To see her so sitting, speaking with
the tones of a deaf mute not always to the purpose, and to remember
what she had been, was a moving appeal to all who knew her. Such
was the pathos of these two old people in their affliction, that
even the reserve of cities was melted and the neighbours vied in
sympathy and kindness. Where so many were more than usually
helpful, it is hard to draw distinctions; but I am directed and I
delight to mention in particular the good Dr. Joseph Bell, Mr.
Thomas, and Mr. Archibald Constable with both their wives, the Rev.
Mr. Belcombe (of whose good heart and taste I do not hear for the
first time - the news had come to me by way of the Infirmary), and
their next-door neighbour, unwearied in service, Miss Hannah Mayne.
Nor should I omit to mention that John Ruffini continued to write
to Mrs. Jenkin till his own death, and the clever lady known to the
world as Vernon Lee until the end: a touching, a becoming
attention to what was only the wreck and survival of their
brilliant friend.
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