILIA CONTINUES TO BE INTERESTING IN SPITE OF HER BEING SO AMIABLE. - *IT WAS VERY FIT THAT YOU SHOULD ADVANCE HER AGE. *I LIKE THE BEGINNING O*F *D. FORESTER VERY MUCH - A GREAT DEAL BETTER THAN IF HE HAD BEEN VERY *GOOD OR VERY *BAD. - *A FEW VERBAL CORRECTIONS WERE ALL THAT *I FELT TEMPTED TO MAKE - THE PRINCIPAL OF THEM IS A SPEECH OF *ST. *JULIANS TO *LADY *HELENA - WHICH YOU SEE *I HAVE PRE+ SUMED/ TO ALTER. - *AS *LADY *H. IS *CECILIA'S SUPERIOR, IT WD* NOT BE CORRECT TO TALK OF $HER$ BEING INTRODUCED ; *CECILIA MUST BE THE PERSON INTRODUCED - AND *I DO NOT LIKE A *LOVER'S SPEAKING IN THE 3D* PERSON; - - IT IS TOO

MUCH LIKE THE FORMAL PART OF *LORD *ORVILLE, & *I THINK IS NOT NATURAL. *IF $YOU$ THINK DIFFERENTLY HOWEVER, YOU NEED NOT MIND ME. - *I AM IMPATIENT FOR MORE - & ONLY WAIT FOR A SAFE CONVEYANCE TO RETURN THIS *BOOK. - *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *A. *CHAWTON : *TUESDAY *JUNE 13 *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *FANNY TAKES MY MOTHER TO *ALTON THIS MORNING, WHICH GIVES ME AN OPPORTUNITY OF SENDING YOU A FEW LINES WITHOUT ANY OTHER TROUBLE THAN THAT OF WRITING THEM. *THIS IS A DELIGHTFUL DAY IN THE COUNTRY, AND *I HOPE NOT MUCH TOO HOT FOR TOWN. *WELL, YOU HAD A GOOD JOURNEY, *I TRUST, AND ALL THAT, AND NOT RAIN ENOUGH TO SPOIL YOUR BONNET. *IT APPEARED SO LIKELY TO BE A WET EVENING THAT *I WENT UP TO THE *GT. *HOUSE BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR, AND DAWDLED AWAY AN HOUR VERY COM+ FORTABLY/, THOUGH *EDWD. WAS NOT VERY BRISK. *THE AIR WAS CLEARER IN THE EVENING AND HE WAS BETTER. *WE ALL FIVE WALKED TOGETHER INTO THE KITCHEN GARDEN AND ALONG THE *GOSPORT ROAD, AND THEY DRANK TEA WITH US. *YOU WILL BE GLAD TO HEAR THAT *G. *TURNER HAS ANOTHER $SITUATION$, SOMETHING IN THE COW LINE, NEAR *RUMSEY, AND HE WISHES TO MOVE IMMEDIATELY, WHICH IS NOT LIKELY TO BE INCONVENIENT TO ANYBODY.

*THE NEW NURSERYMAN AT *ALTON COMES THIS MORNING TO VALUE THE CROPS IN THE GARDEN. *THE ONLY LETTER TO-DAY IS FROM *MRS. *COOKE TO ME. *THEY DO NOT LEAVE HOME TILL *JULY, AND WANT ME TO COME TO THEM, ACCORDING TO MY PROMISE. *AND, AFTER CONSIDERING EVERYTHING, *I HAVE RESOLVED ON GOING. *MY COMPANIONS PROMOTE IT. *I WILL NOT GO, HOWEVER, TILL AFTER *EDWARD IS GONE, THAT HE MAY FEEL HE HAS A SOME+ BODY/ TO GIVE MEMORANDUMS TO, TO THE LAST. *I MUST GIVE UP ALL HELP FROM HIS CARRIAGE, OF COURSE. *AND, AT ANY RATE, IT MUST BE SUCH AN EXCESS OF EXPENSE THAT *I HAVE QUITE MADE UP MY MIND TO IT AND DO NOT MEAN TO CARE. *I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF *TRIGGS AND THE CHAIR, YOU MAY BE SURE, BUT *I KNOW IT WILL END IN POSTING. *THEY WILL MEET ME AT *GUILDFORD. *IN ADDITION TO THEIR STANDING CLAIMS ON ME THEY ADMIRE " *MANSFIELD *PARK " EXCEEDINGLY. *MR. *COOKE SAYS " IT IS THE MOST SENSIBLE NOVEL HE EVER READ," AND THE MANNER IN WHICH *I TREAT THE CLERGY DELIGHTS THEM VERY MUCH. *ALTOGETHER, *I MUST GO, AND *I WANT YOU TO JOIN ME THERE WHEN YOUR VISIT IN *HENRIETTA *ST. IS OVER. *PUT THIS INTO YOUR CAPACIOUS HEAD. *TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, AND DO NOT BE TRAMPLED TO DEATH IN RUNNING AFTER THE *EMPEROR. *THE REPORT IN *ALTON YESTERDAY WAS THAT THEY WOULD CERTAINLY TRAVEL THIS ROAD EITHER TO OR FROM *PORTSMOUTH. *I LONG TO KNOW WHAT THIS BOW OF THE *PRINCE'S WILL PRODUCE. *I SAW *MRS. *ANDREWS YESTERDAY. *MRS. *BROWING HAD SEEN HER BEFORE. *SHE IS VERY GLAD TO SEND AN *ELIZABETH. *MISS *BENN CONTINUES THE SAME. *MR. *CURTIS, HOWEVER, SAW HER YESTERDAY AND SAID HER HAND WAS GOING ON AS WELL AS POSSIBLE. *ACCEPT OUR BEST LOVE. *YOURS VERY AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *AUSTEN

*THURSDAY *JUNE 23 *DEAREST *CASSANDRA *I RECEIVED YOUR PRETTY LETTER WHILE THE CHILDREN WERE DRINKING TEA WITH US, AS *MR. *LOUCH WAS SO OBLIGING AS TO WALK OVER WITH IT. *YOUR GOOD ACCOUNT OF EVERYBODY MADE US VERY HAPPY. *I HEARD YESTERDAY FROM *FRANK. *WHEN HE BEGAN HIS LETTER HE HOPED TO BE HERE ON *MONDAY, BUT BEFORE IT WAS ENDED HE HAD BEEN TOLD THAT THE NAVAL REVIEW WOULD NOT TAKE PLACE TILL *FRIDAY, WHICH WOULD PROBABLY OCCASION HIM SOME DELAY, AS HE CANNOT GET SOME NECES+ SARY/ BUSINESS OF HIS OWN ATTENDED TO WHILE *PORTSMOUTH IS IN SUCH A BUSTLE. *I HOPE *FANNY HAS SEEN THE *EMPEROR, AND THEN *I MAY FAIRLY WISH THEM ALL AWAY. *I GO TO-MORROW, AND HOPE FOR SOME DELAYS AND AD+ VENTURES/. *MY MOTHER'S WOOD IS BROUGHT IN, BUT, BY SOME MIS+ TAKE/, NO BAVINS. *SHE MUST THEREFORE BUY SOME. *HENRY AT *WHITE'S ! *OH, WHAT A *HENRY ! *I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO WISH AS TO *MISS *B., SO *I WILL HOLD MY TONGUE AND MY WISHES. *SACKREE AND THE CHILDREN SET OFF YESTERDAY, AND HAVE NOT BEEN RETURNED BACK UPON US. *THEY WERE ALL VERY WELL THE EVENING BEFORE. *WE HAD HANDSOME PRESENTS FROM THE *GT. *HOUSE YESTERDAY - A HAM AND THE FOUR LEECHES. *SACKREE HAS LEFT SOME SHIRTS OF HER MASTER'S AT THE SCHOOL, WHICH, FINISHED OR UNFINISHED,

SHE BEGS TO HAVE SENT BY *HENRY AND *WM. *MR. *HINTON IS EXPECTED HOME SOON, WHICH IS A GOOD THING FOR THE SHIRTS. *WE HAVE CALLED UPON *MISS *DUSAUTOY AND *MISS *PAPILLON, AND BEEN VERY PRETTY. *MISS *D. HAS A GREAT IDEA OF BEING *FANNY *PRICE - SHE AND HER YOUNGEST SISTER TOGETHER, WHO IS NAMED *FANNY. *MISS *BENN HAS DRUNK TEA WITH THE *PROWTINGS, AND, *I BELIEVE, COMES TO US THIS EVENING. *SHE HAS STILL A SWELLING ABOUT THE FORE-FINGER AND A LITTLE DISCHARGE, AND DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ON THE POINT OF A PERFECT CURE, BUT HER SPIRITS ARE GOOD, AND SHE WILL BE MOST HAPPY, I BELIEVE, TO ACCEPT ANY INVITATION. *THE *CLEMENTS ARE GONE TO *PETERSFIELD TO LOOK. *ONLY THINK OF THE *MARQUIS OF *GRANBY BEING DEAD. *I HOPE, IF IT PLEASE *HEAVEN THERE SHOULD BE ANOTHER SON, THEY WILL HAVE BETTER SPONSORS AND LESS PARADE. *I CERTAINLY DO NOT $WISH$ THAT *HENRY SHOULD THINK AGAIN OF GETTING ME TO TOWN. *I WOULD RATHER RETURN STRAIGHT FROM *BOOKHAM ; BUT, IF HE REALLY DOES PROPOSE IT, *I CANNOT SAY *NO TO WHAT WILL BE SO KINDLY INTENDED. *IT COULD BE BUT FOR A FEW DAYS, HOWEVER, AS MY MOTHER WOULD BE QUITE DISAPPOINTED BY MY EXCEEDING THE FORTNIGHT WHICH *I NOW TALK OF AS THE OUTSIDE - AT LEAST, WE COULD NOT BOTH REMAIN LONGER AWAY COMFORTABLY. *THE MIDDLE OF *JULY IS *MARTHA'S TIME, AS FAR AS SHE HAS ANY TIME. *SHE HAS LEFT IT TO *MRS. *CRAVEN TO FIX THE DAY. *I WISH SHE COULD GET HER MONEY PAID, FOR *I FEAR HER GOING AT ALL DEPENDS UPON THAT. *INSTEAD OF *BATH THE *DEANS *DUNDASES HAVE TAKEN A HOUSE AT *CLIFTON - *RICHMOND *TERRACE - AND SHE IS AS GLAD OF THE CHANGE AS EVEN YOU AND *I SHOULD BE, OR ALMOST. *SHE WILL NOW BE ABLE TO GO ON FROM *BERKS AND VISIT THEM WITHOUT ANY FEARS FROM HEAT.

*THIS POST HAS BROUGHT ME A LETTER FROM *MISS *SHARPE. *POOR THING ! SHE HAS BEEN SUFFERING INDEED, BUT IS NOW IN A COMPARATIVE STATE OF COMFORT. *SHE IS AT *SIR *W. *P.'S, IN *YORKSHIRE, WITH THE CHILDREN, AND THERE IS NO APPEARANCE OF HER QUITTING THEM. *OF COURSE WE LOSE THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HER HERE. *SHE WRITES HIGHLY OF *SIR *WM. *I DO SO WANT HIM TO MARRY HER. *THERE IS A *DOW. *LADY *P. PRESIDING THERE TO MAKE IT ALL RIGHT. *THE $*MAN$ IS THE SAME ; BUT SHE DOES NOT MENTION WHAT HE IS BY PROFESSION OR TRADE. *SHE DOES NOT THINK *LADY *P. WAS PRIVY TO HIS SCHEME ON HER, BUT, ON BEING IN HIS POWER, YIELDED. *OH, *SIR *WM. ! *SIR *WM. ! HOW *I WILL LOVE YOU IF YOU WILL LOVE *MISS *SHARP ! *MRS. *DRIVER, &C., ARE OFF BY *COLLIER, BUT SO NEAR BEING TOO LATE THAT SHE HAD NOT TIME TO CALL AND LEAVE THE KEYS HERSELF. *I HAVE THEM, HOWEVER. *I SUPPOSE ONE IS THE KEY OF THE LINEN-PRESS, BUT *I DO NOT [KNOW] WHAT TO GUESS THE OTHER. *THE COACH WAS STOPPED AT THE BLACKSMITH'S, AND THEY CAME RUNNING DOWN WITH *TRIGGS AND *BROWNING, AND TRUNKS, AND BIRDCAGES. *QUITE AMUSING. *MY MOTHER DESIRES HER LOVE, AND HOPES TO HEAR FROM YOU. *YOURS VERY AFFECTIONATELY, *J. *AUSTEN *FRANK AND *MARY ARE TO HAVE *MARY *GOODCHILD TO HELP AS $*UNDER$ TILL THEY CAN GET A COOK. $*SHE$ IS DELIGHTED TO GO. *BEST LOVE AT *STREATHAM.

*CHAWTON *WEDNESDAY *AUG: 10 *MY DEAR *ANNA *I AM QUITE ASHAMED TO FIND THAT *I HAVE NEVER ANSWERED SOME QUESTIONS OF YOURS IN A FORMER NOTE. - *I KEPT THE NOTE ON PURPOSE TO REFER TO IT AT A PROPER TIME, & THEN FORGOT IT. - *I LIKE THE NAME " *WHICH IS THE *HEROINE? " VERY WELL, & *I DARE SAY SHALL GROW TO LIKE IT VERY MUCH IN TIME - BUT " *ENTHUSIASM " WAS SOMETHING SO VERY SUPERIOR THAT EVERY COMMON *TITLE MUST APPEAR TO DISADVANTAGE. - *I AM NOT SENSIBLE OF ANY *BLUNDERS ABOUT *DAWLISH. *THE *LIBRARY WAS PARTICULARLY PITIFUL & WRETCHED 12 YEARS AGO, & NOT LIKELY TO HAVE ANY+ BODY'S/ PUBLICATION. - *THERE IS NO SUCH *TITLE AS *DES+ BOROUGH/ - EITHER AMONG THE *DUKES, *MARQUISSES, *EARLS, *VISCOUNTS OR *BARONS. - *THESE WERE YOUR ENQUIRIES. - *I WILL NOW THANK YOU FOR YOUR *ENVELOPE, RECEIVED THIS MORNING. - *I HOPE *MR* *W. *D. WILL COME. - *I CAN READILY IMAGINE *MRS** *H. *D. MAY BE VERY LIKE A PROFLIGATE YOUNG *LORD - *I DARE SAY THE LIKENESS WILL BE " BEYOND EVERY THING." - *YOUR *AUNT *CASS: - IS AS WELL PLEASED WITH *ST. *JULIAN AS EVER. *I AM DELIGHTED WITH THE IDEA OF SEEING *PROGILLIAN AGAIN. *WEDNESDAY 17. - *WE HAVE JUST** FINISHED THE 1ST OF THE 3 *BOOKS *I HAD THE PLEASURE OF RECEIVING YESTERDAY ; $*I$ READ IT ALOUD - & WE ARE ALL VERY MUCH AMUSED, & LIKE THE WORK QUITE AS WELL AS EVER. - *I DEPEND UPON GETTING THROUGH ANOTHER BOOK BEFORE DINNER, BUT

THERE IS REALLY A GREAT DEAL OF RESPECTABLE READING IN YOUR 48 *PAGES. *I WAS AN HOUR ABOUT IT. - *I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT 6 WILL MAKE A VERY GOOD SIZED VOLUME. - *YOU MUST BE QUITE PLEASED TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH. - *I LIKE *LORD *P. & HIS *BROTHER VERY MUCH ; - *I AM ONLY AFRAID THAT *LORD *P. - 'S GOOD NATURE WILL MAKE MOST PEOPLE LIKE HIM BETTER THAN HE DESERVES. - *THE WHOLE *PORTMAN *FAMILY ARE VERY GOOD - & *LADY *ANNE, WHO WAS YOUR GREAT DREAD, YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED PARTICULARLY WELL WITH. - *BELL *GRIFFIN IS JUST WHAT SHE SHOULD BE. - *MY *CORRECTIONS HAVE NOT BEEN MORE IM+ PORTANT/ THAN BEFORE ; - HERE & THERE, WE HAVE THOUGHT THE SENSE MIGHT BE EXPRESSED IN FEWER WORDS - AND *I HAVE SCRATCHED OUT *SIR *THO: FROM WALKING WITH THE OTHER *MEN TO THE *STABLES &C THE VERY DAY AFTER HIS BREAK+ ING/ HIS ARM - FOR THOUGH *I FIND YOUR *PAPA $DID$ WALK OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER $HIS$ ARM WAS SET, *I THINK IT CAN BE SO LITTLE USUAL AS TO $APPEAR$ UNNATURAL IN A BOOK - & IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE MATERIAL THAT *SIR *THO: SHOULD GO WITH THEM. - *LYME WILL NOT DO. *LYME IS TOWARDS 40 MILES DISTANCE FROM *DAWLISH & WOULD NOT BE TALKED OF THERE. - *I HAVE PUT *STARCROSS [? INSTEAD]. *IF YOU PREFER $*EXETER$, THAT MUST BE ALWAYS SAFE. - *I HAVE ALSO SCRATCHED OUT THE *INTRODUCTION BETWEEN *LORD *P. & HIS *BROTHER, & *MR. *GRIFFIN. *A COUNTRY *SURGEON (DONT TELL *MR. *C. *LYFORD) WOULD NOT BE INTRODUCED TO *MEN OF THEIR RANK. - *AND WHEN *MR. *PORTMAN IS FIRST BROUGHT IN, HE WD* NOT BE INTRODUCED AS $THE *HONBLE***$. - $*THAT$ DISTINCTION IS NEVER MENTIONED AT SUCH TIMES ; - AT LEAST *I BELEIVE NOT. - *NOW, WE HAVE FINISHED THE 2D* BOOK - OR RATHER THE 5TH** - *I $DO$ THINK YOU HAD BETTER OMIT *LADY *HELENA'S POSTSCRIPT ; - TO THOSE WHO ARE ACQUAINTED WITH *P. & *P. IT WILL SEEM AN *IMITATION. - *AND YOUR *AUNT *C. & I BOTH

RECOMMEND YOUR MAKING A LITTLE ALTERATION IN THE LAST SCENE BETWEEN *DEVEREUX *F. AND *LADY *CLANMURRAY & HER *DAUGHTER. *WE THINK THEY PRESS HIM TOO MUCH - MORE THAN SENSIBLE *WOMEN OR WELL-BRED *WOMEN WOULD DO. $*LADY *C.$ AT LEAST, SHOULD HAVE DISCRETION ENOUGH TO BE SOONER SATISFIED WITH HIS DETERMINATION OF NOT GOING WITH THEM. - *I AM VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH *EGERTON AS YET. - *I DID NOT EXPECT TO LIKE HIM, BUT *I DO ; & *SUSAN IS A VERY NICE LITTLE ANIMATED *CREATURE - BUT *ST. *JULIAN IS THE DELIGHT OF ONE'S *LIFE. *HE IS QUITE INTERESTING. - *THE WHOLE OF HIS *BREAK-OFF WITH *LADY *H. IS VERY WELL DONE. - *YES - *RUSSEL *SQUARE IS A VERY PROPER DISTANCE FROM *BERKELEY *ST*. - *WE ARE READING THE LAST BOOK. - *THEY MUST BE $TWO$ DAYS GOING FROM *DAWLISH TO *BATH ; *THEY ARE NEARLY 100 MILES APART. $*THURSDAY$. *WE FINISHED IT LAST NIGHT, AFTER OUR RETURN FROM DRINKING TEA AT THE *GT* *HOUSE. - *THE LAST CHAPTER DOES NOT PLEASE US QUITE SO WELL, WE DO NOT THOROUGHLY LIKE THE *PLAY ; PERHAPS FROM HAVING HAD TOO MUCH OF *PLAYS IN THAT WAY LATELY. *AND WE THINK YOU HAD BETTER NOT LEAVE *ENGLAND. *LET THE *PORTMANS GO TO *IRELAND, BUT AS YOU KNOW NOTHING OF THE *MANNERS THERE, YOU HAD BETTER NOT GO WITH THEM. *YOU WILL BE IN DANGER OF GIVING FALSE REPRESENTATIONS. *STICK TO *BATH & THE *FORESTERS. *THERE YOU WILL BE QUITE AT HOME. - *YOUR *AUNT *C. DOES NOT LIKE DESULTORY NOVELS, & IS RATHER FEARFUL YOURS WILL BE TOO MUCH SO, THAT THERE WILL BE TOO FREQUENT A CHANGE FROM ONE SET OF PEOPLE TO ANOTHER, & THAT CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE SOME+ TIMES/ INTRODUCED OF APPARENT CONSEQUENCE, WHICH WILL LEAD TO NOTHING. - *IT WILL NOT BE SO GREAT AN OBJECTION TO $ME$, IF IT DOES. *I ALLOW MUCH MORE *LATITUDE THAN

SHE DOES - & THINK *NATURE AND *SPIRIT COVER MANY SINS OF A WANDERING STORY - AND *PEOPLE IN GENERAL DO NOT CARE SO MUCH ABOUT IT - FOR YOUR COMFORT. *I SHOULD LIKE TO HAVE HAD MORE OF *DEVEREUX. *I DO NOT FEEL ENOUGH ACQUAINTED WITH HIM. - *YOU WERE AFRAID OF MEDDLING WITH HIM *I DARE SAY. - *I LIKE YOUR SKETCH OF *LORD *CLANMURRAY, AND YOUR PICTURE OF THE TWO POOR YOUNG GIRLS ENJOYMENTS IS VERY GOOD. - *I HAVE NOT YET NOTICED *ST. *JULIAN'S SERIOUS CONVERSATION WITH *CECILIA, BUT *I LIKED IT EXCEEDINGLY ; - WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT THE MADNESS OF OTHERWISE SENSIBLE *WOMEN, ON THE SUBJECT OF THEIR *DAUGHTERS COMING OUT, IS WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD. - *I DO NOT SEE THAT THE LANGUAGE SINKS. *PRAY GO ON. *YOURS VERY AFFEC:LY** *J. *AUSTEN *TWICE YOU HAVE PUT *DORSETSHIRE FOR *DEVONSHIRE. *I HAVE ALTERED IT. - *MR* GRIFFIN MUST HAVE LIVED IN *DEVONSHIRE ; *DAWLISH IS HALF WAY DOWN THE *COUNTY. - 23 *HANS *PLACE, *TUESDAY *MORNG*. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *I HAD A VERY GOOD *JOURNEY, NOT CROUDED, TWO OF THE THREE TAKEN UP AT *BENTLEY BEING *CHILDREN, THE OTHERS OF A REASONABLE SIZE ; & THEY WERE ALL VERY QUIET & CIVIL. - *WE WERE LATE IN *LONDON, FROM BEING A GREAT *LOAD & FROM CHANGING *COACHES AT *FARNHAM, IT WAS NEARLY 4 *I BELEIVE WHEN WE REACHED *SLOANE *ST* ; *HENRY

HIMSELF MET ME, & AS SOON AS MY *TRUNK & *BASKET COULD BE ROUTED OUT FROM ALL THE OTHER *TRUNKS & *BASKETS IN THE *WORLD, WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO *HANS *PLACE IN THE *LUXURY OF A NICE LARGE COOL DIRTY *HACKNEY *COACH. *THERE WERE 4 IN THE *KITCHEN PART OF *YALDEN - & *I WAS TOLD 15 AT TOP, AMONG THEM *PERCY *BENN ; WE MET IN THE SAME ROOM AT *EGHAM, BUT POOR *PERCY WAS NOT IN HIS USUAL *SPIRITS. *HE WOULD BE MORE CHATTY I DARE SAY IN HIS WAY FROM *WOOLWICH. *WE TOOK UP A YOUNG *GIBSON AT *HOLYBOURN ; & IN SHORT EVERYBODY EITHER $DID$ COME UP BY *YALDEN YESTERDAY, OR WANTED TO COME UP. *IT PUT ME IN MIND OF MY OWN *COACH BETWEEN *EDINBURGH & *STERLING. - *HENRY IS VERY WELL, & HAS GIVEN ME AN ACCOUNT OF THE *CANTERBURY *RACES, WHICH SEEM TO HAVE BEEN AS PLEASANT AS ONE COULD WISH. *EVERYTHING WENT WELL. *FANNY HAD GOOD *PARTNERS, *MR. *J. *P. WAS HER 2D* ON *THURSDAY, BUT HE DID NOT DANCE WITH HER ANY MORE. - *THIS WILL CONTENT YOU FOR THE PRESENT. *I MUST JUST ADD HOWEVER THAT THERE WERE NO *LADY *CHARLOTTES, THEY WERE GONE OFF TO *KIRBY - & THAT *MARY *OXENDEN, INSTEAD OF DIEING, IS GOING TO MARRY *WM* *HAMMOND. - *NO *JAMES & *EDWARD YET. - *OUR EVENING YESTERDAY WAS PERFECTLY QUIET ; WE ONLY TALKED A LITTLE TO *MR. *TILSON ACROSS THE INTERMEDIATE *GARDENS ; $SHE$ WAS GONE OUT AIRING WITH *MISS *BURDETT. - *IT IS A DELIGHTFUL *PLACE - MORE THAN ANSWERS MY EXPECTATION. *HAVING GOT RID OF MY UNREASONABLE IDEAS, *I FIND MORE SPACE & COMFORT IN THE ROOMS THAN *I HAD SUPPOSED, & THE *GARDEN IS QUITE A *LOVE. *I AM IN THE FRONT *ATTIC, WHICH IS THE *BEDCHAMBER TO BE PREFERRED. *HENRY WANTS YOU TO SEE IT ALL, & ASKED WHETHER YOU WD* RETURN WITH HIM FROM *HAMPSHIRE ; *I ENCOURAGED HIM TO THINK YOU

WOULD. *HE BREAKFASTS HERE, EARLY, & THEN RIDES TO *HENRIETTA *ST*. - *IF IT CONTINUES FINE, *JOHN IS TO DRIVE ME THERE BY & BYE, & WE SHALL TAKE AN AIRING TOGETHER ; & *I DO NOT MEAN TO TAKE ANY OTHER EXERCISE, FOR *I FEEL A LITTLE TIRED AFTER MY LONG *JUMBLE. - *I LIVE IN HIS ROOM DOWNSTAIRS, IT IS PARTICULARLY PLEASANT FROM OPENING UP+ ON/ THE GARDEN. *I GO & REFRESH MYSELF EVERY NOW & THEN, AND THEN COME BACK TO *SOLITARY *COOLNESS. - *THERE IS $ONE$ MAIDSERVANT ONLY, A VERY CREDITABLE, CLEANLOOKING YOUNG *WOMAN. *RICHARD REMAINS FOR THE PRESENT. - *WEDNESDAY *MORNG*. - *MY *BROTHER AND *EDWD* ARRIVED LAST NIGHT. - *THEY CD* NOT GET *PLACES THE DAY BEFORE. *THEIR BUSINESS IS ABOUT *TEETH & *WIGS, & THEY ARE GOING AFTER BREAKFAST* TO *SCARMAN'S & *TAVISTOCK *ST - AND THEY ARE TO RETURN TO GO WITH ME AFTERWARDS IN THE *BAROUCHE. *I HOPE TO DO SOME OF MY ERRANDS TODAY. *I GOT THE *WILLOW YESTERDAY, AS *HENRY WAS NOT QUITE READY WHEN *I REACHED *HENA* *ST*. - *I SAW *MR. *HAMPSON THERE FOR A MOMENT. *HE DINES HERE TOMORROW & PRO+ POSED/ BRINGING HIS SON; - SO *I MUST SUBMIT TO SEEING *GEORGE *HAMPSON, THOUGH *I HAD HOPED TO GO THROUGH *LIFE WITHOUT IT. - *IT WAS ONE OF MY VANITIES, LIKE YOUR NOT READING $*PATRONAGE$. - *AFTER LEAVING *H. ST* - WE DROVE TO *MRS. *LATOUCHES, $THEY$ ARE ALWAYS AT HOME - & THEY ARE TO DINE HERE ON FRIDAY. - *WE COULD DO NO MORE, AS IT BEGAN TO RAIN. - *WE DINE AT 1#2 PAST 4 TODAY, THAT OUR *VISITORS MAY GO TO THE *PLAY, AND *HENRY & *I ARE TO SPEND THE EVENG* WITH THE *TILSONS, TO MEET *MISS *BURDETT, WHO LEAVES *TOWN TOMORROW. - *MRS. *T. CALLED ON ME YESTERDAY. - *IS NOT THIS ALL THAT CAN HAVE HAPPENED, OR BEEN ARRANGED ? - *NOT QUITE. - *HENRY WANTS ME TO SEE MORE OF HIS *HANWELL FAVOURITE, & HAS WRITTEN TO INVITE HER TO SPEND A DAY OR TWO HERE WITH ME. *HIS

SCHEME IS TO FETCH HER ON *SATURDAY. *I AM MORE & MORE CONVINCED THAT HE WILL MARRY AGAIN SOON, & LIKE THE IDEA OF $HER$ BETTER THAN OF ANYBODY ELSE AT HAND. *NOW, *I HAVE BREAKFASTED & HAVE THE ROOM TO MYSELF AGAIN. - *IT IS LIKELY TO BE A FINE DAY. - *HOW DO YOU ALL DO ? - *HENRY TALKS OF BEING AT *CHAWTON $ABOUT$ THE 1ST** OF *SEPTR*. - *HE HAS ONCE MENTIONED A SCHEME, WHICH *I SHOULD RATHER LIKE - CALLING ON THE *BIRCHES & THE *CRUTCHLEYS IN OUR WAY. *IT MAY NEVER COME TO ANYTHING, BUT *I MUST PROVIDE FOR THE POSSIBILITY, BY TROUBLING YOU TO SEND UP MY *SILK *PELISSE BY *COLLIER ON *SATURDAY. *I FEEL IT WOULD BE NECESSARY ON SUCH AN OCCASION ; - AND BE SO GOOD AS TO PUT UP A CLEAN *DRESSING GOWN WHICH WILL COME FROM THE *WASH ON FRIDAY. *YOU NEED NOT DIRECT IT TO BE LEFT ANYWHERE. *IT MAY TAKE IT'S CHANCE. - *WE ARE TO CALL FOR *HENRY BETWEEN 3 & 4 - & *I MUST FINISH THIS & CARRY IT WITH ME, AS HE IS NOT ALWAYS THERE IN THE MORNG* BEFORE THE *PARCEL IS MADE UP. - *AND BEFORE *I SET OFF, *I MUST RETURN *MRS. *TILSON'S VISIT. - *I HEAR NOTHING OF THE *HOBLYNS & ABSTAIN FROM ALL ENQUIRY. - *I HOPE *MARY *JANE & *FRANK'S *GARDENS GO ON WELL. - *GIVE MY LOVE TO THEM ALL - *NUNNA *HAT'S *LOVE TO *GEORGE. - *A GREAT MANY *PEOPLE WANTED TO MO UP IN THE *POACH AS WELL AS ME. - *THE WHEAT LOOKED VERY WELL ALL THE WAY, & *JAMES SAYS THE SAME OF $HIS$ ROAD. - *THE SAME GOOD ACCOUNT OF *MRS. *C.'S HEALTH CONTINUES, & HER CIRCUMSTANCES MEND. *SHE GETS FARTHER & FARTHER FROM *POVERTY. *WHAT A COMFORT! *GOOD BYE TO *YOU. - *YOURS VERY TRULY & AFFECLY** *JANE *ALL WELL AT *STEVENTON. *I HEAR NOTHING PARTICULAR OF *BEN, EXCEPT THAT *EDWARD IS TO GET HIM SOME PENCILS.

