'And so,' he replies, 'you are surprised I am not taller!--Ah, Nessy! let me ask you this--suppose the two last years of _your_ growth had been retarded by close confinement--nearly deprived of all kinds of necessary aliment--shut up from the all-cheering light of the sun for the space of five months, and never suffered to breathe the fresh air (an enjoyment which Providence denies to none of His creatures) during all that time--and without any kind of exercise to stretch and supple your limbs--besides many other inconveniences which I will not pain you by mentioning--how tall should you have been, my dear sister ?--answer, four feet nothing: but enough of nonsense.' Nessy Heywood had expressed a strong desire to see her brother, but was told the rules of the service would not allow it; also, that it would agitate him, when he ought to be cool and collected, to meet his approaching trial.

This was quite enough:--'But as for myself,' she says, 'no danger, no fatigue, no difficulties, would deter me--I have youth, and health, and excellent natural spirits--these and the strength of my affection would support me through it all; if I were not allowed to see you, yet being in the same place which contains you, would be joy inexpressible! I will not, however, any longer desire it, but will learn to imitate your fortitude and patience.' Mr.Heywood of Maristow, and his daughter, Mrs.Bertie, had intimated the same thing.

These excellent people, from the moment of young Heywood's arrival, had shown him every kindness, supplied him with money, and what was better, with friends, who could give him the best advice.

To this worthy lady, Miss Nessy Heywood thus addresses herself.
'Overwhelmed with sensations of gratitude and pleasure, which she is too much agitated to express, permit me, dearest Madam, at my mamma's request, to offer you hers and our most sincere acknowledgements for your invaluable letter, which, from the detention of the packet, she did not receive till yesterday.
By a letter from my beloved brother, of the same date, we are informed that Mr.Larkham (whom I suppose to be the gentleman you mention having sent to see him) has been on board the _Hector_, and has kindly offered him the most salutary advice relative to his present situation, for which allow me to request you will present him our best thanks.

He also speaks with every expression a grateful heart can dictate of your excellent father's goodness in providing for all his wants, even before he could have received any letters from us to that purpose.
'Ah! my dear Madam, how truly characteristic is this of the kind friendship with which he has ever honoured our family! But my beloved Peter does not know that Mr.Heywood has a daughter, whose generosity is equal to his own, and whose amiable compassion for his sufferings it will be as impossible for us to forget, as it is to express the admiration and gratitude it has inspired.