Page:A memoir of Jane Austen (Fourth Edition).pdf/277

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lecting myself, I know my father wants very much to see him. But what is it you have done to occasion. all this?' She blushed deeply as she answered: 'I was so unhappy about Sir James that I could not help I have done something very wrong, I know; but you have not an idea of the misery I have been in: and mamma had ordered me never to speak to you or my uncle about it, and-' 'You therefore spoke to my brother to engage his interference,' said I, to save her the explanation. No, but I wrote to him-I did indeed, I got up this morning before it was light, and was two hours about it; and when my letter was done I thought I never should have courage to give it. After breakfast, however, as I was going to my room, I met him in the passage, and then, as I knew that everything must depend on that moment, I forced myself to give it. He was so good as to take it immediately. I dared not look at him, and ran away directly. I was in such a fright I could hardly breathe. My dear aunt, you do not know how miserable I have been.' 'Frederica,' said I, 'you ought to have told me all your distresses. You would have found in me a friend always ready to assist you. Do you think that your uncle or I should not have espoused your cause as warmly as my brother?' 'Indeed, I did not doubt your kindness,' said she, colouring again, but I thought Mr. De Courcy could do anything with my mother; but I was mistaken: they have had a dreadful quarrel about it, and he is going away. Mamma will never forgive me, and I shall be worse off than ever.' 'No, you shall not,' I replied; 'in such a point as this your