Chapter 6

"The Lady here referred to by the Duke is older than myself, therefore the Duke is inthatrespect mistaken, never having seen her."

Walmer Castle, Sept. 13, 1849.My dear Miss J.,—I received your Letter dated Saturday 8thand this morning that of the 11thin which you communicate to me the sad Intelligence of the loss which you had sustained in your friend Mrs. L.! I sincerely condole with you! She was a good and sincere friend of yours and I felt sincere respect and esteem for Her Character! You do not mention your young friend Jane; who was suffering also when you wrote before. I sincerely hope that she is better and progressing towards recovery as you could wish!Believe me My Dear Miss J.Yours most faithfullyWellington.

Walmer Castle, Sept. 13, 1849.

My dear Miss J.,—I received your Letter dated Saturday 8thand this morning that of the 11thin which you communicate to me the sad Intelligence of the loss which you had sustained in your friend Mrs. L.! I sincerely condole with you! She was a good and sincere friend of yours and I felt sincere respect and esteem for Her Character! You do not mention your young friend Jane; who was suffering also when you wrote before. I sincerely hope that she is better and progressing towards recovery as you could wish!

Believe me My Dear Miss J.

Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"I presume by the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 26th, that I made previous enquiries concerning some letters previously forwarded as he writes; 'I cannot now lay my hands on that letter but I must have received it. I think that you need not make yourself uneasy about any letter which you may address me.'"

The caustic tone common in the Duke's letters now reappears. Miss J.'s habit of enclosing to him letters she had written to others, with the request that he would read and return them, had long been a source of annoyance to him; and now his irritation breaks bonds.

Walmer Castle, October 22, 1849.My dear Miss J.,—I have received this evening your Letter dated September 30thwhich was Sunday, Inclosing in a colored cover, two Letters addressed to Miss Coutts which I return in the same cover according to your desire without loss of time.I have not received a book, and considering the uncertainty of receiving a letter from you; which you have only to direct, stamp; and put into the Box at the Post Office; which it is not certain that you can do with precision! I don't recommend you to endeavour to send me a Book. I am happy to learn that you will see your sister!Believe me Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

Walmer Castle, October 22, 1849.

My dear Miss J.,—I have received this evening your Letter dated September 30thwhich was Sunday, Inclosing in a colored cover, two Letters addressed to Miss Coutts which I return in the same cover according to your desire without loss of time.

I have not received a book, and considering the uncertainty of receiving a letter from you; which you have only to direct, stamp; and put into the Box at the Post Office; which it is not certain that you can do with precision! I don't recommend you to endeavour to send me a Book. I am happy to learn that you will see your sister!

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

"In the Duke's next letter, dated Nov. 15th, he writes—'I have no recollection of having failed to write an answer to any letter of which you desired to receive an acknowledgment."'I receive thousands of letters, a vast proportion of which I am under the necessity of answering, and I am of course desirous of avoiding to write more than is necessary; particularly to a person so particular as you are in respect to the forms and contents of the letter addressed to you.'"The Duke's next letter is evidently an angry one. It is dated Nov. 21st, wherein he writes—'I have received your letter of the 17th Inst. in which you have enclosed certain letters which you have written to Sir Robert Peel which I return! I am not the Post Man! nor the Secretary of Sir Robert Peel nor your Secretary!'"

"In the Duke's next letter, dated Nov. 15th, he writes—'I have no recollection of having failed to write an answer to any letter of which you desired to receive an acknowledgment.

"'I receive thousands of letters, a vast proportion of which I am under the necessity of answering, and I am of course desirous of avoiding to write more than is necessary; particularly to a person so particular as you are in respect to the forms and contents of the letter addressed to you.'

"The Duke's next letter is evidently an angry one. It is dated Nov. 21st, wherein he writes—'I have received your letter of the 17th Inst. in which you have enclosed certain letters which you have written to Sir Robert Peel which I return! I am not the Post Man! nor the Secretary of Sir Robert Peel nor your Secretary!'"

Miss J. retained a copy of her answer to the last.

November 25th, 1849.My Lord Duke,—Your unmerited angry letter astonished me inexpressibly, being a reply to one as kind and affectionate as my heart could dictate. Nor had I the most remote intention of taking the unwarrantable liberty of considering you in either of the characters you mention, but simply in that of a valued and beloved friend whose kind advice I was desirous to receive before taking a step which I had feared may otherwise vex you. This feeling my Letter to Your Grace plainly expressed, nor could I have believed after such affectionate disinterested devotedness to you for the last sixteen years such a simple confidential request would meet with the answer received. That letter, as is my custom in the time of perplexity, distress and trouble, I prayerfully spread before The Great "Lord of lords," beseeching Him to undertake for me, showing me how I ought to act under such circumstances, relying upon Him accordingly. Since then I made an attempt to address you not wishing you to remain ignorant of the safe arrival of those enclosures, but had I been given worlds I could not proceed. Consequently I laid aside my pen, fancying The Lord did not mean me to write at all. However, finding myself this morning thus influenced, I purpose, if HE permit forwarding what I write, promising should it be His good will and pleasure ever to allow me to intrude on Your Grace again, to procure such paper, etc., etc., as you require, apologizing for anyapparentwant of respect on such points, which, loving you as I have done, I did not consider was expected. But as "it is written," "Honour to whom honour," I shall sedulously avoid every repetition of the kind, such being the command of Him "with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning," "Who is the same yesterday, to-day and forever," consequently One I must ever loveabove allremaining to the latest moment of my existence,His devoted Child and ServantA. J.

November 25th, 1849.

My Lord Duke,—Your unmerited angry letter astonished me inexpressibly, being a reply to one as kind and affectionate as my heart could dictate. Nor had I the most remote intention of taking the unwarrantable liberty of considering you in either of the characters you mention, but simply in that of a valued and beloved friend whose kind advice I was desirous to receive before taking a step which I had feared may otherwise vex you. This feeling my Letter to Your Grace plainly expressed, nor could I have believed after such affectionate disinterested devotedness to you for the last sixteen years such a simple confidential request would meet with the answer received. That letter, as is my custom in the time of perplexity, distress and trouble, I prayerfully spread before The Great "Lord of lords," beseeching Him to undertake for me, showing me how I ought to act under such circumstances, relying upon Him accordingly. Since then I made an attempt to address you not wishing you to remain ignorant of the safe arrival of those enclosures, but had I been given worlds I could not proceed. Consequently I laid aside my pen, fancying The Lord did not mean me to write at all. However, finding myself this morning thus influenced, I purpose, if HE permit forwarding what I write, promising should it be His good will and pleasure ever to allow me to intrude on Your Grace again, to procure such paper, etc., etc., as you require, apologizing for anyapparentwant of respect on such points, which, loving you as I have done, I did not consider was expected. But as "it is written," "Honour to whom honour," I shall sedulously avoid every repetition of the kind, such being the command of Him "with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning," "Who is the same yesterday, to-day and forever," consequently One I must ever loveabove allremaining to the latest moment of my existence,

His devoted Child and Servant

A. J.

This note did not call forth a reply of equal amiability from the Duke.

