LITERARY AND DOMESTIC I.TFE. 333 



a boat or chaise. Mary I leave at Penny Bridge for another week. 

 The boys will join her here next Thursday, and remain till the 

 Monday following, when they will all return to Windermere. On 

 that Monday, Mary will go to Rayrig for two days or three, and 

 either on Thursday or Friday arrive together in Edinburgh. I and 

 Gibb will most probably be in Edinburgh on Thursday first, unless 

 I find any business to detain me at Elleray for another day, on my 

 return there to-night. If so, you will hear from me on Wednesday. 

 As Mary wrote a long letter on Tuesday last, full, I presume, of 

 news, I have nothing to communicate in that line. Birkbeck has 

 been at Elleray for two or three days, and Johnny says he expects 

 Stoddart, who perhaps may be there on my return to-night. We 

 all went to the Kendal ball, which the young people seemed to en- 

 joy. Twenty-six went from Bowness, forming the majority of the 

 rank and beauty. I hope you have been all quite well since I saw 

 you, as all letters seem to indicate, and that I shall find you all well 

 on my return. A severe winter lies before me, for I must lecture 

 on Political Economy this session, as well as Moral Philosophy ; 

 and that Magazine will also weigh heavy on me. I certainly can- 

 not work as I once could, and feel easily wearied and worn down 

 with long sitting ; but Avhat must be must, and toil I must, what- 

 ever be the consequence. The month before the Session opens will 

 be of unspeakable importance to me, to relieve if possible my miser- 

 able appearance in College beginning of last Session. I wish to do 

 my duty in that place at least, and change and exposure there are 

 hard to bear, and of infinite loss to my interests. I feel great unea- 

 siness and pain very often from the complaint I spoke of; but how 

 else can I do what is necessary for me to do ? Whatever be the 

 consequence, and however severe the toil, I must labor this winter 

 like a galley-slave ; and since it is for us all, in that at least, I shall 

 be doing what is at once right and difficult, and in itself deserving 

 of commendation. If I fall through it, it shall only be with my life, 

 or illness beyond my strength to bear up against. I hope Maggy's 

 playing the guitar and singing frequently, and that Unibs is a good 

 boy. Kindest love to them. I should like to have a few kind lines 

 from you, written on Monday, the evening you receive this, and 

 sent to post-office then. I may, or rather must miss them, but if 

 any thing prevents it I shall conclude you are undoubtedly all well. 

 You need not send any newspapers after recei, t of this, but please 



