And now I hope I have explained myself, and that you will believe me unalterably your sincere friend. If there be, as I have sometimes thought, some yet unknown causes, that a more particular manner unite separated friends at particular times, I should imagine those causes must have operated powerfully for the last ten days with respect to me and my distant friends, for certain it is; that though I have been very ill, and rise from my bed only to quiet your mind at this moment, yet I have thought more of the dear farm (that is to be) than of my own illness. ( Some plan for our mode of living, Mr. G. had arranged with her, when we were to go to England: for his going so long before me was an afterthought.)
Alas! alas I shall think myself too happy to be permitted to spend half the time there, which heaven has so kindly allotted me, we may, and I trust shall be alter'd but for the better,for time is given to us only to correct our errors and our weaknesses let us not misuse the gifts. (This observation is so just it is to be regretted she did not practice as well as preach it. I refer to her answer to me, when I told her of her conduct at Westbourne).
I have read Ned Evans, and think exactly with you about it, only I can see no resemblance between Cecilia and your flattered friend, I have not yet indeed read the fourth volume.
I said we should be altered when we meet, altered indeed, for I am now a grandmother, and I expect you will treat me when we do meet, with all the respect due to the venerable appellation, and pray tell Mr. Pero (The manager of the Cork amphitheatre. ) that we may meet soon to invite me the next

summer, for his behaviour was so noble and generous at Cork, (I suppose she wished to take a journey with Mr. G, like the former) that even without the prospect of seeing my friends, I would go to Ireland to be of use to him. I will put on my green turban as soon as I am out of mourning,(her mourning for her daughter) certain old garments and shoes are become dear to me, because they remind me of some little compliment or joke in those days that are gone, like the memory of past joys, pleasant and mournful to the soul of your friend.
Present me to your fireside and adieu!
My head is very bad as this scrawl will shew.
( Not signed)

LETTER IX

I did not know till this morning, that I might send a parcel to Mr. — and have been waiting for the departure of Mr. — to convey this to Ireland, but I find he stays at least a week longer, and I shall not delay my letter any longer.
I think you will not deem me troublesome in sending you a few lines, at least I am sure you ought not for Mrs. G. tells me in her last letter that you wish our correspondence to continue, provided you will behave like a rational creature, and write me gay and entertaining letters; gaiety is your natural turn, and I have too great a regard for you not to be very sensibly affected, when I see or know you otherways.