_Diana Temple_, she is ashamed to say it has never
been worked at since you went away. . . .

Edward's visit has been a great pleasure to us. He
has not lost one good quality or good look, and is
only altered in being improved by being some
months older than when we saw him last. He is
getting very near our own age, for _we_ do not
grow older of course.

Yours affectionately,
J. AUSTEN.

Chawton: Wednesday, March. 13 [1815].

MY DEAR CAROLINE,--I am very glad to have an
opportunity of answering your agreeable little
letter. You seem to be quite my own niece in your
feelings towards Mme. de Genlis. I do not think I
could even now, at my sedate time of life, read
_Olympe et Theophile_ without being in a rage. It
really is too bad! Not allowing them to be happy
together when they _are_ married. Don't talk of
it, pray. I have just lent your Aunt Frank the
first volume of _Les Veillees du Chateau_, for
Mary Jane to read. It will be some time before she
comes to the horror of Olympe. . . .

I had a very nice letter from your brother not
long ago, and I am quite happy to see how much his
hand is improving. I am convinced that it will end
in a very gentlemanlike hand, much above par.

We have had a great deal of fun lately with
post-chaises stopping at the door; three times
within a few days we had a couple of agreeable
visitors turn in unexpectedly--your Uncle Henry
and Mr. Tilson, Mrs. Heathcote and Miss Bigg, your
Uncle Henry and Mr. Seymour. Take notice it was
the same Uncle Henry each time.

I remain, my dear Caroline,
Your affectionate Aunt,
J. AUSTEN.

Hans Place: Monday night [October 30, 1815].

MY DEAR CAROLINE,--I have not felt quite equal to
taking up your Manuscript, but think I shall soon,
and I hope my detaining it so long will be no
inconvenience. It gives us great pleasure that you
should be at Chawton. I