“Precisely so,” answered Mr. Bolton, “and I have no doubt is certain of success wherever he may fix his attention.”
I could not help thinking how little I should envy the future Lady Johnson, whoever she might be, but the conversation was interrupted here by mamma’s return; and in a few minutes Mr. Bolton took his leave.
I have written a long letter, but I know that you are interested in all that we say and do, so I need never apologize for being minute in my details. My uncle has some business to do which will detain him here for some weeks longer, and I shall hope to hear from you and write again before we sail for France.
Well, though we are here in the midst of all that is beautiful and luxurious, my heart pines after Glenalta, and I dream continually of the scene at parting from so many dear objects that we left behind. Switzerland, however, will charm me I am sure, and I promise myself a rich feast in those Alpine wilds which we are to visit. How astonishing to me is the preference which I often hear expressed for the artificial world over that of nature! Not all the splendour of this fine place could ever win me from the dear heathy mountains of Kerry. Fine things do not warm my heart, nor captivate my imagination; and I never find myself coveting my neighbours’ goods as I pass through the sumptuous dwellings that surround us here. All my violations of the tenth commandment are kept for an humbler scale of beauty, but one far more interesting in my view of the matter.
The sisters unite in kindest love; and now, dearest Julia, farewell.
Your affectionate,
Emily Douglas.