A Memoir of Jane Austen

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Appendix 191
insertion then & there of such light words, a sad incongruity–– &
so I doubt not would L d . Stanhope if he had found them in the
volume–– I am pleased that Lady Susan should have his valuable
approbation–– & perhaps the more pleased because I have never
felt quite sure how it would be taken by the public–– I feared it
might be thought too much of a monotone–– but there must certainly
be an interest in its complete contrast to those tales by
which she became famous–– I think the admission of these letters,
with the slow travelling to London & her stay at her Brother’s
house, a very great gain°–– as they give for a short period, that
which is so much wanted–– her proceedings–– narrated by
herself–– I am glad that Charlotte Craven° gets her little meed of
praise–– I think that all persons who can be naturally named,
contribute towards making a book of general interest–– that is,
after the lapse of 50 years–– & if there is nothing stated to their
disadvantage––
I suppose I may take the liberty of copying your letter
that to M r . Bentley from Lord Stanhope
7. Copy of part of a letter from Catherine Hubback° to JEAL
(NPG, RWC/HH, fos. 11–12).
March 1 st . 1870.
My dear Edward
. . . I gathered from the letters that it was in a momentary fit of
self-delusion that she ˆAunt Janeˆ accepted Mr. Withers proposal,°
and that when it was all settled eventually, and the negative
decisively given she was much relieved–– I think the affair vexed
her a good deal–– but I am sure she had no attachment to him. If
ever she was in love, it was with Dr. Blackall° (I think that was the
name) whom they met at some watering place, shortly before they
settled at Chawton–– There is no doubt she admired him
extremely, and perhaps regretted parting, but she always said her
books were her children, and supplied her sufficient interest for
happiness; and some of her letters, triumphing over the married
women of her acquaintance, & rejoicing in her own freedom from
care were most amusing.
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