28 SEPTEMBER 1996, Page 38

Good God!

Sir: Mr Mark Steyn, in his review (14 September) of the American film of Emma (which I haven't seen) states that it is 'pep- pered with non-Austenisms like "good God!" '.

In chapter 40 of the book, Miss Austen writes, "Good God!" cried Emma, "this has been a most unfortunate — most deplorable mistake." '

Alec Guinness

Garrick Club, Garrick Street,