Note 25 — Chapter IV
Reading edition
We find the key to this and the letter following it in the following paragraph of a letter from Mrs. Trist to Mr. Jefferson: "Patsy is very hearty; she now and then gives us a call. She seems happy, much more so than I expected. When you write, give her a charge about her dress, which will be a hint to Mrs. H. to be particular with her. De Simitière complains that his pupil is rather inattentive. You can be particular to these matters when you write, but don't let her know you heard any complaints. I fancy the old lady is preparing for the other world, for she conceits the earthquake we had the other night is only a prelude to something dreadful that will happen."