or a time we shall now possess
many of the advantages which I have often thought
of with envy in the wives of sailors or soldiers.
It must not be generally known, however, that I am
not sacrificing a great deal in quitting the
country, or I can expect to inspire no tenderness,
no interest, in those we leave behind.

The threatened Act of Parliament does not seem to
give any alarm.

My father is doing all in his power to increase
his income, by raising his tithes, &c., and I do
not despair of getting very nearly six hundred a
year.

Steventon: Thursday [January 8, 1801].

Mr. Peter Debary has declined Deane curacy; he
wishes to be settled near London. A foolish
reason! as if Deane were not near London in
comparison of Exeter or York. Take the whole world
through, and he will find many more places at a
greater distance from London than Deane than he
will at a less. What does he think of Glencoe or
Lake Katherine?

I feel rather indignant that any possible
objection should be raised against so valuable a
piece of preferment, so delightful a
situation!--that Deane should not be universally
allowed to be as near the metropolis as any other
country villages. As this is the case, however, as
Mr. Peter Debary has shown himself a Peter in the
blackest sense of the word, we are obliged to look
elsewhere for an heir; and my father has thought
it a necessary compliment to James Digweed to
offer the curacy to him, though without
considering it as either a desirable or an
eligible situation for him.

* * * * *

Eliza has seen Lord Craven at Barton, and probably
by this time at Kintbury, where he was expected
for one day this week. She found his manners very
pleasing indeed. The little flaw of having a
mistress now living with him at Ashdown Park seems
to be the only unpleasing circumstance about him.
From Ibthorp, Fulwar and Eliza are to return with
James and Mary to Deane.

* * * * *

Pray give my love to George; tell