K. Shuttleworth
is residing near Windermere, at a house called "The Briary," and it
was there I was staying for a little while in August. He very kindly
showed me the scenery--_as it can be seen from a carriage_--and I
discerned that the "Lake Country" is a glorious region, of which I
had only seen the similitude in dream--waking or sleeping. But, my
dear Miss Wooler, I only half enjoyed it, because I was only half at
my ease. Decidedly I find it does not agree with me to prosecute the
search of the picturesque in a carriage; a waggon, a spring-cart,
even a post-chaise might do, but the carriage upsets everything. I
longed to slip out unseen, and to run away by myself in amongst the
hills and dales. Erratic and vagrant instincts tormented me, and
these I was obliged to control, or rather, suppress, for fear of
growing in any degree enthusiastic, and thus drawing attention to the
"lioness," the authoress, the artist. Sir J. K. Shuttleworth is a
man of ability and intellect, but not a man in whose presence one
willingly unbends.

'You say you suspect I have found a large circle of acquaintance by
this time. No, I cannot say that I have. I doubt whether I possess
either the wish or the power to do so. A few friends I should like
to know well; if such knowledge brought proportionate regard I could
not help concentrating my feelings. Dissipation, I think, appears
synonymous with dilution. However, I have as yet scarcely been
tried. During the month I spent in London in the spring, I kept very
quiet, having the fear of "lionising" before my eyes. I only went
out once to dinner, and was once present at an evening party; and the
only visits I have paid have been to Sir J. K. Shuttleworth and my
publishers. From this system I should not like to depart. As far as
I can see, indiscriminate visiting tends only to a waste of time and
a vulgarising of character. Besides, it would be wrong to leave papa
often; he is now in his 75th year, the infirmities of age begin to
creep upon him. During the summer he has been much harassed by
chronic bronchitis, but, I am thankful to say, he is now somewhat
better. I think my own health has derived benefit from change and
exercise.

'You ask after Ellen Nussey. When I saw Ellen, about two months ago,
she looked remarkably well. I som