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[Page 141]

All this makes her still more an object
of pity – and the Hayleys see her nearly
every day & will look after her –
but she tries their patience surely
& does the oddest & most unlooked
for things – such as sailing about at
the local races quite alone in full crape mourning
given her by Lady McA – known by the
whole neighbourhood.– in a ladylike &
dignified manner!! – nothing light or
improper – she had the clothes & all
the gentry were there & why not she?
I believe a very little would turn her
head completely – I tell you this as
you may think it odd that the
Hayleys beg me not to make myself
known to her personally – Miss H
told me her young nephew who was at
those races told her it was sad to see
& one of the gentlemen met him & said
"Well what is Miss McA's last?" –
whilst the old mother was so ill all
the gentry round were kind in sending
little comforts & so they became
known & the attention set the poor
weak creature off – as it were –