"In the Duke's next letter, dated Sept. 11th, he writes—'Since I last wrote to you I have received your letters of the 8th & 9th and I am much concerned that you are still unwell, suffering from cold. I hope that you will soon be quite well.' Again in the Duke's next letter he writes, dating it Sept. 22nd; 'I have been very much concerned to learn from the perusal of the several letters which I have received of different dates up to the 20th Inst. that you are still suffering from indisposition, although at times rather better. I trust you will avoid to tire yourself by writing. There is nothing like Rest for ailing remedies, and the bounty of Providence in a recovery from sickness.'
"In the Duke's next letter he again refers to my indisposition, for I had been dangerously ill at that time. It is dated Sept. 28th. 'I am very much concerned to hear that you continue to feel indisposed.'
"In the Duke's next letter, dated Oct. 2nd, he writes—'I hope that you will continue in good health. You will if you keep yourself warm in the severe weather of the Autumn and commencement of the winter—and in tranquillity.'
"In the Duke's next letter dated Oct. 7th he writes—'I have and thank you for your letters of the 2nd & 3rd, the last finished on the 4th, and I am happy that you are in your new dwelling which I hope you will find satisfactory to you, and above all that the Air will be salubrious.'
"Judging by the Duke's next, I think that he must have misunderstood my intentions, as he writes in his letter, dated Oct. 16th; 'I am concerned to learn that you are again about to change the place of your Abode. I should think that these constant changes must fatigue you.'
"In the Duke's next letter, dated Oct. 12th, which I now perceive ought to have been introduced above that of the 16th, he writes—'I am very much pleased that you are not otherwise than comfortable in your new residence.'
"I presume, judging by the Duke's next letter, dated Dec. 18th, that I had referred to my poor Jane's illness, as he writes; 'I am sorry to hear that your favorite companion disturbs your rest as rest is especially necessary after the recovery from any illness.'"
The correspondence had in 1848 dwindled down almost to nothingness, at least on the Duke's side. It is only doing Miss J. justice to believe that her zeal and industry continued unabated. There had apparently been no other dispute. Miss J. herself remarks upon the fact that during the entire year she received but three letters from the Duke.
"It may be seen judging by these letters, that there was not any other cause for the fewness of such but the full occupation of his time alluded to so frequently. Therefore I presume this was permitted by The Great Lord of Lords for unerring purposes known only to Himself.
"The first in this year is dated May 8th, wherein the Duke writes—'It is perfectly true that much time has elapsed since I have written to you and that I have received many letters from you for which I ought to have returned my thanks, but the demands upon and the employment of my time in the service of the Public has been so constant that I really have not had leisure. I hope that you are well and that the weather will re-establish your health entirely, and by enabling you to go out into the Air fortify against future attacks.'"