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 of Charles Arbuthnot, as she now calls him.
Walmer Castle, Sept. 24, 1850.
F. M. the Duke of Wellington presents His compts to 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 felt dreadfully shocked to 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.