Autograph letter signed to Cassandra Austen: Transcription

Transcription:

“My dear Cassandra,

I will first talk of my visit to Canterbury, as W.I.A.’s letter to Anna cannot have given you every particular of it, which you are likely to wish for. I had a most affectionate welcome from Harriet and was happy to see her almost as well as [illegible]. She walked with me to call on Mrs. Baydges when Elizabeth and Louisa went to Mrs. Miller; and Mrs. B was drifting [illegible] not see us, we proceeded to the White [illegible], where Mrs. K was alone in her drowning [worn], gentle and kind and friendly as well. She enquired after every body, especially any brother and yourself. We were with her a quarter of an hour before Elizabeth and Louisa, hot from Mrs. Baskerville’s shop, walked in, they were soon followed by the carriage, and [illegible] brought Mr. Moore himself just returned from her [illegible]. Well! And what do I think of Mr. Moore? I will not pretend in one meeting to dislike him, whatever Mary may say; but I can honestly assure that I saw nothing in him to admire. His manners, as you have always said, are gentle and [like], but by no means winning. He made one formal enquiry after you. I saw their little girl, very small and very pretty she is, her features are as delicate as Mary Jane, with [illegible] dark eyes, if she had Mary Jane’s fine colour, she would be quite [illegible] and polite. [Illegible] for one [illegible] for her seems [illegible] with what is amicable…”