Since the first publication of this memoir, Mr. Murray of Albemarle Street has very kindly sent to me copies of the following letters, which his father received from Jane Austen, when engaged in the publication of ‘Emma.’  The increasing cordiality of the letters shows that the author felt that her interests were duly cared for, and was glad to find herself in the hands of a publisher whom she could consider as a friend.

Her brother had addressed to Mr. Murray a strong complaint of the tardiness of a printer:—­

   ’23 Hans Place, Thursday, November 23 (1815).

’SIR,—­My brother’s note last Monday has been so fruitless, that I am afraid there can be but little chance of my writing to any good effect; but yet I am so very much disappointed and vexed by the delays of the printers, that I cannot help begging to know whether there is no hope of their being quickened.  Instead of the work being ready by the end of the present month, it will hardly, at the rate we now proceed, be finished by the end of the next; and as I expect to leave London early in December, it is of consequence that no more time should be lost.  Is it likely that the printers will be influenced to greater dispatch and punctuality by knowing that the work is to be dedicated, by permission, to the Prince Regent?  If you can make that circumstance operate, I shall be very glad.  My brother returns “Waterloo” with many thanks for the loan of it.  We have heard much of Scott’s account of Paris. {130} If it be not incompatible with other arrangements, would you favour us with it, supposing you have any set already opened?  You may depend upon its being in careful hands.

   ’I remain, Sir, your obt. humble Set. 
   ‘J.  AUSTEN.’

   ’Hans Place, December 11 (1815).

’DEAR SIR,—­As I find that “Emma” is advertised for publication as early as Saturday next, I think it best to lose no time in settling all that remains to be settled on the subject, and adopt this method as involving the smallest tax on your time.

’In the first place, I beg you to understand that I leave the terms on which the trade should be supplied with the work entirely to your judgment, entreating you to be guided in every such arrangement by your own experience of what is most likely to clear off the edition rapidly.  I shall be satisfied with whatever you feel to be best.  The title-page must be “Emma, dedicated by permission to H.R.H. the Prince Regent.”  And it is my particular wish that one set should be completed and sent to H.R.H. two or three days before the work is generally public.  It should be sent under cover to the Rev. J. S. Clarke, Librarian, Carlton House.  I shall subjoin a list of those persons to whom I must trouble you to forward also a set each, when the work is out; all unbound, with “From the Authoress” in the first page.