Page:Austen Lady Susan Watson Letters.djvu/414

LETTERS OF JANE AUSTEN We had a very agreeable evening, and here I am before breakfast writing to you, having got up between six and seven; Lady Brydges’ room must be good for early rising.

Mr. Sankey was here last night, and found his patient better, but I have heard from a maid-servant that she has had but an indifferent night. Tell Elizabeth that I did not give her letter to Harriot till we were in the carriage, when she received it with great delight, and could read it in comfort.

As you have been here so lately, I need not particularly describe the house or style of living, in which all seems for use and comfort; nor need I be diffuse on the state of Lady Brydges’ bookcase and corner-shelves upstairs. What a treat to my mother to arrange them!

Harriot is constrained to give up all hope of seeing Edward here to fetch me, as I soon recollected that Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knatchbull’s being at Godmersham on Thursday must put it out of the question.

Had I waited till after breakfast, the chief of all this might have been spared. The Duke of Gloucester’s death sets my heart at ease, though it will cause some dozens to ache. Harriot’s is not among the number of the last; she is very well pleased to be spared the trouble of preparation. She joins me in best love to you all, and &emsp;&emsp;[378]