Pagina 89 de 483

Perpetual fretting at length threw Madame Moritz into a decline,

which at first increased her irritability, but she is now at

peace for ever. She died on the first approach of cold weather,

at the beginning of this last winter. Justine has just returned

to us; and I assure you I love her tenderly. She is very clever

and gentle, and extremely pretty; as I mentioned before, her mien

and her expression continually remind me of my dear aunt.

"I must say also a few words to you, my dear cousin, of little

darling William. I wish you could see him; he is very tall of his

age, with sweet laughing blue eyes, dark eyelashes, and curling

hair. When he smiles, two little dimples appear on each cheek,

which are rosy with health. He has already had one or two little

wives, but Louisa Biron is his favourite, a pretty little girl of

five years of age.