Persuasion by Jane Austen Chapter 18 Page 5

leave the room vacant, we might not be invited. Let me know what you think of this. I do not expect my children to be asked, you know. I can leave them at the Great House very well, for a month or six weeks. I have this moment heard that the Crofts are going to Bath almost immediately; they think the Admiral gouty. Charles heard it quite by chance; they have not had the civility to give me any notice, or of offering to take anything. I do not think they improve at all as neighbours. We see nothing of them, and this is really an instance of gross inattention.

Charles joins me in love, and everything proper. Yours affectionately,

“Mary M---.

“I am sorry to say that I am very far from well; and Jemima has just told me that the butcher says