*CHAWTON *SEPT: 9. *MY DEAR *ANNA *WE HAVE BEEN VERY MUCH AMUSED BY YOUR 3 BOOKS, BUT *I HAVE A GOOD MANY CRITICISMS TO MAKE - MORE THAN YOU WILL LIKE. - *WE ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH *MRS. *F.'S SETTLING HERSELF AS *TENANT & NEAR *NEIGHBOUR TO SUCH A *MAN AS *SIR *T. *H. WITHOUT HAVING SOME OTHER INDUCE+ MENT/ TO GO THERE ; SHE OUGHT TO HAVE SOME FRIEND LIVING THEREABOUTS TO TEMPT HER. *A WOMAN, GOING WITH TWO GIRLS JUST GROWING UP, INTO A *NEIGHBOURHOOD WHERE SHE KNOWS NOBODY BUT ONE *MAN, OF NOT VERY GOOD CHARACTER, IS AN AWKWARDNESS WHICH SO PRUDENT A WOMAN AS *MRS. *F. WOULD NOT BE LIKELY TO FALL INTO. *REMEMBER, SHE IS VERY PRUDENT ; - YOU MUST NOT LET HER ACT INCONSISTENTLY. - *GIVE HER A FRIEND, & LET THAT FRIEND BE INVITED TO MEET HER AT THE *PRIORY, & WE SHALL HAVE NO OBJECTION TO HER DINING THERE AS SHE DOES ; BUT OTHERWISE, A WOMAN IN HER SITUATION WOULD HARDLY GO THERE, BEFORE SHE HAD BEEN VISITED BY OTHER *FAMILIES. - *I LIKE THE SCENE ITSELF, THE *MISS *LESLEYS, *LADY *ANNE, & THE *MUSIC, VERY MUCH. - *LESLEY $IS$ A NOBLE NAME. - *SIR *T. *H. YOU ALWAYS DO VERY WELL ; *I HAVE ONLY TAKEN THE LIBERTY OF EXPUNGING ONE PHRASE OF HIS, WHICH WOULD NOT BE ALLOWABLE. " *BLESS MY *HEART " - *IT IS TOO FAMILIAR & INELEGANT. *YOUR *G. *M. IS MORE DISTURBED AT *MRS. *F.'S NOT RETURNING THE *EGERTONS VISIT SOONER, THAN ANYTHING ELSE. *THEY OUGHT TO HAVE CALLED AT THE

*PARSONAGE BEFORE *SUNDAY. - *YOU DESCRIBE A SWEET PLACE, BUT YOUR DESCRIPTIONS ARE OFTEN MORE MINUTE THAN WILL BE LIKED. *YOU GIVE TOO MANY PARTICULARS OF RIGHT HAND & LEFT. - *MRS. *F. IS NOT CAREFUL ENOUGH OF *SUSAN'S HEALTH ; - *SUSAN OUGHT NOT TO BE WALKING OUT SO SOON AFTER *HEAVY RAINS, TAKING LONG WALKS IN THE DIRT. *AN ANXIOUS *MOTHER WOULD NOT SUFFER IT. - *I LIKE YOUR *SUSAN VERY MUCH INDEED, SHE IS A SWEET CREATURE, HER PLAYFUL+ NESS/ OF FANCY IS VERY DELIGHTFUL. *I LIKE HER AS SHE IS $NOW$ EXCEEDINGLY, BUT *I AM NOT SO WELL SATISFIED WITH HER BEHAVIOUR TO *GEORGE *R. AT FIRST SHE SEEMED ALL OVER ATTACHMENT & FEELING, & AFTERWARDS TO HAVE NONE AT ALL; SHE IS SO EXTREMELY COMPOSED AT THE *BALL, & SO WELL-SATISFIED APPARENTLY WITH *MR. *MORGAN. *SHE SEEMS TO HAVE CHANGED HER *CHARACTER. - *YOU ARE NOW COLLECT+ ING/ YOUR *PEOPLE DELIGHTFULLY, GETTING THEM EXACTLY INTO SUCH A SPOT AS IS THE DELIGHT OF MY LIFE; - 3 OR 4 *FAMILIES IN A *COUNTRY *VILLAGE IS THE VERY THING TO WORK ON - & *I HOPE YOU WILL WRITE A GREAT DEAL MORE, & MAKE FULL USE OF THEM WHILE THEY ARE SO VERY FAVOURABLY ARRANGED. *YOU ARE BUT $NOW$ COMING TO THE HEART & BEAUTY OF YOUR BOOK ; TILL THE HEROINE GROWS UP, THE FUN MUST BE IMPERFECT - BUT *I EXPECT A GREAT DEAL OF ENTERTAINMENT FROM THE NEXT 3 OR 4 BOOKS, & *I HOPE YOU WILL NOT RESENT THESE REMARKS BY SENDING ME NO MORE. - *WE LIKE THE *EGERTONS VERY WELL, WE SEE NO *BLUE *PANTALOONS, OR *COCKS & *HENS; - THERE IS NOTHING TO $ENCHANT$ ONE CERTAINLY IN *MR. *L. *L - BUT WE MAKE NO OBJECTION TO HIM, & HIS INCLINATION TO LIKE *SUSAN IS PLEASING. - *THE *SISTER IS A GOOD CONTRAST - BUT THE NAME OF *RACHAEL IS AS MUCH AS *I CAN BEAR. - *THEY ARE NOT SO MUCH LIKE THE *PAPILLONS AS *I EXPECTED. *YOUR LAST CHAPTER IS VERY ENTERTAINING - THE CONVERSATION

ON *GENIUS &C. *MR. *ST. *J. - & SUSAN BOTH TALK IN CHARACTER & VERY WELL. - *IN SOME FORMER PARTS, *CECILIA IS PERHAPS A LITTLE TOO SOLEMN & GOOD, BUT UPON THE WHOLE, HER DISPOSITION IS VERY WELL OPPOSED TO *SUSAN'S - HER WANT OF *IMAGINATION IS VERY NATURAL. - *I WISH YOU COULD MAKE *MRS. *F. TALK MORE, BUT SHE MUST BE DIFFICULT TO MANAGE & MAKE ENTERTAINING, BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH GOOD COMMON SENCE & PROPRIETY ABOUT HER THAT NOTHING CAN BE VERY $BROAD$. *HER *ECONOMY AND HER *AMBITION MUST NOT BE STARING. - *THE *PAPERS LEFT BY *MRS. *FISHER IS VERY GOOD. - *OF COURSE, ONE GUESSES SOMETHING. - *I HOPE WHEN YOU HAVE WRITTEN A GREAT DEAL MORE YOU WILL BE EQUAL TO SCRATCHING OUT SOME OF THE PAST. *THE SCENE WITH *MRS. *MELLISH, *I SHOULD CONDEMN ; IT IS PROSY & NOTHING TO THE PURPOSE - & INDEED, THE MORE YOU CAN FIND IN YOUR HEART TO CURTAIL BETWEEN *DAWLISH & *NEWTON *PRIORS, THE BETTER *I THINK IT WILL BE. *ONE DOES NOT CARE FOR GIRLS TILL THEY ARE GROWN UP. - *YOUR *AUNT *C. QUITE ENTERS INTO THE EX+ QUISITENESS/ OF THAT NAME. *NEWTON *PRIORS IS REALLY A *NONPAREIL. - *MILTON WD* HAVE GIVEN HIS EYES TO HAVE THOUGHT OF IT. *IS NOT THE *COTTAGE TAKEN FROM *TOLLARD *ROYAL ? - *SUNDAY 18TH** - *I AM VERY GLAD DEAR *ANNA, THAT *I WROTE AS *I DID BEFORE THIS SAD *EVENT OCCURRED. *I HAVE NOW ONLY TO ADD THAT YOUR *G.MAMA DOES NOT SEEM THE WORSE NOW FOR THE SHOCK. - *I SHALL BE VERY HAPPY TO RECEIVE MORE OF YOUR WORK, IF MORE IS READY ; & YOU WRITE SO FAST, THAT *I HAVE GREAT HOPES *MR. *D. WILL COME FREIGHTED BACK WITH SUCH A *CARGO AS NOT ALL HIS *HOPS OR HIS *SHEEP COULD EQUAL THE VALUE OF. *YOUR *GRANDMAMA DESIRES ME TO SAY THAT SHE WILL HAVE FINISHED YOUR *SHOES TOMORROW & THINKS THEY WILL

LOOK VERY WELL ; - AND THAT SHE DEPENDS UPON SEEING YOU, AS YOU PROMISE, BEFORE YOU QUIT THE *COUNTRY, & HOPES YOU WILL GIVE HER MORE THAN A DAY. - *YRS AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *CHAWTON *WEDNESDAY *SEPT: 28. *MY DEAR *ANNA *I HOPE YOU DO NOT DEPEND ON HAVING YOUR BOOK BACK AGAIN IMMEDIATELY. *I KEEP IT THAT YOUR *G:MAMA MAY HEAR IT - FOR IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE YET TO HAVE ANY PUBLIC READING. *I HAVE READ IT TO YOUR *AUNT *CASSANDRA HOWEVER - IN OUR OWN ROOM AT NIGHT, WHILE WE UN+ DRESSED/ - AND WITH A GREAT DEAL OF PLEASURE. *WE LIKE THE FIRST CHAPTER EXTREMELY - WITH ONLY A LITTLE DOUBT WHETHER *LY *HELENA IS NOT ALMOST $TOO$ FOOLISH. *THE MATRIMONIAL *DIALOGUE IS VERY GOOD CERTAINLY. - *I LIKE *SUSAN AS WELL AS EVER - & BEGIN NOW NOT TO CARE AT ALL ABOUT *CECILIA - SHE MAY STAY AT *EASTON *COURT AS LONG AS SHE LIKES. - *HENRY *MELLISH *I AM AFRAID WILL BE TOO MUCH IN THE COMMON *NOVEL STYLE - A HANDSOME, AMIABLE, UNEXCEPTIONABLE *YOUNG *MAN (SUCH AS DO NOT MUCH ABOUND IN REAL *LIFE) DESPERATELY IN *LOVE, & ALL IN VAIN. *BUT *I HAVE NO BUSINESS TO JUDGE HIM SO EARLY. - *JANE *EGERTON IS A VERY NATURAL, COMPREHENDABLE *GIRL - & THE WHOLE OF HER ACQUAINTANCE WITH *SUSAN, & *SUSAN'S *LETTER TO *CECILIA, VERY PLEASING & QUITE IN CHARACTER. - *BUT $*MISS$ *EGERTON DOES NOT ENTIRELY SATISFY US. *SHE

IS TOO FORMAL & SOLEMN, WE THINK, IN HER ADVICE TO HER *BROTHER NOT TO FALL IN LOVE; & IT IS HARDLY LIKE A SENSIBLE *WOMAN ; IT IS PUTTING IT INTO HIS HEAD. - *WE SHOULD LIKE A FEW HINTS FROM HER BETTER. - *WE FEEL REALLY OBLIGED TO YOU FOR INTRODUCING A *LADY *KENRICK, IT WILL REMOVE THE GREATEST FAULT IN THE WORK, & *I GIVE YOU CREDIT FOR CONSIDERABLE FORBEARANCE AS AN *AUTHOR IN ADOPTING SO MUCH OF OUR OPINION. - *I EXPECT HIGH FUN ABOUT *MRS. *FISHER AND *SIR *THOMAS. - *YOU HAVE BEEN PERFECTLY RIGHT IN TELLING *BEN OF YOUR WORK, & *I AM VERY GLAD TO HEAR HOW MUCH HE LIKES IT. $*HIS$ ENCOURAGEMENT & APPROBATION MUST BE QUITE " BEYOND EVERYTHING." - *I DO NOT AT ALL WONDER AT HIS NOT EXPECT+ ING/ TO LIKE ANYBODY SO WELL AS *CECILIA $AT FIRST$, BUT SHALL BE SURPRISED IF HE DOES NOT BECOME A *SUSAN-ITE IN TIME. *DEVEREUX *FORESTER'S BEING RUINED BY HIS *VANITY IS EXTREMELY GOOD ; BUT *I WISH YOU WOULD NOT LET HIM PLUNGE INTO A " VORTEX OF *DISSIPATION." *I DO NOT OBJECT TO THE *THING, BUT *I CANNOT BEAR THE EXPRESSION ; - IT IS SUCH THOROUGH NOVEL SLANG - AND SO OLD, THAT *I DARE SAY *ADAM MET WITH IT IN THE FIRST NOVEL HE OPENED. - *INDEED *I DID VERY MUCH LIKE TO KNOW *BEN'S OPINION. - *I HOPE HE WILL CONTINUE TO BE PLEASED WITH IT, *I THINK HE MUST - BUT *I CANNOT FLATTER HIM WITH THEIR BEING MUCH *INCIDENT. *WE HAVE NO GREAT RIGHT TO WONDER AT HIS NOT VALUEING THE NAME OF *PROGILLIAN. $*THAT$ IS A SOURCE OF DELIGHT WHICH HE HARDLY EVER CAN BE QUITE COMPETENT TO. - *WALTER *SCOTT HAS NO BUSINESS TO WRITE NOVELS, ESPECIALLY GOOD ONES. - *IT IS NOT FAIR. - *HE HAS *FAME AND *PROFIT ENOUGH AS A *POET, AND SHOULD NOT BE TAKING THE BREAD OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S MOUTHS. - *I DO NOT LIKE HIM, & DO NOT MEAN TO LIKE *WAVERLEY IF *I CAN HELP IT - BUT FEAR *I MUST. - *I AM QUITE DETERMINED

HOWEVER NOT TO BE PLEASED WITH *MRS. *WEST'S *ALICIA DE *LACY, SHOULD *I EVER MEET WITH IT, WHICH *I HOPE *I MAY NOT. - *I THINK *I $CAN$ BE STOUT AGAINST ANY THING WRITTEN BY *MRS. *WEST. - *I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND TO LIKE NO *NOVELS REALLY, BUT *MISS *EDGEWORTH'S, *YOURS & MY OWN. - *WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH *EGERTON TO INCREASE THE INTEREST FOR HIM ? *I WISH YOU CD* CONTRIVE SOMETHING, SOME FAMILY OCCURRENCE TO DRAW OUT HIS GOOD QUALITIES MORE - SOME DISTRESS AMONG *BROTHERS OR *SISTERS TO RELEIVE BY THE SALE OF HIS *CURACY - SOMETHING TO [TAK]E HIM MYSTERIOUSLY AWAY, & THEN HEARD OF AT *YORK OR *EDINBURGH - IN AN OLD GREAT COAT. - *I WOULD NOT SERIOUSLY RECOMMEND ANYTHING *IMPROBABLE, BUT IF YOU CD* INVENT SOMETHING SPIRITED FOR HIM, IT WD* HAVE A GOOD EFFECT. - HE MIGHT LEND ALL HIS *MONEY TO *CAPTN* *MORRIS - BUT THEN *HE WD* BE A GREAT FOOL IF HE DID. *CANNOT THE *MORRISES QUARREL, & HE RECONCILE THEM ? - *EXCUSE THE LIBERTY *I TAKE IN THESE SUGGESTIONS. - *YOUR *AUNT *FRANK'S *HOUSEMAID HAS JUST GIVEN HER WARNING, BUT WHETHER SHE IS WORTH YOUR HAVING, OR WD* TAKE YOUR PLACE *I KNOW NOT. - *SHE WAS *MRS. *WEBB'S MAID BEFORE SHE WENT TO THE *GT* *HOUSE. *SHE LEAVES YOUR *AUNT, BECAUSE SHE CANNOT AGREE WITH HER FELLOW SERVANTS. *SHE IS IN LOVE WITH THE *MAN AND HER HEAD SEEMS RATHER TURNED ; HE RETURNS HER AFFECTION, BUT SHE FANCIES EVERY BODY ELSE IS WANTING TO GET HIM TOO, & ENVYING HER. *HER PREVIOUS SERVICE MUST HAVE FITTED HER FOR SUCH A PLACE AS YOURS, & SHE IS VERY ACTIVE AND CLEANLY. - *SHE IS OWN *SISTER TO THE FAVOURITE *BEATRICE. - *THE *WEBBS ARE REALLY GONE. *WHEN *I SAW THE *WAGGONS AT THE DOOR, & THOUGHT OF ALL THE TROUBLE THEY MUST HAVE IN MOVING, *I BEGAN TO REPROACH MYSELF FOR NOT

HAVING LIKED THEM BETTER - BUT SINCE THE *WAGGONS HAVE DISAPPEARED, MY *CONSCIENCE HAS BEEN CLOSED AGAIN - & *I AM EXCESSIVELY GLAD THEY ARE GONE. - *I AM VERY FOND OF *SHERLOCK'S *SERMONS, PREFER THEM TO ALMOST ANY. - *YOUR AFFECTE** *AUNT *J. *AUSTEN *IF YOU WISH ME TO SPEAK TO THE *MAID, LET ME KNOW. - *MISS *JANE *AUSTEN BEGS HER BEST *THANKS MAY BE CONVEYED TO *MRS** *HUNTER OF *NORWICH FOR THE THREAD PAPER WHICH SHE HAS BEEN SO KIND AS TO SEND HER BY *MR* *AUSTEN, AND WHICH WILL ALWAYS BE VERY VALUABLE ON ACCOUNT OF THE SPIRITED SKETCHES (MADE IT IS SUPPOSED BY *NICHOLSON OR *GLOVER) OF THOSE MOST INTERESTING SPOTS *TAREFIELD *HALL, THE *MILL & ABOVE ALL ELSE *TOMB OF *HOWARDS WIFE OF THE FAITHFUL REPRESENTATION OF WHICH *MISS *JANE *AUSTEN IS UNDOUBTEDLY A GOOD JUDGE HAVING SPENT SO MANY SUMMERS AT *TAREFIELD *ABBEY THE DE+ LIGHTED/ GUEST OF THE WORTHY *MRS** *WILSON. - *IT IS IMPOS+ SIBLE/ FOR ANY LIKENESS TO BE MORE COMPLETE. *MISS *J. *A.'S TEARS HAVE FLOWED OVER EACH SWEET SKETCH IN SUCH A WAY AS WOULD DO *MRS *HS HEART GOOD TO SEE, & IF *MRS** *H. COULD UNDERSTAND ALL *MISS *AUSTEN'S INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT SHE WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE THE KINDNESS TO PUBLISH AT LEAST FOUR VOLUMES MORE ABOUT THE *FLINT

FAMILY, & ESPECIALLY WOULD GIVE MANY FURTHER PARTICU+ LARS/ ON THAT PART OF IT WHICH *MRS** *H HAS HITHERTO HANDLED TOO BRIEFLY VIZ THE HISTORY OF *MARY *FLINTS MARRIAGE WITH *HOWARD. *MISS *J. A. CANNOT CLOSE THIS SMALL *EPITOME OF THE MINIATURE OF AN ABRIDGEMENT OF HER *THANKS & ADMIRA+ TION/ WITHOUT EXPRESSING HER SINCERE HOPES THAT *MRS** *H IS PROVIDED WITH A MORE SAFE CONVEYANCE TO *LONDON THAN *ALTON CAN NOW BOAST - AS THE *CAR OF *FALKENSTEIN WHICH WAS THE PRIDE OF THAT *TOWN WAS OVERTURNED WITHIN THE LAST TEN DAYS. *CHAWTON *NOV : 18. - *FRIDAY *I FEEL QUITE AS DOUBTFUL AS YOU COULD BE MY DEAREST *FANNY AS TO $WHEN$ MY *LETTER MAY BE FINISHED, FOR *I CAN COMMAND VERY LITTLE QUIET TIME AT PRESENT, BUT YET *I MUST BEGIN, FOR *I KNOW YOU WILL BE GLAD TO HEAR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, & *I REALLY AM IMPATIENT MYSELF TO BE WRITING SOMETHING ON SO VERY INTERESTING A SUBJECT, THOUGH *I HAVE NO HOPE OF WRITING ANYTHING TO THE PURPOSE. *I SHALL DO VERY LITTLE MORE *I DARE SAY THAN SAY OVER AGAIN, WHAT YOU HAVE SAID BEFORE. - *I WAS CERTAINLY A GOOD DEAL SURPRISED $AT FIRST$ - AS *I HAD NO SUSPICION OF ANY CHANGE IN YOUR FEELINGS, AND *I HAVE NO

SCRUPLE IN SAYING THAT YOU CANNOT BE IN *LOVE. *MY DEAR *FANNY, *I AM READY TO LAUGH AT THE IDEA - AND YET IT IS NO LAUGHING MATTER TO HAVE HAD YOU SO MISTAKEN AS TO YOUR OWN FEELINGS - *AND WITH ALL MY HEART *I WISH *I HAD CAUTIONED YOU ON THAT POINT WHEN FIRST YOU SPOKE TO ME ; - BUT THO' *I DID NOT THINK YOU THEN SO $MUCH$ IN LOVE AS YOU THOUGHT YOURSELF, *I DID CONSIDER YOU AS BEING ATTACHED IN A DEGREE - QUITE SUFFICIENTLY FOR HAPPINESS, AS *I HAD NO DOUBT IT WOULD INCREASE WITH OPPORTUNITY. - *AND FROM THE TIME OF OUR BEING IN *LONDON TOGETHER, *I THOUGHT YOU REALLY VERY MUCH IN *LOVE - *BUT YOU CERTAINLY ARE NOT AT ALL - THERE IS NO CONCEALING IT. - *WHAT STRANGE CREATURES WE ARE ! - *IT SEEMS AS IF YOUR BEING SECURE OF HIM (AS YOU SAY YOUR+ SELF/) HAD MADE YOU *INDIFFERENT. - *THERE WAS A LITTLE DISGUST *I SUSPECT, AT THE *RACES - & *I DO NOT WONDER AT IT. *HIS EXPRESSIONS THERE WOULD NOT DO FOR ONE WHO HAD RATHER MORE *ACUTENESS, *PENETRATION & *TASTE, THAN LOVE, WHICH WAS YOUR CASE. *AND YET, AFTER ALL, *I $AM$ SURPRISED THAT THE CHANGE IN YOUR FEELINGS SHOULD BE SO GREAT. - *HE IS, JUST WHAT HE EVER WAS, ONLY MORE EVIDENTLY & UNIFORMLY DEVOTED TO $YOU$. *THIS IS ALL THE DIFFERENCE. - *HOW SHALL WE ACCOUNT FOR IT ? - *MY DEAREST *FANNY, *I AM WRITING WHAT WILL NOT BE OF THE SMALLEST USE TO YOU. *I AM FEELING DIFFERENTLY EVERY MOMENT, & SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO SUGGEST A SINGLE THING THAT CAN ASSIST YOUR *MIND. - *I COULD LAMENT IN ONE SENTENCE & LAUGH IN THE NEXT, BUT AS TO *OPINION OR *COUNSEL *I AM SURE NONE WILL [BE] EXTRACTED WORTH HAVING FROM THIS *LETTER. - *I READ YOURS THROUGH THE VERY EVENG* *I RECEIVED IT - GETTING AWAY BY MYSELF - *I COULD NOT BEAR TO LEAVE OFF, WHEN *I HAD ONCE BEGUN. - *I WAS FULL OF CURIOSITY & CONCERN. *LUCKILY YOUR *AUNT *C.

DINED AT THE OTHER HOUSE, THEREFORE *I HAD NOT TO MANOEUVRE AWAY FROM $HER$ ; - & AS TO ANYBODY ELSE, *I DO NOT CARE. - *POOR DEAR *MR. *J. *P. ! - *OH ! DEAR *FANNY, YOUR MISTAKE HAS BEEN ONE THAT THOUSANDS OF WOMEN FALL INTO. *HE WAS THE $FIRST$ YOUNG *MAN WHO ATTACHED HIMSELF TO YOU. *THAT WAS THE CHARM, & MOST POWERFUL IT IS. - *AMONG THE MULTITUDES HOWEVER THAT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE WITH YOURSELF, THERE CAN BE FEW INDEED WHO HAVE SO LITTLE REASON TO REGRET IT ; - $HIS$ *CHARACTER AND $HIS$ ATTACHMENT LEAVE YOU NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF. - *UPON THE WHOLE, WHAT IS TO BE DONE ? *YOU CERTAINLY $HAVE$ ENCOURAGED HIM TO SUCH A POINT AS TO MAKE HIM FEEL ALMOST SECURE OF YOU - YOU HAVE NO INCLINATION FOR ANY OTHER PERSON - *HIS SITUATION IN LIFE, FAMILY, FRIENDS, & ABOVE ALL HIS CHARACTER - HIS UNCOMMONLY AMIABLE MIND, STRICT PRINCIPLES, JUST NOTIONS, GOOD HABITS - $ALL$ THAT $YOU$ KNOW SO WELL HOW TO VALUE, $*ALL$ THAT REALLY IS OF THE FIRST IMPORTANCE - EVERYTHING OF THIS NATURE PLEADS HIS CAUSE MOST STRONGLY. - *YOU HAVE NO DOUBT OF HIS HAVING SUPERIOR *ABILITIES - HE HAS PROVED IT AT THE *UNIVERSITY - HE IS *I DARE SAY SUCH A SCHOLAR AS YOUR AGREABLE, IDLE *BROTHERS WOULD ILL BEAR A COMPARISON WITH. - *OH ! MY DEAR *FANNY, THE MORE *I WRITE ABOUT HIM, THE WARMER MY FEELINGS BECOME, THE MORE STRONGLY *I FEEL THE STERLING WORTH OF SUCH A YOUNG *MAN & THE DESIRABLE+ NESS/ OF YOUR GROWING IN LOVE WITH HIM AGAIN. *I RECOM+ MEND/ THIS MOST THOROUGHLY. - *THERE $ARE$ SUCH BEINGS IN THE *WORLD PERHAPS, ONE IN A *THOUSAND, AS THE *CREATURE *YOU AND *I SHOULD THINK PERFECTION, *WHERE *GRACE & *SPIRIT ARE UNITED TO *WORTH, WHERE THE *MANNERS ARE EQUAL TO THE *HEART & *UNDERSTANDING, BUT SUCH A PERSON MAY NOT COME IN YOUR WAY, OR IF HE DOES, HE

MAY NOT BE THE ELDEST SON OF A *MAN OF *FORTUNE, THE *BROTHER OF YOUR PARTICULAR FRIEND, & BELONGING TO YOUR OWN *COUNTY. - *THINK OF ALL THIS *FANNY. *MR. *J. *P. - HAS ADVANTAGES WHICH DO NOT OFTEN MEET IN ONE PERSON. *HIS ONLY FAULT INDEED SEEMS *MODESTY. *IF HE WERE LESS MODEST. HE WOULD BE MORE AGREABLE, SPEAK LOUDER & LOOK *IMPUDENTER; - AND IS NOT IT A FINE *CHARACTER OF WHICH *MODESTY IS THE ONLY DEFECT ? - *I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT HE WILL GET MORE LIVELY & MORE LIKE YOURSELVES AS HE IS MORE WITH YOU ; - HE WILL CATCH YOUR WAYS IF HE BELONGS TO YOU. *AND AS TO THERE BEING ANY OBJECTION FROM HIS $*GOODNESS$, FROM THE DANGER OF HIS BECOMING EVEN *EVANGELICAL, *I CANNOT ADMIT $THAT$. *I AM BY NO MEANS CONVINCED THAT WE OUGHT NOT ALL TO BE *EVAN+ GELICALS/, & AM AT LEAST PERSUADED THAT THEY WHO ARE SO FROM *REASON AND *FEELING, MUST BE HAPPIEST & SAFEST. - *DO NOT BE FRIGHTENED FROM THE CONNECTION BY YOUR *BROTHERS HAVING MOST WIT. *WISDOM IS BETTER THAN *WIT, & IN THE LONG RUN WILL CERTAINLY HAVE THE LAUGH ON HER SIDE ; & DON'T BE FRIGHTENED BY THE IDEA OF HIS ACTING MORE STRICTLY UP TO THE PRECEPTS OF THE *NEW *TESTAMENT THAN OTHERS. - *AND NOW, MY DEAR *FANNY, HAVING WRITTEN SO MUCH ON ONE SIDE OF THE QUESTION, *I SHALL TURN ROUND & ENTREAT YOU NOT TO COMMIT YOUR+ SELF/ FARTHER, & NOT TO THINK OF ACCEPTING HIM UNLESS YOU REALLY DO LIKE HIM. *ANYTHING IS TO BE PREFERRED OR ENDURED RATHER THAN MARRYING WITHOUT *AFFECTION ; AND IF HIS DEFICIENCIES OF *MANNER &C &C STRIKE YOU MORE THAN ALL HIS GOOD QUALITIES, IF YOU CONTINUE TO THINK STRONGLY OF THEM, GIVE HIM UP AT ONCE. - *THINGS ARE NOW IN SUCH A STATE, THAT YOU MUST RESOLVE UPON ONE OR THE OTHER, EITHER TO ALLOW HIM TO GO ON AS HE HAS DONE, OR WHENEVER YOU ARE TOGETHER BEHAVE WITH A

COLDNESS WHICH MAY CONVINCE HIM THAT HE HAS BEEN DECEIVING HIMSELF. - *I HAVE NO DOUBT OF HIS SUFFERING A GOOD DEAL FOR A TIME, A GREAT DEAL, WHEN HE FEELS THAT HE MUST GIVE YOU UP ; - BUT IT IS NO CREED OF MINE, AS YOU MUST BE WELL AWARE, THAT SUCH SORT OF *DISAPPOINT+ MENTS/ KILL ANYBODY. - *YOUR SENDING THE *MUSIC WAS AN ADMIRABLE *DEVICE, IT MADE EVERYTHING EASY, & *I DO NOT KNOW HOW *I COULD HAVE ACCOUNTED FOR THE PARCEL OTHERWISE ; FOR THO' YOUR DEAR *PAPA MOST CONSCIEN+ TIOUSLY/ HUNTED ABOUT TILL HE FOUND ME ALONE IN THE *DING*-PARLOUR, YOUR *AUNT *C. HAD SEEN THAT HE $HAD$ A PARCEL TO DELIVER. - *AS IT WAS HOWEVER, *I DO NOT THINK ANYTHING WAS SUSPECTED. - *WE HAVE HEARD NOTHING FRESH FROM *ANNA. *I TRUST SHE IS VERY COMFORTABLE IN HER NEW HOME. *HER *LETTERS HAVE BEEN VERY SENSIBLE & SATISFACTORY, WITH NO $PARADE$ OF HAPPINESS, WHICH *I LIKED THEM THE BETTER FOR. - *I HAVE OFTEN KNOWN YOUNG MARRIED *WOMEN WRITE IN A WAY *I DID NOT LIKE, IN THAT RESPECT. *YOU WILL BE GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE FIRST *EDIT: OF *M. *P. IS ALL SOLD. - *YOUR *UNCLE *HENRY IS RATHER WANTING ME TO COME TO *TOWN, TO SETTLE ABOUT A 2D* *EDIT: - BUT AS I COULD NOT VERY CONVENIENTLY LEAVE HOME NOW, *I HAVE WRITTEN HIM MY *WILL AND PLEASURE, & UNLESS HE STILL URGES IT, SHALL NOT GO. - *I AM VERY GREEDY & WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT ; - BUT AS YOU ARE MUCH ABOVE CARING ABOUT MONEY, *I SHALL NOT PLAGUE YOU WITH ANY PARTICULARS. - *THE PLEASURES OF *VANITY ARE MORE WITHIN YOUR COMPREHENSION, & YOU WILL ENTER INTO MINE, AT RECEIVING THE $PRAISE$ WHICH EVERY NOW & THEN COMES TO ME, THROUGH SOME CHANNEL OR OTHER. - $*SATURDAY$. - *MR. *PALMER SPENT YESTERDAY WITH US, & IS GONE OFF WITH *CASSY THIS MORNG*. *WE HAVE BEEN

EXPECTING *MISS *LLOYD THE LAST TWO DAYS, & FEEL SURE OF HER TODAY. - *MR. *KNIGHT AND *MR. *EDW: *KNIGHT ARE TO DINE WITH US. - *AND ON *MONDAY THEY ARE TO DINE WITH US AGAIN, ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR RESPECTABLE *HOST & *HOSTESS. - $*SUNDAY$. *YOUR *PAPA HAD GIVEN ME MESSAGES TO YOU, BUT THEY ARE UNNECESSARY, AS HE WRITES BY THIS POST TO *AUNT *LOUISA. *WE HAD A PLEASANT PARTY YESTERDAY, AT LEAST $WE$ FOUND IT SO. - *IT IS DELIGHT+ FUL/ TO SEE HIM SO CHEARFUL & CONFIDENT. - *AUNT *CASS: & *I DINE AT THE *GT* *HOUSE TODAY. *WE SHALL BE A SNUG HALF DOZEN. - *MISS *LLOYD CAME, AS WE EXPECTED, YESTER+ DAY/, & DESIRES HER *LOVE. - *SHE IS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR OF YOUR LEARNING THE *HARP. - *I DO NOT MEAN TO SEND YOU WHAT *I OWE *MISS *HARE, BECAUSE *I THINK YOU WOULD RATHER NOT BE PAID BEFOREHAND. - *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *YOUR TRYING TO EXCITE YOUR OWN FEELINGS BY A VISIT TO HIS ROOM AMUSED ME EXCESSIVELY. - *THE DIRTY *SHAV+ ING/ *RAG WAS EXQUISITE ! - *SUCH A CIRCUMSTANCE OUGHT TO BE IN PRINT. *MUCH TOO GOOD TO BE LOST. - *REMEMBER ME PARTICULARLY TO *FANNY *C. - I THOUGHT YOU WD* LIKE TO HEAR FROM ME, WHILE YOU WERE WITH HER. *MY DEAR *ANNA *I MET *HARRIET *BENN YESTERDAY, SHE GAVE HER CON+ GRATULATIONS/ & DESIRED THEY MIGHT BE FORWARDED TO YOU, AND THERE THEY ARE. - *YOUR *FATHER RETURNED TO DINNER,

*MR* *WM* *DIGWEED WHO HAD BUSINESS WITH YOUR *UNCLE, RODE WITH HIM. - *THE CHEIF NEWS FROM THEIR COUNTRY IS THE DEATH OF OLD *MRS. *DORMER. - *YOUR *COUSIN *EDWARD GOES TO *WINCHESTER TODAY TO SEE HIS *BROTHER & *COUSINS, & RETURNS TOMORROW. *MRS. *CLEMENT WALKS ABOUT IN A NEW *BLACK VELVET *PELISSE LINED WITH *YELLOW, & A WHITE *BOBBIN-NET-VEIL, & LOOKS REMARKABLY WELL IN THEM. - *I THINK *I UNDERSTAND THE *COUNTRY ABOUT *HENDON FROM YOUR DESCRIPTION. *IT MUST BE VERY PRETTY IN *SUMMER. - *SHOULD YOU [? GUESS] THAT YOU WERE WITHIN A DOZEN MILES OF THE *WE[N FROM] THE ATMOSPHERE ? - *I SHALL BREAK MY HE[ART] IF YO[U DO] NOT GO TO *HADLEY. - *MAKE EVERYBODY AT *HENDON ADMIRE *MANSFIELD *PARK. *YOUR AFFEC: *AUNT *TUESDAY *NOV. 22 *J. *A.

