I am happy to add, however, that no greater evil than
the loss of trees has been the consequence of the storm in this place,
or in our immediate neighbourhood. We grieve, therefore, in some
comfort.
'I am yours ever,
'J. A.'
The next letter, written four days later than the former, was addressed
to Miss Lloyd, an intimate friend, whose sister (my mother) was married
to Jane's eldest brother:--
'Steventon, Wednesday evening, Nov. 12th.
'MY DEAR MARTHA,
'I did not receive your note yesterday till after Charlotte had left
Deane, or I would have sent my answer by her, instead of being the
means, as I now must be, of lessening the elegance of your new dress
for the Hurstbourne ball by the value of 3_d_. You are very good in
wishing to see me at Ibthorp so soon, and I am equally good in wishing
to come to you. I believe our merit in that respect is much upon a
par, our self-denial mutually strong. Having paid this tribute of
praise to the virtue of both, I shall here have done with panegyric,
and proceed to plain matter of fact.
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