It is no time to mince matters, and as a further inducement I have offered to enter into a solemn engagement to marry him myself a year after her death.
Sept.30.

Later .-- An agitating interview.

He says he will agree to whatever I propose, the three possibilities and our contingent acts being recorded as follows: First, in the event of dear Caroline being taken from us, I marry him on the expiration of a year: Second, in the forlorn chance of her recovery I take upon myself the responsibility of explaining to Caroline the true nature of the ceremony he has gone through with her, that it was done at my suggestion to make her happy at once, before a special licence could be obtained, and that a public ceremony at church is awaiting her: Third, in the unlikely event of her cooling, and refusing to repeat the ceremony with him, I leave England, join him abroad, and there wed him, agreeing not to live in England again till Caroline has either married another or regards her attachment to Charles as a bygone matter.

I have thought over these conditions, and have agreed to them all as they stand.
11 p.m .-- I do not much like this scheme, after all.

For one thing, I have just sounded my father on it before parting with him for the night, my impression having been that he would see no objection.