You know that I shall do all manner of foolish
things, but I think they will be rather fewer if you will only come
and take me in hand. My trustees are the Colonel and an old
solicitor, and will both look after the estate; but as for the rest,
all that the Colonel can say is, that it is a frightful respons-
ibility, and her Serene Highness is awe-struck. I could not have
conceived that such a thing could have made so much difference in so
really good a woman. Now I don't think you will be subject to gold
dust in the eyes, and, I believe, you will still see the same little
wild goose, or stormy petrel, that you used to bully at Bath, and
will be even more willing to perform the process. As I should have
begun by saying, on the very first evening Babie showed her sense by
proposing you as governess, and you were unanimously elected in full
and free parliament. It really was the child's own thought and
proposal, and what I want is to have those two children made wiser
and better than I can make them, as well as that you should be the
dear comrade and friend I need more than ever. You will see more of
your brother than you could otherwise, for Belforest will be our
chief home, and I need not say how welcome he will always be there.
It is not habitable at present, so I mean to stay on in the Folly
till Easter, and then give Janet the London lectures and classes she
has been raving for these two years, and take Jessie also for music
lessons, if she can be spared.
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