In 1905 , James said he did not like the public interest in Austen . He said it was more than Austen 's `` intrinsic merit ( worth ) and interest '' deserved . In 1905 , James responded frustratingly to what he described as `` a beguiled infatuation '' with Austen , a rising tide of public interest that exceeded Austen 's `` intrinsic merit and interest '' .