"I have felt no displeasure nor anger and was not even surprised by your letter complaining of my answer in which I returned the volumes of letters which you had sent for my perusal. Considering the Numberless occasions which you have quarrelled with me because of some omission of Seal or Signature or even of a word or a letter. I thank God that I am never angry with anybody; upon any subject."Many would think on reading the above that I had treated the Duke unkindly, but as I can appeal to Him Who seeth not as man seeth, I have nothing to fear from any erroneous impressions, having depended upon The Great Lord of lords throughout my acquaintance with him to direct and influence my heart and pen to fulfil all His good will and pleasure by working in me for that purpose, for His Holy Name sake! which I trust will be glorified and Magnified accordingly!"

"Many would think on reading the above that I had treated the Duke unkindly, but as I can appeal to Him Who seeth not as man seeth, I have nothing to fear from any erroneous impressions, having depended upon The Great Lord of lords throughout my acquaintance with him to direct and influence my heart and pen to fulfil all His good will and pleasure by working in me for that purpose, for His Holy Name sake! which I trust will be glorified and Magnified accordingly!"

The Duke's last letter for this year is not marked by increased suavity:—

Strathfieldsaye, Dec. 14, 1849.My dear Miss J.,—I have nothing to add to what I stated in my former Letters regarding your sending me your Letters addressed to others!I beg that you will not do so.To read one letter from you is as much as I can do.Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

Strathfieldsaye, Dec. 14, 1849.

My dear Miss J.,—I have nothing to add to what I stated in my former Letters regarding your sending me your Letters addressed to others!

I beg that you will not do so.

To read one letter from you is as much as I can do.

Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

Miss J. adds:—

"This in all probability was the case, as he advanced in years, consequently I never intruded any others upon him afterwards."

CHAPTER XI.

THE FINAL RUPTURE.

Early in 1850 Miss J. accidentally received a painful blow in the breast. A tumor soon developed, that caused her great suffering. Frequent references to her "affliction" are found in her Diary for this year and the next. She wrote an account of the occurrence to the Duke, and received the following reply, quoted from the Diary:—

"'I was much concerned on receiving this intelligence, but I hope that the consequences will not be so serious as I had apprehended. I hope that you will take care of yourself and not move at this severe season from your comfortable dwelling till you will be well.'"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 circumstance 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."

"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 circumstance 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 2ndInst, 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 faithfullyWellington.I will review the contents of the Parcel as soon as I shall return to London in some days hence.

Strathfieldsaye, April 3, 1850.

My dear Miss J.,—I received a letter from you yesterday evening; another this morning dated the 2ndInst, 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 faithfullyWellington.

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.'"

"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.

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.

"In the Duke's next letter, dated June 15th, he writes 'I have just now received your letter of the 15th. As I receive thousands of letters in a week it is impossible for me to say whether I received one from you put into the Post Office Friday Week.'"'I answer invariably, as I do this night at midnight, as soon as I receive your letter if due. I am much concerned but hope that you may recover entirely.'"It is very evident that from this period Satan was permitted to work in the Duke's mind, weakening consequently the power I had been permitted to exercise, by rendering my communications tedious, for in his next letter, dated May 14th 1850 he writes, 'Knowing your extreme sensitiveness about letters, their contents, the manner in which signed, sealed and folded up, I have always been most cautious about any letters sent you! Indeed, such Caution is quite laborious!'"

"'I answer invariably, as I do this night at midnight, as soon as I receive your letter if due. I am much concerned but hope that you may recover entirely.'

"It is very evident that from this period Satan was permitted to work in the Duke's mind, weakening consequently the power I had been permitted to exercise, by rendering my communications tedious, for in his next letter, dated May 14th 1850 he writes, 'Knowing your extreme sensitiveness about letters, their contents, the manner in which signed, sealed and folded up, I have always been most cautious about any letters sent you! Indeed, such Caution is quite laborious!'"

London, July 4, 1850.My dear Miss J.,—I am very sensible of your kindness in recollecting that I should feel exceedingly the loss of Sir Robert Peel!I assure you that I write to you whenever there is occasion and that I can have a moment's leisure! But a person who does not see it can have no notion of the Numbers of letters which I receive at all times of the day and night. Every body who hears of this applies to me; the least that I can do is to read and take care of and return the required acknowledgment. I am not surprised that you should be disappointed and complain! But I really write when I can!Your most faithful Servant,Wellington.

London, July 4, 1850.

My dear Miss J.,—I am very sensible of your kindness in recollecting that I should feel exceedingly the loss of Sir Robert Peel!

I assure you that I write to you whenever there is occasion and that I can have a moment's leisure! But a person who does not see it can have no notion of the Numbers of letters which I receive at all times of the day and night. Every body who hears of this applies to me; the least that I can do is to read and take care of and return the required acknowledgment. I am not surprised that you should be disappointed and complain! But I really write when I can!

Your most faithful Servant,

Wellington.

"In the Duke's next letter, dated July 9th, he writes—'I am much concerned to learn by the perusal of your Note of the 8th that you are still suffering. I am very sorry to hear that you are likely to lose the society of your Sister.'"In the Duke's next letter, dated July 12th, he writes—'I entreat you to write legibly and to avoid fatiguing yourself by writing too much.'"Part of the Copy of a letter written to the Duke, July 8th, 1850, in reference to my dear Sister's leaving me.'"'I dare not on this occasion indulge the hope of my dear Sister's continuation in England, she having this morning received a letter which renders it necessary that she should return home and I must pray to God to give me grace and strength to bear such a separation, Who alone can prevent my sinking under these various surrounding perplexities, for when she is gone I shall not have anyone but Himself to look to, with the exception of yourself to whom I have much to say if I could but consider it His Will that I should repose in you accordingly. O that HE may direct me and influence you to receive all I have to communicate in whatever way to His unerring Will prays yours devotedly.'"

