If you knew how, at that time, Robert was vexed and worn!--why, he was not the same even to _me_! He seemed to himself to be slipping out of waistcoats and friends at once--so worn and teased he was! But then and now believe that he loved and loves you.

Set him down as a friend--as somebody to 'rest on' after all; and don't fancy that because we are away here in the wilderness (which blossoms as a rose, to one of us at least) we may not be full of affectionate thoughts and feelings towards you in your different sort of life in London.

So sorry we are--I especially, for I think I understand the grief especially--about the household troubles which you hint at and Mr.Kenyon gave us a key to.

I quite understand how a whole life may seem rumpled up and creased--torn for the moment; only you will live it smooth again, dear Mr.Chorley--take courage.

You have time and strength and good aims, and human beings have been happy with much less.