1778 A WEEDING WOMAN 25 



much in its favour. I* begin to alter Thomas's 



room, and to make my entry* and then shall 



proceed to flooring, &c. I am now going to retain my 

 weeding woman for the summer. This is the person that 

 Thomas says he likes as well as a man : and indeed ex- 

 cepting that she wears petticoats, and now and then has 

 a child, you would think her a man. To the care and 

 abilities of this Lady I shall entrust my garden, that it 

 may be neat and tidy when you come. My great parlor 

 grate and fender are arrived, and seem proper for the 

 place. 



My cucumber -plants are gross, and vigorous; and I have 

 one, and only one fruit about the size of my thumb. As 

 the season was late I just saw my crocus's in bloom. On 

 Thursday morning last we had thunder and an heavy 

 shower. I have seldom in this month seen the weather 

 so hot and the ground so moist at the same time ; of course 

 therefore vegetation is very vigorous. When you can spare 

 time from the cares of housekeeping, and want to relax your 

 mind, I shall be glad to hear from you, and shall rejoice 

 in your communications. 



I am, dear Niece, y"*^ affectly, 



Gil. White. 

 Eespects as due. 



I have just received a letter from Eingmer. Mrs. Snooke 



is much mended. 



To Mrs. John White. Selborne, April 17 [1778]. 



Dear Sister, — By both your last letters, for which I 

 return you thanks, it plainly appears that my brother con- 

 tinues gradually to recover strength, and that air, exercise, 

 and bathing are of singular service ; and therefore I hope he 

 will strive against irresolution, and summon up all his man- 



* Letter imperfect. 



