The old house we have
taken was formerly a tavern, and its ball-room will make us an
excellent dormitory; the rent is only 20 pounds, and is paid entirely
by a Canadian. Should the children thrive under the fostering care of
our dear friend Miss Barber (now doubly dear to us all after the
winter of help she has given us in the East of London), there will be
no difficulty in establishing a permanent Home, built of brick, half
of the necessary sum having already been subscribed in and around
Sheffield, Leeds, and Nottingham; and the other half our friends in
the province of Quebec have freely offered to collect. Thus will those
both on this side and at home share the benefits; the old country
seeing hundreds educated that might otherwise in a few years become
expensive criminals, and the new country, receiving, ere habits are
fixed, young life which, in future, will call Canada 'the home of its
adoption.'
"Though, according to all accounts, this is an uncommonly heavy
snow-season, I have no fears for the children, the air is so dry and
clear, and well fitted to invigorate their frames. This morning I
started about five o'clock, and soon forgot the fear which had crept
over me but a week ago, when I took my first winter journey among
these snowy hills.
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