n, and in 1837 I planted a cedar in
remembrance of one of our visits.

Through Lady Bunbury we became intimate with all the members of the
illustrious family of the Napiers, as she was sister of Colonel,
afterwards General Sir William Napier, author of the "History of the
Peninsular War." One day Colonel Napier, who was then living in Sloane
Street, introduced Somerville and me to his mother, Lady Sarah Napier.
Her manners were distinguished, and though totally blind, she still had
the remains of great beauty; her hand and arm, which were exposed by the
ancient costume she wore, were most beautiful still. The most sincere
friendship existed between Richard Napier and his wife and me through
life; I shall never forget their kindness to me at a time when I was in
great sorrow. All the brothers are now gone. Richard and his wife were
long in bad health, and he was nearly blind; but his wife never knew it,
through the devoted attachment of Emily Shirriff, daughter of Admiral
Shirriff, who was the comfort and consolation of both to their dying
day.

Maria Edgeworth came frequently to see us when she was in England. She
was one of my most intimate friends, warm-hearted and kind, a charming
companion, with all the liveliness and originality of an Irishwoman.
For seventeen years I was in constant correspondence with her. The
cleverness and animation as well as affection of her letters I cannot
express; certainly women are superior to men in letter-writing.

[The following is an extract from a letter from Maria Edgeworth to a
friend concerning my mother:--]

MARIA EDGEWORTH TO MISS .....

BEECHWOOD PARK, _January 17th, 1822_.

We have spent two days pleasantly here with Dr. Wollaston, our own
dear friend Mrs. Marcet, and the Somervilles. Mrs. Somerville is the
lady who, Laplace says, is the only woman who understands his works.
She draws beautifully, and while her head is among the stars her
feet are firm upon the earth.

Mrs. Somerville is little, slightly made, fairish hair, pink colour,
small, grey, round, intelligent, smiling eyes, very pleasing
countenance, remarkably soft voice, strong, but well-bred Scotch
accent; timid, not disqualifying timid, but naturally modest, yet
with a degree of self-possession through it which prevents her being
in the least awkward, and gives her all the advantage of her
understanding, at the same time that it adds a prepos