Although it would have been useless to interrupt the course of the letters with which the first volume concludes, by introducing any part of the narrative, it is requisite to go so far back as to repeat that Mrs. Chapone, after her father's death, continued to reside in lodgings in London, but spent much of her time in visits to her friends. Of these she had an extensive and respectable circle, among persons of distinguished characters of both sexes; for neither the narrowness of her income, nor the retirement of her abode, could conceal that store of attractions which made her acquaintance sought after by all ranks of society.

The greater portion of her time was for some years passed at the two episcopal houses of her uncle, then bishop of Winchester, at Farnham Castle, and at Winchester House, Chelsea.—She was warmly attached both to him and to her aunt, Mrs. Thomas, who was particularly partial to her, and whose affectionate kindness proved an essential source of comfort to her.

With her eldest brother, who always resided in London, and whose strength of mind and benevolence of heart supported, while they soothed her, she lived in habits of constant intercourse, and the most cordial reciprocal affection. Indeed, though blessed with so many other chosen and valuable connexions, he seems to have been her strongest tie to this world.