MS location unknown. Printed in Coleridge, Life 258-9.
My dear Mary
My thoughts have verily been with you, waking and going to bed, and at that twelve o’clock, when I could see the place and almost hear the bell and think of you all. It is a great comfort to hear of Uncle Yonge’s peace and resignation, and to read his letters so thoroughly himself in all ways. I am always thinking of those words over James’s and Charles’s tablet, and how blessed and beautiful a thing it is for us to see even here below what it is to be trained by great tribulation.1 I believe it was a more than commonly close link that united our dear Anne and me, though I always knew that as one of several sisters she never could need me as much as I needed her, and I was wont to turn to the knowledge of her feeling and opinion many a time when nothing passed between us, being sure that one day I should be with her and talk, after the time began when writing letters was an effort to her. How much the recollection of those ways and thoughts of hers should be with me, and guide me still, having lived with them for more than half a life-time, and written to one another ever since babyhood. The last I had from her was a note before I went away, the greeting return which you say she intended was not written. I am quite well again, thank you, it was only Sunday and Monday that I was out of order. It is always being brought before me that there are sorrows far more dreadful.
Little Helen has been very nice and good and anxious to save me trouble; I think she will always remember. She has grown much wiser in many ways than when you saw her; I think my Frances is really well and strong now.
I shall not see Ernest for some time, as I think the extra week covers St. Matthew’s day.2 To him the loss must be most great, there was such a love between them.
Your most affectionate
C. M. Yonge