LETTERS OF JANE AUSTEN
tainly on the decline, there is something interesting in the bustle of going away, and the prospect of spending future summers by the sea or in Wales is very delightful. 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 increase his income, by raising his tithes, &c., and 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, and says a great many kind things about spending some time with you in March, and depending on a large return from us both in the autumn. Perhaps I may not write again before Sunday.
Miss Austen, Godmersham Park,
Faversham, Kent.
