Nothing will be more satisfactory to the Duke than to put an end to all Dissension upon bygone subjects. He has no feeling upon any of them excepting a desire to avoid to give occasion unknowingly and unwillingly for irritation.
The Duke is much obliged to Miss J. for her Letter. He does not entirely concur in all the opinions contained in that Letter. He assures her however that he has perused it as he Does all those received from her, with attention. He will state his objections at some future time.
It is quite impossible for the Duke to keep Miss J.'s letters. They are in general long; and they succeed each other rapidly. If the Duke was to keep them, they might be seen by others. He therefore destroys them as soon as he has read, and perfectly understands them.
This explanation evidently soothed Miss J.'s ruffled feelings, for she makes no further reference at this time to the "Dissension." The Diary continues:—
"The Duke's next letter expresses concern at my illness, dated Dec. 21, 1835.
"The Duke's next letter of the 24th of Dec. implies my account of my health was not satisfactory—which I suppose must have been justifiable as I was then so seriously ill.
"Another letter dated the 26th of December kindly expresses anxiety concerning my health also one of the 31st of December.
"Letters received from the Duke during the year 1835, Seventy-Eight."
"1836.—The first letter of this year is dated Jan. 2nd wherein the Duke writes 'The Duke is very sensible of the kindness which induces Miss J. to write to him. He would have wished to receive from her some account of Her Health as well as her opinion upon other matters, however important. The Duke will certainly request Miss J.'s permission to pay His Respects to her when he will return to Town.'
"The Duke's next letter is dated Jan. 19th, in which he writes—'On his passage through London he has received her letter of the 11th Inst. He sincerely rejoices at and congratulates Miss J. upon the progress which she has made in the recovery of her health.'