They are frequently referred to as
models; nor have they lost their first distinction of being especially
acceptable to minds of the highest order. I shall indulge myself by
collecting into the next chapter instances of the homage paid to her by
such persons.
CHAPTER IX.
_Opinions expressed by eminent persons--Opinions of others of less
eminence--Opinion of American readers_.
Into this list of the admirers of my Aunt's works, I admit those only
whose eminence will be universally acknowledged. No doubt the number
might have been increased.
Southey, in a letter to Sir Egerton Brydges, says: 'You mention Miss
Austen. Her novels are more true to nature, and have, for my sympathies,
passages of finer feeling than any others of this age. She was a person
of whom I have heard so well and think so highly, that I regret not
having had an opportunity of testifying to her the respect which I felt
for her.'
It may be observed that Southey had probably heard from his own family
connections of the charm of her private character. A friend of hers, the
daughter of Mr.
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