Emily was written to, and promised aid.

The remaining daughter, Geraldine, was held to be too young as yet for responsible undertakings; she was only seventeen, and, besides, there was something rather hopeful going on between her and young Baldwin, the solicitor, who had just begun practice in Dunfield.

So that, on the whole, Geraldine's lot looked the most promising of all.
In previous years; the family had never failed to betake themselves for three weeks or so to Scarborough, or Whitby, or Bridlington; this year they had for the first time contented themselves with humbler recreation; Mrs.Cartwright and four of the girls managed a week at Ilkley, Jessie was fortunate enough to be invited to stay for a fortnight with friends at the seaside.

She was the latest to return.
Emily being now at home, there was no longer an excuse for postponing study; books were procured, and Jessie, by way of preparation, endeavoured to fathom the abysses of her ignorance.
We have heard Emily's opinion as to the possibility of studious application in the house of the Cartwrights.

Her own visits thither were made as few as possible; she declared that she never came away without a headache.