IT generally happens when there are little unpleasantnesses among friends
and relations, that they arise from mutual faults, and therefore I cannot
but conclude, that there must have been something either in my
observations or manner, which it would have been better to avoid. I am
surprised, however, that you should so long have suffered from such
incidents: friends, and especially relatives, should be like two bowls
suffering temporary collision; they should rub and go on, for in this
imperfect state we must expect many such a rub; we cannot move at equal
rates, we cannot keep at equal distances, there will be an infringing
every now and then, but still let us go on, go on in love, agree to
differ, and expect occasionally to feel; but why should this feeling be
either strong or lasting? I am glad, however, that you have relieved
your mind, and though it has been a little at my expense, yet as the
effort has been beneficial to you, I will not attempt in any way to
destroy the effect, but will, for the sake of good will and kind feeling,
admit anything you have said. And here may such matters rest “never to
rise again.”