_above all_ remaining to the latest moment of my existence, His devoted Child and Servant A. J. This note did not call forth a reply of equal amiability from the Duke. "I have felt no displeasure nor anger and was not even surprised by your letter complaining of my answer in which I returned the volumes of letters which you had sent for my perusal. Considering the Numberless occasions which you have quarrelled with me because of some omission of Seal or Signature or even of a word or a letter. I thank God that I am never angry with anybody; upon any subject. "Many would think on reading the above that I had treated the Duke unkindly, but as I can appeal to Him Who seeth not as man seeth, I have nothing to fear from any erroneous impressions, having depended upon The Great Lord of lords throughout my acquaintance with him to direct and influence my heart and pen to fulfil all His good will and pleasure by working in me for that purpose, for His Holy Name sake! which I trust will be glorified and Magnified accordingly!" The Duke's last letter for this year is not marked by increased suavity:-- STRATHFIELDSAYE, Dec. 14, 1849. MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have nothing to add to what I stated in my former Letters regarding your sending me your Letters addressed to others! I beg that you will not do so. To read one letter from you is as much as I can do. Ever Yours most faithfully WELLINGTON. Miss J. adds:-- "This in all probability was the case, as he advanced in years, consequently I never intruded any others upon him afterwards." CHAPTER XI. THE FINAL RUPTURE. Early in 1850 Miss J. accidentally received a painful blow in the breast. A tumor soon developed, that caused her great suffering. Frequent references to her "affliction" are found in her Diary for this year and the next. She wrote an account of the occurrence to the Duke, and received the following reply, quoted from the Diary:-- "'I was much concerned on receiving this intelligence, but I hope that the consequences will not be so serious as I had apprehended. I hope that you will take care of yourself and not move at this severe season from your comfortable dwelling till you will be well.' "Anyone would perhaps conclude by the Duke's remark that he had seen my house but as such was never the case I presume my description thereof had made this impression, alluding to it accordingly, for however much I may and did wish it to be honored with his presence, I found such was not apparently His will Who declares the Way of man is not in himself. "In the Duke's next letter, dated March 18th, he refers to my dear Sister being with me as follows--'I am very sensible of this last circumstance and of the kindness and necessity of her attention to you during your illness.'