f 100_l_., which you
have been so kind as to offer us, will, perhaps, not be all required
now, as Miss W--- will lend us the furniture; and that, if the
speculation is intended to be a good and successful one, half the sum,
at least, ought to be laid out in the manner I have mentioned, thereby
insuring a more speedy repayment both of interest and principal.

"I would not go to France or to Paris. I would go to Brussels, in
Belgium. The cost of the journey there, at the dearest rate of
travelling, would be 5_l_.; living is there little more than half as
dear as it is in England, and the facilities for education are equal
or superior to any other place in Europe. In half a year, I could
acquire a thorough familiarity with French. I could improve greatly
in Italian, and even get a dash of German, i.e., providing my health
continued as good as it is now. Mary is now staying at Brussels, at a
first-rate establishment there. I should not think of going to the
Chateau de Kokleberg, where she is resident, as the terms are much too
high; but if I wrote to her, she, with the assistance of Mrs. Jenkins,
the wife of the British Chaplain, would be able to secure me a cheap,
decent residence and respectable protection. I should have the
opportunity of seeing her frequently; she would make me acquainted
with the city; and, with the assistance of her cousins, I should
probably be introduced to connections far more improving, polished,
and cultivated, than any I have yet known.

"These are advantages which would turn to real account, when we
actually commenced a school; and, if Emily could share them with me,
we could take a footing in the world afterwards which we can never do
now. I say Emily instead of Anne; for Anne might take her turn at
some future period, if our school answered. I feel certain, while I
am writing, that you will see the propriety of what I say. You always
like to use your money to the best advantage. You are not fond of
making shabby purchases; when you do confer a favour, it is often done
in style; and depend upon it, 50_l_., or 100_l_., thus laid out, would
be well employed. Of course, I know no other friend in the world to
whom I could apply on this subject except yourself. I feel an
absolute conviction that, if this advantage were allowed us, it would
be the making of us for life. Papa will, p