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Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 2 July 1841: 'Before I forget again .. have you looked into the "History of a flirt"? The name may daunt you -- but the writer "leans to Miss Austen's side" [...] There is nothing high toned or passionate -- & supposing you safely over the monotony of the subject & the odiousness of the heroine, it may not prove heavy reading for your evenings [...] It did indeed strike me as one of the very best domestic novels which have fallen upon these evil days.'
'I am often ashamed when I read over what I have written, to see how I allow my mind to wander, and my pen to note down so many of its vagaries. Yet I never have resolution to amend the style of my diary. And why should I not indulge myself by giving way to my feelings?'