LETTERS OF JANE AUSTEN
It gives us great pleasure to hear of little
Edward’s being better, and we imagine, from
his mamma’s expressions, 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 I 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 grown 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
