The
little adventure recorded at the end of the following letter is uncommon
in the lot of most women, and is a testimony in this case to the unusual
power of attraction--though so plain in feature--which Charlotte
possessed, when she let herself go in the happiness and freedom of home.
"August 4th, 1839.
"The Liverpool journey is yet a matter of talk, a sort of castle in
the air; but, between you and me, I fancy it is very doubtful whether
it will ever assume a more solid shape. Aunt--like many other elderly
people--likes to talk of such things; but when it comes to putting
them into actual execution, she rather falls off. Such being the
case, I think you and I had better adhere to our first plan of going
somewhere together independently of other people. I have got leave to
accompany you for a week--at the utmost a fortnight--but no more.
Where do you wish to go? Burlington, I should think, from what M.
says, would be as eligible a place as any. When do you set off?
Arrange all these things according to your convenience; I shall start
no objections. The idea of seeing the sea--of being near it--watching
its changes by sunrise, sunset, moonlight, and noon-day--in calm,
perhaps in storm--fills and satisfies my mind. I shall be
discontented at nothing.
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