LETTERS OF JANE AUSTEN
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 300l. last year.
James and Mary went to Ibthorp for one night
last Monday, and 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, and 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.
I am very unhappy. In re-reading your letter I find I might have spared myself any 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, bordered with Mrs. Cooper’s band, and one little comb.
Miss Austen, Godmersham Park.
