Besides these two distinct groups of three novels each, there is another of the unfinished fragments, which never became real stories. These consist of _Lady Susan_, a comedy in the form of letters, which is ended up hastily with a few paragraphs of explanation; and _The Watsons_, an unfinished tale, of which the end was told by Cassandra Austen from remarks that her sister had made. Both of these are included, as has been said, in Mr. Austen-Leigh’s _Memoir_, and it seems a pity that they should not form a volume in one of the neat series of Jane Austen’s novels now published, as to a real Austenite they contain much that is valuable, and are full of characteristic touches. Of the complete novels _Pride and Prejudice_ is admittedly the best; there are several candidates for the second place, but the superiority of _Pride and Prejudice_ is unquestioned. It was the earliest of the books written, under the title _First Impressions_, and as such it is referred to in Jane’s correspondence: “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;” this was to her sister in 1799, and later on she adds, with the playfulness never long wanting, “I would not let Martha read _First Impressions_ again upon any account, and am very glad 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.” There has been great diversity of opinion as to the relative merit of the remaining books, but the concensus of opinion seems to declare for _Emma_, the last but one in point of time, which shows that the author’s genius had not abated. This book is totally different from the first, it lacks the sparkle and _verve_ which runs all through _Pride and Prejudice_, but it has perhaps more depth and is something softer and more finished also. These two books, and all the others, will be dealt with in detail as they occur chronologically, for we are here only attempting to treat them generally, and to bring out those characteristics and excellencies common to all which made them such masterpieces, and gave their maker such a unique place in the hierarchy of authors.