FANNY.

MY DEAREST HAL,

I expect to be with the Combes for some few days at least, and do not
feel altogether as happy as usual in the anticipation of their
intercourse.

I think I have observed growing, as it were, upon them, with regard to
certain subjects, a sort of general attitude of antagonism, which
strikes me painfully.

All fanaticisms are bad, and the fanaticism of scepticism as bad or
perhaps worse than most others, because it wounds more severely the
prejudices of others than it can be wounded by them, professing, as it
does, to have none to wound.

I am going to stay with Cecilia all next week, and am rather afraid that
I shall have to hear things that I love and reverence irreverently
treated. We shall probably steer clear of much discourse on religious
subjects, though of late Mr. Combe has appeared to me more inclined than
formerly to challenge discussion on this ground.

I am afraid I can at the utmost only expect to see my sister for a
fortnight after they return, though Henry Greville writes me that I
cannot possibly give her the mortification and myself the pain of going
away just as she comes back, and that I ought, for both our sakes, to
stay at least a month in England after her return: but then he wishes to
get up a play with us both.

I think Grantley Manor charming. It gave me a great desire to know Lady
Georgiana Fullerton personally; but I am told she has a horror of me,
for what she calls my "injustice to the Catholics." What that is I do
not know; but whatever it is, I am very sorry for this result of it.

Good-bye, dearly beloved.

Ever yours,
FANNY.

29, ABERCROMBIE PLACE, EDINBURGH, Monday, October 25th, 1847.

The last question in your letter, which nevertheless heads it, having
been added on over the date, "How is your health?" I can answer
satisfactorily--much better.... I am much delighted at you and Dorothy
reserving your visit to Battle Abbey till I come to you, and only hope
the weather may give you no cause to regret having done so. I have
promised Emily to go down to Bannisters in December, and shall then pay
you my visit at St. Leonard's.

I do much wish to be once more with you and Dorothy. I have just
concluded a very pleasant arrangement with Arthur Malkin and his wife
for staying a few days in the neighborhood