Even the writing itself was altered.

It was more the bold boyish hand he wrote when first he went to Oxford, than the smaller cramped and classic character of his later years.

Though it was a little matter enough, God knows, in comparison with his grievous conduct, yet it touched me much that he should use again the once familiar "Dearest Sophy," and sign himself "my loving brother." I felt my heart go out towards him; and so strong is woman's affection for her own kin, that I had already forgotten any resentment and reprobation in my great pity for the poor wanderer, lying sick perhaps unto death and alone in a foreign land.
I took his note at once to Mrs.Temple.She read it twice or thrice, trying to take in the meaning of it.

Then she drew me to her and, kissing me, said, "Go to him at once, Sophy.

Bring him back to Worth; try to bring him back to the right way." I ordered my things to be packed, determining to drive to Southampton and take train thence to London; and at the same time Mrs.Temple gave instructions that all should be prepared for her own return to Royston within a few days.