23rd.—A week in these new scenes and among these kind-hearted people
has done her some good, though not so much as I had hoped. I have
resolved to prolong our stay for another week at least. It is useless
to go back to Limmeridge till there is an absolute necessity for our
return.
24th.—Sad news by this morning’s post. The expedition to Central
America sailed on the twenty-first. We have parted with a true man—we
have lost a faithful friend. Water Hartright has left England.
25th.—Sad news yesterday—ominous news to-day. Sir Percival Glyde has
written to Mr. Fairlie, and Mr. Fairlie has written to Laura and me, to
recall us to Limmeridge immediately.
What can this mean? Has the day for the marriage been fixed in our
absence?