It is certain, however, that the mind did not share in this decay of the
bodily strength. 'Persuasion' was not finished before the middle of
August in that year; and the manner in which it was then completed
affords proof that neither the critical nor the creative powers of the
author were at all impaired. The book had been brought to an end in
July; and the re-engagement of the hero and heroine effected in a totally
different manner in a scene laid at Admiral Croft's lodgings. But her
performance did not satisfy her. She thought it tame and flat, and was
desirous of producing something better. This weighed upon her mind, the
more so probably on account of the weak state of her health; so that one
night she retired to rest in very low spirits. But such depression was
little in accordance with her nature, and was soon shaken off. The next
morning she awoke to more cheerful views and brighter inspirations: the
sense of power revived; and imagination resumed its course. She
cancelled the condemned chapter, and wrote two others, entirely
different, in its stead.
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