ttle conveniences in which a
lodging-house was likely to be deficient. It was shortly after settling
in these lodgings that she wrote to a nephew the following characteristic
letter, no longer, alas in her former strong, clear hand.

'Mrs. David's, College St., Winton,
'Tuesday, May 27th.

'There is no better way, my dearest E., of thanking you for your
affectionate concern for me during my illness than by telling you
myself, as soon as possible, that I continue to get better. I will
not boast of my handwriting; neither that nor my face have yet
recovered their proper beauty, but in other respects I gain strength
very fast. I am now out of bed from 9 in the morning to 10 at night:
upon the sofa, it is true, but I eat my meals with aunt Cassandra in a
rational way, and can employ myself, and walk from one room to
another. Mr. Lyford says he will cure me, and if he fails, I shall
draw up a memorial and lay it before the Dean and Chapter, and have no
doubt of redress from that pious, learned, and disinterested body. Our
lodgings are very comfortable. We have a neat little drawing-room
with a bow window overlooking Dr. Gabell's garden. {173} Thanks to
the kindness of your father and mother in sending me their carriage,
my journey hither on Saturday was performed with very little fatigue,
and had it been a fine day, I think I should have felt none; but it
distressed me to see uncle Henry and Wm. Knight, who kindly attended
us on horseback, riding in the rain almost the whole way. We expect a
visit from them to-morrow, and hope they will stay the night; and on
Thursday, which is a confirmation and a holiday, we are to get Charles
out to breakfast. We have had but one visit from _him_, poor fellow,
as he is in sick-room, but he hopes to be out to-night. We see Mrs.
Heathcote every day, and William is to call upon us soon. God bless
you, my dear E. If ever you are ill, may you be as tenderly nursed as
I have been. May the same blessed alleviations of anxious,
sympathising friends be yours: and may you possess, as I dare say you
will, the greatest blessing of all in the consciousness of not being
unworthy of their love. _I_ could not feel this.

'Your very affecte Aunt,
'J. A.'

The following extract from a letter which has been before printed,
written soon after the former, breathes the same spirit of humility and