She was in constant correspondence with John Eames, and never failed to acquaint him when any of the barriers were, in her judgment, giving way.

The nature of some of the barriers may possibly be made intelligible to my readers by the following letter from Lady Julia De Guest to her young friend.
Guestwick Cottage, -- December, 186--.
MY DEAR JOHN,-- I am much obliged to you for going to Jones's.

I send stamps for two shillings and fourpence, which is what I owe you.

It used only to be two shillings and twopence, but they say everything has got to be dearer now, and I suppose pills as well as other things.

Only think of Pritchard coming to me, and saying she wanted her wages raised, after living with me for twenty years! I was _very_ angry, and scolded her roundly; but as she acknowledged she had been wrong, and cried and begged my pardon, I did give her two guineas a year more.
I saw dear Lily just for a moment on Sunday, and upon my word I think she grows prettier every year.