here my mind seems as if it were removed out of a dark chaos for what seemed to me so impenetrable and dark is now quite clear and I feel an inward satisfaction of having conquered my many difficulties that in another year I shall make rapid progress. Cath says I have no need of anything but .... for drawing I must really confess that I have no natural likeness for and besides I consider it a great waste of time. It is an accomplishment merely for those who have rank and fortune to look forward to. My whole amibition consists in being a thorough English scholar, to know French well and if possible to be a tolerable player on the piano and