ibbon, the
hair turned up and powdered, with a ribbon of the same colour passed
through it. Our knowledge of her character at this time is principally
derived from a series of letters written by her to her cousin, Phila
Walter--letters singularly frank and gossipy, and of especial interest
to us from the sidelights they throw on the family circle at Steventon.
There are also interesting letters from Phila to her own family.

Such a girl as Eliza was not likely to pass unnoticed in any society;
and in August 1781 Mr. Woodman writes to tell Warren Hastings that she
is on the point of marriage with a French officer, and that 'Mr. Austen
is much concerned at the connexion, which he says is giving up all their
friends, their country, and he fears their religion.'[27] The intended
husband was Jean Capotte, Comte de Feuillide,[28] aged thirty, an
officer in the Queen's Regiment of Dragoons, and owner of an estate
called Le Marais, near Gaboret, in Guyenne. The marriage took place in
the same year, and in the following March, Eliza, now Comtesse de
Feuillide, writes Phila a long letter praising the Comte and his
devotion to herself.

The man to whom I have given my hand is everyways
amiable both in mind and person. It is too little
to say he loves me, since he literally adores me;
entirely devoted to me, and making my inclinations
the guide of all his actions, the whole study of
his life seems to be to contribute to the
happiness of mine. My situation is everyways
agreeable, certain of never being separated from
my dear Mama, whose presence enhances every other
blessing I enjoy, equally sure of my husband's
affection, mistress of an easy fortune with the
prospect of a very ample one, add to these the
advantages of rank and title, and a numerous and
brilliant acquaintance amongst whom I can flatter
myself I have some sincere friends, and you will
unite with me in saying I have reason to be
thankful to Providence for the lot fallen to my
share; the only thing which can make me uneasy is
the distance I am from my relations and country,
but this is what I trust I shall not always have
to complain of, as the Comte has the greatest
desire to see England, and even to make it his
residence a part of the y