*I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU, MY DEAR *ANNA, & SHOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO COME & SEE YOU AGAIN IF *I COULD, BUT *I HAVE NOT A DAY DISENGAGED. *WE ARE EXPECTING YOUR *UNCLE *CHARLES TOMORROW ; AND *I AM TO GO THE NEXT DAY TO *HANWELL TO FETCH SOME *MISS *MOORES WHO ARE TO STAY HERE TILL *SATURDAY ; THEN COMES *SUNDAY & *ELIZ* *GIBSON, AND ON *MONDAY *YOUR *UNCLE *HENRY TAKES US BOTH TO *CHAWTON. *IT IS THEREFORE REALLY IMPOSSIBLE, BUT *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO *YOU & TO *MR* *B. *LEFROY FOR WISHING IT. *WE SHOULD FIND PLENTY TO SAY, NO DOUBT, & *I SHOULD LIKE TO HEAR *CHARLOTTE *DEWAR'S *LETTER ; HOWEVER, THOUGH *I DO NOT HEAR IT, *I AM GLAD SHE HAS WRITTEN TO

YOU. *I LIKE FIRST *COUSINS TO BE FIRST *COUSINS, & INTER+ ESTED/ ABOUT EACH OTHER. *THEY ARE BUT ONE REMOVE FROM *BR* & *SR* - *WE ALL CAME AWAY VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH OUR VISIT *I ASSURE *YOU. *WE TALKED OF YOU FOR ABOUT A MILE & A HALF WITH GREAT SATISFACTION, & *I HAVE BEEN JUST SENDING A VERY GOOD ACCOUNT OF YOU TO *MISS *BECKFORD, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF YOUR DRESS FOR *SUSAN & *MARIA. - *YOUR *UNCLE & *EDWD* LEFT US THIS MORNING. *THE HOPES OF THE *FORMER IN HIS *CAUSE, DO NOT LESSEN. - *WE WERE ALL AT THE *PLAY LAST NIGHT, TO SEE *MISS *O'NEAL IN *ISABELLA. *I DO NOT THINK SHE WAS QUITE EQUAL TO MY EXPECTATION. *I FANCY *I WANT SOMETHING MORE THAN CAN BE. *ACTING SELDOM SATISFIES ME. *I TOOK TWO *POCKET HANDKERCHIEFS, BUT HAD VERY LITTLE OCCASION FOR EITHER. *SHE IS AN ELEGANT CREATURE HOWEVER & HUGS *MR* YOUNGE DELIGHT+ FULLY/. - *I AM GOING THIS MORNING TO SEE THE LITTLE GIRLS IN *KEPPEL *STREET. *CASSY WAS EXCESSIVELY INTERESTED ABOUT YOUR MARRYING, WHEN SHE HEARD OF IT, WHICH WAS NOT TILL SHE WAS TO DRINK YOUR HEALTH ON THE WEDDING DAY. *SHE ASKED A THOUSAND QUESTIONS, IN HER USUAL WAY - *WHAT HE SAID TO YOU ? & WHAT YOU SAID TO HIM ? - *AND WE WERE VERY MUCH AMUSED ONE DAY BY *MARY *JANE'S ASKING " WHAT *MONTH HER $*COUSIN$ *BENJAMIN WAS BORN IN ? " - *IF YOUR *UNCLE WERE AT HOME HE WOULD SEND HIS BEST *LOVE, BUT *I WILL NOT IMPOSE ANY BASE, FICTITIOUS REMEM+ BRANCE/ ON *YOU. - *MINE *I CAN HONESTLY GIVE, & REMAIN *YR* AFFEC: *AUNT *J. *AUSTEN 23 *HANS *PLACE

23 *HANS *PLACE, *WEDNESDAY *NOV: 30. *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU MY DEAR *FANNY FOR YOUR LETTER, & *I HOPE YOU WILL WRITE AGAIN SOON THAT *I MAY KNOW YOU TO BE ALL SAFE & HAPPY AT HOME. - *OUR VISIT TO *HENDON WILL INTEREST YOU *I AM SURE, BUT *I NEED NOT ENTER INTO THE PARTICULARS OF IT, AS YOUR *PAPA WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER $ALMOST$ EVERY QUESTION. *I CERTAINLY COULD DESCRIBE HER BED-ROOM, & HER *DRAWERS & HER *CLOSET BETTER THAN HE CAN, BUT *I DO NOT FEEL THAT *I CAN STOP TO DO IT. - *I WAS RATHER SORRY TO HEAR THAT SHE $IS$ TO HAVE AN *INSTRUMENT ; IT SEEMS THROWING MONEY AWAY. *THEY WILL WISH THE 24 *GS. IN THE SHAPE OF *SHEETS & *TOWELS SIX MONTHS HENCE ; - AND AS TO HER PLAYING, IT NEVER CAN BE ANYTHING. - *HER PURPLE *PELISSE RATHER SURPRISED ME. - *I THOUGHT WE HAD KNOWN ALL *PARAPHERNALIA OF THAT SORT. *I DO NOT MEAN TO BLAME HER, IT LOOKED VERY WELL & *I DARE SAY SHE WANTED IT. *I SUSPECT NOTHING WORSE THAN IT'S BEING GOT IN SECRET, & NOT OWNED TO ANYBODY. - *SHE IS CAPABLE OF THAT YOU KNOW. - *I RECEIVED A VERY KIND NOTE FROM HER YESTER+ DAY/, TO ASK ME TO COME AGAIN & STAY A NIGHT WITH THEM ; *I CANNOT DO IT, BUT *I WAS PLEASED TO FIND THAT SHE HAD THE $POWER$ OF DOING SO RIGHT A THING. *MY GOING WAS TO GIVE THEM $BOTH$ *PLEASURE VERY PROPERLY. - *I JUST SAW

*MR *HAYTER AT THE *PLAY, & THINK HIS FACE WOULD PLEASE

ME ON ACQUAINTANCE. *I WAS SORRY HE DID NOT DINE HERE. - *IT SEEMED RATHER ODD TO ME TO BE IN THE *THEATRE, WITH NOBODY TO $WATCH$ FOR. *I WAS QUITE COMPOSED MYSELF, AT LEISURE FOR ALL THE AGITATION *ISABELLA COULD RAISE. *NOW MY DEAREST *FANNY, *I WILL BEGIN A SUBJECT WHICH COMES IN VERY NATURALLY. - *YOU FRIGHTEN ME OUT OF MY WITS BY YOUR REFERENCE. *YOUR AFFECTION GIVES ME THE HIGHEST PLEASURE, BUT INDEED YOU MUST NOT LET ANYTHING DEPEND ON MY OPINION. *YOUR OWN FEELINGS & NONE BUT YOUR OWN, SHOULD DETERMINE SUCH AN IMPORTANT POINT. - *SO FAR HOWEVER AS ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION, *I HAVE NO SCRUPLE. - *I AM PERFECTLY CONVINCED THAT YOUR PRESENT FEELINGS SUPPOSING YOU WERE TO MARRY $NOW$. WOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR HIS HAPPINESS ; - BUT WHEN *I THINK HOW VERY, VERY FAR IT IS FROM A $*NOW$, & TAKE EVERYTHING THAT $MAY BE$, INTO CONSIDERATION, *I DARE NOT SAY, " *DETERMINE TO ACCEPT HIM." *THE RISK IS TOO GREAT FOR $YOU$, UNLESS YOUR OWN *SENTIMENTS PROMPT IT. - *YOU WILL THINK ME PERVERSE PERHAPS ; IN MY LAST LETTER *I WAS URGING EVERYTHING IN HIS FAVOUR, & NOW *I AM INCLINING THE OTHER WAY ; BUT *I CANNOT HELP IT ; *I AM AT PRESENT MORE IMPRESSED WITH THE POSSIBLE *EVIL THAT MAY ARISE TO $YOU$ FROM ENGAGING YOURSELF TO HIM - IN WORD OR MIND - THAN WITH ANYTHING ELSE. - *WHEN *I CON+ SIDER/ HOW FEW YOUNG *MEN YOU HAVE YET SEEN MUCH OF - HOW CAPABLE YOU ARE (YES, *I DO STILL THINK YOU $VERY$ CAPABLE) OF BEING REALLY IN LOVE - AND HOW FULL OF TEMPTATION THE NEXT 6 OR 7 YEARS OF YOUR *LIFE WILL PROBABLY BE - (IT IS THE VERY PERIOD OF *LIFE FOR THE $STRONGEST$ ATTACHMENTS TO BE FORMED) - *I CANNOT WISH YOU WITH YOUR PRESENT VERY COOL FEELINGS TO DEVOTE YOURSELF IN HONOUR TO HIM. *IT IS VERY TRUE THAT YOU NEVER MAY ATTACH ANOTHER *MAN, HIS EQUAL ALTOGETHER,

BUT IF THAT OTHER *MAN HAS THE POWER OF ATTACHING YOU $MORE$, HE WILL BE IN YOUR EYES THE MOST PERFECT. - *I SHALL BE GLAD IF YOU $CAN$ REVIVE PAST FEELINGS, & FROM YOUR UNBIASSED SELF RESOLVE TO GO ON AS YOU HAVE DONE, BUT THIS *I DO NOT EXPECT, AND WITHOUT IT *I CANNOT WISH YOU TO BE FETTERED. *I SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF YOUR $MARRYING$ HIM ; - WITH ALL HIS WORTH, YOU WOULD SOON LOVE HIM ENOUGH FOR THE HAPPINESS OF BOTH ; BUT *I SHOULD DREAD THE CONTINUANCE OF THIS SORT OF TACIT ENGAGEMENT, WITH SUCH AN UNCERTAINTY AS THERE IS, OF $WHEN$ IT MAY BE COMPLETED. - *YEARS MAY PASS, BEFORE HE IS *INDEPEN+ DANT/. - *YOU LIKE HIM WELL ENOUGH TO MARRY, BUT NOT WELL ENOUGH TO WAIT. - *THE UNPLEASANTNESS OF APPEARING FICKLE IS CERTAINLY GREAT - BUT IF YOU THINK YOU WANT *PUNISHMENT FOR PAST *ILLUSIONS, THERE IT IS - AND NOTHING CAN BE COMPARED TO THE MISERY OF BEING BOUND $WITHOUT$ *LOVE, BOUND TO ONE, & PREFERRING ANOTHER. $*THAT$ IS A *PUNISHMENT WHICH YOU DO $NOT$ DESERVE. - *I KNOW YOU DID NOT MEET - OR RATHER WILL NOT MEET TODAY - AS HE CALLED HERE YESTERDAY - & *I AM GLAD OF IT. - *IT DOES NOT SEEM VERY LIKELY AT LEAST THAT HE SHD* BE IN TIME FOR A *DINNER VISIT 60 MILES OFF. *WE DID NOT SEE HIM, ONLY FOUND HIS CARD WHEN WE CAME HOME AT 4. - *YOUR *UNCLE *H. MERELY OBSERVED THAT HE WAS A DAY AFTER THE *FAIR. - *HE ASKED YOUR *BROTHER ON *MONDAY, (WHEN *MR. *HAYTER WAS TALKED OF) WHY HE DID NOT INVITE $HIM$ TOO ? - SAYING, " *I KNOW HE IS IN *TOWN, FOR *I MET HIM THE OTHER DAY IN *BOND *ST. - " *EDWARD ANSWERED THAT HE DID NOT KNOW WHERE HE WAS TO BE FOUND. - " *DON'T YOU KNOW HIS CHAMBERS ? - " " *NO." - *I SHALL BE MOST GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN MY DEAREST *FANNY, BUT IT MUST NOT BE LATER THAN *SATURDAY, AS WE SHALL BE OFF ON *MONDAY LONG BEFORE THE *LETTERS ARE DELIVERED - AND

WRITE $SOMETHING$ THAT MAY DO TO BE READ OR TOLD. *I AM TO TAKE THE *MISS *MOORES BACK ON *SATURDAY, & WHEN *I RETURN *I SHALL HOPE TO FIND YOUR PLEASANT, LITTLE, FLOWING SCRAWL ON THE *TABLE. - *IT WILL BE A RELEIF TO ME AFTER PLAYING AT *MA'AMS - FOR THOUGH *I LIKE *MISS *H. *M. AS MUCH AS ONE CAN AT MY TIME OF *LIFE AFTER A DAY'S ACQUAINTANCE, IT IS UPHILL WORK TO BE TALKING TO THOSE WHOM ONE KNOWS SO LITTLE. *ONLY $ONE$ COMES BACK WITH ME TOMORROW, PROBABLY *MISS *ELIZA, & *I RATHER DREAD IT. *WE SHALL NOT HAVE TWO *IDEAS IN COMMON. *SHE IS YOUNG, PRETTY, CHATTERING, & THINKING CHEIFLY (*I PRE+ SUME) OF *DRESS, *COMPANY, & *ADMIRATION. - *MR. *SAN+ FORD/ IS TO JOIN US AT DINNER, WHICH WILL BE A COMFORT, AND IN THE EVENG* WHILE YOUR *UNCLE AND *MISS *ELIZA PLAY CHESS, HE SHALL TELL ME COMICAL THINGS & *I WILL LAUGH AT THEM, WHICH WILL BE A PLEASURE TO BOTH. - *I CALLED IN *KEPPEL *STREET & SAW THEM ALL, INCLUDING DEAR *UNCLE *CHARLES, WHO IS TO COME & DINE WITH US QUIETLY TODAY. - *LITTLE *HARRIOT SAT IN MY LAP - & SEEMED AS GENTLE AND AFFECTIONATE AS EVER, & AS PRETTY, EXCEPT NOT BEING QUITE WELL. - *FANNY IS A FINE STOUT GIRL, TALKING INCES+ SANTLY/, WITH AN INTERESTING DEGREE OF *LISP AND *INDIS+ TINCTNESS/ - AND VERY LIKELY MAY BE THE HANDSOMEST IN TIME. - *THAT PUSS *CASSY, DID NOT SHEW MORE PLEASURE IN SEEING ME THAN HER *SISTERS, BUT *I EXPECTED NO BETTER; - SHE DOES NOT SHINE IN THE TENDER FEELINGS. *SHE WILL NEVER BE A *MISS *O'NEAL ; - MORE IN THE *MRS. *SIDDONS LINE. - *THANK YOU - BUT IT IS NOT SETTLED YET WHETHER *I $DO$ HAZARD A 2D* *EDITION. *WE ARE TO SEE *EGERTON TODAY, WHEN IT WILL PROBABLY BE DETERMINED. - *PEOPLE ARE MORE READY TO BORROW & PRAISE, THAN TO BUY - WHICH *I CAN+ NOT/ WONDER AT ; - BUT THO' *I LIKE PRAISE AS WELL AS ANYBODY,

*I LIKE WHAT *EDWARD CALLS $*PEWTER$ TOO. - *I HOPE HE CONTINUES CAREFUL OF HIS EYES & FINDS THE GOOD EFFECT OF IT. *I CANNOT SUPPOSE WE DIFFER IN OUR IDEAS OF THE *CHRISTIAN *RELIGION. *YOU HAVE GIVEN AN EXCELLENT DESCRIPTION OF IT. *WE ONLY AFFIX A DIFFERENT MEANING TO THE *WORD $*EVANGELICAL$. *YOURS MOST AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *MISS *GIBSON IS VERY GLAD TO GO WITH US. *HANS *PLACE. *WEDNESDAY *MY DEAR *ANNA *I HAVE BEEN VERY FAR FROM FINDING YOUR *BOOK AN *EVIL *I ASSURE YOU; *I READ IT IMMEDIATELY - & WITH GREAT PLEASURE. *I THINK YOU ARE GOING ON VERY WELL. *THE DESCRIPTION OF *DR. *GRIFFIN & *LADY *HELENA'S UNHAPPI+ NESS/ IS VERY GOOD, JUST WHAT WAS LIKELY TO BE. - *I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT THE END OF $THEM$ WILL BE : *THE NAME OF *NEWTON-*PRIORS IS REALLY INVALUABLE ! - *I NEVER MET WITH ANYTHING SUPERIOR TO IT. - *IT IS DELIGHTFUL. - *ONE COULD LIVE UPON THE NAME OF *NEWTON-*PRIORS FOR A TWELVEMONTH. - *INDEED, *I $DO$ THINK YOU GET ON VERY FAST. *I WISH OTHER PEOPLE OF MY ACQUAINTANCE COULD COMPOSE AS RAPIDLY. - *I AM PLEASED WITH THE *DOG SCENE, & WITH THE WHOLE OF *GEORGE & *SUSAN'S *LOVE ;

BUT AM MORE PARTICULARLY STRUCK WITH YOUR $SERIOUS$ CONVERSATIONS &C. - *THEY ARE VERY GOOD THROUGHOUT. - *ST. *JULIAN'S *HISTORY WAS QUITE A SURPRISE TO ME ; *YOU HAD NOT VERY LONG KNOWN IT YOURSELF *I SUSPECT - BUT *I HAVE NO OBJECTION TO MAKE TO THE CIRCUMSTANCE - IT IS VERY WELL TOLD - & HIS HAVING BEEN IN LOVE WITH THE *AUNT, GIVES *CECILIA AN ADDITIONAL *INTEREST WITH HIM. *I LIKE THE *IDEA : - A VERY PROPER COMPLIMENT TO AN *AUNT ! - *I RATHER IMAGINE INDEED THAT *NEICES ARE SELDOM CHOSEN BUT IN COMPLIMENT TO SOME *AUNT OR OTHER. *I DARESAY *BEN WAS IN LOVE WITH ME ONCE, & WD* NEVER HAVE THOUGHT OF $YOU$ IF HE HAD NOT SUPPOSED ME DEAD OF A SCARLET FEVER. - *YES, *I WAS IN A MISTAKE AS TO THE NUMBER OF *BOOKS. *I THOUGHT *I HAD READ 3 BEFORE THE 3 AT *CHAWTON ; BUT FEWER THAN 6 WILL NOT DO. - *I WANT TO SEE DEAR *BELL *GRIFFIN AGAIN. - *HAD NOT YOU BETTER GIVE SOME HINT OF *ST. *JULIAN'S EARLY HISTORY IN THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY ? ... WHICH IS QUITE AGAINST MY SKIN & CONSCIENCE. - *WE SHALL SEE NOTHING OF *STREATHAM WHILE WE ARE IN *TOWN ; - *MRS** *HILL IS TO LYE-IN OF A *DAUGHTER EARLY IN

*MARCH. - *MRS *BLACKSTONE IS TO BE WITH HER. *MRS *HEATH+ COTE/ & *MISS *BIGG ARE JUST LEAVING HER ; THE LATTER WRITES ME WORD THAT *MISS *BLACHFORD $IS$ MARRIED, BUT *I HAVE NEVER SEEN IT IN THE *PAPERS. *AND ONE MAY AS WELL BE SINGLE, IF THE *WEDDING IS NOT TO BE IN PRINT. - ... *WE HAVE GOT " *ROSANNE " IN OUR *SOCIETY, AND FIND IT MUCH AS YOU DESCRIBE IT ; VERY GOOD AND CLEVER, BUT TEDIOUS. *MRS. *HAWKINS' GREAT EXCELLENCE IS ON SERIOUS SUBJECTS. *THERE ARE SOME VERY DELIGHTFUL CONVERSA+ TIONS/ AND REFLECTIONS ON RELIGION : BUT ON LIGHTER TOPICS *I THINK SHE FALLS INTO MANY ABSURDITIES ; AND, AS TO LOVE, HER HEROINE HAS VERY COMICAL FEELINGS. *THERE ARE A THOUSAND IMPROBABILITIES IN THE STORY. *DO YOU REMEMBER THE TWO *MISS *ORMESDENS, INTRODUCED JUST AT LAST ? *VERY FLAT AND UNNATURAL. - *MLLE*** *COSSART IS RATHER MY PASSION. - *MISS *GIBSON RETURNED TO THE *GT* *HOUSE LAST FRIDAY, & IS PRETTY WELL, BUT NOT ENTIRELY SO. *CAPTN* *CLEMENT HAS VERY KINDLY OFFERED TO DRIVE HER OUT, & SHE WOULD LIKE IT VERY MUCH, BUT NO DAY HAS YET BEEN QUITE GOOD ENOUGH, OR ELSE SHE HAS NOT BEEN OTHERWISE EQUAL TO IT. - *SHE SENDS YOU HER *LOVE (($NEARLY A LINE MISSING$))D WISHES *MRS** *CREED'S OPINION IS GONE DOWN ON MY LIST ; BUT FORTUNATELY *I MAY EXCUSE MYSELF FROM ENTERING *MR*

(($WORD CUT OUT$)) AS MY PAPER ONLY RELATES TO *MANSFIELD *PARK. *I WILL REDEEM MY CREDIT WITH HIM, BY WRITING A CLOSE *IMITATION OF " *SELF-CONTROL " AS SOON AS *I CAN ; - *I WILL IMPROVE UPON IT ; - MY *HEROINE SHALL NOT MERELY BE WAFTED DOWN AN *AMERICAN RIVER IN A BOAT BY HERSELF, SHE SHALL CROSS THE *ATLANTIC IN THE SAME WAY, & NEVER STOP TILL SHE REACHES *GRAVESENT. - ... THAT DEPENDS ON US TO SECURE IT, BUT YOU MU[ST BE] AWARE THAT IN ANOTHER PERSON'S HOUSE ONE CANNOT COMMAND ONE'S OWN TIME OR ACTIONS, & THOUGH YOUR *UNCLE *HENRY IS SO KIND AS TO GIVE US THE USE OF A *CARRIAGE WHILE WE ARE WITH HIM, IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR US TO TURN THAT *CARRIAGE TOWARDS *HENDON WITHOUT ACTUALLY MOUNTING THE *BOX OURSELVES ; - *YOUR *UNCLE ARRIVED YESTERDAY BY THE *GOSPORT - (AND ONLY THINK OF THE *GOSPORT NOT BEING HERE TILL 1#2 PAST 4 ! - *I (($A LINE MISSING$)) AND TAKES ... *CHAWTON, *FRIDAY *SEPTR* 29. *MY DEAR *ANNA *WE TOLD *MR. *B. *LEFROY THAT IF THE WEATHER DID NOT PREVENT US, WE SHOULD CERTAINLY COME & SEE YOU TOMORROW, & BRING *CASSY, TRUSTING TO YOUR BEING SO GOOD AS TO GIVE HER A DINNER ABOUT ONE O'CLOCK, THAT WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO BE WITH YOU THE EARLIER & STAY THE LONGER - BUT ON GIVING *CASSY HER CHOICE OF THE *FAIR OR *WYARDS, IT MUST BE CONFESSED THAT SHE HAS PREFERRED THE FORMER, WHICH WE TRUST WILL NOT GREATLY AFFRONT YOU ; - -IF IT DOES, YOU MAY HOPE THAT SOME LITTLE *ANNA

HEREAFTER MAY REVENGE THE INSULT BY A SIMILAR PREFER+ ENCE/ OF AN *ALTON *FAIR TO HER *COUSIN *CASSY. - *IN THE MEANWHILE, WE HAVE DETERMINED TO PUT OFF OUR VISIT TO YOU TILL *MONDAY, WHICH WE HOPE WILL BE NOT LESS CONVENIENT TO YOU. *I WISH THE WEATHER MAY NOT RESOLVE UPON OTHER PUT-OFFS. *I $MUST$ COME TO YOU BEFORE *WEDNESDAY IF IT BE POSSIBLE, FOR ON THAT DAY *I AM GOING TO *LONDON FOR A WEEK OR TWO WITH YOUR *UNCLE *HENRY, WHO IS EXPECTED HERE ON *SUNDAY. *IF *MONDAY THEREFORE SHOULD APPEAR TOO DIRTY FOR WALKING, AND *MR. *B. *L. WOULD BE SO KIND AS TO COME & FETCH ME TO SPEND SOME PART OF THE MORNG* WITH YOU, *I SHOULD BE MUCH OBLIGED TO HIM. *CASSY MIGHT BE OF THE *PARTY, AND YOUR *AUNT *CASSANDRA WILL TAKE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY. *YOUR *G. *MAMA SENDS HER *LOVE & *THANKS FOR YOUR NOTE. *SHE WAS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR THE CONTENTS OF YOUR *PACKING *CASE. - *SHE WILL SEND THE *STRAWBERRY ROOTS BY *SALLY *BENHAM, AS EARLY NEXT WEEK AS THE WEATHER MAY ALLOW HER TO TAKE THEM UP. - *YOURS VERY AFFEC:LY** *MY DEAR *ANNA *J. *AUSTEN *HANS *PLACE *TUESDAY *OCT. 17 (1815) *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *THANK YOU FOR YOUR TWO LETTERS ; *I AM VERY GLAD THE NEW COOK BEGINS SO WELL. *GOOD APPLE PIES ARE A CONSIDERABLE

PART OF OUR DOMESTIC HAPPINESS. *MR. *MURRAY'S LETTER IS COME. *HE IS A ROGUE OF COURSE, BUT A CIVIL ONE. *HE OFFERS \450 BUT WANTS TO HAVE THE COPYRIGHT OF *M. *P. & *S. & *S. INCLUDED. *IT WILL END IN MY PUBLISHING FOR MYSELF *I DARESAY. *HE SENDS MORE PRAISE HOWEVER THAN *I EXPECTED. *IT IS AN AMUSING LETTER. *YOU SHALL SEE IT. *HENRY CAME HOME ON *SUNDAY & WE DINED THE SAME DAY WITH THE *HERRIESES - A LARGE FAMILY PARTY - CLEVER & ACCOMPLISHED. *I HAD A PLEASANT VISIT THE DAY BEFORE. *MR. *JACKSON IS FOND OF EATING & DOES NOT MUCH LIKE *MR* OR *MISS *P. WHAT WEATHER WE HAVE ! *WHAT SHALL WE DO ABOUT IT. *THE 17TH OF *OCTOBER & SUMMER STILL. *HENRY IS NOT QUITE WELL - A BILIOUS ATTACK WITH FEVER. *HE CAME BACK EARLY FROM *H. ST* YESTERDAY & WENT TO BED - THE COMICAL CONSEQUENCE OF WHICH WAS THAT *MR* *SEYMOUR & *I DINED TOGETHER TETE-A-TETE. *HE IS CALOMELING & THEREFORE IN A WAY TO BE BETTER & *I HOPE MAY BE WELL TO-MORROW. *THE *CREEDS OF *HENDON DINE HERE TO-DAY, WHICH IS RATHER UNLUCKY, FOR HE WILL HARDLY BE ABLE TO SHEW HIMSELF, & THEY ARE ALL STRANGERS TO ME. *HE HAS ASKED *MR *TILSON TO COME & TAKE HIS PLACE. *I DOUBT OUR BEING A VERY AGREEABLE PAIR. *WE ARE ENGAGED TO-MORROW TO *CLEVELAND *ROW. *I WAS THERE YESTERDAY MORNING. *THERE SEEMS NO IDEA NOW OF *MR* *GORDAN'S GOING TO *CHAWTON - NOR OF ANY OF THE FAMILY COMING HERE AT PRESENT. *MANY OF THEM ARE SICK. $*WEDNESDAY$. *HENRY'S ILLNESS IS MORE SERIOUS THAN *I EXPECTED. *HE HAS BEEN IN BED SINCE THREE O'CLOCK ON *MONDAY. *IT IS A FEVER - SOMETHING BILIOUS BUT CHIEFLY INFLAMMATORY. *I AM NOT ALARMED BUT *I HAVE DETERMINED TO SEND THIS LETTER TO-DAY BY THE POST, THAT YOU MAY KNOW HOW THINGS ARE GOING ON.

*THERE IS NO CHANCE OF HIS BEING ABLE TO LEAVE TOWN ON *SATURDAY. *I ASKED *MR* *HAYDON THAT QUESTION TO-DAY. *MR* *H. IS THE APOTHECARY FROM THE CORNER OF *SLOANE *ST*, SUCCESSOR TO *MR* *SMITH, A YOUNG MAN, SAID TO BE CLEVER, & HE IS CERTAINLY VERY ATTENTIVE, & APPEARS HITHERTO TO HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE COMPLAINT. *THERE IS A LITTLE PAIN IN THE CHEST, BUT IT IS NOT CONSIDERED OF ANY CONSE+ QUENCE/. *MR* *H. CALLS IT A GENERAL INFLAMMATION. *HE TOOK TWENTY OUNCES OF BLOOD FROM *HENRY LAST NIGHT, & NEARLY AS MUCH MORE THIS MORNING, & EXPECTS TO HAVE TO BLEED HIM AGAIN TO-MORROW - BUT HE ASSURES ME THAT HE FOUND HIM $QUITE$ AS MUCH BETTER TO-DAY AS HE EXPECTED. *HENRY IS AN EXCELLENT PATIENT, LIES QUIETLY IN BED & IS READY TO SWALLOW ANYTHING. *HE LIVES UPON MEDICINE, TEA & BARLEY-WATER. *HE HAS HAD A GREAT DEAL OF FEVER BUT NOT MUCH PAIN OF ANY SORT, & SLEEPS PRETTY WELL. $*HIS$ GOING TO *CHAWTON WILL PROBABLY END IN NOTHING, AS HIS *OXFORDSHIRE BUSINESS IS SO NEAR : AS FOR MYSELF YOU MAY BE SURE *I SHALL RETURN AS SOON AS *I CAN - *TUESDAY IS IN MY BRAIN, BUT YOU WILL FEEL THE UNCERTAINTY OF IT. *I WANT TO GET RID OF SOME OF MY THINGS & THEREFORE SHALL SEND DOWN A PARCEL BY *COLLIER ON *SATURDAY. *LET IT BE PAID FOR ON MY OWN ACCOUNT. *IT WILL BE MOSTLY DIRTY CLOATHES, BUT *I SHALL ADD *MARTHA'S LAMBSWOOL, YOUR MUSLIN HANDKS. (*INDIA AT 3#6) YOUR PENS 3D* & SOME ARTICLES FOR *MARY IF *I RECEIVE THEM IN TIME FROM *MRS** *HORE. *CLEVELAND *ROW OF COURSE IS GIVEN UP. *MR* *TILSON TOOK A NOTE THERE THIS MORNING. *TILL YESTERDAY AFTERNOON *I WAS HOPING THAT THE MEDI+ CINE/ HE HAD TAKEN WITH A GOOD NIGHT'S REST WOULD SET HIM QUITE TO RIGHTS. *I FANCIED IT ONLY BILE BUT THEY SAY THE DISORDER MUST HAVE ORIGINATED IN A COLD. *YOU MUST FANCY *HENRY IN THE BACK-ROOM UPSTAIRS, & *I AM

GENERALLY THERE ALSO, WORKING OR WRITING. *I WROTE TO *EDWARD YESTERDAY TO PUT OFF OUR NEPHEWS TILL *FRIDAY. I HAVE A STRONG IDEA OF THEIR *UNCLE'S BEING WELL ENOUGH TO LIKE SEEING THEM [BY] THAT TIME. *I SHALL WRITE TO YOU NEXT BY MY PARCEL - TWO DAYS HENCE UNLESS THERE IS ANYTHING PARTICULAR TO BE COMMUNICATCD BEFORE, ALWAYS EXCEPTED. *THE POST HAS THIS MOMENT BROUGHT ME A LETTER FROM *EDWARD. *HE IS LIKELY TO COME HERE ON *TUESDAY NEXT FOR A DAY OR TWO'S NECESSARY BUSINESS IN HIS CAUSE. *MRS. *HORE WISHES TO OBSERVE TO *FRANK & *MARY THAT SHE DOUBTS THEIR FINDING IT ANSWER TO HAVE CHESTS OF DRAWERS BOUGHT IN *LONDON WHEN THE EXPENSE OF CARRIAGE IS CONSIDERED. *THE TWO *MISS *GIBSONS CALLED HERE ON *SUNDAY & BROUGHT A LETTER FOR *MARY, WHICH SHALL ALSO BE PUT INTO THE PARCEL. *MISS *G. LOOKED PAR+ TICULARLY/ WELL. *I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RETURN THEIR CALL. *I WANT TO GET TO *KEPPEL *ST* AGAIN IF *I CAN, BUT IT MUST BE DOUBTFUL. *THE *CREEDS ARE AGREEABLE PEOPLE THEMSELVES BUT *I FEAR MUST HAVE HAD A VERY DULL VISIT. *I LONG TO KNOW HOW *MARTHA'S PLANS GO ON. *IF YOU HAVE NOT WRITTEN BEFORE, WRITE BY *SUNDAY'S POST TO *HANS *PLACE. *I SHALL BE MORE THAN READY FOR NEWS OF YOU BY THAT TIME. *A CHANGE OF WEATHER AT LAST - WIND & RAIN. *MRS** *TILSON HAS JUST CALLED. *POOR WOMAN - SHE IS QUITE A WRETCH - ALWAYS ILL. *GOD BLESS YOU. *YRS** AFFECTELY**** *J. *A. *UNCLE *HENRY WAS VERY MUCH AMUSED WITH *CASSY'S MESSAGE, BUT IF SHE WERE HERE NOW WITH THE RED SHAWL SHE WOULD MAKE HIM LAUGH MORE THAN WOULD DO HIM GOOD.

*HANS *PLACE, *MONDAY NIG[HT] *OCT: 30. *MY DEAR *CAROLINE *I HAVE NOT YET FELT QUITE EQUAL TO TAKING UP YOUR *MANUSCRIPT, BUT THINK *I SHALL SOON, & *I HOPE MY DETAIN+ ING/ IT SO LONG WILL BE NO INCONVENIENCE. - *IT GIVES US GREAT PLEASURE THAT YOU SHOULD BE AT *CHAWTON. *I AM SURE *CASSY MUST BE DELIGHTED TO HAVE YOU. - *YOU WILL PRACTISE YOUR *MUSIC OF COURSE, & *I TRUST TO YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF MY *INSTRUMENT & NOT LETTING IT BE ILL USED IN ANY RESPECT. - *DO NOT ALLOW ANYTHING TO BE PUT ON IT, BUT WHAT IS VERY LIGHT. - *I HOPE YOU WILL TRY TO MAKE OUT SOME OTHER TUNE BESIDES THE *HERMIT. - *TELL YOUR *GRANDMAMA THAT *I HAVE WRITTEN TO *MRS** *COOKE TO CONGRATULATE HER, & THAT *I HAVE HEARD FROM *SCARLETS TODAY ; THEY WERE MUCH SHOCKED BY THE PREPARATORY *LETTER WHICH *I FELT OBLIGED TO SEND LAST WEDNESDAY, BUT HAD BEEN MADE COMFORTABLE IN COMPARISON, BY THE RECEIPT OF MY FRIDAY'S *LETTER. *YOUR *PAPA WROTE AGAIN BY THIS *POST, SO THAT *I HOPE THEY ARE NOW EASY. - *I AM SORRY YOU GOT WET IN YOUR RIDE ; *NOW THAT YOU ARE BECOME AN *AUNT, YOU ARE A PERSON OF SOME CONSE+ QUENCE/ & MUST EXCITE GREAT *INTEREST WHATEVER YOU DO. *I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED THE IMPORTANCE OF *AUNTS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, & *I AM SURE OF YOUR DOING THE SAME NOW. - *BELEIVE ME MY DEAR *SISTER-*AUNT, *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN

*SIR *I MUST TAKE THE LIBERTY OF ASKING YOU A QUESTION. - AMONG THE MANY FLATTERING ATTENTIONS WHICH *I RECD* FROM YOU AT *CARLTON *HOUSE ON *MONDAY LAST, WAS THE INFORMATION OF MY BEING AT LIBERTY TO DEDICATE ANY FUTURE WORK TO *H*R*H. THE *P. *R. WITHOUT THE NECESSITY OF ANY SOLICITATION ON MY PART. *SUCH AT LEAST, *I BE+ LEIVED/ TO BE YOUR WORDS ; BUT AS *I AM VERY ANXIOUS TO BE QUITE CERTAIN OF WHAT WAS INTENDED, *I INTREAT YOU TO HAVE THE GOODNESS TO INFORM ME HOW SUCH A *PER+ MISSION/ IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD, & WHETHER IT IS INCUMBENT ON ME TO SHEW MY SENSE OF THE *HONOUR, BY INSCRIBING THE *WORK NOW IN THE *PRESS, TO *H.*R.*H. - I SHD* BE EQUALLY CONCERNED TO APPEAR EITHER *PRESUMPTUOUS OR *UN+ GRATEFUL/. - *I AM & C---

23 *HANS *PLACE, *FRIDAY *NOV: 3D* *SIR *MY *BROTHER'S SEVERE *ILLNESS HAS PREVENTED HIS REPLY+ ING/ TO *YOURS OF *OCT. 15, ON THE SUBJECT OF THE *M*S OF $*EMMA$, NOW IN YOUR HANDS - AND AS HE IS THOUGH RECOVERING, STILL IN A STATE WHICH WE ARE FEARFUL OF HARRASSING BY *BUSINESS & *I AM AT THE SAME TIME DESIROUS OF COMING TO SOME DECISION ON THE AFFAIR IN QUESTION, *I MUST REQUEST THE FAVOUR OF YOU TO CALL ON ME HERE, ANY DAY THAT MAY SUIT YOU BEST, AT ANY HOUR IN THE *EVENING, OR ANY IN THE *MORNING EXCEPT FROM *ELEVEN TO *ONE. - *A SHORT CONVERSATION MAY PERHAPS DO MORE THAN MUCH WRITING. *MY *BROTHER BEGS HIS *COMPTS** & BEST THANKS FOR YOUR POLITE ATTENTION IN SUPPLYING HIM WITH A COPY OF *WATERLOO. *I AM *SIR *YOUR *OB. *HUM: *SERVT* *JANE *AUSTEN 23 *HANS *PLACE, *THURSDAY, *NOVEMBER 23 (1815). *SIR *MY BROTHER'S NOTE LAST *MONDAY HAS BEEN SO FRUITLESS, THAT *I AM AFRAID THERE CAN BE BUT LITTLE CHANCE OF MY

WRITING TO ANY GOOD EFFECT ; BUT YET *I AM SO VERY MUCH DISAPPOINTCD AND VEXED BY THE DELAYS OF THE PRINTERS, THAT *I CANNOT HELP BEGGING TO KNOW WHETHER THERE IS NO HOPE OF THEIR BEING QUICKENED. *INSTEAD OF THE WORK BEING READY BY THE END OF THE PRESENT MONTH, IT WILL HARDLY, AT THE RATE WE NOW PROCEED, BE FINISHED BY THE END OF THE NEXT ; AND AS *I EXPECT TO LEAVE *LONDON EARLY IN *DECEMBER, IT IS OF CONSEQUENCE THAT NO MORE TIME SHOULD BE LOST. *IS IT LIKELY THAT THE PRINTERS WILL BE INFLUENCED TO GREATER DISPATCH AND PUNCTUALITY BY KNOWING THAT THE WORK IS TO BE DEDICATED, BY PER+ MISSION/, TO THE *PRINCE *REGENT ? *IF YOU CAN MAKE THAT CIRCUMSTANCE OPERATE, *I SHALL BE VERY GLAD. *MY BROTHER RETURNS " *WATERLOO " WITH MANY THANKS FOR THE LOAN OF IT. *WE HAVE HEARD MUCH OF *SCOTT'S ACCOUNT OF *PARIS. *IF IT BE NOT INCOMPATIBLE WITH OTHER ARRANGEMENTS, WOULD YOU FAVOUR US WITH IT, SUPPOSING YOU HAVE ANY SET ALREADY OPENED ? *YOU MAY DEPEND UPON ITS BEING IN CAREFUL HANDS. *I REMAIN, *SIR, YOUR OBT* HUMBLE *SET* *J. *AUSTEN *HANS *PLACE, *FRIDAY *NOV: 24. *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SENDING YOU A MUCH BETTER ACCOUNT OF $MY AFFAIRS$ WHICH *I KNOW WILL BE A GREAT DELIGHT TO YOU. *I WROTE TO *MR. *MURRAY YESTERDAY

