1839] Elizabeth's Fits of Sadness 43 



come so much more appropriately from me to him. We 

 have very seldom been only our own selves since Emma 

 went. Now I have had these three weeks of her company, 

 I feel satisfied and think no more of her loss, and have got 

 rid of the fits of sadness that would take me sometimes un- 

 awares. The Hensleighs are coming down the end of this 

 month, and Hensleigh will return to town after bringing 

 them down, and I then mean to run up with him and see 

 Emma in her own house for ten days or so. The Hensleighs 

 have just taken a house four doors only from Emma, which 

 Emma very much likes. She will find it a great comfort, 

 for they are neither of them idle people to fall into the error 

 of running in and out at all hours. Charles goes to his own 

 room to work after breakfast till two o'clock, so that Emma 

 has a good deal of time to herself in the mornings, which I 

 should think very comfortable. 



Mrs Josiah Wedgwood to her husband in 



Gower Street. 



MY DEAR Jos MAER, Wednesday, Dec. llth, 1839. 



I need not I am sure tell you how glad I was to 

 receive your letter yesterday, giving so good a report of 

 your journey and of the outlyers in London. 



We have not rejoiced in your absence nor " rode Towzer," 

 because you are away, and the only visitors I have had 

 have been my little birds, who have found out my store of 

 suet. The principal is one Greater Titmouse, who had 

 nearly usurped the whole bracket and is so pugnacious that 

 he presents arms whenever one of the other little birds 

 presumes to show himself on the bracket. Jessie [Wedg- 

 wood] is a most welcome as well as agreeable third; she 

 came on Saturday, bringing with her the kind offering of a 

 little pig and I hope she will stay till we are tired of her. 

 Elizabeth gave me a fright last night by taking a hot bottle 

 to bed, lest it should burst and scald her, but I got reassured 

 by hearing that you used one almost every night without 

 injury, and I slept my usual good night. 



