sent I dare say you are equal to everything.

You will know that the poor boys are at Steventon.
Perhaps it is best for them, as they will have
more means of exercise and amusement there than
they could have with us, but I own myself
disappointed by the arrangement. I should have
loved to have them with me at such a time. I
shall write to Edward by this post.

* * * * *

With what true sympathy our feelings are shared by
Martha you need not be told; she is the friend and
sister under every circumstance.

We need not enter into a panegyric on the
departed, but it is sweet to think of her great
worth, of her solid principles, of her true
devotion, her excellence in every relation of
life. It is also consolatory to reflect on the
shortness of the sufferings which led her from
this world to a better.

Farewell for the present, my dearest sister. Tell
Edward that we feel for him and pray for him.

Saturday night [October 15, 1808].

Your accounts make us as comfortable as we can
expect to be at such a time. Edward's loss is
terrible, and must be felt as such, and these are
too early days indeed to think of moderation in
grief, either in him or his afflicted daughter,
but soon we may hope that our dear Fanny's sense
of duty to that beloved father will rouse her to
exertion. For his sake, and as the most acceptable
proof of love to the spirit of her departed
mother, she will try to be tranquil and resigned.
Does she feel you to be a comfort to her, or is
she too much overpowered for anything but
solitude?

Your account of Lizzy is very interesting. Poor
child! One must hope the impression _will_ be
strong, and yet one's heart aches for a dejected
mind of eight years old.

* * * * *

We are anxious to be assured that Edward will not
attend the funeral, but when it comes to the point
I think he must feel it impossible.

* * * * *

I am glad you can say what you do of Mrs. Knight
and of