aside from the vituperation of mrs. smithton , miss barrs letter contained about half a sheet extolling the kindness and generosity of the graysons , and a few obligatory lines regretting the fact that , as they were shortly to leave for northumberland , she was not likely ever to see her dear miss northcott again , though she would always remember me very gratefully , and treasure her evenings at home until the day she died ; she would , as well , be certain to read every one of those books i had recommended , of which she had kept a very careful list .