and others. I must go myself. I shall try to get Rose to go too. …
Lady Ducie writes that she is perfectly engrossed in your book, and tells me she must get it. She is quite appalled at the state of things in the workhouse; it seems quite to be weighing on her mind.
June 9th, 1869.
To the Same.
… I daresay one is apt to overrate one's own work; but one is the more anxious to have it fairly weighed, and receive all advice from other people; and I do want to have it fairly considered, and get the authorities to recognise it. Mr. F., the rector of our district, and the main mover in the matter, is to call on me to-day. May some power inspire me with intellect and speech! I have hardly a hope that they will place me on the Committee. I shall try boldly; but I think no ladies will be admitted. Mr. F. is happily a friend of Lady Ducie's.
P.S.—Mr. F. has just been, and will propose my name at the Committee.
Ben Rhydding,
September 10th, 1869.
To Emily.
… Life here has been a great success every way. It is odd, in a place like this, to get on so well; but energy and enjoyment are such a delight to people, they forgive much, where they can secure them and have these. A large picnic party went to Fountains yesterday. They begged me to go. I could not, and said, "I will ask all the people, and, when you are started, you really won't want me." "Oh," said a
