I wrote to her, urging her to go home or elsewhere; she had got what she
wanted (French), and there was at least novelty in a new place, if no
improvement. That if she sank into deeper gloom she would soon not have
energy to go, and she was too far from home for her friends to hear of
her condition and order her home as they had done from Miss W---'s. She
wrote that I had done her a great service, that she should certainly
follow my advice, and was much obliged to me. I have often wondered at
this letter. Though she patiently tolerated advice, she could always
quietly put it aside, and do as she thought fit. More than once
afterwards she mentioned the 'service' I had done her. She sent me
10_l_. to New Zealand, on hearing some exaggerated accounts of my
circumstances, and told me she hoped it would come in seasonably; it was
a debt she owed me 'for the service I had done her.' I should think
10_l_. was a quarter of her income. The 'service' was mentioned as an
apology, but kindness was the real motive."
The first break in this life of regular duties and employments came
heavily and sadly. Martha--pretty, winning, mischievous, tricksome
Martha--was taken ill suddenly at the Chateau de Koekelberg. Her sister
tended her with devoted love; but it was all in vain; in a few days she
died.
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