From a later letter it appears that the nieces did not pay their visit
after all, and what is worse a letter had miscarried, and the aunt sat up
expecting them from seven till twelve at night, and Harry had paid for
"Faggots and Coles quarter of Hund. Faggots Half tun of Coles 1_l._
1_s._ 3_d._" Shortly afterwards, however, "She" again talks of coming up
to London herself and writes through her servant--
"My Dear girls i Receve your kind letter & I am happy to hear you ar
both Well and I Was in hopes of seeing of you Both Down at My House
this spring to stay a Wile I am Quite well my self in Helth But vary
Low Spireted I am vary sorry to hear the Misforting of Poor charles &
how he cum to flie in the Fier I cannot think. I should like to know
if he is dead or a Live, and I shall come to London in August & stay
three or four daies if it is agreable to you. Mrs. Newton has lost
her mother in Law 4 day March & I hope you send me word Wather charles
is Dead or a Live as soon as possible, and will you send me word what
Little Betty is for I cannot make her out."
The next letter is a new handwriting, and tells the nieces of their
aunt's death in the the following terms:--
"DEAR MISS ---, It is my most painful duty to inform you that your
dear aunt expired this morning comparatively easy as Hannah informs me
and in so doing restored her soul to the custody of him whom she
considered to be alone worthy of its care.
"The doctor had visited her about five minutes previously and had
applied a blister.
"You and your sister will I am sure excuse further details at present
and believe me with kindest remembrances to remain
"Yours truly, &c."
After a few days a lawyer's letter informs the nieces that their aunt had
left them the bulk of her not very considerable property, but had charged
them with an annuity of 1 pound a week to be paid to Harry and Mrs.
Newton so long as the dog lived.
The only other letters by Mrs. Newton are written on paper of a different
and more modern size; they leave an impression of having been written a
good many years later. I take them as they come. The first is very
short:--
"DEAR MISS ---, i write to say i cannot possiblely come on Wednesday
as we have killed a pig. your's truely,
"ELIZABETH NEWTON."