(_To Miss Rachel Williams._) 35 SOUTH STREET, _Jan._ 17 [1874].... We thought that this arrangement was what would approve itself best to your best judgment. But as I am well aware that my dear Goddess-baby has--well, a baby-side, I shall not be surprised at any outburst--though I know full well that in the dear Pearl's terrible distress, you will do everything and more than everything possible to drag her through and to spare her and to keep _her_ up and the _place_ going. Only don't break yourself down, my dear child.... Alas, I would so fain relieve you of your "bitterness." You say you are "bitter"; and indeed you _are_.... I would not have written thus much, unless urged by seeing my Goddess-baby suffering from delusions. And how can a woman be a Superintendent unless she has learnt to superintend herself? (_To the same._) _May 2 [1874]._ I have this moment received your charming letter, which is just like yourself. And I _must_ write and thank you for it at once. It has taken a load off my heart. It is a pure joy to me: because I see _yourself_ (and not another) in it. And life has not many joys for me, my darling. (_To the same._) _Dec._ 5 [1874]. After much consideration my suggestion was that you should remain another six months in the same position, not because I had any idea of your remaining indefinitely on and on as you are, but because Edinburgh serves as a capital and indispensable preparation. But this is only an old woman's advice: which probably the Goddess will not much regard and which is subject any way, of course, to hearing your own wishes, ideas and reasons for one course or another.... If there is such violent haste, telegraph to me any day and come up by the next express or on the wires. And I will turn out India, my Mother, and all the Queen's horses and all the Queen's men together, with one-sixth of the human race, and lay my energies (not many left) at the Goddess' feet.