own line.  In the meantime I shall save my family from distress; and shall return with a competence honestly earned, as rich as if I were Duke of Northumberland or Marquess of Westminster, and able to act on all public questions without even a temptation to deviate from the strict line of duty.  While in India, I shall have to discharge duties not painfully laborious, and of the highest and most honourable kind.  I shall have whatever that country affords of comfort or splendour; nor will my absence be so long that my friends, or the public here, will be likely to lose sight of me.

The only persons who know what I have written to you are Lord Grey, the Grants, Stewart Mackenzie, and George Babington.  Charles Grant and Stewart Mackenzie, who know better than most men the state of the political world, think that I should act unwisely in refusing this post; and this though they assure me,—­ and, I really believe, sincerely,—­that they shall feel the loss of my society very acutely.  But what shall I feel?  And with what emotions, loving as I do my country and my family, can I look forward to such a separation, enjoined, as I think it is, by prudence and by duty?  Whether the period of my exile shall be one of comfort,—­and, after the first shock, even of happiness,—­ depends on you.  If, as I expect, this offer shall be made to me, will you go with me?  I know what a sacrifice I ask of you.  I know how many dear and precious ties you must, for a time, sunder.  I know that the splendour of the Indian Court, and the gaieties of that brilliant society of which you would be one of the leading personages, have no temptation for you.  I can bribe you only by telling you that, if you will go with me, I will love you better than I love you now, if I can.

I have asked George Babington about your health and mine.  He says that he has very little apprehension for me, and none at all for you.  Indeed, he seemed to think that the climate would be quite as likely to do you good as harm.

All this is most strictly secret.  You may, of course, show the letter to Margaret; and Margaret may tell Edward; for I never cabal against the lawful authority of husbands.  But further the thing must not go.  It would hurt my father, and very justly, to hear of it from anybody before he hears of it from myself; and, if the least hint of it were to get abroad, I should be placed in a very awkward position with regard to the people at Leeds.  It is possible, though not probable, that difficulties may arise at the India House; and I do not mean to say anything to any person, who is not already in the secret, till the Directors have made their choice, and till the King’s pleasure has been taken.