LETTERS OF JANE AUSTEN
We went by Bifrons, and I contemplated with a
melancholy pleasure the abode of him on whom
I once fondly doated. We dine to-day at Goodnestone,
to meet my Aunt Fielding from Margate
and a Mr. Clayton, her professed admirer —
at least so I imagine. Lady Bridges has received
very good accounts of Marianne, who is
already certainly the better for her bathing.
So His Royal Highness Sir Thomas Williams has at length sailed; the papers say “on a cruise.” But I hope they are gone to Cork, or I shall have written in vain. Give my love to Jane, as she arrived at Steventon yesterday, I dare say.
I sent a message to Mr. Digweed from Edward in a letter to Mary Lloyd which she ought to receive to-day; but as I know that the Harwoods are not very exact as to their letters, I may as well repeat it to you. Mr. Digweed is to be informed that illness has prevented Seward’s coming over to look at the repairs intended at the farm, but that he will come as soon as he can. Mr. Digweed may also be informed, if you think proper, that Mr. and Mrs. Milles are to dine here to-morrow, and that Mrs. Joan Knatchbull is to be asked to meet them. Mr. Richard Harvey’s match is put off till he has got a better Christian name, of which he has great hopes.
Mr. Children’s two sons are both going to be