MYSELF, & *HENRY WROTE AT THE SAME TIME TO *ROWORTH. *BEFORE THE NOTES WERE OUT OF THE *HOUSE, *I RECEIVED THREE SHEETS, & AN APOLOGY FROM *R. WE SENT THE NOTES HOWEVER, & *I HAD A MOST CIVIL ONE IN REPLY FROM *MR. *M. *HE IS SO VERY POLITE INDEED, THAT IT IS QUITE OVERCOMING. - *THE *PRINTERS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR *PAPER - THE BLAME IS THROWN UPON THE *STATIONER - BUT HE GIVES HIS WORD THAT *I SHALL HAVE NO FARTHER CAUSE FOR DISSATISFACTION. - *HE HAS LENT US $*MISS *WILLIAMS$ & *$SCOTT$, & SAYS THAT ANY BOOK OF HIS WILL ALWAYS BE AT $MY$ SERVICE. - *IN SHORT, *I AM SOOTHED & COMPLIMENTED INTO TOLERABLE COMFORT. - *WE HAD A VISIT YESTERDAY FROM *EDWD* *KNIGHT, & *MR. *MASCALL JOINED HIM HERE ; - AND THIS MORNING HAS BROUGHT *MR. *MASCALL'S *COMPTS* & TWO *PHEASANTS. - *WE HAVE SOME HOPE OF *EDWARD'S COMING TO DINNER TODAY ; HE WILL, IF HE CAN *I BELEIVE. - *HE IS LOOKING EXTREMELY WELL. - *TOMORROW *MR. *HADEN IS TO DINE WITH US. - *THERE'S *HAPPINESS ! - *WE REALLY GROW SO FOND OF *MR. *HADEN THAT *I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. - *HE, & *MR. *TILSON & *MR. *PHILIPS MADE UP OUR CIRCLE OF *WITS LAST NIGHT ; *FANNY PLAYED, & HE SAT & LISTENED & SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS, TILL *RICHARD CAME IN TO TELL HIM THAT " THE *DOCTOR WAS WAITING FOR HIM AT *CAPTN* *BLAKE'S " - AND THEN HE WAS OFF WITH A SPEED THAT YOU CAN IMAGINE. *HE NEVER DOES APPEAR IN THE LEAST ABOVE HIS *PROFESSION, OR OUT OF HUMOUR WITH IT, OR *I SHOULD THINK POOR *CAPTN* *BLAKE, WHOEVER HE IS, IN A VERY BAD WAY. - *I MUST HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD *HENRY, WHEN *I TOLD YOU THAT $YOU$ WERE TO HEAR FROM HIM TODAY. *HE READ ME WHAT HE WROTE TO *EDWARD; - PART OF IT MUST HAVE AMUSED HIM *I AM SURE ; - ONE PART ALAS ! CANNOT BE VERY AMUSING TO ANYBODY. - *I WONDER THAT WITH SUCH

*BUSINESS TO WORRY HIM, HE CAN BE GETTING BETTER, BUT HE CERTAINLY DOES GAIN STRENGTH, & IF YOU & *EDWD* WERE TO SEE HIM NOW *I FEEL SURE THAT YOU WOULD THINK HIM IMPROVED SINCE *MONDAY. *HE WAS OUT YESTERDAY, IT WAS A FINE SUNSHINEY DAY $HERE$ - (IN THE *COUNTRY PERHAPS YOU MIGHT HAVE *CLOUDS & FOGS - *DARE *I SAY SO ? - *I SHALL NOT DECEIVE $YOU$, IF *I DO, AS TO MY ESTIMATION OF THE *CLIMATE OF *LONDON) - & HE VENTURED, FIRST ON THE *BALCONY, & THEN AS FAR AS THE *GREENHOUSE. *HE CAUGHT NO COLD, & THEREFORE HAS DONE MORE TODAY WITH GREAT DELIGHT, & SELF-PERSUASION OF *IMPROVEMENT ; HE HAS BEEN TO SEE *MRS. *TILSON & THE *MALINGS. - *BY THE BYE, YOU MAY TALK TO *MR. *T. OF HIS WIFE'S BEING BETTER, *I SAW HER YESTERDAY & WAS SENSIBLE OF HER HAVING GAINED GROUND IN THE LAST TWO DAYS. - $*EVENING$. - *WE HAVE HAD NO *EDWARD. - *OUR CIRCLE IS FORMED ; ONLY *MR. *TILSON & *MR. *HADEN. - *WE ARE NOT SO HAPPY AS WE WERE. *A MESSAGE CAME THIS AFTERNOON FROM *MRS. *LATOUCHE & *MISS *EAST, OFFERING THEMSELVES TO DRINK TEA WITH US TOMORROW - & AS IT WAS ACCEPTED, HERE IS AN END OF OUR EXTREME FELICITY IN OUR *DINNER-+ *GUEST/. - *I AM HEARTILY SORRY THEY ARE COMING ! *IT WILL BE AN *EVENG* SPOILT TO *FANNY & ME. *ANOTHER LITTLE *DISAPPOINTMENT. - *MR. *H. ADVISES *HENRY'S $NOT$ VEN+ TURING/ WITH US IN THE *CARRIAGE TOMORROW ; - IF IT WERE *SPRING, HE SAYS, IT WD* BE A DIFFERENT THING. *ONE WOULD RATHER THIS HAD NOT BEEN. *HE SEEMS TO THINK HIS GOING OUT TODAY RATHER IMPRUDENT, THOUGH ACKNOWLEDGING AT THE SAME TIME THAT HE IS BETTER THAN HE WAS IN THE *MORNG*. - *FANNY HAS HAD A *LETTER FULL OF COMMISSIONS FROM *GOODNESTONE ; WE SHALL BE BUSY ABOUT THEM & HER OWN MATTERS *I DARE SAY FROM 12 TO 4. - *NOTHING *I TRUST WILL KEEP US FROM *KEPPEL *STREET. - *THIS DAY HAS

BROUGHT A MOST FRIENDLY LETTER FROM *MR. *FOWLE, WITH A BRACE OF *PHEASANTS. *I DID NOT KNOW BEFORE THAT *HENRY HAD WRITTEN TO HIM A FEW DAYS AGO, TO ASK FOR THEM. *WE SHALL LIVE UPON *PHEASANTS ; NO BAD *LIFE ! - *I SEND YOU FIVE ONE POUND NOTES, FOR FEAR YOU SHOULD BE DISTRESSED FOR LITTLE *MONEY. - *LIZZY'S WORK IS CHARM+ INGLY/ DONE. *SHALL YOU PUT IT TO YOUR *CHINTZ ? - *A $SHEET$ COME IN THIS MOMENT. 1ST** & 3D* VOL. ARE NOW AT 144. - 2D* AT 48. - I AM SURE YOU WILL LIKE *PARTICULARS. - *WE ARE NOT TO HAVE THE TROUBLE OF RETURNING THE SHEETS TO *MR. *MURRAY ANY LONGER, THE *PRINTER'S BOYS BRING & CARRY. *I HOPE *MARY CONTINUES TO GET WELL FAST - & *I SEND MY *LOVE TO LITTLE *HERBERT. - *YOU WILL TELL ME MORE OF *MARTHA'S PLANS OF COURSE WHEN YOU WRITE AGAIN. - *REMEMBER ME MOST KINDLY TO EVERYBODY, & *MISS *BENN BESIDES. - *YOURS VERY AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO DREADFUL *INSANITY. - *IT IS *MR. *HADEN'S FIRM BELEIF THAT A PERSON $NOT$ MUSICAL IS FIT FOR EVERY SORT OF *WICKEDNESS. *I VENTURED TO ASSERT A LITTLE ON THE OTHER SIDE, BUT WISHED THE CAUSE IN ABLER HANDS. - *SUPPOSING THE WEATHER SHD* BE VERY BAD ON *SUNDAY *EVENG* *I SHALL NOT LIKE TO SEND *RICHARD OUT YOU KNOW - & IN THAT CASE, MY *DIRTY *LINEN MUST WAIT A DAY. *HANS *PLACE. *SUNDAY *NOV: 26. *MY *DEAREST *THE *PARCEL ARRIVED SAFELY, & *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR TROUBLE. *IT COST 2S* 10 - BUT AS THERE IS

A CERTAIN SAVING OF 2S* 4 1#2 ON THE OTHER SIDE, *I AM SURE IT IS WELL WORTH DOING. - *I SEND 4 PR* OF SILK STOCKGS** - BUT *I DO NOT WANT THEM WASHED AT PRESENT. *IN THE 3 NECK+ HANDFS/. *I INCLUDE THE ONE SENT DOWN BEFORE. - *THESE THINGS PERHAPS *EDW. MAY BE ABLE TO BRING, BUT EVEN IF HE IS NOT, *I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH HIS RETURNING TO YOU FROM *STEVENTON. *IT IS MUCH BETTER - FAR PREFER+ ABLE/. - *I $DID$ MENTION THE *P. *R - IN MY NOTE TO *MR. *MURRAY, IT BROUGHT ME A FINE COMPLIMENT IN RETURN ; WHETHER IT HAS DONE ANY OTHER GOOD *I DO NOT KNOW, BUT *HENRY THOUGHT IT WORTH TRYING. - *THE *PRINTERS CONTINUE TO SUPPLY ME VERY WELL, *I AM ADVANCED IN VOL. 3. TO MY $ARRA$-ROOT, UPON WHICH PECULIAR STYLE OF SPELLING THERE IS A MODEST $QU:RY**?$ IN THE *MARGIN. - *I WILL NOT FORGET *ANNA'S ARROW-ROOT. - *I HOPE YOU HAVE TOLD *MARTHA OF MY FIRST RESOLUTION OF LETTING NOBODY KNOW THAT *I $MIGHT$ DEDICATE, &C FOR FEAR OF BEING OBLIGED TO DO IT - & THAT SHE IS THOROUGHLY CONVINCED OF MY BEING INFLUENCED NOW BY NOTHING BUT THE MOST MERCENARY MOTIVES. - *I HAVE PAID NINE SHILLINGS ON HER ACCOUNT TO *MISS *PALMER ; THERE WAS NO MORE OWEING. - *WELL - WE WERE VERY BUSY ALL YESTERDAY ; FROM 1#2 PAST 11 TO 4 IN THE *STREETS, WORKING ALMOST ENTIRELY FOR OTHER PEOPLE, DRIVING FROM *PLACE TO *PLACE AFTER A PARCEL FOR *SANDLING WHICH WE COULD NEVER FIND, & ENCOUNTERING THE MISERIES OF *GRAFTON *HOUSE TO GET A PURPLE FROCK FOR *ELEANOR *BRIDGES. - *WE GOT TO *KEPPEL *ST. HOWEVER, WHICH WAS ALL *I CARED FOR & THOUGH WE COULD STAY ONLY A QR* OF AN HOUR, *FANNY'S CALLING GAVE GREAT PLEASURE & HER *SENSI+ BILITY/ STILL GREATER, FOR SHE WAS VERY MUCH AFFECTED AT THE SIGHT OF THE *CHILDREN. - *POOR LITTLE *F. LOOKED HEAVY. - *WE SAW THE WHOLE PARTY. - *AUNT *HARR* HOPES *CASSY WILL NOT FORGET TO MAKE A PINCUSHION FOR *MRS. *KELLY -

AS $SHE$ HAS SPOKEN OF ITS BEING PROMISED HER SEVERAL TIMES. - *I HOPE WE SHALL SEE *AUNT *H. - & THE DEAR LITTLE *GIRLS HERE ON *THURSDAY. - *SO MUCH FOR THE MORNG* ; THEN CAME THE DINNER & *MR. *HADEN WHO BROUGHT GOOD *MANNERS & CLEVER CON+ VERSATION/ ; - FROM 7 TO 8 THE *HARP ; AT 8 *MRS. *L. & *MISS *E. ARRIVED - & FOR THE REST OF THE EVENG* THE *DRAWG*-+ ROOM/ WAS THUS ARRANGED, ON THE *SOPHA-SIDE THE TWO *LADIES *HENRY & MYSELF MAKING THE BEST OF IT, ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE *FANNY & *MR. *HADEN IN TWO CHAIRS (*I $BELIEVE$ AT LEAST THEY HAD $TWO$ CHAIRS) TALKING TOGETHER UNINTERRUPTEDLY. - *FANCY THE SCENE ! *AND WHAT IS TO BE FANCIED NEXT ? - *WHY THAT *MR. *H. DINES HERE AGAIN TOMORROW. - *TO-DAY WE ARE TO HAVE *MR. *BARLOW. - *MR. *H. IS READING *MANSFIELD *PARK FOR THE FIRST TIME AND PREFERS IT TO *P. AND *P. - A HARE & 4 *RABBITS FROM *GM. YESTERDAY, SO THAT WE ARE STOCKED FOR NEARLY A WEEK. - *POOR *FARMER *ANDREWS ! *I AM VERY SORRY FOR HIM, & SINCERELY WISH HIS RECOVERY. - *A BETTER ACCOUNT OF THE *SUGAR THAN *I COULD HAVE EXPECTED. *I SHOULD LIKE TO HELP YOU BREAK SOME MORE. - *I AM GLAD YOU CANNOT WAKE EARLY, *I AM SURE YOU MUST HAVE BEEN UNDER GREAT ARREARS OF REST. - *FANNY & *I HAVE BEEN TO *B. *CHAPEL, & WALKED BACK WITH *MARIA *CUTHBERT. - *WE HAVE BEEN VERY LITTLE PLAGUED WITH VISITORS THIS LAST WEEK, *I RE+ MEMBER/ ONLY *MISS *HERRIES THE *AUNT, BUT *I AM IN TERROR FOR TO-DAY, A FINE BRIGHT *SUNDAY, PLENTY OF *MORTAR & NOTHING TO DO. - *HENRY GETS OUT IN HIS *GARDEN EVERY DAY, BUT AT PRESENT HIS INCLINATION FOR DOING MORE SEEMS OVER, NOR HAS HE NOW ANY PLAN FOR LEAVING *LONDON BEFORE *DEC: 18, WHEN HE THINKS OF GOING TO *OXFORD FOR A FEW DAYS ; - TO-DAY INDEED, HIS FEELINGS ARE FOR CONTINUING WHERE HE IS, THROUGH THE NEXT TWO

MONTHS. *ONE KNOWS THE UNCERTAINTY OF ALL THIS, BUT SHOULD IT BE SO, WE MUST THINK THE BEST & HOPE THE BEST & DO THE BEST - AND MY IDEA IN THAT CASE IS, THAT WHEN $HE$ GOES TO *OXFORD $*I$ SHOULD GO HOME & HAVE NEARLY A WEEK OF YOU BEFORE $YOU$ TAKE MY PLACE. - *THIS IS ONLY A SILENT PROJECT YOU KNOW, TO BE GLADLY GIVEN UP, IF BETTER THINGS OCCUR. - *HENRY CALLS HIMSELF STRONGER EVERY DAY & *MR. *H. KEEPS ON APPROVING HIS *PULSE WHICH SEEMS GENERALLY BETTER THAN EVER - BUT STILL THEY WILL NOT LET HIM BE WELL. - *THE FEVER IS NOT YET QUITE REMOVED. - *THE *MEDICINE HE TAKES (THE SAME AS BEFORE YOU WENT) IS CHIEFLY TO IMPROVE HIS *STOMACH, & ONLY A LITTLE APERIENT. *HE IS SO WELL, THAT *I CANNOT THINK WHY HE IS NOT PERFECTLY WELL. - *I SHOULD NOT HAVE SUP+ POSED/ HIS *STOMACH AT ALL DISORDERED BUT $THERE$ THE *FEVER SPEAKS PROBABLY ; - BUT HE HAS NO HEADAKE, NO SICKNESS, NO PAINS, NO *INDIGESTIONS ! - *PERHAPS WHEN *FANNY IS GONE HE WILL BE ALLOWED TO RECOVER FASTER. - *I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED, *I NEVER THOUGHT THE LITTLE GIRL AT *WYARDS VERY PRETTY, BUT SHE WILL HAVE A FINE COM+ PLEXION/ & CURLING HAIR & PASS FOR A BEAUTY. - *WE ARE GLAD THE *MAMA'S COLD HAS NOT BEEN WORSE - & SEND HER OUR *LOVE - & GOOD WISHES BY EVERY CONVENIENT OPPOR+ TUNITY/. *SWEET AMIABLE *FRANK ! WHY DOES $HE$ HAVE A COLD TOO ? *LIKE *CAPT *MIRVAN TO *MR* *DUVAL, "*I WISH IT WELL OVER WITH HIM." *FANNY HAS HEARD ALL THAT *I HAVE SAID TO YOU ABOUT HERSELF & *MR. *H. - THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE SIGHT OF DEAREST *CHARLES'S *LETTER TO YOURSELF. *HOW PLEASANTLY & HOW NATURALLY HE WRITES ! AND HOW PERFECT A PICTURE OF HIS *DISPOSITION & FEELINGS, HIS STYLE CONVEYS ! - *POOR DEAR *FELLOW ! - NOT A *PRESENT ! - *I HAVE A GREAT MIND TO SEND HIM ALL THE TWELVE *COPIES WHICH WERE TO HAVE

BEEN DISPERSED AMONG MY NEAR *CONNECTIONS - BEGIN+ NING/ WITH THE *P. *R. & ENDING WITH *COUNTESS *MORLEY. - ADIEU. - *YRS** AFFECLY** - *GIVE MY *LOVE TO *CASSY & *MARY *JANE. - *CAROLINE WILL *BE GONE WHEN THIS REACHES YOU. *J. *AUSTEN *HANS *PLACE, *SATURDAY *DEC: 2. *MY DEAR *CASSANDRA *HENRY CAME BACK YESTERDAY, & MIGHT HAVE RETURNED THE DAY BEFORE IF HE HAD KNOWN AS MUCH IN TIME. *I HAD THE PLEASURE OF HEARING FROM *MR. *T. ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT THAT *MR. *SEYMOUR THOUGHT THERE WAS NOT THE LEAST OCCASION FOR HIS ABSENTING HIMSELF ANY LONGER. - *I HAD ALSO THE COMFORT OF A FEW LINES ON WEDNESDAY MORNING FROM *HENRY HIMSELF - (JUST AFTER YOUR *LETTER WAS GONE) GIVING SO GOOD AN ACCOUNT OF HIS FEELINGS AS MADE ME PERFECTLY EASY. *HE MET WITH THE UTMOST CARE & ATTENTION AT *HANWELL, SPENT HIS TWO DAYS THERE VERY QUIETLY & PLEASANTLY, & BEING CERTAINLY IN NO RESPECT THE WORSE FOR GOING, WE MAY BELEIVE THAT HE MUST BE BETTER, AS HE IS QUITE SURE OF BEING HIMSELF. - *TO MAKE HIS RETURN A COMPLETE *GALA, *MR. *HADEN WAS SECURED FOR DINNER - *I NEED NOT SAY THAT OUR *EVENG* WAS AGREABLE. - *BUT YOU SEEM TO BE UNDER A MISTAKE AS TO *MR. *H. - YOU CALL HIM AN *APOTHECARY ; HE IS NO

*APOTHECARY, HE HAS NEVER BEEN AN *APOTHECARY, THERE IS NOT AN *APOTHECARY IN THIS *NEIGHBOURHOOD - THE ONLY INCONVENIENCE OF THE SITUATION PERHAPS, BUT SO IT IS - WE HAVE NOT A MEDICAL *MAN WITHIN REACH - HE IS A *HADEN, NOTHING BUT A *HADEN, A SORT OF WONDERFUL NONDESCRIPT *CREATURE ON TWO LEGS, SOMETHING BETWEEN A *MAN & AN *ANGEL - BUT WITHOUT THE LEAST SPICE OF AN *APOTHECARY. - *HE IS PERHAPS THE ONLY *PERSON $NOT$ AN *APOTHECARY HEREABOUTS. - *HE HAS NEVER SUNG TO US. *HE WILL NOT SING WITHOUT A *P. FORTE ACCOMPANIMENT. *MR. *MEYERS GIVES HIS THREE *LESSONS A WEEK - ALTERING HIS DAYS & HIS HOURS HOWEVER JUST AS HE CHUSES, NEVER VERY PUNCTUAL, & NEVER GIVING GOOD *MEASURE. - *I HAVE NOT *FANNY'S FONDNESS FOR *MASTERS, & *MR. *MEYERS DOES NOT GIVE ME ANY *LONGING AFTER THEM. *THE TRUTH IS *I THINK, THAT THEY ARE ALL, AT LEAST *MUSIC *MASTERS, MADE OF TOO MUCH CONSEQUENCE & ALLOWED TO TAKE TOO MANY *LIBERTIES WITH THEIR *SCHOLAR'S TIME. *WE SHALL BE DELIGHTED TO SEE *EDWARD ON *MONDAY - ONLY SORRY THAT YOU MUST BE LOSING HIM. *A TURKEY WILL BE EQUALLY WELCOME WITH HIMSELF. - *HE MUST PREPARE FOR HIS OWN PROPER BEDCHAMBER HERE, AS *HENRY MOVED DOWN TO THE ONE BELOW LAST WEEK ; HE FOUND THE OTHER COLD. - *I AM SORRY MY *MOTHER HAS BEEN SUFFERING, & AM AFRAID THIS EXQUISITE WEATHER IS TOO GOOD TO AGREE WITH HER. - $*I$ ENJOY IT ALL OVER ME, FROM TOP TO TOE, FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, *LONGITUDINALLY, *PERPENDICULARLY, *DIAGONALLY ; - & *I CANNOT BUT SELFISHLY HOPE WE ARE TO HAVE IT LAST TILL *CHRISTMAS ; - NICE, UNWHOLESOME, *UNSEASONABLE, RELAX+ ING/, CLOSE, MUGGY WEATHER ! - *OH ! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR LONG *LETTER ; IT DID ME A GREAT DEAL OF GOOD. - *HENRY ACCEPTS YOUR OFFER OF MAKING HIS NINE GALLON OF *MEAD, THANKFULLY. *THE MISTAKE OF THE *DOGS

RATHER VEXED HIM FOR A MOMENT, BUT HE HAS NOT THOUGHT OF IT SINCE. - *TODAY, HE MAKES A THIRD ATTEMPT AT HIS STRENGTHENING *PLAISTER, & AS *I AM SURE HE WILL NOW BE GETTING OUT A GREAT DEAL, IT IS TO BE WISHED THAT HE MAY BE ABLE TO KEEP IT ON. - *HE SETS OFF THIS MORNING BY THE *CHELSEA *COACH TO SIGN *BONDS AND VISIT *HEN+ RIETTA/ *ST*, & *I HAVE NO DOUBT WILL BE GOING EVERY DAY TO *HENRIETTA *ST*. - *FANNY & *I WERE VERY SNUG BY OURSELVES, AS SOON AS WE WERE SATISFIED ABOUT OUR *INVALID'S BEING SAFE AT *HANWELL. - *BY *MANOEUVRING & GOOD LUCK WE FOILED ALL THE *MALINGS ATTEMPTS UPON US. *HAPPILY *I CAUGHT A LITTLE COLD ON WEDNESDAY, THE MORNG* WE WERE IN *TOWN, WHICH WE MADE VERY USEFUL ; & WE SAW NOBODY BUT OUR *PRECIOUS, & *MR. *TILSON. - *THIS *EVENING THE *MALINGS ARE ALLOWED TO DRINK TEA WITH US. - *WE ARE IN HOPES, THAT IS, WE $WISH$ *MISS *PALMER & THE LITTLE GIRLS MAY COME THIS MORNING. *YOU KNOW OF COURSE, THAT SHE COULD $NOT$ COME ON *THURSDAY; - & SHE WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO $NAME$ ANY OTHER DAY. - *I DO NOT THINK *I SHALL SEND DOWN ANY MORE *DIRTY *LINEN ; IT WILL NOT ANSWER WHEN THE *CARGE** IS TO BE PAID EACH WAY. - *I HAVE GOT *ANNA'S ARROW-ROOT, & YOUR GLOVES. *GOD BLESS YOU. - *EXCUSE THE SHORTNESS OF THIS - BUT *I MUST FINISH IT NOW, THAT *I MAY SAVE YOU 2D* - *BEST LOVE. - *YRS** AFFECLY** *J. *A. *IT STRIKES ME THAT *I HAVE NO BUSINESS TO GIVE THE *P.*R. A *BINDING, BUT WE WILL TAKE *COUNSEL UPON THE QUESTION. - *I AM GLAD YOU HAVE PUT THE FLOUNCE ON YOUR *CHINTZ, *I AM SURE IT MUST LOOK PARTICULARLY WELL, & IT IS WHAT *I HAD THOUGHT OF.

*MY DEAR *CAROLINE *I WISH *I COULD FINISH *STORIES AS FAST AS YOU CAN. - *I AM MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR THE SIGHT OF *OLIVIA, & THINK YOU HAVE DONE FOR HER VERY WELL ; BUT THE GOOD FOR NOTHING *FATHER, WHO WAS THE REAL AUTHOR OF ALL HER *FAULTS AND *SUFFERINGS, SHOULD NOT ESCAPE UNPUNISHED. *I HOPE $HE$ HUNG HIMSELF, OR TOOK THE SUR-NAME OF $*BONE$ OR UNDERWENT SOME DIREFUL PENANCE OR OTHER. - *YOURS AFFECLY** *DEC: 6. *J. *AUSTEN *DEC. 11. *DEAR *SIR *MY " *EMMA " IS NOW SO NEAR PUBLICATION THAT *I FEEL IT RIGHT TO ASSURE YOU OF MY NOT HAVING FORGOTTEN YOUR KIND RECOMMENDATION OF AN EARLY COPY FOR *CARLTON *HOUSE, AND THAT *I HAVE *MR. *MURRAY'S PROMISE OF ITS BEING SENT TO *HIS *ROYAL *HIGHNESS, UNDER COVER TO YOU, THREE DAYS PREVIOUS TO THE WORK BEING REALLY OUT. *I MUST MAKE USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU, DEAR *SIR, FOR THE VERY HIGH PRAISE YOU BESTOW ON MY OTHER NOVELS. *I AM TOO VAIN TO WISH TO CONVINCE YOU THAT YOU HAVE PRAISED THE*M BEYOND THEIR MERITS.

MY GREATEST ANXIETY AT PRESENT IS THAT THIS FOURTH WORK SHOULD NOT DISGRACE WHAT WAS GOOD IN THE OTHERS. *BUT ON THIS POINT *I WILL DO MYSELF THE JUSTICE TO DECLARE THAT, WHATEVER MAY BE MY WISHES FOR ITS SUCCESS, *I AM VERY STRONGLY HAUNTED WITH THE IDEA THAT TO THOSE READERS WHO HAVE PREFERRED "*PRIDE AND *PREJUDICE" IT WILL APPEAR INFERIOR IN WIT, AND TO THOSE WHO HAVE PRE+ FERRED/ "*MANSFIELD *PARK" VERY INFERIOR IN GOOD SENSE. *SUCH AS IT IS, HOWEVER, *I HOPE YOU WILL DO ME THE FAVOUR OF ACCEPTING A COPY. *MR. *MURRAY WILL HAVE DIRECTIONS FOR SENDING ONE. *I AM QUITE HONOURED BY YOUR THINKING ME CAPABLE OF DRAWING SUCH A CLERGYMAN AS YOU GAVE THE SKETCH OF IN YOUR NOTE OF *NOV. 16TH. *BUT *I ASSURE YOU *I AM $NOT$. *THE COMIC PART OF THE CHARACTER *I MIGHT BE EQUAL TO, BUT NOT THE GOOD, THE ENTHUSIASTIC, THE LITERARY. *SUCH A MAN'S CONVERSATION MUST AT TIMES BE ON SUBJECTS OF SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY, OF WHICH *I KNOW NOTHING ; OR AT LEAST BE OCCASIONALLY ABUNDANT IN QUOTATIONS AND ALLUSIONS WHICH A WOMAN WHO, LIKE ME, KNOWS ONLY HER OWN MOTHER TONGUE, AND HAS READ VERY LITTLE IN THAT, WOULD BE TOTALLY WITHOUT THE POWER OF GIVING. *A CLASSICAL EDUCATION, OR AT ANY RATE A VERY EXTENSIVE ACQUAINTANCE WITH *ENGLISH LITERATURE, ANCIENT AND MODERN, APPEARS TO ME QUITE INDISPENSABLE FOR THE PERSON WHO WOULD DO ANY JUSTICE TO YOUR CLERGY+ MAN/; AND *I THINK *I MAY BOAST MYSELF TO BE, WITH ALL POSSIBLE VANITY, THE MOST UNLEARNED AND UNINFORMED FEMALE WHO EVER DARED TO BE AN AUTHORESS. *BELIEVE ME, DEAR *SIR, *YOUR OBLIGED AND FAITHFUL HUMBLE** *SERT*. *JANE *AUSTEN

*HANS *PLACE, *DEC: 11TH**. *DEAR *SIR *AS *I FIND THAT $*EMMA$ IS ADVERTIZED FOR PUBLICATION AS EARLY AS *SATURDAY NEXT, *I THINK IT BEST TO LOSE NO TIME IN SETTLING ALL THAT REMAINS TO BE SETTLED ON THE SUBJECT, & ADOPT THIS METHOD OF DOING SO, AS INVOLVING THE SMALLEST TAX ON YOUR TIME. - *IN THE FIRST PLACE, *I BEG YOU TO UNDERSTAND THAT *I LEAVE THE TERMS ON WHICH THE *TRADE SHOULD BE SUPPLIED WITH THE WORK, ENTIRELY TO YOUR *JUDGEMENT, ENTREATING YOU TO BE GUIDED IN EVERY SUCH ARRANGEMENT BY YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE OF WHAT IS MOST LIKELY TO CLEAR OFF THE *EDITION RAPIDLY. *I SHALL BE SATISFIED WITH WHATEVER YOU FEEL TO BE BEST. - *THE *TITLE PAGE MUST BE *EMMA, *DEDICATED BY *PER+ MISSION/ TO *H.*R.*H. THE *PRINCE *REGENT. - *AND IT IS MY PARTICULAR WISH THAT ONE *SET SHOULD BE COMPLETED & SENT TO *H.*R.*H. TWO OR THREE DAYS BEFORE THE *WORK IS GENERALLY PUBLIC. - *IT SHOULD BE SENT UNDER *COVER TO THE *REV: *J. *S. *CLARKE, *LIBRARIAN, *CARLTON *HOUSE. - *I SHALL SUBJOIN A LIST OF THOSE PERSONS, TO WHOM *I MUST TROUBLE YOU TO FORWARD ALSO A *SET EACH, WHEN THE *WORK IS OUT ; - ALL UNBOUND, WITH *FROM THE *AUTHORESS, IN THE FIRST PAGE. *I RETURN YOU, WITH VERY MANY *THANKS, THE *BOOKS YOU HAVE SO OBLIGINGLY SUPPLIED ME WITH. - *I AM VERY SENSIBLE *I ASSURE YOU OF THE ATTENTION YOU HAVE PAID TO MY *CONVENIENCE & AMUSEMENT. *I RETURN ALSO

" *MANSFIELD *PARK," AS READY FOR A 2D* EDIT: *I BELEIVE, AS *I CAN MAKE IT. - *I AM IN *HANS *PLACE TILL THE 16TH**. *FROM THAT DAY, INCLUSIVE, MY DIRECTION WILL BE, *CHAWTON, *ALTON, *HANTS. *I REMAIN DEAR *SIR, *YR* FAITHFUL *HUM. *SERVT* *J. *AUSTEN *I WISH YOU WOULD HAVE THE GOODNESS TO SEND A LINE BY THE *BEARER, STATING $THE DAY$ ON WHICH THE SET WILL BE READY FOR THE *PRINCE *REGENT. - *HANS *PLACE, *DECEMBER 11 (1815). *DEAR *SIR *I AM MUCH OBLIGED BY YOURS, AND VERY HAPPY TO FEEL EVERYTHING ARRANGED TO OUR MUTUAL SATISFACTION. *AS TO MY DIRECTION ABOUT THE TITLE-PAGE, IT WAS ARISING FROM MY IGNORANCE ONLY, AND FROM MY HAVING NEVER NOTICED THE PROPER PLACE FOR A DEDICATION. *I THANK YOU FOR PUTTING ME RIGHT. *ANY DEVIATION FROM WHAT IS USUALLY DONE IN SUCH CASES IS THE LAST THING *I SHOULD WISH FOR. *I FEEL HAPPY IN HAVING A FRIEND TO SAVE ME FROM THE ILL EFFECT OF MY OWN BLUNDER. *YOURS, DEAR *SIR, &C. *J. *AUSTEN

*CHAWTON *DEC : 31 *MADAM *ACCEPT MY *THANKS FOR THE HONOUR OF YOUR NOTE, & FOR YOUR KIND DISPOSITION IN FAVOUR OF *EMMA. *IN MY PRESENT STATE OF DOUBT AS TO HER RECEPTION IN THE

*WORLD, IT IS PARTICULARLY GRATIFYING TO ME TO RECEIVE SO EARLY AN ASSURANCE OF YOUR *LADYSHIP'S APPROBATION. - *IT ENCOURAGES ME TO DEPEND ON THE SAME SHARE OF GENERAL GOOD OPINION WHICH *EMMA'S *PREDECESSORS HAVE EXPERIENCED, & TO BELIEVE THAT *I HAVE NOT YET - AS ALMOST EVERY *WRITER OF *FANCY DOES SOONER OR LATER - OVERWRITTEN MYSELF. - *I AM *MADAM, *YOUR OBLIGED & FAITHL* *SERVT* *J. *AUSTEN *MY DEAR *ANNA *AS *I WISH VERY MUCH TO SEE $YOUR$ *JEMIMA, *I AM SURE YOU WILL LIKE TO SEE $MY$ *EMMA, & HAVE THEREFORE GREAT PLEASURE IN SENDING IT FOR YOUR PERUSAL. *KEEP IT AS LONG AS YOU CHUSE, IT HAS BEEN READ BY ALL HERE. - *CHAWTON *WEDNESDAY *MARCH 13. *MY DEAR *CAROLINE *I AM VERY GLAD TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF ANSWERING YOUR AGREABLE LITTLE *LETTER. *YOU SEEM TO BE QUITE MY

OWN *NEICE IN YOUR FEELINGS TOWARDS *MDE** DE *GENLIS. *I DO NOT THINK *I COULD EVEN NOW, AT MY SEDATE TIME OF *LIFE, READ $*OLIMPE ET *THEOPHILE$ WITHOUT BEING IN A RAGE. *IT REALLY IS TOO BAD ! - *NOT ALLOWING THEM TO BE HAPPY TOGETHER, WHEN THEY $ARE$ MARRIED. - *DON'T TALK OF IT, PRAY. *I HAVE JUST LENT YOUR *AUNT *FRANK THE 1ST** VOL. OF *LES *VEILLEES DU *CHATEAU, FOR *MARY *JANE TO READ. *IT WILL BE SOME TIME BEFORE SHE COMES TO THE HORROR OF *OLYMPE. *WE HAVE HAD SAD WEATHER LATELY, *I HOPE YOU HAVE LIKED IT. - *OUR *POND IS BRIMFULL & OUR ROADS ARE DIRTY & OUR WALLS ARE DAMP, & WE SIT WISHING EVERY BAD DAY MAY BE THE LAST. *IT IS NOT COLD HOWEVER. *ANOTHER WEEK PERHAPS MAY SEE US SHRINKING & SHIVER+ ING/ UNDER A DRY *EAST *WIND. *I HAD A VERY NICE *LETTER FROM YOUR *BROTHER NOT LONG AGO, & *I AM QUITE HAPPY TO SEE HOW MUCH HIS *HAND IS IMPROVING. - *I AM CONVINCED THAT IT WILL END IN A VERY GENTLEMANLIKE *HAND, MUCH ABOVE *PAR. - *WE HAVE HAD A GREAT DEAL OF FUN LATELY WITH *POST+ CHAISES/ STOPPING AT THE DOOR ; THREE TIMES WITHIN A FEW DAYS, WE HAD A COUPLE OF AGREABLE *VISITORS TURN IN UNEXPECTEDLY - YOUR *UNCLE *HENRY & *MR. *TILSON, *MRS** *HEATHCOTE & *MISS *BIGG, YOUR *UNCLE *HENRY AND *MR* *SEYMOUR. *TAKE NOTICE, THAT IT WAS THE SAME *UNCLE *HENRY EACH TIME. *I REMAIN MY DEAR *CAROLINE, *YOUR AFFEC: *AUNT, *J. *AUSTEN

