{{prxprf009.jpg}} || INTRODUCTION ix

She had mocked at romance and exposed its criminal folly in her

youth. There were flaws she could not countenance or perpetuate in

Cecilia or Camilla themselves; but she gloried in their 'genius, wit, and

taste'; waxing eloquent over the 'work in which the greatest powers of

the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of

human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest

effusions of wit and humour, are conveyed to the world in the best

chosen language.'

It will probably be found that Pride and Prejudice is the most popular

of Jane Austen's novels and whether or no she deliberately intended

any comparison with others, her own delight in it, and her desire for

approval from friends, was most enthusiastically expressed.

The first arrival of 'her own darling child' is duly reported to Cas^

sandra, with a triumphant note on its being read aloud to a friend:

'Miss Benn was amused, poor soul! That she could not help, you

know, with two such persons to lead the way, but she 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.' Elsewhere we read

that 'Warren Hastings admiring my Elizabeth so much is particularly

welcome,' and within a week, her own conclusions are expressed with

obvious seriousness and sincerity, the laugh introduced to save herself

from the suspicion of undue conceit:

'Upon the whole however I am quite vain enough and self-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 anything that

would form a contrast, and bring the reader with increased delight to

the playfulness and epigrammaticism of the general style. I doubt your

agreeing with me here. I know your starched notions.'

In London, she hastens to the exhibition in Spring Gardens, the

Great Exhibition, and the collection of Sir Joshua Reynolds's paintings

now showing in Pall Mall, hoping in vain to find a picture of Elizabeth

which, however, she can only suppose Mr. Darcy 'prized too much

to like it should be exposed to the public eye. I can imagine he would

have that sort of feeling -- that mixture of love, pride, and delicacy.'

At Spring Gardens there was a small portrait of Mrs. Bingley:

'Exactly herself -- size, shaped face, features and sweetness; She is

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