23 August 1796 – Tuesday – from Cork Street

My dear Cassandra

Here I am once more in this Scene of Dissipation & vice, and I begin already to find my Morals corrupted.– We reached Staines yesterday I donot [know omitted] when, without suffering so much from the Heat as I had hoped to do.  We set off again this morning at seven o’clock, & had a very pleasant Drive, as the morning was cloudy & perfectly cool– I came all the way in the Chaise from Hertford Bridge.—-

Edward & Frank are both gone out to seek their fortunes; the latter is to return soon & help us seek ours.  The former we shall never see again.  We are to be at Astley’s to night, which I am glad of.  Edward has heard from Henry this morning.  He has not been at the Races, at all, unless his driving Miss Pearson over to Rowling one day can be so called.  We shall find him there on Thursday.

I hope you are still alive after our melancholy parting Yesterday, and that you pursued your intended avocation with Success.–

God Bless You–I must leave off, for we are going out.  Yrs very affec:tely

J: Austen

Every Body’s Love