In the nature of things it is obvious that I shall never be to you again what I hitherto have been: your guide, counsellor, and most familiar friend.
M.de la Feste does certainly seem to be all that one could desire as protector to a sensitive fragile child like Caroline, and for that I am thankful.

Still, I must remember that I see him as yet only through her eyes.

For her sake I am intensely anxious to meet him, and scrutinise him through and through, and learn what the man is really made of who is to have such a treasure in his keeping.

The engagement has certainly been formed a little precipitately; I quite agree with my father in that: still, good and happy marriages have been made in a hurry before now, and mother seems well satisfied.
August 20 .-- A terrible announcement came this morning; and we are in deep trouble.

I have been quite unable to steady my thoughts on anything to- day till now--half-past eleven at night--and I only attempt writing these notes because I am too restless to remain idle, and there is nothing but waiting and waiting left for me to do.