From Henrietta Fordyce in Bath, Somerset, regretting that lack of strength, health, and the effects of old age prevents her from sending a more worthy gift. In any case Isabella is of the opinion that the muslin cloth 'of which she is the bearer would look pretty in a gown'.
She has been listening to one of Sally's letters read to her by Mrs Anderton, whose acquaintance she first made in the summer. From the first she thought her 'sharp, specious, and meddling… with a thirst to push her head into every open door'. Her attempts to spurn her unwelcome attention by neglecting to return her visits, has only had the effect of increasing the number of calls that she makes 'such is her rage for visiting'. Her impression of the woman has been confirmed by Mrs Sagely who shared an house with Anderton for a year or two, until Anderton's constant interference forced Sagely to leave town.
Her friend Mrs Rochfort has only just returned to her own house after spending the winter with Fordyce. Her neice Isabella [Elizabeth Isabella Spence] derived a great deal of pleasure from her 'tour'. Her latest book is both edifying and amusing, and is particularly suitable for young people. Fordyce herself does not normally read novels, but she enjoyed this one.
Sally is welcome to stay with her on her next visit to Bath.