I hope
with you that the present delightful weather may contribute to the
perfect restoration of our dear papa's health; and that it may give aunt
pleasant reminiscences of the salubrious climate of her native place,"
&c.
To return to "Mary's" letter.
"She used to speak of her two elder sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, who
died at Cowan Bridge. I used to believe them to have been wonders of
talent and kindness. She told me, early one morning, that she had just
been dreaming; she had been told that she was wanted in the drawing-room,
and it was Maria and Elizabeth. I was eager for her to go on, and when
she said there was no more, I said, 'but go on! _Make it out_! I know
you can.' She said she would not; she wished she had not dreamed, for it
did not go on nicely, they were changed; they had forgotten what they
used to care for. They were very fashionably dressed, and began
criticising the room, &c.
"This habit of 'making out' interests for themselves that most children
get who have none in actual life, was very strong in her. The whole
family used to 'make out' histories, and invent characters and events. I
told her sometimes they were like growing potatoes in a cellar. She
said, sadly, 'Yes! I know we are!'
"Some one at school said she 'was always talking about clever people;
Johnson, Sheridan, &c.
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