Turned out some of my letters from my pocket. Hope I have not turned out any I want of Carry’s, but they are safe in my glazed box. 21st. At Georgii’s had a fuss with Conny in the dressing-room because I was complaining of having only a week and asked her if she would think a week enough with her Mother. She said no, but her Mother was better than mine. I was silly enough to be offended, and gave her two good slaps on her shoulders which were convenient, as I was doing her frock, and then we had a regular squabble.... I said it was very ungenerous. I should not have said it if she had been my guest far away from her friends, and I don’t believe I should, though my conscience smote me about Mary Bayley.” This reference to Mary Bayley is interesting, as Sophy had been at no less than three schools since the days of their companionship. The persistent recollection of some trifling unkindness is a typical instance of the compunction she suffered when she hurt anyone _in a way she understood_. “Got such a jolly letter from Mummy as if she had half got back her mischief. Two bits of French, too, we are getting on. She certainly deserves a ‘satisfaisant’.” When the Christmas holidays came on, Sophy’s course of exercises from the “Professor” was not nearly over, and a week’s interruption was the utmost that could be allowed. The holidays were long enough, however, to allow of another week at home towards the end of January. Her birthday fell in this second week, and suggestion was made that the two sisters should have a party and a “Christmas” tree. The correspondence about this little event is interesting as showing something of the conditions in which Sophy would be expected to settle down when her schooldays finally came to an end. The preparations contrast curiously with what young folk now-a-days, even in a much humbler walk of life, consider necessary on these occasions. “13 Sussex Square, 10th Jan. DARLING SO, I am so much better for the quiet I have had the last week that I think I may authorize you to ask Mrs. H. to advance you 4, or, _if_ needful, 5 shillings to spend in little things for a Christmas tree. I am _very_ anxious to have it if _possible_, and I think it entirely depends on the self-command _you_ can exert over yourself; if you and Carry will go about it _quietly_, and you yield at once if I say I do not wish to add to our numbers, or if I object on any other point.... One thing I must tell you that I cannot have a _great_ many, neither do I wish _unnecessary_ expense,[10] when the daily calls from societies where funds are failing and souls perishing for want are so numerous.” Footnote 10: