like to have my friends acquainted with each other, and I am afraid this is the only sort of acquaintance I shall have the means of accomplishing between you. And I can have no scruple on Diana’s account, for her Letters shew her exactly as she is, the most active, friendly, warm-hearted Being in existence, and therefore must give a good impression.’ He read:
'My dear Tom,—We were all much grieved at your accident, and if you had not described yourself as fallen into such very good hands, I should have been with you at all hazards the day after the receipt of your Letter, though it found me suffering under a more severe attack than usual of my old grievance, Spasmodic Bile, and hardly able to crawl from my Bed to the Sofa. But how were you treated? Send me more Particulars in your next. If indeed a simple Sprain, as you denominate it, nothing would have been so judicious as Friction, Friction by the hand alone, supposing it could be applied instantly. Two years ago I happened to be calling on Mrs. Sheldon when her Coachman sprained his foot as he was cleaning the Carriage and could hardly limp into the House; but by the immediate use of Friction alone, steadily persevered in (and I rubbed his Ankle with my own hand for six Hours without Intermission), he was well in three days. Many Thanks, my dear Tom, for the kindness with respect to us, which had so large a share in bringing on your accident. But pray never run into Peril again, in looking for an Apothecary on our account, for had you the most experienced Man in his Line settled at Sanditon, it would be no recommendation to us. We have entirely done with the whole Medical Tribe. We have consulted Physician after Physician in vain, till we are quite convinced that they can do nothing for us and that we must trust to our own knowledge of our own wretched Constitutions for any relief. But if you think it advisable for the interest of the Place, to get a Medical Man there, I will undertake the commission with pleasure, and have no doubt of succeeding. I could soon put the necessary Irons in the fire. As for getting to Sanditon myself, it is quite an Impossibility. I grieve to say that I dare not attempt it, but my feelings tell me too plainly that in my present state, the Sea air would probably be the death of me. And neither of my dear Companions will leave me, or I would promote their going down to you for a fortnight. But in truth, I doubt
