ot
out of a good employ, and has seen another person, at Malta hospital,
put over his head. He must now begin again; and act with much more
attention and sobriety, than he has done, to ever get forward
again: but, time may do much; and, I shall rejoice to hear of his
reformation.

I am not surprised, my dearest Emma, at the enormous expences of the
watering place; but, if it has done my own Emma service, it is well
laid out. A thousand pounds a year will not go far; and we need be
great economists, to make both ends meet, and to carry on the little
improvements. As for making one farthing more prize-money, I do not
expect it; except, by taking the French fleet: and, the event of that
day, who can foresee!

With respect to Mrs. Graefer--what she has done, God and herself knows;
but I have made up my mind, that Gibbs will propose an hundred pounds
a year for her: if so, I shall grant it, and have done. I send you
Mrs. Graefer's last letter.

Whilst I am upon the subject of Bronte, I have one word more--and your
good, dear, kind heart, must not think that I shall die one hour the
sooner; on the contrary, my mind has been more content ever since I
have done: I have left you a part of the rental of Bronte, to be first
paid every half year, and in advance. It is but common justice; and,
whether Mr. Addington gives you any thing, or not, you will want it.

I would not have you lay out more than is necessary, at Merton. The
rooms, and the new entrance, will take a good deal of money. The
entrance by the corner I would have certainly done; a common white
gate will do for the present; and one of the cottages, which is in the
barn, can be put up, as a temporary lodge. The road can be made to
a temporary bridge; for that part of the _Nile_, one day, shall be
filled up.

Downing's canvas awning will do for a passage. For the winter,
the carriage can be put in the barn; and, giving up Mr. Bennett's
premises, will save fifty pounds a year: and, another year, we can fit
up the coach-house and stables, which are in the barn.

The foot-path should be turned. I did shew Mr. Haslewood the way I
wished it done; and Mr. ------ will have no objections, if we make it
better than ever it has been: and, I also beg, as my dear Horatia is
to be at Merton, that a strong netting, about three feet high, may be
placed round the Nile, that the little thing may not tumble in; and,
then, you may have ducks again in it. I forget, at what place we