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accompany it has lost heart, and withdrawn at the eleventh hour,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.
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