fellow seemed to be really impressed with the awfulness of the
ceremony, and the great wickedness of not piously receiving it, I do
not know whether there will be another Sacrament here before the
holidays, or whether I shall receive it with you at Feniton next
time.'


No doubt the whole family (except the yet unconfirmed younger
brother) did so receive it in the summer holidays, the last that were
to be spent in the full joy of an unbroken household circle, and, as
has been already said, one of unusual warmth and kindliness, binding
closely into it all who were connected therewith. Each governess
became a dear friend; the servants were deeply attached, and for the
most part fixtures; and one, the nurse already mentioned, says she
never recollects a time when Master Coley had to leave Feniton for
London without his offering the servants to take charge of their
messages or parcels. All dependents and poor people, in fact
whatever came under Judge Patteson's genial, broad-hearted influence,
were treated with the like kindness, and everything alive about the
place seemed full of happiness and affection.

The centre of this bright home had always been the mother, fervently
loved by all who came in contact with her, fragile in health, and
only going through her duties and exertions so cheerily by the quiet
fortitude of a brave woman. In the course of this year, 1842, some
severe spasmodic attacks made her family anxious; and as the railway
communication was still incomplete, so that the journey to London was
a great fatigue to an invalid, her desire to spend Christmas in
Devonshire led to her remaining there with her daughters, when her
husband returned to London on the commencement of term.