His devoted Child and Servant
A. J.
This note did not call forth a reply of equal amiability from the Duke.
"I have felt no displeasure nor anger and was not even surprised by your letter complaining of my answer in which I returned the volumes of letters which you had sent for my perusal. Considering the Numberless occasions which you have quarrelled with me because of some omission of Seal or Signature or even of a word or a letter. I thank God that I am never angry with anybody; upon any subject.
"Many would think on reading the above that I had treated the Duke unkindly, but as I can appeal to Him Who seeth not as man seeth, I have nothing to fear from any erroneous impressions, having depended upon The Great Lord of lords throughout my acquaintance with him to direct and influence my heart and pen to fulfil all His good will and pleasure by working in me for that purpose, for His Holy Name sake! which I trust will be glorified and Magnified accordingly!"
The Duke's last letter for this year is not marked by increased suavity:—
Strathfieldsaye, Dec. 14, 1849.
My dear Miss J.,—I have nothing to add to what I stated in my former Letters regarding your sending me your Letters addressed to others!
I beg that you will not do so.
To read one letter from you is as much as I can do.