melworth-hall.

Think me not unkind, my dear Rhoda, in suffering so much time to elapse without acknowledging the delight I felt, on perusing your two last welcome letters. My delay has been occasioned by that attention which the ill health and depressed spirits of my beloved brother seem to demand. – Would I could say that my attention proves successful! on the contrary, I fear his disorder increases daily, and I am, in consequence, more unhappy about him than I can possibly express. His physician says medicine is useless, and I am convinced he is in the right; – Sir Edward's disease being seated in the mind. I am, therefore, determined on persuading him to try the effect of some of the watering places. It is very possible, that change of air, and a variety of company and amusements, may prove beneficial./ But you must not apprehend, from what I have said, that my concern for my brother has annihilated in my bosom all the feelings of friendship. – Be assured, my dear, I most sincerely rejoice in the joy of our beloved Louisa, who is so truly dear to me that I cannot help considering the name of Delaporte as a part of herself, and I more than half regret the loss of that, tho' attended with circumstances so much to her advantage. I cannot express how much I long to see both her and you; it appears to me an age since we met; but you have both rendered the separation much more tolerable to me, by the punctuality of your correspondence, than it would otherwise have been; and, I trust, you will still continue to grant me the indulgence of sharing both your joys and sorrows, tho' the anxious state of my mind, while my brother remains thus indisposed, may not always admit of my making as punctual returns.