James Edward Austen The Grove, for so was the Mansion of M^rs . Percivalat Chetwynde denominated was situated w^hinwithinfive miles from the town Exeter, but thoughthat Lady poſseſsed a carriage & horses of herher own, it was seldom that Catharine could prevail on her to visit that town for the purpose of shopping, on account of themany Officers perpetually Quartered there& infested the principal Streets — A company of strolling players in their way from some Neighbouring Races having opened atemporary Theatre there, M^rs : Percival wasprevailed on by her Niece to indulgeher by attending the performance & anonce during their stay — M^rs : Percivalinsisted on paying Miſs Dudley the compliment of inviting her to join the party, when a newdifficulty arose, from the neceſsity of havingsome Gentleman^{to attend them} of their party