14th.—­I wrote to Mr. Gilmore, informing him that there was really a prospect of this miserable marriage taking place, and also mentioning my idea of trying what change of scene would do for Laura.  I had no heart to go into particulars.  Time enough for them when we get nearer to the end of the year.

15th.—­Three letters for me.  The first, from the Arnolds, full of delight at the prospect of seeing Laura and me.  The second, from one of the gentlemen to whom I wrote on Walter Hartright’s behalf, informing me that he has been fortunate enough to find an opportunity of complying with my request.  The third, from Walter himself, thanking me, poor fellow, in the warmest terms, for giving him an opportunity of leaving his home, his country, and his friends.  A private expedition to make excavations among the ruined cities of Central America is, it seems, about to sail from Liverpool.  The draughtsman who had been already appointed to accompany it has lost heart, and withdrawn at the eleventh hour, and Walter is to fill his place.  He is to be engaged for six months certain, from the time of the landing in Honduras, and for a year afterwards, if the excavations are successful, and if the funds hold out.  His letter ends with a promise to write me a farewell line when they are all on board ship, and when the pilot leaves them.  I can only hope and pray earnestly that he and I are both acting in this matter for the best.  It seems such a serious step for him to take, that the mere contemplation of it startles me.  And yet, in his unhappy position, how can I expect him or wish him to remain at home?

16th.—­The carriage is at the door.  Laura and I set out on our visit to the Arnolds to-day.

POLESDEAN LODGE, YORKSHIRE.

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?

II

LIMMERIDGE HOUSE.

November 27th.—­My forebodings are realised.  The marriage is fixed for the twenty-second of December.