"DEAR MADAME PRATOLUNGO,--You will agree with me, that it is veryimportant, after what Herr Grosse has said about the recovery of mysight, that my visit to Ramsgate should not be delayed. As you areunable, through circumstances which I sincerely regret, to accompany meto the sea-side, I have determined to go to London to my aunt, MissBatchford, and to ask her to be my companion instead of you. I have hadexperience enough of her sincere affection for me to be quite sure thatshe will gladly take the charge of me off your hands. As no time is to belost, I start for London without waiting for your return from your walkto wish you good-bye. You so thoroughly understand the necessity ofdispensing with formal farewells, in cases of emergency, that I am sureyou will not feel offended at my taking leave of you in this way. Withbest wishes for your father's recovery, believe me,
"Yours very truly,
"LUCILLA.
"P. S.--You need be under no apprehension about me. Zillah goes with meas far as London; and I shall communicate with Herr Grosse when I arriveat my aunt's house."
Poor Miss Finch Page 59
