"The Duke's next letter is dated April 18th in which he writes 'The Duke has never been better than for the last month and most particularly for the last few days. He is aware that reports are continually circulated to the contrary but they are entirely undeserving of credit.'"
The cause of this coolness between the Duke and Miss J. is not clear. Her Diary throws no light upon the subject, and the only clew to the dissension must be found in the Duke's letters. From these it would seem that Miss J. has again criticised his manner of writing, or resented some fancied liberty. The quarrel begun so promisingly in March is still vigorous late in April, and the Duke is making energetic but futile efforts to break off the correspondence.
Strathfieldsaye, April 24, 1840.
The Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J. He has received her letter of the 21st Inst for which he returns His thanks being convinced that Her Letters to the Duke are dictated by the best Motives.
The Duke cannot but acknowledge however that they are written to but little purpose; and considering their Tone and Tenor, the writing of them can be but little satisfaction to Miss J.; while it must be troublesome; the transmission of them embarrassing; as well as the Reception of the answers to Herself and Her friends.
Under these Circumstances the Duke would earnestly recommend to Miss J. not to write to Him again.
London, May 20, 1840.
The Duke of Wellington presents His Compts to Miss J. He is much concerned to learn that His omission to acknowledge the receipt of Miss J. [sic] has occasioned any inconvenience to her. The Duke received all her Letters in due Course.
The Duke did not acknowledge the receipt of them. He really thought and thinks still that Miss J.'s correspondence with the Duke is very inconvenient to Her and Her friends; that it exposes her to the Effects of the Curiosity of the Idle; and to the observations of the Malicious; and that however much he may be obliged to the Kindness of Miss J. in writing to him, he ought to endeavour to prevail upon her to refrain from doing which [sic] may be inconvenient to Herself or to Her friends.
The Duke is thank God! and has been perfectly well, and he sincerely hopes that Miss J. is so likewise.