assured of your attachment, and I am certain if we were to be separated for years our affection for each other would be unchanged. I was at a dance at Mr Fitzherbert's last night. It was a very pleasant party, although I must say I would have been much happier at home with you to talk to me had you been there. I think you would have enjoyed it very much and you would have had the pleasure of seeing Miss Lewis who is I think a great favourite of yours. Do you remember how much attention you paid her at the Settler's Ball? If she were a few years younger I should feel very much afraid that she would take you from me. I am sorry to acknowledge that I do not deserve the praise you give me for early rising, as two or three times this week I have not got up so soon as I usually do but you must