*MY DEAR *SIR *I AM HONOURED BY THE *PRINCE'S THANKS AND VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOURSELF FOR THE KIND MANNER IN WHICH YOU MENTION THE WORK. *I HAVE ALSO TO ACKNOWLEDGE A FORMER LETTER FORWARDED TO ME FROM *HANS *PLACE. *I ASSURE YOU *I FELT VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE FRIENDLY TENOR OF IT, AND HOPE MY SILENCE WILL HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED, AS IT WAS TRULY MEANT, TO PROCEED ONLY FROM AN UNWILL+ INGNESS/ TO TAX YOUR TIME WITH IDLE THANKS. *UNDER EVERY INTERESTING CIRCUMSTANCE WHICH YOUR OWN TALENTS AND LITERARY LABOURS HAVE PLACED YOU IN, OR THE FAVOUR OF THE *REGENT BESTOWED, YOU HAVE MY BEST WISHES. *YOUR RECENT APPOINTMENTS *I HOPE ARE A STEP TO SOME+ THING/ STILL BETTER. *IN MY OPINION, THE SERVICE OF A COURT CAN HARDLY BE TOO WELL PAID, FOR IMMENSE MUST BE THE SACRIFICE OF TIME AND FEELING REQUIRED BY IT. *YOU ARE VERY VERY KIND IN YOUR HINTS AS TO THE SORT OF COMPOSITION WHICH MIGHT RECOMMEND ME AT PRESENT, AND *I AM FULLY SENSIBLE THAT AN HISTORICAL ROMANCE, FOUNDED ON THE *HOUSE OF *SAXE *COBOURG, MIGHT BE MUCH MORE TO THE PURPOSE OF PROFIT OR POPULARITY THAN SUCH PICTURES OF DOMESTIC LIFE IN COUNTRY VILLAGES AS *I DEAL IN. *BUT *I COULD NO MORE WRITE A ROMANCE THAN AN EPIC POEM. *I COULD NOT SIT SERIOUSLY DOWN TO WRITE A SERIOUS ROMANCE UNDER ANY OTHER MOTIVE THAN TO SAVE MY LIFE ; AND IF IT WERE INDISPENSABLE FOR ME TO KEEP IT UP AND NEVER RELAX INTO LAUGHING AT MYSELF OR

OTHER PEOPLE, *I AM SURE *I SHOULD BE HUNG BEFORE *I HAD FINISHED THE FIRST CHAPTER. *NO, *I MUST KEEP TO MY OWN STYLE AND GO ON IN MY OWN WAY; AND THOUGH *I MAY NEVER SUCCEED AGAIN IN THAT, *I AM CONVINCED THAT *I SHOULD TOTALLY FAIL IN ANY OTHER. *I REMAIN, MY DEAR *SIR, *YOUR VERY MUCH OBLIGED, AND VERY SINCERE FRIEND, *J. *AUSTEN *CHAWTON, NEAR *ALTON, *APRIL 1, 1816. *DEAR *SIR, *I RETURN YOU THE *QUARTERLY *REVIEW WITH MANY *THANKS. *THE *AUTHORESS OF $*EMMA$ HAS NO REASON *I THINK TO COMPLAIN OF HER TREATMENT IN IT - EXCEPT IN THE TOTAL OMISSION OF *MANSFIELD *PARK. - *I CANNOT BUT BE SORRY THAT SO CLEVER A *MAN AS THE *REVEIWER OF $*EMMA$ SHOULD CONSIDER IT AS UNWORTHY OF BEING NOTICED. - *YOU WILL BE PLEASED TO HEAR THAT *I HAVE RECEIVED THE *PRINCE'S *THANKS FOR THE $HANDSOME$ *COPY *I SENT HIM OF $*EMMA.$ *WHATEVER HE MAY THINK OF $MY$ SHARE OF THE *WORK, $*YOURS$ SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN QUITE RIGHT. *IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE LATE SAD *EVENT IN *HENRIETTA *ST* *I MUST REQUEST THAT IF YOU SHOULD AT ANY TIME HAVE ANYTHING TO COMMUNICATE BY *LETTER, YOU WILL BE SO GOOD AS TO WRITE BY THE POST, DIRECTING TO ME (*MISS *J. *AUSTEN) *CHAWTON NEAR *ALTON - AND THAT FOR

ANYTHING OF A LARGER BULK, YOU WILL ADD TO THE SAME DIRECTION, BY $*COLLIER'S *SOUTHAMPTON *COACH$. - *I REMAIN, DEAR *SIR, *YOURS VERY FAITHFULLY *J. *AUSTEN *CHAWTON *APRIL 1. 1816. *CHAWTON *SUNDAY *APRIL 21ST** *MY DEAR *CAROLINE *I AM GLAD TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF WRITING TO YOU AGAIN, FOR MY LAST *NOTE WAS WRITTEN SO LONG BEFORE IT WAS SENT, THAT IT SEEMED ALMOST GOOD FOR NOTHING. *THE NOTE TO YOUR *PAPA IS TO ANNOUNCE THE DEATH OF THAT EXCELLENT WOMAN *MISS *ELIZTH** *LEIGH ; IT CAME HERE THIS MORNING ENCLOSED IN A LETTER TO *AUNT *CASSANDRA. *WE ALL FEEL THAT WE HAVE LOST A MOST VALUED OLD FRIEND ; BUT THE DEATH OF A PERSON AT HER ADVANCED AGE, SO FIT TO DIE AND BY HER OWN FEELINGS SO $READY$ TO DIE, IS NOT TO BE REGRETTED. *SHE HAS BEEN SO KIND AS TO LEAVE A LITTLE REMEMBRANCE OF #20 TO YOUR *GRANDMAMA. *I HAVE HAD A LETTER FROM *SCARLETS THIS MORNING, WITH A VERY TOLERABLE ACCOUNT OF HEALTH THERE. *WE HAVE ALSO HEARD FROM *GODMERSHAM, AND THE DAY OF YOUR *UNCLE AND *FANNY'S COMING IS FIXED ; THEY LEAVE HOME TOMORROW SE'NIGHT ; SPEND TWO DAYS IN *TOWN AND ARE TO BE WITH US ON *THURSDAY *MAY 2ND**. *WE ARE TO SEE YOUR COUSIN *EDWARD LIKEWISE, BUT PROBABLY NOT QUITE

SO SOON. *YOUR *UNCLE *HENRY TALKS OF BEING IN *TOWN AGAIN ON *WEDNESDAY. *HE WILL HAVE SPENT A COMPLETE FORTNIGHT AT *GODMERSHAM, AND NO DOUBT IT WILL HAVE DONE HIM GOOD. *TELL YOUR *MAMA THAT HE CAME BACK FROM *STEVENTON MUCH PLEASED WITH HIS VISIT TO HER. *YOUR *GRANDMAMA IS NOT $QUITE$ WELL, SHE SELDOM GETS THROUGH THE 24 HOURS WITHOUT SOME PAIN IN HER HEAD, BUT WE HOPE IT IS LESSENING, AND THAT A CONTINUANCE OF SUCH WEATHER AS MAY ALLOW HER TO BE OUT OF DOORS AND HARD AT WORK EVERY DAY, WILL GRADUALLY REMOVE IT. *CASSY HAS HAD GREAT PLEASURE IN WORKING $THIS$ - WHATEVER IT MAY BE - FOR YOU, *I BELIEVE SHE RATHER FANCIED IT MIGHT DO FOR A QUILT FOR YOUR LITTLE WAX DOLL, BUT YOU WILL FIND A USE FOR IT IF YOU CAN *I AM SURE. *SHE OFTEN $TALKS$ OF YOU AND WE SHOULD ALL BE VERY GLAD TO SEE YOU AGAIN - AND IF YOUR *PAPA COMES ON *WEDNES+ DAY/, AS WE RATHER HOPE, AND IT SUITED EVERYBODY THAT YOU SHOULD COME WITH HIM, IT WOULD GIVE US GREAT PLEASURE. *OUR *FAIR AT *ALTON IS NEXT *SATURDAY WHICH IS ALSO *MARY *JANE'S *BIRTHDAY, AND YOU WOULD BE THOUGHT AN $ADDITION$ ON SUCH A GREAT DAY. *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *I SHALL SAY NO MORE, BECAUSE *I KNOW TH[ERE MAY BE ?] MANY CIRCUMSTANCES TO MAKE IT INCONVENIENT AT

HOME. - *WE ARE ALMOST ASHAMED TO INCLUDE YOUR *MAMA IN THE INVITATION, OR TO ASK $HER$ TO BE AT THE TROUBLE OF A LONG RIDE FOR SO FEW DAYS AS WE SHALL BE HAVING DISENGAGED, FOR WE $MUST$ WASH BEFORE THE *GM* PARTY COME & THERE+ FORE/ *MONDAY WOULD BE LAST DAY THAT OUR *HOUSE COULD BE COMFORTABLE FOR HER ; BUT IF SHE DOES FEEL DISPOSED TO PAY US A LITTLE VISIT & YOU COULD $ALL$ COME, SO MUCH THE BETTER. - *WE DO NOT LIKE TO $INVITE$ HER TO COME ON WEDNESDAY, TO BE TURNED OUT OF THE HOUSE ON *MONDAY. *MY DEAR *ANNA *CASSY DESIRES HER BEST THANKS FOR THE BOOK. *SHE WAS QUITE DELIGHTED TO SEE IT : *I DO NOT KNOW WHEN *I HAVE SEEN HER SO MUCH STRUCK BY ANYBODY'S KINDNESS AS ON THIS OCCASION. *HER SENSIBILITY SEEMS TO BE OPENING TO THE PERCEPTION OF GREAT ACTIONS. *THESE GLOVES HAVING APPEARED ON THE *PIANO *FORTE EVER SINCE YOU WERE HERE ON *FRIDAY, WE IMAGINE THEY MUST BE YOURS. *MRS. *DIG+ WEED/ RETURNED YESTERDAY THROUGH ALL THE AFTERNOON'S RAIN AND WAS OF COURSE WET THROUGH, BUT IN SPEAKING OF IT SHE NEVER ONCE SAID " *IT WAS BEYOND EVERYTHING," WHICH *I AM SURE IT MUST HAVE BEEN. *YOUR *MAMA MEANS TO RIDE TO *SPEEN *HILL TOMORROW TO SEE THE *MRS. *HULBERTS WHO ARE BOTH VERY INDIFFERENT. *BY ALL ACCOUNTS THEY REALLY ARE BREAKING NOW. *NOT SO STOUT AS THE OLD *JACKASS. *YOURS AFFECATELY***** *J *A *CHAWTON, *SUNDAY, *JUNE 23RD**. *UNCLE *CHARLES'S BIRTHDAY.

*CHAWTON *TUESDAY *JULY 9. 1816 *MY DEAR *EDWARD *MANY *THANKS. *A THANK FOR EVERY *LINE, & AS MANY TO *MR. *W. *DIGWEED FOR COMING. *WE HAVE BEEN WANTING VERY MUCH TO HEAR OF YOUR *MOTHER, & ARE HAPPY TO FIND SHE CONTINUES TO MEND, BUT HER ILLNESS MUST HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ONE INDEED. - *WHEN SHE IS REALLY RECOVERED, SHE OUGHT TO TRY CHANGE OF AIR & COME OVER TO US. - *TELL YOUR *FATHER *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO HIM FOR HIS SHARE OF YOUR *LETTER & MOST SINCERELY JOIN IN THE HOPE OF HER BEING EVENTUALLY MUCH THE BETTER FOR HER PRESENT *DISCIPLINE. *SHE HAS THE COMFORT MORE+ OVER/ OF BEING CONFINED IN SUCH WEATHER AS GIVES ONE LITTLE TEMPTATION TO BE OUT. *IT IS REALLY TOO BAD, & HAS BEEN TOO BAD FOR A LONG TIME, MUCH WORSE THAN ANY+ BODY/ $CAN$ BEAR, & *I BEGIN TO THINK IT WILL NEVER BE FINE AGAIN. *THIS IS A FINESSE OF MINE, FOR *I HAVE OFTEN OBSERVED THAT IF ONE WRITES ABOUT THE WEATHER, IT IS GENERALLY COMPLETELY CHANGED BEFORE THE *LETTER IS READ. *I WISH IT MAY PROVE SO NOW, & THAT WHEN *MR. *W. *DIGWEED REACHES *STEVENTON TOMORROW, HE MAY FIND YOU HAVE HAD A LONG SERIES OF HOT, DRY WEATHER. *WE ARE A SMALL PARTY AT PRESENT, ONLY *G. *MAMA, *MARY *JANE & MYSELF. - *YALDEN'S COACH CLEARED OFF THE REST YESTERDAY. *I SUPPOSE IT IS KNOWN AT *STEVENTON THAT *UNCLE *FRANK & *AUNT *CASSANDRA WERE TO GO TO *TOWN

ON SOME BUSINESS OF *UNCLE *HENRY'S - & THAT *AUNT *MARTHA HAD SOME BUSINESS OF HER OWN WHICH DETER+ MINED/ HER TO GO AT THE SAME TIME ; - BUT THAT *AUNT *FRANK DETERMINED TO GO LIKEWISE & SPEND A FEW DAYS WITH HER FAMILY, MAY NOT BE KNOWN - NOR THAT TWO OTHER PLACES IN THE *COACH WERE TAKEN BY *CAPT. & *MRS** *CLEMENT. - *LITTLE *CASSY WENT ALSO, & DOES NOT RETURN AT PRESENT. *THEY ARE ALL GOING TO *BROADSTAIRS AGAIN. - *THE *AUNT *CASS: & THE *AUNT *MARTHA DID NOT MEAN TO STAY BEYOND TWO WHOLE DAYS, BUT THE *UNCLE *FRANK & HIS *WIFE PROPOSED BEING PRESSED TO REMAIN TILL *SATURDAY. *I AM GLAD YOU RECOLLECTED TO MENTION YOUR BEING COME HOME. *MY HEART BEGAN TO SINK WITHIN ME WHEN *I HAD GOT SO FAR THROUGH YOUR *LETTER WITHOUT ITS BEING MENTIONED. *I WAS DREADFULLY AFRAID THAT YOU MIGHT BE DETAINED AT *WINCHESTER BY SEVERE ILLNESS, CONFINED TO YOUR *BED PERHAPS & QUITE UNABLE TO HOLD A PEN, & ONLY DATING FROM *STEVENTON IN ORDER, WITH A MIS+ TAKEN/ SORT OF *TENDERNESS, TO DECEIVE ME. - *BUT NOW, *I HAVE NO DOUBT OF YOUR BEING AT HOME, *I AM SURE YOU WOULD NOT SAY IT SO SERIOUSLY UNLESS IT ACTUALLY WERE SO. - *WE SAW A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF *POSTCHAISES FULL OF *BOYS PASS BY YESTERDAY MORNG* - FULL OF FUTURE *HEROES, *LEGISLATORS, *FOOLS, AND *VILLAINS. - *YOU HAVE NEVER THANKED ME FOR MY LAST *LETTER, WHICH WENT BY THE *CHEESE. *I CANNOT BEAR NOT TO BE THANKED. *YOU WILL NOT PAY US A VISIT YET OF COURSE, WE MUST NOT THINK OF IT. *YOUR *MOTHER MUST GET WELL FIRST, & YOU MUST GO TO *OXFORD AND $NOT$ BE ELECTED ; AFTER THAT, A LITTLE CHANGE OF SCENE MAY BE GOOD FOR YOU, & YOUR *PHYSICIANS *I HOPE WILL ORDER YOU TO THE *SEA, OR TO A HOUSE BY THE SIDE OF A VERY CONSIDERABLE POND. *OH ! IT RAINS AGAIN ; IT BEATS AGAINST THE WINDOW. - *MARY

*JANE & *I HAVE BEEN WET THROUGH ONCE ALREADY TODAY, WE SET OFF IN THE *DONKEY *CARRIAGE FOR *FARRINGDON AS *I WANTED TO SEE THE IMPROVEMENTS *MR. *WOOLLS IS MAKING, BUT WE WERE OBLIGED TO TURN BACK BEFORE WE GOT THERE, BUT NOT SOON ENOUGH TO AVOID A *PELTER ALL THE WAY HOME. *WE MET *MR. *WOOLLS - *I TALKED OF IT'S BEING BAD WEATHER FOR THE *HAY - & HE RETURNED ME THE COMFORT OF IT'S BEING MUCH WORSE FOR THE *WHEAT. - *WE HEAR THAT *MRS. *S - DOES NOT QUIT *TANGIER - WHY & WHEREFORE ? - *DO YOU KNOW THAT OUR *BROWNING IS GONE ? - *YOU MUST PREPARE FOR A *WILLIAM WHEN YOU COME, A GOOD LOOKING *LAD, CIVIL & QUIET, & SEEMING LIKELY TO DO. - *GOOD BYE. *I AM SURE *MR. *W. *D. WILL BE ASTONISHED AT MY WRITING SO MUCH, FOR THE *PAPER IS SO THIN THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO COUNT THE *LINES, IF NOT TO READ THEM. - *YOURS AFFEC* *J. *AUSTEN *MY DEAR *JAMES *WE SUPPOSE THE *TRIAL IS TO TAKE PLACE THIS WEEK, BUT WE ONLY FEEL SURE THAT IT CANNOT HAVE TAKEN PLACE YET BECAUSE WE HAVE HEARD NOTHING OF IT. *A LETTER FROM *GM* TODAY TELLS US THAT $*HENRY$ AS WELL AS *WILLIAM *K - - GOES TO *FRANCE WITH HIS *UNCLE. - *YRS** EVER - *J. *A. *MY DEAR *CAROLINE *I HAVE FOLLOWED YOUR DIRECTIONS & FIND YOUR *HAND+ WRITING/ ADMIRABLE. *IF YOU CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AS

MUCH AS YOU HAVE DONE, PERHAPS *I MAY NOT BE OBLIGED TO SHUT MY EYES AT ALL HALF A YEAR HENCE. - *I HAVE BEEN VERY MUCH ENTERTAINED BY YOUR STORY OF *CAROLINA & HER AGED *FATHER, IT MADE ME LAUGH HEARTILY, & *I AM PARTICULARLY GLAD TO FIND YOU SO MUCH ALIVE UPON ANY TOPIC OF SUCH ABSURDITY, AS THE USUAL DESCRIPTION OF A *HEROINE'S FATHER. - *YOU HAVE DONE IT FULL JUSTICE - OR IF ANYTHING $BE$ WANTING, IT IS THE INFORMATION OF THE VENERABLE OLD *MAN'S HAVING MARRIED WHEN ONLY *TWENTY ONE, & BEING A FATHER AT *TWENTY TWO. *I HAD AN EARLY OPPORTUNITY OF CONVEYING YOUR *LETTER TO *MARY *JANE, HAVING ONLY TO THROW IT OUT OF WINDOW AT HER AS SHE WAS ROMPING WITH YOUR *BROTHER IN THE *BACK *COURT. - *SHE THANKS YOU FOR IT - & ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS THROUGH ME. - *I AM TO TELL YOU THAT SHE HAS PASSED HER TIME AT *CHAWTON VERY PLEASANTLY IN+ DEED/, THAT SHE DOES NOT MISS *CASSY SO MUCH AS SHE EXPECTED, & THAT AS TO *DIANA *TEMPLE, SHE IS ASHAMED TO SAY IT HAS NEVER BEEN WORKED AT SINCE YOU WENT AWAY. - *SHE IS VERY GLAD THAT YOU FOUND *FANNY AGAIN. - *I SUPPOSE YOU HAD WORN HER IN YOUR STAYS WITHOUT KNOWING IT, & IF SHE TICKLED YOU, THOUGHT IT ONLY A FLEA. *EDWARD'S VISIT HAS BEEN A GREAT PLEASURE TO US. *HE HAS NOT LOST ONE GOOD QUALITY OR GOOD *LOOK, & IS ONLY ALTERED IN BEING IMPROVED BY BEING SOME MONTHS OLDER THAN WHEN WE SAW HIM LAST. *HE IS GETTING VERY NEAR OUR OWN AGE, FOR $WE$ DO NOT GROW OLDER OF COURSE. *CHAWTON *MONDAY *JULY 15.

R CASS> *LETTER TODAY. *HIS NOT WRITING ON FRIDAY GAVE ME SOME [$ROOM FOR$ 12 $LETTERS$] COMING MAKES ME MORE THAN AMENDS. - *I KNOW YOU HEARD FROM *EDWARD YESTERDAY, *HENRY WROTE TO ME BY THE SAME POST, & SO DID *FANNY - *I HAD THEREFORE 3 *LETTERS AT ONCE WHICH *I THOUGHT WELL WORTH PAYING FOR ! *YOURS WAS A TREA+ SURE/, SO FULL OF EVERYTHING. - *BUT HOW VERY MUCH *CHELTENHAM IS TO BE PREFERRED IN *MAY ! - *HENRY DOES NOT WRITE DIFFUSELY, BUT CHEARFULLY ; - AT PRESENT HE WISHES TO COME TO US AS SOON AS WE CAN RECEIVE HIM - IS DECIDED FOR *ORDERS &C. - *I HAVE WRITTEN TO HIM TO SAY THAT AFTER THIS WEEK, HE CANNOT COME TOO SOON. - *I DO NOT REALLY EXPECT HIM HOWEVER IMMEDIATELY ; THEY WILL HARDLY PART WITH HIM AT *GM* YET. - *FANNY DOES NOT SEEM ANY BETTER, OR VERY LITTLE ; SHE VENTURED TO DINE ONE DAY AT *SANDLING & HAS SUFFERED FOR IT EVER SINCE. - *I COLLECT FROM HER, THAT *MR* *SEYMOUR IS EITHER MARRIED OR ON THE POINT OF BEING MARRIED TO *MRS** *SCRANE. - *SHE IS NOT EXPLICIT, BECAUSE IMAGINING US TO BE INFORMED. - *I AM GLAD *I DID NOT KNOW THAT YOU HAD NO POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A FIRE ON SATURDAY - & SO GLAD THAT YOU HAVE YOUR *PELISSE ! - *YOUR *BED ROOM DESCRIBES MORE COMFORTABLY THAN *I COULD HAVE SUP+ POSED/. - *WE GO ON VERY WELL HERE, *EDWARD IS A GREAT PLEASURE TO ME ; - HE DROVE ME TO *ALTON YESTERDAY ; *I WENT PRINCIPALLY TO CARRY NEWS OF YOU & *HENRY, &

MADE A REGULAR HANDSOME VISIT, STAYING THERE WHILE *EDWD* WENT ON TO *WYARDS WITH AN INVITATION TO DINNER ; IT WAS DECLINED, & WILL BE SO AGAIN TODAY PROBABLY, FOR *I REALLY BELEIVE *ANNA IS NOT EQUAL TO THE FATIGUE. - *THE *ALTON 4 DRANK TEA WITH US LAST NIGHT, & WE WERE VERY PLEASANT : - *JEU DE VIOLON &C. - ALL NEW TO *MR. SWENEY - & HE ENTERED INTO IT VERY WELL. - *IT WAS A RENEWAL OF FORMER AGREABLE EVENINGS. - *WE ALL (EXCEPT MY *MOTHER) DINE AT *ALTON TOMORROW - & PERHAPS MAY HAVE SOME OF THE SAME SPORTS AGAIN - BUT *I DO NOT THINK *MR* AND *MRS** *D. WILL ADD MUCH TO OUR WIT. - *EDWARD IS WRITING A *NOVEL - WE HAVE ALL HEARD WHAT HE HAS WRITTEN - IT IS EXTREMELY CLEVER ; WRITTEN WITH GREAT EASE AND SPIRIT; - IF HE CAN CARRY IT ON IN THE SAME WAY, IT WILL BE A FIRST-RATE WORK, & IN A STYLE, *I THINK, TO BE POPULAR. - *PRAY TELL *MARY HOW MUCH *I ADMIRE IT. - *AND TELL *CAROLINE THAT *I THINK IT IS HARDLY FAIR UPON HER & MYSELF, TO HAVE HIM TAKE UP THE *NOVEL *LINE, ... BUT THE COLDNESS OF THE WEATHER IS ENOUGH TO ACCOUNT FOR THEIR WANT OF POWER. - *THE *DUCHESS OF *ORLEANS, THE PAPER SAYS, DRINKS AT MY *PUMP. *YOUR *LIBRARY WILL BE A GREAT RESOURCE. - *THREE *GUINEAS A WEEK FOR SUCH *LODGINGS ! - *I AM QUITE ANGRY. - *MARTHA DESIRES HER *LOVE - & IS SORRY TO TELL YOU THAT SHE HAS GOT SOME *CHILBLAINS ON HER FINGERS - SHE NEVER HAD THEM BEFORE. - *THIS IS TO GO FOR A *LETTER. - *YRS** AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *I SHALL BE PERFECTLY SATISFIED IF *I HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN ON *TUESDAY.

*CHAWTON, *SUNDAY *SEPT: 8. *MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA *I HAVE BORNE THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR *LETTER TODAY EXTREMELY WELL ; ANYBODY MIGHT HAVE THOUGHT IT WAS GIVING ME PLEASURE. - *I AM VERY GLAD YOU FIND SO MUCH TO BE SATISFIED WITH AT *CHELTENHAM. *WHILE THE *WATERS AGREE, EVERYTHING ELSE IS TRIFLING. - *A LETTER ARRIVED FOR YOU FROM *CHARLES LAST *THURSDAY. *THEY ARE ALL SAFE, & PRETTY WELL IN *KEPPEL *ST*, THE CHILDREN DECIDEDLY BETTER FOR *BROADSTAIRS, & HE WRITES PRINCIPALLY TO ASK WHEN IT WILL BE CONVENIENT TO US TO RECEIVE *MISS *P. - THE LITTLE GIRLS & HIMSELF. - *THEY WD* BE READY TO SET OFF IN TEN DAYS FROM THE TIME OF HIS WRITING, TO PAY THEIR VISITS IN *HAMPSHIRE & *BERKSHIRE - & HE WOULD PREFER COMING TO *CHAWTON FIRST. *I HAVE ANSWERED HIM & SAID, THAT WE HOPED IT MIGHT SUIT THEM TO WAIT TILL THE $LAST$ WEEK IN *SEPTR*, AS WE COULD NOT ASK THEM SOONER, EITHER ON YOUR ACCOUNT, OR THE WANT OF ROOM. *I MENTIONED THE 23D*, AS THE PROBABLE DAY OF YOUR RETURN. - *WHEN YOU HAVE ONCE LEFT *CHELTENHAM, *I SHALL GRUDGE EVERY HALF DAY WASTED ON THE ROAD. *IF THERE WERE BUT A COACH FROM *HUNGERFORD TO *CHAWTON ! - *I HAVE DESIRED HIM TO LET ME HEAR AGAIN SOON. - *HE DOES NOT INCLUDE A *MAID IN THE LIST TO BE ACCOMODATED, BUT IF THEY BRING ONE, AS *I SUPPOSE THEY WILL, WE SHALL HAVE NO BED IN THE HOUSE EVEN THEN FOR *CHARLES HIMSELF - LET ALONE *HENRY - . *BUT WHAT CAN WE DO ? - *WE SHALL HAVE THE *GT* *HOUSE QUITE AT OUR

COMMAND ; - IT IS TO BE CLEARED OF THE *PAPILLONS' *SERVANTS IN A DAY OR TWO ; - THEY THEMSELVES HAVE BEEN HURRIED OFF INTO *ESSEX TO TAKE POSSESSION - NOT OF A LARGE *ESTATE LEFT THEM BY AN *UNCLE - BUT TO SCRAPE TOGETHER ALL THEY CAN *I SUPPOSE OF THE EFFECTS OF A *MRS. *RAWSTORN A RICH OLD FRIEND & COUSIN, SUDDENLY DECEASED, TO WHOM THEY ARE JOINT *EXECUTORS. *SO, THERE IS A HAPPY END OF THE *KENTISH *PAPILLONS COMING HERE. *NO MORNING SERVICE TODAY, WHEREFORE *I AM WRITING BETWEEN 12 & 1 O'CLOCK. - *MR. *BENN IN THE AFTERNOON - & LIKEWISE MORE RAIN AGAIN, BY THE LOOK & THE SOUND OF THINGS. *YOU LEFT US IN DOUBT OF *MRS. *BENN'S SITUATION, BUT SHE HAS BESPOKE HER *NURSE. - *MRS. *F. *A. SELDOM EITHER LOOKS OR APPEARS QUITE WELL. - *LITTLE *EMBRYO IS TROUBLESOME *I SUPPOSE. - *THEY DINED WITH US YESTER+ DAY/, & HAD FINE WEATHER BOTH FOR COMING & GOING HOME, WHICH HAS HARDLY EVER HAPPENED TO THEM BEFORE. - *SHE IS STILL UNPROVIDED WITH A *HOUSEMAID. - *OUR DAY AT *ALTON WAS VERY PLEASANT - *VENISON QUITE RIGHT - *CHILDREN WELL-BEHAVED - & *MR. & *MRS. *DIGWEED TAKING KINDLY TO OUR *CHARADES, & OTHER *GAMES. - *I MUST ALSO OBSERVE, FOR HIS *MOTHER'S SATISFACTION, THAT *EDWARD AT MY SUGGESTION, DEVOTED HIMSELF VERY PROPERLY TO THE ENTERTAINMENT OF *MISS *S. *GIBSON. - *NOTHING WAS WANTING EXCEPT *MR. *SWENEY ; BUT HE ALAS ! HAD BEEN ORDERED AWAY TO *LONDON THE DAY BEFORE. - *WE HAD A BEAUTIFUL WALK HOME BY *MOON+ LIGHT/. - *THANK YOU, MY *BACK HAS GIVEN ME SCARCELY ANY PAIN FOR MANY DAYS. - *I HAVE AN IDEA THAT AGITA+ TION/ DOES IT AS MUCH HARM AS FATIGUE, & THAT *I WAS ILL AT THE TIME OF YOUR GOING, FROM THE VERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF YOUR GOING. - *I AM NURSING MYSELF UP NOW INTO AS BEAUTIFUL A STATE AS *I CAN, BECAUSE *I HEAR THAT *DR.

*WHITE MEANS TO CALL ON ME BEFORE HE LEAVES THE *COUNTRY. - $*EVENG*$. - *FRANK & *MARY & THE *CHILDN* VISITED US THIS MORNG*. - *MR. & *MRS. *GIBSON ARE TO COME ON THE 23D* - & THERE IS TOO MUCH REASON TO FEAR THEY WILL STAY ABOVE A WEEK. - *LITTLE *GEORGE COULD TELL ME WHERE YOU WERE GONE TO, AS WELL AS WHAT YOU WERE TO BRING HIM, WHEN *I ASKED HIM THE OTHER DAY. - *SIR *THO: *MILLER IS DEAD. *I TREAT YOU WITH A DEAD *BARONET IN ALMOST EVERY *LETTER. - *SO, YOU HAVE *C. *CRAVEN AMONG YOU, AS WELL AS THE *DUKE OF *ORLEANS & *MR. *POCOCKE. *BUT IT MORTIFIES ME THAT $YOU$ HAVE NOT ADDED ONE TO THE STOCK OF COMMON ACQUAINTANCE. *DO PRAY MEET WITH SOMEBODY BELONGING TO YOURSELF. - *I AM QUITE WEARY OF YOUR KNOWING NOBODY. - *MRS. *DIGWEED PARTS WITH BOTH *HANNAH AND OLD *COOK, THE FORMER WILL NOT GIVE UP HER *LOVER, WHO IS A MAN OF BAD *CHARACTER, THE *LATTER IS GUILTY ONLY OF BEING UNEQUAL TO ANYTHING. - *MISS *TERRY WAS TO HAVE SPENT THIS WEEK WITH HER *SISTER, BUT AS USUAL IT IS PUT OFF. *MY AMIABLE FRIEND KNOWS THE VALUE OF HER COM+ PANY/. - *I HAVE NOT SEEN *ANNA SINCE THE DAY YOU LEFT US, HER *FATHER & *BROTHER VISITED HER MOST DAYS. - *EDWARD & *BEN CALLED HERE ON *THURSDAY. *EDWARD WAS IN HIS WAY TO *SELBORNE. *WE FOUND HIM VERY AGREABLE. *HE IS COME BACK FROM *FRANCE, THINKING OF THE *FRENCH AS ONE COULD WISH, DISAPPOINTED IN EVERYTHING. *HE DID NOT GO BEYOND *PARIS. - *I HAVE A LETTER FROM *MRS. *PERIGORD, SHE & HER *MOTHER ARE IN *LONDON AGAIN ; - SHE SPEAKS OF *FRANCE AS A SCENE OF GENERAL *POVERTY & *MISERY, - NO *MONEY, NO *TRADE - NOTHING TO BE GOT BUT BY THE *INNKEEPERS - & AS TO HER OWN PRESENT PROSPECTS, SHE IS NOT MUCH LESS MELANCHOLY THAN BEFORE. - *I HAVE ALSO A LETTER FROM *MISS *SHARP, QUITE ONE OF HER *LETTERS ;

- SHE HAS BEEN AGAIN OBLIGED TO EXERT HERSELF - MORE THAN EVER - IN A MORE DISTRESSING, MORE HARRASSED STATE - & HAS MET WITH ANOTHER EXCELLENT OLD *PHYSICIAN & HIS WIFE, WITH EVERY VIRTUE UNDER *HEAVEN, WHO TAKES TO HER & CURES HER FROM PURE *LOVE & *BENEVOLENCE. - *DR. & *MRS. *STORER ARE $THEIR$ *MRS. & *MISS *PALMER - FOR THEY ARE AT *BRIDLINGTON. *I AM HAPPY TO SAY HOWEVER THAT THE SUM OF THE ACCOUNT IS BETTER THAN USUAL. *SIR *WILLIAM IS RETURNED ; FROM *BRIDLINGTON THEY GO TO *CHEVET, & SHE $IS$ TO HAVE A *YOUNG *GOVERNESS UNDER HER. - *I ENJOYED *EDWARD'S COMPANY VERY MUCH, AS *I SAID BEFORE, & YET *I WAS NOT SORRY WHEN FRIDAY CAME. *IT HAD BEEN A BUSY WEEK, & *I WANTED A FEW DAYS QUIET, & EXEMPTION FROM THE *THOUGHT & CONTRIVANCES WHICH ANY SORT OF COMPANY GIVES. - *I OFTEN WONDER HOW $YOU$ CAN FIND TIME FOR WHAT YOU DO, IN ADDITION TO THE CARE OF THE *HOUSE ; - AND HOW GOOD *MRS. *WEST CD* HAVE WRITTEN SUCH *BOOKS & COLLECTED SO MANY HARD WORDS, WITH ALL HER FAMILY CARES, IS STILL MORE A MATTER OF ASTONISHMENT ! *COMPOSITION SEEMS TO ME *IMPOSSIBLE, WITH A HEAD FULL OF *JOINTS OF *MUTTON & DOSES OF RHUBARB. - $*MONDAY$. *HERE IS A SAD MORNG*. - *I FEAR YOU MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET TO THE *PUMP. *THE TWO LAST DAYS WERE VERY PLEASANT. - *I ENJOYED THEM THE MORE FOR YOUR SAKE. - *BUT TODAY, IT IS REALLY BAD ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU ALL CROSS. - *I HOPE *MARY WILL CHANGE HER *LODGINGS AT THE FORTNIGHT'S END ; *I AM SURE, IF YOU LOOKED ABOUT WELL, YOU WOULD FIND OTHERS IN SOME ODD CORNER, TO SUIT YOU BETTER. *MRS. *POTTER CHARGES FOR THE $NAME$ OF THE *HIGH *ST*. - *SUCCESS TO THE *PIANOFORTE ! *I TRUST IT WILL DRIVE YOU AWAY. - *WE HEAR NOW THAT THERE IS TO BE $NO *HONEY$ THIS YEAR. *BAD NEWS FOR US. - *WE MUST HUSBAND OUR PRESENT STOCK OF *MEAD ;

