hidden somewhere in your proposition. _The
damp_, indeed, I might have taken, to the greatest perfection, for there
did stand a whole row of vehicles before my very windows at Manchester
which were being saturated through and through with the rain that fell
upon them all day long, and must have adapted them admirably for the
purposes of a healthful drive for an invalid suffering from sore throat
and a heavy cold.

I have nothing to say to your impertinent remarks on my zigzag progress
to my various engagements, neither any observation to make about Emily's
information upon the subject of my white cashmere gown.

I am perfectly persuaded that, as a considerable amount of food goes
into one's stomach, the use of which is merely to produce necessary
distension of all the organs, channels, receptacles, machinery, etc., in
short; so a considerable amount of words proceeds out of our mouths, the
use of which is merely to keep our lungs aired and our speaking organs
in exercise; and for that purpose the follies, and foibles, and even
faults of our friends are excellent material, provided no bitterness
mixes in the process; from which, as I feel myself very safe between you
and Emily, I abandon myself absolutely to you both; and as I believe
scribbling (apparently unnecessary) is as necessary to the health of
both of you as the apparently superfluous food and words which people
swallow and utter, I am quite content you should fill up your paper with
the mad eccentricity of the order of my engagements, the rotation of my
gowns, and the dripping street-cabs in which I refuse to take the air
for the benefit of my health....

I do not know who the amateurs are who are to act for the starving Irish
with me in London. Forster, the editor of the _Examiner_, I hear, is
one; Henry Greville, who, indeed, is the getter-up of the whole thing,
another; but for the rest I do not know.

Your people are what are commonly called a generous people; and that, I
suppose, is why they don't mind begging. I think it takes an immensity
of generosity to beg.

Only think of Mr. Radley, here at the Adelphi, expressing his surprise,
when he saw me, that you were not with me! Was not that really quite
touching and nice of him?

My cousin, Charles Mason, is here.... His amiable temper and gentle
manner made him a favorite with my poor mother, and I like to see him on
that account....

How sorry I shall be for both you and Dorothy when your pleasant