"In the Duke's next letter, dated July 12th, he writes—'I entreat you to write legibly and to avoid fatiguing yourself by writing too much.'

"Part of the Copy of a letter written to the Duke, July 8th, 1850, in reference to my dear Sister's leaving me.'

"'I dare not on this occasion indulge the hope of my dear Sister's continuation in England, she having this morning received a letter which renders it necessary that she should return home and I must pray to God to give me grace and strength to bear such a separation, Who alone can prevent my sinking under these various surrounding perplexities, for when she is gone I shall not have anyone but Himself to look to, with the exception of yourself to whom I have much to say if I could but consider it His Will that I should repose in you accordingly. O that HE may direct me and influence you to receive all I have to communicate in whatever way to His unerring Will prays yours devotedly.'"

The final quarrel was now approaching. The account of it is best given in Miss J.'s own words, omitting, as heretofore, a large proportion of the Biblical quotations.

"May The Lord enable me to proceed as HE would have me do for His great holy name sake! for when, or how, to commence a description of the circumstances in which I was placed with regard to pecuniary matters, I know not. However, having besought the Lord to aid me I will at once state that my own Income, limited at best, had become still more so through a fire which took place on the property mortgaged, rendering it so small that it was impossible to live upon it without further help added! Meanwhile, the landed property we had expected to possess appeared, through a Will drawn out at a later date to belong to the younger branches of our family, which was a dreadful disappointment to my beloved Sister. She had buoyed up her hopes thatherportion thereof, united to mine would compensate for hopes which could now no longer be anticipated. This rendered her grief on my account additionally distressing, causing her to reason with and beseech me to spread the whole affair before the Duke. From the very thought of this I recoiled unutterably, thus inducing her to reproach me with a want of due affection and consideration for herself, as my death would be insupportable and must necessarily take place if she left me in England so situated. At length, considering as she had justly remarked that the Duke's abundant riches were bestowed upon him by God to do good with when in his power and that any aid afforded me could never be sufficiently great to admit of his feeling the loss thereof; also considering the gold and silver areThe Lord'sWho could consequently dispose of it accordingly, ... therefore it appeared adutydue to God and man to appeal to the Duke Who inGod'ssight mayjustifiablyhave been expected to become a father unto me undersuchcircumstances. That, too, as above observed, without feeling the consequences thereof any more than the Ocean would miss a bubble that had appeared on its surface and then vanished forever."O that I could pass over this part of my life in silence! But such does not appear to me consistent with the will of God. Therefore I must proceed and prepare to introduce the letter first addressed to His Grace on this subject."July 11, 1850."After waiting all day yesterday, desirous to resume my pen, yet unable to do so through conflicting feelings, I deferred it until to day, hoping to make a commencement to the details and complete it by degrees as my strength may admit. First of all, I thank you for your prompt reply to my last, which becomes my encouragement for thus intruding upon you particulars to which nothing but the most absolute necessity could ever have reconciled me...."I resume my pen after a brief interval to tell you that a remark made in one of your letters after my dear Mrs. L.'s death,—namely, 'I do not know your circumstances,' combined with the remembrance of your never to be forgotten kindness in once affectionately exclaiming 'My Child!'—unite in encouraging me to think that you have but to know them (the circumstances,) in order to take such into due consideration and act thereon accordingly. O that God may enable me to relate and you, My dearest Duke, to receive the relation in whatever way is most agreeable to His unerring will! And may any and every valued attention extended to me be regarded by Him in the light which is calculated to call down upon your precious head eventually the consequences springing from those blessed words. 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these My children, ye have done it unto ME.' 'Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!'"When I had arrived thus far I was too much affected to proceed and was relieved by a burst of tears,—for who among all your earthly friends will feel half so rejoiced at your being so distinguished by the Great 'Lord of Lords' as one who has loved you so disinterestedly and devotedly? But since my own feelings as well as your wishes require brevity I must proceed."At my beloved Mother's death, a Deed of Gift entitled me to a small Income which afterwards for my advantage was placed on a Mortgage by my Trustees, but which through a dreadful fire proved the reverse eventually, as I have found since my poor Guardian's death that the expenses or losses deriving therefrom were deducted from the principal of the Property. This leaves me, consequently, when again sold into the Funds, entitled to an Income quite inadequate to my support, although hoping that some landed Property would sell advantageously and become compensation for the same. My Sister felt most anxious that at such a time as this I should have every advantage, mylifedepending upon nourishment and support. She therefore wrote to make enquiries concerning the sale of the Property, when to our disappointment a letter arrived showing that neither my sister or self were entitled to any portion thereof, it having been at a later period made over to the younger branches of the family. Consequently all her fondest wishes to render me through such means all that aid which her affectionate heart could desire have been hereby frustrated, leaving her in the greatest distress of mind at the thought of being obliged to quit me thus situated, namely, with two wounds arising from the blow and another about to break. These occasion a drain on my constitution which threatens to take away all my strength, reducing my frame accordingly."The Medical Gentlemen impress upon my dear Sister the idea that I must die if I do not receive sufficient nourishment to supply the loss such occasion. These produce the most violent and continued perspirations, requiring the most strengthening things, namely, jellies, wines, soups, etc., etc., as they say it is a complete battle between the disease and the constitution. Which will conquer remains for Time to prove. Dr. P. further tells her that I may go on thus for three years and yet recover if great care is taken of me, as the lump since it has broken is considerably smaller. It is hoped that the linseed poultices will eventually draw it entirely away if my strength can only cope therewith. He also says that I ought to have a Nurse with me by night as well as by day, continually, as I am much too exhausted and debilitated to be left alone. This expense would in itself be more than the whole of my Income is adequate to defray. Consequently, it would appear that it is the will of God to place my life humanly speaking, in your hands, as the friend, next to Himself most dear to the heart of—"Yours Devotedly,"A. J."

"O that I could pass over this part of my life in silence! But such does not appear to me consistent with the will of God. Therefore I must proceed and prepare to introduce the letter first addressed to His Grace on this subject.

"July 11, 1850.

"After waiting all day yesterday, desirous to resume my pen, yet unable to do so through conflicting feelings, I deferred it until to day, hoping to make a commencement to the details and complete it by degrees as my strength may admit. First of all, I thank you for your prompt reply to my last, which becomes my encouragement for thus intruding upon you particulars to which nothing but the most absolute necessity could ever have reconciled me....