- & *I AM SORRY TO PERCEIVE THAT OUR 20 *GAL: IS VERY NEARLY OUT. - *I CANNOT COMPREHEND HOW THE 14 *GAL: CD* LAST SO LONG. - *WE DO NOT MUCH LIKE *MR. *COOPER'S NEW *SERMONS ; - THEY ARE FULLER OF *REGENERATION & *CONVERSION THAN EVER - WITH THE ADDITION OF HIS ZEAL IN THE CAUSE OF THE *BIBLE *SOCIETY. - *MARTHA'S LOVE TO *MARY & *CAROLINE, & SHE IS EXTREMELY GLAD TO FIND THEY LIKE THE *PELISSE. - *THE *DEBARYS ARE INDEED ODIOUS ! - *WE ARE TO SEE MY *BROTHER TOMORROW, BUT FOR ONLY ONE NIGHT. - *I HAD NO IDEA THAT HE WOULD CARE FOR THE *RACES, $WITHOUT$ *EDWARD. - *REMEMBER ME TO ALL. *YOURS VERY AFFEC:LY** *J. *AUSTEN *CHAWTON, *MONDAY *DEC: 16. *MY DEAR *EDWARD *ONE REASON FOR MY WRITING TO YOU NOW, IS THAT *I MAY HAVE THE PLEASURE OF DIRECTING TO YOU $*ESQRE**$. - *I GIVE YOU *JOY OF HAVING LEFT *WINCHESTER. - *NOW YOU MAY OWN, HOW MISERABLE YOU WERE THERE ; NOW, IT WILL GRADUALLY ALL COME OUT - YOUR *CRIMES & YOUR *MISERIES - HOW OFTEN YOU WENT UP BY THE *MAIL TO *LONDON & THREW AWAY *FIFTY *GUINEAS AT A *TAVERN, & HOW OFTEN YOU WERE ON THE POINT OF HANGING YOURSELF - RESTRAINED ONLY, AS SOME ILLNATURED ASPERSION UPON POOR OLD

*WINTON HAS IT, BY THE WANT OF A *TREE WITHIN SOME MILES OF THE *CITY. - *CHARLES *KNIGHT & HIS COMPANIONS PASSED THROUGH *CHAWTON ABOUT 9 THIS MORNING ; LATER THAN IT USED TO BE. *UNCLE *HENRY AND *I HAD A GLIMPSE OF HIS HANDSOME FACE, LOOKING ALL HEALTH & GOOD-+ HUMOUR/. - *I WONDER WHEN YOU WILL COME & SEE US. *I KNOW WHAT *I RATHER SPECULATE UPON, BUT *I SHALL SAY NOTHING. - *WE THINK *UNCLE *HENRY IN EXCELLENT *LOOKS. *LOOK AT HIM THIS MOMENT & THINK SO TOO, IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE IT BEFORE ; & WE HAVE THE GREAT COMFORT OF SEEING DECIDED IMPROVEMENT IN *UNCLE *CHARLES, BOTH AS TO *HEALTH, *SPIRITS & *APPEARANCE. - *AND THEY ARE EACH OF THEM SO AGREABLE IN THEIR DIFFERENT WAY, & HAR+ MONIZE/ SO WELL, THAT THEIR VISIT IS THOROUGH ENJOY+ MENT/. - *UNCLE *HENRY WRITES VERY SUPERIOR *SERMONS. - *YOU AND *I MUST TRY TO GET HOLD OF ONE OR TWO, & PUT THEM INTO OUR *NOVELS ; - IT WOULD BE A FINE HELP TO A VOLUME; & WE COULD MAKE OUR *HEROINE READ IT ALOUD OF A *SUNDAY *EVENING, JUST AS WELL AS *ISABELLA *WARDOUR IN THE *ANTIQUARY, IS MADE TO READ THE *HISTORY OF THE *HARTZ *DEMON IN THE RUINS OF *ST. *RUTH - THOUGH *I BELEIVE, UPON RECOLLECTION, *LOVELL IS THE *READER. - *BY THE BYE, MY DEAR *EDWARD, *I AM QUITE CONCERNED FOR THE LOSS YOUR *MOTHER MENTIONS IN HER *LETTER ; TWO *CHAPTERS & A HALF TO BE MISSING IS MON+ STROUS/ ! *IT IS WELL THAT *I HAVE NOT BEEN AT *STEVENTON LATELY, & THEREFORE CANNOT BE SUSPECTED OF PURLOINING THEM ; - TWO STRONG TWIGS & A HALF TOWARDS A *NEST OF MY OWN, WOULD HAVE BEEN SOMETHING, - *I DO NOT THINK HOWEVER THAT ANY THEFT OF THAT SORT WOULD BE REALLY VERY USEFUL TO ME. *WHAT SHOULD *I DO WITH YOUR STRONG, MANLY, SPIRITED *SKETCHES, FULL OF *VARIETY AND

*GLOW ? - *HOW COULD *I POSSIBLY JOIN THEM ON TO THE LITTLE BIT (TWO *INCHES WIDE) OF *IVORY ON WHICH *I WORK WITH SO FINE A *BRUSH, AS PRODUCES LITTLE EFFECT AFTER MUCH LABOUR ? *YOU WILL HEAR FROM UNCLE *HENRY HOW WELL *ANNA IS. *SHE SEEMS PERFECTLY RECOVERED. - *BEN WAS HERE ON *SATURDAY, TO ASK *UNCLE *CHARLES & ME TO DINE WITH THEM, AS TOMORROW, BUT *I WAS FORCED TO DECLINE IT, THE WALK IS BEYOND MY STRENGTH (THOUGH *I AM OTHERWISE VERY WELL) & THIS IS NOT A *SEASON FOR *DONKEY *CARRIAGES ; & AS WE DO NOT LIKE TO SPARE *UNCLE *CHARLES, HE HAS DECLINED IT TOO. - *TUESDAY. - *AH, HA ! - *MR* *EDWARD, *I DOUBT YOUR SEEING *UNCLE *HENRY AT *STEVENTON TODAY. *THE WEATHER WILL PREVENT YOUR EXPECTING HIM *I THINK. - *TELL YOUR *FATHER, WITH *AUNT *CASS:'S *LOVE & MINE, THAT THE *PICKLED *CUCUMBERS ARE EXTREMELY GOOD, & TELL HIM ALSO - " TELL HIM WHAT YOU WILL " ; *NO, DO'NT TELL HIM WHAT YOU WILL, BUT TELL HIM THAT *GRANDMAMA BEGS HIM TO MAKE *JOSEPH *HALL PAY HIS *RENT IF HE CAN. *YOU MUST NOT BE TIRED OF READING THE WORD $*UNCLE$, FOR *I HAVE NOT DONE WITH IT. *UNCLE *CHARLES THANKS YOUR *MOTHER FOR HER *LETTER ; IT WAS A GREAT PLEASURE TO HIM TO KNOW THE PARCEL WAS RECEIVED & GAVE SO MUCH SATISFACTION ; & HE BEGS HER TO BE SO GOOD AS TO GIVE $*THREE *SHILLINGS$ FOR HIM TO *DA[ME] *STAPLES, WHICH SHALL BE ALLOWED FOR IN THE PAYMENT OF HER DEBT HERE. - *I AM HAPPY TO TELL YOU THAT *MR. *PAPILLON WILL SOON MAKE HIS OFFER, PROBABLY NEXT *MONDAY, AS HE RETURNS ON *SATURDAY. - *HIS $INTENTION$ CAN BE NO LONGER DOUBTFUL IN THE SMALLEST DEGREE, AS HE HAS SECURED THE REFUSAL OF THE *HOUSE WHICH *MRS** *BAVERSTOCK AT PRESENT OCCUPIES

IN *CHAWTON & IS TO VACATE SOON, WHICH IS OF COURSE INTENDED FOR *MRS** *ELIZTH** *PAPILLON. - *ADEIU *AMIABLE ! - *I HOPE *CAROLINE BEHAVES WELL TO YOU *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *MY DEAR *ANNA *YOUR *GRANDMAMA IS $VERY$ MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR THE *TURKEY, BUT CANNOT HELP GRIEVING THAT YOU SHOULD NOT KEEP IT FOR YOURSELVES. *SUCH *HIGHMINDEDNESS IS ALMOST MORE THAN SHE CAN BEAR. - *SHE WILL BE VERY GLAD OF BETTER WEATHER THAT SHE MAY SEE YOU AGAIN & SO WE SHALL ALL. *YOURS AFFECATELY***** *THURSDAY. *J. *AUSTEN ((*YM RAED *YSSAC *I HSIW UOY A YPPAH WEN RAEY. *RUOY XIS SNISUOC EMAC EREH YADRETSEY, DNA DAH HCAE A ECEIP FO EKAC.

*SIHT SI ELTTIL *YSSAC'S YADHTRIB, DNA EHS SI EERHT SRAEY DLO. *KNARF SAH NUGEB GNINRAEL *NITAL. *EW DEEF EHT *NIBOR YREVE GNINROM. - *YLLAS NETFO SERIUQNE RETFA UOY. *YLLAS *MAHNEB SAH TOG A WEN NEERG NWOG. *TEIRRAH *THGINK SEMOC YREVE YAD OT DAER OT *TNUA *ARDNASSAC. - *DOOG EYB YM RAED *YSSAC. - *TNUA *ARDNASSAC SDNES REH TSEB EVOL, DNA OS EW OD LLA. *RUOY *ETANOITCEFFA *TNUA *NOTWAHC, *NAJ . 8. *ENAI *NETSUA)) *CHAWTON *THURSDAY *JAN: 23. 1817 *MY DEAR *CAROLINE *I AM ALWAYS VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR WRITING TO ME, & HAVE NOW *I BELEIVE TWO OR THREE *NOTES TO THANK YOU FOR ; BUT WHATEVER MAY BE THEIR *NUMBER, *I MEAN TO HAVE THIS *LETTER ACCEPTED AS A HANDSOME RETURN FOR ALL, FOR YOU SEE *I HAVE TAKEN A COMPLETE, WHOLE SHEET OF *PAPER, WHICH IS TO ENTITLE ME TO CON+ SIDER/ IT AS A VERY LONG *LETTER WHETHER *I WRITE MUCH OR LITTLE. - *WE WERE QUITE HAPPY TO SEE *EDWARD, IT WAS AN UNEXPECTED PLEASURE, & HE MAKES HIMSELF AS AGRE+ ABLE/ AS EVER, SITTING IN SUCH A QUIET COMFORTABLE WAY MAKING HIS DELIGHTFUL LITTLE *SKETCHES. - *HE IS GENERALLY THOUGHT GROWN SINCE HE WAS HERE LAST, & RATHER *THINNER, BUT IN VERY GOOD *LOOKS. - *WE HAVE USED *ANNA AS ILL AS WE COULD, BY NOT LETTING HIM LEAVE US BEFORE TOMORROW MORNING, BUT IT IS A *VILE *WORLD, WE

ARE ALL FOR *SELF & *I EXPECTED NO BETTER FROM ANY OF US. - *BUT THOUGH $*BETTER$ IS NOT TO BE EXPECTED, $*BUTTER$ MAY, AT LEAST FROM *MRS** *CLEMENT'S *COW, FOR SHE HAS SOLD HER *CALF. - *EDWARD WILL TELL YOU OF THE *GRAND *EVENING *PARTY HE HAS COME IN FOR. *WE WERE PROUD TO HAVE A YOUNG *MAN TO ACCOMPANY US, & HE ACQUITTED HIMSELF TO ADMIRATION IN EVERY PARTICULAR EXCEPT SELLING HIS *DEALS AT *VINGT-UN. - *HE READ HIS TWO *CHAPTERS TO US THE FIRST *EVENING ; - BOTH GOOD - BUT ESPECIALLY THE LAST IN OUR OPINION. *WE THINK IT HAS MORE OF THE *SPIRIT & *ENTERTAINMENT OF THE EARLY PART OF HIS *WORK, THE FIRST 3 OR 4 *CHAPTERS, THAN SOME OF THE SUBSEQUENT. - *MR* *REEVES IS CHARMING - & *MR* *MOUN+ TAIN/ - & *MR* *FAIRFAX - & ALL THEIR DAY'S SPORT. - *AND THE INTRODUCTION OF *EMMA *GORDON IS VERY AMUSING. - *I CERTAINLY $DO$ ALTOGETHER LIKE THIS SET OF *PEOPLE BETTER THAN THOSE AT *CULVER *COURT. *YOUR *ANNE IS DREADFUL. *BUT NOTHING OFFENDS ME SO MUCH AS THE ABSURDITY OF NOT BEING ABLE TO PRONOUNCE THE WORD $*SHIFT$. *I COULD FORGIVE HER ANY FOLLIES IN *ENGLISH, RATHER THAN THE *MOCK *MODESTY OF THAT FRENCH WORD. *SHE SHOULD NOT ONLY PLACE HER *QUILT IN THE *CENTRE, BUT GIVE IT'S *LATITUDE & *LONGITUDE, & MEASURE ITS *DIMENSIONS BY A *LUNAR *OBSERVATION IF SHE CHOSE. - *COOK & *SALLY SEEM VERY PROPERLY PLEASED BY YOUR REMEMBRANCE, & DESIRE THEIR *DUTY & *THANKS. *SALLY HAS GOT A NEW RED *CLOAK, WHICH ADDS MUCH TO HER HAPPINESS, IN OTHER RESPECTS SHE IS UNALTERED, AS CIVIL & WELL MEANING & TALKATIVE AS EVER. - *ONLY THINK OF YOUR LOST *DORMOUSE BEING BROUGHT BACK TO YOU ! - *I WAS QUITE ASTONISHED. - *NO TIME IS FIXED FOR *CASSY'S RETURN, BUT $*MARCH$ HAS ALWAYS BEEN HER MONTH HITHERTO FOR COMING DOWN. *AUNT *CASS: - HAD A LETTER FROM HER

VERY LATELY, EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN IN A LARGE HAND, BUT AS YOU MAY SUPPOSE CONTAINING LITTLE BEYOND HER HOPE OF EVERY BODY'S BEING WELL AT *CHAWTON, & *HARRIET & *FANNY'S LOVE. *UNCLE *CHARLES, *I AM SORRY TO SAY, HAS BEEN SUFFERING FROM *RHEUMATISM, & NOW HE HAS GOT A GREAT ERUPTION IN HIS FACE & NECK - WHICH IS TO DO HIM GOOD HOWEVER - BUT HE HAS A SAD TURN FOR BEING UNWELL. - $*I$ FEEL MYSELF GETTING STRONGER THAN *I WAS HALF A YEAR AGO, & CAN SO PERFECTLY WELL WALK TO *ALTON, $OR$ BACK AGAIN, WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST FATIGUE THAT *I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO DO BOTH WHEN *SUMMER COMES. - *I SPENT TWO OR THREE DAYS WITH YOUR *UNCLE & *AUNT LATELY, & THOUGH THE *CHILDREN ARE SOMETIMES VERY NOISY & NOT UNDER SUCH *ORDER AS THEY OUGHT & EASILY MIGHT, *I CANNOT HELP LIKING THEM & EVEN LOVING THEM, WHICH *I HOPE MAY BE NOT WHOLLY INEXCUSABLE IN THEIR & [YOUR AFFECTIONATE *AUNT, *J. *AUSTEN] *THE *PIANO *FORTE OFTEN TALKS OF YOU ; - IN VARIOUS KEYS, TUNES, & EXPRESSIONS *I ALLOW - BUT BE IT *LESSON OR *COUNTRY *DANCE, *SONATA OR *WALTZ, $YOU$ ARE REALLY IT'S CONSTANT *THEME. *I WISH YOU CD* COME AND SEE US, AS EASILY AS *EDWARD CAN. *YOU SEND ME GREAT *NEWS INDEED MY DEAR *CAROLINE, ABOUT *MR* *DIGWEED *MR* *TRIMMER, & A *GRAND *PIANO *FORTE. *I WISH IT HAD BEEN A SMALL ONE, AS THEN YOU

MIGHT HAVE PRETENDED THAT *MR* *D.'S ROOMS WERE TOO DAMP TO BE FIT FOR IT, & OFFERED TO TAKE CHARGE OF IT AT THE *PARSONAGE. - *I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF *CAROLINE *WIGGETTS BEING SO ILL. *MRS** *CHUTE *I SUPPOSE WOULD ALMOST FEEL LIKE A *MOTHER IN LOSING HER. - *WE HAVE BUT A POOR ACCOUNT OF YOUR *UNCLE *CHARLES 2D* *GIRL ; THERE IS AN IDEA NOW OF HER HAVING *WATER IN HER HEAD. *THE OTHERS ARE WELL. - *WILLIAM WAS MISTAKEN WHEN HE TOLD YOUR *MAMA WE DID NOT MEAN TO MOURN FOR *MRS** *MOTLEY *AUSTEN. *LIVING HERE WE THOUGHT IT NECESSARY TO ARRAY OURSELVES IN OUR OLD *BLACK *GOWNS, BECAUSE THERE IS A LINE OF *CONNECTION WITH THE FAMILY THROUGH THE *PROWTINGS & *HARRISONS OF *SOUTHAMPTON. - *I LOOK FOR+ WARD/ TO THE 4 NEW *CHAPTERS WITH PLEASURE. - *BUT HOW CAN YOU LIKE *FREDERICK BETTER THAN *EDGAR - *YOU HAVE SOME ECCENTRIC *TASTES HOWEVER *I KNOW, AS TO *HEROES & *HEROINES. - *GOOD BYE. *YRS** AFFECLY** *WED : *NIGHT . *J. *AUSTEN *CHAWTON *JANY* 24 - 1817 *MY DEAR *ALETHEA *I THINK IT TIME THERE SHOULD BE A LITTLE WRITING BETWEEN US, THOUGH *I BELIEVE THE EPISTOLARY DEBT IS ON $YOUR$ SIDE, AND *I HOPE THIS WILL FIND ALL THE *STREATHAM PARTY WELL, NEITHER CARRIED AWAY BY THE FLOOD, NOR RHEUMATIC THROUGH THE DAMPS. *SUCH MILD WEATHER IS,

YOU KNOW, DELIGHTFUL TO US, AND THOUGH WE HAVE A GREAT MANY PONDS, AND A FINE RUNNING STREAM THROUGH THE MEADOWS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, IT IS NOTHING BUT WHAT BEAUTIFIES US AND DOES TO TALK OF. *WE ARE ALL IN GOOD HEALTH & *I HAVE CERTAINLY GAINED STRENGTH THROUGH THE WINTER AND AM NOT FAR FROM BEING WELL ; AND *I THINK *I UNDERSTAND MY OWN CASE NOW SO MUCH BETTER THAN *I DID, AS TO BE ABLE BY CARE TO KEEP OFF ANY SERIOUS RETURN OF ILLNESS. *I AM MORE & MORE CONVINCED THAT $BILE$ IS AT THE BOTTOM OF ALL *I HAVE SUFFERED, WHICH MAKES IT EASY TO KNOW HOW TO TREAT MYSELF. *YOU WILL BE GLAD TO HEAR THUS MUCH OF ME, *I AM SURE AS *I SHALL IN RETURN BE VERY GLAD TO HEAR THAT YOUR HEALTH HAS BEEN GOOD LATELY. *WE HAVE JUST HAD A FEW DAYS' VISIT FROM *EDWARD, WHO BROUGHT US A GOOD ACCOUNT OF HIS FATHER, AND THE VERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF HIS COMING AT ALL, OF HIS FATHER'S BEING ABLE TO SPARE HIM, IS ITSELF A GOOD ACCOUNT. *HE IS GONE TO SPEND THIS DAY AT *WYARDS & GOES HOME TO-MORROW. *HE GROWS STILL, AND STILL IMPROVES IN APPEARANCE, AT LEAST IN THE ESTIMATION OF HIS AUNTS, WHO LOVE HIM BETTER AND BETTER, AS THEY SEE THE SWEET TEMPER AND WARM AFFECTIONS OF THE BOY CONFIRMED IN THE YOUNG MAN : *I TRIED HARD TO PERSUADE HIM THAT HE MUST HAVE SOME MESSAGE FOR *WILLIAM, BUT IN VAIN. *ANNA HAS NOT BEEN SO WELL OR SO STRONG OR LOOKING SO MUCH LIKE HERSELF SINCE HER MARRIAGE AS SHE IS NOW ; SHE IS QUITE EQUAL TO WALKING TO *CHAWTON, & COMES OVER TO US WHEN SHE CAN, BUT THE RAIN & DIRT DIVIDE US A GOOD DEAL. *HER GRANDMAMA SHE CAN ONLY SEE AT *CHAWTON AS THIS IS NOT A TIME OF YEAR FOR DONKEY-CARRIAGES, AND OUR DONKEYS ARE NECESSARILY HAVING SO LONG A RUN OF LUXURIOUS IDLE+ NESS/ THAT *I SUPPOSE WE SHALL FIND THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN

MUCH OF THEIR EDUCATION WHEN WE USE THEM AGAIN. *WE DO NOT USE TWO AT ONCE HOWEVER ; DON'T IMAGINE SUCH EXCESSES. *ANNA'S ELDEST CHILD JUST NOW RUNS ALONE, WHICH IS A GREAT CONVENIENCE WITH A SECOND IN ARMS, & THEY ARE BOTH HEALTHY NICE CHILDREN - *I WISH THEIR *FATHER WERE ORDAINED & ALL THE FAMILY SETTLED IN A COMFORTABLE *PARSONAGE HOUSE. *THE *CURACY ONLY IS WANTING *I FANCY TO COMPLETE THE BUSINESS. *OUR OWN NEW CLERGYMAN IS EXPECTED HERE VERY SOON, PERHAPS IN TIME TO ASSIST *MR. *PAPILLON ON *SUNDAY. *I SHALL BE VERY GLAD WHEN THE FIRST HEARING IS OVER. *IT WILL BE A NERVOUS HOUR FOR OUR PEW, THOUGH WE HEAR THAT HE ACQUITS HIMSELF WITH AS MUCH EASE AND COLLECTEDNESS, AS IF HE HAD BEEN USED TO IT ALL HIS LIFE. *WE HAVE NO CHANCE WE KNOW OF SEEING YOU BETWEEN *STREATHAM AND *WINCHESTER : YOU GO THE OTHER ROAD AND ARE ENGAGED TO TWO OR THREE HOUSES ; IF THERE SHOULD BE ANY CHANGE, HOWEVER, YOU KNOW HOW WELCOME YOU WOULD BE. *EDWARD MENTIONED ONE CIRCUMSTANCE CONCERNING YOU MY DEAR *ALETHEA, WHICH *I MUST CONFESS HAS GIVEN ME CONSIDERABLE ASTONISHMENT & SOME ALARM - YOUR HAV+ ING/ LEFT YOUR BEST GOWN AT *STEVENTON. *SURELY IF YOU DO NOT WANT IT AT *STREATHAM, YOU WILL BE SPENDING A FEW DAYS WITH *MRS** *G. *FRERE, & MUST WANT IT THERE. *I WOULD LAY ANY WAGER THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SORRY YOU LEFT IT. *WE HAVE BEEN READING THE " *POET'S *PILGRIMAGE TO *WATERLOO," AND GENERALLY WITH MUCH APPROBATION. *NOTHING WILL PLEASE ALL THE WORLD, YOU KNOW ; BUT PARTS OF IT SUIT ME BETTER THAN MUCH THAT HE HAS WRITTEN BEFORE. *THE OPENING - $THE PROEM$ *I BELIEVE HE CALLS IT - IS VERY BEAUTIFUL. *POOR MAN ! ONE CANNOT BUT GRIEVE FOR THE LOSS OF THE SON SO FONDLY DESCRIBED. *HAS HE AT ALL RECOVERED IT ? *WHAT DO *MR. AND *MRS.

*HILL KNOW ABOUT HIS PRESENT STATE ? *I HEAR FROM MORE THAN ONE QUARTER THAT *MISS *WILLIAMS IS REALLY BETTER, & *I AM VERY GLAD, ESPECIALLY AS *CHARLOTTE'S BEING BETTER ALSO MUST *I THINK BE THE CONSEQUENCE OF IT. *I HOPE YOUR LETTERS FROM ABROAD ARE SATISFACTORY. *THEY WOULD NOT BE SATISFACTORY TO $ME$, *I CONFESS, UNLESS THEY BREATHED A STRONG SPIRIT OF REGRET FOR NOT BEING IN *ENGLAND. *KIND LOVE & GOOD WISHES FOR A HAPPY *NEW *YEAR TO YOU ALL, FROM ALL OUR FOUR HERE. *GIVE OUR LOVE TO THE LITTLE *BOYS, IF THEY CAN BE PER+ SUADED/ TO REMEMBER US. $*WE$ HAVE NOT AT ALL FORGOT *HERBERT'S & *ERROL'S FINE COUNTENANCES. *GEORGIANA IS VERY PRETTY *I DARESAY. *HOW DOES *EDWARD LIKE SCHOOL ? - *I SUPPOSE HIS HOLIDAYS ARE NOW OVER YET. *YOURS AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *THE REAL OBJECT OF THIS LETTER IS TO ASK YOU FOR A RECEIPT, BUT *I THOUGHT IT GENTEEL NOT TO LET IT APPEAR EARLY. *WE REMEMBER SOME EXCELLENT ORANGE WINE AT *MANYDOWN, MADE FROM *SEVILLE ORANGES, ENTIRELY OR CHIEFLY & SHOULD BE VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR THE RECEIPT, IF YOU CAN COMMAND IT WITHIN A FEW WEEKS.

*CHAWTON *FEB: 20 *MY DEAREST *FANNY, *YOU ARE INIMITABLE, IRRESISTABLE. *YOU ARE THE DELIGHT OF MY *LIFE. *SUCH *LETTERS, SUCH ENTERTAINING *LETTERS AS YOU HAVE LATELY SENT ! - *SUCH A DESCRIPTION OF YOUR QUEER LITTLE HEART ! - *SUCH A LOVELY DISPLAY OF WHAT *IMAGINATION DOES. - *YOU ARE WORTH YOUR WEIGHT IN *GOLD, OR EVEN IN THE NEW *SILVER *COINAGE. - *I CANNOT EXPRESS TO YOU WHAT *I HAVE FELT IN READING YOUR HISTORY OF YOURSELF, HOW FULL OF *PITY & *CONCERN & *ADMIRATION & *AMUSEMENT *I HAVE BEEN. *YOU ARE THE *PARAGON OF ALL THAT IS *SILLY & *SENSIBLE, COMMON-PLACE & ECCENTRIC, *SAD & *LIVELY, *PROVOKING & *INTERESTING. - *WHO CAN KEEP PACE WITH THE FLUCTUATIONS OF YOUR *FANCY, THE *CAPPRIZIOS OF YOUR *TASTE, THE *CONTRADICTIONS OF YOUR *FEELINGS ? - *YOU ARE SO ODD ! - & ALL THE TIME, SO PER+ FECTLY/ NATURAL - SO PECULIAR IN YOURSELF, & YET SO LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE ! - *IT IS VERY, VERY GRATIFYING TO ME TO KNOW YOU SO INTIMATELY. *YOU CAN HARDLY THINK WHAT A PLEASURE IT IS TO ME, TO HAVE SUCH THOROUGH PICTURES OF YOUR *HEART. - *OH ! WHAT A LOSS IT WILL BE WHEN

YOU ARE MARRIED. *YOU ARE TOO AGREABLE IN YOUR SINGLE STATE, TOO AGREABLE AS A *NEICE. *I SHALL HATE YOU WHEN YOUR DELICIOUS PLAY OF *MIND IS ALL SETTLED DOWN INTO CONJUGAL & MATERNAL AFFECTIONS. *MR. *J. *W. FRIGHTENS ME. - *HE WILL HAVE YOU. - *I SEE YOU AT THE *ALTAR. - *I HAVE $SOME$ FAITH IN *MRS. *C. *CAGE'S OBSERVATION, & STILL MORE IN *LIZZY'S ; & BESIDES, *I KNOW IT $MUST$ BE SO. *HE MUST BE WISHING TO ATTACH YOU. *IT WOULD BE TOO STUPID & TOO SHAMEFUL IN HIM, TO BE OTHERWISE ; & ALL THE *FAMILY ARE SEEKING YOUR ACQUAIN+ TANCE/. - *DO NOT IMAGINE THAT *I HAVE ANY REAL OBJECTION, *I HAVE RATHER TAKEN A FANCY TO HIM THAN NOT, & *I LIKE *CHILHAM *CASTLE FOR YOU ; - *I ONLY DO NOT LIKE YOU SHD* MARRY ANYBODY. *AND YET *I DO WISH YOU TO MARRY VERY MUCH, BECAUSE *I KNOW YOU WILL NEVER BE HAPPY TILL YOU ARE ; BUT THE LOSS OF A *FANNY *KNIGHT WILL BE NEVER MADE UP TO ME ; *MY " AFFEC: *NEICE *F. *C. *WILD+ MAN/ " WILL BE BUT A POOR *SUBSTITUTE. *I DO NOT LIKE YOUR BEING NERVOUS & SO APT TO CRY : - IT IS A SIGN YOU ARE NOT QUITE WELL, BUT *I HOPE *MR. *SCUD - AS YOU ALWAYS WRITE HIS NAME, (YOUR *MR. $*SCUDS:$ AMUSE ME VERY MUCH) WILL DO YOU GOOD. - *WHAT A COMFORT THAT *CASSANDRA SHOULD BE SO RECOVERED ! - *IT IS MORE THAN WE HAD EXPECTED. - *I CAN EASILY BELEIVE SHE WAS VERY PATIENT & VERY GOOD. *I ALWAYS LOVED *CASSANDRA, FOR HER FINE DARK EYES & SWEET TEMPER. - *I AM ALMOST ENTIRELY CURED OF MY RHEUMATISM ; JUST A LITTLE PAIN IN MY KNEE NOW AND THEN, TO MAKE ME REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS, & KEEP ON FLANNEL. - *AUNT *CASSANDRA NURSED ME SO BEAUTI+ FULLY/ ! - *I ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO *GOODNESTONE, IT MUST BE A GREAT PLEASURE TO YOU, *YOU HAVE NOT SEEN *FANNY *CAGE IN ANY COMFORT SO LONG. *I HOPE SHE REPRESENTS & REMONSTRATES & REASONS WITH YOU, PROPERLY. *WHY

SHOULD YOU BE LIVING IN DREAD OF HIS MARRYING SOME+ BODY/ ELSE ? - (*YET, HOW NATURAL !) - *YOU DID NOT CHUSE TO HAVE HIM YOURSELF ; WHY NOT ALLOW HIM TO TAKE COMFORT WHERE HE CAN ? - *IN YOUR CONSCIENCE YOU $KNOW$ THAT HE COULD NOT BEAR A COMPARISON WITH A MORE ANIMATED *CHARACTER. - *YOU CANNOT FORGET HOW YOU FELT UNDER THE IDEA OF IT'S HAVING BEEN POSSIBLE THAT HE MIGHT HAVE DINED IN *HANS *PLACE. - *MY DEAREST *FANNY, *I CANNOT BEAR YOU SHOULD BE UNHAPPY ABOUT HIM. *THINK OF HIS *PRINCIPLES, THINK OF HIS *FATHER'S OBJECTION, OF WANT OF *MONEY, OF A COARSE *MOTHER, OF *BROTHERS & *SISTERS LIKE *HORSES, OF SHEETS SEWN ACROSS &C. - *BUT *I AM DOING NO GOOD - NO, ALL THAT *I URGE AGAINST HIM WILL RATHER MAKE YOU TAKE HIS PART MORE, SWEET PERVERSE *FANNY. - *AND NOW *I WILL TELL YOU THAT WE LIKE YOUR *HENRY TO THE UTMOST, TO THE VERY TOP OF THE *GLASS, QUITE BRIMFUL. - *HE IS A VERY PLEASING YOUNG *MAN. *I DO NOT SEE HOW HE COULD BE MENDED. *HE DOES REALLY BID FAIR TO BE EVERYTHING HIS *FATHER AND *SISTER COULD WISH ; AND *WILLIAM *I LOVE VERY MUCH INDEED, & SO WE DO ALL, HE IS QUITE OUR OWN *WILLIAM. *IN SHORT WE ARE VERY COMFORTABLE TOGETHER - THAT IS, WE CAN ANSWER FOR $OURSELVES$. - *MRS. *DEEDES IS AS WELCOME AS *MAY, TO ALL OUR *BENEVOLENCE TO HER *SON ; WE ONLY LAMENTED THAT WE CD* NOT DO MORE, & THAT THE \50 NOTE WE SLIPT INTO HIS HAND AT PARTING WAS NECESSARILY THE *LIMIT OF OUR *OFFERING. - *GOOD *MRS. *DEEDES ! - *I HOPE SHE WILL GET THE BETTER OF THIS *MARIANNE, & THEN *I WD* RECOMMEND TO HER & *MR. *D. THE SIMPLE REGIMEN OF SEPARATE ROOMS. - *SCANDAL & *GOSSIP ; - YES *I DARE SAY YOU ARE WELL STOCKED ; BUT *I AM VERY FOND OF *MRS. *C. CAGE, FOR REASONS GOOD. *THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING HER PRAISE OF *EMMA &C. - *I HAVE CONTRIBUTED THE MARKING TO

*UNCLE *H.'S SHIRTS, & NOW THEY ARE A COMPLETE MEMORIAL OF THE TENDER REGARD OF MANY. - $*FRIDAY$. - *I HAD NO IDEA WHEN *I BEGAN THIS YESTERDAY, OF SENDING IT BEFORE YOUR *BR* WENT BACK, BUT *I HAVE WRITTEN AWAY MY FOOLISH THOUGHTS AT SUCH A RATE THAT *I WILL NOT KEEP THEM MANY HOURS LONGER TO STARE ME IN THE FACE. - *MUCH OBLIGED FOR THE $*QUADRILLES$, WHICH *I AM GROWN TO THINK PRETTY ENOUGH, THOUGH OF COURSE THEY ARE VERY INFERIOR TO THE *COTILLIONS OF MY OWN DAY. - *BEN & *ANNA WALKED HERE LAST *SUNDAY TO HEAR *UNCLE *HENRY, & SHE LOOKED SO PRETTY, IT WAS QUITE A PLEASURE TO SEE HER, SO YOUNG & SO BLOOMING & SO INNOCENT, AS IF SHE HAD NEVER HAD A WICKED *THOUGHT IN HER *LIFE - WHICH YET ONE HAS SOME REASON TO SUPPOSE SHE MUST HAVE HAD, IF WE BELIEVE THE *DOCTRINE OF ORIGINAL *SIN, OR IF WE REMEMBER THE EVENTS OF HER GIRLISH DAYS. - *I HOPE *LIZZY WILL HAVE HER *PLAY. *VERY KINDLY ARRANGED FOR HER. *HENRY IS GENERALLY THOUGHT VERY GOOD-LOOKING, BUT NOT SO HANDSOME AS *EDWARD. - *I THINK $*I$ PREFER HIS FACE. - *WM. IS IN EXCELLENT *LOOKS, HAS A FINE APPETITE & SEEMS PERFECTLY WELL. *YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT *BREAK-UP AT *GM* IN THE *SPRING, *YOU $MUST$ FEEL THEIR ALL GOING. *IT IS VERY RIGHT HOWEVER. *ONE SEES MANY GOOD CAUSES FOR IT. - *POOR *MISS *C. - I SHALL PITY HER, WHEN SHE BEGINS TO UNDERSTAND HERSELF. - *YOUR OBJECTION TO THE *QUADRILLES DELIGHTED ME EXCEEDINGLY. - *PRETTY WELL, FOR A *LADY IRRECOVERABLY ATTACHED TO $ONE$ *PERSON ! - *SWEET *FANNY, BELEIVE NO SUCH THING OF YOURSELF. - *SPREAD NO SUCH MALICIOUS SLANDER UPON YOUR *UNDERSTANDING, WITHIN THE *PRECINCTS OF YOUR *IMAGINA+ TION/. - *DO NOT SPEAK ILL OF YOUR *SENSE, MERELY FOR THE *GRATIFICATION OF YOUR *FANCY. - *YOURS IS *SENSE, WHICH DESERVES MORE HONOURABLE *TREATMENT. - *YOU ARE $NOT$

