1819-1823] Fanny and Emma 135 



an angry look, and I do think her love for Fanny is the 

 prettiest thing I ever saw. But I am observing to you what 

 I am sure you have observed yourself a thousand times, 

 but these little creatures have filled my mind more than any 

 other subject lately, so I like to let a little of it out to you. 

 I ascribe much of Emma's joyous nature to have been 

 secured, if not caused, by Fanny's yielding disposition; 

 had the other met with a cross or an opposing sister there 

 was every chance that with her ardent feelings, her temper 

 had become irritable. Now she is made the happiest being 

 that ever was looked on, and so much affection in her nature 

 as will secure her from selfishness ; and I believe it is according 

 to Sarah's theory that plant and weed do not grow together. 

 I am almost afraid to tell you how active we are, for fear 

 you should expect more fruits from it than we shall be able 

 to produce. We get up all three of us now every day by 

 candle light; to-day we were at breakfast at J after 7, and 

 by 10 the Bible and the reading Italian was over with both 

 girls, when I left them for Betley. In general we find 

 ample employment till 1, and then find an hour for music 

 when we come in at 3 or half after. I believe I told you 

 before that they declared their resolution of taking an 

 additional half -hour to their music. I believe they have 

 not missed doing so for one day since, between dinner and 

 tea. The drawing has rather fallen, through mending 

 stockings, talking nonsense, and playing with kitten. I 

 do not know what their father will say at such a show of 

 cats, but 3 is now our number except at schooltime, and 

 then kitten is expelled, for I found she made me idle as 

 much as either of them ; there is something very irresistible 

 in the gambols of such a little crumb of a thing. In spite 

 of Joe and the cats, we contrive to keep the room very 

 comfortable and tolerably tidy; it is what I labour most at. 

 Their father's coming down to-morrow will, I hope, stimulate 

 them to fresh exertions, as I assure them he approves of 

 tidiness. The worst news I have to tell you is that I fear 

 Triton is lost. He would frequent Lightfoot's, and it is 

 supposed a soldier enticed him away ; he has not been heard 



