It was not till yesterday that Dr
Rigge declared her out of danger. You cannot imagine what I have
suffered, partly from the indiscretion of this poor child, but
much more from the fear of losing her entirely. This air is
intolerably cold, and the place quite solitary -- I never go down
to the Well without returning low-spirited; for there I meet with
half a dozen poor emaciated creatures, with ghostly looks, in the
last stage of a consumption, who have made shift to linger
through the winter like so many exotic plants languishing in a
hot-house; but in all appearance, will drop into their graves
before the sun has warmth enough to mitigate the rigour of this
ungenial spring. -- If you think the Bath-water will be of any
service to me, I will go thither so soon as my niece can bear the
motion of the coach. Tell Barns I am obliged to him for his
advice; but don't choose to follow it. If Davis voluntarily
offers to give up the farm, the other shall have it; but I will
not begin at this time of day to distress my tenants, because
they are unfortunate, and cannot make regular payments: I wonder
that Barns should think me capable of such oppression -- As for
Higgins, the fellow is a notorious poacher, to be sure; and an
impudent rascal to set his snares in my own paddock; but, I
suppose, he thought he had some right (especially in my absence)
to partake of what nature seems to have intended for common use --
you may threaten him in my name, as much as you please, and if he
repeats the offence, let me know it before you have recourse to
justice.
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