IN LOVE WITH HIM. *YOU NEVER HAVE BEEN REALLY IN LOVE WITH HIM. - *YRS** VERY AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *UNCLE *H. & MISS *LLOYD DINE AT *MR. *DIGWEED'S TODAY, WHICH LEAVES US THE POWER OF ASKING *UNCLE & *AUNT *F. - TO COME & MEET THEIR *NEPHEWS HERE. *CHAWTON, *THURSDAY *MARCH 13. *AS TO MAKING ANY ADEQUATE RETURN FOR SUCH A *LETTER AS YOURS MY DEAREST *FANNY, IT IS ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE ; IF *I WERE TO LABOUR AT IT ALL THE REST OF MY *LIFE & LIVE TO THE AGE OF *METHUSELAH, *I COULD NEVER ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING SO LONG & SO PERFECT ; BUT *I CANNOT LET *WILLIAM GO WITHOUT A FEW *LINES OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & REPLY. *I HAVE PRETTY WELL DONE WITH *MR. *WILDMAN. *BY YOUR DESCRIPTION HE CAN$NOT$ BE IN LOVE WITH YOU, HOWEVER HE MAY TRY AT IT, & *I COULD NOT WISH THE MATCH UNLESS THERE WERE A GREAT DEAL OF *LOVE ON HIS SIDE. *I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT *JEMIMA *BRANFILL. *WHAT DOES HER DANCING AWAY WITH SO MUCH SPIRIT,

MEAN ? THAT SHE DOES NOT CARE FOR HIM, OR ONLY WISHES TO $APPEAR$ NOT TO CARE FOR HIM ? - *WHO CAN UNDERSTAND A YOUNG *LADY ? - *POOR *MRS. *C. *MILLES, THAT SHE SHOULD DIE ON A WRONG DAY AT LAST, AFTER BEING ABOUT IT SO LONG ! - *IT WAS UNLUCKY THAT THE *GOODNESTONE *PARTY COULD NOT MEET YOU, & *I HOPE HER FRIENDLY, OBLIGING, SOCIAL *SPIRIT, WHICH DELIGHTED IN DRAWING *PEOPLE TOGETHER, WAS NOT CONSCIOUS OF THE DIVISION AND DISAP+ POINTMENT/ SHE WAS OCCASIONING. *I AM SORRY & SUR+ PRISED/ THAT YOU SPEAK OF HER AS HAVING LITTLE TO LEAVE, & MUST FEEL FOR *MISS *MILLES, THOUGH SHE $IS$ *MOLLY, IF A MATERIAL LOSS OF *INCOME IS TO ATTEND HER OTHER LOSS. - *SINGLE *WOMEN HAVE A DREADFUL PROPENSITY FOR BEING POOR - WHICH IS ONE VERY STRONG ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF *MATRIMONY, BUT *I NEED NOT DWELL ON SUCH ARGUMENTS WITH $YOU$, PRETTY *DEAR, YOU DO NOT WANT INCLINATION. - *WELL, *I SHALL SAY, AS *I HAVE OFTEN SAID BEFORE, *DO NOT BE IN A HURRY ; DEPEND UPON IT, THE RIGHT *MAN WILL COME AT LAST ; YOU WILL IN THE COURSE OF THE NEXT TWO OR THREE YEARS, MEET WITH SOMEBODY MORE GENERALLY UNEXCEP+ TIONABLE/ THAN ANYONE YOU HAVE YET KNOW, WHO WILL LOVE YOU AS WARMLY AS EVER $*HE$ DID, AND WHO WILL SO COMPLETELY ATTACH YOU, THAT YOU WILL FEEL YOU NEVER REALLY LOVED BEFORE. - *AND THEN, BY NOT BEGINNING THE BUSINESS OF *MOTHERING QUITE SO EARLY IN LIFE, YOU WILL BE YOUNG IN *CONSTITUTION, SPIRITS, FIGURE & COUNTENANCE, WHILE *MRS** WM* *HAMMOND IS GROWING OLD BY CONFINE+ MENTS/ & NURSING. *DO NONE OF THE *PLUMTRES EVER COME TO *BALLS NOW ? - *YOU HAVE NEVER MENTIONED THEM AS BEING AT ANY ? - *AND WHAT DO YOU HEAR OF THE *GIPPS OR OF *FANNY AND HER *HUSBAND ? - *MRS** *F. *A. IS TO BE CONFINED THE MIDDLE OF *APRIL, & IS BY NO MEANS REMARKABLY *LARGE FOR $HER$. - *AUNT *CASSANDRA WALKED

TO *WYARDS YESTERDAY WITH *MRS. *DIGWEED. *ANNA HAS HAD A BAD COLD, LOOKS PALE, & WE FEAR SOMETHING ELSE. *SHE HAS JUST WEANED *JULIA. - *HOW SOON, THE DIFFERENCE OF TEMPER IN *CHILDREN APPEARS ! - *JEMIMA HAS A VERY IRRITABLE BAD *TEMPER (HER *MOTHER SAYS SO) - AND *JULIA A VERY SWEET ONE, ALWAYS PLEASED & HAPPY. - *I HOPE AS *ANNA IS SO EARLY SENSIBLE OF IT'S DEFECTS, THAT SHE WILL GIVE *JEMIMA'S DISPOSITION THE EARLY & STEADY ATTEN+ TION/ IT MUST REQUIRE. - *I HAVE ALSO HEARD LATELY FROM YOUR *AUNT *HARRIOT, & CANNOT UNDERSTAND THEIR PLANS IN PARTING WITH *MISS *S - WHOM SHE SEEMS VERY MUCH TO VALUE, NOW THAT *HARRIOT & *ELEANOR ARE BOTH OF AN AGE FOR A *GOVERNESS TO BE SO USEFUL TO ; - ESPECIALLY AS WHEN *CAROLINE WAS SENT TO *SCHOOL SOME YEARS, $*MISS$ $*BELL$ WAS STILL RETAINED, THOUGH THE OTHERS WERE THEN MERE *NURSERY *CHILDREN. - *THEY HAVE SOME GOOD REASON *I DARE SAY, THOUGH *I CANNOT PENETRATE IT, & TILL *I KNOW WHAT IT IS *I SHALL INVENT A BAD ONE, AND AMUSE MYSELF WITH ACCOUNTING FOR THE DIFFERENCE OF MEASURES BY SUPPOSING *MISS *S. TO BE A SUPERIOR SORT OF *WOMAN, WHO HAS NEVER STOOPED TO RECOMMEND HERSELF TO THE *MASTER OF THE FAMILY BY *FLATTERY, AS *MISS *BELL DID. - *I $WILL$ ANSWER YOUR KIND QUESTIONS MORE THAN YOU EXPECT. *MISS *CATHERINE IS PUT UPON THE *SHELVE FOR THE PRESENT, AND *I DO NOT KNOW THAT SHE WILL EVER COME OUT ; - BUT *I HAVE A SOMETHING READY FOR *PUBLICATION, WHICH MAY PERHAPS APPEAR ABOUT A TWELVEMONTH HENCE. *IT IS SHORT, ABOUT THE LENGTH OF *CATHERINE. - *THIS IS FOR YOURSELF ALONE. *NEITHER *MR. *SALUSBURY NOR *MR. *WILD+ MAN/ ARE TO KNOW OF IT. *I AM GOT TOLERABLY WELL AGAIN, QUITE EQUAL TO WALKING ABOUT & ENJOYING THE *AIR; AND BY SITTING DOWN & RESTING A GOOD WHILE BETWEEN MY *WALKS, *I GET EXERCISE

ENOUGH. *I HAVE A SCHEME HOWEVER FOR ACCOMPLISHING MORE, AS THE WEATHER GROWS SPRINGLIKE. *I MEAN TO TAKE TO RIDING THE *DONKEY. *IT WILL BE MORE INDEPENDANT & LESS TROUBLESOME THAN THE USE OF THE CARRIAGE, & *I SHALL BE ABLE TO GO ABOUT WITH *AT* *CASSANDRA IN HER WALKS TO *ALTON AND *WYARDS. - *I HOPE YOU WILL THINK *WM. LOOKING WELL. *HE WAS BILIOUS THE OTHER DAY, AND AUNT *CASS: SUPPLIED HIM WITH A *DOSE AT HIS OWN REQUEST, WHICH SEEMED TO HAVE GOOD EFFECT. - *I WAS SURE $YOU$ WOULD HAVE APPROVED IT. *WM. & *I ARE THE BEST OF FRIENDS. *I LOVE HIM VERY MUCH. *EVERYTHING IS SO $NATURAL$ ABOUT HIM, HIS AFFECTIONS, HIS *MANNERS & HIS *DROLLERY. *HE ENTERTAINS & INTERESTS US EXTREMELY. - *MAX: *HAMMOND AND *A. *M. *SHAW ARE PEOPLE WHOM *I CANNOT CARE FOR, IN THEMSELVES, BUT *I ENTER INTO THEIR SITUATION & AM GLAD THEY ARE SO HAPPY. - *IF *I WERE THE *DUCHESS OF *RICHMOND, *I SHOULD BE VERY MISERABLE ABOUT MY SON'S CHOICE. *WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM A *PAGET, BORN & BROUGHT UP IN THE CENTRE OF CONJUGAL *INFIDELITY & *DIVORCES ? - *I WILL $NOT$ BE INTERESTED ABOUT *LADY *CAROLINE. *I ABHOR ALL THE RACE OF *PAGETS. - *OUR FEARS INCREASE FOR POOR LITTLE *HARRIET ; THE LATEST ACCOUNT IS THAT *SIR *EV: *HOME IS CONFIRMED IN HIS OPINION OF THERE BEING WATER ON THE BRAIN. - *I HOPE *HEAVEN IN ITS MERCY WILL TAKE HER SOON. *HER POOR *FATHER WILL BE QUITE WORN OUT BY HIS FEELINGS FOR HER. - *HE CANNOT SPARE *CASSY AT PRESENT, SHE IS AN OCCUPATION & A COMFORT TO HIM. *ADIEU MY DEAREST *FANNY. *NOTHING COULD BE MORE DELICIOUS THAN YOUR *LETTER ; & THE ASSURANCE OF YOUR FEELING RELEIVED BY WRITING IT, MADE THE PLEASURE PERFECT. - *BUT HOW COULD IT POSSIBLY BE ANY NEW IDEA TO YOU THAT YOU HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF *IMAGINATION ? -

*YOU ARE ALL OVER *IMAGINATION. - *THE MOST ASTONISHING PART OF YOUR *CHARACTER IS, THAT WITH SO MUCH *IMAGINA+ TION/, SO MUCH FLIGHT OF *MIND, SUCH UNBOUNDED *FANCIES, YOU SHOULD HAVE SUCH EXCELLENT *JUDGEMENT IN WHAT YOU DO ! - *RELIGIOUS *PRINCIPLE *I FANCY MUST EXPLAIN IT.- - *WELL, GOOD BYE & *GOD BLESS YOU. *YRS** VERY AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *CHAWTON, *SUNDAY *MARCH 23. *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU MY DEAREST *FANNY FOR SENDING ME *MR. *WILDMAN'S CONVERSATION, *I HAD GREAT AMUSEMENT IN READING IT, & *I $HOPE$ *I AM NOT AFFRONTED & DO NOT THINK THE WORSE OF HIM FOR HAVING A *BRAIN SO VERY DIFFERENT FROM MINE, BUT MY STRONGEST SENSATION OF ALL IS $ASTONISHMENT$ AT YOUR BEING ABLE TO PRESS HIM ON THE SUBJECT SO PERSEVERINGLY - AND *I AGREE WITH YOUR *PAPA, THAT IT WAS NOT FAIR. *WHEN HE KNOWS THE TRUTH HE WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE. - *YOU ARE THE ODDEST *CREATURE ! - *NERVOUS ENOUGH IN SOME RESPECTS, BUT IN OTHERS PERFECTLY WITHOUT NERVES ! + *QUITE UNRE- PULSIBLE/, HARDENED & IMPUDENT. *DO NOT OBLIGE HIM TO READ ANY MORE. - *HAVE MERCY ON HIM, TELL HIM THE TRUTH & MAKE HIM AN APOLOGY. *HE & *I SHOULD NOT IN THE LEAST AGREE OF COURSE, IN OUR IDEAS OF *NOVELS AND *HEROINES ; - PICTURES OF PERFECTION AS YOU KNOW MAKE

ME SICK & WICKED - BUT THERE IS SOME VERY GOOD SENSE IN WHAT HE SAYS, & *I PARTICULARLY RESPECT HIM FOR WISHING TO THINK WELL OF ALL YOUNG *LADIES ; IT SHEWS AN AMIABLE & A DELICATE *MIND. - *AND HE DESERVES BETTER TREATMENT THAN TO BE OBLIGED TO READ ANY MORE OF MY *WORKS. - *DO NOT BE SURPRISED AT FINDING *UNCLE *HENRY ACQUAINTED WITH MY HAVING ANOTHER READY FOR PUBLICATION. *I COULD NOT SAY *NO WHEN HE ASKED ME, BUT HE KNOWS NOTHING MORE OF IT. - *YOU WILL NOT LIKE IT, SO YOU NEED NOT BE IMPATIENT. *YOU MAY $PERHAPS$ LIKE THE *HEROINE, AS SHE IS ALMOST TOO GOOD FOR ME. - *MANY THANKS FOR YOUR KIND CARE FOR MY HEALTH ; *I CERTAINLY HAVE NOT BEEN WELL FOR MANY WEEKS, AND ABOUT A WEEK AGO *I WAS VERY POORLY, *I HAVE HAD A GOOD DEAL OF FEVER AT TIMES & INDIFFERENT NIGHTS, BUT AM CONSIDERABLY BETTER NOW, & RECOVERING MY *LOOKS A LITTLE, WHICH HAVE BEEN BAD ENOUGH, BLACK & WHITE & EVERY WRONG COLOUR. *I MUST NOT DEPEND UPON BEING EVER VERY BLOOMING AGAIN. *SICKNESS IS A DANGEROUS *INDULGENCE AT MY TIME OF *LIFE. *THANK YOU FOR EVERY+ THING/ YOU TELL ME ; - *I DO NOT FEEL WORTHY OF IT BY ANYTHING *I CAN SAY IN RETURN, BUT *I ASSURE YOU MY PLEASURE IN YOUR *LETTERS IS QUITE AS GREAT AS EVER, & *I AM INTERESTED & AMUSED JUST AS YOU COULD WISH ME. *IF THERE IS A $*MISS$ *MARSDEN, *I PERCEIVE WHOM SHE WILL MARRY. $*EVENG*$. - *I WAS LANGUID & DULL & VERY BAD COMPANY WHEN *I WROTE THE ABOVE ; *I AM BETTER NOW - TO MY OWN FEELINGS AT LEAST - & WISH *I MAY BE MORE AGREABLE. *WE ARE GOING TO HAVE *RAIN, & AFTER THAT, VERY PLEASANT GENIAL WEATHER, WHICH WILL EXACTLY DO FOR ME, AS MY *SADDLE WILL THEN BE COMPLETED - AND AIR & EXERCISE IS WHAT *I WANT. *INDEED *I SHALL BE VERY GLAD WHEN THE

EVENT AT *SCARLETS IS OVER, THE EXPECTATION OF IT KEEPS US IN A WORRY, YOUR *GRANDMAMA ESPECIALLY ; SHE SITS BROODING OVER *EVILS WHICH CANNOT BE REMEDIED & *CONDUCT IMPOSSIBLE TO BE UNDERSTOOD. - *NOW, THE REPORTS FROM *KEPPEL *ST. ARE RATHER BETTER , LITTLE *HARRIET'S HEADACHES ARE ABATED, & *SIR *EVD*: IS SATISFIED WITH THE EFFECT OF THE *MERCURY, & DOES NOT DESPAIR OF A *CURE. *THE *COMPLAINT *I FIND IS NOT CONSIDERED *IN+ CURABLE/ NOWADAYS, PROVIDED THE *PATIENT BE YOUNG ENOUGH NOT TO HAVE THE *HEAD HARDENED. *THE *WATER IN THAT CASE MAY BE DRAWN OFF BY *MERCURY. *BUT THOUGH THIS IS A NEW IDEA TO US, PERHAPS IT MAY HAVE BEEN LONG FAMILIAR TO YOU, THROUGH YOUR FRIEND *MR. *SCUD: - *I HOPE HIS HIGH RENOWN IS MAINTAINED BY DRIVING AWAY *WILLIAM'S COUGH. *TELL *WILLIAM THAT *TRIGGS IS AS BEAUTIFUL & CONDESCENDING AS EVER, & WAS SO GOOD AS TO DINE WITH US TODAY, & TELL HIM THAT *I OFTEN PLAY AT $*NINES$ & THINK OF HIM. - *ANNA HAS NOT A CHANCE OF ESCAPE ; HER HUSBAND CALLED HERE THE OTHER DAY, & SAID SHE WAS $PRETTY$ WELL BUT NOT $EQUAL$ TO SO LONG A WALK ; SHE $MUST COME IN$ HER $*DONKEY *CARRIAGE$. - *POOR *ANIMAL, SHE WILL BE WORN OUT BEFORE SHE IS THIRTY. - *I AM VERY SORRY FOR HER. - *MRS** *CLEMENT TOO IS IN THAT WAY AGAIN. *I AM QUITE TIRED OF SO MANY *CHILDREN. - *MRS** *BENN HAS A 13TH**. - *THE *PAPILLONS CAME BACK ON FRIDAY NIGHT, BUT *I HAVE NOT SEEN THEM YET, AS *I DO NOT VENTURE TO *CHURCH. *I CANNOT HEAR HOWEVER, BUT THAT THEY ARE THE SAME *MR. *P. & HIS SISTER THEY USED TO BE. *SHE HAS ENGAGED A NEW *MAIDSERVANT IN *MRS. *CALKER'S ROOM, WHOM SHE MEANS TO MAKE ALSO *HOUSEKEEPER UNDER HERSELF. - *OLD *PHILMORE WAS BURIED YESTERDAY, & *I, BY WAY OF SAYING SOMETHING TO *TRIGGS, OBSERVED THAT IT HAD BEEN A VERY HANDSOME *FUNERAL, BUT HIS

MANNER OF REPLY MADE ME SUPPOSE THAT IT WAS NOT GENERALLY ESTEEMED SO. *I CAN ONLY BE SURE OF $ONE$ PART BEING VERY HANDSOME, *TRIGGS HIMSELF, WALKING BEHIND IN HIS *GREEN *COAT. - *MRS. *PHILMORE ATTENDED AS CHIEF *MOURNER, IN *BOMBASIN, MADE VERY SHORT, AND FLOUNCED WITH *CRAPE. $*TUESDAY$. - *I HAVE HAD VARIOUS PLANS AS TO THIS *LETTER, BUT AT LAST *I HAVE DETERMINED THAT *UN: *HENRY SHALL FORWARD IT FROM *LONDON. *I WANT TO SEE HOW *CANTERBURY LOOKS IN THE DIRECTION. - *WHEN ONCE *UNC. *H. HAS LEFT US *I SHALL WISH HIM WITH YOU. *LONDON IS BECOME A HATEFUL PLACE TO HIM, & HE IS ALWAYS DE+ PRESSED/ BY THE IDEA OF IT. - *I HOPE HE WILL BE IN TIME FOR YOUR SICK. *I AM SURE HE MUST DO THAT PART OF HIS *DUTY AS EXCELLENTLY AS ALL THE REST. *HE RETURNED YESTERDAY FROM *STEVENTON, & WAS WITH US BY BREAKFAST, BRINGING *EDWARD WITH HIM, ONLY THAT *EDWD* STAID TO BREAKFAST AT *WYARDS. *WE HAD A PLEASANT FAMILY-DAY, FOR THE *ALTONS DINED WITH US ; - THE LAST VISIT OF THE KIND PROBABLY, WHICH $SHE$ WILL BE ABLE TO PAY US FOR MANY A MONTH; - *VERY WELL, TO BE ABLE TO DO IT SO LONG, FOR SHE $EXPECTS$ MUCH ABOUT THIS DAY THREE WEEKS, & IS GENERALLY VERY EXACT. - *I HOPE YOUR OWN *HENRY IS IN *FRANCE & THAT YOU HAVE HEARD FROM HIM. *THE *PASSAGE ONCE OVER, HE WILL FEEL ALL *HAPPINESS. - *I TOOK MY 1ST** RIDE YESTERDAY & LIKED IT VERY MUCH. *I WENT UP *MOUNTERS *LANE, & ROUND BY WHERE THE NEW *COTTAGES ARE TO BE, & FOUND THE EXERCISE & EVERYTHING VERY PLEASANT, AND *I HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF AGREABLE COMPANIONS, AS *AT* *CASS: AND *EDWARD WALKED BY MY SIDE. - *AT* *CASS. IS SUCH AN EXCELLENT *NURSE, SO ASSIDUOUS & UNWEARIED ! - *BUT YOU KNOW ALL THAT ALREADY. - *VERY AFFECLY** *YOURS *J. *AUSTEN

*CHAWTON *WEDY* *MARCH 26 *MY DEAR *CAROLINE *PRAY MAKE NO APOLOGIES FOR WRITING TO ME OFTEN, *I AM ALWAYS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU, & AM SORRY TO THINK THAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUCH A NICE LITTLE ECONOMICAL CORRESPONDENCE, ARE LIKELY TO FAIL NOW. *BUT *I HOPE WE SHALL HAVE *UNCLE *HENRY BACK AGAIN BY THE 1ST** *SUNDAY IN *MAY. - *I THINK YOU VERY MUCH IMPROVED IN YOUR WRITING, & IN THE WAY TO WRITE A VERY PRETTY HAND. *I WISH YOU COULD PRACTISE YOUR FINGERING OFTENER. - *WOULD NOT IT BE A GOOD PLAN FOR YOU TO GO & LIVE ENTIRELY AT *MR. *WM. *DIGWEED'S ? - *HE COULD NOT DESIRE ANY OTHER REMUNERATION THAN THE PLEASURE OF HEARING YOU PRACTISE. *I LIKE *FREDERICK & *CAROLINE BETTER THAN *I DID, BUT MUST STILL PREFER *EDGAR & *JULIA. *JULIA IS A WARM-HEARTED, INGENUOUS, NATURAL *GIRL, WHICH *I LIKE HER FOR ; - BUT *I KNOW THE WORD $*NATURAL$ IS NO RECOMMENDATION TO YOU. - *OUR LAST *LETTER FROM *KEPPEL *ST. WAS RATHER MORE CHEARFUL. - *HARRIET'S HEAD+ ACHES/ WERE A LITTLE RELEIVED, & *SIR *ED: *HUME DOES NOT DESPAIR OF A CURE. - $*HE$ PERSISTS IN THINKING IT *WATER ON THE *BRAIN, BUT NONE OF THE OTHERS ARE CONVINCED. - *I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT YOUR *UNCLE *CHARLES SPEAKS OF HIMSELF AS QUITE WELL. *HOW VERY WELL *EDWARD IS LOOKING ! *YOU CAN HAVE NOBODY IN YOUR *NEIGHBOURHOOD

TO VIE WITH HIM AT ALL, EXCEPT *MR. *PORTAL. - *I HAVE TAKEN ONE RIDE ON THE *DONKEY & LIKE IT VERY MUCH - & YOU MUST TRY TO GET ME QUIET, MILD DAYS, THAT *I MAY BE ABLE TO GO OUT PRETTY CONSTANTLY. - *A GREAT DEAL OF *WIND DOES NOT SUIT ME, AS *I HAVE STILL A TENDENCY TO *RHEUMATISM. [*IN] SHORT *I AM A POOR *HONEY AT PRESENT. *I WILL BE BETTER WHEN YOU CAN COME & SEE US. - *CHAWTON *SUNDAY *APRIL 6. *MY DEAREST *CHARLES *MANY THANKS FOR YOUR AFFECTIONATE *LETTER. *I WAS IN YOUR DEBT BEFORE, BUT *I HAVE REALLY BEEN TOO UNWELL THE LAST FORTNIGHT TO WRITE ANYTHING THAT WAS NOT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. *I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM A *BILIOUS ATTACK, ATTENDED WITH A GOOD DEAL OF FEVER. *A FEW DAYS AGO MY COMPLAINT APPEARED REMOVED, BUT *I AM ASHAMED TO SAY THAT THE SHOCK OF MY *UNCLE'S *WILL BROUGHT ON A RELAPSE, & *I WAS SO ILL ON FRIDAY & THOUGHT MYSELF SO LIKELY TO BE WORSE THAT *I COULD NOT BUT PRESS FOR *CASSANDRA'S RETURNING WITH *FRANK AFTER THE *FUNERAL LAST NIGHT, WHICH SHE OF COURSE DID, & EITHER HER RETURN, OR MY HAVING SEEN *MRS** *CURTIS, OR MY *DISORDER'S CHUSING TO GO AWAY, HAVE MADE ME BETTER THIS MORNING. *I LIVE UPSTAIRS HOWEVER FOR THE PRESENT & AM CODDLED. *I AM THE ONLY ONE OF THE

*LEGATEES WHO HAS BEEN SO SILLY, BUT A WEAK *BODY MUST EXCUSE WEAK *NERVES. *MY *MOTHER HAS BORN THE FORGETFULNESS OF $HER$ EXTREMELY WELL ; - HER EXPECTATIONS FOR HERSELF WERE NEVER BEYOND THE EXTREME OF MODERA+ TION/, & SHE THINKS WITH YOU THAT MY *UNCLE ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO SURVIVING HER. - *SHE DESIRES HER BEST *LOVE & MANY THANKS FOR YOUR KIND FEELINGS ; AND HEARTILY WISHES THAT HER YOUNGER *CHILDN* HAD MORE, & ALL HER *CHILDN* SOMETHING IMMEDIATELY. *MY *AUNT FELT THE VALUE OF *CASSANDRAS COMPANY SO FULLY, & WAS SO VERY KIND TO HER, & IS POOR *WOMAN ! SO MISERABLE AT PRESENT (FOR HER AFFLICTION HAS VERY MUCH INCREASED SINCE THE FIRST) THAT WE FEEL MORE REGARD FOR HER THAN WE EVER DID BEFORE. *IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BE SURPRISED AT *MISS *PALMER'S BEING ILL, BUT WE ARE TRULY SORRY, & HOPE IT MAY NOT CONTINUE. *WE CONGRATULATE YOU ON *MRS** *P.'S RECOVERY. - *AS FOR YOUR POOR LITTLE *HARRIET, *I DARE NOT BE SANGUINE FOR HER. *NOTHING CAN BE KINDER THAN *MRS** *COOKE'S ENQUIRIES AFTER YOU & HER, IN ALL HER *LETTERS, & THERE WAS NO STANDING HER AFFECTIONATE WAY OF SPEAKING OF $YOUR$ *COUNTENANCE, AFTER HER SEEING YOU. - *GOD BLESS YOU ALL. *CONCLUDE ME TO BE GOING ON WELL, IF YOU HEAR NOTHING TO THE CONTRARY. - *YOURS *EVER TRUELY *J. *A. *TELL DEAR *HARRIET THAT WHENEVER SHE WANTS ME IN HER SERVICE AGAIN, SHE MUST SEND A *HACKNEY *CHARIOT ALL THE WAY FOR ME, FOR *I AM NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO TRAVEL ANY OTHER WAY, & *I HOPE *CASSY WILL TAKE CARE THAT IT IS A GREEN ONE. *I HAVE FORGOTTEN TO TAKE A PROPER-EDGED SHEET OF PAPER.

*CHAWTON *MAY 22D* *YOUR KIND *LETTER MY DEAREST *ANNE FOUND ME IN BED, FOR IN SPITE OF MY HOPES & PROMISES WHEN *I WROTE TO YOU *I HAVE SINCE BEEN VERY ILL INDEED. *AN ATTACK OF MY SAD COMPLAINT SEIZED ME WITHIN A FEW DAYS AFTER+ WARDS/ - THE MOST SEVERE *I EVER HAD - & COMING UPON ME AFTER WEEKS OF INDISPOSITION, IT REDUCED ME VERY LOW. *I HAVE KEPT MY BED SINCE THE 13. OF *APRIL, WITH ONLY REMOVALS TO A *SOPHA. $*NOW$, *I AM GETTING WELL AGAIN, & INDEED HAVE BEEN GRADUALLY THO' SLOWLY RECOVERING MY STRENGTH FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS. *I CAN SIT UP IN MY BED & EMPLOY MYSELF, AS *I AM PROVING TO YOU AT THIS PRESENT MOMENT, & $REALLY$ AM EQUAL TO BEING OUT OF BED, BUT THAT THE POSTURE IS THOUGHT GOOD FOR ME. - *HOW TO DO JUSTICE TO THE KINDNESS OF ALL MY FAMILY DURING THIS ILLNESS, IS QUITE BEYOND ME ! - *EVERY DEAR *BROTHER SO AFFECTIONATE & SO ANXIOUS ! - AND AS FOR MY *SISTER ! - *WORDS MUST FAIL ME IN ANY ATTEMPT TO DESCRIBE WHAT A *NURSE SHE HAS BEEN TO ME. *THANK *GOD ! SHE DOES NOT SEEM THE WORSE FOR IT $YET$, & AS THERE WAS NEVER ANY SITTING-UP NECESSARY, *I AM WILLING TO HOPE SHE HAS NO AFTER-+ FATIGUES/ TO SUFFER FROM. *I HAVE SO MANY ALLEVIATIONS & COMFORTS TO BLESS THE *ALMIGHTY FOR ! - *MY HEAD WAS ALWAYS CLEAR, & *I HAD SCARCELY ANY PAIN ; MY CHEIF SUFFERINGS WERE FROM FEVERISH NIGHTS, WEAKNESS AND *LANGUOR. - *THIS *DISCHARGE WAS ON ME FOR ABOVE A

WEEK, & AS OUR *ALTON *APOTHY* DID NOT PRETEND TO BE ABLE TO COPE WITH IT, BETTER ADVICE WAS CALLED IN. *OUR NEAREST $VERY GOOD$, IS AT *WINCHESTER, WHERE THERE IS A *HOSPITAL & CAPITAL *SURGEONS, & ONE OF THEM ATTENDED ME, & $HIS$ APPLICATIONS GRADUALLY REMOVED THE *EVIL. - *THE CONSEQUENCE IS, THAT INSTEAD OF GOING TO *TOWN TO PUT MYSELF INTO THE HANDS OF SOME *PHYSICIAN AS *I SHD* OTHERWISE HAVE DONE, *I AM GOING TO *WINCHESTER INSTEAD, FOR SOME WEEKS TO SEE WHAT *MR* *LYFORD CAN DO FARTHER TOWARDS RE-ESTABLISHING ME IN TOLERABLE HEALTH. - *ON *SATY* NEXT, *I AM ACTUALLY GOING THITHER - MY DEAREST *CASSANDRA WITH ME *I NEED HARDLY SAY - AND AS THIS IS ONLY TWO DAYS OFF YOU WILL BE CONVINCED THAT *I AM NOW REALLY A VERY GENTEEL, PORTABLE SORT OF AN *INVALID. - *THE *JOURNEY IS ONLY 16 MILES, WE HAVE COMFORTABLE *LODGINGS ENGAGED FOR US BY OUR KIND FRIEND *MRS** *HEATHCOTE WHO RESIDES IN *W. & ARE TO HAVE THE ACCOMODATION OF MY ELDER *BROTHER'S *CARRIAGE WHICH WILL BE SENT OVER FROM *STEVENTON ON PURPOSE. *NOW, THAT'S A SORT OF THING WHICH *MRS** *J. *AUSTEN DOES IN THE KINDEST MANNER ! - *BUT STILL SHE IS IN THE MAIN $NOT$ A LIBERAL-MINDED *WOMAN, & AS TO THIS REVERSIONARY *PROPERTY'S AMENDING THAT PART OF HER *CHARACTER, EXPECT IT NOT MY DEAR *ANNE ; - TOO LATE, TOO LATE IN THE DAY; - & BESIDES, THE *PROPERTY MAY NOT BE THEIRS THESE TEN YEARS. *MY *AUNT IS VERY STOUT. - *MRS** *F. *A. HAS HAD A MUCH SHORTER CONFINEMENT THAN *I HAVE - WITH A *BABY TO PRODUCE INTO THE BARGAIN. *WE WERE PUT TO BED NEARLY AT THE SAME TIME, & SHE HAS BEEN QUITE RECOVERED THIS GREAT WHILE. - *I HOPE $YOU$ HAVE NOT BEEN VISITED WITH MORE ILLNESS MY DEAR *ANNE, EITHER IN YOUR OWN PERSON OR YOUR *ELIZA'S. - *I MUST NOT ATTEMPT THE PLEASURE OF ADDRESSING HER AGAIN, TILL MY

HAND IS STRONGER, BUT *I PRIZE THE INVITATION TO DO SO. - *BELEIVE ME, *I WAS INTERESTED IN ALL YOU WROTE, THOUGH WITH ALL THE *EGOTISM OF AN *INVALID *I WRITE ONLY OF MYSELF. - *YOUR *CHARITY TO THE POOR *WOMAN *I TRUST FAILS NO MORE IN EFFECT, THAN *I AM SURE IT DOES IN EXERTION. *WHAT AN INTEREST IT MUST BE TO YOU ALL ! & HOW GLADLY SHD* *I CONTRIBUTE MORE THAN MY GOOD WISHES, WERE IT POSSIBLE ! - *BUT HOW YOU ARE WORRIED ! *WHEREVER DISTRESS FALLS, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO SUPPLY *COMFORT. *LY *P - WRITING TO YOU EVEN FROM *PARIS FOR ADVICE ! - *IT IS THE *INFLUENCE OF *STRENGTH OVER *WEAKNESS INDEED. - *GALIGAI DE *CONCINI FOR EVER & EVER. - *ADEIU. - *CON+ TINUE/ TO DIRECT TO *CHAWTON, THE COMMUNICATION BE+ TWEEN/ THE TWO PLACES WILL BE FREQUENT. - *I HAVE NOT MENTIONED MY DEAR *MOTHER ; SHE SUFFERED MUCH FOR ME WHEN *I WAS AT THE WORST, BUT IS TOLERABLY WELL. - *MISS *LLOYD TOO HAS BEEN ALL KINDNESS. *IN SHORT, IF *I LIVE TO BE AN OLD *WOMAN, *I MUST EXPECT TO WISH *I HAD DIED NOW ; BLESSED IN THE TENDERNESS OF SUCH A *FAMILY, & BEFORE *I HAD SURVIVED EITHER THEM OR THEIR AFFECTION. - *YOU WOULD HAVE HELD THE MEMORY OF YOUR FRIEND *JANE TOO IN TENDER REGRET *I AM SURE. - *BUT THE *PROVIDENCE OF *GOD HAS RESTORED ME - & MAY *I BE MORE FIT TO APPEAR BEFORE HIM WHEN *I $AM$ SUMMONED, THAN *I SHD* HAVE BEEN NOW ! - *SICK OR *WELL, BELEIVE ME EVER YR* ATTACHED FRIEND *J. *AUSTEN *MRS** *HEATHCOTE WILL BE A GREAT COMFORT, BUT WE SHALL NOT HAVE *MISS *BIGG, SHE BEING FRISKED OFF LIKE HALF *ENGLAND, INTO *SWITZERLAND.

