to have been only a happy accident (though no doubt an accident
very likely to occur) which prevented _First Impressions_ from appearing
in its immature shape.

George Austen was ready, and indeed anxious, that his daughter's work
should be published; and when she had finished the story in August 1797,
he took steps to find a publisher. Years afterwards (probably in 1836),
at the sale of the effects of Mr. Cadell, the famous London publisher,
the following letter was purchased by a connexion of the family:--

SIR,--I have in my possession a manuscript novel,
comprising 3 vols., about the length of Miss
Burney's _Evelina_. As I am well aware of what
consequence it is that a work of this sort sh^{d.}
make its first appearance under a respectable
name, I apply to you. I shall be much obliged,
therefore, if you will inform me whether you
choose to be concerned in it, what will be the
expense of publishing it at the author's risk,
and what you will venture to advance for the
property of it, if on perusal it is approved of.
Should you give any encouragement, I will send you
the work.

I am, Sir, your humble servant,
GEORGE AUSTEN.

Steventon, near Overton, Hants.:
November 1, 1797.

This proposal, we are told, was declined by return of post.

The earliest of Jane's letters which have survived date from the year
1796. They begin at Steventon in the middle of their winter engagements,
and when Tom Lefroy was in the foreground.[72]

Steventon: Saturday [January 9, 1796].

In the first place, I hope you will live
twenty-three years longer. Mr. Tom Lefroy's
birthday was yesterday, so that you are very near
of an age.

After this necessary preamble I shall proceed to
inform you that we had an exceeding good ball last
night, and that I was very much disappointed at
not seeing Charles Fowle of the party, as I had
previously heard of his being invited.

* * * * *

We were so terrible good as to take James in our
carriage, though there were three of us before;
but indeed he deserves encouragement for the very