in its first morning hours of
consolidation, who can wonder that such a creature should become the
hideous representative of all evil, the origin of all sin and suffering,
and the special being between which and the human race irreconcilable
enmity was to exist forever? for surely not even the most regenerate
mind in Christendom could live on decent terms with the best-disposed
snake of such a length as that.

I do not think Mrs. Jameson had positively _done_ anything in the matter
of Mrs. Harry Siddons's memoirs beyond looking over a good many papers
and _preparing her mind_ with a view to it; and what you tell me a
little shakes my confidence in my own opinion upon the subject, which,
indeed, was by no means positively made up about it, because I know--at
least I think--there _were_ elements in Mrs. Harry's mind not altogether
incompatible perhaps with the desire of leaving some record of herself,
or having such made for her by others.... There are few people whom I
pity more than Mrs. Jameson. I always thought she had a great deal of
good in her, but the finer elements in her character have become more
apparent and valuable to me the longer I have known her; her abilities
are very considerable, and her information very various and extensive;
she is a devoted, dutiful daughter, and a most affectionate and generous
sister, working laboriously for her mother and the other members of her
family.... I compassionate and admire her very much.

I dined on Friday last with dear Miss Cottin, who is a second edition of
my dear Aunt Dall. Think of having known two such angels in one's life!
On Saturday I dined _tete-a-tete_ with Mrs. Procter, who is extremely
kind to me.... Yesterday I dined with my father at the Horace Wilsons';
to-day I dine with Chorley, and to-morrow at the George Siddonses'.

You cannot think how much my late experiences have shattered me and
broken my nervous equanimity.... To-day my father came suddenly into the
room while I was playing on the piano, and startled me so by merely
speaking to me that I burst into tears, and could not stand for several
minutes, I trembled so. I have been suffering for some time past from an
almost constant pain in my heart. I have wretched nights, and sometimes
pass the whole morning of these days when I dine out, sitting on the
floor, crying....

God bless you, dear.

Ever your affectionate