"On the 11th of April the Duke again writes 'He has received her Note with some Tracts.'
"The next letter from the Duke is dated April 12th, 1836, in which he returns me, as requested, a letter I had sent for his perusal and consideration, addressed to a Minister of the Gospel by my dear friend Mrs. L.
"The Duke's next letter is written on and dated June 18th, 1836. 'The Duke of Wellington presents his regards to Miss J. and returns thanks for her letter and its enclosure. The Duke is happy to learn that Miss J. is in good Health. He was apprehensive that she was unwell, and had gone out of Town, as so much time had elapsed since she had written to the Duke.' I need scarcely remark that this was the day on which the Duke gave his yearly Banquet—yet The great Lord of Lords compelled him to find time thereon to write to me, thus verifying His own Divine declaration, 'Them that honor ME I will honor.'"
One wonders where the busy statesman could have found time to read not only the letters, but the hymns and tracts Miss J. constantly showered upon him. There seems a tone of resignation, if not actual despair, in the notes wherein he acknowledges the receipt of this flood of pious literature.
"In the Duke's next letter of June 21st he writes—'The Duke of Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. and he acknowledges the receipt of, and thanks her for her letter of the 19th inst. and enclosures. Miss J. does not advert to the state of her health, but as she says that she walks in the Park, the Duke hopes that she is entirely recovered.'
"His Grace's letter of June 23rd returns his thanks, adding: 'When Miss J. mentions her walks in the park The Duke concludes that she means in what is called the Regent's Park, in the neighborhood of the Street in which she lives.' Which was the case yet of which beautiful Park I knew nothing until dearest Mrs. L. took me into it for the benefit of the air, after the illness herein alluded to.
"The next letter from the Duke is dated June 27th, 1836, in which he writes—'Miss J. complains of the change of the style of the Duke's letters; although she does not express a wish that the former style should be renewed.'
"I certainly had a great objection to the formality attending the Duke's letters when written in the third person, feeling restrained in replying to such in like manner."
CHAPTER VI.