urround her with
the pleasant faces of old friends? After some consideration I decided
on writing to the Arnolds, in Yorkshire. They are simple, kind-hearted,
hospitable people, and she has known them from her childhood. When I
had put the letter in the post-bag I told her what I had done. It
would have been a relief to me if she had shown the spirit to resist
and object. But no--she only said, "I will go anywhere with you,
Marian. I dare say you are right--I dare say the change will do me
good."

14th.--I wrote to Mr. Gilmore, informing him that there was really a
prospect of this miserable marriage taking place, and also mentioning
my idea of trying what change of scene would do for Laura. I had no
heart to go into particulars. Time enough for them when we get nearer
to the end of the year.

15th.--Three letters for me. The first, from the Arnolds, full of
delight at the prospect of seeing Laura and me. The second, from one
of the gentlemen to whom I wrote on Walter Hartright's behalf,
informing me that he has been fortunate enough to find an opportunity
of complying with my request. The third, from Walter himself, thanking
me, poor fellow, in the warmest terms, for giving him an opportunity of
leaving his home, his country, and his friends. A private expedition
to make excavations among the ruined cities of Central America is, it
seems, about to sail from Liverpool. The draughtsman who had been
already appointed to accompany it has lost heart, and withdrawn at the
eleventh hour, and Walter is to fill his place. He is to be engaged
for six months certain, from the time of the landing in Honduras, and
for a year afterwards, if the excavations are successful, and if the
funds hold out. His letter ends with a promise to write me a farewell
line when they are all on board ship, and when the pilot leaves them.
I can only hope and pray earnestly that he and I are both acting in
this matter for the best. It seems such a serious step for him to
take, that the mere contemplation of it startles me. And yet, in his
unhappy position, how can I expect him or wish him to remain at home?

16th.--The carriage is at the door. Laura and I set out on our visit
to the Arnolds to-day.

POLESDEAN LODGE, YORKSHIRE.

23rd.--A week in these new scenes and among these kind-hearted people
has done her some good, though not so much as I had hoped. I have
resolved to prolong our stay for another week at least. It