Sarah was shocked to hear of the death of Elise Van Dyke. She has acted on Mrs. Van Dyke's plan and has the judge's William J. Tenney children and grandchildren to dinner and finds it a most admirable arrangement. She sympathizes with Mrs. Van Dyke upon the loss of Elise. Brownson invited her and the judge to dinner several weeks ago. The dinner was such as Mrs. Sarah Healy Brownson would never have put on the table unless she were ill or sore pressed. He entertained them with praises of Dolly the cook and depreciation of Sarah until the judge, who is slow to wrath, got fired up and stopped that. Brownson has an Irish girl who had some slight education. She writes for him, mends his clothes and is his constant companion. He was in ectasies about her, and that Sarah told him he was pleased about those he had lost. Sarah related the sharp words that passed between herself and her father. She was so indignant she could not eat, and could scarcely stay through dinner. He had Agnes, the Irish girl at the table and waited upon her with utmost politeness, praising her in every way most extravagently and indirectly contrasting her with Mrs. Brownson and Sarah. On New Year's day he called to see her and had such a bored air about him, that she concluded his ardent admiration was exhausted. She called and stayed to lunch today. He said nothing in praise of Agnes and was mild in regard to Dolly. From the looks of the parlor which Sarah fixed with so much care Agnes receives her company there. At lunch she nearly monopolized the conversation and talked with a freedom which not one of the Brownsons ever used at his table. In fact she passed him over altogether. Sarah let her go on in order to see what she was. He remained quiet but seems in excellent health and very well contented. Still Sarah noticed the same air of listlessness that they all observed on New Year's day. He used to be alive to whatever was said. Sarah thinks it very likely he will marry this girl, though he says otherwise. If he does, she will not make his fire and be chambermaid any longer but such a tyrant as only a low born Irishman can be when set in a comfortable position. Brownson and Agnes are, or were, very pious, and all say the rosary together every night. The Review is out. Brownson is rather afraid of the hard times but so far has seen no falling off. Sarah requests Henry to extend her sympathies to the Van Dykes, but words are useless. They can have no comforts but God who always consoles in his own good time. The judge joins Sarah in deepest regret and sincerest regard. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 7pp. 12mo.