g us. Surely my father will not object! It will
be but a short time; and she has suffered so much, so piteously needs
love and cherishing, that it is not in him to refuse. He, who
consented to Margaret's engagement, cannot but feel for us. I would
work for him all my life! I would never cast a thought beyond home, if
only once hallowed by this dear presence for ever so short a time. Only
let the answers be so cordial as to remove all doubts or scruples; and
when they are sent prepare for her. I would bring her as quickly as
her health permits. No time must be lost in taking her from hence; and
I wait only for the letters to obtain her consent to an immediate
marriage. Furnish the house at once; I will repay you on my return.
There is L200 for the first floor, sitting, and bedrooms; for the rest
the old will do. Only regard the making these perfect; colouring
pink--all as cheerful and pleasant as money can accomplish. If Flora
will bear with me, get her to help you; or else Mary, if Cheviot
forgives me. Only don't spare cost. I will make it up some way, if
you find more wanted. I saw an invalid sofa, an improvement on
Margaret's, which I will write to Gaspard to send from Paris. If you
could only see the desolateness of the house where she has wasted away
these three years, you would long to make a bower of bliss for her. I
trust to you. I find I must trust everything to you. I cannot write
to my father; I have made nine beginnings, and must leave it to you.
He has comforted her, he knows her sorrows; he could not see her and
bid me leave her. Only there must be no hesitation. That, or even
remonstrance, would prevent her from consenting; and as to the
objections, I cannot know them better than I do. Indeed, all this may
be in vain; she is so near Heaven, that I dare not talk to her of this;
but I have written to Leonard, dwelling chiefly on the chance of
bringing her to him. Her desire to keep him from attempting to come
out will I trust be an inducement; but if you could only see her, you
would know how irreverent it seems to persecute one so nearly an angel
with such matters. If I may only tend her to the last! I trust to
you. This is for my father.

'Ever yours,
'THOMAS MAY.'

The last sentence referred to a brief medical summary of her symptoms,
on a separate paper.

'Can this be Tom?' was the Doctor'