"I resume my pen after a brief interval to tell you that a remark made in one of your letters after my dear Mrs. L.'s death,—namely, 'I do not know your circumstances,' combined with the remembrance of your never to be forgotten kindness in once affectionately exclaiming 'My Child!'—unite in encouraging me to think that you have but to know them (the circumstances,) in order to take such into due consideration and act thereon accordingly. O that God may enable me to relate and you, My dearest Duke, to receive the relation in whatever way is most agreeable to His unerring will! And may any and every valued attention extended to me be regarded by Him in the light which is calculated to call down upon your precious head eventually the consequences springing from those blessed words. 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these My children, ye have done it unto ME.' 'Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!'

"When I had arrived thus far I was too much affected to proceed and was relieved by a burst of tears,—for who among all your earthly friends will feel half so rejoiced at your being so distinguished by the Great 'Lord of Lords' as one who has loved you so disinterestedly and devotedly? But since my own feelings as well as your wishes require brevity I must proceed.

"At my beloved Mother's death, a Deed of Gift entitled me to a small Income which afterwards for my advantage was placed on a Mortgage by my Trustees, but which through a dreadful fire proved the reverse eventually, as I have found since my poor Guardian's death that the expenses or losses deriving therefrom were deducted from the principal of the Property. This leaves me, consequently, when again sold into the Funds, entitled to an Income quite inadequate to my support, although hoping that some landed Property would sell advantageously and become compensation for the same. My Sister felt most anxious that at such a time as this I should have every advantage, mylifedepending upon nourishment and support. She therefore wrote to make enquiries concerning the sale of the Property, when to our disappointment a letter arrived showing that neither my sister or self were entitled to any portion thereof, it having been at a later period made over to the younger branches of the family. Consequently all her fondest wishes to render me through such means all that aid which her affectionate heart could desire have been hereby frustrated, leaving her in the greatest distress of mind at the thought of being obliged to quit me thus situated, namely, with two wounds arising from the blow and another about to break. These occasion a drain on my constitution which threatens to take away all my strength, reducing my frame accordingly.

"The Medical Gentlemen impress upon my dear Sister the idea that I must die if I do not receive sufficient nourishment to supply the loss such occasion. These produce the most violent and continued perspirations, requiring the most strengthening things, namely, jellies, wines, soups, etc., etc., as they say it is a complete battle between the disease and the constitution. Which will conquer remains for Time to prove. Dr. P. further tells her that I may go on thus for three years and yet recover if great care is taken of me, as the lump since it has broken is considerably smaller. It is hoped that the linseed poultices will eventually draw it entirely away if my strength can only cope therewith. He also says that I ought to have a Nurse with me by night as well as by day, continually, as I am much too exhausted and debilitated to be left alone. This expense would in itself be more than the whole of my Income is adequate to defray. Consequently, it would appear that it is the will of God to place my life humanly speaking, in your hands, as the friend, next to Himself most dear to the heart of—

"Yours Devotedly,

"A. J."

The Duke's reply was energetic and to the point:—

London, July 12th, 1850.My dear Miss J.,—I have just now received from you a letter dated July 11thwritten upon four sides of letter paper, and I am concerned to learn, after a most difficult Perusal thereof that your Health is still in a bad and precarious state! and your pecuniary affairs very much deranged! You had never before mentioned this last to me! You frequently named to me in your letters Your Guardian and your receipt through his hands of your Dividends, and I therefore concluded that your worldly affairs were well managed, while your Mind was occupied by reflecting on the future! But I have seldom read of such a state of pecuniary affairs as that you give in the letter which I have at last been able to read and to which I am endeavoring to write an answer!I beg you to let me know what sum it is you wish, at what time or times to be paid? Whether an order at a Banker would suit you? If Payable at a Banker usually employed by you, will you be so kind as to let me know his Name? All thislegibly written!Ever yours most faithfully.Wellington.I entreat you to writelegibly!and to avoid fatiguing yourself by writing too much!

London, July 12th, 1850.

My dear Miss J.,—I have just now received from you a letter dated July 11thwritten upon four sides of letter paper, and I am concerned to learn, after a most difficult Perusal thereof that your Health is still in a bad and precarious state! and your pecuniary affairs very much deranged! You had never before mentioned this last to me! You frequently named to me in your letters Your Guardian and your receipt through his hands of your Dividends, and I therefore concluded that your worldly affairs were well managed, while your Mind was occupied by reflecting on the future! But I have seldom read of such a state of pecuniary affairs as that you give in the letter which I have at last been able to read and to which I am endeavoring to write an answer!

I beg you to let me know what sum it is you wish, at what time or times to be paid? Whether an order at a Banker would suit you? If Payable at a Banker usually employed by you, will you be so kind as to let me know his Name? All thislegibly written!

Ever yours most faithfully.

Wellington.

I entreat you to writelegibly!and to avoid fatiguing yourself by writing too much!

This letter of the Duke's, if hardly gracious, is at least not unkind. The answer he received was of a nature to drive a man of his practicality to the verge of distraction:—

My dear Duke,—As "for me to live is Christ, but to die is gain," you may rest assured however surrounded by pecuniary difficulties, I should have preferred the latter to making known my circumstances to you. Had I not been so continually urged by my dear Sister telling me that it would kill her, that she could never bear to leave me in England thus situated and that she hoped for her sake that I should use the only means in my power for prolonging my life I never could have told you such truths. I am not surprised that they drew forth the remark that you had never read of such a state of pecuniary affairs. Nor would I offer so great an insult to my Christianity as to do more than add that the same God Who has thought proper thus to situate me knows that I would never dishonor His great Name by the slightest misrepresentation. Therefore, My dear Duke, if you read that letter carefully you will be much better able to calculate what I require than I am to tell you. I would not do so, nor am I able to tell you by what means I am to receive it as I never did such a thing and know nothing of money arrangements. Consequently I must leave all to God and yourself, beseeching Him to guide, influence and direct you to treat me in whatever way is most agreeable to His unerring will and to bless you accordingly.Your kind wish that I should not fatigue myself with writing too much is, rest assured, appreciated as it deserves, as every other mark of kindness and consideration shown toYours devotedly,A. J.

