LETTERS OF JANE AUSTEN
My father’s old ministers are already deserting
him to pay their court to his son. The brown
mare, which, as well as the black, was to devolve
on James at our removal, has not had patience to
wait for that, and has settled herself even now
at Deane. The death of Hugh Capet, which,
like that of Mr. Skipsey though undesired, was
not wholly unexpected, being purposely effected,
has made the immediate possession of the mare
very convenient, and everything else I suppose
will be seized by degrees in the same manner.
Martha and I work at the books every day.
Miss Austen, Godmersham Park,
- Faversham, Kent.
XXVII
Steventon: Wednesday (January 14).
Poor Miss Austen! It appears to me that I have rather oppressed you of late by the frequency of my letters. You had hoped not to hear from me again before Tuesday, but Sunday showed you with what a merciless sister you had to deal. I cannot recall the past, but you shall not hear from me quite so often in future.
Your letter to Mary was duly received before she left Dean with Martha yesterday morning,
and it gives us great pleasure to know that the
