2 p.m.
All are gone to Avoncester now , though with some doubts whether this be indeed the critical day ; I hope it may be , the sooner this is over the better , but I am full of hope . I can not believe but that the Providence that has done so much to discover Edward 's innocence to the world , will finish the work ! I have little expectation though of your coming down in time to see it , the copy of the telegraphic message , which you sent by Harry , looks as bad as possible , and even allowing something for inexperience and fright , things must be in a state in which you could hardly leave your brother , so unwell as he seems . `` 2 p.m. I was interrupted by Lady Temple , who was soon followed by Mrs. Curtis , burning to know whether I had any more intelligence than had floated to them . Pray , if you can say anything to exonerate poor Rachel from mismanagement , say it strongly ; her best friends are so engaged in wishing themselves there , and pitying poor Bessie for being in her charge , that I long to confute them , for I fully believe in her sense and spirit in any real emergency that she had not ridden out to encounter . `` And I have written so far without a word on the great subject of all , the joy untold for which our hearts had ached so long , and which we owe entirely to you , for Edward owns that nothing but your personal representations would have brought him , and , as I suppose you already know -- he so much hated the whole subject of Maddox 's treachery that he had flung aside , unread , all that he saw related to it . Dear Colin , whatever else you have done , you have filled a famished heart .