Your kind wish that I should not fatigue myself with writing too much is, rest assured, appreciated as it deserves, as every other mark of kindness and consideration shown to

Yours devotedly,

A. J.

A Harold Skimpole in petticoats! The ineffable condescension to the worldly-mindedness of the Duke, the tone of spiritual pride that pervades the letters, would be exasperating if they were not absurd. That the humorous side of the affair was not apparent to the Duke is shown by his reply:—

London, July 16, 1850.My dear Miss J.,—I am very sorry indeed if I should have offended you. But when you wrote to me a description of the State of your affairs, I concluded that you intended that I should form an opinion upon them and communicate the same to you!It is very true that you and I are of a different opinion. I think that God having endowed Men with reason, and the Power of judging Right from wrong! Has made Him responsible for the care ofHimselfand for good will to all!You think that Man is responsible only for His Duty towards the Almighty! who charges Himself with the Rest! I dare say that I am mistaken! notwithstanding my Studies. You know more of this matter than I do!Ever Yours most faithfully,Wellington.

London, July 16, 1850.

My dear Miss J.,—I am very sorry indeed if I should have offended you. But when you wrote to me a description of the State of your affairs, I concluded that you intended that I should form an opinion upon them and communicate the same to you!

It is very true that you and I are of a different opinion. I think that God having endowed Men with reason, and the Power of judging Right from wrong! Has made Him responsible for the care ofHimselfand for good will to all!

You think that Man is responsible only for His Duty towards the Almighty! who charges Himself with the Rest! I dare say that I am mistaken! notwithstanding my Studies. You know more of this matter than I do!

Ever Yours most faithfully,

Wellington.

Miss J. does not give a copy of her next letter to the Duke, but she remarks that it consisted principally of observations upon complete reliance on God, and disregard of earthly means; taking as her text, "Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

The Duke's answer does not savor of things spiritual:—

London, July 23, 1850.My dear Miss J.,—I am very much concerned to observe from your last letter that notwithstanding that you feel that you require my Worldly assistance; and are willing to accept and receive the same, you will not state to me the mode in which I am to render the Assistance required! I know that you have a Banker in London! Why don't you then let me know His Name? or state in whatever mode of those stated by me you would wish to receive what I should send. You may rely upon it that unless precautions are taken you will not receive the money sent! It will fall into the hands of thieves!Ever Yours most faithfullyWellington.

London, July 23, 1850.

My dear Miss J.,—I am very much concerned to observe from your last letter that notwithstanding that you feel that you require my Worldly assistance; and are willing to accept and receive the same, you will not state to me the mode in which I am to render the Assistance required! I know that you have a Banker in London! Why don't you then let me know His Name? or state in whatever mode of those stated by me you would wish to receive what I should send. You may rely upon it that unless precautions are taken you will not receive the money sent! It will fall into the hands of thieves!

Ever Yours most faithfully

Wellington.

Miss J. writes:—

"In my reply to the Duke I assured him that I had no Banker in London to my knowledge, never having had to do more than occasionally receive myDividends, when my Guardian transacted business, which generally speaking he forwarded by letter. But in order to give the Duke a clear idea how things stood, I promised to enclose two letters for his perusal, one from my Guardianbeforehis death and the other from his wifeafterit! Alas! by doing this I brought upon myself more trouble and sorrow than can ever be forgotten, through the untoward, unlooked for circumstances that attended them. These I would willingly omit if faithfulness to God and the world did not call upon me to proceed regularly as occurrences took place, however torn and wounded my mind may be!... I feel even now as I write that I wonder at myself for ever addressing the Duke again. However, I was then laid upon a bed of sickness and apparently approaching death, therefore it is probable that the eternal welfare of one to whom I had dedicated myself for so many years increased in importance in my estimation, if this were possible. Nor can I ever account for such devoted feelings to any individual beyond concluding that God had so decreed it."Of course I lost no time in sending the letters promised and required, but they miscarried."

"Of course I lost no time in sending the letters promised and required, but they miscarried."

Hearing nothing from the Duke, Miss J. wrote again:—

"July 23, 1850."As I cannot think it possible, My Dear Duke, that youcouldtreat me with so much cruelty in my present state as to have received two such letters as my last without noticing them, I write to enquire whether you have heard from me twice since I heard from you. I entreated you not to keep my mind in suspense, as I was not in a State to bear it."I have a Physician twice a week, and yesterday, on finding my pulse in such a State he seemed very dissatisfied, saying if my mind were not kept free from all anxiety it will kill me. Therefore, My Dear Duke, you surely cannot hear this without using every means in your power to relieve it."You ask me in your Letter of the 12thInst. in what way I should like you to acquiesce with my wishes? or through what Bank? I answered that I should be guided entirely by your advice, yet not a word did I receive in your next on the subject, nor from that time to this have you referred to it. This to me is quite incomprehensible, as you in the same letter imply it is your intention that I shall have all that is necessary. I cannot help adding I consider this the leastGodwould have me expect fromYourhands, My dearest Duke, under present trying circumstances, feeling towards you as HE knows I have done so many years such disinterestedness dedication and affection."

"July 23, 1850.

"As I cannot think it possible, My Dear Duke, that youcouldtreat me with so much cruelty in my present state as to have received two such letters as my last without noticing them, I write to enquire whether you have heard from me twice since I heard from you. I entreated you not to keep my mind in suspense, as I was not in a State to bear it.

"I have a Physician twice a week, and yesterday, on finding my pulse in such a State he seemed very dissatisfied, saying if my mind were not kept free from all anxiety it will kill me. Therefore, My Dear Duke, you surely cannot hear this without using every means in your power to relieve it.

"You ask me in your Letter of the 12thInst. in what way I should like you to acquiesce with my wishes? or through what Bank? I answered that I should be guided entirely by your advice, yet not a word did I receive in your next on the subject, nor from that time to this have you referred to it. This to me is quite incomprehensible, as you in the same letter imply it is your intention that I shall have all that is necessary. I cannot help adding I consider this the leastGodwould have me expect fromYourhands, My dearest Duke, under present trying circumstances, feeling towards you as HE knows I have done so many years such disinterestedness dedication and affection."

The Duke's next letters show his irritation.

London, July 25, 1850.My dear Miss J.,—I have received your Letter of the 24ththat is yesterday, but not the one which you state in that letter that you had written to me yesterday—it is on Tuesday—containingtwo enclosuresbeing a letter from your Guardian and another from his Wife.These letters when forwarded will enable me to judge of what it is you require! and the mode in which I am to send you what you require!It is indeed very difficult to supply the daily wants of those who will not state what they are; or adopt any means of receiving what she requires!However I shall be able to form a judgment when I shall receive the letters you received from Mr. & Mrs. ——Ever Yours most faithfully,Wellington.

London, July 25, 1850.

