terially less. The beds are
both as large as any at Steventon, and I have a
very nice chest of drawers and a closet full of
shelves--so full indeed that there is nothing else
in it, and it should therefore be called a
cupboard rather than a closet, I suppose.

* * * * *

There was a very long list of arrivals here in the
newspaper yesterday, so that we need not
immediately dread absolute solitude; and there is
a public breakfast in Sydney Gardens every
morning, so that we shall not be wholly starved.

Yours very affectionately,
JANE.

13 Queen Square: Sunday [June 2, 1799].

Flowers are very much worn, and fruit is still
more the thing. Elizabeth has a bunch of
strawberries, and I have seen grapes, cherries,
plums, and apricots. There are likewise almonds
and raisins, French plums, and tamarinds at the
grocers', but I have never seen any of them in
hats. A plum or greengage would cost three
shillings; cherries and grapes about five, I
believe, but this is at some of the dearest shops.
My aunt has told me of a very cheap one, near
Walcot Church, to which I shall go in quest of
something for you. I have never seen an old woman
at the pump-room.

* * * * *

I spent Friday evening with the Mapletons, and was
obliged to submit to being pleased in spite of my
inclination. We took a very charming walk from six
to eight up Beacon Hill, and across some fields,
to the village of Charlecombe, which is sweetly
situated in a little green valley, as a village
with such a name ought to be. Marianne is sensible
and intelligent, and even Jane, considering how
fair she is, is not unpleasant. We had a Miss
North and a Mr. Gould of our party; the latter
walked home with me after tea. He is a very young
man, just entered Oxford, wears spectacles, and
has heard that _Evelina_ was written by Dr.
Johnson.

* * * * *

There is to be a grand gala on Tue