you old Mirry, what a person you are for a joke ! I've found you out ! How came you to write that I'd received 6d. from Lord Palmerston, and spent 6d. in seven birds' nests ! Impertinent old thing ! I came upon the entries in looking thro' my cash book ; and I think Mama will never forget it.
February 26th, 1860.
Mrs. Hill to Miranda.
Gertrude, Octavia and Minnie went to a party at Mrs. Shaw's. Gertrude and Minnie say Octavia looked "perfectly lovely." She had a high white dress, a grand scarlet sash and scarlet net. . . . Ockey, tho' looking so ill, is unusually nice, genial and merry. She has met with some amusing people lately, and it is as good as a play to hear her relate her dealings with them. She attracts an unusual share of confidence. Even strangers go to her for advice. Ladies at S. Kensington[1] read their letters to her tell her their history. She could not help laughing one day ; she said a lady, a perfect stranger, told her all about herself, even to the time she went to bed.
April 1st, 1860.
To Miss Howitt,
My Dearest Maggie,
As to those old days I owe more to those visits than I can ever express. I remember now that strange imagination of yours that peopled the world for us with wonderful and beautiful beings, and I am sure we always went on happily together. (She also speaks of the impression of Mrs. Howitt's loving, cheerful look.)
- ↑ Where Octavia was drawing.