My dear Miss J.,—I have received your Letter of the 24ththat is yesterday, but not the one which you state in that letter that you had written to me yesterday—it is on Tuesday—containingtwo enclosuresbeing a letter from your Guardian and another from his Wife.

These letters when forwarded will enable me to judge of what it is you require! and the mode in which I am to send you what you require!

It is indeed very difficult to supply the daily wants of those who will not state what they are; or adopt any means of receiving what she requires!

However I shall be able to form a judgment when I shall receive the letters you received from Mr. & Mrs. ——

Ever Yours most faithfully,

Wellington.

London, July 26, 1850.My dear Miss J.,—I have received your Note of the 25th and the number inclosed of the Shop at which the Post Office is kept, ... and I wish you to make Enquiries after your own Letter! If I am to make enquiries they will be forwarded as a letter from yourself which I must send to the Post Office; and I beg you to write accordingly in plain simple Terms reciting the fact! and as your letter must be sent to the general Post Office I beg leave without intending any Offence to request that all endearing expressions which do not suit the Relations in which we stand towards each other should be omitted! as they might lead to false conclusions injurious to you! I must observe to you that the General Post Office will probably answer that if the last letter contained papers of consequence; it ought to have been marked and paid for as a registered letter; when put into the Post! The cost is sixpence!This is the mode in which I proposed to send you Money! You would have to do no more than sign the printed receipt for the letter which would be sent to you with it.The Post Office would know nothing of the Contents of the Letter!Living in the World and with the Wants and necessities incident to Human Nature! it is necessary thateven youshould comply with its simple Rules and Customs.Yours most faithfully,Wellington.

London, July 26, 1850.

My dear Miss J.,—I have received your Note of the 25th and the number inclosed of the Shop at which the Post Office is kept, ... and I wish you to make Enquiries after your own Letter! If I am to make enquiries they will be forwarded as a letter from yourself which I must send to the Post Office; and I beg you to write accordingly in plain simple Terms reciting the fact! and as your letter must be sent to the general Post Office I beg leave without intending any Offence to request that all endearing expressions which do not suit the Relations in which we stand towards each other should be omitted! as they might lead to false conclusions injurious to you! I must observe to you that the General Post Office will probably answer that if the last letter contained papers of consequence; it ought to have been marked and paid for as a registered letter; when put into the Post! The cost is sixpence!

This is the mode in which I proposed to send you Money! You would have to do no more than sign the printed receipt for the letter which would be sent to you with it.

The Post Office would know nothing of the Contents of the Letter!

Living in the World and with the Wants and necessities incident to Human Nature! it is necessary thateven youshould comply with its simple Rules and Customs.

Yours most faithfully,

Wellington.

The missing packet was at last found and forwarded. The enclosures stated about the same explanation of Miss J.'s affairs that she had herself given in her letter to the Duke. They also stated that the amount of her income from this time would be only£12 10s.1d.every half year. At the same time these came to hand, the Duke received Miss J.'s letter of July 23rd, given above.

London, July 30, 1850.Miss J.,—Since I addressed you last your letter of the 23rd of July which had been refused or missing reached me with the enclosed letters returned. I confess that I cannot admit of the Christian Justice of yourReproaches.I told you that I was ready and willing to give you pecuniary assistance if you would say what you required, and would adopt one of several Modes in which I offered to send it to you! But you have given no answer either as to warrant, a means of sending you this; and yet you reproach me! This is not just or fair!In truth according to the statement in these letters there is no absolutenecessityfor any Assistance at present!Your most obedient Humble ServantWellington.

London, July 30, 1850.

Miss J.,—Since I addressed you last your letter of the 23rd of July which had been refused or missing reached me with the enclosed letters returned. I confess that I cannot admit of the Christian Justice of yourReproaches.

I told you that I was ready and willing to give you pecuniary assistance if you would say what you required, and would adopt one of several Modes in which I offered to send it to you! But you have given no answer either as to warrant, a means of sending you this; and yet you reproach me! This is not just or fair!

In truth according to the statement in these letters there is no absolutenecessityfor any Assistance at present!

Your most obedient Humble Servant

Wellington.

Miss J. writes,—

"To describe how I recoiled from this letter received from His Grace would be impossible. My feeling was both on his account and my own. On his, to think that while possessed of thousands yearly he could thus have reconciled himself to imply that the utterly insufficient sum alluded to in those enclosed letters was enough for me in that truly distressing helpless state. On my own part, I lamented deeply that I should ever have beeninfluencedunderanycircumstances to ask a favor at his hands. This I would rather have died than do, had not the affection of so fond a Sister, who judged of others by her own generous heart overcome every selfish feeling and at length prevailed!"

Miss J. immediately prepared and sent off the following letter to the Duke.

July 30, 1850.My Lord Duke,—Having placed my cause in His Hands "Who judgeth righteously and Whose Countenance beholdeth the thing that is right," consequently Who will not, I am assured, suffer you with impunity to treat me with greater coarseness and want of due consideration than I under similar circumstances should have extended to a common menial that I had known or who had served me for the same number of years, I leave you in His Hands accordingly. I resume my pen merely to inform you that as you thought proper after reading my Guardian's letter written several years ago and his wife's of later date,yetcan at the conclusion of your most unwelcome letter write as follows, "In truth, according to the contents of these letters there is no absolute necessity for any assistance at present,"—I desire to remark that if it were not necessarythenit willneverbe necessary fromYourhands. Consequently, should you atyourgood will and pleasure think proper to take the liberty of sending me aRegisteredletter with anEnclosure, I shall not only decline receiving it but likewise refuse to sign the paper that accompanies it in the Post Man's charge, let the consequences be whatever they may. It is to prevent such an Intrusion on your part and such a due mortification on mine towards Your Grace that I have now resumed my pen—for ill as I still feel I would rather beg my bread from door to door than receive a favor atsuchhands! preferring to trust myself wholly inHisHands Who declares "The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine."...May God in His infinite mercy, My Lord Duke, give you Grace to understand this Divine assertion, "Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in ME, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea."May HE before it is too late incline you to draw near unto Him accordingly prays,His devoted Child and Servant,A. J.

July 30, 1850.

