Tuesday. My dearest Cassandra in ever so many hurries I acknowledge the receipt of your Letter last night, just before we set off for Covent Garden.– I have no Mourning come, but it does not signify. This very moment has Richd put it on the Table.– I have torn it open & read your note. Thank you, thank you, thank you.–
Edwd is amazed at the 64 Trees. He desires his Love & gives you notice of the arrival of a Study Table for himself. It ought to be at Chawton this week. He begs you to be so good as to have it enquired for, & fetched by the Cart; but wishes it not to be unpacked till he is on the spot himself. It may be put in the Hall.–
Well, Mr Hampson dined here & all that. I was very tired of Artaxerxes, highly amused with the Farce, & in an inferior way with the Pantomime that followed. Mr J. Plumptre joined in the latter part of the Eveng–walked home with us, ate some soup, & is very earnest for our going to Cov. Gar. again to night to see Miss Stephens in the Farmers Wife. He is to try for a Box. I do not particularly wish him to succeed. I have had enough for the present.– Henry dines to day with Mr Spencer.–
Yours very affecly J. Austen
Miss Austen
Chawton
By favour of
Mr Gray
QuinnTessence 