9 August.--Joy, joy, joy! Although not all joy. At last, news of Jonathan. The dear fellow has been ill, that is why he did not write. I am not afraid to think it or to say it, now that I know.
Mr. Hawkins sent me on the letter, and wrote himself, oh so kindly. I am to leave in the morning and go over to Jonathan, and to help to nurse him if necessary, and to bring him home. Mr. Hawkins says it would not be a bad thing if we were to be married out there.
I have cried over the good Sister's letter till I can feel it wet against my bosom, where it lies. It is of Jonathan, and must be near my heart, for he is in my heart. My journey is all mapped out, and my luggage ready. I am only taking one change of dress. Lucy will bring my trunk to London and keep it till I send for it, for it may be that ... I must write no more. I must keep it to say to Jonathan, my husband. The letter that he has seen and touched must comfort me till we meet.
Sent me on: Forwarded; to send a received letter to a third party. Nurse: To care for someone who is sick or injured. Bad thing: In this context, an "unwise" or "inconvenient" idea (a common Victorian understatement).
Bosom: The chest area (often used poetically to refer to the seat of emotions). Mapped out: Planned in detail or charted. Trunk: A large, sturdy chest used for carrying clothes and personal effects while traveling. Comfort: To give strength and hope to; to ease grief or distress.
