Marle Hill House
Tuesday Nov 15th
My dear Papa
We arrived here all right yesterday evening, and found Aunt Newton and Miss Holworthy flourishing – Mama was of course tired after the bustle of packing and departure but she rested well last night and has kept quiet indoors today. The morning was very fine and Aunt Newton and I drove to the town in her little open carriage We were well wrapt up and it was very pleasant – I send you your 2 two books which seem to me very like your pattern – the price 2/6 each I hope they will reach you safely. –
Do you remember Mr Roach telling us of the latest expedient contrived by the church of Rome for our conversion? viz that Roman Catholics sometimes get themselves ordained as English Clergymen? and you doubted the fact. I think this anecdote which I heard yesterday from Miss Holworthy fully confirms it – She told me that a friend of hers a few years ago was dining out (or staying at a Country house) and was there introduced to a Mr – the Curate of the Parish – he fancied he had seen this gentleman before but could not recall the circumstances – but he asked him if they had not met somewhere. The curate denied most positively that he had ever had the pleasure &c – but the very next morning he decamped bag and baggage and quitted the Parish – fearing detection, for it was afterwards ascertained that he was in truth a roman Catholic priest – and in that capacity had served as guide to the other gentleman when visiting a continental church – She has also heard that servants, and governesses more especially, frequently adopt this plan to get into families for the purpose of converting the infant mind – passing themselves off as Protestants they are not suspected. –
I will write again when there is more to say – I hope that the assyrian glossary is making good progress now that you are alone and undisturbed and that it will soon be completed!.
And now I am just going to write a little line to Monie So good bye dear Papa
Yr affecte daughter Ela
I hope my Ink will grow blacker before you read my letter.