laid for the employment
of the precious days of Charles's stay. Before these were half
arranged, it was time for the younger ones to be off to school; and when
the brother and sister found themselves really alone, Charles produced
Mrs Rathbone's letter, which he rightly judged must be partly on
business. It was indeed of considerable importance.

Mrs Rathbone wrote in her husband's name, as well as her own. She said
that Jane had probably heard through Mr Barker that they hoped to be of
use to Alfred whenever it should be time to think of placing him out:
that it was time the boy should have some idea of his future
destination, and that his family should know what to look forward to.
She went on to say,--

"Mr Rathbone has influence in India, and if Alfred's talents are what
we understand them to be, there can be no doubt of his distinguishing
himself in the Company's service, and of procuring solid advantages to
his family. Our views for him are these. We shall take the charge of
his education at the Company's military schools, where he will be
qualified for being a military engineer in the forces in India. In
five years he will be sent out, and then he will only have to exert
himself to get forward, to distinguish himself, and probably to enrich
his family, for there are perhaps no other means by which wealth can
be so easily acquired. It appears to us that there is no other way in
which we can so effectually assist you as this; and few things can
give us more pleasure than the anticipation of the time when you will
be easy and prosperous, and look back on your present labours and
cares as on a long past dream. Alfred will rejoice to promote the
prosperity of that kind sister who devoted herself to his welfare when
he was too young to repay her cares, and that sister will rejoice in
the honour and wealth which his well directed exertions will be the
means of conferring on his family.

"As you are all bound together by even closer ties of affection than
usually unite those of the same family, it is natural that you should
grieve at the prospect of a separation from Alfred of many years.
These separations are certainly sad things; but I have too good an
opinion of your sense and your self-command to suppose that you will
set the gratification of even your dearest and most cherished feelings
against the solid interests of the family who depend upon you, and of