I love the way Miss Austen just doesn't say "Anne sat down to read the contents." Who else could come up with this?

".....her eyes devoured the following words....."

In my reverie, I often visualize the almost frantic thoughts and actions of Anne and Frederick as they seek each other out on the streets of Bath following the reading of the letter.

Sometimes, I think this book should have been entitled "Suspense" because JA gently ushers us through moment after frustrating moment of....anticipation......disappointment......delay.....and triumph!