My very fingers burn as I write it!
13th.--A sleepless night, through uneasiness about Laura. Towards
the morning I came to a resolution to try what change of scene
would do to rouse her. She cannot surely remain in her present
torpor of insensibility, if I take her away from Limmeridge and
surround her with the pleasant faces of old friends? After some
consideration I decided on writing to the Arnolds, in Yorkshire.
They are simple, kind-hearted, hospitable people, and she has
known them from her childhood. When I had put the letter in the
post-bag I told her what I had done. It would have been a relief
to me if she had shown the spirit to resist and object. But no--
she only said, "I will go anywhere with you, Marian. I dare say
you are right--I dare say the change will do me good."
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.
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