Castleford, the latter adding that the young man evidently owed much
to Mr. Winslow's influence. Moreover, Lawrence had turned out an
excellent correspondent. Long letters, worthy of forming a book of
travels, came regularly to Clarence and me, indeed they were thought
worth being copied into that fat clasped MS. book in the study.
Writing them must have been a real solace to the exile, in his
island outside the town, whither all the outer barbarians were
relegated. So, no doubt, was the packing of the gifts that were
gradually making Prospect Cottage into a Chinese exhibition of
nodding mandarins, ivory balls, exquisite little cups, and faggots
of tea. Also, a Chinese walking doll was sent humbly as an offering
for the amusement of Miss Winslow's school children, whom indeed she
astonished beyond measure; and though her wheels are out of order,
and her movements uncertain, she is still a stereotyped incident in
the Christmas entertainments.
There was no question but that these letters and remembrances gave
great pleasure to Emily; but I believe she was not in the least
conscious that though greater in degree, it was not of the same
quality as that she felt when a runaway scholar who had gone to sea
presented her in token of gratitude with a couple of dried sea-
horses.
CHAPTER XL--THE MIDNIGHT CHASE
'What human creature in the dead of night
Had coursed, like hunted hare, that cruel distance,
Had sought the door, the window in her flight
Striving for dear existence?'
HOOD.
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