I took the liberty of tormenting you with a long and
nonsensical letter some time back, which I was in hopes would have procured me
the favour of an answer; for it is so long since I had the pleasure of hearing
from you, that I began to fear I had either unconsciously forfeited your
friendship, or that you found me a troublesome correspondent. I hope that has
not been the cause of your silence, for I really know not whether I should feel
most at losing your friendship, or your losing your health—a most
unpleasant alternative. But one line from you will be sufficient to obviate my
suspicions, or subdue my fears. As I found that these good folks were
determined on going for life to Castle-tumble-Down, and as I never had a very strong propensity for
the society of crows, who have established a very
flourishing colony in the battlements and woods in Court Jordan, I gave in my
resignation last week. But, seriously, I do not think I ever was more agitated
in my life. They made me every offer it was possible could tempt me to remain
with them, even till November, when Mrs. Crawford would
take me herself to town; and when they found me irrevocable in my decree, they
paid me the compliment of saying, they would not entrust their children to any
but one whom I approved. So that the choice of my successor depends entirely on
myself. I shall be in Dublin about the 27th, I believe; will it be taking too
great an advantage of your already experienced kindness to renew my claim on
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Adieu, dear madam; assure Mr. F—— of my best wishes and respects, and all the dear young folk of my affection, and believe me
