Knowing
that I was necessarily at some unusual expense on my first arrival, he
has frequently asked whether I wanted any assistance. I have always
said, no; for I have been really well off. Mr Barker sent me up with
ten pounds in my pocket, after my travelling expenses were paid, and
this, with my quarter's salary, has been more than sufficient for me.
Besides this I have the ten pound note that Mr Rathbone gave me still
unchanged, so that I have every reason to hope that I shall get on
till Midsummer, without taking any more money of Mr Gardiner; and
from that time, I shall take my salary half-yearly. Now, I think, I
have found a very good occasion for changing my note: I hope you and
Isabella will approve of my plan; as it is intended for your
advantage, I am anxious that it should succeed. I had occasion to go
last week, on some business of Mr Gardiner's, to a large toy-shop in
Holborn, and while I was waiting to speak to the owner, I saw the
shopman unpack a basket, which seemed to have arrived from the
country. It contained a great variety of work-bags and boxes,
card-racks, and such things, ornamented in various ways; many of them
with drawings. When I had finished my business, I enquired whether a
ready sale could be found for such articles, and what would be the
probable success, if some friends of mine, who could draw very well,
were to send up some specimens of their talents, like those on the
counter. The owner of the shop, Mr Blyth, said, that he found it
easy to obtain a supply of such articles, but that the best and
prettiest would always command the best sale. He told me I might, if
I chose, shew him what my friends could do, and that if their work was
approved he might employ them occasionally; but of course could
promise nothing at present. Now, my dear girls, I think you might
make a little money these holidays by trying your hand on these
things: you, Isabella, can draw all kinds of pretty things; and you,
Jane, can make up the bags, etcetera, very neatly. Let me know, by
the next post, whether you are inclined to try, and I will send you a
few patterns and materials. I have the opportunity of getting
remnants of coloured silk and ribbon cheap; so cheap that you need not
grudge the carriage of them. Suppose you make at first, with all your
skill and care, about a dozen bags, and netting-cases, and card-racks;
and pray