but he soon received accounts from France which informed him that, having already exceeded his leave of absence, if he still continued in England he would be considered as one of the Emigrants, and consequently his whole property forfeited to the nation. Such advices were not to be neglected, and M. de F. was obliged to depart for Paris, but not, however, without giving me hopes of his return in some months, that is to say, when the state of affairs would let him, for at present it is a very difficult business, for a military man especially, to obtain leave to absent himself.

Steventon 26th Octr 1792.

My dear Phillida,

. . . I will endeavor to answer all your enquiries as well as I can. In the first place I have the real pleasure of informing you that our dear Uncle & Aunt are both in perfect health. The former looks uncommonly well, and in my opinion his likeness to my beloved mother is stronger than ever. Often do I sit and trace her features in his, till my heart overflows at my eyes. I always tenderly loved my uncle, but I think he is now dearer to me than ever, as being the nearest and best beloved relative of the never to be sufficiently regretted parent I have lost.

Cassandra & Jane are both very much grown (the latter is now taller than myself) and greatly improved as well in manners as in person, both of which are now much more formed than when you saw them. They are I think equally sensible, and both so to a degree seldom met with, but still my heart gives the preference to Jane, whose kind partiality to me indeed requires a return of the same nature. Henry is now rather more than six foot high, I believe: He also is much improved and is certainly endowed with uncommon abilities, which indeed seem to have been bestowed, tho’ in a different way, upon each member of this family—As to the coolness which you know had taken place between H. & myself, it has now ceased, in consequence of due acknowledgments on his part, and we are at present on very proper relation-like terms; you know that his family design him for the Church.

Cassandra was from home when I arrived: she was then on a visit to Rowling, the abode of her brother Edward from which she returned however some time since but is now ⟨once⟩ more absent as well as her sister on a visit to the Miss Floyds who live at a place called Ibthorp about eighteen miles I believe from hence. They both return on Monday next. I suppose you have heard long since of the death of poor Dr. Cooper; his daughter came immediately here, I know not whether you are personally acquainted with her, but I think you must recollect my having mentioned her (she was one of the theatrical troop). At the time of her father’s death she was at the very brink of wedlock, the day being fixed, but the above mentioned melancholy event necessarily occasioned a delay of the n⟨uptials which⟩ are now fixed for some time in December & are to be celebrated in this p⟨lace so⟩ that I suppose we are to be mighty gay. Indeed, I am delighted with the thoughts of it, for I never was but at one wedding in my life & that appeared a very stupid business to me. I hope I shall be better amused at this; all this while I have not told you who the happy man is: be it therefore known unto you, he is a Captn Williams of the Royal Navy (I am sure you will now be much more interested about him). His present fortune is but small, but he has expectation of future preferment. The happy pair are to inhabit the Isle of Wight, to which they have kindly given me a pressing invitation; and which if I am alive next summer I may possibly accept.

The little sailor whom you enquire after was perfectly well when he was last heard of, which however is now some time since. He is expected home in the course of next year—

I suppose you know that both Mrs. James & Mrs. Edward Austen are in the increasing way. The latter I have only had a peep at, and the former I have not seen a great deal more of, I think them both pleasant as far as I can judge. . . . I can readily believe that the share of sensibility I know you to be possessed of would not suffer you to learn the tragical events of which France has of late been the theatre without being much affected. My private letters confirm the intelligence afforded by the public prints & assure me that nothing we there read is exaggerated. M. de F. is at present in Paris. He had determined on coming to England, but finds it impossible to get away. . . . I have no thoughts of going to town for some months to come, but I may perhaps spend a fortnight at Bath in the course of next month. Mrs. Egerton whom I believe you know by name is there & presses me much to come to her. . . . There has been a Club Ball at Basingstoke & a private one in the neighbourhood, both of which my cousins say were very agreeable. As to myself I was too ill to go to them being confined to my bed with a feverish attack. There is to be another ball the 4th of Novr which I shall go to if I am able, but I do not think I shall dance; see how staid & sober I grow! I know you will kindly wish for some account of Hastings. He has I think gained much health & strength from his residence here. He is the plaything of the whole family. . . .

Do not doubt my being for life faithfully & affectionately yours

Eliza.

Pray do not neglect burning this.