Page:Austen - Northanger Abbey. Persuasion, vol. IV, 1818.djvu/198

 men, about those things; and when I came to examine his papers, I found it with others still more trivial from different people scattered here and there, while many letters and memorandums of real importance had been destroyed. Here it is. I would not burn it, because being even then very little satisfied with Mr. Elliot, I was determined to preserve every document of former intimacy. I have now another motive for being glad that I can produce it."

This was the letter, directed to "Charles Smith, Esq. Tunbridge Wells," and dated from London, as far back as July, 1803.

"Dear Smith,

"I have received yours. Your kindness almost overpowers me. I wish nature had made such hearts as youryours [sic] more common, but I have lived three and twenty years in the world, and have seen