Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 3.djvu/222

212 now that my presence is tolerated—and even required in the sick-room, I shall have but little time to spare between my husband and my son,—for I must not entirely neglect the latter: it would not do to keep him always with Rachel, and I dare not leave him for a moment with any of the other servants, or suffer him to be alone, lest he should meet them. If his father get worse, I shall ask Esther Hargrave to take charge of him for a time, till I have re-organized the household at least; but I greatly prefer keeping him under my own eye.

I find myself in rather a singular position: I am exerting my utmost endeavours to promote the recovery and reformation of my husband, and if I succeed what shall I do? My duty, of course,—but how?—No matter; I can perform the task that is before me now, and God will give me strength to do whatever he requires hereafter.—Good bye, dear Frederick.