My Lord Duke,—Having placed my cause in His Hands "Who judgeth righteously and Whose Countenance beholdeth the thing that is right," consequently Who will not, I am assured, suffer you with impunity to treat me with greater coarseness and want of due consideration than I under similar circumstances should have extended to a common menial that I had known or who had served me for the same number of years, I leave you in His Hands accordingly. I resume my pen merely to inform you that as you thought proper after reading my Guardian's letter written several years ago and his wife's of later date,yetcan at the conclusion of your most unwelcome letter write as follows, "In truth, according to the contents of these letters there is no absolute necessity for any assistance at present,"—I desire to remark that if it were not necessarythenit willneverbe necessary fromYourhands. Consequently, should you atyourgood will and pleasure think proper to take the liberty of sending me aRegisteredletter with anEnclosure, I shall not only decline receiving it but likewise refuse to sign the paper that accompanies it in the Post Man's charge, let the consequences be whatever they may. It is to prevent such an Intrusion on your part and such a due mortification on mine towards Your Grace that I have now resumed my pen—for ill as I still feel I would rather beg my bread from door to door than receive a favor atsuchhands! preferring to trust myself wholly inHisHands Who declares "The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine."...

May God in His infinite mercy, My Lord Duke, give you Grace to understand this Divine assertion, "Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in ME, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea."

May HE before it is too late incline you to draw near unto Him accordingly prays,

His devoted Child and Servant,

A. J.

London, August 7, 1850.Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He is much concerned at her answer and that he has given her Offence, however unintentionally! The Duke may have been mistaken! But it certainly appeared to him that the Money lent upon Mortgage; of which the Interest was in arrears of a year, and paid very irregularly might with advantage have been called in and the rest of the Sum might with advantage have been applied to defray the expenses attending Miss J.'s illness! More particularly as Miss J. was unwilling to adopt any of the modes suggested by which pecuniary assistance might have been sent her!The Duke assures her that he is not disposed to expose her to any thing inconvenient by desiring that she should sign any papers!He was anxious that she should receive the pecuniary assistance which might be useful or necessary to Her in the manner least tiresome to Herself and least likely to occasion the inquiries of busy and impertinent curiosity!However Miss J. may rely upon it that he will not interrupt her repose excepting in consequence of her own expressed desire!

London, August 7, 1850.

Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He is much concerned at her answer and that he has given her Offence, however unintentionally! The Duke may have been mistaken! But it certainly appeared to him that the Money lent upon Mortgage; of which the Interest was in arrears of a year, and paid very irregularly might with advantage have been called in and the rest of the Sum might with advantage have been applied to defray the expenses attending Miss J.'s illness! More particularly as Miss J. was unwilling to adopt any of the modes suggested by which pecuniary assistance might have been sent her!

The Duke assures her that he is not disposed to expose her to any thing inconvenient by desiring that she should sign any papers!

He was anxious that she should receive the pecuniary assistance which might be useful or necessary to Her in the manner least tiresome to Herself and least likely to occasion the inquiries of busy and impertinent curiosity!

However Miss J. may rely upon it that he will not interrupt her repose excepting in consequence of her own expressed desire!

One fancies a mocking tone in the last sentence of the Duke's letter, as though he surmised Miss J.'s silence would not be of long duration. He did not reckon without his host. Miss J. held her peace for three weeks. Then, seeing by the "Times" that the Right Hon. Charles Arbuthnot had died suddenly at the house of the Duke of Wellington, she wrote a letter of condolence which in its expressions of deep sympathy and its religious consolations would not have been out of place if indited upon the death of the Duke's nearest of kin.[Endnote 12]To this effusion the Duke sent no answer. Nothing daunted, Miss J. only waited for an excuse to write again. This she soon found in a newspaper paragraph stating that the Duke had been thrown from his carriage. Her letter and the Duke's reply follow:

Sept. 16, 1850.My Lord Duke,—Notwithstanding my changed feelings I am deeply concerned to hear of your late accident, and still more deeply grateful to Almighty God for your preservation. I sincerely hope that such gracious interposition of Providence in your favor may eventually lead you to glorify Him in your life and conversation accordingly, 'seeking Him while HE may be found, and calling upon Him while HE is near," ever bearing in mind thatHEis "no respecter of persons." Consequently none but those who through His Grace have undergone "a new birth unto righteousness," can justifiably expect to enter into His Kingdom. That HE may enable you to understand this experimentally is the earnest wish ofHis devoted Child and Servant,A. J.P.S. I do not give you my address, My Lord Duke, in order to elicit an answer, but merely to imply that should my Christian advice be required you may know where to find me.

Sept. 16, 1850.

My Lord Duke,—Notwithstanding my changed feelings I am deeply concerned to hear of your late accident, and still more deeply grateful to Almighty God for your preservation. I sincerely hope that such gracious interposition of Providence in your favor may eventually lead you to glorify Him in your life and conversation accordingly, 'seeking Him while HE may be found, and calling upon Him while HE is near," ever bearing in mind thatHEis "no respecter of persons." Consequently none but those who through His Grace have undergone "a new birth unto righteousness," can justifiably expect to enter into His Kingdom. That HE may enable you to understand this experimentally is the earnest wish of

His devoted Child and Servant,

A. J.

P.S. I do not give you my address, My Lord Duke, in order to elicit an answer, but merely to imply that should my Christian advice be required you may know where to find me.

By the Duke's answer, he apparently feels no need nor desire for Christian advice.

Walmer Castle, Sept. 17, 1850.Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington begs leave to acknowledge the receipt of Miss J.'s Note of the 10thInst.He is thankful that he received no injury by the overturn of his carriage a week ago! He returns his thanks to Miss J. for noticing the accident!

Walmer Castle, Sept. 17, 1850.

Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington begs leave to acknowledge the receipt of Miss J.'s Note of the 10thInst.

He is thankful that he received no injury by the overturn of his carriage a week ago! He returns his thanks to Miss J. for noticing the accident!

Miss J. was so delighted at the receipt of this note that she immediately replied to it in four sheets of closely written note-paper. She began by explaining elaborately that she had seen the notice of his accident only a few days before, although by his letter she learned it had occurred a week ago. After ringing the changes on this, she proceeded to bestow Christian admonition in her usual liberal fashion. The Duke's reply was little more effusive than the note he had sent last.

Walmer Castle, Sept. 20, 1850.Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his Comptsto Miss J. He is very sensible of her kindness in writing to him. He merely mentioned as a fact that the accident to which she referred had occurred in the preceding week!He is happy to learn that Miss J. is improved in Health!

Walmer Castle, Sept. 20, 1850.

Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his Comptsto Miss J. He is very sensible of her kindness in writing to him. He merely mentioned as a fact that the accident to which she referred had occurred in the preceding week!

