‘_Feb. 7._--Perhaps you will be glad to hear that all our attempts to find a companion for me at Batala have failed. Poor ---- must go back to England; it was a mistake ever to have sent out so delicate a lady. Miss ---- with whom I was in treaty, is going home too. Mrs. ---- has been secured for another station.... Perhaps I have been too ready to say to myself, “There is no place on earth where I can be so useful as at Batala.” I must come down a little, which is wholesome. But I have not any sense of defeat; no, thank God,--every visit to Batala, it seems as if fresh ground had been gained. The waves retreat again and again, while the tide is advancing.... I believe that a far better spirit, a spirit of kindness towards us, a lessening of prejudice, a most encouraging readiness to listen, is now spreading in Batala.[72] Maulvi Z. felt the difference. B--n feels the difference. I believe that there will be _real_ regret at our leaving Batala. Dear B--n!... I had brought for B--n’s children two gay little coverlets.... B--n took them and wrapped them round the plump little girls as chaddahs. I think that he was quite pleased....