It really feels like she knew him! She delineates his character so well and with such clear-sighted affection.

Everyone seems to be chiming in on the Mistress Masham question. Perhaps once I've made a good solid dent in the TBR shelf (beginning to fear I can't hope to finish it by the time of MassachusettsTrip in November...) I will put Mistress Masham on hold at the library.