MA 1226, p. 13

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Jane Austen
1775–1817

Lady Susan

Autograph manuscript, fair copy, of a novel

Undated

Purchased, 1947

MA 1226
Transcription: 

13
Johnson suspected nothing of your engagement the
evening before; it is undoubtedly better to deceive
him entirely;— and since he will be stubborn, he must
be tricked. — I arrived here in safety, & have no
reason to complain of my reception from Mr. Vernon;
but I confess myself not equally satisfied with the
behaviour of his Lady. — She is perfectly well bred indeed,
& has the air of a woman of fashion, but her
manners are not such as can persuade me of her
being prepossessed in my favour. — I wanted her
to be delighted at seeing me. — I was as amiable
as possible on the occasion — but all in vain — She
does not like me. To be sure, when we consider that
I did take some pains to prevent my Brother—in—
law's marrying her, this want of cordiality is not
very surprizing — and yet it shows an illiberal &
vindictive spirit to resent a project which in:
:fluenced me six years ago, and which never suc:
:ceeded at last. — I am sometimes half disposed

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Images provided by DIAMM on behalf of Jane Austen’s Holograph Fiction MSS: A Digital and Print Edition.

Recording of Lady Susan courtesy of Naxos AudioBooks.

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