Here we are, and my letters have so punctually informed you of each stage in our journey, that I resolved on arriving at this beautiful place to look about me, and grant a respite to my pen, ere I gave you an account of Marsden and its surrounding scenery. The mere fact of our arrival was mentioned by mamma to your dear aunt; and at the distance of a fortnight from the short letter which conveyed that intelligence to our beloved friends at Checkley, I gladly resume my office of journalist, recommencing my task with the delightful news that my uncle is a great deal better than when we first reached this house. The symptoms of his disorder, at _least_, appear to be suspended, and it is impossible not to yield, in some measure, to the sweet persuasions of hope. Mamma shakes her head, and, though she will not repress our joyful anticipations, I perceive with pain that _we_, the young and inexperienced, make no impression on her mind, when we endeavour to gain her over to our own bright visions of recovery. Whether it be the change of air, the novelty of the scene, or that we are naturally inclined to feel a particular interest in whatever is our _own_, I will not pretend to determine; but certain it is, that from some happy cause my dear uncle is apparently much invigorated, and seems to enjoy life doubly himself, since he has come to a place where he is the immediate dispenser of pleasure to all around him. His desire to see us gratified, stimulates every action; and we are obliged to suppress, with care, every half-formed wish, lest he should be led into more exertion to indulge our curiosity than is good for him. Julia, you bid me tell you _truly_ how I like your noble country, and you tell me also to employ the same candour in describing my feelings respecting the people with whom I meet. Fortunately for me you were born in Ireland, though all your early associations are English, and therefore I feel bold in taking some liberties with this country, which all your encouragement could not induce me to venture upon, were it your actual birthplace. The beauty of England indeed I admit, without any drawback, and if I confess that I love my own hills and vallies better, such predilection is easily resolvable into affections which may often bestow pre-eminence where it is intrinsically wanting, and raise the barren wild without depressing the cultured garden. This kingdom with which I was only acquainted before as a child, and which therefore possesses all the charms of novelty in addition to its other attractions, in my eyes appears a perfect paradise, so rich, so cultivated is every part of it; and if I sometimes long for a tangled dell like that of the “Retreat,” I am bound in honesty to confess what an extent of cheerless waste I must travel over, ere I could be indulged by a sight of its soft shades again.