The Letters of Jane Austen: Selected from the compilation of her great nephew, Edward, Lord BradbourneAusten, Jane
General
The Letters of Jane Austen: Selected from the compilation of her great nephew, Edward, Lord Bradbourne
Austen, Jane
Austen, Cassandra, 1773-1845; Austen, Jane, 1775-1817 -- Correspondence; Novelists, English -- 19th century -- Correspondence
MY DEAR ANNA,--I assure you we all came away very much pleased with our
visit. We talked of you for about a mile and a half with great
satisfaction; and I have been just sending a very good report of you to
Miss Benn, with a full account of your dress for Susan and Maria.
We were all at the play last night to see Miss O'Neil in "Isabella." I
do not think she was quite equal to my expectations. I fancy I want
something more than can be. I took two pocket-handkerchiefs, but had
very little occasion for either. She is an elegant creature, however,
and hugs Mr. Young delightfully. I am going this morning to see the
little girls in Keppel Street. Cassy was excessively interested about
your marriage when she heard of it, which was not until she was to drink
your health on the wedding-day.
She asked a thousand questions in her usual manner, what he said to you
and what you said to him. If your uncle were at home he would send his
best love, but I will not impose any base fictitious remembrances on
you; mine I can honestly give, and remain
Your affectionate aunt,
J. AUSTEN.
LXV.
HANS PLACE, Wednesday.
MY DEAR ANNA,--I have been very far from finding your book an evil, I
assure you. I read it immediately and with great pleasure. I think you
are going on very well. The description of Dr. Griffin and Lady Helena's
unhappiness is very good, and 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, and one could live on the name of Newton Priors for a
twelvemonth. Indeed, I think you get on very fast. I only wish other
people of my acquaintance could compose as rapidly. I am pleased with
the dog scene and with the whole of George and Susan's love, but am more
particularly struck with your serious conversations. 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, and 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
nieces are seldom chosen but out of compliment to some aunt or another.
I dare say Ben was in love with me once, and would never have thought of
you if he had not supposed me dead of scarlet fever. Yes, I was in a
mistake as to the number of books. I thought I had read three before the
three at Chawton, but fewer than six will not do. I want to see dear
Bell Griffin again; and had you not better give some hint of St.
Julian's early history in the beginning of the story?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account