Note 142 — LIFE AND LETTERS. (continued 3)

It must not be understood, however, from this statement, that I wished to invite to these expositions only such individuals as are mentioned above, I must candidly confess that it was not altogether without reference to yourselves. I hoped that by these occasional meetings we should come somewhat nearer into contact: and that, as a consequence, feelings of love and of kindness might more diffusively prevail. It afforded me, therefore, real pleasure to see so many of you kindly giving me the meeting on the two evenings on which I have been in your neighbourhood.