Part 22 (1/2)

”Anyone would perhaps conclude by the Duke's remark that he had seen my house but as such was never the case I presume my description thereof had made this impression, alluding to it accordingly, for however much I may and did wish it to be honored with his presence, I found such was not apparently His will Who declares the Way of man is not in himself.

”In the Duke's next letter, dated March 18th, he refers to my dear Sister being with me as follows--'I am very sensible of this last circ.u.mstance and of the kindness and necessity of her attention to you during your illness.'

”A parcel from me having been left at the Duke's house he writes referring to the same.”

STRATHFIELDSAYE, April 3, 1850.

MY DEAR MISS J.,--I received a letter from you yesterday evening; another this morning dated the 2^nd Ins^t, both about a Parcel left at my House by your Sister!

I am very much concerned that the regulations which I have been under the necessity of making and enforcing in respect to the Reception of Parcels at my House should have been inconvenient to you or your sister.

But I have been under the necessity of ordering my Servants not to receive parcels; without previous orders from me! in order to prevent my private dwelling being made the Deposit of all the Trash that is written, invented, or in any manner made up! You find that I am frequently out of town. You wrote me that you would send a parcel but I received the notification only last night, and this morning one later; complaining that the Porter refused to take the Parcel. I am very sorry for any thing that can annoy you!

But I cannot prevent this now that my Duties and avocations call me to a distance from London! But I have not yet acquired the practice of being in two places at the same time: that is to say in London to receive your letters and Parcels or those of your sister; and in the Country, about my Duties and avocations.

If you will only reflect upon this! You will relieve yourself from great anxiety, and me from the vexation of annoying you.

Ever Yours most faithfully

WELLINGTON.

I will review the contents of the Parcel as soon as I shall return to London in some days hence.

LONDON, April 5, 1850.

MY DEAR MISS J.,--I returned to London this day and immediately enquired for the Parcel. I will peruse the Books which you have sent as soon as I shall have leisure.

Ever yours most faithfully

WELLINGTON.

”This largest book was a book of my brother-in-law's on Prison discipline. What other books accompanied it I have forgotten.

”In the Duke's next letter, dated April 26th, he writes--'I anxiously hope that you will soon be quite well.' Again, in his next letter, dated April 29th, he writes--'I hope that this fine weather which may be expected at this season of the year will altogether reestablish your health.'

”By the Duke's next letter, dated May 21st, I must have referred to some thoughts of leaving England--as he writes--'I can understand your desire to avoid separating from your sister. I hope that you will let me know of your safe arrival in the United States and State your correct address in legible Hand writing if you should wish that I should write to you.'”

LONDON, June 5, 1850.

MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have this morning received your Note directed to me, in which you ask to know whether I had before received a letter to inform me that your Voyage to the United States had been set aside.

I had answered every letter I had received. I do not recollect to have received a letter containing this information!

I am very glad to learn that you had set aside this Intention.

Ever Yours most faithfully.

WELLINGTON.