Papa was much cheered by my report of Mr. C.'s opinion,
and of old Mrs. E.'s experience; but I could perceive he caught gladly
at the idea of deferring the operation a few months longer. I went
into the room where Branwell was, to speak to him, about an hour after
I got home: it was very forced work to address him. I might have
spared myself the trouble, as he took no notice, and made no reply; he
was stupified. My fears were not in vain. I hear that he got a
sovereign while I have been away, under pretence of paying a pressing
debt; he went immediately and changed it at a public-house, and has
employed it as was to be expected. --- concluded her account by
saying he was a 'hopeless being;' it is too true. In his present
state it is scarcely possible to stay in the room where he is. What
the future has in store I do not know."
"March 31st, 1846.
"Our poor old servant Tabby had a sort of fit, a fortnight since, but
is nearly recovered now. Martha" (the girl they had to assist poor
old Tabby, and who remains still the faithful servant at the
parsonage,) "is ill with a swelling in her knee, and obliged to go
home. I fear it will be long before she is in working condition
again. I received the number of the 'Record' you sent .
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