J. AUSTEN.
Miss Knight, Godmersham Park, Faversham, Kent.

Two remarks in these letters seem to betray the close observer of human
nature from the novelist's point of view. Her optimistic opinion as to
recovery from disappointments in love may perhaps be adduced by some
critics as an argument to show that her feelings were not very deep; we
should rather quote them as an instance of her candour--of her saying
what other writers cannot help thinking, though they may not like to
express the thought. Readers of _Persuasion_ are well aware that the
author made room for cases (at all events, in the lives of women) where
such disappointments, though they may not kill, yet give a sombre tone
to the life and spirits of the sufferer through a long series of years.

There is close observation also in the distinction drawn between the
amount of love sufficient for a speedy marriage, and that necessary for
a long engagement, if unhappiness and possible discredit are to be
avoided. On this occasion, neither marriage nor engagement happened to
Fanny Knight. Her son tells us that differences in religious ideas
tended by degrees to separate the lovers--if lovers they could be
called. Her doubt as to caring enough for 'Mr. A.' became a certainty in
the course of the year 1815. When her aunt, in November of that year,
joked with her about an imaginary tenderness for Mr. Haden, 'the
apothecary,' it was no doubt pure 'chaff'; but we may be sure she would
not have indulged in it if any serious attachment had then occupied her
niece's mind.

The remaining letters of this series which we possess were written,
after an interval of more than two years, in February and March
1817,[335] only a few months before Jane's death. All idea of Fanny's
engaging herself to 'Mr. A.' has now passed away; yet, with natural
inconsistency, she lives in dread of his marrying some one else. By this
time there is a 'Mr. B.' on the stage, but his courtship, though
apparently demonstrative, is not really serious; and the last letter
keeps away from love affairs altogether. As to 'Mr. A.,' we are told
that he found his happiness elsewhere within a couple of years; while
Fanny became engaged to Sir Edward Knatchbull in 1820.

Chawton: [February 20, 1817].

MY DEAREST FANNY,--You are inimitable,
irresistible. You are the delight of my life. Such