But though such golden opinions were now and then gathered in, yet the
wide field of public taste yielded no adequate return either in praise or
profit. Her reward was not to be the quick return of the cornfield, but
the slow growth of the tree which is to endure to another generation. Her
first attempts at publication were very discouraging. In November, 1797,
her father wrote the following letter to Mr. Cadell:--
'Sir,--I have in my possession a manuscript novel, comprising 3 vols.,
about the length of Miss Burney's "Evelina." As I am well aware of
what consequence it is that a work of this sort shd make its first
appearance under a respectable name, I apply to you. I shall be much
obliged therefore if you will inform me whether you choose to be
concerned in it, what will be the expense of publishing it at the
author's risk, and what you will venture to advance for the property
of it, if on perusal it is approved of. Should you give any
encouragement, I will send you the work.
'I am, Sir, your humble Servant,
'GEORGE AUSTEN.
Pages:
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171