.

Paragon: Tuesday [May 5, 1801].

MY DEAR CASSANDRA,-- . . . Our journey here was
perfectly free from accident or event; we changed
horses at the end of every stage, and paid at
almost every turnpike. We had charming weather,
hardly any dust, and were exceedingly agreeable,
as we did not speak above once in three miles.

* * * * *

We had a very neat chaise from Devizes; it looked
almost as well as a gentleman's, at least as a
very shabby gentleman's; in spite of this
advantage, however, we were above three hours
coming from thence to Paragon, and it was half
after seven by your clocks before we entered the
house.

Frank, whose black head was in waiting in the hall
window, received us very kindly; and his master
and mistress did not show less cordiality. They
both look very well, though my aunt has a violent
cough. We drank tea as soon as we arrived, and so
ends the account of our journey, which my mother
bore without any fatigue.

* * * * *

There is to be only one more ball--next Monday is
the day. The Chamberlaynes are still here. I begin
to think better of Mrs. C., and upon recollection
believe she has rather a long chin than otherwise,
as she remembers us in Gloucestershire,[124] when
we were very charming young women.

The first view of Bath in fine weather does not
answer my expectations; I think I see more
distinctly through rain. The sun was got behind
everything, and the appearance of the place from
the top of Kingsdown was all vapour, shadow,
smoke, and confusion.

I fancy we are to have a house in Seymour Street,
or thereabouts. My uncle and aunt both like the
situation. I was glad to hear the former talk of
all the houses in New King Street as too small; it
was my own idea of them. I had not been two
minutes in the dining-room before he questioned me
with all his accustomary eager interest about
Frank and Charles, their views and intentions. I
did my best to give information.

* *