*MRS. *DAVIDS, *COLLEGE *STREET - *WINTON *TUESDAY *MAY 27. *I KNOW NO BETTER WAY MY DEAREST *EDWARD, OF THANK+ ING/ YOU FOR YOUR MOST AFFECTIONATE CONCERN FOR ME DURING MY ILLNESS, THAN BY TELLING YOU MYSELF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THAT *I CONTINUE TO GET BETTER. - *I WILL NOT BOAST OF MY HANDWRITING ; NEITHER THAT, NOR MY FACE HAVE YET RECOVERED THEIR PROPER BEAUTY, BUT IN OTHER RESPECTS *I AM GAINING STRENGTH VERY FAST. *I AM $NOW$ OUT OF BED FROM 9 IN THE MORNG* TO 10 AT NIGHT - UPON THE SOPHA T'IS TRUE - BUT *I EAT MY MEALS WITH AUNT *CASS: IN A RATIONAL WAY, & CAN EMPLOY MYSELF, AND WALK FROM ONE ROOM TO ANOTHER. - *MR. *LYFORD SAYS HE WILL CURE ME, & IF HE FAILS *I SHALL DRAW UP A *MEMORIAL AND LAY IT BEFORE THE *DEAN & *CHAPTER, & HAVE NO DOUBT OF REDRESS FROM THAT *PIOUS, *LEARNED, AND *DISINTERESTED *BODY. - *OUR *LODGINGS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE. *WE HAVE A NEAT LITTLE *DRAWING ROOM WITH A *BOW-WINDOW OVERLOOKING *DR. *GABELL'S GARDEN. *THANKS TO THE KINDNESS OF YOUR *FATHER & *MOTHER IN SENDING ME THEIR CARRIAGE, MY *JOURNEY HITHER ON *SATURDAY WAS PER+ FORMED/ WITH VERY LITTLE FATIGUE, & HAD IT BEEN A FINE DAY *I THINK *I SHOULD HAVE FELT NONE, BUT IT DISTRESSED ME TO SEE UNCLE *HENRY & *WM. *K - WHO KINDLY ATTENDED US ON HORSEBACK, RIDING IN RAIN ALMOST ALL THE WAY. - *WE EXPECT A VISIT FROM THEM TOMORROW, & HOPE

THEY WILL STAY THE NIGHT, AND ON *THURSDAY, WHICH IS *CONFIRMATION & A *HOLIDAY, WE ARE TO GET *CHARLES OUT TO BREAKFAST. *WE HAVE HAD BUT ONE VISIT YET FROM $HIM$ POOR FELLOW, AS HE IS IN SICK ROOM, BUT HE HOPES TO BE OUT TO-NIGHT. - *WE SEE *MRS. *HEATHCOTE EVERY DAY, & *WILLIAM IS TO CALL UPON US SOON. - *GOD BLESS YOU MY DEAR *EDWARD. *IF EVER YOU ARE ILL, MAY YOU BE AS TENDERLY NURSED AS *I HAVE BEEN, MAY THE SAME *BLESSED ALLEVIATIONS OF ANXIOUS, SIMPATHISING FRIENDS BE YOURS, & MAY YOU POSSESS - AS *I DARE SAY YOU WILL - THE GREATEST BLESSING OF ALL, IN THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF NOT BEING UNWORTHY OF THEIR *LOVE. $*I$ COULD NOT FEEL THIS. *YOUR VERY AFFEC: *AUNT *J. *A. *HAD *I NOT ENGAGED TO WRITE TO YOU, YOU WD* HAVE HEARD AGAIN FROM YOUR *AUNT *MARTHA, AS SHE CHARGED ME TO TELL YOU WITH HER BEST *LOVE. *MY ATTENDANT IS ENCOURAGING, AND TALKS OF MAKING ME QUITE WELL. *I LIVE CHIEFLY ON THE SOFA, BUT AM ALLOWED TO WALK FROM ONE ROOM TO THE OTHER. *I HAVE BEEN OUT ONCE IN A SEDAN-CHAIR, AND AM TO REPEAT IT, AND BE PROMOTED TO A WHEEL-CHAIR AS THE WEATHER SERVES. *ON THIS SUBJECT *I WILL ONLY SAY FURTHER THAT MY DEAREST SISTER, MY TENDER, WATCHFUL, INDEFATIGABLE NURSE, HAS NOT BEEN MADE ILL BY HER EXERTIONS. *AS TO WHAT *I OWE TO HER, AND TO THE ANXIOUS AFFECTION OF ALL

MY BELOVED FAMILY ON THIS OCCASION, *I CAN ONLY CRY OVER IT, AND PRAY TO *GOD TO BLESS THEM MORE AND MORE. *BUT *I AM GETTING TOO NEAR COMPLAINT. *IT HAS BEEN THE APPOINTMENT OF *GOD, HOWEVER SECONDARY CAUSES MAY HAVE OPERATED.... *YOU WILL FIND *CAPTAIN --- A VERY RESPECTABLE, WELL-+ MEANING/ MAN, WITHOUT MUCH MANNER, HIS WIFE AND SISTER ALL GOOD HUMOUR AND OBLIGINGNESS, AND *I HOPE (SINCE THE FASHION ALLOWS IT) WITH RATHER LONGER PETTI+ COATS/ THAN LAST YEAR. *MY DEAR *MISS *PROWTING *HAD OUR POOR FRIEND LIVED THESE VOLUMES WOULD HAVE BEEN AT HER SERVICE, & AS *I KNOW YOU WERE IN THE HABIT OF READING TOGETHER & HAVE HAD THE GRATIFICATION OF HEARING THAT THE $*WORKS OF THE SAME HAND$ HAD GIVEN YOU PLEASURE, *I SHALL MAKE NO OTHER APOLOGY FOR OFFERING YOU THE PERUSAL OF THEM, ONLY BEGGING THAT, IF NOT IMMEDIATELY DISPOSED FOR SUCH LIGHT READING, YOU WOULD KEEP THEM AS LONG AS YOU LIKE, AS THEY ARE NOT WANTED AT HOME. *YOURS VERY SINCERELY *J. *AUSTEN *SUNDAY *NIGHT - -

*CHAWTON *SUNDAY *NOV* 29TH** *MY DEAR *MARTHA *I SHALL TAKE CARE NOT TO COUNT THE LINES OF YOUR $LAST$ *LETTER ; YOU HAVE OBLIGED ME TO EAT HUMBLE-PIE INDEED ; *I AM REALLY OBLIGED TO YOU HOWEVER, & THOUGH IT IS IN GENERAL MUCH PLEASANTER TO REPROACH THAN TO BE GRATE+ FUL/, *I DO NOT MIND IT NOW. - *WE SHALL BE GLAD TO HEAR, WHENEVER YOU CAN WRITE, & CAN WELL IMAGINE THAT TIME FOR WRITING MUST BE WANTING IN SUCH AN ARDUOUS, BUSY, USEFUL OFFICE AS YOU FILL AT PRESENT. *YOU ARE MADE FOR DOING GOOD, & HAVE QUITE AS GREAT A TURN FOR IT *I THINK AS FOR PHYSICKING LITTLE *CHILDREN. *THE MENTAL *PHYSICK WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN LATELY APPLYING BEARS A STAMP BEYOND ALL COMMON *CHARITY, & *I HOPE A *BLESSING WILL CONTINUE TO ATTEND IT. - *I AM GLAD YOU ARE WELL & TRUST YOU ARE SURE OF BEING SO, WHILE YOU ARE EMPLOYED IN SUCH A WAY ; - *I MUST HOPE HOWEVER THAT YOUR HEALTH MAY EER LONG STAND THE TRIAL OF A MORE COMMON-PLACE COURSE OF DAYS, & THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO LEAVE *BARTON WHEN *MRS** *D. *D. ARRIVES THERE. - *THERE WAS NO READY-MADE *CLOAK AT *ALTON THAT WOULD DO, BUT *COLEBY HAS UNDERTAKEN TO SUPPLY ONE IN A FEW DAYS ; IT IS TO BE *GREY *WOOLLEN & COST TEN SHILLINGS. *I HOPE YOU LIKE THE $SIM$ OF IT. - *SALLY KNOWS YOUR KIND INTENTIONS & HAS RECEIVED YOUR MESSAGE, & IN RE+ TURN/ FOR IT ALL, SHE & *I HAVE BETWEEN US MADE OUT THAT SHE SENDS HER *DUTY & THANKS YOU FOR YOUR

GOODNESS & MEANS TO BE A GOOD GIRL IF *I PLEASE. - *I HAVE FORGOT TO ENQUIRE AS TO HER WANTING ANYTHING PARTICU+ LARLY/, BUT THERE IS NO $APPARENT$ DEFICIENCY, SHE LOOKS VERY NEAT & TIDY. *THE *CALICO FOR HER *MOTHER SHALL BE BOUGHT SOON. - *WE HAVE BEEN QUITE ALONE, EXCEPT *MISS *BENN, SINCE 12 O'CLOCK ON WEDNESDAY, WHEN *EDWARD & HIS *HAREM DROVE FROM THE DOOR; & WE HAVE SINCE HEARD OF THEIR SAFE ARRIVAL & HAPPINESS AT *WINCHESTER. - *LIZZY WAS MUCH OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR MESSAGE, BUT $SHE$ HAS THE LITTLE ROOM. *HER *FATHER HAVING HIS CHOICE & BEING USED TO A VERY LARGE *BED CHAMBER AT HOME, WOULD OF COURSE PREFER THE AMPLE SPACE OF YOURS. - *THE VISIT WAS A VERY PLEASANT ONE *I REALLY BELEIVE ON EACH SIDE ; THEY WERE CERTAINLY VERY SORRY TO GO AWAY, BUT A LITTLE OF THAT SORROW MUST BE ATTRIBUTED TO A DISINCLINATION FOR WHAT WAS BEFORE THEM. *THEY HAVE HAD FAVOURABLE WEATHER HOWEVER, & *I HOPE *STEVENTON MAY HAVE BEEN BETTER THAN THEY EXPECTED. - *WE HAVE REASON TO SUPPOSE THE CHANGE OF NAME HAS TAKEN PLACE, AS WE HAVE TO FORWARD A *LETTER TO *EDWARD *KNIGHT *ESQRE** FROM THE *LAWYER WHO HAS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BUSINESS. *I MUST LEARN TO MAKE A BETTER *K. - OUR NEXT VISITOR IS LIKELY TO BE *WILLIAM FROM *ELTHAM IN HIS WAY TO *WINCHESTER, AS *DR* GABELL CHUSES HE SHOULD COME THEN BEFORE THE *HOLIDAYS, THOUGH IT CAN BE ONLY FOR A WEEK. *IF *MRS** *BARKER HAS ANY FARTHER CURIOSITY ABOUT THE *MISS *WEBBS LET HER KNOW THAT WE ARE GOING TO INVITE THEM FOR *TUESDAY EVENG* - ALSO *CAPT. & *MRS** *CLEMENT & *MISS *BENN, & THAT *MRS** *DIGWEED IS ALREADY SECURED. - " *BUT WHY NOT *MR* *DIGWEED ? " - *MRS** *BARKER WILL IMMEDIATELY SAY - *TO THAT YOU MAY ANSWER THAT *MR* *D. IS GOING ON TUESDAY TO *STEVENTON TO SHOOT RABBITS. - *THE 4 LINES

ON *MISS *W. WHICH *I SENT YOU WERE ALL MY OWN, BUT *JAMES AFTERWARDS SUGGESTED WHAT *I THOUGHT A GREAT IMPROVEMENT & AS IT STANDS IN THE *STEVENTON *EDITION. *P. & *P. IS SOLD. - *EGERTON GIVES \110 FOR IT. - *I WOULD RATHER HAVE HAD \150, BUT WE COULD NOT BOTH BE PLEASED, & *I AM NOT AT ALL SURPRISED THAT HE SHOULD NOT CHUSE TO HAZARD SO MUCH. - *IT'S BEING SOLD WILL *I HOPE BE A GREAT SAVING OF *TROUBLE TO *HENRY, & THEREFORE MUST BE WELCOME TO ME. - *THE *MONEY IS TO BE PAID AT THE END OF THE TWELVEMONTH. - *YOU HAVE SOMETIMES EXPRESSED A WISH OF MAKING *MISS *BENN SOME PRESENT; - *CAS+ SANDRA/ & *I THINK THAT SOMETHING OF THE *SHAWL KIND TO WEAR OVER HER *SHOULDERS WITHIN DOORS IN VERY COLD WEATHER MIGHT BE USEFUL, BUT IT MUST NOT BE VERY HANDSOME OR SHE WOULD NOT USE IT. *HER LONG *FUR TIPPET IS ALMOST WORN OUT. - *IF YOU DO NOT RETURN IN TIME TO SEND THE *TURKEY YOURSELF, WE MUST TROUBLE YOU FOR *MR* *MORTON'S DIRECTION AGAIN, AS WE SHOULD BE QUITE AS MUCH AT A LOSS AS EVER. *IT BECOMES NOW A SORT OF VANITY IN US NOT TO KNOW *MR* *MORTON'S DIRECTION WITH ANY CERTAINTY. - *WE ARE JUST BEGINNING TO BE ENGAGED IN ANOTHER *CHRISTMAS *DUTY, & NEXT TO EATING *TURKIES, A VERY PLEASANT ONE, LAYING OUT *EDWARD'S MONEY FOR THE *POOR; & THE *SUM THAT PASSES THROUGH OUR HANDS THIS YEAR IS CONSIDERABLE, AS *MRS** *KNIGHT LEFT \20 TO THE *PARISH. - *YOUR NEPHEW *WILLIAM'S STATE SEEMS VERY ALARMING. *MARY *JANE, FROM WHOM *I HEARD THE OTHER DAY, WRITES OF HIM AS VERY UNEASY ; *I HOPE HIS *FATHER & *MOTHER ARE SO TOO. - *WHEN YOU SEE *MISS *MURDEN, GIVE HER OUR *LOVE & *GOOD WISHES, & SAY THAT WE ARE VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF HER SO OFTEN AS AN *INVALID. *POOR *MRS** *STENT *I HOPE WILL NOT BE MUCH LONGER A DISTRESS TO ANYBODY. - *ALL OF YOU THAT ARE WELL ENOUGH TO LOOK,

ARE NOW PASSING YOUR *JUDGEMENTS *I SUPPOSE ON *MRS** *JOHN *BUTLER; & "IS SHE PRETTY ? OR IS SHE NOT ? " IS THE KNOTTY QUESTION. *HAPPY *WOMAN ! TO STAND THE GAZE OF A NEIGHBOURHOOD AS THE *BRIDE OF SUCH A PINK+ FACED/, SIMPLE YOUNG *MAN ! - *MONDAY. *A WETTISH DAY, BAD FOR *STEVENTON. - *MARY *DEEDES *I THINK MUST BE LIKED THERE, SHE IS SO PERFECTLY UNAFFECTED & SWEET TEMPERED, & THO' AS READY TO BE PLEASED AS *FANNY *CAGE, DEALS LESS IN SUPERLATIVES & RAPTURE. - *PRAY GIVE OUR BEST COMPTS** TO *MRS** *DUNDAS & TELL HER THAT WE HOPE SOON TO HEAR OF HER COMPLETE *RECOVERY. - *YOURS AFFECT:LY** *J. *AUSTEN

*CHAWTON *TUESDAY *FEB: 16. *MY DEAR *MARTHA *YOUR LONG *LETTER WAS VALUED AS IT OUGHT, & AS *I THINK IT FULLY ENTITLED TO A SECOND FROM ME, *I AM GOING TO ANSWER IT NOW IN AN HANDSOME MANNER BEFORE *CAS+ SANDRA'S/ RETURN ; AFTER WHICH EVENT, AS *I SHALL HAVE THE BENEFIT OF ALL YOUR *LETTERS TO HER *I CLAIM NOTHING MORE. - *I HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN WHAT YOU COMMUNICATE OF *ANNA, & SINCERELY REJOICE IN *MISS *MURDEN'S AMEND+ MENT/ ; & ONLY WISH THERE WERE MORE STABILITY IN THE *CHARACTER OF THEIR TWO CONSTITUTIONS. - *I WILL NOT SAY ANYTHING OF THE WEATHER WE HAVE LATELY HAD, FOR IF YOU WERE NOT AWARE OF IT'S BEING TERRIBLE, IT WOULD BE CRUEL TO PUT IT IN YOUR HEAD. *MY *MOTHER SLEPT THROUGH A GOOD DEAL OF *SUNDAY, BUT STILL IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO BE DISORDERED BY SUCH A SKY, & EVEN YESTERDAY SHE WAS BUT POORLY. *SHE IS PRETTY WELL AGAIN TODAY, & *I AM IN HOPES MAY NOT BE MUCH LONGER A *PRISONER. - *WE ARE GOING TO BE ALL ALIVE FROM THIS FORENOON TO TOMORROW AFTERNOON; - IT WILL BE OVER WHEN YOU RECEIVE THIS, & YOU MAY THINK OF ME AS ONE NOT SORRY THAT IT IS SO. *GEORGE, *HENRY & *WILLIAM WILL SOON BE HERE & ARE TO STAY THE NIGHT - AND TOMORROW THE 2 *DEEDES' & *HENRY *BRIDGES WILL BE ADDED TO OUR PARTY ; - WE SHALL THEN HAVE AN EARLY DINNER & DISPATCH THEM ALL TO *WIN+ CHESTER/. *WE HAVE NO LATE ACCOUNT FROM *SLOANE *ST* & THEREFORE CONCLUDE THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING ON IN ONE REGULAR PROGRESS, WITHOUT ANY STRIKING CHANGE. - *HENRY

WAS TO BE IN *TOWN AGAIN LAST *TUESDAY. - *I HAVE A *LETTER FROM *FRANK ; THEY ARE ALL AT *DEAL AGAIN, ESTAB+ LISHED/ ONCE MORE IN FRESH *LODGINGS. *I THINK THEY MUST SOON HAVE LODGED IN EVERY HOUSE IN THE *TOWN. - *WE READ OF THE *PYRAMUS BEING RETURNED INTO *PORT, WITH INTEREST - & FEAR *MRS** *D.*D. WILL BE REGRETTING THAT SHE CAME AWAY SO SOON. - *THERE IS NO BEING UP TO THE TRICKS OF THE *SEA. - *YOUR FRIEND HAS HER LITTLE *BOYS ABOUT HER *I IMAGINE. *I HOPE THEIR *SISTER ENJOYED THE *BALL AT *LADY *KEITH - THO' *I DO NOT KNOW THAT *I DO MUCH HOPE IT, FOR IT MIGHT BE QUITE AS WELL TO HAVE HER SHY & UNCOMFORT+ ABLE/ IN SUCH A CROUD OF *STRANGERS. *I AM OBLIGED TO YOU FOR YOUR ENQUIRIES ABOUT *NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, BUT DO NOT WISH YOU TO RENEW THEM, AS *I AM SURE OF GETTING THE INTELLIGENCE *I WANT FROM *HENRY, TO WHOM *I CAN APPLY AT SOME CONVENIENT MOMENT " SANS PEUR ET SANS REPROCHE ". - *I SUPPOSE ALL THE *WORLD IS SITTING IN *JUDGEMENT UPON THE *PRINCESS OF *WALES'S *LETTER. *POOR WOMAN, *I SHALL SUPPORT HER AS LONG AS *I CAN, BECAUSE SHE $IS$ A *WOMAN, & BECAUSE *I HATE HER *HUSBAND - BUT *I CAN HARDLY FORGIVE HER FOR CALLING HERSELF " ATTACHED & AFFECTIONATE " TO A *MAN WHOM SHE MUST DETEST - & THE INTIMACY SAID TO SUBSIST BETWEEN HER & *LADY *OXFORD IS BAD - *I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT ; BUT IF *I MUST GIVE UP THE *PRINCESS, *I AM RESOLVED AT LEAST ALWAYS TO THINK THAT SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN RESPECTABLE, IF THE *PRINCE HAD BEHAVED ONLY TOLERABLY BY HER AT FIRST. - *OLD *PHILMORE IS GOT PRETTY WELL, WELL ENOUGH TO WARN *MISS *BENN OUT OF HER *HOUSE. *HIS SON IS TO COME INTO IT, - *POOR *CREATURE ! - *YOU MAY IMAGINE HOW FULL OF CARES SHE MUST BE, & HOW ANXIOUS ALL *CHAWTON WILL FEEL TO GET HER DECENTLY SETTLED SOMEWHERE. - *SHE WILL HAVE

3 MONTHS BEFORE HER. - & IF ANYTHING ELSE CAN BE MET WITH, SHE WILL BE GLAD ENOUGH TO BE DRIVEN FROM HER PRESENT WRETCHED ABODE ; - IT HAS BEEN TERRIBLE FOR HER DURING THE LATE STORMS OF WIND & RAIN. - *CASSANDRA HAS BEEN RATHER OUT OF LUCK AT *MANYDOWN - BUT THAT IS A *HOUSE, IN WHICH ONE IS TOLERABLY INDEPENDENT OF WEATHER. - *THE *PROWTINGS PERHAPS COME DOWN ON *THURSDAY OR *SATURDAY, BUT THE ACCOUNTS OF $HIM$ DO NOT IMPROVE. - *NOW *I THINK *I MAY IN $*QUANTITY$ HAVE DESERVED YOUR *LETTER. *MY IDEAS OF *JUSTICE IN *EPISTO+ LARY/ *MATTERS ARE YOU KNOW VERY STRICT. - WITH *LOVE FROM MY *MOTHER, *I REMAIN. *YRS** VERY AFFECLY** J. AUSTEN *POOR *JOHN *HARWOOD ! - *ONE IS REALLY OBLIGED TO ENGAGE IN *PITY AGAIN ON HIS ACCOUNT - & WHEN THERE IS A LACK OF MONEY, ONE IS ON PRETTY SURE GROUNDS. - *SO AFTER ALL, *CHARLES, THAT THICK-HEADED *CHARLES IS THE BEST OFF OF THE *FAMILY. *I RATHER GRUDGE HIM HIS 2,500\. - *MY *MOTHER IS VERY DECIDED IN $SELLING$ *DEANE - AND IF IT IS $NOT$ SOLD, *I THINK IT WILL BE CLEAR THAT THE *PROPRIETOR CAN HAVE NO PLAN OF MARRYING.

23 *HANS *PLACE *FRIDAY *SEP*. 2*. *MY DEAR *MARTHA *THE PROSPECT OF A LONG QUIET MORNING DETERMINES ME TO WRITE TO YOU. *I HAVE BEEN OFTEN THINKING OF IT BEFORE, BUT WITHOUT BEING QUITE ABLE TO DO IT - AND *YOU ARE TOO BUSY, TOO HAPPY AND TOO $RICH$ *I HOPE, TO CARE MUCH FOR *LETTERS. - *IT GAVE ME VERY GREAT PLEASURE TO HEAR THAT YOUR MONEY WAS PAID, IT MUST HAVE BEEN A CIRCUMSTANCE TO INCREASE EVERY ENJOYMENT YOU CAN HAVE HAD WITH YOUR FRIENDS - AND ALTOGETHER *I THINK YOU MUST BE SPENDING YOUR TIME MOST COMFORTABLY. *THE WEATHER CAN HARDLY HAVE INCOMMODED YOU BY IT'S HEAT. - *WE HAVE HAD MANY EVENINGS HERE SO COLD, THAT *I WAS SURE THERE MUST BE FIRES IN THE *COUNTRY. - *HOW MANY ALTERATIONS YOU MUST PERCEIVE IN *BATH ! AND HOW MANY *PEOPLE AND *THINGS GONE BY, MUST BE RECURRING TO YOU! - *I HOPE YOU WILL SEE *CLIFTON. *HENRY TAKES ME HOME TOMORROW; *I RATHER EXPECT AT LEAST TO BE AT *CHAWTON BEFORE NIGHT, THO' IT MAY NOT BE TILL EARLY ON *SUNDAY, AS WE SHALL LENGTHEN THE *JOURNEY BY GOING ROUND BY *SUNNING *HILL; HIS FAVOURITE *MRS** *CRUTCHLEY LIVES THERE, AND HE WANTS TO INTRODUCE ME TO HER. - *WE OFFERED A VISIT IN OUR WAY, TO THE *BIRCHES, BUT THEY CAN+ NOT/ RECEIVE US, WHICH IS A DISAPPOINTMENT. - *HE COMES BACK AGAIN ON *WEDNESDAY, AND PERHAPS BRINGS *JAMES WITH HIM ; SO IT WAS SETTLED, WHEN *JAMES WAS HERE; HE WANTS TO SEE *SCARMAN AGAIN, AS HIS *GUMS LAST WEEK

WERE NOT IN A PROPER STATE FOR *SCARMAN'S OPERATIONS. *I CANNOT TELL HOW MUCH OF ALL THIS MAY BE KNOWN TO YOU ALREADY. - *I SHALL HAVE SPENT MY 12 DAYS HERE VERY PLEASANTLY, BUT WITH NOT MUCH TO TELL OF THEM ; TWO OR THREE $VERY$ LITTLE *DINNER-PARTIES AT HOME, SOME DELIGHT+ FUL/ *DRIVES IN THE *CURRICLE, AND QUIET *TEA-DRINKINGS WITH THE *TILSONS, HAS BEEN THE SUM OF MY DOINGS. *I HAVE SEEN NO OLD ACQUAINTANCES *I THINK, BUT *MR* *HAMPSON. *HENRY MET WITH *SIR *BROOK AND *LADY *BRIDGES BY CHANCE, AND THEY WERE TO HAVE DINED WITH US YESTERDAY, HAD THEY REMAINED IN *TOWN. *I AM AMUSED BY THE PRESENT STYLE OF FEMALE DRESS ; THE COLOURED PETTI+ COATS/ WITH BRACES OVER THE WHITE *SPENCERS AND ENORMOUS *BONNETS UPON THE FULL STRETCH, ARE QUITE ENTERTAINING. *IT SEEMS TO ME A MORE MARKED $CHANGE$ THAN ONE HAS LATELY SEEN. - *LONG SLEEVES APPEAR UNIVERSAL, EVEN AS $*DRESS$, THE *WAISTS SHORT, AND AS FAR AS *I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO JUDGE, THE *BOSOM COVERED. - *I WAS AT A LITTLE PARTY LAST NIGHT AT *MRS** *LATOUCHE'S, WHERE DRESS IS A GOOD DEAL ATTENDED TO, AND THESE ARE MY OBSERVATIONS FROM IT. - *PETTICOATS SHORT, AND GENERALLY, THO' NOT ALWAYS, FLOUNCED. - *THE BROAD-STRAPS BELONGING TO THE *GOWN OR *BODDICE, WHICH CROSS THE FRONT OF THE *WAIST, OVER WHITE, HAVE A VERY PRETTY EFFECT *I THINK. - *I HAVE SEEN *WEST'S FAMOUS *PAINTING, AND PREFER IT TO ANYTHING OF THE KIND *I EVER SAW BEFORE. *I DO NOT KNOW THAT IT $IS$ RECKONED SUPERIOR TO HIS "*HEALING IN THE *TEMPLE". BUT IT HAS GRATIFIED $ME$ MUCH MORE, AND INDEED IS THE FIRST REPRESENTATION OF OUR *SAVIOUR WHICH EVER AT ALL CON+ TENTED/ ME. "*HIS *REJECTION BY THE *ELDERS", IS THE SUBJECT. - *I WANT TO HAVE *YOU AND *CASSANDRA SEE IT. - *I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH THIS NEW *HOUSE OF *HENRY'S, IT IS EVERYTHING THAT COULD BE WISHED FOR HIM, AND *I

HAVE ONLY TO HOPE HE WILL CONTINUE TO LIKE IT AS WELL AS HE DOES NOW, AND NOT BE LOOKING OUT FOR ANYTHING BETTER. - *HE IS IN VERY COMFORTABLE HEALTH ; - HE HAS NOT BEEN SO WELL, HE SAYS, FOR A TWELVEMONTH. - $*HIS$ VIEW, AND THE VEIW OF THOSE HE MIXES WITH, OF *POLITICS, IS NOT CHEARFUL - WITH REGARD TO AN *AMERICAN WAR *I MEAN; - THEY CONSIDER IT AS CERTAIN, AND AS WHAT IS TO RUIN US. *THE [ ] CANNOT BE CONQUERED, AND WE SHALL ONLY BE TEACHING THEM THE SKILL IN *WAR WHICH THEY MAY NOW WANT. *WE ARE TO MAKE THEM GOOD *SAILORS AND *SOLDIERS, AND G[AIN?] NOTHING OURSELVES. - *IF WE $ARE$ TO BE RUINED, IT CANNOT BE HELPED - BUT *I PLACE MY HOPE OF BETTER THINGS ON A CLAIM TO THE PRO+ TECTION/ OF *HEAVEN, AS A *RELIGIOUS *NATION, A *NATION IN SPITE OF MUCH *EVIL IMPROVING IN *RELIGION, WHICH *I CANNOT BELEIVE THE *AMERICANS TO POSSESS. - *HOWEVER THIS MAY BE, *MR* *BARLOWE IS TO DINE WITH US TODAY, AND *I AM IN SOME HOPE OF GETTING *EGERTON'S ACCOUNT BEFORE *I GO AWAY - SO WE WILL ENJOY OURSELVES AS LONG AS WE CAN. *MY *AUNT DOES NOT SEEM PLEASED WITH *CAPT. AND *MRS** *D. *D. FOR TAKING A *HOUSE IN *BATH, *I WAS AFRAID SHE WOULD NOT LIKE IT, BUT *I [ ] DO. - *WHEN *I GET HOME, *I SHALL HEAR [MORE. *I SH]ALL BE VERY HAPPY TO FIND MYSELF AT [ ] *MISS *BENN [ ] TO HEAR *MRS** *DIGWEED'S GOODHUMOURED COMMUNICATIONS. *THE LAN+ GUAGE/ OF *LONDON IS FLAT; IT WANTS HER PHRASE. - *DEAR ME! *I WONDER IF YOU HAVE SEEN *MISS *IRVINE! - *AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, SHE IS MORE LIKELY TO BE OUT OF *BATH THAN IN. *ONE OF OUR AFTERNOON DRIVES WAS TO *STREATHAM, WHERE *I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING *MRS** *HILL AS WELL AND COMFORTABLE AS USUAL; - BUT THERE IS A MELANCHOLY DISPROPORTION

BETWEEN THE *PAPA AND THE LITTLE *CHILDREN. - *SHE TOLD ME THAT THE *AUDRYS HAVE TAKEN THAT SWEET *ST. *BO[NIFACE] HOPED BE [ ] *VENTNOR (($TWO$ $LINES MISSING, WITH THE CONCLUSION$.)) *PRAY GIVE MY BEST [COM]PTS. TO YOUR *FRIENDS. - *I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THEIR PARTI[CULAR] CLAIM TO MY *GRATITUDE AS AN *AUTHOR. - *WE HAVE J[UST LEARN]ED THAT *MRS** *C. *AUSTEN IS SAFE IN BED WITH A *GIRL. - *IT HAPPENED ON BOARD, A FORTNIG[HT] BEFORE IT WAS EXPECTED.

*DEAR *SIR *WE RETURN THESE VOLUMES WITH MANY *THANKS. *THEY HAVE AFFORDED US GREAT AMUSEMENT. - *AS WE WERE OUT OUSELVES YESTERDAY *EVENG* WE WERE GLAD TO FIND YOU HAD NOT CALLED - BUT SHALL DEPEND UPON YOUR GIVING US SOME PART OF THIS *EVENG*. - *I LEAVE *TOWN EARLY ON *SATURDAY, & MUST SAY "*GOOD BYE" TO YOU. - *YR* OBLIGED & FAITHFUL *J. *AUSTEN *THURSDAY.

*MY DEAR *CAROLINE *YOU WILL RECEIVE A MESSAGE FROM ME *TOMORROW, & TODAY YOU WILL RECEIVE THE PARCEL ITSELF; THEREFORE *I SHOULD NOT LIKE TO BE IN THAT *MESSAGE'S SHOES, IT WILL LOOK SO MUCH LIKE A FOOL. *I AM GLAD TO HEAR OF YOUR PROCEEDINGS & IMPROVEMENTS IN THE *GENTLEMAN *QUACK. *THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF *SPIRIT IN THE FIRST PART. *OUR OBJECTIONS TO IT *YOU HAVE HEARD, & *I GIVE YOUR *AUTHO+ SHIP/ CREDIT FOR BEARING *CRITICISM SO WELL. - *I HOPE *EDWD* IS NOT IDLE. *NO MATTER WHAT BECOMES OF THE *CRAVEN *EXHIBITION PROVIDED HE GOES ON WITH HIS *NOVEL. *IN THAT, HE WILL FIND HIS TRUE FAME & HIS TRUE WEALTH. *THAT WILL BE THE HONOURABLE *EXHIBITION WHICH NO *V. *CHANCELLOR CAN ROB HIM OF. - *I HAVE JUST RECD* NEARLY TWENTY POUNDS MYSELF ON THE 2D* *EDIT: OF *S & *S - WHICH GIVES ME THIS FINE FLOW OF *LITERARY *ARDOUR. - *TELL YOUR *MAMA, *I AM VERY MUCH OBLIGED TO HER FOR THE *HAM SHE INTENDS SENDING ME, & THAT THE *SEACALE WILL BE EXTREEMLY ACCEPTABLE - IS *I SHOULD SAY, AS WE HAVE GOT IT ALREADY; THE FUTURE, RELATES ONLY TO OUR TIME OF DRESSING IT, WHICH WILL NOT BE TILL *UNCLES *HENRY & *FRANK CAN DINE HERE TOGETHER. - *DO YOU KNOW THAT *MARY *JANE WENT TO *TOWN WITH HER *PAPA ? *THEY WERE THERE LAST WEEK FROM *MONDAY TO *SATURDAY, & SHE WAS AS HAPPY AS POSSIBLE. *SHE SPENT A DAY IN *KEPPEL *ST* WITH *CASSY; & HER *PAPA IS SURE THAT SHE MUST HAVE WALKED 8 OR 9 MILES IN A MORNG* WITH HIM. *YOUR *AUNT *F. SPENT THE WEEK WITH US, & ONE *CHILD WITH HER,

CHANGED EVERY DAY. *THE *PIANO *FORTE'S *DUTY, & WILL BE HAPPY TO SEE YOU WHENEVER YOU CAN COME. *YRS AFFECLY** *J. *AUSTEN *CHAWTON *MARCH 14. *WE FOUR SWEET *BROTHERS & *SISTERS DINE TODAY AT HE *GT*. *HOUSE. *IS NOT THAT QUITE NATURAL? *GRAND+ MAMA/ & *MISS *LLOYD WILL BE BY THEMSELVES, *I DO NOT EXACTLY KNOW WHAT THEY WILL HAVE FOR DINNER, VERY LIKELY SOME PORK,

*I *JANE *AUSTEN OF THE *PARISH OF *CHAWTON DO BY THIS MY LAST *WILL AND TESTAMENT GIVE AND BEQUEATH TO MY DEAREST SISTER *CASSANDRA *ELIZ'TH EVERY THING OF WHICH *I MAY DIE POSSESSED OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER BE DUE TO ME SUBJECT TO THE PAYMENT OF MY FUNERAL EXPENSES AND TO A LEGACY OF \50 TO MY BROTHER *HENRY AND \50 TO *MDE *BIJION WHICH *I REQUEST MAY BE PAID AS SOON AS CONVENIENT AND *I APPOINT MY SAID DEAR SISTER *EXECUTRIX OF THIS MY LAST *WILL AND TESTAMENT *JANE *AUSTEN *APRIL 27; 1817. ****