'I remain, dear Sir,

'Yours very faithfully,
'J. AUSTEN.'

About the same time the following letters passed between the Countess of
Morley and the writer of 'Emma.' I do not know whether they were
personally acquainted with each other, nor in what this interchange of
civilities originated:--

_The Countess of Morley to Miss J. Austen_.

'Saltram, December 27 (1815).

'MADAM,--I have been most anxiously waiting for an introduction to
"Emma," and am infinitely obliged to you for your kind recollection of
me, which will procure me the pleasure of her acquaintance some days
sooner than I should otherwise have had it. I am already become
intimate with the Woodhouse family, and feel that they will not amuse
and interest me less than the Bennetts, Bertrams, Norrises, and all
their admirable predecessors. I can give them no higher praise.

'I am, Madam, your much obliged
'F. MORLEY.'

_Miss J. Austen to the Countess of Morley_.

'MADAM,--Accept my thanks for the honour of your note, and for your
kind disposition in favour of "Emma." In my present state of doubt as
to her reception in the world, it is particularly gratifying to me to