Lady Susan
Autograph manuscript, fair copy, of a novel
Purchased, 1947
11
it has lately fallen in my way to hear some par:
:ticulars of her conduct at Langford, which prove
that she does not confine herself to that sort of
honest flirtation which satisfies most people, but
aspires to the more delicious gratification of making
a whole family miserable. — By her behaviour to
Mr. Mainwaring, she gave jealousy & wretchedness to his
wife, & by her attentions to a young man previously
attached to Mr. Mainwaring's sister deprived an a:
:miable girl of her Lover. — I learnt all this from
a Mr. Smith now in this neighbourhood — (I have
dined with him at Hurst & Wilford) — who is just
come from Langford, where he was a fortnight in
the house with her Ladyship, & who is therefore
well qualified to make the communication. —
What a Woman she must be! — I long to see her,
& shall certainly accept your kind invitation, that I
may form some idea of those bewitching powers which can
do so much — engaging at the same time & in the