Part 20 (2/2)

I wish to thank you for these Letters. But I cannot hold out any prospect of being able to go to see you. I will not deceive you.

I am employed every day at this time by Candle Light from six in the Morning till twelve at night! After all! G.o.d Almighty has so framed all His Creatures, that even that n.o.ble, Animal Man!

requires refreshment food & Rest as well as others.

At my Age I feel that I require it: and I asked you not to press me to do that which I cannot do; without neglecting Duties which I have engaged to perform. I will go to see you; notwithstanding that I tell you fairly that nothing can be more disagreeable to me than to be followed by a Mob; as I invariably am; when I go to the part of the Town in which you reside.

But I don't care: I will go to see you when I find that I can do so; and I will give you previous notice as usual.

Ever My Dear Miss J.

Yours most faithfully

WELLINGTON.

In spite of this sudden resumption of cordiality, Miss J. did not hear from the Duke again for over five months. But the letter then is kindly, bearing no trace of the harshness that marked his epistles written a couple of years earlier.

LONDON, July 31, 1849.

MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have been at Windsor Castle since Monday from whence I have only now returned. I have to acknowledge the receipt of several letters from you written with your usual kindness, of motive as well as of sentiment and expression.

I congratulate you upon your success upon Mrs. L.'s Nephew!

I hope that you may go to the Seaside during the period of the fine season. Whether you are to derive benefit from the air or Bathing; it will be more beneficial during fine weather than after or even during the Storm of the Equinox.

It is impossible for me to say at what period Parliament will be prorogued.

I thank you for the beautiful Lines which you have sent me.

One of your Letters was written on Sunday the 28^th, another on Monday the 29^th, and a third on Tuesday the 30^th.

I hope that this may reach you this evening. But it is late, and I am afraid it may not.

Ever yours most faithfully

WELLINGTON.

WALMER CASTLE, Sept. 7th, 1849.

MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have this day received your letter dated Wednesday; as you did not know the day of the month. I am writing to you on Friday the 7^th You ought to receive this on Sat.u.r.day the 8^th inst.

I had not heard of the Indisposition, still less of the death of your Guardian! But I have been for some time absent from London and it is possible that letters may have been missent. But they will reach me at last.

I sincerely condole with you upon the loss which you have sustained! I hope that this loss will not be an inconvenience to you in the management of your pecuniary affairs.

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