LETTERS OF JANE AUSTEN
day, and shall see what she can do for me. I want to have something suggested which will give me no trouble of thought or direction.
Again I return to my joy that you danced at Ashford, and that you supped with the Prince. I can perfectly comprehend Mrs. Cage's distress and perplexity. She has all those kind of foolish and incomprehensible feelings which would make her fancy herself uncomfortable in such a party. I love her, however, in spite of all her nonsense. Pray give “t’other Miss Austen’s” compliments to Edward Bridges when you see him again.
I insist upon your persevering in your intention of buying a new gown; I am sure you must want one, and as you will have 5l. due in a week’s time, I am certain you may afford it very well, and if you think you cannot, I will give you the body-lining.
Of my charities to the poor since I came home you shall have a faithful account. I have given a pair of worsted stockings to Mary Hutchins, Dame Kew, Mary Steevens, and Dame Staples; a shift to Hannah Staples, and a shawl to Betty Dawkins; amounting in all to about half a guinea. But I have no reason to suppose that the Battys would accept of anything, because I have not made them the offer.
I am glad to hear such a good account of Har-