He is happy to learn that Miss J. is improved in Health!

In Miss J.'s next she reprimands the Duke for having misdirected the envelope of his last note to her, and inquires if he ever received her letter on the death ofCharlesArbuthnot, as she now calls him.

Walmer Castle, Sept. 24, 1850.F. M. the Duke of Wellington presents His comptsto Miss J.! He has received Her note without Date in which she encloses the Cover which the Duke returns!He regrets much that he made a mistake; which has given her the trouble of writing again!The Duke does not recollect to have received a letter from her upon the Subject of the Death of Mr. Arbuthnot!But he thanks [sic] for having thought of writing to him upon the melancholy occurrence.

Walmer Castle, Sept. 24, 1850.

F. M. the Duke of Wellington presents His comptsto Miss J.! He has received Her note without Date in which she encloses the Cover which the Duke returns!

He regrets much that he made a mistake; which has given her the trouble of writing again!

The Duke does not recollect to have received a letter from her upon the Subject of the Death of Mr. Arbuthnot!

But he thanks [sic] for having thought of writing to him upon the melancholy occurrence.

There were no letters exchanged after this for many weeks. Miss J.'s health improved slowly, and through her sister funds were supplied for her maintenance. The next entry of any interest in the Diary is dated November 9th:—

"I have feltdreadfully shockedto day at reading a report of the Duke's death which thank God, is false![Endnote 13]O that I may be enabled to write to him expressions of my feelings, if such be The Lord's will! I find I feel more than I had imagined was possible! having suffered exceedingly at this report and at length have addressed him as follows: 'O My dear Duke, for I cannot use formality under my present excited, distressed feelings, having been so shocked by that dreadful Advertisement in the Times of this day, saying you were gone forever! This God in His infinite mercy has proved to be false, having spared you, I trust, for a far more glorious end than the one therein described. For this I can never thank him sufficiently, subscribing myself consequently with additional gratitude"'His devoted Child and Servant"A. J."'P.S. I have been six weeks confined to my room, inflammation having taken place on the day after I wrote you last. O that God in these troublous threatening times may guide and counsel you to act as He would have you do to Whom I beseech you to look for the same most prayerfully.'"

"'His devoted Child and Servant

"A. J.

"'P.S. I have been six weeks confined to my room, inflammation having taken place on the day after I wrote you last. O that God in these troublous threatening times may guide and counsel you to act as He would have you do to Whom I beseech you to look for the same most prayerfully.'"

As Miss J. received no reply to the above, she wrote again. This time her epistle was in sharp contrast with her preceding semi-affectionate note. She arraigned the Duke for his silence, and succeeded in provoking a response:—

Strathfieldsaye, Dec. 21, 1850.Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J.! He understood from a former letter; that it was Miss J.'s desire never to hear from the Duke again!Therefore he did not write! nor should he write now! excepting a mere matter of Courtesy! He thus finally takes His leave!Wellington.

Strathfieldsaye, Dec. 21, 1850.

Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J.! He understood from a former letter; that it was Miss J.'s desire never to hear from the Duke again!

Therefore he did not write! nor should he write now! excepting a mere matter of Courtesy! He thus finally takes His leave!

Wellington.

CHAPTER XII.

CONCLUSION.

Miss J. was in nowise dismayed by the crushing reply she received from the Duke.

She wrote again and again, and yet again. These letters, of which she has left copies, are made up in about equal parts of accounts of her health, verses of Scripture, and reproaches to the Duke for his silence. She at last extorted an answer:—

London, January 17, 1851.It is very satisfactory to me to learn from the receipt of this Day of a Letter of the 16ththat Miss J. is better! And I write to thank her for giving me the satisfactory Information!I hope to hear of her continued convalescence and perfect Recovery of her Health!Most faithfully Her Obedient Humble ServantWellington.

London, January 17, 1851.

It is very satisfactory to me to learn from the receipt of this Day of a Letter of the 16ththat Miss J. is better! And I write to thank her for giving me the satisfactory Information!

I hope to hear of her continued convalescence and perfect Recovery of her Health!

Most faithfully Her Obedient Humble Servant

Wellington.

The Duke's next note was less amicable:—

London, January 21, 1851.In order to avoid to create irritation in the Mind of Miss J. and the receipt of a Note expressing such irritation in strong terms!I write to acknowledge the receipt of Miss J.'s letter! written on four sides of letter paper; in the Night of the 19thof January! I entreat her to avoid the Irritation of writing again!Most faithfully Her Obedient Humble ServantWellington.

London, January 21, 1851.

In order to avoid to create irritation in the Mind of Miss J. and the receipt of a Note expressing such irritation in strong terms!

I write to acknowledge the receipt of Miss J.'s letter! written on four sides of letter paper; in the Night of the 19thof January! I entreat her to avoid the Irritation of writing again!

Most faithfully Her Obedient Humble Servant

Wellington.

All the entreaties of the Duke proved futile, however, when Miss J. had convinced herself that it was her duty to write. The occasion she desired soon came. She says in her Diary for February 6th:—

"I have been pondering over the account given in the Times paper of this day wherein the Queen's visit to the House of Peers is noticed and among other things the following remark in reference to the Duke—'His Grace appeared to shrink from the attention and respect of which he was the object.'—This induced me to marvel whether The Great Lord of lords has not at length begun to exercise His Godly Power over his precious soul, making him consequently feel the nothingness of all things in comparison therewith!"

Upon the strength of this impression Miss J. wrote to the Duke, asking him if he recollected where he was and how he was occupied at the time she mentions. His answer came promptly, although Miss J. did not find it at all satisfactory.

London, Feb. 8, 1851.I have received Miss J.'s Letter! And I hope that Her Health continues to improve! But she does not mention it! I thank her; I am quite well!I was employed on Tuesday in the usual Manner in giving attendance upon the Sovereign when she opened Parliament! I perform all my worldly Duties to the best of my ability! Miss J. despises things of this world, but I fear that if all followed her good example strictly they would suffer.Her Humble Servant.Wellington.

London, Feb. 8, 1851.

I have received Miss J.'s Letter! And I hope that Her Health continues to improve! But she does not mention it! I thank her; I am quite well!

I was employed on Tuesday in the usual Manner in giving attendance upon the Sovereign when she opened Parliament! I perform all my worldly Duties to the best of my ability! Miss J. despises things of this world, but I fear that if all followed her good example strictly they would suffer.

Her Humble Servant.

Wellington.

Miss J.'s reply begins as follows:—

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