really does seem to admire Elizabeth. I must confess that I think her
as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print, and how I shall be
able to tolerate those who do not like _her_ at least I do not know.
There are a few typical errors; and a "said he," or a "said she,"
would sometimes make the dialogue more immediately clear; but "I do
not write for such dull elves" as have not a great deal of ingenuity
themselves. The second volume is shorter than I could wish, but the
difference is not so much in reality as in look, there being a larger
proportion of narrative in that part. I have lop't and crop't so
successfully, however, that I imagine it must be rather shorter than
"Sense and Sensibility" altogether. Now I will try and write of
something else.'

Chawton, Thursday, February 4 (1813).

'MY DEAR CASSANDRA,--Your letter was truly welcome, and I am much
obliged to you for all your praise; it came at a right time, for I had
had some fits of disgust. Our second evening's reading to Miss B. had
not pleased me so well, but I believe something must be attributed to
my mother's too rapid way of getting on: though she perfectly
understands the characters herself, she cannot speak as they ought.
Upon the whole, however, I am quite vain enough and well satisfied
enough. The work is rather too light, and bright, and sparkling; it
wants shade; it wants to be stretched out here and there with a long
chapter of sense, if it could be had; if not, of solemn specious
nonsense, about something unconnected with the story; an essay on
writing, a critique on Walter Scott, or the history of Buonaparte, or
something that would form a contrast, and bring the reader with
increased delight to the playfulness and epigrammatism of the general
style . . . . The greatest blunder in the printing that I have met