the mother and sisters were what
Jane afterwards called 'Hampshire-born Austens,' and clung to their
county. The offer was particularly opportune, for Mrs. Austen was
already hesitating between Kent and Hampshire as a place of residence.
The attractions of a home at Chawton became greater the more they were
considered; and though it was held to be necessary to consult the Frank
Austens, whom they would be leaving, no doubt was entertained as to
their answer.

Castle Square: Monday [October 24, 1808].

MY DEAR CASSANDRA,--Edward and George came to us
soon after seven on Saturday, very well, but very
cold, having by choice travelled on the outside,
and with no great coat but what Mr. Wise, the
coachman, good-naturedly spared them of his, as
they sat by his side. They were so much chilled
when they arrived, that I was afraid they must
have taken cold; but it does not seem at all the
case; I never saw them looking better.

_They behave extremely well_ in every respect,
showing quite as much feeling as one wishes to
see, and on every occasion speaking of their
father with the liveliest affection. His letter
was read over by each of them yesterday, and with
many tears; George sobbed aloud, Edward's tears do
not flow so easily; but as far as I can judge they
are both very properly impressed by what has
happened. Miss Lloyd, who is a more impartial
judge than I can be, is exceedingly pleased with
them.

George is almost a new acquaintance to me, and I
find him in a different way as _engaging as
Edward_.

We do not want amusement: bilbocatch,[183] at
which George is indefatigable, spillikins, paper
ships, riddles, conundrums, and cards, with
watching the flow and ebb of the river, and now
and then a stroll out, keep us well employed; and
we mean to avail ourselves of our kind papa's
consideration, by not returning to Winchester till
quite the evening of Wednesday.

* * * * *

The _St. Albans_, I find, sailed on the very day
of my letters reaching Yarmouth, so that we must
not expect an answer[184] at present; we scarcely