14 A Century of Family Letters [CHAP, i 



solably." This day I have given up to deep cogitations 

 regarding the future, in as far as houses are concerned. 

 It would take up too much paper to give all the pros and 

 cons : but I feel sure that a central house would be best for 

 both of us, for two or three years. I am tied to London, 

 for rather more than that period; and whilst this is the 

 case, I do not doubt it is wisest to reap all the advantages 

 of London life: more especially as every reason will urge 

 us to pay frequent visits to real country, which the suburbs 

 never afford. After the two or three years are out, we then 

 might decide whether to go on living in the same house, or 

 suburb, supposing I should be tied for a little longer to 

 London, and ultimately to decide, whether the pleasures of 

 retirement and country (gardens, walks, &c.) are preferable 

 to society, &c., &c. It is no use thinking of this question 

 at present. I repeat, I do not doubt your first decision 

 was right: let us make the most of London, whilst w r e are 

 compelled to be there; the case would be different if we 

 were deciding for life, for then we might wish to possess 

 the advantages both of country and town, though both in 

 a lesser degree, in the suburbs. 



After much deliberate talk (especially with the Lyells) 

 I have no doubt that our best plan will be to furnish slowly 

 a house for ourselves it will be far more economical both 

 in money and time ; but not in comfort just at first. Will you 

 rough it a little at first ? 



I clearly see we shall be obliged to give at least 120 for 

 our house, if not a little more. ... I will steadily go on 

 looking and pondering : I believe I have good reason for the 

 points I have spoken on ; but I wish much to hear all sug- 

 gestions from you. . . . 



Until yesterday I intended to have paid Maer a visit 

 on Thursday week, the day after the Geolog. Soc., but 

 yesterday I heard of the death of the mother of Mr Owen, 

 who was to write the next number of the Government 

 work, which now he will not probably be able to do, and I 

 am put to my wit's end to get some other number ready. 

 How long this will delay me I can hardly yet tell. I hope 



