Part 18 (2/2)

”I have written another indignant letter to the Duke, in which I purpose enclosing his hair and picture, which last being made of sealing wax is of course of no value. These being the only things ever received or required by me, I am solicitous to relieve myself from the burthen they necessarily become under present circ.u.mstances.

Consequently, after considering or reflecting that it may perhaps be more for the honor and glory of G.o.d to return them in silence, I have enclosed them in two blank covers, waiting now only to ascertain their weight in order that they may be stamped accordingly and reach him in safety.”

It may be stated that even after receiving the Duke's letter of apology Miss J. remained firm in her intention to return these gifts of the Duke's. Mrs. L., however, who was constantly taking the part of a _deus ex machina_ in Miss J.'s affairs, succeeded in persuading her to keep both the hair and the picture.

The fiercely demanded apology arrived on Monday. Miss J. writes:--

”I have to thank my good and gracious G.o.d for his indulgent kindness in sending me not only a letter from my Guardian with Enclosures, but also one from the Duke, apologizing fully.”

Sept. 27, 1846.

I am very much concerned to find by a letter which I received this Morning from Miss J., that I was so unfortunate as to have read incorrectly or to have misunderstood Her letter!

It appears that it was from Her Guardian and not from me that she intended to borrow money! I confess that it frequently happens to me to be unable to make out Miss J.'s handwriting! and I sometimes do not exactly comprehend what it appears to me that she intended to write! This is to be attributed to the Celerity with which she writes!

I beg leave to apologize for my mistake and above all for thinking it possible that she might want to borrow money from me!

I beg her forgiveness for this Error!

Miss J.'s Most faithful

Humble Servant

WELLINGTON.

P.S. I will never offend again in any manner.

Miss J. delayed acknowledging the Duke's reply for several days, but finally sent off the following epistle, which she no doubt regarded as a model of Christian forgiveness.

Oct. 3rd, 1846.

MY LORD DUKE,--I am grieved to say that it has taken a much longer period to subdue my indignation than as a Christian I could wish: consequently as I am incapable of dissimulation I have been reluctant to resume my pen since the day on which I received your merited apology, when I hastily answered it. But that reply was not permitted to be forwarded, therefore I sealed it up with the articles intended to accompany it until I could further learn what G.o.d would have me do, nor is it until this moment that He has given me even a capability of addressing you again!

Yet as life is uncertain with all! it would, I doubt not, eventually have grieved me if anything had happened in the interim to rob me of the power of granting your request respecting my forgiveness. This I now do and sincerely hope G.o.d will forgive also! and far more perfectly and freely than I alas!

as a Creature am enabled to do! _HE_ condescendingly a.s.sures them Who offend HIM yet seek forgiveness ... that their sins and iniquities are remembered ”no more.”...

That you, My Lord Duke, may experimentally feel this, not only as regards this offence to one hitherto so devotedly bestowed upon you by Himself,--but any and every other transgression that can ever become an impediment to your eternal happiness is the earnest wish of

His devoted Child and Servant

A. J.

Should it be the will of G.o.d to allow this to call forth a reply, it becomes my duty to add that I am still in the same lodging, my Cottage not yet being ready for our reception, nor will it be until Thursday the 8^th Ins^t. if so soon,--having required more time than antic.i.p.ated for our entrance which I hope will be blessed.

P.S. The idea, My Lord Duke, that there may come a moment when any spiritual consolation on my part may be sought for by you, induces me to place it in your power in that case to obtain such by adding that the address with which you are so familiar will always find me or my Guardian as follows.... Having said this, I hope that I have now done all that G.o.d requires from me, leaving it with Him accordingly.

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