him that I am
very glad to hear he can skip so well already, and
that I hope he will continue to send me word of
his improvement in the art.

* * * * *

_Friday._--Sidmouth is now talked of as our summer
abode. Get all the information, therefore, about
it that you can from Mrs. C. Cage.

My father's old ministers are already deserting
him to pay their court to his son. The brown mare,
which as well as the black, was to devolve on
James at our removal, has not had patience to wait
for that, and has settled herself even now at
Deane. The death of Hugh Capet, which, like that
of Mr. Skipsey, though undesired, was not wholly
unexpected, being purposely effected, has made the
immediate possession of the mare very convenient,
and everything else I suppose will be seized by
degrees in the same manner. Martha and I work at
the books every day.

Steventon: Wednesday [January 14, 1801].

Your letter to Mary was duly received before she
left Deane with Martha yesterday morning, and it
gives us great pleasure to know that the Chilham
ball was so agreeable, and that you danced four
dances with Mr. Kemble. Desirable, however, as the
latter circumstance was, I cannot help wondering
at its taking place. Why did you dance four dances
with so stupid a man? why not rather dance two of
them with some elegant brother officer who was
struck with your appearance as soon as you entered
the room?

* * * * *

At present the environs of Laura Place seem to be
his [my father's] choice. His views on the
subject are much advanced since I came home; he
grows quite ambitious, and actually requires now a
comfortable and a creditable-looking house.

* * * * *

This morning brought my aunt's reply, and most
thoroughly affectionate is its tenor. She thinks
with the greatest pleasure of our being settled in
Bath--it is an event which will attach her to the
place more than anything else could do, &c., &c.
She is, moreover, very urgen